I don't get it

[izzys4]

I don't get how people go solo. Please don't "yell" at me but why would it be so great to go alone to Disney? Wouldn't you be wanting to share the magic of it all with someone? I can understand going with just one other person, my husband and I went without kids and it was great ..... but alone? I personally would feel too alone, know what I mean? Who has gone alone and why?

Disney is my happy place!!

 

[selina4disney]

I have never gone alone but I can understand why I would...if I was in Orlando for a conference or something I'd go alone in a heartbeat, but yeah, I would miss having someone to share it with. DH and I go a lot with no kids (they are grown) and it is a blast but we like different things. I want to ride some of the rides several times. He feels like once he has ridden it he never has to do it again, and we're talking even when we go back the next year...he rode "it" (whichever ride "it "is, it's all the same) last year so he doesn't feel he needs to do it again. I want to stop and watch the World Showcase Players and Serveur Amusesant and Off Kilter and Mo Rockin' (the list goes on and on) and he doesn't like to watch those things, so he will keep edging slowly away until I follow. So...if I were ever to go by myself, I'd see every single show and every single parade from start to finish. And I'd ride Figment 10 times in a row!

 

[zefyr]

My last year's trip was part solo and part with my sister. She couldn't get the whole week off when I could. Let me tell you, I had a blast flying solo. I got up when I wanted...went to whichever park I wanted...rode whichever ride I wanted. If I wanted to go looking for hidden Mickeys or take 101 photos on PoTC I could.

As far as not being able to 'share the magic', I think when you go solo people tend to be more inclined to strike up conversations. In line to meet Emile, I had a great conservation with a mom and her kid. In fact, her son wanted to compare character autographs with me. In another ride line (I think it was Pooh) a couple from the UK gave me advice and info on the PPP I was attending that night. I got extra attention from CM at the restaurants. The characters spent more time with me and I got to see WDW from a whole new perspective.

Now, would I make every trip by myself? Absolutely not...it's great to be able to 'share the magic' with your own family and friends. But sometimes timing doesn't always work out for everyone and after going solo last year, I wouldn't hesitate to do it again in the future.

 

[Debbie-TN]

I've never traveled down there alone, but lots of time I've been by myself when my daughter when with me. When we first started going we stayed together, but then she started meeting up with friends from another Disney newsgroup and they hung out together all day. Mom wasn't welcome in the group so I had to go solo. It really wasn't that bad since I could do what I wanted to do, when I wanted to do it. Also, there is always someone to talk to in line. I did feel a little strange standing in line by myself on rides like Peter Pan and Snow White, but I got over it. Now my cousin goes with me.

 

[noladave]

A few years ago, I found myself in Orlando on business, and had about 8 hours free before I had to be anywhere (Dinner appointment) - let's see what's there to do in Orlando.... hmm... let me think...

Did I mention it was when Soarin was in soft opening? I went first thing in the morning, and road it several times in a row. Most people didn't even know about it.

After that, I just walked around, hit test track (single rider line), and a few other attractions. Walked through part of the World, and then went to my evening appointment.

Not a bad way to spend the day.

 

[vcgirl925]

I have never gone alone because i live too far away to travel there by myself. But i would if my dh was there on a work conference. Then i'd go to the park during the day by myself. I think if i did it i would do it differently. I'd spend more time soaking up all the little details, looking in more of the shops, and maybe taking a day tour.

 

[Dressedinlovex]

I get what you're saying. I don't think I could ever go alone but I don't like being alone in gereral!

 

[BelleBeast]

I too would feel weird - however defiantely looking forward to it at sometime!!

 

[DJ Disney Kid]

Some people dont have a choice. Its either go alone or dont go at all. Im a little more well off than the rest of my family and friends and can afford to go two or three times a year. I've even paid for friends and family members whole trips just to have someone to go, but I can't do that all the time. So Im left with either going to my favorite place in the whole world alone or not going at all. I haven't had to actually do it yet, but I know its going to happen soon as my friends and family aren't into Disney like I am, so they think Im crazy for going so much. This Nov. its just me and my dad and he wont be able to go all day long because of his age and stamina, so Im sure there are going to be times when I am forced to just go it alone. Im going to use it as a way to test the waters for a solo trip.

