First Time Solo

[LockShockBarrel]

Hi all! This is my first time on this part of the boards, I posted on the Theme Park boards and was directed over here. I just booked a short solo trip for September and I'm mildly freaked out about it, so I'm trying to allay my nervous by upgrading to deluxe dining. When in doubt, add food apparently

 

[Indianadisneyfan]

Hi all! This is my first time on this part of the boards, I posted on the Theme Park boards and was directed over here. I just booked a short solo trip for September and I'm mildly freaked out about it, so I'm trying to allay my nervous by upgrading to deluxe dining. When in doubt, add food apparently

I'll be doing my first solo trip September 23-28. I just went with c.s. meal because i dont like eating by myself at a nice restaurant. If your going to be there during that time some of us will be having a drink at DTD one of the days. I use to live in lockport 15 yrs ago.

 

[Amysita]

I was a little nervous my first solo trip...and didn't schedule things or eat @ sit down restaurants because I thought I would look / feel odd about it. Came home with LOADS of regrets because of it. The NEXT trip I planned, I made my ADR's at a few sit down restaurants (I too would feel akward at a nice resaurant...so chose more family / casual places and it was just fine - had a blast), also the 2nd go around, I booked a Character breakfast (had no problem finding folks to take pix for me), took in a Cirque show, signed up for Photopass and happily stood in character lines, one night, I went and got myself a HUGE cocktail @ the Polynesian and plopped myself on the beach and watched the water pageant/parade. And the biggest perk...even rides that don't have a single rider line...you can usually skip to the front of the line...pay attention...if a ride operator yells back we have room for one more..pipe up, throw up your finger, and proudly yell back 'HERE I AM...I'M ONE!'

 

[erincon23]

I'm sure you'll have a great time! I'm going on my second solo trip at the end of May! I only planned one TS meal, only because I don't want to tie myself down or run halfway across a park to make an ADR, but having those reservations can help you not to feel so at loose ends.

One thing that might help -- find some ways to have some "human contact" -- if your birthday is anywhere near your trip, get a birthday button (or find something to celebrate -- even if it's celebrating taking a solo trip -- and get a button). Pin trade. Look for CMs from your home area and at least say hi. That helped me a lot on my first trip, and this coming trip is about two weeks before my birthday, so I'm getting a birthday button (and I pin trade!).

Enjoy your trip!

 

[Indianadisneyfan]

I'm sure you'll have a great time! I'm going on my second solo trip at the end of May! I only planned one TS meal, only because I don't want to tie myself down or run halfway across a park to make an ADR, but having those reservations can help you not to feel so at loose ends.

One thing that might help -- find some ways to have some "human contact" -- if your birthday is anywhere near your trip, get a birthday button (or find something to celebrate -- even if it's celebrating taking a solo trip -- and get a button). Pin trade. Look for CMs from your home area and at least say hi. That helped me a lot on my first trip, and this coming trip is about two weeks before my birthday, so I'm getting a birthday button (and I pin trade!).

Enjoy your trip!

I'm the same way also. Sometimes I'm not ready to eat till later on and sometimes I can eat anytime. I don't Like reservations because I might not be hungry when its time to eat. I know everybody is different but that's just me.

 

[LockShockBarrel]

Haha see I just added deluxe dining onto my trip. Eating has always been a big part of Disney for me and I'd be angry with myself leaving that out. I plan on bringing my Nook so I can read during my sitdown meals. The last trip I heard a lot of calls for single riders, and even some 2 person party calls and I got very good at jetting my hand up and saying "RIGHT HERE" so I'll have that in my back pocket for this trip.

I know there will be a lot of stuff I can skip because I won't have to cater to someone else's interests, and I'll be able to meander through things I want to spend more time with. For instance I plan on totally skipping Imagation but taking my time back in Japan and actually looking through Morocco in detail for the first time. I've spent time at all 3 before..but last time my traveling partner had never been to Disney before so we tried to see a lot, I could have done without Imagination (I'm still holding out for the original to make a come back), we both liked Japan but had other stuff we needed to get done, and she was totally disinterested in anything other than the henna in Morocco.

I'm a fairly chatty person so I'm hoping I'll stumble onto some nice conversations around the parks and whatnot. I suppose I'll be more concerned that I don't come off as "that creepy girl that's trying to talk to us".

And unfortunately Indianadisneyfan, I'll be there the 10th-13th.

 

[robert72]

Dont worry about going solo you can do what you want when you want. Also i find it is okay when you dine alone

 

[MyMuse]

My first trip to Disney was as a solo and it was a really great time. I did TS meals, I found it to be fine. I had a journal, my cell phone, etc, I kept myself entertained. And now, there's twitter, so who needs company? LOL!!!!


I toured to my heart's content to do want I wanted, when I wanted. I did have family members come join me as well. So, I got a both worlds.

i'm going back down in early May, and with that, I'm winging it.

