Extended solo visit advice/suggestions?

[nightshaderose]

Hey, all!
So I'm turning 50 next year and am considering a 3 week mostly solo (possibly a friend or my dude will join for a bit in the middle) trip for the occasion. It's nowhere near time to start booking things yet but I am thinking about how 3 weeks is going to be functionally/logistically different from the 1 week that's been my usual. I'll be in a DVC studio, hopefully at AKL, and I plan to spend a LOT of time on my balcony with my sketchbook. I'm making notes about groceries and snacks, and what toiletries can be bought there instead of hauled along since I'll need more of them, etc. I don't mind having to go do laundry partway through since it's just me and shouldn't be more than one load.

Does anyone have any advice on what to consider/how to consider it? What needs to be taken into account for 3 weeks in a hotel room? What might I be missing?

Thanks!

 

[Chili327]

Not sure I have any experience to share, but my first thought would be to break it up into multiple locations, for change of scenery and with a 1-bdrm in the middle for ease of laundry.
I’d probably do 3, 1-week long stays (7-7-7), (or maybe 8-5-8 or 9-3-9), other than that I’m no help.

 

[CoachBeard]

I just booked rooms for a 2 week trip. I'll be split staying at 3 different DVC studios and I think what I might do this time is what I did years ago when I took my first trip as an adult. I shipped a box with toiletries, snacks, and things. I generally do an Amazon fresh order for water and snacks and such also. The difficult part for me is moving from hotel to hotel but I'm going to stay 1 night, then 6 nights in one room and 7 nights in another so I may do 2 smaller Amazon orders (one per resort) so as not to have to worry about packing and moving that kind of stuff.

I've done laundry now at BLT, AKV Jambo House, Riviera, and SSR Congress Park (it was warm and I was sweating through everything). I like to use these and pack them in a ziplock with dryer sheets https://tru.earth/products/laundry-...k=x&utm_source=google&selling_plan=3321725179

I usually do laundry early in the AM or later at night. This next trip I am only planning to do parks for around half of my time there so dedicating the time to relaxing and doing things like laundry will be really easy and not rushed. Packing lighter makes everything better. You could arrange an Uber/Lyft to take you off property to a Walmart or CVS or similar. I personally don't like leaving property so I try to order what I can. There are other grocery services available and many threads about them. Search Garden Grocer on here.

 

[RunningGamer]

You will definitely save money by paying for grocery delivery or doing a car service to go and get your own groceries. There are a couple different grocery stores that will be cheaper than the commissaries at the resorts and have a much wider variety of things that are very close by.

However, you do only have a toaster, microwave, and mini fridge (which does have a small freezer section but emphasis on small). So unless you are planning to eat out a lot or make frequent grocery runs, best to stick to shelf stable foods. If you don't have a can opener in the room when you first get there, you can request one. You'll also probably want to either pack a reusable plastic bowl and/or plate (or maybe a pasta bowl to split the difference) as the bowls and plates provided aren't that great and you'll quickly run through them. Similar to coffee you can request a restock but because of the quality of the paper containers, they can be less reliable for things like oatmeal and soup.

As for the stay, 1000% take advantage of the daytime activities they offer at the resort! Join the art tour, do the string of beads activities, just explore all the art on all the different floors in both Jambo House and Kidani. Do some resort hopping and see what activities are at those resorts. Check for any special events going on at Disney Springs restaurants. There are sometimes special classes and dining experiences that pop up at The Edison (mixology classes) and Morimoto Asia (drink pairings) for example.

 

[nightshaderose]

I just booked rooms for a 2 week trip. I'll be split staying at 3 different DVC studios and I think what I might do this time is what I did years ago when I took my first trip as an adult. I shipped a box with toiletries, snacks, and things. I generally do an Amazon fresh order for water and snacks and such also. The difficult part for me is moving from hotel to hotel but I'm going to stay 1 night, then 6 nights in one room and 7 nights in another so I may do 2 smaller Amazon orders (one per resort) so as not to have to worry about packing and moving that kind of stuff.

I wasn't really thinking about moving at all, as AKL (specifically the lobby at Jambo House) is my #1 favorite place to spend time in WDW (trails under the Tree of Life are a close 2nd) though I'm now considering switching to a 1B toward the end. I was definitely planning on a grocery stop on the way in, but I completely forgot about Amazon Fresh. I moved to a place that most mapping apps have some difficulty with a few years ago, so local store delivery has been off my radar.

