Apparently going to WDW solo is "sad and depressing" LOL

[TaxiLab]

I'm here now and love going alone. I tend to meet way more people when I'm by myself and love it! So glad I've discovered the joy of traveling solo because before that...I didn't travel as much!

 

[RiverBound757]

I guess I can see both ends of the spectrum. There are definitely pros and cons to traveling solo and traveling with friends and family. I've done both and they are completely different experiences. When I would go with my sister and her family it was awesome to see my nieces excitement when meeting the characters. It is harder to do the things you want to do when you go with a group though because you have to cater to everyone's wants and needs. When traveling alone I got to experience and see things that I never got the time to enjoy with feeling rushed by being in a group. You can go at your own pace and get through crowds easier and get better spots in parades and shows. Eating alone though can be unsettling for some but most times people are minding their own family to pay attention to you. Last year I was in animal kingdom and was wearing a shirt from Newport News fire department where I worked, and an older couple who lived in the adjacent city came by my table and started a conversation with me because they saw that I was alone and was from the same area. When I went to pay my check, I was so surprised when the waitress told me my meal had already been paid for by the couple. It was nice to see that people like that still exist in this world and I wouldn't have gotten that experience if I was with a group. So there is a silver lining in everything you do. You just have to look for the pros. Good luck to anyone else that has been on solo trips and try to look beyond the cons of solo travel.

 

[jewels1916]

I have really enjoyed reading this thread and all of the other posts about how much people enjoy their solo trips! I've just booked my first solo trip (for Villains Unleashed!!) and am a little apprehensive about it. But I'm sure I will be so busy having fun and doing the fun Disney things that I love to do, it won't be a problem!

 

[Grammy4Lizzy]

I am going on my first solo trip July 9-13. I have a ticket to Harambe Nights and the safari breakfast. I asked 3 different people if they wanted to go, so I am alone which i s what I wanted in the first place. My DH would be complaining about lines and heat and whatever every minute so he is staying home.
I have my fastpasses for what I what and ADR for where I want to eat, when I want to eat.
The people I work with, think I am so "brave". Okay
I can hardley wait I am totaly counting down.

 

[anonymousegirl]

My snappy retort is
"Hey I'm a selfish b**ch and this way I don't have to do anything at Disney that I don't want to!"

DH really doesn't get it (grew up in Europe and didn't see a Disney movie until I dragged him the Sleeping Beauty as an adult). I am so glad he doesn't have a problem with me taking 3-7 day vacations to WDW 2-3 times a year.

I did a solo trip in March this year, am doing Villains Unleashed long weekend, have F&W booked for 5 days in October and have the Podcast 5.0 cruise booked (but am bringing best friend along for that one)

 

[TPTraveler]

I have really enjoyed reading this thread and all of the other posts about how much people enjoy their solo trips! I've just booked my first solo trip (for Villains Unleashed!!) and am a little apprehensive about it. But I'm sure I will be so busy having fun and doing the fun Disney things that I love to do, it won't be a problem!

Just enjoy the freedom of doing what you want, when you want!

 

[Nell123]

I've gone solo twice for four nights each time. First, AK is awesome solo, 'cause when I go with a group, large or small, they just don't want to spend the time on the Pangani Trail or pausing to see the intricate carvings on the Tree of Life - it's just run to the next ride or show as quickly as possible. Then, the other parks also have so many Disneyesque details that I really like having the option, without feeling that I'm holding up the group, of taking my time in a shop or riding Pirates twice in a row. Also, NO one pays any attention if you're eating alone. If they should give it a thought, they just think your family is off doing their own thing.

Going with family and friends is one great way to experience Disney; but solo has its own many rewards.

 

[Ryan Matthew]

People who think its sad and depressing to go alone, have probably never even considered going alone. I'm going on my first solo trip July 22-25. Super quick trip. My husband and I just got back a week ago from our last trip and he isn't ready to go back so I said what the heck? Why not?!

I love this! I think it's great that you are going on your own. I have been contemplating going on my own for some time now. I think it would be great to just wander and do whatever YOU want!

 

[keahgirl8]

I love this! I think it's great that you are going on your own. I have been contemplating going on my own for some time now. I think it would be great to just wander and do whatever YOU want!

It is.

 

[Therinian]

I want to go to WDW solo, and always plan mock vacations, but the moment myhusband and 3 sons (20,13,10) get wind of my seriousness, they send me on a trip... a guilt trip.

My birthday is next week, and I've been saving for a Disney vacation, so I'd like to give myself a treat. They know this, and now, it's like they are deliberately trying to prove they can't function without me, and it just makes my resolve greater to go on vacation without them... because I need some time to recover my sanity, LOL.

 

[Disney Frenhines]

I have no option, it's solo or no go and 'no go' is not an option. The only comments I get are 'you're very brave.' no, our servicemen and women are brave, not little me having a blast at WDW with no whining kids, bolshie teenagers who would rather text their friends at home than engage in conversation with you, no one to tell you what to do, because us ladies tend to give in to everyone else on holiday. Yes, I still get the looks and sometimes I feel like saying 'I'm sorry that I'm an oddity to you for being on my own, but, before you judge consider a solo travellers circumstances, I am a widow with no family, life isn't perfect so deal with it.'
Walt created his parks for everyone, just listen to his opening day speech, he makes it very clear.

