First Time Solos: How many nights/days?

[Amirah95]

I will be going to WDW alone next year for my birthday. I am going alone because I don't have a DH anymore, my oldest DD21 doesn't want to go, my youngest DD9 will not go unless her DF goes, my friends are not into WDW and my DGboys are too young to go (I won't be able to care for two toddlers alone on a vacation like this).

1. How many nights/days did you stay your first time going solo to WDW?
2. How long did it take for you to feel lonely or you didn't get the lonely feeling?
3. I know this has been asked a million times, but any tips for a first timer?

I don't believe I'll feel alone while I'm there, but this is a very big change for me. I'm going from huge family road trips every year to by myself.

 

[bryanb]

Congratulations on your decision to go!

1. How many nights/days did you stay your first time going solo to WDW?

• The first time, I was in Orlando for work so I only went for two days and two nights, before my company called and asked me to jump on a flight home. Definitely not enough time. I had one more wasted day left on my ticket, so I decided to convert to an annual pass and come back within 12 months.
  
• I was later able to do a "proper" solo trip of three nights and three days. Still a bit too short, but it was kind of a test since I wasn't sure if I'd get too lonely.
  
• Finally, I did a much more satisfying trip of four nights and four days. That was about long enough for me. Short enough that I still wanted more, but long enough that I was okay with going home.

2. How long did it take for you to feel lonely or you didn't get the lonely feeling?

• I think everyone is different in this area. I know other people who could be alone indefinitely. And, on the opposite end, someone who can't stand eating alone even when at home... they'll skip meals if they have to.
• For me, loneliness isn't something that sets in after a certain amount of time. It's more of a fleeting feeling that could come and go. I might feel it for a little bit. But then it passes as I look forward to the things I want to do.
• Keeping the feeling at bay requires mixing things up when you think it might be coming on. So sometimes it helps to stop and reflect. And other times, it's a sign to pick up the pace and find something new to explore.

3. I know this has been asked a million times, but any tips for a first timer?

• Read through this thread and also some of the excellent articles about solo travel (at Disney and otherwise) on the internet, and you'll definitely feel more comfortable about it.
• With all the pressures of life, this is your chance to relax and take care of yourself. When I go to theme parks with others, I gladly spend energy being considerate that they're also entertained, fed, taking restroom breaks, etc. as they do for me. But there's something special about giving yourself permission to do things just for you.

 

[godders]

Yay! Solo trips are great!

Coming from the UK it makes more sense to have longer trips that people who can go more regularly so I did 7 days at Disney and then hopped over to Universal for another 3 for my first trip. Definitely wasn't long enough as I hadn't been in 4 years. Second trip I did 14 days at Disney and 3 days at Universal and I wasn't so much lonely as I was exhausted haha

Like PP has said everyone is different when it comes to loneliness. As long as I have a couple of conversations a day and access to wifi to post pics or message someone then I'm golden. I think it depends what you're doing at the time as well. When I'm running around having a crazy rope drop to close day I don't really feel it. When I'm having a slower reflective type day or I'm not really sure what to do with myself that's when I feel it.

Yep feed through this thread, maybe find one thing whether it's an attraction or a restaurant or tour that you've never been able to do with others and just go for it. I would also look at solo trip reports and see how much fun people have one them. That can definitely help to sort out what you'd like to do or not.

 

[kwdw]

For me - trips less than 4 days aren't worth it. A cheap way to do a first time solo trip is arrive on Sunday - and leave on Wed or Thursday. Take the earliest flight you can on a Sunday - and the latest return flight you can on W or Th. Now - if money and vacation time aren't issues - go ahead and take the 6-10 day trip you might have as a family. There's PLENTY to do.

Loneliness - I struggle with loneliness if I tour the World Showcase in the evening because of all the couples. So - I don't do that anymore! I have some passing moments of loneliness when I'm there sometimes - and they are usually a sign I either need to sleep, eat, or change up my activity! My advice to you would be to celebrate your independence and freedom to do this on your own. Your choices, your plan, you are in control!

