New solo traveler seeks advice

[akayek31]

Hi everyone. This will be my first solo trip. My DD is a senior in high school during the last semester of it and doesn't want to go. DS is disney'd out also. I am going to search for an apartment so I can work at Disney one day. My favorite park is Epcot and love to spend time just sitting for hours and watching British Revolution in UK. Never saw Off Kilter because of this . I will be looking during the day this time and park hopping at night. I love ToT even though I am deathly afraid of heights. My first trip I swore I would never ride it but DD wanted to try it and wouldn't go alone. Now its my favorite and she refuses to ride. I hate Dinosaur and Space Mountain. Love all the other thrill rides. I will be staying at Pop as usual since it is only a place to sleep and shower. I plan on being there February 8-15 before my AP runs out on the 16th.

 

[Tara8595]

Well, I pulled the trigger! I am booked at AllStarMusic ($68 AP Discount!) for 1/27-29. I am giving it a try with a shorter trip like some of you suggested. Here's the cool thing.... with $63 each way on SW, and the AP discount on the room and no ticket to buy and Disney Rewards card, this trip is going to cost me a measly $103 plus food!!!! I can't pass that up!

I was a little hesitant in the beginning, but now I find that I'm so excited about it that even if I had a friend offer to come with me now, I'd have to turn them down and say, let's plan for a different time. I feel like I'm really going to spoil myself by being there alone, but I don't feel guilty - I'm a work-at-home-mom of a 7-yr-old boy.... I've earned it!

The second I booked my trip, I planned my days and got all decent FP+, even Mine Train - yay! I'm going to use Disney transportation (which I never usually do), so that I am safer - walking around the hotel grounds alone doesn't freak me out, I do that all the time even when I'm travelling with people, but walking around those big parking lots alone - that would be a different story - so I'm taking ME and using the busses and monorail.

I figure any other time I am walking around alone, I'll use that time to check in at home and tell the person where I am so they can 'protect me' from a distance. I'm not too worried about meals - I plan to sort of just graze, eat when I'm hungry, just counter service. I might even have school bread for lunch! I'm hitting the EMH's - I'm an early riser.... I figure with it being just me, and single rider, I'll be able to pretty much do everything in three days (morning flight down, night flight home - love how that works out). Psyched psyched psyched!!!

 

[DisneyFan2013]

Well, I pulled the trigger! I am booked at AllStarMusic ($68 AP Discount!) for 1/27-29. I am giving it a try with a shorter trip like some of you suggested. Here's the cool thing.... with $63 each way on SW, and the AP discount on the room and no ticket to buy and Disney Rewards card, this trip is going to cost me a measly $103 plus food!!!! I can't pass that up! I was a little hesitant in the beginning, but now I find that I'm so excited about it that even if I had a friend offer to come with me now, I'd have to turn them down and say, let's plan for a different time. I feel like I'm really going to spoil myself by being there alone, but I don't feel guilty - I'm a work-at-home-mom of a 7-yr-old boy.... I've earned it! The second I booked my trip, I planned my days and got all decent FP+, even Mine Train - yay! I'm going to use Disney transportation (which I never usually do), so that I am safer - walking around the hotel grounds alone doesn't freak me out, I do that all the time even when I'm travelling with people, but walking around those big parking lots alone - that would be a different story - so I'm taking ME and using the busses and monorail. I figure any other time I am walking around alone, I'll use that time to check in at home and tell the person where I am so they can 'protect me' from a distance. I'm not too worried about meals - I plan to sort of just graze, eat when I'm hungry, just counter service. I might even have school bread for lunch! I'm hitting the EMH's - I'm an early riser.... I figure with it being just me, and single rider, I'll be able to pretty much do everything in three days (morning flight down, night flight home - love how that works out). Psyched psyched psyched!!!

Have an awesome trip and let us know how everything turns out!

