1st solo trip ever and NERVOUS

pipervali

Mouseketeer
Joined
Jun 22, 2008
I'm leaving for my first trip solo to anywhere, ever, in two weeks and I'm having some stress about it. It wasn't my original plan to go alone. I'm a big US Women's National Soccer team fan, and there's a Victory Tour game in Orlando. I figured I might as well get a quick Disney trip in and see the ladies play all in one fell swoop. Unfortunately everyone that I asked to come with, after I bought the tickets for the game, has now backed out. Some legit, some not so legit. My own mother, who loves Disney, won't leave her cat alone for a week since the cat is terrified of everyone but my mother. So instead of canceling my plans, I'm just gonna go myself. I've been told multiple times by friends and family that I'm out of my mind.

Soooooo, am I? lol I've read some threads, it seems like people really enjoy their solo trips for the most part, and do it multiple times. I think my big worry is the rides at the park, is it weird to go solo on things, do people look at you with pity, things like that? I don't usually eat alone for the most part, I'm single but my mother is too, so we tend to do dinner together, or I'm out with friends. I am excited for Food and Wine at Epcot, and I figure I can blow through everything much quicker than if I was having to wait for others in my party to either keep up or whine about getting tired.

Any advice for a first timer? And anyone else going to the USWNT game? Another thing I've never done, alone or in general lol

PS. Sorry for being so long winded.......
 
There is nothing weird about going alone, and you have nothing to be worried about. Nobody looks at you any different just cause you are riding the rides alone - you just may think they do because you expect it...truth is many folks ride a particular ride alone even when they are with someone.

You will have a blast. The freedom of doing whatever you want, whenever you want, is incredible. In fact, it takes a while to "get it" - we are so used to accommodating the wishes of others that it seems unreal to have unlimited choices. Take one piece of advice: get a park hopper ticket. Many times I have gone into my "planned park" for the day only to get there and change my mind. Thank me later.

I have no trouble eating alone - as a traveling salesman I do it a lot anyway. I have had a couple of times at Disney where someone noted me alone and asked if I would like to join them. I always do (if asked) and it has always turned out delightful. But eating alone is also kinda cool - I end up befriending the server and folks around me as well.

In short, don't fret, don't worry, have no concerns. You will have the time of your life.
 
I've been told multiple times by friends and family that I'm out of my mind.

Soooooo, am I? lol I've read some threads, it seems like people really enjoy their solo trips for the most part, and do it multiple times. I think my big worry is the rides at the park, is it weird to go solo on things, do people look at you with pity, things like that? I don't usually eat alone for the most part, I'm single but my mother is too, so we tend to do dinner together, or I'm out with friends. I am excited for Food and Wine at Epcot, and I figure I can blow through everything much quicker than if I was having to wait for others in my party to either keep up or whine about getting tired.

Personally, I would say you were out of your mind if you DIDN'T go somewhere you really wanted to go only because you couldn't find someone to go with you. :goodvibes Groups are fun, pairs are fun. . .and so are solos. All for different reasons. Why let others' choices limit what you want to do?

I just spent 6 days last month on a solo trip. Don't recall getting one "weird look" the entire time. No pity, either! Actually had one or two moms that were jealous!

I've got a conference in Orlando later this month. I had so much fun last month, I've added two days to my trip so I can do Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party and Food & Wine - both for the first time! I asked DH if he wanted to come, and he did, but he can't get the time off work. It's only costing me $200 (plus $$ for F&W), so I just couldn't pass up the opportunity!

So I guess it's pretty obvious - I'm in the "Go For It!" camp!:jumping1:
 
I'm leaving for my first trip solo to anywhere, ever, in two weeks and I'm having some stress about it. It wasn't my original plan to go alone. ... So instead of canceling my plans, I'm just gonna go myself. I've been told multiple times by friends and family that I'm out of my mind.

