Just back from my first solo trip - what an incredible experience!

[norybell]

I just got back Friday from a four night/five day solo trip to the World, and it was incredible! To anyone who's on the fence about a solo trip, I say do it, you won't regret it!

Even though my last two trips were adults-only and pretty darn relaxing, being solo was even more so. It's amazing how calming it can be to not worry about anyone other than yourself! But on the other hand, I got more done than I ever have before, because even when I was tired, it was easy to just keep on going if I felt like it. Turns out if there's no one to get cranky at, you don't get cranky at all! (If a tree falls in the woods...) Plus I could ride my favorite rides over and over again, which was soooo fun.

I was worried that I'd get lonely sometimes, but I really didn't. There were a few moments when I wanted to tell someone about what a great time I was having, but then I just called my mom or my BF, and that was enough.

Eating alone was no problem. I ate at Contempo Cafe, Pecos Bills, F&W booths, Brown Derby, Yak n Yeti, and Jiko. I actually preferred eating alone at the table service spots. They were just a nicer break. Either I'd chat with the people nearby, or I'd read my book. I didn't notice any weird looks from people, or anything (not that I would've cared, anyway).

At Jiko I sat at the chef's bar and met an amazing couple, and ended up spending a few hours with them! They drove me back to Epcot and we watched Illuminations together. It was great. Later, at Jellyrolls, I was "adopted" for the evening by a group of people there for an IT conference. In general, I found myself chatting with people all the time. There's no easier place to meet new people, and it really gave me a whole new perspective on my trip. A few people expressed surprise when they learned I was alone, but in a very friendly and non-judgmental way.

I'm doing a proper trip report (link in my signature), but I wanted to post here because if it weren't for all the comments from other solo Disney travelers, I would never even have had the idea -- much less the courage -- to go solo in the first place! So thanks to you all!

 

[Vivianne]

That's great to hear...

I've never done a solo but DW is probably the only place I would feel comfortable doing so.

Glad you had the courage not to pass on a great experience.

 

[geffric]

thanks for the report.. and I agree.. solo is so much fun and you meet the nicest people!!

 

[DFD]

I just got back Friday from a four night/five day solo trip to the World, and it was incredible! To anyone who's on the fence about a solo trip, I say do it, you won't regret it!




Eating alone was no problem. I ate at Contempo Cafe, Pecos Bills, F&W booths, Brown Derby, Yak n Yeti, and Jiko.

At Jiko I sat at the chef's bar and met an amazing couple, and ended up spending a few hours with them! They drove me back to Epcot and we watched Illuminations together.

at Jellyrolls, I was "adopted" for the evening by a group of people there for an IT conference.

In general, I found myself chatting with people all the time. There's no easier place to meet new people, and it really gave me a whole new perspective on my trip.

A few people expressed surprise when they learned I was alone, but in a very friendly and non-judgmental way.

!

welcome back from a wonderful vacation... Glad that you really had a wonderful time.. now its time to plan again.. may it be solo or with a love one...

 

[lvt]

Thanks for writing.

 

[PamelaKay]

Thanks so much for this aweome report. I am taking my firt Solo trip in December and reading about your experience just makes me more excited.

 

[Judy in Texas]

I had vacation time scheduled in November 2007 and no one else could get time off. I looked for a place to spend a few days by myself where I could have a good time and not worry about my safety. What better place than WDW! I highly recommend it for solo travelers. Yes, there were times when I wanted to turn to some one and say "Look at that!"; but, that's what cell phones are for.

Recommendation: I stayed at All Star Movies. When I checked in, I explained that I was traveling alone and wanted a room with good outside lighting. The CM upgraded me to a preferred room which was great! Nice they have the authority to do that.

 

[ClareH37]

Thanks for the report, sounds like you had a fantastic time

 

[wdposter]

going solo myself in dec. 6-9th staying at wilderness lodge. not my first time, but always enjoy the place. Not so scary party was great last year, got real sore feet due to the fact I forgot my tennis shoes and wore dress shoes all night..... ouch the next day.... but the couple drinks at the pool bar ouside the poly made it way OK.

 

[fallcolors]

Your post makes me feel more at-ease and excited about my solo trip!

 

[norybell]

Thanks so much for this aweome report. I am taking my firt Solo trip in December and reading about your experience just makes me more excited.

going solo myself in dec. 6-9th staying at wilderness lodge. not my first time, but always enjoy the place. Not so scary party was great last year, got real sore feet due to the fact I forgot my tennis shoes and wore dress shoes all night..... ouch the next day.... but the couple drinks at the pool bar ouside the poly made it way OK.

Your post makes me feel more at-ease and excited about my solo trip!

I'm jealous of you all - it's been less than a week, and I'm already ready to go back!

 

[Minnie*bell]

I was w/ 8 people last trip & always needed alone time just to stay sane! lol! A favorite evening was when my fam left me alone at the Yacht Club. They went to the grocery store. We had dinner there, they left, I CHILLED!!! [Of course, by the pool w/ a lovely cocktail!] I can see how u had a great time. One of my friends went solo on a cruise. Its the same deal "all about u" which is a great thing!!! Its whatever u want to do.

P.S.Try going to WDW w/ a chain smoker. = ]

 

[Googelibear]

P.S.Try going to WDW w/ a chain smoker. = ]

do they still exist?

Going to read that trip report now

 

[Salinger]

Thanks norybell!

My first ever solo trip is coming up end of January. It was either go solo, or risk not going at all. I love reading of experiences like yours, because I think I too will really enjoy it. Like most of us here, I'm a bit of a Disney park addict, and most of the time the friends I go with aren't, so it just means me compromising to please the group.

...off to read your trip report!!

 

[LittleFlounder]

norybell, your post is making me even more excited about my solo trip (3rd one!) coming up in 2 weeks! Its great to hear your trip was so much fun!

Recommendation: I stayed at All Star Movies. When I checked in, I explained that I was traveling alone and wanted a room with good outside lighting. The CM upgraded me to a preferred room which was great! Nice they have the authority to do that.

Woo! an upgrade! I hope that happens to me! I'll be staying solo at POP(standard room) and I've already put in a room request to be as close to classic hall and buses as possible since I'm traveling alone. I'll have to reiterate the "alone" part when i check in and see what they can do for me!

 

[Claudia Kellenberger]

So glad to hear that you had a great time !!! I can echo so many of your great points. In just 18 more days, I will have my 11th, annual, solo
WDW trip. I will be 7 nights. I have my cell phone to call my DH, and also my Mom.

 

[lustergirl]

My first solo trip was in May 2008 and I had a blast. I am returning in early February and can't wait. I like the fact that I could where I want, when I want, and eat what I want. If I want to spend half a day sleeping then so be it!!