Am I Crazy?

[CoachBeard]

Ok, maybe not the best title but I’m terrible at them.

In the last almost 15 years virtually all of my travel has been solo. I’ve done trips to WDW in 2022 and earlier this year. I told myself the bext big trip would be to Europe because I haven’t been since 1998 as a minor and I’ve just never gotten back.

However, the more I plan the more I just want to do another big WDW trip. Part of me feels like going to Europe, specifically the UK, would be a better experience with a travel partner. I’ve gone all over the U.S. by myself and been fine. For reference I’m a male in my 40’s.

The other thing is that the state of Disney right now and the price is such a… a “thing”. I’m a magic key holder and go once a month or so. But to escape for a week to WDW is so special to me and I feel more “ok” being there solo. Am I nuts? Should I do the Europe thing? Or should I do another WDW trip? I know, I know it’s up to me it’s a personal decision and maybe the audience has a slight bias lol.

Maybe just one more WDW trip and then focus on finding a travel pal? I also like not having reservations or park hopping time limits anymore at WDW. One theme I’ve been considering for another trip is to have 2 non park days and find several fun things to do at the various resorts and such.

 

[BrianL]

Ok, maybe not the best title but I’m terrible at them.

In the last almost 15 years virtually all of my travel has been solo. I’ve done trips to WDW in 2022 and earlier this year. I told myself the bext big trip would be to Europe because I haven’t been since 1998 as a minor and I’ve just never gotten back.

However, the more I plan the more I just want to do another big WDW trip. Part of me feels like going to Europe, specifically the UK, would be a better experience with a travel partner. I’ve gone all over the U.S. by myself and been fine. For reference I’m a male in my 40’s.

The other thing is that the state of Disney right now and the price is such a… a “thing”. I’m a magic key holder and go once a month or so. But to escape for a week to WDW is so special to me and I feel more “ok” being there solo. Am I nuts? Should I do the Europe thing? Or should I do another WDW trip? I know, I know it’s up to me it’s a personal decision and maybe the audience has a slight bias lol.

Maybe just one more WDW trip and then focus on finding a travel pal? I also like not having reservations or park hopping time limits anymore at WDW. One theme I’ve been considering for another trip is to have 2 non park days and find several fun things to do at the various resorts and such.

I definitely understand. Sometime I feel like I won't have as much fun travelling solo and sometimes I feel like I'd prefer it. This applies to Disney and non-Disney trips. Disney is an easy place to be solo though because there is so much to do. I've got a crazy idea for you though - go to Disneyland...Paris! See some Europe, go to Disney. It's a win-win!

 

[Sprinkles&Sprints]

I’m biased bc I love WDW but I’ve also spent the better part of two decades doing a ton of solo traveling around the world. I thoroughly enjoyed it then but completely at peace with spending more time at WDW now.

I don’t think you’re nuts at all - what you describe is why many folks - myself included at time - are drawn to the idea of staycations. You want to spend time appreciating a place you’re familiar with at a slower pace where you can relax and exhale a bit. FWIW I’m new to resort-only days and they’re kind of sublime depending on the resort - highly recommend! You could also potentially plan your next Disney trip to coincide with a new city - visiting Paris or Tokyo. You being a solo traveler is a non-issue IMHO!

I still do make it a priority to explore other destinations but make no apologies for our annual 2-week trip to WDW. It’s my happy place and we should do what makes us happy. Trite, because it’s true.

 

[CoachBeard]

I definitely understand. Sometime I feel like I won't have as much fun travelling solo and sometimes I feel like I'd prefer it. This applies to Disney and non-Disney trips. Disney is an easy place to be solo though because there is so much to do. I've got a crazy idea for you though - go to Disneyland...Paris! See some Europe, go to Disney. It's a win-win!

That was actually part of my plan if I go. Was considering some time in London then to Paris/DLP and a train to Brussels. I just can’t decide.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Gonna keep it short from one solo traveler to another:

It’s your money and your time, do what you want. That’s the beauty of solo travel, you don’t have to do what others think you should do.

 

[CoachBeard]

Gonna keep it short from one solo traveler to another:

It’s your money and your time, do what you want. That’s the beauty of solo travel, you don’t have to do what others think you should do.

