Solo or Cancel?

[Cheburashka]

I'm a single mom with a teenage son. My son and I have annual passes that have been extended through this spring, and we had a spring break trip booked for mid-March, renting DVC points. My son has recently developed an acute inner ear problem, so he won't be flying by next month. He also hasn't seen his father much lately for Covid reasons (his father is very scared of Covid, so he requested a reduced visitation schedule that gives him less Covid exposure). Since my son can't travel, I suggested that he spend spring break with his father to make up for lost time, and he really liked the idea and his father agreed to it.

So the question for me now is, should I try to use our travel insurance to get refunded for the nonrefundable costs of our trip (DVC rental, mainly), or just go alone? I've never really vacationed alone, and am concerned about feeling lonely or like I'm wasting the trip. On the other hand, I'd love to get away from home and indulge myself a bit, soak in a hot tub, have some fun. And my annual pass will be expired by the time I can travel with my son again.

Any advice?

 

[Welsh_Dragon]

I vote for go alone and pamper yourself, relax, do exactly what you want, get up when you want to, eat and drink when you want to, ride what you want to etc. Just please yourself. Being a single parent is hard work.

 

[brad813]

I'm a single mom with a teenage son. My son and I have annual passes that have been extended through this spring, and we had a spring break trip booked for mid-March, renting DVC points. My son has recently developed an acute inner ear problem, so he won't be flying by next month. He also hasn't seen his father much lately for Covid reasons (his father is very scared of Covid, so he requested a reduced visitation schedule that gives him less Covid exposure). Since my son can't travel, I suggested that he spend spring break with his father to make up for lost time, and he really liked the idea and his father agreed to it.

So the question for me now is, should I try to use our travel insurance to get refunded for the nonrefundable costs of our trip (DVC rental, mainly), or just go alone? I've never really vacationed alone, and am concerned about feeling lonely or like I'm wasting the trip. On the other hand, I'd love to get away from home and indulge myself a bit, soak in a hot tub, have some fun. And my annual pass will be expired by the time I can travel with my son again.

Any advice?

Going alone will be different, but it is still enjoyable and you can customize things to yourself, a privilege you will rarely enjoy when traveling with your son. This will give you a chance to experience Disney in a new way, and get a feel for how it will be when your son goes off to college and won’t always have the time to travel with you. As for safety, the Disney area seems to be plenty safe for a solo woman(from my observations). On the side of how friendly people are, I haven’t run into any issues with unfriendly people, but Covid may have made people more cautious these days.

 

[StageTek]

So the question for me now is, should I try to use our travel insurance to get refunded for the nonrefundable costs of our trip (DVC rental, mainly), or just go alone? I've never really vacationed alone, and am concerned about feeling lonely or like I'm wasting the trip.

Go alone.

That first one will feel daunting but most people find a great joy in solo travel. You may find you don't like it and there is great value in that. But you've already pointed out a couple of things that make solo travel wonderful; gettin' to do exactly what ya want to do.

How many days are you going? (you ARE going) Where are you staying?

 

[kwdw]

Since you were comfortable booking a trip during COVID, I think you should go ahead and go! It’s a perfect scenario for you in that your son can’t go right now and it’s giving him time with his dad. Go be single and love it, no guilt he isn’t with you.

I love my DVC solo trips because I love hanging out at the resort more and treating myself to living on the time schedule I feel like for the day.

Usually solos find folks to chat with, but I do think with COVID you won’t find folks interested in random conversations. So, if you need folks to talk with, warn the folks you’ll be calling or texting! I’m pretty good with silence, but I’ve definitely had times where I am as bad as a teenager on my phone texting and laughing with a friend who is a 1000 miles away.

 

[Cheburashka]

How many days are you going? (you ARE going) Where are you staying?

I have four nights booked via rented points at Kidani Village, savannah view. I had two more nights booked at Yacht Club resort before this happened and cancelled them due to my son's illness (fine as I've since learned that the flying jib slide will be closed, anyway). If I go I will probably book those two nights for the Grand Floridian.

 

[kwdw]

Kidani savanna view! YES you are going! Love that balcony for the morning coffee!