Tips - there are already lots on the thread. The big thing - do something NEW you haven't done before. Make a few ADR's. It's just like planning a family trip - only it's all about YOU.

 

[DaisyDuck001]

Your trip is over a year away, so by then you might have a new friend that you can go with. If not, you can try to meet up with some other Dis'ers for a meal or going around the parks. Some people enjoy the freedom of touring solo, others prefer having company to share the experiences with, and still others like some of each. My ideal trip might include some time with friends, meeting Dis'ers, meeting family members, and some solo time. I had a great trip like this just last month!

 

[Amirah95]

Congratulations on your decision to go!

1. How many nights/days did you stay your first time going solo to WDW?

• The first time, I was in Orlando for work so I only went for two days and two nights, before my company called and asked me to jump on a flight home. Definitely not enough time. I had one more wasted day left on my ticket, so I decided to convert to an annual pass and come back within 12 months.
  
• I was later able to do a "proper" solo trip of three nights and three days. Still a bit too short, but it was kind of a test since I wasn't sure if I'd get too lonely.
  
• Finally, I did a much more satisfying trip of four nights and four days. That was about long enough for me. Short enough that I still wanted more, but long enough that I was okay with going home.

2. How long did it take for you to feel lonely or you didn't get the lonely feeling?

• I think everyone is different in this area. I know other people who could be alone indefinitely. And, on the opposite end, someone who can't stand eating alone even when at home... they'll skip meals if they have to.
• For me, loneliness isn't something that sets in after a certain amount of time. It's more of a fleeting feeling that could come and go. I might feel it for a little bit. But then it passes as I look forward to the things I want to do.
• Keeping the feeling at bay requires mixing things up when you think it might be coming on. So sometimes it helps to stop and reflect. And other times, it's a sign to pick up the pace and find something new to explore.

3. I know this has been asked a million times, but any tips for a first timer?

• Read through this thread and also some of the excellent articles about solo travel (at Disney and otherwise) on the internet, and you'll definitely feel more comfortable about it.
  
• With all the pressures of life, this is your chance to relax and take care of yourself. When I go to theme parks with others, I gladly spend energy being considerate that they're also entertained, fed, taking restroom breaks, etc. as they do for me. But there's something special about giving yourself permission to do things just for you.

I was thinking along the lines of 5 nights because we would do a usual 7 nights as a family and I was ready to come home so I think will work. I intend on planning like how I would for my family, but pack the itinerary heavier as I move fast so I think I'll get to see more alone. Thanks for your advice!

Yay! Solo trips are great!

Coming from the UK it makes more sense to have longer trips that people who can go more regularly so I did 7 days at Disney and then hopped over to Universal for another 3 for my first trip. Definitely wasn't long enough as I hadn't been in 4 years. Second trip I did 14 days at Disney and 3 days at Universal and I wasn't so much lonely as I was exhausted haha

Like PP has said everyone is different when it comes to loneliness. As long as I have a couple of conversations a day and access to wifi to post pics or message someone then I'm golden. I think it depends what you're doing at the time as well. When I'm running around having a crazy rope drop to close day I don't really feel it. When I'm having a slower reflective type day or I'm not really sure what to do with myself that's when I feel it.

Yep feed through this thread, maybe find one thing whether it's an attraction or a restaurant or tour that you've never been able to do with others and just go for it. I would also look at solo trip reports and see how much fun people have one them. That can definitely help to sort out what you'd like to do or not.

I forgot about US...I really want to check out The Harry Potter attraction...but I won't have a rental car so that will be out. Maybe I can try to make that happen with a car service. Thanks for the reminder!

I had the greatest conversation with Princess Tiana back in 2010! How could I forget...I can talk to the characters!!!! LOL!!! And CM are awesome. I used to be a CM at TDS so I can use those skills to my advantage. There is so much I didn't get to do throughout the years so yes, I'll be looking into those things as well. Thanks for the advice!

