Looking for Adventure in the Great Wide Somewhere a PTR

[Lady Lallie]

I was just marveling today at how those food costs really add up when you are not in the dining plan! I think it's great that you have your budget all planned out. I will say that I have really liked adding money to my Disney Gift Card for my trip, it's a nice and easy way to save, plus I know if anything is left over then it will go towards the next trip!

 

[If U Had Wings]

I was just marveling today at how those food costs really add up when you are not in the dining plan! I think it's great that you have your budget all planned out. I will say that I have really liked adding money to my Disney Gift Card for my trip, it's a nice and easy way to save, plus I know if anything is left over then it will go towards the next trip!

Isn't it scary how much it adds up? Of course I could do all counter service and that would help, but even that is expensive.

 

[MRYPPNS]

This is why I love the Disboards so much. I hadn't even thought about being able to curl up in a spot in the lobby to relax and people watch. I'm really leaning towards WL overall, although POFQ is still tugging at me a bit. But your right. I've been there and done it already, and this trip is supposed to be about trying out new things and exploring.

Glad I could help

 

[Flossbolna]

all your budgetting sounds very wise!

With regard to food: On our recent trip we did things like ordering an appetizer and a dessert at the TS or just sides at the CS. We found that this gave us plenty of food and it was also cheaper.

 

[TarzansKat]

I really like the idea of putting everything on the gift card. Helps with a direction and purpose, you know? Sounds like you've got everything well in hand...other than resortitis. I'm confident you'll figure out what's good for you, and you never know, you could get a code and feel all is right with the world...and World.

 

[Tinkerbellarella]

I've never flown Jet Blue before and am really looking forward to the tv's on every seat. Built in entertainment!

I've flown Jet Blue once or twice - no problems at all (out of Logan - so I think it would be on par if you were flying out of, say JFK). While the TV and picking the seat ahead of time were nice, the service itself was no better than SW.

What can I say, SW has my loyalty? LOL

But this sounded like a great choice for you. I'm sure you'll have an excellent flight. Congrats on booking!

Is resortitis catchy?

Does TK love Cap'n Jack?

I've been toying with the idea changing my reservations/resort.

Raise your hand if you're surprised.

::crickets::

It happens to the best of us, my dear.

I just haven't been able to talk myself out of that balcony just yet. Something is making me cling to that.

Ok, I'm going to weigh in on the resort issue in a minute but first let me address this specifically.

I was so excited to have our patio at the Poly. SO EXCITED.

I used it twice - once while taking pictures and once while waiting for Missy. Less than 10 min. total. It was nice to have it there, but we simply didn't use it. AND we had scheduled downtime.

Decisions, decisions! I'm not going to rush into anything.

Ok, so I'm going to weigh in with a view that I don't think anyone else has offered yet (I only scanned the other replies) - from a solo POV.

Having traveled to the World many times on my own and stayed at hotels that run the gamut from Value (POP) to Deluxe (the Swolphin) but not inbetween (I've never stayed solo at a Mod.) I have to say that while I've NEVER felt not-relaxed staying at a Value, I have also never been there during Pop Warner week. And if you truly are looking for the 'relaxed, go with the flow vibe' maybe POP for the whole week isn't the best choice.

I've never stayed at WL but I've visited and what everyone has written is true - that place just exudes relaxing vibes...all of it EXCEPT the price. While I might be the first person to jump up and yell "GO DELUXE!" (ok, maybe the second or third...or fourth - Jackie, TK and MRYPPNS all got here before me LOL) I understand the financial burden of not splitting the cost of a room. I think your idea of just doing a Mod. is a good one but I support this...

I would suggest keeping your reservation - don't give up on codes yet. If you look at mousesavers (http://www.mousesavers.com/historicalwdwdiscounts.html#codetrends), the general codes (not the pins) came out in August last year for your time of travel. And there were codes for all of December until the 23rd.

Waiting until Aug. is a good idea. If they start offering discounts, it would likely be around that time period and it would be a better time to make the decision.

So, ultimately, what do I think? I sum up...

