I'm ready to go solo. Other solo travellers, tell me how you do your trip, please.

[Bete]

I'm going in December 2008 to enjoy the holiday season there. There are good reasons why I will be doing this trip solo. It boils down to going solo or not at all. I'll be going crazy with my new high definition video camcorder on this trip. I'm somewhat inclined to be alone; because, I want to concentrate on taking good video and pictures. I went with a cousin in Dec 2007 and I really didn't get to do as much video as I would have liked to do. I don't really think I want to join in any meets, either. My main reason is that I want to spend as much time doing video as I can on this trip. I don't think I'll be going again for a while; so, I really want to concentrate on doing video.

I'm thinking of doing breakfast at the resort food court; so, I can do it before the parks open. I will probably have an early dinner at a quick counter service place in whatever park I'm attending that day. If I'm not hungry, I may opt to wait until I return to the resort and I will have a late dinner there at the food court.

I've been to WDW many times and I've been to most of the table service restaurants. I have no real desire doing TS alone. I'm not self conscious, but I think TS is best enjoyed with the company of another. I may do a buffet like Biergarten; so, I can enjoy reserved seating at a Candlelight Processional in Epcot. It will depend on the speakers, if I go to one or not.

I'm spending 7 days for the trip. If I get done with all the video I want I may be more open to join in with others towards the end of the trip. I may or may not be able to coordinate any meetings at that point.

My real question here is do you think I'll be too lonely doing this plan? Have others spend 7 days all alone? I am feeling a little weird with this plan. I'm so use to going with others; I'm having a hard time knowing if this will be enjoyable.

 

[acm563]

I'm going in December 2008 to enjoy the holiday season there. There are good reasons why I will be doing this trip solo. It boils down to going solo or not at all. I'll be going crazy with my new high definition video camcorder on this trip. I'm somewhat inclined to be alone; because, I want to concentrate on taking good video and pictures. I went with a cousin in Dec 2007 and I really didn't get to do as much video as I would have liked to do. I don't really think I want to join in any meets, either. My main reason is that I want to spend as much time doing video as I can on this trip. I don't think I'll be going again for a while; so, I really want to concentrate on doing video.

I'm thinking of doing breakfast at the resort food court; so, I can do it before the parks open. I will probably have an early dinner at a quick counter service place in whatever park I'm attending that day. If I'm not hungry, I may opt to wait until I return to the resort and I will have a late dinner there at the food court.

I've been to WDW many times and I've been to most of the table service restaurants. I have no real desire doing TS alone. I'm not self conscious, but I think TS is best enjoyed with the company of another. I may do a buffet like Biergarten; so, I can enjoy reserved seating at a Candlelight Processional in Epcot. It will depend on the speakers, if I go to one or not.

I'm spending 7 days for the trip. If I get done with all the video I want I may be more open to join in with others towards the end of the trip. I may or may not be able to coordinate any meetings at that point.

My real question here is do you think I'll be too lonely doing this plan? Have others spend 7 days all alone? I am feeling a little weird with this plan. I'm so use to going with others; I'm having a hard time knowing if this will be enjoyable.

Hi I have only did 1 solo and it was for 3 full days,(earlier this month) my initial thoughts were that I would be lonely and BORED... The exact opposite was true. The longest I have ever did WDW with family/friends has been 6 days and I have always been ready to come home because by then I am exhausted..However, on my 3 day solo I did not want to leave and I could have easily stayed another 4 days. I loved being able to stop and take pictures of anything and everything without someone rushing me. I loved doing things at my pace and just enjoying it and taking in all the MAGIC! If you feel like it will be a problem and you know you can do a repeat solo trip later then try 3 or 4 days and see how it feels, I dont think you will regret it. I enjoy and value my solitude but felt it would just "feel" weird to be at WDW alone but now I think it is what I prefer. There is just something about the magic of Disney that if you are a true Disney fan at heart it will capture you whether you are alone or with others. My next solo is in May (but meeting up with DISboard friends as well) I spend time at WDW every year for Christmas and the Candlelight processional is always on my agenda as it is beautiful and there will be even more things to see, video, and keep you occupied in December. So my advice is GO FOR IT!!!! What have you got to lose????

