Monthly Escape: A Day Trip to Disney World from New York City
For Sydney Stinner, a 32-year-old New York City resident, the allure of her “happy place” – Disney World – is strong enough to warrant a monthly pilgrimage. However, her visits are far from typical multi-day vacations. Stinner embarks on solo day trips, flying from Manhattan to Orlando, Florida, in the morning, spending several hours at the theme park, and then catching a late flight back home, all within a single day.
While acknowledging the demanding nature of these excursions, Stinner asserts they are immensely rewarding. Working in the tech industry, she finds that extended trips to Disney “aren’t always realistic” due to her demanding schedule and “limited PTO.” Her first solo day trip to the renowned theme park in September 2025 ignited a passion that has led her to set a goal of undertaking one such trip every month this year.
A Unique Approach to Stress Relief
Stinner describes Disney as the “one place where she can completely switch her brain off” when stress mounts. “There is so much going on in the world and in life, and when I walk through those gates none of it follows me in,” she shared. “Disney has this magic where you cannot help but smile the entire time you’re there – and I think as an adult that is actually really rare and really valuable.”
This method of visiting for a single day offers significant advantages. Stinner explained that it saves her “time and money” and “fits perfectly into the gaps in her schedule without eating into her PTO or budget.” She finds a sense of liberation in this approach, stating, “There’s actually something really freeing about it. I’m in my own bed that night, recovered by the next morning, and I already have my next trip on the calendar.”
Logistics of a Disney Day Trip
Her typical day begins with a wake-up call around 4 a.m. to catch an early flight from New York, usually departing by 6 a.m. and arriving in Orlando just before 9 a.m. By 9:30 a.m., she aims to be through the park gates. To maximize her time, Stinner usually stays until at least 7 p.m. or 8 p.m. to catch one of the last flights home, allowing for eight to nine hours in the parks. She typically arrives back at her apartment by 1 a.m. at the latest.
While admitting the experience is “absolutely exhausting” and sometimes requires a recovery day, Stinner firmly believes the benefits far outweigh any fatigue. She candidly shared that the solo day trips can be “exhausting and intense,” but ultimately “totally worth it to her.”
Cost and Challenges
Regarding expenses, Stinner noted that she previously secured round-trip flights for approximately $50. Currently, she relies more heavily on points to find affordable airfare. Beyond flights, her typical spending for food, drinks, and airport transportation amounts to around $200-$250. Her Disney annual pass covers park entry, eliminating that cost.
The journey hasn’t been without its hiccups. In January, a snowstorm in New York led to the cancellation of her return flight, forcing her to rebook a later departure that significantly reduced her park time. This experience served as a reminder to “avoid traveling close to a snowstorm,” she reflected.
Making Each Visit Unique
Stinner ensures that her visits never become monotonous by adopting a theme or specific focus for each trip. As an example, she highlighted a visit in March where she centered her experience around Women’s History Month, opting for attractions inspired by female leads or designed by female Imagineers.
She documents these solo excursions on her TikTok, where she acknowledges facing “cruel judgement” from some. “I think there are a lot of people who don’t understand why I do this, or think I should be traveling to other places instead,” she stated. “But I think everyone needs to find something that makes them as happy as Disney makes me.”
Stinner encourages a supportive attitude towards others pursuing their joys. “I don’t expect Disney to be that place for everyone, and I don’t expect everyone to understand it – but I do think everyone should find the things that bring them that kind of joy, and be supportive of other people for doing the same.” She also clarified that she does prioritize other travel, with plans for a ten-day trip to Italy this summer and an annual solo trip to Paris, noting that these Disney day trips “scratch the itch without eating into the vacation days and budget” needed for larger adventures.
