View Full Version : First trip Alone EVER!
Any suggestions, staying POP century. And no hubby or kids.:hippie:
Safari Queen
05-14-2010, 11:40 AM
Do what you want, when you want, for as long as you want. You can eat when you're hungry, use single rider lines, and just sit and people watch, if you like. Shop 'til you drop or ride Buzz Lightyear six times. Go to a spa, lounge by the pool. It's a different experience, but being alone has its own special joy!
Wild4Walt
05-14-2010, 01:22 PM
You'll love it! I have been doing solo trips for the last few years and always enjoy it.
I love getting up when I want, doing what I want and on my own timeline.
Enjoy!
a1tinkfans
05-14-2010, 01:29 PM
Any suggestions, staying POP century. And no hubby or kids.:hippie:
Good For You! As is typical, I was with a large family group last trip and by week two I needed alone time. I literally left everyone behind and went to MK for the day and had the Best time.....I think I took a bazillion pix and rode rides and enjoyed all the sights and sounds And yummy aroma's and had some great snacks, and just enjoyed the time. I ate at that place by the haunted mansion (forgot the name) upstairs and totally relaxed and actually enjoyed a slower paced meal without talking and yelling and "energy aka drama" of the family bombarding me....my own family thought It was weird, but I truly enjoyed my hours/day of alone time...I teased them all and said what good company I was.:lmao:
SO, have a wonderful time doing what you want to do, when you want too, and how you want too! And get some photopass pix to share online, even if you don't end up buying them ;)
Heres wishing you a Magical trip!!! :wizard:
Missytara
05-14-2010, 01:30 PM
OMG - lounge by the pool. Go out to dinner each night. Stay in bed late one or two days.
Leave your clothes on the floor, the top off the toothpaste, and residue from your eye make-up in the sink.
Curl up with a good book each night, or enjoy a nightcap in the lounge.
Get to know people in line; strike up a conversation.
Get to know the CM's at your resort; they will look for you when you come back each evening.
Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy.
Terk-1
05-14-2010, 02:40 PM
I have been several times solo and LOVE IT!!!!! You are not going to believe the freedom you have! You get to go where YOU want, when YOU want! YOU get to dine where & when YOU want! The only person on this trip to make happy is YOU!!!
Some suggestions:
There are some attractions that have designated single rider lines. Others (like Soarin') just listen to the Cast Member, as they may be looking for single riders. This happened to me several times, so it was great to go from the back of the line to the front and on the attraction quickly. Choose some restaurants that you may not have the chance to go to when you are with family and ENJOY!!!
Thank you all, I'm really nervous. I know that is silly, it's disney.
dauser
05-14-2010, 08:26 PM
Yes, I agree with everyone else that you will love it. You are in charge and get to do whatever you want!
DisGal520
05-15-2010, 08:22 AM
Since you will be staying at POP - walk the grounds and take pics of the Potato Heads, giant yoyos, etc.
Grab a hula hoop at the front door and give it a try. Handing your camera to a bystander will get you a cute pic.
Check with the CMs at POP for the time of morning and night that the restaurant crew does the twist and hustle and join in!!!! Only lasts for the length of the song so ya gotta be on time.
Enjoy!
iluveeyore
05-15-2010, 10:27 AM
You'll love it - I've only been able to do solo twice so far, but would do it every year if I could. My first solo was at Pop also. If you're nervous being alone, tell the CM when you check in that you are travelling solo and see if they'll place you near the lobby if you'd like. Personally, I asked for a lake view room, it was much more peaceful for my sleep in mornings. Also, I took a journal and a paperback novel every where with me to keep busy during meals alone, or if I wanted to just relax on a bench out of the way somewhere. It's amazing how much more you can take the time to notice at each park when you're not rushing to the next attraction with your family. It's just so much more relaxing - I found I even got out to the parks earlier when it was just me getting up and ready in the mornings.
Just take every moment in and enjoy yourself! :goodvibes
ClareH37
05-15-2010, 10:59 AM
I have just arrived back home this morning from my first ever solo trip (7 nights) and I LOVED IT!!!
The worst part for me was the flying - I'm from the UK and the volcanic ash situation totally freaked me out, flying out the flight was another 2 hours long due to bypassing the ash, coming back was normal, however, looks like UK airspace is going to close again in the next 24-48 hours so I'm so very glad I made it home. I was however a little apprehensive, however, the moment I stepped onto the Magical Express that all disappeared.
I had made lots of plans before I left home but you know what, most of that went out the window. My first morning there I was up really early (due to the time difference) and just hopped on the first bus that came along, it was MK and I saw the opening ceremony for the first time. I stood crying with emotion and I didn't care who saw me lol
Generally people were really friendly, I had a lot of people ask if I wanted my picture taken, I also did the photo pass.
