Please tell me about solo trips

[norybell]

I just got back from an absolutely perfect (but way too short!) stay at the YC with my mom...my first trip to WDW in about five years. I had such a wonderful time, I decided I have to go more often. It truly is my happy place.

Problem is, my BF is totally uninterested in WDW until there are kids in the picture, and I don't think I'll be able to get any family to go with me until after my niece turns three in Oct 2010. And I don't want to wait that long! So I'm seriously considering a solo trip this October.

Any advice? Do solo trips to WDW get lonely? Or is it liberating, not having to worry about anyone else's happiness while you're there? How do you handle things like TS dinners? Any good solo trip reports you recommend? I have traveled (to other places) solo before, but not for over a decade, so I'm having trouble remembering what it's like! Everyone I mention it to seems to think I'm crazy for considering it, but it seems to me like WDW might be the absolute best place to travel alone.

Thanks in advance for any advice!
nory

 

[corkery719]

Nory,
I just had the awesome experience of doing WDW Solo! You must go. I did what I wanted, when I wanted, and how I wanted. Only felt lonely once, during Wishes, but that was to be expected. I have no problem talking to other people, and they didn't have a problem talking to me. I watched other peoples children and remembered my own. It was very cool. I didn't do TS, went with the QS, just more convenient for me, but never had to ask what anyone else wanted. I cator to everyone every other week of the year, and this was one time I could put that aside and just focus on me. I already have another trip planned......Solo. Hope this helps

 

[Dolce27]

I've done three solo trips now. The first one was unintentional (I had a couple of pple bail on me and I decided to go anyways) the second one was intentional (going through a tough time and wanted to get away from everyone and have "me" time) The third time was this past Dec. It was 1/2 solo for the first part of the trip but then I had family join me to celebrate my b-day.

I won't lie: there are times that you do feel a little lonely - you want to experience something with someone else. However, there are so many perks to being solo that it is a great experience. Alone, you can do what you want and when you want. You get to be 100% selfish and don't have to feel a drop of guilt for it. You get to meet people. Tons of pple talk to you in lines, buses, ect.. b/c you're alone and they find it fascinating that you actually came to Disney solo. On my 2nd trip I kept running into pple at the different parks that I'd met previously. They all approached me as they remembered me as I stood out to them for being solo. I kept running into this one couple, I want to say four times, all over the place. They were happy to see me each time and it was great getting to meet new people from all over.

Being solo you can slip into that Singles line or manage to squeeze into that show without having to wait longer. One negative thing: no one is there to take your pic so utilize Photopass or make nice with the pple in line behind you if it's a character greeting.

I do recommend giving it a try if you're thinking of it. It's not for everyone, but you won't know if it's for you until you try it. I don't plan to do every trip solo but I do enjoy going solo so I have no trouble at all booking a trip if I just want to get away.

Go and have fun! And don't be afraid to book the restaurants solo. I've done both character meals and non-character meals solo and enjoyed them all.

I have a link to my Dec 2008 TR in my sig. I can dig up my 2006 100% solo TR if you want.

 

[norybell]

Thanks so much, Mary & Dolce (and Dolce, I've read your recent part-solo trip report already -- it was great, and part of what inspired me to go solo myself! If you can dig up your all-solo one, I'd happily read that, too!). I am leaning more and more in the solo-trip direction...it just seems like it would be really liberating to go by myself, and to do whatever I feel like doing. Plus, after all the planning that went into the last vacation, I'm not sure what to do with myself now that it's over -- I guess that means it's time to start planning another trip, right? (or am I suffering from some sort of Disney-mania? I swear, there are moments it feels that way)

I wonder -- do you really need ADRs to eat at some of the better resort restaurants by yourself? Or can you usually just sit at the bar? (I am sort of a foodie, so I'd hate to miss out on another wonderful meal at Jiko just because I'm alone!!!) I'm thinking I'd go in October, so it shouldn't be too busy.

 

[Candice30]

i have done 3 solo trips. (2 at disney and 1 at universal). there were times that i was lonely but that was really just the 1st time i went. not having others with me made me commando the parks and then i was left will all of this time. the second time i did disney solo was the best. never lonely. i went this past october and had the best time ever. i did the food and wine festival everyday and went trick-o-treating at magic kingdom at the halloween party. so much fun! the only time i felt even a little lonely was watching people take family photos at the halloween party but it passed.

check out my solo trip reports below (at disney). i wasn't that fond of doing universal alone. i did not eat at any TS restaurants on my first solo trip but did go to sci-fi on my 2nd solo trip. it is now a must for me for solo dining. a good way to ease into it since everyone is facing the movie screen and you aren't sitting at this lonely table.....and hey...the food was good too! do it...you'll have so much fun and become addicted.

