Going to WDW Alone??!!

[KyleRayner]

I have a trip planned to WDW for next month (4/21-4/26) staying at BWV for the first time. My sister was supposed to go with me, but now cannot go.

I've asked some of my friends to take her place, but no one can go.

I'm debating whether I should just cancel the reservation or if I should just take the plunge and go by myself.

I would love to hear from my fellow DIS'ers if any of you have gone by yourself or know of someone who have gone by his or herself.

Any opinions or comments are welcome!!! Thanks in advance.

[TammyAlphabet]

I haven't done this, but I would love too!! I think you should go and have a great time! You can always meet people at WDW!

[MdmMim]

Many people go solo. It's great! ;) You might want to check out the "Adults and Solo Travelers" board here on the DIS. Lots of info and suggestions for a solo.

Have fun!

[newholidayx2]

Im going solo in April also. I'll be at Pop 4/20-22 then switching over to BCV 4/22-27. I have 7 ARs & 3 EpCot tours booked. Planning on spending my afternoons w/Off Kilter!
There is a DISmeet for Thurs morn 4/26 at MK 9am in front of the Walt/Mickey statue. Go to the first forum and there's "When you see ppl at WDW" and "Focker" threads.

Since youve been to WDW so many times you should definately feel "at home in your surroundings"

[KyleRayner]

Im going solo in April also. I'll be at Pop 4/20-22 then switching over to BCV 4/22-27. I have 7 ARs & 3 EpCot tours booked. Planning on spending my afternoons w/Off Kilter!
There is a DISmeet for Thurs morn 4/26 at MK 9am in front of the Walt/Mickey statue. Go to the first forum and there's "When you see ppl at WDW" and "Focker" threads.

Since youve been to WDW so many times you should definately feel "at home in your surroundings"

That's funny, our trips almost mirror each other. I'm checking into Pop Century for one night on 4/21 and then switching to BWV from 4/22-4/26!!!!

[Simba's Mom]

I have a trip planned to WDW for next month (4/21-4/26) staying at BWV for the first time. My sister was supposed to go with me, but now cannot go.

I've asked some of my friends to take her place, but no one can go.

I'm debating whether I should just cancel the reservation or if I should just take the plunge and go by myself.

I would love to hear from my fellow DIS'ers if any of you have gone by yourself or know of someone who have gone by his or herself.

Any opinions or comments are welcome!!! Thanks in advance.

I often go solo. And even though I'll be at OKW with DH that same week, he golfs daily, so I'm like a golf widow-I might as well be solo during the day. I also recommend the "Adults and Solos" board. You'll find there are lots of us who go solo. Hope to see you Thursday that week! BTW, DS and his wife will be at BWV at the same time, so if you see a couple where the wife doesn't speak English, be sure to say "Hi" to him and "Buenos Dias" (hope I got it right) to her.

[jedijill]

I go solo all the time! I love it! I'm going again on 4/27-5/1. I love being on my own schedule. This trip I am going to meet up with some friends from home I know for a day in Epcot but the rest of the time is all mine.

Have fun!

Jill in KC

[KyleRayner]

I often go solo. And even though I'll be at OKW with DH that same week, he golfs daily, so I'm like a golf widow-I might as well be solo during the day. I also recommend the "Adults and Solos" board. You'll find there are lots of us who go solo. Hope to see you Thursday that week! BTW, DS and his wife will be at BWV at the same time, so if you see a couple where the wife doesn't speak English, be sure to say "Hi" to him and "Buenos Dias" (hope I got it right) to her.

What's Thursday?

[bobbiwoz]

What's Thursday?

See post #4! I wouldn't plan a solo trip, but if I were in your shoes now, I'd go, since all the arrangements were made, I would figure the trip "was meant to be!" Have a great time!
Bobbi:goodvibes

[athenna]

Oh do it!!!! You won't regret it!!!!!:thumbsup2
I have only been back form my 1st ever solo trip 1 week!!!!!
I had a great time!!
You get to do what you want, when you want to!!!
Feel free to PM me if you have any specific questions!

