It's been so long for me because, like you, I find myself in a position with nobody to go with. The one friend who would love to go with me can't ever afford to go, and I'm tired of wasting my life away waiting for people to do things with. So I'm going on my own, and that's that!
I've been solo [43 year old male here] and with friends...both are fun but I am an introvert as well. The bad thing for me is that I don't do most of the fantasyland rides in MK when I'm solo...kinda concerned of how that may look, unfortunately.
I'm tired of wasting my life away waiting for people to do things with. So I'm going on my own, and that's that!
Aww, how sweet of you, thank you! It's a tough leap to gather the courage for that first solo trip, I think. I've already planned another one for December of next year though, so I'm pretty confident that solo is gonna suit me just fine! And that stinks that we're gonna miss each other, would have been nice to connect for lunch or something!Good for you. I don't know you and I'm proud of you. I hope you have a great time. I see from you signature that you will be leaving only a couple days before I get there which is a bummer. Woulda been nice to meet up.
To be fair, there's different levels of introversion, and there really shouldn't be such a thing discussed as a "true introvert." Everybody's experience is different.I'm very introverted but that's what makes a solo trip amazing. There's a difference between being introverted and being shy. Some of these traits that posters are describing sound more like shyness than true introversion to me.
An introvert can enjoy experiences in and of themselves and don't necessarily need external approval or companionship. Honestly being with others, except my husband and son, does nothing to enhance the experience for me. I'd rather go alone than with my female friends.
I, too, am an introvert, but am planning my first solo at the end of January. I am looking forward to being able to do all the things I have on my check list, without others thinking it's boring or a waste of time. I do plan on using my Kindle App when I'm dining. I am a little worried too, since striking up conversations with strangers isn't my strong suit. But I still think it shouldn't be a problem. My biggest worry is that I'll be there solo on my birthday.
I'm going solo too for the first time in Oct. I was really nervous at first but threads such as these have given me confidence and now I am excited about going. I have thought of a lot of great reasons why going solo is better anyway like riding Winnie The Pooh over and over and over and dining at Cinderella's Royal Table, and getting to rope drop every day if I want. I can watch Wishes every single night if I want and I can spend 4 days in the Magic Kingdom or all 10 if I want! I am very shy and introverted but I am ok with doing this trip alone now. I did a lot of solo park touring on the trip that my hubs accompanied me on since he wanted to sleep and hang out at the pool bar and I wanted rope drop. As a compromise, he slept in and I did rope drop, toured parks alone, and gathered FP's and then we met for lunch, he rode some stuff with his FP and spent the evenings together. This is sort of like that only we'll be in contact via phone/text/snapchat, etc. This is my first solo trip anywhere ever. I feel quite safe at WDW on property, but the only ones who will know I am solo is here on this board. I hope to make some DISfriends so I can at least have some park experiences with someone who really 'gets it' like only a DISlover does. It's more fun to share the joy.
I'm driving for my upcoming solo trip, but thankfully it's only 5 hours for me.I don't want to hijack the OP's thread, but while reading this thread, I'm looking at where everyone is from. When travelling solo, has anybody driven a good distance or do most people fly?
I'm in NJ and would love to do a solo trip which my DH and DD do not understand. I've been looking into driving (which is my preferred, but longest method of getting there), flying (I hate it, but it's the fastest way of getting there) and even the auto train (which I've always wanted to try and think doing it solo is great because I don't have to listen to anyone else complaining, LOL).
I'm driving for my upcoming solo trip, but thankfully it's only 5 hours for me.
I don't want to hijack the OP's thread, but while reading this thread, I'm looking at where everyone is from. When travelling solo, has anybody driven a good distance or do most people fly? I'm in NJ and would love to do a solo trip which my DH and DD do not understand. I've been looking into driving (which is my preferred, but longest method of getting there), flying (I hate it, but it's the fastest way of getting there) and even the auto train (which I've always wanted to try and think doing it solo is great because I don't have to listen to anyone else complaining, LOL).
I am glad to hear this helped and you decided you will go. I just hope you share your plans when you finally make them. And it's ok to be nervous. I am nervous for my upcoming trip. To me it just means I am living outside my comfort zone and that makes me stronger as a person.
