cg1200
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jan 3, 2006
- Messages
- 527
I attended a conference a few weeks ago in WDW and had a few nights to myself so figured I'd visit some of the parks alone. I have 3 kids and we generally go to WDW once a year. I had never done WDW solo before and was sort of looking forward to it. I was staying at the Yacht Club so I was a short walk to Epcot which is where I went the first night.
The walk over was pleasant enough and I have to say I enjoyed just being able to go at my own pace. I felt like I was in a park just enjoying the sights and sounds. It was nice to just walk around the lagoon and take things in.
The wait for Soarin wasn't bad so I decided to go on. I must say I felt incredibly self-conscious standing on the line by myself. Everyone else was surrounded by friends or family and there I was all by myself feeling like a complete loser. I'm not one to just strike up a conversation with total strangers so I just ambled along playing with my phone. Finally getting to the boarding area the CM asked me how many and I said 1. I just felt so odd. I can't really explain why.
Test Track was easier because there is a dedicated single rider line so I didn't feel so out of place standing there by myself. I did Spaceship Earth since there was no line and would not have to endure the lengthy wait and associated awkwardness. I finished with the American Adventure which was fine since there was hardly anyone there. I also decided to stick around for Illuminations since I didn't have my kids nagging me to go on Test Track again!
The next night, I was resolved to get over my insecurity and decided to go to the MK which was hosting MNSSHP. The wait for the bus was long and I immediately felt awkward standing by myself on a packed bus full of families. Again, I enjoyed the walking around aspect, stopping for long breaks and just absorbing the atmosphere. I ventured onto the Haunted Mansion and Pirates both of which were fine but the waiting was once again uncomfortable. I staked out a spot for the Halloween parade and passed the time watching the crowds come and go.
Thanks to this board, I see that there are tons of people who visit Disney solo. I give you all credit. I thought I would enjoy it much more than I did. I doubt very much I would do it again. And if I did, I would not go on any rides.
I'm certainly not trying to put anyone off doing this. Just sharing a not-so-great experience. And tipping my cap to those who do this successfully. I guess for me it's not so much the parks themselves I enjoy, but the shared experience I have with my family. Their exuberance and joy makes the trip that much more enjoyable. Without them, it just wasn't the same.
The walk over was pleasant enough and I have to say I enjoyed just being able to go at my own pace. I felt like I was in a park just enjoying the sights and sounds. It was nice to just walk around the lagoon and take things in.
The wait for Soarin wasn't bad so I decided to go on. I must say I felt incredibly self-conscious standing on the line by myself. Everyone else was surrounded by friends or family and there I was all by myself feeling like a complete loser. I'm not one to just strike up a conversation with total strangers so I just ambled along playing with my phone. Finally getting to the boarding area the CM asked me how many and I said 1. I just felt so odd. I can't really explain why.
Test Track was easier because there is a dedicated single rider line so I didn't feel so out of place standing there by myself. I did Spaceship Earth since there was no line and would not have to endure the lengthy wait and associated awkwardness. I finished with the American Adventure which was fine since there was hardly anyone there. I also decided to stick around for Illuminations since I didn't have my kids nagging me to go on Test Track again!
The next night, I was resolved to get over my insecurity and decided to go to the MK which was hosting MNSSHP. The wait for the bus was long and I immediately felt awkward standing by myself on a packed bus full of families. Again, I enjoyed the walking around aspect, stopping for long breaks and just absorbing the atmosphere. I ventured onto the Haunted Mansion and Pirates both of which were fine but the waiting was once again uncomfortable. I staked out a spot for the Halloween parade and passed the time watching the crowds come and go.
Thanks to this board, I see that there are tons of people who visit Disney solo. I give you all credit. I thought I would enjoy it much more than I did. I doubt very much I would do it again. And if I did, I would not go on any rides.
I'm certainly not trying to put anyone off doing this. Just sharing a not-so-great experience. And tipping my cap to those who do this successfully. I guess for me it's not so much the parks themselves I enjoy, but the shared experience I have with my family. Their exuberance and joy makes the trip that much more enjoyable. Without them, it just wasn't the same.
I am hoping your solo trip was not a complete loss. I have been going on and off as Solo (which after meeting other solo Diser now we get to coordinate our trips and the group is getting bigger which am not complaining). 
