What's it really like to go solo?

[Free4Life11]

I have to be honest I've never really gone on a solo trip. I've traveled alone before to visit a friend or two, but never gone on a vacation solo. I'm pretty young (20) and in college, but I've moved 3 times in the past two yeras and lost touch with most of my friends. It's so hard to meet people, let alone someone you'd go on a trip with! I still go on vacation with my family sometimes, but they never go to Florida or anything. I went to Disney once and had fun but to be honest, I'm going to need a break soon! Anyways I guess I just wonder what it's like? Does it get boring, lonely, etc.? I suppose I could try and hook up with some people on the college board, but always a little nervous meeting people from online! I do save 10% of every paycheck and want a goal to save for, namely a vacation lol. Anyways any info, ideas, whatever would be appreciated!

[Valentine]

I am one vote for Do a solo trip to Disney.. the qualifications are that you like being by yourself... that you can feel perfectly comfortable being alone for that period of time. You always meet people and can chat all throughout the day.. but you do go back to your room alone.. and some people can't handle that.... I for one can... I enjoy my alone time.. I sit by the pool.. float around... read my books...paint my toenails....whatever i want... and i Love it.. as a matter of fact I am leaving in just a few hours for a 10 day solo trip! I am soooo excited... So... if you are unsure.. take a short trip.. try it out....Good luck!!

kathy

[Simba's Mom]

I just wanted to say-10 days!! I'm soo jealous. My longest solo trip has been 7 days. I'd recommend starting out with a short trip, my first was just one full day, then working up. Also, it took me about 4 solo trips to be comfortable with any sit down dining, and then only at certain resturaunts. Now, after about 7 trips solo, I can do sit down about anywhere.
Valentine, maybe I'll see ya there, my solo trip isn't for another 4 days, but I'll be there when you are.

[Free4Life11]

Thanks for the replies. I'm pretty independent and definitely value my alone time. I just can't imagine eating in a sit-down restaurant by myself; probably have to work up to it like you said. It would be nice to just get away from everything AND everyone for a while!

[lynn71092]

Doing my 1st solo Sept. 30th and was really excited but now getting a little nervous but I know I'll be okay. We never do sit downs when I go with my family only counter service so dining won't be a problem. I wanted to do a longer trip but I figured I'd better start with a 3 nighter and work my way up from there. :wave:

[cassie]

I've done 3 solos so far, and I do love it. The first time I was so in awe of the place, I seemed to be in a daze realizing I was on a vacation by myself. The second time was a lot easier, I knew so much more, and had more fun. The third time had to be the best as I never gave it a thought that I was alone. I felt so comfortable and still found many first time things to do.

I know meeting up with people from the internet is scary, but I have made plans with a few Diser's to share a day or a meal with, and it has been fun. I do pick great people to spend some time with :cool1:

[BBGraph]

10 days solo you must really like alone time. I've done 10 day solo trips before but usually involved multple stops like last year my so. cal trip 3 days disneyland/knotts, 2 days LA/Universal/Hollywood and 2 days in San diego. 1 major plus on solo vacation as much or as little on YOUR Vacation at you speed as you want so GO Enjoy and do what YOU want to do.

[maine_jennifer]

My first solo trip was 5-nights in August 2003. I used to work late evenings, so I when I wanted to go to the mall or do other things during the day, I had to go alone because everyone else was working. I always enjoyed myself and knew I didn't mind shopping and eating alone. Also, I used to wait tables, so I knew that the staff usually had more things to do and talk about than the person eating alone. And when we didn't, we usually made sure that single person was comfortable. My solo trip was incredible and unfortunately, I haven't been on one since. My trips have always been with friends, family, or with a niece and nephew.

Thankfully, my next solo trip is this October - 12 days. It wasn't supposed to be that long when I first started planning it, but between the Holiday Inn DTD not having finished their renovations by that time, to PanAm just canceling my flights, it just kind of grew. I know it'll be a great time. I'm meeting up with online Disney folks - like lynn71092 - the first night. (Hi Lynn :wave2: ). Then I'm meeting up with new friends I met on my cruise in January another night. I'll be having dinner with my brother and his family one night. But other than that, I'll be having a great time by myself!