For the longest time I would NEVER have been able to go to Disney by myself. But, I did it a couple times now and I will be doing it many more times in the future. Whenever you get nervous just picture yourself doing the things you like the most and not on being alone.
Doooooo eeeeeeet! I'm very introverted, I struggle with simple things like making eye-contact with strangers, so I totally 100% relate.
My very first solo trip is in a few weeks, and I am nervous for all the same reasons! But I'm also SUPER DUPER excited to be going to back to Disney World finally!
It's been so long for me because, like you, I find myself in a position with nobody to go with. The one friend who would love to go with me can't ever afford to go, and I'm tired of wasting my life away waiting for people to do things with. So I'm going on my own, and that's that!
I've found the planning process to be different this time around. As others have mentioned, one of the perks of going solo is you get to do whatever your little heart desires. That's a big thing for me. I typically take with me somebody who's never been before. Even if if they have been, since I did all of the planning, I feel responsible for their enjoyment of it. So what ends up happening is I tailor all of our plans around the person. Even at shows and attractions, I find myself spending a lot of time glancing over at my companions face, to make sure they're having a good time...
NO MORE!
I am truly super excited to make a trip that's finally all about ME, what I want to do, etc. Be as self-indulgent as I want, and just lose myself in my happy place. Honestly, I think it's going to be WONDERFUL.
I might get a little lonely at times... But I figure that's when I'll pull up Facebook quickly and glance over all the Likes and Comments on the most recent Disney photo I've uploaded, and be reminded of how very LUCKY I am to be there!
Also, keep hanging out on the Dis in the Adults/Solos forums. These good folks here, the seasoned soloists, have put my mind at easy and calmed my fears in SO many ways. I love this community!
I feel exactly the same way!! I wanted to go back but none of my family wanted to go and the Disney friends I do have, never seem to be able to afford it, so solo it is!! I am not going to just sit around and wish I could go when I actually can, its others that cant seem to make it happen.
I am also quite introverted and so I decided to take a mini vacation to prep me for my big solo trip. I spent 4 days at the coast and loved it way more than I thought I would! Not only was it liberating to just do what I wanted, it was also very empowering!! I actually found it easier to dine at restaurants than I thought it would be. Now I am really looking forward to my trip!
I'm introverted, too, and will make my 5th solo trip in November. I have a great time! There is usually someone to chat with if I want; the cast members are great as well. One year Goofy was extra sweet during a character dinner. I can get someone to make my picture when I really want one; and I always offer to take for others as well. I think you'll be fine! And if you don't really like it, you don't have to go solo again. Give it a try!
I'm going solo too for the first time in Oct. I was really nervous at first but threads such as these have given me confidence and now I am excited about going. I have thought of a lot of great reasons why going solo is better anyway like riding Winnie The Pooh over and over and over and dining at Cinderella's Royal Table, and getting to rope drop every day if I want. I can watch Wishes every single night if I want and I can spend 4 days in the Magic Kingdom or all 10 if I want! I am very shy and introverted but I am ok with doing this trip alone now. I did a lot of solo park touring on the trip that my hubs accompanied me on since he wanted to sleep and hang out at the pool bar and I wanted rope drop. As a compromise, he slept in and I did rope drop, toured parks alone, and gathered FP's and then we met for lunch, he rode some stuff with his FP and spent the evenings together. This is sort of like that only we'll be in contact via phone/text/snapchat, etc. This is my first solo trip anywhere ever. I feel quite safe at WDW on property, but the only ones who will know I am solo is here on this board. I hope to make some DISfriends so I can at least have some park experiences with someone who really 'gets it' like only a DISlover does. It's more fun to share the joy.
I added Memory Maker onto my package for this exact reason!That's one thing I'm worried about, getting pictures of myself. I'm horrible at taking selfies!
Thank you! I will definitely be sharing my plans! Because of my new job in the school system I don't get any vacation time outside of school breaks. I've decided to go over April break (between 4/18-4/26) which also means I'll be in WDW for my birthday! Be on the look out for a PTR, I'll probably start it soon and will post the link here! QUOTE]
I wouldn't be able to wait until April. I start a new job the day after I get back from my trip in October. I am going to try to get the most out of my trip as I think it will be a couple years before I get back.
I look forward to hearing about your trip.