Soooooo, am I? lol I've read some threads, it seems like people really enjoy their solo trips for the most part, and do it multiple times. I think my big worry is the rides at the park, is it weird to go solo on things, do people look at you with pity, things like that? I don't usually eat alone for the most part, I'm single but my mother is too, so we tend to do dinner together, or I'm out with friends. I am excited for Food and Wine at Epcot, and I figure I can blow through everything much quicker than if I was having to wait for others in my party to either keep up or whine about getting tired.

Any advice for a first timer? And anyone else going to the USWNT game? Another thing I've never done, alone or in general lol

PS. Sorry for being so long winded.......

First off, congratulations for making the decision to to something you want when no one else wants to join you on what looks to be a great trip. Traveling on your own for the first time can be daunting, but there is not a better place in the world to experience it than WDW.

Second, keep a positive attitude. There will be times when you feel the need to socialize. Engage a CM, or perhaps someone waiting in line with you, if you feel the need to have someone to talk to. Don't be afraid to offer your table to another single or couple. I've done that several times. Usually we chat and sometimes we don't, but it doesn't hurt to spread a little magic when you can. If you can, go on one of the backstage tours. Most are for adults only (so the kids don't lose the magic), and it'll give you some people to talk to.

Third, don't worry about what others may be thinking. I travel solo all the time and I can assure you most, if not all, of them are thinking about themselves - what to ride, where to eat, where to buy that perfect souvenir, or if they going to get rained on. In my experience, when people notice you the most, its when you're eating as they are jealous that you are seated and they are not.

Fourth, give yourself permission to do whatever you want, whenever you want. Feel like an ice cream sundae for lunch? Go for it! Want to ride Its a Small World 6 times in a row? Do it! Have fun! I usually get a park hopper so I can change parks on a whim - and I do! One night I was going to do MK, but it was raining and I wasn't in the mood, so I headed to World Showcase and indulged in several glasses of wine as I toured the World! Another time, I went to DHS in the morning, rode all the rides I wanted to in about 2 hours (some multiple times) and decided I wanted to do Splash Mountain so off I went. I did four days like that and had one of the best times at WDW I'd ever had.

Lastly, boast about all the fun you had when you get home to all your friends who bailed on you. Maybe the next time they won't bail on you.
 


You are NOT crazy. Do not listen to anyone who says you are. I've never had a problem riding alone, eating alone, meeting lots of characters alone. If anyone has ever given me a funny look, I have been having way too much fun to even notice. Those people are probably the poor unfortunate souls who live under the delusion that WDW is only for kids.

Where is the soccer game? Have you worked out how you're going to get there, etc? That's what I have no advice for; my solo trips have always been confined to the "Disney Bubble."
 
Solo trips are amazing!! I have traveled solo before Disney, but took my first solo there this summer. I have many friends and family who think I am nuts for going on trips alone. But sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. Can't just sit at home and do nothing just because other people are lame! Ha.

It's so fun solo. I'm going back again solo in December and can't wait! No one treated me weird or gave me any funny looks. I never realized until the disboards HOW MANY PEOPLE GO SOLO! Really. TONS do.

Iv'e also gone to sporting events solo before. Nascar races, football games, baseball games. Even the college national championship game a few years ago. My team was in it and it was a short drive away, so I went! Had an amazing time and got to see my team win a national championship. :)

So just embrace it! Keep a positive attitude about it and focus on what you are doing, not what everyone else thinks. Because I guarantee, they aren't thinking what you think they are! :)

Have an AWESOME trip!
 
Solo travel and solo Disney trips are great. The only advice I would give you is that if you are not used to traveling solo/ dining solo and being by yourself- it can be weird/ hard at first. Go out to eat by yourself in your home town once and gauge your comfort level. Some people are fine with it...some are not. If you are not, plan for counter service or eating at the bar. Take a book/ something to distract yourself. The more you do something, the more comfortable it is. I spent a lot of time on my phone my first solo trip- I don't these days. No one cares if you are by yourself in line/ on the bus/ in a restaurant/ in a store. People are far more interested in themselves. Enjoy, ignore the naysayers and have a great time!
 


