Laughing Lindsay

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Solo Dollywood Tips

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Last year, I took my first solo Dollywood trip. So, I thought I would do a post featuring some tips for anyone else considering doing the same thing.

Solo Dollywood

Solo Dollywood

I understand that many folks may be hesitant to visit Dollywood alone. However, I’m here to tell you that it’s a great idea! I thoroughly enjoyed myself last year and I have hopes to travel by myself to Dollywood again this year. It’s so nice to do what you want, when you want. You can move at your own pace. Plus, this is a great park to just sit and relax.

Dollywood Activities to Try Alone

  • Take a tour – If you are nervous about visiting the park by yourself, might I suggest booking a tour? For a few hours, you will be a part of a group. That allows you to learn and interact with other people. On my solo visit last year, I took the I Will Always Love You Tour and you can read my review of that experience at the link.
  • Make a craft – I didn’t do this last time, but I am considering trying my hand at one of the crafts on my next solo adventure. At Dollywood, you can dip your own candles, make your own blown glass ornament (or pumpkin), customize your own leather belt, ornament, or bracelet or even forge your own knife! I do wish that they would allow people to make online reservations for the crafts ahead of time. Unfortunately, you have to show up at the craft location early in the day to book your spot.
  • Admire the park – Dollywood is a gorgeous park. It’s nice to visit during the different seasons to really appreciate the beauty of it all. I love just looking at the different seasonal decorations around the park. Plus, I can take as many photos as I want without feeling like I’m boring someone.
  • Catch a show – One of the things this park is known for is its shows. I highly recommend catching at least one. If nothing else, you need to catch at least some sort of musical act.
  • Ride rides – Of course, the main perk of visiting a theme park by yourself is riding whatever rides you want. In fact, you can ride them over again if you want. Alternatively, you don’t have to ride rides either. It’s up to you.
  • Eat what you want – Dollywood has several great food options. From festival food booths to fast service restaurants and a few sit down places, there’s something for everyone. Feel free to try a few things during your visit. There’s no one there to judge your choices.
  • Move at your own pace – Ride a bunch of rides back to back. Sit and enjoy the ambiance. It’s up to you.

Visiting Dollywood Alone

As you can see, there’s lots to do when you take a solo Dollywood trip. So, have you ever visited Dollywood by yourself? If so, what do you like to do? If not, what is stopping you?

Solo Travel: Pros and Cons

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Having taken several trips by myself, I feel like I’m well qualified to detail solo travel pros and cons!

Solo Travel

Solo Travel

It’s my understanding that more folks are interested in taking a trip by themselves in 2026. I started traveling by myself back in the early 2010’s. So, I feel like I have a good understanding of what it’s like to travel alone. As with most things, there are pros and cons to it. I thought I would attempt to provide a closer look at this topic by breaking it down into the good and bad.

My very first solo trip was the Green Giant brand trip I took for the blog back in 2011. Then, I started traveling to blogging conferences by myself. Then, I started visiting Walt Disney World by myself. In 2023, I took my first trip to Disneyland by myself before branching out to include Los Angeles by myself in 2024/2025. As you can see, I started by flying by myself and meeting up with people first before traveling completely by myself. I think that was a nice, gradual process.

Pros

  • Do what you want – It’s so nice to be able to craft an itinerary that’s exactly what you want to do! Eat when and where you want.
  • Cancel plans – Granted, this isn’t so easy at Disney parks. However, it’s much easier to make last minute changes to your schedule when it just impacts you.
  • Go where you want – Unless you are meeting up with other folks or traveling for business, you can even change your mind and go to a different destination!
  • Reservations are sometimes easier to get – It can be easier for a location to fit in one person (at a bar or for a show) than multiple people.
  • Single rider lines – Those are often a good use of time in the theme parks when I’m alone.
  • Set the pace – Somedays I’m out of the room and moving all day. Other days, I take a long break in the room. When you are alone, you can set the pace.
  • Fun conversations – I’ve had some of the best conversations with strangers while traveling by myself. It seems like people are more inclined to speak to someone when they don’t feel like they are bothering them.

