1st solo trip - I'm scared and need advice!

[dazzling]

Hi all!

I'm brand new to this site, so forgive me if this question's been asked a million times before, but the search thingy doesn't seem to work properly for me. And I hope I don't make any major forum boo-boo's so please, be gentle with me!

Anyway, I'm planning a solo trip to Orlando from my home in the UK next year in May/June. I've been several times before with friends/family/wife, but never alone. I'm single again now and have an opportunity to go and just really fancy the idea of a solo trip. The freedom to do what I want, go on what I want, eat what, where and when I want and so on really appeals. Please don't think I'm being selfish, I don't mean to be, it's just that I've done it before as a couple and a group and have always absolutely loved it, I just really fancy a holiday for me.

So, I've read every post virtually on here, but still need some help.

Firstly, can you really have a good time by yourself in Orlando? I'm not much of a mixer or one to chat to strangers but I do enjoy and am quite comfortable in my own company. At home I regularly visit the cinema, eat out, go to concerts, etc, on my own and am totally fine with it and always have fun.

Secondly, I need recommendations of things that are good for solo's, restaurants, bars, shows, everything and anything. Or maybe it would be easier if you nice people could tell me what things to avoid? (Like family orientated restaurants for example.)

Sorry if that seems a bit vague but I'm new to all this planning lark, I usually just fly by the seat of my pants!

So any assistance, stories, kind words welcome.

Thanks all!

[Amysita]

You sound just like me before my first solo which was DLand. I scheduled conservativley thinking I would feel lonely, odd, etc. doing things that I would normally do with a group (IE...avoided shows, character dining, or even standing in line to meet a character in the parks, fine dining, etc.) I have NOTHING but regrets. People at the parks & cast members couldn't give a flying fig if you're alone or not...and it is impossible to have a bad time at Disney...you have to WANT to be miserable to make that happen...the only person that held me back was me...I got in my own way. I am doing it again next year - this time DWorld. I will not make the same mistakes again...I am going to Cirque (by myself), I will make ADR's at several restaurants (table for one please)...including character meals, I'll be going to MNSSHP and F&W (solo), I will check out Jellyrolls & House of Blues. The way I look at it...I'm spending darn good money to go on vacation to the most magical place on earth...I am not going to have the abreviated experience again. You say you're comfortable with your own company...I say go for the gusto...do it all (all that YOU want to do)...and you won't have regrets. If you don't feel right at something you've scheduled...get up and walk out/away...better to do that than regret NOT at least trying to do/see something that you want. ::MinnieMo

[Kennywife]

I was just like you before I came back from my solo at POP Century recently. In my case, I had never been to WDW without my hubby. I had also never gone anywhere out of state without my family due to having multiple disabilities and being afraid something would happen.

I needn't worried. I stayed at POP for 6 days on Nov. 27-Dec. 3 and seriously had the best time ever. I could do what I wanted, see what I wanted, ride as many or as few rides as I wanted, and everyone stopped to chat with me, trust me, you will not be alone. :lmao: I got adopted everywhere I went. I made so many new friends. I chatted people up in lines for buses, rides, at restuants, etc. I went resort hopping and found the Poly! :love::cloud9: I saw Fantasmic, the Osborne Festival of Lights, World Showcase, and I finally rode Test Track! I ate enough Mickey head rice krispie bars till my head exploded nearly! LOL! I also ate at Whispering Canyon Cafe and got "accused" of stealing the ketchup! LOL! That alone was worth the trip!

If you wanna go, go. I would do it again in a heartbeat and can't believe I was so worried about it. I feel such pride in myself also because I am a woman with multiple disabilites and I conquered my fear of being alone by going to WDW. And I absolutely plan to go solo again. This time, to D-Land in May for the F&W festival.

Anna

[Kennywife]

Check out Wolfgang Puck Express and House of Blues while you're there. Those are two restaurants that are great for solos and the food is fab! :banana:

[Judy in Texas]

Check out Wolfgang Puck Express and House of Blues while you're there. Those are two restaurants that are great for solos and the food is fab! :banana:

I agree with Wolfgang Puck Express and House of Blues at Downtown Disney. Also add Earl Of Sandwich. DTD is a great place to spend time when solo.

The food court at Pop Century is one of the best in any resort.

Make sure you see Festival of The Lion King at Animal Kingdom, Turtle Talk with Crush and Soarin' at Epcot, Laugh Floor and Buzz Lightyear at MK. Counter Service meals are great for singles, especially if you can get a table near a window or on a patio if weather permits. People watching at WDW is great to do alone. Keep your park maps, reference materials handy if you decide to eat at a table service restaurant. You can review it while you wait on your food. You will have a great time.

