Standing in line alone

[lovethemagic]

I am going to Orlando for business in mid-June and am considering staying in town for a few days to visit the parks. I often travel solo on business and have gotten used to eating alone, but the part I'm afraid I'll feel strange about is waiting in lines alone (I realize that even if I come to the parks by myself I'll have plenty of company in June!).

I tend to be on the shy side so I'm not likely to strike up conversations with the groups around me in line. Have any other solo travelers experienced this? Did you feel awkward standing in lines by yourself? Any tips?

[reader]

Spent 9 days at WDW during spring break. My first trip and it was solo! I do love travelling alone but lines can be weird. My best advice is to avoid them! I followed Tour Guide Mike's advice and during a very busy season, never waited more than 15 minutes in any line...usually much less! People were very friendly and I did strike up some great conversations. I also used the time to look for hidden mickeys, take photos, plan my next ride, call home, etc. Flew by! And it was also time to drown my water bottle empty again! Go for it and have fun!

[reader]

Oh, I forgot....another solo advantage in line was I often got on faster as a solo rider! And cast members were great about not squeezing me in with strangers. They made my trip great!

[bsmcneil]

i often do things alone - including MK and epcot a couple of years ago. i don't feel awkward at all in lines, as i'm there for myself. maybe you can use a cd player or something to pass the time if there are any lines for you.

[Rebd40]

You shouldn't feel strange about standing alone in the line - you'd be surprised how many "single" riders there are - whether folks are vacationing alone or not. I'm often on my own on the rides - when my DH and I are at WDW, for about half the rides, I go by myself because he doesn't do roller coasters (or anything that moves faster than 2 mph - ha) or he gets motion sickness. So he takes a book and finds a nice place to read and I ride to my heart's content. I think a lots of riders are in that boat - so you shouldn't worry about being the only single in line!

[DisneyStar006]

I haven't done WDW solo (Yet! I am later this year) but I often split up from family because they don't like fast rides and do them alone. To be honest, the first few rides I do feel a bit awkward, but after while not at all!

I spend the time taking in the surroundings, going through checking and deleting digital photos, looking at the park maps to plan where to go next. Its nice to have a few minutes to think. If you get bored there's always people watching! Other groups in the line are infinitely interesting!

Have a great trip! :sunny:

[Figment72]

If you're a kind of shy you always can take the single riders line. But always watch take an eye on the waiting times. Sometimes the regular waiting line is shorter. Just step into the line and enjoy. There is a lot to see during your wait, 'cause Disney had themed his waiting lines very well.
Once in a line you will discover waiting alone is not so bad, because there are many friendly people waiting in the line to to have a little chat. Sometimes it even ends up in riding the ride together :).

So, don't be shy, just step into the line!

[rmom50]

The only time I felt strange in the nine days I was solo was the line for Peter Pan's Flight! I don't think people notice you're solo -they assume you're either with the people ahead or behind you - if they even notice. I still contend that nobody cares. Anyhoo....that ride made me feel like a bit of a suspected perv - then they teamed me with a mom and her toddler and I appeared to be the gramma - ha. None of it matters.....everyone is on their own trip. You'll be glad you did it! :cheer2:

[Mickey&Donald]

My very first WDW trip was solo -- I was a flight attendant and had a two day layover in Orlando.. a trip to Disney was necessary!! At first, I was really bummed to be there alone. All of my Disneyland/Disneyland Paris trips were with my family or a group of friends, so to be alone was a little weird. But after a while, I had SO MUCH FUN! I realized I could go on whatever ride I wanted, whenever I felt like it, without someone whining about it. I could eat whatever junk I wanted for lunch without someone making comments. Getting on rides was so much faster as a single rider, and getting through the park alone was great without having to worry about losing people in the crowds.

