How and why do you solo?

superkick555

Earning My Ears

Joined

Sep 25, 2015

• Nov 28, 2015

• #21

Because I dont know anyone else whos a big disney fan and can afford to take off work and go with me.
Because I dont want anyone to ruin my first Disneyland trip
Because ive been to other theme parks with a group and it gets annoying sooner or later with more then 3 people.
Because I like having a hotel room to myself.
Becuase I can eat whatever or wherever I want without somebody complaining.
Because when I stop to take pictures it wont annoy other people in the group.
Because I dont have to deal with people that cant get up in the morning.
Becuase I can use the single rider lines.
Because I can be myself and roam freely.

 

ChimCher-ee

There's been a change of plans.

Joined

Jun 3, 2015

• Nov 29, 2015

• #22

I consider myself in a sister category, the "slowly creeping up on going to Disney solo so no one will be surprised" category.

DH is a "one and done" type and never wavered. I thought I was too but have discovered it's really my passion. I can say that this is truly the first hobby I've ever had. I read about Disney (the man and the corporation), I watch videos to get my day started or when I need a pick-me-up (iTheme Park are my favorites), I collect art books...you get the picture. DH simply cannot understand what's going on!

So I started going just with DD. She loves it too but she's going away to camp next year and ...

I'm going just with my mother! So it will be adults only but I'm sure that someday it will be ...

Solo trip! I'm reading along, agreeing with everything I see here and knowing it's in my future. I love doing things by myself anyway, movies, museums, meals, day trips, so WDW will be just wonderful.

Enjoying the thread -- thanks!

 

R

raddisneyfan

DIS Veteran

Joined

Jul 22, 2012

• Nov 29, 2015

• #23

I find it hard to find friends, especially at my age, who still want to go to WDW. I love it. I love walking and I love the resorts and all that there is to do, or not to do as the case may be. I don't think I would have gone solo on my first trip, but now that I've been many, many times and know my way around, I really enjoy it. Like the OP, my first solo was part of a business trip. Since then, I've taken 1 semi-solo--had my own room and friends met me there half way through the week, then I did one completely solo and I'll be there for my next complete solo in less than 2 weeks. I like the planning and going back to my old favorites--whether that's rides or food.

 

N

nickymeyers19

Earning My Ears

Joined

Dec 14, 2015

• Dec 14, 2015

• #24

gracie1 said:

I love seeing all the posts about solo trips. I've never gone to wdw solo but am thinking of doing it next year. Around Christmas time!

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I totally agree! I've been trying to get the courage up to go solo myself very soon. All these posts are so helpful. A real mix of different experiences...mostly good!

 

WDWpaulJr

@WDWtourist

Joined

Jul 12, 2015

• Dec 15, 2015

• #25

My only single trip there was when i had some work south of Orlando for a week. I left Cincinnati a day early and stayed at All Star Sports for a night and went to Epcot by myself the next day before hitting the road again. I had a blast and did whatever I wanted. I'd rather go with the Fiance or friends but I wouldn't be against a single trip again. although I probably couldn't do it for more than one Day. I like Sharing the Disney fun with others.

 

alopez926

Mouseketeer

Joined

Sep 22, 2009

• Dec 15, 2015

• #26

My last trip was about a month ago and it was not the best. Yes, it was overcrowded for my taste but that wasn't the reason. Traveling with my mother, siblings and their families was so stressful and since I was the one who made the plans, I constantly had to shift everything around to suit everyone's needs (and tardiness). My nieces were "sticks in the mud" the whole time, and it just wasn't the kind of trip I was hoping it would be.

I need a little pixie dust so I'm treating myself to a quick trip to DLR on my way out to SF in Feb. I'm so excited to do the parks by myself for the first time!

 

M

MickeyMonstersMom

DIS Veteran

Joined

Apr 26, 2002

• Dec 31, 2015

• #27

I started going solo when I accompanied DD and DS on flights to visit my ex-husband after he moved to Florida: we'd meet at the airport, he'd take the kids, and I'd spend a week at WDW until we flew home again. I took them on a few magical family trips as well! I've learned that MK is not enjoyable on my own - I kept wanting to share moments with them - but Epcot is my solo dream destination! I, too, appreciate the freedom to do what I want, when I want.

 

pharaoh

Mouseketeer

Joined

Jan 5, 2014

• Jan 1, 2016

• #28

Stefecatzz said:

I go solo b/c right now, I live in S FL where almost no one it seems down here is a huge Disney fan who goes to the parks often.

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That's so funny that you say that. I live in South Florida as well and it is the complete opposite for me. Almost everyone I know is a big Disney fan and most everyone has an AP. It's a running joke when we meet someone who didn't grow up in FL, or grow up going to Disney World often, they are always shocked to see just how many of us are obsessed. You should come down to South Beach more often! lol

As for me, I didn't really have a reason for starting to go solo. I just decided one day that I wanted to go to Disney World on my own, I had the vacation time, and I just booked it and did the whole thing within 30 days. I didn't have many expectations other than knowing that I enjoy spending time alone. Going to Disney World solo gives me a chance to be with my own thoughts and have the time to really be present, in the moment, in a place I love.

