Is a solo trip fun? [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

InstImpres

08-12-2006, 10:52 AM

While I love traveling with my DD and sometimes extended family a solo trip is AMAZING!! I get all Disney has to offer and some real down time since I am only waiting on me. (Me getting ready in the morning, me eating, my bathroom time and the advantage of being a single rider). I actually do everything and more plus get to read a book on my solo trips. I try great restuarants that are either to pricey to take DD to or she won;t like. I do backstage tours and I truly take my time to smell the roses.

I love my solo trips and wish I didn't have to cancel mine that was supposed to be last week :sad2:

I would jump on the opportunity.

DisneyLover1091

08-12-2006, 12:48 PM

Actually, it sounds like a lot of fun! Being able to buy whatever you want, eat whereever you want, go to bed whenever you want..

helenk

08-12-2006, 01:28 PM

I really enjoy going by myself. I like to get up early grab and quick breakfast and hit the parks. Everyone in my family would rather sleep in and sit and eat a regular breakfast and then mosey over to the parks.
I like to rush around at first and then sit and people watch or take a break in the afternoon, and I enjoy the parks at night.
I am going by myself in December (my 3rd solo trip) but I am looking forward to going with my brother and his wife and 2 children next May. I know that with young children I will have to re-arrange the way I do the parks, but I can always go by myself later in the year to get my fix.

jjpenguin

08-12-2006, 01:34 PM

I love travelling with my DH, but when I'm alone I can stop in the middle of the street to take a photo, browse a shop for an hour, sit on a bench and watch the crowds, eat all day or not at all. I can be out of the room at 08.00 in the morning ;) if I want, or not leave till 12.00. I can go visit the resorts and really take my time to look for all the details, or spend an hour looking for a hidden Mickey. I find I talk to Cast Members more and also to people waiting in line. I can pin trade with everybody I see ;). I can go on an attraction 3 times in a row if I want.

Yes I love my DH and we have great trips together, but just one week being on my own is so great. I can do exactly what I want when I want and also I feel that I can do things on my own! I feel free & independant, and dare I say it, young again :rotfl:

MdmMim

08-12-2006, 04:10 PM

I love my solo trips! :banana: However, I think in order to enjoy them, one must be comfortable being alone. If you don't mind being by yourself, maybe you should give it a try! :)

Debi

08-12-2006, 05:30 PM

I love solo trips for all the reasons mentioned. You get to be on your own schedule, do what you want when you want to do it, and not have to worry about anyone else but yourself. It's a great treat to yourself!

Merlesgirl

08-12-2006, 05:47 PM

:happytv: This will be my third trip solo in Dec. and I agree with everything above and also to add control of the tv when back after a long day at the parks. To let it on all night so everytime I wake up I see the WDW channel and what to do at the parks. Also, I think that the cast members pay extra attention and throw more pixie dust on you when you dine alone at a sit down eatery. One of the best times I remember at hand was The Rose & Crown. Heck, I don't think you could ever have a bad time solo at all, I'm looking forward and can't wait until Dec.

UrsulasShadow

08-13-2006, 04:38 PM

I'll let you know after my trip in Dec. how I feel about WDW solo...that'll be my first time there on a solo trip. I'm really looking forward to it, though, because I love going places by myself! I like to dine alone, travel alone, camp alone, B&B alone, fly alone...I'm so selfish sometimes! I used to do a lot more of this BC (before children), and can't wait until they're both at college so I can do more of it! Poor DH, I don't think he realizes how much I'll be gone ;).

Terk-1

08-13-2006, 04:55 PM

It's a blast. I love going with family, but I love going solo just as much. It may sound selfish, but you get to do what you want. You can go where you want, when you want. You can dine at any restaurant when and where you want. You can ride an attraction 30 times or skip it all together. You don't have to worry about others having fun, just you having fun. I take tons of pictures while I'm there and by going solo, I don't have to worry about catching up to people or having them roll their eyes at me for taking so many pictures. I take alot of video too. I take one real vacation each year and most of the time it's to WDW.

TikiGoddess2006

08-15-2006, 02:11 PM

Is a solo trip fun? Does Mickey have ears? Does Pooh Bear like honey?

Seriously, I did a solo trip May 2005 and it was AWESOME. I did miss my family but at the time my girls were too young to bring along (at the time, ages 6 mos and 2 yrs old) and DH was willing to watch them, so I went by myself.

