Help!! Hubby backing out!!

[jsmla]

DH and I planned a trip to WDW 1/29-2/1 using rented points at the BCV. Now he can't go. The kids are in school and friends are working. So now I'm thinking about going solo The thing is, I've never done anything like this in my life. Never lived alone, never gone anywhere more adventurous than the mall alone. My first instinct was to cancel the trip, even though we'd lose $$$ on the room but I'm reconsidering.

I'm looking for reassurance from people who've made a solo trip even though they thought they weren't the type to do something like that. I'm worried about feeling uncomfortable without a companion but kind of excited at the same time. Were you okay eating and doing the attractions alone? I'm pretty shy and terrible at meeting new people or talking to strangers. Any tips?

Thanks,
Jennifer

 

[InstImpres]

Don't cancel....you'll love BCV!!! It is also great as a solo to be close to Epcot and MGM.

My first solo trip had a few uncomfortable moments (self-perception only) but I love my solo trips and try to get one in each year. I usually travel with at least DD but usually bigger crowds. Plan a tour if you are worried about being alone all the time. Also, try more counter service than table service, if you think you'll be self conscience. Lastly, bring a book or a journal to write in to pass the time at a table service restuarant.

I'm sure you'll be loving the trip and wondering why you didn't do solo sooner!

 

[Valentine]

I agree.. Go for it! It is fabulous... except it can be come addictive!! Your hubby will be regretting this because you will want to escape more often alone! Worse case scenario... you hate it and come home early...but you won't!!! Disney is a great place to travel solo... you can take time and enjoy the things you miss when you travel with other people... Enjoy it!

kathy

 

[DayOwlVT]

Go for it, Jennifer! Solo travel is one of the most empowering things you can do for yourself in life. It will give you a confidence you might not have thought you could ever have. And Disney World is one of the best places to get your feet wet with solo travel, because it's so easy and so safe. Remember, life is too short not to do what we want just because we can't find someone to do it with. And as a wife and mother, you're probably always doing things for your husband and your kids. This is something you can do for yourself.

 

[FluffyPooh]

Jennifer, you won't regret making the trip. And, of course, on your next trip you can share with your husband all your new found Disney secrets! Kids grow up, husbands get busy, but I promise you, you will have fun. Some nights at BVC, I have not wanted to venture out, watched the fireworks from the room, and order room service. It will work, I promise. Loved the room service so much, I have been known to order room service while sitting at the BCV quiet pool with a book! It will work for you.

DH and I planned a trip to WDW 1/29-2/1 using rented points at the BCV. Now he can't go. The kids are in school and friends are working. So now I'm thinking about going solo The thing is, I've never done anything like this in my life. Never lived alone, never gone anywhere more adventurous than the mall alone. My first instinct was to cancel the trip, even though we'd lose $$$ on the room but I'm reconsidering.

I'm looking for reassurance from people who've made a solo trip even though they thought they weren't the type to do something like that. I'm worried about feeling uncomfortable without a companion but kind of excited at the same time. Were you okay eating and doing the attractions alone? I'm pretty shy and terrible at meeting new people or talking to strangers. Any tips?

Thanks,
Jennifer

 

[chyam]

Jennifer............I sent you a pm. You will not regret a solo trip at all!

 

[Simba's Mom]

Go for it! Several years ago, DH, DS, and I were going to go to WDW. At the last minute, DS had a school event he hated to miss. Since I'm a much bigger Disney nut, I said "Well, someone needs to stay home with Matt, but that doesn't mean I can't go to Disney World!" So I went alone and had a great time. Also, I always stay at BCV on solo trips-I just love the feel of my own little studio with the refrigerator for left-overs, bringing gelato back to my room and sitting on the balcony, you'll have such fun!

 

[magicmama]

GO!!! You may feel uncomfortable or guilty at first but that will pass once you're there having fun. You will find you can do things that you might not do with everyone else. You may notice things you haven't seen before.
I've traveled alone several times when schedules didn't work out for family members and found that I had a great time. GO!!!

 

[Claudia Kellenberger]

I just got back a few weeks ago from my 6th annual *SOLO* vacation to WDW. I am married, 52 years old, and I don't have any children.
DH and I had 4 annual WDW vacations, and I hate to say, he got pretty much sick of it. He is retired, and a home-body, and he feels like he does not need a vacation any where, at any time. He just refused to go again.
I tried to set up a women's only vacation, but that fell through, and I missed a year. So now I have had 6 annual solo vacations!

When you are standing in line - think of what you might say to the persons in front of you. Look at the kids - Does somebody have a great Disney hat?
Does somebody have a great new Disney T-shirt? This is a great opening way to speak to people in line. Say things like: " That's a great Disney hat, where did you get that one?" Once you have had a few of these type of positive encounters, you might just feel your shyness melting away.

When you have meals out - just take with you a park map, and a pen and a small note pad. This way IF you feel uncomfortable, you will have something else to look at.

ALWAYS visit the rest room *before* you get seated in a restaurant. if you leave in the middle of a meal, someone might think you are gone, and take your table.

Solo Is GREAT ! I know you will have fun!

 

[jsmla]

Thank you all for all of the encouragement. I really think I'm going to do it! I've given it a lot of thought and I've realized that it's not the actual being alone that bothers me. Its being seen as all alone around all of the other people there. I'm afraid I'll just feel awkward. Five years ago I thought that it was nuts for anyone to go to WDW on their own. It was certainly not something I ever thought I'd be doing.

I'm really looking forward to:
*Doing the things I enjoy like the exhibits and shops in the World Showcase, the stuff my kids call me a dork for liking.
*Seeing a lot of shows. Shows aren't big on my family's list of must dos.
*Not having to ride so many rides. I like rides okay. They're just not the thing I love most about WDW.
*No late nights. I'm an early bird.

