Solo and questioning choices...

[Keebles]

Let me start off with I seriously debated putting this on the transportation board, but I think I need the solo's input on this. Mods feel free to move if necessary...so here goes:

I was sitting at work today, daydreaming about my first solo trip, listening to the WDW Today podcast when they said something that stopped me in my tracks. It was the episode about rental car vs Disney transport and I think Mike made the comment something to the effect of solo females being/feeling safer on DME? This solo trip is a HUGE step for me. I must stay in my comfort zone for this to work so most of my choices have all been comfort things..WL, the usual restaurants, and towncar rentals. I never even considered it a question of solo safety renting a towncar.

I really thought my only worry was possibly changing airlines (I've only ever flown Delta, but Northwest has a direct flight (no Atlanta lay-over = safer) which is also cheaper (boy, solo is expensive!). I've been fretting for days about this because the Northwest terminal is on the other side of the airport than I am used to (and have never been to) and the baggage claim is different than I am used to (and have never been to) too. But I digress...stupid OCD...refocusing...and...towncars...

My question is this...do any other solo females have any problems/fears with towncar rentals? Should I be more worried about doing the towncar thing than I am? I use a reputable company and probably won't be broadcasting to the driver my solo status. Would I be safer with DME? I don't want to use DME...DME is NOT in my comfort zone. DME = probable panic attack. Please give me input!!! Thanks guys!

 

[DVC Sadie]

i also travel to WDW as a solo traveler several times a year and have never been scared to use towncar service. During my stay I also have used towncar service to go shopping at the different malls with never a problem. Please don't worry so much and have a great time.

 

[katypop]

I have also travelled solo to wdw a few times now. I did use a towncar service twice solo , and while I also worried , especially the first trip, everything was just fine. I also used a reputable company. If you don't feel comfortable with DME then go ahead and book the towncar I did use DME my last 2 trips though and will use it again in Oct, simply because it saves me money Not sure why you don't want to use this service? It is also a good option for a solo, I was very happy not to have to collect my luggage and to be surrounded by so many excited people who were on their way to disney!
katypop

 

[spiceycat]

DME is a good value - when I fly I use it...

but I generally drive!

I definitely feel safe using DME - you are with other people going to WDW.

I haven't ever used a towncar - they are generally a good buy for a family of 4 or more.... I think I would still rent a car first.

Anyway why don't you think that DME is a good ideal??????

 

[Simba's Mom]

I've done the towncar service twice and I've recently done DME two times solo (I didn't realize til now-I take lots of solo trips!). Anyways, I feel much more comfortable with DME. Something about being alone in the backseat of a car while a male is driving makes me very uncomfortable. At least with DME, there are lots of other people around, and the conversations you can strike up as everyone around you is getting excited about their soon to be trip to WDW are fun!

 

[magicmama]

I've driven solo and flown solo to WDW. I like DME myself. I feel a little safer being with other Disney folks. I feel very safe at WDW. No qualms about going solo. I do try to be extra careful and aware when I travel alone.

 

[maine_jennifer]

My second trip to WDW was also my first solo vacation ever. Actually, the first time I traveled any where alone. I used Tiffany Towncar and while there was nothing obviously wrong, I just wasn't comfortable. Since then, I've been on two trips when it was just me and a nephew and used Sunray Transportation for both. Great service, friendly drivers, and I felt very comfortable with them. As a result of the service with the nephews, I also used them for my two recent solo trips (October & January) and they were awesome. I wouldn't hesitate to use them or to recommend them.

I'm not sure about the podcast thingy - haven't heard it - but I do know that "women travelling alone" seems to be an easy target for articles and such and to get people worked up over it. Easier to sell their opinion. You should always be alert and cautious but don't go overboard. I think if it's a reputable company you should be fine. Just keep your eyes and ears open. I've done it three times and have three more solo trips planned for this year - all which I'll be using a towncar service.

Cheers!

 

[Keebles]

DME is not a good idea for me because I have Social Anxiety Disorder and had a very, very bad experience years ago when it was Mears. I know it's not Mears now, but the memory of the event lingers on. For me, the thought of being surrounded by excited Disney folks (even though I am one, probably more so than most) is terrifying! Why doesn't a plane bother me you ask? I don't know, it just doesn't. I can keep to myself in the parks so that too just doesn't bother me. Driving is definitely not an option...way too much pressure from lack of familiarity with the roads. I've been asking people all day about what I should do and I've been getting mixed reviews. This trip is extremely important for me (if, for nothing else, to prove to myself I can do this). I think (for now) I've decided that the fear of solo female/strange male driver is less than the fear of another panic attack on a crowded bus (although I am no where near as bad as back when that happened).

Thanks everybody for your responses and I'd still like to hear other opinions!