[MAGICinMYHEART]

Two years ago I had made plans, then my sister couldn't join me until late the second day. I really enjoyed going were I wanted, but didn't really eat in public.

This past December I went 4 days before the rest of my family arrived. I had a blast. I ate at several TS restaurants and didn't feel self conscious at all, the servers were great about making me feel at ease.

I was able for the first time, to wonder at my hearts content not worrying about when to meet-up with the family.

[OKWJan]

I agree with everyone else! I have gone several times by myself and it was wonderful - relaxing & fun. You will have a great time.

Jan

[Boston5602]

I bought last year at BWV , mainly because of solo trips I had taken and enjoyed so much while being at BWV. It is so easy and fun to be solo in WDW . I always had lunch at ESPN Club ( easy to do at bar ) and also spent quite a few evenings ( late mornings ) at Jelly Roll's . I never have to worry about getting " Home " safely when drinking at Jelly Roll's I'm already There !!!!!!

I do eat at most of the TS alone but if you have a problem with that the location is great for counter service , between BWV , BCV/YC, S/D and Epcot theres nothing but choice.

I also had spent a few of my afternoons doing the tours that none of my family or friends would do.

I'm very happy to do WDW solo. I just wish I could find the time now <G>!!!


Go and have fun!

[mjy]

Gosh . . . we might need to rename this thread, "Does anyone go with at least one other person?" :)

I, too, have gone solo probably more than I have gone with other guests.

I like the ability to plan my own day and activities (or lack thereof) without worrying about entertaining others. That said, I also like taking first-timers and showing them around and seeing the pixie dust in their eyes!

Disney is a great place to go whether or not you go with someone else and/or meet someone else. It's just a place to relax, unwind, have fun, and prepare yourself, unfortunately, for re-entry into that "real" world of job, et cetera.

[DrShifty]

I was at a conference at BW and was worried about being at WDW alone for a week. I got alot of useful info on various boards (icluding Deb's Allears site as I remember). I had a great time and did a good many things that DF (Disney family) wouldn't be interested in doing.
I have one particular suggestion for you, I love Flying Fish and always eat there on my stays at WDW (staying at BWV makes it even more convenient). The only part of the trip that I felt a little self-conscious was at dinner. As MagicinMyHeart said, the servers and staff at all of the restaurants were great with singles. Having said that, I LOVED eating at the Flying Fish alone (I did it twice) as they have a counter looking into the kitchen that is set up for singles. It was fun to watch the food being made and I got to talk to the Chef (Chef Jens) for a while while I was eating. Try it- you'll love it.

[ccigliano]

My first response when I read your post was count me in - I'll go with ya - just to be cute. But now after reading all the responses, travelling solo aint' all that bad. The more you think about it - it is almost as good as going on a singles cruise. You can get on the solo line for really popular rides and meet people that way. Strike up a conversation while sitting at the pool, waiting for a bus, waiting on line or just plain keep to yourself - it really is up to you. I never felt that comfortable traveling solo as a woman but I don't think I feel that way about Disney. I wander around by myself from time to time when there with family anyway and have always felt fine. Have a great vacation.

[Meggie Pooh]

I was supposed to go with a friend as well but now, I leave for my first ever solo trip in less than 48 hours and I can't wait!!! Just the freedom to go, do, see, eat and ride anytime I want is something I'm really looking forward too!

I love traveling with my friends and family, but you always have to compromise on things, well this trip that isn't happening! If I want to do something, I'm doing it!

I will let you know if the trip turns out as great as I think it will when I get back on the 22nd!

[KyleRayner]

I was supposed to go with a friend as well but now, I leave for my first ever solo trip in less than 48 hours and I can't wait!!! Just the freedom to go, do, see, eat and ride anytime I want is something I'm really looking forward too!

I love traveling with my friends and family, but you always have to compromise on things, well this trip that isn't happening! If I want to do something, I'm doing it!

I will let you know if the trip turns out as great as I think it will when I get back on the 22nd!

Yes, please. Let me know how it goes and have a great time. Where are you staying and for how long?

[bababear_50]

Hi
just back from my first solo trip and it was great.

