Is doing a solo trip that much fun?

[SiAmCrAzY]

WDW Solo is a completely different experience. For me, I tend to notice more. Spend more time enjoying the music and smelling the flowers so to speak without the distraction of family or friends. My first solo was an accident and now I am hooked.

My first solo was 12 days ( away to long unless you plan on meeting up with friends) I leave next week for 11 days BUT I will be meeting up with friends throughout my trip. Friends, who I in fact met on previous solo trips that to me is the best of both worlds.

I did feel a little weird on the first trip. But I got over it really quick as soon as I realized you are never truly alone in WDW.

Counter service or Table- depends on what I am in the mood for. I will say this I get EXCELLENT service when dining solo. I have had some wonderful conversations with cast members on solo trips

I love photo pass! And have used it every solo trip. Why should memories be preserved for groups only?

I have stayed at both ends. I love pop. But during Food & Wine the closer to Epcot the better! Just depends on what I can afford.

I hope you go and have an amazing solo adventure! You never know who you might meet, or what you may see for the first time.

 

[DakotaRose]

I have been tinkering with the ideal of doing a solo trip in the next few months. I have asked some people, for thier advice as far the pros and cons of doing a solo. The more I think of it, the more I am intrigued about making it happen. I have some questions I would like to ask some of the people on here that have done a solo trip before, so here goes:


How manys days do you make your trip for? Have only been there once and it was a solo trip, 7 days.

Do you feel like you are odd or wierd at all by doing a solo? No. Most people are so engrossed in their groups and getting to the next thing that I never felt like I stood out. I enjoyed the quiet of being on my own, that is, not having to entertain someone or make decisions as a group. I could do as much or as little as I pleased, and enjoy a few shows and rides multiple times without wrecking someone else's plans. I took a few minutes each day to find a pleasant spot and just sit and read. Going solo is very relaxing and a great way to recharge.
As for being alone, you won't be. There are people everywhere except in your room or in the pool at early or late hours. Every single day I had nice visits with someone...or a family or a group of friends traveling together. One group of women at my resort were so charming -- they invited me to have breakfast with them each day while I was there. I even met a lovely new friend from New Jersey (and fellow DISer) for breakfast and Soarin' one morning.

Do you ever get that loney feeling and feel like your missing out on something not being with friends or family? No. Days in the park are busy and distracting from life in the rest of the world. My family and friends texted and called, so I wasn't cut off from what was going on.


Will you choose more counter service meals then table service meals because your doing a solo or it really doesn't matter to you? No. For me a good meal is another attraction to take in. I chose a couple of CS meals for convenience, but mostly had TS because I like the food and the air conditioned down time they provide. Most of the time I was given a nice table by a window, or on the restaurant's perimeter. Only twice was I seated in the middle of a busy restaurant with tables a foot away on either side. That was a little wierd, sitting there while people discussed their families or co-workers right next to me, so I took out my book or my iPod and didn't have to listen to them.

I always had someone taking pictures of me with character photos, would you recommend Photo pass for me as good option? Yes. However, I didn't seek out characters as it can take up too much time, and I'm more interested in other things. Remy stopped by my table at lunch one day, though (Chefs de France)! It's also very easy to offer to take a picture for a family or couple. They are usually quite happy to reciprocate. Sometimes I would just approach someone and ask if they would take my picture, and was always given a friendly response.

When staying there solo, will you look to stay at a more reasonable priced resort at Disney or it doesn't really matter to you? I just chose a resort that appealed to me with the amenities I thought I would use and like.


Sorry for all the questions, I just hope someone can help fill in the blanks for me and give me some answers on thier previous experiences doing a solo. Also just a side note, let me know if you did a solo, how much did you enjoy it or not. Thanks in advance and any advice you could throw my way in helping me, is very much welcomed.

I enjoyed my trip very much and booked a bounceback for next year. There are a few family members and friends who would really like to go with me next time, but I might just go solo again. I do a lot for my family and others, so it's OK to have a week for myself.

 

[HugsForEeyore]

I done many solo trips, and while I do overall enjoy them, I find there are many awkward moments that always occur. I really have to go with the right frame of mind, and be very aware of things so I don't get into situations where I know I will be frustrated and embarrassed.

How manys days do you make your trip for?
I usually go around 7 days.

