Advice for shy folk

[Ratsmith]

So if one were to go it alone and not have the cushion of being with familiar friends and family; what advice (generally speaking) would you give to a shy person to not feel too out of place at the parks?

 

[loves to dive]

Not being a shy person that is a hard one but I'll try. It really is a comfortable place to go solo, you most likely are going to sit with someone else on the rides with the exceptions of those that are on the conveyor belts like Haunted House but there is no reason to talk to them if you don't want to. While in line I either read my kindle on my phone or strike up a conversation with someone. When I go to TS to eat, again I have my kindle on my phone, I've never had anything but excellent service when dining alone, almost too attentive. The best part is just enjoy your time there, do what you want to do when you want to, it's a friendly place.

 

[bamacmac]

So if one were to go it alone and not have the cushion of being with familiar friends and family; what advice (generally speaking) would you give to a shy person to not feel too out of place at the parks?

I'm not shy, but I'm usually not one to randomly strike up conversation with people I don't know. I'm taking my first solo in July and I'm curious to see how it will go. Maybe slightly anxious, but at the same time not too worried about having a good time. I think WDW is one of those place where you can really blend in with a crowd and no one would realize you were there completely by yourself. You could just be away from your group at the moment. So I don't imagine I will feel too out of place. Plus I think once I get there...I will be so caught up in everything I love about the place, that I just won't care that I'm alone. At least that is what I am hoping. I think once you do it, you will be more comfortable doing it again and again. Maybe make the first solo venture a shorter trip than you normally would? Have books to read on your phone, or text people who know you are there and would be excited for you. Maybe have earbuds with you for waiting in line. Enjoy the ability to do what you want, when you want. That's what I am most looking forward to!

 

[spiceycat]

I was shy once.
most people are friendly and like to talk. being shy will make you very popular because you don't need to put in your 2 cents of nothing. Just smile and be nice - people will want to talk to you.

heck there will probably be a family or two that will allow you to join them if you want too.

Mother use to scare me to death with stories of what strangers would do - I was a teenager before I realized it was her not others to fear.

be yourself and others will like you.

 

[LizardQueen8]

Reading material is absolutely the shy solo traveler's best friend! And as a veteran solo traveler, I have found that a lot of people will naturally strike up conversations with you and generally try to make you feel at ease. But you don't have to talk too much if you don't want to, and if you think that will make you uncomfortable, I second the earbud idea. Truly, though, know that you are far more aware of being alone than anyone else is .

 

[Ingrid G]

I went through a divorce and am truly alone now for the very first time. I just found this site this morning and think Disney would make a good first solo trip since I have been going there annually my whole life and don't have anyone to go with. I can go anytime, so trying to decide if I should this week or maybe in a few weeks. I want to enjoy it and not feel lonely there, but if I want to go places now, this is the only way. I'm not shy, but am self conscious and think people will see I am alone and think it's weird. But I have to overcome it sooner or later.

 

[Oneanne]

I go solo all the time - it's the perfect place to stretch your solo-wings! Standing in line no one knows where one group ends and another starts, so you'll blend right in. Signing up for a tour is a nice way to spend time with a group and make some connections. If anyone asks me if I'm traveling alone I ususally respond "Yep, this trip is all about me"... being able to do whatever you want whenever you want can be a wonderful thing! Go have fun!

 

[Ratsmith]

Seems like a lot of great advice. Thanks everyone.

I did notice how well people seem to "keep to their own" when I went down last March. I've also noticed how well face characters do at dealing with different personalities at meet n greets.

The tours sound intriguing and I would love to see backstage magic.

 

[Sir William]

I'm not necessarily shy but I am a private person who is quite comfortable with my own company, especially when traveling solo. I usually carry a book and read it while eating, while standing in line, waiting for the bus, etc. I can entertain myself without having to engage strangers in conversation (though I've no problem doing so when the situation arises). Of course, anymore I see lots of people totally engrossed in their phone, even when they are with a group, so if you were to do the same few would notice or care.

I've no proof, other than my own observations, but I don't think many people at WDW really even notice a solo traveler. First, they are usually too engrossed in their own activities, and second, there are numerous reasons why someone may be on a ride or dining alone. In my case, DW can't do a lot of thrill rides due to a neck injury, so I do them solo. Parents do swaps on rides kids can't or won't ride. Dad is sent to get snacks while the Mom and kids do a kiddie ride. I enjoyed a pint at the R&C while DW went shopping. If I've ever got any "negative" looks, it's because I'm sitting a table alone in a very full restaurant (QS or TS) and others are looking/waiting for a place to sit.

