How did you Plunge into Solo Trip?

[DG-12]

I REALLY want to go to WDW in June 2005- and since I am a teacher- it is one of the few times available- my husband can't go- he will be on active duty- and I know I want to go... I juts haven't taken the "plunge" into actually booking anything. How did you actually go through with it the first time? Am I being a big coward?
Dana

 

[ASFCurly]

Well, it wasn't that hard for me, but I don't have any problem doing things by myself. I decided that I wanted to go back, had gone once before with mother and sister, didn't know anyone else that wanted to go, so I just booked the trip for myself. Though the real reason that it crossed my mind in the first place was because of this board. That trip ended up being semi-solo, my stepmother joined me halfway through. But I have been back once since, and am going again really soon.

Some people have a hard time doing things themselves, but if you don't then you should be fine. Don't worry about what anyone else says, I got a few comments the first time I went by myself, but by now, everyone knows that I have no problem with it and they don't say anything, my friends at least.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I consider myself so fortunate. I didn't have to take the plunge-my family did it for me! DH and DS's got together and surprised me with a "Mom's weekend" the first time. I asked DH if it ever crossed his mind that I might be reluctant to go by myself, and he said, "I know your love for WDW-you'd go anytime/anyhow!" He never regrets opening the can of worms-since then I've initiated 5 more solo trips, and am currently working on planning my next one.

 

[DG-12]

This has become a moot point since I was telling someone at lunch today and two of my fellow colleagues were into the idea of a girls trip to Disneyworld after school got out. Can't wait. If they back out I will go out by myself.
Dana

 

[travelin' tigger]

I've been going solo since my first trip (well, since 20 yrs. when it was only MK) in Nov. 2001. It helps that my brother lives in FL, but I usually only see him over dinner on 1 night. Other than that - it's all about ME!!!

The great thing is you're totally in control of ALL aspects - where to stay or eat, what to see and do, when and how often to do it, etc. Granted you're not splitting room costs, but that's the only down side I know of. If I get lonely, I pick up my cell and call my BF, or strike up a conversation with a CM or someone in line. Also you can sometimes find other DISers to meet up with!

And as Simba's Mom says: "Once you open the can of worms" you'll probably find yourself planning more.

So I'd say, take the plunge!!!

 

[fam4jc]

Hi. Going with someone from work is just what I'm doing in January! We had plans to go as a family but my FIL is very ill. So, I'm going for a long weekend with a friend from work. I am very excited and it works out to be so much less expensive! Have a great time planning! Just think, you get to split the cost of the room - Yippeee

 

[Candace]

DG-12 - I am also a teacher (actually a counselor) and have been for 24 years. I take a trip ALONE each May/JUne as soon as school is out. The knowledge that my trip is "coming soon" is what gets me through those last few weeks. I love my solo trips! I go back other times during the year with family/friends, but I always look forward to being totally alone right after school is out.

 

[yecats]

I plunged due to my love of Disney (and no one else remotely loves it like I do). I was supposed to go on my first solo trip Dec. 2001 but got sick and ended up in the hosital when I was supposed to be on the trip and what a bummer that was.

My mom and me went Dec. 2002 for an extended stay and did Disney and US. Then summer of 2003, the Fairytale package came out and honestly this was the cheapest that I could ever do Disney so there was no way I was passing this up and booked. To date this was the best vacation ever (including the one I just returned from 6 days ago with mom). I became very relaxed and just enjoyed every minute of it. I even extended it several days and had a blast. I will be going back solo and certainly hope to have several behind me, the sooner the better.

 

[WOW]

Well, it was by accident-----Dh and I were supposed to go, but he had to bail at the last minute and I was sooooooooo disappointed, he then asked me "you can still go by yourself" and I said "WHAT".......that was the beginning for me which was 4 years ago. I try very hard to go solo at least once each year and sometimes twice. I just love it!!!!! Relaxation like you can't believe.......doing only what YOU want to do and WHEN you want to do it. Didn't get my solo in this year, but hope to go solo in April or May and then again maybe September. Go for it!!!!!!!!

 

[MickeyMonstersMom]

I took my first solo trip last April: my ex-husband had moved to Florida and I volunteered to escort our children on the flights there and back, giving myself a vacation in between. I made room reservations and PS arrangements through Dreams Unlimited, which I recommend highly. The only things I was concerned about were driving from the airport to WDW (a total breeze on Route 417), and feeling vulnerable walking around alone (not remotely a problem, as it turned out). I loved being able to go wherever I wanted whenever I wanted, not having to wait for others to get ready, the Singles line at Test Track... in fact, I'm trying to figure out a budegt that would enable me to accompany my kids on their Spring Break flights every year!!!

