She was dressed in her high school graduation regalia, complete with a medallion, stole, and honor cords. Just weeks before, she made her final decision about which college she would attend. Every month, day, hour, and minute leading up to this moment seemed so distant, yet that day came so quickly! Months earlier, she had indulged me in a Halloween bike ride around the neighborhood before her friends arrived for what would likely be our last annual Halloween party and group trick-or-treat. That was the day it hit me—life would be changing for me very soon.
The days of sharing my car, attending sporting events, spending my extra time volunteering at her school, and adjusting my schedule to accommodate her many special events would soon be traded for anticipated phone calls and eagerly watching my phone for texts. Of course, she would return for the holidays during winter break, but not early enough for my favorite holiday.
Soon after my husband and I moved her into the dorm and returned home to start our new lives as empty nesters, Halloween came around again. We filled the bowls with candy for trick-or-treaters, sat in silence for a moment, and then headed out to begin a new tradition of ramen and sushi. Earlier that month, after weeks filled with emotions and obsessive location checks {insert side eye}, I decided it was time to renew my Walt Disney World annual pass. My favorite holiday deserved to be celebrated at my favorite place, even without my favorite girl.
Here are four lessons I’ve learned as an empty nester at Disney and how I’ve embraced solo days at the parks.
1. Rediscovering personal joy
Solo trips to the parks have allowed me to reconnect with my own interests and passions. My favorite attraction at Magic Kingdom is Mickey’s PhilharMagic. I love singing along with my favorite characters and hearing the sounds of the symphony. Every visit reminds me how much I adore the sound of stringed instruments — and that I own a violin. It’s time to schedule those lessons!
2. Practicing mindful moments
Spending time alone in the parks offers a unique opportunity for mindfulness. I get to appreciate the intricate details of the decorations, enjoy the music, and find peaceful spots to relax. Living with the Land at EPCOT is always my first stop when I enter the park. Its stories of different cultures and agriculture remind me how we are all connected to the earth. Cruising through the gardens is so peaceful, and I gather inspiration for my own garden at home.
I also love EPCOT for its year-round festivals. Right now, the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts (happening through February 24, 2025) showcases beautiful art and amazing food. These moments of mindfulness help me feel grounded and connected as I explore the parks.
3. Building New Traditions
I’ve always loved honoring traditions, and while those I shared with my daughter and husband hold a special place in my heart, solo days at Disney have allowed me to create new ones. Recently, I had an unintended Star Wars-themed day at Hollywood Studios.
When I renewed my annual pass, I added the PhotoPass option — and let’s just say I now have a new library of fun headshots at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. To my surprise, I was able to walk onto every attraction in the land as a solo rider! I even had fascinating conversations with Star Wars enthusiasts from all over the world.
This experience inspired me to plan my next themed day and “photo shoot.” The Disney PhotoPass photographers are absolute magicians!
4. Connecting with the community
Going solo doesn’t mean being alone! This year, I’ve met up with friends to explore the parks and even mixed work with play. Hello, working as you play — or is it playing as you work?
I’ve connected with Disney fans through online groups, sparked conversations with Cast Members, and met some amazing people along the way. I love asking Cast Members where they’re from after reading their name tags. They’re always eager to share stories about their hometowns.
To me, Animal Kingdom has some of the friendliest Cast Members with the most fascinating stories. On top of that, the park offers incredible vegan food options. My favorite quick-service meal is the vegan cheese and sausage pizza at Pizzafari in Discovery Island. It’s served with a salad and is both delicious and nostalgic—my daughter and I used to enjoy it together since it’s dairy allergy-safe for her.
Embracing my new chapter
As I navigate this new chapter as an empty nester at Disney, I’ve embraced the joy of solo adventures. Walt Disney World isn’t just a place I loved as a kid or cherished while raising my child — it’s a place for me to reflect, grow, and celebrate this season of life.
Whether rediscovering personal passions, practicing mindfulness, building new traditions, or connecting with the community, I’ve found endless opportunities for exploration, connection, and creativity.