Solo Travel Cons

  • Can be lonely – Sometimes, I will see something and wish I was experiencing this with another person. Other times, a dish or attraction will remind me of a loved one and I will feel homesick. I’ve learned to notice that feeling and let it sit for a moment. Then, I remind myself that I will be home soon and keep trucking.
  • You have to handle everything – I’ve struggled with social anxiety my entire life. However, solo adventures have really helped me to overcome a good bit of it. It forces me to approach people to ask for help since no one else it going to do it. Although, sometimes I wish someone was with me to help with luggage or to make a phone call. Ha!
  • Safety – I’ve been very lucky in my travels to generally feel safe. However, solo female travelers have to be aware of their surroundings at all times. Make sure you lock the door securely. Carry an alarm (not sponsored, I just received one as a Christmas gift in 2024) on your purse and/or pepper spray. I have my Lyft account set up to notify my husband of my location and driver to feel safer. It’s all about taking extra precautions to feel safer.
  • You have to decide everything – I can be an indecisive person and have trouble deciding where to go or where to eat. That can make it difficult to plan a solo trip.
  • It might be awkward – Most tables are set up for two or more people. So, it may initially feel awkward to go out to eat by yourself. However, you get used to it. Just tip the server well.
  • People might ask questions – I don’t know why, but traveling alone sometimes makes others feel like the can/should ask me questions. Most of the time, it’s fine. Every once in a while, it feels judgmental and I try to end the conversation politely and move along.

Should you travel solo?

I think that most people are capable of traveling by themselves. However, I completely understand how it might be too much for outgoing folks. It’s also a little easier for men to do safely. I think as long as you have a plan with realistic expectations, then traveling solo is a great idea.

So, where are you traveling to by yourself?

Solo Mickey’s Christmas Party Guide

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Last year, I was able to do a Solo Mickey’s Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom! So, just in case anyone else is considering doing the same thing, I thought I’d make a little post to help.

Solo Mickey's Christmas Party

Solo Mickey’s Christmas Party

For those who don’t know, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a separately ticketed event held at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World on select nights in November and December. I’ve been lucky enough to attend this party several times with my mom. In fact, you can read my general Very Merry party advice in an old post. Last year, I decided to attend it by myself for the first time!

Mickey’s Very Merry By Myself

As per usual, I entered the park prior to the 7 o’clock party start time. This year, I had an early dinner at The Plaza Restaurant. I got the Triple Decker Turkey Club Sandwich with fries. It’s basic, but good. Having traveled all day, I was really hungry and this hit the spot.

After dinner, I enjoyed the ambiance of the holidays in Magic Kingdom by sitting at a table in front of the restaurant. Right before the party began, I decided to get in line to see Minnie, Daisy, Donald, and Scrooge McDuck. Unfortunately, Scrooge ended up missing the picture since he was counting his money. That’s ok, I got a picture with him the next night at Jollywood Nights.

After the meet and greet, I grabbed a few cookies to take with me before wandering over to the dessert party. After standing in line (and traveling all day), it felt nice to sit down with some treats. During the party, another family started talking to me and we had a nice chat about Disney and other travel destinations. Then, we headed over to the Garden Plaza for fireworks viewing.

Following the fireworks, I got a spot on Main Street for the parade. I love the Christmas parade! It’s a must-see every time, for me. After the parade, I hit up the remaining cookie spots and met Mickey before exiting the park.

Tips

  • Do what you want – Do you want to stand in a long line to meet characters? Do it. Want to sit down and just enjoy being in the park? Do it. It’s your trip.
  • Have a list – I didn’t have a concrete plan for this trip considering it was last minute. However, I knew I wanted to see the parade, meet Donald, see the fireworks, and get some cookies. The party goes fast, so having an idea of what you want to accomplish helps.
  • Go fast or go slow – I tend to walk pretty quickly in a theme park, particularly when I’m alone. So, it’s nice to walk at my own speed. However, I also made time to sit down and chill during this party.
  • Consider a dessert party – The fireworks viewing included with the dessert party was nice to get away from some of the crowds. However, it can also be easier to snag a spot when you are alone. It depends what you value.
  • Don’t be afraid – It’s not awkward to meet the characters by yourself. Also, I often have conversations with other families when I’m in the parks. You might be attending alone, but that doesn’t mean you will be lonely.

Should you attend a Solo Mickey’s Christmas Party?

I love traveling by myself. However, it’s not for everyone. I enjoy going at my own speed and doing what I want to, when I want to. I also understand wanting to share the experience with someone else. I think it comes down to individual circumstances, but I think most people can enjoy a party by themselves.

Solo Disney Jollywood Nights Guide

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Last year, I was lucky enough to do a Solo Disney Jollywood Nights event! So, I thought I would share what it was like and offer some advice for anyone considering doing the same.

Solo Disney Jollywood Nights

Solo Disney Jollywood Nights

Just in case you forgot, Jollywood Nights is a separately ticketed add-on event held after the regular park hours at Hollywood Studios. New in 2023, it’s a jazzy holiday themed party. It’s target audience leans more adults than children (versus Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party held at Magic Kingdom). Lots of people enjoy dressing up for this event. Thus far, I have worn a sparkly shirt of some sort with plain bottoms to match the weather. However, there isn’t a dress code.

