Depressed AT Disneyworld

[jediknight38]

. You know how so many people talk about feeling depressed after coming home from a Disney vacation? Well, I'm here to tell you about who l nearly screwed up my last vacation by being depressed AT Disney World. It's not that anything went wrong during my stay there. Everything from my hotel and dinner reservations to my fastpass plus and park hopper options that I paid for went without a hitch. The staff were friendly and helpful as always and I didn't have any trouble with any of the other guests. It's just that since I was vacationing solo, seeing all those other people there enjoying themselves with their friends and family while I was touring by myself made me feel like the loneliest person on earth. I would meet and talk to other people but then they go on their merry little way and I'd be alone again. I would go to the Atlantic Dance Hall at the Boardwalk at night to see if I could score a date with someone but all the women I met there either already had someone with them or just wasn't interested with me. So I would handle the situation buy getting drunk from beer and rum with cola until 1:30 in the morning where I take a cab back to my hotel alone where I'd sleep it off. SometimesmI would imagine that I would led meet that special someone while I would be staying there but then it would turn out that I'm just dreaming. I should be happy at the happiest place on earth but the plain and simple truth is that visiting Disney World alone just plain sucks for me.

 

[DisneyPrince1982]

Are you still there? Try Tinder. Good luck.

 

[ozliz]

I don't think that he fact you are at Disney is the problem here. It sounds like you were not really ready for solo travel. Some people do well on their own (I am one of them) and others don't. Going somewhere like Disney can amplify your emotions so if you were not happy alone to start with them you may be even more unhappy rather than less at Disney. Good luck working it out (more than just for this one trip) and I hope you find people to chat to even if not for the whole evening. Also, not meaning to lecture (although I know I am), but alcohol is a depressant so you might want to stay away while depressed so it doesn't get worse.

 

[Sir William]

I don't think that he fact you are at Disney is the problem here. It sounds like you were not really ready for solo travel. Some people do well on their own (I am one of them) and others don't. Going somewhere like Disney can amplify your emotions so if you were not happy alone to start with them you may be even more unhappy rather than less at Disney. Good luck working it out (more than just for this one trip) and I hope you find people to chat to even if not for the whole evening. Also, not meaning to lecture (although I know I am), but alcohol is a depressant so you might want to stay away while depressed so it doesn't get worse.

My thoughts as well. I enjoy traveling solo, but DW hates it.

 

[cjbcam]

I hope things get better!
I read a funny little cartoon the other day...

If you ever feel really lonely put on a scary movie, turn off all the lights and soon you won't feel like you're alone anymore.

I had to laugh at it because I feel lonely all the time when my DH is away for work. And this is definitely true.

 

[Vivianne]

I'm sorry you felt that way. At least you said 'nearly' so not all was lost. Don't imagine that all those people are with someone and going about their merry way. The volume of people at Disney come from all walks of life and have different circumstances. Some may be struggling with their own personal problem or medical condition. But just plain happy to be at Disney. So it may seem you're alone in a bubble.

Meeting a special person takes time and just being with someone you met there does not guarantee a lasting relationship that would cure your loneliness and bring you instant happiness. So look at your trips as a gift to yourself and just go with the flow whether or not you meet someone. Perhaps, you'll meet that special person in your daily life which is much more realistic. Try joining groups of people that do an activity or field that you like. Find the person you deserve to enjoy life through it's ups & downs. Take your time, take care of yourself.

 

[bryanb]

Jediknight, I've enjoyed my solo trips to Disney. But I completely understand how you feel, and I've caught myself at moments feeling lonely and wishful about being there with a person or people I cared about. For that reason, as much as I'd like to get relaxed for a week, my solo trips are very short. Three days is enough before I'm feeling too alone seeing all the families, buddies, and lovebirds everywhere.

Solo touring isn't for everyone though. I wouldn't blame you if you decided not to go back alone for a while. But if you do, it's best to remind yourself of all the things you get to do without having to worry about others. Here are some silly thoughts that actually have happened on my solo trips (said to my inner judging self):

- It's such a hot day. And I can drink as much water as I want because nobody will care if I have to use the restroom constantly. (At one point, I kept so hydrated I would've held up our party's plans every 30-40 minutes for a break!)
- I am so hungry, but I will splurge on this milkshake even though I have a buffet ADR in an hour. You can't tell me what I can't do.
- Delvin, my financially savvy friend, who complains during the whole trip, isn't here. Now I can buy that Goofy t-shirt I really like without the lecture about how it costs less than $1.50 to manufacture. Tell you what, Delvin, here's a $1.50. Now go make me a t-shirt of equal quality and a clever design featuring original characters that makes me equally happy as a Disney shirt.
- Even though I've been walking around all day, I don't have to explain to anyone that today is still Leg Day when I go back to my hotel gym and waste an hour of park time working out. I'm a little sore for the rest of the day, but I'm keeping up with my fitness routine. And feeling really relaxed on my vacation.

Contrast this with my previous trip with four buddies and one girl, which was fun on its own but carried some heavy drama that I don't care to relive. But that's a story for another thread.

 

[kwdw]

I think why I don't get depressed on vacation solo is because I remember to keep in mind that traveling is something I love to do - and even doing it alone - it's living my life. I remember that if I didn't go alone - I wouldn't be doing that trip at all. Which is worse? Getting a bit lonely or jealous of others in passing moments, or not living my life? That snaps me back into enjoying the moment.

While I have boyfriend at this point (I like to travel for fun more than him) - I never set a goal of "meeting" anyone while traveling. That's just dumb. Now - maybe if you are going to a singles all-inclusive resort - but Disney is about traveling with friends and family for most folks - so I'd never expect to meet anyone! So - I think part of your problem was the "hoping to meet" someone attitude that went with the trip. That's NOT gonna happen by finding another solo at Disney. Save that problem for when you are home!

I do have triggers at Disney that can make me wish someone was with me - and it's usually all the couples in EPCOT's World Showcase in the evenings. So - NOW - I don't plan to be hanging out there in the evenings. I usually head back to Future World late afternoon/early evening - then have dinner plans someplace less "romantic." Usually if I head to EPOCT in the evening - it's to do Future World rides late in the day and catch Illuminations. World Showcase is limited to 11-5 for me when traveling solo. So - that might be weird for some folks - but for me - after having the same experience three times there solo - I learned my lesson for me.

Good luck moving forward! Solo travel isn't for everyone - but I wouldn't let one experience steer you from it forever.