first time solo, hoping I don't say oh no!

[stitches of laughter]

Hi! I plan on taking my first solo trip this summer.
I want to celebrate my mother's birthday, July 2nd, which of course lies within the July 4th celebrations. My mother passed away on February 20th, 2011. She was my best friend, my travel buddy & the only person who understood and shared the same love of disney as I do.

So, I am of course hesitant to take my first trip alone. All of my close friends cannot afford it because we are college students, but I have saved up my own money to do this. I refuse to wait around to find someone who can afford this trip or has the same excitement as I do with Disney (it just won't happen LOL)

So here are my concerns, my fellow solo-ers:
I do, at the age of 21, still love character breakfasts. I think they are a great way to start the day. Should I feel awkward being alone at one of these?

Really, I think that may be my only concern. I have always engaged with other guests in conversation and cast members. So, I don't think I will find myself to be so lonely. The reasoning for this trip is to celebrate my mom and my own life. I'm planning on traveling Wednesday 6/29 through Tuesday 7/5 (to beat all of the nasty holiday airfare). So seven days. Also,
should I splurge for Wilderness Lodge or Animal Kingdom? I am doing DxlD because I absolutely love the food.

So, any ideas or opinions?

 

[Amysita]

I am so sorry for your loss. And I think it's a wonderful idea and tribute to your Mom to go to Disney. She will be with you in spirit.

I was also concerned about doing a solo character meal...but bucked up the courage to do it. I was not made to feel uncomfortable at all. Most people are so wrapped up in watching for characters...they probably wouldn't even notice a fly in their soup. I had to actually make myself be known to the family seated at the next table & asked if they would take pix for me w/ my camera w/ the characters. The waiter would join me at my table to chat at every opportunity that he could. Truth be told...of all of my dining...it was not table service that I was made to feel uncomfortable...but counter service...I had a couple of peeps make comments. But one lady w/ her hubby & child in particular kept going on and on and ON about how horrible she felt for me eating alone, how dreadful that must be for me, didn't I feel depressed eating by myself...I mean this lady would NOT let up! She made me feel so uncomfortable, that I gulped my food down as quickly as possible just to get away from her.

 

[stitches of laughter]

I am so sorry for your loss. And I think it's a wonderful idea and tribute to your Mom to go to Disney. She will be with you in spirit.

I was also concerned about doing a solo character meal...but bucked up the courage to do it. I was not made to feel uncomfortable at all. Most people are so wrapped up in watching for characters...they probably wouldn't even notice a fly in their soup. I had to actually make myself be known to the family seated at the next table & asked if they would take pix for me w/ my camera w/ the characters. The waiter would join me at my table to chat at every opportunity that he could. Truth be told...of all of my dining...it was not table service that I was made to feel uncomfortable...but counter service...I had a couple of peeps make comments. But one lady w/ her hubby & child in particular kept going on and on and ON about how horrible she felt for me eating alone, how dreadful that must be for me, didn't I feel depressed eating by myself...I mean this lady would NOT let up! She made me feel so uncomfortable, that I gulped my food down as quickly as possible just to get away from her.

oh how horrible of that woman! I took day trips there in 2008 and ate frequently at quick service. I found the seating so wide that I usually grabbed a seat secluded and just people watched.

I am a total foodie, so I will be able to enjoy every meal I wish with the DxL dining plan

how often have you done a solo trip?

 

[GaRain]

I think this is a lovely tribute to your mother. I am very sorry for your loss.
I have taken a few solo trips - have not gotten up the courage for a table service or character meal. I often find a table - for the counter service meals - that has an open seat and ask to join people.
I hope that no matter what you choose to do - you have a wonderful time!

 

[Birdman1511]

Hi

First of all, I'm sorry for your loss and hope you enjoy your trip to WDW. Don't be hesitant about going solo at all. I do it a lot, I'm a passholder and live like ten minutes away and a lot of times i'll go to the parks solo, make ressies solo and you'll find you meet a lot of other people who are there solo as well. and if you're a really sociable person you'll find it easy to engage in conversation with all kinds of guests and cast members... have a blast and spoil yourself rotten, its your trip

 

[ocean134]

I think what you are doing is AWESOME!!! I am so sorry that you lost your mother. I bet you won't be alone during your trip at all, I firmly believe she will be right there with you taking it all in. We are never truly ever alone.

I appreciate every moment I have with my parents, especially as they are growing older. My family and I are Disney addicts and my mom keeps asking 'when are we going back?' Mind you, we were just there in Jan.

Now I am thinking a quick weekend trip for our birthdays in Oct. is in order. I never want to have a regret about spending time with my family.

Don't let people get you down - you need your trip to Disney, you take it!

Wish I could go...I'd eat at every character breakfast with you!

