First solo trip!

[Independence1776]

I've been hoping to do a solo trip for a year or so now, and finally have everything booked for a very short trip at the beginning of September. My single ADR is made (Kona for breakfast) and my iternary is planned. I have no qualms eating or being alone- I'm an introvert and prefer it.

My main concern is safety. This is the first time I've travelled alone, and is also the first time I've been on an airplane since 9/11. (I'm using Magical Express to get to and from the airport, so I'm not worried about transportation.) It does not help that I am routinely thought to be a teenager when I am not. Does anyone have any tips or advice for me?

 

[marsh0013]

i took a solo trip the first week of may this year, and i had no problems at all! at no time did i ever fear for my safety. and i was 26, but look about 18/19 (at least that's what i'm told!). seriously, i even walked on the path from epcot to mgm a couple times at night, by my self. disney is just a place where i feel comfortable all around. i wouldn't worry at all! and enjoy yourself!

 

[Candice30]

i second that. a couple of times in the beginning of my trip i felt weird returning to my room alone at night but i feel the same weirdness at night anyway. i felt totally safe and you will too. i was rarely alone getting off the bus so i wasn't really alone.

 

[MomofCKJ]

My first solo trip is coming up next month and I've had those thoughts too. But I don't look like a teenager! LOL! But then I think back to past trips with my family and we are never really alone there. I can't recall ever getting off a bus at night without other groups of people around. I can't recall walking back to my resort without there being other people out and about, walking, swimming, what have you. I think I will feel safer alone at Disney than I would at any other travel destination.

Have a blast!

Allyson

 

[tinkergrumpybuns]

I've been hoping to do a solo trip for a year or so now, and finally have everything booked for a very short trip at the beginning of September. My single ADR is made (Kona for breakfast) and my iternary is planned. I have no qualms eating or being alone- I'm an introvert and prefer it.

My main concern is safety. This is the first time I've travelled alone, and is also the first time I've been on an airplane since 9/11. (I'm using Magical Express to get to and from the airport, so I'm not worried about transportation.) It does not help that I am routinely thought to be a teenager when I am not. Does anyone have any tips or advice for me?

Did this last year for part of trip , then met a friend.
As a single woman, I felt very safe at disney. I stayed on property and think that is the wisest choice.
Oddly, I feel very safe flying lately. My first flight 1 yr. post 9/11 was a little scary , due to questions about security mostly. I was pleasantly surprised. I was lucky to find 2 elderly women flying together wearing princess crowns on the flight, asked if the seat was taken, it wasn't , and said, well you look like 2 woman to have a fun ride with!
Enjoy!

 

[Independence1776]

Thanks!

It's not Disney itself I'm worried about- it's the airports! My flight in is non-stop, but I have a layover and a change of planes in Atlanta. I know Disney too well to be really worried (one of the few advantages of growing up mostly in FL).

 

[Donald is #1]

Thanks!

It's not Disney itself I'm worried about- it's the airports! My flight in is non-stop, but I have a layover and a change of planes in Atlanta. I know Disney too well to be really worried (one of the few advantages of growing up mostly in FL).

I am going on my second fully solo trip in December and can't wait. On flying, I fly often enough solo between vacation and business. Don't worry about the flight part.

1) Learn the security rules before you get to the airport. (3-1-1, shoes off, nothing in pockets, if you have a jacket, put it with your carry-on, etc.)
2) If you are carrying a laptop or something similar, I put my carry-on bags through first then the plastic bin with the laptop so that it isn't waiting for me on the belt when I get to the end.
3) Carry your boarding pass with you as you go through the x-ray machine. Don't leave it in your carry-on.
4) When you leave the gate area, take all of your carry-ons with you. This is the only pain in the you know what when traveling solo.

 

[LuvTigger]

Great advice posted here. I started traveling solo in 2001 when I took my first business trip. I was a little nervous, but now I actually enjoy traveling alone now and then!

Just wanted to add one more suggestion regarding airports. If you're connecting through or arriving at an airport you're not familiar with, one thing that has helped me is to go online and look at the layout of the airports, particularly if you have a short connection time. This has helped me a lot by figuring out where the gates are, how large the airport is, how to get from one gate to another if walking is not an option, etc.

