First Time Solo Trip in Pre-planning stage for 2014 - October or December?

[dawn1620]

Hi everyone, I'm loving this forum. I am newly divorced and was shocked to have someone welcome me back to the singles club the other day - I think my face was like this .

I've let myself get kind of bummed out recently about the whole life changing event that is divorce (just a momentary funk I promise) but I needed something that would bring me out of it and all I could think of was - Disney! I have my wonderful DD (who is about to turn 12) but she is at the age where she is more interested in 1D than Disney and I don't know anyone else that is interested so only one solution came to mind - SOLO TRIP! I have always been fine with my own company but am nervous about being lonely at Disney. But then I think - IT'S DISNEY YOU FOOL!

I can't swing a trip this year so I'm in the early stages of planning for next year. I love the decorations at Christmas but I was also contemplating the Halloween time frame also. Would also like to know if there are any other solo Disney fans planning that far out and if they have dates pinned down - I'll be looking to meet up with any Dissers while I'm there if possible.

No ideas on where to stay at yet - we were planning on staying at Port Orleans when the family trip was still in production so I definitely don't want to stay there. I will be doing my homework but if anyone could make some recommendations I would love it and thanks - budget will be either Value or Moderate.

Yay Disney!

 

[Lawwgrrl]

Hey,

I am heading over on my first solo trip in 2014. I booked mine for Sep though; the last two weeks, in attempt to avoid the busiest times.

I had planned on staying onsite, in Cabana Bay - I had booked it in fact - until I found out about the $18 hotel parking charge, so I changed my hotel to Palms Resort on International Drive. I stayed there last year and provided you request a renovated rooms, the rooms are great. It's cheap and doesn't charge for parking.

How long are you thinking of going for?

 

[dawn1620]

I was only planning on being there for 4 days and three nights, possibly adding another day to it but not any longer than that. I just made the decision yesterday to pull the trigger and actually start planning so everything is up in the air right now. I do know that I want to stay onsite but have not chosen where yet. I'm still getting used to the fact I can do and go where I want and that is kind of hard to get used to ...especially when you have an ex that was used to getting his way most of the time (not trying to badmouth, that was just how it was).

Anyway - since DD doesn't want to go this trip is going to be about ME ME ME and m finding that feeling to be a HOOT!

I would love to avoid crowds which is why our first trip was done in the first week of December, never thought of September but will definitely consider.

This will be my first trip solo - anywhere - so I'm really excited and nervous !

 

[parmtoo]

Hello! I'm also divorced, (just over 2 years), and my DS17 doesn't want to go with me either. I have 2 DDs, 23 & 25, and 2 DGS'S, both 5, but then the trip is really geared toward the little ones . We have a trip planned for them in March 2014.
I seriously considering a solo trip in the fall of 2014.
For any of you solo travelers, do you get lonely? Do you find yourself chatting with strangers? I'm not worried about the parks, or the resort pool, it's eating alone that feels weird and makes mme nervous.

 

[TPTraveler]

So you asked if as a solo traveler it gets lonely. My answer is NO! Traveling solo gives you the opportunity to go where you want, when you want. It also opens you up to talking to others, people watching and other activities.

A lot of folks in the forum, ask if solo travelers feel weird and again I would have to say no. I have been to WDW over 20 times; about half the time with family and half on my own. Even when traveling with family, we find ourselves splitting into groups or solos to go do what we want with designated meeting times.

So, I say, plan it and enjoy it.

 

[pryncess527]

I'm no help, just wanted to add that I'm struggling with the same decision - a 2014 trip for either mid October or the first week of December.

Right now, the Food and Wine festival is giving Oct a slight edge, but by next week I'll be back to dreaming about the Christmas decorations . . .

I'm aiming for a split stay starting at POFQ and ending with 1 or 2 nights at AKL

 

[FireflyFi]

I'm planning a solo trip in 2014 - and I've been planning since the start of this year! I had a staycation over this last Christmas / New Year and I just couldn't face going back to another year of work without something to look forward to. Being in Australia, it's a lot of planning and saving to get to WDW, hence the very late date. I originally planned for the quiet week mid-late November in the hope of catching some Christmas decorations but then I'd also love to see Halloween. So now my plan is drop in end of October for a few days, tour around the east coast, then come back at the original date for a week.

Being so far out, a lot could change, but that's part of the fun! I don't know about you, but the planning and daydreaming gets me through many otherwise boring days

 

[Terk-1]

I've been solo both of those times of year, so it's a tough choice. For my upcoming trip, I kept going back and forth for over a month trying to decide when to go, but beginning of December won, as its been awhile since I have been during that time of the year. Am splitting my stay between Art of Animation (was still being built when I was there last) and Port Orleans French Quarter (FAVORITE moderate resort).

October is nice, as there is Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, as well as the Food & Wine Festival at EPCOT. MNSSHP was fun, especially the parade and fireworks. The F&W is alot of fun, as you can try out all new things from countries that are not normally there at EPCOT. We actually spent the most time in EPCOT when we went a few years ago just for this. The weather was great as well. We went on November 1st and the Magic Kingdom was still decorated for the fall, as there was still another MNSSHP, but then had all of it's Christmas decorations the next day. The Studios was the same with decorations. The decorations is one thing, but pumping in Christmas music that early in the month during the day was a bit much.

December is great too, as everything is decked for the holidays. From the parks to the resorts, there is so much to see & do! Holidays Around the World at EPCOT is fantastic! Between each country having their own Santa to the Arch of Lights that connects Future World to World Showcase, its great. And my must at least 3 times during a visit is the Candlelight Processional. I still find myself tearing up a bit, as it is so beautiful. Plus with a different narrator every few days, you get to see some great performers. I've done MVMCP once before. It was fun, but I enjoyed MNSSHP more. I just love resort hopping to see the decorations that are exclusive for that resort. From the moose antlers in the wreaths at the Wilderness Lodge to the salt water taffy colors at the Beach Club.