I've done laundry now at BLT, AKV Jambo House, Riviera, and SSR Congress Park (it was warm and I was sweating through everything). I like to use these and pack them in a ziplock with dryer sheets https://tru.earth/products/laundry-...k=x&utm_source=google&selling_plan=3321725179

I usually do laundry early in the AM or later at night. This next trip I am only planning to do parks for around half of my time there so dedicating the time to relaxing and doing things like laundry will be really easy and not rushed.

The detergent strips are pretty neat! nice and compact. I don't expect to have trouble finding time for laundry since there will certainly be a few days in the middle where my sleep schedule will be completely divorced from the usual and I'll be wide awake at 2am.
I am so looking forward to all the rest days and not needing to rush everywhere to get "everything" done.

However, you do only have a toaster, microwave, and mini fridge (which does have a small freezer section but emphasis on small). So unless you are planning to eat out a lot or make frequent grocery runs, best to stick to shelf stable foods. If you don't have a can opener in the room when you first get there, you can request one. You'll also probably want to either pack a reusable plastic bowl and/or plate (or maybe a pasta bowl to split the difference) as the bowls and plates provided aren't that great and you'll quickly run through them. Similar to coffee you can request a restock but because of the quality of the paper containers, they can be less reliable for things like oatmeal and soup.

good point! I was planning on getting some basic staples that I will definitely use all/most of before leaving (coffee, cream, sugar, oatmeal/toppings, ramen, sandwich things, etc), but I'll put more consideration into the expected shelf life of perishables. I'm mostly intending to eat out though (Tour of resort quick-service options, anyone?)

As for the stay, 1000% take advantage of the daytime activities they offer at the resort! Join the art tour, do the string of beads activities, just explore all the art on all the different floors in both Jambo House and Kidani. Do some resort hopping and see what activities are at those resorts. Check for any special events going on at Disney Springs restaurants. There are sometimes special classes and dining experiences that pop up at The Edison (mixology classes) and Morimoto Asia (drink pairings) for example.

It legitimately never occurred to me that I might get bored with sitting on the balcony and sketching antelope in my non-park hours (lol), but you are correct here. All the extra time will free me to do a few less-usual things.

Thanks, all! The list of things to consider has been adjusted.

 

[jimmymc]

I've done longer trips to other locations. You'll definitely want to order groceries. That is long enough to get tired of eating out and just want a simple sandwich on your balcony. Take advantage of pools in the morning, when they're less crowded. Not sure what your park ticket options are, but if you're a big park person, that may be enough days to get an annual pass. Otherwise, I'd recommend taking advantage of after hour parties if they're available. Spend the day at the resort and don't use a normal park ticket, only the party.

 

[nightshaderose]

I've done longer trips to other locations. You'll definitely want to order groceries. That is long enough to get tired of eating out and just want a simple sandwich on your balcony. Take advantage of pools in the morning, when they're less crowded. Not sure what your park ticket options are, but if you're a big park person, that may be enough days to get an annual pass. Otherwise, I'd recommend taking advantage of after hour parties if they're available. Spend the day at the resort and don't use a normal park ticket, only the party.

Still considering (and doing math about) the ticket situation. AP is very tempting as I wish to spend as much time as possible in AK, and a lot of time in Epcot and I like the freedom of being able to go anywhere I like after 2pm (yes, except MK on the weekends, but that is REALLY not my scene) since my sleep schedule tends to default to 2nd shift anyway. And this trip will be during a time of later daylight/hours. But if I can save noticeable $ by taking on a few more limits, possibly I will. In that case after hours parties are still on the table. I haven't actually made the ticket options spreadsheet yet, so I should probably get on that soon. Luckily I have quite some time before actual decisions need to start being made.

 

[jimmymc]

Still considering (and doing math about) the ticket situation. AP is very tempting as I wish to spend as much time as possible in AK, and a lot of time in Epcot and I like the freedom of being able to go anywhere I like after 2pm (yes, except MK on the weekends, but that is REALLY not my scene) since my sleep schedule tends to default to 2nd shift anyway. And this trip will be during a time of later daylight/hours. But if I can save noticeable $ by taking on a few more limits, possibly I will. In that case after hours parties are still on the table. I haven't actually made the ticket options spreadsheet yet, so I should probably get on that soon. Luckily I have quite some time before actual decisions need to start being made.

You can always check out the price of a 10 day ticket plus one or two parties. I think that would be enough for a good balance between parks and resort time.

