Is a solo trip fun?

[WDW Poly Princess]

I didn't realize how much I've grown to love my solo trips until I went with family again! We split up a lot, so I still ended up with some solo time, but it wasn't the same!

Warning: Solo is addicting!

 

[_chill_]

I love travelling alone (typically do when on business anyway). WDW is no exception. While I like having someone along to experience everything with, it's also great having total control over what, when, and where you go. The only problem I've ever had is getting up in a restaurant to use the facilities and coming back to find the table cleared and/or someone else sitting there because the staff thought I had left. It's happened so many times now I avoid TS dining when I'm by myself (worse outside 'the world').

 

[i<3Disney]

I live in Orlando so I'm always going to the parks alone...it's fun to choose what rides to go on without having to answer to anyone

 

[DisneylandGuy22]

I love going on Solo trips to Disney as you are technically never alone...

 

[MinnieMousse]

I love travelling alone (typically do when on business anyway). WDW is no exception. While I like having someone along to experience everything with, it's also great having total control over what, when, and where you go. The only problem I've ever had is getting up in a restaurant to use the facilities and coming back to find the table cleared and/or someone else sitting there because the staff thought I had left. It's happened so many times now I avoid TS dining when I'm by myself (worse outside 'the world').

Ha ha! That is so funny! My husband had a similar experience in NY. He left his jacket in a prominent place so they wouldn't clear his plate.

 

[Disneyfan63]

Hi,

In December I will go to the World for only the seventh time in my life, but sixth solo. If I waited for someone to go with, I would never go anywhere. I have trouble in table service restaurants as well when I answer nature's call. It's irritating. I feel like writing them a note: "Need to use the men's room. I cannot take a message."

Jim

 

[MinnieMousse]

Isn't there some kind of waiters signal that if you leave your napkin on your chair that means that you're coming back, but if your napkin is on the table, that means that you are done??? I thought I heard about that in some business etiquette class.

 

[Redbudlover]

I have booked a solo trip, my first, to BC and AK 11/27 - 12/2 and had the opportunity to invite my favorite aunt to go with me to split costs...... I thought about it all of five minutes and decided to spend the extra to go alone. Each time I have thought about it since I make the same decision. I have travelled internationally as well as domestically solo and have always found I met more people while alone and had more interesting times. and that is on top of keeping my own schedule. I like not worrying if my DH is having a good time or likes his food or whatever. I just love the alone time surrounded by happy people and children and magic. Can't beat it.

 

[NJGuy3]

I'm curious about doing a solo trip to WDW as well. I am a 30y/o single guy and would like to go again next year, but none of friends are showing interest in going, so that's why I have been considering a solo trip.
I know that having the flexibilty of doing whatever I want and whenever I want would be great, but I don't know how I'd feel about dining alone. I don't think I'd mind breakfast and lunch, but it's dinner time that I might be somewhat uncomfortable with. I love going to all those nice Disney restaurants such as, Le'Celier, Ohana's, Teppanyaki, etc.
Any advice or feedback from others who have done it already?

 

[budcollector]

Going Solo is the only way to go, i can't wait to do my 2nd solo trip in December,
if you feel uncomfy about eating in a resturant solo,[ i do ] you could do like i do go back to the hotel and eat at the food court, mmmm nothing better then a burger,fries and soda for dinner. yummy

 

[djblu883]

I work on the road so I go solo everywhere..eating at a restaurant solo isn't so bad and only once have I had someone clean up my table though I did have waitstaff staff steal a pair of sunglasses.(another couple eating close by reported her to me and they were recovered)I usually take a book..leaving that on the table usually is enough to let them know I'll be back lol...as far as feeling silly...if I waitied until I had company to eat at a TS place I'd stay hungry and I rarely eat fast food.(NOT HEALTHY)...enjoy your meals...life is too short to worry about the small stuff!!!

 

[DisneydaveCT]

I made my first solo trip to WDW 25 years ago...yes it was just the MK. Since then I have made a few other solo trips down. While it is true that there is something nice about controlling one's own itinerary, I do miss having that special Disney gal by my side. Hopefully, I will be able to share one of my next trips with a special Disney gal.

I also truly enjoy taking my 12 y.o. DD to WDW. Although she is getting to that age where she is going to want some time on her own soon.

No matter how I go, solo or with others, WDW is still my favorite vacation spot.