Do you feel like you are odd or wierd at all by doing a solo?
Yes I do sometimes. Other posters here mention how others guests never pay any attention to solos since they are wrapped up in their own lives. There is a flip side to that - I often feel completely invisible and ignored. How many times have people just walked right by me in a line, or ran around me in a character line when it was my turn to meet the characters, or even CMs who simply look right around me and put the people behind me on the ride next. It happens over and over again - being ignored. I have to be very diligent to try to minimize that - basically being very aware of the people around me (aka big noisy family groups are more likely to walk right around you), or make sure I stand in line with my feet apart with my backpack partially blocking the path so no one passes me in line.

Do you ever get that loney feeling and feel like your missing out on something not being with friends or family?
Yes sometimes. Trips are way better with family or friends, but no one will go anymore (unless I pay their entire way), so it's solo or nothing.

Will you choose more counter service meals then table service meals because your doing a solo or it really doesn't matter to you?
I only do counter serve now. I had enough awkward table restaurants to make me not want to bother anymore. Some table restaurants don't know what to do with you or where to put you. Like they don't want to waste a table on you. Or being placed too close to others is just so uncomfortable when alone. Just don't want to deal with it anymore.

I always had someone taking pictures of me with character photos, would you recommend Photo pass for me as good option?
I find character photos very difficult solo - I sometimes get CMs who think I am with the people behind me so they wave them up instead of me. I like character lines that are well managed like Epcot's Character Spot.

When staying there solo, will you look to stay at a more reasonable priced resort at Disney or it doesn't really matter to you?
I have stayed everywhere, usually more depends on my budget at the time. I rather stay with interior corridors, but most recently stayed at CBR and loved it.

It seems all the other solos here have a great time with hardly any issues due to your "soloness" but I have had many frustrating moments over the years. So basically nowadays when I go to Disney, I pick schedules/activities that minimize the frustrations. I usually head to the parks after noon (less crowded buses, no fighting for seats or to get through the door); I love doing bike riding and boat rentals instead of parks on some days; I swim late in the evening when less crowded; I eat at slightly off times to avoid crowds. All helps the awkwardness/invisible feeling.

Even though I am quite negative here, I hope to go solo again - I just have to go prepared and avoid the bad situations. Glad to see everyone else doesn't seem to have the issues I had over the years!

 

[stindall]

I'm right there with you. I was originally planning a solo trip but then I talked my husband into going with me if I paid for all of it. Then he decided he didn't want to go so I tried to get my brother to go but he's already planning another trip with my Mom. So now I'm more than likely going solo unless I can find someone else to go. As a fellow potential first time solo goer I thought I might share my plans too.

How many days do you make your trip for?:
I'm planning on 7 (including arrival day and departure day) which is what I usually do with others as well. I'd like one day for each park and then a few others to hit up the parks again.

Do you feel like you are odd or weird at all by doing a solo?:
Of course I think I will but it's also something I've never done and most people feel weird doing anything for the first time.

Do you ever get that lonely feeling and feel like you're missing out on something not being with friends or family?
I can't answer this for sure but I know I probably will; but that's normal and not something I'm going to let get me down.

Will you choose more counter service meals then table service meals because your doing a solo or it really doesn't matter to you?
I plan on doing quick service. I don't understand how people say that table service is less lonely than quick service. I'll get a chance to relax for a few minutes, but not too long. I can look over my photos and take in the scenery without wasting too much time. Also gives you the chance to walk around and eat.

I always had someone taking pictures of me with character photos, would you recommend Photo pass for me as good option?
I don't do character photos with a group so I can't imagine doing it alone BUT I've been tossing around Photopass+. I know PP photographers will take photos with your own camera but my experience with that is not great so I'll more than likely get Photopass just to make it easier.

When staying there solo, will you look to stay at a more reasonable priced resort at Disney or it doesn't really matter to you?
Was originally planning a stay at Port Orleans Riverside but I'm downgrading to a value (probably Art of Animation Little Mermaid). I'm the kind of person who doesn't really care what hotel we're at because it's just a place to sleep, change clothes and shower so saving money on that is a big DO! Of course if you want to relax at a hotel and get pampered a moderate or deluxe might be for you.

It might help for you to plan to do a tour, some of them are more affordable than others. I don't know if you already pin trade but that's something I'm looking into doing. It'll give me a reason to interact with others and get some souvenirs as well!