I'm leaving for my first trip solo to anywhere, ever, in two weeks and I'm having some stress about it. It wasn't my original plan to go alone. I'm a big US Women's National Soccer team fan, and there's a Victory Tour game in Orlando. I figured I might as well get a quick Disney trip in and see the ladies play all in one fell swoop. Unfortunately everyone that I asked to come with, after I bought the tickets for the game, has now backed out. Some legit, some not so legit. My own mother, who loves Disney, won't leave her cat alone for a week since the cat is terrified of everyone but my mother. So instead of canceling my plans, I'm just gonna go myself. I've been told multiple times by friends and family that I'm out of my mind.

Soooooo, am I? lol I've read some threads, it seems like people really enjoy their solo trips for the most part, and do it multiple times. I think my big worry is the rides at the park, is it weird to go solo on things, do people look at you with pity, things like that? I don't usually eat alone for the most part, I'm single but my mother is too, so we tend to do dinner together, or I'm out with friends. I am excited for Food and Wine at Epcot, and I figure I can blow through everything much quicker than if I was having to wait for others in my party to either keep up or whine about getting tired.

Any advice for a first timer? And anyone else going to the USWNT game? Another thing I've never done, alone or in general lol

PS. Sorry for being so long winded.......
Hey there, I took my first solo trip to anywhere ever (WDW) last year. I had a great time and so will you! Enjoy doing anything and everything that YOU want to do. I doubt anyone looked at me with pity but if they did, I was having too much fun to notice! They have no way of knowing whether you're on a solo trip or just separated from your group, so don't worry about it! I'll probably go solo this year too because other people can be unreliable, and I'm not going to let anyone ruin my trip! But when you go solo, you don't have to worry about that happening. Have fun!
 
I'm leaving for my first trip solo to anywhere, ever, in two weeks and I'm having some stress about it. It wasn't my original plan to go alone. I'm a big US Women's National Soccer team fan, and there's a Victory Tour game in Orlando. I figured I might as well get a quick Disney trip in and see the ladies play all in one fell swoop. Unfortunately everyone that I asked to come with, after I bought the tickets for the game, has now backed out. Some legit, some not so legit. My own mother, who loves Disney, won't leave her cat alone for a week since the cat is terrified of everyone but my mother. So instead of canceling my plans, I'm just gonna go myself. I've been told multiple times by friends and family that I'm out of my mind.

Soooooo, am I? lol I've read some threads, it seems like people really enjoy their solo trips for the most part, and do it multiple times. I think my big worry is the rides at the park, is it weird to go solo on things, do people look at you with pity, things like that? I don't usually eat alone for the most part, I'm single but my mother is too, so we tend to do dinner together, or I'm out with friends. I am excited for Food and Wine at Epcot, and I figure I can blow through everything much quicker than if I was having to wait for others in my party to either keep up or whine about getting tired.

Any advice for a first timer? And anyone else going to the USWNT game? Another thing I've never done, alone or in general lol

PS. Sorry for being so long winded.......

Been there as far as being nervous alone (and I'm also a soccer fan). On my first solo trip, I checked in at POR at around 1:30 am. Bell Services offered to take me to my room, but I said I could go alone. Whatever was I thinking? Of course, as I was walking along I heard whispers nearby. Suddenly I turned the corner, terrified of what it was....two women in formal gowns and Mickey Ears! Somehow I wasn't so scared after that, and continued my walk with a big smile on my face. Now, the only time I feel nervous is when I'm alone with the driver in a taxi.
 
