Have you ever done a trip just you alone?

[BensWife]

I am a teacher, and might have the opportunity to attend a conference in Orlando in January. I am an elementary school librarian/digital learning coach so there might be a group of us going. Being that close to WDW I couldn't just pass up the opportunity to lengthen my trip over a weekend. The conference is Tues - Fri, so I would fly early in the weekend before the conference and probably others who attended the conference wouldn't fly in early, which would leave me by myself for touring. I have NEVER done anything like going out and touring my own before. I'm a grown woman (43) but never do anything on my own - even like going out to the movies or dinner by myself. I'm a bit of a wimp and not very adventurous, but how can I miss going to WDW when I'll already be in Orlando? I guess I can try to tour like in the evenings after sessions, but sessions aren't over until after 7pm, and I am new to the school district and really won't know those in my group very well to tour with anyone from the group. And I am not one who feels comfortable skipping a day of a conference. If my school is paying for me to go to the conference, I need to honor that. We are trying to figure out if my husband and kids can fly out with me for a few days and then fly back when the conference starts, but I'm not sure we can afford for all of us to go since this really wasn't a planned vacation. Have you ever done WDW alone? Would 3 days alone be too much? Any pointers about going alone?

 

[soniam]

Go by yourself! I would love to do this. When we went to Paris, DH and DS were just driving me crazy. I said I would meet them back at the apartment. I ended touring around the city on my own for a couple of hours. It was pure bliss. You can do what you want. It's easier to get a single FP. You can do the single rider lines. You sometimes get to cut the line some to help fill spots when there isn't a single rider line. People are friendly in line, so you don't have to worry about feeling isolated. Also, you can just sit at the bar at many restaurants, so you don't need ADRs. I bet if you do it, you will have a hard time going with others again. I wouldn't skip any of the conference though. Just go at night after the sessions. The parks are great at night anyway. It's not a full 3 days, right? It's only 3 nights. Have a blast!

 

[loves to dive]

I go alone often and will be there solo for F&W Sept. 17 - 23 so no 3 days alone is not too much. But, I travel by myself a lot since my honey hates to travel unless it's to dive and my son can't always go places with me. I also go to movies by myself and out to eat by myself. WDW solo is great, you can do what you want when you want. If you want to go to 3 shows in a row, you can go to three shows in a row. If you want ice cream for supper, go for it. It's a safe place, of course, you do need to be aware of what's around just like normal. First time I went I was worried but now, frankly, I almost enjoy my solo trips more than my trips with my son.

 

[BadPinkTink]

I have been to Disneyland California and Disneyland Paris totally alone. I am a regualr solo travller, I have been to alot of city trips as a solo and I regularly go to the cinema and restaurants and theatre in my local town solo.

First of all, people are very much self absorbed and focused on their vacation and their family, especially in Disney. No one in Disney is looking at you and thinking omg, what a shame she is on her own, why isnt her family here. Disney is the ideal place to try solo travel for the first time. Think about it, people go on single rider or do rides on their own as their family / friends etc dont like that particular ride. There are a huge amount of cast members on their day off in the park, or going to the park a few hours before their shift to go on rides or eat in restaurants.

 

[bookgirl]

I've done multiple solo trips it will be fine. I was in Orlando for ALA (American Library Assoc) in 2016 and did a combination of a arriving early and some visits around the schedule. My hotel was by the conference center and I rented a car so that made it easy but Uber was very convenient and affordable as well and I did that one evening when I was meeting folks for a night visiting various WDW bars.

 

[WestieCrazy]

Go! Maybe you can take the opportunity to really visit the resorts, instead of going crazy at the parks. There are so many Disney-owned resorts that I would love to tour, but with 10 and 13 year old boys - who want to ride, ride, ride - I'd be met with opposition and "BORING!" You can take the time to really enjoy details that you would miss if you were there with your husband and kids, because of rushing to rides and dinner reservations. You could get up early, take long walks, go to the gym or spa, etc. I think you would have a great time if you approached it from a different aspect. You'll no doubt miss your family, but you will get some good relaxation and "me" time. Have fun!

 

[yulilin3]

Just as an FYI there is an adults and solo travelers forum here on the Dis.

 

[Wild4Walt]

I've done several trips and I love going by myself. Total control of what I'm going to do that day and when. I can eat when I want, take my time, speed things up. If you think you'll feel weird dining in TS alone, then stick to the QS - believe me, other travelers usually have kids that they are WAAYYYY to worried about to notice you're eating on your own. Lots of people watching opportunities. Also, going at off-peak times can also help with any TS concerns. If you're looking to interact - Beirgarten at Epcot is perfect - you could be seated at a table with other parties. Go - and enjoy!

 

[leebee]

If this is the same conference that DD and I are looking into, the room prices at the BWI are amazing! Maybe we'll see you there!

 

[Simba's Mom]

I've gone solo many times, at least a dozen times. My first solo trip was a surprise gift from DH and my DSs, back in the days of non-expiring tickets and somehow we'd come home with a couple of days left on one ticket. I love solo trips.

