I don't get it

[Feralpeg]

I would much rather do the parks with my DD, but that is not always possible. She is away at college a good deal of the time. Does that mean I shouldn't go to the parks? I only live minutes away from them. They are a good way to chill out. I like to sit and watch people and just soak up the atmosphere. Often, I don't even do a ride. I just walk around or have lunch.

 

[noodleknitter]

I only live minutes away from them. They are a good way to chill out. I like to sit and watch people and just soak up the atmosphere. Often, I don't even do a ride. I just walk around or have lunch.

Exactly! Isn't that such a lovely way to spend some time?

 

[PrincessKitty1]

I've never gone solo because DH loves WDW at least as much as I do , but I would much rather go solo than go with somebody who's not really into it. or whose travel style is not compatible (e.g, I'm laid back. like to get to the parks noonish, etc. and probably wouldn't enjoy a bossy, commando-type travel companion and yes I've traveled with people like that before!). There's so much to do there, and it's such a safe place to wander around by yourself. If I was going alone I'd spend a LOT of time in the shops at Epcot (that's one thing DH doesn't like to do much is shop!).

That said, the first time DH and I went to Epcot, we saw a young guy by himself and I felt a little sorry for him. Silly me! He was probably having the time of his life!

 

[Sleeping Becca]

I have never gone alone, but I could certainly do it. I would love to be able enjoy the parks at my own pace, and taking it all in without having to worry about everyone else.

 

[Jillpie]

I kind of envy you folks that can do the parks on your own. For nine years now, its been me, my DH and my boys. But to be honest, I can't see it any other way. At times when they were little, I wished I could just have some time to my self, but when I managed to do that, I hated it! I didn't enjoy walking down Main St. by myself, its a shared experience.

The other thing I would miss is the woo-hooing we all do on the rides together!! There is something definitely lacking when you do the single rider lines, I just don't feel as free to have as much fun when you sit beside strangers.

After having said all that though, I still envy the fact you can have a blast by yourself. I just love being with DH and boys too much to do it on my own.

 

[M.I.C.]

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 feel like I'm headed right towards your situation like 5 or so years from now just thought I'd mention that lol

 

[Poohbear123]

Exactly! Isn't that such a lovely way to spend some time?

Yes, it IS! However, I wouldn't do a 3-6 day trip without anyone to "meet up" with, as I would be lonely.

 

[noodleknitter]

Yes, it IS! However, I wouldn't do a 3-6 day trip without anyone to "meet up" with, as I would be lonely.

LOL, I'm shooting for my husband attending a conference, and me having a few daytimes in the parks on my own. Best of all worlds!

 

[mpls_mm]

I used to work at MK and carpooled with friends to save money, I would frequently go to the parks on my days off or before or after work if I was on a different schedule than the people I worked with. I could spend hours at Epcot in the Living seas or just walking around watching people. I never felt weird.

 

[PamCA]

Having been born a few months after Disneyland opened and living a couple of miles from it for many years, I was one of the odd ones that spent a lot of time there, and quite a bit of it alone. I was a Disney fanatic from day one, and did not have friends who were that interested in spending more than one day a year in the park. That's probably how I became very comfortable doing these kind of things on my own, and have never hesitated to travel many places in the world when friends were not able to afford to go with me. After 20-something trips to Disneyworld with husband and kids, I started taking solo trips, and have had 3 so far with another scheduled in early 2009. It is so nice to worry about no one other than me, and making no one else happy other than me. No obsessive planning as I do with family trips, so it's nice to be fairly spontaneous. I do the dining plan, and have never had a problem eating at any of the restaurants alone. The cast members are all so nice and will take the time to stop and chat; I'm sure they're trying to make me comfortable. On my first trip alone, the women in my office threw me a going away party with small gifts such as bubble bath and candles and paperback books. They all said that although they were very jealous of my alone time, that they would never be able to do it on their own. I don't get that.

 

[marciemouse]

My first solo trip is only a few weeks away, and I'm looking forward to it. DH couldn't get off work, and no friends were available. At first the thought of going solo really bothered me, but I've come to see some benefits now! I've been to Disney with various groups of people, so my last few trips haven't been completely "traditional" anyways. This will be one more Disney experience to add to my list. I only have a day and a half, so I'm planing on skipping the parks. Instead, I'll go explore the deluxe resorts and treat myself to some meals that DH doesn't care for. And then there's shopping at DTD, which is another thing DH can always skip! Plus photography and pressed penny collecting... I'm sure I'll wish DH was with me some of the time, but I'm also sure I'll have fun alone! After all, it's Disney!

 

[~Kik-Kik~]

Some people have families where other dont get Disney. The can kill the mood and ruin your trip. It those cases your better off going alone.

Another thing is pictures. If you enjoy taking pictures you cant do that all day with the whole family without making someone upset.

 

[Cool-Beans]

My first trip was alone...I got sent for work.

I've since taken many trips with family and others. And I've taken solo trips.

Sometimes I like to run away and not deal with everyone else's problems. No, I can't run you up to school because you forgot your book. No, I can't pick up your dry cleaning. No, I can't pick up your kids.

No, sorry, I'm in Florida. Alone. Laying in the sun, by the pool, listening to Polynesian music. I think I might have slept a little; I'm so relaxed it is hard to tell.

I'll be busy tomorrow, too. I'm going to stare at a kimodo dragon that never moves and hope today will be the day. I'm going to stare at the bats for a loooong time and not have to move on because someone else is bored. I'm going to have Mexican food and look at the World Showcase as I sit by the water. Then I'm going to watch fireworks.

