Planning first ever solo trip

[seadd67]

Ya that's a good Idea trying to meet up with other Dis solo travelers, as Oct gets a little closer I will see whos going.. I am a TS eatter at WDW and plan my parks around my ADR's so do you all still make ADR for your trips if your solo?

 

[AuroraRora]

I didn't on my last solo trip (it was also my first solo trip) because I was nervous about doing TS alone and it was all new to me too - my family would do one or two TS dinners max, over a three-week vacation so I was very used to CS meals. I did BOG for lunch though and loved it, so for my solo trip in May I have a few booked. For my Oct trip I'm hoping for Free Dining and if that doesn't happen I'll get the DDP, and make good use of it!

 

[DaisyDuck001]

Ya that's a good Idea trying to meet up with other Dis solo travelers, as Oct gets a little closer I will see whos going.. I am a TS eatter at WDW and plan my parks around my ADR's so do you all still make ADR for your trips if your solo?

Yes, I make ADR's for my solo trips.

 

[HDLady]

I'm a local and married but, because my husband isn't quite as fanatical about WDW as I am, I frequently spend a few hours at WDW by myself. Even when with my husband or friends who come to visit there are times when we split up in the park to do different things. Taking a whole solo trip is just an extension of this. I find when I'm by myself, more opportunities are presented to chat with strangers or Cast Members: on a ride queue line or while waiting for transportation, while playing Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom or Phineas and Ferb, on line at quick service restaurants, etc. I've found virtually no one who won't chat chat and often the other person initiates the conversation. If you want to get to a park at rope drop, go for it. If you want to sleep in, fine. Just go and have fun - do whatever you enjoy and think of it as liberating that you don't need to compromise what you want to do so the other person/people you usually go with can do what they want.

 

[ChattaAlley]

Just pick me up on your way down....I live only 2 hours from Nashville . Have a great trip. I think I would like doing a solo trip. Maybe one day.

 

[Suelala]

I am (nervously) planning a solo trip for the first time. Glad to have found this thread! Last November, I booked a solo trip, but my daughter ended up meeting me there and we had a great time. This year, though, no one is interested in or able to go...and I still want to go, so...going to have to go solo.
I plan to stay about 10 days, so that I can do things leisurely. I hope that wont be too long to be alone! Some of the things that I think I will enjoy as a solo are: sleeping in when I want to. More people watching. Taking the "Keys to the Kingdom"tour (no one else is ever interested) and the "Behind the Seeds" tour. Taking more time to look at the architecture and the little details, such as reading the windows on the Main Street buildings. Catching all of the films at Epcot, and all of the scheduled things like Off Kilter and the hilarious group at Italy. Eating a Mickey Ears ice cream bar everyday, with no one else watching my weight! Talking to more cm's. Shopping to my heart's content. Taking tons of photos, some I have actually not taken before!
The things I worry about are: no one to talk to. No one to point out the fun stuff to. Eating in the table service restaurants.
I will keep my eye on this board, can't wait for more ideas from you!

 

[rlduvall]

As many have mentioned already about their spouses, my DH is not near a fan of Disney as I am. Add to that my love of solitude and you have a great recipe for a wonderful solo trip. I always plan my annual solo trip around the first week of December when WDW Today and, every other year, DisUnplugged have a few fun events planned. I figure that is the best of both worlds. I can be with people when I want and be alone when I want.

This is when I go to all the attractions my family whines about doing, i.e. Hall of Presidents, Beauty and the Beast show, American Adventure, and so on and so on.

 

[nutz2notz]

Ya that's a good Idea trying to meet up with other Dis solo travelers, as Oct gets a little closer I will see whos going.. I am a TS eatter at WDW and plan my parks around my ADR's so do you all still make ADR for your trips if your solo?

For my first solo trip, I made ADRs before I went and ended up cancelling all of them and ate only at CS. I was determined to eat at table service next time. Then I went on my second solo trip last December and had wonderful meals. I made ADR's at Le Cellier, Yak & Yeti, Kona's and Liberty Tree Tavern and made it to all of them. The service was great and the food was yummy.