[aggielawyer]

I would say do the things you want to do--don't skip something because you're alone. Don't eat at the bar--get a table. I ate at Biergarten, which I was a little nervous about, but I ended up meeting a family from the boards and had a great time. Have a great time!

[Kennywife]

I second what Courtney says. Don't eat at the bar cause you're alone. Eat at a table. Go out and socialize! It's a lot of fun!

Oh, hi Maggie! :yay: She looks like my Speedy did.

Anna

[Jewel1310]

I haven't been on a solo trip yet, but I wanted to wish you well!

[dazzling]

Hi everyone!

Thanks for all your replies and kind words and making me feel so welcome!

I now realise, after reading all the other threads, that I'm not in the slightest bit "odd" or "selfish" planning a solo trip. Although all my friends think I am! I've done solo trips to Ireland, in the UK where I live and Vegas before and always had a great time, but was a bit concerned that WDW would be too geared towards families or couples.

Anyway, thanks again, and I look forward to getting to know you all more in the next few months of planning!

[aggielawyer]

One of the things to keep in mind is that people don't know that you're not there for a business trip and just catching the parks on the side, or your family is back at the hotel, or whatever. They probably will be so caught up in their own fun that they won't even notice you.

I'd traveled for business alone, but WDW was my first solo vacation. It was the first time I've ever been on vacation that I was so relaxed that I was ready to jump back into life. Next year I'm looking at coming to your neck of the woods.

[A-Jay]

I'm in the same boat as you. My first solo to WDW is coming up in a few short weeks here and I am nervous as all heck. I too am not really chatty person when it comes to strangers, But am totally comfortable in my own company. But hey,I figure maybe I can change this a bit while on this adventure, step out of my comfort zone a bit. You never know til' you try. it may just be the time of your life! Maybe meet some new friends along the way. For me right now, the anticipation is part of the fun!

[aggielawyer]

I tend to be shy--but one thing I did that turned out to be a conversation starter was to wear a t-shirt from my alma mater. One morning a family next to me in line was from the same area as me, and we talked while waiting for the bus at the hotel and all the way till we had gotten inside the parks. I never would have met them if I hadn't been wearing an A&M shirt.

[Chautauqua]

1. I've been going solo the last few years. While it would be nice to have company, being solo has allowed me to do things I otherwise wouldn't if with others. Like you, before going solo I had been there a few times over the years. As a kid my parents dictated where/when for everything. And when I was older I was at Epcot with some college buddies the day before a friend's wedding. There too I didn't really do what I wanted. As a bunch right out of college, everyone was there to have a few drinks and leave, especially since we were there for free and no one cared about doing anything (one friend was a cast member who gave us passes)

2. You will enjoy doing what you want, as often as you'd like, and skipping what you don't want. Ride your favorite ride ten times in a day if you want - there's no one with you to say 'not again'. No hanging out or amusing yourself while those with you ride something you don't want to ride, or lose out on something because no one else wants to do it.

3. You decide the times for each day. Feel free to stay in park until a 1:00am closing or go to a 7:00am opening - no one else to wait for that sleeps in or that wants to hit bed early. Personally I like to maximize my time in the parks. I don't get there at the crack of dawn(usually 9 or 10), but I'll stay until the last park closes. During a busy season, that can mean 2 or 3 am for extra magic hours. I might bounce between a few parks in one day, with some pool time tossed in, and manage to catch fireworks at multiple parks.

4. I stay at Wilderness Lodge. The great thing there compared to other resorts is that it's not spread out. At other resorts there a numerous buildings and I don't think it feels as homey. At the Lodge the lobby is inviting and always busy. You can sit in a chair and people watch or read a book. It's also a gorgeous building. It is a boat ride away from MK, which I can then connect to Epcot or some other resorts from there. Since the MK is usually the last one to close in a given night, it's an easy ride by boat straight back to the Lodge. The Lodge also has a nice pool - you can enjoy swimming or people watching as you relax by it. A nice pool bar there too. The pool area has a relaxing, charming feel to it. Plenty of water craft, bikes, etc, and walking trails. If you never stayed there, give it a whirl sometime, or visit it and walk around. Yes, it's one of the more expensive ones, but I think it's worth it, plus I think that also means it attracts a different clientel - no 'rif-raf' or obnoxious people, and there are kids but they're all well-behaved.
My first trip I stayed at the Contemporary and hated it - I thought it was too antiseptic - I felt like I was in a high priced Marriott(Tower) or Holiday Inn(Wing). For the same money I stay at Wilderness L.

