first trip to WDW and I'm going solo!!

[jensenba]

I am so excited I am beside myself. I just found out a couple days ago that I get to go to a convention at WDW on Sep 9 and 10. I have never been and always wanted to go. Now I get to go. And I am going solo. This is my very first solo trip ANYWHERE. Are there any tips anyone can give me. Altough I am extremely excited. I am a little nervous becuase I have never traveled more than 50 miles by myself.

 

[edingerc]

First tip: gorget the nervousness. A solo trip to WDW is *you* time. No worries about getting hit on or looked at like you're a freak. You get to go where you want, when you want and don't have to apologize to anyone for what you're doing or not doing or compromise with anyone.

Second tip: WDW ain't about the rides. This is a common misconception. They do have rides, which add immensly to the atmosphere, but the atmosphere is why we go there. Take the time to people watch! Sit on a bench and watch the magic from that little girl's eyes over there....

Third tip: You always get more than you give. If you're going to Spectro or Wishes or Illuminations, you might think about getting some glow bracelets for kids around you. Look for a family with tired/cranky kids and give the parnets enough bracelets for one per child. And watch cranky turn into delighted.

 

[PrincessCandaceMarie]

OMG how cool! First of all, have fun, take a ton of film and a good camera, bring comfy shoes, tons of spf; shorts, tank tops, t shirts, etc., check out maps and such on the DIS boards to see where things are at and where you're staying at; enjoy the parades, visit the castle, make ps if you are able to; check out DTD and shop like crazy, enjoy the food, meet MM and most of all look for other DIS'rs! Get a lime green MM at Home Depot if you can!

I'll be there the same time too, so hopefully I'll see you!

 

[chyam]

I am so excited I am beside myself. I just found out a couple days ago that I get to go to a convention at WDW on Sep 9 and 10. I have never been and always wanted to go. Now I get to go. And I am going solo. This is my very first solo trip ANYWHERE. Are there any tips anyone can give me. Altough I am extremely excited. I am a little nervous becuase I have never traveled more than 50 miles by myself.

You will have a wonderful time, perhaps a first trip by yourself will actually let you take in and enjoy the atomosphere more, since you won't be motivated by another to do this and that and try to do so much. But remember (I noticed you were from Idaho) That it is still very hot and humid here and you will probably have to move at a slower pace, also get some pool time.
Have a wonderful visit!

 

[edingerc]

WDW ain't about the rides. This is a common misconception. They do have rides, which add immensly to the atmosphere, but the atmosphere is why we go there. Take the time to people watch! Sit on a bench and watch the magic from that little girl's eyes over there....

Allow me to illustrate that point. Awhile ago, someone started a thread about the Main Street Dancers. Many long-time WDWers posted, "who?" I think that many people are so wrapped up in rides and character encounters that they miss many oportunities that Disney sets up for your enjoyment.

Fourth tip: Who you trying to impress? Go ahead and put on the ears. You know you want to!

Fifth tip: Mickey WANTS you to hug him, give the mouse what he wants!

 

[WaltD4Me]

Fifth tip: Mickey WANTS you to hug him, give the mouse what he wants!

I agree with all your tips, but have 1st hand knowledge of this one!

I wasn't on a solo trip, but one day at MGM I got seperated from my family, we agreed to meet at the big hat if this happened, so I was just sitting on a bench, people watching and looking for my family.
Mickey had come out and somehow wasn't mobbed yet, he saw me sitting on my bench and when I looked over, he waved me over and opened his arms out wide nodding his head. I got up and went over and he gave me a big hug. It was great!

 

[lovethattink]

I often take my toddler to a different park than where my husband and son go. My last time to MK with just a toddler, I met this wonderful person from Wisconsin who was there solo. We ended up spending half a day together, going on attractions and eating lunch. It was alot of fun. We even kept in contact afterwards.

 

[kab407]

Tours, Tours, Tours!

Take some of the speciality tours that Disney offers at all the parks. Great way to see a different side of WDW. My next solo I'm going to do the 8 hour behind the scenes.

(Note to self plan the next solo trip after the family trip in October.)

 

[Simba's Mom]

Read, read, read! Ask a lot of questions before you go. There's all sorts of information on the internet-resturaunt reviews, not sure if there still is but there used to be a site that rated the potties around WDW. In July, I went to DL, my first time there, and solo besides. I managed fine, mostly because I'd read, studied maps, knew places that were recommended to eat, where the potties were, etc. And mostly, have lots of fun!!!

 

[rickc77]

Hi....You are about to have the time of your life.......

One of the benefits of going solo is that you are able to go on any ride that you want and not have to see what otehrs want to do.

The best thing about September visits to Disney is the fact that the lines are so much shorter......you have just entered the Value season. There is still a good amount of visitors, but nothing like mid summer.

Keep in mind if you want to have your photo taken with one of the charactors, just ask one of the Disney staff members and they will be more then happy to take the photo for you.

I too will be there in September....6-16th......this will be the 5th time that I make the journey during the month of September and have enjoyed each of my trips.

You'll have a great trip........if there are any specific questions that you have, well this is the perfect web-site to ask them.

Have a nice trip

 

[Free4Life11]

Excuse me, what is this "green MM" from Home Depot that was mentioned? Is there some code that identifies if you post on The DIS?

 

[jensenba]

the "green MM" is Paint chips from home depot that are shapped as mickey heads. You display them somewhere so on the Disers can spot you.