 

[ZehnJahren]

Hi all! This is my first time on this part of the boards, I posted on the Theme Park boards and was directed over here. I just booked a short solo trip for September and I'm mildly freaked out about it, so I'm trying to allay my nervous by upgrading to deluxe dining. When in doubt, add food apparently

I just did my first fully solo trip back in January (my TR for it is in my signature). Loved it so much that I'm going solo again in September!

When I went in January, I thought "three nights is enough; I'll be alone so I'll get everything I want done". I was also concerned I'd get lonely or anxious being all alone in the big World. Boy, was I wishing for more days at the end! I rushed so much that I really hurt myself and ended up just limping around on my last day in agony. Next time, I'm going for five nights; then, I can rest a little.

I was a little nervous my first solo trip...and didn't schedule things or eat @ sit down restaurants because I thought I would look / feel odd about it. Came home with LOADS of regrets because of it. The NEXT trip I planned, I made my ADR's at a few sit down restaurants (I too would feel akward at a nice resaurant...so chose more family / casual places and it was just fine - had a blast), also the 2nd go around, I booked a Character breakfast (had no problem finding folks to take pix for me), took in a Cirque show, signed up for Photopass and happily stood in character lines, one night, I went and got myself a HUGE cocktail @ the Polynesian and plopped myself on the beach and watched the water pageant/parade. And the biggest perk...even rides that don't have a single rider line...you can usually skip to the front of the line...pay attention...if a ride operator yells back we have room for one more..pipe up, throw up your finger, and proudly yell back 'HERE I AM...I'M ONE!'

Yep, I got a TON of "we need one rider, solo rider" on my trip! I skipped quite a few lines that way, especially on ToT. Every single time I went through that line I got pulled to the front as a solo rider. EVERY time. Plus, everyone was so friendly and talkative when they saw I was alone; cast members went out of their way to chat with me, while other guests often struck up conversations. So much fun.

I didn't make ADRs, but as a solo diner I was able to walk into some restaurants (like Sci-Fi, my first time there!) - seems like there's always room for one. This time, I'm going to have a cocktail or two myself and really relax and take in the sights! I'm thinking a Grand Marnier slushie and Illuminations will do the trick!

 

[NewYorkRedNeck]

I did the deluxe one year. Jeez that was alot of food and time in the restaurants lol. I don't mind at all sitting by myself. Beirgarten is pretty fun if you get seated with some cool folks.

 

[LockShockBarrel]

I don't think it'll be too bad with deluxe. I had originally upgrated to the basic dining from QS then went through and figured it out that because I'd definitely be doing a 2ts at Artist Point and still need breakfast on my 4th day, I'd be paying OOP for a few things. I looked into deluxe and it wasn't that much more than the upgrade cost plus what I was paying out of pocket and it'd be more food. I'm hoping if I tell servers that I'm ok with my courses coming out without a lot of lag time that will save some time, plus I don't have to worry about what someone else is ordering so that everything would come out together.

Currently my dining looks like this:
9-10 Lunch right after check in at Pop, then dinner at Artist Point
9-11 Breakfast at Captains Grille (never been, fingers crossed!), snack lunch at Epcot and dinner at Coral Reef
9-12 Breakfast at Pop, snack lunch probably at MK (I'll be at AK earlier in the day then hopping to MK) and dinner at Crystal Palace
9-13 Breakfast at Whispering Canyon

I'm not really feeling the Crystal Palace though. I like it and all but I didn't really want to do a buffet. The thing is I'm really not interested in anything else at MK (unless Be Our Guest happens to open), the monorail restaurants don't excite me anymore, I don't want to do a ton of travel that night so I was thinking Maybe something at DTD but I'm just not sure. I figured I'd at least put something in my ressies so I don't get left out in the cold.

 

[KittyKat1978]

I am also going solo in Sept! My first time solo to WDW, but I have done DL solo. I am looking forward to exploring the world my own way

 

[pirateprincess1976]

I'm taking my third solo trip in September As much fun as I have when I go with everyone, it's nice to be able to do what I want and not worry if everyone else is having a good time. I was nervous on my first solo trip that I'd be lonely but it's Disney World so there's a gazillion people to talk to, and my pin lanyard is usually a good convo starter. And its so much easier to find a good spot for parades and fireworks when you just need space for yourself. I've done the QS dining plan the last 2 times, and I'll use it again this time, that way I'm not a slave to my ADRs. Super excited, gotta get my tix for MNSSHP and can't wait to enjoy a grey goose slushie in france and a margarita in mexico

 

[LockShockBarrel]

And I've officially entered the planning zone because I already changed my dining and I haven't even been booked for a week!!

Now my dining looks like this:

9-10 CS at Pop, dinner at 50's Prime Time
9-11 Breakfast at Captains Grille, Lunch at Via Napoli, and Dinner at Coral Reef
9-12 Breakfast at Pop, Dinner at Artist Point
9-13 Breakfast at Whispering Canyon

I was going through things in my head earlier today and realized that I was shorting myself a meal. I had always planned on grabbing something at the airport on Thursday afternoon so that I'd have more time to get a little more park time in. That's why I picked Whispering Canyon so I could get the all you can eat skillet. I also switched Artist Point to later in the week because I realized it was stupid to leave HS on an EMH night. Now I can take a little more time to get settled at the hotel and have lunch rather than rushing with lunch and getting to the park. Via Napoli came about when I realized I was shorting myself a meal, I originally thought about doing a CS but then thought "Oh what the hell, I should get my money out of this thing!!"