5. Dining - do what you are comfortable with. Sit at tables or at the bar. Try one or the other and see what fits your fancy. Maybe try a restaurant you didn't before when you were with others.

6. Overall, the best thing about Disney is that it's all right there at your fingertips - entertainment, dining, hotel. It's probably the best place to solo. Unlike taking a vacation to a city somewhere, there's no need to go out and find things to do. It's all right in front of you.

GO AND ENJOY !

[Chautauqua]

I tend to be shy--but one thing I did that turned out to be a conversation starter was to wear a t-shirt from my alma mater. One morning a family next to me in line was from the same area as me, and we talked while waiting for the bus at the hotel and all the way till we had gotten inside the parks. I never would have met them if I hadn't been wearing an A&M shirt.

Definitely wear a few shirts from your hometown, alma mater, or hometown sports team. People will strike up conversations on a monorail or boat, or a cast member from your area will chat. I was at Cirque and what would have been a boring wait for the show was nice because the people behind me were from my home region (identified by a shirt) and we chatted. At a marina the cast member getting me a boat was from my hometown and we chatted.

The best of all was a boat ride back to my hotel late at night. We were all bundled up in the cold, including the boat pilot. Someone mentioned to the pilot that the temperature was nothing, as she was from Buffalo. The pilot then said she was from there too. Another on the boat said she was from Buffalo too. Next thing we knew, almost everyone on the boat had identified themselves as being from there, including myself, and we all had a great time 'bonding'.

[dazzling]

Wow, thanks again everyone!

The tee-shirt idea is great. Will have to see what I can do. My home town doesn't have a well-known University or football (sorry, soccer!) team though. In fact it's only claim to fame is having the worlds longest pleasure pier! But I often wear my WDW/US/IOA tee-shirts at home and have had a few conversations with people when they recognise them. I find people just LOVE to chat about Orlando! I also went to a Pet Shop Boys concert when I did a solo trip to Vegas and wore a tee-shirt with the slogan "Leave Britney Alone" (I'm actually not a fan, someone bought it for me as an ironic present!) Turned out the guy I sat next to was her concert promoter and she was also in Vegas that night doing a concert and we struck up a conversation and he ended up inviting me to her private end of tour party to meet her!

And as for doing the rides solo, I'm used to that. When I used to go with my ex-wife she wouldn't go on anything wilder than IASW! So I did the rides on my own.

And "aggielawyer", hope you get to visit the UK soon. It's an awful place to live but apparently great for a vacation! And if you're gonna visit London, let me know. I live just outside so practically lived there growing up so I know all the best things to do, and conversely, the places to avoid!

I'm getting really excited now!

[Judy in Texas]

I vouch for London as a wonderful place to visit. Great public transportion, museums and historic buildings. We have no idea what "old" is in the states.

[DekrRini]

My first solo trip was actually to London. I LOVED going there on my own because I could spend as much time as I wanted at the museums. I can't wait to go back again. In fact, just the other day I was thinking that if Disney ever opened a DVC in London, I'd be all over it. :love:

Enjoy your trip to WDW!

Vicki

[landshark]

The best of all was a boat ride back to my hotel late at night. We were all bundled up in the cold, including the boat pilot. Someone mentioned to the pilot that the temperature was nothing, as she was from Buffalo. The pilot then said she was from there too. Another on the boat said she was from Buffalo too. Next thing we knew, almost everyone on the boat had identified themselves as being from there, including myself, and we all had a great time 'bonding'.

That sounds like when I was on the Jungle Cruise this past September. Near the end, while we waited to unload, our guide started asking where everybody in our boat was from. Something like at least half were from Illinois, if not from here in the Chicago area. I also overheard a woman chatting with a CM working in a gift shop; I wanted to randomly put in my 2 cents because I knew exactly where the CM was from as she tried to explain it to the woman. It's also fun to look at CM's name tags and see where they're from--it doesn't seem unlikely that you'll find somebody from your neck of the woods.

While I haven't gone to WDW alone, it's amazing how small of a world (pun intended? :laughing:) it really is when you're there. Even if you don't get a chance to chat with these people, it's still comforting to know that they're there.