 

[DisneyBride'03]

I did my first solo last dec...am doing another in Sept.....its fun....you can choose to meet up with other disers..for parks..meals...etc....while i did not do 7 days...there are MANY here who do that and have a blast!

hopefully they will ding this thread and chime in! I am going in DEc again...but taking my DD who will 2 1/2 and my cousin.

 

[Candice30]

my solo trip to disney was over 6 days and not sure i would stay that long again as i did start to get lonely by the end of the trip. one problem i may have had was to commando the parks like i was leaving in 2 days .

if you take things slow an take in the park as you will be doing if you are planning alot of video than you should be fine. i loved the freedom of going solo and did have a blast but not sure i could do xmas time. xmas is such a huge deal for me and my family so being there alone would not be a good recipe for me.

 

[Stacy's a freak]

I went solo in late November - early December in 2005 and I had such a terrific time that I can't wait to do it again this year (same time)! It has the Christmas feel with decorations, etc., but it's not ON Christmas so I didn't get that lonely feeling I might have had if I had gone for Christmas day.

Since you have already been there and know what to expect AND you had a previous trip in which you didn't get to do the taping you wanted to because you had to think of others, this sounds perfect for you! As for the length of your trip, only you can know if you will feel lonely. But the advice given by Candice is great. Take your time and soak up the magic. I'm sure that you will have a wonderful time. But just in case, bring your cell phone (if you have one) and call your friends/family to break up the loneliness. But a word of advice ... don't keep your phone near your room key - I learned that lesson.

OH! Another tip/suggestion - get Pal Mickey and tote him around the parks. Even though he is just a little electronic gizmo, he's fun to have and it's a great conversation starter with strangers. I can't tell you how many people have approached me during trips to ask me about him.

Enjoy it!

 

[Donald is #1]

My first solo trip was last May. This was a 12 day trip and I was solo of all but 2 days. I didn't think that the trip was too long. I found that I was much mroe laid back and tended to head back to my resort in the afternoons before heading back to one of the parks in the evening. This year I am taking a 10 day solo trip in December. Of course December is a long way off so you never know, I may add another day or two.

 

[Bete]

I'm making the commitment and I'm going for 7 days. I think there's only one way to find out if you like going solo and that's to do it. I think Disney World is probably one of the best places to go solo in terms of safety, security, etc.

I will call back home if I'm feeling the blues and I'm too lonely. Talking with family and friends will help, if I need the comfort of it all.

I'm leaving a sickly mother that I caregive in the hands of my husband. I need a break and he's so helpful with doing this for me. I've had a rough year in this regard. I think it's one of the reasons I want to go alone. I don't want to feel obligated to anyone while I'm at Disney World. I'll be calling him everyday and then some to check up on everything anyway.

I still would like to hear how everyone handles their solo trips there. I would like to know if you go to TS meals or CS; do you see more shows and not as many rides, do you join in meets or not? I'm very curious about the details and schedule of a solo trip. Do you do a spa treatment? Do you mostly lounge around the pool? Do you relax and read a good book there? Do you try to do and see everthing at Disney World commando style?

 

[Taja]

My longest solo WDW visit to date has been 10 nights. A very nice number!

My first solo trip was in 1981--three nights. The only park was MK, but there was plenty to do. It was tagged on to a business trip in the DC area.

My second solo trip was in December 2003. Eight nights. I was still on the DL list, but could do more things than in August (injured both legs about two weeks before August visit). So that's what I did. My speed was slow--up from compound slow.

My third solo trip was in December 2004. Part of the time I was with a group from another board. I think I stayed 9 nights that visit. I spent a fair amount of time with the group the first four days. Most of them left after that, and I was almost completely solo. Met a couple of people for an attraction or meal, but mostly solo. Much more mobile than previous two visits.

The next solo trip was March 2007. Completely out of the blue. Everything booked two weeks prior. Six nights, which was a bit short, but still fun. Met with a family from another board at DTD for a few hours, then did some solo shopping. Not much, but a little!

Since I seem to be the walking wounded most WDW visits, I usually have a list of a few things I really want to accomplish during each solo visit. In March 2007, it was the afternoon parades. Of course, a few things aren't accomplished--haven't managed EE yet, although it was planned for March 2007. However, I met two wonderful ladies who were visiting WDW for the first time on the bus from PC to AK. It was their last day and they had no clue what they were doing! (They thought there wasn't much to do at EPCOT except watch IllumiNations!) You can guess where that went! Well, I did see the afternoon parade, as well as introducing two delightful ladies to AK.

