Best tip for first time solo traveler?

[dahirsh]

I'm taking my first solo trip to WDW this coming May. This is my fourth trip there overall, but the first two were both over twenty years ago as a kid. I was also there two years ago for the millennium celebration with my sister and her family. But this time I'm going alone. So I'm asking all of you experienced solo travelers for your best tips to make this an enjoyable trip. Thanks in advance.

Deb

[wdw1972]

Just relax, and enjoy the fact that your trip will be spent doing everything you WANT to do, and nothing you don't want to do! For me, that's the best part of a solo trip - the complete freedom. Not knowing you at all, I'm at a loss to really recommend anything more detailed - but don't let your solo status keep you from doing anything you enjoy - rides, shows, dining, etc.

[HugsForEeyore]

Hi dahirsh,

My best tip is get a camera with a self timer!! On my first solo trip, I did not have one, so I have almost no pictures with me in them - and the pictures were quite boring. On my next trip, I got a self-timer camera (with a 9 second delay) and I used it often, and got many good pictures this time!! I usually placed the camera on a trash can - they are the perfect height for picture taking. I also have a tripod if I want to get a really good shot of myself somewhere, though they are clunky to use.

<img src="http://home.att.net/~swill70/hugsmall3.gif">

[DeeP]

When I am solo at WDW one of the things I enjoy alot is talking to different people. I have had some great conversations with people from all over and also with the CMs. CMs will often strike up conversations with solo travelers and most of the CMs are very interesting people to talk to. When you are with other people you tend to just talk to them but when you are solo it is amazing how many nice people you meet. I also like to just sit back and people watch and take in the wonderful atmosphere at WDW when I am solo, but when I am with others they always want to go, go , go! Also, as someone else said, one of the nicest things about being in WDW solo is doing what you want, when you want, without having to please anyone but yourself!

[spiceycat]

don't go to the MK on a Saturday - unless you just have to do the fireworks and the nighttime parade - (until June - these are only on Satuday so it gets alot more people)

If one park is crowded just leave and go to another park. Sometimes the Studios will be very crowded but at Epcot hardly anyone is there - so if there are too many people leave and go find another park.

when in may are you going - I will be there May 3 thru 10 (not staying at Disney).

[PammyK]

Hi Deb!

Solo trips are lots of fun! I just know you'll have a great time!

Here are some of my tips...

• Don't be afraid to go to sit-down restaurants. As a solo traveler, I've found that they sometimes seem to go out of their way to make you feel comfortable and taken care of.
• Don't be afraid to ask someone to take your picture. CMs are required to do so if you ask them and most other guests will be happy to accommodate as well.
• Make a list of things you've always wanted to try but couldn't get anyone else to go along with. Make sure you do them.
• Engage CMs in conversation. They will often have good tips for you.
• Relax and have fun!

Have fun planning.

[susy]

Splurge on a deluxe , if you can afford it and order room service at least once!!! I've never been on a solo trip and don't think I would enjoy it , but if I did I would pamper myself silly!!! Go to the spa and don't forget the tea at GF!!!!

[dahirsh]

Spiceycat, I'll just miss you. I fly down late on the 10th and will be there until the 17th.

Deb

[Simba's Mom]

I've taken 4 solo trips to WDW, with lots more to come, I hope. My best solo tip I didn't figure out til this last time. Take a pad of paper with you or a journal. Then when you're sitting at meals or at the end of the day, jot down notes on what you did, your thoughts, etc. Boy, I wish I'd done that every trip! I love looking back at my notes that I took, helps bring me back there in my mind.

[dahirsh]

Thank you all for your suggestions.

Anyone with anymore?

HugsForEeyore- I've gotta ask, approx. how many steps back do you need to takr from the trashcan holding your camera?

Deb

[Figment2]

Take one of the tours. It's a great way to learn even more about WDW.

Cyn

[HugsForEeyore]

LOL dahirsh!

To answer your question .....

I really do put my camera on trashcans - it actually works well! How many steps??? I usually "run" about, I guess, 10 - 15 (maybe more even) steps from the camera. I like lots of scenery in my pictures. Then I quickly turn around and keep my pose until the camera clicks! I usually do this method only when there aren't too many other people around, obviously! I used to be quite self-conscious, but nowadays I don't care too much what other people think, since hey - I'm at Disney World!

<img src="http://home.att.net/~swill70/hugsmall3.gif">

[Claudia Kellenberger]

For solo, I use my larger journal to write my day down, when I
am in my room at night. I use a very, VERY small notebook to
write down my plans and thoughts while I am having a meal by
myself. When I have my tiny notebook, and my park map, at a
meal, I feel perfectly fine.

I love the idea of asking the CM's to take my picture, but I have
not done this, yet. I am going to try to do this, this December.

My DH does not want to vacation ANYWHERE so it works out
well, because he does not object to me spending one week at
my favorite place. In order to really enjoy myself, I call my DH
once I get to my resort, and I call him every evening to say
goodnight. I would not be able to sleep if I did not call him.

I love the idea of doing my very favorite attractions MANY times,
without DH complaining.

[jaye614]

What differences in your days compared traveling alone vs traveling with a loved one?

I'm going on my first trip alone this June. I have no desire to eat at a character meal or ride certain rides like 'Rock n' Roller'. I plan on perhaps eating at Le Cellier in Canada, visiting downtown, sitting at the pool. I'm also thinking about taking a MK tour - Keys to the Kingdom.

[MdmMim]

A few tips from a fellow solo traveler:
If you can afford it, stay at a deluxe (as a previous poster mentioned) and pamper yourself with room service at least one night.
Get all your rides/attractions under your belt, then just chill out and enjoy the ambience of the parks. Get a snack then sit on a bench and people watch. Stroll around the rose gardens. Take time to look at all the little details that are normally missed. Just soak up the unique atmosphere at each park, taking in all the sounds and smells. Do what you want, when you want.
Occasionally dine at the full-service restaurants. When you're solo, you have to pay for only one expensive meal when the bill comes--I like to splurge when I'm at WDW by myself.
At night, plop right in the middle of the bed, placing ALL the pillows behind you and relax!
Most importantly, just savor each moment.