[nmoore14]

I think you have valid points. I am single and have no kids. I enjoy being with family and friends on vacation, but sometimes it is nice to set your own schedule and not worry about fitting your schedule to anyone elses. I did a character meal at Crystal Palace and loved it. It was loud, but overall the food was good and characters came by regularly. My advice would be to have fun, get up early or late (you choice), and eat wherever you want.

[RedseyRoo]

I am married and am thinking of going to WDW alone (husband can't get off of work) in October 2010...........is anyone planning on being there that I might run into? Thanks:banana:

[disney_mommy]

Hey, Dazzling, I am in the same boat as you. I am going to walk the Princess Half Marathon in March and nobody else in my family wants to join me, and my DS 11 will be in school, so I am going to go ahead and make a solo out of it! I tend to be shy, too, so I am worried about that. But I am excited about the prospect of doing whatever I want whenever I want! :woohoo:

[disney_mommy]

I am married and am thinking of going to WDW alone (husband can't get off of work) in October 2010...........is anyone planning on being there that I might run into? Thanks:banana:

Check this (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=72185) thread, this (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=463292) thread, and this (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=393800) thread for other DISer's trip dates. Someone out there will be there when you will...


And welcome to the DIS!!:welcome:

[SoloFriendly]

Dazzling, if you are comfortable with your own company, you will have no trouble having a great time at WDW. It's pretty much the perfect location for a first solo trip, because there's so much to do and see. I encourage you to try to meet up with others from the DIS boards who are traveling at the same time. That is always fun. If you really want to treat yourself to a nice "adult" restaurant, try Bluezoo at the Dolphin. It's pricey, but very nice atmosphere and food.

Don't worry, you will have fun!

[5stljayhawks]

I have done several solo trips to disney. I have a partl. solo as my wife will be working and I play.

I will alreay made reservation for golf, by myself. I am not sure if anybody else will join me, if they do great, if not that is fine. I am also bringing a collapsible bass fishing road and reel. I fish in the morning and golf in the afternoon, bar hop at night with and without the wife. You can also book bass fishing excursions from WDW, little pricy, but you are going to catch some nice bass.

[jamstew]

I tend to be shy--but one thing I did that turned out to be a conversation starter was to wear a t-shirt from my alma mater. One morning a family next to me in line was from the same area as me, and we talked while waiting for the bus at the hotel and all the way till we had gotten inside the parks. I never would have met them if I hadn't been wearing an A&M shirt.

I'm from the same area as you, but I'd be wearing my UT shirt. We'd have a lot to talk about :rotfl2: I'm another one who has always been shy, but for some reason, traveling solo to Disney has brought me out of my shell. I still love my alone time, but I also enjoy meeting new people. So far, in five or six solo trips, I haven't found anything I'd avoid just because I was solo.

[chaoslobster]

I've been to Disney solo five or six times. I go every year and I'm always trying to wrangle somebody into tagging along, but truth be told I haven't got many friends and nobody willing to take off work and spend that much money to accompany me. So usually I'm alone and it's still fabulous. For all the reasons mentioned here and then some. I'm something of a loner and don't like to be "stuck" with the company of someone who may not have the same outlook I do; I'm also physically disabled and it's tough for friends who don't live with me on a day to day basis to understand my limitations.

Last year I managed to rope my 19 yr old sister to come along with me... for a few days, anyway. I flew into Orlando on a Monday and had a wonderful time all by myself until my sister joined me after a Friday afternoon flight. We celebrated my birthday that weekend, then flew home together Wednesday morning. Things worked out well for all concerned! I had plenty of solo time for five days, but didn't have to be alone on my birthday. My sister and I are close but don't get to see each other much since she goes to school in another state, and when she is home, she's very social and our planned "sister time" often gets cancelled or postponed indefinitely in favor of outings with her friends and her boy. I don't begrudge her (much) because you're only 19 and fancy-free once, but it was very nice to have that time together in Orlando when she couldn't get away -- and she even turned her blackberry off for a couple of hours, lol. In fact we're planning to do the same thing again this year.

I did notice that you say your trip is planned for May\June. As it so happens I'll be there May 24th through June 3rd. If our dates overlap, feel free to PM me if you'd like to do lunch or something. :D

Jenni

[PaulaSB12]

I have done solo holidays from the UK in 2005, 2006,2007,2009 and will be doing a partly solo (will meet sister and kids occasionally) this year. I love it, going to the restaurants you are made to feed comfortable and I love the shows. Cant do the roller coasters but will do mission space happily. I even go to Victoria and Alberts solo (am going to try and go to the Victoria room this year)