An increasing number of solo female travelers believe that visiting the ‘Happiest Place on Earth’ can be even more enchanting when experienced alone.
It is 8 p.m. on my third and final day at Tokyo Disney Resort when I am finally noticed for being alone. I am sporting Mickey ears and holding a bag filled with new souvenirs, including keychains and pins shaped like beloved Disney characters, while trying to snag a last-minute reservation at a restaurant to sample a curry shaped like Baymax from Big Hero Six.
“You’re alone?” the cast member inquires as I ask for my table. Upon my confirmation, she smiles and rushes to get three Mickey Mouse stickers, congratulating me. “It’s good for you,” she adds.
She is correct. While I may appear alone, I am certainly not alone. Tokyo Disney Resort marks my fourth solo adventure in the realm of Disney. Throughout my journey, I have encountered numerous fellow solo travelers, mostly women.
Online, the phenomenon continues to blossom. With over 10.2 million posts tagged #DisneyParks across various platforms, the digital space brims with advice on everything from saving money as a solo visitor to the best photo spots at Disney World that don’t require a friend to hold the camera. (Hint: It usually involves propping your phone on a trash can.)
The journey of my first solo Disney trip reflects that of many devoted Disney enthusiasts. Growing up in a family that prioritized visits to the Magic Kingdom, I soon discovered that as an adult, convincing friends to embark on similar journeys was a challenge. Not everyone shares the desire to plan vacations centered around strict schedules of rides, fireworks, and themed dinners.
After an unsettling experience in London in 2019, my self-assurance in solo travel diminished. By 2023, I had not traveled alone or visited Disney in three years. However, after watching a YouTube series where Disney creator Emily Nelson went on a solo Disney Cruise, the realization struck me: I could reclaim my confidence while enjoying the familiar comforts of Disney, mirroring Nelson’s journey.
How Do Women End up Visiting Disney Solo?
“I first visited Disney alone a few years ago while navigating some personal challenges. I hoped it might bring me some solace,” Nelson shares. “Initially, I was quite anxious, yet found profound peace walking through the parks. I’ve often felt envious watching friends travel with their partners. As someone still looking for that connection, it seemed I was waiting for others to experience life with. I came to realize that I could seek those same adventures independently.”
Safety undoubtedly plays a significant role in making Disney an appealing option for solo travelers. Just like the saying you’re never more than six feet from a rat in New York, at Disney, you are always close to a cast member nearby. Guests undergo security checks before entering the parks, with bags being screened or searched. Disney’s own transport connects you from the hotel to the park. You eat, drink, stay, and play in the “Disney bubble.” For many women, as research indicates that a substantial percentage of them cite safety as a barrier to solo travel, this structured environment is hard to resist.
Nelson considers this aspect one of Disney’s strongest attractions.
“There are ample cast members ready to assist you, and the security presence is robust,” she observes. “It’s an ideal place to experience solo travel or to dip your toes into it for the first time.”
Having a history of Disney trips, Leonela Aybar chose it as the starting point for her solo escapades, beginning with Disneyland. She had never flown before, but the familiarity of Disney’s original Anaheim resort felt like a safe option.
“You won’t easily get lost or fall victim to theft there,” she states. “Most other guests are focused on ride selections. So, there’s minimal stress, especially when traveling alone.”
Aybar’s confidence in the Disney atmosphere proved justified. During her visit, she exacerbated a previous injury but was swiftly helped by the cast members.
“I ended up taking breaks in the nursery,” Aybar reflects. “The nursing staff was incredibly kind and accommodating. They provided me with ibuprofen and a hot pack for my back. It was a wonderful experience.”
Finding Community at Disney
Disney parks cater to various personalities. Food lovers can indulge in everything from six-dollar churros to extravagant three-hundred-dollar sushi platters. Thrill-seekers rush to rides like Tower of Terror, while those who prefer calmer activities enjoy Broadway-style shows. Even if you visit the same park frequently, each trip offers unique experiences. When you are only accountable for your own happiness, the possibilities are limitless.
For Lucy Le Prevost, an ideal Disney day means arriving at opening time and having a strategic plan. While I chat with her, she is on her way to experience Disney’s newest cruise ship, her park routine involves hitting popular attractions first, securing passes to bypass lengthy lines, and then enjoying character meet-and-greets, Starbucks, and evening fireworks. “There will be plenty of snacks,” she adds.
In contrast, Aybar, who “never really got the chance to enjoy roller coasters” as a child, dedicates her solo time to indulging in rides, punctuated with snack breaks. On the other hand, Nelson prefers a more relaxed pace. After a slow start to her day, she enjoys coffee and allows her plans to unfold naturally.
As women explore Disney alone, they often cross paths, and a vibrant community of solo female Disney travelers flourishes, empowering women to embrace their adventures in search of enchantment.
“I have made friends on both coasts of the United States,” shares Sarah, a Disney enthusiast from the UK. “I have shared drinks with people I met on Instagram and have even enjoyed a fireworks cruise with someone I had just met for half an hour.”
You may commence your visit solo, but you could finish it with a circle of new Disney companions.
At Disney, every guest is referred to as a “friend” by the cast members. This notion rings especially true when you are alone. Asking strangers for a photo can feel awkward in everyday settings, but at Disney, this is almost customary—particularly with other women who are quick to assist. A girl in a Daisy Duck dress once adjusted my camera settings to get the best sunset shot at Magic Kingdom, while a cast member in Tokyo Disneyland guided me down Main Street, U.S.A., for better portrait opportunities.
However, solitude can occasionally create feelings of loneliness.
“You’ll notice groups of friends, families, and couples while you’re by yourself. It can feel a bit isolating in such a bustling environment,” Aybar acknowledges. “Yet, that independence offers immense freedom.”
Ultimately, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks—particularly with the right mindset.
“Seeing so many people, even without any chance to meet them, is a reminder of the countless individuals I have yet to encounter. Life is full of surprises,” Nelson states. “I’ve forged many friendships while solo traveling—more than I believe I would have if I was accompanied by my close friends.”
To Infinity and Beyond
For Nelson, her initial small steps have paved the way for a series of solo adventures.
“My solo travel began with just one evening at Disney,” she explains. “This led me to spend nights at a Disney resort independently, then onto a solo Disney Cruise, and eventually to planning a trip to Disneyland on the other side of the country by myself.”
My own path is similarly evolving. Weekend getaways to Disneyland Paris and occasional solo visits to Disney World have progressed into a week at Tokyo Disney Resort, supplemented by days in Tokyo and Osaka. Next up is Disneyland Resort and a full week in Los Angeles. I may gradually explore beyond these realms. However, none of this would have been feasible without relying on Disney as a pivotal part of my journey.
The cast member at Tokyo Disneyland was indeed correct. I am ready to embrace any criticisms of being labeled a “Disney Adult” because visiting the parks solo has genuinely benefited me. I am not alone in this sentiment. Nelson recently embarked on a solo venture to Utah and sees more adventures on her horizon.
“I feel significantly more inspired,” she observes. “I don’t think I could have reached this place if it weren’t for my experiences at Disney alone.”