 

[captaindavidhook]

I'm right there with you. I was originally planning a solo trip but then I talked my husband into going with me if I paid for all of it. Then he decided he didn't want to go so I tried to get my brother to go but he's already planning another trip with my Mom. So now I'm more than likely going solo unless I can find someone else to go. As a fellow potential first time solo goer I thought I might share my plans too.

How many days do you make your trip for?:
I'm planning on 7 (including arrival day and departure day) which is what I usually do with others as well. I'd like one day for each park and then a few others to hit up the parks again.

Do you feel like you are odd or weird at all by doing a solo?:
Of course I think I will but it's also something I've never done and most people feel weird doing anything for the first time.

Do you ever get that lonely feeling and feel like you're missing out on something not being with friends or family?
I can't answer this for sure but I know I probably will; but that's normal and not something I'm going to let get me down.

Will you choose more counter service meals then table service meals because your doing a solo or it really doesn't matter to you?
I plan on doing quick service. I don't understand how people say that table service is less lonely than quick service. I'll get a chance to relax for a few minutes, but not too long. I can look over my photos and take in the scenery without wasting too much time. Also gives you the chance to walk around and eat.

I always had someone taking pictures of me with character photos, would you recommend Photo pass for me as good option?
I don't do character photos with a group so I can't imagine doing it alone BUT I've been tossing around Photopass+. I know PP photographers will take photos with your own camera but my experience with that is not great so I'll more than likely get Photopass just to make it easier.

When staying there solo, will you look to stay at a more reasonable priced resort at Disney or it doesn't really matter to you?
Was originally planning a stay at Port Orleans Riverside but I'm downgrading to a value (probably Art of Animation Little Mermaid). I'm the kind of person who doesn't really care what hotel we're at because it's just a place to sleep, change clothes and shower so saving money on that is a big DO! Of course if you want to relax at a hotel and get pampered a moderate or deluxe might be for you.

It might help for you to plan to do a tour, some of them are more affordable than others. I don't know if you already pin trade but that's something I'm looking into doing. It'll give me a reason to interact with others and get some souvenirs as well!

I was looking into doing a tour or too. I will excited and nervous about the possibility of doing this. It would be fun but like you say, there will be a little wierdness that goes along with it. If I could maybe meet up with some people for meals or just some parks, that would make it much more manageable.

 

[stindall]

I was looking into doing a tour or too. I will excited and nervous about the possibility of doing this. It would be fun but like you say, there will be a little wierdness that goes along with it. If I could maybe meet up with some people for meals or just some parks, that would make it much more manageable.

That's a great idea. I know people on DIS often post threads asking if anyone is going to be down there at the same time. I'm hoping to meet up with at least one friend I have in Florida whom I met online a year or so ago. I've heard good things about the Segway tour and the Keys to the Kingdom tour, but I've never heard bad things about any other the other tours either haha

 

[captaindavidhook]

That's a great idea. I know people on DIS often post threads asking if anyone is going to be down there at the same time. I'm hoping to meet up with at least one friend I have in Florida whom I met online a year or so ago. I've heard good things about the Segway tour and the Keys to the Kingdom tour, but I've never heard bad things about any other the other tours either haha

I like the ideal of doing what I want but in the end, I would want some company as well. Would be a nice mix. Everytime I went, I went with family and it was always fun. I think this time would be fun, just hoping to capitalize on making some new friends.

 

[karly05]

I made my first solo trip in February of this year and loved it! I do generally enjoy doing things on my own, however.

How manys days do you make your trip for?
I stayed 5 nights, so I had 4 full days plus late afternoon/evening on my arrival day. I wanted to be sure I could start one morning at each park.

Do you feel like you are odd or wierd at all by doing a solo?
Not really; it was surprising how quickly I got comfortable with it. CMs were all nice and I never ran into anyone who made me feel weird about it.

Do you ever get that loney feeling and feel like your missing out on something not being with friends or family?
I didn't get lonely, but I did text my sister from the parks sometimes, and called her on the phone each night.

Will you choose more counter service meals then table service meals because your doing a solo or it really doesn't matter to you?
Doesn't matter. I booked the TS meals I wanted to try, and had great experiences at all of them (Via Napoli, Flying Fish, Les Chefs de France). In a way, I think TS meals are almost easier/more comfortable than CS solo because you don't have to find your own table (although I never had a problem with that).