Thanks to all of you for your kind replies. I felt a bit ridiculous being so unsure. I'm in my early thirties, but I've always had family and friends around me, so I suppose I was just feeling a little strange for the first time not having that. You've all done a great job reassuring me that my decision to go despite unreliable people was the right one all along! I'm definitely getting excited, two weeks today. Only doing 2 days in Disney, but I haven't been in 5 years(DLR girls trip 3 years ago) so I'm definitely going to make the most of it. And definitely excited for the soccer game!

Thanks again everyone.
 
I've taken well over 25 trips solo. Will there be people that look at you funny? Well, yes there is, but that's their problem for being closed minded. Don't worry about them. I've had many great conversations with complete strangers, especially while sharing a table for food & wine. Enjoy yourself and do what you what you enjoy without worrying about others.
 
I am currently planning my fourth solo trip to WDW for early 2016. I wouldn't go to any other place solo... New York, Chicago, Vegas, LA. At Disney, I feel completely safe. Everyone is there for the same reason you are and everyone is friendly. The best part about being single is doing what you want, when you want. The only weird thing was the first time I went to ride alone and the CM asked, "How many?".... Uh... one! LOL The world didn't end, no one laughed or looked at me oddly. In fact, sometimes they're jealous because the CM was looking for a single to fill a row and I got to move forward ahead of them.

Enjoy your trip and don't forget to report back on how it went for you!
 
I'm leaving for my first trip solo to anywhere, ever, in two weeks and I'm having some stress about it. It wasn't my original plan to go alone. I'm a big US Women's National Soccer team fan, and there's a Victory Tour game in Orlando. I figured I might as well get a quick Disney trip in and see the ladies play all in one fell swoop. Unfortunately everyone that I asked to come with, after I bought the tickets for the game, has now backed out. Some legit, some not so legit. My own mother, who loves Disney, won't leave her cat alone for a week since the cat is terrified of everyone but my mother. So instead of canceling my plans, I'm just gonna go myself. I've been told multiple times by friends and family that I'm out of my mind.

Soooooo, am I? lol I've read some threads, it seems like people really enjoy their solo trips for the most part, and do it multiple times. I think my big worry is the rides at the park, is it weird to go solo on things, do people look at you with pity, things like that? I don't usually eat alone for the most part, I'm single but my mother is too, so we tend to do dinner together, or I'm out with friends. I am excited for Food and Wine at Epcot, and I figure I can blow through everything much quicker than if I was having to wait for others in my party to either keep up or whine about getting tired.

Any advice for a first timer? And anyone else going to the USWNT game? Another thing I've never done, alone or in general lol

PS. Sorry for being so long winded.......
There are so many things you have to look forward to. You will never regret going alone. Everyone has mentioned a lot of what I would say so I don't need to elabourate. Getting seats for one is so easy, even aside from the single-rider lines. If you're there for a parade, not hard to find a place for one. If you like a ride, ride it again before moving on. Be really really selfish and self-indulgent in all this. (I mean in relation to the people who backed out on you, not in relation to everyone in the park). People will take pictures for you if you ask or every character has a photographer and you can get a CD.

BTW it IS okay to scream even if you're in a single rider seat next to a stranger.
 
There are so many things you have to look forward to. You will never regret going alone. Everyone has mentioned a lot of what I would say so I don't need to elabourate. Getting seats for one is so easy, even aside from the single-rider lines. If you're there for a parade, not hard to find a place for one. If you like a ride, ride it again before moving on. Be really really selfish and self-indulgent in all this. (I mean in relation to the people who backed out on you, not in relation to everyone in the park). People will take pictures for you if you ask or every character has a photographer and you can get a CD.

BTW it IS okay to scream even if you're in a single rider seat next to a stranger.
LOL, this reminds me of when I got on SDMT and the woman next to me warned me ahead of time that she was going to scream a lot. :)
 
First off, congratulations for making the decision to to something you want when no one else wants to join you on what looks to be a great trip. Traveling on your own for the first time can be daunting, but there is not a better place in the world to experience it than WDW.

