Just Booked a Solo Trip and I'm nervous!

[Tigger2252]

I have never travelled alone, always with the husband and kids. I made the decision to go on a trip all by myself this May. I'm an avid amateur photographer, and I want to just be alone with my camera and not have to worry that people are waiting for me. I don't want to worry about where they want to eat, if they have their clothes, if they are having fun. I can't help feeling guilty that I'm taking the trip though.

 

[Safari Queen]

You deserve time to enjoy your hobby and all the perks of being the only one you have to please. It's very different from being there with family but it's wonderful. Let yourself have this experience without guilt!

 

[aggielawyer]

I can understand feeling guilty, but don't. This will be a fabulous trip to recharge your batteries and come home an even better wife and mommy.

 

[Poohbug]

Good for you!

Try not to feel guilty. I am thinking about a semi-solo trip in May also. I will travel with DH but he will be golfing while I am in the park. I was just thinking that I could bring my good camera and take some great pics of the Flower and Garden Festival.

 

[Tigger2252]

Thanks everyone! I really think it will be so great to be able to wander around and take pictures. I always end up hurrying along because in the back of my head I'm thinking about them standing there waiting for me. By myself I will be able to stand around as long as I want. I don't even care if I ride a single ride, I just want to focus on improving my photography. Where better to do that than the Flower and Garden Festival. I can go back at night if I want to without worrying that the kids or hubby will be too tired. This is the first time I have ever left them alone for an entire week. My youngest is 16 and when she found out she wasn't coming she wanted to know "Who will feed us?" I'm hoping maybe they will appreciate me more when I get back!

 

[ClareH37]

Try not to feel guiilty, everyone is entitled to some 'me' time

I'm also there in May on my first ever solo trip and can't wait, I'm so looking forward to just wandering around the flower festival, taking a seat and watching the world go by.

 

[Tigger2252]

Try not to feel guiilty, everyone is entitled to some 'me' time

I'm also there in May on my first ever solo trip and can't wait, I'm so looking forward to just wandering around the flower festival, taking a seat and watching the world go by.

I'm going in May too! I am really getting excited thinking about it. I have never gone on a trip by myself. My youngest daughter said she would be scared to go alone. I told her I'm a little scared too but only because I've never done it. I feel safe going to Disney though. I've been there many times and am familiar with everything. I would probably never go anywhere else solo because I'm a scaredy cat.

 

[ClareH37]

I'm going in May too! I am really getting excited thinking about it. I have never gone on a trip by myself. My youngest daughter said she would be scared to go alone. I told her I'm a little scared too but only because I've never done it. I feel safe going to Disney though. I've been there many times and am familiar with everything. I would probably never go anywhere else solo because I'm a scaredy cat.

I am so like that too - I'm not confident enough to go anywhere else but I know Disney so feel 'safe' there.

I'm there 7th-14th May, when are you there?

 

[Tigger2252]

I am so like that too - I'm not confident enough to go anywhere else but I know Disney so feel 'safe' there.

I'm there 7th-14th May, when are you there?

I'm there 5th-12th May!

 

[ChocolateQueen]

You will have a blast. I went alone for 8 days back in 2001. LOVED it!!! I am planning another trip and debating between May and Nov.

 

[auntfrannie]

Tell yourself you're not doing this as a solo trip but rather as a fact finding mission! Depending on how old your kids are, you can use this trip to take pictures to create a photo scavenger hunt for the kids to do on your next family visit. In the past I've also created disney world quiz books for my nieces & nephew to work on while we're on our way there and I've always incorporated pictures from previous visits.

I love traveling solo and being able to take as many pictures as I want without everyone getting frustrated with having to wait for me. Have fun!

 

[marsh0013]

i'll be there in may too, from the 6-13. i usually travel solo (and absolutely LOVE it!!!), but this time i'm taking my bff. where are you staying? we'll be at pofq, then bwv. if you worry about getting lonely, we could try to meet up.

either way, have a great trip!

 

[surfpark]

Even if you're going alone, be sure to plan some things for yourself. Eating is easy to forget, so make sure your'e getting the food and water you need throughout the day. I think it's great that you are making a photography retreat out of this trip. I was looking on Flickr and noticed some really brillant shots on there. Because much of Disney World is set-up like a movie set, the camera loves shots. I advise you to explore some of the lesser-know attractions or shows since you'll probably hit all the big ones next time around with your family. Good luck!

 

[MyMuse]

Don't feel guilty, have a wonderful time!