1.) A deluxe resort is truly the best way to enjoy a solo trip but only if it's affordable for you. I commend your goal of not putting any of this trip on a credit card. SO smart.
2.) A moderate resort is acceptable if you can't afford a whole week Deluxe and really, while a balcony is a nice amenity, if you think about it, it really is expendable. Look at it this way, instead of a cup of coffee on your WL balcony, you could have a "coffee walk" around POFQ with the bunnies.
3.) If you still want the Deluxe and can't afford the whole week, stick with your current plan. It's a good one. You get a taste of both worlds - deluxe and affordable. POP is a great resort and while it might not be the most relaxing, you'll enjoy it, and you'll have WL to look forward to later in the week.

I have $500 put away on the card earmarked for food.

This is amazing. Good for you!

 

[If U Had Wings]

With regard to food: On our recent trip we did things like ordering an appetizer and a dessert at the TS or just sides at the CS. We found that this gave us plenty of food and it was also cheaper.

These are both really good ideas. I really wanted to do Cali Grill on this trip, just for the flatbreads and desert. Sadly I've been seeing that the flatbreads are off the menu temporarily, but from what I've been reading it may be permanent since they cost so much to repair. They also have a new chef, who might not want to bother keeping them a menu item. Those flatbreads were so good!

I really like the idea of putting everything on the gift card. Helps with a direction and purpose, you know? Sounds like you've got everything well in hand...other than resortitis. I'm confident you'll figure out what's good for you, and you never know, you could get a code and feel all is right with the world...and World.

It's really helping me to keep on track. I always have good intentions to save, but somewhere along the line I usually get tempted by some shiney doodad and blow a chunk of the money. On the card I really can't, or at least it limits me to shiney doodads at the Disney store.

I've flown Jet Blue once or twice - no problems at all (out of Logan - so I think it would be on par if you were flying out of, say JFK). While the TV and picking the seat ahead of time were nice, the service itself was no better than SW.

What can I say, SW has my loyalty? LOL

One of these days I'll try SW, but I'm usually impatient to book my flights and want to do it quicker than they put them on sale. White Plains is also a bit more convinent as an airport if someone is dropping me off. They only have 2 gates in the entire place, so once you land your out of there in no time. The last time I flew out of there it took me about 20 minutes to get my luggage and be sitting in the car on the way home. If I can't sweet talk someone into dropping me off I'm defintitly trying SW.

Does TK love Cap'n Jack?

Raise your hand if you're surprised.

::crickets::

It happens to the best of us, my dear.

I blame these boards. I never used to be beset by these things. Now I second guess all my plans! Everyone puts too many good ideas into my head.

I was so excited to have our patio at the Poly. SO EXCITED.

I used it twice - once while taking pictures and once while waiting for Missy. Less than 10 min. total. It was nice to have it there, but we simply didn't use it. AND we had scheduled downtime.

Good thing to keep in mind. I'm figuring my use would be fairly small too. Maybe breakfast in the morning, and a bit at night.

Ok, so I'm going to weigh in with a view that I don't think anyone else has offered yet (I only scanned the other replies) - from a solo POV.

Having traveled to the World many times on my own and stayed at hotels that run the gamut from Value (POP) to Deluxe (the Swolphin) but not inbetween (I've never stayed solo at a Mod.) I have to say that while I've NEVER felt not-relaxed staying at a Value, I have also never been there during Pop Warner week. And if you truly are looking for the 'relaxed, go with the flow vibe' maybe POP for the whole week isn't the best choice.

The Pop Warner thing does have me a bit nervous. Even though POP isn't one of the official resorts I'm a bit afraid it may get some overflow. And by the time this vacation comes up I am going to need a little bit of go with the flow time.

I've never stayed at WL but I've visited and what everyone has written is true - that place just exudes relaxing vibes...all of it EXCEPT the price. While I might be the first person to jump up and yell "GO DELUXE!" (ok, maybe the second or third...or fourth - Jackie, TK and MRYPPNS all got here before me LOL) I understand the financial burden of not splitting the cost of a room. I think your idea of just doing a Mod. is a good one but I support this...

Everyone does make WL sound so relaxing and wonderful. I'm also leaning towards keeping it because of its location. I'm really hoping to use the spa facilities at the GF this trip, as well as a few other things all around the MK area. Staying at the WL would make these much easier. The one good thing is that I have a standard view room booked which really isn't that bad price wise. Definitely not anywhere near as high as the rest of the regular deluxe rooms. Your right though, if I was sharing this trip with someone else I wouldn't be second guessing the price at all.