 

[CarolynNC]

DME is not a good idea for me because I have Social Anxiety Disorder and had a very, very bad experience years ago when it was Mears. I know it's not Mears now, but the memory of the event lingers on. For me, the thought of being surrounded by excited Disney folks (even though I am one, probably more so than most) is terrifying! Why doesn't a plane bother me you ask? I don't know, it just doesn't. I can keep to myself in the parks so that too just doesn't bother me. Driving is definitely not an option...way too much pressure from lack of familiarity with the roads. I've been asking people all day about what I should do and I've been getting mixed reviews. This trip is extremely important for me (if, for nothing else, to prove to myself I can do this). I think (for now) I've decided that the fear of solo female/strange male driver is less than the fear of another panic attack on a crowded bus (although I am no where near as bad as back when that happened).

Thanks everybody for your responses and I'd still like to hear other opinions!

I don't have much to add since I took DME on my solo trip. Safety has never been an issue, just $!

I really just wanted to say I admire you for taking this step. Someone close to me suffered for years and every step into new and unusual situations helps ease the anxiety. It's always difficult to take those steps. Way to go!

 

[pezpam]

I've traveled to WDW a few times with DD, who is still quite young. It's really no safer with teh two of us than for me alone. On our first trip, I used Mears and we HATED the experience - they were inattentive and even a bit rude. Since then, I've used Happy Limo - recommended by mousesavers - and loved it. Both trips, we had a male driver and they have never been anything but polite and friendly. I do travel to several cities alone or with DD each year for business and in most places a cab is the only option - I always feel like I have to be *alert* even though nothing has ever happened. The Happy Limo town car has always been a more comfortable experience than a regular cab and I'd use them again. It is an added expense, but one I find worth saving up for. (Not to mention, the last time they drove us back to the airport, they had run out of town cars that morning and showed up in a stretch limo instead! We sure weren't dressed for it, but it sure was fun anyway. )

 

[Keebles]

I really just wanted to say I admire you for taking this step. Someone close to me suffered for years and every step into new and unusual situations helps ease the anxiety. It's always difficult to take those steps. Way to go!

Thank you so much!! The funny thing is, I still can't go to Target by myself, but I have no fear whatsoever surrounding this trip! I think I've figured out that since OCD is my primary and SAD is my secondary, the OCD of Disney is winning out (but ask me again come December, I'll probably be a nervous wreck!).

I booked my trip day before yesterday (without ME) for 12-7 - 12-13!!! Everyone I know keeps looking at me as if, "yeah, right, you'll chicken out", but I'm 100% committed with no doubts at all now. I've got the preliminary planning done and have most of my days and restaurants sorted out. There are a few restaurants I've always wanted to eat at that I never could before because my fellow travelers were always against them...this time, no fellow travelers!! There is an endless limit to the amount of things I can do on this trip and if I have the courage to do at least one-third of those things, it will have all been worth it!

I've traveled to WDW a few times with DD, who is still quite young. It's really no safer with teh two of us than for me alone. On our first trip, I used Mears and we HATED the experience - they were inattentive and even a bit rude. Since then, I've used Happy Limo - recommended by mousesavers - and loved it. Both trips, we had a male driver and they have never been anything but polite and friendly. I do travel to several cities alone or with DD each year for business and in most places a cab is the only option - I always feel like I have to be *alert* even though nothing has ever happened. The Happy Limo town car has always been a more comfortable experience than a regular cab and I'd use them again. It is an added expense, but one I find worth saving up for. (Not to mention, the last time they drove us back to the airport, they had run out of town cars that morning and showed up in a stretch limo instead! We sure weren't dressed for it, but it sure was fun anyway. )

It's so funny you should say this because I used the whole "big city taxi cab tranport" argument as my "calming" element. People use taxi's all the time, every day with no problems and I'm sure I can think of more than one movie I've seen with serial-killer cab drivers. Can't say I've ever seen one about a serial-killer towncar driver!

Thanks ever so much guys!!

 

[helenk]

For my first solo trip I used Tiffany Town car and I felt perfectly at ease, I never thought about not being safe. My second trip I used DME just because it was free. But honestly I would have no qualms about being in a town car by myself.

 

[doubletrouble_vb]

Given your situation I'd go with the towncar. Any of the popular methods of getting from the airport to WDW are safe however. Feels safe and are safe are definitely two different things. If the town car feels safe because its the familiar mode of travel...go for it.