Beyond that, I tend to take a project or two and a book or two with me. I usually have some hand sewing that needs to be completed, and I always have books to be read. Love reading, just don't have time for it regularly anymore.

Do what you enjoy. I'm not a spa or lounge-by-the pool person. If that's what you enjoy and need, include it in your plans.

I didn't do any TS restaurants during March 2007, as it was such a last minute visit. I found the PC food court to be quite adequate with a decent selection. Although I had stayed there two times previously, I really hadn't eaten there. Something else new!

If I manage my visit in December 2008 (pretty uncertain at this point--too much going on in my life, but I'm booking room only--just in case!), I'll probably be at WDW for 10 or 11 nights. Probably two or three TS ADRs, winging the rest. I'll do a grocery stop before arriving at WDW, so I'll have some staples on hand. It's pretty much a trade-off of cost between towncar with grocery stop and DME without for me when I'm solo. The advantage of the grocery stop is selecting exactly what I want at the store.

 

[pennylynn]

I think solo trips are great. Because you get to do what you want, when you want and if there's things that you never want to do there's no one to bug you. You can linger as long as you want or go as fast as you want. It's a great time to explore all the little nooks and grannies everywhere. I have done table service when I've been by myself but not very much simply because I think table service meals are a great time waster. I like them, I just don't like taking so much time out of my day. But then I don't do the parks commando style so I'm probably taking more time at everything. Don't worry about getting lonely. Just start a conversation with the people in line with you, on the bus, where ever. If you need a conversation starter then bring something with you to give away to children. It's a great way to start a conversation. Wear a tee shirt from your home town or local college. Lot's of time someone will ask you about it. Or wear something lime green and see how many diser's talk to you. But mainly, just have a good time.

 

[ahoff]

I just got back from a solo trip, three nights at BW and one at VB. It was very relaxing, went at my own pace and did and saw what I wanted to. Went on several single rider lines, and also spent a lot of time going to the parks just to listen to the various musicians, such as the Village Beatniks in AK, M,S&S at MGM. and Off Kilter and British Invasion in WS. One very cool guy was Jack Diamond, watch for him at MGM, one of the street performers that does some amazing card tricks and other assorted magic. Spent a good portion of a day just laying about the pool. And in the evenings there was JR and AC.

 

[Donald is #1]

OK, let's see. I already posted about the length of my solo stays, so I will concentrate on your other questions. I eat both CS and TS meals. I probably average almost 1 TS a day. I actually eat more TS solo than I do on group trips because my friends and family don't always want to spend the time every day for a TS. Since I am going more frequently now, I like doing the TS meals about once a day to relax and I don't feel like I need to see everything. For touring the parks, when I am solo, I try to get to the park at opening and then I do both rides and shows. I probably do more shows at Epcot when I am solo than I do not solo again because the people I go with don't go as often as I do so they don't want to spend as much time waiting for a show or demonstration. When solo, I also tend to head back to my resort mid-afternoon and spend a couple of hours relaxing at the resort: either on my balcony watching the animals at AKL/AKV, in my room relaxing, or a dip in the hot tub. I then head back to one of the parks in the evening for the fireworks. I tend to watch either wishes or illuminations almost every night. When I am with my sisters/their families, I won't do fireworks as much because they tend to want to head back to the resort.

I tried the SSR SPA on my May trip and I will probably do at least a massage at one of the spas during my December trip.


My touring has definitely changed. In the past, I wasn't exactly commando and I didn't follow a strict plan, but I did tend to do from park opening until after fireworks. Now, I tend to take a break in the middle of the day. I think that may have more to do with my buying into the DVC and knowing that I will be back each year so that I don't have to try to do everything. Actually, it could also be because I am getting older!

 

[fakereadhed]

I'm leaving a sickly mother that I caregive in the hands of my husband. I need a break and he's so helpful with doing this for me. I've had a rough year in this regard. I think it's one of the reasons I want to go alone. I don't want to feel obligated to anyone while I'm at Disney World. I'll be calling him everyday and then some to check up on everything anyway.

