9 Days to Go...First Solo Trip...Slightly Out of Sorts Now

[WaltD4Me]

9 more days to my first solo trip. I've been trying to do a solo trip for 3 years now, every time I planned one though someone wound up coming along, which was totally fine, but now it's really happening and even though I've been really looking forward to it, I'm a bit out of sorts. It's weird not planning with anyone. It's weird not talking to anyone about plans, planning dining, park days and extras with anyone. It's weird not asking anyone what they want to do or if they want to eat somewhere. And now I'm thinking "Is this really going to be as much fun as I thought it was going to be?" I'm not nervous about going solo, I don't mind eating solo or anything, but 6 days at the parks on my own? I'm starting to wonder......I've been dying to do the Backstage Magic tour and that will take up one of my days, but the rest of trip... Everyone thinks I'm a bit odd going solo, my sister totally doesn't understand, she can't comprehend why I would want to go with no one to talk to and she really can't understand going on rides by myself, what fun is that she says. So now, independant, "confident I'll have a great time" me is wondering if maybe she's right. I would NEVER admit this to her though that's for sure! I'm thinking/hoping once I get there I'll be fine, but for now I've got those little butterflies in my tummy going on and the pesky things are ruining my usual pre-trip excitement. Anyone got some pie?

 

[wishspirit]

My mom kinda felt like that before her first solo trip, but don't worry it wont last!

She really enjoyed being able to do the park at her own pace, without anyone elses needs to take into account. She did some people watching, enjoyed some food and got onto quite a few rides faster with single person queues!

She says she doesn't want to go alone again for a while (which means she's taking me ), but she loved it whilst she was there. So don't worry, go with the flow, and you'll have a great time!

Maybe post on the solo trip board for some help and advice!

 

[Nooshkin]

I did a solo trip last November and had a great time. Mine was only for 2 days but it was great to be at my own pace and not have to worry about accommodating anyone else. I did feel a little lonely at night. I had a late dinner back in my room and I missed having someone else to talk about the day with. But then again, it ended up being so hot and humid that it was nice to sit on the bed naked and eat pizza! (yes, I did!)

I still prefer to go with my friends and family but I'd have no problem flying solo again. Go and have a great time!

 

[disneyholic family]

you're going to have a GREAT time!!!!!!!!!!

i haven't done WDW solo yet, but i'm hoping to in the future..

i have 'done' several cities on my own - places i had to be on business trips and then i stayed for another 3 or 4 days on my own to tour around.
Most recently i did this in London and Dusseldorf. I had a wonderful time in both places.
It's a little daunting at first, but it really is nice to be able to do what you want, when you want.

and by the way, post pictures!!!! i'd love to see pictures and hear about your trip. Living vicariously through other peoples' trips is as close as i can get to WDW right now

 

[BriarRosie]

I've been doing solo trips since 1997. After the first one, the rest come easier.

You can eat nice meals at signature restaurants solo by eating at either a show kitchen counter (California Grill, Flying Fish, Jiko) or at a bar inside the restaurant (same restaurants and more).

But I even ate solo at the 50's Prime Time Cafe, and yes, I got a little interaction with the cast server. I had a book with me, and she praised me for being so quiet and well behaved. She used me as an example for my "cousins" (fellow diners around me) to follow. I wasn't embarrassed by any of the interaction. It was a lot of fun.

But I found the best part was to go off the beaten path and take in the park at a slower pace. I had ice cream for lunch if I wanted it. I didn't have to take anyone else's needs into consideration, so it's liberating.

Nowaday, my solo trips aren't as solo as they used to be. I either meet up with people I know in the Orlando area, or fellow Disney fans I've met online over the years.

Enjoy your solo trip.

 

[safetymom]

WDW is a great place for a solo trip. No one knows you are there by yourself. You will have a great time touring at your pace and seeing what you want to see.

 

[mikelan6]

If you still have time, get yourself an inexpensive pin lot from e-bay and plan on trading them. That's a great way to meet some castmembers, talk to them and have a task while alone.

 

[maroo]

I gotta chime in here. I was so freaked by my sorta solo trip. I was meeting friends, but I got there early and stayed later than they did, so I had time in the parks by myself. I had so much fun that I am going again in Sept. While I will have a friend there for some of the days, I am looking forward to the solo days just as much.

What is your favorite ride? For me, it was Soarin. So I rode it over and over and over. They actually "called" for any solo travelers and when I was WAY back in the line (at the very first screen on the ramp) I raised my hand and I was the only one. So the crowd parted and I got to skip all of those people and go to the front of the line. I even got to skip the corny Soarin intro. Right onto the ride! I had fun with it and clapped and ran up there and everyone was clapping for me. It was hilarious.

It is SO nice doing exactly what you want and not having to get permission from anyone or worrying about anyone else having a good time.

Do what you want to do that no one else wants to do with you. Enjoy the single rider lines. Talk to people. Do what you want. If you want to sleep in...do it. If you want to stay out all night...do it. You are going to love it!

I would make a list, though...of things you want to make sure you see and do at each park. Because it is easy to look around and sorta get bored (a relaxed bored, though) and decide to leave the park and forget that you wanted to catch a certain ride or character or something. I forgot all about making sure I got to see Tinkerbell.

Have fun!!!

 

[ADP]

Hi Lisa,

My first ever solo trip was last Mousefest and I had a great time. I know many of my friends were this with me, but even when I was alone there were so many things I wanted to do.

You will love the freedom to be able to move around the parks and resorts. Not having to ask a group of people whether or not they want to do something specific is very therapudic.

