Why traveling to Disney World solo as a single woman makes me feel safe

The Disney bubble adds a layer of protection most men will never understand

People often ask, “Why do you go to Disney World all the time? There are so many other places you could visit.”

First of all, they’re not wrong. There are a lot of places across the country and world I’d love to travel to someday. But, not all of them offer the safety and comfort that a Disney vacation does.

I love Walt Disney World. It’s my happy place. It’s also one of the places I feel the most safe traveling to as a single woman who frequently travels by herself.

You can’t say that for most places women visit, including their local grocery store, bar, gas station, etc.

I’ve felt more uncomfortable pumping gas or sitting at a local bar trying to enjoy my beer than I have ever felt when I’m at Disney World.

I can actually have a drink by myself at Disney World without a man approaching me and making me feel uneasy. I, personally, have never felt unsafe or scared in this particular situation — or ever — at Disney World. It’s a feeling women don’t get to experience often.

I can leave my hotel room, walk to transportation, sit by myself, go through security (another perk for women traveling solo to Disney), tap into the park, and actually forget about my surroundings, all while fully enjoying myself without a care in the world.

Don’t worry, I still pay attention, but I don’t have to be as diligent compared to the “real world.” Even at night, I have never felt scared, like I might when leaving a bar at home and walking to my car alone.

That said, I still take precautions. For example, I sometimes spend more money on a Preferred room to be close to the lobby. This way, I don’t have to trek all the way from the back of the hotel to the lobby to grab my ride to the airport if I have a super early flight — or vice versa if I have a later evening.

I never request a rideshare to pick me up in the parking lot closest to my room. I always go to the lobby, a public and well-lit space. The fact that I (and so many other women) even have to think about that makes me sad and upset.

Tip: Don’t ever share your room number during your stay. If you don’t feel comfortable giving a room tour or showing where you’re staying during your trip, especially as a content creator, don’t. You can do it once the trip ends.

I’d also be lying if I said getting to and from the Orlando International Airport and Disney World doesn’t come with its own form of anxiety.

I use rideshare and, well, you just never know what could happen. I always share my ride with family and friends, along with texting when I’m in the car and when I’ve arrived at my hotel and the airport.

I also appreciate that Lyft has “Women+ Connect.” Per the rideshare company, “As a woman or nonbinary rider, you can choose to be matched more often with women and nonbinary drivers when available.” This isn’t always guaranteed, but it’s a nice feature.

Obviously, there are other reasons I travel to Disney World. I’m trying to build a business where I can help other vegetarians navigate the magical travel destination, but the safety I feel when I’m inside the Disney bubble is one of the big reasons I keep going back — and won’t stop.

You can never be too cautious or safe as a woman, even at Disney World. I’m just grateful to have a place that I love dearly and helps me escape reality, all while making me feel safe.