There’s so much advice on the web about solo traveling to exotic places, but hardly anything to guide a frequent park goer. Being a self-proclaimed theme park hipster, I am known for grabbing my camera and making my way throughout the parks in Central Florida by myself. Why? Because I am single with no kids, and because it is hard to find people who have the time to go as much as I do.

I’ve learned that many people find this concept to be incomprehensible because it’s out of the norm. Some fear the questioning they may receive from others, but most have no clue how to do this and enjoy it. It’s the same notion when you meet others who dine or go to the movies alone.

The Central Florida theme parks offer many forms of solo entertainment. The best thing about traveling by yourself is the limitless opportunities to do anything imaginable (within legal bounds, of course) – you can make it a day of watching shows or nothing but riding thrill rides. No one’s there to complain about a wait time or why you’ve arrived in Main Street, USA an hour early to grab a good seat for the parade.

In short, it’s all about you!

The advantages of flying solo

Freedom – there’s an unbelievable sense of freedom when you’re discovering the parks unaccompanied. You can watch Muppet Vision 3D at Hollywood Studios without anyone teasing you about your choice in theater entertainment. You can wait 120 minutes just to experience four minutes of Harry on Forbidden Journey at Islands of Adventure. You can even enjoy a book with a latte in the France Pavilion at Epcot. You are on your own terms without the worry of having anyone to answer to but yourself.

Reflection – as with any time alone, there is ample opportunity for a moment of reflection (or two). I can think of no better therapy than to have a picturesque castle in the background as a beautiful form of escapism. Sometimes being an adult can cause us to get caught up in the stresses of day-to-day living. Taking a break from everyday life is a healthy way of living; however, adding the famous mouse or some universal magic makes it so much better.

Meeting new people – since traveling to the parks alone has become my new normal, I’ve found that I have more confidence in introducing myself to people. When you’re in a group, you’re more involved in the conversation amongst yourselves; when you’re on a solo trek, you tend to strike up conversations with others much easier. I have met so many wonderful individuals this way from all around the world. I have also met other solo theme park travelers looking to appreciate the parks in the same way.

Tips for doing it right

Pack lightly – depending on the type of day you’re planning to have, it’s crucial that you pack lightly. I recommend wearing shorts or pants with pockets to place your essentials in. The most I’d recommend carrying with you is a small camera bag, as the majority of the Disney parks have compartments for storing small items. And while Universal Orlando does not allow any loose articles on most of their rides, there are lockers to hold your belongings for up to one hour.

Bring a camera – you must be able to capture your newly-created memories. It’s a time where you can take as many selfies as you’d like and no one will judge you – well, hopefully no one will.

Plan your day – there are days when the adventure is sweeter with spontaneity, but planning is a good way to make sure you’re able to experience your preferred attractions, just as you would when with a group.

Try something new – get out of your comfort zone. Enjoy a new attraction, show, drink, or photo-op you’ve had on your to-do list for a while. This is the key to having an amazing solo adventure.

The ultimate solo spots

For people watching – the outdoor seating area of Starbucks in CityWalk.

For meeting someone new – Tune-In Lounge at the Hollywood Studios bar area.

For most interactive Team Members – the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Islands of Adventure.

For reading – the garden area next to the Toy Solider Shop in the United Kingdom Pavilion at Epcot.

The ultimate solo special events and tours

These are my favorite experiences that I’ve enjoyed alone during all the parks’ various special events, and they should be at the top of your list, too:

Seminars at the International Food and Wine Festival (Epcot)

Keys to the Kingdom Tour (Magic Kingdom)

Behind the Seeds Tour (Epcot)

Expedition SeaWorld Tour (SeaWorld Orlando)

Serengeti Safari Tour (Busch Gardens Tampa)

Halloween Horror Nights (Universal Studios Florida)

HHN is definitely not for the timid nor beginner solo trekker, but if you can conquer this event alone, you will be among the most elite of park goers in the world.

The solo adventures of theme-park hopping can be truly liberating. Once the fear of the unknown is pushed aside, you will discover a new joy that only this quest can bring.

I challenge the true theme park enthusiast to try this. I guarantee that you will proudly join the club of solo trekkers and that this will absolutely become your new normal!

Have your own solo insights or recommendations? Tell our Facebook community.

The post Solo theme park adventuring the right way appeared first on Orlando Informer.

If you’re familiar with the water parks here, then you know that they’re open for most of the year. However, it’s only during the summer months when all things – water and fun – began to kick into high gear.

To help guide you to a park that fits you, I’ve compiled a quick list of the water parks in Orlando. Let’s discover the wild and crazy aquatic adventures that lie ahead for the mid-year solstice season.

Wet ‘n Wild

One of the oldest water parks in Florida is known for having more multi-person rides than any other water park. This staple has made Wet ‘n Wild a favorite among families and friends looking to share the attraction excursions together. Wet ‘n Wild also has more thrill rides than many other parks in Central Florida, with a good balance for the more tamed rider.

For the bravest guests, rides such as the Storm will send you swirling into the depths of a torrential whirlpool, while Bomb Bay will have you holding on for dear life as the floor vanishes quickly from underneath your feet. For those of you braver in numbers, the best ride is Disco H2O, which takes you on the hippest trip combining soaked-filled thrills and disco tunes, leaving much more room for screaming rather than for singing.