What I Did

Having previously attended the Christmas Event in 2023, I knew what to expect at this party. I think that helped immensely as I knew I didn’t want to waste party time on the Nightmare Before Christmas Sing Along. However, I also knew that I wanted to see the show with the Muppets and the Jingle Bell! Jingle Bam! Fireworks Show again. I also fit in the Glisten ice skating show since it was new and it’s near the location of the fireworks.

Aside from the three shows, I mainly spent my time running around and meeting rare characters! I loved meeting The Mandalorian and Grogu! I wouldn’t make my mom wait in line for that, but it felt cool to see them. I also met Mickey and Minnie together as well as Donald and Daisy together dressed up in their special outfits for the party. Additionally, I met Scrooge McDuck, Chip & Dale Rescue Rangers, and Max Goof as Powerline.

I even saw Muppet Vision 3D one last time. I also took a stroll around the area just to take it all in before they change the area over to Monsters Inc.

Tips

  • Take your time – I really enjoy sitting down at these parties to people watch. Plus, lots of people get dressed up for this event. It’s neat to see what everyone is wearing.
  • Set your own pace – I ran around the park to see lots of characters and some shows. However, that’s the beauty of going by yourself. You can go fast or slow.
  • Have an idea of things you’d like to experience – If you know which shows you want to see and their schedule, you can work things around them.
  • Don’t be nervous to meet characters – I meet characters by myself often. It’s no big deal. Just don’t hold up the line by taking too many photos.
  • Leave whenever you want – I actually left the party a little early. I had managed to do just about everything I wanted to, so I left a little early.

Should you do a Solo Disney Jollywood Nights?

I really enjoyed myself last year. I have no regrets. However, I could see where a more outgoing person would want to share the night with someone. I think it’s totally fine to attend events and travel by yourself. I also understand that it may not be for everyone. You know yourself. Do what feels right. This event is ideal for someone who likes meeting rare characters in a more snazzy, grown up setting. It’s also ideal for people who love the holidays.

Solo Oogie Boogie Bash Tips

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Are you considering taking a solo Oogie Boogie Bash trip? Then, here’s a post for you!

Solo Oogie Boogie Bash

Solo Oogie Boogie Bash

Disneyland‘s annual Halloween party began on Sunday! So, you may be planning or contemplating attending this year’s event by yourself! If so, I have some experience that I can use to tell you about to help put you at ease!

My Experience

I attended the 2024 OBB by myself and had an excellent time! In fact, I may be heading there by myself again this year. 😉 Suffice it to say, I really enjoy myself at this seasonal party. I love seeing the park decked out in Halloween decor and getting to meet the characters dressed up for the occasion! I also love the parade at this party! Let’s not forget the treat trails and Villains Grove!

Last year, I had a light dinner and a peanut butter coffee to start my night! I relaxed around Pixar Pier while eating my dinner on a bench and people watched. Finally, at 6 o’clock the party began! I headed over to the plain treat trail nearby (the one without a character) to get a good start on filling my bag. Then, I hit up the Sid treat trail (which had a pretty good wait at that point in the night). I decided then and there to attempt to visit all 12 treat trails in one night.

Next, I enjoyed some snacks at the dessert party and watched the parade. I then beelined it towards Villains Grove before everyone else had the chance to head over after the parade. Then, I ran around hitting up the other 10 treat trails! Once I finished those, I decided to ride Radiator Springs Racers! There wasn’t much of a wait around the second parade and it was nice to see it at night.

After that, I was pretty tired and decided to call it a night. I headed back to the room with a bag overflowing with treats!

Tips for Attending by Yourself

  • Have an idea of what you want to do – I decided early on in the night that I wanted to attempt to hit up all 12 of the treat trails. So, that set the tone for the night. I ran around the park just to hit them all up.
  • Go fast or go slow – Being alone, you can move much quicker than when you have to wait for someone else or discuss plans. However, the opposite can also be true. You set the pace and you can decide to sit and rest for a bit. It’s up to you how fast you go.
  • Don’t be afraid – People are enjoying themselves and don’t care if you are by yourself. The characters won’t care either. Although, if you attend the dessert party, you will be seated with other single folks or couples.
  • Consult the map or app – Most of the party will happen after sunset. So, you may need to consult a map or the app to figure out where things are. It can be helpful to get an idea of what you want to do in the daytime and then try to find it beforehand.
  • Have fun! – It’s your night! Do what you want! Enjoy it!

Attending Oogie Boogie Bash Solo

I love traveling by myself. I get to enjoy things without worrying about someone else. It can get lonely at times, but there’s lots of opportunities to interact with other guests and the characters at this party. So, are you considering attending or have you attended OBB by yourself?