 

[PDJPrinceCharming]

I have gone on a few solo trips & i'm going back in 37 days for a solo trip & again back on November 30 for a short 4 day solo trip. I go down every year for my b-day & I have a great time. I go open-close & enjoy myself. I just make friends in queue's to pass the time & ran into to a few DISers last year as well(at Le Cellier of all places) It's not like you're alone because there is always someone to talk to in line & if not, there is a friendly CM to chat with as well. Go & do whatever I want, when I want? It's a great way to spend a vacation.

 

[monarchsfan16]

I'm 21 and took my first (mostly) solo trip in May. I say mostly because a friend met up with me a few times during my trip, but the majority of my trip was spent solo.

Was it different? Yes. Was it weird? At times. But it was a LOT less awkward than I thought it would be. To be honest, the only times I really missed having someone with me was when riding Buzz (competing against my old scores was fun, but competing against someone else is more fun), waiting for Festival of the Lion King to start, on the busses to/from the parks, and swimming at the hotel. I can also see how eating would be awkward for some people, but I tend to not eat much and ate at non-peak times, so I was ok with the whole eating thing.

It was really nice to be able to do exactly what I wanted to do, when I wanted to. I could take all the time I wanted to take pictures, without holding anyone up. I could get a pineapple float for lunch, and not have to worry about whether or not someone else wanted something different. I could ride Splash Mountain as many times as I wanted. When dinner made me sick one night (my fault, not Disney's), I didn't have to worry about traveling companions missing out on fun; I dealt with the issue and returned to playing when I was ready. Oh, I also went to 4 parks in one day. Probably wouldn't have been able to do that with most of the people I've been to Disney with.

I guess what I'm trying to say is there's total freedom when you're solo. And Disney IS fun as a solo. Plus Test Track and Everest have single rider lines. That in itself is a HUGE perk. I was lucky. I had total freedom for the majority of my trip, but also had times where I wasn't by myself, which was also wicked fun. And don't forget, when you're solo you're not arguing with the rest of your family or friends

 

[jamstew]

I'm leaving for my third solo trip in four weeks, and I can't wait I'm "sharing the magic" with thousands of other guests while not being responsible for anyone else. I don't have to worry about what anyone wants to do or where they want to go.

I've met up with other DIS-ers during my solo trips and will do so again next month. I've also made a friend who lives nearby, and we'll be traveling together in December (although we both plan to spend some of our time alone because we like to). I've met some really nice people just sitting on a bench and people-watching.

There's really no way to explain to someone who doesn't get it just how freeing it is. Some of us are just wired differently, or independent enough, or confident enough, that traveling alone isn't an issue.

I'd also add that there are lots of folks who don't have anyone to travel with. I'm taking my adult children and three of my grandchildren in May of 2009, and I'm looking forward to it, but I know I'll miss my alone time.

 

[helenk]

I took my first solo trip in 2003, at first I was hesitant but my husband did not want to go, my son was in college and my daughter was involved in sports and she did not want to miss practice and any games. So off I went and I loved it, this was before ME came into existence but since I had been to Disney before and used a towncar service I did the same for my solo trip. Once you are on Disney property you have nothing to worry about because you just use their buses.
I just love touring by myself and doing things on the "fly" when the mood suits me. Do not get me wrong, I enjoy going with family too, but going solo is my treat to myself.
Now that Disney has ME it is just so easy to get from the airport to your resort and then back to the airport when you trip is done. I chit chat with people in line or waiting for the parades and fireworks. Sometimes people feel sorry for me travelling by myself but I let them know that going solo was trully my choice. Most people though thinks its pretty neat that I go by myself.
Generally I eat counter service meals, but I always treat myself to the tea at the GF and one other sit down meal. I do not feel odd sitting by myself, I usually bring a small note book so that I can write what I did that day and I keep track of my budget
I go on a solo trip at least once a year, sometimes twice a year. Although I see a new travel companion in my future, I just became a grandmom this year so I am hoping to make my grand-daughter as Disney obsessed as I am.
I would encourage anyone to try and go solo if they want to, with Disney transportation you do not have to worry about getting around and there are always plenty of people around so I always feel safe. I would not want to give up my favorite place in the world just because other family members do not want to go along.