For me - trips less than 4 days aren't worth it. A cheap way to do a first time solo trip is arrive on Sunday - and leave on Wed or Thursday. Take the earliest flight you can on a Sunday - and the latest return flight you can on W or Th. Now - if money and vacation time aren't issues - go ahead and take the 6-10 day trip you might have as a family. There's PLENTY to do.

Loneliness - I struggle with loneliness if I tour the World Showcase in the evening because of all the couples. So - I don't do that anymore! I have some passing moments of loneliness when I'm there sometimes - and they are usually a sign I either need to sleep, eat, or change up my activity! My advice to you would be to celebrate your independence and freedom to do this on your own. Your choices, your plan, you are in control!

Tips - there are already lots on the thread. The big thing - do something NEW you haven't done before. Make a few ADR's. It's just like planning a family trip - only it's all about YOU.

6-10 days is not in the budget, but after 7 nights I'm ready to go home anyway...but not having the family there I may want to stay longer...I hope not! LOL! I had leaving on a Sunday, but I didn't know it was a good time to travel on a plane (we only did roadtrips so thanks for the tip). My birthday is on a Monday so this will work perfectly.

I love the World Showcase...I mean...A LOT! After I zip through Future World I love to take my time and stroll around WS while seeing, people watching, eating and drinking as I do it. I do want to see Illuminations so I will stay for that and I won't have an ADR for that very reason of couples and families. I'll try to remember to see if I noticed the couples...of course I never noticed them before because I was always with my family. One think I really want to do is visit some of the resorts and sight-see...we could never do this because we'd be in the parks all the time.

I like going shopping alone so maybe doing WDW alone probably won't be so bad! Thanks for the advice.

 

[Amirah95]

Your trip is over a year away, so by then you might have a new friend that you can go with. If not, you can try to meet up with some other Dis'ers for a meal or going around the parks. Some people enjoy the freedom of touring solo, others prefer having company to share the experiences with, and still others like some of each. My ideal trip might include some time with friends, meeting Dis'ers, meeting family members, and some solo time. I had a great trip like this just last month!

That's a good idea! I wouldn't mind a meetup at Epcot if something like that was setup. I'll keep a look out here. Thanks!!!

 

[loves to dive]

My first solo trip was 3 nights/4 days. They have increased every time until my upcoming trip in Sept. will be 5 nights/6 days. I go twice a year so don't really need to stay longer than that.

I don't get lonely. More often than not if I'm travelling it's solo, my honey doesn't do travel unless it is to dive. My grown son tries to go with me at least every other year to WDW and takes at least one long weekend trip a year with me. I love to travel and go somewhere about every 3 months, usually just a long weekend.

My tip would be to slow down and enjoy the place. When you are with people, whether it be kids or adults, you tend to do what the group wants to do, going solo you can do what you want to do. Want to sit on a bench for 1/2 hour and eat an ice cream while watching people, do it. Want to walk around WS in Epcot and actually go slow and look at the details on the outside of the buildings, do it. Want to go to tea at the GF (make an ADR in advance or you won't get in) do it and have a glass of wine with your tea. Want to sleep in/get up early, go to bed early/stay up late - do it. Want to eat junk all day instead of actual meals, you got it, do it. I find I don't ride as many rides when I'm solo because I'm just spending my time actually enjoying the place. Way back in April/May 2013, they did a couple of podcasts on things to look for at AK that most people don't notice. Watch that, you'd be surprised how much there really is there to take in. I don't book FPs until the night before and if I want a sit down restaurant, I don't book the ADR until the day of. It's fun to see what you get and gives you new things to try. Visit some of the resorts you always wanted to see, you aren't tied down to a time frame (especially if you don't do the run from ride to ride and ADR thing) so just hop on the first bus that comes and go for it.