I strolled around Epcot many times, resting, people watching, having a great time. I also ate solo, my favourite was the Flying Fish sitting at the chef's counter, great fun.
Go along with an open mind and you'll have fun :goodvibes I'm doing another solo trip next year I loved it so much this year.
hematite153
05-15-2010, 05:52 PM
I've never been solo, but, reading about it here has me thinking I should go sometime.
If it were closer to home, I definitely would sometime. But, the cost of getting there makes me want it to be a shared vacation experience. There are enough places that I want to go to alone already.
Maybe, though....
Disney_Jill
05-15-2010, 07:20 PM
I'm doing my first solo trip May 31-June 4th. I am soooo excited. I have always wanted to go alone to just see all the details I miss running from ride to ride with the kids. I love going with the kids, my daughter is 6 and we went twice this past year and she loved it! But, she'll also love spending the week home with her dad, he's taking the week off and they will go fishing, swim and do other fun stuff. I actually have 2 days where I have some work to do down there (just a few hours), which is my excuse for going. But really, I chose that workshop just so I could go to Disney.
I have my ADRs ready and am staying at Old Key West. I'm flying, instead of the usual driving, so I am looking forward to that.
lisasuebj
05-15-2010, 07:38 PM
The only thing that I would be worried about would be who would you share your excitement with if your alone? I am intrigued about going alone but I wouldn't want to go for more than a few days. I love to share Disney too much. Someday maybe.
I was terrified before I went on my solo trip (it was my first solo trip to anywhere as well). I think it's pretty par for the course to be nervous about traveling alone anywhere.
Like others say, do whatever the heck you want, whenever you want. For example, I love me some reptiles and fish. Going alone, I could spend all the time I wanted on the trails in AK and in the nemo pavilion at EPCOT without holding anyone up.
My tip is sit at the bar when you're waiting for an ADR, even if you don't drink (it's disney, nobody will bat an eye if you order a shirley temple). Very friendly atmosphere, even a person-shy kid like myself was able to make friends.
manntra
05-15-2010, 09:48 PM
I just booked my first solo trip today!! :goodvibes Very excited to do whatever I want!! I was just there two weeks ago and spent some time alone and loved it so I know I can do it :rotfl2: The line at TOT was the best because 2x they were looking for single riders and I was front row center both times! :thumbsup2
Tracy
Wow, I really think my first solo might be fun. From what I am reading. :)
My nerves have been bad, since the solo is next month. Thank you all for easing them.
Missytara
05-17-2010, 02:07 PM
Wow, I really think my first solo might be fun. From what I am reading. :)
My nerves have been bad, since the solo is next month. Thank you all for easing them.
I have to say I did my first two trips solo and I am really looking forward to going back to solo this year.
I have never once felt out of place or anxious while at Disney by myself.
I have to say I did my first two trips solo and I am really looking forward to going back to solo this year.
I have never once felt out of place or anxious while at Disney by myself.
I have children, and I have never left them. I feel very selfish going without them. I really don't know disney, other than with my kids and husband.
I am anxious about being by myself, I have been a mom for a long time, and don't do anything without my kids or husband, accept movies. This is a big experience for me. :goodvibes
Woohoo! Relax and enjoy! :)
Thoroughly enjoy visiting WDW with family and friends, but LOVE my solo trips! *LOL*
I would suggest requesting a room on an upper floor and away from the elevators (I usually ask for about midpoint--no sense in walking to the far end if it isn't necessary!). That way there is some traffic in the vicinity of your room, but not a lot of unnecessary traffic--if that makes sense!
iluveeyore
05-18-2010, 12:24 PM
I have children, and I have never left them. I feel very selfish going without them. I really don't know disney, other than with my kids and husband.
I am anxious about being by myself, I have been a mom for a long time, and don't do anything without my kids or husband, accept movies. This is a big experience for me. :goodvibes
I felt the exact same way on my first solo - everyone questioned how I could go without my kids. My daughter (my youngest) was twelve at the time, and I asked her if she minded that I was going alone to WDW since she loves it so much. In her 'beyond her years' thinking, she said "Mom, you do so much for all of us, you need to do something for yourself so go and have fun!" So I did, guilt free for five days. My second solo was seven days a year later with my family's blessing. I won't be able to go alone for quite some time now, but I treasure that time I got away by myself to my Happiest Place!
You'll enjoy every minute - don't dwell on those who aren't with you, just enjoy each moment because you'll be back home before you know it!
wdwkimberlee
05-18-2010, 03:35 PM
Hello!
I went on my first ever solo trip (anywhere) this past December (1st to 7th).
