How do you guys do it.

[stemikger]

Hey everyone,

I just need to know, how do you guys go to Disney alone. I do some things solo, like go to the movies, go to fast food places and shopping, but I just couldn't do Disney alone. In fact, I'm not sure if I could do any vacation alone. Maybe it's my personality, but I would feel strange being by myself.

Please don't get me wrong, I'm not condeming it - I actually think it's awesome, but I know I just couldn't do it. In fact, last year when I went on a couple of rides by myself I felt a little out of place.

Can you guys give me some tips and some perspectives on how you do it.

Thanks

[TDC Nala]

It does feel strange sometimes.

I do it mostly because I want to be there, and if I wait for someone else to go along, I'll hardly ever go.

[jonestavern]

Although I am married now, I did not marry young. I too, did not want to go places alone, but realized as the yrs rolled on, my friends were married, had children, not the same interests or off on business & if I wanted to go somewhere I had 2 choices:
1) sit & wish & sigh
2) go by myself
it wasn't easy at first, I did feel uncomfortable. I learned to bring reading material to restaurants, sit in the vicinity of family groups (safer for females), chat more in group situations. Group tours can be a good first step. You can strike up aquaintences easily. You'll soon get the hang of it & will wonder why you hesitated at all! :goodvibes
Jean

[auntpolly]

I guess I'm just the opposite from you. I don't know how you can not want to go alone! (OK, I admit you are probably the more normal of the 2 of us!!!! :) )

I need to be alone once in awhile, and even when I am there with my family I sneak off by myself once in awhile. When DD went to college for the first time, one of the first things I did was plan a solo trip. I think people were thinking that I was just out of my mind with grief from "losing her", but really I just thought of it as my big chance!

I love soaking in all the magic by myself, with no one saying, "You're going to ride the Peter Pan ride again???", or bored because I'm on a mission to compare t-shirts, or cares if I feel like putting up my feet and watching Sunny at Cosmic Ray's!

[stemikger]

Thanks for the insights.

Maybe one day - I'll give it a try. My friends at the Dis will be the first to know.

Keep em coming.

[videogal1]

Hey everyone,

I just need to know, how do you guys go to Disney alone. I do some things solo, like go to the movies, go to fast food places and shopping, but I just couldn't do Disney alone. In fact, I'm not sure if I could do any vacation alone. Maybe it's my personality, but I would feel strange being by myself.

Please don't get me wrong, I'm not condeming it - I actually think it's awesome, but I know I just couldn't do it. In fact, last year when I went on a couple of rides by myself I felt a little out of place.

Can you guys give me some tips and some perspectives on how you do it.

Thanks

You have to be more into the WHERE than the shared experience.
I think of it as being like reading a book I can't put down as opposed to discussing that book with a friend. That said, I have to admit that my trips are far more memorable when shared but I like to avoid conflict and compromise and there's nothing like being able to eat when and where you want, and see what you want when you want. However, it's a little one-dimensional. I noticed a big change in the nature of my solo trips when I was joined by Cash, the Wonder Dog. I still don't have to compromise...he doesn't care...and I'm not really solo...I share my trip with hundreds of people who want to meet him.

Moral of the story? You can't force yourself to have a good time solo if you feel your experiences are more 3-dimensional or "real" when shared....
:love: I can't recommend that everyone share their life with a Service Dog, either...most people don't qualify, and the hassle factor is enormous...
Wear a funny hat, maybe.....share your trip with everyone... well, the CMs, anyway...

[spiceycat]

depends - do you like to do things alone?

go to a movie or out to eat?

if you can a solo trip to WDW might be great for you.

I love my solo trips.

I get to see and do what I want. If I sleep all day no one to call me lazy. If I go to the parks at night - no one to complaint...

I am a sun problem - I am allergic to it. So there are hours when I CAN'T be out in the FLORIDA sun.

11am to 4pm lots of people have a hard time with this.

when I go solo - I don't risk an allergy attacked and ruin the rest of the trip for me.