My advice would be to try it out near where you live. Go out to lunch or dinner and a movie a few times, don't judge it by the first time. If you can make it through that, then try a short 4 day trip or so to WDW. By time I had decided to do a solo trip at WDW, I was already used to doing things on my own, it was just another step.

I'll try and find my trip report from my first trip. If I can find it, I'll post it on the trip report board - it's quite detailed, otherwise I'd post it here.

[MickeyMonstersMom]

A good way to approach your first solo may be to decide how much you want to accomplish and then figure out how many days you need to get it all done. My first solo was only 3 days, and with only a one-day pass to Epcot, because I wanted to focus on just the one thing and make the trip very relaxing. Next time, I added a day and a second pass to AK, with some exploration of DTD. Both trips left me wanting to stay longer, which was great, as it's a great incentive to treat myself with another solo trip. I may work up to 10 days sometime!

[maine_jennifer]

Here it is, nearly 2 years old but better late than never.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=892657

Any questions, let me know.

Cheers!

[*Fantasia*]

I thought about doing a solo trip. I think I would try 3 nights just to see if I will like it or if I am going to break down when I start missing my children. I don't know.. I just don't know how I can enjoy Disney without my children. Ok.. maybe only 3 nights and that's it. I can't handle to be alone and feel lonely for too long.

[Free4Life11]

I enjoyed reading your trip report. I'm not even a huge Disney fan, only been their once, but it's about as far away from Nebraska as I can get in the country! Plus I'd like to go again sometime. Just need to get away from this place sometimes as it can drive me crazy...still would feel a little awkward going solo as I AM pretty young (20), but don't really know anyone I would consider traveling with, let alone to WDW lol.

[MickeyMonstersMom]

I thought about doing a solo trip. I think I would try 3 nights just to see if I will like it or if I am going to break down when I start missing my children. I don't know.. I just don't know how I can enjoy Disney without my children. Ok.. maybe only 3 nights and that's it. I can't handle to be alone and feel lonely for too long.

I haven't tried MK solo for that reason. There are too many things there that I enjoy doing with my children that I'd rather keep going with them than on my own. Epcot, though, is a completely different story - and I adore my solo time there.

[WillCAD]

I've been on 7 solo trips so far, with lengths ranging from 4 days to 8 days.

Some of my solo trips have been filled with meets with people from the various boards I'm active on, including MouseFest in 2003 and 2004, while others were just plain old WDW trips to enjoy the attractions and enjoy being away from work.

I don't mind being alone and never have. I started going to movies and malls solo when I was about 12 and never looked back. I've never felt lonely.

On my first solo trip, I did have one little moment of nervousness when I landed at MCO and realized that my family, friends, and everyone I knew were 900 miles away, but after a few minutes I realized that I know WDW and Orlando well enough to be completely confident while I'm there. I love the place so much, it feels like home when I land there!

Some of my trips, particularly MouseFest, are filled with meets, and even though they are technically "solo" trips, I have spent very little time alone during MouseFest. On other trips I only met up with online friends for a meal or two, leaving the rest of the trip to be Me-time. But even having lunch or dinner once during a trip can give you a welcome break if you are the type who doesn't like spending a whole week by yourself.

The biggest bennefit of a solo trip is that YOU make every decision - where to go, what to do, when to eat, when to sleep, even what TV station to watch. You never have to compromise, you never have to worry that something you do might hurt someone elses vacation, all you have to do is have fun and relax.