You'll have a wonderful time.. really, talking to people in lines won't be as hard as you think! :)

[debbiepump]

Even when I'm with other folks, they don't like to ride the rides I do, so I stand in line alone. I enjoy it, time to just be quiet and 'relax'. I'm the sort of person who just doesn't care what someone else thinks-bet ya there's alot of folks with their families, groups who look at us single riders longingly-wishing they were alone also!

[Disney Dee]

Standing in line solo beats standing in line with husband and kids who constantly complain about standing in line! Trying to keep them entertained is harder IMHO. Enjoy the solitude :thumbsup2

[WillCAD]

I've never had any awkward or uncomfortable situations standing in lines alone, except for those situations that would occur no matter how many people were in line with me (like kids behind you who continually move up right on top of you, or people with huge backpacks who swing them around like weapons, or deliberate line cutters, or odoriforous people with less-than-stellar personal hygene).

Sometimes I strike up conversations with people in lines, other times I just wait patiently and look at my digital pics or drink from my water bottle. Once in a while I even make trip notes, though I usually prefer to sit down someplace for that.

Standing in lines alone is no different than doing anything else alone. Standing in lines is not an inherently "group" activity, any more than waiting for your food at McDonalds or waiting to check out at the grocery store.

What you are really nervous about is not "standing in lines alone", it is simply "being alone", which aflicts many people, particularly those with families. Some focus on a particular aspect of a solo WDW trip and think it's the "worst" part (travelling alone, checking into a hotel alone, staying in a hotel alone, touring the parks alone, etc.) But it's not really that aspect that's making you nervous, it's the basic concept of being alone.

Once you get past any fear or nervousness you might have about doing things on your own, without spouse, kids, parents, or friends to slow you down, then you can really relax into a solo WDW trip and start to enjoy the wonderful differences.

Standing in line for Splash Mountain alone is no different than standing in line alone at the post office. You're just in a more pleasant surrounding, and have a more pleasant reward at the end of the line.

[MonkeyPants]

havent done a total solo trip perse, but I have been down on many trips where I have headed off to the parks by myself. While sometimes it might a bit odd, especially if its a long slow moving line, usually it doesnt bother me and while i am on the shy side I have still managed to have some nice conversations with those in line.

One of the things I do enjoy about being the parks alone is that you aren't waiting for anyone. When I go with family they dont tend to move all that quickly. ;)

[sn00zn]

I went to Universal Studios Hollywood alone and had a great time. I was also worried about standing in line with no one to talk to just because of the boredom. I brought along a book to read and this really helped the time pass (not to mention allowing me to avoid uncomfortable eye contact!). Being a single rider generally means not waiting quite as long anyway. The most embarassing thing was when I saw the Xena and Gabrielle characters. Xena is my daughter's favorite show ever, so I wanted to have a picture taken with them to show her. I felt pretty silly as an adult woman by myself, but it wasn't that bad--Hercules used my camera to take the photo, and my daughter was suitably impressed when I got home! Have fun on your trip!

snoozn

[lila]

I also usually bring a book, and an ipod.

[Cheshire Figment]

I often go alone. When I am in lines for attractions I am almost always willing to talk to people head of or behind me. Often I can get into interesting conversations.

[ZoZo]

I like to use the time to people watch! Even if you're to shy to strike up a conversation, it's a fun way to pass the time. (You might be surprised how easy it is to talk to people when you're all doing something so fun!)

[DLR29]

Since most of my family does not like intense rides, I have to usually wait by myself in lines at normal amusement parks. At Disney parks, they can handle most rides. But even at my age, 14, I like striking up conversations with other groups. You can get to know a lot. Plus it helps the time go by if you're not just waiting with nothing to do.

[LUV4TINK]

I'd suggest that you could get the book of the hidden mickeys it is a great way to help pass the time. Another thought would be a WDW guide type book. You will be surprised how many people in line will want to share their disney knowlege with you and if they don't then you have some good reading to help plan your next move in the park.

Just go and enjoy!! :thumbsup2

[lajones81]

I'd suggest that you could get the book of the hidden mickeys it is a great way to help pass the time. Another thought would be a WDW guide type book. You will be surprised how many people in line will want to share their disney knowlege with you and if they don't then you have some good reading to help plan your next move in the park.