 

[minnie4ever]

I am a "senior" gal and I have been going to WDW for a couple of years on my own. I really enjoy it now. I feel very safe as there are so many people around all the time and the cast members are always helpful.
I can get up when I want, eat where I want, sit and people watch for as long as I want and general be with me, myself and I. I chat with people while waiting in lines, I chat with people in restaurants, and have even snagged a fast pass or 2 from "senior" cast members that I chat with. I dined at the old Koussinos one night and had the head chef sit down at my table with me and chat about his food. I have had a waiter bring me a free glowing Tinkerbell with my drink. Yes sometimes it gets lonely, but then I call my brother or sister in law and brag of what I have done that day (just to make them jealous) and I go to bed happy.
So if anyone is scared of going it alone, I say "Do It"!!! , you will not regret it.
PS. Have stayed at the POP mostly but also the Wilderness Lodge on my solo's.
Next trip, Adventures By Disney to Italy (solo but with 39 other Disney-fans)

 

[minnie4ever]

SOOOOO jealous! Have, treat yourself to a nice dinner at the French restaurant and have a blast.

 

[minnie4ever]

To Simbas Mom.....Oh my gosh, this has happened to me too!! I always have people coming up to me to ask directions etc! I thought it was because I wore a yellow cotton "safari" type vest and had a lanyard full of pins!! Too funny!! I actually love to take photos for people, they seem so happy ( and of course I have them reciprocate!).
On last 2 trips to WDW I did one with a distant cousin during the Flower and Garden show, but she never left my side! UGH! I went back for the Food and Wine so I could do what I wanted and had a blast. I was so much more relaxed not having to do things that she wanted. Enjoyed 2 food and wine pairing demos, slept in one morning etc. Can't wait for my next trip with me, myself and I!

 

[Elevationist]

Yes sometimes it gets lonely, but then I call my brother or sister in law and brag of what I have done that day (just to make them jealous) and I go to bed happy.

I love this!!

I did something similar during my September solo trip. I updated Facebook all day everyday, with tons of photos. Whenever I got to feeling a little lonely, I'd just take out my phone and read all the amazing comments I was getting from friends and family, and reply back. It was a nice feeling!

 

[Simba's Mom]

To Simbas Mom.....Oh my gosh, this has happened to me too!! I always have people coming up to me to ask directions etc! I thought it was because I wore a yellow cotton "safari" type vest and had a lanyard full of pins!! Too funny!! I actually love to take photos for people, they seem so happy ( and of course I have them reciprocate!).
On last 2 trips to WDW I did one with a distant cousin during the Flower and Garden show, but she never left my side! UGH! I went back for the Food and Wine so I could do what I wanted and had a blast. I was so much more relaxed not having to do things that she wanted. Enjoyed 2 food and wine pairing demos, slept in one morning etc. Can't wait for my next trip with me, myself and I!

What's really funny is when people come up and start complaining to you. Has anyone else ever had that happen? Being a solo, having other families mistake me for a CM. I once had a father come up and complain about some ride and other guests' behavior. When I told him that I wasn't a CM, he just walked off and looked for someone else to complain to.

 

[Goofy'sPal]

I did my first solo trip back in 2008 and absolutely loved it. I loved the freedom of when to go, which park, where to eat. I didnt have to worry about others complaining. Im planing my second solo trip for this yr and cant wait.

 

[MIGrandma]

I've been thinking about a solo trip sometime.

DH is just not as into Disney as I am. The last time we went together we only went for 3 nights, not nearly long enough for me!

I went once with my Mom for a week, and once with our DD for a week and both of those were fun.

Our trip in FIVE DAYS will be me and DH, our DD and her DH and their two kids (6 and 9) and her DH's parents for 8 nights. I'm sure it will be a lot of fun too, just in a different way. I'm looking forward to seeing Disney through the eyes of my grandchildren as it will be their first trip.

But. Maybe in 2-3 more years I'll think more seriously about a solo trip. I don't think my DH would mind, and if I could get a pin code or a good deal it would be all the better. I know I wouldn't mind being alone in the parks, and it would be kind of nice to just do what I wanted to whenever I wanted to. And I wouldn't mind eating alone (would just do quick counter service meals, and the resort food court). And I'm not much for making small talk with strangers, so I really don't think I'd get too lonely. It would be a different experience, for sure.

 

[Tara8595]

So excited you guys!! Only 2.5 more days til my first solo trip! Some things I am looking forward to....