I will definitely be making ADRs on my next solo trip, whenever that ends up to be.

 

[Bete]

I have been a handful of times before and am still actually a bit reluctant to go solo, but frankly I am tired of waiting around for someone to go with me and missing out on all of the magic! I will be getting an annual pass and making this my year o Disney, going every opportunity I get. My first trip is going to be May 11th through the 17th.

Now as I might have the ear of some veteran solo adventurers...what do you find gives you the most enjoyable time? Would it be making a complete touring plan and sticking to it? Or maybe just going in with a general idea of the things you want to do and going with the flow?

Thanks in advance for any feedback!

I feel going during special events is the best way. Food and Wine Festival and the Flower and Garden Show are great times. Christmas time is good, too. You have more activities at those times; so, you can get absorbed into all those events. There are lectures and parties to attend with those events.

Doing some special activities really helps like Lunch with an Imagineer at the Brown Derby. There are tours to do, as well. Keeping busy is a key for my enjoyment as a soloist. By the time I get back to the room I go to sleep.

If I get really lonely, I'll make a few calls back home. Sometimes, I have the courage to start up a conversation with someone else at the park and that helps some of the lonely moments. Some of the best times for this is when you wait in a long line or you are seeing a parade or fireworks. I want to get brave enough to approach another solo traveller at a table service and see if they want to eat together. The timing of it is crucial though; so, this is not so easy to accomplish. I like doing postcards to everyone and that helps the time back at the resort. Take pictures and video at the parks; this keeps you active and you don't think about being alone that way. Reading or doing your I-pad is okay, too.

I'm at a point where I either don't have people who can afford to go with me, or people who would have a hard time being there with all the walking involved (some will scooter, some won't) or others who are just not that interested in going there. There are some who are just too lazy for a trip to Disney World. My hubby has been by partner for many trips, but his heart is not in it anymore. I know the day is coming where I will have to go solo more often or not go. I wish I could offer to pay someone's way all the time, but that's not to doable, either. I did it once when there was free dining, but it seems that free dining is not happening any more. I will say that trip was one of the worse; because, the person didn't really care about being there after the first day. They were more interested in smoking or texting or calling back home than being at Disney. Originally, they were eager to be there, but that wore out very fast. And it wasn't having me as a companion that made it unenjoyable; this person was just happier staying in the room and sleeping or watching TV. I still have bad memories about that trip. This person fooled me about going there and I won't do it again.

I will say I enjoyed most of the time on my solo trip, but there were some lonely moments. I do feel I prefer going with someone to Disney World, but I realize this will not happen too much in my future. I will say I rather go alone, then not at all. I think it gets easier to do it on each trip you take alone.

AAA has a special vacation package for solo travelers, now. It doesn't include Disney at this time. I'm probably going to try that sometime in the near future. Everyone is in the same boat and you will have activities to be together with other solo travelers and still have the opportunity to be on your own, too. I think AAA has recognized this as a problem and they are trying to address this issue.

 

[Suelala]

I hear you. I don't know anyone who wants to go or can afford to go, but I still want to go! So, I have to suck it up and go alone if I want to go. I cant afford to pay anyones way, either.
I am going to check into AAA....I am interested in seeing what they have to offer, so thanks for mentioning that.
I am thinking of going to the Grand Floridian for tea one afternoon, and then maybe a massage there...that would be a great way to spend an afternoon. Going to try a couple of tours, also. And then there's people watching...that is always fun. I am thinking of carrying a paperback into the park with me, so I can read during a meal or to pass time waiting. I guess I don't care if I will look like a nerd!

 

[Suelala]

I feel going during special events is the best way. Food and Wine Festival and the Flower and Garden Show are great times. Christmas time is good, too. You have more activities at those times; so, you can get absorbed into all those events. There are lectures and parties to attend with those events.

