Going alone to the parks - what's the big deal?

[aclov]

DH and I are going for a long weekend and he is planning to drive to Melbourne for a full day to spend some guy time with his cousin. He doesn't have any desire to visit the parks (been there, done that mentality) I decided I would hit a couple of the parks solo, not a big issue for me as I'm pretty independent. So I mention this to my best friend and she starts telling me to be very careful because just like people disappear on cruises things like this have happened in amusement parks including Disney. I haven't heard of any recent assaults or kidnappings at Disney but okay, you never know. I'm a very observated and careful person anyway, I never underestimate anything or anyone. Than yesterday at dinner, I tell my mom that I will be going to the parks for the day and DH will be visiting family, she gives him a dirty look and makes some rude remark to him. And than doesn't talk to him the rest of the evening, doesn't even say good-bye! It's not like it's my first time going to WDW and I need to share the magic with someone, goodness! So with all the negativity from others, I'm wondering if I should feel wierd about going alone. I'm not taking the trip alone, I'm spending one day doing what I want to do, it's not like I'll be stuck in a hotel room. My grandmother used to say, "you came into this world alone and you'll be leaving this world alone" so why can't I go to MK or wherever alone???? Anyone else, get this from friends or relatives?

 

[Cheshire Figment]

So I mention this to my best friend and she starts telling me to be very careful because just like people disappear on cruises things like this have happened in amusement parks including Disney. I haven't heard of any recent assaults or kidnappings at Disney but okay, you never know.

You are the wrong parameters for this urban legend. The ones we hear about are the 4 to 6 year old blond girls who are snatched and injected with something to put them to sleep. Then the abductor will take them into a rest room, cut the hair, dye it black or brown and dress the girl in boys clothing and carry her out of the park. However, this never works as the abductor does not realize the girl is wearing some unique footwear and the parents spot the shoes as the sleping girl is being carried out of the park and they are able to alert security.

Seriously, lots of people go solo. And if you are staying at a Disney Resort you will always be in crowds until you are actually going back to your room. Just take any precautions you wouyld normally take. Note if it is night and you request it, someone from Bell Services or Security will escort you back to your room from the front desk.

 

[100%Libra]

I agree with Chesire Figment. Go and enjoy yourself. Just be aware of your surroundings when traveling to and from your car or hotel etc. Disney is one of the places I feel comfortable traveling completely solo. Have a great trip.

 

[spiceycat]

heck I don't even need the disney security.

I stay both on site and off site for my trips. Never had any problems. - well there was this drunk, and another time a pest. Disney security handled both without me requesting aid at all.... of course this was back before the parks got so crowded.

 

[GalDisney]

I go solo all the time, including staying overnight at the resorts. I do use caution and am aware of my suurounding and don't put myself in uncomfortable positions and never mention to anyone that i am alone. I will go to the parks and DTD but i tend to stay away from PI when solo. I feel safe at the hotels and dine solo. I don't usually go to the reorts lounges, however. Not for safety reasons so much, just that Bars and drinking arent my thing, one reason I go to wdw often, it is good clean safe fun. I like the moderate resorts and do stay at them but i do feel safer at a resort such as Wilderness Lodge where there are indoor coridors and everything is pretty much in one building, especially at night.

 

[Nancy N.]

I'm not traveling solo to Disney, but there are times when I may be at a particular park or event (I can watch the fireworks at Epcot EVERY SINGLE NIGHT, where some others have had enough after 2 or 3 times) and I agree with the other posters. Use normal precautions, be aware of your surroundings, and have fun.
I HAVE taken many solo vacations to places other than Disney. But I think Disney is probably the best place for someone on their own, especially given the park transportation and security.

 

[SoosieQ]

I have visited the parks by myself a couple of times while waiting for other people to join me in Orlando. I have never had a problem. I did notice that the Cast Members talked to me more and I got to ride in the front of the monorail without asking I also spent one day visiting the resorts. Another time I took the Keys to the Kingdom Tour and met some nice people. You can do the parks by yourself. There is security in the parks, some of them you can pick out and some are not so obvious. I say go for it and have fun.