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The must-do attraction for the summer is Blastaway Beach, Wet ‘n Wild’s newest addition that will allow the kid in you to come out and enjoy the six-story castle with two pools and over 160 interactive water features. Blastaway Beach has now given Wet ‘n Wild the top claim of having Florida’s largest family water play area.

The International Drive water park will also open a brand-new high-speed thrill ride called Aqua Drag Racer, which will replace the Bubba Tub this summer. The ride will have guests racing each other through twists and turns from a six-story start, ending up at a black-and-white-checkered-flag-inspired finish line.

Wet ‘n Wild will be offering unlimited BBQ throughout the summer (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays until May 24, and daily starting May 25). The selections are fresh-grilled hamburgers, pulled pork, hotdogs, BBQ chicken legs, corn on the cob, potato salad, baked beans, macaroni and cheese, fresh fruit, dessert, and ice-cold Coca-Cola drinks. The cost is $18.99 for adults and $10.99 for children (3- to 9-years-old).

Many offers are available for enjoying the daring side of Wet ‘n Wild. Florida residents can enjoy a year of free visits with the purchase of one full-day ticket ($51.00 if purchased online, and $56.00 if purchased at the gate, for either adult or child). There are also group rates, afternoon discounts, and college and military discounts.

Check out the official website for a complete list of attractions, park hours, and pricing.

SeaWorld’s Aquatica

Having opened in early 2008, Aquatica is Orlando’s newest water park. It is an extension of SeaWorld, with lavish landscaping, colorful attractions, and beautiful sea life to bask in. This park offers something for thrill seekers, animal lovers, and lazy beach-goers.

A must-do experience is the Dolphin Plunge, Aquatica’s most popular ride, where you can enjoy the invigorating excitement of a high-speed watery ride alongside Commerson’s Dolphins. Roa Rapids is for the less adventurous who still like a slight thrill. This attraction is like a lazy river if it swallowed three shots of espresso in less than 30 minutes.

Ihu’s Breakaway Falls, opening May 9, will be Aquatica’s newest attraction. This free-fall slide, which towers over the park, will be the tallest, steepest, and only multi-drop tower of its kind in Orlando. Pass Members will be able to preview the innovative ride on Wednesday, May 7, from 10:00am until 2:00pm.

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Aquatica offers the Cashless Wristband system, in which guests can put money on the band and enjoy the park without carrying cash or credit cards around. The wristbands are waterproof and can be purchased at Guest Relations.

A single-day admission price to Aquatica is $56.00 for guests over 10 years of age and $51.00 for guests 3- to 9-years-old. Check out the official website for a complete list of attractions, park hours, and pricing.

Disney’s Blizzard Beach

For a wintery take on water parks, Blizzard Beach is the perfect way to cool off during the summer. What’s great about this park is that you truly get wrapped up in the frosty holiday feel while still enjoying a Florida summer day.

Complete with reggae melodies and Christmas jingles playing softly in the background, this immersive experience makes Blizzard Beach Disney’s most popular and most crowded water park, so arriving prior to opening hours is a must in peak season.

Summit Plummet is the most extreme ride at Blizzard Beach, reaching speeds up to 55 mph – a must-do for any thrill seeker. If you’re more of a “drink with the cute umbrella in one hand and a book in the other” type of person, then a beach day is what you’ll need at Melt-Away Bay.

Another must-try at Blizzard Beach is the Jerk Chicken Nachos from the Warming Hut, which you can take over to the Polar Pub and wash it down with Gator’s “juice” of the day. If you have a sweet tooth after a day of swimming, then stop at the Mini Donuts kiosk located near the Lottawatta Lodge and pick up a dozen mini donuts.

The cost of a one-day ticket starts at $53.00; however, purchasing a Park Hopper theme park ticket with water options will balance the cost.

Check out the official website for a complete list of attractions, park hours, and pricing.

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon

Get lost in the storm’s aftermath at Typhoon Lagoon. Here you can discover the vastness of the plush island and all of its untold mysteries.

If you’re quite courageous, then tackling a monstrous wave or snorkeling with sharks and stingrays may be your outlet for fun. For some, a few trips around the lazy river may bring a refreshing satisfaction to a hot Florida day. Whatever your journey is, Typhoon Lagoon is the water park that covers it all.

The must-do attractions are Crush ‘n Gusher, a multi-passenger water coaster that propels you uphill by powerful water jets, and the Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool, which is the park’s signature experience. The Surf Pool sounds its Mayday alarm, warning swimmers of the incoming tidal wave. There’s one word to describe this experience, and it’s “epicness!” To witness such a feat makes you wonder how Imagineering brought this water park feature to a whole new level; this wave is not like any other wave pool in central Florida, which makes it the absolute best one.

You can check out the chalk board near the edge of the beach for the daily wave schedule.

Typhoon Lagoon is known for providing surfing lessons for novice and experienced surfers both. Private lessons are available – just make sure to check the schedule and book the lessons ahead of time. The pricing is the same as Blizzard Beach, but for more information, check out the official website.

As you can see, there are many exciting water-filled adventures that lie ahead for the approaching season. What water park are you going to conquer this summer?

To read more about Wet ‘n Wild, view our archive on the OI Blog, or you can check out all our entries covering Walt Disney World.

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