Solo Trip... To go or not to go?

[JiminyGuyMaine]

I say absolutely you should go!

I've been on SEVERAL solo trips to WDW, and they've all been great! You don't have to worry about when anyone else is ready to do anything (visit an attraction, eat, even stop for a potty break), it's all up to you!

And everyone is there for the same reason, to enjoy WDW - you already have something in common with EVERYONE there......if you're gettin' a little lonely, just turn around in line and strike up a conversation! I've met some truly awesome people in line!

 

[MOmousefan]

I took my first solo trip in Sept and had a great time. I did whatever I wanted and saw things my family normally doesn't want to see.
What i saw for the first time:
FOLK - What a fantastic show!
Beauty and the Beast - Once is enough
Impressions de France - A good movie in air conditioning and comfortable seats.
Block Party Bash - This is more than a parade, it's a fast-paced musical with lots to see
Move it Shake it - A nice parade

I was on the DDP and being alone posed no problems. I ate with a nice family at Teppan Edo and had a great time. The group I was with at Beirgarten hardly spoke and this was rather awkward. Otherwise I had a table to myself.

I won't admit this to the family but going solo allowed me to do wahtever I liked. On rides like GMR and Ellen's I always sat on the outside and once at Soarin' they came down the line looking for a single, I skipped ahead several flights.
I did miss sharing experiences with the family.
Try it once for yourself.

 

[BeckWhy]

Thank you everyone again!

My biggest concern is the lonely concern. And most of you have touched base on that! It makes me feel so much better to know that it shouldn't be an issue!

Many of the other things you guys said are things I already do. Even though we (my ex and I) are at the parks at opening and leave at closing... we only ride the rides I want to (and if he doesn't I ride by myself and he'll chillax with a brew or something). I also already take a ton of pics.. around 1200 on my first trip, I can't remember how many on my second. I'm starting to get nervous that I'm gonna come home with 6.5 gigs of pictures! We also almost always went back to the room for a nap/swim every day. This is something I wanna continue (or I assume so at least).

Can I add another question? For you solo travelers how to you apply sunscreen to your back? I know I'm so random. But I have to worry about this. This summer was the first summer I burned and PEELED!

zackiedawg: First of all is your name Zach or Justin? It's a weird question I know but I'm curious. Second of all, thanks for the input on the table service restaurants. I'll keep it in mind for when I'm down there. I don't really have a problem eating a long in a TS because well, I'm a New Yorker and lots of people eat alone at TS. We ate at Teppan Edo last year and I actually was just at a hiabachi last week. I always like to try something new when it comes to TS. Maybe I'll try Maya Grille. I skimmed through a lot of the menus and didn't find much that sparked my fancy. That's kinda why I've decided to do the QS meal plan. But we'll see how it goes!

 

[disneyfav4ever]

Six of my last seven trips were solo, and I love it that way. I do like meeting up with friends while there, but I also like to be able to not have to stick to a plan, and be able to do whatever I want, without thinking about anyone else.

 

[glo]

go for it. I have done a couple of trips where I met up with people down there part of the time, and have done family trips too. I love being able to do both. You will have a blast. Maybe once or twice you will get the nostalgic feeling of sharing it with someone, but then you get to also feel like it is all yours. Have a great time, do not pass it up!

 

[Missytara]

I have been solo - both just in the parks and on the land/sea package and I absolutely love, love, love it.

I normally eat out all the time at home and eat at the bar, so I do the same thing at WDW. My fav is the lounge at WL......

I always save one day for just laying around in bed or lazing out by the pool and such. And I spend one day just touring the other resorts.

It is so much fun and you meet so many interesting people when you go alone.....

 

[TLinden16]

I'm going to move this over to our adult and solo travellers board. You'll get lots of great information over there.

 

[ttester9612]

I love going solo. In May I spent 12 days as a solo and stayed at SSR. Now I did meet up with other DISners on a few days and evenings but otherwise I spent most it by myself. Could do anything I want when I want...it was so relaxing...the BEST vacation I have had.