 

[Amysita]

50's is EXCELLENT!!! The antics are hilarious...and the down home comfort food is YUMMY! As hard as it is, try to leave room for dessert...their S'Mores are out of this world!

 

[LockShockBarrel]

I've been to 50's my past 3 trips. I'm just curious to see if I'll be singled out or left alone.

 

[Southern Voice]

I've been to 50's my past 3 trips. I'm just curious to see if I'll be singled out or left alone.

Hmmmm, I wonder how they treat the single diner there? I took my nieces when they were in their teens, but "MOM" stayed on MY case the entire meal....what's up with that??? I was paying the bill! LOL

I enjoy September the most, as those with children are back at home and in school! I've yet to take the trip completely SOLO, but as the nieces grew into young adults they began doing their own thing and I did mine, so essentially I HAVE wandered the WORLD SOLO and loved it!

I know you will have a wonderful time! Post back about your PrimeTime experience after going SOLO!

 

[nurse.darcy]

I don't think it'll be too bad with deluxe. I had originally upgrated to the basic dining from QS then went through and figured it out that because I'd definitely be doing a 2ts at Artist Point and still need breakfast on my 4th day, I'd be paying OOP for a few things. I looked into deluxe and it wasn't that much more than the upgrade cost plus what I was paying out of pocket and it'd be more food. I'm hoping if I tell servers that I'm ok with my courses coming out without a lot of lag time that will save some time, plus I don't have to worry about what someone else is ordering so that everything would come out together.

Currently my dining looks like this:
9-10 Lunch right after check in at Pop, then dinner at Artist Point
9-11 Breakfast at Captains Grille (never been, fingers crossed!), snack lunch at Epcot and dinner at Coral Reef
9-12 Breakfast at Pop, snack lunch probably at MK (I'll be at AK earlier in the day then hopping to MK) and dinner at Crystal Palace
9-13 Breakfast at Whispering Canyon

I'm not really feeling the Crystal Palace though. I like it and all but I didn't really want to do a buffet. The thing is I'm really not interested in anything else at MK (unless Be Our Guest happens to open), the monorail restaurants don't excite me anymore, I don't want to do a ton of travel that night so I was thinking Maybe something at DTD but I'm just not sure. I figured I'd at least put something in my ressies so I don't get left out in the cold.

You can always get a table at the restaurants of DTD. I never seem to have a problem there. I love Fulton's and always manage to eat at HOB nearly every time someone is in town. I am not a buffet person so I never eat at the buffets unless I am with others who want to do the buffets.

 

[weeksid]

I just did my first fully solo trip back in January (my TR for it is in my signature). Loved it so much that I'm going solo again in September!

When I went in January, I thought "three nights is enough; I'll be alone so I'll get everything I want done". I was also concerned I'd get lonely or anxious being all alone in the big World. Boy, was I wishing for more days at the end! I rushed so much that I really hurt myself and ended up just limping around on my last day in agony. Next time, I'm going for five nights; then, I can rest a little.



Yep, I got a TON of "we need one rider, solo rider" on my trip! I skipped quite a few lines that way, especially on ToT. Every single time I went through that line I got pulled to the front as a solo rider. EVERY time. Plus, everyone was so friendly and talkative when they saw I was alone; cast members went out of their way to chat with me, while other guests often struck up conversations. So much fun.

I didn't make ADRs, but as a solo diner I was able to walk into some restaurants (like Sci-Fi, my first time there!) - seems like there's always room for one. This time, I'm going to have a cocktail or two myself and really relax and take in the sights! I'm thinking a Grand Marnier slushie and Illuminations will do the trick!

Thank you sooooo much for your inspiration. My husband is making me feel anxious about my first solo trip. I want to go for an entire week but he keeps telling me that I should scale it back to three or four days because I haven't traveled by myself before and that I would be lonely going for that long. I believe there is plenty to do between Disneyworld and Universal Studios to keep me busy. With the current cost of airfare (and everything else), I want to make the most of my trip as possible. I don't know when I am going to have the opportunity to go again.

 

[LockShockBarrel]

Yeah I had though about doing something at DTD that Wednesday night but...I guess it's like there's places that I love that I want to go to every time, like Artist Point. There's places I like a lot and enjoy going to but they don't make or break a trip, like Whispering Canyon. There's places I like but I'm opening to finding new choices instead of. Most of DTD is like the last one for me. I've done Wolfgang Puck Cafe and Express, I was pondering TRex and Rainforest but I was still just not happy with anything...then I realized that I was shorting myself a meal and that changed my whole plan. The new list of meals is a few posts up.