 

[Dolce27]

Thanks so much, Mary & Dolce (and Dolce, I've read your recent part-solo trip report already -- it was great, and part of what inspired me to go solo myself! If you can dig up your all-solo one, I'd happily read that, too!). I am leaning more and more in the solo-trip direction...it just seems like it would be really liberating to go by myself, and to do whatever I feel like doing. Plus, after all the planning that went into the last vacation, I'm not sure what to do with myself now that it's over -- I guess that means it's time to start planning another trip, right? (or am I suffering from some sort of Disney-mania? I swear, there are moments it feels that way)

I wonder -- do you really need ADRs to eat at some of the better resort restaurants by yourself? Or can you usually just sit at the bar? (I am sort of a foodie, so I'd hate to miss out on another wonderful meal at Jiko just because I'm alone!!!) I'm thinking I'd go in October, so it shouldn't be too busy.

Yes, I'm all for planning! That's half of the fun! I always book ADR's (but it's back to that planning thing). I've never been sat at the bar solo, always given a table.

Here's the link to my 2006 solo TR: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1347742

 

[travelin' tigger]

I'm off to WDW Thurs. night for a much-needed solo trip after the loss of someone who was a major part of my life. I haven't been solo in over a year now and can't wait to spend time on myself.

I don't have any advice, but just wanted to add that solo trips are the best!! As previously mentioned you get to do whatever YOU want, whenever YOU want. Ride your favorite ride over and over, eat somewhere you've never tried before, hop the first bus that comes along or sleep in if you so desire. It's a totally liberating experience, not to be missed!!

Enjoy your trip!!!

 

[Pygoplites]

I signed up to DISboards today, mainly to be able to add my comments as a frequent solo traveler and to offer encouragement to others considering it. I LOVE LOVE LOVE my solo trips! A few years ago, I would have never even considered it. Heck, I even felt weird about going to a movie alone. And now I'm only a week away from my 4th solo WDW vacation.

My first one was accidental. I was attending a conference with a co-worker and we had planned to stay a few extra days to visit WDW and Universal, but he had to fly home due to a family emergency. So I visited the parks alone and I must say that the experience was liberating. Because I hadn't pre-planned anything (ADRs, etc.), it was kind of fun just "winging it." But, ultimately, I realized that I probably would have enjoyed it more if I had filled my days with a few more pre-planned events.

I'm one who enjoys planning and scheduling anyway, so I discovered that a WDW vacation is perfect for someone like me! (Yeah, maybe a bit of OCD...but in a good way.) For my "intentional" solo trips, I've become a huge fan of the Premium and Platinum Plans. For one person, the cost is fairly reasonable and you can do just about anything you want. I'm a big-time foodie, so I try to squeeze in as many Signature Restaurants as possible. A favorite place is to eat solo is at "The Cooking Place" (counter) at Jiko. Great interaction with the chefs and I always meet the nicest people having dinner. But at most other places, I always dine at a table. Because there is more generally more interaction with the servers at the higher-end places, the dining experience also feel less "lonely" than eating a counter-service meal on a bench by yourself.

I've even done Victoria & Albert's by myself...and am going to do it again a week from tomorrow In fact, I think my solo dinner at V&A last year was one of the my best dining experiences ever (including some places that are even much more expensive). As soon as my servers found out that I was a major foodie, they really "upped" the descriptions of the food and wines. An unexpected bonus was that an adjacent party of 4 sent me some glasses of their VERY expensive wines that they had brought. I've met the nicest people on my trips!!

So for anyone thinking about "going it alone"...GO FOR IT! Not only can you do whatever you want whenever you want, you'll probably discover some things about yourself (hopefully good things). And if you get a really good dessert, you don't have to worry about sharing it!

 

[PirateMel]

I'm off to WDW Thurs. night for a much-needed solo trip after the loss of someone who was a major part of my life. I haven't been solo in over a year now and can't wait to spend time on myself.

I don't have any advice, but just wanted to add that solo trips are the best!! As previously mentioned you get to do whatever YOU want, whenever YOU want. Ride your favorite ride over and over, eat somewhere you've never tried before, hop the first bus that comes along or sleep in if you so desire. It's a totally liberating experience, not to be missed!!

Enjoy your trip!!!

I agree totally, and after a while of being on the boards you will find your solo trips are not-so-solo anymore. Lots of great people here to meet up with, when and if you wish, whenever you go HOME!

 

[lovemickeyshouse]

Solo trips are not bad I done 2 one was only 2 nights in Florida and was in October 2008 and the other was October 2007 and the hardest part is sitdown dinners but not too bad .Also look to make friends on this site and see if you go same time as other people maybe become part of there family for a few of your meals .