 

[Claudia Kellenberger]

This December I will be on my 11th annual solo trip to WDW. I absolutely love it! I am now 56 years old, and I don't have children or grandchildren. I don't have any sisters, and my two brothers would never be WDW fans.
Once, I did meet up with girlfriends because our trips overlapped by one day.
Quite a few times I met up with a DIS woman, around my age group, for a wonderful character breakfast. Other than that ... I tour the parks alone.
It becomes a TRUE vacation when you go alone because you are not required to adhere to someone else's schedule. I use my cell phone and call my DH about twice a day - and especially to say goodnight. I call my Mom in the morning, after breakfast. I need to know that my DH and my Mom are OK. THEN , I just enjoy everything in the parks - all the rides and shows.
The very best solo restaurant for me is The Sci-Fi Dine-In at DHS.
The past few years I have made ADR's for some great sit down restaurants.

When you are in a restaurant, it helps a lot to have a small something to read, like a park map. Carry a small notebook to make notes in case you feel self concious. AND .... it really helps to visit the bathroom BEFORE you are seated solo in a restaurant. ( You would not want the CM's to think you have left and accidently clear your table )

You really owe it to yourself to at least try WDW solo. I'll bet you come to really like it !

 

[Straughn]

I have done a number of solos trips, including, for the first time last year, Food & Wine. I loved that so much, I am going again this year solo the last week of the Festival.

I have occasional momentary bouts of gosh, it would be nice to have someone to share a particular event with, but then I remind myself of all the other things I would have to share with them and the feeling goes away quickly. As many of the PP have stated, you can do what you want, when you want, as many times as you want. No one says "Do we have to ride (fill in the attraction) again?" or" I don't want to eat there."

There are plenty of people to talk to in the lines, in the bars and generally in the restaurants. I have more interaction with people in a TS restaurant than I do in a CS location. My server will talk to me and, often, when the folks at a nearby table realize I am by myself, they will talk to me for a while. At a CS location, you get your food and you sit down and no one pays any attention.

Go and have fun. Solo trips can be addicting as is clear in many of the above posts.

 

[Wonders10]

My biggest concern is the lonely concern. And most of you have touched base on that! It makes me feel so much better to know that it shouldn't be an issue!

Can I add another question? For you solo travelers how to you apply sunscreen to your back? I know I'm so random. But I have to worry about this. This summer was the first summer I burned and PEELED!

I am a burner too! Bad for a native Floridian! I would suggest getting the spray sunscreen, if only for your back. It works pretty well for me and I can typically reach all the hard to reach places.

I just wanna say to everyone who has commented! THANK YOU! I was so excited to go... then found out I have no travel companions and was getting mildly excited to go by myself. Then I got to work and started to feel really sad about it... for a lot of reasons. But you guys have really lifted my spirits!

Wonders10: Thank you! I'll read it as my schedule allows me! (Once I start posting my pre-trip you will understand!)

I do really appreciate everyone's input! Today I started to think about what the trip would be like by myself. I talk non-stop. And started to think what would it be like to be in Disney World with no one to talk non-stop with? Well I guess if it turns out that way... I'll be the one on the cell phone the whole time! I won't lie. I prewarned my friends to expect massive amounts of texts from me for my boring times! Will it happen? Who knows! I make friends so easily (my personality has changed greatly in the almost two years since my boyfriend and I broke up).

And I do like the idea of being able to eat where I want. With my mom I'd be able to eat where I wanted (as opposed to with my ex) but my mom has her own idea on what time to get to the park. So there are a few places I might like to try seeing how I don't have my ex to hold me back.

There are a few things I decided would make my trip better, but we'll have to see how it goes.

I'm not really worried what people think of me being alone... generally I could care less.

I do have a few more questions for those who have traveled.
When you want pics of yourself and senery or a a character... is it a problem? Are you worried about someone running off with your camera (yes I'm uber paranoid)?
I'm also worried about how I'd deal with "rude" visitors... Generally when I'm with a companion I have someone to help defuse me. I'm not saying I explode right away... but I don't talk a lot of stuff from people.. and I don't keep my mouth quiet. What is your guys' experience with it?

In regards to the last question my last trip we had the chance to meet amazing people and families! I really wish I got email addresses or something. And that is something I'm going to try to do this trip... if I have a great connection with the family sitting next to me at the parade (because their adorable son gives us glow bracelets cuz we don't have em) I'm gonna take pics of them and/or us together. These are people I would like to remember for the rest of my life!