I have a lot of friends in the Orlando area so I knew if I got lonely, I'd have someone to hang out with, but I never got lonely. I love being able to run around doing whatever my heart desires. Now it's become an annual tradition.

 

Grumpy247365

Mouseketeer

Joined

Mar 8, 2015

• Jan 2, 2016

• #29

I travel solo because I am a passholder and most of my friends aren't. I like to make the most of it. I'm only a 3 hour (2.5 hour if I'm driving) south of Orlando and I like to go as much as possible. I also like to splurge and stay on site, and eat at some of the signature restaurants. Basically, I get to do what I want to do without having to plan around somebody else. Don't get me wrong, I visit with friends and family, but I enjoy traveling solo the most.

 

NPRinLA

Mouseketeer

Joined

Aug 28, 2013

• Jan 3, 2016

• #30

I LOVE Going solo! I am a very independant person by nature, so I enjoy spending time by myself. I can go to the restaurants I want, I can visit the stores for as long as I want (Or not at all), I get to do what I want and not feel like I'm compromising. Let's face it, this is a very expensive habit. Fortunately I have an amazing job with a flexible schedule. After spending that much on a vacation, I want to do what I want to do. Maybe it's selfish, maybe not. I've asked others if they want to join me, and most people just don't get the appeal. I'm okay with that. I've learned that I'd rather have a great time by myself than have a mediocre time with other people. Also... I have an "A" type personality and can be very controlling with what I want to do. I'm sure all of this will change when I settle down and have children, but for now it works for me.

 

Dug720

See the line where the sky meets the sea?

Joined

Feb 16, 2012

• Jan 3, 2016

• #31

How do I solo? I make my reservations, get my plane tickets, get on a plane and fly to MCO, then take DME to my resort!

Why do I solo? In general it's because trying ton get my friends together to do anything is like herding cats - plus many of them aren't bound by the school system's calendar (I teach) and prefer to do whatever traveling they do at less expensive times. If I waited for them to get their acts together I'd never go anywhere. Going to Disney, it's because I love it there and am perfectly comfortable there (and on their cruises) solo. To other places (I've been to Dublin, London, Florence, and Toronto internationally and Seattle, DC, Chicago, and obviously Disney solo - also have done 2 "group" cruises but I went as a solo those were to Alaska) it's basically because I want to see the world and travel - and again, waiting for others to decide OR saying "Hey, come do this thing that costs this much money with me" is just awkward with some of my friends who might have different life priorities than seeing the world.

I get to go places and see things on my time without worrying if someone else is bored or without being overridden more than once by their want-to-dos (don't get me wrong, I'm all about everyone getting to do what they want when traveling with someone, but I've been in situations where whatever I wanted was shrugged off and I never got a chance to do those until I said "Why don't we split up and meet back at..." Traveling with someone else is naturally going to have give and take, and it's not always 50/50. Traveling solo you get to be a little bit selfish and focus on you!

 

Stefecatzz

"If nothing changed, there'd be no butterflies."

Joined

Jun 22, 2013

• Jan 3, 2016

• #32

NPRinLA said:

I've learned that I'd rather have a great time by myself than have a mediocre time with other people.

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Yes! Well said!

I do enjoy being in Disney with close friends & family. But I've been there with people who are just cranky almost constantly & all they wanted to do was sit in one spot in the park (Hello, I can go to a local & Free park & do that all day if I wanted! We are in Disney World!!). I've also been with those who are all commando about riding every single ride in an impossible amount of time & that's no fun. I do have times when I'm more excited & move at a faster pace but since I'm an AP, I've realized that (most) of the rides aren't going anywhere so there's no reason to hurry. And when I take my time, I notice so many details that I never have & am still noticing new ones! I have times when I'm in my own world, just taking everything in & there have been times when I'm feeling more social & have had great conversations with some interesting people that I probably never would've had if I was there with others.

 

BaltimoreLauren

Disney Fanatic

Joined

Jan 3, 2016

• Jan 3, 2016

• #33

I never went as a child since I was always sick, so August of 2014 I had to visit Sarasota for work and decided to take a day trip and I *loved* it. I've been back 6 times since then! While I enjoy going with family and friends, there's nothing as great as exploring the parks by yourself and doing your own thing!

(I do work as a contractor for a company down there, so whenever I go down I make it a point to make a day trip.)

 

richmo

DIS Veteran

Joined

Feb 26, 2007

• Jan 4, 2016

• #34

I started pretty much the same was as the OP: was onsite at Disney for a conference and waiting to come back after the weekend more than made up the cost of staying, so my employer was more than willing to pay for a couple (offsite) nights. Bought myself a 2 or 3 day park hopper (if that's what it was then) and there was my first solo trip.

Haven't done it every year, but I seem to get one during March or early April most years. I just stay away from Easter and one week on each side of it. Just over two months to go to the next one...