So, ultimately, what do I think? I sum up...

1.) A deluxe resort is truly the best way to enjoy a solo trip but only if it's affordable for you. I commend your goal of not putting any of this trip on a credit card. SO smart.
2.) A moderate resort is acceptable if you can't afford a whole week Deluxe and really, while a balcony is a nice amenity, if you think about it, it really is expendable. Look at it this way, instead of a cup of coffee on your WL balcony, you could have a "coffee walk" around POFQ with the bunnies.
3.) If you still want the Deluxe and can't afford the whole week, stick with your current plan. It's a good one. You get a taste of both worlds - deluxe and affordable. POP is a great resort and while it might not be the most relaxing, you'll enjoy it, and you'll have WL to look forward to later in the week.

Thanks! The solo traveler POV has been very helpful. I've pretty much ruled out changing it to POP for the entire week. While saving the money would be really nice, I really want to have a few ammenities. (At least a hot tub ).

Right now I'm going to keep my ressies as is - a split POP/WL stay. I'm thinking that the convience of WL is going to be worth the bump up in price. I'm not ruling out a change to POFQ, but the advice for waiting until August for better codes is a good one. By then I'll have a better idea about my finances too. It will be a much better time to make a decision.

 

[If U Had Wings]

I keep thinking of how wonderful it would be to spend my vacation completely planless. Taking each day as it comes, doing whatever feels right for that day. Not a plan or a care in the world.

You can all stop laughing at me now.

That's a wonderful theory, but come on, this is Walt Disney World we're talking about. Some kind of plans are necessary, even if I only want to have ADR's. Also, I need to account for the fact that I'm resort hopping mid trip (right now at any rate), and only have tickets for 5 of my 7 days. These things are going to require me to put in some thought and planning. And really, my poor complusive planning soul just can't take making no plans. Really, it would flip out and go nuts if I tried to go cold turkey on the Disney plans.

I'm going to need at least some basic plans. The good thing is that since I'm not on any kind of dining plan, I can keep them pretty flexible and non-commando. So I'm playing around with some plans. No ride by ride plans or anything like that, but at least some overall, basic day by day plans. Right now my park tickets are just 5 day base tickets, no hoppers, but after playing around with some plans I'm almost 100% positive that I'll be upgrading to hoppers. It will just give me that little bit of extra looseness and the freedom to do what I want. With hoppers I'll also be able to take advantage of extra magic hours if I chose, and let me split my days up. I'm thinking it will end up being $50 well spent.

Day 1 - Saturday Dec. 5th - Arrive in Disney!!!!

As it will probably still be dark outside when my flight takes off, this is going to be a long day. I'm hoping to be able to nap on the flight down. I've never been able to nap on a plane before

, but I'm hoping that since I've perfected sleeping on a train I might be able to catch a few zs on the way down. Anyways, my flight arrives in Orlando at about 9:30 am, so I'm hoping to be checking in to POP by around 11:30/Noon. When I used Magic Express back in 2007, my flight must have arrived at the same time as about 10 other flights, and I got stuck in a long line. Then my BFF and I ended up waiting in another long, slow line for a bus to POFQ. I don't plan on getting out of the airport too quickly.

After checking in, I'd like to take a look around and check out the grounds. If there is actually a room ready for me at this point I may consider grabbing something to eat and taking a nap. Otherwise I'm planning on heading right to a park and day 1 for me is my no brainer day for park choice for me. December 5th is Walt Disney's birthday.

Where else would you go to celebrate that fact than the Magic Kingdom? Last year the park was open until midnight that night, so hopefully I'll be able to have a full day to play. If I don't eat lunch at POP, I'm thinking of grabbing a hotdog at Casey's. I've never eaten there but have heard such good things about the hot dogs. I'm looking forward to trying one.

I'm also hoping to catch Spectromagic and Wishes this night. Spectromagic wasn't running last year when I went due to the bridge being replaced and I missed it. I still don't love it as much as the old Main Street Electrical parade (It's all about the music!), but my vacation never feels complete unless I'm watching twinkly, mobile lights to music.

I'm thinking that after a long day of traveling, I'm going to want to sit down and rest a bit during dinner. Right now I'm thinking of going to the Plaza for dinner. It's always been a favorite of mine. Nothing fancy, but good food in a simple setting that will allow me to rest for a bit. I'm not a huge fan of buffet food, with one exception at Disney, and am not thinking I'd be up for a big, loud character meal after a long day. That really leaves me the Plaza or Tony's on my first night, and for me it's the Plaza over Tony's by a landslide. My other option would be to just eat at the Columbia Harbor house. It's counter service, but the upstairs area really is a nice quiet, peaceful option. I ate there on my KTTK tour last year and was really surprised at what a wonderful little spot it was.

No other "must dos" for my first day. If Space Mountain has reopened, however, that may have to be a must do. I'm a thrill ride junkie, and am dying to see the changes. I would also like to ride the Jungle Cruise and Splash Mountain at night. I don’t think I've ever ridden either of them after dark, and would love to see how different they are. I keep reading on the Disboards about how much cooler many of the effects are then.

Otherwise the plan is just to ride whatever I feel like

, until my body tells me it's had enough, or until they kick me out. Possibly would like to see the Kiss Goodnight, but I'm not sure that I'll be up to it on day 1, especially if the park is open until midnight.

 

[Donald is #1]

I'm on board!

Hmmm, you are more planned than I am for my December trip. Since they changed the ADR rules to 90 days, I haven't started to decide one parks/restaurants yet.

 

[If U Had Wings]

I'm on board!

Hmmm, you are more planned than I am for my December trip. Since they changed the ADR rules to 90 days, I haven't started to decide one parks/restaurants yet.

I just have problems. I'm way too addicted to planning.

 

[If U Had Wings]

I'm thinking of making a fairly big change to my December trip. I'm contemplating inviting a friend to come along. I'm just feeling really torn about doing so.

I got a call the other day from my BFF. We've been good friends for ages now. We've worked together at both our full time and part time jobs. We had gone to Disney together in 2007 and had a really good time. I was originally planning on going with her to Disney in 2008, when I switched my trip to a family trip for a variety of reasons. She lives in another state now, and was calling to ask me a few questions about something I had posted on my Facebook page. We started discussing our vacation plans for this year where I told her I was going to Disney, alone, this year. She was originally supposed to be going on a cruise with her family this year for a big milestone birthday she's facing this year. Her trip ended up getting cancelled, and she has no plans made for this year. Now she didn't come right out and ask if she could come along, I have a pretty good feeling that she'd love to come.

Such is my new dilemma - should I or should I not change the trip. I hate that I feel so torn about it. Part of me feels that if I was a better friend I wouldn't have thought twice about asking her to join me. We've been good friends for ages, and we travel really well together so any reluctance has nothing to do with that. She's up for anything, will go along with any reasonable plans, and is happy to let me do all the planning. We have similar likes and dislikes too. We like most of the same rides, and are bypassing the same things. We are vacation compatible, which is never a fact that should be ignored. I have another really good friend, and while we can go out and have the greatest time our one vacation together was just horrible. Completely non-vacation compatible and I never would have guessed it. Part of me would really love the company too. I'm still a bit unsure about how I'm going to feel about an entire week at Disney all by myself. I'm pretty sure I'll be fine, but I keep thinking that I'll miss having someone to chat with all day long and I can be fairly shy about just introducing myself to new people. I'd love to have company to chat with over dinner, and we'd probably be able to upgrade our resort, but….

Another part of me is still thinking solo trip. That freedom do whatever, without worrying about someone else enjoying themselves. I'm always afraid when I plan a trip that the other people just aren't telling me when they are unhappy with something. I get a bit paranoid about it. I guess because I usually just grin and bear it when I'm unhappy on trips other people plan. I had things planned like two parkless days to spend having a spa day and wandering around the resorts checking out Christmas decorations, which I'm not sure that she would want to do. Since I'm single and live alone I'm also not used to being with some else 24/7. By the end of our last vacation I really just needed some time alone. I had tried to hint back then a few times that maybe we could do a few things separately, but no go. When I travel with my family, at least I was able to get away. Since there were so many of us I didn't feel guilty about taking some time off by myself. Traveling with only one other person, I feel a bit tied to doing everything together, almost as if it's expected.

If I could invite her for half my vacation, I wouldn't think twice about inviting her along, but as I'm only going away for a week that's not really a doable option. I'm not making any immediate decisions. I keep weighing the pros and cons in my head, and they keep balancing out fairly even. I'd like to make a decision in the next few weeks.

Anyone any thoughts? Arguments for or against? If you've traveled alone would you have traded your solo trip for one with a friend, or was the solo experience so wonderful you wouldn't have traded it in?

 

[Hedy]

I love solo trips, but also liked having a friend along on a recent non-WDW trip. One thing I'd consider is your lifestyles (my friend's a grad student, whereas I work) and if that might effect things.

 

[If U Had Wings]

I love solo trips, but also liked having a friend along on a recent non-WDW trip. One thing I'd consider is your lifestyles (my friend's a grad student, whereas I work) and if that might effect things.

We are actually both in the same line of work, and are actually frightenly similar. People think we look alike too, which neither of us really sees. I have never been told that I look like anyone in my own family, yet I've been mistaken for her many, many times.

 

[Tinkerbellarella]

I'm thinking of grabbing a hotdog at Casey's. I've never eaten there but have heard such good things about the hot dogs. I'm looking forward to trying one.

So. Darn. NOM!

Right now I'm thinking of going to the Plaza for dinner. It's always been a favorite of mine. Nothing fancy, but good food in a simple setting that will allow me to rest for a bit.

So funny, I was just discussing the Plaza with someone recently and how it's a nice escape in a quiet-ish atmosphere with pretty good food.

My other option would be to just eat at the Columbia Harbor house. It's counter service, but the upstairs area really is a nice quiet, peaceful option.

My favorite CS "escape" in all the World.

Such is my new dilemma - should I or should I not change the trip. I hate that I feel so torn about it. Part of me feels that if I was a better friend I wouldn't have thought twice about asking her to join me.

I wouldn't base how good of a friend you are on whether or not you invite her on your vaca. At all. You deserve a vacation AND alone time if that's what you want. And she deserves the same. Put yourself in her shoes - would you really think you were a poor friend if she didn't invite you on vaca?

You know what's funny is my Sept. 08 trip started as a solo trip. Then it came up in conversation with Missy and I knew, right at that minute, that I was ok with it being a trip with her and not a solo trip. And I don't regret it. You'll ultimately, eventually KNOW whether or not to invite her on this trip. Don't get too stressed about it. Go with what your heart tells you.

Part of me would really love the company too. I'm still a bit unsure about how I'm going to feel about an entire week at Disney all by myself. I'm pretty sure I'll be fine, but I keep thinking that I'll miss having someone to chat with all day long and I can be fairly shy about just introducing myself to new people. I'd love to have company to chat with over dinner, and we'd probably be able to upgrade our resort, but….

You know, if you DO decide to invite her, you could always do your first solo trip as a shorter, long weekend trip sometime in the future.

Another part of me is still thinking solo trip. That freedom do whatever, without worrying about someone else enjoying themselves.

I won't lie. There's NOTHING like it.

Anyone any thoughts? Arguments for or against? If you've traveled alone would you have traded your solo trip for one with a friend, or was the solo experience so wonderful you wouldn't have traded it in?

I'll weigh in a bit more since I've done both -

Your biggest concern about the solo trip seems to be about being lonely. Have I ever been lonely on a solo trip? Yes, but those were 10+ day trips. Not so much on a 6-7 day trip. And you don't have to worry about starting up conversations, people will start them with YOU. Eating alone can be awkward the first couple of times you do it, but you get over it really fast when you realize what great company you are for yourself!! LOL And it makes for excellent people-watching. I was so worried about it that I decided to "practice" and took myself out to a couple of sit-down solo lunches at home just to get used to the feeling. Now I love it. It's an escape.

Your biggest concern about a trip with a friend seems to be sacrificing what you want to do to make BOTH of you happy. Really, the only way around this is to just be honest with your friend. To say, "Hey, you know what? I'd really love to have you on this trip with me. I know we'd have a great time. But there are some things I'm REALLY looking forward to doing and I intend to keep those plans. So, unless you're 100% fine with joining me for them, maybe we should talk out what we could do to accommodate my plans and your plans so that neither of us gets disappointed."

I reiterate what I said before: Follow what your heart says. Either way you're going to have a fantastic trip!

 

[Donald is #1]

I just have problems. I'm way too addicted to planning.

I don't think that you are too addicted to planning. I think that I should be doing more than I am.

I'm thinking of making a fairly big change to my December trip. I'm contemplating inviting a friend to come along. I'm just feeling really torn about doing so.

I got a call the other day from my BFF. We've been good friends for ages now. We've worked together at both our full time and part time jobs. We had gone to Disney together in 2007 and had a really good time. I was originally planning on going with her to Disney in 2008, when I switched my trip to a family trip for a variety of reasons. She lives in another state now, and was calling to ask me a few questions about something I had posted on my Facebook page. We started discussing our vacation plans for this year where I told her I was going to Disney, alone, this year. She was originally supposed to be going on a cruise with her family this year for a big milestone birthday she's facing this year. Her trip ended up getting cancelled, and she has no plans made for this year. Now she didn't come right out and ask if she could come along, I have a pretty good feeling that she'd love to come.

Such is my new dilemma - should I or should I not change the trip. I hate that I feel so torn about it. Part of me feels that if I was a better friend I wouldn't have thought twice about asking her to join me. We've been good friends for ages, and we travel really well together so any reluctance has nothing to do with that. She's up for anything, will go along with any reasonable plans, and is happy to let me do all the planning. We have similar likes and dislikes too. We like most of the same rides, and are bypassing the same things. We are vacation compatible, which is never a fact that should be ignored. I have another really good friend, and while we can go out and have the greatest time our one vacation together was just horrible. Completely non-vacation compatible and I never would have guessed it. Part of me would really love the company too. I'm still a bit unsure about how I'm going to feel about an entire week at Disney all by myself. I'm pretty sure I'll be fine, but I keep thinking that I'll miss having someone to chat with all day long and I can be fairly shy about just introducing myself to new people. I'd love to have company to chat with over dinner, and we'd probably be able to upgrade our resort, but….

Another part of me is still thinking solo trip. That freedom do whatever, without worrying about someone else enjoying themselves. I'm always afraid when I plan a trip that the other people just aren't telling me when they are unhappy with something. I get a bit paranoid about it. I guess because I usually just grin and bear it when I'm unhappy on trips other people plan. I had things planned like two parkless days to spend having a spa day and wandering around the resorts checking out Christmas decorations, which I'm not sure that she would want to do. Since I'm single and live alone I'm also not used to being with some else 24/7. By the end of our last vacation I really just needed some time alone. I had tried to hint back then a few times that maybe we could do a few things separately, but no go. When I travel with my family, at least I was able to get away. Since there were so many of us I didn't feel guilty about taking some time off by myself. Traveling with only one other person, I feel a bit tied to doing everything together, almost as if it's expected.

If I could invite her for half my vacation, I wouldn't think twice about inviting her along, but as I'm only going away for a week that's not really a doable option. I'm not making any immediate decisions. I keep weighing the pros and cons in my head, and they keep balancing out fairly even. I'd like to make a decision in the next few weeks.

Anyone any thoughts? Arguments for or against? If you've traveled alone would you have traded your solo trip for one with a friend, or was the solo experience so wonderful you wouldn't have traded it in?

I don't think that you should consider yourself not a good friend because you are having this debate with yourself. I think that it is totally normal especially before your first solo trip.

I think that you can't go wrong either way.

So, here is a question for you, if you go with your BFF, do you think that you will feel disappointed or missing out because you are not going solo? Another thought: do both. Have your friend go with you for 1/2 of the trip and then go solo for the remainder.

 

[If U Had Wings]

So funny, I was just discussing the Plaza with someone recently and how it's a nice escape in a quiet-ish atmosphere with pretty good food.

I love the atmosphere in there, and really for being in Disney I think it's a pretty good deal overall.

My favorite CS "escape" in all the World.

I can't believe I had never been in there before. I had no clue there was even a restaurant there.

I wouldn't base how good of a friend you are on whether or not you invite her on your vaca. At all. You deserve a vacation AND alone time if that's what you want. And she deserves the same. Put yourself in her shoes - would you really think you were a poor friend if she didn't invite you on vaca?

I just have the feeling she would have invited me, no questions asked. I had actually been invited on her cruise, but it wasn't quite in my budget. I guess it's just because we are both single, and of a certain age, that I start to feel the need to "look out" for others in the same boat. I have been in the predicament of wanting to go on vacation and unable to find anyone to go with because they were all traveling with spouses or signifigant others. I hated it. I just don't like to think of anyone else feeling like that.

You know what's funny is my Sept. 08 trip started as a solo trip. Then it came up in conversation with Missy and I knew, right at that minute, that I was ok with it being a trip with her and not a solo trip. And I don't regret it. You'll ultimately, eventually KNOW whether or not to invite her on this trip. Don't get too stressed about it. Go with what your heart tells you.

No stress. I'm going to keep telling myself that. Oemmmmmmmm. Honestly though I keep swinging back and forth. I'm going to try to call Disney CRO tonight and get some new numbers just so I have them. While I don't mind doing a split stay by myself, if I'm traveling with someone else I don't think I'll want to bother. Maybe I'll even check out the AAA rate on a Boardwalk room. Hmmm.

You know, if you DO decide to invite her, you could always do your first solo trip as a shorter, long weekend trip sometime in the future.

I was planning my next trip to be for a Disney race, either the princess marathon or the TOT 13k. She has decided to start training too, so that will be a duo trip. I'm actually excited about that. I think it will be much more fun to do that with someone else.

I won't lie. There's NOTHING like it.

As I expected!

I'll weigh in a bit more since I've done both -

Your biggest concern about the solo trip seems to be about being lonely. Have I ever been lonely on a solo trip? Yes, but those were 10+ day trips. Not so much on a 6-7 day trip. And you don't have to worry about starting up conversations, people will start them with YOU. Eating alone can be awkward the first couple of times you do it, but you get over it really fast when you realize what great company you are for yourself!! LOL And it makes for excellent people-watching. I was so worried about it that I decided to "practice" and took myself out to a couple of sit-down solo lunches at home just to get used to the feeling. Now I love it. It's an escape.

These are two of my bigger concerns for traveling alone. I find it funny that I even worry about such things, when I live alone normally. I've never eaten out at a sit-down restaurants by myself but for some reason I'm less worried about eating alone in Disney than I am at home. I was going to try it out here in the city one night before I go to see a show, but I just didn't feel comfortable eating out in NYC alone on a Friday night. Maybe I'll try it out another day of the week.

Your biggest concern about a trip with a friend seems to be sacrificing what you want to do to make BOTH of you happy. Really, the only way around this is to just be honest with your friend. To say, "Hey, you know what? I'd really love to have you on this trip with me. I know we'd have a great time. But there are some things I'm REALLY looking forward to doing and I intend to keep those plans. So, unless you're 100% fine with joining me for them, maybe we should talk out what we could do to accommodate my plans and your plans so that neither of us gets disappointed."

I reiterate what I said before: Follow what your heart says. Either way you're going to have a fantastic trip!

Your so right about this. It happens to me every trip that I plan. I stress myself out about worrying that everyone is having a good time, and I ultimately end up not having as much fun.

I really don't want to miss out on a few of the things I really wanted to do this trip. You are right if I share this trip, I'm going to have to be more honest about what I want to do.

I don't think that you are too addicted to planning. I think that I should be doing more than I am.

We do still have 6 months! I keep telling myself that at this point all I really need is a room and a flight, and so far so good!

:I don't think that you should consider yourself not a good friend because you are having this debate with yourself. I think that it is totally normal especially before your first solo trip.

I think that you can't go wrong either way.

Thanks. I'm always the one who changes her plans, and does what everyone else wants to do. Both on vacation and in real life. In that respect I'm a true Libra. I feel the need to keep peace at all costs, and want to keep everyone happy.

I think that if I had been planning this right along as a trip with my friend I would be fine and happy. I've just been planning this as a solo trip for 8 months now, and am not sure how I feel about changing gears and doing something different. I must be getting old and stuck in my ways.