- I am gonna get a nice cup of tea and watch the Gibbons for like an hour first thing in the morning.
- I am gonna watch Wishes from the Tea Cups, which I love and never get to do because everyone else has to have the 'perfect' view from Main Street.
- I am gonna have a chicken waffle sandwich and roasted corn for lunch in Liberty Square.
- I am gonna ride Primeval Whirl, which nobody else ever wants to do with me.
- I am going to go in last to Monsters Inc Laugh Floor, and then hang back when everyone is exiting and try to blend with the crowd so I can watch it again with the next group.
- Ditto the above for Philharmagic.
- I'm going to see Country Bears and giggle like a child.
- I'm going to eat a cupcake every day.
- I'm going to walk from World Showcase to Studios to use my FP+, singalong with Frozen, watch Fantasmic, and then I'm gonna walk BACK to Epcot to see Illuminations..... thus working off previous cupcake (see above).
-I'm going to do 2 EMH mornings and be the first one into the park, yet I will not be running to anything in particular.
-I'm going to hang out with the Gorillas for at least an hour.
-I'm not going back to the room at night until my feet are broken and everything is closed.
I freakin' can't wait!!!!

 

[ElderTode]

My list was nearly the same. I had to throw in ice cream cookie sandwiches.....and Ghiradelli on top of the cup cake though

 

[mickeyfanachey1999]

So excited you guys!! Only 2.5 more days til my first solo trip! Some things I am looking forward to....

- I am gonna get a nice cup of tea and watch the Gibbons for like an hour first thing in the morning.
- I am gonna watch Wishes from the Tea Cups, which I love and never get to do because everyone else has to have the 'perfect' view from Main Street.
- I am gonna have a chicken waffle sandwich and roasted corn for lunch in Liberty Square.
- I am gonna ride Primeval Whirl, which nobody else ever wants to do with me.
- I am going to go in last to Monsters Inc Laugh Floor, and then hang back when everyone is exiting and try to blend with the crowd so I can watch it again with the next group.
- Ditto the above for Philharmagic.
- I'm going to see Country Bears and giggle like a child.
- I'm going to eat a cupcake every day.
- I'm going to walk from World Showcase to Studios to use my FP+, singalong with Frozen, watch Fantasmic, and then I'm gonna walk BACK to Epcot to see Illuminations..... thus working off previous cupcake (see above).
-I'm going to do 2 EMH mornings and be the first one into the park, yet I will not be running to anything in particular.
-I'm going to hang out with the Gorillas for at least an hour.
-I'm not going back to the room at night until my feet are broken and everything is closed.
I freakin' can't wait!!!!

I'm hoping you will come back here and give us a full report! Thinking maybe one day I'll try to go solo...maybe to run the 5k and 10k next January. I'd love to hear how yours goes.

 

[tinkerbella16]

I have been dreaming of a solo trip for years now! Each trip I go on with family, I always go off on my own quite a bit and those times when I am alone in the parks are the most fun for me. I booked my solo trip for November of this year! My friend will be there at the same time but I will be mostly solo and staying at POFQ solo. I picked Nov 5-14th POFQ GV. I am so excited!!!! I just love the freedom of doing what I want, when I want and in the order I want to do it. I won't have to worry about debates with others on where we all want to go next or who wants to eat where.

I booked my flights the other night.. found the cheapest airfare- $126 round trip, non-stop flights. I am so ready and I still have 280 days to go!!!!

 

[~Lisa~]

So excited you guys!! Only 2.5 more days til my first solo trip! Some things I am looking forward to....

- I am gonna get a nice cup of tea and watch the Gibbons for like an hour first thing in the morning.
- I am gonna watch Wishes from the Tea Cups, which I love and never get to do because everyone else has to have the 'perfect' view from Main Street.
- I am gonna have a chicken waffle sandwich and roasted corn for lunch in Liberty Square.
- I am gonna ride Primeval Whirl, which nobody else ever wants to do with me.
- I am going to go in last to Monsters Inc Laugh Floor, and then hang back when everyone is exiting and try to blend with the crowd so I can watch it again with the next group.
- Ditto the above for Philharmagic.
- I'm going to see Country Bears and giggle like a child.
- I'm going to eat a cupcake every day.
- I'm going to walk from World Showcase to Studios to use my FP+, singalong with Frozen, watch Fantasmic, and then I'm gonna walk BACK to Epcot to see Illuminations..... thus working off previous cupcake (see above).
-I'm going to do 2 EMH mornings and be the first one into the park, yet I will not be running to anything in particular.
-I'm going to hang out with the Gorillas for at least an hour.
-I'm not going back to the room at night until my feet are broken and everything is closed.
I freakin' can't wait!!!!