100% My problem is that I can't decide which leap to take. I DGAF about what anyone really thinks. My coworkers accept my solo WDW trips I think in part because one of them is a retired DL CM. Both trip scenarios will cost about the same amount so that isn't much of an issue. I guess it is more of an "am I ready?" thing. Part of me thinks having European adventures with someone else would be much more fun. Maybe I am romanticizing it?

I appreciate the input and feedback, keep it coming. Due to the timing of my bonus check and the weather I'm willing to deal with in FL should I pick it, I won't be going until January 2026 or March/April 2026 for Europe. The weather in England and DLP being cooler strongly encourages picking it. When I did WDW in 2022, I went in late Oct/early Nov thinking it would be cooler. I had only been during December and late Feb but 11 years earlier. Well, Halloween week was mid 80's and full humidity so I swore off going unless it would be 70 or below. I live in So Cal and can't stand the hot months like July-Nov. I know many people move here just for that but I grew up here and was given an affinity for the cold so, who knows what happened there?

 

[CoachBeard]

PS: Do any ladies in their 30's/40's want to cultivate a friendship and eventually travel together? Halfway serious... it would be nice to have another Disney parks partner. I got lucky with my ex years ago.

 

[Bad Pink Tink 2.0]

...

 

[Cazbucket]

Do you have specific things/countries in Europe apart from UK and DLP?

 

[CoachBeard]

Do you have specific things/countries in Europe apart from UK and DLP?

For this particular trip it would be limited to London/Paris and maybe either Brussels or Leeds/Manchester depending on the order and the time I have. My Europe wishlist is vast though.

 

[SoloJim]

Ok, maybe not the best title but I’m terrible at them.

In the last almost 15 years virtually all of my travel has been solo. I’ve done trips to WDW in 2022 and earlier this year. I told myself the bext big trip would be to Europe because I haven’t been since 1998 as a minor and I’ve just never gotten back.

However, the more I plan the more I just want to do another big WDW trip. Part of me feels like going to Europe, specifically the UK, would be a better experience with a travel partner. I’ve gone all over the U.S. by myself and been fine. For reference I’m a male in my 40’s.

The other thing is that the state of Disney right now and the price is such a… a “thing”. I’m a magic key holder and go once a month or so. But to escape for a week to WDW is so special to me and I feel more “ok” being there solo. Am I nuts? Should I do the Europe thing? Or should I do another WDW trip? I know, I know it’s up to me it’s a personal decision and maybe the audience has a slight bias lol.

Maybe just one more WDW trip and then focus on finding a travel pal? I also like not having reservations or park hopping time limits anymore at WDW. One theme I’ve been considering for another trip is to have 2 non park days and find several fun things to do at the various resorts and such.

I had a solo trip planned to Germany and Austria earlier this year and as the dates approached, I started second guessing going alone on a trip so far from home. I'm older than you (62) so was also nervous about possible medical situations; what if I get hurt, what if I have some episode or another and I'm alone? So, I cancelled it and decided to go to Disneyland and SoCal instead. Although far from home, I felt way more comfortable in the US and being able to get home without multiple air legs and six time zones. Maybe I'll do Europe when I can go with others, but I think I'll stick with North America while solo.

I also feel completely at ease as a solo traveler in WDW (or anywhere in Florida, really).

 

[Cazbucket]

My first solo trip was to Rome, my second to Athens. I knew what I wanted to see and had all tours and excursions booked before I went. Fantastic both times, loved being solo. Did find little bit of a language barrier but nothing to worry about.
This prompted me to take the plunge (I’m in UK) and return to WDW solo twice.
I did wish that my friends could see through my eyes the amazing sights on those trips but I never regretted going alone.
Happy planning whatever you decide!

 

[ahhhshmatthew]

In the last 5-8 years (currently 39 YO) I have realized that the most important commodity in my life is my time. I have emphasized doing exactly what I want to do, or feel like I want to do, with my time vs. concerning myself as much with other stuff. There is no wrong choice Go where you want to go and how you want to go - going to WDW on this next trip doesn't mean you cannot go to Europe on the next one! Fully support exactly what you internally feel like is the right choice on this trip (and the next one)!

 

[Lesverts]

I am going to Disney solo in a couple weeks. It was a last night trip were I could get the time off work and my original plans got destroyed. So I took it. Was it my first choice this year? No but it is easy and I know I will have good times. Next year I will be more adventurous if the budget allows.