 

[brad813]

I have four nights booked via rented points at Kidani Village, savannah view. I had two more nights booked at Yacht Club resort before this happened and cancelled them due to my son's illness (fine as I've since learned that the flying jib slide will be closed, anyway). If I go I will probably book those two nights for the Grand Floridian.

Another thing I will point out is that there are solo travelers who are willing to meet from the boards, even if just for a meal or a drink. I actually ended up with an occasional travel companion that way, and there are usually a few people posting on these boards for meets.

 

[Cheburashka]

You all are really helping me listen to that inner voice that wants to go. It's also a consideration that this trip was going to be our big "goodbye to WDW" trip after several happy years of many trips, and the goodbye was more for me than for my son, who always liked it but is ready to move on. This trip would let me say goodbye, and do so at my own pace, relax and shop, etc., as much as I want without having to consider anyone else.

 

[brad813]

You all are really helping me listen to that inner voice that wants to go. It's also a consideration that this trip was going to be our big "goodbye to WDW" trip after several happy years of many trips, and the goodbye was more for me than for my son, who always liked it but is ready to move on. This trip would let me say goodbye, and do so at my own pace, relax and shop, etc., as much as I want without having to consider anyone else.

There is nothing to stop you from going on your own in the future either. My first trip to Disney was a water park a couple years ago, and then Epcot and HS the following year. My upcoming solo trip in a few weeks will be my longest Orlando trip, but is only two days at Disney, as I also have plans for SeaWorld and Discovery Cove this trip. I have additional trips this year as well. I have a ten day ticket that got extended to a September 26, 2021 expiration, and those tickets they are allowing to be used over multiple trips. Going solo is very different than traveling with someone, but no less enjoyable. Now, it’s also possible that a few years down the road, after your son has children of his own, he may want to do a multi-generational trip and take his own children at some point. You just never know.

 

[MaggieBags]

I’d go in a heartbeat. After this past year I can’t imagine saying no to such an opportunity. I hope you go and have a wonderful time!

 

[TexanInTheMidwest]

I hope you choose to go. Solo time at WDW has been a real gift to me - mentally and emotionally.

I have been back twice since re-opening - both times meeting up with a girlfriend for a large part of my trip- but had one solo day on each trip. My next trip is going to be only ONE day with friends and the rest solo and I am so looking forward to it.

One of the best times I had solo was at Nomad Lounge with a cocktail, some yummy snacks, and my Kindle

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

Go solo. I do that all the time. I'm a little under 8 hours away so I can hop in the car and drive there.

I love my solo trips - I get to take as many pictures as I want, can eat where I want and shop when I want. Can't wait for my next solo trip!

 

[Blondie58]

I'm a single mom with a teenage son. My son and I have annual passes that have been extended through this spring, and we had a spring break trip booked for mid-March, renting DVC points. My son has recently developed an acute inner ear problem, so he won't be flying by next month. He also hasn't seen his father much lately for Covid reasons (his father is very scared of Covid, so he requested a reduced visitation schedule that gives him less Covid exposure). Since my son can't travel, I suggested that he spend spring break with his father to make up for lost time, and he really liked the idea and his father agreed to it.

So the question for me now is, should I try to use our travel insurance to get refunded for the nonrefundable costs of our trip (DVC rental, mainly), or just go alone? I've never really vacationed alone, and am concerned about feeling lonely or like I'm wasting the trip. On the other hand, I'd love to get away from home and indulge myself a bit, soak in a hot tub, have some fun. And my annual pass will be expired by the time I can travel with my son again.

Any advice?

I have been at WDW four diferent times alone. I never felt lonely or like I was wasting my time. Three of the times alone involved staying an extra week plus after vacationing with others. (Which was so much fun and enjoyable.) And one trip was alone for eight days to go to the Garden Show. I got up each morning and did long walks and then had an energy bar and cup of tea for breakfast. I then headed out for my day at DS or any of the parks. I also enjoy Disney Tours and the spa. I took time to read and on a couple trips did some research for some college classes. I personally would induldge myself since you already have APs. But the final decision has to be yours. (Do you have a friend that may wish to go along? Maybe this would be another idea.)

 

[Cheburashka]

Do you have a friend that may wish to go along? Maybe this would be another idea.

