Everybody says I'm crazy!

[rabidstoat]

Downside of solo trips: when I go on a trip with others, I am like a cranky toddler who always wants their way, since I'm accustomed to it.

 

[Cruellafan]

I'm a high introvert, and always cheerfully travel by myself. On occasion a close friend and I will spend a couple of nights someplace, but always in separate hotel rooms. This friend, an extravert, knows me well and, as do my other friends, always affirms my Disney trips (DL, friend lives in Pasadena, DW and DCL, and hopefully soon to HHI and Aulani).
Disney workers are usually very good with the solo traveler, although sometimes a Cast Member will occasionally make a comment such as "just one!?," or give me the occasional "awww" look when they realize I'm solo. I don't at all like the implication that there's something wrong.
Disney is right in my comfort zone, and I enjoy it all by myself. Just think of all the struggles, fights and meltdowns that a solo traveler avoids! My Disney strategies work breezily and efficient by myself.
I do enjoy watching children enjoying a ride, or gawking deliriously at a Princess (whom am I kidding, I gawk too!), or roaring in ecstatic greeting of Mickey at the Sailing-Away party on DCL. But, after enjoying their joy, I go on my way and their parents deal with the "other side" of children ;-).
So, go! Enjoy! Write us about your trip.

 

[Wedway1971]

I occasionally have people at work who think that parents with kids would find it incredibly creepy for a single guy to take a solo trip to WDW. However, I have always enjoyed meeting people in line or during table service meals. No issues whatsoever.

Going solo, you get to really appreciate some of the hidden details - the markings on the crates, the artifacts in the queues, the little museums in WS. It's a great time to take backstage tours, too.

 

[Brian Noble]

Several years ago, the school district switched their break to be the week *before* the University's. So, my wife and kids go on vacation one week, then I go on vacation the next. We sometimes overlap by a few days depending on what everyone is doing, or we meet in an airport for lunch on "changeover day". This year, they are sailing the Magic for a 7-day Western Caribbean, and after they disembark we'll have lunch together somewhere in Orlando as I start a week to thaw out at VWL.

I don't get the "you must be crazy" reaction, but I also don't spend a lot of time talking with friends/colleagues about my vacation plans.

 

[DisTito69]

Just go for it! Who cares what others think, deep down they are jealous.

Tito

 

[wendy1974]

Before I took my first solo trip i got those reactions a LOT. Even here on the board one person replied to my PTR with something along the lines of "Wow I could never do that, can't you find anyone to go with you?" Personally I am not going to wait for someone to come along to enable me to do the things I want! I am young and (personally) seem to prefer being on my own right now! No one to tell me what to do, whine that they don't want to go here, or keep me in the parks when I want to go rest. It's the best of both worlds: doing what I want, and being in the world!

I'm buying an AP in the next few weeks (!!!!!!!!!!!) because I have quite a few trips back coming up and I've gotten really weird looks, "Wow you think you'll go that much on your own?" UM YES! I would be there everyday if I could

And when people say "Why Disney??" (especially on your own) I just retort
with "Why Vegas??"

I like your style! We have a lot in common. I'm currently debating on my 1st solo trip for October 10th ( already took the time off). I should be using the money to update my house but a trip to the World sounds much better! So I'm really CRAZY As for those of you who live close to Disney, I hate every one of you! Just kidding, but I am jealous

 

[Crystal33]

Proud of you for doing this on your own. I've been begging my husband to go there for years now. Suspect i'll either do it on my own or get some great friends together. I have to do Disney!!

 

[ocean134]

I occasionally have people at work who think that parents with kids would find it incredibly creepy for a single guy to take a solo trip to WDW. However, I have always enjoyed meeting people in line or during table service meals. No issues whatsoever.

Going solo, you get to really appreciate some of the hidden details - the markings on the crates, the artifacts in the queues, the little museums in WS. It's a great time to take backstage tours, too.

The backstage tours idea is great! I haven't taken a solo trip but I wouldn't rule it out either. I always want to go to Disney!

 

[DisneyCeliac]

When people do that to me, I give them a "you're crazy" look right back and say "Um...because it's awesome? Duh."

Now, thankfully, since I go nearly every week, my close family and friends have gotten used to me going alone and don't say anything but "have a good time!"

Don't let it bother you. I know plenty of social butterflies who like to do Disney on their own, for the reasons already stated here (get to do whatever YOU want, no kids along, etc). I usually wind up going alone because when it's convenient for me, it's not convenient for my friends.

You'll still have an awesome time, and if you want to meet up, let me know - I'd be glad to hang for a few hours!