 

[Bibbidy Bobbidy Boo]

I haven’t gone COMPLETELY solo, but for the past 3 years, and also this Sept, my husband, adult son, and I go down, and , while they play golf every day, I ‘explore’ on my own, and have had a ball. We go during free dining, and only get park passes for 2 parks, so on park days, I would head into the park whenever I want, ride what I want as many times as I want (BTMR) and they would meet me for dinner and some rides. I have so much fun by myself. At MK, I had QS lunch at BOG, even though we had dinner reservations that same night, avoided any’ judgement stares’ from them when I had the giant cinnamon bun at Gaston’s Tavern, and had my pic taken with Gaston. In EPCOT, I ate by myself at Via Napoli, rode Test Track, watched the France movie, which I hadn’t done in years, poked around the stores. Then, when I was in Rose and Crown waiting for them to join me after golf for Welsh Dragons, a nice young couple offered me to share their table. When my guys came, we all became fast friends and stayed there drinking and laughing for 3 hours, till we left for our dinner reservation. They have annual passes, and said to let us know if we came again, and they would try and meet us Well, we did just that last year, and are meeting them again this Sept! You never know what will happen if you are open to new experiences! My twin sister can’t understand how I would sit with someone I didn’t know, and would never think of eating out solo. On non park days, I took busses and explored resorts I’d never been to, explored Boardwalk to my heart’s content, same with DTD, or just lazed around the resort pool reading. I guess I’m one of those that enjoy my own company, and more power to us!

 

[Suelala]

I haven’t gone COMPLETELY solo, but for the past 3 years, and also this Sept, my husband, adult son, and I go down, and , while they play golf every day, I ‘explore’ on my own, and have had a ball.

Very cool! I have learned to enjoy my own company, since I divorced. There isnt always someone who can or is able to do all the things I want to do, so I decided I can either sit home alone (and feel sorry for myself for missing out), or just go and do! I have gone to the movies, lectures, festivals, shopping and dining out alone, and I now am quite comfortable doing so. My first solo Disney trip is coming up this fall, and I am excited about it. One week my Daughter and family will be with me, and then I am staying for another week alone. (Just dont tell the grandkids!) I have dining reservations made, Keys to the Kingdom tour booked, and am contemplating doing MNSSHP also. I also plan to explore some of the resorts I havent been to, shop, and just relax by the pool, as well as hit all 4 of the parks and Downtown Disney.
Enjoy!

 

[deserrai]

I would love to go solo! That is on my bucket list. I love my kids and I love doing mommy/daughter trips, but just once I would like to go alone. I could eat where I wanted, ride what I wanted, shop when I wanted. That's a dream come true for me. Someday...

 

[LaLalovesWDW]

This may sound like an Oxymoron, but maybe a Solo DIS meet is in order for 2015!!

 

[njmom47]

Not at all!!
Anywhere without my family is a dream vacation...
(sorry guys! I love ya but need a break from you all!)

 

[keahgirl8]

I saw this quote on Facebook and knew you would all appreciate it! "I believe with all my heart that the cliches are true, that we are our own best friends and best company, and that if you're not right for yourself, it's impossible to be right for anyone." Rachel Machacek

 

[Stefecatzz]

This may sound like an Oxymoron, but maybe a Solo DIS meet is in order for 2015!!

I'm usually there every couple of months for a short trip. A solo DIS meet sounds good to me!

 

[Stefecatzz]

I have no option, it's solo or no go and 'no go' is not an option. The only comments I get are 'you're very brave.' no, our servicemen and women are brave, not little me having a blast at WDW with no whining kids, bolshie teenagers who would rather text their friends at home than engage in conversation with you, no one to tell you what to do, because us ladies tend to give in to everyone else on holiday. Yes, I still get the looks and sometimes I feel like saying 'I'm sorry that I'm an oddity to you for being on my own, but, before you judge consider a solo travellers circumstances, I am a widow with no family, life isn't perfect so deal with it.'
Walt created his parks for everyone, just listen to his opening day speech, he makes it very clear.

Well said!

I saw this quote on Facebook and knew you would all appreciate it! "I believe with all my heart that the cliches are true, that we are our own best friends and best company, and that if you're not right for yourself, it's impossible to be right for anyone." Rachel Machacek

I agree. I also believe that if you do not appreciate or value yourself, you send out that vibe & in turn will most likely be treated by others the same way you treat yourself. Thanks for sharing!

 

[pamjb]

I have no option, it's solo or no go and 'no go' is not an option. The only comments I get are 'you're very brave.' no, our servicemen and women are brave, not little me having a blast at WDW with no whining kids, bolshie teenagers who would rather text their friends at home than engage in conversation with you, no one to tell you what to do, because us ladies tend to give in to everyone else on holiday. Yes, I still get the looks and sometimes I feel like saying 'I'm sorry that I'm an oddity to you for being on my own, but, before you judge consider a solo travellers circumstances, I am a widow with no family, life isn't perfect so deal with it.' Walt created his parks for everyone, just listen to his opening day speech, he makes it very clear.

I totally agree with you! Right this minute I am debating a solo trip for December. My usually Disney pals are teachers and can't get out of school. I would love to go see Candlelight Prpcessional without hearing complaints, eating where I want, doing what I want.....the past three yeas have been hell, got rid of a cheating husband, had to sell my house, moved during a terrible winter while working 80 hours a week. But I survived and trying to convince myself that a solo trip to "my happy place" is just what the doctor ordered
Reading the posts here are just what I need!