I've been to WDW 5 times solo (with a 6th later this year) and have as much fun alone as I do with family. You get the freedom of doing what you want when you want. Ride an attraction 50 times or skip it completely. Dine where and when you want. The key thing to remember as a solo, is the only person you have to worry about having a good time is yourself. As far as being lonely, this is the place you don't have to worry about that. What I enjoy about going solo is that freedom. I still keep in mind that even though I am in Disney, I'm smart about my safety. I don't bring jewerly with me and I only bring one credit card, my license and medical card. Everything else stays at home. Less to lose. I stay familiar with my surroundings, always lock my door at the resort, even if I'm only going to be in it for a short time. My valuables are locked in the room safe. I'd rather be safe than sorry. I'm a big reader, so I always have a book with me in my backpack. So I will read during a meal, waiting for a show to start, etc. I did find people were always very nice striking up conversations while waiting for a parade.

 

[pryncess527]

I'm planning a solo trip in 2014 - and I've been planning since the start of this year!

Being so far out, a lot could change, but that's part of the fun! I don't know about you, but the planning and daydreaming gets me through many otherwise boring days

I completely agree! I'm not sure when I'll be able to firm up my dates, finances could always push the trip back further, but the planning and daydreaming sure helps in the meantime!

 

[dawn1620]

Once I get my dates pinned down I'll definitely post. October definitely is looking like the winner because of Halloween and Food and Wine (which I've always wanted to attend).

And it look like the budget will be of the Value variety but I don't plan on spending a lot of time in the room except at night. I'm thinking that I would like to stay at Art of Animation but still looking at all my options. Can anyone make room recommendations for the AoA resort - I would like to stay in a quiet part away from the pool and high traffic areas. When I hit the room it's to immediately hit the sack so I can get rested up for the next day!

 

[Shelli_5]

You'll have a great time on your trip! I've been to WDW by myself once & am planning another visit for this October. I'm really excited about attending the Food & Wine Festival for the first time.

Shelli

 

[gloachat]

I am a newbe to this site I, too, am planning a solo trip for October 2-10-14. I have split ressies at the Pop and POFQ I have been divorced for a while but am now an empty nester I'm not sure how to feel about it yet but in the meantime I plan to do some traveling. I figure Disney would be a great training ground to visit solo. I don't feel weird about dining alone; I do it all the time. I find the wait staff are particularly attentive when I dine alone. I don't think I would uncomfortable in the parks alone but it would be nice to meet other solo travelers!

 

[gismo1554]

Hi everyone, I'm loving this forum. I am newly divorced and was shocked to have someone welcome me back to the singles club the other day - I think my face was like this .

I've let myself get kind of bummed out recently about the whole life changing event that is divorce (just a momentary funk I promise) but I needed something that would bring me out of it and all I could think of was - Disney! I have my wonderful DD (who is about to turn 12) but she is at the age where she is more interested in 1D than Disney and I don't know anyone else that is interested so only one solution came to mind - SOLO TRIP! I have always been fine with my own company but am nervous about being lonely at Disney. But then I think - IT'S DISNEY YOU FOOL!

I can't swing a trip this year so I'm in the early stages of planning for next year. I love the decorations at Christmas but I was also contemplating the Halloween time frame also. Would also like to know if there are any other solo Disney fans planning that far out and if they have dates pinned down - I'll be looking to meet up with any Dissers while I'm there if possible.

No ideas on where to stay at yet - we were planning on staying at Port Orleans when the family trip was still in production so I definitely don't want to stay there. I will be doing my homework but if anyone could make some recommendations I would love it and thanks - budget will be either Value or Moderate.

Yay Disney!

Hiya. Although not divorced (didn't get married thank God) I broke up from a 5 year relationhip 2 years ago on the day we were meant to fly to Orlando - and no I definately am not staying at the resort we had booked for that trip. This year however I am finally doing my trip for kind of closure I guess and it will be my first solo trip! I like you was a bit wary but after reading a lot of posts and going with my sister and family in May I really wanted go again and no one else did at the time I could make.

I like you couldn't decide on halloween or Christmas and have gone for the 29th October through to the 11th November. This covers not only halloween but the first Mickey's Christmas Party and the Osbourne Family lights. It also covers the food and wine festival and free dining all of which are fantastic.

I'm staying at All Star Music as being on my own I kind of didn't see the point in a moderate and also liked the fact I have free Quick Service dining. Although I'm not adverse to a meal alone I think 13 table service meals would have been way too much! I also like the idea of getting to try different things as usually when we do our big family trips (DM, DD, DS & DBiL) we tend not to do quick service in the parks and tend to stay off property.

Out of the value resorts I really like Pop Century (but that was where we were booked so was a no no) and I like All Star Movies. However the extra it cost to stay at Movies again I didn't see the point of! Also I've found a shopping trip that goes from Music hence this was my choice!

By going when I am, I get to experience a bit of everything. Although I'm not doing Mickeys Not So Scary this year (just because fitting it in was a problem), its so much fun that I think its a great option if you can get it. I am planning on doing (fingers crossed) one of the Kitchen Memories events at food and wine as well as possibly 3 tastings (can't decide how many) plus then I have the Christmas party and the lights to enjoy. I think its just a nice transitional time where you can get to see everything and enjoy it all.

Anyway I hope you do plan this! Honestly now I have it booked I feel so much stronger and more liberated. Its taken me 2 years but I think the light is definately shining on me now and I am so looking forward to this!