Any Introverts going to WDW solo?

[Alfredo68]

I will say just this year I have been to Disney from Philadelphia twice. Heading back solo next week. In April I had a group of us go for my birthday and last month I went with a good friend from high school. Nothing beats my solo trip last year. I guess it's just my personality of always wanting to do things at my own pace but a solo Disney trip is amazing. I've done Disney 34 times so far and when I went solo I was never happier. People didn't get it. But I did and that's what mattered. Sitting at Jellyrolls for hours wasting $20 after $20 requesting my favorite songs and being *****ed at to go back to room for bed etc. (by the way a $20 guarantees your songs next and you always get a smart remark from the pianists) all in all just a way better experience. Can't wait to do it again next week!

I think I will really enjoy going alone. It will be a whole different experience, that's for sure. However, having lived in FL years ago, there is NO way I'd go in the summer: hot and humid as hell and totally unbearable. I see people posting about how they got stuck in a line when a ride broke down and they were so hot and I am like, "Uh...folks, it is FLORIDA in the SUMMER!" And this is why I go in the fall or winter. I like spring, especially my birthday week, but with all the spring breaks, it is extremely crowded at the park. I went for my birthday once and it was way too crowded.

 

[Jriv421]

I think I will really enjoy going alone. It will be a whole different experience, that's for sure. However, having lived in FL years ago, there is NO way I'd go in the summer: hot and humid as hell and totally unbearable. I see people posting about how they got stuck in a line when a ride broke down and they were so hot and I am like, "Uh...folks, it is FLORIDA in the SUMMER!" And this is why I go in the fall or winter. I like spring, especially my birthday week, but with all the spring breaks, it is extremely crowded at the park. I went for my birthday once and it was way too crowded.

I did Disney in the spring this year for my birthday in late April (18th-21st) and the weather was perfect. I took friends along so it wasn't the same obviously as a solo trip but it was so much better just with the weather it made the lines much easier to deal with, and it made simple things like sitting at the Laguna bar at the Coronado springs that much sweeter.

 

[MchL]

Last week I booked a trip to WDW solo! I wonder how many introverts are out there who dread going to DW alone, but really want to go.

I am a huge introvert and it's nice to navigate around the crowds. It's easy to be invisible. I did purchase Memory Maker to have pictures taken of me, since I would not do it myself. It did take a bit of courage to go to the character meet and greets, which I never thought I would do, but I had a lot of fun doing it. You will, too. Step out, be courageous, and do things you wouldn't normally do. You don't have to be anything to anyone except yourself. Have a blast!

 

[Alfredo68]

I am a huge introvert and it's nice to navigate around the crowds. It's easy to be invisible. I did purchase Memory Maker to have pictures taken of me, since I would not do it myself. It did take a bit of courage to go to the character meet and greets, which I never thought I would do, but I had a lot of fun doing it. You will, too. Step out, be courageous, and do things you wouldn't normally do. You don't have to be anything to anyone except yourself. Have a blast!

I really plant to, though I won't be doing the Memory Maker -- but that is not related to my introversion, but more to my work. I did book dinner at Cinderella's Royal Table, though at 11 PM it is likely to be less crowded and certainly less noisy. Booking dinner there was definitely going out of my comfort zone. I did book dinner at Tokyo Dining in EPCOT's Japan pavilion, but I have been before and that place is ideal for an introvert. Cinderella's Royal Table, however, is another story altogether.... I do think that being at Disney alone will let me enjoy the parks in a very different way. For some reason, many introverts seem to be all too concerned with everyone else having a good time and, if they are not, we are not. I spent my entire time there with my partner knowing he was not having as much a good time as I was, and that affected my stay. He was not having a 'bad' time, mind you, but Disney for him is not the same as it is for me. Like watching a Disney animated classic with him. Not happening.... So going alone, the only one I have to please is myself. If I am not having a good time, I can fix it so I do. I can also go on rides as many times as I want (depending on wait time, of course) and not have to explain to anyone.