 

[JustCor]

I'm a mostly shy person. I've found Disney to be a pretty easy place to do solo. There are some things that get my anxiety level up a bit, like some of the rides, but they're not too bad. I try to keep a few fallback things in mind for when I'm in the park that give me a break from large groups of people and give me a moment to just collect myself. The People Mover, for example, is a great way to see things at MK while having a quiet place to relax without being seated with other people. It's a good break at MK before venturing out into the other stuff. Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom is also a good way to do something that's done at your own pace and independent of anyone else. I also find walking around the World Showcase at Epcot to be pretty stress free. It's a good place to pop in and try quick bites of food. I like to grab something small, walk around, and then hop on one of the boats to get away. I have these kind of things in mind for whatever park I'm at to have something to do and to get away from crowds when needed. There seems to be a handful of rides and attractions that aren't nearly as popular that tend to be quick and easy to get on with few other riders. For food, as others have mentioned, having something to read is good. I also keep a pocket notebook with me and use lunches and dinners as a time to write down the things I've done and seen on that day. It's a nice way to take your mind off the shyness and just kind of keep a running tab of your vacation.

 

[karly05]

I think I'm more introverted than shy, but I love WDW solo. I've had the occasional random conversation with people, but generally I've found that people are absorbed in their own vacations; haven't run across a lot of folks striking up conversations.

In 4 solo trips, only once have I ever gotten a negative/pitying comment about being on my own. When I checked in at BOG for dinner in April, the check-in stand was being worked by a young lady CM and a more mature gentleman CM. He was checking me in and I said "one," the girl made some oh-so-sad-you're-alone "Awwww." I just smiled and said, "Not 'Awwww,' awesome!" The guy was great and jumped right in with my enthusiasm, "you get to do whatever you want."

I've had lots of great character meets solo, and this year Merida thought it was great that I was enjoying "a day of freedom!"

 

[Sir William]

In 4 solo trips, only once have I ever gotten a negative/pitying comment about being on my own. When I checked in at BOG for dinner in April, the check-in stand was being worked by a young lady CM and a more mature gentleman CM. He was checking me in and I said "one," the girl made some oh-so-sad-you're-alone "Awwww." I just smiled and said, "Not 'Awwww,' awesome!" The guy was great and jumped right in with my enthusiasm, "you get to do whatever you want."

Great response!

I've gotten these kind of comments from CMs but I don't view them as negative on the part of the CM. I think they are being sympathetic in that I'm in the Happiest Place on Earth without anyone to share it with. My response of late has been DW has to work but I get to play, accompanied with a big grin. The CMs then respond back with something like "poor DW" or "lucky you."

 

[karly05]

Great response!

I've gotten these kind of comments from CMs but I don't view them as negative on the part of the CM. I think they are being sympathetic in that I'm in the Happiest Place on Earth without anyone to share it with. My response of late has been DW has to work but I get to play, accompanied with a big grin. The CMs then respond back with something like "poor DW" or "lucky you."

Yeah, "negative" was probably the wrong word choice on my part. She really was being sympathetic. I like your response, too. I really think a smile and a positive attitude go a long way.

 

[ChristinaMarie023]

I've never been to Disney alone but as an incredibly shy person myself, I've always found that some music, headphones, and/or reading material work great in solo situations. As others have mentioned, it usually doesn't take long before someone naturally strikes up a conversation and you may find yourself making new friends! No matter what, you're at the happiest place on earth and you don't need anyone else to have a magical time

 

[Sir William]

I've never been to Disney alone but as an incredibly shy person myself, I've always found that some music, headphones, and/or reading material work great in solo situations. As others have mentioned, it usually doesn't take long before someone naturally strikes up a conversation and you may find yourself making new friends! No matter what, you're at the happiest place on earth and you don't need anyone else to have a magical time

On my last trip, I was in MK enjoying an ice cream sundae from the ice cream parlor on Main Street. It was hot so I sought shade underneath the awning, even though all the tables were taken. After a couple of minutes an older gentleman sitting alone at a table (along with various bags in two of the chairs), asked if I'd like to sit down in the remaining chair. I gladly accepted. We began chatting and I learned he lived in Orlando and came to WDW frequently with his wife, and often his children, grandchildren and friends. So much so that he liked to seek a shady shop, have a snack, and people watch. His wife came back from wherever she'd been and they excused themselves and left. I "paid it forward" by inviting a young couple to sit in the vacant chairs, and before leaving myself learned they had just gotten engaged at the Castle.

I occasionally will engage someone standing in line with me, such as when I overhear an family obviously on their first trip to WDW trying to find something. Another time it was some "Star Wars" fans who had just arrived from the UK. One of the best encounters was meeting some Disney marketing people on their day off.

I also like to engage CMs, especially those in Epcot, as I have lived and traveled a lot of places, often where or near where they are from.

 

[Accident]

Get the I'm celebrating pin and write in something that says your shy and alone.. Let others start the convo.

 

[DisneySince1967]

Wearing pins on a lanyard and being open to trading is a great icebreaker, making solo ventures more social. I bought a grab bag of pins on eBay just for that purpose.

