Need a better line

[mhf]

I’m very tired of “just you?” And other similar statements. Only arrived today. Is there a better way for cast members to express this?

 

[Lizgistix]

I play the sad angle. "Just you?" "Yes, unfortunately. I have no friends."

 

[mhf]

I like that angle. Perhaps “and my friend “ and point to empty space next to me.

 

[brad813]

I like that angle. Perhaps “and my friend “ and point to empty space next to me.

I tend to favor “Just me, and the rest of my personalities.”

 

[DaisyDuck001]

It would be better if they would say, "How many?" instead of "Just you?" But since we can't control other people's tactless comments, I find it best not to take it personally.

 

[oompa_lumpia]

I've always proudly responded yes. I see this question as an opportunity to brag because I know very few people that can comfortably navigate life with a high degree of independence.

 

[Heather07438]

Just you?

*sad expression* Is that not enough?

Laughter

 

[BrianL]

I don't really see "Just you?" as anything offensive. Many CM's have appreciated that I would travel alone. They are fun and may chat with you, though not always. There are times when I am insecure about it, but that's more of a me problem, not the CMs.

 

[bryanb]

The only time I felt this was when the Boma CM asked me, ”are you alone?” With kind of a half sad grin. He was trying to be kindly, but maybe I took it the wrong way.

Usually I’ll step right up to the podium and say “just me today!” with a smile and they’ll pick up that I’m delighted to be joining them.

I used to work at Disneyland and clocked a lot of extra hours as a solo guest before or after my shift, getting to know the place really well and exploring as a fan. Most CMs who are also Disney fans have spent their fair share of time solo in the parks too. I think being comfortable with alone time there will help immensely.

I agree with BrianL that “Just you” isn’t offensive, as they just see you’re one person but don’t know whether you’re a solo traveler, or you’re taking turns riding something, or maybe a hundred other reasons why you might not be part of the same group as the person behind you.

 

[morethanfairytales]

I usually don't feel comfortable responding with snark or banter (social awkwardness + not trying to make anyone else feel uncomfortable), but I definitely understand this frustration. It also depends on the context: for example, if I'm waiting in line for an attraction, "Just you?" isn't an offensive question, but if I'm checking in for a confirmed solo dining reservation, that starts to feel like an irritating & unnecessary clarification.

(Mostly following this thread to pick up any other helpful responses — sorry I don't have any to suggest!)

 

[BadPinkTink]

I don't see "just one" as offensive. I've been going solo to Disney parks, both Disneyland California and Disneyland Paris for about 10 years. To me its just practicalities. They are asking because of numbers, its just part of their job. It always amuses me when people have issues with me being solo, as it shows up their insecurities and lack of self esteem. Going against perceived social norms makes other people feel uncomfortable. I feel sorry for them actually, that their happiness and enjoyment is measured by the presence of other people.

 

[Karin1984]

I never had a problem with this line, it was rarely said to me on my solo trips. If it is, I reply so incredibly cheerful it hurts my teeth. Neither noticed sad expressions, sometimes I did see envy

 

[MusicalAstronaut]

If this has been said to me, I've never really noticed! I love going solo to the point where I've stopped asking friends if they want to come with.

 

[Boopuff]

I think I'd say "Just like Han... I'm solo!"

 

[Pooh's World]

I’m very tired of “just you?” And other similar statements. Only arrived today. Is there a better way for cast members to express this?

Never heard it. I just always immediately raise a finger so they get the idea.

 

[BrianL]

One thing to consider for those who are a little self-concious about it is that even if people think it's weird or whatever they are not thinking it for very long. Nobody in the parks, CMs or others will even think about you after that moment of interaction is over. They have other things to concentrate on. In almost every case you are thinking about it more than they are. I have moments that I remember, times when I wish I had said something differently because I feel it came off wrong, but the CMs who I said that to surely don't even remember me, so there's no sense in worrying about it too much.

 

[bryanb]

One thing to consider for those who are a little self-concious about it is that even if people think it's weird or whatever they are not thinking it for very long. Nobody in the parks, CMs or others will even think about you after that moment of interaction is over. They have other things to concentrate on. In almost every case you are thinking about it more than they are. I have moments that I remember, times when I wish I had said something differently because I feel it came off wrong, but the CMs who I said that to surely don't even remember me, so there's no sense in worrying about it too much.

Oh gosh, this is so true. Once I was working on Big Thunder Mountain, and there was this one solo guest who apparently decided to ride five times in a row. Because... why not? When you're solo you do whatever pleases you!

The second or third time she got to the front of the line, she smiled at me and said, "so we meet again!" And very very honestly, by that point I had probably greeted hundreds of people in the eye and there's no way I can remember anyone. But I played along and said, "welcome back!" (Followed in my mind with a very confused, "do I know her? who was that?").

I finally caught on after a while and was able to greet her when I was stationed at a different position, but only because she purposely made herself stand out. If she had said nothing, I probably would have never noticed the same single rider coming through the standby line 5 times. The unsaid secret is that on your best days, you try to make guests feel seen and special, but in reality you're processing them through a system that pushes thousands of guests through an hour.

Hopefully this makes some people feel less self-conscious.

 

[dt14890]

My very first ABD trip I did solo one of the folks on the trip said to me first night ‘you’re traveling by yourself.’ I answered back, ‘ no, I am with my 16 new friends’. That was how many others were in the group

 

[brad813]

One thing to consider for those who are a little self-concious about it is that even if people think it's weird or whatever they are not thinking it for very long. Nobody in the parks, CMs or others will even think about you after that moment of interaction is over. They have other things to concentrate on. In almost every case you are thinking about it more than they are. I have moments that I remember, times when I wish I had said something differently because I feel it came off wrong, but the CMs who I said that to surely don't even remember me, so there's no sense in worrying about it too much.

I actually know this not to be true. One of the cast members at Blizzard Beach noticed me making the rounds on the lazy river a few times. Cast members do notice and remember more than you realize, but they don’t always have luxury of time.

 

[brad813]

I usually don't feel comfortable responding with snark or banter (social awkwardness + not trying to make anyone else feel uncomfortable), but I definitely understand this frustration. It also depends on the context: for example, if I'm waiting in line for an attraction, "Just you?" isn't an offensive question, but if I'm checking in for a confirmed solo dining reservation, that starts to feel like an irritating & unnecessary clarification.

(Mostly following this thread to pick up any other helpful responses — sorry I don't have any to suggest!)

I tend to always reply to people with light hearted quips and banter. Most people pick up on that it’s levity and appreciate it. It’s my way of putting people at ease.