 

[cajunbaby1]

Well to heck with everyone else. I can not wait to go to wdw in Dec for my solo trip. No one to tell me "another damn xmas tree/decoratio to see?!" Can eat as much sweets as i can stand

And if I want another drink or 2 or 3 I will

 

[Straughn]

I have been going to WDW solo two or three times a year since DH passed away four years ago. Initially, my friends were very concerned about me doing this because of all the memories we had there (honeymoon, DVC members, NYE, etc). For me it is the one place I can go and be alone and not mind it. Occasionally one of my friends will join me. I make it very clear that we will stay at whatever DVC property I select and these are the dates. If that works for them, they are welcome to tag along. I am off to F & W the first week of November. It will be my fourth solo trip to F & W and I have had a great time on every one of those trips. I stopped caring what people think about this a long time ago.

 

[lurkernj]

I'm married with two teenagers who are just not into it any more. I keep trying to go solo but they just won't let me!!! Last December I had a solo trip planned and my bff tagged along. Don't get me wrong, I had a great time and was glad she came. Next year I was going to try it again, and DH has decided he wants to come since it will have been 4 years since our last trip as a fam. We may even make the kids come along one more time with grandma and grandpa. I just can't break free!!

So I'm actually envious of you solo trippers. I just imagine how freeing it is to just get up whenever you want and do whatever you want, eat whatever/whenever you want. Enjoy and don't worry what others say, they are secretly jealous!!

 

[MMrules]

I am a SAHM and was able to go solo last February. I considered it a business trip to help mommy relax!!! It was fantastic to eat when I wanted, go to the restrooms alone when I wanted, go shopping without complaints, and watching shows (Lion King) that DH and kids would be bored at!

Some family and friends thought I was crazy. They suggested going to a spa. I am not a spa kinda girl. I don't like strangers touching me and get bored with too much quietness. I need magic, excitement and big furry mice in shorts to make me smile .

I was nervous to go solo but it was also very exciting and liberating. I didn't go away to college, I commuted. I didn't have my own apartment and moved out when I got married. So it felt great to actually do something on my own. I was proud that I did it and would love to do it again.

Enjoy your trip and don't worry about the idiots around you ...they don't get it. They never will. There is so much to do there alone that there is no way to be bored. It is a different experience but it is great because it is time to be selfish for you

 

[let'sgo]

I went on my first solo trip last year and it was just so relaxing. I didn't have to worry about others not liking something or not wanting to do something. I could take all of the pictures I wanted to without having to catch back up to someone. There were no complaints or whinning. It was wonderful!

Enjoy your trip and let us know how you did!

 

[dtstampz]

I had 2 days solo last month at the beginning of my trip, before my friend and her granddaughter joined me. I had a wonderful time!!! I found people to visit with, and CMs were very friendly. Now I'm wondering if I could do a longer stay by myself.

I'm already getting the "you're crazy" comment from people, just because I've been to Disney World and can't wait to go again. No way would I mention a solo trip unless I had to. *Not that I have one booked* or anything....'cause that would be crazy, right?

 

[Disneyfan63]

Hi,

Yes, the Disney-loving people are among the best.

Seven of my eight trips to WDW were solo, the exception being the April 2-5, 1982 trip with my high school class. If I waited for someone to go anywhere with me, I'd never leave home.

You can do whatever you want, whenever you want, without having to compromise.

Jim

 

[Peonyfan]

You'll have a great time. I do both solo trips (usually recovering my sanity after visiting family in FL ) and group trips with friends. Sometimes it feels like I'm herding cats with the group trips and isn't very relaxing. It's a nice change to do a solo trip now and then. I've had a great time in lines chatting with people, etc. At work I ignore people questioning it. Two of the attorneys I work with are Disney addicts, so no raised eyebrows from them at least.

 

[MeganFyne]

I apologize for JUST getting into trip report mode now BUT

Solo trip was AMAZING

my boyfriend now wants to take me, not just come with me but pay... and I don't know that I want him there!

(ok I'll let him, if we can stay at AKL )

I ate when I wanted, drank when I wanted, took breaks when I wanted, did WHATEVER I WANTED (ok maybe 10 rides on TOT seems excessive...)

I also felt fine taking time out to go to guest relations to send kudos to CMs who were just amazing. And that felt soooooo good!

I also mostly at at counter service or brought my own food from my room, I'm not a huge eater BUT

I saved up to take myself to Victoria and Albert's and WOW
WOW
That was money TOTALLY WELL SPENT!

I'm a vegetarian so I didn't really pick any courses but dessert but each and every course was so delicious I didn't want to leave a drop on the plate
DO NOT DO THAT
you'll be to full for dessert and their AMAZING coffee.

I got the wine pairings too

wow.

WOW.