I still would like to hear how everyone handles their solo trips there. I would like to know if you go to TS meals or CS; do you see more shows and not as many rides, do you join in meets or not? I'm very curious about the details and schedule of a solo trip. Do you do a spa treatment? Do you mostly lounge around the pool? Do you relax and read a good book there? Do you try to do and see everthing at Disney World commando style?

Good for you!!! You need a break and a solo trip is a great way to pamper yourself. I took my first solo trip because I needed a break from my teenage DD with special needs.

My suggestion is to do whatever you don't do on trips with others. My family hates getting up early and hitting the parks, so that's what I did on my trip. If that's what you usually do, I'd recommend to do the opposite and lounge around by the pool. Figure out what your dream week in WDW is and make it happen(within your budget.) I did a lot of the attractions that my family thinks are "boring" like the American Adventure and One Man's Dream.

I enjoyed TS by myself because I got served instead of serving everyone else at home. The only place that was a little weird for me was the Sci-Fi since you have people sitting behind you at the same table. I highly recommend the Garden View Tea Room for afternoon tea! Very pampering and great solo.

I went to MVMCP solo and had a great time! I did the shows and parade and enjoyed the ambiance instead of doing the rides.

If you are worried about getting lonely, try to meet up with some DISers midweek for a meal or something.

Congratulations on booking your first solo trip!

 

[Bete]

It's a real booster hearing all your personal stories about your solo trips. Thanks for sharing with me.

I would like to ask one more question. As a woman, did you ever get caught in a risky situation there? I'm not naive and I know bad things can even happen at Disney. I'm a little nervous about the resort surroundings and you can be isolated very fast at many of the resorts. Has anyone had any problems? What should I watch out for? I think I'll be very aware of my surroundings, but that may not be enough. Any hints would be appreciated. Should I use a strategy that if I'm alone with a stranger at the resort to go a different direction from my room or go to a public, more crowded area in a hurry? I don't want to be fearful, but I do need to be more careful or am I just parranoid?

 

[fakereadhed]

I would like to ask one more question. As a woman, did you ever get caught in a risky situation there? I'm not niave and I know bad things can even happen at Disney. I'm a little nervous about the resort surroundings and you can be isolated very fast at many of the resorts. Has anyone had any problems? What should I watch out for?

Honestly, I am from the suburbs near one of the most crime ridden cities in the country, and I don't let my guard down anywhere either. The only time I felt vulnerable was at Pop Century at night, walking along the lake alone, and I thought about alligators. That was the only time I felt freaked out about being alone. As long as you aren't naive you will do fine. I always look around, walk with confidence, and avoid dark areas or those lined with bushes. Plus, it would really tick me off if someone tried to mess with me, so they better be ready for a fight.

 

[Donald is #1]

It's a real booster hearing all your personal stories about your solo trips. Thanks for sharing with me.

I would like to ask one more question. As a woman, did you ever get caught in a risky situation there? I'm not niave and I know bad things can even happen at Disney. I'm a little nervous about the resort surroundings and you can be isolated very fast at many of the resorts. Has anyone had any problems? What should I watch out for? I think I'll be very aware of my surrounding, but that may not be enough. Any hints would be appreciated. Should I use a strategy that if I'm alone with a stranger at the resort to go a different direction from my room or go to a public, more crowded area in a hurry? I don't want to be fearful, but I do need to be more careful or am I just parranoid?

I have never encountered a situation at WDW that made me nervous. However, I tend to stay in well-lit areas and at night, I don't stray from the popular areas (i.e. there are always plenty of people around). Where it does impact me is where I stay. When I am by myself, I prefer to stay in one of the resorts that is 1 building. i.e. I like interior corridors when I am solo. That being said, I stayed at SSR solo for the first 1/2 of my May '07 trip and wasn't nervous at all even when I was going back to my room 10-11 at night.

 

[aswift]

My DH was in Orlando for a conference the first week of March and is going back the first week of April for another one. He was staying off property, but the way the conference was structured and his flight schedule, he had 2 full days and 2 afternoon/evenings to hit the World. He attended the PNP party one of the nights. Although he enjoyed himself, he didn't enjoy it as much since he was alone. He is very reserved, not shy necessarily, just not one to initiate conversations with strangers, etc. He will speak if spoken too but even then is in no way chatty. He did mostly counter service restaurants. He did do Sci Fi and felt completely out of place there because of the diners in the seats behind him. Unlike most everyone who has posted, he said the place seemed to not be as magical for him because we weren't there to share. He is a big Disney fan, but I don't think he enjoyed himself all that much. He was constantly calling us, sending texts, picture mail, etc. (My own personal opionion is that he felt guilty leaving us behind and visiting our favorite vacation spot alone even though he has sent us to WDW many times while he had to stay behind because of work.)In fact, even though we have APs, he did say that he probably won't visit the parks while he is there in April with the exception of souvenir shopping for us at MK or DS. I guess touring alone depends alot on your personality, likes, dislikes, etc.