[Therapeutic Smile]

Last year for my birthday I went to WDW solo for five days... while it was a little odd at times, and I have to admit by the 5th day I was ready to see my friends and family again, I still had a blast for most of the time. The big deal for me was that I got to be selfish, selfish, selfish!

Not that I mind doing what others want to do while at WDW with friends/family, but there is something to be said for only going on the rides you want to, when you want to, eating when and where you want to, hopping from park to park (or not, depending on your preference)... I went on BTMRR twice in a row simply because no one was in line and I wanted to. If someone else had been with me, maybe they would have wanted to go on another ride and of course, having just ridden BTMRR, I would have acquiesced... instead I got to do what I wanted!

Plus I met people... a very nice couple about my age who had just gotten married... sat and talked with them at Epcot for a while.

I'm not saying I'll rush right out and go solo again any time soon.... my girlfriend and I are going together this December... but it certainly was a good experience, and I could recommend it to almost anyone. Another example: I went to AK, road the Kilimanjaro Safari and Dinosaur rides... then left. It was all I wanted to do there. It was nice. I spent half my time at the Studios because of Rock'N'RollerCoaster and Tower of Terror.

Okay now I'm rambling... anyway, a fun time was had by all! (read: me)

[KittyKitty]

Disney is a special place where solos can feel welcome, and strangers talk to each other easily. It may get lonesome sometimes, but I'm doing something I want to do.

As I've gotten older, I ask myself, what is stopping me from doing something solo. FEAR. Fear of what will ppl think, fear of someplace new, fear on not liking it, fear of not fitting in....... on and on. I have many :crazy: :crazy:

It took a lot of years to discover that I let FEAR run my life. I still have to address it, but I try not to let FEAR make my decisions for me.

I have more years behind me than ahead, so I got to make sure I'm doing what I want to do!!! :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2:

So Disney here I come, solo or not :earsgirl: :earsgirl:

[Simba's Mom]

I think the OP might be ready-after all, I've been solo 6 times, but I don't have the courage to go to the movies by myself! First few times I went to WDW solo, the time I felt most uncomfortable was if I did sit-down dining. For the longest time, I only did CS after that. What I enjoyed the most was that I could go on rides DH might laugh at me going on-Triceratop Spin, Dumbo, Cindy's Carousell; and I could talk to anyone in lines. I could get up and go to bed when I wanted, read or go to the park when I wanted, eat when I was hungry, like someone else said-maybe that sounds selfish, but it's definitely fun!

[ParrotBill]

Two things I like to do make soloing WDW more fun:

1) People watch. Pick a bench, watch, laugh.

2) Picture taking. I can take my time looking for the unusual places, special lighting conditions, and not have my family tapping their toes waiting for me.

[stemikger]

Originally quoted by Simba's Mom
I've been solo 6 times, but I don't have the courage to go to the movies by myself!

That is so funny Simba's Mom - going to the movies is one thing I truly don't feel funny about. I have been going to the movies alone since I was in my 20s. I'm 41 now.

[reedycreek]

i just did it for the first time earlier this month and didnt really have a problem. it was great cause you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, and do whatever the heck you want to do at all times. for instance, i monorailed from the POLY to MK for breakfast, then went to EPCOT for the day, monorailed back to CR for lunch, then back to POLY for nap, then back to EPCOT for dinner, then to MK for WISHES. try doing that with a companion, you will make them nuts.

the downside is it is lonely eating meals, and is a little weird standing on lines by yourself. i guess it just depends on your personality.

[mitros]

DW and I have been married for 34 years, and I could not go on vacation to WDW without her....Having said that, I DID go to Epcot twice by myself when DW was working and I had to drive people to Orlando airport. Living in Florida, having Florida residents seasonal passes, and having to go within 12 miles of WDW, makes it very difficult NOT to go there, even alone. I only spent a few hours there each time, rode some of the rides, and had a bite to eat, for me, it felt like there was something missing being alone.

[wdwr]

I travel a lot solo now. (got rid of the ex-boyfriend about 3 years ago)

And there is one thing I can say for WDW...if you are a female and traveling alone...there probably isn't a safer place to go. (you may want to skip PI because it really is just a HUGE BAR).

