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

[Crispity]

I have traveled alone before, though not to Disney (added days onto international work trips to do some sightseeing). I liked it because I got to do exactly what I wanted to do, when I wanted to do it. As much as I love Disney, I think a great deal of my enjoyment derives from seeing my daughter experience the magic, so it is not someplace I would go alone. A solo trip to a spa on the other hand...

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

I've done it 17 times and never felt guilty. It's my "Mom's Mental Health" trip.

I have had a blast every time and actually prefer my solo trips to trips with the family. I can't wait for my next one!

 

[MouseMamaToMany]

I'm a SAHM mama to 5, and I'm just getting ready to leave on my 3rd solo trip. 1 was to Universal for HP, and the other two are for WFW. I LOVE my solo trips. As an introvert, I find that Disney is a great place to be alone, but not be alone, if you know what I mean. My kids all know where I'm going, but they all know that they will each get a special trip with just me when they are 12.

I don't feel a bit guilty. With 2 daughters with special needs, I feel that I NEED the time to recharge. And WDW is my happy place. I refuse to feel silly or bad because I want to visit Mickey and regroup!

 

[OatsZoo]

I agree with most here, I am planning my first solo trip, sure there will be times of missing my family and times of guilt (though i am not really sure why) I am looking forward to doing Disney on my own agenda. Eating what and where I want, spending hours and hours in the shops, people watching and just doing Disney at my own pace sounds delightful. I enjoy Disney, my kids are both in high school so them taking time off just doesn't work and I will never do Disney in peak season, having only done Disney in off peak before. I plan to stay on site and just eat in the parks. The kids always rush my in the stores and shops, in the World Showcase...I can't wait to just do my own thing. Sure I will miss them and yes they will be jealous that they are not with me, but really, I give up a lot for for them yes I DO DESERVE this trip. Sometimes it needs to be about me and not them, lol. I am a mom to two teens, i need a break too. To not be a mom and to explore and do what I love. DISNEY!!!

 

[arminnie]

One year I went to Orlando 7 times for business (from the West Coast). I used to speak at a lot of IT conventions. I of course always made some time for Disney - but 99% of that was solo so I got very used to solo time at WDW.

WDW was also my "escape" place for the decade that I was my father's caretaker. Now my DH will always go if I ask - but I know that he doesn't love it like I do - so I go on a solo trip about once a year in addition to our trips together.

 

[Simba's Mom]

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.

My first solo trip was a surprise gift from my wonderful DH and 2 sons, who got together and planned a surprise weekend (Mother's Day) for just me. At the time my DSs were about 12 and 14, and everyone was happy I went by myself. Well, no-saying I was happy wouldn't be right-I was VERY VERY happy. Since then, I've done about 15 solo trips (like a PP said, a Mom's rejuvenation trip) about once a year, and I think we all benefit.

 

[SueDonym3]

I take trips with family and I have a friend trip that is girls only food and wine focused. But I love my solo trips. I used to tell my family and friends about my solo trips, but that led to some jealousy. So now I keep my solo trips quiet and enjoy them. But one thing I notice on my solos is that I will compare the trips and every now and then I have a twinge where I wish my family or friends was with me...but then I go ride something amd get over it quickly. I do the same thing when I'm traveling with my friends or family… I often think of how much easier and less stressful it would be if I were traveling solo…