Advice & tips for first solo trip.

[spaceoddity]

Will be going to WDW the week before Memorial Day weekend on my first solo trip. I am excited but at the same time a little scared of the unknown of how it will be being in Disney alone. Any adivce & tips form those who have gone solo would help ease my nerves

 

[travelin' tigger]

Here's some of my thoughts from a previous post:

Going solo is a great way to do WDW!! The best part is you get to do what YOU want, when YOU want. Sleep in or head to the parks early. Ride your favorite ride over and over. See the shows nobody else enjoys like you do. Take in a character meal - I find them to be very comfortable when solo. The characters pay extra special attention when they see solos! I also find restaurants with counter seating good - Beaches & Cream, the Tune-In lounge at Prime-Time, etc. In TS restaurants, ask for a table for two near a window and people-watch.

Tours are also a great thing when solo - you're part of a group, yet doing your own thing.

But most of all, relax and enjoy!!!

Hope this helps!!!

 

[jordancej]

My tip is from another solo poster which i used on my last trip.

I always carried a small notebook and used it as a diary, for whenever i sat down to eat or had some downtime... I wrote things that were going on, what i had done that day etc.

Believe me i understand about nerves, but I ended up having a great time, and i'm planning my next trip already!

You will have a great time!!

 

[Floridagram]

There is always someone you can talk to if you want to. I was waiting on my family at Small World and enjoyed the whole time talking to a mom waiting with one child. One of the things I like so much about being there is everyone is so friendly and alot of families are not with a group and enjoy meeting new people.

I haven't done it by myself yet but I am about to. We live close and my family is too busy so I am about to embark on my first solo trip. I'll let you know how it goes!

 

[tinkandhook]

i think i am going to plan a solo trip for october. this will be the first time in 15 years i have gone somewhere without at least one of my kids....lol, i dont even go to the grocery store without one of them...
im looking forward to more of the tips you get on here...

 

[spaceoddity]

Thanks for the advice & tips, it just helps knowing people have done it and felt nervous at first but ended up having a great time. I know how could it be really all that bad...your in Disney

 

[Simba's Mom]

I second the advice about the notebook. I happened to think of it after about 5 trips, now I wish I'd started it sooner. I write in it at mealtime-what I did, ate, my thoughts, etc. At the end of the trip, I pack it away with the other souveniers, and it's a nice thing to go back and read occassionally. Another tip about mealtime-if you're doing a TS meal, tell them at check in that you're dining alone and ask politely for "something to look at" to pass the time. That's always gotten me an excellent view, near the window or at Coral Reef, near the tank.

 

[mommyofthreeboys]

My advice: Let me go with you so you have some company!!!

 

[Dolce27]

My tip is from another solo poster which i used on my last trip.

I always carried a small notebook and used it as a diary, for whenever i sat down to eat or had some downtime... I wrote things that were going on, what i had done that day etc.

I second that advice. I had a small notebook and wrote everywhere: on the bus to a park, on a bench when I wanted to sit down for a moment, waiting for my table at a restaurant. I wrote about what I planned to do, what I actually did, and my thoughts on everything. Five months later, I am just now writing my trip report and I have so many details written in that little notebook, a lot of which I'd forgotten, that I'm now reliving the trip as I write the report.

 

[spaceoddity]

I do like the notebook idea, then i could write an awesome trip report when i get back and not forget anything Well since Southwest opened up it's schedule i booked a flight for May 16-21 for only $97 roundtrip...i jumped on that. Now i can start planning where i want to stay, i'm waiting for the AP discount codes to come out for May. Looks like i'm really going to do my first solo trip

 

[spaceoddity]

Only 70 more days till my first solo trip, i am getting a bit nervous...please talk me out of canceling....i know it's mostly the anticipation of being there alone and once i'm there...i'm sure it will be great

 

[barb45]

I've been on my own for a year now and my kids are older and not able to go. I'd like to try solo one of these days so I'm enjoying reading these tips. Keep your plans and let us know how it went. Can't wait to hear.

 

[Love That Duck]

No, no, no! Do not cancel your trip. You are going to have a wonderful time, you'll see.

I do WDW solo all the time and it is always great. Just take your time and relax. You will find you move through the crowds/parks quicker solo so take the time to really look at things you've rushed right past before. Take time to converse with CMs while shopping, dining, in the parks, etc. I've also noticed that folks strike up conversations with me more often when I travel alone. While people are not always comfortable starting a conversation with a group of people I have found it quite common when I travel solo.

I dine when and where I like at WDW when I'm solo just as I would with travel companions. If you feel a bit nervous dining solo do the notepad thing or even take that time to check out park maps, park hours, make itinerary adjustments, etc. I've had memorable conversations with CMs at solo TS meals, as well as excellent personalized service.

