Solo Disney Trip

[lily_belle]

I have two solo trips booked this year. First one is a short visit for food & wine and the second is for D23 and that trip is longer. I seriously cannot wait and reading all these posts makes me even more excited.

 

[disneycat321]

Ok that’s it, this thread has convinced me I need to finally do a solo DLR trip this year. Through an overnight solo trip to Yosemite this past fall and several day trips a couple hours away to hike in different places, I’ve realized I really do enjoy my own company. Disneyland is definitely on my list to try solo. I’ve been thinking Christmas time, but maybe I’ll move it up to this summer….

thank you all for the encouragement!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Do you think a solo trip to Disney could still be enjoyable? Any thoughts and advice are welcome.

Totally enjoyable. I've done Disneyland (as well as Disney World) as a solo trip. I could go as I wished, eat what/when I wished, and not had to worry about taking a break when I wanted to, or go-go-go as long as my feet would hold out.

It's really easier than doing it with others, whether friends or family.

 

[DisneylandSam]

Totally do it! Fun fact: My first two trips to Disneyland ever were by myself. There's so much going on, and everyone is doing their own thing so there's nothing to be worried about in terms of looking odd. YOU are there because you want to be, and I'm sure you'll have an enjoyable time. After all, you will have complete control over your day, which means riding Haunted Mansion 3 times in a row if you like. Go ahead and do it!

 

[Sweettears]

Totally do it! Fun fact: My first two trips to Disneyland ever were by myself. There's so much going on, and everyone is doing their own thing so there's nothing to be worried about in terms of looking odd. YOU are there because you want to be, and I'm sure you'll have an enjoyable time. After all, you will have complete control over your day, which means riding Haunted Mansion 3 times in a row if you like. Go ahead and do it!

I’ve always said the same thing. For example when waiting in line the people in front of you assume that you are with the folks behind and those behind think that you’re with the group ahead. All in all no one cares

 

[Dug720]

I’ve always said the same thing. For example when waiting in line the people in front of you assume that you are with the folks behind and those behind think that you’re with the group ahead. All in all no one cares

Exactly. And that's assuming the people in front of or behind you even CARE or notice you!

 

[BadPinkTink]

The only people who care if you are solo are ride loaders and servers at restaurants. Everyone else is too caught up in their own Disney experience to care whether the person they see is there solo or just not with their party at that particular time.

 

[chezcurrie]

I love solo travel, and solo Disney is THE BEST! So much so that on my past 4 trips (with my hubby and kids, or with my sister) I have carved out at least a day (or in our last family trip a stolen afternoon) just to go to the parks and soak up the atmosphere by myself. It’s amazing how much you can accomplish solo. My upcoming trip I selfishly scheduled 2 days, and if I can move my reservations around I may try and sneak in on my arrival night, LOL!

I also find there seem to be more solo travellers at DL vs WDW, probably because of the high AP base - a friend of mine will routinely stop in after work just for a dose of happy (and a churro, duh!)

A great spot for solo dining is actual at the bar at Lamplight Lounge - made a few friends grabbing some lobster nachos after riding Incredicoaster back to back on single rider.

Enjoy!!!

 

[ButterflyKisses77]

I love solo trips but I HATE eating by myself. It’s SO awkward sitting at a table by myself - hence why Ive never eaten at a table service restaurant , only quick service. Any advice??

 

[avalon451]

The first solo I did, in 2015, I ran myself ragged trying to do it all the way I thought it should be done- the way I hadn’t been able to with all my family’s needs and wants and opinions slowing us down. I found I actually felt lonely, because one of my biggest joys is doing the planning, then watching my family enjoy the great trips I planned.
However since then, my oldest moved to LA a year ago, and I try to get down there to visit her (from Seattle) every other month or so, and sneak in a couple days at DLR each time. So, I’ve done 2 solos just in the last year- as well as one with DH and youngest DD. DH and I leave tomorrow for another trip, and then I’m doing another short solo June 1-3. Every solo trip gets better. I’ve learned not to rush, go slow, notice details, take lots of breaks, and just enjoy!

