Evening in parks solo?

[DisneyFirstTimer10]

heading to Orlando area for work for two days in early march and considering visiting Epcot for a few hours alone. It would be my first time going without hubby and kids and I'm a bit nervous.

Have you gone to the parks solo?if so did you like it?

Would walking around Disney springs for a night be better for solo visit?

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Have done it many times so yes, I enjoy it. If you watch you'll find that there are a lot of people there solo.

What exactly is making you nervous?

 

[DisneyFirstTimer10]

I guess I'm so used to having the kids with me and not as familiar with touring solo. Clearly I need to get over it and enjoy some me time!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I guess I'm so used to having the kids with me and not as familiar with touring solo. Clearly I need to get over it and enjoy some me time!

Just enjoying going wherever you want to go! Stopping for a coffee or a drink or to watch some entertainment whenever you wish. It'll be different but it's enjoyable too. Have fun!

 

[com_op_2000]

IMHO, try and do some of the things you have always wanted to do but due to having the kids along were not able to do so.
Checkout the Adults and Solo board for helpful people who will gladly share their solo travels with you.

 

[kniquy]

My guess is that it will be a totally different (good) experience going solo. I think you won't know what to do with yourself at first because you are probably so used to having to keep an eye on the kids. Enjoy your time. I would definitely do Epcot, if cost of ticket is not an issue. I would explore the countries and just go at your own pace. I have a not solo trip coming up in April, but just going for a convention w/ a co-worker. I am so looking forward to an adult only experience at the parks. Enjoy your time!! March is also flower and garden so epcot will have a lot more to see.

 

[loves to dive]

I go solo at least once a year and while I don't do DS, I go to all the parks at night with no problems. It's totally safe, even walking around the outside of the resorts is fine.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Have you gone to the parks solo?if so did you like it?

Don't worry, if a "nervous nellie" like me feels comfortable doing it, and I have many times, so can you. Enjoy!

 

[pinklotusflower]

I enjoy having solo time in the parks, you can take your time, only ride the rides you want to. I also like spending time looking for hidden Mickey's, it's a was a bit daunting the first time I went solo & I found it helped that I had things that I wanted to do, like a ride & drink and cake in French patisserie. I'm sure you'll have a great time.

 

[mrsR123]

I took a solo trip for the marathon a few years ago and had a great time. Try to relax and have fun. You might enjoy not having to monitor everyone else's wish list for a day.

 

[Anal Annie]

heading to Orlando area for work for two days in early march and considering visiting Epcot for a few hours alone. It would be my first time going without hubby and kids and I'm a bit nervous.

Have you gone to the parks solo?if so did you like it?

Would walking around Disney springs for a night be better for solo visit?

I went down with my DH during F&W a couple years ago when he went for a conference at CSR. It was also during the Wine & Dine marathon time so it was pretty crowded. Our DS had just left for his freshman year at college and we had AP's so it just made sense for me to tag along - I was more nervous about being HOME alone with DS gone as I was still getting used to the empty nest thing!! He had to work all day at his conference but so I was on my own all day for 3 days. We were able to hook up to do a few things together in the evenings once he was done with some of his obligations. I felt that I knew the parks well enough to not be nervous about it. And since it was during F&W I had lots to explore at Epcot. I did things that we don't normally do together as a family - like ride the carousel at MK. I didn't do Disney Springs at all (but we rarely spend a lot of time there). I took my time and park hopped and just did my own thing without having to worry what someone else wanted to do. You'll be fine!! Have fun!!

 

[TheGecko]

I have done solo trips to Disney and Universal when I am in the area for a work conference. It is actually quite fun since you tend to be more efficient when moving from ride to ride and it opens up Single Rider options on some attractions. Because I have done so much solo business travel (including overseas) I am used to eating dinner by myself, and just walking about.

Go by yourself and have fun. You will be fine.

 

[Matt Pat]

Walking around the parks, especially at Epcot alone and at night is extremely enjoyable and relaxing. The atmosphere isn't too chaotic and it is a great time to enjoy World Showcase.

It also gives you the chance to take photos of the park at your own leisure and go on rides that maybe your kids wouldn't find entertaining or are too scared to go on.

I would suggest you consider it, it will be a relaxing and amazing.

 

[johnsgrl]

I just visited solo after a work conference last weekend, it was great. It might feel a bit odd at first but once you start thinking about what you want to do, it's whatever you want it to be (relaxing, exciting....) Enjoy

 

[DVC Doctor]

I have done both solo....and there are no issues and no arguments where to visit next

 

[icydog]

I've been a DVC member since 1992. I visited Disneyland in the 60s. I was there two days after they cut the ribbon for Walt Disney World. I love everything Disney. YET, I'm afraid to make a solo trip. There I've said it! I'm a Disney Coward! My husband died 7 years ago and since then I've been dragging everybody, and anybody, to WDW with me. My last trip was a week in OKW this January. The friends who came with me really were not into the Disney experience. We ended up only going to one park, MK, and then only from 1:30 to 10 pm because it was EMH that Wednesday night. I think they enjoyed some of it, but they were exhausted and just wanted to go home, we are all over 70.

I would have loved to have gone to Epcot by myself, and drive my ECV all around, and enjoy the park. But I was (a) concerned I would hurt their feelings and (b) too afraid to go by myself.

I really have to step up to the plate and go by myself, but with mobility issues, and a downright fear of being in the parks alone, I just don't go!