Just go and enjoy!! :thumbsup2

That is a great idea about the hidden mickey book! I will have to pick that up for myself! :)

[spiceycat]

most of the people in the lines are as bored as you are.... so if you are too shy to talk to them - don't be the least surprised if someone starts talking to YOU....

I will talk to anyone and everyone..... :rotfl:

anyway bring a book, magazine, IPOD, radio, CD, games, whatever....

be sure to look out for the singles ride...

but I hate to stand in long lines myself (a long line is over a half hour) that is what fass passes are for,......

oh the half hour part - sometimes the line says half hour - it is not - lots of times it is 10 minutes or less.... :rolleyes:

[Simba's Mom]

most of the people in the lines are as bored as you are.... so if you are too shy to talk to them - don't be the least surprised if someone starts talking to YOU....


That's so true! I love talking to the little kids. Just ask a bored looking child what his favorite ride was, or just how he/she is. Chances are, you'll get an earful. Sometimes more information than their parents wish they'd repeat! And since the time goes by faster for everyone, you'll probably get some grateful looks from parents.

[LoveWDW]

I haven't had any problems or embarrassment standing in line on my own. As someone said above, it isn't a social occasion. I people-watch or study my guide or make plans for the rest of the day.

[BratTink]

I too have been to Orlando quite a few times in the past 2 years for business and am obligated because of my disney addiction to go to the parks. Standing in line alone is easier than eating alone, in my opinion. Even when I go with friends or family inevitably I end up alone in line for Mission Space or Aerosmith's roller coaster. GO! If I can have fun alone anyone can!
Tell us what you decide to do :)
Enjoy those job perks, you can get reduced price tickets at most of the hotels in Orlando for both Disney and Universal.

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

I also usually bring a book, and an ipod.

I was going to say...
I'm not a shy person and rather chatty- so I've never had this problem of avoiding talking to others in line when I go solo. LOL however, my suggestion would be, if I were shy and/or didn't want to talk, to bring something that has my attention- be it a book, or something else OBVIOUS that you're keeping busy (ie: some type of music in your ear that the might not see the earpiece won't serve this function- they might not see that and then not only talk to you but then wonder why you didn't respond... if you don't hear them because you're listening to music LOL). Most people wouldn't bother you if look busy reading a book or something of that nature.

[rer1972]

I think the IPOD is a great idea. I would especially put Disney music on the IPOD. Maybe even some music off of the rides (from a Music from the Park CD or something). I think that would really up the Disney experience. :rolleyes1

[deekaypee]

I love travelling solo to Disney and especially standing in line. That's where I get to do my own little weirdly informal ethnographic studies (as I like to call people-watching). If you see someone staring at you while you're in line, that's probably me! ;)

My moods while standing in line run the gamut from chatty to intensely shy, but I've always felt comfortable in line. When I'm feeling a little "interior" (my variation of anti-social), I bring a book or even a journal in which I record my experiences. But once I'm in Disney territory I usually find myself so very happy to be there that I'm more than ready to strike up conversations. And I've met sooo many interesting people on my own there--from all over the country, all walks of life--and so friendly and generous. I can't tell you the number of times I've been invited to join someone else's party/lunch. I usually turn them down, as part of what's so attractive about going solo is being able to set my own schedule. Still, I'm always soooo touched by their invite.

I agree with WillCAD, that it might reflect more anxiety about being alone in general than about standing in line alone. Trust me, WDW is the perfect place to get over that. Once I had the experience of setting my own schedule, experiencing the World as I saw fit, I got a real jones for it. In fact, my partner has a conference in San Diego over Easter 2007 and I've already told him I'm planning on flying out to CA with him and spending my time at DLR....happily alone!

[harrycalder]

Being single and not always having the luxury of being with friends or other amusement park geeks, having to go to parks solo on a fairly regular basis is a fact of life.