 

[norybell]

OK, you've all totally talked me into this (and Dolce and Candice, loved your trip reports). Now I'm getting excited. So much to decide! So much planning to do! Hooray!!!

Pygoplites -- Do you have to specially request The Cooking Place bar on your ADR for Jiko? I loved Jiko so much, I might even go twice in this next trip, we'll see.

And a general question for all -- When traveling solo, do you find yourself spending less time in your room, or more? I'm trying to decide where to stay...

 

[goodfaerie]

Hi Nory

I didn't spend very much time in my room during my solo stint (for the first 4 days of my Disney trip in January before my Goddaughter arrived). I really loved it--it took about a half a day for me to get myself settled and oriented. I was staying off property for those days at Sheraton Celebration (it was a couple of days before New Year's and we couldn't get an on property room until the 1st).

I loved being at the MK and Epcot by myself! I didn't have to answer to anyone or be on anyone else's schedule, and I allowed myself to enjoy doing all those little things that I might not have been able to or had time to enjoy otherwise.

I bought a puppet at Epcot, stood in lines at MK for pics of characters I love, rode ride favorites multiple times, watched the Disney wildlife, saw the parades, and had an amazing meal at JIKO one night. My room had a wonderful view of the fireworks from HS on NYE, so that night, instead of being in the crowds, I ordered a pizza and rang in the new year.

I found it really interesting that even though I love my Goddaughter and was so happy to see her, that time I spent alone was really important--a little scary but really fun and liberating. And Disney Cast Members go out of their way to make you feel welcome and special if they know you're alone. Hope you have a wonderful time!!!

 

[nurse.darcy]

Hmmmmm, solo is kind of an odd term to describe my trips. I have taken 3 "solo" trips in the last year and getting ready to embark on my 4th. I have never really been alone for any of my solo trips cause I keep going when other solo DISsers are there. My trips consisted of early morning rope drop, multiple rides on the favorites, great meals and great conversation. If you are planning on going solo, look and the threads that list when people are going and go at a time when others are there. Then make plans to meet up. You can't imagine the fun you will have. Next week I am going with the first people to talk me into a solo trip. There are 30+ people going on this trip and its going to be awesome.

 

[nurse.darcy]

I personally think that making a few ADR's is essential to a good solo trip. In fact, I usually make them, then let others on the DIS know when I will be there and see if anyone wants to join in. I really like having some planned meals.

 

[Pygoplites]

OK, you've all totally talked me into this (and Dolce and Candice, loved your trip reports). Now I'm getting excited. So much to decide! So much planning to do! Hooray!!!

Pygoplites -- Do you have to specially request The Cooking Place bar on your ADR for Jiko? I loved Jiko so much, I might even go twice in this next trip, we'll see.

And a general question for all -- When traveling solo, do you find yourself spending less time in your room, or more? I'm trying to decide where to stay...

Hi, Norybell:

Yes, I do request seating at The Cooking Place when making my ADR's at Jiko and also reconfirm it with the restaurant.

Other favorite solo activities are the Segway tours available at EPCOT and Fort Wilderness. I've done them 3 times and always meet fun people. Don't worry if you've never ridden a Segway; the instructors are very thorough. Both tours are filled with Disney trivia and you also get an exclusive collector's pin (kind of neat even if you're not a "pin person" because they are coveted by collectors, so you could give it away amd make someone's day).

I'll chime in on the hotel situation. Another fun thing about going solo is that it is very easy to split your stay between hotels. It could be a hassle to repack an entire family's stuff and also deal with the potential of a kid having a meltdown because he didn't want to leave Animal Kingdom Lodge. When you're alone, it's super-easy to move. They'll even deliver your luggage to the next resort. Check out in the morning, go to a park and then check into your new home in the afternoon...couldn't be easier (esp. if you check in online in advance).

For my upcoming trip, I'm staying at Yacht Club for 2 nights so I can be within walking distance of EPCOT and DHS, followed by 2 nights at the Grand Floridian so I can be a quick Monorail ride from MK. The drawback, of course, is that staying at a deluxe resort is very expensive for one person and, frankly, I don't spend much time in my room during the day. But when I am there, I appreciate it so much more. I only stayed off property once and I didn't enjoy it nearly as much.