Doing some special activities really helps like Lunch with an Imagineer at the Brown Derby. There are tours to do, as well. Keeping busy is a key for my enjoyment as a soloist. By the time I get back to the room I go to sleep.

If I get really lonely, I'll make a few calls back home. Sometimes, I have the courage to start up a conversation with someone else at the park and that helps some of the lonely moments. Some of the best times for this is when you wait in a long line or you are seeing a parade or fireworks. I want to get brave enough to approach another solo traveller at a table service and see if they want to eat together. The timing of it is crucial though; so, this is not so easy to accomplish. I like doing postcards to everyone and that helps the time back at the resort. Take pictures and video at the parks; this keeps you active and you don't think about being alone that way. Reading or doing your I-pad is okay, too.

I'm at a point where I either don't have people who can afford to go with me, or people who would have a hard time being there with all the walking involved (some will scooter, some won't) or others who are just not that interested in going there. There are some who are just too lazy for a trip to Disney World. My hubby has been by partner for many trips, but his heart is not in it anymore. I know the day is coming where I will have to go solo more often or not go. I wish I could offer to pay someone's way all the time, but that's not to doable, either. I did it once when there was free dining, but it seems that free dining is not happening any more. I will say that trip was one of the worse; because, the person didn't really care about being there after the first day. They were more interested in smoking or texting or calling back home than being at Disney. Originally, they were eager to be there, but that wore out very fast. And it wasn't having me as a companion that made it unenjoyable; this person was just happier staying in the room and sleeping or watching TV. I still have bad memories about that trip. This person fooled me about going there and I won't do it again.

I will say I enjoyed most of the time on my solo trip, but there were some lonely moments. I do feel I prefer going with someone to Disney World, but I realize this will not happen too much in my future. I will say I rather go alone, then not at all. I think it gets easier to do it on each trip you take alone.

AAA has a special vacation package for solo travelers, now. It doesn't include Disney at this time. I'm probably going to try that sometime in the near future. Everyone is in the same boat and you will have activities to be together with other solo travelers and still have the opportunity to be on your own, too. I think AAA has recognized this as a problem and they are trying to address this issue.

Sorry, I forgot to quote you in that last comment I posted! Hey, I lived in Greencastle for many years! Have you enjoyed your snow?

 

[DaisyDuck001]

Looks like there are many of us in the same situation, that we are solo at WDW by circumstance and not necessarily by choice. So why not meet up with other solos for a meal or two, and then if it goes well, maybe see about planning the next trip together?

 

[rocknroll]

Hi, I am going to be in Orlando for my first solo adventure May 11 to 18. It was supposed to be a big family thing, but not anymore. Don't want to hijack your thread, so my details for another post.

Anyway, for something off the beaten WDW path, I am planning on hitting MoonFish's Sushi Happy Hour (4:30 - 6:30) at least once if not twice during the week and having two or more people makes for a better experience. I will have a car so transport is no problem.

Also, will be booking a couple of rounds of golf for the mid afternoon times (2 - 3) for $79.

And based on the forums here, it looks like there are groups that fill up an Illuminations boat, so will try to get in on one of those.

I am still learning the ropes on here, so hope I didn't write too much.

Let me know if any one of the above is of interest.

Cheers!

RR

 

[eeyore344]

Thinking about a solo trip either this or next Christmas so will be anxiously reading this thread. I agree it's more fun with a partner. My dd and dgd usually go with me, but she is a teacher and dgd is almost 9 so Christmas is usually out of the question. And I mean 1st or 2nd week of Dec. to avoid Christmas crowds.
So please share all tips, ideas and things to do.

 

[Bete]

Sorry, I forgot to quote you in that last comment I posted! Hey, I lived in Greencastle for many years! Have you enjoyed your snow?

We had record breaking snow a week ago; it was 10 inches, here.

There's even a chance for snow on April 1 and it's not April Fools, either.

 

[dreamscometrue101]

My first solo trip will be October 20th to 26th. I am nervous about spending so much time alone but then again I will be surrounded by fellow Disney fans, so I really won't be alone. As most here have said, dining alone is my biggest issue, but I guess it's time to suck it up, because its probably going to be solo trips from here on out as hubby has said he's done with Disney.

