Nervous - need info

[Minnesota]

I am concidering a solo trip to WDW for the first time ever. I am 25 but a child of a very protective mother. Maybe she's making me re think the solo idea or maybe it's me but could I get more info from you all.

What is it like solo?
Ever had any security problems?
Ever been discriminated against?
Any tips?
Who would Reccomend it? Who wouldn't?

I would love to hear ANYTHING anyone has to say and from both sides if possible. THanks for the help.
Minnesota

 

[spiceycat]

my mother does the same thing - tries to make my solo trips be awfully....

well the only time it was when i wrecked my car....

otherwise they have been great!

I stayed in POR, Pop (loved it), as mu, VWL, OKW, SSR, BWV - solo...

Security has never been a problem.

on my last couple of times have been offsite - again there is a security guard at the entrance.

that say it is stupid to take values with you on vacation. leave them at home...

A women was complainting about her jewelry being stolen at AS MO on my last trip....

Now I would never take my jewelry with me....

So it depends upon what you are taking....

so don't leave stuff to tempt a thief and you will be fine.

oh when this happens- Disney security goes into overdrive. they want to see a key and your ID and your name better be the same on both.... I kept mother and mind ID - so when I pulled out an ID it was hers - they almost got upset until I also found mind.....

It was much faster to use the automatic gate when they get this strange.

so if this happen just look thought your things when you return to your room...

oh one more thing if your door is open when you return - or if your door is locked and your key won't work - don't kept trying - go back to the front desk and tell them what happening.

sometimes security allows you to accompany them - sometimes they ask that you stay at the front desk until they find what the problem is....

oh dear - discriminated against - yes and no - I am a BIG female - I wasn't always big - so I know when people are ignored me or trying to get around me or push me around because of my size....

wrong move by THEM... I know my rights and I will make them aware of them.... this happen probably more here at work than at Disney. there are several of us oversize ladies at WDW....

Oh I love my solo trips!!! highly recommend them!!! they are great - especially when you need a break from everything (including your mother).

oh if you mother is like mind -the whole gulity ride she is trying to laid on you is because she wants to go too and she wants you to pay for her going.....

if you find out you love WDW just as much without her as with her - well - then who would take her (at their costs)....

now some people say that they feel lonely at restuarants... well I have food allergies so I avoid these places. I have at least a studio with a kitchenentt and I use it.... Now that doesn't mean I won't eat out in a nice restuarant once or twice but every night forget. food allergies can be problems - I need to always speak to the chef. then of course it takes longer - one of my biggest food allergies is pepper - do you know how hard it is to get chef to leave off pepper..... they add it without thinking. So because of this my food item always take a much longer time to do.

oh if you think you are the lonely type - just bring a book, or your schedule, or write down what and where you have been for the trip reports....

I don't have a problem talking to strangers - so I take their pictures with the character and they take mind....

 

[WannabeBelle25]

I am concidering a solo trip to WDW for the first time ever. I am 25 but a child of a very protective mother. Maybe she's making me re think the solo idea or maybe it's me but could I get more info from you all.

What is it like solo?
Ever had any security problems?
Ever been discriminated against?
Any tips?
Who would Reccomend it? Who wouldn't?

I would love to hear ANYTHING anyone has to say and from both sides if possible. THanks for the help.
Minnesota

Hey there!!! I say go for it!!! You wont ever regret it!!!
Going solo is awesome. In the line form the Emporer's New Groove "It's all about ME!!!!!!" Where do you want to go? Where do you want to eat? What do you want to do?? The possibilities are seriously endless.
Security problems: None at all. I never feel safer than when I am in the World!
Discriminated Definitely not, the CM's are great plus I can make friends pretty easily.
Make sure that you take some time on your trip to eat in some of the sit down restaurants. Japan's Teppanyaki Grill and Germany's Biergarten are great for conversing with people if you dont want to sit alone!!!
You will have the best time!!! Belle

 

[Yookeroo]

I am concidering a solo trip to WDW for the first time ever. I am 25 but a child of a very protective mother. Maybe she's making me re think the solo idea or maybe it's me but could I get more info from you all.

What is it like solo?
Ever had any security problems?
Ever been discriminated against?
Any tips?
Who would Reccomend it? Who wouldn't?