 

[disney2you]

I have visited every single Disney park solo! It was amazing. Do what I want whenever I want. BF is not a fan (he did come a Disney cruise with me this year though) and its hard to find friends to go with as most everyone has kids or can't get off work. I feel like UK solo would be fine, I did Italy solo as a female and even did Brazil (do not recommend though, I hired a travel guide and still ended up terrified a few times, the stories are not exaggerated, but if you stick to very public places like malls there are lots of security guards wandering around).

 

[kathy884]

DS and I (DH wasn't interested) did a European trip last October (four nights Paris, three nights Disneyland Paris (so much cool stuff to see and do there), and three nights Belfast (He's a big Titanic fan). Anyway, it was a dream trip for DS and we had a lot of fun. I think though I'm at the point where I prefer easier to get to and less of a time change. I'm sure you will enjoy yourself whatever you decide.

 

[RedK]

I get this. I feel like I'm supposed to want to go to Europe. That being a sophisticated Adult with enough money to travel means I'm supposed to want to do things like Europe. I have enjoyed traveling there in the past, and appreciate the museums and the culture and the food. But with how complex my life is, right now, I just want to go somewhere fun. I don't want complicated culture or complicated travel. I want simple, I want fun, I want comforting. And that means sometimes I just want to go to Disney.

Do what you want. Do what makes you happy. Europe isn't going anywhere. You can always travel there sometime when it's what you feel like doing.

 

[CoachBeard]

I get this. I feel like I'm supposed to want to go to Europe. That being a sophisticated Adult with enough money to travel means I'm supposed to want to do things like Europe. I have enjoyed traveling there in the past, and appreciate the museums and the culture and the food. But with how complex my life is, right now, I just want to go somewhere fun. I don't want complicated culture or complicated travel. I want simple, I want fun, I want comforting. And that means sometimes I just want to go to Disney.

Do what you want. Do what makes you happy. Europe isn't going anywhere. You can always travel there sometime when it's what you feel like doing.

100%. While I don’t feel like I’m “supposed to” visit Europe, I really want to but I feel like I’m supposed to have that experience with someone by my side. I’ll give it another year I think and reevaluate. I appreciate all the input. I’ll do one more solo WDW trip and maybe work on finding someone to travel with in the interim. I’m a bit of a romantic at times what can I say?

 

[J&J]

Ok, maybe not the best title but I’m terrible at them.

In the last almost 15 years virtually all of my travel has been solo. I’ve done trips to WDW in 2022 and earlier this year. I told myself the bext big trip would be to Europe because I haven’t been since 1998 as a minor and I’ve just never gotten back.

However, the more I plan the more I just want to do another big WDW trip. Part of me feels like going to Europe, specifically the UK, would be a better experience with a travel partner. I’ve gone all over the U.S. by myself and been fine. For reference I’m a male in my 40’s.

The other thing is that the state of Disney right now and the price is such a… a “thing”. I’m a magic key holder and go once a month or so. But to escape for a week to WDW is so special to me and I feel more “ok” being there solo. Am I nuts? Should I do the Europe thing? Or should I do another WDW trip? I know, I know it’s up to me it’s a personal decision and maybe the audience has a slight bias lol.

Maybe just one more WDW trip and then focus on finding a travel pal? I also like not having reservations or park hopping time limits anymore at WDW. One theme I’ve been considering for another trip is to have 2 non park days and find several fun things to do at the various resorts and such.

We have to Europe very nice but a Disney vacation is so different . Go to Disney and enjoy being a kid again. You are right so many things to do outside the park. Just walk around see the other hotels go on the monorail and visit.

 

[zanzibar138]

100%. While I don’t feel like I’m “supposed to” visit Europe, I really want to but I feel like I’m supposed to have that experience with someone by my side. I’ll give it another year I think and reevaluate. I appreciate all the input. I’ll do one more solo WDW trip and maybe work on finding someone to travel with in the interim. I’m a bit of a romantic at times what can I say?

This seems like a great compromise. If you're going to still be in a position to travel later on, there's no harm in waiting to see what happens in the next couple of years. I've enjoyed the solo travel I've done, but not gonna lie, it is definitely more fun sharing that experience with someone. Doesn't need to be a partner though - do you have a friend or family member you could plan a big trip with in the future?