 

[Alfredo68]

I did Disney in the spring this year for my birthday in late April (18th-21st) and the weather was perfect. I took friends along so it wasn't the same obviously as a solo trip but it was so much better just with the weather it made the lines much easier to deal with, and it made simple things like sitting at the Laguna bar at the Coronado springs that much sweeter.

My birthday, unfortunately, falls on March 9, which is the height of Spring Break. So, going for my birthday week proved to be very crowded and I won't do it again, as much as being there for my birthday was all I ever wanted. So, this time I will go for my un-birthday, in October!

 

[Alfredo68]

It's hard because then you think they are not having a good time so it makes having a good time harder. When we went in December it was harder because we were just in an auto accident before so he had a scooter and it was a little rough for him to get around. One night when he was staying in I took it and rode around the Magic Kingdom in it. My avatar is actually a picture of me that night. I spent a lot of that time in the parks alone that trip.

Sounds like a painful experience! I think if I went with my partner and he stayed behind, I'd feel miserable. So, since he is not going this time, I do not have to worry that he may or may not be having a good time. I mean, he is very easy going and a happy person, but Disney is just not his thing unless we go with other people so he does not have to feel bad about not going on rides with me. He is so concerned about me having a good time that he feels bad if he is not helping me do it. So, of all rides, he went on Space Mountain with me even though I warned him not to. Boy, did he ever regret that! LOL.

 

[YawningDodo]

As an introvert who's done the Disney parks solo, in some ways I find it more manageable than going with someone else. This last fall I went with my mother -- we get along great, but I think the only reason I survived being in close contact with someone constantly for an entire week was that she's as much of an introvert as I am and we had several evenings during which we silently agreed to ignore each other for a while. I'm planning a big solo trip abroad for next year, and it's nice to know that when I'm worn out I can go back to my room alone and not be "on" for anyone.

I don't think introversion/extroversion necessarily predicts whether one will be comfortable doing things alone. My extrovert housemate would never even consider going to a movie or a restaurant by herself, but I do things like that by myself all the time. For me, being introverted just means I need alone time to recharge -- and that I'm not bothered by being alone, wherever I am.

 

[Alfredo68]

As an introvert who's done the Disney parks solo, in some ways I find it more manageable than going with someone else. This last fall I went with my mother -- we get along great, but I think the only reason I survived being in close contact with someone constantly for an entire week was that she's as much of an introvert as I am and we had several evenings during which we silently agreed to ignore each other for a while. I'm planning a big solo trip abroad for next year, and it's nice to know that when I'm worn out I can go back to my room alone and not be "on" for anyone.

I don't think introversion/extroversion necessarily predicts whether one will be comfortable doing things alone. My extrovert housemate would never even consider going to a movie or a restaurant by herself, but I do things like that by myself all the time. For me, being introverted just means I need alone time to recharge -- and that I'm not bothered by being alone, wherever I am.

Generally, as introverts we recharge being alone. As a child, I spent every possible moment alone when I could, and when I was forced to be sociable, all hell broke loose. My parents did not understand this and, obviously, neither did I. It took me many years to figure out I was an introvert and that being alone was a necessity, as much as food and shelter. And I also realized many extroverts had no clue as to how to handle an introvert. That I eventually found a partner who totally understands my introversion, loves me for it and allows me to be, is amazing and I think in part is because he is somewhat of an introvert himself. But I guess somewhere down the line, as an introvert, I found a way to find 'safety' around people I could be comfortable with, such as family, though I must admit that as an adult now, as much as I love family, I desperately need alone time after a while. I guess it is the way we're wired. I am guessing my upcoming trip to WDW alone will be a whole new discovery for me. As much as I love Europe and have family there, right now I would not go (good example, what happened in France today). So I will go to WDW instead, a place I really love.

 

[ols386]

I consider myself to be an introvert, and I've gone to WDW many times by myself. I enjoy going with others too, but going by myself is a different, but very enjoyable experience.

You can be on your own schedule. Get up when you want, eat when you want, go to whichever park you want, etc.