 

[NCRedding]

I'm plunging in for my first single trip in January. After hanging out on the WISH board, someone came up with the idea of a group doing a dismeet and participating in the 1/2 marathon event. I committed to this. My DD gets out of school for semester break on Wed., after the marathon on Sunday--so I'm going for 5 nights alone, then my family will be joining me for 5 more nights!!

 

[auntie pooh]

I never thought I would be able to go alone but low and behold I took my first solo trip to Vancouver BC. I figured if I could go there by myself and totally enjoy myself Icould go anywhere. So being the Disney fanatic I am I decided the next year it would be Disney World!!! and its been 20 years and solo trips every February and in June too!!... Now I go 2 times a year because I love it and helps my arthritis just being diagnoised with it. It gives me something to look forward to : ) ....Never a dull moment in Disney as a 43 year old single woman I feel safe and secure in my surroundings!!!!!

 

[Eeyore_lives]

My 1st solo trip was a birthday present to myself. One year I decided to treat myself to a long weekend at DL - and I LOVED it! It was so fun to be able to go and do something I enjoyed so much and not have to wait, wait, wait until I could find someone to go with. I had an absolute blast! I could do whatever I wanted, when I wanted, and at my own pace. AND I felt absolutely safe - Disney is a wonderful environment for a single female traveler. I'd be VERY choosy about where I'd go these days traveling as a single female.

If you're a little tentative about solo travel, maybe you could try a 3-day weekend at DL and see what you think? It sold me.......... ! I see you're from Arizona - so it'd be a hop, skip, and a jump for you to spend a weekend in DL; you can test the solo waters and get a quick Disney fix!

 

[Mickey Fanatic]

After reading all of these posts I am completely sold on the idea of going alone!

I have always gone with either my husband or family. But it would be fantastic to see WDW they way that I want to without waiting for other people.

Since my husband travels with work a lot it would be great way to kill the time that he is away.

 

[cdntourguide]

the first solo trip I made was just after a business trip to Huntsville Alabama. I was driving and it was Friday night , I did not have to be home in Toronto until Wedneday. I remembered that I had my annual passport in my wallet, so headed south instead of north. That was back in 1985 and I have been doing solo trips ever since. (Also it happens that not too many people I know like Disney, they would rather go to a tropical beach on an island somewhere)

 

[Krissalee]

I loved reading about all your solo trips. I have never been solo, but really would love to be on my own for a few days. DH and I usually go to WDW once a year (although we missed it this year ).

I have 5 weeks paid vacation with my job, while DH only has two. That is a HUGE problem! I think I need to spend some of my extra time on a solo trip (DH will sure be jealous!).

Thanks for all you advise, encouragement and tips!

 

[LukenDC]

I am going to WDW for the first time in September and there is chance that it may end up being a solo trip. My BF may not be able to go and I decided that after so much anticipation for the trip that it would be a shame to postpone it. I have traveled solo to Europe and enjoyed myself, but I am not sure if I will really enjoy a solo trip to WDW. I am particularly concerned about meal times. I want to have dinner at some nice restaurants (California Grill, Artist Point, etc.). Does Disney accept PS at top restaurants for solo travelers?

 

[NewEnglandDisney]

I am going to WDW for the first time in September and there is chance that it may end up being a solo trip. My BF may not be able to go and I decided that after so much anticipation for the trip that it would be a shame to postpone it. I have traveled solo to Europe and enjoyed myself, but I am not sure if I will really enjoy a solo trip to WDW. I am particularly concerned about meal times. I want to have dinner at some nice restaurants (California Grill, Artist Point, etc.). Does Disney accept PS at top restaurants for solo travelers?

They sure do. Gladly. Check my trip report in my .sig for some of my finer-dining experiences.

N.E.D.

 

[LukenDC]

Thanks, NewEngland. Your trip reports were fun to read and helpful.

 

[NewEnglandDisney]

Thanks, NewEngland. Your trip reports were fun to read and helpful.

NP Glad that you enjoyed it!

I do have to finish the last entry very soon...I've been bad. But I hate to end it, LOL!

Going again in two weeks...so I guess it's time to finish the old one.

N.E.D.