Do you "announce" that you're solo??

[LegoMom3]

When at Disney by yourself (speaking to women especially here, I guess) do you let people know you're on a solo trip, or keep it to yourself?

Disney is just one of those places where it's easy to strike up a conversation with others...in lines, restaurants, the bus, etc.. Families often exchange stories of how many times they've been, or this is their first trip, or Little Johnny's first trip, or a special celebration. I really wouldn't really think anything of simply telling people I was on a solo "mom-time" trip w/o the kids for a change! But better judgement tells me that perhaps I ought to just say I'm touring "x" park alone that day while DH and the kids are doing something else? We like to think we're safer at Disney than elsewhere, but common sense should still rule.

What are others' experiences?

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[Amysita]

Go with your gut on a situation by situation basis. No, as a rule I do not go up to strangers in a park and say 'Hi! I'm Amy and I'm traveling SOLO!' Any more than a stranger that meant me harm will come up to me and say 'Hi! I'm John Doe and I'm gonna follow you back to your hotel a mug you outside your room!' That said...it does sometimes come up in casual convos in the places/ways you've mentioned. Trust your instincts...and practice ahead of time what you're gonna say when you don't feel comfortable devulging your traveling status so you don't sound like you were caught off guard...and for pity's sake...keep it simple. I did tell a few people that I was traveling solo. All I can say is trust your instincts and error on the side of caution...and rmember...not everyone is the boogey man...and not everyone is your friend either.

 

[Dolce27]

Most people realize that I'm solo since I'm hanging out solo in the parks/restaurants. I've never felt uncomfortable with telling people that I'm solo if a conversation has struck up. I don't feel anymore safe or any less safe at Disney than I do when I'm coming home late at night, stopping off at a store late at night, ect. Just use common sense and safety precautions regardless of where you are at.

 

[dahirsh]

I don't go out of my way to tell people, but it does sometimes come up. It's never occured to me to lie or make up a story to avoid anyone finding out

 

[Wild4Walt]

No, that is not information that I would share. Because it's Disney it's easy to get a false sense of security and feel OK sharing that information with complete strangers, BUT it's important to remember that those who may want to take advantage of that situation don't come with warning labels.

There's nothing wrong with striking up a conversation with others ( you are on vacation, right ) I just would not offer any personal info or facts that you are alone. If eating alone, you can always let others know that the rest of your party isn't with you at the moment.

 

[debbiepump]

I don't mind going solo anywhere. BUT, while at the San Diego Zoo, did have an incident that made me think twice about saying I'm solo............I was getting on the sky tram and there was this family, mom, dad and 2 young daughters. Dad yells out at me while I'm settling in the seat, 'You alone' and not thinking, shook my head yes. Then he yells (and it felt like all of San Diego heard), "Oh, gee, that's so sad, how come." I was humiliated. Immediately, his wife was all over him. It really affected me. From then on, I just lie. Easier than being humiliated like that.

 

[mom3sonstt]

Several years ago I went down alone over Mother's Day week-end - I told my kids for Mother's Day I was running away. I went to the Who Wants to Be a Millionaire attraction - and made the hot seat . The host asked me who I was here with and it never crossed my mind that telling a large studio audience that I was traveling alone was a bad idea. I did ok on "Millionaire" I won a ball cap and several pins. The gal who followed me did better - she won the grand prize. That game was a bit of a scam - if you were paying attention (which I was too nervous and wasn't) when you gave a wrong answer you would generally hear a mild groan from the audience and then you could change your answer and not even use your lifelines. I know the gal behind me did just that a couple times. But it was good fun

 

[nurse.darcy]

I guess I don't really care if people know I am solo. I talk to everyone and I don't have a "shy" bone in my body. CMs always know I am by myself cause I tell them so and sometimes I get special accommodation because of it. I don't expect it but hey, never hurts to tell them you are by yourself. Now that being said, I have only ever truly been solo at Disneyland. I have tried to solo at WDW but always either end up joining other DISsers or inviting DISsers to come on my trips with me. . .so never been solo at the World.

 

[suzimar57]

i'm chatty and social in general, but any solo trip i've taken there i don't mention it - just don't like to draw that attention to myself - when asked, i say my DH is on a ride right now (sure he is - in his truck, at work, back home!) - i usually eat CS meals when solo, although i have done TS at the GF Tea, Sci-Fi Dine In (always the "hitchhiker" in the back seat) and LTT at lunch (bringing a notepad to write in)

the only time i ever felt a little "wary" was walking the path between BW and DHS early in the morning - a beautiful, peaceful stroll, with the occasional jogger passing - but it just made me feel more "aware" of being alone

 

[dahirsh]

Several years ago I went down alone over Mother's Day week-end - I told my kids for Mother's Day I was running away. I went to the Who Wants to Be a Millionaire attraction - and made the hot seat . The host asked me who I was here with and it never crossed my mind that telling a large studio audience that I was traveling alone was a bad idea.

Now that you mention it, I announced to the whole audience I was there alone too when I made it into the hot seat. A familt remembered me when I was walking back to my room that night too.

 

[CinderALLIE]

I don't mind going solo anywhere. BUT, while at the San Diego Zoo, did have an incident that made me think twice about saying I'm solo............I was getting on the sky tram and there was this family, mom, dad and 2 young daughters. Dad yells out at me while I'm settling in the seat, 'You alone' and not thinking, shook my head yes. Then he yells (and it felt like all of San Diego heard), "Oh, gee, that's so sad, how come." I was humiliated. Immediately, his wife was all over him. It really affected me. From then on, I just lie. Easier than being humiliated like that.

Eek I hate when you get asked how come you're going solo. I have not yet gone on a solo trip but I have one coming up and everyone always asks who I'm going with. That is when I reply everyone I know is too cheap to spend the money to go to Disney LOL.

 

[nurse.darcy]

Eek I hate when you get asked how come you're going solo. I have not yet gone on a solo trip but I have one coming up and everyone always asks who I'm going with. That is when I reply everyone I know is too cheap to spend the money to go to Disney LOL.

I love this response. . .

 

[GrumpyOne]

Haven't been truely solo at WDW in the past but I will be this time. I don't plan on introducing myself and adding "and I'm here all alone" at the end but I don't plan on hiding that fact either.

 

[Amysita]

Eek I hate when you get asked how come you're going solo. I have not yet gone on a solo trip but I have one coming up and everyone always asks who I'm going with. That is when I reply everyone I know is too cheap to spend the money to go to Disney LOL.

I got that from 'friends' and family when I took my first solo trip...and it did get really old ~ FAST!!! However...after your first solo trip...they stop after you go thru with it. 2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc. solo trips later...they no longer ask if you're going solo...or say stupid things 'you poor thing...won't anyone go with you?', 'why on EARTH would you want to go alone?!?', 'but you're a GIRL! you shouldn't go alone!', 'why are going to someplace so childish?' You name it...I've heard it all! And a few people - I flat out wanted to slug!