I think it's totally relaxing. I've run into other folks who are visiting WDW solo, as well.

I hope you have a wonderful trip to WDW.

 

[Alfredo68]

I consider myself to be an introvert, and I've gone to WDW many times by myself. I enjoy going with others too, but going by myself is a different, but very enjoyable experience.

You can be on your own schedule. Get up when you want, eat when you want, go to whichever park you want, etc.

I think it's totally relaxing. I've run into other folks who are visiting WDW solo, as well.

I hope you have a wonderful trip to WDW.

Really looking forward to being there by myself, introvert trepidation aside. You're so right about being there on one's own schedule, not having to worry about others being happy.

 

[Sir William]

I made ADR for Biergarten. I don't know how it's going to be but it's for my second Epcot day so I have extra time after I get there to decide whether to keep it or cancel.

Another who is quite happy alone. I'm socialble because it's expected and not because I like it, but I've gotten better at it over the years though I still find "small talk" annoying. I've made 3 solo trips to WDW and have a fourth coming up next spring. I enjoy WDW more when I'm on my own than with family as I can come and go as I please.

I did Biergarten solo on a previous trip. I lived in Austria and Germany and love the food and cultures, but my family doesn't so it was a prime opportunity for me. The tables seat 8 and I was placed with two families. One family of 4 only spoke Spanish, quickly ate and left. The second family barely spoke at all, and only among themselves, quickly ate and left. Consequently I had the table all to myself. I enjoyed a beer, some desserts and the music, and chatted in my very rusty German with my servers. They felt sorry for me because I was alone, but I was happy that I didn't have to be socialble with my table mates. I'd go again even though my next table mates might be total opposites from my earlier experience, but then l like the food and atmosphere.

 

[Alfredo68]

Another who is quite happy alone. I'm socialble because it's expected and not because I like it, but I've gotten better at it over the years though I still find "small talk" annoying. I've made 3 solo trips to WDW and have a fourth coming up next spring. I enjoy WDW more when I'm on my own than with family as I can come and go as I please.

I did Biergarten solo on a previous trip. I lived in Austria and Germany and love the food and cultures, but my family doesn't so it was a prime opportunity for me. The tables seat 8 and I was placed with two families. One family of 4 only spoke Spanish, quickly ate and left. The second family barely spoke at all, and only among themselves, quickly ate and left. Consequently I had the table all to myself. I enjoyed a beer, some desserts and the music, and chatted in my very rusty German with my servers. They felt sorry for me because I was alone, but I was happy that I didn't have to be socialble with my table mates. I'd go again even though my next table mates might be total opposites from my earlier experience, but then l like the food and atmosphere.

Germany is one of those countries in the World Showcase my dad always loved, because he is German. Then Italy, because mom is Italian. I was looking into booking a reservation in Germany, but the communal seating turned me off because, being there alone (and an introvert), communal seating would be a must and I hate it. Like you, I can be sociable when I must, but don't do small talk well and rather avoid it. The best solution for me: dinner in Japan where it is quiet! As far as Italian, I grew up on the food so paying through the nose for food I can make well at home is silly. LOL.

 

[ludari]

Another introvert here and I need my alone time to recharge from being around people I work with. As an introvert I don't have problems with crowds so visiting WDW or DLR is not an issue for me and I've completed numerous solo trips to the parks I can't even count them. I have done all sorts of other trips alone as well such as a month long trips to Europe, multiple Disney Cruises, camping trips, a two week trip to Iceland and more. When I take extended solo trips I feel extremely relaxed because it's up to me how much I want to socialize but I often prefer to be alone. I also don't have problems creating my own space in typical crowded situations when socializing is encouraged such as dinner on a Disney Cruise where they typically group like people at tables for dinner. With the exception of my first Disney cruise I have always requested my own table to dine at for dinner. I often get really nice people sitting nearby asking me if I want to join them but I politely say "no thanks." Anyway, I don't dread doing anything alone in fact I often search for ways to be alone.

