1st solo trip ever, anywhere; getting nervous

[ems_mom]

My plane ticket is bought and I am committed, but honestly I am really nervous about traveling alone. Not about my days in the parks, which will be awesome as I get to go and do whatever I want (the selfish me who planned this trip is really psyched).

But I am worrying about the flights and the nights. I haven't flown alone in 30years and haven't spent a night apart from my husband except for visits to family out of state. I am a grown women of middle age so why am I freaking out?

Any suggestions would be helpful. I can still cancel the trip with the only loss being my airfare.

 

[rmom50]

ems mom - don't cancel your trip! you will gain confidence in yourself just by flying alone. I do a solo trip every year and it is SO MUCH FUN. I never do anything but the parks at night though, so maybe that would be scary? The parks at night are really just like the parks during the day to me. A bit less crowded maybe. Are you staying on property?

 

[ems_mom]

I am staying at VWL, thinking I'd feel safer in a hotel (one building) environment over the spread out resorts. My plans are really un-plans; since its just me no dining plans and to head to whatever park calls my name.

My night nerves aren't about going out (I plan to head back to my room whenever I get tired even if its before Wishes/ Illuminations). I haven't slept alone for 25 + years except in my sister's guest room (and she was just down the hall).

It's silly I know but I am one of those old school women...never lived independently. I do have 2 degrees, I'm not a total loser! I'm just nervous about spending 4 nights alone. Maybe I should take some DVD's and plan to stay up...then if I do fall asleep it will be a bonus.

 

[rmom50]

I can't wait to hear about this after your trip!

 

[cbg1027]

Don't you dare cancel! GO and HAVE FUN!

You can do it....nothing to be nervous about. People travel solo all the time. I've traveled in France, Holland, Italy, and big cities in the US alone with no problems at all. And I didn't even speak the language in some of those places! So going to Disney should be a breeze. I'm doing my first solo Disney trip on March 8 and I couldn't be more excited!

 

[aggielawyer]

I sleep alone every night , but still get a little spooked when I'm in a hotel room alone sometimes. I can't say I have any tips to help that, but want to encourage you to go. You will be so glad that you did. If it makes you feel better, why not try to change to a different hotel? I'd do that before I canceled.

Have fun, and when you are home come back and tell us about how much fun you had.

 

[ExpatDisneyLover]

Do go - you will have a great time!!!And may even feel very victorious upon your return!

Every new experience is a little weird - and feels off but I imagine you will adjust and really enjoy the freedom of being on your own! I am a single 40ish woman living overseas and have traveled a lot on my own in many countries. But I still remember that first overseas flight by myself - think I made myself sick with nerves as we were landing in Cyprus - orange juice didn't sit well either!Anyway - I find I really enjoy the freedom of traveling alone! It can be very enjoyable and I have found there are really helpful people most everywhere who are happy to lend a hand if it is needed!

Do take your cell phone - it does help feeling connected. If it makes you more comfortable choose a hotel with an inside hallway - or choose a room near the bus stop / food court if you don't want to walk a lot on your own at night. Pamper yourself a little - spa, shopping, pool whatever you like. Pack your bag so you can manage it easily - make sure it has good wheels and you can lift it without difficulty. Take a good book for the plane ride or other things to keep you busy while traveling. If you have a longish trip with layovers or plane changes plan your breaks by looking at the provided maps of airport terminals on airport websites - I always love having a favorite shop or restaurant to look forward to. Flightstats.com is a good place to go to find terminal arrival and departure information.

I am on my first solo trip to Disneyland Paris in less than a month and am super happy planning this adventure - I've got my clothes, snacks, travel goodies already noted! I'll be packing a sack lunch since I am flying a uber cheap airline from Turkey to Paris (no food) - I am making it special by packing a salami sandwich - something we don't get here in Turkey. Amazing how happy that makes me!

Enjoy!!

 

[ExpatDisneyLover]

As for sleeping alone - I don't know how helpful this is as I am single but I love to have my bedtime routine. Hot soak in a tub, cup of tea/hot chocolate, and I always sleep in the middle of the bed and have an extra pillow to cuddle. I feel very relaxed and sleep like a baby.

 

[FIREFLY01]

request a non ground floor room that way you will be elevated ( if front desk question u explain u are a single woman) keeep ur door locked and u will be fine, vwl are only inside entry rooms, and exterior doors lock at 10 pm and only accessible by room key! and there are video camera in halls plus its a gated resort w/ security guard!
you will have no problems have a blast! also fr vwl, u can see fireworks fr mk and the water electrical parade.

 

[Amysita]

Flying alone is no problem...just bring your MP3 player & a couple of magazines you enjoy and listen to music & go thru your magazines...you'll be there in no time. To me, the part that makes me nervous, is navigating my way around airports and not finding luggage claim and the shuttle. The beauty of WDW is you don't need to worry about baggage claim...so half the battle is won. When you deplane...look for the group that takes off like a rocket like they know exactly what they're doing and where they're going...do NOT let these people out of your sight...run a bit if you need to to chase them (these people tend to be very quick walkers & even runners themselves to be the first to wherever they are going). Yeah...it may sound a bit stalkerish...but hey...what ever it takes to get me where I'm going & not get lost.

Your nites are easy! If I don't close a park (or I've been at an early closing park IE AK), I'll do follow one of two avenues based on how tired I am...I'll either take this opportunity to go shopping at DTD or meander about the BW...or if I'm whipped, to wind down a bit I'll have a cocktail at the hotel lounge...go up to my room, write out 3-5 postcards a nite, make any phone calls to friends and family, lay out all my stuff and itinerary for the next day, take a shower, catch the news and go to bed...I'm usually pretty wiped out after a day at the parks.