I really had time to just think ,relax and have fun. I have three sons 19 21 and 24 who all live at home. I'm a special needs teacher so "my time " is pretty limited.

I was up early each morning and found dtd a wonderful place to be early in the morning,,calm peaceful relaxing --nice place to get a cinnamon bun cup coffee and watch the water flow by DTD. I had plenty of time to explore all of DTD at a slow restful pace.

Epcot was great because quite a few of the attractions call for single lane riders --yes in honour of my sons I rode test track--it was wonderful--great way to get you blood flowing early in the morning.
I found with FP and single lane ride I had less time wait than previous trips with friends and family. Lunch in Italy was warm and comfortable--cm's engage you alot I think when traveling solo.(ate lunch outside on the patio overlooking the fountain.)

MGM -I found streets I had never seen before and just wore myself out going everywhere and seeing everything.I saw star tours which I've always wanted to see and my kids never wanted to see. Great Fun!!
I never had to worry about losing anyone cause it was only me. In March it is crowed (spring Break )but being just me it was easy to go around people.
Lunch at abc was fun --tv everywhere and lots of people watching to do.

Mk was very busy but arriving early I went on pirates (my fav) three times ,
Peter Pan Flight, Mickey Phillar Magic, Haunted Mansion and then FP Stitch
had a coffee and treat break and back to Stitch ,,all by 10:30 am.I took the Liberty bell river boat for a quiet break and then headed over to Transit Authority ,followed by a little shopping on main street ,,,back to my room --little break and lunch and then went back in the evening to see Wishes and a few more rides and attractions.

I was a little worried that I'd stand out as a solo traveler but --this never happened --actually when a family I met on one of the buses their found out that I was alone they both said (envy) they'd love to try it solo.

It think it was one of the best "ME " trips I've ever taken.

[KyleRayner]

Hi
just back from my first solo trip and it was great.

I really had time to just think ,relax and have fun. I have three sons 19 21 and 24 who all live at home. I'm a special needs teacher so "my time " is pretty limited.

I was up early each morning and found dtd a wonderful place to be early in the morning,,calm peaceful relaxing --nice place to get a cinnamon bun cup coffee and watch the water flow by DTD. I had plenty of time to explore all of DTD at a slow restful pace.

Epcot was great because quite a few of the attractions call for single lane riders --yes in honour of my sons I rode test track--it was wonderful--great way to get you blood flowing early in the morning.
I found with FP and single lane ride I had less time wait than previous trips with friends and family. Lunch in Italy was warm and comfortable--cm's engage you alot I think when traveling solo.(ate lunch outside on the patio overlooking the fountain.)

MGM -I found streets I had never seen before and just wore myself out going everywhere and seeing everything.I saw star tours which I've always wanted to see and my kids never wanted to see. Great Fun!!
I never had to worry about losing anyone cause it was only me. In March it is crowed (spring Break )but being just me it was easy to go around people.
Lunch at abc was fun --tv everywhere and lots of people watching to do.

Mk was very busy but arriving early I went on pirates (my fav) three times ,
Peter Pan Flight, Mickey Phillar Magic, Haunted Mansion and then FP Stitch
had a coffee and treat break and back to Stitch ,,all by 10:30 am.I took the Liberty bell river boat for a quiet break and then headed over to Transit Authority ,followed by a little shopping on main street ,,,back to my room --little break and lunch and then went back in the evening to see Wishes and a few more rides and attractions.

I was a little worried that I'd stand out as a solo traveler but --this never happened --actually when a family I met on one of the buses their found out that I was alone they both said (envy) they'd love to try it solo.

It think it was one of the best "ME " trips I've ever taken.

Hi Mel,

Hearing how your trip went was very helpful. I'm happy to hear that it was a pleasureable experience. How long did you stay and where did you stay? I'll be at WDW from 4/21-4/26 and I'm staying at Pop Century for the first night and then switching to the Boardwalk Villas for the rest of the trip.

In addition to going to the parks and doing the rides and shows I want to see, I'm also thinking of doing one of those behind the scenes tours. Any suggestions? I've already done the Around the World on a Segway Tour at Epcot, so I'd like to do a different one.