If I were you I might try making familiar what things I can before I go. For example if its feasible you might try visiting the Northwest terminal prior to your trip.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I travel solo all the time - even if I'm connecting with people at my destination, I get there on my own.
Given that, I've used pretty much every transportation method possible - town car, Mears, DME, rental car at Disney World; limo, airport shuttle, bus, trolley, rental car in Las Vegas; taxis in Fort Lauderdale; foot, subway, trolley in Washington DC; subway, commuter rail, car in Boston; Amtrak.
Admittedly, my situation is different from yours - I'm used to it, you're not. I would say use whatever method you're most comfortable with. I didn't hear the podcast, but I wish he'd elaborated on his statement. I don't believe the 'safety issue' is with the person providing the transportation, but rather your general travel comfort. I mean, you don't need to fear your male town car driver; instead, you're less likely to arrive safe and relaxed if you chose to use the Lynx (public transit) bus system - because you come in contact with many more people that way.
If you're really concerned, you can request a female town car driver or female taxi driver at the cab stand at the airport if you chose that option. But I think his point was 'theft-safety' as opposed to 'personal-attack-safety'

If I were you I might try making familiar what things I can before I go. For example if its feasible you might try visiting the Northwest terminal prior to your trip.

That's an excellent suggestion! If that's not feasible, the OP could at least search online for her departure airport's website. They should have drawings of the terminal layouts. Of course, some (MCO, which displays all the gates and has several choices of views) are better than others (BOS, and all I'm gonna say about that one is @@)

 

[twotoohappy]

Have you used any of the towncars before so you can request a driver you're familiar with? When we use Tiffany, we always request Jan - He's wonderful!

 

[Keebles]

I would say use whatever method you're most comfortable with. I didn't hear the podcast, but I wish he'd elaborated on his statement. I don't believe the 'safety issue' is with the person providing the transportation, but rather your general travel comfort. I mean, you don't need to fear your male town car driver; instead, you're less likely to arrive safe and relaxed if you chose to use the Lynx (public transit) bus system - because you come in contact with many more people that way.

This is exactly the mode I'm in to get me through it. It just didn't occur to me that most female solo travelers feel comfortable with an ME/group type situation and I misinterpreted it as something I should feel as well and it was conflicting with my true feelings. Thus is the nature of the beast I guess!

Have you used any of the towncars before so you can request a driver you're familiar with? When we use Tiffany, we always request Jan - He's wonderful!

I've used Happy (bad experience) and the service which "must not be named" (really good experience and unless quality goes down will use again), but I'm afraid I was so nervous at the time, I didn't catch either driver's names.

That's an excellent suggestion! If that's not feasible, the OP could at least search online for her departure airport's website. They should have drawings of the terminal layouts. Of course, some (MCO, which displays all the gates and has several choices of views) are better than others (BOS, and all I'm gonna say about that one is @@)

I got a chuckle out of this, not because of your statement, but because of my OCD...I've already got War and Peace Northwest style going on!!! In addition, I've also done numerous internet searches of both Disney and airport forums seeking opinions/reviews of Northwest. I think I've justified the safety issue of a non-stop flight is more important than lack of familiarity with the MCO terminal setup. Complete opposite of the towncar deal. I'm so weird!!

Although the trip is now booked, I am waiting on the airfare due to the impending strikes (of both Delta and Northwest). I'm not sure how it will effect rates/schedules.

I really just wanted to say I admire you for taking this step. Someone close to me suffered for years and every step into new and unusual situations helps ease the anxiety. It's always difficult to take those steps. Way to go!

By the way CarolynNC, I'm also proud of myself and I just wanted to let you know that not one single family/friend has voiced to me what you have and I just wanted to thank you again!

 

[Taja]

I used a towncar service from MCO to WDW in 1981, but have had rental cars since. Just worked out better for the trips! I use towncar services locally and at other destinations and feel comfortable if I've researched them.

MCO has a website, so you can check out the layout before your visit. It's pretty straight-forward.

If anyone asks, you can always say you're meeting friends at your resort when you arrive!

 

[WHIT1]

I know your world cause i suffer from anxiety attacks. I'm trying to put a solo trip together 4/1-4/9. I need my Disney fix where there is no emotional pain. Also I want to and need to prove I can do it. I use to be a very independent person until this happened. I made the trip with the dh in oct and did great but something happened in dec that caused me to go backwards.So i figured with this trip I will work hard and be a victor and not a victim. So if you have any suggestions on how to get my brain to be good bring them on!!!

 

[Keebles]

I know your world cause i suffer from anxiety attacks. I'm trying to put a solo trip together 4/1-4/9. I need my Disney fix where there is no emotional pain. Also I want to and need to prove I can do it. I use to be a very independent person until this happened. I made the trip with the dh in oct and did great but something happened in dec that caused me to go backwards.So i figured with this trip I will work hard and be a victor and not a victim. So if you have any suggestions on how to get my brain to be good bring them on!!!

I've sent you a PM!

 

[MickeyMonstersMom]

What interesting perspectives! I was just diagnosed with Social Anxiety Disorder. I never really thought about why I avoid Mears/ME and get a rental car instead, but Keebles, you hit the nail on the head about being stuffed in with all those people - it would be unbearable for me, too. I've come to love the experience of driving from the airport to WDW - I'm in control, and it's quite peaceful, especially on Route 417 (I-4 was less relaxing!!). Definitely go with whatever makes you most comfortable.