[Claudia Kellenberger]

Doing a solo trip for me was not all that difficult. I already knew the place by heart because my DH and I had been there for 4 annual vacations. I don't have any children at all, so it's not like I feel guilty for leaving them at home.
We only have 2 cats, and my DH does prefer to stay home with them. He just does not like to travel much. First, I planned a trip without him, and I really hoped I could get a group of girlfriends to go. That all fell through, and I was crushed! Then the idea just hit me - Why not go by myself?!?!
My DH was perfectly OK with it, so I planned it. Now I have had 5 ANNUAL solo vacations. ( And now I'm 52 years old ). This December I will have my 6th solo WDW vacation. It does not feel lonely because I force myself to talk to the CM's, and talk to people in line. I'm naturally a quiet person so I practically force myself to talk to more people, and then I am really glad that I did. I relish the room all to myself. When I am in my room for the night, I call my DH to say Good night, and then I call my Mom. The only time I have felt just a tiny bit lonely is during MVMCP. The party sort of smacks of romance all over the place, and then I wish my DH was with me. Those feelings pass quickly, though, when I get involved in yet another attraction.

[pennyplanner]

What is it really like?

Heaven, pure heaven!

I checked in daily with my family by phone, talking with them or leaving a message if they were at work/school. Everyone knew I was safe and having fun. It was very important for them to know that since it was my first overnight solo trip.

It was a much needed 4 night/5 day trip when my mother was terminally ill and we all knew it was going to be a long haul. I just needed a break from it all. My kids were a little flabbergasted at first, but my husband was completely understanding from the start. It helped that I was staying at WL, all under one roof and we'd spent a couple of family vacations there in the past.

It was wonderful. I dined at lovely restaurants, took notes about my days and meals, talked with families when I chose and generally just laughed a lot. It was just what I needed.

I returned home refreshed.

Have a lovely time!

--penny
:goodvibes

[Melwood23]

I am an avid solo traveler. If I didn't go solo, I would never been to WDW, DL, Key West, various places in Southern Calif, Texas. In the past 7 yrs I have traveled 22 times solo. I have been to WDW solo 3 out of 4 times. Heck the last day I was there, I went on Test Track 4 times in a row, because I took the single rider line.. :), course one of those times...the car got stuck on the huge hair pin curve ...wheeee...that was fun!
Now this is just me, because I am kind of a loner, so I tend to like being by myself when I go places, though I will meet up with friends if they happen to be there too, but by going solo, I can do what I want, when I want, I don't have to stick to a major timetable, except if I have PS at like Hoop Dee Doo, or a couple other fav restraunts.

[BriarRosie]

I took my first solo trip in 1997. Not only that, it was also my first time
renting a car, as I flew into Tampa and drove to WDW. (No worries, though.
Really good directions from the car rental agent and it was just like taking the
tollway from Chicago to Kenosha, WI, but with palm trees.)

It really didn't count as full solo, as I met with some friends who were going
to be there the same time as me. Most of my week was solo, but I met with
them a few times.

But since I do know some locals, my solo trips are never completely solo.
I have a tradition of eating dinner with a couple I know who live in Orlando.
Except for the meal, the rest of my solo trips are completely solo.

I've discovered the joys of the annual pass. Want to enter a park to see
one attraction, then leave? I've done that. I took the bus to the Magic
Kingdom, rode Haunted Mansion, then left the park to get to my afternoon
tea reservation at the Grand Floridian. (I love taking the boat!)

Like other people here, I go to the movies solo and dine out solo often.
I usually have a book on hand that I'll read during meals. (I don't bring
the book to California Grill. I'd feel uncomfortable doing that. LOL)

I like the freedom to choose what I want to do and when I want to do it.
Do I get lonely? Sure! There are moments that I think, "Friend A would have
loved seeing that!"

And I enjoy my solo time at the Adventurers Club in Pleasure Island.
I spend the entire night there, every night. :banana: That club and
Comedy Warehouse are the only clubs I enjoy solo.

[babs64]

My first solo trip to WDW is coming up in September. However, I have done a number of solo trips elsewhere. Going solo can be wonderful. Like others have said, you decide what you want to do--if you want to ride Space Mountain a dozen times in a day you can or if you want to spend a day by the pool you can. If you're not sure you would be comfortable eating by yourself or going out by yourself, you might want to practice before you go. I always find that it helps to eat out occasionally by myself and to go to the movies or take in a local event by myself.