[bababear_50]

Hi Marc

I stayed at pop ----I think once I become a DVC member and if I need an extra night before moving to one of the villas I'm going to go back to staying for a night at one of the all-stars-- price and size this will make sense for me,pop was ok but the shear size made bus line ups very long and check in/out very long--however it is close to quite a few of the parks.

I didn't take any tours this time --actually had a few booked and ended up cancelling them because I was so busy checking out the DVC resorts.
I was going to do the "keys to the kingdom " and "Dolphins in Depth.'
Segway looks like alot of fun,,hmmm maybe next trip.

The weather there was excellent and made for beautiful walks --I found the walk -way across the generation bridge by hourglass lake was wonderful.
It will be interesting to see how Disney themes the new part of pop Century --40,30,20,1900.

Hope your trip is full of magical memories :hug:
Mel

[newholidayx2]

I'll be doing the Countries, FutureWorld and Garden tours at EpCot while Im there in April
The Countries and Garden tours I believe are due to be discontinued after June? Glad I'll get to do them in April

[Meggie Pooh]

Yes, please. Let me know how it goes and have a great time. Where are you staying and for how long?

I leave tomorrow (Sunday) for 3 nights at Pop! I can't wait!!! I have stayed there before, so I know what to expect. I don't spend a ton of time at the resort, so I decided to save a bit of $$ on that so I could do some other fun stuff instead!

[Princess Bella Luna]

I'm just wondering- is there a reason people do go to parks alone? I have done so once when a friend has to miss out due to illness. I'm assuming most of the time it's done by choice?

I'd like to go alone again - but I sure do miss out on enjoying things with pals.

[Simba's Mom]

I'm just wondering- is there a reason people do go to parks alone? I have done so once when a friend has to miss out due to illness. I'm assuming most of the time it's done by choice?

I'd like to go alone again - but I sure do miss out on enjoying things with pals.
I'll bet there's lots of different reasons, depending on the person. My main reason is that, even though I'm married, DH isn't nearly the "Disney fanatic" I am. I just want more of a Disney "fix" than he does. We've got a real nice system-once a year we go together and once a year I go solo (well, technically, although lately I've been finding an excuse for 2 solo trips a year!) And since he likes one resort better than I do, and I prefer another, we stay at his favorite on our trip, and then I've got what's become "My" solo resort. Actually, my first Disney trip was a mother's day present almost 11 years ago-"Mom's weekend". Boy, did I cry when they surprised me with it! A weekend away by myself in my favorite place on earth-I loved it! It works for us.

[Terk-1]

I've been to WDW several times solo and as much as I enjoy going with family, I enjoy going solo just as much. The freedom you have is incredible. YOU get to do what YOU want when YOU want to. Dine where & when YOU want to. Do all the attractions YOU want to do as many times as YOU want to do them. Take your time and leisurely stroll down Main Street USA looking at all the intricate details in the windows. I did this on my last solo trip and found a door I had never seen before on any of the 16 trips I've been on (see below).

http://inlinethumb62.webshots.com/1597/2629024160052338942S600x600Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2629024160052338942UitzIf)

You get to really take the time and enjoy things that you may have not had the chance to do with others. Go at a pace that is comfortable to you. Going solo means that the only person you have to worry about having a good time is you.

[newholidayx2]

http://inlinethumb62.webshots.com/1597/2629024160052338942S600x600Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2629024160052338942UitzIf)
[/B][/COLOR]

so where is this door?!

[Princess Bella Luna]

Good points made by everyone! I think I'd like to do another solo trip again soon. Thank goodness I'm a FL resident!

[mla1977]

I kinda sorta went solo in 2002 over spring break. A friend made reservations for herself and then she told me I could join her for free (paying for my own flight and tickets, but staying in the room for free). The only thing we did together was a character breakfast. I had loads of fun. I was much younger and in better shape. I think I slept 12 hours the 4 days that I was there. I don't know if I could keep up the pace again, but I would definitely travel solo again.