 

[Alfredo68]

Another introvert here and I need my alone time to recharge from being around people I work with. As an introvert I don't have problems with crowds so visiting WDW or DLR is not an issue for me and I've completed numerous solo trips to the parks I can't even count them. I have done all sorts of other trips alone as well such as a month long trips to Europe, multiple Disney Cruises, camping trips, a two week trip to Iceland and more. When I take extended solo trips I feel extremely relaxed because it's up to me how much I want to socialize but I often prefer to be alone. I also don't have problems creating my own space in typical crowded situations when socializing is encouraged such as dinner on a Disney Cruise where they typically group like people at tables for dinner. With the exception of my first Disney cruise I have always requested my own table to dine at for dinner. I often get really nice people sitting nearby asking me if I want to join them but I politely say "no thanks." Anyway, I don't dread doing anything alone in fact I often search for ways to be alone.

It is so true that going to WDW solo, as an introvert, one can make alone space even in a crowd. I found it funny what you said about people asking you to join them when they see you eating alone. Extroverts seem to find it incredibly hard to see someone eating alone because many of them could not handle it. Extroverts have a hard time understanding how an introvert functions and understanding that we tend to actually recharge by being alone, while they recharge by being around people.

 

[disneyseniors]

Alfredo68; Wow, have you opened my eyes. I always preferred being alone, am quiet, and don't like small talk either. I Never, Never thought that I was introverted, just that "something was wrong with me". I need to be alone every day and don't feel right if not. My husband, who I love a lot, has been home for a month post back surgery, and I feel guilty that I "cannot be alone and recharge the batteries". Most of my family are extroverts, and the soninlaw is constantly trying to get me to do things with a group while at family gatherings. I finally told him I just wanted to sit and enjoy taking in the lake setting. He seemed offended that I didn't want to participate. Just doesn't understand, I guess. I do play games with the grandkids, etc but I don't want to do it every spare second. Sorry for the rant Anyway, your post has made me feel better about myself. I've always thought there was something wrong with me. Talk about teenage angst!!! I will follow your blog.

 

[Alfredo68]

Alfredo68; Wow, have you opened my eyes. I always preferred being alone, am quiet, and don't like small talk either. I Never, Never thought that I was introverted, just that "something was wrong with me". I need to be alone every day and don't feel right if not. My husband, who I love a lot, has been home for a month post back surgery, and I feel guilty that I "cannot be alone and recharge the batteries". Most of my family are extroverts, and the soninlaw is constantly trying to get me to do things with a group while at family gatherings. I finally told him I just wanted to sit and enjoy taking in the lake setting. He seemed offended that I didn't want to participate. Just doesn't understand, I guess. I do play games with the grandkids, etc but I don't want to do it every spare second. Sorry for the rant Anyway, your post has made me feel better about myself. I've always thought there was something wrong with me. Talk about teenage angst!!! I will follow your blog.

Thank you for your kind words! I am so happy that I have helped you in some small way. It is truly an amazing feeling when an introvert realizes they are an introvert and that there is nothing wrong with them. Even a step beyond introvert, there is something called 'Highly Sensitive Person' (HSP). I am both an introvert and an HSP, which made my childhood hell. A HPS is a person whose nervous system is more acute than the norm, so loud noises, crowds, crying children, barking dogs...all these things can send your nervous system into chaos. Being alone can greatly help recharge the batteries. An introvert is someone for whom external stimulation can be extremely draining, and also needs alone time to recharge. Introverts do well one-on-one, and rarely do small talk. It is always in depth. Extroverts have an issue understanding how introverts function, which can strain relationships. That we need alone time doe snot mean we love someone less. We just need to recharge.

The amazing thing is to discover that there is nothing wrong with us, we're just wired that way, like being left-handed (which I also am). There is a wonderful book about introversion, called QUIET. I linked it so you can check it out. I hope my blog helps as well. I write it from the perspective of an introvert, so I delve deeply into how we can go to Disney World as introverts and love it.

