Help! DVC Trip Anxiety...

[Donald's Fan in PHX!]

OK, so I have always vacationed to WDW with friends or family in the past, but this upcoming trip in January 11th - 18th will be my first solo trip . I don't want to cancel it because my use year is Feb and these points are old & will drop off in Feb if I don’t use them between now a then. So I have an entire week planned, 3 nights at SSR and 4 nights at AKV.
My friend I'd planned on going with cancelled about a week ago due to money restraints, which I completely understand, however now I have two airline tix and my week long rental. I've called several friends and fam members, but no one can get away for the 8 days this short of notice.
So long story short, I'm still going, but just me...and worse, it’s my birthday on the 13th . Can anyone let me know if there are any group meets of any kind planned, or if any other groups of people are also going solo? Trust me, I'm looking forward to rocking the single rider line benefits , but would like to get together with friends occasionally too.
thanks

 

[dianeschlicht]

Why not post a "do you want a DIS/DVC meet?" thread on this board? I usually post one for each trip, and we meet with other folks we chat with here all the time. It always leads to some good conversation, and can even lead to doing further activities together with others should you or they care to.

The other thing I do when I am in a park alone is I start chatting with everyone in line around me. It usually means I hook up with someone who will follow me to a couple of other attractions, which we then enjoy together. You meet lots of new people that way, but it isn't for the shy! Heck, one time DH and I were on our way into AK early in the morning to hit the safari and for me to go to the then new Expedition Everest ride before we headed down to Fort Myers, and spring training camp. Walking in from the parking lot, we noticed another couple driving a car with MN plates and a DVC sticker in the window. We started chatting with them, and learned they were basically doing the same thing we were. Because my DH is not a roller coaster guy, and because the wife of this couple was also not into coasters, the husband of that couple and I headed to Expedition Everest for a quick 3 rides while my DH and his DW headed to Kilamajaro Safari for the first ride of the day! It was great! We made new temporary friends, and it got our day off to an interesting start!

 

[eliza61]

Also go over to the solo board. There may be folks going the same time.

 

[spiceycat]

here is one
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1957686

this one may quit before you come - not sure of the dates
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2023847

 

[Donald's Fan in PHX!]

Why not post a "do you want a DIS/DVC meet?" thread on this board? I usually post one for each trip, and we meet with other folks we chat with here all the time. It always leads to some good conversation, and can even lead to doing further activities together with others should you or they care to.

The other thing I do when I am in a park alone is I start chatting with everyone in line around me. It usually means I hook up with someone who will follow me to a couple of other attractions, which we then enjoy together. You meet lots of new people that way, but it isn't for the shy! Heck, one time DH and I were on our way into AK early in the morning to hit the safari and for me to go to the then new Expedition Everest ride before we headed down to Fort Myers, and spring training camp. Walking in from the parking lot, we noticed another couple driving a car with MN plates and a DVC sticker in the window. We started chatting with them, and learned they were basically doing the same thing we were. Because my DH is not a roller coaster guy, and because the wife of this couple was also not into coasters, the husband of that couple and I headed to Expedition Everest for a quick 3 rides while my DH and his DW headed to Kilamajaro Safari for the first ride of the day! It was great! We made new temporary friends, and it got our day off to an interesting start!

Nice, thanks for the advice. I think I will post a DIS/DVC meet. As far as just winging it and meeting people in line, I for sure will be doing that anyway ,

 

[GOOFY26]

Don't worry about going by yourself I celebrated my big 50 birthday by myself in Disney and I had a great time. I am also planning on spending my bithday solo again in Disney in 2009. You will have a great time going solo.

 

[Donald's Fan in PHX!]

here is one
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1957686

this one may quit before you come - not sure of the dates
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2023847

Wow, nice researching , thanks I hit these two up, but look like I'll just be missing them. I'll keep posting though, maybe I can get a lunch group or evening group together for a couple days that week.

 

[Donald's Fan in PHX!]

