First solo trip AND going for my birthday!

[webster76]

I'm really excited about going back to WDW. I usually take my family (I'm a single mom of 3, but they are 25,22,17 now). We tend to go down every 2 years for 5-7 days. Last August we all went for my son's honeymoon! He proposed early and asked when the family trip was scheduled for that year. I said Aug.5 so he said they would make plans for an Aug.4 wedding in St. Louis, MO (our home town). After a wedding at the St. Louis Zoo my son and new daughter-in-law and my other son and daughter left for 5 days. It was , of course , wonderful (how can a trip to DisneyWorld NOT be!) This fall (Sept) I will be turning 55 and would love to go for my birthday. I can't imagine going without the kids but we will all go the next year. I love going and we have been as a family 4 times to WDW and once to Dlsney Land. It will be the first time I have been on my own since all the kids will be out of the house (last one going to college in Aug.) so I have mixed emotions about that. Any one have any words of encouragement? I check the Disney sites every night for the best deal I can find - especially the airfare!- but have not yet hit the "submit" button!

 

[jadedbeauty14304]

Go for it! If you are nervous, just schedule a short stay for your first time and see how that goes. A LOT of people go solo to Disney! I could not think of a better birthday present to yourself! And there is a free dining offer for September, you just need to make sure you stay for at least 3 nights, and buy at least a 1-day MYW ticket! I can't think of a better excuse!

 

[webster76]

Thanks for your encouragement! I really am looking forward to going. Money is actually tight right now so I am trying to justify the whole thing. Two of my kids are graduating in May so there are many expenses for that (especially with an ex that doesn't pay support on time , if ever). I'm hoping to make a decision SOON as it will give me something to look forward to. Have a wonderful day!

 

[jamstew]

You'll love it! I took my first solo Disney trip last September at age 61. When you have your dates, post if you want to try and meet up with some fellow Dissers. I have three meets during my May trip

 

[Stacybaeasm]

Go for it! I love being by myself at Disney. You'll find out that it is a completely different kind of trip. You get to focus on what YOU want and don't have to worry about making everyone happy. I"m going by myself in October and am really excited.

Hey, I live in St. Louis too. If you want to chat anytime, PM me. I'd be happy to talk with you about stuff to do by yourself at Disney!

 

[webster76]

Hey Stacey, Thanks for our reply! Whenever you have time I'd love to pick your brain about solo stuff in WDW. My first question, though... which do you book first ,,, your room or flight? I tend to do room first and hope for a decent price there.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

I understand how scary it can be to go solo - think about it often, but have yet to try a solo trip. I'd be going solo only because none of my friends could go at the same time (only 2 who will go to Disney) and am not sure it would be fun alone - I love sharing WDW with friends and family!

Be sure to keep us posted - looking forward to hearing about your trip planning and the trip!!

Have fun!!

 

[suzycute]

I'd say "Go for it - you'll love it". I'd always been with my family until I did my first trip solo (from the UK at age 45!) in September 2006 at POP. It is great to go with family but on this trip you can do exactly what you want!

You can get up early or late - you can stand at the bus stop and just see where the next bus is going and take it. You can come back for a rest when you want or stay out all day. You can get in the single lane riders (and often chat to others in the line). You can eat when you want and not have to take others in to consideration. There are so many advantages for being in your own - as others have said - a completely different (but enjoyable!) vacation - needs to be experienced!

Just one word of warning - my solo trip proved to be expensive - took the DVC tour and ended up buying enough points to spend a week every year in off peak season in a studio until I'm 93!! So watch out - it can be addictive!

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[LLWDW]

I agree, go for it! Your situation is similar to mine. My children are grown and the last one is almost gone. We have gone many times as a family but last Dec I went solo and loved it. Because you have to come to terms with the empty nest you could pamper yourself and focus on yourself a bit. One thing I did was spend too much by going to a deluxe resort but now I know that was unnecessary and I can have just as good a time at a value resort. If you can get free dining you've got it made!