 

[disneyseniors]

Thank you for your kind words! I am so happy that I have helped you in some small way. It is truly an amazing feeling when an introvert realizes they are an introvert and that there is nothing wrong with them. Even a step beyond introvert, there is something called 'Highly Sensitive Person' (HSP). I am both an introvert and an HSP, which made my childhood hell. A HPS is a person whose nervous system is more acute than the norm, so loud noises, crowds, crying children, barking dogs...all these things can send your nervous system into chaos. Being alone can greatly help recharge the batteries. An introvert is someone for whom external stimulation can be extremely draining, and also needs alone time to recharge. Introverts do well one-on-one, and rarely do small talk. It is always in depth. Extroverts have an issue understanding how introverts function, which can strain relationships. That we need alone time doe snot mean we love someone less. We just need to recharge.

The amazing thing is to discover that there is nothing wrong with us, we're just wired that way, like being left-handed (which I also am). There is a wonderful book about introversion, called QUIET. I linked it so you can check it out. I hope my blog helps as well. I write it from the perspective of an introvert, so I delve deeply into how we can go to Disney World as introverts and love it.

Thank you for the link. The book looks great! I learned from reading the intro, that there is a reason why I always liked to work alone, and never tried to go into management. Almost everyone else I know went on to higher level jobs involving management, but I was happy to stay where I was and to work with my patient's individually. Again, thanks for taking the time to reply and also to help

 

[Alfredo68]

Thank you for the link. The book looks great! I learned from reading the intro, that there is a reason why I always liked to work alone, and never tried to go into management. Almost everyone else I know went on to higher level jobs involving management, but I was happy to stay where I was and to work with my patient's individually. Again, thanks for taking the time to reply and also to help

I am glad that link helped, too! I think you will have many "Aha!" moments now that you finally figured out you are perfectly OK, you're just an introvert. A relative of mine said, jokingly, "We're here! We're Introverts!...we want to go home!" lol. That sums it all up.

 

[Sir William]

I am glad that link helped, too! I think you will have many "Aha!" moments now that you finally figured out you are perfectly OK, you're just an introvert. A relative of mine said, jokingly, "We're here! We're Introverts!...we want to go home!" lol. That sums it all up.

I have a friend and a few years ago while talking realized that we were both introverts but had learned to live among extroverts. Its a welcome change to realize that you are not "odd" because you like and need alone time. When I was younger my "best friends" were books, and she told me she was the same. We both know a lot of people and have learned to "socialize" when required, but we enjoy our respective times alone. Ironically, we particularly enjoy each other's (platonic) company when we get together once a month or so.

 

[Alfredo68]

I have a friend and a few years ago while talking realized that we were both introverts but had learned to live among extroverts. Its a welcome change to realize that you are not "odd" because you like and need alone time. When I was younger my "best friends" were books, and she told me she was the same. We both know a lot of people and have learned to "socialize" when required, but we enjoy our respective times alone. Ironically, we particularly enjoy each other's (platonic) company when we get together once a month or so.

When two introverts become good friends, it is a great friendship because they understand each other in ways most extroverts do not. I have a friend in FL that when he found out I had booked a solo trip to WDW, immediately wanted to latch on and come along. When I explained that I wanted to go along, his feelings got hurt. It is tough to explain to extroverts in a way that they can understand without taking it personally. An introvert would need no explanation. I got lucky that my partner is HBDI and Myers-Briggs certified, so figuring me out using those corporate personality methods was very easy. Plus, he is somewhat introverted himself, though not as much as I am. We were recently out to a dinner party with co-workers of his and one couple, the wife was an introvert like me. I could see how her husband shielded her the way my partner does me, completely understanding her introversion. It was great to see. But, as with most introverts, we are great socially when we need to be. In fact, I cannot tell you how many people say to me, "You are an introvert??? Wow, you don't seem like it." They do not see me later, exhausted, after the social event, when I need a few days to recharge. Going to the grocery store is my weekly torture. Luckily, while my work is very public, I work from home and can be a lone a lot.