 

[godders]

I forgot about US...I really want to check out The Harry Potter attraction...but I won't have a rental car so that will be out. Maybe I can try to make that happen with a car service. Thanks for the reminder!

I had the greatest conversation with Princess Tiana back in 2010! How could I forget...I can talk to the characters!!!! LOL!!! And CM are awesome. I used to be a CM at TDS so I can use those skills to my advantage. There is so much I didn't get to do throughout the years so yes, I'll be looking into those things as well. Thanks for the advice!

Don't know how comfortable you would be but I used Uber to get from Disney to US and it was absolutely fine so if you really want to get to WWOHP then you could do that. I would also say if you do go then you don't really need express pass at US as a solo because there are so many single rider lines. I would hit Minions first thing (or maybe King Kong) then most other headliners are single riders although with the main Harry Potter rides (Gringotts and Hogwarts) I would definitely do the full queue first then single rider. Sorry, not sure if you've been before or recently so feel free to ignore me haha

I've still never met Tiana! Personally as much as I enjoy meeting characters I do find it a bit stressful because I'm so conscious of how awkward it can be. Gaston and Captain Jack were two of my favourites though. I'm a smoker and I pretty much always find someone to chat to in the smoking area if I need to but I wouldn't advise it to non smokers

 

[Amirah95]

My first solo trip was 3 nights/4 days. They have increased every time until my upcoming trip in Sept. will be 5 nights/6 days. I go twice a year so don't really need to stay longer than that.

I don't get lonely. More often than not if I'm travelling it's solo, my honey doesn't do travel unless it is to dive. My grown son tries to go with me at least every other year to WDW and takes at least one long weekend trip a year with me. I love to travel and go somewhere about every 3 months, usually just a long weekend.

My tip would be to slow down and enjoy the place. When you are with people, whether it be kids or adults, you tend to do what the group wants to do, going solo you can do what you want to do. Want to sit on a bench for 1/2 hour and eat an ice cream while watching people, do it. Want to walk around WS in Epcot and actually go slow and look at the details on the outside of the buildings, do it. Want to go to tea at the GF (make an ADR in advance or you won't get in) do it and have a glass of wine with your tea. Want to sleep in/get up early, go to bed early/stay up late - do it. Want to eat junk all day instead of actual meals, you got it, do it. I find I don't ride as many rides when I'm solo because I'm just spending my time actually enjoying the place. Way back in April/May 2013, they did a couple of podcasts on things to look for at AK that most people don't notice. Watch that, you'd be surprised how much there really is there to take in. I don't book FPs until the night before and if I want a sit down restaurant, I don't book the ADR until the day of. It's fun to see what you get and gives you new things to try. Visit some of the resorts you always wanted to see, you aren't tied down to a time frame (especially if you don't do the run from ride to ride and ADR thing) so just hop on the first bus that comes and go for it.

Slowing down is hard for me to grasp since I am used to being a Park Commando with my family. I am planning to do more sight seeing though because I do want to resort hop because I haven't seen most of the resorts as many times as I have been. Tea at GF sounds awesome! Thanks for suggesting podcasts because I forgot about those. Don't know if I can wait the day before to book FPs or ADRs, but that's something I'll keep in must plan everything mind. Thanks Thanks Thanks!

 

[Amirah95]

Don't know how comfortable you would be but I used Uber to get from Disney to US and it was absolutely fine so if you really want to get to WWOHP then you could do that. I would also say if you do go then you don't really need express pass at US as a solo because there are so many single rider lines. I would hit Minions first thing (or maybe King Kong) then most other headliners are single riders although with the main Harry Potter rides (Gringotts and Hogwarts) I would definitely do the full queue first then single rider. Sorry, not sure if you've been before or recently so feel free to ignore me haha

I've still never met Tiana! Personally as much as I enjoy meeting characters I do find it a bit stressful because I'm so conscious of how awkward it can be. Gaston and Captain Jack were two of my favourites though. I'm a smoker and I pretty much always find someone to chat to in the smoking area if I need to but I wouldn't advise it to non smokers

I've haven't been to US since 1992 so I am total noob when it come to US and IOA...thanks for the tips. My DD21 told me to never use Uber some time ago so I don't really know how I feel about it. I do want to see the HP stuff so I may just make that happen. How are the crowds in mid to late June?