[Claudia Kellenberger]

Absolutely, babs64 ! It helps a lot to practice doing things alone. I eat out by myself about twice per week, every week. The reason is because I have a class or someplace to go, and it would be stupid, and a waste of time if I were to go from work, then all the way home for dinner, then out again.
This would leave me only about 5 or 10 minutes for dinner! Instead, I eat out by myself, mostly fast food, and I am able to relax. I was doing this for many years before I went to WDW solo, anyway. So it was easy enough to eat alone at WDW. I think the Sci-Fi at MGM is the very perfect place for a solo.
Other places are good, too, but this one is my favorite when I am solo.

[Elysiannn]

I've done WDW solo for 3 trips now. My friends aren't Disney-addicts or they can't take the time off or afford it. I won't say it's perfect and you do feel a bit lonely every now and then but it is pretty darn nice being free to do what you want to do.

I enjoy going back every evening to MGM and ride RnR and ToT then sitting on a bench down Sunset Blvd and people watching. And you can really benefit from the single rider's lines!!!

In how to get used to eating out alone - I started slow by taking a magazine or book with me. You get bolder and can usually leave the reading material at home eventually. At WDW there is lots of counter service and kiosk's in the park. Tho I actually have done character breakfasts alone but then I HAVE to get my picture taken with Tigger every time I go!!! :rotfl:

I have eaten in the resort food courts and at the larger restaurants. You'd be surprise how you can join in other's conversation if you want or not. And you usually get better service (at least at WDW!!!)

Just remember you make you're own good times. I've enjoyed my solo trips but I'm hopeful sometime in the future I'll go with my family or friends. And for those of you with kids - Can I borrow them sometime and go????? :rolleyes1
Ely

[Melwood23]

I have done this for years, so I am use to it. Now I do like to go out and eat with my friends, unfortuately all my friends are in other STATES!!! :rotfl:
But I agree on the single rider lines! After I finally got up the nerve (took 2 yrs) to go on Test Track, I fell in love with this ride. So my last day there last Sept, I went thru 4 times, and the people in the other line were hardly moving lol.

[linchat]

You can be alone in Epcot just fine and then venture to the UK Bar and had a good old time. Hang out at the bar in the evening, everyone is chatty. Partied there many times myself.

[kevin03]

I echo those same words that everyone else has spoken of. I find that when you travel solo, you get alot more done than traveling with a group (family or friends) or with one person. The main thing is that you are on your schedule. You can eat where ever (Sci-Fi at MGM is the best), go on any attraction quicker (Splash Mountain at MK), go swimming whenever (yes, you must swim), or take a nap at your hotel (the TV and the Bed are my best friends lol). I've been lucky for the past 3 years. The best time to visit is during October. Other than Christmas, 2 events happen. The International Food and Wine Festival at Epcot, and Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween. The first time by myself (2002), I stayed 5 days. It was so cool. My birthday helped as well. At the festival, they have a concert series called "Eat to the Beat". I got to see Mary Wilson of the Supremes. The next year (2003), I stayed for a week and a half. This time, I got to meet Sister Sledge, and the Spinners. Then last year (2004), I met Taylor Dayne. So, yes it has it's advantages. People see you and remember you. It's a great feeling to know that even when you don't have people with you, your still family.

So, have a blast. Don't be nervous. Meet new friends. Be well because, "Its A Small World After All" (hey, where did that come from lol)


Kevin (the original Goofy)

[lynn71092]

So who's going to be there Sept. 30-Oct. 3rd?
:wave:

[Melwood23]

So who's going to be there Sept. 30-Oct. 3rd?
:wave:


Sigh....I have ...see ticker below....months...sigh.... :sad1:

[iliketoby]

I agree that you ought to try eating alone in a restaurant at home. I used to travel for a living, and was already quite comfortable eating alone in a restaurant.

The first thing that bugged me on my solo trip was standing in lines for rides. It is a little lonely when the people in front of you are all chatting with each other, and the folks behind you are doing the same. And you just stand there waiting. Alone. It wasn't THAT big a deal, but like I said, I wished there had been someone to pass that time with.

The other thing that got to me was not being able to turn to someone and share a "wow". Single parents get this. When there is something wonderful, you want to share it with someone.