 

[stitches of laughter]

I think this is a lovely tribute to your mother. I am very sorry for your loss.
I have taken a few solo trips - have not gotten up the courage for a table service or character meal. I often find a table - for the counter service meals - that has an open seat and ask to join people.
I hope that no matter what you choose to do - you have a wonderful time!

Thank you for your kind words That is a good idea about asking people to join! I just may do that!

Hi

First of all, I'm sorry for your loss and hope you enjoy your trip to WDW. Don't be hesitant about going solo at all. I do it a lot, I'm a passholder and live like ten minutes away and a lot of times i'll go to the parks solo, make ressies solo and you'll find you meet a lot of other people who are there solo as well. and if you're a really sociable person you'll find it easy to engage in conversation with all kinds of guests and cast members... have a blast and spoil yourself rotten, its your trip

I'm very bubbly, I've always ended up talking to other guests in line and especially waiting for the parades. And that's my problem, I always struggle to spoil myself, weird I know

I think what you are doing is AWESOME!!! I am so sorry that you lost your mother. I bet you won't be alone during your trip at all, I firmly believe she will be right there with you taking it all in. We are never truly ever alone.

I appreciate every moment I have with my parents, especially as they are growing older. My family and I are Disney addicts and my mom keeps asking 'when are we going back?' Mind you, we were just there in Jan.

Now I am thinking a quick weekend trip for our birthdays in Oct. is in order. I never want to have a regret about spending time with my family.

Don't let people get you down - you need your trip to Disney, you take it!

Wish I could go...I'd eat at every character breakfast with you!

I would give anything to spend any amount of time with my mother. I am so grateful to have all of the memories we shared. Truly the most special gift is the time together with loved ones.

I hope you get to go for your birthday!

 

[Amysita]

oh how horrible of that woman! I took day trips there in 2008 and ate frequently at quick service. I found the seating so wide that I usually grabbed a seat secluded and just people watched.

I am a total foodie, so I will be able to enjoy every meal I wish with the DxL dining plan

how often have you done a solo trip?

I couldn't get away from the woman...went during peak lunch time, place was packed, no other seats to move to, and I was eating BBQ ribs...not exactly the kinda food that's portable. I wanted so bad to just tell her to 'shut it'...but I just sat there and smiled & ate...I was really trying to not let her rain on my parade.

Solo trips for Disney... 3 WDW & 2 DL. I do find people to be more friendly, easy going, and live & let live @ DL.

If I might reccommend a table service...50's Primetime Cafe. Delicious American comfort food...great atmospere, and the antics are hilarious! Great for solo because you're kept entertained.

 

[belle032]

I am truly sorry for your loss and I think it is awesome of you to plan a trip like this. What a great way to honor and remember your mother!

That being said, if you ever want someone to meet up with, have a character meal with, etc, let me know! I'm a 24 y/o female CM living in Orlando and am always up for meeting a new friend and playing in the parks!

 

[stitches of laughter]

I couldn't get away from the woman...went during peak lunch time, place was packed, no other seats to move to, and I was eating BBQ ribs...not exactly the kinda food that's portable. I wanted so bad to just tell her to 'shut it'...but I just sat there and smiled & ate...I was really trying to not let her rain on my parade.

Solo trips for Disney... 3 WDW & 2 DL. I do find people to be more friendly, easy going, and live & let live @ DL.

If I might reccommend a table service...50's Primetime Cafe. Delicious American comfort food...great atmospere, and the antics are hilarious! Great for solo because you're kept entertained.

Aw, some people just never understand. And, that woman would probably never be comfortable enough to even enjoy her own company (as if, anyone else enjoys her company hahah she seemed mean!)

I've actually looked into many meals. I love disney food, and I plan to do the Dxl Dining plan and 50s is one of my choices

I am truly sorry for your loss and I think it is awesome of you to plan a trip like this. What a great way to honor and remember your mother!

That being said, if you ever want someone to meet up with, have a character meal with, etc, let me know! I'm a 24 y/o female CM living in Orlando and am always up for meeting a new friend and playing in the parks!

aw, for sure! Are you a CP or do you work there year round?

 

[Birdman1511]

I'm very bubbly, I've always ended up talking to other guests in line and especially waiting for the parades. And that's my problem, I always struggle to spoil myself, weird I know

As long as you've got that attitude, you'll have no problem As far as your other concerns.. I don't think it would be awkward doing a character breakfast alone, I've never done one alone but I know people have gone to them alone and enjoyed them

Splurging and going for AKL or WL kindve goes back to spoiling yourself rotten.. I say go for it, and take advantage of every bit of it

 

[stitches of laughter]

As long as you've got that attitude, you'll have no problem As far as your other concerns.. I don't think it would be awkward doing a character breakfast alone, I've never done one alone but I know people have gone to them alone and enjoyed them

Splurging and going for AKL or WL kindve goes back to spoiling yourself rotten.. I say go for it, and take advantage of every bit of it

okay, here are the figures: (I am STUCK on staying at WL, my mom and I stayed there when we were little, and were going to stay there again, and plus, I want to be on the beach, close to MK and EPCOT, and, it's my trip!)

for a four night, five day stay: 1,679 for 7/1-7/5

but for a six night, seven day: 2,370 for 6/29-7/5

I know I could fill all seven days, two at MK, two at EPCOT, one day at MGM, one day at WL, and one day at Typhoon lagoon

what are your thoughts?

