Have you done a solo trip and left the family behind?

[100acreHiker]

Anyone take a solo trip and regret it, wished they had brought the kids and spouse, or was it amazing? We have a reservation for December and we're working on bringing my parents in addition to our family. Our family has done 4 trips in 3 years--kids and I love Disney (DH likes it well enough). The last trip was a short visit with just the four of us (two kids 11 & 8) and was fantastic, and the trip before that was a big, two-family trip, which turned out to be challenging and stressful. Even though the last short trip was great, I keep wondering what it would be like to have a vacation to myself. When we were in Haunted Mansion line last spring, I struck up a conversation with a woman who was there solo, her teen sons and husband at home. She said it was a very relaxing trip, doing as she pleased, but she still felt guilty at various points every day. And that's what I wonder: do those of you who go solo and leave your spouse and kids home wind up feeling bad while you're there? Do the kids resent it? Sometimes Disney with my kids is the best, and sometimes it's a headache getting everyone out the door early and managing disagreements about who wants to do what.

I know part of this is that it's the end of summer and I've been home with my kids for weeks, so escaping for some solo time sounds appealing, but I wonder if I'd get down there and start to feel lonely after a day or two, or if my kids would take it hard. Curious to hear from others who have done it and how the family unit handled it, and how the trip itself turned out.

 

[WEDWDW]

Go for it!

You won't know until you go solo!

 

[pcoleman]

I took girls only trip. Four adult friends, no kids and no spouses. It was awesume. We did some things together but spent much of our time doing individual things. I was able to see and do activities I wanted on my time frame. We did a four day trip. just the right length. Yes I left my DD7 and DH at home. I did bring special gifts home. I do not regret one minute of the trip. I highly recomend it. I did plan a bounce back with my family while there.

 

[kj2mom]

So this summer my friend's daughter did Dance The World. My children were going to be away and there was no way we could go. As I thought more about it I realized how much less expensive a trip would be with just me and heck, why not go see her by myself??? I decided to go for it. I flew alone, toured the parks alone much of the time and just met my friends at random times during the days obviously making sure I saw her parades and stage performance. I was sooo excited to be able to control my own schedule (of course keeping in mind the dancing)! I was up and out each morning for RD, had everything set the way I wanted. I will say in the end I had mixed emotions. I ended up skipping the rides that I knew were my children's favorites because I wanted to be with them. I did do FEA and the new Soarin without them because I was there and just had to but I fully admit I almost didn't so that I could be with them (which I know is kinda silly but just sharing how my mind/emotions worked while I was there). Now, I had a fun trip! I did enjoy being my own boss and not having to worry about anyone else but I did find myself a little guilty. I ended up Facebook living the parades, the MK welcome show and all of the night entertainment so my kids could watch with me!

I agree with, go you won't know until you try it. I don't think I will do it again but we shall see in the future I guess (never say never, right?)!


ETA: I didn't tell my kids I was going. I facetimed them from the hotel room because I figured they would see pics on social media from the other people I was 'with' so I wanted them to hear it from me. My daughter (14) cried and cried and cried so I cried and cried and cried. It was not the start I was anticipating. My children were with their dad for the month of July and I didn't want them to know because I didn't want to mess up anything with their dad....that night was rough but we eventually worked through it and like I said, I did the FB live thing so they were 'with' me.

 

[Delphinus317]

I took a solo trip last November & it was wonderful!! I've taken my boys to Disney so many times over the years, I just wanted to experience it for myself... By myself. So, I did. I had no guilt, no regrets. I had a fabulous time doing whatever I wanted. I'm looking forward to taking my DS11 back to Disney this October with friends of ours & I know it's going to be another great trip. And, I can't wait to do another solo trip down the road too. If you have the urge to do a solo trip... Do it. No regrets, no guilt. Just enjoy!

 

[china mom]

I have done it and loved it...no guilt.

The first time was a birthday present for me. I did three days, two nights and ate my way around World Showcase at Food and Wine.

Repeted the same trip two years later.

Most recently, I invited everyone but there were no takers so I flew in solo for a one day trip to Flower and Garden.

DO IT

 

[tobikaye]

I am not married and do not have kids, but I am now a care provider for my special needs sister. My next trip is just a trip for my cousin and me. She is leaving her family and I am leaving my sister and we are going to be able to do so many things we cannot do when we have the others with us.

I have done a couple of solo trips and I enjoyed them immensely. Since my cousin and I are both WDW veterans, we are very comfortable splitting up if we need a slight break from each other or if we want to do different things.

 

[lustergirl]

Absolutely amazing: going on my 6th solo trip this coming November. Tomorrow I get to make my fast passes and do online check in.

 

[dreiwhit]

No, i've never done a solo trip to Disney. However, I have done plenty of solo trips to different places when I traveled for work. I ended up missing my wife and kids each time I was gone. I would try to keep busy so that I wouldn't miss them, but I would miss them.

My advice: Take the wife and kids with you!

 

[Alice777]

After 29 years of marriage, this April was first time I went on vacation to WDW without the husband. BUT I was with my 2 sons who are adults. This November, I'm going with my older son only because my younger son doesn't like Disney and doing once in April was enough for him. Because our April trip was very hectic (was interested in rides only/CS for all meals fearing losing "ride" time) so November trip, I planned 2 ADRs a day and it'll be sighseeing trip. Couldn't believe all the stuff I missed or couldn't remember from my April trip because it was so stressful.

