How to Socialize on Your Solo Theme Park Trip and NOT Feel Lonely (Solo Travel Guide)

Question of the week: How to Socialize on Your Solo Theme Park Trip?

Does the idea of feeling lonely and not having someone to experience a theme park with you hold you back from traveling solo?

If being alone scares you, don’t worry. I know how it feels to be nervous about your first solo trip.

Since I started traveling to theme parks alone, I’ve noticed I’ve become more confident in introducing myself to new people. This gives me a chance to truly be myself, since I am in my theme park “zone.”

Universal Studios Hollywood NikkyJ in front of Famous Globe and Red Carpet Going alone on a Solo Theme Park Trip. Keep reading to learn how to socialize on your solo theme park trip and how to talk to people.

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Solo Travel for Introverts

You may notice when you’re with your friends you’re more involved in the conversation, but when you’re alone you’re pleasantly nudged to spark up a conversation with someone waiting in an attraction line with you.

Universal Orlando Resort with NikkyJ at Universal Studios Solo Trip. Keep reading to learn how to socialize on your solo theme park trip and how to talk to people.

Sometimes I want to talk and sometimes I don’t.

Theme parks are my refuge. My peace…

…my Theme Park Therapy.

It goes without saying that my solo trips to parks like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld, and more are quite refreshing.

However, there are moments when I want to reach out to others in the park, but the introvert inside of me has to push through my own self-limiting thoughts and strike up a conversation.

“Solo trips are amazing. I do it a few times a year! I can literally do everything on my own personal bucket list.”

Quoted from a ThemeParkHipster subscriber!

Throughout my theme park travels, I’ve found a few little tricks for learning how to socialize on a solo theme park trip.

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How to Travel Alone and Not Be Lonely

Now that’s a big question to answer. In today’s article I will show you how to meet people while traveling by yourself.

If you want to learn how you can go to theme parks alone, then be sure to check out The Solo Theme Park Traveler’s Guide.

The Solo Theme Park Traveler's Guide Book by NikkyJ
Get your own copy here on Amazon!

This handbook will walk you step-by-step to planning that first solo theme park vacation.

Recommended: The Solo Theme Park Traveler’s Guide

7 Easy Ways to Talk to People When Traveling to Theme Parks Alone

Let’s go over how to socialize and how to make friends while traveling solo.

1. Join the ThemeParkHipsters Facebook Group

Get familiar with your social media community. There are lots of Facebook groups dedicated to theme park enthusiasts of almost any theme park.

ThemeParkHipster Community. Yellow and white Epcot monorail. Green and yellow Cheetah Hunt roller coaster. Keep reading to learn how to socialize on your solo theme park trip and how to talk to people.

These groups usually have people in it who frequently travel to parks solo.

They’re also places to get instant theme park news and the latest theme park hacks and tips.

Your Instagram community is another place to get to know others online.

Once these relationships are formed online, it makes it easier to meet singles while traveling to theme parks.

2. Check Out MeetUp.com

MeetUp.com is the perfect place to join active groups who meet up in person on scheduled basis to do things of common interests.

Mardi Gras at Universal Studios with other solo theme park travelers. Keep reading to learn how to socialize on your solo theme park trip and how to talk to people.
Mardi Gras at Universal Studios with my new friends I met on MeetUp.com

This is the place where I’ve met some of my best friends when I wanted to find other adults into Disney and Harry Potter, such as myself.

Lake Eerie Shores Put In Bay Ohio Heineman Winery Crystal Cave with NikkyJ and Outdoorsy Diva. Keep reading to learn how to socialize on your solo theme park trip and how to talk to people.

We’ve had fun meet ups in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter enjoying games and brews behind the Hogshead.

NikkyJ in front of Hogwarts Express Harry Potter World Universal Studios Hollywood California. Keep reading to learn how to socialize on your solo theme park trip and how to talk to people.

We’ve also had fun touring the World Showcase of Epcot playing drinking-inspired games.

Epcot Food and Wine Festival with Outdoorsy Diva and NikkyJ of ThemeParkHipster. Keep reading to learn how to socialize on your solo theme park trip and how to talk to people.
Outdoorsy Diva and NikkyJ

If I’d never joined MeetUp.com, I would’ve never been able to get over my fear of introducing myself to people.

WATCH NEXT: Top 5 BEST Quick Service Restaurants at Epcot!

3. Hang Out in Resort or Theme Park Bar Area

Many of the onsite resorts and hotels have hip lounges with staff bringing the theme park magic right in the bar.