Thank you all again!

Thanks for stopping by my now old and closed report. Looking back I wish I had finished it because I remember only snipits of the rest of my trip. I do remember that I did the Keys to the Kingdom Tour and LOVED it! Another suggestion for someone traveling solo is to try a tour if they are interested. No one I've ever gone to WDW with has ever wanted to do a tour, but me.

As for taking pictures, I am not one to have solo pictures of myself taken. Just a personal thing, but I still would not hesitate to ask a fellow guest or CM to take a picture of me. It's really no different, IMO, than asking someone to take a picture of your whole family, right?

I am a true homebody, I'm independent and like to keep to myself. Outgoing is probably not a word that most people would immediately use to describe me, but I still really enjoyed my solo adventures. I don't think anyone even noticed I was traveling alone most of the time.

Let us know when you Pre-TR is up!

 

[zackiedawg]

zackiedawg: First of all is your name Zach or Justin? It's a weird question I know but I'm curious.

Not a weird question at all! My name is Justin. The screenname was named for my dog, Zack (long since passed on, but I kept the screenname).

Second of all, thanks for the input on the table service restaurants. I'll keep it in mind for when I'm down there. I don't really have a problem eating a long in a TS because well, I'm a New Yorker and lots of people eat alone at TS. We ate at Teppan Edo last year and I actually was just at a hiabachi last week. I always like to try something new when it comes to TS. Maybe I'll try Maya Grille. I skimmed through a lot of the menus and didn't find much that sparked my fancy. That's kinda why I've decided to do the QS meal plan. But we'll see how it goes!

Sounds good. The only thing I'd add on the menu issue, is to be willing to try a few things that don't sound familiar. Jiko is a pricey place, and reading the menu might just confuse most people with the odd spices and some strange-sounding pairings...but my goodness does it all work! I took my friends from Texas there last month as they hadn't been to Disney in over 10 years...they are not unused to good food and good living (yep...they got money!)...both declared it was their finest meal in memory, ever. Of course, I knew just the right appetizers, wines, and courses to recommend.

Can't help you on the sunscreen issue - I'm a Floridian, and even though I have traditional pale, untannable white irish skin, I've long since burnt and peeled anything there is to burn and peel, and my skin has adapted to living down here. I don't tan much, but I don't really burn anymore.

 

[BeckWhy]

Not a weird question at all! My name is Justin. The screenname was named for my dog, Zack (long since passed on, but I kept the screenname).



Sounds good. The only thing I'd add on the menu issue, is to be willing to try a few things that don't sound familiar. Jiko is a pricey place, and reading the menu might just confuse most people with the odd spices and some strange-sounding pairings...but my goodness does it all work! I took my friends from Texas there last month as they hadn't been to Disney in over 10 years...they are not unused to good food and good living (yep...they got money!)...both declared it was their finest meal in memory, ever. Of course, I knew just the right appetizers, wines, and courses to recommend.

Can't help you on the sunscreen issue - I'm a Floridian, and even though I have traditional pale, untannable white irish skin, I've long since burnt and peeled anything there is to burn and peel, and my skin has adapted to living down here. I don't tan much, but I don't really burn anymore.

Well Justin... There once was a couple of brothers who grew up down the street from me. One's name was Justin Miller. So... IDK where I was going with that.

I thought I was passed the burning stage until this summer. I never thought I'd burn again. I guess I was wrong.

Anyways... as for the menus... I try lots of things... I've done Greek, to Indian, to Japanese, Korean, to ALLIGATOR! So it's not about trying something new or not knowing about the stuff... it's more for the I'm just not in the mood for it. Does that make sense?

Well I'm gonna start my pre-trip here shortly... though I have received some news today that may in fact prohibit me from taking my allowed vacation. But more about that on my pre-trip!

Wonders10: Keep in touch! I'm gonna try to finish this one!

 

[zackiedawg]

Makes sense indeed - I'm not always in the mood for certain foods, even though I like them. You can decide on that when you get there, and see what strikes your fancy.