 

[poohhappy1]

I have been solo just once and it was for two nights at SSR in May '07. I never felt uncomfortable walking around alone but I was always aware of my surroundings.

What I loved: Watching a concert in EPCOT with a nice glass of wine and a some yummy dinner from Morocco. Watching the Beatles group and making some new friends who shared the bench with me at the show. Coming home after Illuminations on a bus with the driver leading the whole bus in verse after verse of "The Wheels on the Bus" song. Taking a break whenever I wanted. People watching and soaking up the sun. Shopping for as long as I wanted. Dinner at WPE (outside) in DD.

What I didn't like: TS lunch at Le Cellier. They tried to seat me in the middle of the room and I felt really self-conscious so I politely asked for another table and waited 30 minutes for it. The Comedy club solo. I was seated down front and felt really out of place.

I am going solo again in May for 2 nights before being joined by my SIL for 5 more nights. I think that will work well for me. I would get lonely if I was solo for the whole time. I am a "foodie" and really enjoy TS meals but have not enjoyed them alone. Perhaps if I sat at a counter, like at Flying Fish, and watched the chefs at work I might be more comfortable.

 

[nurse.darcy]

I don't know about the world but at the land I enjoy my solo trips ANY WAY I WANT TO. . .its an absolute joy to do what I want to do and see what I want to see without having to cater to others. . .I also talk to EVERYONE. . .its my nature. . .my friends say I'll talk to ANYONE. . .

Just go and enjoy. I am going solo in May, though I am meeting a bunch of Disers I don't yet know personally. . .but soon will.

 

[iluveeyore]

Enjoy your "me" time - sounds like you deserve it! I just did my first solo in March for five nights, and to me it wasn't long enough! I guess because we go as a family every year with our DVC, I really didn't miss sharing experiences with DH and my kids. I have an AP, so I basically just enjoyed being on my own schedule. I actually made it to a couple of EMH in the mornings, which we never do as a family. I didn't have to get everyone up and moving, figure out which park everyone wanted to visit and what they all wanted to do. If I wanted to watch a show to sit and relax, I did! If I wanted to sit on a bench, eat an ice cream sandwich and people watch, I did! I went on rides alone (single rider lines rule!), enjoyed browsing through gift shops, toured other resorts, and even did a TS alone at Olivia's (OKW). I thoroughly enjoyed everything on my own, and look forward to doing it again someday. MY DH called every night because they missed me more at home than I missed them! My only problem was that I hurt my leg the second day there (recurring knee problem), and my cough worsened as the week went on so that I lost my voice, but I soldiered through and hobbled around the rest of the week. It was even nice to go back to my room at any point during the day or evening to freshen up and relax for as long as I wanted and not have to wait for the bathroom to free up, or bug DH to hand over the remote. I also never felt uncomfortable as far as my safety was concerned - there was always someone around.
I'm sure you'll enjoy yourself, and you have your videotaping to keep you occupied. I truly got some wonderful photos this trip of views I just happened to notice by wandering slowly or sitting and really looking around at each park. Have a great trip! We're going as a family in May, and I'm going to be sure and take a day at least for myself - DH said he was even going to 'try' and do a park solo for an afternoon just to figure out what I like about it so much - I don't think men understand the urge for us women to have some down time to ourselves, but we sure do!

 

[Donald is #1]

We're going as a family in May, and I'm going to be sure and take a day at least for myself - DH said he was even going to 'try' and do a park solo for an afternoon just to figure out what I like about it so much - I don't think men understand the urge for us women to have some down time to ourselves, but we sure do!

I was on a business trip 2 weeks ago and one of the days of the trip, the USA Today had an article about the increasing numbers of people vacationing solo. One of the interesting items in the article was that apparently women are the majority of the people traveling alone. Being a woman engineer, I am not used to being in the majority.