My first truly solo trip - need advice.

[TIGGERSMOM]

I am heading down for a short decompression trip in January from the 16th to 19th.

This is my first truly solo trip - not meeting friends, no kids and no event to attend.

Any advice on what is fun solo?

I will be at Contemporary with a rental so mobile.

 

[Terk-1]

I'm leaving in less than 2 weeks for my fourth solo trip, with another planned for next year.

Any advice on what is fun solo?

EVERYTHING!!! You get to do what you want, when you want. Try out the water mice in the lagoon! Watch the fireworks over the Magic Kingdom from the beach of the Polynesian. Have a character meal at the 1900 Park Fare. Oh, a great spot (and comfy) to view Illuminations is at the Rose & Crown. Make a PS for 7:30pm and request a patio table. Some of the tables along the wall by the water are small tables for parties of one or two. I have a PS there the night I arrive for dinner and to view Illuminations. No standing elbow to elbow with anyone. Just sit, enjoy a nice dinner and a great show! Also, make sure to dine at Spoodle's. This place has excellent food. Have your picture taken with as many characters as you want (I have to have my picture with the Mouse. Everyone else is extra). Take a stroll all the way around the Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom and admire all of the animals carved into it (I did this on my last trip and there was not a single person on the back paths of the tree). Oh, I can't believe I almost forgot this. Definitely do the Single's line at Test Track. This is a huge timesaver. My last trip I did it four times in a row and the CM just got a good laugh from it. Relax and enjoy your surroundings. Do Magic Hour at each of the parks and just stroll around. When you're going down Main Street USA, take a look at the windows on the upper levels of the buildings. Also, since most of Future World closes at 7pm, it's nice to stroll around there and here the music playing softly in the background. Make sure to watch the fountains in Future World. Let's see, what else..... HAVE FUN!!!!!

If you want any other tips, just drop me a line!

 

[InstImpres]

I highly recommend a backstage tour. It was a highlight of my solo trip - and I plan on doing another one next solo trip.

Enjoy
Sandy

 

[TIGGERSMOM]

Thanks guys. I never thought of a backstage tour or Rose & Crown. Great ideas, gonna call tomorrow.

I will Pm you when it gets closer.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I'm soon going on my 6th solo trip, and when you said "decompression", it reminded me of what I did my first solo trip after a VERY stressful temporary job assignment. Sounds corny, but here goes: I went on Splash Mountain and as I went down the big drop, I pretended all my tensions, stresses, were flying off me. Then as I bobbed around at the bottom, listening to "Zip-a-dee-doo-dah", I vowed to be a happier, calmer person (OK, at least I tried). Another fun thing I found (if you haven't decided I'm totally crazy by now) was to go out to the bus stop one day and just get on the first bus that came, no matter where it was going. DH was sure I couldn't be so spontaneous, so I brought my cell phone and called him from the bus to prove I'd done it. Also, never miss the opportunity to stop for a rocking chair, sit for a few minutes and watch all the other people dashing maddly somewhere, and being grateful that you can stop and enjoy the ambiance.

 

[nativetxn]

I love my solo trips. I haven't made one yet without meeting up with a DISer or two, though.

I like to go to the parks and wander. I have my favorites in each park and make sure to ride those, sometimes over and over again.

I like to watch for couples or families who might like to have a photo taken for them. I like to just people watch and I like to just absorb the atmosphere.

I wish I was going in January. You might want to check the DIS meets board and see if there are any meets planned. I love DIS meets

 

[LoriZH]

Well although I'm not a single, I did happen to take a day for myself on my most recent trip to go to Epcot's F&W Festival and boy did I LOVE it! Party of 1, please....how many ma'am..oh just ONE! lol

It was a lot of fun and it definitely solidified that I could take a solo trip. I was on the fence on whether or not I could do it, but I had absolutely no quams about it whatsoever. I loved just sitting down with a glass of wine and people watching, it was a lot of fun, I could have done it for the whole day and night.

Have fun!

 

[BostonTigger]

Going solo is one of the best things anyone can do when planning a Disney Trip. I had the time of my life while on my solo trips. I'd take my time wondering around the parks, I'd people watch and if I got tired I'd stop, grab a seat and watch the world go by. My advice is to just take it all in and relax.

 

[arminnie]

If you like to shop there are some fabulous bargains at the outlet malls in January. I bought lots of stuff for the following Christmas at 75-90% off.

Because the parks close so early I often go shop or go to a movie at DTD in the evenings. I know these are things I could do it home but I never do so that's a treat for me.

 

[jerseydizdreamer]

OK, have to tell you that I, too, love solo. I did it for the first time two years ago, and am just getting ready to leave for my second solo trip (Nov. 29-Dec. 6). I agree with all the things everyone here has said.

Yes, it can feel weird at first. And yes, there will be those moments where you feel odd, or find someone staring at you. Ignore them. Remember, this trip, unlike just about anything else in life (if you're anything like me, or, for that matter, most people) is about YOU AND ONLY YOU.

I love having the freedom to get up and go to a park early, or stay in bed and go late. I love going to Pleasure Island and hitting the clubs I want to hit. Hey, if I want to spend all night grooving at Mannequins, I can, because there's nobody to say, "I'm bored... let's go someplace else."

I love being able to get a table for one, even without a PS (Although I do try and make some), as parties of 4, 8 and 15 wait for a table. "Sure, we can squeeze you in." I love eating at the bar. I love drinking at the bar, and meeting new people while doing either.

This time around, I'm using the Dis board (and my brand-spanking new lime green buttons with my name on 'em) to meet up with several other members while there, and I'm really looking forward to it. Rather than hanging with a friend or family member who is tolerating my happy place, I'm going to have a chance to meet up with folks who love it and understand why whenever I see twinkle lights in the trees, or a man dressed up as a mouse, I smile and get warm and gooey inside.

Have a great, great time, and remember: Don't ask youself what you should or shouldn't do... do it all!@

Richard

 

[Dan Murphy]

Definitely a backstage tour, Lisa. I do one each trip, always informative and fun.

 

[BostonTigger]

Originally posted by jerseydizdreamer
Yes, it can feel weird at first. And yes, there will be those moments where you feel odd, or find someone staring at you. Ignore them. Remember, this trip, unlike just about anything else in life (if you're anything like me, or, for that matter, most people) is about YOU AND ONLY YOU.

I never noticed anyone staring at me...maybe I was having too much fun to notice anyone staring at me. If you want to do a nice sit down meal but feel strange doing it, take along a book or magazine to read. I do this all the time and it gives you something to do instead of spot the hole in the wall.

 

[Otimon]

If you would like to meet for a or a ride or two, just let me know.

Have a wonderful time.