Solo in Orlando: My Honest Florida Travel Diary (+ Must-Know Tips)

Solo in Orlando: My Honest Florida Travel Diary (+ Must-Know Tips)

When I booked my solo trip to Orlando, Florida, I imagined sunshine, palm trees, and a little sprinkle of magic. 🌟 And while there were definitely moments of wonder, my experience also came with a few surprises that I wish someone had told me beforehand! So today, I'm giving you the real talk about my stay - the highs, the lows, and everything in between. 💕

Where I Stayed: Crowne Plaza Orlando Lake Buena Vista

Home base for my adventure was the Crowne Plaza Orlando Lake Buena Vista. Super comfy and close to the major parks, this hotel definitely had the "theme park traveller" in mind. If you're planning to hit Disney or Universal, this spot is ideal with their handy shuttles. But heads up: if you're not doing the parks (like me), you'll quickly notice that most hotels here are geared 100% toward that theme park hustle. There isn't much else happening right outside the door.

Highlight of My Trip: Sea Life Orlando ✨

One absolute highlight for me was visiting Sea Life Orlando. I know, I know - aquariums can sometimes feel a little touristy. But honestly? I had the BEST time. It felt peaceful, magical, and gave me such a deep appreciation for marine life. The star of the show was this massive, beautiful turtle - I was obsessed. 🦚🤍 Sometimes it's the unexpected, smaller moments that stay with you the most.

Old Town: Cute but... Underwhelming

I also wandered over to Old Town based on a bunch of "hidden gem" social media recommendations. And while it was charming in that old-timey Americana way, a lot of the shops and attractions were closed when I visited. It just didn't live up to the hype, and it reminded me that social media sometimes shows you the highlight reel - not the full picture. (Still cute for a stroll, but manage those expectations, bestie!)

Solo Travel Reality Check: Is Orlando Ideal Without a Car?

Here's the real tea: unless you're planning to visit the parks and have everything pre-booked, Orlando can feel tricky without a car. Most hotels expect you to shuttle straight to the parks and back to your bed - there's very little designed for non-theme-park travellers. Without wheels, it’s hard to explore beyond your hotel’s immediate area, and ride-shares can add up quickly.

So if you’re not about that rollercoaster life, Orlando might not be the most exciting solo destination. (At least not without a little extra planning!)

Safety Notes for Solo Travellers

I’m all about solo adventures, but I always keep it real about safety. My airport transfer driver gave me a heads-up not to wander into Downtown Orlando alone at night. Apparently, the area can get a little sketchy after dark, and there had even been a club shooting the night before I arrived. 🚨

Also, my small-island-girl PSA: be super cautious with Ubers. Don't just hop in and ask, "Are you here for Emma?" Make your driver say YOUR name first. It's a simple step but so important. Plus, a lot of U.S. cars don’t have front plates, which made it way harder for me to match the license plate to my app. (Introverted me was like "Do I walk around the car and be weird??" 😅 But honestly, do whatever you need to stay safe - YOU come first.)

My Verdict: Should You Go?

If you're planning a theme park extravaganza, Orlando will absolutely deliver. It's built for it. 🌟 But if you're dreaming of a wanderlust-y solo adventure packed with exploring, relaxing cafes, or hidden gems - I'd say Orlando might not be the vibe unless you rent a car or plan day trips ahead of time.

Would I go back? Probably - but next time, I'd either focus on the parks or tack Orlando onto a wider Florida road trip.

Dreaming of your own solo getaway?
Whether it's Orlando or somewhere a little more off the beaten path, I'm here to help you book your dream trip - no stress, just pure adventure. ✨ Click here to send me a holiday enquiry! Let's make your dream trip happen, bestie. 🌟❤️

My favourite moment at Sea Life — look at this gentle giant!

A quick stroll through Old Town — not quite what I expected, but still a vibe.