Advice for shy folk

[dromio42]

If you are shy and comfortable being alone (rather than shy and hoping to meet people and chat with people), then you are fine! Most people at Disney are minding their own fun and do not have a care about the travelers around them. If your concern is that people will know you are alone and have an opinion about it, keep in mind that many people travel with companions but 'tour' alone. My husband and I often split up and do our own thing while in the parks or even go to different parks. If you are concerned that people will ask you if you are alone and you don't want to answer, prepare a reply like - oh my friend/husband/wife/kids/etc. went to Hollywood this morning so I get to wander here. Or, ask people about themselves - if they are ask you traveling alone - you say 'are you?' and follow with more - where have you been, are you enjoying yourself, where are you from, etc. Most people are happy to answer questions about them selves (they usually know the answers )

 

[BalooFan]

I consider myself more introverted than shy, but was an extremely shy child, teen, and young adult. Very, very few guests notice you at all, so there is no need to be self-conscious. Last fall, I made my first solo trip. No one stared or made comments about my being alone. The cast members in the restaurants seemed to go out of their way to make me feel comfortable. I don't use a smart phone, but brought my little tablet and checked e-mail and Facebook, played games etc. while waiting for meals, rides, and Disney transportation, or in any other situation when I might feel self-conscious. I know as a shy person that you may not want to strike up a conversation with strangers. Rest assured that you don't need to. Frankly, I don't think that other guests notice most people who aren't in their own party, whether they are travelling solo or with a group. So, my advice is to enjoy the freedom of solo travel - climb aboard a carousel horse, scream your loudest on Tower of Terror, giggle at It's Tough to be a Bug, and know that you won't stand out in the least. Enjoy!

 

[Nanaji]

All of the responses are great so I won't double up on comments, but I thought I would add that I created a Disney playlist to listen to while in line or on the transportation. I didn't really need it as folks were very friendly but it was a nice way to relax when I needed some down time. Good for the pool too. I have been on two solo trips and this October will be my third but my tenth trip altogether. I feel comfortable at Disney and do miss my sister's company. But we message throughout our solo trips when we are back at the room and share the fun that way. I recommend it! Have fun!

 

[7165red]

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 .

Good advice here, I have walked around the parks alone and my husband was doing something else.No one really knows if you are alone or if you are with other people. Enjoy!

 

[ScottlovesDisney]

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.

Ingrid, I went alone right after my divorce and I thought I'd 'stand' out to being alone. If there is ANY place to go alone it's Disney World. NO ONE looked at me like I was strange, on rides, shows and especially dinner. Everyone is so into their own magical trip they could care less who is with who. I had a BLAST. I'm not shy but felt wounded going because of the divorce. I broke out of that quickly as soon as I entered Magical Express.

My advice for anyone feeling shy? No one knows you nor knows your shy so let yourself go! Be someone you always wanted to be but was always afraid to be. Trust me, Disney is the place to put away "SHY". Have a great time and let yourself go!!

 

[IvyWinter]

I'm a pretty shy person around people i don't know, anyway. Takes me a bit to warm up to people so going on a vacation alone might mean not really talking to people much. But I am really interested in going next year for a short solo trip, maybe 4 days. this thread is making me more confident about it!