But there were a lot of plus-es, too. I rode the rides I like, and skipped the ones I didn't. I skipped the Animal Kingdom completely! And as a single person, you can find seats that two or more people can't fit into. You get everywhere faster, you shop when you want, etc.

I stayed at the beach, and in the pool for exactly as long as I pleased.

Also, Epcot is by far the easiest park for the solo traveler. I did everything in Future World (except the fish and that Timon thing about the environment) in a few hours. Especially helpful were the single-rider lines at MS and TT. World Showcase was better alone. I could linger and browse and skip as I pleased.

I'd do it again (if I could)!

[ExPirateShopGirl]

I travel by myself all the time. In fact, I'm in ORD at this very moment awaiting my flight back home to San Diego. A good portion of my time is spent on work, but I always get planty of free time. Occasionally I will go out with colleagues who are local or visiting at the same time, but more often than not I dine by myself. Sometimes I don't know what I am in the mood for until I see it, and it's easier than trying to compromise when people have diverse tastes. I happen to love sushi, and I've met the most wonderful people in sushi bars, where single diners are pretty common. I love window shopping after I dine (espescially in Chicago and NYC) and I can linger at the windows as long as I like when I am by myself.
WDW will probably be no different. I have two teen DDs who will undoubtedly leave me in the dust to wander epcot by myself and I am more than happy to do that!

:flower:

[Free4Life11]

Thanks for all of your responses! I'm really "inspired" to do a solo trip. I've only been to WDW once (a few years ago) and had a good time. I really want to go back but have no one to go with. Now I don't feel as weird going alone. Eating alone isn't a huge deal; this will be a budget trip, so I can't afford anything too fancy to begin with. Anyways I am really really busy so eat most of my meals alone as it it. Now I've just got to keep saving and start planning!

[macraven]

i say, go for it while you can.

i have done two solo trips to disney/universal and loved it.

left the disney hating hubby at home.
3 college age sons at home
and the 2 cats...........they, i did miss.

last solo trip was for 12 days, next one planned is for 14 days.

i was able to wake up when i wanted to,
eat when i wanted to,
not have to let someone else tell me where to eat,
watch tv on the channel i chose and leave it on all night if i chose to,
i didn't mind eating solo, most were with families and never noticed me.

i , for the first time, could park hop to all four parks and i never heard any complaining.......lol

it is an experience that i will never forget. i really did enjoy it.
i had no responsibilites to anyone else, and that was a first for me.

i do enjoy going to the parks with my sons, but if they are unable to go with me, i would not let that stop me from a trip

[Disneyfan63]

Hi,

My last solo trip to WDW was for seven days, and the one before that was for twelve. If you have the time off and the money, the choice is between going or staying home. I say go!

Jim

[Gillian]

It'll be fun!

I have a friend who often travels alone when he can't get anyone to go when/where he wants. He feels he should do what he wants to do and not wait for the perfect travel partner. He's been to some pretty cool places!

Maybe send out some feelers to people you haven't talked to in a while but would like to reconnect with. They might want to visit you for a couple of days. I know when I was your age I found that my old friends had changed a lot (as had I!) and some of us were closer than we had been earlier.

[linchat]

2 weeks in disney alone, that is Solo Extreme!

[allaboutmm]

:moped: Please take me! I am so-o jealous :confused3 ! I hope someday I will be able to try a solo trip! Have fun to all who can do this, and be safe! :wave2:

[maine_jennifer]

allaboutmm - You mentioned being safe. That's one thing about going to WDW solo, I feel pretty safe there. I don't completely let my guard down, but I do feel safe enough. I don't know that I would ever vacation to a big city or other tourist destinations alone, but going to WDW was easy. I know it's not 100% safe, but no place is. WDW is one place I will just talk to strangers. I don't even do that in my own hometown.

[allaboutmm]

I was so jealous after reading this thread I went and checked out prices( jetblue, AAA,etc.....) not going to happen this year(solo), but we go as a family in December. But maybe in the future a solo trip will happen :hourglass !

* Jen- from S.Maine: we :lovestruc camping in Maine!