I've travelled to the St Martin, Cuba and Italy alone and I think my family always worried a little about be being by myself in a strange country.

But WDW and staying on the Lot, they had no worries what so ever. They know I am not going to leave the grounds (not after all that money) and there is not language barrier since I am still in North America.

My first WDW solo was in Dec last year (for my birthday...present for me!) and I am doing it again in Sept. You can do what you want like repeat rides, skip rides you never really liked, take picutes and eat where ever you want. Just cater to yourself like very one else wrote.

I would recommend a Solo WDW trip to anyone who liked WDW to begin with.

WDWR

[WillCAD]

I've been on 6 solo WDW trips so far, not to mention short solo trips for work and play to other destinations over the years, and I love being in control of my own destiny when I travel.

I have never felt odd being alone anywhere... well, I suppose I might feel odd if I were alone at a Lamaze class, or auditioning for the Newlywed Game, but when I go to WDW I feel right at home.

Part of that "at home" feeling simply comes from the fact that I've been to WDW many times and know the place like the back of my hand. And part of it comes from the fact that WDW is completely geared toward making Guests feel welcome no matter what thier circumstances. How can you not feel at home in such a beutiful place, with so many CMs who go the extra mile to make your day brighter?

Look around you next time you're there, and you'll be surprised to see how many other solos there are around you. Maybe after you see how many others there are, you won't feel so "out of place", because in truth, you are not.

[Mykelogan]

Just back from solo trip (Or at least I still feel just back!!) number 2! It was amazing as usual. I think one the neatest things that happens when you are solo is the interactions with cast members. Usually they may ask if you have broken away from your group or are waiting for someone, usual chit chat, and when I would say I was on a solo trip their eyes would usually brighten and they would express their jealousy. If you're a chatter, as I can be, the conversation can keep going and you can get lots of valuable insights and tips.

As far as the table service restaurants go, I found that 99% of my servers were very friendly to me as a solo traveller.

What I really love about the solo trip is the ability to stop... you can stop infront of the castle, spaceship earth, the big hat, wherever you want and take in the magic. No one is pushing or pulling you, or rushing you. You can really have the experience you want. :flower:

I can't wait to do another solo trip but I have decided I want to try out a deluxe resort the next time, so I have some saving to do!

Mike

[scoutsmom99]

Like someone else stated I can go to WDW solo, but I can't bring myself to hit a movie solo! Having said that I think for solos WDW is a safe place to go. I have been there many times and I feel very comfortable there and I know my surroundings. I had a semi solo trip at 20 (visiting a friend who was doing the College Program) and then I went solo this past January for 7 nights and I have a 12 night trip planned for Sept/Oct which will be partially solo.

Dining alone never really bothered me (I did a mix of counter service and sit down), I spent that time updating my trip notes and people watching. I also met some wonderful people and families while wating in line or waiting for various parades or shows to begin.

[ChasRN]

Hi...

I just found this board and it's great. I'm headed to DisneyWorld for my 3rd solo trip in December. I haven't been there since '96, and I'm SOOOO excited! I thought I was the only one who loved going by myself. It's really nice to read about others' positive experiences and encouragement for others who might be a little afraid. All I can say is don't wait around and put off doing those things you know you will love and enjoy. I believe it will just lead to too many regrets in the future.

Also, I found going solo allows you to stay completely in the Disney spirit. No fights about what you want to do, or where to eat, or where to stay. It's all up to you. The worst time I had at DisneyWorld (although it was still pretty good... it's DisneyWorld!) was when I went with someone who just didn't get it. Just didn't get the whole magic that sweeps up most of us when we are there. All it did was drag me down. The best times I've had so far at DisneyWorld was when I was on my own. Pure heaven!

Chas

[puggymom]

I admit it never dawned on me to go solo, then I was sent to Orlando for business and took advantage and added a couple days on to spend at WDW. I LOVED it!!! It then dawned on me that there was no reason I couldn't vacation there all by myself. Right now I am planning my first solo trip to where it all started, DL. I haven't been there in 29 years and I can't wait.

[WillCAD]

The worst time I had at DisneyWorld (although it was still pretty good... it's DisneyWorld!) was when I went with someone who just didn't get it.

