Visiting a theme park alone can seem intimidating, especially for those who are used to having a coaster-riding buddy or group. While there are downsides to visiting a theme park alone, a change in mindset can help reframe these visits as opportunities to see it in a new light.
I recently spent three (yes, three!) days by myself at Dollywood, which made me think: “Why do I enjoy this so much? Is there something wrong with me?”
While I love going to theme parks and riding roller coasters with friends (bonus points if they’re fellow coaster enthusiasts!), I equally enjoy the days I’ve spent on my own at Dollywood and other parks, aimlessly wandering throughout the park at my own pace, doing what I want to do, when I want to do it. In a world where things can feel so out of control, having total control of my day is unexpectedly cathartic without the guilt of feeling selfish.
But first, why does going to a theme park alone seem daunting and uncomfortable? Below are some of the reasons that may keep you from a solo theme park visit:
Perception as a “loner.”
Being alone in a busy tourist attraction such as a theme park — one typically experienced in the company of others — can make a solo traveler feel as though they stand out, as though everyone is looking at them. And that can trigger a wave of self-consciousness.
Fear of judgment.
“If that person is alone, there must be a reason — do they not have any friends or family?” That question may race through a solo theme park visitor’s mind. (But most people are too busy enjoying themselves and/or worrying about their own insecurities!).
Missing out on shared experiences.
The bond formed during an unforgettable roller coaster ride is special. Having no one to look to for that “what just happened?” response can be jarring. However, it’s also an experience that can easily be shared with a stranger.
What if something goes wrong?
Injuries and other medical emergencies can happen anywhere at any time, whether you’re alone or in a group. My mind occasionally catastrophizes, going to the worst-case scenario, even when it’s unlikely.
It’s a new experience.
Comfort zones are just that — they’re comfortable. We know them. Going to a theme park with others is likely more common for many of us. I didn’t go to an amusement park alone until I was in college. Even though I was very familiar with the park I was visiting, it was still uncomfortable at first.
The above reasons, as scary as they may seem, are not worth losing a solo theme park visit experience over. With a shift in thinking and a change in mindset, the following are some of the advantages of visiting a theme park alone.
Perks of visiting a theme park alone:
You move at your pace and control the day.
Ride three coasters back-to-back? Yes, please. Sit on a bench, people-watching for 30 minutes? Do it. Churro break in between rides on your favorite coaster? Let’s go. When you’re flying solo at a park, there is no coordinating, no compromising, no “what do you want to do next?”
You can eat what you want (and as much as you want!). You can rope-drop what you want, weave across the park and leave when you’re tired. Or stay until the park closes. You’re in the driver’s seat.
Single-rider lines are a no-brainer.
If the park offers single-rider lines, you’ll often cut wait times dramatically. Even if a park doesn’t offer official single-rider queues, solo guests sometimes get pulled to fill empty seats.
And for parks that open and close single-rider lines throughout the day to manage wait time, sometimes an employee will usher you through a “closed” single-rider line when they see that you’re actually a single rider. Your results may vary.
Solo theme park visits can be peaceful and even therapeutic.
While theme parks can be wild and chaotic at times, being on your own allows you to seek out the quiet areas of the park when you need to escape the hustle and bustle. If you’re lucky, visiting a park on a slow day can take this tranquility to another level. Going on a day that calls for rain is a gamble, but the reward of being able to stroll down a quiet midway is worth it.
Conversations with strangers and park employees are easier (for some of us).
This doesn’t necessarily apply to the introverts of the world (me). But without a group, you’ll often get more genuine interactions with other park guests and perhaps even employees since you aren’t distracted by your group.
You notice the little things.
I love wandering around what I call a “vibes” park — think Epcot, Dollywood, Epic Universe, among many others. Sure, each of those parks has an impressive collection of attractions. But the immersive theming, sound design, attention to detail, sightlines — the list is a mile long — all of those non-ride attributes make walking around the park almost a ride in itself. Admit it — you never would have seen that one Hidden Mickey had you been distracted by a conversation!
A “Zen” (Solo) Ride on a Roller Coaster
You might have a “Zen” ride.
Almost every “Zen” ride — an unofficial term for when you’re the only rider on a coaster — becomes a core memory in my coaster-loving brain. I will never forget my solo ride on Tennessee Tornado. Aside from the roar of the train, the eerie yet calming, screamless ride through a foggy, misty day will stick with me forever. Zen rides, of course, depend on crowd levels, but you almost certainly won’t have one when you’re in a group.
Tips for visiting a theme park alone for the first time:
Start gradually.
Rather than committing to a full day at a park alone, break off from the group during a regular visit to get a taste for exploring a park on your own. Once you’re comfortable with that, ease into a half-day at a park by yourself. Ease into it.
Go to a familiar park.
If feasible, start with a park you’re familiar with and visit often. If you feel overwhelmed, leaving early won’t be as costly, especially if you have a season pass.
Bring entertainment with you for lines and downtime.
Bring entertainment to keep you occupied in lines, while eating, and so on. These can include headphones for music and podcasts, games on your phone, e-books, etc. Don’t forget your power bank so that you don’t drain your battery.
Wear your emergency contact information.
A simple ID band with emergency contact information is a great thing to have on your wrist during any solo activity — a theme park visit, bike ride, hike, etc. I love the ROAD iD bands, but there are many other options out there. They are fully customizable and a wise investment. They also give you some peace of mind.
Have some talking points for conversations with other guests.
If you’re open to chatting with other park guests in line and elsewhere, keep some talking points and questions to break the ice. These are some that I use:
- “Do you come to this park often?”
- “Have you been on this ride before?”
- “What’s your favorite ride in the park?”
- “What’s your favorite coaster overall?”
Depending on the situation, you can use other topics to engage someone or keep the conversation going.
With these perks and tips, you will be ready and equipped for your solo theme park visit.
What are some other benefits of a solo theme park visit? What has your experience been visiting amusement and theme parks alone? Let us know in the comments section below.
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