I don't get it

[leicesterbob]

Really interesting thread as I have been going to WDW for 10 years with assorted DDs but this October it will be just me and the youngest and I think in a couple of years it will be just me. I couldn't dream of not going to WDW so it is heartening to read the many positive experiences.
Comong from the UK it won't be feasible to go for a day or 2 but I think I will definitely bite the bullet when the time comes.

 

[Debbie-TN]

I didn't realize how much I missed going by myself until I started reading all these posts. Since my cousin has been going with me the past few years, I haven't made a solo trip. She rents a ECV because she has bad knees and can't walk a lot. It takes her forever to go to the bathroom because she has to take the scooter in, then she gets so far ahead of me that I have to call out to her to slow up. And you haven't lived until you've been with someone getting on and off the buses with a scooter. She's ok to go with, but it seems we end up doing what she wants to do, but on the other hand, she pays for half of the hotel. The only thing is, I don't know if I could sneak off without her knowing it. I'm definitely going to try. Oh.....the freedom

 

[LisaInNc]

I plan a solo trip for myself at least once a year.

I am vey independent and comfortable on my own or in a group. I usually go to disney with my DD and assorted family 2 or 3 times a year in addition to my solo trip.

Why I go solo? I am one of those people that take care of everyone else. I am the planner, the picture taker, the packer, the person that schleps the backpack. I never stop.

Once a year I get to go for a few days, stay at the budget and just relax. I can do all the rides that my DD won't do. I can go to the Adventurers Club. It's glorious! I sleep in if I want, I stay up as late as I want. It's a total indulgence.

If I had close girlfriends that I traveled well with I would enjoy a trip with them but they all have families and if they go to Disney they go with their families. I am single and if I had a significant other he could go with me but since I don't have these people I go on my own.

I truely don't mind it, I actually really like traveling on my own.

I find that I am never alone in Disney! There are always people to talk to. The CMs are all so nice and I found that during my past trip I got a lot of attention at the signature restaurants I went to because I was on my own. My dinner at the CA Grill sitting at the Sushi Bar with Yoshi chatting with me while making me some complimentary sushi was the best meal of the trip.

I would tell anyone thinking of it to go ahead. My first time in Disney with my DD my heart hurt the first day I missed her so much but then I got used to it and I started to savor the experience.

 

[ILuvCrush]

I love to travel. Period. DH loves to watch TV and play playstation. Period.

Not real compatable on the vacation front!! My 2 DDs love to travel and will go anywhere anytime... DS is his father...in a shorter body

So I've started traveling more with just my girls...leaving DH and DS at home.
I wanted to take the girls back to WDW in October...but since I took them out of school in Feb DH doesn't think I should take them out again this year

So I'm going by myself. I really wanted to go, no one can join me, so I'm going alone. I've toyed with going other places alone, but never had the nerve... assuming this goes well, I hope that I'll have the confidence to try another Solo trip (I've been wanting to go to Costa Rica forever...but DH wont leave the US and won't let me take my DD(9) either )

I eat alone at restaurants often...and never have needed anyone to entertain me..so I'm not worried about that part of my trip! I just hope that I can revert back to my more outgoing personality that I had B4 marriage and maybe feel a little more like myself again (I've missed her...she's been gone along time!)

Paula

 

[DebbieB]

I'm single, don't have kids. My Mom and I used to travel alot but she passed away almost 3 years ago. I bought DVC in 1999 so that we could enjoy the 1 bedrooms on our twice yearly trips. I also do trips with my friends, many are DVC members also. I have also taken my nieces. But sometimes no one else wants to go and I want to get away. I have my DVC points paid for, so I'm not going to waste them. I debated selling them but realized I do not want to give it up. I did a solo trip to Disneyland in April, no one wanted to go. I did a trip with my friends to AKV at the end of June, it was alot of fun. I have a trip planned for October, I invited my aunt but she's having knee surgery and also does not want to fly. I asked friends but most have other plans or can't get away. So if no one else wants to go, I will go solo. I'm not going to cancel and sit home (I have 30 PTO days from work per year). I've done WDW solo 3 times I think, not counting a 1 or 2 day add-ons to business trips. I travel alot on business alone so I'm used to it. It's a different kind of trip. I just sleep in and take my time deciding what to do, I don't make alot of plans.