 

[BadPinkTink]

I love solo trips but I HATE eating by myself. It’s SO awkward sitting at a table by myself - hence why Ive never eaten at a table service restaurant , only quick service. Any advice??

Ive never understood why it would be awkward sitting at a table service restaurant by yourself. I used to work in restaurants and the servers and kitchen staff don't care, in fact it makes their job easier. When a server has a solo table they know it will be an easy table, just one drink and food order, easy to look after as they dont have to keep checking for multiple drink refills or special requests. Its far less stress for kitchen staff, as they don't have to co ordinate multiple food items on a check.

You can order whatever food you want and not have to worry about other peoples dietary needs. No one is looking at the solo at a table, well the mom with screaming kids who cant eat her food maybe looking at you as she is jealous of the peace and quiet

You don't have to pretend to be interested in your table mates conversation. You can people watch, read a book, be on your phone without anyone thinking you are rude.

As long as you have the budget for a table service restaurant and you like the food, I dont see why you should avoid table service restaurants.

 

[gelatoni fan]

I love solo trips but I HATE eating by myself. It’s SO awkward sitting at a table by myself - hence why Ive never eaten at a table service restaurant , only quick service. Any advice??

Maybe since I went on business trips a lot in my first job out of college but I actually never felt awkward at a table by myself. There's actually a lot of people eating alone but you've probably never noticed. One tip is to not get up to go to the bathroom or get too preoccupied in your phone when there's only a tiny bit of food left on your plate. I've had waiters accidentally take away my food thinking I was done.

 

[sheilafri]

I love solo trips but I HATE eating by myself. It’s SO awkward sitting at a table by myself - hence why Ive never eaten at a table service restaurant , only quick service. Any advice??

It really is a matter of changing your attitude toward it as I’m very sure nobody around you cares. Take a book, use your smartphone (to surf, not to talk)—nobody to tell you no! Use the time to de-stress, people watch or notice details. I can relate as I tend toward this feeling, too. I will now set it as a challenge. Can I do it? Can I enjoy it? Can I go to a nicer place? Just keep pushing yourself to stretch your comfort zone.

 

[chezcurrie]

I love solo trips but I HATE eating by myself. It’s SO awkward sitting at a table by myself - hence why Ive never eaten at a table service restaurant , only quick service. Any advice??

An easy way to “ease in” is to sit at the bar where available. I had a lovely meal and great interactions at the Craftsman Bar & Grill and Lamplight Lounge on my last two trips.

Or you can do what a friend of mine does and she pretends she’s someone else. Like she comes up with this amazing backstory that she is an undercover food critic, a CIA agent, etc. Love someone who has fun in their own head!

 

[sayhello]

I love solo trips but I HATE eating by myself. It’s SO awkward sitting at a table by myself - hence why Ive never eaten at a table service restaurant , only quick service. Any advice??

I agree with the sitting at the bar. I sat at the bar at Jiko in WDW, and had a lovely conversation with the cooks behind the bar who gave me some tastes of stuff they were cooking along with my amazing dinner.

Also, one of the best meals I've ever had was the solo tasting brunch I did at Remy when that first opened up on the Fantasy. The group that got together to go, whoops, didn't have room for me, so I made a reservation on my own, and LOVED it! My server was SO attentive to me, it totally wasn't awkward or anything, it was a luxurious, indulgent time. Give it a try.

Sayhello

 

[Matrixleos]

My wife and kids will be on vacation with my in-laws for 2 months (8 weeks) in Europe this summer. For work reasons, I'm only able to join them for just 2 weeks and was wondering what to do with my time alone on weekends.

