Alien

[Britdisneyfan]

Hi,
I felt like an alien even considering travelling to wdw alone in 2015. I desperately want to go, but have no one to go with, haven't booked yet, I'm trying to pluck up the courage!
Reading these posts is so encouraging, why should I miss out because my friends either don't or can't afford to go
I'm scared of travelling so far( in uk) and regretting it by feeling uncomfortable for being alone , please share your experiences?
Thankyou

 

[Grimbold]

I'm doing my 1st solo trip next year as well. Flying from UK.

I don;t mind travelling alone, but have never travelled this far alone. But the way I see it, even when I did travel with others, especially on the plane, most people are either reading or watching the films anyway. So doesn't matter if you are alone or not. And how many people get talking to others on a flight as well.

When you are there, think how many people split from their parties to do their own thing. Most people won;t notice that you are not with someone.

Go for it. I am and plenty of other people on here have been for years.

Just think. You can do what you want, when you want and not have to worry about what the other people are thinking and if they are enjoying themselves.

 

[Britdisneyfan]

Thanks grimbold. So glad I stumbled upon this forum, I felt a bit sad!!
Realise now, it's more common than I thought
I did end up (accidentally) travelling in Australia alone, and it was good! But so long ago, it's different choosing to do it, but reading threads on here is so encouraging, I so,so wnt to go, I'm excited just thinking about it and watching YouTube vids .
Now to seriously , price up a trip, and pluck up some courage, I hope you ave a fabulous time

 

[Britdisneyfan]

Also, your right people prob don't pay any attention if you're on your own, I need to stop worrying about other people judging me , thanks for the advice

 

[Grimbold]

Thanks grimbold. So glad I stumbled upon this forum, I felt a bit sad!!
Realise now, it's more common than I thought
I did end up (accidentally) travelling in Australia alone, and it was good! But so long ago, it's different choosing to do it, but reading threads on here is so encouraging, I so,so wnt to go, I'm excited just thinking about it and watching YouTube vids .
Now to seriously , price up a trip, and pluck up some courage, I hope you ave a fabulous time

Also, your right people prob don't pay any attention if you're on your own, I need to stop worrying about other people judging me , thanks for the advice

Just go for it. I am going over there for the F&W in 2015. Along way off, but hey. It's booked and I'm going

If you book direct with Disney it is a £50 deposit

 

[FiggieFan]

Give it a try! You won't know until you do!
I have gone with a group and didn't have a good time - I ended up answering everyone else's questions, taking care of everyone and was disappointed when I came back. It was too much trying to get everyone on the same page.
I have been several times with one other person and while I loved the trips, there was plenty I never got to do because I was with another. On our last trip, my traveling partner got a virus so I did have a little time to myself. I found that I enjoyed the time to myself and did some things I never was able to do before, like taking the time to explore the countries in depth and shopping in EPCOT. I was already thinking what I would do if I ever got the chance to go alone and am seizing the opportunity. December 2014 will be my first solo trip and I am doing everything I never got to do before - eating choices, more shopping, shows, the carousel, meeting characters and staying the parks as late as I want.

 

[Britdisneyfan]

Thankyou figgiefan, just hearing from others is so encouraging
I quite like my own company generally, though I do love to chat, so would miss that!
But the thought of totally pleasing myself sounds amazing , if I can find the confidence, which I think I will.
It sounds like you ave a great time

 

[SueDonym3]

I have 2 solo Disney trips down, one solo Disney cruise and just planned another solo Disney food and wine festival trip! You may notice families and feel like you are the only one alone-but you are not. There is so much to do and see at Disney, you will forget you are solo. Dining is usually the biggest issue for folks-I enjoy the table service and quick service and have never felt alien when dining at Disney...I also find when I am people watching and listening to the teenager melt down...or the parents that I am really happy that I am traveling without others and do not have to deal with melt downs/temper tantrums or hissy fits. Have a great trip!

 

[karly05]

Hi, and welcome!

Let me tell you, when I made my first solo trip to WDW in 2012, it was my first time to vacation anywhere alone (and I am not young!). It was a BIG adventure for me, and yeah, more than once leading up to the trip, I thought, "What am I doing, I must be crazy to do this!" But I was also eager and excited and I had such a great time, I've been back for two more solo trips and am looking at dates for next year.

Absolutely DO NOT worry about what anyone else thinks. Trust me, the people around you are absorbed with their own trips and families. In 3 solo trips, no one has ever made me feel awkward or out of place - not even when I had breakfast solo at H&V because I wanted to meet the Dis Jr gang (had a great time there, btw, CMs and characters were super-sweet). I've done all kinds of TS meals alone and have had a lot of great CMs/servers; have never felt weird or unwelcome eating alone. I've had a blast meeting lots of characters, too.