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

I'm looking forward to doing a solo WDW trip someday. Why?

Well, I work part-time and do all cooking, cleaning, running around and taking care of the kids and pets. DH works full time and runs a part time business so he's not usually available. I'm always at someones beck and call.

Just the thought of going to WDW by myself someday makes me happy. Hopefully when both the kids are in High School it'll happen.

When I worked full time, I used to love still taking the kids to daycare and being alone for a full day. I'd go out to lunch or the library or the movies and just love it.

I miss having time alone so I don't think it would bother me at all to be alone in WDW, doing what I want, when I want. That would be so great.

 

[L&Lfan]

I have been to either DL, WDW or UO 4times as a solo guest and I LOVE it! Going to WDW ALONE in 2 months and I can't wait.
I've gone many times with friends and family but being a party of one is great too!

jon

 

[Suzie Zoo]

I agree 100%. If the only way I could go was alone, then I would do it. I give credit to people who do things like vacation alone even if they don't have to. It shows real confidence, and enjoying your own company is something to be proud of.

 

[DisneyShannon]

I have gone by myself for 10 years. Things just never work out that my sister can go. Someone has to be home with the cat and dogs. To expensive to board them. I have a great time. I do what I want to do.

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

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!!

I have gone solo before and here is why.
A) our first trip I bought an AP for myself to get the discounts that comes with it
B) our first trip was only 3 days (spur of the moment trip) and it wasn't enough time! It was our first trip ever (in my life) and I'd always wanted to go and it just didn't seem like enough time
C) on the last night we spent at WDW we left to go back to the condo we were staying at to get the kids in bed for the next day (at US/IOA) and I just couldn't resist going back since they were open late and see the late parade/etc- by myself- and I found I was fine!

So I went back to take advantage of the AP, kids were in school and DH was working- so I went alone. And it was a lot of fun in different ways.... didn't have to deal with young children, strollers, parent swap, eat when I wanted to eat/ride when I wanted to ride/etc. It was a mommy break. LOL

Since then I have gone a few times without DH and just the kids- and it was about the same as going solo BUT the kids were older by then! It was very different going when they were a lot younger.

I can see why some wouldn't want to go solo or don't "get it"- I was wary about going alone the first time I went solo- but I did it and had fun.

 

[Pirate at Heart]

I would so love to go solo; take my time, do whatever I want, eat where I want, but my kids won't let me.

 

[squirrel]

I somehow always seem to find someone to come along.

The first trip I was planning it and decided to take my cousins and then my sister decided she would like to come.

The second trip- I just had to go back and then my other sister and her husband decided to come.

Then last year I decided to take my niece to DL

Then I ended up with another trip to WDW this year and at the last minute my sister said "How much would it cost for __________(my niece) to go?" then she asked my niece if she wanted to go.

Since I am booking the room anyway, it usually doesn't cost too much to take someone else with me. This time my sister is paying for my niece.

 

[Boo Bear]

I can see how people would want to go solo. I ditched SO two days last week to go wandering around Magic Kingdom (we were staying at CR so it was close) and had a blast by myself! There's no "what do you want to do next" you just DO what you want. I can't see myself flying down there from Indiana by myself for a week but it's good to take a solo break from the group every now and then.

 

[ChrisandDon'sMommy]

I don't see how others can do it either. But, to each their own.

That being said, I have no problem eating in restaurants or seeing movies alone.

 

[HeyIt'sMe]

Personally, I don't think I could go on a solo trip but that is only because my DH & DD love WDW as much as I do and it is such a special time when we all are there together.

There have been a few times during our trips that I've ventured off on my own during our rest days because I am not one for hanging out at the pool like DH & DD like to do. One year I spent a late morning/early afternoon at DTD and while it was nice to have time to myself (the crowds were low too!) I found myself thinking "I wish DH & DD were here to see this....". I also went to Wilderness Lodge on my own to check it out and I wished they were with me that time too.

 

[Dressedinlovex]

I don't see how others can do it either. But, to each their own.

That being said, I have no problem eating in restaurants or seeing movies alone.

I don't have a problem going to movies alone either. I used to work at a movie theatre and I got to see free movies so I'd just go up there all the time!