 

[sky13]

I'm currently solo at WDW (though meeting up with a friend every now and again). Enjoying brunch at Narcoossee's right now I always have my phone with me though so I never get bored!

If you're not confident of going solo... Why not give it a test drive, maybe go to a restaurant or a movie or a local theme park solo?

(I used to be scared of going solo but was in California for a conference a few years back and decided to go to Disneyland on my own for a few days, enjoyed that so much that I've now done several Disney parks on my own!)

 

[amberpi]

Due to my profession, i travel by myself all the time. I actually love going to dinner by myself and in fact right now, I'm out enjoying some brunch by myself. You can do it and have a lovely time! It's amazing to just enjoy your own company.

 

[North of Mouse]

No! I love having someone with me to talk about our touring, dining, etc. Some people prefer to be alone - whatever you are comfortable with is right for you. Dh & I do occasionally split up for a little while while at Disney if we each have something we really want to experience (that is different) at the same time.

 

[pearlieq]

Live a little! WDW is the ideal place to test the waters of going out on your own because it's a familiar environment with endless entertainment options. Of course going with friends and family is wonderful, but you'll be surprised at how much fun it is to move through WDW totally unencumbered and doing exactly what you want to do, when you want to do it.

It's so easy to duck into a show or find a spot for the fireworks when it's just you, and breezing through single rider lines is awesome! Want to spend your entire afternoon people-watching from the TTA? You totally can!!! Want to eat a Mickey Bar and call it dinner? Go for it! 3 days is just about right to enjoy it before joining up with the conference where you'll need to be focused and "on" most of the time.

I hope you go and have a lovely time!!!

 

[disneyholic family]

I am a teacher, and might have the opportunity to attend a conference in Orlando in January. I am an elementary school librarian/digital learning coach so there might be a group of us going. Being that close to WDW I couldn't just pass up the opportunity to lengthen my trip over a weekend. The conference is Tues - Fri, so I would fly early in the weekend before the conference and probably others who attended the conference wouldn't fly in early, which would leave me by myself for touring. I have NEVER done anything like going out and touring my own before. I'm a grown woman (43) but never do anything on my own - even like going out to the movies or dinner by myself. I'm a bit of a wimp and not very adventurous, but how can I miss going to WDW when I'll already be in Orlando? I guess I can try to tour like in the evenings after sessions, but sessions aren't over until after 7pm, and I am new to the school district and really won't know those in my group very well to tour with anyone from the group. And I am not one who feels comfortable skipping a day of a conference. If my school is paying for me to go to the conference, I need to honor that. We are trying to figure out if my husband and kids can fly out with me for a few days and then fly back when the conference starts, but I'm not sure we can afford for all of us to go since this really wasn't a planned vacation. Have you ever done WDW alone? Would 3 days alone be too much? Any pointers about going alone?

i was in the same situation....a conference in orlando...
so i went early...

like you, i don't like doing stuff by myself, so i signed up for a bunch of behind the scenes tours...
i LOVED it...
the tours allowed me to be with like-minded disney loving people and enjoy the parks without being on my own...

.

 

[xlsm]

Yes, and it was great. There's a TR I just completed in my signature if you'd like to check it out, the first half of which contained photobucket photos I was too lazy to fix, but the second half has pictures added back in.

I will always advocate for bonus Disney days!

 

[KittyKitty]

I remember the 1st time I went solo, 27 years ago. Very hesitate about being alone. 1st day I met a young couple in line waiting to get into Epcot. Very nice, probably one of their 1st dates. Made a time to meet up with them, and they didn't show. I was bummed. Next day I again met a family in line waiting for MK to open, whose mother was at a meeting. Again they were nice. So nice, they asked if I wanted to tour with them so the boys, 8 and 10, could show me around. Best day ever!

I am so glad I didn't give up. I had to get over the fear of people thinking I was weird being by myself. I realized that guests don't really notice other guests.

Fear for me was the biggest hurdle to get over.

Since you have been to WDW before, I also suggest a tour. They are great. My favorite is Keys to the Kingdom. You get Madonna type headsets, and lots of information. Or Marceline to Magic Kingdom, not as long. I am taking one at Epcot on my next trip in Nov.

Have a great time!

 

[Micca]

I did a few biz related trips to Orlando and did WDW alone. Not as much fun as with family, but still worthwhile. It's not like there aren't 40,000 other people with you everywhere you turn. You strike up conversations with people in lines and with CMs, you'll meet some interesting folks. Besides,this guy is there

 

[LisaBi]

Go! I've done two solo trips over the years. They are different trips from when I take DS or go with a friend, but awesome nonetheless. Go at your own pace, spend more time lingering in shops, trying different food... can't wait for the opportunity to do it again.

 

[stsomewhere]

I did WDW and a 14 night DCL transatlantic cruise alone. It was amazing! My husband and kids sent me for mother's day.