It is awkward talking to characters that can talk, but I follow the story line and talk to them about what I liked and didn't like about the decisions they made in the movies. LOL! It's hilarious. Thanks so much for the US tips!!!! Appreciated!!!

 

[karly05]

My first solo trip (2012) was a Big Adventure for me (had never vacationed solo anywhere before), and I stayed 5 nights. The next 3 trips I extended to 6 nights, this year was 7 nights, and that's what I hope to be doing from now on.

I can't really address the loneliness - I'm a big ol' introvert and used to doing things alone, and I don't generally get lonely. I do text my sister throughout the trip with photos, and we usually talk a few times during the week.

My biggest solo tip is: NO ONE CARES that you are alone - so don't worry about getting "looks" or being made to feel weird. If you want to meet a character, do it. If you want to eat Table Service, do it. If you want to ride Mad Tea Party or Dumbo or Winnie the Pooh, do it. And if some poor unfortunate soul casts a disapproving eye, ignore them. You'll never see them again, anyway.

I've never been aware of getting "looks" from anyone. CMs have always been nice and Characters are awesome. Even the Disney Jr gang at H&V was super sweet with this old lady who watches way too many of their shows. I think all characters enjoy it when they know you're a fan of their work.

 

[Amirah95]

My first solo trip (2012) was a Big Adventure for me (had never vacationed solo anywhere before), and I stayed 5 nights. The next 3 trips I extended to 6 nights, this year was 7 nights, and that's what I hope to be doing from now on.

I can't really address the loneliness - I'm a big ol' introvert and used to doing things alone, and I don't generally get lonely. I do text my sister throughout the trip with photos, and we usually talk a few times during the week.

My biggest solo tip is: NO ONE CARES that you are alone - so don't worry about getting "looks" or being made to feel weird. If you want to meet a character, do it. If you want to eat Table Service, do it. If you want to ride Mad Tea Party or Dumbo or Winnie the Pooh, do it. And if some poor unfortunate soul casts a disapproving eye, ignore them. You'll never see them again, anyway.

I've never been aware of getting "looks" from anyone. CMs have always been nice and Characters are awesome. Even the Disney Jr gang at H&V was super sweet with this old lady who watches way too many of their shows. I think all characters enjoy it when they know you're a fan of their work.

7 nights sound really good about now, but I think 5 nights fits my budget more. If I can get extra funds I will definitely try to stay longer. I'll be able to sleep in and stay out as long as I want. Also, I think I'm more concerned with getting lonely than about what caring what others think. I'm sure I'll get over it quick once I actually get there. I'm still trying to figure out dining and where I want to eat alone. I'll definitely will be tearing through Fantasyland...no doubt!!! Thanks for your uplifting words.

 

[Violetspider]

My first solo Disney trip was last November, but it didn't start out or even end solo. Was with friends off site for 5 days, then onsite solo for 4 and finally 5 days with the BF. Not sure if my observation qualifies entirely, but I had a blast during my 4 solo days. I'm a fair bit of a loner for the most part, so those days were awesome. I did what I wanted, when I wanted! One thing that kept me from being bored or "lonely" was pin trading. Never had tried it before, but I got hooked. I was on a mission to find a few not so uncommon pins and that kept me engaged with Cast Members all over the world. It was a great challenge and I prevailed!

 

[MchL]

The first time I went solo, I was there for 10 days. I'd like to go more often, so will be making more trips with shorter stays.
It is easy to work around the park as a solo and easy to get a table for dining as a solo, although I don't recommend trying it without a reservation.
I really enjoyed going by myself and doing exactly what I wanted to do = ride Haunted Mansion 9 times.