 

[djblu883]

I totally agree with you Dave. WDW is truely the place to go on vacations...its my fav spot!! This will be the first ,of I'm sure many Solo trips....of coarse I have a baby princess that will be a perfect age next year so, maybe she and I will end up going...I'll kidnap her from her Mommy for an annual MiMI and DGD trip!! well unless I meet my own special prince... lol I love that guy dancing!!! 16 more days til my first of two SOLO trips this year!!!! Yeah!!!! I say Solo...2nd trip is with friends as roomies but we are solo parking things for the most part...doing the Segway Tour, Mousefest Land Stuff,and who knows maybe a trip to Jelly Rolls though I'm not a bar scene person anymore, the dueling pianos sounds like fun!!!

 

[Simba's Mom]

I used to feel uncomfortable about sit-down dining until I happened on this-bring a little 99 cent notebook. Spend the time making notes on where you went, what you did, impressions, food comments, etc., etc. At the end of your trip you have some great info to post here as well as a great souvenier of your trip. I love to pull out my notebooks from trips past to read again. Note-just don't forget to bring a pen too. At my first sit down meal I thought I was all set with my notebook, until I realized I had nothing to write with!

 

[NJGuy3]

Thanks...you guys make it seem so easy and that I shouldn;t feel uncomfortable at all dining solo. I just don;t want to give up eating at great TS restaurants because I am solo. Nothing against eating a burger and fries, but I don't think I'd enjoy that all the time for dinner, that makes better for a lunch or CS meal for me. I guess we'll see what happens between now and next year, hopefully a couple freind will change their mind or I'll meet some new ones that are interested. I haven't had the chance to spend a Disney vacation with a special Disney gal, but that would be nice.

 

[Redbudlover]

I have travelled a lot solo on business and then for pleasure. The best way to get over being uncomfortable dining solo is to jump in and do it. It really is just fine! I find I talk to the people around me a lot more - though not always - and enjoy my people watching. I usually take a book and then sometimes read, and sometimes not. There are usually single men dining around me, though not so often single women. It is so old hat to me now I don't think twice about and usually do it at least once a week here at home.... It is not as romantic.... but I enjoy myself either way... I would definitely NOT go back to a food court for a hamburger with all the good food and restaurants in WDW!

 

[jordancej]

I'm tackling my first solo trip as well. Looking forward to it actually, my co-workers think i'm off my rocker for going by myself. I've been to WDW 2 years in a row, and i'm really familiar with everything. The only change i'm having to make is not being able to stay at POFQ, i just couldnt justify the cost when i will never be the resort, so i chose a value resort instead. I dont mind eating by myself so i really dont think that will be different. The only draw back is not being able to share special moments with someone, but heck thats what cell phones are for! hehe My sister already warned me that shes not going to be on the telephone with me every second i see something cool!! Plus I love taking pics with all the characters, and my neices on the last trip were going "Not ANOTHER picture", so i'm really looking forward to all the villians and costumed characters at the MNSSHP!

PS - i have ADR's at Le Cellier, Coral Reef and Mama Melrose

 

[Redbudlover]

I wish they had a way to sign up to share space for singles traveling solo... I have BC water view for 3 days and AKL concierge level for two day NOv. 27 - Dec 2 and I would love to share the space - and maybe a little of the experience with another solo disser. It is a shame for solos not to be able to have the resort they want because they are not sharing costs!

 

[UrsulasShadow]

I wish they had a way to sign up to share space for singles traveling solo... I have BC water view for 3 days and AKL concierge level for two day NOv. 27 - Dec 2 and I would love to share the space - and maybe a little of the experience with another solo disser. It is a shame for solos not to be able to have the resort they want because they are not sharing costs!

Maybe that'd be a good subject for a sticky. There are threads explaining Illuminations cruises, and links to those who would like to share. Maybe someone would like to start a thread for sharing a resort room, and ask the mods to make it a sticky....
Personally, I like being alone, and would not be comfortable sharing a room with a stranger (flashbacks to my first college roommate experience ), but there are some on these boards who have years-long relationships with others on these boards, and might feel differently. It's worth considering, maybe.

 

[deekaypee]

Yes, yes, unabashedly yes. I love going with my DH, I love going with friends and family, but I never say no to going alone. This year, my DH needs to be away during my b-day. I looked him straight in the eye and said, "I'm going to Disney." He's very jealous.