Donald provided good advice regarding the plane and security. You may want to go to www.tsa.gov to look at the rules in more detail, and also look at your airline's website for additional guidelines. I also like to wear shoes that are easy to slip off -- I don't know if all airports require removal of shoes, but it seems like most of the ones I've been to do. I usually wear Crocs w/ socks. One additional tip is that you'll have to show a photo id before you get into the security line, together with your boarding pass. Usually, after you show your id, you can put that away, but you'll need to show the boarding pass to the security agent as you pass thru the metal detector.

 

[anniem8]

Just got back from a short, solo trip! 3 days and 2 nights at Pop. I flew in from Atlanta, used Magical Express and Disney transportation the whole time. It was perfect! I've loved the whole experience. Never once did I feel 'out of place'. And I did worry about that as I have 3 'kids' and a grandson so it's been years since I've been anywhere by myself! I'm a really big chicken from a small town, not used to crowds at all - at Disney the week of July 4th and I wasn't scared! You will have a great time! Wish I was going back soon!

 

[mef78]

Thanks!

It's not Disney itself I'm worried about- it's the airports! My flight in is non-stop, but I have a layover and a change of planes in Atlanta. I know Disney too well to be really worried (one of the few advantages of growing up mostly in FL).

Airports will be fine. I always try to find someone in the terminal/gate who looks trustworthy and stay near them . Just watch your stuff and you're good to go.

Have so much fun on your trip!!!

 

[Independence1776]

Thanks for the tips! I found out yesterday that my nonstop has been changed to two flights with a layover in Atlanta, as well as my departing flights being shifted back an hour and half, getting me home at dinnertime. I'm not terribly happy about either change, but there's nothing I can do about it.

 

[jadedbeauty14304]

Thanks for the tips! I found out yesterday that my nonstop has been changed to two flights with a layover in Atlanta, as well as my departing flights being shifted back an hour and half, getting me home at dinnertime. I'm not terribly happy about either change, but there's nothing I can do about it.

I very recently flew alone for the first time and was surprised at how fast the time goes by in the airport. After going through security I took some time to look through the shops, and grab a snack before heading to my gate and people watching. I put on my headphones and just watched the people hurrying through the terminal, little kids excitedly anticipating flying for the first time, and I even got hit on by this guy who was sitting right behind me. His girlfriend had just gotten up to go to the bathroom I was glad that I didn't have to sit too close to them on the flight! LOL Security is so tight at airports now that I felt safer than I thought I would. What is nice about flying to Orlando, is that you always see a lot of kids who know they are going to Disney World, so if you get really bored you can always strike up a conversation about princesses or pirates while you wait. On the way home, you can look over the pictures that you took, and reminisce about the wonderful fun you just had. That always makes the time go by nice and fast too. Have a great trip!

 

[NOVATraveler]

Like you, I'm a happy introvert. Just returned from a solo trip via the auto train to WDW, staying at SSR. I felt safe at all times. But, there are some tips I received that I'd like to pass along. Unless you are forced to, don't put your address (home or at WDW) on your luggage tags. I put my name and my cell phone number only on my tags. Even though I'm "getting up there" in years, I carry a wedding band with me for "just in case". If a bad person thinks you have a guy with you, you are much less of a target. Lastly, act confident! Walk with your head up, look around as if you own the place. Have a great, great time!

 

[Independence1776]

Navigating my way around the airport is more my concern than keeping myself occupied- that's what books are for. So I'm definitely going to use the tip about looking up airport maps (esp. Atlanta!). But I can't look at pictures as attractive as the thought is- I shoot exclusively with film since I dislike digital.

Thanks for the tips. If it weren't for the fact that I'm going to WDW, I'd seriously think about buying a cheap wedding band. And I will have a great time!

 

[NewYorkRedNeck]

When flyin into atlanta, make sure to use the tram to get to your gate

 

[Taja]

Don't expect any issues going through security, but be prepared to keep the queue moving.

Here's my routine for going solo through airport security:

Bin #1: shoes & jacket
Bin #2: purse and anything else small
Bin #3: laptop
Dish: 3-1-1 bag
Carry-on bag.