I would love to hear ANYTHING anyone has to say and from both sides if possible. THanks for the help.
Minnesota

Do it. I went solo a few years and had a great time. You can do whatever you want whenever you want. Change your plans on a whim and nobody will complain. As long as you don't do anything stupid, you'll be safe.

 

[kaytieeldr]

The only "problem" I've ever had traveling to Disney World solo is occasionally with ADR/PS/dining reservations, and only related to California Grill. The earliest reservation they had for one person last time I tried was something like 9:30, but when I then changed it to three people there was miraculously a table at 7 PM.

 

[BratTink]

I've been to Disney solo for business trips and took time to go to the parks. A 1/2 day in each park alone is enough for me. I could NOT stand going on an entire vacation alone, but that's me!
If you are the type of person is who good alone, definitely do it! I enjoyed the freedom of doing whatever I wanted. I HATE eating alone in restaurants, but you have to decide if you enjoy this by yourself. I went back to my hotel and ordered room service
I always felt safe walking around alone at Disney, so security isn't a problem.
I think the question you need to ask yourself is can you be happy by yourself for a week totally surrounded by couples and families. I don't want to be a downer, but that's the reality. There are many people on these boards who love to go alone, but I think they are strong people who enjoy their own company. If you do go for it!

 

[WillCAD]

I am concidering a solo trip to WDW for the first time ever. I am 25 but a child of a very protective mother. Maybe she's making me re think the solo idea or maybe it's me but could I get more info from you all.

What is it like solo?
Ever had any security problems?
Ever been discriminated against?
Any tips?
Who would Reccomend it? Who wouldn't?

I would love to hear ANYTHING anyone has to say and from both sides if possible. THanks for the help.
Minnesota

I started going solo when I was 30. If I knew how much better solo was than tagging along with friends, I would have gone solo years earlier!

Disney is as secure and safe a place to go on a solo trip as you are going to find anywhere. Excercise normal precautions, and you will be fine.

Discriminated for being solo? Hardly. A paying customer is a paying customer, and Disney treats all of its paying customers pretty well.

Tip: When going solo, you can get into restaurants easier without ADRs, you can use single rider lines, and you can more easily find places in shows and parades, than a group of people can do these things. Your trip will require less pre-planning, allowing you to go with the flow a lot more. Plan your trip during a slack time like September or early February, and you won't have to plan at all, just do whatever you want whenever you want.

I highly recommend solo touring for anybody who wants to really enjoy WDW.

 

[lynn71092]

I am concidering a solo trip to WDW for the first time ever. I am 25 but a child of a very protective mother. Maybe she's making me re think the solo idea or maybe it's me but could I get more info from you all.

What is it like solo?
Ever had any security problems?
Ever been discriminated against?
Any tips?
Who would Reccomend it? Who wouldn't?

I would love to hear ANYTHING anyone has to say and from both sides if possible. THanks for the help.
Minnesota

Unlike you, I am the mother of an overprotective son!!
So when he got the e-mail at work saying I was on my way to WDW, he freaked.
But after it was over he said he was very proud of me for doing it.
Solo's are great!!
You will have an awesome time.
If you're still nervous about it, check and see if there will be any other solo's there at the same time and maybe you could hook up.

 

[Hobbes]

I was really nervous before my first solo visit but I have to say that I was never really lonely-there were times I have to admit it would have been nice to share stuff with someone, but you Americans are the friendliest people I have ever met-as soon as I sat for a meal or a parade, or even just in the line for a ride, the people around would always stop to chat, especially once they heard my accent-you really love us Brits .

I was never made to feel a second class person for being alone-frequently i got on rides quicker, where they needed one person to fill up a ride, eg Soarin, Splash Mountain, Space Mountain. I was never made to ride with someone else, eg on Haunted mansion or BTM. I thought for TS meals I would be shoved away in a corner where I couldn't be seen, but I wasn't. The charcters made just as much fuss of me as anyone else, and there is always someone who will take your photo, even if they don't understand English (Special thanks to the German lady at MGM who understood what i wanted and didn't think I was giving her a new cmera as a gift )

I now regret the years when I didn't come on my own and have decided to make it a 2-yearly trip (It would be more but we have strict laws in the UK about bank hold-ups ) I hope you decide to do it and have a wonderful time-BTW, I'm 40, the eldest of 3 and I'm "still my baby" according to my DM!