What an awful, tragic experience!

On my non-solo trips I have been lucky enough to always be there with people who "get it". And usually I'm there with people who are fanatical about WDW like I am, which works out well.

The worst style conflict I ever had was a few years ago with my friend Frank. He had not been to WDW in over 3 years, so he spent the entire trip walking at full speed through the parks, almost running from attraction to attraction. Several times he cu in front of slower-moving people and barged ahead, and I had to take him to task - he wasn;t trying to be rude, he was just exceited and forgot that there were otehr people there!

It also didn't help that trip that Frank and I were splitting a room at ASMU, and he snores. Loud. Like a busted chainsaw. I didn't get a good night's sleep all week.

[ChasRN]

It also didn't help that trip that Frank and I were splitting a room at ASMU, and he snores. Loud. Like a busted chainsaw. I didn't get a good night's sleep all week.

See, another good reason to go solo. A nice, peaceful sleep each and every night so you are well rested and ready to start your day.

But as fast as your friend was going, sounds like he was really into the Disney spirit of things, so I'm sure you could forgive him!

I think that going on your own is just a whole different experience, and well worth the money. My brothers and sister and their families are planning a get together there in '07. I will definitely be going, but I know that it will be a completely different trip, even though it's the same place. With kids along, the focus will be changed, and the hours that we can tour the parks will be more limited. Of course, I could go out on my own, but when I'm solo, I don't even have to think about it. We're not even sure if we'll stay at one of the resorts. When going alone, I can splurge where I want and not feel guilty about it. Don't have to take into consideration the budgets of others, and they don't have to worry about mine. I will love both trips, but for different reasons.

Chas

[puggymom]

We're not even sure if we'll stay at one of the resorts. When going alone, I can splurge where I want and not feel guilty about it. Don't have to take into consideration the budgets of others, and they don't have to worry about mine. I will love both trips, but for different reasons.

Chas

Another great reason, one time I went with a friend who insisted on CBR. Well, I'm a deluxe snob and kept thinking he whole time I rather be at BC or YC.

[mrp4352]

I've not gone for a true - several days by myself - solo trip yet. But I always try to tag on a day or so in the trip where it's just me! Usually I'll fly out early for business and family or friends join me on the weekend. That way I get the best of both worlds: time doing what I want, when I want and time to share my favorite destination with my favorite people!

It's a great way to 'try' solo tripping on for size!

[Jen D]

Boy, I wish I could do it. I adore my family and love doing WDW with them, but I fantasize about a budget trip... not in the cards, budget-wise or otherwise for many many years (my kids would be so jealous!)

Solitude is a great reward for me... if dh gives me a day off from the kids, I'm much more likely to have lunch and a movie alone than to try to get a friend to go with me.

I think if I were alone at WDW I'd probably miss my family every now and then, but to be the master of my own itinerary-- or sublime LACK of itinerary... bliss.

Hats off to you SOLOs!

[dznyntnh]

When I first went solo, I wasn't sure what to expect, but after that first time I have a hard time going with someone.

It's a control thing. I just returned from a trip to California (DL) with 5 other family members and the whole time I longed for my solo WDW trip in September. You get to do what you want when you want and for how long you want.

If I want to do the same ride 5 times in a row I can. If I want to skip a park all together (AK bores me to tears) I can. That;s the freedom I love traveling solo. If I don't wan tto do something there is no fight, no feeling like I'm ruining someone else's good time.

Plus, I like to go first class (nice restaurants, deluxe hotel) and most of the family and friends want to go cheaper (food courts and mods).

[WaltD4Me]

I'm thinking of doing a solo trip (my first) May of 2006. I went this past May with my six year old niece and before that in December 2004 with 10 other family members and while I had a WONDERFUL time both trips, I think I'd really enjoy a trip on my own. I'm the Disney fanatic in the family and even though everyone had a great time, nobody was "into" Disney like me. I like to stop and look at the details, I like to people watch, I like to take the little side paths and walkways, I like to find all the nook and cranny spots and I'm DYING to take the Keys to the Kingdom tour. It was a little weird not having an adult to talk to when I went with my niece and I imagine I'll feel the same on a solo trip, but I think it'll be ok.