Second, keep a positive attitude. There will be times when you feel the need to socialize. Engage a CM, or perhaps someone waiting in line with you, if you feel the need to have someone to talk to. Don't be afraid to offer your table to another single or couple. I've done that several times. Usually we chat and sometimes we don't, but it doesn't hurt to spread a little magic when you can. If you can, go on one of the backstage tours. Most are for adults only (so the kids don't lose the magic), and it'll give you some people to talk to.

Third, don't worry about what others may be thinking. I travel solo all the time and I can assure you most, if not all, of them are thinking about themselves - what to ride, where to eat, where to buy that perfect souvenir, or if they going to get rained on. In my experience, when people notice you the most, its when you're eating as they are jealous that you are seated and they are not.

Fourth, give yourself permission to do whatever you want, whenever you want. Feel like an ice cream sundae for lunch? Go for it! Want to ride Its a Small World 6 times in a row? Do it! Have fun! I usually get a park hopper so I can change parks on a whim - and I do! One night I was going to do MK, but it was raining and I wasn't in the mood, so I headed to World Showcase and indulged in several glasses of wine as I toured the World! Another time, I went to DHS in the morning, rode all the rides I wanted to in about 2 hours (some multiple times) and decided I wanted to do Splash Mountain so off I went. I did four days like that and had one of the best times at WDW I'd ever had.

Lastly, boast about all the fun you had when you get home to all your friends who bailed on you. Maybe the next time they won't bail on you.


This is a great post! I second all of it. I had a couple great conversations with people in line this past trip, ate ice cream for lunch, had alcohol at F&W before lunch, went to Animal Kingdom JUST to ride the Safari and nothing else!
 
As someone who has anxiety disorder I just want to say you solo travelers are so brave! seriously I can barely go to the store a lone and here are you guys conquering the world and having wild adventures! bravo for real that strength and im sure you will make friends at your resort :)
 
I'm so jealous! I love doing WDW with my DH, but my favourite day was when I toured MK on my own for 6 hours... bliss! I did things he wouldn't, enjoyed things he wouldn't have stopped to watch, ate, shopped, rode rides, and had a blast! I was almost a little disappointed when he arrived for our reservation at CRT!! I would love to do a whole solo trip one day, if it weren't so expensive. Maybe if I get a job not in a school it might happen one day!
 
Oh reading this thread is making me feel much better about possibly going alone...Have trip planned and traveling partners now can't make it! I was going to back out too but really want to see Osbourne Lights one last time (this is the last year!) and Neil Patrick Harris as the CP narrator...time to book those airline tickets!
 
I was nervous about my first solo trip to Disney as well. That was a few years back. I am going on my 4th solo trip in January so I guess I got over it. :rolleyes1 Seriously though, it is a huge place so it can "feel" intimidating. But its not at all. I am as introverted as they come and don't like crowds but it didn't phase me. I have ended up sitting next to a family with kids at each parade I have gone to and I just end up talking to them. I did a table service character meal at 1900 Park Fare on my first trip and that was a bit awkward when the Evil Step Sisters were looking at me funny but I have come to learn that's just their character. But, my waitress knew I was alone and she brought me a gigantic free dessert at the end of my meal.

My point is, so many people go solo to Disney. Just the amount of solo travelers for runDisney events, which is why I went last October and am going this January, is crazy. The cast members do everything they can to make you comfortable if you even bother to tell them you're alone.

Just go and have a BLAST. Then be prepared because it will most likely be so much fun you'll be planning your next solo trip.
 
If you aren't used to traveling alone, WDW is the perfect place for a first time. It is safe and comfortable and filled with Cast Members who's job is to take care of you... and for the most part the people around youa re going to be HAPPY! There are so many choices of things to do you can have any type of trip you want. My spring trip was "Wander and Wonder", and I'm headed back in a couple days (YAH!) to "Eat (and drink) my way around the World". Relax and enjoy yourself - hope you have a wonderful trip!
 

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