My first Disney vacation as an adult was a solo trip 4 years ago. It was supposed to be one and done. Hah!
2015: Pop 2x
2016: Pop 2x (including one split stay at the Dark Side’s CBBR)
2017: POFQ/CSR/BWI, Pop, POFQ (including a
Disneyland split stay)
2018: POR/POFQ, BWI/POFQ, POFQ
Pop is great for park-heavy trips. I started out with a lot of rope drop to close days, so I didn’t spend a ton of time at the resort. The buses were always crazy crowded, but I kept an eye on the AOA bus line and often took that bus instead and walked back to Pop. I always felt safe and found the loud, family atmosphere to be pretty comforting.
After a few trips, I no longer felt the need to squeeze out every possible minute of park time, so I decided to upgrade. I fell in love with POFQ (as evidenced by my repeated trips back) and would absolutely recommend it for a solo trip. It’s gorgeous, it’s relaxing, it’s compact, it’s a quick walk to POR and a lovely boat ride to DS. I can’t say enough good things. I loved POR too, but the multiple bus stops got old pretty quick. I only stayed one night at CSR, but didn’t really care for the theming or the convention feel.
BWI is my go-too splurge resort. Nothing beats being able to walk to two parks. I’m also in absolute full-on love with the rooms and theming. I already have it booked for my August birthday trip. I also have a split stay planned for May. I’m constantly playing around with the plan, but currently have 3 nights YC (an impulse upgrade from CBR that I booked yesterday), 3 nights Universal, 3 nights AKL. I’m second guessing whether I want to split with Universal or try out a third new Disney resort instead.
For me, the Resort is as important as the Parks when it comes to enjoying my vacation. As others have said, it all comes down to what you want out of your trip and what you’re comfortable spending in order to get it.