I'm not a chatty person, and even I have found myself in conversations with CMs and other guests. If you're pleasant and at all outgoing, it'll happen. Do you have someone at home to keep in touch with? I would send texts and pictures to my sister now and then, and we talked on the phone most nights (although I know the time difference will be a factor for you).

In the end, you'll never know how you'll do until you try it, and no matter what, you're sure to have challenges in life that will take a lot more courage than going on a fun vacation to WDW by yourself. If you try it and find it's not your thing, at least you know - but I think the bigger danger is, you'll be like me and start thinking about how soon you can do it again!

 

[Jn3va3]

It sounds like from the other replies that you were concerned about being solo in the parks. When I first read your post I was thinking you were concerned about traveling solo to the US.

If you are staying at a Disney resort, one nice thing about Disney (assuming are flying into Orlando) is that you get on the Disney Magical Express buses right at the airport, so you are "in" the Disney system practically as soon as you arrive. So, there will always be a cast member around to help or answer questions.

In addition to all the info in these forums, might also want to check out the WDWRadio Podcasts. They have several podcast in their archive about traveling Solo - episodes 696, 727, 919 and 1116 at least.

I'm doing a solo trip later this year. I've thought about this too. I think what makes it feel awkward is that we usually go with family or friends and they won't be with us. Also when some people think Disney they think its just for little kids - so why would an adult go solo? Mostly, those are the people who won't be in the park and don't realize how much Disney has things for every age.

As far as the awkward feelings go; I've decided my attitude is that feeling awkward is more my issue than the other people. A LOT of people travel solo. When you've been traveling with a group, do you make fun of someone traveling solo - probably not. People are not going to point and snicker.

Going solo you just have to remember you are paying for this trip, enjoy it the ways you want to!

 

[JeffryK]

I think its all about how comfortable you feel about doing things by yourself. Do you mind going to the movies alone or grabbing a bite somewhere? If you dont you ll have a great time.

Im from Holland and done 2 trips and they were both great for all the reasons mentioned above. Really noone will judge you for being alone. And so what if they do? Tells you more about them and you know not to start a conversation with them.

I stayed at WDW hotel the first time, its a lot easier to travel around with their own busses. However cause my flight lands at Sanford i did rent a car to get there. Next day i handed in the car at the rental place at Magic Kingdom. And did the same thing when travelling back to the airport. Worked fine.

However the prices of a disney room is pretty expensive, especially when travelling alone. This time (im here now) i rented a car for the entire holiday. Even with these extra costs, gas and parking its a lot cheaper to stay offsite. Hotels on route 192 in Kissimmee are pretty good and theyre probably closer to some of the parks then Disney hotels. I highly recommend it. It also gives you the option to easier visit other places like the mall or Universal.

Only thing i do not enjoy is dining alone at a expensive restaurant solo. But there are plenty onsite and offsite places where you can eat a quick good meal or eat at the bar area.

 

[Britdisneyfan]

Thankyou to everyone for your, informative advice and sharing your experiences, it has spurred me on, now wish I was travelling ths year.
I am comfortable eating snacks etc alone, but have never been in a restaurant alone.
So.....before my trip, I plan to visit the cinema for the first time alone, and have a short holiday alone for practice lol.
My main issue is other people judging me, but the advice and opinions you've all given on this makes sense.....why should they even pay attention to what I'm doing, and....well, why should I care! As long as I'm having fun!
It's lovely to be able to discuss this with people that had similar experiences.

 

[SueDonym3]

It is a good idea to practice before you go it alone! I travel for work all the time so I do a lot of these things on my own anyway. The more you do it, the less awkward it becomes. For dining alone- take a book. Start somewhere casual like a cafe and work your way up. These days I rarely look at a book even if I remember to bring it to a restaurant. The Disney servers are amazing and will chat with you more so if you are on your own. I have been given recipes from my favorite restaurants...something that never happened when I go with others. Have a great trip!

 

[DaisyDuck001]

Another option is to look for people here on the DIS who might meet up with you for a meal or a few meals, or some rides. I'd offer to do this but I'm there Oct. 22-Nov.2 this year and don't know yet when I'll be back after that.

 

[1nfrequent]

Britdisneyfan:
Reading these posts is so encouraging, why should I miss out because my friends either don't or can't afford to go
I'm scared of travelling so far( in uk) and regretting it by feeling uncomfortable for being alone , please share your experiences?

I know exactly how you feel because I felt the same way when I made my first solo trip to WDW in 2010 (a trip that got extended thanks to the snow at Gatwick!). I'm also in the same boat as you because if I didn't go on holiday on my own, I would never go anywhere as my friends either don't want to go or can't afford to.

If you're planning to stay at WDW then the great thing about it is that everything's there on one site. You've got transportation from the airport and then around the site so it's all taken care of. There's plenty of places to eat (too many actually) and you've got DTD if you want to check out a movie or go bowling.