I really don't know why people feel weird about it. I mean, I don't think people really notice in the parks. If I see someone by themselves, I don't think "I wonder why that person is alone?" If I think anything at all, it's more like "Oh I bet their family is on a ride or in the restroom."

I have a friend who went to Disney several years ago with her DH and he got a 24 hour bug, so she went to Epcot for the day while he rested at the hotel. The same friend thinks I'm crazy for wanting to do a solo trip, saying she would feel too weird. When I mentioned her day at Epcot and asked her if she felt weird, said "Well, no, John was in the room." :rolleyes: So I told her if I got to feeling weird, I'd just pretend I had a sick husband back at the hotel! :rotfl:

[wintergreen]

I go to WDW several times a year with my DH and two DDs, and I really enjoy the "family" thing with them. Well, I need to go to Paris at the end of the month for a work trip. I have one day that I will have all to myself. I'm thinking about taking the train out to DLP for the day, and doing a solo day trip there. Not sure I can tell the fam about it, though! Yeesh, I feel guilty about wanting to go by myself, but I just don't think that I can pass up the opportunity!

[Simba's Mom]

If I were in your family, I'd be saying "You'd better!" That way you can come back and tell them all about what it's like. DH's company is headquartered in Paris, and he knows that if he ever has the opportunity to go to DLP, he'd better go! That way he can come back and I can see it through him, when he tells me all about it. Go!

[winniedapooh]

Going to DL in Dec. for a conference and that just happens to be in Anaheim :teeth: ! I will be staying part of the time with a fellow DISer but for my birthday and part of the time I will be alone while she is with family...I am really excited! :goodvibes I know it might sound strange to some but I can't wait to be alone.

[Disneyfan63]

Hi,

I'm a solo traveler because if I had to wait for someone to go with, I'd never leave home.

Walt Disney World is one of my favorite places in the lowercase world. There's no reason to feel funny being there solo; in fact, solo travelers probably inspire more envy than pity. I can do what I want, when I want.

Women probably don't have to worry about being hit on unless they go to Pleasure Island.

I've never worried about dining out alone because I'm used to it. The CMs are often friendlier and chat with you.

Jim

[UltimateWDWFan]

I've always wanted to "do" Disneyland, but my traveling buddy always said there was no point since we regularly do WDW and it's so much closer. Finally, a couple of years ago I planned a layover in LA for a trip to Australia and did DL/DCA for a couple of days by myself. It was my first solo adventure, and I really liked the freedom. Felt quite safe, even walking back to my hotel at night (although I did intentionally book one right across the street from the main entrance). Felt much less out-of-place than when I go to a sit-down restaurant alone (which I rarely do).

On the other hand, I have yet to go to the movies alone. Keep thinking I should, though. What's the difference between that and meeting a friend in the lobby (which I do regularly)? You park alone, buy your ticket alone, meet your companion, go into the theatre, and don't do much more interaction than laughing at the same time or whatever...

[iluvstitch]

I'm 24 years old and have been a solo traveler since I was 18. My first Disney trip solo was when I was 21, I've travelled the US solo and I always love my solo vacations. I never vacation with anyone but my mother (only because I know we'll get along)

I love going to Disney World alone because I'm a spontaneous person. I like not having to arrange my schedule and preferences around other people's. I don't have to wait an hour in line to ride or see something that I'd rather just skip. And for that matter, if I see something that I'd like to ride, I can waste an hour in line and don't have to worry about how everyone else feels. I can eat wherever I want and sit wherever I want... It's total freedom. And the most beautiful part is that I can change my mind about anything whenever I want. I"m the only one effected by it.