 

[jo-jo]

You can always check out the price of a 10 day ticket plus one or two parties. I think that would be enough for a good balance between parks and resort time.

But a ten day ticket is only good for maybe 14 days? Unless the trip worked out , arrive, day or two later party, day or two later start using ticket, day or two later party.

To OP, I’ve never done it, but have you considered using the grills at the resorts so even in a studio, you get have a few upscale meals from usual studio fare.

 

[Chili327]

But a ten day ticket is only good for maybe 14 days? Unless the trip worked out , arrive, day or two later party, day or two later start using ticket, day or two later party.

To OP, I’ve never done it, but have you considered using the grills at the resorts so even in a studio, you get have a few upscale meals from usual studio fare.

Or maybe get the 14 Day UK ticket (good for probably 20 days or so), but if that isn’t enough I’d just get the AP.

 

[jo-jo]

However, you do only have a toaster, microwave, and mini fridge (which does have a small freezer section but emphasis on small). So unless you are planning to eat out a lot or make frequent grocery runs, best to stick to shelf stable foods. If you don't have a can opener in the room when you first get there, you can request one. You'll also probably want to either pack a reusable plastic bowl and/or plate (or maybe a pasta bowl to split the difference) as the bowls and plates provided aren't that great and you'll quickly run through them. Similar to coffee you can request a restock but because of the quality of the paper containers, they can be less reliable for things like oatmeal and soup.

Two or three years ago at BLT, we requested a few each of real plates, etc. We were spending a lot of time in room and a number of meals being eaten in the studio.

 

[kwdw]

Really spend some time thinking about hot meals you can make in the microwave. You will likely want a larger microwave safe bowl and definitely a real bowl. Knife, fork, spoon, and a sharp knife for cutting things like cheese or apples (pack that in checked bag). I have like 3 versions of mac n cheese with add ins. With microwaveable rice packs, what might you put with that? I like some of the shelf stable Indian dishes, for example. Real coffee cup. For that amount of time, I’d either plan super well with a lot of shelf stable stuff, or I’d do a second grocery order in the middle. Planning to use the grill once is a great idea, too. Also really make sure you are bringing or pick up at the store the toiletries and any medicine/first aid stuff you typically want or need. (Or have delivered.)

I would probably also bring some small trash bags from home. Sure, you can ask for them, but while I am big on meal eating in the room, I don’t like food smells in my trash can, so I take stuff out frequently. I’d also bring/buy Ziploc bags and/or a container for leftovers.

Clothes wise, I don’t put a lot of things in the dryer, so for that long, I might consider shipping to the resort a small, cheap, drying rack. I wouldn’t do that for 10 days, but I might for three weeks. Since the studios don’t have washer/dryer in the actual room, I’d bring enough clothes to not have to do laundry more than 2-3 times. It still takes time.

I’d get an AP. That way, you can pop over to the parks for just a couple hours if you want every day. For me, I’d probably be a park almost every day, but I probably would have a fair number of shorter dyas. I think the AP allows you to not have to plan how to do everything you want to do in the parks. With an AP, you won’t need specialty tickets unless you really want one.

Knowing all the little resort activities is a great idea, I want to make the mosaic at CSR sometime, for example. I love the quiet of DS first thing in the morning. While I don’t draw, I could easily fill my downtime with books on my kindle, movies to stream, sleep, and just sitting in a park with a drink watching the crowds.

I would book the studio at Kidani, not Jambo, but I could stay put for three weeks and not split stay.

Have fun planning!

 

[Skippyboo]

Still considering (and doing math about) the ticket situation. AP is very tempting as I wish to spend as much time as possible in AK, and a lot of time in Epcot and I like the freedom of being able to go anywhere I like after 2pm (yes, except MK on the weekends, but that is REALLY not my scene) since my sleep schedule tends to default to 2nd shift anyway. And this trip will be during a time of later daylight/hours. But if I can save noticeable $ by taking on a few more limits, possibly I will. In that case after hours parties are still on the table. I haven't actually made the ticket options spreadsheet yet, so I should probably get on that soon. Luckily I have quite some time before actual decisions need to start being made.

You just need to make a park reservation if you have a AP and want to go into a park before 2 pm or MK on weekends. You get park hopping included so you can just hop anytime after you tap in to first park. Plus you get discounts on merch at 20%, Disney owned TS at 10% plus AP discount on rooms, tours.