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[jhopkins213]

I went on my first time and solo Dec 2010. I've been single for 8 years so doing things at home solo is no problem. and I rode all the rides I wanted to solo. Hugged as many characters as I could. Ate at a bunch of sit down restaurants now one tip be careful at Via Napoli I had a 7:30pm ADR and it was busy so they sat me at the large family table in the middle. It was fine when there was a bunch of people but about twenty minutes in every one else was done with there meal and left and I was the only one there for about fifteen minutes I looked up and was thinking "Crap this sucks" but I finished my pizza and stayed for desert. Also and I don't know if its because I still look like a kid but some of the CM's at the table dinners took a little long to get my order. It wasn't bad and all of them were nice. I had a great time and we do it all again as soon as I can. Hopefully this September.

 

[NJDiva]

I have done both Disneyland and WDW solo and loved every second of it. Ive gone on every ride and eaten at several character meals. But they have all been buffets. So I guess I would never do the family style meals alone.

I would have to agree. I don't think I would want to do family style meals alone as well only because I would feel obligated to engage in conversation.

 

[luvdumbo]

I would have to agree. I don't think I would want to do family style meals alone as well only because I would feel obligated to engage in conversation.

I would not shy away from the family style meals, I would only hope for good table mates because it gives you a chance to hold a conversation over dinner with someone instead sitting by yourself.

 

[steamboat_rachel]

don't hold back! you can do your favorite ride 10 times in a row and have no one with you complaining that they're tired/bored/hungry/etc! have a great trip, do everything you want to do, and hand photopass photographers your camera so you get pictures of yourself on the trip!

 

[MedicGoofy]

I am planning a solo disney trip for later this fall and am excitedly looking forward to it!!! Doing what I want, when I want, and how I want. No one to pull me in another direction. It's always up to me. I get to set the pace.

I have been on other solo trips before, but never to Disney. And the idea that I could meet other solo Disney goers is exciting as well.

Eating at restaurants alone doesn't bother me, to sit down and eat as leisurely as I wish, eat what I want, will be fantastic. To be able to people watch, without someone hurrying me up. Or if I want to rush through a meal. I am looking forward to it!!!!

My ONLY quesion (well, for now;P), I am a HUGE picture taker. Who do you get to take pictures of YOU? Do you just go up to random people and ask them? I know you can take ur own picture and whatever, but not for everything. Are people generous in doing this? I wonder because I love having memories of my trips....especially of Disney.

Thanks for your input

 

[Missytara]

I will not eat at a table service restaurant during a solo trip. I have eaten many solo meals on business trips and other occasions, and have read about other solo travelers' positive experiences about dining alone at WDW, but I can't bring myself to do it. I realize that its completely irrational, and want to encourage other solo diners to continue to do it and share their stories. Hopefully one day (soon) I will get over my phobia!

I often sit at the bar; which is great because you get to know the bartender, as well as meet a lot of different people - especially in a busy restaurant where people slide over to the bar while waiting for their tables.

 

[KinziePooh]

My ONLY quesion (well, for now;P), I am a HUGE picture taker. Who do you get to take pictures of YOU? Do you just go up to random people and ask them? I know you can take ur own picture and whatever, but not for everything. Are people generous in doing this? I wonder because I love having memories of my trips....especially of Disney.

Thanks for your input

That's exactly what I do. I ask someone nearby if they'll take my picture. I'll also offer to take their picture too. I've never had a problem doing this. Most people are more than willing to help.

 

[Simba's Mom]

My ONLY quesion (well, for now;P), I am a HUGE picture taker. Who do you get to take pictures of YOU? Do you just go up to random people and ask them? I know you can take ur own picture and whatever, but not for everything. Are people generous in doing this? I wonder because I love having memories of my trips....especially of Disney.

Thanks for your input

If I'm with a character and want to have my picture taken with him, I just hand my camera to the character and say "I'd love to have my picture taken with you. Do you think someone would take our picture?" That usually elicits some fun as the character grabs either a CM or sometimes another guest and motions to take our picture. If it's another guest, they always enjoy it.

 

[Mousecreant]

Deleted

 

[Chuckers]

My ONLY quesion (well, for now;P), I am a HUGE picture taker. Who do you get to take pictures of YOU? Do you just go up to random people and ask them? I know you can take ur own picture and whatever, but not for everything. Are people generous in doing this? I wonder because I love having memories of my trips....especially of Disney.

Thanks for your input

Last year I did DL solo often.. one time I went sorta solo.. I took Flat Stanely with me. The CM's were more than happy to take pictures for me.. especially with the characters. (Imagine a 45 year old man with a Flat Stanely.. alone.) I got some AWESOME pictures.

(I wish I knew how to post one on here)

 

[NJDiva]

I am planning a solo disney trip for later this fall and am excitedly looking forward to it!!! Doing what I want, when I want, and how I want. No one to pull me in another direction. It's always up to me. I get to set the pace.

I have been on other solo trips before, but never to Disney. And the idea that I could meet other solo Disney goers is exciting as well.

Eating at restaurants alone doesn't bother me, to sit down and eat as leisurely as I wish, eat what I want, will be fantastic. To be able to people watch, without someone hurrying me up. Or if I want to rush through a meal. I am looking forward to it!!!!