 

[tlcoke]

I am going solo for my second trip. I will be coming to Orlando for a conference and have planned my Vacation around the dates of the conference. Being single, I am somewhat of a work-a-holic - no kids, so I am the one who is willing to work the OT and let the ones with family have the time off. I tend Not to take alot of Vacations. So when I do go on a trip, it is my time to relax and enjoy.
This is why I like going Solo - no one else to worry about or what they want to do. My last solo trip to WDW wasin 2005 for 3 1/2 days with same conference that I am attending in Orlando again this year. It was my first trip back to WDW in 15 years. I spent my time riding all the new rides, experiencing AK for the first time and just having a bunch of "ME" Time. I enjoyed the freedom of the trip. This year, I am going to be at WDW 11 days Solo - attending my conference 3 1/2 days of my time there. I have planned my trip this year, to allow me to do a tour that I couldn't fit into my trip in 2005 and to Resort hop with the DDP. I plan on riding and experiencing the New items since 2005 at each of the parks, along with a few of my favorites. Everything else will be as I choose. If I could afford it, I would go for a whole month.

My co-workers cannot believe I am going solo, but for me it is a much needed break to do my own thing. And I SOOOOO... need a Vacation, and this trip will give me the recharge that I so desperately need. I will see friends I see once or twice a year at the conference, but other than that It will be My time to enjoy and relax on my own schedule.

As a solo traveler, I am the person who will help fill the empty hole in the ride that your family is not big enough to fill up. I enjoy people watching, and just being in my own world on my own schedule. If I don't want to stay at the park until closing, I don't have to. If I want to ride a ride over and over again, I can. I don't have to worry about what someone else does or does not want to do. I don't mind eating alone, and I find most people don't even notice. I can people watch and interact with other's who choose to speak to me. Usually it is one of their children, that breaks the ice and opens up the lines of communication. I am the one who is willing to help take your family picture in return for the favor of taking my picture. So when you are in the parks, and see someone alone say hello and find out where we are from.

Since joining the DIS, another Dis'er who is also going solo, has contacted me about getting together since we will be in WDW at the same time. I said sure, we are still working out the details, but plan on inviting all other Dis'er to meet up with us. So, even though we each are going alone, we will meet up with New friends made here on the DIS board. So who said we are really going alone, with all our Dis Friends out there.

 

[Hugpug]

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!!

I'm not going to yell at you but I go alone because no one wants to go with me. I refuse hide in a corner just beacuse I choose to travel solo. I would never see anything if I had to wait for someone to decide if they wanted to go with me. I ALWAYS HAVE A GREAT TIME. I love talking to other guest and the CM'S make me feel special. Sure I wish I could have a partner but if not so be it.

 

[scjo68]

I wish I could go solo. DH and the kids won't let me!

I know, isn't it a bummer when they find out about your travel plans, and jump in the car before you can back out of the driveway alone?


Seriously, I would really enjoy going alone, and may when my kids are much older. I can't now, though, because they are too young and I would feel guilty. And going with them is lots of fun. But honestly I have to split off from dh and kids some of the time anyway, because they won't ride things like RRC and EE, and I love big rides. If I were alone, I could ride them as much as I want, without feeling like they were waiting around for me.

In fact, I have taken solo day trips to Kings Dominion, while the kids are in school or with grandparents, just to ride the big thrill rides to my heart's content. I can find no one who will ride everything I will (without fear or complaint, which just annoys me). I have a great time!

I will admit to one fear. When our paper reports of an incident at Kings Dominion they will sometimes state that the guest was apparently visiting the park alone. So I'm afraid that if I fall off a rollercoaster or something, everyone will read how I was in the park alone. Everyone will think that's so sad that I have no friends to go with.

 

[CinderALLIE]

I'm going solo for first time next year and looing forward to it. I'll be going to San Francisco and that bloody museum better be open , Adventures by Disney Disneyland Tour, Disneyland by myself, then on to WDW and Disney cruise. I have a very small close group of friends and none of them could or wanted to go (Personal reasons). I was not going to let that hold me back so decided to do solo. At first I was worried about it but now I'm cool with it and like the idea of being on Allie time and not everyone elses.

If I had to choose solo or not going at all the choice is easy...Hang on I did have to choose that!!