 

[JeffryK]

I did my first solo trip last year mainly cause i ran out of friends to drag along. As so many have said before me it is awesome.

What i especially enjoyed was renting a small speedboat at the hotels at Magic Kingdom and relax whilst boating around the lake. Having been there a few times and the safety measures we see at theme parks i couldnt imagine you could just walk up and rent one of those boats. Great fun and by yourself the boats go even faster

 

[kwdw]

Thinking about a solo trip either this or next Christmas so will be anxiously reading this thread. I agree it's more fun with a partner. My dd and dgd usually go with me, but she is a teacher and dgd is almost 9 so Christmas is usually out of the question. And I mean 1st or 2nd week of Dec. to avoid Christmas crowds.
So please share all tips, ideas and things to do.

That's a great time of year for a solo trip. That's when I've been. Crowds aren't bad and you get to see the Christmas decorations. Be sure to book ADRs! One year, weather was awesome! Shorts and T shirts, maybe pants and a sweatshirt at night. But the other year it was freezing and if it hadn't been for my table service meals, I don't think I could have gotten warm!

I did MVMCP the second time I was solo that time of year and I did have some passing, "Crap, look at all the happy families at the holidays and I'm alone" moments during that. But, a good swift stern reminder that I, too, had loved ones back home who support my solo trips and miss me when I'm gone put those lonely thoughts to rest pretty quickly. Was only bad during the party, not sure why. BUT, I do still suggest it once if you have never been.

Osborne lights are great and my little videos on my camera were great to show off to friends and family when I got back.

I've done the Wine Walk on Epcot alone... Timed my tasting with a chance to watch one of the storytellers they had in the countries that time of year.... So a drink and free performer... What's not to like about that? Watched the entire mime act in Italy. Stuff my regular traveling companions would never take the time to do.

And it's great fun to shop for Christmas presents at Disney! My DB never puts up with much shopping! I think I spend a quarter of my time in shops when traveling alone!

So... Great time of year to go. I'm a bit sentimental around the holidays and not having family at Disney at that time...well..I'd be lying if I said there was never a moment I wish I'd had company, but man, I do love getting to do what I want, when I want, and as long as I want. It's all about me! I compromise all the time around the holidays.... But not when in alone at Disney!!

 

[gracie1]

Thinking about a solo trip either this or next Christmas so will be anxiously reading this thread. I agree it's more fun with a partner. My dd and dgd usually go with me, but she is a teacher and dgd is almost 9 so Christmas is usually out of the question. And I mean 1st or 2nd week of Dec. to avoid Christmas crowds.
So please share all tips, ideas and things to do.

I am looking at going solo this Christmas too! I haven't decided on the first or 2nd week yet either. I'm waiting on airfare prices to come out to see if there's a difference between those two weeks before I book.

 

[Straughn]

Another frequent solo tripper here and a senior citizen ( age, not mentality) to boot. My late DH thought WDW was a golf resort, so I spent a lot of time by myself in the parks. He refused to go, even once, to F&W. We had many great trips to the World and thoroughly enjoyed our days on our own and had great dinners where we caught up on the day's activities. Six months after he passed away, I made my first solo trip. That was five years ago and I have made a number of them since then. I go every year to F&W, sometimes solo and sometimes with a friend. I make a short solo in January or February every year. I make ADR's at the Signature restaurants. The servers all talk to me and I have had great conversations with people at adjoining tables. Do not be concerned about dining alone at a TS restaurant. It is great to be able to do what I want, when I want in the parks. If I want to ride an attraction several times in a row, who cares. I can go as early and stay as late as I want. The one thing I have learned about Disney is that there is always someone to strike up a conversation with. About the only thing I plan, other than ADR's, is which park I am going to go to each day, based on the crowd levels and EMH, which I studiously avoid. if there is one place where I have no problem being solo, it is WDW.