No, I'd definitely be going alone. I do live with my long-term boyfriend but it's not the best relationship at this point (another plus for getting away from it all), and the last time I took him along on one of our Disney trips (a deluxe trip almost free for him), he grouched so much that I vowed to myself never to travel with him again unless he paid every penny of the trip for both of us. He's happier hanging out at home with the dogs, anyway.

How do people do with rides when you're solo? Any tips for not feeling self-conscious about being alone in a two-person vehicle?

 

[Timandalicia]

I'm a single mom with a teenage son. My son and I have annual passes that have been extended through this spring, and we had a spring break trip booked for mid-March, renting DVC points. My son has recently developed an acute inner ear problem, so he won't be flying by next month. He also hasn't seen his father much lately for Covid reasons (his father is very scared of Covid, so he requested a reduced visitation schedule that gives him less Covid exposure). Since my son can't travel, I suggested that he spend spring break with his father to make up for lost time, and he really liked the idea and his father agreed to it.

So the question for me now is, should I try to use our travel insurance to get refunded for the nonrefundable costs of our trip (DVC rental, mainly), or just go alone? I've never really vacationed alone, and am concerned about feeling lonely or like I'm wasting the trip. On the other hand, I'd love to get away from home and indulge myself a bit, soak in a hot tub, have some fun. And my annual pass will be expired by the time I can travel with my son again.

Any advice?

Yes. Go!
it’ll be awesome.

 

[BadPinkTink]

No, I'd definitely be going alone. I do live with my long-term boyfriend but it's not the best relationship at this point (another plus for getting away from it all), and the last time I took him along on one of our Disney trips (a deluxe trip almost free for him), he grouched so much that I vowed to myself never to travel with him again unless he paid every penny of the trip for both of us. He's happier at home with his dogs, anyway.

How do people do with rides when you're solo? Any tips for not feeling self-conscious about being alone in a two-person vehicle?

Ive been doing solo trips to Disneyland California as well as Disneyland Paris since 2010 and I travel solo on city trips on a regualr basis , well before Covid I did. People have this idea that solo travel is odd and especially solo travel to Disney parks is some social faux pas. Well, for me, any way and I know many solo travelers agree, it really improves your self esteem, self confidence and is so liberating.

OK, solo in the Disney Parks, omg, its so amazing. You can do what you want, when you want and totally have the most amazing experience ever. Some of my favorite memories

• Continuously riding Peter Pan for about 40 minutes in the early morning in Disneyland Paris. There was no one on the queue, so the CM's just let me stay on.
• Splurging on restaurant meal experiences that I know my friends would never do
• Getting up at 6am to be at the gates before they open for rope drop
• Going to shows that my friends would never do.

I have never felt self conscious being on my own for rides. You have to remember that often times CM's on their days off will be in the parks on their own. Why should you feel self conscious, you have as much right as any one else to be on the ride.

The same with restaurants. At both Disneyland California and Disneyland Paris I have eaten at premium restaurants on my own. Why should I limit my food choices when I have the budget and I like the food, just because others are uncomfortable with seeing someone on their own? I choose where to eat based on budget and the food type, not on where society says I should eat because I am on my own.

Go to Walt Disney World, and totally loose yourself in the world of Disney. Go on the rides you have always wanted to go on but never get a chance to, eat the food you like, follow your body clock and get to the park when you want and stay in the park as long as you want. You will find your own rhythm and for the first time, be free to do as much or as little as you want.

 

[Blondie58]

No, I'd definitely be going alone. I do live with my long-term boyfriend but it's not the best relationship at this point (another plus for getting away from it all), and the last time I took him along on one of our Disney trips (a deluxe trip almost free for him), he grouched so much that I vowed to myself never to travel with him again unless he paid every penny of the trip for both of us. He's happier hanging out at home with the dogs, anyway.

How do people do with rides when you're solo? Any tips for not feeling self-conscious about being alone in a two-person vehicle?

I just get in line like everyone else. Sometimes there are groups of three and so there is another person that I ride with. Sometimes I am alone. There are three or for rides that have single rider lines anyway. The first ride a lone will be the hardest. After that you will see it is no big deal and love the freedom of your own schedule with no grouching and planning around others. I have been to Disney with family and with friends. Going it alone is just another enjoyable way to see Disney to me. About the only thing I have not done alone is fine dining.