So, make good use of the lobby, common room or lounge area of the resort.

Try to engage with people while in the common areas and avoid looking down on your phone. It’s like saying  “don’t talk to me.”

Instead, have an open posture that’s inviting and just people watch. Eventually there will be an opportunity to start a conversation.

4. Spark Up a Conversation Waiting in Line

This may be an advance approach for introverts, but you can have something on hand like a theme park app, where you can play theme park trivia while waiting in line.

This will have others looking at you or over your shoulder to see what you’re doing. A very cool conversation starter.

Universal Studios Florida Minion Land Bello. Keep reading to learn how to socialize on your solo theme park trip and how to talk to people.

I’ve know some solo travelers who have become a part of a group because they started a conversation with a family in line.

The family realized the traveler was alone and felt obligated to have the solo traveler join their “family.”

But if that’s way too intense for you, you always politely decline.

WATCH: The 5 BEST Snacks at EPCOT You Must Try on Your Visit! 🧁🍕🥂🥳

5. Chat with Theme Park Staff

Staff, especially Disney Cast Members, enjoy chatting with theme park goers. Be sure to mention your solo journey to park staff.

You never know what you may receive. Parks like Walt Disney World are known for “plussing” visitors vacation.

WATCH NEXT: 10 Things I’ll NEVER Do at Universal Orlando Again!

6. Pick a Resort Based on How Social You Want to Be

It’s easy to book a hotel and stay cooped up in your room only leaving to go to one of the parks.

Swan and Dolphin Resort white boats on lagoon
Swan and Dolphin Resort

This is not the best way to get comfortable with socializing with people on your solo trip.

So, ask yourself

How sociable do you want to be?

Perhaps a Bed & Breakfast would be a perfect way to make sure you keep your socializing goals to the forefront. You will at least have some interaction with the owners.

Disney Wilderness Lodge Resort Hotel NikkyJ in Lobby. Keep reading to learn how to socialize on your solo theme park trip and how to talk to people.
Disney Wilderness Lodge Resort

What are the best Disney resorts for Solo Travelers?

These are the best hotels and resorts to learn how to socialize with people. Especially if you visit the general areas more ofter.

7. Do a Seminar or Theme Park Tour

During specials events such as, the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, Disney allows you to learn trade secrets and exotic recipes all-the-while enjoying the Walt Disney World atmosphere.

2023 Epcot Food and Wine Festival at Disney Spaceship Earth

This will in turn put you in a social situation with a purpose.

Disney Sangria University Apple Juice Orange Juice
Disney’s Sangria University

Everyone attending will have a shared interest.

You will have something in common with other attendees, making conversation easy as you discuss the topics mentioned in the class.

Universal Orlando Resort Hard Rock Cafe with NikkyJ. Keep reading to learn how to socialize on your solo theme park trip and how to talk to people.

This is a good way of learning how to socialize on your solo trip.

Theme Park Tours

If you want something more in-depth than a seminar, then I suggest doing a short tour.

Behind-the-scenes theme park tours are great ways to get some social time by being in a small group of other theme park enthusiasts.

You’ll also learn amazing theme park history and secrets while being somewhat of a social butterfly.

You should schedule a tour on one of the first few days of your trip.

This is a good way to break the ice on your solo theme park vacation and you never know what adventures may happen afterwards.

Recommended: The Solo Theme Park Traveler’s Guide

My Final Thoughts on How to Socialize on Your Solo Trip

Overall, just have fun, live it out, and repeat!

My challenge for you on your next solo theme park trip is to get courageous and strike up a conversation with a complete stranger.

You can start off with a simple question for directions to an attraction or where to find a Dole Whip at Disney.

Universal Orlando Resort NikkyJ eating Dole Whip at Wimpy's in Islands of Adventure Toon Lagoon. Keep reading to learn how to socialize on your solo theme park trip and how to talk to people.

After all, you never know who you may meet along the way that may become a lifelong friend.

How to Talk to People on Your Solo Theme Park Trip
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Now that you know how to socialize on your solo trip, do you think you’ll be able to do it alone? Let me know in the comments section below!

Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!

Hoop Dee Doo Revue NikkyJ Dinner Show Disney World. Author bio of theme park expert Nikida Metellus.

About the Author

My name is Nikky. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor, and a writer who loves ALL things amusement park related!

Traveling alone to the parks has changed my life and I want to show how you can create your own solo theme park memories.

Connect with me on Instagram!

(Original post date July 2018/Updated February 1, 2024)

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