And don't allow anyone to place anything between your items--including the TSA agents! I almost missed a flight because one of the agents did that and they held up the other passenger's bag for quite a while in the scanner. Be polite, but firm.

The method to my scanning order:

Shoes and jacket are replaceable. Not easily, but can be done.
Purse (backpack, whatever you carry) is critical. I want it to emerge from the scanner about the time I'm finished going through the metal detector. I keep my eyes on it at all times! Ditto for the laptop.
Carry-on bag brings up the rear. It's harder for someone to reach around it to get at the laptop. It's a 16" rolling duffel--holds my laptop, jacket and just the right amount of stuff to get me through a day or two if my luggage doesn't arrive at my destination when I do.

If you're searched (wanded, usually) by security, ask to be able to keep your purse and other valuables in sight or ask if they will bring them to you. Ask very politely. I've had a male agent be snotty about it, but when I explained I don't have pockets and my wallet, ID and everything is in my purse and I would be in serious trouble without it, he agreed to allow me to keep it in view. Fortunately, most of the female agents understand the predicament.

You most likely won't be stopped by the TSA for additional screening. If you are, don't take it personally. I seem to go through streaks--several flights I sail through, then I'm stopped for some reason or another on several flights. No idea why.

And if you wear any large jewelry or hair stuff (barrettes, etc.), be sure to remove them and put them in one of your bags before going through security.

You're going to have a wonderful solo holiday at WDW! I was mistaken for a teenager long--and I do mean long!--after I became an adult because of my appearance. Just follow the same rules you would at home for safety and you'll be good to go on the road!

 

[PolynesianPixie]

I just got back from my first solo trip. I also flew in by myself with one layover in Charlotte. No issues with airports...well, on the way back my last flight was canceled and I had to stay the night in Charlotte. But STILL....I did just fine on my own. I'm not even big and scary looking

I had concerns to begin with myself....mostly over safety. Everything was wonderful! My only complaint was that my trip was not long enough!!!!!!

 

[Independence1776]

Thanks for your suggestions on security procedures, Taja. I will definitely keep them in mind.

Glad you had fun! I know I'm going to agree that any trip will be too short (especially this one- only there for two days!).

 

[nurse.darcy]

Navigating my way around the airport is more my concern than keeping myself occupied- that's what books are for. So I'm definitely going to use the tip about looking up airport maps (esp. Atlanta!). But I can't look at pictures as attractive as the thought is- I shoot exclusively with film since I dislike digital.

Thanks for the tips. If it weren't for the fact that I'm going to WDW, I'd seriously think about buying a cheap wedding band. And I will have a great time!

(rant)Okay, so I really hate connecting in Atlanta. . .that being said I leave from Las Vegas (McCarran) and LAS is a freaking pain. . .regardless of where you are going arrive at McCarran early as it takes FOREVER to get anywhere at that airport. . .(rant over. . .)

Okay, so going through security as a single person. . .here are my tips since I do it about once a month. . .

1. Wear thongs. . .or slip on shoes if thongs are not an option. . .
2. only ONE carryon and your purse. . .
3. NO lighters, knives, or toiletries that don't fit in the quart sized ziplock. Pack all other toiletries in checked luggage.
4. If bringing a laptop, buy yourself a wheeled laptop bag that doubles as your carryon. . .
5. If you must wear a jacket don't forget to take it off and throw it in a bin with your shoes and purse.

I have just such a laptop bag and its AWESOME. . .basically I throw my carryon on the security belt and put the laptop in a bin. . .then I toss my "purse" shoes and jacket if necessary into another bin. I never have anything extra in my pockets and I carry my boarding pass and license with me just in case I end up being selected for a search. . .I always pick a security line that has a female inspector so I don't have to be separated from my purse (Male Inspectors don't get this). I have never been hassled which is great but just in case I always go through this same routine. As for your age being an issue. . .most airports have that guy sitting there that checks your boarding pass and ID before you ever get to the checkpoint so no one will ask you for your ID or question your age again after that point. . .

 

[Independence1776]

No need for checked luggage- since I'm only going to be there for a couple of days, I'm just taking a carry-on and a purse.

Thanks for your advice. Anything specific for Atlanta?