I'm worried about:
*Using Disney transportation alone. It's going to feel funny sitting on that bus with noone to talk to.
*Standing in line alone.
*Mealtimes. Dining is going to be my big hang-up. Our family is not real big on counter service stuff and we usually eat TS at WDW. There's just no way I'll be comfortable sitting by myself in a restaurant. With the kitchenette at the villa I imagine I'll just fix meals at "home."
*I'm not good at meeting people, too shy and too quiet. On the otherhand I don't think I'll be lonely as much as uncomfortable because I'm alone. Does that make sense? I'm full of admiration for those of you who can make friends with strangers in line or restaurants.

Anyway, thanks for all the help. It's nice to know I'm not the only "crazy" (my family's term, not mine) out there.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Here's a few tips on some issues (mostly things I learned over time-your fears are so common!).
Disney transportation-if you notice, there's always lots of solos on the buses, not necessarily at WDW solo, but maybe the rest of the family is napping, meeting up somewhere, somehow separated. So you'll be among plenty of solos on Disney transportation.
In lines alone, I've discovered how easy it is to strike up a conversation with a child. Usually you only have to say a few words, then the little one carries the conversation. And once the line reaches where it's going, I've gotten many grateful looks from parents. I know what it's like-I've been the parent with the little kid wondering every 2 minutes "When is this line going to reach....?" If they have someone to talk to (just say "So what's been your favorite ride/meal/etc. so far"), it makes the time fo faster-for everyone!
After several years of not being comfortable table dining alone, I hit on this-bring a little note pad with you. During lulls, you can jot down notes on where you've been, reviews of food, all kinds of trip notes. That little note pad will make a great souvenier to look back to someday!

 

[newholidayx2]

thanks for all the tips everyone - Ive been following this thread.
March 24-27 I'll be at WDW solo before being joined by a friend and her daughter.
Youre absolutely right! Noone knows if the rest of your family is back in the room, etc. I havent eaten at a sitdown solo yet so this is my main concern.

 

[Claudia Kellenberger]

For me, the very best sit down restaurant for a solo person has been the Sci-Fi Drive In at MGM.
You will not get the entire "car" for your meal, rather you will mostly get the back seat of a three seat car. The big movie screen will not only keep YOU busy, but others won't even notice that you are solo, because they are watching the screen also.

Give this one a try. It is a must-do for me - even twice!

 

[gppnj]

If you're going to go on vacation anywhere alone, WDW is the best place. There's plenty to do, it's safe, and it's easy to talk to people.

I do hope you decide to go. There's no reason you should be denied a vacation and lose money just because of other people's plans.

 

[doubletrouble_vb]

I'm a shy person and I don't have a problem going by myself. The first trip or two a bought a minnie mouse journal to write my thoughts down while eating. If you normally do table service then you may be doing yourself a dis-service to hide in your room for meals.

Pick restaurants with views and food you will enjoy. Try the Afternoon Tea at the GF. Try Germany or Morocco. The staff is friendly and you'll have something to watch while you are eating. One thing to realise is that there are far more people traveling solo than you might think. Business travelers can frequently be solo if they were the only person sent to the conference.

Another thing to do is to join group activities. Do a tour, do some of the group activities in Innoventions.

 

[lynn71092]

I just did my 1st solo Sept. 30th and it was awesome!! I went on the Segway Tour, that was so much fun. I also did the Food and Wine Festival. I NEVER felt uncomfortable. Everyone was so nice. I also am pretty shy but people just started talking to me in the line for Soarin' and it was just so easy to carry on a conversation with them. You will SO not regret it!!

 

[ZippyDooDah]

Jennifer, we will be there at the same time you are...staying at SSR. You're welcome to hang out with us if you get bored. It's just me, DH, and DS2. As for your going alone - go for it! If your DH doesn't have a problem with it and you're not too scared, you'll have a blast! You can eat where you want, ride what you want, and come back when you want. What freedom!

 

[cinderella_belle]

Jennifer, go and enjoy yourself you will notice things you wouldn't otherwise because you are too busy taking care of family members. I'm heading out in2 weeks for my 5th solo trip, it's great to eat when and whereever you want, go where you want when. It's a great feeling of independence!! Bring your camera and get a autograph book have fun with the characters they seem to like a break from the kids sometimes and have "adult kids" to take pictures with. All you have to do is ask the handler with them or even other guests in line will take photos for you. The BCV is my favorite you'll have a great time. Enjoy your trip!!!

 

[chudsoncaseland]

Jennifer - from your countdown timeline, it looks like you're planning to go. Congratulations on an excellent decision if so, and have the time of your life. I suggest the river ride - super relaxing and the 'people watching' can't be beat! Enjoy....
Chudsoncaseland

 

[disgal1]

DH will be in class at the Contemporary from 9-6 each day, so I'll be in the parks, and doing lunch solo. I plan to take a small bookholder I found at Barnes and nobles. It lays flat till you pop it up. holds a book so hands are free for eating. I've used this before when eating alone.

I can't wait to just do everything I want to do, and the pace I want to do it!

I've made my adr for tea at the GF, a lunch at Brown derby and going to dtd to shop till I drop.
I think If DH was not joining me for dinner, I may just order room service, and then hit the parks again. I too am an early to bed early to rise. I love having coffee on the balcony and watch Disney world waking up!!!

I did England like this, off on the train each morning going to other towns etc. Sometimes I'd talk to people, sometimes not. It honestly is very easy.

I agree..say something to someone in line about a hat or shirt, and usually they will have lots to say.

Go !! You'll have a blast!!
Please post a trip report!