I LOVE being there with my family, but there's just something about being able to do what you want, when you want, and for how long. You do have to be comfortable with being by yourself... and there are times when you really want someone to talk to... but overall it's a blast.

Solo trip -- go for it!!
TikiG

**Tinker*Bell*7**

08-16-2006, 03:04 PM

I've been to WDW 4 times solo & LOVED it. I enjoy going with a group but going alone is so much more hassle-free. I can see what I want when I want, eat where and what I want, sleep as late or get up as early as I want, stop to rest or watch a show when I want & there is no discussion about any of it which usually takes 15-20 minutes with a group. It's fabulous! On the first night of my first solo trip I wasn't sure I was going to like it. I was actually feeling a little lonely. It was getting dark and all & I wasn't sure if I would enjoy spending 10 days alone. I had my Pal Mickey with me and we were walking through Fantasyland when all of a sudden he said, "Hey, Pal, I've enjoyed spending the day with you!" It was just what I needed to hear at the time. After that I enjoyed every minute of that trip all all of the subsequent trips. I spent 40 days at WDW between Jan. 2005 & March 2006 & 23 of them were on SOLO trips!! Looking forward to my next solo trip which will be in 6 weeks to DL. My first trip to California! Have fun on YOUR solo trip! :banana: :cheer2:

MinnieMousse

08-22-2006, 04:31 PM

spiceycat

08-22-2006, 06:06 PM

I'm going semi-solo in Sept. with DH who will be in conference in the mornings and with me afternoon and evening. I have already booked my GF spa appointment! I also can't wait to get a giant sundae at Ghiradelli (sp?) Downtown. Any other suggestions for the mornings?

how about a WDW tour - what are your interest - Disney probably has a tour for them

here is a link
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/tours.htm

going to EMH in the morning is always fun!!!

just enjoying your resort! Disney resort are such fun - there is always something going on - or something to watch.... people watch....

shopping at DD, all the resort gift shops - only buy it on sales and more than 50% off.... you can visit the outlet malls for real bargins.

the water parks are fun. minature golf. boating or biking around your resort.

and of course my number one - swimming!!!

Disneylover1091 - if you enjoy disney and I would think you do from your name. Believe me traveling solo is great. If you feel the need to be with others folks go to one of the meet early. So you have your friend before you go to the parks.

but I love my solo trips. You can actually do the museum in Mexico instead of a quick glance also the one in Morocco....

you have fun during the games and things in Invocations without someone saying can't we go....

you can immediately get back in line for Space:mission or your favorite without being yelled at - we just did that one.... :rolleyes1

solo trips are FUN!!! :artist:

Simba's Mom

08-22-2006, 06:19 PM

I love going solo! DH and I go together once a year, and then I also go solo once a year. I call it my mental health trip. One thing I love is that I can change my plans so easily without anyone to mind. Like maybe I've planned that on Thursday I'll go to the MK. Then Tuesday morning arrives, and I wake up with an urge to ride Dumbo. Well, off to the MK it is! One evening I suddenly had an urge for clam chowder. So I dropped everything, off to the Beach Club, and the lounge next to the old Ariel's restaurant for a bowl of clam chowder. Then, of course, there's lots of room for a sundae at B&C! It's great to have a few days of "me" time. Only 24 more days to go!

MinnieMousse

08-23-2006, 01:07 PM

Sounds great! Where exactly is B&C located in Epcot?

Simba's Mom

08-23-2006, 05:34 PM

Beaches and Cream is located right between the Yacht and Beach Club, on the other side of SAB.

MinnieMousse

08-24-2006, 02:03 PM

Thanks for all the great advice! I am very excited, just a little nervous to get lost while wondering around on my own! :blush:

hockeygirl

08-24-2006, 03:22 PM

You will have a blast on a solo trip....my second solo trip is next week...I am very excited. Although it is great traveling with a group, nothing beats being able to do whatever you want whenever you want!!!! As long as you are comfortable being on your own, you will have a blast!! Don't think twice about doing it, just go with it, you only live once, and what better place to spend a vacation than Disney!!!