I live in NYC, I could have found something like this somewhere BUT I doubt the service would have been as... smiley? Though I'm sure it'd have been as decent but here it would have been like $600. I GLADLY spent my $240 on this meal (that I saved up for) and left a $60 tip. I've never been taken care of so well. I had a huge table. I was fawned over. The harpist played my tunes. I brought a book but at no point had any need to do anything but fawn over my food and service and yes, I did the nerdy thing and took a picture of my coffee and my harpist! I wish I had taken a picture of each course. I saved the menu, but I left the rose they gave me at the resort.

They naturally called the concierge and had a car waiting for me to take me back to my resort. And no one made mention of the fact that I was staying at the All Stars.

I also felt so fancy, walking around Disney World with my cocktail dress on, and nice shoes, and jewelry and make-up. No one to impress but myself. Who was the one person who I wanted to impress.

I cannot over emphasize how well the V&A staff knew their stuff. I've worked in restaurants for 10 years, in every imaginable position. The Maitre'D, who was a sommolier kept coming to my table to make sure I was ok. They mentioned details from my reservation that I hardly remembered saying. "Oh I understand you're running the half' marathon Ms. McCoy, how impressive"

I was humbled by the staff. I generally am by CMs.

Please please please everyone, if you have the chance and the slightest desire GO TO WDW solo. It was honestly the best experience of my life thus far (do not tell my fella I said that )

 

[ctnurse]

I apologize for JUST getting into trip report mode now BUT

Solo trip was AMAZING

my boyfriend now wants to take me, not just come with me but pay... and I don't know that I want him there!

(ok I'll let him, if we can stay at AKL )

I ate when I wanted, drank when I wanted, took breaks when I wanted, did WHATEVER I WANTED (ok maybe 10 rides on TOT seems excessive...)

I also felt fine taking time out to go to guest relations to send kudos to CMs who were just amazing. And that felt soooooo good!

I also mostly at at counter service or brought my own food from my room, I'm not a huge eater BUT

I saved up to take myself to Victoria and Albert's and WOW
WOW
That was money TOTALLY WELL SPENT!

I'm a vegetarian so I didn't really pick any courses but dessert but each and every course was so delicious I didn't want to leave a drop on the plate
DO NOT DO THAT
you'll be to full for dessert and their AMAZING coffee.

I got the wine pairings too

wow.

WOW.

I live in NYC, I could have found something like this somewhere BUT I doubt the service would have been as... smiley? Though I'm sure it'd have been as decent but here it would have been like $600. I GLADLY spent my $240 on this meal (that I saved up for) and left a $60 tip. I've never been taken care of so well. I had a huge table. I was fawned over. The harpist played my tunes. I brought a book but at no point had any need to do anything but fawn over my food and service and yes, I did the nerdy thing and took a picture of my coffee and my harpist! I wish I had taken a picture of each course. I saved the menu, but I left the rose they gave me at the resort.

They naturally called the concierge and had a car waiting for me to take me back to my resort. And no one made mention of the fact that I was staying at the All Stars.

I also felt so fancy, walking around Disney World with my cocktail dress on, and nice shoes, and jewelry and make-up. No one to impress but myself. Who was the one person who I wanted to impress.

I cannot over emphasize how well the V&A staff knew their stuff. I've worked in restaurants for 10 years, in every imaginable position. The Maitre'D, who was a sommolier kept coming to my table to make sure I was ok. They mentioned details from my reservation that I hardly remembered saying. "Oh I understand you're running the half' marathon Ms. McCoy, how impressive"

I was humbled by the staff. I generally am by CMs.

Please please please everyone, if you have the chance and the slightest desire GO TO WDW solo. It was honestly the best experience of my life thus far (do not tell my fella I said that )

It sounds like you had a fantastic solo trip. It's nice to be able to do what you want, when you want. It's great you want out of your way to pays kudos to the CMs. There are so many great ones that make the WDW an experience.

I totally agree about V&As. It is a fantastic experience. It is worth every penny, along with the wine pairings. We went in Dec and loved it. And the coffee was amazing. We loved it so much. Next time I think we will try the main dining room. We ate in the QV room, and the 10 courses plus wine was a lot.

Did you happen to use photopass? I thought that was worth it too, especially for a solo trip. Glad you had a great trip. Is your boyfriend joining you the next time, because that is an awesome trip too.

 

[Offsides]

I definitely don't think you're crazy, I think it is awesome that you would go solo and enjoy going solo.

I sometimes wish I was more like that. I just simply do not enjoy doing things on my own very much. Last time I was there I wanted to ride SM again and my mom (surprise birthday trip for me from mom ) did not want to, so I went ahead and rode it alone and I did not enjoy myself nearly as much.

So, coming from someone that may be a tad co-dependent and could not imagine taking a vacation alone, I think it is awesome that you all do it AND enjoy it. Rock on!