I've found that people are really friendly - I've always been able to have a chat with people in queues or at restaurants but I always carry a book with me just in case (although often that in itself becomes a talking point because people always want to know what I'm reading and whether it's any good).

I'd recommend two centering it and breaking WDW with a short break at Universal. Depending on when you're planning to go you only need 2 or 3 days there (definitely only 2 in low season) and I'd recommend heading back to WDW to finish up to take advantage of the MDE back to MCO. (It's much more pricey from Universal if you stay at one of their hotels or a nearby property).

If you're looking to save money by staying off site someone else will have to advise on driving etc. I'm told it's very easy but I've never done it and I don't know how that impacts on being by yourself. I will say that part of the reason I've never done it is I'm not comfortable driving by myself in a strange country and WDW has everything I need so is a better fit for me (but everyone's different).

Hope you have fun whatever you decide.

1F

 

[Orlando or Bust]

I wish that you were going this year too and we could go alone together hehe. Its fabulous. I done it before and I am going to do it again this year. I am like you. I have friends that cant afford it and I think why not. I dont drive and the buses are fine. I stayed in Kissimmee when I stayed on my own last summer but Lake Buena Vista or at the convention centre at sea world is all one busy to the Magic Kingdom.

If you want then you can message me via the site and I can help anyway I can xx

 

[Disney Frenhines]

Hi,
I felt like an alien even considering travelling to wdw alone in 2015. I desperately want to go, but have no one to go with, haven't booked yet, I'm trying to pluck up the courage!
Reading these posts is so encouraging, why should I miss out because my friends either don't or can't afford to go
I'm scared of travelling so far( in uk) and regretting it by feeling uncomfortable for being alone , please share your experiences?
Thankyou

I've just returned from my *ahem* 6th solo trip and going on my 7th in October.
I was widowed many years ago and it was always a Mother/Daughter trip to WDW until February 2009 when DD decided not to go , so I decided to go alone as I had the same problem regarding friends, it's a lot more expensive from the UK. I was nervous right until I got into MK that first morning. Best holiday ever!!!!! Doing what you want, when you want, how you want, brilliant. Took DD back in 2010, enjoyable, but, I was actually craving alone time after a week as, being a Mum, I let her have her way nearly all the time. Do it, you won't be lonely as our American friends are the most generous and friendliest people out, I end up having lots of lovely conversations. I would recommend staying on site if you are a female solo traveller, I always feel safe and it feels less lonely too, I stayed at Pop Century and had a blast. Just be aware that in queues for characters you do tend to be invisible to families behind you, but, most are okay when you say you are not with the party in front having their photo taken and this trip I didn't encounter that problem as so many adults (more men too) are going to Disney alone.

 

[ludari]

I've done numerous solo trips to WDW but not the same since I am traveling from California to Florida and not out of the country like you would. Nevertheless I have done several extended solo trips (at least a month) out of the country (Disney Cruises) and I have another one scheduled for September. I always meet wonderful people from all over the world that are Disney fans. I work hard to enjoy the things that make me happy, therefore be an alien and enjoy life.

 

[Britdisneyfan]

I've just returned from my *ahem* 6th solo trip and going on my 7th in October.
I was widowed many years ago and it was always a Mother/Daughter trip to WDW until February 2009 when DD decided not to go , so I decided to go alone as I had the same problem regarding friends, it's a lot more expensive from the UK. I was nervous right until I got into MK that first morning. Best holiday ever!!!!! Doing what you want, when you want, how you want, brilliant. Took DD back in 2010, enjoyable, but, I was actually craving alone time after a week as, being a Mum, I let her have her way nearly all the time. Do it, you won't be lonely as our American friends are the most generous and friendliest people out, I end up having lots of lovely conversations. I would recommend staying on site if you are a female solo traveller, I always feel safe and it feels less lonely too, I stayed at Pop Century and had a blast. Just be aware that in queues for characters you do tend to be invisible to families behind you, but, most are okay when you say you are not with the party in front having their photo taken and this trip I didn't encounter that problem as so many adults (more men too) are going to Disney alone.

Hi, thanks for your rply, i enjoyed reading it. I'm building myself up to this trip, and actually doing exactly what I want when I want is very appealing.
Last week I went to see malefecent alone on purpose , and actually quite enjoyed it, felt really good .......but friends reactions "what......on your own" we're a little upsetting.
I'm enjoying planning , my main fears are eating out, I would LOVE to go to be our guest, but not sure if I have the courage lol.
I saw your post about a "not so good" character meet, that would be my nightmare, as I worry too much about what others think. And character meets would be a main part of my trip.
My doubts are small ones and won't stop me, but your post (and others) are really interesting, especially hearing how much you enjoyed it. I love meeting we people with things in common