I did grow up a bit in New Jersey and New York, but never farther west than Suffern...and when I was very young. My parents moved from England to New Jersey, then to New York, before they split and my mother and I moved to Florida near my Grandmother. I split away to Louisiana for college, then California for 5 years, before settling on Florida about 15 years ago, to get back near family. I've got my mother, grandmother, stepbrother, maternal uncle, paternal aunt, and several cousins all living in Florida, so we can all see eachother and get together for big holiday gatherings and such. When I was in California, I rarely saw any relatives for the whole 5 years! Sorry...all that to basically say I'm a different Justin Miller for sure...I don't have any brothers.

Anyway...good luck with pre-trip planning. Any other questions on soloing...ask away.

 

[BeckWhy]

Makes sense indeed - I'm not always in the mood for certain foods, even though I like them. You can decide on that when you get there, and see what strikes your fancy.

I did grow up a bit in New Jersey and New York, but never farther west than Suffern...and when I was very young. My parents moved from England to New Jersey, then to New York, before they split and my mother and I moved to Florida near my Grandmother. I split away to Louisiana for college, then California for 5 years, before settling on Florida about 15 years ago, to get back near family. I've got my mother, grandmother, stepbrother, maternal uncle, paternal aunt, and several cousins all living in Florida, so we can all see eachother and get together for big holiday gatherings and such. When I was in California, I rarely saw any relatives for the whole 5 years! Sorry...all that to basically say I'm a different Justin Miller for sure...I don't have any brothers.

Anyway...good luck with pre-trip planning. Any other questions on soloing...ask away.

I didn't actually think you were the same guy because mine still lives around here. He's massively beefy too! I'm glad you get to see your family a lot. That is something I will miss when I move to Florida.

The trip is to be continued!

 

[zackiedawg]

Well sounds like the other Justin Miller and I share some things in common. I'm beefy too...if we're talking the Pooh persuasion, not the George Clooney type of 'beefy' some women might refer to. I mean I'm definitely in shape...I'm round...that's my shape.

 

[BeckWhy]

Justin... you crack me up... and lately I need that so thanks!

I haven't seen George Clooney in a while but the one I know is like... maybe like Mark Wahlberg in Shooter... at least from the last time I saw him.

And as a matter of fact, there is another Justin Miller in my area. Though he's more like a string bean cuz he's like 7' tall.

 

[BeckWhy]

Here's the link to my pre-trip!
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=33872410#post33872410

 

[DFD]

My question is more along the lines of... are solo trips bad? A lot of people around me support them and a lot of people say I won't have as fun of a time. Now granted I'm extremely outgoing so I'll make friends wherever I go. I guess I'm just looking for input from those who have taken the solo trips!

Thanks a bunch!

Beck... at this point my input is useless already since everybody had given you great advice and also at this point even though I call my solo trips solo well they usually end up not solo after meeting friends from the DIS... my only input would be... when I was doing solo I enjoyed every single one of them "going on 4 years doing solo now" ... even prior to Meet and Greet from DIS.. my Solo usually ends up with a friend that I have come across the park.. the pool... the food court... and eventually I ventured out in meeting Disers from the board... I guess what I am trying to point out is... that if you are concern about being "lonely" have a back up plan of joining a dis meet... in between your vacation days... the way I see it it is not obligatory for you to show up... but it is a good back up plan...

I do have a few more questions for those who have traveled.
When you want pics of yourself and senery or a a character... is it a problem? Are you worried about someone running off with your camera (yes I'm uber paranoid)?
I'm also worried about how I'd deal with "rude" visitors... Generally when I'm with a companion I have someone to help defuse me. I'm not saying I explode right away... but I don't talk a lot of stuff from people.. and I don't keep my mouth quiet. What is your guys' experience with it?



Thank you all again!

CM for one will not mind taking a picture of you esp'ly with character pics.. the handler usually is ready to do it for you...

regular photo op.. you will be amaze sometimes they themselves will offer to ask if you want your picture taken when they find you taking pictures and realized you are by yourself...


Good luck!!!

 

[norybell]

I love this thread, because I'm leaving for my first solo trip in eight days! And now I'm even more excited than I was before (which is hard to believe, because I was already awfully excited).

I second the suggestion for spray-on sunscreen...it really does the trick. The only problem is that you can't pack it in your carry-on, but I suppose an overpriced WDW bottle of sunscreen is a small price to pay for a burn-free vacation!