You all have to handle your own stuff just for a few days.

I could go anywhere, but why not Disney? I can't think of a reason.

ETA: Even when I do go with others, I like to go a couple days earlier than they do just so that I can have some me time.

I really like to go by myself, I guess.

 

[bumbershoot]

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!!

Well I haven't been to WDW, but I took a terrific, and short, trip to DLR alone. Our family trip the month before had caused me intense amounts of stress, and I was getting more and more tired, and had less and less patience, when I got home. Hubby suggested that I take a quick trip to rejuvenate myself, and I did.

I was single until marrying at 33, then had a baby at 34. I had a LOT of time to get used to being single, and to know how to have fun alone. And while I absolutely love having this family and spend almost all of my time with them, turned out that about 3.5 years of DS 24/7 caused me to hit my limit.

So I went for under 48 hours, and had a fabulous time! I got to talk to lots of people, I ate when and what I wanted (DH and DS can't have things with ingredients related to corn syrup, which severely limits the "fun" Disney food on our trips), sat on benches when I wanted, took a ton of pretty pictures, and didn't have to consult with anyone. It seems that DLR has more Single Rider lines than WDW does, and I made use of those. I also got to do a more "commando" touring style than is allowed with the family; touring that fast makes my guys very UNhappy, but going too slowly makes ME unhappy and we haven't yet found a compromise.

It was fabulous. Seeing families, both happy and tantrumy ones, caused twinges, and made me realize that even the tantrumiest moment at Disneyland/DCA is OK and can be gotten through. Then I'd remind myself that I had some place to be that only I knew about, and I'd smile and move along.

Most of my friends go NOwhere alone, and it is just mystifying to me. I'll go to restaurants alone, movies alone...anywhere. I went to New Orleans alone, TWICE. Not the typical NO tourist experience, but a good one all the same. So Disney alone was really no different.

I might be having another day visit at the end of a trip in southern CA with a group of friends, before catching a plane. I'm sure that will be fabulous too!

 

[anonymousegirl]

I went single back in 1985 when just two parks were open. I felt a little alone because I was very shy then and pin-trading didn't exist, but I still had fun. Just booked a Jan trip with my non-Disney DH who will be golfing many of the days. I will be at the parks all day, pin trading, chatting with CMs and riding Toy Story Midway Mania over and over and over.

 

[luvthemouse71]

I would like to try a solo trip in the future...I'm thinking a very spur of the moment, quickie trip(2 or 3 days). I think I'd be ok because while I love my family and friends, i also have a fierce independent streak, and I need my space.

 

[goofyernmost]

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.

Since my divorce in 2001 I have made 4 solo trips to WDW, 1 solo trip to Disneyland and 1 whole family trip to WDW. As much fun as the group trip was I missed not being able to go when and where I wanted. By myself I have ridden Space Ship Earth 4 continuous circles (I never could have done that with others in tow). Taken a helicopter ride over the parks, eaten when and where I wanted (no place requiring ressie's, that wouldn't have worked for my do what I want, when I want, plans). Small sacrifice to make, in my mind.

I also stay off site and wonder all over central Florida and beyond just exploring. The only thing that I ever found that I wished I could have shared with someone was a spectacular sunset at Key West.

It also has the charming side effect of being way cheaper. I find that my choice of accommodations declines to "two star" places since my only use for the place is to sleep in and use as a base of operations. All it has to be is clean and not ratty looking. Meals are cheaper (just one, not two to feed) and, like I mentioned before, I can be completely flexible.

I can understand why people don't like to do it, you do feel odd sometimes standing in line alone, but, it is quickly forgotten once you hit the ride.

 

[CindiF]

Two years ago I had a business trip to Orlando. I got there very early the day before my conference started, and took along an old Park Hopper with a day left on it. I had a GREAT time going on all my favorite rides and running from park to park with no one to please but myself. I wouldn't want every trip to be solo, but I can see the advantages of it!

 

[Rhode Island Quahog]

People go alone because even though you may be single, you want to go on vacation. People who are married and have families forget that not everyone does. Often single people have friends and family who only travel with their family. I mean really...just because you may be single doesnt mean you shouldn't travel and live life, even if you do it alone!

 

[Timon-n-Pumbaa Fan]

I went solo back in April. Talk about your whole new world!

There is something very relaxing about being able to just do what you want to do without any regard or guilt about how someone else's day is going. I know that sounds horrible, but even though my dearest Corey loves WDW, she does hate crowds. I went during spring break season and it was anything, but low crowds. I had a blast though. While I didn't ride a dozen rides in 3 days, I did trade over 100 pins. I met Deb Wills, Jack Spence, Glo from Miami, and Linda Mac from AllEars.net. I got to meet a couple of great DIS moderators, OrlandoMike and RickinNYC and a few other DIS'ers too. I got to stay at POR and enjoy the quiet beauty of it all. I had a lovely conversation with Mary Poppins at Epcot and Tutti Fruitti at DHS. I found out that Mickey Mouse can sniff! I even had lunch with an Imagineer! Yes, these things sound quite simple and all, but they made my solo trip special in many ways that a regular trip with Corey would have never been. I did miss Corey, but I knew that it was a good thing that she wasn't there and my called reports and photos of the crowds confirmed this to her too.

I am looking forward to our trip in December, but I also look forward to the day when I can afford to go solo again.