Why do you go solo?

[Bete]

This is a tough one for me. I don't really want to be alone, but no one really likes Disney World as much as me especially if they have to pay for it. I've only done solo once so far and I have to say there were some lonely moments. I'm outgoing; so, I can strike up conversations, but there are times you just feel awkward about it. It's hard for me not to communicate with someone and share the moments and memories. I do find it easier to talk with other solo travelers or couples, but families are harder to approach. Doing Disney transportation and being by myself at the resort are the toughest moments for me. Dining at table service is a little difficult, too. I find myself calling home and friends when I'm at the resort alone. Also, I do get a little scared being alone; because, you just don't know what could happen. Those are the negatives for me.

On a positive note Disney brings the kid out of me and I'm approaching 60 years old and I don't get tired of going there. I really don't get that feeling going anywhere else. I'm well travelled and I still want to go back to Disney World all the time. It's the most fun for me. I especially like that the parks and resorts and restaurants are all nearby enough to enjoy it all. I've taken over 40 trips with friends and family and I do prefer going there with others, but it's getting harder and harder for that to happen. We are not close to Florida; so, I think it makes it a little harder to go alone. I feel I'm at the point in life where solo trips are going to happen more and more or I will have to skip going there all together. I think I rather go alone than not at all; so, I'm going to learn to go more and more on my own. It's an adjustment, but I think it will get easier and easier each trip to go solo.

As others have stated there's great freedom when you go alone. There's no compromises to be made. It's a little selfish to a degree, but it's wickedly enjoyable to be selfish at Disney World. It's all about me on solo trips. It's enjoyable not to have any drama with others about any of it.

I think it's unfortunate that I don't know anyone like me in my family and friends that I could enjoy Disney World with on the same level as me. I consider myself a Disney World fanatic. Most others I know may go there once and then they are done with it.

To be honest there are ups and downs going alone or together to Disney World; so, you just need to decide what is best for your circumstances. In my heart, I think I'd rather go alone to Disney World then go to other places with others. The exception to this would be traveling with my husband. I would rather be with him even if we are not at Disney World. I've done about 30 trips with him to Disney. He's older and I think his traveling days are slowly disappearing. I'm childless and I think this changes my outlook, as well. I know I will be taking more solo trips to Disney World in my future.

 

[PeterPanic]

One time, while traveling solo, I had just come off Splash Mtn. and my shirt was a little wet. I was in my late 50's at the time. I sat down on one of those concrete benches not to far away from Splash, where a family from Canada came over and sat down as well. There was a husband, wife and young, eight year old, cute little lady.

As we sat there I noticed the little girl just intently looking at me. I turn and smiled and asked if she was having a good time. She smiled back and said she was and I asked what her favorite ride was she told me it was Splash Mtn. I told her that I just got off that one and that was why my shirt was wet. At that point her mother spoke up and said, in a shocked way..."Do you mean that you still ride that stuff at your age?"

I didn't dare ask how old she thought I was, but, I just laughed a little and said, sure I ride everything here. She asked if I was waiting for someone to join me and I said, "No, I'm here by myself". It was like I had just told her that her hair was on fire. She couldn't believe it. I told her that I used to come with my family but that they had all grown up and I was no longer married so the only way I could see my favorite place was to come myself. I don't know if she was impressed or just in a state of disbelief, but it was obvious that the thought of a male adult going to Disney by themselves, just didn't register with her. Anyway, they congratulated me on my willingness to do the place alone and went on their way.

As they were leaving the little girl asked me if I had any Grandchildren and I said that, in fact, I did and that two of them were just about her age. She told me that I should bring them next time so I didn't have to be alone.

 

[luvthemouse71]

There are people that can't ever be alone or do anything alone. Just like they can't fathom traveling alone or being alone, I can't fathom being like they are. Don't get me wrong, I love my friends and family, but I also like being alone sometimes.

 

[LisaBi]

I've only had the luxury of a solo trip once, back in 2006 or so. Why did I do it? My then-husband hates WDW. I usually take my son, but there were so many things I wanted to do that he couldn't or wouldn't. I did KTTK tour, spent many, many hours in World Showcase, and had some fantastic meals. I spent a lot of time people-watching and chatting with others. It was a wonderful trip. Just a different kind if wonderful than with my son. I can't wait for the opportunity to do it again.

 

[DFD]

I mix it up... this year most of my trips have been with peeps I met here or the other boards... but 2 weeks agosince I had a mission I trip it alone/solo! 72 hours of Bliss heading here there and everywhere... if it is something new for me I would rather do it solo.. I can go slow and do the aaahhhh and ohhhhh or it feels like meh.. then I move on without worrying I am delaying or rushing anyone... funny part was since some of my friends who were also visiting that I did not mention I was there... we were criss crossing on rides so really did not feel alone !!! we hug and we go our separate ways!!!