My ONLY quesion (well, for now;P), I am a HUGE picture taker. Who do you get to take pictures of YOU? Do you just go up to random people and ask them? I know you can take ur own picture and whatever, but not for everything. Are people generous in doing this? I wonder because I love having memories of my trips....especially of Disney.
Thanks for your input

actually CM's are more than happy to take pictures for you. if you get a photopass you can have some great shots that you can purchase from Disney. of course they will take pictures with your camera as well if that's what you wish. you will so love your solo trip to Disney. I can't wait for my all Disney vacation in May. Enjoy!!

 

[MarieS]

This has been an encouraging thread as I plan my first solo trip. I've been to conventions and other venues as a solo but I'm a bit nervous about Disney.

So in reading the last couple of posts, do you feel it's okay to do a few character meets by yourself? Just doesn't seem like a trip to WDW if I don't see the characters.

 

[Chuckers]

Sure is! A full headed character (Mickey, Minnie, Donald, etc) will have a character handler with them at all times. Give the handler your camera and they'll gladly take your picture. A costumed character (Cinderella, Snow White, Cruella) may not have a handler, but you can ask another guest and I have never heard anyone say no.

 

[Simba's Mom]

As I found out, Character meals solo are the best, especially if you enjoy people watching! I avoided solo character meals for about 8-10 solo trips, then finally got brave enough, only because I wanted a big breakfast, and the hotels buffet was a character meal. Boy, did I enjoy it! The characters were so in-tune to my comfort level. I didn't want lots of attention (my next meal was different and they could tell). My biggest fear, that I'd be viewed with pitty-the poor person "all by themself" never came to be, thankfully. The families were all so busy looking for the characters that I could have jumped up and down and waved, and no one would have noticed me. I enjoyed watching the kids interacting with characters, some for the first time, that my meal was so enjoyable and went by so fast.

 

[karriemouse]

My ONLY quesion (well, for now;P), I am a HUGE picture taker. Who do you get to take pictures of YOU? Do you just go up to random people and ask them? I know you can take ur own picture and whatever, but not for everything. Are people generous in doing this? I wonder because I love having memories of my trips....especially of Disney.

Thanks for your input

If you see me around I'd be happy to take your picture! I usually have my dslr around my neck and often get approached by people who see my camera and assume I can work theirs! So my best advice is to ask someone else who is snapping pictures and I would think they'd be happy to help.

 

[newcomer52]

On my seven solo trips (the last in 2007), I did nearly everything. I ate table service meals at nearly every restaurant, even @ California Grill. But I won't do Victoria & Albert's or San Angel Inn solo. I think they're intended to be romantic spots for couples; as I have been alone for 2.5 years I would feel conspicuous.

Jim

I agree. I would not do V&A solo. That is the only restaurant I would avoid.

Jeralyn

 

[MarieS]

As I found out, Character meals solo are the best, especially if you enjoy people watching! I avoided solo character meals for about 8-10 solo trips, then finally got brave enough, only because I wanted a big breakfast, and the hotels buffet was a character meal. Boy, did I enjoy it! The characters were so in-tune to my comfort level. I didn't want lots of attention (my next meal was different and they could tell). My biggest fear, that I'd be viewed with pitty-the poor person "all by themself" never came to be, thankfully. The families were all so busy looking for the characters that I could have jumped up and down and waved, and no one would have noticed me. I enjoyed watching the kids interacting with characters, some for the first time, that my meal was so enjoyable and went by so fast.

This is good to hear! I love the lunch buffet at Crystal Palace but have always gone with family. I was thinking I needed to skip it on a solo trip but you have me reconsidering.

 

[MarieS]

Sure is! A full headed character (Mickey, Minnie, Donald, etc) will have a character handler with them at all times. Give the handler your camera and they'll gladly take your picture. A costumed character (Cinderella, Snow White, Cruella) may not have a handler, but you can ask another guest and I have never heard anyone say no.

Thanks! I just wasn't sure if I would feel uncomfortable not having any kids with me this trip.

 

[Uncle Orville]

First, on picture taking, I'm always embarrassed to ask others, but that's because I'm pretty shy. But if you ever see other solo WDWers, they would probably be good people to ask. I usually don't see any, but I'm not the most observant person.

For me, I don't like watching Wishes when I'm solo. For some reason it just kind of makes me wish I was with someone special. I know that's probably REALLY cheesy, but it's just how it is.

 

[physicalt104]

My son and I ran during Marathon Weekend, and he had to leave unexpectedly- I was alone for 31 hours UNPLANNED!! If I'd been able to read this thread first, I would have been far more at ease.

I must say, though, I did enjoy doing many things that my family usually nixes: drinking around the world (OK, my sons aren't old enough yet ), taking pictures and notes of my meals for blogging (they die a thousand deaths...), Givenchy in the World Showcase (I have 3 males), strolling along DD and the waterfront, and GETTING MY HAIR DONE at the Ivy Trellis at the GF. I did love the leisurely pace, but would send a tweet out, or tune into a thread on DIS next time; it might be a wonderful chance to meet new DISers