No matter who you're with - you feel the magic at Disney World. I always get a little teary eyed when I first step through the gates of MK on to Main Street. I love to see everyone else's kids taking pictures with the characters (thinking about giving it a shot myself this year) I love seeing honeymooning couples looking for those secluded spots, I love seeing groups of friends riding rides together - but I can experience all of that vicariously through them and I don't (yet) feel the need to have someone else with me at WDW. I love that alone time with the Mouse. ::MickeyMo

[InstImpres]

Based on your tag, I assume you are a single parent like me. I had great guilt my first solo trip (while my DD was spending 3 weeks with her Dad). She made out well with souveniers. I did however find my solo trip amazing and it allowed me to do things I couldn't with her (backstage tours, expensive dining she wouldn't appreciate, etc.) I was also amazed how much free time I had since I was totally only catering to me (food and bathroom breaks, etc.) I actually sat on my balcony at VWL and read an entire book! (unheard of for me on a DIS trip).

I guess since I go 2-3 times a year and the other trips are with DD and sometimes extended family, I no longer feel bad. She certainly isn't Dis deprived, just turned ten and has logged 10 visits! I will fess up to usually once a trip getting a little teary that if DD was here she would love xxx but again, I know she'll get to enjoy it within the year.

I say go for it. Figure out your comfort level (ie I will no longer dine at a family style seating restuarant - i.e., Bierengarten). Disney is magical at any age with any combo of people or solo! Enjoy

Sandy

[chyam]

Hi,

I'm a solo traveler because if I had to wait for someone to go with, I'd never leave home.

Walt Disney World is one of my favorite places in the lowercase world. There's no reason to feel funny being there solo; in fact, solo travelers probably inspire more envy than pity. I can do what I want, when I want.

Women probably don't have to worry about being hit on unless they go to Pleasure Island.

I've never worried about dining out alone because I'm used to it. The CMs are often friendlier and chat with you.

Jim
Exactly! I am a passholder and I tend to want to go quite a bit, a day at Disney is an escape, everyone is on vacation so most everyone is happy. I have a friend I go with sometimes but I do enjoy my time alone, but always willing to meet up with some solo disers if they want some company for a few hours. My last 5 vacations have been solo, 4 ski trips to Colorado and just returned from Wisconsin. I can't say that I wouldn't like someone to travel with it's just that sometimes it is easier and less hassle free to be solo. At first I did feel strange but life does go on and if you keep waiting for "someone" you are just wasting your life away "once today is gone it is gone!"
Sometimes I would love to spend a day with perhaps a single parent just to experience Disney with a child and the magic spell Disney puts over them. IMO Disney is one of the safest places to be as a solo and I have never felt unsafe at any of the resorts, I feel less safe making the road trip for 90 minutes up I4 to get there for the day trips!

[EsmeraldaX]

As others have said, if you prefer to do things alone at home, you will probably have fun at WDW alone.

I prefer to do things alone. Disney, movies, outings to local museums etc. It doesn't mean I don't LIKE being with people, because I do, but I don't really know anyone who enjoys the same things that I do, IRL, and it's usually wait till someone feels like just humoring me and feel like they are having a miserable time OR go alone. WDW is the same.

The only thing that gets a little weird is dining. But if you bring a book or something it's not that bad.

[solotraveler]

How can I do it?

Honestly, it's not that tough for me. Most people have said it already-- doing what you want, when you want and over and over again if you want. Illuminations every night- sure. Want to catch four British Invasion shows in one day- absolutely. Want to sit on a sofa in the Animal Kingdom Lodge lobby for two hours and read a book- right on.

Don't get me wrong, I love to do the World with people too. My solo trip are just different. It's a whole week that is all about ME! That's hard to come by for most people and I feel fortunate to be able to do it.

A lot of people have talked about feeling uncomfortable with dining. I actually think it is one of the easier places to dine solo. After all, they do a bustling convention business, so there are actually lots of solo travelers at the world at any one time. You don't stand out like a sore thumb as much as you think you will. Try that at a fancy restaurant in a big city-- sometimes you will get looked at like you have three heads.

Obviously, I love going solo. :goodvibes

Solotraveler :earsboy:

[Gary K. D.]

I think the question becomes...go solo or stay home? While I would love share the Disney (or any travel experience) with someone who I felt would equally enjoy it, I will not stay home while I waited for the right person. I have been to Disney, Montreal, NYC and, just recently, Jamaica alone and have done what I want when I wanted. I've gone to dinner, seen a great Broadway play, had a great diving experience some fantastic weather and and met some really nice people. Stay home or go solo?....GO!!!!!