 

[ChisJo]

This weekend will mark the second solo trip I will be taking to WDW. I LOVED it solo so much, that I decided to do it again. Last time I went solo, I had the time of my life. It kind of forces you to interact with people you probably wouldn't interact with normally. For example, while waiting for Dinosaur, there was a guy in front of me from England, and him and his family were so nice to talk to. They kept me company while the slow line moved. When there were about 40 people left in front of us, they started calling for solo riders - I had to leave, but that gentleman and his family were so nice and I still remember them. Had I been with others, I probably never would have had the opportunity to meet them. Truthfully, I met tons of people the last time I went. I met up with my GF and her DH, and it seemed to change. I wasn't having as much fun (because when I am with others, I give in too easily). All of the sudden I was doing things I didn't want to do anymore and wasn't getting any enjoyment out of the holiday.

I have never had any type of security problems - ever! The one thing that I did like, but sometimes disliked, was that the photographers that are on Main street or by TOT don't offer to take your photo. When I am in touring mode, I don't mind so much, but you may feel invisible sometimes.

When I went to the character dinner, I had the time of my life. I also enjoyed the ways the characters at the dinner and in the park interacted with me. I never once felt out of place with any of them.

Never descriminated against. I did have a dirty old man try to pick me up, but I can hold my ground (I was 26 when I went solo the first time). I just put in my MP3 player and kept going on my way.

Found great spots for all the shows. People are generally willing to move over for one person - not a whole family. Single rider lines at both Epcot and USO were awesome....

The best part - sleeping in, eating what you want, when you want. Taking it all in and doing what you want. Meeting people from all over the world. I love it.....

I don't know how I will be when I go next year with my friends that I am convocating with, but I hope that I will have been enough to know that I can sacrifice enough for them!

Oh - mothers, by the way, are always going to be protective! My mother is still protective of me (not as bad as she once was) and I am 28. This will be my 5th solo trip (not just to WDW) and she still wants me to call her when I get to my hotel (which I leave #'s for). If it gives her peace of mind while I am away, I am willing to do that for her.

Go and have the time of your life! Let us know what you decide to do...

Jo

 

[justplaingoofy]

Good for you

Nobody will be slowing you down! You can do things on your own schedule!!

Hope you have a ball!!

When are you thinking of going?

 

[Simba's Mom]

Maybe you can point this out to your mother. There are so many "solos" running around-you don't know if the person alone is truly solo or just waiting for the rest of the family to come out of the restroom; maybe they're napping; on another ride; maybe they're on the bus alone because the rest of the family is too pooped out or is at another park. I've noticed lots of people by themselves-who knows which ones of them are truly solo? If I ever felt a little uncomfortable security-wise, there are lots of other people around that you can sort of pretend you're with too if you feel you're being followed or anything. But really, a solo has plenty of opportunity not to be alone.

 

[PigSoldier]

I first went solo when I was 20, and my mother was frantic! But WDW's really the safest place you can be on your own, you're always surrounded by big crowds of people, there's dedicated transport and security everywhere, and there was never a moment in the week I was there when I didn't feel secure.

And like Simba's Mom said, most people didn't think I was there by myself. Everyone I spoke to thought the rest of my party were too chicken to ride the Tower of Terror, or still asleep back at the hotel. There was never any discrimination or different treatment.

Definately go for it, and don't be afraid to do certain things - before I left I was sure I'd never have the nerve to see any characters, and by the end of the trip I'd booked myself on a last-minute character breakfast! Enjoy!

 

[razamataz]

This has definitely been an interesting thread. I have never even considered going "solo" to disney before. It has always sounded like an oxymoron. However, after reading through this, it actually sounds like a good idea.

When I travel alone for work, I love to try resturants that I have not tried before. I do enjoy meeting new people and can usually strike up a conversation with a statue. However, just in case there are not any statues around , I always bring a good book to read or my cell phone.

Also, when I check into a hotel, I always leave the DO NOT DISTURB sign on my door when I leave. That way, I know that know one should have to come in while I am gone, including housekeeping.