Previously, I've stayed solo at Animal Kingdom Lodge, Wilderness Lodge, Contemporary, Pop and All-Stars. Pop was definitely the value winner; a great bargain at $82/night. I didn't care for All-Stars at all; maybe because I was there during Pop Warner. There were some surprisingly nasty people hanging around at all hours and even though there was a lot of security, I still felt uncomfortable (and I'm a 6'2" 210 lb. male who nobody messes with). I think it would be infinitely more uncomfortable for a woman, but again maybe my stay there wasn't representative of the typical "vibe." I also had a very long walk to get to my room, which didn't help matters. IMHO, If you can swing the cost of a deluxe resort, you'll feel much better about being solo.

 

[WalkingintheFog]

Hey there!

I'm another solo traveller! Independent is the word. I'm willing to follow at times, to lead at others, but don't need to be paired up or part of a crowd.
There are so many great things to independent travel, the cons are so very limited, just as everyone else ahead of me has said!

Trips start solo, and even tho' I never go looking for people to hook up with, I did often find myself speaking to people, and finding so much in common, that we've made plans to meet later. This Sept (which may or may not be solo, a cousin is thinking of coming with me), I'll meet up with a few Dissers here and there, but will probably be solo most of the time.

Sep 2008 I stayed at POR, and loved it! It was my first time on site, so I really didn't know what to expect. Chose POR, just because I wasn't sure how noisy or crowded the values would be. This Sept I'll be doing a split POP/YC, just because! (because I'm hooked on Disney, and like many Dissers, have a self appointed mission to try all the resorts, all the restaurants, all the shows, all the snacks)
I didn't spend a lot of time in the room, although I did have a couple mornings & evenings spent puttering around the room (ie on laptop, pictures, sorting purchases etc). I've chose a Deluxe for the last half of the next stay because I'm planning on just chilling for the last part, and wanted that private balcony... also wanted to be in walking distance of EPCOT for F&W!

On occasion I found myself wishing I was there with a friend to share the amazement, but I can honestly say I was never "lonely" at WDW. WDW felt like home, as people tend to talk to each other, share smiles, be polite, and even look out for one another (not everyone, just the majority!)
I took normal security precautions, but I did feel relatively safe staying onsite and don't think I would have felt that way if I stayed solo off site.

I did make ADRs before I went. My second week I met up w/ family and stayed offsite, and we had no advance plans made at all. As a party of 5, we did get same day reservations at Prime Time in DHS (this was the end of Sep), had to wait 20 mins for table, but they thought that was quite amazing given it was during Free Dining.
During my first solo travels to Europe during University, I'd realized I would eat better at proper restaurants than I would at a snack bar or a diner, so I'd had years of experience. But even back then, I never had issues with it. A party of one has much need to eat as a party of 2, 3, or more. I didn't feel bad that I was alone, and if I wanted to make some notes in my journal, or people watch, or just concentrate on my food, I was free to do as I wished! Hardest part about eating alone was not getting to sample a wider range of food (that's where buffets come in to the picture! hee hee!)

I personally think that making a few ADR's is essential to a good solo trip. In fact, I usually make them, then let others on the DIS know when I will be there and see if anyone wants to join in. I really like having some planned meals.

Nurse Darcy, how many people would you make your ADR for? Just curious, because I'm thinking you wouldn't make it for one, but how many would you book for on spec? Sounds like a good idea.

 

[Sleepless Knight]

My first solo trip to WDW is coming up in less than two weeks and I'm excited. Having made many, many solo visits to Disneyland, being by myself in the parks doesn't really bother me. It's quite easy to find a nice viewing spot later for a parade/show, etc. The single rider line is always very useful, and as others have noted the best part of solo traveling is the complete control over your schedule.

 

[norybell]

Reading about all of your solo trips has made me completely excited to have my own. This October, I'm going to do it! I can't wait to have a different and new sort of WDW experience...plus I'll get to do F&W and MNSSHP for the first time!

I was looking for justification to stay in a deluxe resort, and pygoplites, now that you've brought up personal safety, I think I may be convinced! If I can swing it, I'd love to do 2 nights at the YC (where we usually stay) and 2 nights at the Poly or GF...since I live in Manhattan where I have no private outdoor space, having a balcony really makes a vacation for me. And I've wanted to stay at a monorail resort for the past twenty-five years or so...it's about time I did, right?

 

[Dolce27]

Awesome! Have fun. I'm jealous

 

[MomofCKJ]

I did my first solo trip last August, left the DH and the 3 kids home! It was great! I was able to see and do what I wanted (and had been there with the kids just a few months earlier so don't go feeling bad for them!) at my pace. It was very liberating. There were some moments of feeling lonely but I would do it again, they were fleeting. I loved the freedom to wander, to sit, to people watch, to ride things I wanted, the single rider lines and taking the Keys to the Kingdom tour, that was so great!

My TR is in the link below if you want to visit. I am not quite done but got as far as the final day.

Allyson