Need ideas for 1st Solo Trip

[Al and Kate's Mom]

Okay - I know this is the place to be find what I need. I'm going to be making my first solo trip to the World in November and I am VERY excited! I am used to traveling alone for business, but have never done it for leisure. You can see from my signature that I'm very familiar with WDW, but I've never done it with me as the only one who has to be happy! Can you all please give some ideas of the great things you can do when you're on your own and any hints to making it a great vacation???

 

[Simba's Mom]

I did one thing on one of my first solo trips that was really fun! After I checked in, I went out to the bus stop and just got on the first bus that came along, with no plans at all. With my family, I'm so obsessive about planning, DH bet me that I couldn't do this! Once I got on the bus, I called him to tell him that indeed, I had been able to. I can still remember-the bus was going to Epcot. Since I hadn't known where I'd be going until I got on the bus, I had nothing planned there, so I just wandered around Epcot, going on a few rides, getting a bite to eat, it was such a nice way to start my vacation!

 

[Al and Kate's Mom]

This is a WONDERFUL idea - I am also a compulsive planner, and part of the allure of solo travel to me is just going with the flow - but of course by nature I had already started planning - I like this better - just do whatever - THANK YOU!!!

 

[wdwfanjon]

Well, you got me thinkin'

First thing that came to my mind was dining. At sit-down restaurants, dining alone can be a little intimidating and boring. However, there are some dining options for a solo traveler that I recommend.

First, buffets, buffets, buffets. You don't have to sit and stare at the walls or ceiling waiting for your food - you just go up and help yourself.

Second, restaurants that provide some entertainment (of some sort or another). The Biergarten in Germany in Epcot (buffet, too!)
Teppanyaki Restaurant in Japan (watching the cook cook). Hoop-Dee-Doo at Fort Wilderness (good chicken, too). Sci-Fi Dine-in Theater, 50s Prime Time, etc.

Third, restaurants where you are seated with other people. Well, maybe not THAT close. Teppanyaki (you are all seated around the grill), Biergarten, Hoop-Dee-Doo, etc. Good chance to strike up a conversation and meet new people.

I also usually prefer counter service because I don't have to wait too long for my food. I am not always a big fan of table service restaurants. Wait to be seated, wait to put in your drink order, wait for the drinks, wait to place your food order, wait to get your food, wait to get your bill, wait to get your credit card back, etc. A lot of waiting. Kind of gives "wait" staff a whole new meaning.

On another subject, I would suggest thinking about things you have always wanted to do, but have not had the chance because no one else you were traveling with want to do it. Nobody wanted to ride Dumbo with you? Go for it solo!

Go on some tours. Great way to learn cool stuff about WDW and also a way to meet new people.

When you are solo, you have more time to chat it up with cast members (and not have to be rushed by your party). Especially cool to do when cast member is not too occupied themselves. You can learn some cool stuff!

Try to set up a meet or two with some Disboard folks. I have done that before and it's fun! It's a chance to hang out with fellow Disney nuts.

Anyway, I hope this helps. Hope you have a great time!

 

[Al and Kate's Mom]

Thank you for the ideas. I hadn't thought about the trouble with TS, because I'm used to dining solo on business trips, but I guess it would be a little awkward in a place like WDW!

 

[djblu883]

I wouldn't be worried about table service...if there is a place your hubby /family wouldn't want to go but you want to try...go there, sleep in stay up late....have a blast!!! I was looking forward to my first solo trip...but 2 gf found out I was going again and pitched in to go too lolol...have a magical vacation!! you have earned it!!!

 

[MidgeD79]

I am going on my first solo trip in Dec (7-9). I am still ultra planning the 7 & 8, but am leaving the 9th open for whatever didn't get done. I am going to ride IASW as many times as I feel like it and not hear anyone complain. I might do Coral Reef on the 8th for lunch and I know I need to decide soon so I can make the adr.

 

[chyam]

I am going on my first solo trip in Dec (7-9). I am still ultra planning the 7 & 8, but am leaving the 9th open for whatever didn't get done. I am going to ride IASW as many times as I feel like it and not hear anyone complain. I might do Coral Reef on the 8th for lunch and I know I need to decide soon so I can make the adr.

Have you considered doing the MVMCP? It's a great time, and it's so neat seeing the park all decked out at night and the special events, I am going on the 7th since it is usually a little less busy during the week. Also on the 9th there is a a huge mega mouse meet going on I believe at the Swan or the Dolphin (check allears.net) I will be there during the same time you are so perhaps we will run into one another! Waiting on some friends to decide whether they will be joining me or not.......but most likely I will be solo. You may also want to catch the Candlelight processional at EPCOT, last year was my first and it was well worth the time.....

 

[fostrmom2mny]

I had my first solo trip this past July. I also travel alone for buisness, but never for fun. My stay at WDW followed a conference and I realised a lot about myself.
#1. As much as I had planned, which park which morning/evening and such was too much. I had planned to spend a lot of time in the parks, but I found myself homesick and really missing my family. As a result, I did not spend as much time in the parks that I had planned. I craved conversation with others.
#2. I spent more time in my room that I had not anticipated. That time was mostly spent laying across the bed, since the chairs were too uncomfortable. I also stayed at the ASMu beacuse I love the ASMu. I wish that I would have upgraded to a resort that has a more comfortable chair than the ones you are given at the AS's.
#3. I wish that I would have scheduled something interactive with other people. My last day there I just happened on a pin trading meeting at MK. I was able to talk and socialize with other people.

If you are going during the MVMCP time, I bet there is a DIS Meeting planned at some point. I would definately, positively plan on attending. You're free to stay as long or as short as you like, but meeting with other Disers is a wonderful experiance.

Have a wonderful trip.

 

[twotoohappy]

I like to walk around Epcot, hang at the pool, go running (bring a mp3 player), and
Hmmmm???
go to JELLYROLLS!

 

[chyam]

Thank you for the ideas. I hadn't thought about the trouble with TS, because I'm used to dining solo on business trips, but I guess it would be a little awkward in a place like WDW!

Well I must be in the minority, because I don't really find to much doing solo ackward! I find that I can talk to some of the neatest people when I am solo and am able to just relax too. I love going to the pool and staying as long as I want without someone wanting to hit the parks etc. I also am very comfortable with myself so maybe that is why it is easier, I even do character meals by my lonesome!

 

[MidgeD79]

My schedule for the 7th is: noon arrive at MK and do a Dole Whip meet at 3pm. Leave for MGM for Osbourne Lights around 5pm, leave for Epcot and Illuminations around 7pm and go to Jellyrolls after that. At somepoint I might sleep! On the 8th I start at Epcot and maybe have lunch at Coral Reef then leave around 5:30 ish for MVMCP after back to JellyRolls. My flight leaves at 7pm on the 9th and I am leaving the whole day open for ....whatever.