A solo adventure filled with Disney magic, early mornings, and the simple joy of doing things on my own terms. I think everyone should take at least one solo Disney trip in their life. Not because you need to escape anything, but because sometimes it’s nice to remember who you are outside of schedules, carpools, and to-do lists.
That was the spirit behind my RunDisney Wine & Dine 10K weekend a long weekend that was equal parts self-care, magic, and movement. I packed my car, queued up my fav
orite podcasts, and drove toward Animal Kingdom Lodge, my home for the next few days. Just me, my running shoes, and a sense of adventure.
Thursday: Settling In and Soaking Up the Magic
Walking into the Animal Kingdom Lodge lobby feels like stepping into another world warm wood tones, drumming music, and the faint scent of something earthy and welcoming. I dropped my bags with bell services, parked my car, and caught the RunDisney Expo bus to ESPN Wide World of Sports.
There’s a particular kind of energy at the Expo runners buzzing with excitement and endless rows of sparkly merchandise. I picked up my bib and race shirt, stopped by the Brooks booth for a pair of red Minnie Mouse running shoes, and took in the atmosphere before heading back to the resort.
My room was ready conveniently near the elevator, exactly as I’d requested and after a quick refresh, I decided to head to EPCOT for the evening. Traveling solo at Disney is its own kind of magic. There’s no rush, no one to negotiate plans with. I wandered through World Showcase, sampling dishes from the Food & Wine Festival the street corn dumplings from the Gyoza booth were my favorite and watched the lights of Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana. As Spaceship Earth glowed in the distance, I sipped a frozen s’mores hot chocolate and thought, This is exactly what I needed.
Friday: The Freedom to Pivot
One of my favorite parts of solo travel is the ability to change plans without explanation. I woke up early, ready to take on Hollywood Studios, arriving 90 minutes before early entry. I breezed through Toy Story Mania and Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway before the park even officially opened.
From there, the day unfolded in the best kind of spontaneous way. I used my Lightning Lanes creatively hopping from Hollywood Studios to EPCOT and later Magic Kingdom making choices based on how I felt in the moment. I rode Frozen Ever After, my all-time favorite Living with the Land, and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, where I ended up chatting with a family in line about race day nerves.
I stopped at Woody’s Lunch Box for a breakfast bowl and later, Tony’s Town Square for an early dinner a long wait, but a satisfying meal capped with a takeaway cannoli for later. By evening, I was back at the resort, stretching, hydrating, and trying (not very successfully) to get to sleep before my 3 a.m. wake-up call.
Saturday: A 10K Full of Joy
There’s something surreal about boarding a Disney bus at 3 a.m. with other runners. We were tired but buzzing fueled by nerves and the sheer excitement of race day. The RunDisney start line is a celebration in itself: fireworks, music, and a sea of tutus, costumes, and glowing sneakers. I wasn’t running to break a record I was walking, taking my time, and savoring every moment. The Olaf- themed 10K course wound through the backstage areas of EPCOT, out around the Boardwalk, and back through the park as the sun began to rise. I didn’t stop for character photos, but I smiled at every one the trolls from Frozen made an appearance, as did Olaf himself. Crossing the finish line, medal in hand, I felt proud. Not because I’d done anything extraordinary, but because I’d done it for me.
Back at Animal Kingdom Lodge, I managed to snag a Boma breakfast reservation, where the Pog juice was flowing and the cast members were as warm as ever. After breakfast and a much-needed nap, I headed to Hollywood Studios to meet Olaf (of course) and sing along at Frozen Sing-Along before ending the night with incredible sushi and miso eggplant at Shiki-Sai in EPCOT.
It was a day full of laughter, self-kindness, and the sort of contentment that only comes when you stop rushing through life.
Sunday: One Last Walk Through the Magic
On my final morning, I packed up, called bell services, and decided to visit Animal Kingdom before heading home. I walked through DinoLand U.S.A., excited about the upcoming Tropical Americas transformation, and then wandered into Pandora for a serene float through Na’vi River Journey. The park was quiet and golden in the morning light. On the Kilimanjaro Safari, the lions were out and active a rare sight that felt like the perfect sendoff. I grabbed my Starbucks breakfast, took one last look around, and smiled. One of the great things about solo Disney travel is that you can slip in and out of the magic on your own timeline no guilt, no rush, no expectations.
Reflections: Why This Trip Mattered
This trip reminded me that there’s a kind of strength in slowing down. As a mom, a camp executive, and someone whose life often moves at full speed, it’s easy to forget what it feels like to move for the joy of it to wander, to walk, to savor. Traveling solo gave me that back. It wasn’t about the rides or the medals or even the Mickey Pretzels (though, let’s be honest, those help). It was about reconnecting with that part of myself that thrives on both purpose and play.
Sometimes the best way to lead, to love, and to live fully is to give yourself permission to pause to find the quiet kind of magic that’s been there all along. So here’s to early mornings, finish lines, and the courage to chase joy one step, one mile, one Disney day at a time. ✨🏅🥨
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