[chyam]

I think the question becomes...go solo or stay home? While I would love share the Disney (or any travel experience) with someone who I felt would equally enjoy it, I will not stay home while I waited for the right person. I have been to Disney, Montreal, NYC and, just recently, Jamaica alone and have done what I want when I wanted. I've gone to dinner, seen a great Broadway play, had a great diving experience some fantastic weather and and met some really nice people. Stay home or go solo?....GO!!!!!
Exactly..........if I too waited for the right person I would become a hermit!It's not only easy for guys but us gals too.......I feel very safe at Disney........other destinations I am very careful but I still go, to much in this world to see and experience IMO. I think it's more strange that people refuse to do things solo, they are missing out on so much.

[Mykelogan]

Great to read about everyones' great solo experiences!!
And Chyam, that picture of your cat is perhaps one of the most adorable things I have seen! :flower:

Mike :goodvibes

[TinLizzy90]

Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences! I'm going to the parks by myself for one day in Sept. and I'm thinking I'll do just fine. It will be a good way to get my feet wet before planning longer solo trips.

[Jamie77]

It does feel strange sometimes.

I do it mostly because I want to be there, and if I wait for someone else to go along, I'll hardly ever go.


So true. That's probably every other solo's reason, too. :p

[Jamie77]

By going solo, you get a lot more positive attention.

[johnsolo]

Think about all the women per square inch. :love1: 7/24-31

[DVCCarrie]

I went solo in July of 2002. The biggest obstacles I had to overcome as a solo were:
1st time saying "1" to "how many in your party?"
1st time eating alone
1st time watching the fireworks alone (got all choked up)

After I accomplished those 3 things, the trip suddenly became much easier. I became more confident and started talking to guests and cast members. One night while I was eating dinner, a gentleman asked if I had lost my party, I politely said no and he asked if I came alone, when I said yes, he asked if I wanted to take his 4 kids for a while so he and his wife could have some peace and quiet.
I loved people watching! It was amazing to watch sooo many families get into fights at the happiest place on earth. I also called my sister frequently on cell phone just to tell her what I was doing and what she was missing. She become my cellular tour guide and gave me tips throughout my trip (she loves Disney too). I'm not planning anymore solo trips again, only because my sister will jump at the chance for a trip to Disney. I would definitely go alone again if she decided she did not want to go.

[Jamie77]

I just got back from Disney on Tuesday. It started off as a solo trip but I let my friends come, too. I craved alone time. All they wanted to do was shop (offsite) and ride up and down International Drive. I wasted 3.5 hours doing that with them one day. If they weren't complaining about the heat, they were complaining about the price of food and not being able to ride this ride because they had this health problem or that health problem. One of my friends just turned 39 but complained of how old she was. I was so mad at myself for letting them convince me they can come with me. It's very frustrating when you have a plan for each day but can't follow it because they don't want to do anything. I can understand that people might not want to follow your itinerary, but when they prevent you from doing what you want to do that is different. Other people can really mess up a solo trip. I made ressies for CRT, Sci-fi Dine Inn, and Le Cellier. They only made it to Le Cellier and it was almost like pulling teeth to get them to do that. What I don't understand is that I printed out and gave both of them the menu to each restaurant before we left home and instead of saying "That is out of my price range" or "I don't like what's on the menu", they simply waited until we got there and never showed up for any of the times we were supposed to eat. No apologies or anything. Just excuses. Next time I go anywhere with anybody, I'll just let them find some place to eat while I make ressies for one.