While living in the North East, I wish I was close to a Disney Park to make multiple solo visits. Although I am just over an hours drive from HersheyPark, close enough for a day trip. While it's not Disney, I do enjoy visiting that theme park on family trips. Reading this thread made me look into ticket prices for HersheyPark and it looks like for just a one time payment of $350, I can get one unlimited visits season pass, unlimited drinks and unlimited dining package (2 meals and snacks a day), along with free parking.

It'll be weird visiting the park without my family but also looking forward to doing the solo visits on weekends to pass the time.

 

[StormyCA]

Ok, I'm going to give you another point of view.

Going solo definitely has its upsides. I'm fine with eating on my own (even TS), shopping on my own, and wandering around on my own. Being able to set your own pace, schedule, and itinerary is really great. No 'debating' about where to eat (especially since I'm gluten free), how long to browse which shops, or what to ride next. Totally great to have that freedom.

For me, the downside (its my only one, but a real 'biggie' for me) is riding rides on my own. I don't mind queueing on my own but I LOVE sharing the experience with someone, laughing or screaming with someone, then talking about it afterwards. The ride experience is actually 'diminished' for me if I'm not sharing it.

So, I've done a few solo day trips and might consider a 2 park days onsite trip. But I really think I'd become 'bored with myself' if I tried to do a 4-5 day trip.

I had a BFF, my 'Disney Sistah', and she and I were completely 'simpatico' in touring style, nary a cross word. But life has taken her on another path. Also my nDH (nonDisney Husband) and I have our 'routine' at WDW where we hit rope drop, ride the rides, have a late nice TS lunch, then he heads back to our trailer at FtW to 'veg'. That starts my 'solo' shopping extravaganza with no 'are you done yet?', 'they have the same things in every store', and 'it costs WHAT??!!'. I also re-ride my favs and stroll about taking it all in. So I admit I'm rather spoiled when it comes to being irritated by companions/family 'killing my buzz' at Disney.

YMMV.

 

[BadPinkTink]

An easy way to “ease in” is to sit at the bar where available. I had a lovely meal and great interactions at the Craftsman Bar & Grill and Lamplight Lounge on my last two trips.

I agree with the sitting at the bar. I sat at the bar at Jiko in WDW, and had a lovely conversation with the cooks behind the bar who gave me some tastes of stuff they were cooking along with my amazing dinner.

Also, one of the best meals I've ever had was the solo tasting brunch I did at Remy when that first opened up on the Fantasy. The group that got together to go, whoops, didn't have room for me, so I made a reservation on my own, and LOVED it! My server was SO attentive to me, it totally wasn't awkward or anything, it was a luxurious, indulgent time. Give it a try.

Sayhello

I'm the opposite, I don't like sitting at the bar, I prefer a table. I find it awkward to make small talk with the bar tender while I'm having food and would much rather be left alone at a table to do my own thing.

 

[Sweettears]

Ive never understood why it would be awkward sitting at a table service restaurant by yourself. I used to work in restaurants and the servers and kitchen staff don't care, in fact it makes their job easier. When a server has a solo table they know it will be an easy table, just one drink and food order, easy to look after as they dont have to keep checking for multiple drink refills or special requests. Its far less stress for kitchen staff, as they don't have to co ordinate multiple food items on a check.

You can order whatever food you want and not have to worry about other peoples dietary needs. No one is looking at the solo at a table, well the mom with screaming kids who cant eat her food maybe looking at you as she is jealous of the peace and quiet

You don't have to pretend to be interested in your table mates conversation. You can people watch, read a book, be on your phone without anyone thinking you are rude.

As long as you have the budget for a table service restaurant and you like the food, I dont see why you should avoid table service restaurants.

This is my attitude and approach. I have taken many solo trips to WDW and DLR. I look forward to the dinners at the restaurants that I want to go to. Being solo doesn’t have any impact.

 

[Diana ZP]

I am thinking about doing a solo trip this fall to DL...have always gone with my husband but...not sure if that will ever happen again. i understand the alone feeling, but hopefully when you go it will be a great time. It is the most welcoming happy place!