Convince me to go on a solo trip!

[GPC0321]

So, in March I'm going back to the World for the first time in 17 years. I'm going with my parents. I'll be 42 when we're there, and they'll be 72 and 73. We're all looking forward to it. However, I'm already thinking about trips beyond that! I don't travel much, mostly because I'm single, have limited income (public school teacher! LOL!), and I have a small farm with horses, dogs, and cats, so arranging for the care of all of that is not particularly easy. However, the older I get the more I want to just "get away" now and then. Few other destinations motivate me like WDW does! I've been four times, three as a child and one as an adult, and I can honestly say those are some of the happiest moments of my life. It is just the epitome of a "vacation" in my mind.

I'd never thought about going to WDW on my own until joining this site. Seeing all of these solo travelers and trip reports really has me wondering if it might be something I'd like to do! My one concern is that it won't be as fun with no one to share it with. So, I'm wondering how likely/easy it is to meet up with other solo travelers? I'd like to meet another human who shares my affinity for Mouse culture. (LOL)

 

[Accident]

Your really just going to need to do it once to figure out if you like or dislike it. A lot has happened in 17 years and there is all kinds of events now. some seasonal, some just a weekend but a lot of things to have as your solo destination. Also it's disney, your not really alone if you don't want to be. It's really easy to sit on a bench and make 100 new friends, CMs (especially last few weeks) are really engaging like the old days.. Meals is when meeting people gets funny and the "I'm alone" really hits so have something like a book or tablet/phone to read while your dining...

To share it with others? Start a trip report here and post while your there

 

[BrianL]

It's not for everybody, but many have a great time solo. I would try a short trip, only a couple of days or so, to know if you'll actually take to it. I do like shorter solo trips, but I can tell that I wouldn't want to spend a longer time there solo. I do different sorts of things solo than I do when with others. It's always fun either way though.

 

[jessicar82]

I just returned from a partial solo trip last week. I was there for 4 days but my husband only joined me for the first day and a half. I had a really good time and was able to do almost everything I wanted to and try some things I had never been able to do before when traveling with my hubby and kids. I ate mainly quick service and snacks while I was solo but did eat at BOG for breakfast and it wasn't awkward at all. I did find myself texting my husband a lot when I was alone because there was so much I wanted to share. I might do a solo trip again but it would def. be for the same amount of time because I don't think I could do a whole week by myself. The only really awkward thing was taking photos alone-I had memory maker and my husband and I took a bunch of photos but I only had one more taken after he left. It just felt really weird to wait in line and stand by myself for the photo.

 

[Accident]

I just returned from a partial solo trip last week. I was there for 4 days but my husband only joined me for the first day and a half.

Have you done a solo without someone leaving early? I always find starting a trip with someone and then being there alone to be a very different/uneasy feeling experience. Of course you said husband so you might have been ready for him to get out of your way

 

[lustergirl]

Maybe try a short solo trip, only 3 days or so. I enjoy myself immensely on solo trips. Took one this past April and going again end of next month. I love the fact that I can eat where I want and do what I want. I like to try new restaurants, such as Sanaa. Hubby likes your basic american food.

 

[jessicar82]

Have you done a solo without someone leaving early? I always find starting a trip with someone and then being there alone to be a very different/uneasy feeling experience. Of course you said husband so you might have been ready for him to get out of your way

I haven't but I wasn't really sad when he left lol There was so much I wanted to do and while I know he would have tagged along (things like princess meets, stopping in ALL the stores, etc) I was happy to do it by myself. It was originally supposed to be my solo trip only but he was a little said that he would never be able to see the Osborne lights so he tagged along for a bit

 

[gmboy95]

all i can say is that after 20 years of Disney trips with family and friends....both my wife and i would love to do solo trips....in fact each year my wife and i go down just for the weekend to do the whole Christmas experience....because she is a teacher, next year i am going to go down 2 days beforehand just to hang in the parks by myself!!

 

[CLKnCA]

I think that your mindset really helps shape the solo vacation and makes it either really fun or a less-than-fun experience. If you go into it thinking it won't be fun, you'll likely focus on the parts that aren't fun. If you go into it looking forward to the new experience and the fun of just being at WDW, then I imagine you'll have a wonderful time!

I’ve been on five solo trips in the last three years, and have loved each of them for different reasons. They’ve varied in length from 1 ½ days to 6 days. The longer trips were great, because they allowed time to settle in to the trip, and really enjoy the feeling of being away from everything. Sounds like that’s what you’re looking to do as well.

As far as meeting other people, I actually found that meal time (especially dinner) was the easiest time to just sit back, relax, and enjoy chatting with people around me. I ate most of my solo dinners at restaurants where I was able to sit at the bar. I always seemed to find a fellow solo traveler at the bar, and it was an automatic common bond we shared. We’d talk about each of our days, and really use the time to debrief and share the common bond of the solo traveler. I even shared a dessert with a couple of them (is that weird to share food with someone you’ve just met?). In the cases where I ate at QS or just snacked, I ate quickly and moved on to my next location without much worry or thought.

I say that you should give the solo trip a try. What have you got to lose? Keep an open mind and just have a good time with it. Make it your own by doing something that maybe others might not be open to do. Wake up early every morning if that’s what you want to do, or sleep in and take your time getting to the parks. You’re not tied to anyone’s schedule but your own. That’s what makes it so much fun! Enjoy your trip!

 

[katt789]

Solo trips are SO MUCH FUN!! If you love Disney, then DO IT!! You get to do whatever you want, whenever you want and don't have to stress over anyone else's opinions, lol!!

It's pretty easy to post on here or some other social media platform to find out where/when meet ups are! And tons of people are great to meet up with, whether for a meal, or a party or some rides, it's a great time.

 

[DaisyDuck001]

I'd never thought about going to WDW on my own until joining this site. Seeing all of these solo travelers and trip reports really has me wondering if it might be something I'd like to do! My one concern is that it won't be as fun with no one to share it with. So, I'm wondering how likely/easy it is to meet up with other solo travelers? I'd like to meet another human who shares my affinity for Mouse culture. (LOL)

Hi GPC, I don't know when your solo trip would be, but if it happens to be during one of my trips, I'd like to meet up for some meals and/or park touring. I plan to be there in April 2016, and again in late October and early November 2016.