 

[TexanInTheMidwest]

Whats stopping them from using the fast pass scanners to make a virtual que. Scan your band, and your app says come back at this time. I would do that and return in 2 hours but my kids will NOT stand in a line for 2 hours.

No, I'd definitely be going alone. I do live with my long-term boyfriend but it's not the best relationship at this point (another plus for getting away from it all), and the last time I took him along on one of our Disney trips (a deluxe trip almost free for him), he grouched so much that I vowed to myself never to travel with him again unless he paid every penny of the trip for both of us. He's happier hanging out at home with the dogs, anyway.

How do people do with rides when you're solo? Any tips for not feeling self-conscious about being alone in a two-person vehicle?

You ride solo with great glee and joy in your heart.

The first time I did a solo day I'd spent several days at the parks with DH and then he had to teach a class over at the Naval Base near UCF the following week. I still had 2 days left on my ticket (I had a Military Ticket that year) and he encouraged me to go back. I'll never forget getting on Peter Pan and the cast member - who looked to be in her 70's - winked at me and said "I like to fly solo, too!"

While that 1st ride might feel weird as @Blondie58 said, soon you'll get used to it. Going with the attitude of "I'm going to have fun" and "This is going to be a beautiful adventure" always help me have a great day.

Going solo has been such a blessing. You can ride things no one else wants to ride (DH never had kids and was born in the late 50s so he missed a lot of Disney movies - so rides like Little Mermaid and Winnie the Pooh make no sense to him). You can ride things over and over again (on my last trip, I rode Everest twice back to back - it was a 5 minute wait!).

There are a lot of parties of 3 and 5 that have to have one person solo so it's not a big "stand out".

I'll encourage you to eat somewhere nice, too. I've done BOG, California Grill, Citricos, GF Cafe, and Nomad Lounge solo - and have reservations for Cafe de France, California Grill, Trattoria al Forno, and Brown Derby on my next solo trip. We usually stay Club Level, so DH is happy eating just in the Royal Palm Club rather than dining out. And the girlfriend I meet fairly regularly has some severe food allergies, so we avoid her big allergies.

 

[Blondie58]

You ride solo with great glee and joy in your heart.

The first time I did a solo day I'd spent several days at the parks with DH and then he had to teach a class over at the Naval Base near UCF the following week. I still had 2 days left on my ticket (I had a Military Ticket that year) and he encouraged me to go back. I'll never forget getting on Peter Pan and the cast member - who looked to be in her 70's - winked at me and said "I like to fly solo, too!"

While that 1st ride might feel weird as @Blondie58 said, soon you'll get used to it. Going with the attitude of "I'm going to have fun" and "This is going to be a beautiful adventure" always help me have a great day.

Going solo has been such a blessing. You can ride things no one else wants to ride (DH never had kids and was born in the late 50s so he missed a lot of Disney movies - so rides like Little Mermaid and Winnie the Pooh make no sense to him). You can ride things over and over again (on my last trip, I rode Everest twice back to back - it was a 5 minute wait!).

There are a lot of parties of 3 and 5 that have to have one person solo so it's not a big "stand out".

I'll encourage you to eat somewhere nice, too. I've done BOG, California Grill, Citricos, GF Cafe, and Nomad Lounge solo - and have reservations for Cafe de France, California Grill, Trattoria al Forno, and Brown Derby on my next solo trip. We usually stay Club Level, so DH is happy eating just in the Royal Palm Club rather than dining out. And the girlfriend I meet fairly regularly has some severe food allergies, so we avoid her big allergies.

Changing subject a bit: Royal Palm Club is great. Love Gayle and Laurette. They are the sweetest. But try floor 14 at CR sometime. 14 not 12. My DH likes CR 14th floor the best I like GF 4030 or 4021 the best. We always eat at great places when together. So I don't do when alone but I to think it is a great idea to do so alone if do not normally do so. I feel so safe in the Disney bubble alone. Not something I feel in many other places we travel. Here's to going it alone when we so desire at the most Magical Place on Earth!!!!! Pixi dust does exist .