 

[ariamac]

I have my first solo trip next month.... and I did it because:

a.) I can
b.) I love Disney World and I desperately miss it
c.) I can't wait to see fantasyland
d.) My friends are flakey, say they can't afford it... one even told me last summer "yeah, for sure we'll go Christmas 2013" and today she just said... "I wanna go back not this summer, but the summer after... 2014" UMMM, I can't wait that long
e.) I just got out of a long term relationship and went through some rough times so I thought hmm... WDW is the one place I LOVE and will make me happy!
f.) I want to work on my independence and enjoy my own company, and what better way to do that than at Disney World?

 

[Judique]

I almost went alone in November. Schedules got crossed and the person who was supposed to go with me couldn't make it. One day I was okay with going alone - next day I just didn't feel up to it. I decided to just go and enjoy the last week of the food and wine festival -an easy event to do solo.

The day to leave came and I woke up sick. I stayed home and was ill for over a week - on my annual leave time!

We are going again in January. I'll be there for my birthday and I'll have company this trip but future trips will probably be solo. Not sure how I feel about it.

I've booked a couple of trips for this year that may be solo - May for the flower festival and again October into November for food and wine festival. No travel companion invited yet. I usually travel with family. I will also be booking a new year's trip soon, but will have family along for that one.

I don't really want to travel alone but I want to go for those two solo trips! Not sure yet whether it will happen. My sixtieth birthday is my next one. So I think I'm old enough to do this on my own (grin).

 

[kelleyf]

I go solo because I love the freedom of it. I love being able to go where I want, when I want, and not worry about anyone else. I love going with other people, too, but it's just a different experience.

 

[spiceycat]

for fun

 

[NJDiva]

To the veterans on traveling solo, now that we pretty much know why we go solo, what advice can you give to our new friends that are thinking about going solo

To anyone who is considering going solo: what are your concerns or issues with regards to going solo? do you think people will be looking at you because you are alone, is it you will feel out of place...tell us how we can get you on that solo train to Disney so you can have as much fun as the rest of us have

 

[tfc3rid]

I go solo because my wife is not the biggest Disney World fan... So, I take 2 night trips and get my Disney fix... I've been 4 times in the past 8 months... Mix it up with trips for work... I usually end up there Mondays through Wednesday so the crowds are not terrible... I use my DVC points for stays and find mega cheap airfare...

I love going, have an AP and TIW... Dining can be awkward but if you strike up a nice conversation with a CM it helps...

 

[songbird123]

This will only be my third trip to WDW...the other two were about 10 years ago when I was 30 and 31 and it was my 10-year-old son, my mother and myself. While I had a great time with them, I am so PUMPED about going solo!!! See, I really love to plan vacations, especially Disney vacations, and my son and mother are more "spur-of-the-moment" travelers which just drives me crazy! LOL So before, that was a bit of an issue, but NOT THIS TIME! I am an only child as well, and have no problem doing stuff by myself and feel sorry for people that the thought of it freaks them out. I'll go shopping, movies, eating out, all alone if I have to. I do have a long-term boyfriend that I live with, so most of the time I'm not alone, but sometimes, I just NEED to be! LOL In fact, I took an impromptu trip to Brentwood, TN this past weekend solo and had such a great time! So, I am sooo excited about going to WDW solo!! Another reason is because while I love my boyfriend very much, he doesn't like Disney. Blasphemy, right?? So, he doesn't ever want to go to WDW and I would live there if I could! LOL In fact, he's not happy about my upcoming trip...he said I'm "wasting my money." I disagree...I have wanted to go back for so long, and it will make me very happy, and life is too short to not grab happiness when you can, right?

 

[rhanson77]

I took my first solo trip over Christmas break.

This year, I took 2 trips with my children, but took the last trip solo because my children were with their mother. We are now divorced, and so if I didn't go, I was going to spend a week at home by myself during the holidays, which just seemed depressing. So I decided to go to Disney World.

I have an annual pass, so I was able to book a very good deal through priceline, that included hotel, rental car, and airplane tickets.

I was a little anxious, but I loved my trip, and will do it again, I'm sure. For one, I got to eat where I wanted, and even though I was a little nervous about eating by myself, I took the time to relax, read a book, and talk to the servers. I went to eat at Biergarten and didn't realize that they sat people in groups, so it was a little awkward at first that I was by myself, but after a little while, they found out I am a DVC owner (didn't use points on this trip because I was out!) and then we had a great conversation about that and the differences in Disney World and Disneyland, since I've never bee there.

When presented with the choice of sitting by myself at home for a week during the holidays, or going to Disney World, I will always choose Disney World!

 

[ariamac]

To the veterans on traveling solo, now that we pretty much know why we go solo, what advice can you give to our new friends that are thinking about going solo

To anyone who is considering going solo: what are your concerns or issues with regards to going solo? do you think people will be looking at you because you are alone, is it you will feel out of place...tell us how we can get you on that solo train to Disney so you can have as much fun as the rest of us have

Thanks NJDiva! My concerns are:

a.) safety (even though Disney is probably the safest place to travel)
b.) being lonely... I feel like I always have to share everything with my friends and family
c.) not being able to share the magic (that's why I'm thinking about spreading some pixie dust to other guests)

 

[cayennews]

Going solo is not so bad. I went to DL in 04 for one day alone as an add-on to a business trip and then I did half a solo trip at VB when my traveling companion had to go home halfway through the trip. It was kind of fun to do what I wanted, when I wanted. Ride anything I want, eat anywhere I want, have the room to myself. I don't think I'd want to take every vacation alone, but once in a while it is fun.