Whatever you do...do NOT cancel. You will have a great time...c'mon...it IS the most Magical Place on Earth...how can you go wrong???

 

[ems_mom]

I just wanted to say thanks for all your suggestions.

I did request a higher floor and will have my cellphone to keep in touch with my family. I confess I am a little technologically challenged...sending a text message involves bright light, reading glasses, and two fingers! I don't even have an MP3 player but my daughter has promised to get one for me and fill it with the best music...should I be scared?

More than anything I guess I'm scared about being alone at night but I'm hoping early wake-up calls and full days will make sleep come easily. Thanks for all the advice!

 

[Brit_Jude]

Please have a good time. I have spent most of my working life traveling all over the US and world as a lone woman. While you do have to keep your eyes open, take some security mesures and not get into any risky situations, I can honestly say that I have met so many wonderful and helpful people. I have spent many hours chatting with great people on planes, airports and hotels. If I have a question at the airport I ask someone who works there or fellow travelers at the departure gate who have never steared me wrong. I must say that I sometimes enjoy getting to spend some nights in a bed by myself without my significant other and dog I can actually get some bed space.

I love having my family and friends with me but I think a lone trip to Disney would be wonderful, eating where I want and going on the rides I like and no one else to try and please or keep the peace (two teenage boys can be trying at times ). Disney is probably one of he best places to travel by oneself. Have a blast!

 

[rmom50]

have a great time ems mom! let us know when you get back how it went.

 

[FunSunDisney]

You will do just fine alone! I travel alone to Disney a few times a year. I enjoy watching TV in bed or reading something light and cheerful, and then when I get really tired, off to sleep I go.

Which hotel is VWL? Sorry, I don't know the initials?

I usually stay at a hotel in Downtown Disney. This may sound stupid, since I know a lot of people like quiet when they sleep, but I like to hear people in the hall and the elevator bell dinging throughout the night. It reminds me that people are all around enjoying their vacation. It makes you feel like you are not alone. So you mentioned sleeping with your sister down the hall, now imagine there are many nice families "down the hall" at a hotel.

You will get used to it and might even end up liking it. You can just pamper yourself and relax and watch TV or read. I am going at the beginning of April and I can't wait! You will have fun!

 

[disneylove69]

you really won't be alone. Think of everyone in your building as relatives and they are sleeping down the hall. I travel all the time alone and enjoy having room on the bed. Im not married but those of you with dogs/ cats who must sleep on the bed you know what I am talking about.

 

[Poly86]

Awww, you're going to have such a good time, don't worry. I tend to keep the tv on more than usual - not to watch it per se, but just for the noise -when I'm alone in a hotel room, and have done this while solo at Disney (important point - volume is on LOW, I'm courteous to neighbors). I bring lots of magazines and a good book so if I can't sleep, I grab a book and a booklight and I'm usually out in no time. You will have a wonderfull time at VWL, and have your cell to share fun moments with your family. Maybe even bring a framed picture to put on your bedside (I've done that, silly as it may seem - helps when you travel a lot). Enjoy having that comfy bed all to yourself!

 

[Missytara]

you really won't be alone. Think of everyone in your building as relatives and they are sleeping down the hall. I travel all the time alone and enjoy having room on the bed. Im not married but those of you with dogs/ cats who must sleep on the bed you know what I am talking about.

Ditto there - I cherished my time alone, even though I missed my cat. I lost her in 2008. But she would sleep on my hip if I turned on my side.... I mean for hours. I relished not having to be so careful to not even move so she wouldn't fall off....

Now I have four of them, and only one sleeps with me, and he has gotten smart enough not to get too close to me!

 

[ems_mom]

Thanks for all the great advice about being alone at night. I'm sure it seems silly to many but it will be a new experience for me. Keeping the tv on low or mute might just be the way to distract my mind and allow me to fall asleep.

I am really psyched for the park days...total freedom to go where I want, when I want, if I want. I love to people watch and anticipate enjoying my time waiting in line just observing/listening to all my fellow Disney fans.

I have even made two ADR's...lets hope the first dining alone goes well!

 

[richmo]

Ems_mom, have a great trip!

I was kind of in the same boat, but from the Dad's side. We've been down many times as a family, and a few times as a couple -- pre-kids.

Several years ago, I was in Orlando for business and wound up scheduling my return home a couple of days later because the difference in airfare would pay for a hotel (offsite) for a couple of nights. I also had an old 5 day park hopper with a couple of days left on it, so I went for it.

Did I miss my family? Sure, and of course I wished they could be there. But, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Got up when I wanted to, went to whatever park I wanted to, ate where and when I wanted to, went to the attractions I wanted to, etc. (The single rider line at Test Track was awesome!) And, I could even park myself on a bench in World Showcase and people watch for a half hour if I wanted. I'm not at all saying that it beats the family experience, but it is different and still very enjoyable.

Since then, I've been able to do several more solo trips. Being a baseball fan, I try to get down there for a weekend and catch a couple spring training games and spend the rest of the time in the parks. Its a great way to reset after a long winter. In fact, my next solo trip is this coming weekend.

I hope you stick with your plans to head down; I think you'll really enjoy it!

 

[ems_mom]

I am posting an update because I am so happy! My sis, who lives out of state and far away, will be joining me for my first night, and possibly the second! We speak often but rarely see each other (it's been two years now, at least) and I am so excited she's willing to join/put up with my WDW obsession, even for a short time.

I do want to be brave enough to go to my favorite place alone, but this way I can ease in; like the way I get into the ocean in June, before it warms up.