Only 5 more days till i leave!!! :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2:

MinnieMousse

08-24-2006, 03:51 PM

Thanks! I am really excited now that I have talked to all of you and got some great advice! I am just trying to figure out this whole DDP thing... :smokin:

WDW Poly Princess

08-25-2006, 11:21 PM

I didn't realize how much I've grown to love my solo trips until I went with family again! We split up a lot, so I still ended up with some solo time, but it wasn't the same!

Warning: Solo is addicting!

_chill_

08-29-2006, 03:55 PM

I love travelling alone (typically do when on business anyway). WDW is no exception. While I like having someone along to experience everything with, it's also great having total control over what, when, and where you go. The only problem I've ever had is getting up in a restaurant to use the facilities and coming back to find the table cleared and/or someone else sitting there because the staff thought I had left. :sad2: It's happened so many times now I avoid TS dining when I'm by myself (worse outside 'the world').

i<3Disney

08-30-2006, 01:18 AM

I live in Orlando so I'm always going to the parks alone...it's fun to choose what rides to go on without having to answer to anyone :banana:

DisneylandGuy22

08-30-2006, 03:36 AM

I love going on Solo trips to Disney as you are technically never alone... :thumbsup2

MinnieMousse

08-30-2006, 12:05 PM

Disneyfan63

08-30-2006, 08:48 PM

Hi,

In December I will go to the World for only the seventh time in my life, but sixth solo. If I waited for someone to go with, I would never go anywhere. I have trouble in table service restaurants as well when I answer nature's call. It's irritating. I feel like writing them a note: "Need to use the men's room. I cannot take a message."

Jim

MinnieMousse

08-31-2006, 01:49 PM

Isn't there some kind of waiters signal that if you leave your napkin on your chair that means that you're coming back, but if your napkin is on the table, that means that you are done??? I thought I heard about that in some business etiquette class.

Redbudlover

09-04-2006, 05:42 PM

I have booked a solo trip, my first, to BC and AK 11/27 - 12/2 and had the opportunity to invite my favorite aunt to go with me to split costs...... I thought about it all of five minutes and decided to spend the extra to go alone. Each time I have thought about it since I make the same decision. I have travelled internationally as well as domestically solo and have always found I met more people while alone and had more interesting times. and that is on top of keeping my own schedule. I like not worrying if my DH is having a good time or likes his food or whatever. I just love the alone time surrounded by happy people and children and magic. Can't beat it.

NJGuy3

09-07-2006, 08:37 PM

I'm curious about doing a solo trip to WDW as well. I am a 30y/o single guy and would like to go again next year, but none of friends are showing interest in going, so that's why I have been considering a solo trip.
I know that having the flexibilty of doing whatever I want and whenever I want would be great, but I don't know how I'd feel about dining alone. I don't think I'd mind breakfast and lunch, but it's dinner time that I might be somewhat uncomfortable with. I love going to all those nice Disney restaurants such as, Le'Celier, Ohana's, Teppanyaki, etc.
Any advice or feedback from others who have done it already?

budcollector

09-10-2006, 06:51 AM

Going Solo is the only way to go, i can't wait to do my 2nd solo trip in December,
if you feel uncomfy about eating in a resturant solo,[ i do ] you could do like i do go back to the hotel and eat at the food court, mmmm nothing better then a burger,fries and soda for dinner. yummy

djblu883

09-10-2006, 08:09 AM

I work on the road so I go solo everywhere..eating at a restaurant solo isn't so bad and only once have I had someone clean up my table though I did have waitstaff staff steal a pair of sunglasses.(another couple eating close by reported her to me and they were recovered)I usually take a book..leaving that on the table usually is enough to let them know I'll be back lol...as far as feeling silly...if I waitied until I had company to eat at a TS place I'd stay hungry and I rarely eat fast food.(NOT HEALTHY)...enjoy your meals...life is too short to worry about the small stuff!!! princess: pirate: :bounce: :crazy: :eeyore: :figment: :goofy: :maleficen :hmghost: :ccat: :tink:

DisneydaveCT

09-10-2006, 09:22 AM

I made my first solo trip to WDW 25 years ago...yes it was just the MK. Since then I have made a few other solo trips down. While it is true that there is something nice about controlling one's own itinerary, I do miss having that special Disney gal by my side. Hopefully, I will be able to share one of my next trips with a special Disney gal. :lovestruc

I also truly enjoy taking my 12 y.o. DD to WDW. Although she is getting to that age where she is going to want some time on her own soon.