 

[nancy155]

I too was concerned regarding safety, however during this last trip my son, 18, and I got seperated at closing he had my cell phone in the backpack! Well when I went to the gates still did not see him and a cast member allowed me to use his cell phone to call my son. I discovered he was already at the car in the lot. I could not remember where we parked. Feeling a little out of sorts at this point, went to another cast member and inquired if they had any idea where I might locate my car.. They keep a map and if you know the time you arrived they have the location of where you would have parked! They even offered to escort me if I wanted. So I would say I felt safe. There are so many CM around to help and close by if you were in trouble they would be right there.

This truly alleviated my fears surrounding safety. Since he is 18 I also did a lot of Disney on my own as he found other kiddos who were there on a band trip and hung out with them one of our days there. I think that was my most fun day as I was able to do what I wanted to do and on my timetable without having to hear.."that sounds lame"!

Now I am looking forward to my March 2013 solo trip without hesitation! (Plus it will be cheaper won't have to pay for his food! LOL )

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards Nancy

 

[NJDiva]

Thanks NJDiva! My concerns are:

a.) safety (even though Disney is probably the safest place to travel)
b.) being lonely... I feel like I always have to share everything with my friends and family
c.) not being able to share the magic (that's why I'm thinking about spreading some pixie dust to other guests)

I can understand all your concerns. let me impart some wisdom about traveling solo:

a) safety is always the number one concern for most people. they do go to great lengths to make all areas of Disney safe. know that if you are walking to your car or anywhere alone, you can always find a CM to walk with you. as for wandering the parks, there are dozens of plain clothes employees that their sole purpose is to make sure all visitors are safe. of course you need to do the right thing, stay in well lit areas, walk with or around a group, don't leave your stuff unattended...but for the most part, you should feel at ease that there are people looking out for your safety.

b)being lonely...I think you have to distinquish between being alone and being lonely. you can always share with other people, even with the ones you left at home. I tend to text to my friends, post my pictures on FB so people know that I'm alive (my mom gets nervous when I travel alone) and I have the extra benefit that my bff happens to live in FL so I talk to him while I'm there. plus I know that there are CM that love to hear what you did that day and may even suggest something new for you. plus you have the extra added bonus that you are now on the forums and we all love to hear what people are doing so post to us!! use the time for some well deserved "me time"...you're surrounded by people who love Disney so you should never feel lonely!

c)you can always share the magic, it's as simple as taking a picture for a family or telling someone about a good place to eat or relax. you would be surprised how that makes people feel...plus then you get to share your fun with others when they ask about it.

 

[DCTooTall]

To the veterans on traveling solo, now that we pretty much know why we go solo, what advice can you give to our new friends that are thinking about going solo

To anyone who is considering going solo: what are your concerns or issues with regards to going solo? do you think people will be looking at you because you are alone, is it you will feel out of place...tell us how we can get you on that solo train to Disney so you can have as much fun as the rest of us have

My #1 piece of advice?

Stop and Smell the roses....and feel free to just explore. One of the biggest advantage of going solo IMHO is the freedom to go off the beaten path and maybe check out some of those attractions, buildings, and details which normally you can't experience with someone else due to time or impatience.

There are so many little details and interesting things around the parks that are extremely easy to overlook or completely miss in your attempts to hit all the "must-do" attractions and shows. Being Solo gives you so much more freedom to actually slow down and check those details out because you don't have someone else with you that you need to entertain.... and you can often find yourself saving time waiting on those must-do attractions from them looking for singles or small groups to fill in the space.

 

[penguinGrl]

Here's what I'm looking forward to
1. Key to the kingdom tour!!!!!! omg! Already booked!!!
2. Doing it at my own pace- EMH here I come.morn and night
3. No strollers, no diaper changes, no grumpy people
I'm going to do the things I've skipped before- the France movie, the thing in HS where they teach you to draw, .the Walt Disney museum thing.
4. Single rider line.

we got a annual pass this year and I can hop hop hop if I want.

 

[Irishman]

Ok..ILike I have said.This is my first SOLO to WDW...Not my first SOLO traveling.I had felt "ODD".Traveling to WDW because you think WDW is a family thing or lovers vacation.BUT after reading disboards.I have decided to give it a shot.My son and myself where there last JULY.Alot of people summer traveling.So my queston to you all seasoned vets...

1..How is the weather in FEB in Orlando..( generaly)...
2..Since schools will be in.are the parks less crowed??
3..Are there better deals at certian resturants,parks etc.?

I did get a good deal on my flight...Car rental sososososo..