I was a little nervous about not having my family with me, but it went extremely well. Being familiar with WDW and the transportation system really helped. I stayed at ASMu. So much fun to have the room all to myself, make my own schedule, and change it if the mood struck! I ate at three table service restaurants by myself and I was OK! I also did the MVMCP and took the Yuletide Fantasy tour. Fun stuff!
Well, I liked it so much that a couple weeks ago I booked Pop Century October 12th to 18th!!! Can't wait! Bought my MNSSHP ticket for the first evening. Also booked the QSDP along with ADRs for Kona, Plaza and 50's Prime Time. This time I'm also getting the Park Hopper and plan to hit all the EMH that my body can handle!! I wouldn't really have any willing participants to join in with those kinds of hours!
Go and enjoy the freedom of traveling solo. When you're a wife and mom, you don't have the ability to think of only yourself too often. (Be a little selfish!) And when you get back home, you'll be extra happy that you took some time for yourself.
Happy travels!
Kim
I felt the exact same way on my first solo - everyone questioned how I could go without my kids. My daughter (my youngest) was twelve at the time, and I asked her if she minded that I was going alone to WDW since she loves it so much. In her 'beyond her years' thinking, she said "Mom, you do so much for all of us, you need to do something for yourself so go and have fun!" So I did, guilt free for five days. My second solo was seven days a year later with my family's blessing. I won't be able to go alone for quite some time now, but I treasure that time I got away by myself to my Happiest Place!
You'll enjoy every minute - don't dwell on those who aren't with you, just enjoy each moment because you'll be back home before you know it!
You sound like you have a great perspective, and are a good mom. :)
Hello!
I went on my first ever solo trip (anywhere) this past December (1st to 7th).
I was a little nervous about not having my family with me, but it went extremely well. Being familiar with WDW and the transportation system really helped. I stayed at ASMu. So much fun to have the room all to myself, make my own schedule, and change it if the mood struck! I ate at three table service restaurants by myself and I was OK! I also did the MVMCP and took the Yuletide Fantasy tour. Fun stuff!
Well, I liked it so much that a couple weeks ago I booked Pop Century October 12th to 18th!!! Can't wait! Bought my MNSSHP ticket for the first evening. Also booked the QSDP along with ADRs for Kona, Plaza and 50's Prime Time. This time I'm also getting the Park Hopper and plan to hit all the EMH that my body can handle!! I wouldn't really have any willing participants to join in with those kinds of hours!
Go and enjoy the freedom of traveling solo. When you're a wife and mom, you don't have the ability to think of only yourself too often. (Be a little selfish!) And when you get back home, you'll be extra happy that you took some time for yourself.
Happy travels!
Kim
I am starting to feel excited, thank you for your perspective too. :)
let'sgo
05-19-2010, 08:54 PM
I'm going on my first solo trip in Sept. and I can't wait! This is going to be so fun being on my own schedule. I can go as fast or slow as what I want and not have to listen to complaining when I stop to take a picture or want to do an attraction again. Really, I think sometimes that some of the people I go with are just in a hurry to get it done. And DH seems to like to hang out in the room to watch tv more than getting out and doing things.
So look at the tours and extras and plan something new and fun. Take lots of pictures and just enjoy. You'll have a great time!
Sawhiskey
05-20-2010, 05:25 PM
I have taken solo trips to Amsterdam and Germany. My first Disney solo trip is coming up very soon. I think everyone gave great answers and there isnt much to add. Just have fun and be open to new people. Ive made life long friends in Amsterdam that I wouldn't of made if I was in a group of people.
:thumbsup2
GaRain
05-21-2010, 10:32 AM
Oh, I hope you get over the nervousness and have a great time!
Enjoy taking in everything at your own pace!
The benefits of going solo are awesome as in skipping ahead in lines and talking to people without the rest of your family giving you the stink eye!
Take advantage of the photopass photographers - they will take a picture of you with your camera too!! :woohoo:
I got my package papers! The trip is now more real. I am going. NO turning back or canceling. Wow! This is a gift from my husband. I don't know how to thank him. There is excitement there... and still the nervousness. I'm going, in a few weeks. Wow!
ClareH37
05-23-2010, 03:02 PM
I got my package papers! The trip is now more real. I am going. NO turning back or canceling. Wow! This is a gift from my husband. I don't know how to thank him. There is excitement there... and still the nervousness. I'm going, in a few weeks. Wow!
I'm sure you'll have a fantastic time - this was exactly how I felt, I was excited but nervous too - I don't like flying anyway but the thought of flying alone from the UK stressed me out before I even got to Disney lol
But seriously once I got there I felt like I was 'coming home', it was a wonderful feeling and I really cannot wait until my second solo trip next year.
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