I'll be going down in a few weeks for pretty much my 3rd solo (semi) visit. I think I prefer it that way for the most part. Every once in awhile, it's a little uncomfortable, but all in all, pretty cool. You can check out my TRs in my sig (and many others around here).

Did you make any ADRs?

 

[ChocolateQueen]

Auntfrannie, what GREAT ideas! I am going to steal these! Thanks!

 

[Tigger2252]

Don't feel guilty, have a wonderful time!

I'll be going down in a few weeks for pretty much my 3rd solo (semi) visit. I think I prefer it that way for the most part. Every once in awhile, it's a little uncomfortable, but all in all, pretty cool. You can check out my TRs in my sig (and many others around here).

Did you make any ADRs?

I haven't made any ADRs. I wasn't sure how comfortable I would be eating alone. I'm considering making a couple though. I really like 50's Prime Time for lunch and I would love to eat at Chefs Le France for lunch again. I thought maybe I could keep a paperback in my backpack or something so I wouldn't feel weird.

 

[MyMuse]

I haven't made any ADRs. I wasn't sure how comfortable I would be eating alone. I'm considering making a couple though. I really like 50's Prime Time for lunch and I would love to eat at Chefs Le France for lunch again. I thought maybe I could keep a paperback in my backpack or something so I wouldn't feel weird.

I've done a few solo ADRs (including Cinderella's Royal Table!) and the waiters are usually pretty great about it. I take my journal to write down what happens, text, look around, take pics and before you know it, you are done!

I never really been uncomfortable. I would definitely go ahead with Chefs Le France; not sure about 50's Prime Time.

 

[SiAmCrAzY]

I am sure you will love it! I was scared and nervous on my first solo trip as well (10 nights at POP Oct 2007) I had planned the trip around food and wine and had intended on traveling with my husband. Unfortunately he had something come up with work and was not able to go. I was so afraid of going it alone I almost canceled. I am so very glad i didn't. Through the Disney community I was able to meet up with some amazing people on that trip (I had extra food & wine tickets) and I figured out how wonderful it was to be on My Own Time! Like yourself, I to am an amateur photographer. Although going solo means i have to lug all of my own stuff around, it also means i can take my time and get the shots i want without being rushed. I am getting ready for my 8th solo wdw adventure April 13-22! This will be my 2nd SOLO Birthday and Wedding Anniversary extravaganza lol (my husband works overseas, and because of his schedule will end up missing our first 5 anniversaries, he likes to joke that I'm really married to the Mouse )

Not sure if any of these will work for you but here are some tips that have helped me along the way.

~ Make ADR's! Even though you are a party of one you are still a party there are lots of amazing restaurants and what a great opportunity to eat food that your family may not like! I treat each meal like a celebration, what better way to spoil yourself? ( I use the dining plan)

~ Have a plan- even though you are on your own its nice to have direction. (I use my first day to scout, then I go back when the light is optimal) I need to do this so I don't wonder aimlessly lol even though I constantly change my plan its still nice to have one. :confused

~ Keep Busy
I know this one may sound strange, but having something to do- whether it's something relaxing like sitting by the pool or something more involved like chasing down each character for an autograph, or photographing every hedge sculpture, or trying to photograph every butterfly in Minnie's collection. This may not be necessary for you but i am a people person and I tend to get lonely if left to my own devises for too long (it is pretty hard to feel alone in WDW but it is possible).

~ Take a tour! There are also lots of activities to join in during Flower and Garden! (I loved the Keys to the Kingdom tour and this trip I am looking forward to the outdoor segway adventure). It's a great way to explore and make friends.

~ If you have friends on the DIS boards who will be in WDW at the same time and you feel comfortable, meet for lunch or a ride! Its amazing the difference just a little social interaction can make. I love to make new Disney friends! One on the Disney fans I met on my first solo trip, has become a very dear friend to me & my husband. We try to meet up every time I visit WDW.

~Have Fun! If you find yourself missing your family or feeling guilty, find something silly and fun to do to help you reset your good time. For me this is visiting fantasyland in MK, or spending time appreciating the streetmosphere people at Hollywood Studios, or watching Muppets 3D lol Find your Laughing place

I hope at least some of my ramble helps you

Have an amazing first SOLO trip! I can't wait to read all about it!

 

[disneyj914]

Yay for your solo trip! I'm also going solo in May and I can't wait for the freedom to do whatever I want! I'll be there May 12-15!

 

[eyor44]

Congratulations on your first solo trip! I am also taking my first solo trip. I will be there May 3-8.