I always had someone taking pictures of me with character photos, would you recommend Photo pass for me as good option?
I had Photopass and am glad I did; it just made things easier. I didn't use it as much as I could/should have, but the photo from DHS of The Crazy Lady Strangling Ferb (aka me hugging him) was worth the whole thing.

When staying there solo, will you look to stay at a more reasonable priced resort at Disney or it doesn't really matter to you?
This year, I stayed at BC because it was my first trip in over 7 years, my first solo vacation anywhere, BC was familiar, I liked it, and I was prepared to splurge. I'm trying POFQ next time in the interest of economizing and being able to go more often.

As for the Park Hopper question: I LOVE Park Hoppers and would not go without them. I didn't hop every day on my last trip, but when I wanted it, I was glad to have it. Examples: Monday night was my only good chance to see MSEP and Wishes at MK, but I didn't want Monday to be my main day there. I hit morning EMH at AK that day, finished there around 2:30, went back to the BC to regroup, then headed over to MK specifically to get some dinner (CHH) and see the parade/fireworks. Tuesday I started at MK, spent most of my day there, went to Flying Fish for dinner, then walked over to Epcot for Illuminations (which I had skipped earlier on the trip because it was so chilly out). Also, I like to be able to hop on my last day so I can "clean up" anything I've missed or want to redo - This time, I started at Epcot for Soarin' and lunch at Les Chefs, then went to DHS to do Animation Academy (which I'd skipped earlier in the week) and hit Star Tours a couple more times.

My main advice for taking a solo trip is, if you think there's any chance at all you'll enjoy it - go for it!!

 

[captaindavidhook]

I made my first solo trip in February of this year and loved it! I do generally enjoy doing things on my own, however.

How manys days do you make your trip for?
I stayed 5 nights, so I had 4 full days plus late afternoon/evening on my arrival day. I wanted to be sure I could start one morning at each park.

Do you feel like you are odd or wierd at all by doing a solo?
Not really; it was surprising how quickly I got comfortable with it. CMs were all nice and I never ran into anyone who made me feel weird about it.

Do you ever get that loney feeling and feel like your missing out on something not being with friends or family?
I didn't get lonely, but I did text my sister from the parks sometimes, and called her on the phone each night.

Will you choose more counter service meals then table service meals because your doing a solo or it really doesn't matter to you?
Doesn't matter. I booked the TS meals I wanted to try, and had great experiences at all of them (Via Napoli, Flying Fish, Les Chefs de France). In a way, I think TS meals are almost easier/more comfortable than CS solo because you don't have to find your own table (although I never had a problem with that).

I always had someone taking pictures of me with character photos, would you recommend Photo pass for me as good option?
I had Photopass and am glad I did; it just made things easier. I didn't use it as much as I could/should have, but the photo from DHS of The Crazy Lady Strangling Ferb (aka me hugging him) was worth the whole thing.

When staying there solo, will you look to stay at a more reasonable priced resort at Disney or it doesn't really matter to you?
This year, I stayed at BC because it was my first trip in over 7 years, my first solo vacation anywhere, BC was familiar, I liked it, and I was prepared to splurge. I'm trying POFQ next time in the interest of economizing and being able to go more often.

As for the Park Hopper question: I LOVE Park Hoppers and would not go without them. I didn't hop every day on my last trip, but when I wanted it, I was glad to have it. Examples: Monday night was my only good chance to see MSEP and Wishes at MK, but I didn't want Monday to be my main day there. I hit morning EMH at AK that day, finished there around 2:30, went back to the BC to regroup, then headed over to MK specifically to get some dinner (CHH) and see the parade/fireworks. Tuesday I started at MK, spent most of my day there, went to Flying Fish for dinner, then walked over to Epcot for Illuminations (which I had skipped earlier on the trip because it was so chilly out). Also, I like to be able to hop on my last day so I can "clean up" anything I've missed or want to redo - This time, I started at Epcot for Soarin' and lunch at Les Chefs, then went to DHS to do Animation Academy (which I'd skipped earlier in the week) and hit Star Tours a couple more times.

My main advice for taking a solo trip is, if you think there's any chance at all you'll enjoy it - go for it!!