One other thing that helped me was not only enjoying some of my favorite attractions, foods, and viewing spots, but making sure I did some things I'd never done before, or things I've always wanted to do, but couldn't.

You know everyone here will not think you are odd for going solo. We get it!

Don't look back, don't think twice, and have a blast!

 

[klam_chowder]

Never done WDW solo but I spent 4 days solo in Disneyland last month. I had a commando tour plan all mapped out but by the afternoon of day 2 I knew I could relax and 'see it all' still. Having a plan kept me occupied.

Some people in the parks found my solo travel unexpected. I was amused by few guests in Fantasyland who exclaimed, "Look she's riding alone!" Unfortunately, they were all young princesses. Hopefully, they will grow up to know it's okay and FUN to be on your own sometimes.

When sharing tables with people for Billy Hill, Fantasmic, WDTCFireworks, etc., folks were surprised I was travelling alone at first but then I had great conversations with all of them - so much so I couldn't even eat my dinner! - the family from Australia on a 21 day visit, the local couple who spend every Friday nite at MK, the grandma who took her GDs from Utah to DL. I'd prolly have missed meeting all these wonderful people if I had been with DH.

Single Rider Lines are your friend. You'll might find you see so much more than if you are even travelling with one other person.

I could share as much of my day as I wanted when I called friends or DH, or not! Travelling solo is liberating. And when you're solo, you can have all the pie and cake you want! On this trip, I didn't worry about DH eating my leftover cake before I had a chance to get back to it

Have a fab trip!

cheers,

 

[kim532]

I would LOVE a solo trip. It is right in my personality. This trip will be our first one with our son (2yo). We are only planning on having him at the parks in the morning and then staying at the resorts in the afternoon.. DH and I decided that we each could take an evening to go do whatever we wanted by ourself. I am so looking forward to that.

Kim

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

You will have a blast. Maybe we will run into each other in Epcot. I am blonde and pooh size too. LOL. I will be with DH and my son. I posted a pic in the dolewhip meet thread. Keep an eye out for us. I would love to go alone once and do what I want to do and no one else to chase after. Let us know how it goes. How exciting!

 

[WaltD4Me]

Thank you all...everything reminded me of what I was so excited about going solo for in the first place. There are so many things I want to do, but never get around to when I take my nieces and nephew. WS is a big one, no one is interested in the countries at all except for me. I want to see all performers and actually go "in" all the countries...instead of just walking over to Japan for the Candy Lady and leaving! And I can sit on a bench and watch the Streetmosphere performers at DHS, do the drawing class as many times as I want and spend as much time in One Man's Dream as I want. Eat at Brown Derby, ride RNR over and over again, people watch at MK. And I can go in the shops without anyone saying "Auntie Lisa! Look at this!" every 3 seconds. Yep, I'm excited again.

And thanks for the pin idea. I have a nice pin collection, but have never worn a lanyard to the parks. I am going to try that.

 

[Tonya2426]

You are going to have a great time!! I have done several solo trips and doing whatever you want whenever you want and not having to worry about if other people are enjoying themselves is great.

On my last few trips I have used mobile facebook and posted lots of updates which my family and friends enjoyed. Every so often being solo can get a little lonely in a way because you don't have anyone to share your excitement of things with - like when you get off a ride and want to scream "that was soooo cool, let's do it again!!!" but if you do people may stare because you are by yourself - so the facebook posting helped spread the fun and occupied my time while waiting in lines.

 

[bettyann29]

I just got back this week from my first solo trip and honestly it will be my last solo trip..

I felt the same way you did before I got there.. but I was still sooo excited.. then I got there and the first day wasnt bad but after that it just didnt feel right.. I was actually bored to tears.. I think it was just not having anyone to share things with and talking and stuff..

Each day I got up bright and early and then came back to the hotel mid day for a nap.. then headed back out to the parks.. most nights I was back at the hotel within a few hours because I just wasnt into it..

I guess it was just me though because so many people do solo trips and have an absolute blast!!

Dont mean to put a damper on your solo trip, just telling my experience..

 

[MonkeyPants]

I went for a 12 day solo trip a couple of years ago...tho my bother and his family ended up being down at the same time I was down there so I met up with them for a couple of days. The solo trip was extremely relaxing. Have a great time.

 

[dmwang9]

To OP: have you checked out the "Disney for Adults and Solo Travelers" forum here on DISboards? Before I went on my first solo trip a few years ago, that's where I went for advice and tips.

And as a frequent solo traveler (to WDW and elsewhere), I join with many others in saying that you'll have a blast!

 

[evildiva]

I just returned from a 5 night 6 day solo trip and I had a great time! I ran into a few coworkers who were there at the same time, but the majority of my time was spent solo. I loved being able to start the day at Animal Kingdom just to do the safari, then go to EPCOT to ride SOARIN then end my day with Wishes at Magic Kingdom. The only thing I did not like about going solo, was not having someone to talk to at night when I returned from the parks. Otherwise I would just strike up conversations with CMs or people in line with me. The best part was I only worried about my own fun and not anyone else's. I can't wait to go solo again to see the things that I missed and maybe take a tour.

 

[Jamie77]

I did a 9 day solo trip last December. It wasn't long enough. In fact, in 20 days I'll be there solo again. You're going to enjoy entering and leaving a park WHEN YOU WANT TO.

You can splurge on yourself (La Nouba, California Grill, or someplace expensive) without anyone making you feel guilty about spending that kinda cash. No waiting for folks to get out of the bathroom, nobody saying let's skip this restaurant because they're not hungry but YOU are, no whining ("This line is too long. I don't want to wait for that!"), nobody telling you to slow down, etc. You get the picture.