I'll admit I often unintentionally evesdrop on conversations going on around me amongst other parties (sometimes there really is nothing better to do). If I'm feeling particularly brave and well-informed, I might even tell someone from such a party that I was overhearing them and offer up a comment of my own. I'd say at least 70% of the time I feel like I've been helpful or welcome by the end of the exchange.

Of course, if I'm REALLY bored, I've been known to go deep into amusement park geek mode, look at my watch, time the dispatches of whatever ride I'm waiting for, and calculate average hourly capacity at the present time. Alas, aside from being super nerdy, it's rarely an option on most Disney rides as many of the loading areas are secluded until one is nearly ready to board. Too much information? :)

-Jason

[Poohbear123]

Being single and not always having the luxury of being with friends or other amusement park geeks, having to go to parks solo on a fairly regular basis is a fact of life.

I'll admit I often unintentionally evesdrop on conversations going on around me amongst other parties (sometimes there really is nothing better to do). If I'm feeling particularly brave and well-informed, I might even tell someone from such a party that I was overhearing them and offer up a comment of my own. I'd say at least 70% of the time I feel like I've been helpful or welcome by the end of the exchange.

Of course, if I'm REALLY bored, I've been known to go deep into amusement park geek mode, look at my watch, time the dispatches of whatever ride I'm waiting for, and calculate average hourly capacity at the present time. Alas, aside from being super nerdy, it's rarely an option on most Disney rides as many of the loading areas are secluded until one is nearly ready to board. Too much information? :)

-Jason
WOW This sound like exactly what I do! :thumbsup2 Usually, someone in line will say something about the parades/fireworks etc. and I will jump in, and ask have you seen such and such, or what do you think of? And I really have a great time giving out tips! ;)

[Karnak]

There are so many advantages to visiting WDW solo that I hardly know where to start. I look forward to my next solo trip (see dates below), because ...

No waiting for others to: (1) decide what to do next, (2) take photos, (3) rush right by the street performer you would really like to watch for a while, (4) take a rest room break, (5) mill around and study the map, (6) stop to trade pins, (7) use up too much time eating lunch, (8) stop for every character that pops up, (9) stop to press coins in some silly machine, (10) walk super fast when you are really worn out, (11) stop at every gift shop in the park, (12) insist on taking a break at the resort in the middle of the day, (13) not be ready to go in the morning, resulting in increased crowd level by the time we arrive, (14) stopping to rest when you are ready to move on, (15) decide what to order at a counter service eatery.

And many of the advantages to traveling solo are mentioned in the other posts in this thread.

I could go on for a long time; but you get the idea. As far as standing in line, no problem at all for me. I usually enjoy the folks in line, except for the occasional kid who thinks he can get to the ride faster if I would only bump into the person in front of me. LOL

Enjoy.

[deekaypee]

There are so many advantages to visiting WDW solo that I hardly know where to start. I look forward to my next solo trip (see dates below), because ...

No waiting for others to: (1) decide what to do next, (2) take photos, (3) rush right by the street performer you would really like to watch for a while, (4) take a rest room break, (5) mill around and study the map, (6) stop to trade pins, (7) use up too much time eating lunch, (8) stop for every character that pops up, (9) stop to press coins in some silly machine, (10) walk super fast when you are really worn out, (11) stop at every gift shop in the park, (12) insist on taking a break at the resort in the middle of the day, (13) not be ready to go in the morning, resulting in increased crowd level by the time we arrive, (14) stopping to rest when you are ready to move on, (15) decide what to order at a counter service eatery.

And many of the advantages to traveling solo are mentioned in the other posts in this thread.

I could go on for a long time; but you get the idea. As far as standing in line, no problem at all for me. I usually enjoy the folks in line, except for the occasional kid who thinks he can get to the ride faster if I would only bump into the person in front of me. LOL

Enjoy.

That's it, I'm disinviting DH from the next trip! ;)