Going it alone - How to Handle Solo Trips?

[Ismo]

I typically always go alone. It's a very special day when DH or friends join me. This is my takeaway from solo trips:

- I always try to book a sit down meal and will take my time and enjoy every bite while people watching or reading a book (I'll order a cocktail AND dessert as well - make it special)
- I always go on Haunted Mansion & Little Mermaid, sometimes twice and I won't feel bad about it
- I like to grab a mint Julep and walk around the French Quarter
- I have literally never had anyone look at me weird, or at least I haven't noticed because I'm enjoying my day too much
- I actually find that CMs talk to me more when I'm by myself, I've had a lot of amazing interactions of the years
- I recently started vlogging and I've been a little nervous about essentially talking to myself, but no one seems to mind
- I bring my kindle with me if I want to go on rides, waiting in line with no one to talk to can be tough for me, so I just read now and time flies
- I don't make any concrete plans, I basically just do whatever I feel like doing in the moment
- I get to spend a lot of time shopping around without boring anyone who's with me
- And I literally get to do whatever I want in that moment

Honestly, I love my solo trips. I love going with people too. But when I go with others, the day is more about them and I try to cater to what they want to do. The solo days are just for me and I cherish them!

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

“As much as I love visiting the parks with my kids a solo trip sounds like an absolute dream. Ride whatever I want, eat whatever I want, do whatever I want. Ahhhhhhhh…. When I see someone solo in the parks not only do I not judge them, I am actually jealous. Have fun on your trip.”

Haha, once when I was on a solo trip eating at the Tropical Hideaway a woman at the next table asked me if I was traveling alone and said “I’m so jealous!” and then the rest of her family showed up and kind of winked at me and we shared a moment there Maybe it was you?
[/QUOTE]
Not me but sounds about right!

 

[Becca1007]

Some of my best experiences happened on solo trips to the parks. Smile and be friendly/approachable and you will find that many cast members will engage you in conversation. Once on a solo trip I was sitting at the back of the train for a couple of loops while it was hot and happened to be on the train pulling the Lilly Belle. The engineer noticed I had not gotten off the train and asked if I would like to make another full circle tour ... I said yep and she invited me to ride with her in the Lilly Belle, we chatted and I got to learn all about the railroad and Lilly Belle history.
I also love to do a fancy sit down meal when solo (at DL or elsewhere) when you are enjoying something like the Chef's Counter at Napa Rose or a multi-course tasting menu elsewhere the staff interaction and service level is wonderful and provides for an opportunity to interact with someone even if it is just them explaining the dishes as they serve them.

 

[MonocularVision]

I would never judge someone on a solo trip but I also know I could never do it. I’d feel way too alone.

 

[cruisehopeful]

I love it. You're only going for one day. That will be easy peasy. One time when I was solo and I wanted a dessert, I looked at every dessert at every QS in both parks before deciding which one I was going to get. That would NEVER happen if I were with other people. Same thing with looking for a gift. I could easily check each shop and then decide where to go back to buy just the right things.
Guardians in my favorite ride. Solo, I get there right at opening and ride the ride several times in a row.

 

[emtink]

I've done one solo trip to DL, and it was one of my absolute favorite visits. Like others have said, doing only what YOU want to do is just *chefs kiss*. First thing I did was go to NOS and sit on a bench for like 30 minutes with a drink. Divine. I walked Mainstreet at a snails pace, stopping to look at aaaaaalllll the windows. So relaxing. I ended up meeting an old friend for a ride on Smugglers Run, but other than that, I was solo all day. No one ever commented or reacted to me being a solo rider. I generally don't chat with strangers, but a couple of CMs and guests struck up conversations in line. No one thought it was weird that I was by myself. While in line, I would listen to podcasts or YouTube. If you aren't feeling chatty, just pop in some ear buds and folks will leave you alone.