[Susiesnowflake]

I have never gone on a trip to WDW solo. I've gone into the parks alone and am quite happy and comfortable doing that. My concern with a solo trip is feeling safe when out and about at night, particularly after I leave the parks and am returning to my room. If I was staying at the Polynesian, I'd be quite comfortable. It's my favorite, and I've stayed there many times, so I am very familiar with the resort, and the property is smaller than most. Staying there will not be an option when going solo, however, so I'm a little nervous about staying someplace unfamiliar. I've stayed at the CBR and like it there, but some of those rooms are really tucked away. I know that I will continue to go all the same. Disney World is my favorite place to be. Night time safety does concern me though.

[mla1977]

Susie,

I never felt unsafe when I was in Disney, even when I was out partying at Pleasure Island until closing. I stayed at All Star Sports that time. My room was further back next to the baseball pool. I would definitely take the same percautions that I would take at home (not going off with a stranger, not walking down an unlit alley, etc). That's just common sense.

[Meggie Pooh]

Yes, please. Let me know how it goes and have a great time. Where are you staying and for how long?


I'm back from my solo trip and I had a great time! It was so much fun to be able to do/see whatever, or eat/relax whenever I wanted! Some highlights/lowlights (there weren't many of those)

Pop: Pop was good, but I was in the boonies (90's building room 8116). I was quite litterally 3 rooms from the end of the resort. Traveling alone, it would have been nicer to have been closer to the main building. I never felt unsafe, but walking that distance alone wasn't very fun!

The parks: While the lines were longer than I'm used too, I still had a great time. I did just what I wanted when I wanted. One real bonus I found in being alone, is that instead of chatting with the people I ususally travel with, I got to meet and talk to strangers, and met some really fun people. Most were shocked to hear that I was alone at first, but once I told them that a) this wasn't my first trip, and b) I don't always travel alone, many of them commented on how it may be fun to go solo! Meeting all the new people was probably the highlight of my trip. It was also a lot of fun being able to see things on my own schedule. If I wanted to stop and just sit and enjoy a :drinking: I did. I also spent a lot more time really looking at the attractions, rather than just running to get onto another ride. I had the time and didn't need to worry about someone else being bored if I was lingering!


Dining: This time most of my meals were just CS stuff either at my resort or in the parks, so that was no big deal. I did have one ADR at LTT in MK. It was strange at first not having someone to talk to while I ate, but I found I got to soak in much more of the atmosphere of the Tavern than I usually would have had I been with someone. I got a few funny looks when I sat down alone, but you get over it pretty quickly.


It was hard not having someone to share some of the stuff with, some things pictures just can't explain, but I wouldn't hesitate to go alone again!


Feel free to ask any questions you may have!

[KyleRayner]

I'm back from my solo trip and I had a great time! It was so much fun to be able to do/see whatever, or eat/relax whenever I wanted! Some highlights/lowlights (there weren't many of those)

Pop: Pop was good, but I was in the boonies (90's building room 8116). I was quite litterally 3 rooms from the end of the resort. Traveling alone, it would have been nicer to have been closer to the main building. I never felt unsafe, but walking that distance alone wasn't very fun!

The parks: While the lines were longer than I'm used too, I still had a great time. I did just what I wanted when I wanted. One real bonus I found in being alone, is that instead of chatting with the people I ususally travel with, I got to meet and talk to strangers, and met some really fun people. Most were shocked to hear that I was alone at first, but once I told them that a) this wasn't my first trip, and b) I don't always travel alone, many of them commented on how it may be fun to go solo! Meeting all the new people was probably the highlight of my trip. It was also a lot of fun being able to see things on my own schedule. If I wanted to stop and just sit and enjoy a :drinking: I did. I also spent a lot more time really looking at the attractions, rather than just running to get onto another ride. I had the time and didn't need to worry about someone else being bored if I was lingering!


Dining: This time most of my meals were just CS stuff either at my resort or in the parks, so that was no big deal. I did have one ADR at LTT in MK. It was strange at first not having someone to talk to while I ate, but I found I got to soak in much more of the atmosphere of the Tavern than I usually would have had I been with someone. I got a few funny looks when I sat down alone, but you get over it pretty quickly.