 

[GrumpyNee]

Going solo is so much fun! I am going solo May 4 - 12 and I can't wait.
You can do whatever you want whenever you want. And on the rides there is always room for one more so you never have to wait quite as long.
Enjoy the freedom and ease of just going with the flow.
Don't worry you will have great time.

 

[jamstew]

Going solo is so much fun! I am going solo May 4 - 12 and I can't wait.
You can do whatever you want whenever you want. And on the rides there is always room for one more so you never have to wait quite as long.
Enjoy the freedom and ease of just going with the flow.
Don't worry you will have great time.

Have you seen the thread about our 5/6 Epcot meet? http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1794164 I think we're up to about 10 people so far

 

[ReaderGirl]

Hi Webster76!

Like you, I've never been to Disney solo, but if I do take a solo trip, I think Disney World would be the perfect place to do it! I always travel with my husband, but he's working such long hours these days that I've thought about zipping down to Disney on my own. Like you, I think it would feel a little strange, but WDW is such a cheerful, fun place, and all the cast members are so friendly; I think it would go well. And a solo trip would be a perfect time for a behind-the-scenes tour.

BTW, I've been to Disney in September, and it's a great time to be there.

Let us all know how it goes!!

ReaderGirl

 

[Stacybaeasm]

Hey Stacey, Thanks for our reply! Whenever you have time I'd love to pick your brain about solo stuff in WDW. My first question, though... which do you book first ,,, your room or flight? I tend to do room first and hope for a decent price there.

Book your room first so you have confirmed dates. Right now out of St. Louis, Airtran has a direct flight that has decent prices. Where are you thinking of staying?

 

[webster76]

We always stay at the value resorts. I'm thinking of All Star Movies this time. Been there before and Pop Century , which i love.I would try something nicer but I really don't want to spend extra money on a room. I can be just as comfortable at All Star.

 

[GrumpyNee]

Have you seen the thread about our 5/6 Epcot meet? I think we're up to about 10 people so far

I'd love to but I have a ticket for La Nouba that night.

I'm a newbie here. Do any of you know each other?

 

[DrDeb]

you read my mind-- husband doing long hours and children grown makes me want to hop on down by my lonesome---- not quite there yet tho

 

[Sha]

GO for it and HAVE A BLAST! there are lost you can enjoy on your own. And I suggest you do indulge on something... go to one of the Spas. I recommend the Saratoga one. I have massage already scheduled for an upcoming trip. A benefit of going alone, is you can do it all at your own pace. Never know though, there is talk of a group from the singles thread doing a trip in Aug or Sept. You may run into them. There are also threads for meets popping up all the time.

 

[marypatsy]

you read my mind-- husband doing long hours and children grown makes me want to hop on down by my lonesome---- not quite there yet tho

You wish you could go without your daughters
You just try it....I'll be on the next plane (The one I bought early)

 

[mousefanmichelle]

I just booked a trip myself to go. May 16th -19th at POP. A long weekend by myself to get away from it all. I am both nervous and very excited. I love thinking about the time to be and do whatever, whenever I want. The only thing that bothers me is eating alone, I don't really like that but I will deal with it just for the chance to get away. If there are any good suggestions about what to do in the evening please give them up!

Michelle

 

[Sha]

I just booked a trip myself to go. May 16th -19th at POP. A long weekend by myself to get away from it all. I am both nervous and very excited. I love thinking about the time to be and do whatever, whenever I want. The only thing that bothers me is eating alone, I don't really like that but I will deal with it just for the chance to get away. If there are any good suggestions about what to do in the evening please give them up!

Michelle

hi Michelle... just to let you know, there are several of us going down. About 20, so if you want to meet up and say hi that would be cool. PM me and i will give you an email addy and let you know some detail. And if a seat opens up for dinner one night I can let you know and see if you are interested. Some of us have met before and some of us havent. Im going 15-19th myself. What time do you arrive on 16th?