Try and concentrate on the positives of solo travel. You were able to select your flight schedule without consulting with anyone else. You are staying where you like for the dates that are convenient to you. If you want to change your itinerary on a whim, you can do that too! You want to sit on Main Street with a coffee or soda and people watch? Do it!

While I am not saying DisneyWorld is better solo, I will say it's just a fun but in different ways. I enjoy Disney just as much solo as with travel companions.

Now, keep planning, go to WDW and have a ball! Then, let us all know what a great time you had in your trip report.

 

[spaceoddity]

I haven't made any ADR's for i thought it would be to awkward doing a TS meal by myself. But maybe i'll try one? Any suggestions?? I'm thinking somewhere fun with allot going but doesn't have to be a character meal. I do love Le Cellier.

Thanks for the encouragement, i know i won't cancel have everything booked....it's just the unkown factor. I've been enough that i know my way around the parks and feel comfortable in them, so that's not a problem.

I've also made some CM friends who are willing to hang out when not working and do some attractions with me, so that helps too

 

[Love That Duck]

Good for you Spaceoddity, that's the spirit!

I actually do have a couple of suggestions for new solo TS diners. First suggestion, go for lunch. TS lunches are always a bit less formal, on the less crowded side and diners are still in the midst of their busy day in the parks.

Second suggestion, go somewhere that you really enjoy for the familiarity and comfort level. You love Le Cellier? Great! That is a very good choice for solo meals. Another suggestion would be Chefs de France on the patio. It has a more casual, fun feel and there is plenty going on outside at EPCOT to keep your focus on rather than on your solo status.

You'll have a wonderful time at the F&G show too!

Just give a holler if you get a bit scared, we'll be here for you!

 

[JazzySteph]

Solo trips are fun. I live here and no one I know wants to go to Disney as many times as I do so I find myself going by myself a lot. I absolutely love it. At first I did feel a bit awkward going up and meeting characters, but the biggest advice I can give you is to just let go and be that huge Disney lover you are deep down inside there!

I find Disney is like the least superficial place (in my opinion) so I feel very comfortable just being there. I've struck up some great conversations with CM's,characters, and families so I never really felt "alone". I also love the freedom of being on my schedule doing things I want when I want without having to play by anyone elses rules. I like the idea of having a notebook never thought of that! I usually just read my park maps and plan out what I'm going to do next.

Have a GREAT time! I know you will!

 

[spaceoddity]

Good for you Spaceoddity, that's the spirit!

I actually do have a couple of suggestions for new solo TS diners. First suggestion, go for lunch. TS lunches are always a bit less formal, on the less crowded side and diners are still in the midst of their busy day in the parks.

Second suggestion, go somewhere that you really enjoy for the familiarity and comfort level. You love Le Cellier? Great! That is a very good choice for solo meals. Another suggestion would be Chefs de France on the patio. It has a more casual, fun feel and there is plenty going on outside at EPCOT to keep your focus on rather than on your solo status.

You'll have a wonderful time at the F&G show too!

Just give a holler if you get a bit scared, we'll be here for you!

Great idea about doing a lunch instead of a dinner solo, and sitting out on a patio.....would give me something to focus on

Solo trips are fun. I live here and no one I know wants to go to Disney as many times as I do so I find myself going by myself a lot. I absolutely love it. At first I did feel a bit awkward going up and meeting characters, but the biggest advice I can give you is to just let go and be that huge Disney lover you are deep down inside there!

I find Disney is like the least superficial place (in my opinion) so I feel very comfortable just being there. I've struck up some great conversations with CM's,characters, and families so I never really felt "alone". I also love the freedom of being on my schedule doing things I want when I want without having to play by anyone elses rules. I like the idea of having a notebook never thought of that! I usually just read my park maps and plan out what I'm going to do next.

Have a GREAT time! I know you will!

That's why i love the Dis, all the great advice and encouragement...you guys rock!

 

[newholidayx2]

Mar 2006 I spent 3 nights/days solo while a friend & her DD were at a cheering competition. They later joined me.
This April Im going 8days/7nights solo - booked 8 lunch ARs and 3 EpCot tours

 

[Donald is #1]

Hi! I am another solo traveler in May. I have actually booked 2 ADRs so far for my trip: Boma and Spoodles. During my May trip, when I was solo about 50% of the time, I ate at Le Cellier, the Biergarten, and the Plaza restaurant solo. Actually, all of my solo dinners except for the Donald's Breakfastsaurus (spelling?) were solo. When I was with my sister & her family we mostly ate cs.

One of the best things about going solo is that you can eat where ever & when ever you want! No more worrying about who will eat what and if everyone is hungry!

Everyone's recommendations are great. I eat by myself a lot at home when I am out running errands and I have found that I like bringing something to read because it helps me slow down my eating.

Have an awesome trip!