I need a pep talk too just like the OP! Okay, go ahead!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I've been a DVC member since 1992. I visited Disneyland in the 60s. I was there two days after they cut the ribbon for Walt Disney World. I love everything Disney. YET, I'm afraid to make a solo trip. There I've said it! I'm a Disney Coward! My husband died 7 years ago and since then I've been dragging everybody, and anybody, to WDW with me. My last trip was a week in OKW this January. The friends who came with me really were not into the Disney experience. We ended up only going to one park, MK, and then only from 1:30 to 10 pm because it was EMH that Wednesday night. I think they enjoyed some of it, but they were exhausted and just wanted to go home, we are all over 70.

I would have loved to have gone to Epcot by myself, and drive my ECV all around, and enjoy the park. But I was (a) concerned I would hurt their feelings and (b) too afraid to go by myself.

I really have to step up to the plate and go by myself, but with mobility issues, and a downright fear of being in the parks alone, I just don't go!

I need a pep talk too just like the OP! Okay, go ahead!

I'll ask the same question to you - can you pinpoint what they fear of being in the parks alone is? Do you go other places by yourself? Is it dining?
As far as mobility there are always CM's around willing to assist or often other guests. I know that dining alone can be intimidating if you're not used to it and if that's one of the issues maybe do some dining alone close to home in places you are comfortable with to get more used to it. Reading material or even smart phones definitely keep me occupied when not with someone else.

 

[johnsgrl]

I would have loved to have gone to Epcot by myself, and drive my ECV all around, and enjoy the park. But I was (a) concerned I would hurt their feelings and (b) too afraid to go by myself.

I really have to step up to the plate and go by myself, but with mobility issues, and a downright fear of being in the parks alone, I just don't go!

So, I mentioned previously in this thread that I made a solo trip after a work conference this weekend, but I didn't mention that I did so with my trusty ECV. Yup, I go solo, and I use my ECV. Its probably the easiest place I have ever found to be able to do that. Yes, there are issues sometimes...but no more so than visiting my local market solo with my ECV. With Disney it's actually easier sometimes because of the access to the monorail, bus and boats on the ECV. I get the fear, felt it myself the first time I decided to try it solo. But I am so glad I did and now I frequently take solo trips and enjoy the heck out of it. Dining? I have found the lounges in some of the TS places a great way to try out solo dining, the CM's are fabulous, and the other guests could care less if I am there alone. Several times I have struck up conversations with other solo travelers and enjoyed the interactions, but have also enjoyed uninterrupted people watching, or catching up on my reading while enjoying my meal. The thought of doing it is far scarier than the reality of doing it!

 

[perditax]

Traveling for pleasure solo can be a little disconcerting to contemplate when you're used to putting everyone else's happiness ahead of your own. (Not speaking specifically to OP here, more myself before I started traveling solo.) It can be weird just consulting yourself ... what do *I* want to do right now?

But after the initial weirdness, it's incredibly liberating.

 

[icydog]

I'll ask the same question to you - can you pinpoint what they fear of being in the parks alone is? Do you go other places by yourself? Is it dining?
As far as mobility there are always CM's around willing to assist or often other guests. I know that dining alone can be intimidating if you're not used to it and if that's one of the issues maybe do some dining alone close to home in places you are comfortable with to get more used to it. Reading material or even smart phones definitely keep me occupied when not with someone else.

I think since my husband died I feel lost by myself. One of the hardest things for me is facing my fear and moving through it. I've made the prospect of traveling alone into an insurmountable fear. I've had these type of fears before but, with encouragement, or even with outright challenges from others, I've done what I was afraid of doing. Once done, I feel wonderful. I know going solo is one of these types of fears. I just have to force myself through the fear to come out on the other side.

So, I mentioned previously in this thread that I made a solo trip after a work conference this weekend, but I didn't mention that I did so with my trusty ECV. Yup, I go solo, and I use my ECV. Its probably the easiest place I have ever found to be able to do that. Yes, there are issues sometimes...but no more so than visiting my local market solo with my ECV. With Disney it's actually easier sometimes because of the access to the monorail, bus and boats on the ECV. I get the fear, felt it myself the first time I decided to try it solo. But I am so glad I did and now I frequently take solo trips and enjoy the heck out of it. Dining? I have found the lounges in some of the TS places a great way to try out solo dining, the CM's are fabulous, and the other guests could care less if I am there alone. Several times I have struck up conversations with other solo travelers and enjoyed the interactions, but have also enjoyed uninterrupted people watching, or catching up on my reading while enjoying my meal. The thought of doing it is far scarier than the reality of doing it!

You've given me hope that I can do this on my ECV. I never thought of staying in a Monorail resort. It would give me so much more freedom. I usually stay at Old Key West and getting around from there is difficult. I own at BCV too. Maybe that would be a good choice so I can just ride into Epcot whenever I wanted to.

Traveling for pleasure solo can be a little disconcerting to contemplate when you're used to putting everyone else's happiness ahead of your own. (Not speaking specifically to OP here, more myself before I started traveling solo.) It can be weird just consulting yourself ... what do *I* want to do right now?

But after the initial weirdness, it's incredibly liberating.

You've nailed it! You absolutely have! I have always done that. I will get anything for my kids, grandkids, and even good friends, but when it comes to myself I'm a miser. I never put myself first. I should. Why not? I'm 70 years old. I deserve to be treated well.