Thank you for the friendly advice. The more I think about the PH, the more I am leaning to getting it. It would make things so much easier. Ak closes by 5 in Feb and with the PH, I could take advantage and go to Mk or Epcot for dinner. Just a thought.

 

[karly05]

Oh, yeah, eating at Epcot is always a good reason for Park Hoppers!

 

[stindall]

Forgot about the Hopper question. Here's my 2 cents: if you have the extra money, get it. You may not use it every day and you may only use it once but for the comfort of knowing you're not tied down to one park all day, it's worth it! Animal Kingdom closes fairly early so going over to Epcot for a drink or dinner is always a fun choice. You can also hit up EMH at any park that has them and then move on to another park for a while. I know the few times we didn't get a hopper I was stressed out trying to fit everything I wanted to do in, knowing we wouldn't get to go back to that park!

 

[captaindavidhook]

Forgot about the Hopper question. Here's my 2 cents: if you have the extra money, get it. You may not use it every day and you may only use it once but for the comfort of knowing you're not tied down to one park all day, it's worth it! Animal Kingdom closes fairly early so going over to Epcot for a drink or dinner is always a fun choice. You can also hit up EMH at any park that has them and then move on to another park for a while. I know the few times we didn't get a hopper I was stressed out trying to fit everything I wanted to do in, knowing we wouldn't get to go back to that park!

That's what I am dealing with now. Some of these parks I will be done with them early. Ak for one but I also might want the option of going back to Ak to ride EE or something else and then hit MK or Epcot, later in the day. The PH costs an extra 60 bucks; correct? I did my quote a few times and it seems with the PH it came to an extra 60 dollars. Just a guess, that's all.

 

[stindall]

That's what I am dealing with now. Some of these parks I will be done with them early. Ak for one but I also might want the option of going back to Ak to ride EE or something else and then hit MK or Epcot, later in the day. The PH costs an extra 60 bucks; correct? I did my quote a few times and it seems with the PH it came to an extra 60 dollars. Just a guess, that's all.

 

[captaindavidhook]

Wow, good stuff thank you.

 

[stindall]

Wow, good stuff thank you.

Sure thing

 

[captaindavidhook]

You stayed at the Pop I see. So what are your impression of it. Did you stay in a preferred room? Did you enjoy the food court.

 

[stindall]

You stayed at the Pop I see. So what are your impression of it. Did you stay in a preferred room? Did you enjoy the food court.

I love Pop and I almost chose it again for the next trip but I wanted to try something new. We never choose preferred rooms because we have no real reason to. Everyone in our party was capable of walking and didn't have any medical issues. We never found it to be too noisy but we did go at times when it wasn't super busy. I don't remember the food court that much because we only ate there a few times (lunch and dinner mostly at the parks and I brought my own things for breakfast to save time and money) but from what I do remember it was nice and easy to get in and out of.

 

[captaindavidhook]

I love Pop and I almost chose it again for the next trip but I wanted to try something new. We never choose preferred rooms because we have no real reason to. Everyone in our party was capable of walking and didn't have any medical issues. We never found it to be too noisy but we did go at times when it wasn't super busy. I don't remember the food court that much because we only ate there a few times (lunch and dinner mostly at the parks and I brought my own things for breakfast to save time and money) but from what I do remember it was nice and easy to get in and out of.

The wdw agent I chatted with, instanly put me in a preferred room. When I looked at the map today, to me it didn't look like it would be that far of a walk to the food court or bus transportation.

 

[stindall]

The wdw agent I chatted with, instanly put me in a preferred room. When I looked at the map today, to me it didn't look like it would be that far of a walk to the food court or bus transportation.

Honestly it can be a bit of a walk if you're in the 90's or 50's but if you take into account that you'll be walking much further at the parks it's not a big deal. It's weird they just put you into one and didn't ask. I'd say if you don't mind a little further of a walk and you have no real need to be closer to the main building, pool or bus stops then save the extra $15 for more fun things!

 

[captaindavidhook]

Honestly it can be a bit of a walk if you're in the 90's or 50's but if you take into account that you'll be walking much further at the parks it's not a big deal. It's weird they just put you into one and didn't ask. I'd say if you don't mind a little further of a walk and you have no real need to be closer to the main building, pool or bus stops then save the extra $15 for more fun things!

That's my thinking too. My trip is not booked still mulling things over. Next time I speak to them, I am going to tell them no thank you, I'll walk if I have too lol