Adult only/solo trip?

[dcmapes]

I live about 5 minutes from MK, and am in the parks as often as possible, sometimes as often as 5 times per week. Cast members have started to recognize me and greet me by saying, "Welcome home" when I arrive sometimes. That is awesome!! Nearly every time, I am by myself. I always used to be a quiet person and just kept to myself. I am from a smaller town where most people know each other, and anything you do or say spreads around town immediately. Spending so much time at WDW by myself has broken me out of my shell. I make a point of starting up conversations with people that I randomly meet in the parks. I've met a lot of very interesting and wonderful people from around the world. I've met people from all 50 states, and probably well over 50 countries. The best thing about experiencing WDW by yourself is that nobody knows who you are. You can be yourself and truly enjoy doing what you want to do whenever you want to do it. Who cares what anyone else thinks? Just do what makes you happy. You can push yourself to try things you normally wouldn't try, if you want. It's a fantastic opportunity to not only enjoy Disney, but to also learn more about yourself. I recommend solo trips to WDW to anyone at any time. Everyone is different, but you might surprise yourself and step out of your comfort zone a bit during the trip.

 

[mamamelody2]

DH and I are going without the kids this November. We are in our mid-40s. I can't wait!
Have you asked your DH if he'd be willing to go just the 2 of you. It would be a totally different trip, and he may actually love it.

 

[Melissakay1q]

I wanted to take an adult girl's trip last year when my friend backed out. I thought, what would I like to do then? Disney?! I saved my money and took myself to Disney for just a few nights. It was so much fun! I cannot wait to do it again.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I usually travel solo (but the DISMeets I've been to are a lot of fun as well.) I used to consider myself a shy introvert, but like a poster above, I have no problem talking to strangers.

Anyone asks why or feels sorry for me, I just tell them I'm selfish and want to do what I want, when I want.

 

[lifepaused]

I gave only been once, but going back in 61 days with partner. I really enjoyed doing it solo. I could do what I wanted when I wanted. No one noticed that was single. You will enjoy it.

 

[absolutmey]

I'm going with the girls for PHM in February for just 3 days, and really looking forward to it. It's spurred me to consider running the SW half in April and making a solo trip out of that. I like to travel alone (and just be alone, actually) and I think it makes sense for me. I say do it!

 

[rlduvall]

I have been taking solo trips since 2008 and absolutely love it. As many others have stated, you get to eat where you want, see the shows that you want and do WHAT YOU WANT!!! I read books at the pool, have an occasional drink [and feel quite naughty about it], see the Beauty and the Beast stage show multiple times since my almost 18 year old won't do it, blah, blah.

I'm a very outgoing person and over the years I have learned to keep it a little closer to the vest that I am there alone. No-one really knows that you aren't meeting up with your family later, but I do feel incredibly safe at Disney. My DH and DS stay in touch with me throughout the day and by the time the trip is over I am ready to come home and be a better wife and mother.

 

[glocon]

I have never done a solo trip, but if someday I do....
I would bring the "Hidden Secrets of WDW" book with me and really immerse myself.
Hmmm....
Must put that on the bucket list.

 

[rangerxenos]

I loved my first solo trip back in 2015, 9 days and I had a blast. Last year I had two days solo before my niece joined me, and this December I have 4 solo days planned as part of a larger trip.

 

[msk]

My DH and I went without kids or grandchildren last Nov. It was fabulous! We are planning a return adults only trip in the spring!

 

[L_MD]

Did a solo trip last year, 6 days. Like you, I'm a quiet person and don't really like talking to people. The only times I did were where conversation grew organically: the girl at Trader Sam's who waited with me in the hallway for it to open, and the very nice older lady who talked to me in the Tower of Terror line and tried to reassure me that it wasn't THAT bad.

Honestly, I never felt awkward. No one questioned me as to why I was solo, I loved the fact that I usually got rows all to myself, and at Universal (realize this is off topic) I was actually let into the park during "park only open for guests staying at a Universal hotel" time because I was just a party of 1.

And there were only two times when I wish I had a companion...one, when I staked out a spot for the MVMCP parade about an hour early, and two, when I had to finish ALL of those drinks at Epcot by myself.

Edited to add: liked my solo trip so much that I'm doing one in 2018...for 8 days!

 

[ToyStory3]

I've gone solo to DL twice when I was already there for work and it was great! And, once I had the chance to go solo to WDW (also after a work trip). But, I decided to invite my mom along and we had the BEST time! We still talk about it all the time. It had all of the benefits of a solo trip because we did whatever we felt like, ate wherever and whenever we wanted, etc. And, she knows I love Disney so she gave me the reigns for the most part. I did all of the things I would have done on a solo trip. Looking back I'm so glad we have those memories now.

 

[Oneanne]

At least half of my trips are solo... I love sharing with others but also love being on my own. I've found that when/if anyone asks me if I'm solo, my response is so positive (as in eyes light up and huge smile breaks out) that their reaction is also positive. I would recommend doing a tour while you are there, it gives you a chance to settle in with a group of people for a couple hours. It's so wonderful to be able to do your own thing, and such a safe and pleasant environment to do it in.

 

[leebee]

I would love to do a solo trip sometime. Even though I usually travel to Disney with just DD23, I'd love to go solo. Maybe some day...

 

[georgina]

I am on the fence with this idea. I think its good as long as you keep the trip short, no more than two days. I speak from experience.

Fourteen years ago, before starting a new job, I decided to treat myself to a four day trip to WDW. At that point, I had not been in 8 years and it was my first (and only) time going there solo. It was fun for a day or two. But the last two days weren't that enjoyable. Disney is something that is more fun with other people. You want other people with you to enjoy the experiences. On day three of my solo trip, when I boarded the people mover by myself, it dawned on me that I had already done everything I wanted todo and I was kind of lonely for the last two days.