As with anywhere else, I would still take the normal precautions. While Disney is a family-friendly environment, I would be careful to NOT have a false sense of security.

I am single thirty-something and my mother still worries about me. (And she lives 15 hours away.)

Hope this helps you out.

Enjoy your trip.
razamataz

 

[Karnak]

Why go solo? Consider the following ...

NO WAITING FOR OTHERS TO: decide what to do next, take photos, rush right by the street performer you would really like to watch for a while, take a rest room break, mill around and study the map, stop to trade pins, use up a long time eating lunch, stop for every character that pops up, stop to press coins in some silly machine, walk super fast when you are really worn out, stop at every gift shop in the park, insist on taking a break at the resort in the middle of the day, not be ready to go in the morning which results in an increased crowd level by the time we arrive, stopping to rest when you are ready to move on, using a long time to order at a counter service eatery because of not reading the posted menu while standing in long line ...

I could go on. But you get the idea. Going solo is great. Do it!

Enjoy.

 

[magicmama]

I am concidering a solo trip to WDW for the first time ever. I am 25 but a child of a very protective mother. Maybe she's making me re think the solo idea or maybe it's me but could I get more info from you all.

What is it like solo?
Ever had any security problems?
Ever been discriminated against?
Any tips?
Who would Reccomend it? Who wouldn't?

I would love to hear ANYTHING anyone has to say and from both sides if possible. THanks for the help.
Minnesota

It's great going as a solo. It's one of the BEST places to go solo. I feel safer going to WDW than anywhere else.
I haven't had any issues but I know that they take security v-e-r-y seriously. If you are ever uncomfortable at all, they will help you. There is more security around you at WDW than you realize.
Are you staying on site? I assume you are.
Sometimes as a single you may feel that you are in the background but sometimes that's a great place to be. You can enjoy more that happens around you. Offer to take other families' photos so the parent photographer can be in the pix. Then they will take your photo for you! It can be great fun to watch others. Conversation can happen in line with others when you are single. Single only lines at rides are great! Any you may find other singles!
So go on your trip and have many magical memories! (And call Mom to let her know how much fun you are having!)

 

[jenelope]

Minnesota, my Mom is so over-protective, she could mother-smother every single solo on this board! I went to WDW semi-solo on my very first trip as an adult at 28 years old. My next trip, ten months later, was entirely solo. I think that what I have worked out with my Mom is a common-sense approach to solo travel. Before leaving, I give her an itinerary with all of my flight information, the name of my hotel, phone numbers for the hotel and airline, and a basic touring plan (what parks on what days).

What comes next is a series of phone calls. I call from my home airport just before take-off, when I arrive at MCO, and when I arrive at my hotel. If I'm able to check-in immediately, I make sure that I give her my room number. I like to call my Mom at some time early in the day, every day. Ostensibly, it's just to let her know whether I've made any changes to my plans and to tell her that I'm having fun, but usually it's just because it's nice to hear a familiar voice. The one call I absolutely have to make every day is the call at the end of the day to inform her that I have arrived safely back at my hotel. If I'm out until the wee, small hours for an EMH or something, I can wait until the next morning, but if I don't call her by 8:00 AM, she calls me and there's heck to pay! (Or at least, Mom-guilt to listen to.) I don't think the calls are unreasonable, because if something happens, I want someone to miss me! Needless to say, I have a lot of minutes on my mobile phone plan.

My Mom loves it when I vacation at WDW because she's seen the service and security of the place first hand (and because I always come back very happy). Combine that with common sense, and it will be easy on both of you.

I've rarely noticed any different treatment as a solo. Good CMs seem to actually spend a little more time with solo travelers. I've had outstanding conversations with waitstaff, for instance, and got a great tip from a CM in the tiger area at the Animal Kingdom, simply because I was talking to her instead of fellow travelers. I did have one not-so-great experience at one restaurant. They cancelled my ADR, saying, "We don't keep reservations for one person," and proceeded to give me a bad table and virtually ignore me for my entire meal. There's no point in naming the restaurant because it's changed format since then, and I'm sure things have changed. Overall, my experience as a solo has been overwhelmingly positive.