 

[bullcat_02]

Some people dont have a choice. Its either go alone or dont go at all. Im a little more well off than the rest of my family and friends and can afford to go two or three times a year. I've even paid for friends and family members whole trips just to have someone to go, but I can't do that all the time. So Im left with either going to my favorite place in the whole world alone or not going at all. I haven't had to actually do it yet, but I know its going to happen soon as my friends and family aren't into Disney like I am, so they think Im crazy for going so much. This Nov. its just me and my dad and he wont be able to go all day long because of his age and stamina, so Im sure there are going to be times when I am forced to just go it alone. Im going to use it as a way to test the waters for a solo trip.

I completely agree. All the way through college I tried to convince my friends that plunking down the money for Disney would be worthwhile. No one ever wanted to go though. Now that I have a full time job, I've finally talked myself into going solo. It's either go alone or not go at all. I do have a friend that is working down there right now but I don't really plan to see her very much as she will be working all but one day that I'm there.

 

[Experiment_626]

Solo trips are photography trips. I'm obsessively photo-crazy -- we're talking setting up the tripod and shooting 15-20 shots at a time, and doing so at particular times of the day, especially around sunset. When you go alone (which I haven't done in a while), you don't worry that other people are getting tired of waiting for you and feeling that you're cutting into their riding time.

I love sharing the experience of the parks with others, but going alone has its upside, too.

SSB

 

[Brian Noble]

I've visited many parks, including Disneyland and DL Paris, solo. Usually, these are side trips tacked on to business travel. It's a very different sort of trip than the ones I take with family or friends, but still quite fun. For example, I never have to ask anyone else what they want to do next. The people watching is fun, as is meeting new people here and there. Likewise, I've also enjoyed meeting solo travelers when we were on our own family trips.

 

[noodleknitter]

When i was in college, I went to DL a couple of days a month, with an AP. I enjoyed it. It was a different kind of visit, but it was peaceful, relaxing, and a happy time. I didn't need others to enjoy the magic.

I would love to have a few days at WDW to do the same. Nobody's schedule but my own. Purely selfish touring!

 

[rentayenta]

I haven't been to WDW alone but did meet up with friends at Disneyland and I can tell you, I found it very lonely to be without my children and DH. I could never see myself going totally alone.

 

[WaltD4Me]

I'm taking my first solo trip in May and I can't wait!

I love going with my family, but I've been dying to go solo because I'm much more of a "stop and smell the roses" type and will enjoy just sitting on a bench and people watching, I could sit and watch the street performers at DHS all day. I can't wait to really explore all the countries at WS, doing some attractions nobody else ever wants to do, being able to go where ever I want, whenever I want. I plan to take things slow and just enjoy. AND I plan on doing the Backstage Tour, can't wait for that! I've never done it before because it's seven hours and I felt bad leaving family for basically the whole day. Plus I won't have to worry about fitting in pool time! (I'm not much of a pool person...especially not at Disney) I also love chatting with CM's and this drives my family crazy.

I'm sure it's going to be a little weird and probably a little lonely, but I'm still excited.

 

[Dressedinlovex]

I completely agree. All the way through college I tried to convince my friends that plunking down the money for Disney would be worthwhile. No one ever wanted to go though. Now that I have a full time job, I've finally talked myself into going solo. It's either go alone or not go at all. I do have a friend that is working down there right now but I don't really plan to see her very much as she will be working all but one day that I'm there.

Oh I'd totally go with you but I can't afford it! Really if someone wanted a buddy to take I'm so there!