I would suggest finding another adult to go with you (and you can still avoid dealing with the strollers and kid stuff). Otherwise, if the goal is to ride all the thrill rides, just go for a day or two on a park hopper or go somewhere with a lot more thrill rides (like Cedar Point)

Two days? No, from my experience, I disagree. If I am flying to Orlando I am going for a minimum of 4 days. I do not need other people to enjoy the experience! I have done 4 and 5 night solo trips to WDW. Last trip I did 2 nights at WDW and 3 at Universal. This next trip I am doing 4 nights at each. I guess everyone is different. Like the OP I am quiet and do not strike up conversations with random strangers, but I still enjoy myself immensely! How can you possible enjoy 4 parks, water parks, and the resort in 2 days?

 

[elgerber]

I am actually doing my first solo trip in 50 days. 6 nights/days for me. I am super excited!!

 

[pbb322]

I'm leaving for my first 3 day solo trip tomorrow! I have dreamed about it, but it never made sense until now. I found out 2 weeks ago that I have to be in Orlando for work Monday night and Tuesday. We had bought annual passes for the first time ever on our trip in May because we are going back in October. So I decided, I already have an annual pass, and airfare paid by work, I just need to GO! I am so excited about wandering through Epcot and actually doing something in the World Showcase other than the boat ride in Mexico and the Frozen ride, which is all my small kids can take before they get bored there. I am going to eat at Le Cellier because won't have cranky tired kids making us rush to eat fast! I'm going to ride thrill rides that my kids and motion sick DH will never ride. I am positive it is going to be AMAZING!

 

[The Foolish Mortal]

Two days? No, from my experience, I disagree. If I am flying to Orlando I am going for a minimum of 4 days. I do not need other people to enjoy the experience! I have done 4 and 5 night solo trips to WDW. Last trip I did 2 nights at WDW and 3 at Universal. This next trip I am doing 4 nights at each. I guess everyone is different. Like the OP I am quiet and do not strike up conversations with random strangers, but I still enjoy myself immensely! How can you possible enjoy 4 parks, water parks, and the resort in 2 days?

Easily. I didn't do the water parks, I walk fast (especially when I am solo), and I don't feel compelled to do every single thing. Plus, it may be different for me because flying to Orlando is short and easy. I travel a lot (usually two or three times each month) and I am accustomed to short get away trips (my partner and I are flying to Orlando later this year just to spend one day at Epcot and then returning the next month to spend one day at Universal). I just don't feel like I need to enjoy everything to have an enjoyable experience

 

[bookgirl]

I am curious about some other people's opinions on a trip I'd like to take next year. I'm turning 40 and I'd love to go to Disney without the kids. Just once I'd like to go and do it my way- only have to pack for one person, go on the thrill rides, not have to worry about strollers or deal with whining, have time to actually shop...

Dh likes Disney but I don't think he'd really want to go without the kids. He wouldn't enjoy it like I would.

I thought about taking my mom. I know she's enjoy it and would be happy to do what I wanted. However, she has a bad back and can't do most of the thrill rides. I'd feel bad leaving her all the time.

I've thought about just going by myself. It sounds perfect in theory (do what I want when I want), but I'm afraid I'd get bored. I'm a quiet person and not able to just strike up conversations with strangers. I might just feel awkward the whole time.

Any thoughts? What would you do in my situation?

I do a lot of solo trips and honestly I love it. What I want, when I want...etc. I basically go park commando and I do events that no one else wants to do like take tours or do event dining, etc. I also like that I can do dining on my own schedule. I'd rather snack in the room for breakfast, grab a QS lunch and dinner and supplement that with 1 or 2 new TS. Or I have been known to snack most of my food (both brought from home and in the parks) and only do a couple of actual entree type meals the entire trip. I just do whatever I'm in the mood for.

I have also taken my mom a few times and she doesn't do many rides but it works really well. I go in the mornings and power through rides at rope drop. I meet her and we have lunch, maybe do a park and stick to the rides and shows she can do. We have an early dinner and she is usually done for the day and I go out for a few more hours on my own.

I do know that you have to be the right personality for this. I am not the type of person who has to have company. I mean don't get me wrong I love sharing travel with friends or family but I'm totally fine with no one with me. I'm like this in my everyday life as well. I did 10 days in Europe last fall and my family dropped out of the trip and none of my friends wanted or could schedule to go. No problem, I went by myself. My family thought I was nuts. They are all the opposite of me and HAVE to have company. I am fine touring by myself, I don't care about being in restaurants solo and I can take or leave random stranger conversations.

I do not have a problem striking up a conversation, but honestly I don't tend to start them but I guess I have that vibe that says 'hey come up and start a discussion with me' haha. I do know that a smile goes a long way and sometimes others see a smile as an invitation to talk. I also have a tendency to forget that what I say in my head sometimes automatically comes out my mouth. Not bad or anything, but I make an observation outloud and that also tends to start conversations.

However I am almost never 'bored'. I can always find someway to amuse myself, and I have never needed conversation.

I think if you like Disney it's a great place to try out a solo trip. There is so much to do and I've found that disney lines just seem to promote interaction. I have had some great conversations with totally random strangers. I think us Disney Geeks just love to share the love of the Mouse. I also am very comfortable with kids and they seem to sense that and I get tons of interaction at Disney just from kids who start talking to me then their parents join in and next thing you know there's a whole lot of us talking. Disney just invites conversation.

I hope you decide to try and that you enjoy yourself!!!!

 

[ols386]

I've gone on a few solo trips to WDW, and really enjoyed it. There's something fun about getting up when you want, always eating where YOU want to eat, going to whatever park YOU want to go, etc etc.

I totally enjoy going with other people too, though. There is joy either way.