First time solo trips . . . how to keep from going crazy?

[TinkDVC]

I just returned from my second solo trip. I went down for 5 days and even made a TS reservation for lunch this time. I brought a book but found myself people watching instead. It was awkward at first but then I just enjoyed my meal.

Bring a book, iPhone or other items to keep you busy in case you have a moment of "I am here alone!!!" but know that once you see Mickey Mouse all is well The best part of WDW solo is that you can do whatever you want - like going on your favorite ride 4 times in a row - and it's okay.

Best wishes in your decision. What a fun thing to ponder

 

[MizlurksaLot]

You have all been so encouraging, I am actually excited by the idea of a solo trip now! Of course now I have to find the money somewhere .

 

[fun fun fun fun fun!]

some great suggestions thanks, I was wondering how to cope when I go next week. Think I will make sure I pack a few extra books! I'm looking forward to starting random conversations with bored kids in queues. I'm a wheelchair user so I'm hoping I wont look too scary or creepy!!

 

[SDSorority]

I worry about the hotel in the evening.

Does anyone ever miss their family or feel 'homesick' by being by themself?

 

[DebºoºS]

I just took a 6 day solo trip in May to the F&G festival. I had a really good time and experienced a few unexpected magical moments. I brought a book but never read it. Took a lot of pics. Stayed in the parks till after closing taking pics every night. The only time I got a wee bit lonely was when I went back to the studio at SSR. To get over it I would call home and talk to DH or just catch up on txts. Dining alone was very nice much better than I thought. CMs were all very friendly and chatty.

 

[debh028]

Thanks for all the suggestions! I am booked solo 9/27 thru 10/2 for my 55th birthday. First solo trip and I admit I was feeling a little anxious. I am getting excited all over again!

 

[snykymom]

Thanks for all the suggestions! I am booked solo 9/27 thru 10/2 for my 55th birthday. First solo trip and I admit I was feeling a little anxious. I am getting excited all over again!

In December, I'm going solo for my 55th, too! And I am getting more and more excited!

 

[aboveH20]

I've been to Disneyland Paris alone and WDW three times alone and have the next trip planned for February. I LOVE going alone because as others have said you can do what you want, when you want, whether it's riding a ride or having a snack.

I've done HDDR, CG, Bistro, Les Chefs de France, Italy (forget the name and the meal was forgettable as well), Brown Derby, Kona, Plaza, etc. alone as well. For solo meals I do like having paper and pen (I take journal pages) for something to do during long stretches.

I do lots of people watching and some yearning for the days when my sons were younger, but actually enjoy NOT talking to people for a few days. Eavesdropping is easier than generating conversation .

This discussion reminds me of the first time my husband took our sons to see his parents and I headed to Plymouth, MA for some sightseeing. I had dinner out and was surrounded by famlies with kids. I wondered if everyone felt sorry for the "poor woman" eating by herself, while inside I was dancing a jig thinking 'I'm here, no kids, eating out, hooooraaay.'

When I go alone I go for a week, but maybe for your first time four nights would be plenty.

ENJOY!

 

[FergieTCat]

Hi, Fergie! Let me know if you're going, and when. I'd love to meet up for a few hours and/or a meal!

I just saw this.

I'll let you know when I finalize my plans!

 

[Friendly Frog]

I am very shy. I normally do not go anywhere alone, so my solo trip was was a huge step for me. I can report that I had a great time! I found that I didn't need as much interaction with others as I thought I would because I was focused on what I was going to do next. My meals were counter service at the parks and families were way too busy to even look my way.

In line at the parks, I found that some people would strike up conversations with me seeing that I was alone, but no one ever make me feel uncomfortable in anyway. As a matter of fact, I met some wonderful people at the fireworks that welcomed in as part of their group during conversations.

About the only part I did not like was waiting at the airport, like I said I had never traveled alone before, but I had my MP3 player and a book, and those really helped me.

I think you will be surprised at how easy it is to do Disney alone.

PS-I have to add that it was Disney's Magical Express that made the trip possible, without it I would never find the nerve to go alone.

 

[SnowBunny104]

Veteran solo traveler here, and I would have to agree with everything JillinWonderland said. I encourage you to try the stuff on her list. I think I've done just about everything she listed, except for the friendly, outgoing part. I'm shy, so I don't tend to just start conversation with people; but if someone starts talking to me, I'll talk. I especially feel comfortable at WDW when someone tries to draw me into conversation. I've never been creeped out or anything.

I've also occupied myself with silly little "missions" like snacking around World Showcase. I even bought one of those passports and got it stamped around the World. It's not so important what it is, but if it absorbs your time and focus so that you don't think about not having anyone to talk to, then it works--whatever captures your interest and works for you.

 

[Jamian]

Looks like I'm a little late to this but I have a couple suggestions from my January solo trip. I had lots of great interactions with Cast Members while trading pins. It's a fun hobby and it gives you a great excuse to approach people. I also did a lot of photography which tends to invite interaction, especially when you have a DSLR and tripod. I had a ton of people appoach me and ask to take their picture. Also, I want to echo what the others have said and recommend you keep a trip journal. I would update mine at every meal with what rides and shows I did, what I ate, anything I purchased, etc. It's a great free souvenir and is lots of fun to look back and read. Cheers

 

[WDWPrincess1208]

I worry about the hotel in the evening.

Does anyone ever miss their family or feel 'homesick' by being by themself?

I've never really had this problem on my solo trips. Chances are your so exhausted after your day at the parks or whatever you've done throughout the day! Sometimes I'll grab a drink from the bar and go sit by the pool and read. There are usually quite a few people by the pool and I've engaged in some great conversations doing that! If the thought of going back to the hotel after the parks makes you feel a little down and lonely, go to downtown Disney for a bit instead! There is usually a lot going on there and may help lift your spirits!