My 1st solo trip, getting close,& getting anxious!

[fostrmom2mny]

Oh my, what have I done? I always travel with other people. I prefer working as a team. I am arriving in Orlando in less than a week. After my conference, I'll be heading over to WDW for vacation and wasn't able to talk anyone into sharing the experiance.
So now the reality is starting to sink in. I'll be eating alone, riding rides alone and I guess I'll see how this goes. I love Disney, but honestly, if I weren't going to be at a conference anyway, I'd NEVER book a solo trip.
Any of the rest of you feel this way before your first solo trip?
Thanks, I mean it when I say your input will be appreciated.
Gerri

 

[Simba's Mom]

In all honesty, no. But maybe that's because I'm an only child, kids are grown, and DH travels alot. So I'm used to spending lots of time alone. However, I did have a real problem the first few trips with sit down dining alone. I kept feeling I "should" get used to it, and tried to force myself to do it. Almost every time I'd eat sit down by myself, I'd end up feeling uncomfortable. Finally, I just gave up and went back to counter serve resturants all the time. And when I did want to do one or two table serve resturants again, I found I liked it. Moral-don't force yourself to do anything you're not comfortable with. If you end up lying around the pool reading a book alot because that's what you like to do, it's OK. Just relax!

 

[twotoohappy]

You'll have a great time! You can go whenever and wherever you please. Enjoy

 

[djblu883]

I haven't done solo before but have done Dsiney 6 years ..Dec. will be my first trip alone and I'm actually looking forward to my solo experience...BUT I'm also joining the Mousefest activities while down there...all I can say is go and have a blast!!!! No one you have to compromise with for your schedule!!!!

 

[budcollector]

i know how you feel, i was a little nervous when i took my first solo, but after a couple hours in the magic kingdom everything was just fine, i think solo is the best way to do disney, your the boss and get to decide what to do,

 

[kat3668]

I've been to Disney 3 times and honestly I have to say my solo trip is my all time favorite... yes dining alone was a little uncomfortable and the bus rides to the parks to the parks made me a tiny bit uneasy but it was all worth it!!
You can take in the parks at your own pace.. ride splash mountain 5 times in a row if you wish and no one is rushing you. You get a whole new perspective on everything, and most folks are so friendly you can always find
someone to chit chat with! Have a fabulous trip and enjoy yourself!!!

 

[lovethemagic]

I was in EXACTLY this same spot just a couple of weeks ago. Down in Orlando for a conference and booked a few extra days solo. I had those same anxieties about eating alone, waiting in lines alone, etc.

The good news is, I think as long as you go in with the right attitude, you will have a great time just like I did! I don't think you realize this when you're part of a group, but there are actually a fair number of solos walking around at the park. Maybe on their way to meet up with a group, or a split group because someone is staying behind with a child, or maybe just a true solo. In any case, I found that once I got to the parks and the excitement hit me, I completely forgot about feeling strange being alone. I had a great time doing, eating, and going exactly where I wanted when I wanted.

In lines, if I didn't feel like chatting, I just kept to myself, looked at my map, etc. and I don't think it was clear to others if I was with the group behind or in front of me. Although I can be a little shy, the more fun I was having, the more outgoing I got and I actually did strike up pleasant conversations in a few lines/crowds.

Anyway, my advise is to just GET EXCITED about your trip and do whatever makes you happy. Don't worry about other people thinking it's strange that you're alone. I can tell you from my recent experience that it's not the random solo who gets the looks, it's the screaming parents and crying kids!

 

[tinkerbell87512]

I felt the same way when i left last month. being 19 never really that far away from home by myself and i was so nervous before left. actually thinking that i was going to be eating and riding rides by myself and what people would think when they saw me by myself but actually when i got there it all changed. i thought to myself who cares what others think i deserve this trip and there were only a couple times where i was lonely but other than that i met some great people and had an amazing time! lighten up, have a ball, dont let your nerves get to you, your gonna have an amazing time...it is
DISNEY after all!!!

 

[Candice30]

i agree....you are not alone. i felt exactly the same way. the night before i left for my first solo trip this pas easter, i had a slight panic attack. i kept thinking that people would look at me strange and feel sorry for me in some way. i am not an out going person so i was afraid that i would be incredibly lonely. on the contrary; while there were moments i missed my family, i was too busy having fun. unfortunately i didn't encounter any friendly people on the buses to the parks but this was the only time no one talked to me. didn't bother me though as i was mentally planning my day anyway.

in lines sometimes i wished i had someone to talk to and sometimes did depending on who was in front or in back of me. i didn't do restaurants; wasn't ready for that but ate at all the counter service places i love. like someone else already said, do what you want to do. i could never get my family to hop over to epcot as much as i did for meals or snacks (mostly dessert in france).

don't worry.......YOU'RE GONNA LOVE IT!

 

[traveler]

Was Always Going With The Kids When They Were Younger, But Now That They Are All Grown Up, I Do The Solo Thing. I Really Enjoy It. Go Where You Want And When You Want. I Generlly Start A Conversation With The Person Near Me And Always Start It Out By Asking Them Where They Are From.
The Kids Always Seem To Seek Me Out And Start Talking. I Have A Ball With The Characters Also. They Seem To Like Single People. Have Fun But Be Careful

 

[fostrmom2mny]

Thank you all, so much! I know I'm going to have a great time. I'm already thinking of places that I want to go to that my kids wouldn't choose. All the other trips have been for other people, my kids, my friend, my kids. It's just going to be a whole new ball game this trip. I'm really getting excited.

The last night of the conference, (next Sat night) I booked a 10 person Wishes cruise. I invited the closest of my co workers (that didn't stay additional days) my treat, my gift. I made invitations and told them that I wanted to share a gift which was a Disney memory that can not be purchased anywhere, lost or stolen. I just hope that it doesn't rain us out. I'd hate for them to miss out on this, and I know this will set the tone for my solo trip.
Thank you all.
Gerri

 

[Dan Murphy]

Gerri, great to see you.

You'll love it. Solo is pretty darn neat. It's a different experience, a good one. Enjoy.