First time solo-advice????

[MinnieLee]

After a very courageous battle with esphoguel cancer, my husband, best friend and Disney partner in crime, passed away in January. I had booked our trip in November for which would of been our 20th F&W. Overall, we probably had been to Disney over 35 times. I am still going, which my children think I am crazy to do with all if our memories there. Any advice for a first time solo traveler? I keep telling them I am comfortable at WDW but must admit I am a bit apprehensive. Any words of support or advice would be great. Thanks!

 

[Ensusieasm]

After a very courageous battle with esphoguel cancer, my husband, best friend and Disney partner in crime, passed away in January. I had booked our trip in November for which would of been our 20th F&W. Overall, we probably had been to Disney over 35 times. I am still going, which my children think I am crazy to do with all if our memories there. Any advice for a first time solo traveler? I keep telling them I am comfortable at WDW but must admit I am a bit apprehensive. Any words of support or advice would be great. Thanks!

I am sorry for your loss. I think your husband would be happy for you to enjoy a vacation at your favorite spot. Your friends and family should be happy too, because you have picked a safe, clean, friendly place that you are very familiar and comfortable with. You don't have to drive and you won't get lost. Have fun doing some of the things you always did together while also trying new things. ENJOY!

 

[loves to dive]

I'm so sorry for your loss but proud of you for sticking to your guns and going. I've done a number of solo trips, my partner in crime doesn't like to travel, I do so I just go. I would say try to do some things ya'll didn't do together and maybe make some new memories. It's most likely going to be bittersweet for you so smile when you do the things you did together and whisper a little prayer to him to enjoy it with you.

 

[Aeryn76]

I'm sorry for your loss. I think you going on your trip is a good idea. Yes it's hard but know that our love ones want us to live our lives and keep them in our hearts. In early of 2014, I had a trip planned for September as my first solo trip. In August my mother passed away. I was telling family and friends that was I going to cancel and was told by everyone that I needed to go. Let me tell you that it helped. Disney is really good therapy. Now my mom wasn't a Disney person & we never went our trips together but I went and held her in my heart and had a great trip. So your family might think you are crazy for going but I say go and let the magic help heal.

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

So sorry for your loss, it sounds like you both endured a tough battle. I have traveled solo twice now to WDW and have enjoyed it both times. As a female traveler I never felt unsafe, even when walking back to my room at night. The first time I went alone, I was battling some issues in my life including the loss of several loved ones (including my mom), and I mentioned getting away to my husband and he practically forced me to book the vacation. It probably saved me, it helped clear my head and have fun. I did think about the times that I went to WDW with my mom and it was just nice to think of good memories and happy times. When I came back my husband noticed that I seemed more myself, and I haven't had the depression I had before.

Anyway, I will stop rambling. What I'm trying to say I think traveling to a happy place can be extremely helpful. And now that I've been back a second time alone (purely for fun and hubby couldn't get time off) I can truly say I had a blast! Perhaps if you feeling like asking maybe another solo traveler on here would meet up with you and do a little food tour of Epcot or something. Good luck!

 

[PiperG]

Hi MinnieLee. I also lost my husband (last May to brain cancer) and am scheduled for a solo trip at the end of this month. We also frequented WDW (and the Disney cruise ships) and I felt this trip would be a balance of happy memories and new "just for me" experiences. My trip is short, but I am staying at my favorite resort (the Poly) versus the one my husband and son preferred (FW Cabins) which is part of this customization. I am also treating myself to a Keys to the Kingdom tour. My family never wanted to take time away from the rides to do that tour. The tour allows me to be at the park where we have so many memories but experience it in a totally different way. Does that make sense?

I am really looking forward to this trip and hope it becomes the first of many that I do on my own. As other posters said, I feel like Disney is a very safe place which gives me added piece of mind.

I hope this is helpful. Have a great trip!

 

[Golfjbc89]

So sorry for your loss . i would say just do what the two of you loved to do together would make him so happy! the nice thing about being by yourself is never asking that so what do you want to do question. just do what you want all the time, go at your pace. sleep in late or get up early. i would just plan to be as flexible as possible.

 

[pa. dad]

I'd add my condolences fr your loss also. Best Wishes.

Do whatever you want- you're entitled. Maybe you can mix in a few things (rides, shows or restaurants) that your husband didn't like to do as much as you do.
There are other solo travelers also and maybe through threads like this, maybe you could meet one for a lunch or something and share some tips.
And you can use the solo rider lines in some cases.
Hopefully your trip will bring some special memories for you and you can add a few new ones too.

 

[danny1649]

First thing so sorry for your loss. My advice have basic plan in place. Then if you miss something on your plan. Don't stress out just skip and catch later. I wish you a wonderful trip but I understand there will also be some sadness . Just go at your pace and enjoy WDW as best you can.

 

[MinnieLee]

Thanks for all the advice, support and kind words. I'm going to try some of the suggestions maybe even add in a visit to a spa. DH loved WDW so it will be bitter sweet but hopefully I will get through. Ive asked a couple of friends that we vacationed with quite a few times to meet me for a couple of days. Hopefully they will be able to come. It's been tough after being together for so long. Keep,the suggestions coming!