Also go over to the solo board. There may be folks going the same time.

Sweet, will do...

 

[dburg30]

My wife and myself are talking my mom for a few days the 12th - 16th at SSR.. It will be my moms first trip to WDW!! And I'm so excited just to get to take her!!! I just hope she enjoys herself!

 

[Donald's Fan in PHX!]

My wife and myself are talking my mom for a few days the 12th - 16th at SSR.. It will be my moms first trip to WDW!! And I'm so excited just to get to take her!!! I just hope she enjoys herself!

Sweet, my first 3 days are at SSR and then I have the rest at AKV. How could she not enjoy herself ? She will have a great time for sure. My all time favorite trip to WDW was when I took a friend who had never been before. Everything was new again, and the excitement level and fun reminded me of when I was a kid, lol.

 

[MARY-IN-OH]

Darn! Will just miss you! I arrive on the 18th!!

You'll have a wonderful time solo, Disney is probably one of the easiest places to get around solo. You should read some trip reports of people who go solo. (Like Paula's - "IluvCrush" and Stacybeasm too!).

have a great birthday! (I'm going for my birthday too!)
-mary

 

[Donald's Fan in PHX!]

Darn! Will just miss you! I arrive on the 18th!!

You'll have a wonderful time solo, Disney is probably one of the easiest places to get around solo. You should read some trip reports of people who go solo. (Like Paula's - "IluvCrush" and Stacybeasm too!).

have a great birthday! (I'm going for my birthday too!)
-mary

I'll pass you in the airport, lol, have a good trip.

 

[mecllap]

Be sure to check in with member's services to get your birthday gift card or one-day pass for another trip (something newish they're doing now). I made a 10-12 day trip on my own during a rough patch several years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. And I would have enjoyed it even more had I been staying where you are (I was off-site with no car and still had a great time).

I don't think there are very many single-rider opps at WDW are there? Maybe a good thing to do a Search on.

The only time a CM kind of did a double-take about my being alone was when I did the Pooh et al Character Breakfast at the Crystal Palace!

It's great being on your own schedule, just doing what you want to do -- maybe a good time to catch those things that others in your family aren't as interested in for the next time you're all together. There are times my family splits up on the same trip to do that (I don't do roller coasters, and don't want to just sit and wait, so we meet up somewhere later). Don't let being "alone" keep you from doing anything you want to -- it's actually a good time to spoil yourself a little -- try that expensive restaurant that others in your family might not like (or check one out to see if they would and it would be worth the cost).

Anyway -- there's lots of advice on the Singles and Solo travelers thread. (I expect the Photopass photogs and the CM's with characters will still use your camera to take photos of you as well, if you don't want to get the CD).

Have a magical time!

 

[Donald's Fan in PHX!]

Be sure to check in with member's services to get your birthday gift card or one-day pass for another trip (something newish they're doing now). I made a 10-12 day trip on my own during a rough patch several years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. And I would have enjoyed it even more had I been staying where you are (I was off-site with no car and still had a great time).

I don't think there are very many single-rider opps at WDW are there? Maybe a good thing to do a Search on.

The only time a CM kind of did a double-take about my being alone was when I did the Pooh et al Character Breakfast at the Crystal Palace!

It's great being on your own schedule, just doing what you want to do -- maybe a good time to catch those things that others in your family aren't as interested in for the next time you're all together. There are times my family splits up on the same trip to do that (I don't do roller coasters, and don't want to just sit and wait, so we meet up somewhere later). Don't let being "alone" keep you from doing anything you want to -- it's actually a good time to spoil yourself a little -- try that expensive restaurant that others in your family might not like (or check one out to see if they would and it would be worth the cost).

Anyway -- there's lots of advice on the Singles and Solo travelers thread. (I expect the Photopass photogs and the CM's with characters will still use your camera to take photos of you as well, if you don't want to get the CD).

Have a magical time!

Nice, thanks for the advice...& Yes, I have all my favorite dining still reserved, so no worries there