I've been asking my younger son every week if he changed his mind and if he wants to go with us because I feel guilty leaving him behind (and not able to enjoy all the ADRs I planned) eventhough he's adult (22 years old).

It's just me but if my children were younger, I don't think I can go by myself especially if it's they love Disney. I would feel too guilty. However, it is my dream that once my boys move out that I want to do solo trip by myself.

 

[TreeFalls]

How about tagging an extra couple days onto the end of a family trip? Send the kids home with DH, maybe move hotels if you like, and spend a couple days doing whatever you want. You would feel less guilty, cause they were just there, and would get some "solo" time.

 

[Lynne G]

Yep, while I miss the family, it's so nice to go and do whatever I want. Third time going solo, and the time I go keeps getting longer.

 

[danjoan14]

Never done the solo trip. Thought about it on many occasions. But going in December for a quick weekend trip with just my DS. We were in the park alone a few years ago before waiting to join up with the crew. We were having lunch at the Land in Epcot. He thought it was pretty cool just the two of us without any of our other travelers. So we're going alone this December. DW didn't mind too much, but I know it's bothering her being so far away. She really wanted a few years off from WDW. It will be another few years when we go again with the crew. I'm sure I would miss spending the "Magical Moments" with no one if I traveled alone. But it would be pretty cool being able to enjoy my own schedule and eat where I would like to eat. Oh well, maybe for my next milestone birthday if no one wants to join me!!!

 

[fortheloveofminnie]

Yes, I have done solo trips and I love them. I love everything about them. I love to wander through the parks and take photographs. I love to stay up late and watch the evening entertainment without managing tired children. I love a quiet hotel room. And I do not feel guilty. But we travel to Disney fairly often, so my 5 children still get to experience Disney every 1 to 2 years. I've also taken a few trips with just my husband -- Epcot's F&W festival is really fun without the kids. And I've taken trips with just my boys and trips with just my girls. And my kids are totally fine with it. But that's just part of how our family works and it's all they've ever known. We take family vacations, but we also split up and vacation in smaller groups sometimes too. And that even includes the occasional solo trip by a parent. So I would say -- you never know unless you try?

 

[jaiminee krikit]

I did a solo trip 3 years ago and it was AWESOME!! My DD was going to her grandparents' house a few hours away from where we live, south, closer to Orlando. My DD and I are very close, and when she goes away for a week or so in the summer, I get sad. Well, about 6 months before her trip, I got a pin code in the mail. I jokingly asked my DH if while my DD was gone, I could go to WDW. He told me "Sure, price it out and we'll discuss it". The next day I came to him with the price and my plans. He told me to go ahead. I discussed it with my DD ahead of time and she said I should go. I truly think they thought I couldn't do it, but I did, and I loved it! I dropped her off and headed to Orlando, so yes, I even drove by myself (I typically won't go to Target by myself, so this was huge). I had a wonderful time. I did the Keys to the Kingdom Tour (highly recommend). I ate at places my family would never even think of going. I slept in if I wanted, and came back to the hotel whenever I wanted. I talked to my family several times a day, and yes absolutely I missed them, but I still had a fantastic time. I went on all the rides I wanted - not caring how long the wait was. I found hidden quiet places when it was time to talk to my family. I loved interacting with other families on the trip and especially talking to their little ones. I people watched a bit (one of my favorite things to do at WDW). I stopped whenever I wanted to relax and have some me time.

I desperately want to do it again, but surprisingly my DD (who is 13 now) doesn't want me to go without her ever again. Not that I'm disappointed about that, because I absolutely love going with her, there are just still some things I can't do with her there. I'll wait until she's in college and plan a trip then!

If you can, do it - you'll have an amazing time!

 

[luvgoing2disney]

A few trips back, DW stayed in the room on the last day to pack (I had already packed my things) so I went over to the MK, where we always start and end our trips.

It was the strangest feeling and I swore then I would not do that again. I felt like a fish out of water. I can't imagine doing one and leaving her behind and don't know if I could ever visit were she no longer here. She met me a few hours later, but I did not enjoy the park nearly as much without her.

Everyone has their own comfort levels, so if you think it is interesting and appeals to you, you will never know until you try.

 

[goofyintoronto]

I have a DS, but I do solo trips as he lost interest in disney...not an ounce of guilt here. None whatsoever. Its pretty amazing actually. You do what you want, when you want. Its exactly what i needed. Im pretty independent, always have been, so that could be why I dont get lonely.

 

[woodynjessiesmomma]

I've never gone completely solo but I have been without the kids. We took a family trip last September, then DH and I went back to WDW in October. We had so much fun and the experience was much more enjoyable and relaxing and we got lots done. I went to DL with a friend in January and that was a blast too. This December another friend and I are doing WDW and a cruise. While I think of my family/kids often the experience is so different I don't feel guilty or miss to them too much to have fun. We take lots of family trips and I love those too!

 

[alliecat523]

I've had work trips that have allowed me to spend a few days at the park solo. My next is in October where I will do the KTTK tour. It's very different. Fun to do your own thing with no compromising, but I do miss the fun of having my DD around (DH hates Disney).

 

[Deanie1]

Haven't done a solo trip but did a few with just my DD. Left my DH at home - he doesn't enjoy it. Sons are older, didn't want to go. But, I am heading for a solo trip soon and while I may feel a bit lonely at times, I don't/won't feel guilty.