[wdwr]

I just got back from Disney on Tuesday. It started off as a solo trip but I let my friends come, too. I craved alone time. All they wanted to do was shop (offsite) and ride up and down International Drive. I wasted 3.5 hours doing that with them one day. If they weren't complaining about the heat, they were complaining about the price of food and not being able to ride this ride because they had this health problem or that health problem. One of my friends just turned 39 but complained of how old she was. I was so mad at myself for letting them convince me they can come with me. It's very frustrating when you have a plan for each day but can't follow it because they don't want to do anything. I can understand that people might not want to follow your itinerary, but when they prevent you from doing what you want to do that is different. Other people can really mess up a solo trip. I made ressies for CRT, Sci-fi Dine Inn, and Le Cellier. They only made it to Le Cellier and it was almost like pulling teeth to get them to do that. What I don't understand is that I printed out and gave both of them the menu to each restaurant before we left home and instead of saying "That is out of my price range" or "I don't like what's on the menu", they simply waited until we got there and never showed up for any of the times we were supposed to eat. No apologies or anything. Just excuses. Next time I go anywhere with anybody, I'll just let them find some place to eat while I make ressies for one.

Sorry your trip was a bit of a let down due to your friends. But I think you are a marvelous friend. Sounds like you did a bunch of planning for them to make it easier. Even to the point of printing out menus with pricing! That was way above and beyond. You could have just gave them the link. But they probably wouldn't have read that either!

You can plan a trip for me anytime! But let's not have it for the summer. Off season is better. The heat we've all been having and large crowds would even make ME cranky in WDW. :rotfl:

[MickeyMonstersMom]

... when I go to WDW I feel right at home.

Part of that "at home" feeling simply comes from the fact that I've been to WDW many times and know the place like the back of my hand. And part of it comes from the fact that WDW is completely geared toward making Guests feel welcome no matter what their circumstances. How can you not feel at home in such a beautiful place, with so many CMs who go the extra mile to make your day brighter?

Exactly! The more I go, the more I look forward to the next trip, and I think this is the reason why. My first solo visit was definitely the most awkward, especially at the sit-down restaurants, but the CM's were great about making me feel at home - and I learned what to expect, which made me more comfortable during my next vacation.

I love the self-indulgence of wandering to fit my own plans - or sudden whims - and being able to take the time and notice details that I tend to miss when I'm with other people (like the tile at the Moroccan pavilion or the queue theming at KRR). The only thing I've avoided as a solo is the MK because I think it would make me miss my kids as well as feel too guilty to enjoy it.

[PrincessCandaceMarie]

:earsgirl: love it alone, love it with friends and family, but alone here I come in 2 weeks!

[Viki]

In more than 20 trips to the world, I have never gone solo (far, far from it; I usually travel in packs! Once we took 4 generations with us and this long before "Magical Gatherings"), but I don't rule it out and, in general, although everyone thinks of me as a people person, I ADORE being by myself.

Though the truth is that condition doesn't usually last long. For example, a couple weeks ago I went down to a Phillies game solo (for a businessman's special while my partner was working), and though I've had a nodding aquaintence with the season ticket holders to my right and in back of me all season, for that game - while by myself - we all chatted up a storm for at least 5 innings. So... hardly alone! :rotfl2:

I expect it would be much the same should I travel to the world solo. Even now, with my family, we are always getting into the best conversations with CMs and guests.

[TurnR@TheMouseHouse]

This thread brought back memories of last summer when I was parked at FW for three weeks and my kindred spirit friend of many years in all things Disney drove over to join me for a few days. Now she is the type who is not prone to do things alone and her motto is, "I need a leader". One morning I told her I had business in Orlando and would have to leave her on her own for the day.

She was a bit apprehensive but I reminded her where she was. When we met up that evening she was positively glowing! :goodvibes She said she had the best time she had ever had just doing whatever she wanted to do and seeing and eating whatever she wanted. She said she had thought she would feel self-conscience but because she got caught up in the wonder of lingering and looking and not rushing from ride to ride with family, being alone was pure joy! :cool1: She still talks about that trip and her big day in the world all by herself. Trust me when I say she had really stepped out of her comfort zone. :sunny:

I love taking friends and family and showing them the magic, but when I do my mindset is different. It's about them and I slow to their pace and likes. But like other's have said when you are solo it's all about what you like and you can linger. I think I am very lucky to be able to get up on a day off from work and say, "I think I need a break, I need to chill, and grab my season pass and head over to the world and do just that....all by myself.

Singles line here I come!

:Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc