Mindset

[RandallwithChecksfor]

When visiting a place, such as Disney World, that is so family and group oriented...what is the mindset you take as a solo visitor? Do you find that you can enjoy it as much alone as with the company of others? Any and all comments are welcome.

 

[beansmom]

ABSOLUTELY!!! I LOVE going solo. I have the freedom to do and see just exactly what *I* want. It's lovely to share with someone but just as much fun solo!!

 

[Master Mason]

I love going and sharing the magic with others. However, there is nothing like being able to do what you want to do exactly when you feel like doing it. If you feel like stopping and watching the people or taking a 100 pictures of something, you don't have to feel like your bothering the other people your with. If you feel like eating somewhere you stop and eat, doesn't matter if the person your with isn't hungry then, or you don't have to stop for someone else to eat when they are hungry and your not. etc.

 

[tednvon]

Agree totally...

I find that just walking Epcot for example at a good pace is great exercise and people watching...And if I want to stop and watch the singers at the American Pavilion do all 4 sets, I can...
or I can sit in the very front row of the American Adventure and marvel at the animatronics...
or I can watch the great Apes at AK for 1/2 hour...

or I can spend 45 minutes in the Art of Disney at MGM/DS...you get the idea...

Plus, there is always someone to strike up a conversation with...especially older Disney employees who are retired and work part time...they have lots of good stories and they may have some good ideas for what to see as a single adult...

Go for it....Ted

 

[Stacybaeasm]

I think the thing you have to tell yourself is "it's ok to be alone here." And then let yourself have fun. Do what you want, when you want and don't worry about anyone or anything else. I find that I can always enjoy the reactions of the kids around me. I like to stand on Main Street for a minute or two when I get there and watch the families coming in for the first time. I don't know any of them, but I tear up watching the kids' faces when they see the castle for the first time.

I've done disney alone and with people. With the exception of 2 people, I prefer going by myself. No one complains when I decide we need to get a seat for the parade an hour early or I decide to skip lunch and eat ice cream at 2. It's great all around. And don't be afraid of talking to people around you in line or waiting for a parade or show. You'd be suprised at the stuff you can learn and share.

 

[spiceycat]

just be yourself.

generally other guests are more than willing to talk in the lines, shows, anywhere.

have a great time.

If is freedom to do what you want when and where you want - at the time you want.

so go for it!

 

[Slugworth]

I think creating an itinerary to follow on a solo trip is as important (if not more) as when you're going with a group. It doesn't have to be something set in stone, just a rough idea of what you want to accomplish that day. I've found that if I go solo with no plan in mind, I think more about being by myself. If I go alone with a mission, I feel like its easier to get things done. Typically, I'll go on "Photo excursions" where I make a list of places I don't have photos of and make it my mission to get some good shots of that place.
The only time I feel "lonely" on my solo trips is typically waiting in a long line. That's the time I do some text messaging, or look back through my photos.
Overall, I say treat your solo trip as a mission to get things done, whether its certain attractions, photos, or whatever. Its like running errands in a way, but the kind of errands you LOVE to do.

 

[Mischief_Managed]

I think creating an itinerary to follow on a solo trip is as important (if not more) as when you're going with a group. It doesn't have to be something set in stone, just a rough idea of what you want to accomplish that day. I've found that if I go solo with no plan in mind, I think more about being by myself. If I go alone with a mission, I feel like its easier to get things done. Typically, I'll go on "Photo excursions" where I make a list of places I don't have photos of and make it my mission to get some good shots of that place.
The only time I feel "lonely" on my solo trips is typically waiting in a long line. That's the time I do some text messaging, or look back through my photos.
Overall, I say treat your solo trip as a mission to get things done, whether its certain attractions, photos, or whatever. Its like running errands in a way, but the kind of errands you LOVE to do.

Oh my gosh! I think you followed me around the parks one day. I go solo a lot for daytrips (I live an hour away), and it started getting stale. So I took a day to look at some of the great photos on the Photography board, and wrote a list of things/places I have never photographed. Many people saw my list while I was at Epcot and asked what I was doing - I said I am creating a photo-journal/scavenger hunt. Several people asked to have a copy of my list, so they can do it too.

And when I am waiting in lines for rides by myself, I usually look through my photos to delete some. I don't text, but have been known to call some people I haven't spoken to in a while for a quick chat.

You're my doppelganger! (Unless of course you are male, then you are my fraternal twin.)