 

[monarchs21]

okay, here are the figures: (I am STUCK on staying at WL, my mom and I stayed there when we were little, and were going to stay there again, and plus, I want to be on the beach, close to MK and EPCOT, and, it's my trip!)

for a four night, five day stay: 1,679 for 7/1-7/5

but for a six night, seven day: 2,370 for 6/29-7/5

I know I could fill all seven days, two at MK, two at EPCOT, one day at MGM, one day at WL, and one day at Typhoon lagoon

what are your thoughts?

The seven day trip would be awesome!! I'd go to Blizzard Beach instead of Typhoon Lagoon though.....but that's just me

have fun on your trip!!!

 

[stitches of laughter]

The seven day trip would be awesome!! I'd go to Blizzard Beach instead of Typhoon Lagoon though.....but that's just me

have fun on your trip!!!

thanks!
I have been to Blizzard Beach, so I wanted to see what Typhoon Lagoon was about

 

[ocean134]

I am truly sorry for your loss and I think it is awesome of you to plan a trip like this. What a great way to honor and remember your mother!

That being said, if you ever want someone to meet up with, have a character meal with, etc, let me know! I'm a 24 y/o female CM living in Orlando and am always up for meeting a new friend and playing in the parks!

This is what Disney Magic is all about! Makes me weepy eyed. CMs like you are what makes the magic happen.

 

[monarchs21]

thanks!
I have been to Blizzard Beach, so I wanted to see what Typhoon Lagoon was about

Typhoon Lagoon is pretty cool. It has a water coaster which i can't remember the name of but that was pretty awesome. When I did the CP a couple year's back me and my roommate went to Blizzard Beach all the time just to keep riding Summit Plummet! haha

 

[belle032]

This is what Disney Magic is all about! Makes me weepy eyed. CMs like you are what makes the magic happen.

Awww thank you!! I try my best!

stitches: I came down on my CP after I graduated college and just never left. I'm part time working at DHS at the moment! Will probably end up going to grad school down here and hopefully keep working as well.

 

[stitches of laughter]

Awww thank you!! I try my best!

stitches: I came down on my CP after I graduated college and just never left. I'm part time working at DHS at the moment! Will probably end up going to grad school down here and hopefully keep working as well.

Typhoon Lagoon is pretty cool. It has a water coaster which i can't remember the name of but that was pretty awesome. When I did the CP a couple year's back me and my roommate went to Blizzard Beach all the time just to keep riding Summit Plummet! haha

I started the CP in June 2008, but left because my mother was sick. I hope to one day go back, especially since I'm in the hospitality industry.
Ah, I just love Disney World. It's the wholesome feeling, truly never felt anywhere else.

 

[Dizneydaz]

Like many have said before me, so sorry for your loss.

My DM71 has been on every trip to WDW with me since 1998. And since 2002 my DD (now11) has been there too. Her memories of being at WDW with the both of us will last a lifetime!

I don't even want to think about the time when she will no longer be with us on our trips.

What's great about going with my DM is that she lets me do all the planning, which I love. She does insist we do more than just "Disney". We've explored much of Florida and I think going to the Florida beaches are my DD's best time.

Oh, and did I mention that we also all live together? When my DD was little my DM and I decided that living together would be a good idea (after being on my own for a long time). I don't "live with my mom" and she doesn't "live with her daugther" we live together, as a family. We both own the house and share all the costs. It works for us.

I think going solo will be a wonderful trip for you. Definitely do the 7 days. I'm all over squeezing out extra days. Take up the PP on her offer to get together. Maybe you'll make a new "Disney" friend.

I've been to TL and BB many times. If I had to choose one, it would be TL. Love the wave pool, sharks, and Crush 'n Gusher. If you like the body slide type of rides then I would pick BB, otherwise, TL is the best!

Have a wonderful time.

 

[monarchs21]

I started the CP in June 2008, but left because my mother was sick. I hope to one day go back, especially since I'm in the hospitality industry.
Ah, I just love Disney World. It's the wholesome feeling, truly never felt anywhere else.

That's exactly how I felt when I first went down there and when I was doing the CP ( although I was a lot more tired during my CP haha)

Sorry to hear about your mom. I think it's pretty cool that your staying at the same resort ya'll stayed at when you were little!