Disney World - January Recap

One Night, Two Days – Packed with Magic!

This trip came together super last-minute for me — everything just aligned perfectly. I booked my hotel and flights about two weeks out and planned for just one night, which gave me two full days at Disney.

On Saturday morning, a big snowstorm rolled in, so I had to leave around 2:30 AM to make it safely to the airport on unplowed roads. The airport was packed, but since I was only bringing a personal item, I skipped the counter and headed straight to security. I had about 30 minutes to get through before boarding. Despite a slight delay from the snow, I still made it in time for my first Lightning Lane reservations.

I grabbed an Uber from MCO to POP Century just to check out the resort, then hopped on the Skyliner to Epcot. When entering the resort by car, they may ask for proof of reservation. I always mention I’m a travel agent checking out the properties, and that usually works just fine. With Lightning Lanes lined up for the afternoon, I knocked out 7 rides and even met Anna & Elsa within the first few hours. I wrapped up the evening with dinner at Princess Storybook Dining at Akershus in the Norway Pavilion. Such a fun experience — I can’t wait to bring my kids here! It’s a great way to meet 5-6 princesses without waiting in long lines, and they all come to your table to chat and take photos.

I skipped the fireworks that night — I was running on very little sleep and hadn’t even seen my hotel yet. I grabbed a few souvenirs on the way out, then took a bus to All-Star Sports. One of the best things about Disney hotels is the mobile check-in — I got my room number on my phone and used it as my key! Bonus: I was upgraded to a preferred room, so I was super close to the lobby.

Day two was all about Hollywood Studios, plus a little resort hopping before my flight home. Without kids in tow, I got to enjoy the little things that can feel hectic with a group. I rope dropped Rise of the Resistance — my first time doing that! The park opened at 8:30 AM for Disney resort guests, and I was on the bus by 7:50. I made it into the park and was in line for RotR by 8:20, with only a 20-minute posted wait (which was more like 10-15). I even had time to ride it again before the general crowd rolled in!

After that, I hit Slinky Dog Dash (a surprisingly short 30-minute wait), then used Lightning Lanes for Rockin’ Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Toy Story Mania, and Smuggler’s Run — where I got to pilot for the first time with a fun group of strangers!

Solo Disney trips may not be everyone’s thing, but I absolutely love them. You get to move at your own pace, make spontaneous decisions, use single rider lines, and have way more cast member interactions. It’s a whole different kind of magic. I also watched the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Show, met Olaf, and enjoyed some drinks at Oga’s Cantina in Galaxy’s Edge. Even if you’re not a huge Star Wars fan, that area is a must-see.

Before heading to the airport, I did a bit of resort hopping — first to the Polynesian for a quick walk-through, then hopped on the monorail to Magic Kingdom, switched to a bus, and headed to Animal Kingdom Lodge. I wandered around, checked out the pool, animals, and restaurants, and grabbed my final Disney snack before catching an Uber back to the airport.

Have you ever done a quick Disney trip or thought about taking a day trip? It’s totally doable and can be packed with magic!