SOLO CHARACTER DINNING/Traveling

[janet sierra]

I am going on my frist trip to WDW in December and it is a solo trip. I have purchased the memory maker and i had heard that when you at character dinning there aren't any photo pass photographers is this true? I am planning to bring my own camera anyway , but my question is will I be able to find someone to take my pictures. I am sorry if it is a dumb question. Any safty tips for solo traveler like my self? This is my frist time traveling any where by myself.

 

[rangerxenos]

I am going on my frist trip to WDW in December and it is a solo trip. I have purchased the memory maker and i had heard that when you at character dinning there aren't any photo pass photographers is this true? I am planning to bring my own camera anyway , but my question is will I be able to find someone to take my pictures. I am sorry if it is a dumb question. Any safty tips for solo traveler like my self? This is my frist time traveling any where by myself.

There are usually people willing to take a photo or two for you. Also, if the characters have CMs with them, they will take a photo.

 

[Oneanne]

My favorite character meal is at Garden Grille and the handlers and waitstaff have always been super about taking pictures. One trip Chip even instructed me to take a self of the two of us.

 

[janet sierra]

Thanks you guys for answering my questions. I cant wait for this trip

 

[ChimCher-ee]

In the absence of handlers, I have offered to take a picture of the entire group next to me with a character or two, and they have returned the favor.

The thing I keep in mind, regarding safety, is no one has to know you're traveling alone unless you want them to. To a casual observer, you might be grabbing a drink while waiting for your SO to finish up at the pool or spa. Or eating while your sister goes on a shopping spree. Or waiting in line for a ride your entire family hates. There are all kinds of reasons for someone to be alone at any one time -- no explanation needed.

 

[janet sierra]

In the absence of handlers, I have offered to take a picture of the entire group next to me with a character or two, and they have returned the favor.

The thing I keep in mind, regarding safety, is no one has to know you're traveling alone unless you want them to. To a casual observer, you might be grabbing a drink while waiting for your SO to finish up at the pool or spa. Or eating while your sister goes on a shopping spree. Or waiting in line for a ride your entire family hates. There are all kinds of reasons for someone to be alone at any one time -- no explanation needed.

hey thanks for the advice

 

[Simba's Mom]

I am going on my frist trip to WDW in December and it is a solo trip. I have purchased the memory maker and i had heard that when you at character dinning there aren't any photo pass photographers is this true? I am planning to bring my own camera anyway , but my question is will I be able to find someone to take my pictures. I am sorry if it is a dumb question. Any safty tips for solo traveler like my self? This is my frist time traveling any where by myself.

When I go to a character meal solo, there's nothing like whispering to the character "I really wish we could get someone to take our picture", then handing him/her your camera. Usually they run over to a server they know and motion for them to take the picture. But a few times the character has gone over to a nearby table and motioned for someone (usually Dad) to take the picture. Invariably, families get the biggest kick out of it, and it's probably one of the highlights of their trip-"and when we were in [whatever restaurant] Goofy came up to Dad with a camera and made him take a picture for him." And no one ever says "No" to a Disney character!

 

[karly05]

@Simba's Mom is right! I learned from the Dis to ask the character if they know someone who can take a photo of us. Works like a charm. Doc McStuffins at H&V found a great lady CM working in the area who came back to my table a couple more times as soon as she spotted another character heading my way (the other time, my server was right there and took pics).

At Tusker House breakfast, I was solo, and at the table next to mine was a nice adult couple (no kids). There was a mature gentleman CM handler who chatted with us, kind of breaking the ice, and he was there to take pics with the first 2 characters to come out. He had to move on, then, but the man at the next table offered to take pics for me with the remaining characters and I thanked him and said I would do the same for them, and it worked out great.

As far as safety, @ChimCher-ee has good advice. I think the main thing is to use the same common sense as you would in your everyday life: be aware of your surroundings, keep your room door locked, etc. Are you staying Onsite? I like POFQ because it is small and has good sight lines and I never feel like I'm walking around alone in some isolated area. In a bigger resort, I'd want a Preferred room to be closer to the main building and busier areas.

My first solo WDW trip was my first solo vacation anywhere, and I was anxious about it, but I loved it so much, I can't stop!