 

[moonvine]

I'm single and have been all over the world by myself, though I haven't been to Disney solo yet (my last trip was in 1974 with my family).

Compared to Jamaica, I don't think Disney will be a problem at all!

 

[NewEnglandDisney]

You have absolutely nothing to worry about. WDW is one of the safest places on the planet, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with experiencing some of it alone. As you can see from the trip report in my signature, I have done a whole week alone, and it was a whole different world that had lots of plusses and few minuses.

I've been on several family trips since them, and of course they have their own magic. But if you are the type of person who is comfortable in your own skin enough to even think about doing even a day alone, go for it! And have a great time!

NED

 

[deekaypee]

Go, enjoy yourself. I've been to the parks solo a couple of times and enjoyed myself soooo much that I'm planning on going again. Just use common sense and enjoy all those conversations with CMs and friendly Disney guest! (Maybe even write a TR after????)

 

[jaxntigger]

The whole thing about doing the park alone is to slow down and look around. Look at the detail of the buildings (even the bad, moldy stuff) and people watch. And by all means, chat with the CMs, especially the grounds crew cleaning up after all us slobs... they love the attention.

 

[aclov]

Just wanted to report that I went to MK and Epcot this past Sat. alone. And I actually had a decent time but it was so crowded and the lines were really long. Not only was it the weekend, but it was the last weekend before school started. It was a very hot day too. Unfortunately, because it took so long to get on the rides, I didn't ride many and I didn't see the World Showcase in Epcot but I did see the fireworks. Afterwards, I walked to the Boardwalk and caught the bus to Downtown Disney and had a late dinner at Wolfgang Puck's Express. The nicest thing was being able to do what I wanted like spend time in the shops at MK which I know I wouldn't have been able to do with DH trailing behind me. I liked having that freedom.

There was a funny thing that happened to me while I was waiting in line for Soarin at Epcot. There was a guy by himself in front of me and a family behind me, and it was about a 70 minute wait. When we got closer to the front, the attendant came out and asked for two riders, the guy in front of me said he was one. But the attendant said, "no that won't work"so turns back around. So the father of the family says real loud to me "Hey aren't you also alone, why don't you ride with him and than maybe if you get together and get married you can say you met at Epcot on this ride" I just shook my head no and smiled and to make it worse I had forgotten my wedding ring at home, the guy in front didn't even turn to look I think he was embarrassed because he ran his fingers through his hair and I could see him get red. Well, I ended up having a nice conversation with the family and even kidded with them that I could be their invited guest to dinner. Turns out I ended up riding next to the single guy and the family! So DH asks me how it went and I told him, that I'll I wanted to do was ride Soarin but another rider was ready to marry me off!

I also felt safe and not once did I feel fear or anything like that. I think staying on-site was very convenient for transportation purposes so that was a big positive.

 

[I-4WDW]

On my last trip a few weeks ago, there were lots of nights when I stayed at the parks by myself for EMH, which didnt end til 1 or 2am. I was definitely aware of my surroundings, and had no problems being in the parks alone that late at night, going back to the resort, and walking back to the room at 3am, which was WAY on the other side of the resort. I always had my room key ready before I even got off the bus, so I wouldnt be opening my wallet once I got to my room. I even stopped at the ATM in the resort (Pop Century), every night when I got back, which usually wasnt til around 2 or 3, and not once didnt feel safe.

If an 18 year old can do it, trust me, you should have no problems at all. Have an awesome trip!

 

[Karnak]

I've taken some solo trips to WDW, and always enjoyed myself. I agree with the other posters about being alert at night, when returning back to your room. That's one of the many reason why I like the French Quarter. Moderate price, but not too large, so there's never a very long walk back to one's room.

Enjoy.

 

[Fitswimmer]

I'm going with DD and DM in November and since they're getting older, they can't do long days at the park anymore. I just figured that when they went back to the resort in the afternoons, I'd stay at the parks alone. I've never done it, but from what I've read here I should not have a bit of trouble.