First Trip without the family. What to expect?

[DLN8THEGR8]

I am a senior at college and planning to spend my senior year spring break in WDW with one of my best friends. I have been to Disney 12 times since 2006, and he has been 20+ (mainly bc his family is DVC), but all of those times have been with our families. We are both huge disney parks fans and are excited for this trip (a whole week staying at one of the DVC villas at our favorite resort). What can we expect to be different going as just two best friends (both 21+) as opposed to going with our families?

 

[mort1331]

I am a senior at college and planning to spend my senior year spring break in WDW with one of my best friends. I have been to Disney 12 times since 2006, and he has been 20+ (mainly bc his family is DVC), but all of those times have been with our families. We are both huge disney parks fans and are excited for this trip (a whole week staying at one of the DVC villas at our favorite resort). What can we expect to be different going as just two best friends (both 21+) as opposed to going with our families?

FREEDOM.......LOL
just the ability to do whatever and no restraints on others...enjoy and take it in at your pace

 

[sponica]

Doing what you want, when you want. Do you want to sleep in and just book lightning lanes for the afternoon, do it! do you want a pool day/ disney springs day? DO IT

Enjoying the world showcase!

 

[ak517]

Oh my first adult trip was SO MUCH FUN! I went with one of my girlfriends (another Disney lover) after college for Food & Wine before Covid watered it down. We booked dining in advance and got on the same page about headliners (7DMT had just opened when we went), but otherwise just went with the flow. Definitely don't sleep on the lounges (Nomad at AK and Enchanted Rose at GF are my favorites), maybe do a monorail or skyliner crawl, basically do whatever you two want. Also, don't be afraid to split up if there are different things you each want to do!

 

[AUDramaQueen]

FREEDOM.......LOL
just the ability to do whatever and no restraints on others...enjoy and take it in at your pace

This. It will be great!

But on the flip side, you may need to pay more attention to a budget then you normally do...

 

[wdw&sonny]

Yep. You'll be much more aware of the prices.

 

[kwdw]

Yep. You'll be much more aware of the prices.

I would actually talk a bit about budget when it comes to food and drink so you are on the same page. Like, are you going to do a grocery order at the resort? Alcohol budget? Lounge hop? TS or not? And maybe each pick the one thing you have to do in each park so the other knows.

And maybe talk through if you just want to go with flow or plan a few things. You have both been enough to know the pluses and minuses of each option. Definitely don’t plan too much, but it’s good to know if you,are thinking about RD or closing out the,park.

Otherwise, have a blast! The attitude that “you’ll be back” helps with going with the flow because you don’t have to do everything and will make touring around more easygoing.

 

[brockash]

I am a senior at college and planning to spend my senior year spring break in WDW with one of my best friends. I have been to Disney 12 times since 2006, and he has been 20+ (mainly bc his family is DVC), but all of those times have been with our families. We are both huge disney parks fans and are excited for this trip (a whole week staying at one of the DVC villas at our favorite resort). What can we expect to be different going as just two best friends (both 21+) as opposed to going with our families?

You'll move a lot faster and get more accomplished with less ppl. The first trip my kids and I took without extended family I just kept thinking how quickly we were getting things done.

 

[Upatnoon]

It should be less stressful and more relaxing with a small group, especially experienced visitors.

You don't have to "do everything" and can just enjoy yourself and the parks. Making decisions and changing plans is much easier with just two people.

And with no big pack, you can pick a dinner or activity that may be out of reach if you had to bring the entire family.

Perhaps there is an attraction you have both never been or something you always wanted to try, but couldn't in the past.

Have fun!

 

[Paranurse]

You will get to do what you want to do at the pace you want to set. You will notice things you haven't noticed on prior trips. You will literally be able to stop and smell the roses.

We did our first alone trip back in January and it was freakin' awesome! This was our first trip without the children or other family members. And we normally go to WDW 3-4 times a year. We have seven children that range from 13 to 30.
Let me tell you! The freedom we had made it the lowest stressed WDW trip ever for us! We were even given a button from a cast member that said, "1st Disney trip without kids". Got lots of compliments on it!

You will have an awesome trip! Be sure to post a trip report about your experience!

 

[bdrex28]

I am a senior at college and planning to spend my senior year spring break in WDW with one of my best friends. I have been to Disney 12 times since 2006, and he has been 20+ (mainly bc his family is DVC), but all of those times have been with our families. We are both huge disney parks fans and are excited for this trip (a whole week staying at one of the DVC villas at our favorite resort). What can we expect to be different going as just two best friends (both 21+) as opposed to going with our families?

LOL as others have said; Freedom.

Freedom to ride what you want when you want, you and your friend able to just do whatever you desire (legally of course!)

As a father of a 27, 21 and 17 yr old, I'm sure they'd say "We don't have to eat at Boma and Liberty Tree Tavern or ride Pirates 17 times with Dad"



Have fun!

 

[jtopp]

Having to pay your own way, you will be more discriminating of your expenditures. On the plus side, the freedom to do what you want as opposed to going along with the family makes the trip easier.