:So, here is a question for you, if you go with your BFF, do you think that you will feel disappointed or missing out because you are not going solo? Another thought: do both. Have your friend go with you for 1/2 of the trip and then go solo for the remainder.

That is the question isn't it? I've been asking myself that, because truly that's what it really comes down to when all is said and done. I think I need a 2 week vacation so I can do both. Sadly, with no raise or bonus this year that won't be happening.

 

[TarzansKat]

I just wanted to weigh in on the whole solo v. friend thing.

Honestly, I don't have a good answer for you. I think you and I share some of the same fears about a solo trip, and I'm agreeing with the pp who suggested half with the friend, half alone. While I don't think you'll regret not inviting your friend when you're enjoying all that blissful alone time, I do think that if you have a lonely moment you may think of it and feel badly.

And you know what? That's okay.

That would be like if I went solo and had a lonely moment and thought of my family at home. There's nothing wrong with that while you're alone, and now if I could just put that into practice, I'd be planning a solo weekender with the Southwest credit I just got.

In situations like these, I often say to myself, what would I regret more. If you try to live life without regret, and you think you know which you'd regret more, then you'd have your answer.

 

[Flossbolna]

I can very well understand your situation and as others have said, I don't think you are a bad friend because you hesitate inviting your BFF to come along.

It is really a diccicult decision and I think in the end you will have moments where your wish you had decided otherwise, whichever way you decide. I personally would probably choose to invite my friend, but make clear that I have certain plans that I intend to keep.

I can very well understand your feeling that you have to stick together with your BFF as single girls when it comes to vacation. I have been single for much of my thirties and just as you said, travel companions are difficult to come by once your friends start having families and careers. But I think your vacation is firstly yours. If you want to enjoy the freedom to be on your own, you have every right to do it. And perhaps your BFF really understood that - as you said, she didn't ask to come along.

And finally, the very practical point of view is: it's cheaper to share a room!

 

[If U Had Wings]

Honestly, I don't have a good answer for you. I think you and I share some of the same fears about a solo trip, and I'm agreeing with the pp who suggested half with the friend, half alone. While I don't think you'll regret not inviting your friend when you're enjoying all that blissful alone time, I do think that if you have a lonely moment you may think of it and feel badly.

In situations like these, I often say to myself, what would I regret more. If you try to live life without regret, and you think you know which you'd regret more, then you'd have your answer.

I think that is one of the things that's been weighing on me.

I keep thinking I've made a decision all weekend, and then I keep changing my mind. Friday I thought one thing. Saturday I had changed my mind and was leaning the other way. I keep flip flopping.

On the good thing is that it should mean I'll be happy whatever I chose.

I can very well understand your situation and as others have said, I don't think you are a bad friend because you hesitate inviting your BFF to come along.

It is really a diccicult decision and I think in the end you will have moments where your wish you had decided otherwise, whichever way you decide. I personally would probably choose to invite my friend, but make clear that I have certain plans that I intend to keep.

I can very well understand your feeling that you have to stick together with your BFF as single girls when it comes to vacation. I have been single for much of my thirties and just as you said, travel companions are difficult to come by once your friends start having families and careers. But I think your vacation is firstly yours. If you want to enjoy the freedom to be on your own, you have every right to do it. And perhaps your BFF really understood that - as you said, she didn't ask to come along.

And finally, the very practical point of view is: it's cheaper to share a room!

Thanks for the advice. I keep trying to make a decision and keep flipping back and forth. I think I'l be fine with whatever I do.

Your in Germany? That is so wonderful. I went there the year I graduated high school and loved it. It was so beautiful. Didn't go to Berlin, but loved the parts I did get to see.

 

[Lady Lallie]

Not to add to your confusion but after staying Value this past week, I have said to myself that any trips in the near future will be at least moderate. I can't relax at the Values, I don't know why but I can't. I'm a deluxe gal at heart.

I think as far as inviting your friend along, you should give it some time and just think on it. I know when the chance to invite Jen on my trip came up, I didn't hesitate, I knew we would have fun. We are both really similar and I was confident that it would work out...and it did. I did enjoy my solo time too though, I think I had a nice balance. Not too lonely but not too overwhelmed by others either.