I LOVE this list!! I am going on my first solo trip in April. You have inspired me to think up my own list. I especially love Wishes from the tea cups! I would have never t
ought of that!

 

[ludari]

I do like your profile and I'm sure I'm not the only one who can relate. I am a confirmed solo traveler and have done all sorts of Disney and non-Disney vacations and I have never been depressed or bored. I do have to admit I am a introvert and asocial and find being alone relaxing and the opportunity to recharge myself. In any event, I say do whatever makes you happy and not worry about anyone else.

 

[ThistleMae]

Eating alone I thought would bother me. People would look at me weird, etc. but I find the servers pay just a bit more attention to you and your needs. Maybe they don't and it's all in my head, but then again maybe it's not. Ok, enough philosophical junk.

If I wanted to eat at the California Grill I don't have to worry about splitting the bill.

If I want to sit and drink, oh I don't know, 14 cups of coffee before starting my day then I can.

I wasn't the only child in my family. I was the youngest of three and painfully shy growing up. Very anxious, was afraid to do things by myself, and I would pretty much panic if someone in my family wasn't around. I think I take solo trips to prove to myself that I CAN do things for and by myself. It's quite liberating in a way, and what better place to be liberated than Disney World?

When I went to Disney in 2013, I brought my granddaughter and her boyfriend. They went off on their own most days but we met up every night for dinner. So...I was solo all day. I loved being on my own schedule. I would have tea and swim in the morning, then off to the parks. I talked to the early risers who also were enjoying pool mornings. I talked to people in lines and on the bus. Knowing I was going to retire in a year or so, I tried to imagine how Disney would be going solo. For the most part I thought it would be good. But....I really couldn't imagine eating dinner alone. For me...that would be a little bit challenging. I like to eat at the resort dinners and I can't visualize sitting in the midst of hundreds of people...by myself. That being said....I wouldn't "not" book a vacation because of this...I'll try it out. I did travel solo to Hawaii once and did eat dinner by myself. I sat outside at a cafe' and was able to people watch and I had a fine time. So...I think it can be done and you can still have a great time. But....I do like to touch base with someone at the end of the day and have a nice meal. Congrat's to all of you who go it alone. Life is too short to miss out on a magical experience. I find that resilient people just figure it out!

 

[loves to dive]

I've been twice solo but since my son is grown and married the last two times I went with him and his wife I spent a lot of time alone, which inspired me to go solo. I often travel alone so that part was no big deal, I enjoy being by myself and my DH hates to travel. Since I've been so often I don't feel pressured to get anything done, if I get a ride good, if not no big deal I'll be back. I like eating by myself, I just take my kindle which fits in most small cross body purses. I read on my phone while in line or often people will talk to me. I love just walking slow and watching everyone, knowing I'm in no hurry and have nowhere I have to be. I went during F&W last year and had a seminar every day and found I was way too busy. I sleep late and go back to my room early and enjoy the resorts. I've never felt odd or afraid being by myself and have often had the chef come out and talk to me at the restaurants. I'm actually planning a trip to F&G solo and then most likely another with my son and DIL a few months after, then again for F&W this year. I have an annual pass so that helps.

 

[akayek31]

So I am leaving on my solo trip in less than 12 hrs. Since its a solo trip, I have added new resorts to stay. First night is AoA LM room. DS22 and DDBF21 refused to stay here each trip so I am staying just one night since there is no AP discount. The second night I am staying at POFQ. This will be my first moderate resort so I am pretty excited! Then off to Pop for 8 nights after that with the AP discount. Need to get packing

 

[cijay]

I don't really follow the flow of acronyms (yes, I know there's a legend) so I'm just going to put this out here to see if anyone is going solo (or group of odd numbered). I'm 52 yr female and my feet are older than the rest of me. I can keep up as long as there's no sprinting. I will be there Feb 10-13. I like the rides that don't spin or have a 'forward and back' motion (like a ferris wheel). I can go all forward, or all backwards.