No matter how I go, solo or with others, WDW is still my favorite vacation spot. :wizard:

djblu883

09-10-2006, 10:23 AM

I totally agree with you Dave. WDW is truely the place to go on vacations...its my fav spot!! This will be the first ,of I'm sure many Solo trips....of coarse I have a baby princess that will be a perfect age next year so, maybe she and I will end up going...I'll kidnap her from her Mommy for an annual MiMI and DGD trip!! well unless I meet my own special prince... princess: :joker: :crazy: :dancer: lol I love that guy dancing!!! 16 more days til my first of two SOLO trips this year!!!! Yeah!!!! I say Solo...2nd trip is with friends as roomies but we are solo parking things for the most part...doing the Segway Tour, Mousefest Land Stuff,and who knows maybe a trip to Jelly Rolls though I'm not a bar scene person anymore, the dueling pianos sounds like fun!!!

Simba's Mom

09-10-2006, 01:14 PM

I used to feel uncomfortable about sit-down dining until I happened on this-bring a little 99 cent notebook. Spend the time making notes on where you went, what you did, impressions, food comments, etc., etc. At the end of your trip you have some great info to post here as well as a great souvenier of your trip. I love to pull out my notebooks from trips past to read again. Note-just don't forget to bring a pen too. At my first sit down meal I thought I was all set with my notebook, until I realized I had nothing to write with!

NJGuy3

09-10-2006, 10:30 PM

Thanks...you guys make it seem so easy and that I shouldn;t feel uncomfortable at all dining solo. I just don;t want to give up eating at great TS restaurants because I am solo. Nothing against eating a burger and fries, but I don't think I'd enjoy that all the time for dinner, that makes better for a lunch or CS meal for me. I guess we'll see what happens between now and next year, hopefully a couple freind will change their mind or I'll meet some new ones that are interested. I haven't had the chance to spend a Disney vacation with a special Disney gal, but that would be nice.

Redbudlover

09-10-2006, 11:41 PM

I have travelled a lot solo on business and then for pleasure. The best way to get over being uncomfortable dining solo is to jump in and do it. It really is just fine! I find I talk to the people around me a lot more - though not always - and enjoy my people watching. I usually take a book and then sometimes read, and sometimes not. There are usually single men dining around me, though not so often single women. It is so old hat to me now I don't think twice about and usually do it at least once a week here at home.... It is not as romantic.... but I enjoy myself either way... I would definitely NOT go back to a food court for a hamburger with all the good food and restaurants in WDW!

jordancej

09-15-2006, 05:39 PM

I'm tackling my first solo trip as well. Looking forward to it actually, my co-workers think i'm off my rocker for going by myself. I've been to WDW 2 years in a row, and i'm really familiar with everything. The only change i'm having to make is not being able to stay at POFQ, i just couldnt justify the cost when i will never be the resort, so i chose a value resort instead. I dont mind eating by myself so i really dont think that will be different. The only draw back is not being able to share special moments with someone, but heck thats what cell phones are for! hehe My sister already warned me that shes not going to be on the telephone with me every second i see something cool!! :rotfl: Plus I love taking pics with all the characters, and my neices on the last trip were going "Not ANOTHER picture", so i'm really looking forward to all the villians and costumed characters at the MNSSHP!

PS - i have ADR's at Le Cellier, Coral Reef and Mama Melrose

Redbudlover

09-16-2006, 09:29 PM

UrsulasShadow

09-17-2006, 05:36 PM

I wish they had a way to sign up to share space for singles traveling solo... I have BC water view for 3 days and AKL concierge level for two day NOv. 27 - Dec 2 and I would love to share the space - and maybe a little of the experience with another solo disser. It is a shame for solos not to be able to have the resort they want because they are not sharing costs!
Maybe that'd be a good subject for a sticky. There are threads explaining Illuminations cruises, and links to those who would like to share. Maybe someone would like to start a thread for sharing a resort room, and ask the mods to make it a sticky....
Personally, I like being alone, and would not be comfortable sharing a room with a stranger (flashbacks to my first college roommate experience :crazy: ), but there are some on these boards who have years-long relationships with others on these boards, and might feel differently. It's worth considering, maybe.