 

[ThistleMae]

I talk to everyone in the lines....after all we are just waiting. Some people like to talk and others are more shy but if you ask them a question, they open up. I plan on going solo in the future. My last trip was semi-solo. I brought my granddaughter and her boyfriend. We met for dinner but that was it. We went our separate ways for most of every day. They are thrill riders and late sleepers. I am a non-thrill rider and early riser. So....we met for dinner. This is the one thing I'm a little apprehensive about....eating dinner solo. I like to have a nice sit-down meal at several resorts for dinner. Lunch is hit or miss and not an issue eating alone....but dinner....by yourself at a place filled with people all eating with other people...that seems really out of place for me to imagine. I don't want to give it up. How do people handle this?

 

[drp4video]

I had an unexpected three day solo trip last month. Mom (age 82) was supposed to meet meet me at WDW as we both live in different states, but she didn't feel well (she is fine) and as I was boarding the plane my brother called to tell me she wasn't coming. Was a let down. I have been to WDW about 27 times but I was not going to cancel. It was also her sister's 90th birthday, she lives near Orlando, so that was really the true reason for the trip. (felt awful that mom missed that) 10 years ago my daughter sang with her choir for Disney's Magical Musical Days and I flew down to see it, so that trip was sort of quasi solo as we were able to meet at times during the day when she wasn't involved in choir activities so I had an idea of what solo would be like.

There were times I felt lonely, mostly after getting off a ride as there was no one to share the experience or excitement with, and especially sitting waiting for the fireworks at MK because families were involved with each other, (not at Epcot though as I found a new great place to watch and there were several women there whose husbands would rather be drinking than watching, so we all talked lol). Awkward on Its a Small World as I had a huge row in the boat to myself, but not on Pirates as I shared a row.

I tried not to have to wait in long lines. This worked except for Soaring. Most people in that line weren't talking much and looked bored and tired of waiting. Most other rides I would strike up a conversation with those near me especially if I overheard their conversation (nosey much? lol) and they didn't understand or were confused about something. Usually a smile and a comment to help them would lead to conversation. Many couldn't believe I was by myself. I always heard the usual comment about how you can do whatever you want, especially from any cast members who realized I was solo. Thing is, I pretty much did everything I always did when I go with my daughter. This trip though I did get to do more than I thought I would as I knew it would be a slower trip traveling with my 82 year old mom. She wasn't going to spend 13 hours in the MK!!

Dining solo was and never is an issue. I dine alone at work many times so I am used to it. People watching is fun. The only draw back is that if you are at a quick service restaurant, you need to make sure you have everything you need before you sit down at a table because if you get up to get something, your spot might be cleared.

I did have my cell phone and of course could look at messages and facebook if I wanted to, but I really kept myself amused by taking a photo of a random location, texting it to my daughter at home, and having her guess where I was. That was funny. And of course, she was jealous because she wasn't there.

As this trip wasn't a planned solo trip, I had to regear my brain to accept it as solo, and that did take some time to get used to. I normally stay at POFQ or POP, but this trip was AKL because mom and I were splitting the cost. There is a lot to do at AKL as far as activities and listening to CM from Africa talk about their home. (had issues with housekeeping, they didn't clean for three days as the computer showed my room was vacant....but that is another story).

I always rent a car, but this time I used the buses because leaving the parks at night and the convoluted way they route you back to the resort made me a little nervous about getting lost without the help of another person in the car. I did discover that the buses are not that bad, especially when going to the MK as you avoid the TC! Far haul anywhere from the AKL but still doable.

All in all, I am glad I still went even though mom didn't. We have met and gone together before and I was looking forward to it so it was disappointing that she didn't come which I am sure affected my mind-set on this trip. Sad she wasn't there, and worried about her, as well as wondering if we will have the opportunity again. I still had a good time, but I am not sure I would go solo in the future, although if it were a planned solo trip perhaps I would be psychologically ready for it next time.

 

[aVASTGrl]

This is the one thing I'm a little apprehensive about....eating dinner solo. I like to have a nice sit-down meal at several resorts for dinner. Lunch is hit or miss and not an issue eating alone....but dinner....by yourself at a place filled with people all eating with other people...that seems really out of place for me to imagine. I don't want to give it up. How do people handle this?

This was what I was most nervous about before my first solo trip. I do other things alone all the time at home, but I had never eaten anywhere by myself, not even a quick lunch somewhere! I forced myself to make a few ADRs that trip, and figured if the first one was too uncomfortable, I would just cancel the rest. It turns out I needn't have worried! What everyone always says is true: other diners are WAY too engrossed in their own vacations to notice or care if you're sitting at a table by yourself. And if they do notice? They'll forget about you as soon as their meal is over, so who really cares? Almost every time I found myself waiting for my table, other guests who were also waiting, would strike up a conversation with me to pass the time.

I ended up enjoying my TS meals much more than my CS meals; I found it incredibly awkward and logistically difficult to find an open table while juggling all of my food...I really missed having someone in my party grab a table while I got my food!

Edited to add: Don't forget that many TS restaurants at Disney have a bar area that serves the full menu, if you really are uncomfortable sitting by yourself in the main dining room!