It was hard not having someone to share some of the stuff with, some things pictures just can't explain, but I wouldn't hesitate to go alone again!


Feel free to ask any questions you may have!

Hey Meggie Pooh,

Thanks so much for remembering to post your trip experience. It really helped a lot. My concern pretty much is the dining and what to do at night. I was thinking the same thing in regards to doing a lot of counter service. During the day at the parks I don't think I'll have a problem. Like you said, it definitely will be a perk to go on the rides I want, see the shows I want, without worrying about someone else.

If you don't mind me asking, aside from dinner, what did you do at night? Usually when I'm with other people we go to Downtown Disney or Pleasure Island or hang out at the resort pool and hot tub.

If I think of anymore questions, I'll PM you, if that's ok. Welcome back!!!

P.S. I don't know if you're on MySpace or not, but there are a few of us DIS'ers on MySpace. So if you are, let me know and I'll PM you my MySpace address.

[Meggie Pooh]

Hey Meggie Pooh,

Thanks so much for remembering to post your trip experience. It really helped a lot. My concern pretty much is the dining and what to do at night. I was thinking the same thing in regards to doing a lot of counter service. During the day at the parks I don't think I'll have a problem. Like you said, it definitely will be a perk to go on the rides I want, see the shows I want, without worrying about someone else.

If you don't mind me asking, aside from dinner, what did you do at night? Usually when I'm with other people we go to Downtown Disney or Pleasure Island or hang out at the resort pool and hot tub.

If I think of anymore questions, I'll PM you, if that's ok. Welcome back!!!

P.S. I don't know if you're on MySpace or not, but there are a few of us DIS'ers on MySpace. So if you are, let me know and I'll PM you my MySpace address.

I just PM'd you!

Nights...I was there for such a short time, that I was at the parks for most of the day and night, so by the time the parks closed, I was just plum tuckered out! I did hang out at the pool with a "beverage" and dipped my toes in the pool. I also went to DD to do some shopping as well. If I would have been there longer, I would have explored the hotels I haven't visited, maybe done some of the stuff at the Boardwalk or Pleasure Island....

PM me anytime! I'm more than happy to chat about my trips with anyone!

[ChisJo]

I've gone solo twice...and absolutely loved both times. The last time I was there solo for the entire trip and had a great time. I never felt insecure or alone or bored at any time. I wasn't worried or felt unsafe at any time - and I stayed off property (I would probably feel safer staying on WDW property). I recommend doing it....I loved doing everything at my own pace. Being someone who had gone previously, I knew all the things I wanted to do and wanted to omit, and didn't feel pressured to do them for the sake of the person I was with. I also was able to sleep in and get to the parks and still enjoy them. I also was able to finish most of the "must sees" by noon in each park...so if I had wanted to go shopping or go back to my room for a nap, or to the pool, I was able to without disappointing anyone. I felt like the master of my own destiny!!! One of the best things was being able to go to ANY restaurant that I wanted to and eat whatever I wanted without worrying about how the person I am with is enjoying it, or if they are on a budget, or if they are happy about the choice, etc., etc., etc.

I did have one couple question my being alone, and they were quite rude about it actually (they were trying to be nice, but they didn't come across that way at all!!). I finally ended up making up a lie about why I was alone that left them speechless (I won't repeat it - it was good though - when I tell people about it, they laugh!!).

I have a trip coming up and I am going with my boyfriend (his first time) and I already told him that there will be days that I will want to ditch him and do my own thing....luckily, he is pretty cool with that!! So go solo - you won't regret it, I promise. I wish you luck and have a great time!!

Jo

[lshaw]

My husband doesn't know this but I would give anything for a chance to go to Disney World alone! We are DVC members, and we've been there three times in the last 12 months. The latest was the first week of march 07. I wouldnt even think twice about it- I would love to be able to eat whenever I want to eat, go to bed whenever I want (think about how comfortable you will be without someone snoring or stealing the covers etc.), sit by the pool, read, relax and just have a vacation for ME. You can get on the rides faster by using the single line also. Of course I want one week for myself and then one week with hubby. That would be ideal!