Solo Trip...What Would You Do? Or Tell me about Your Solo Trip!

[WaltD4Me]

I've been trying to do a solo WDW for about 3 years now...every time I plan one though, someone ends up tagging along!

I think I'm finally going to manage it though in May 2009. Doing a family trip this October, so I think I'll be able to sneak off solo in May, the week before the podcast cruise.

I'm really looking forward to it! There are things I've always wanted to do, but never did with the kids or other family. One biggie is the Backstage Magic Tour, I am just dying to do that. I also love walking around WS exploring the countries, but no one else does, so I want to do that and see the China movie and all the performers in the different countries, ect...I also love to sit and just people watch. I also plan to ride HM over and over. At DHS I want to catch as many Street Performer "shows" as possible, I LOVE the skits they do in the streets. I also love all the behind the scenes things, out of the way places and Disney history stuff.

So, I'd love to hear what everyone would like to do on a solo trip or what others do on solo trips that maybe you wouldn't do with family. I'd also love hear about your solo trips. Better than you thought? Worse? Tips, thoughts, ideas, stories, anything!

 

[UrsulasShadow]

You are going to have the time of your life!

I love having dinner at the bar at House of Blues. You don't need reservations, and it's so much more comfortable than sitting at a table. Counter service is a snap. When I do make ADR's for a restaurant, I sit there with my camera and a pad of paper and pen, taking pictures and notes...you wouldn't believe the wonderful service I get!

Single lines move you through the parks so quickly, you'll want to do standby just for the entertainment value. Parades and fireworks are no problem getting a spot for one person to stand. When you're done for the day, you can just leave, and go somewhere else if you want. It's so liberating!

Try a Segway tour, if you can swing it...it's so much fun. Join up with a family for an IllumiNations Cruise...there's usually lots of people wanting to share on the Illuminations thread.

Any questions? Ask away.

 

[Tonya2426]

I did a solo trip last December during Mousefest and the Podmeets. It was great!!! I got to do exactly what I wanted to do when I wanted to do it. It was so liberating not to have to worry about whether anyone else was having fun or if they could see from where they were sitting or having to wait while someone else went to the bathroom - not that I don't love going to WDW with my family mind you. But a solo trip was just so much more relaxed.

There were times when it would have been nice to have someone along on the trip to share in special moments. You just have to rethink how you enjoy the Parks. I highly suggest solo trips for a unique experience.

My favorite thing to do was to take the time to search for the Hidden Mickeys and explore all the different resorts.

Oh and you get to take as many pictures as you want without someone saying "why are you taking a picture of that" or "hurry up" or "don't you have enough pictures of the Castle already".

 

[WaltD4Me]

Oooooooooo, I didn't think of the picture thing! I love taking close up pictures of things and pictures of the attraction signs and stuff and whoever I'm with is always asking "Why are taking a picture of that?!?!"

I want to go over and check out the Swan and Dolphin too. I've never been to either hotel and of course no one else ever wanted to go see them.

I don't have a problem eating by myself, I always have a notebook with me on any trip to jot things down, running TR, ect....don't know if I would do a character meal...that might a little weird.

Segway tour...mmmmmmmmmmm, hadn't thought of that....but I am not the most cooridinated person in the world, anyone ever break their leg on solo trip?

 

[Minnie Lor]

I did a solo trip last December during Mousefest and the Podmeets. It was great!!! I got to do exactly what I wanted to do when I wanted to do it. It was so liberating not to have to worry about whether anyone else was having fun or if they could see from where they were sitting or having to wait while someone else went to the bathroom - not that I don't love going to WDW with my family mind you. But a solo trip was just so much more relaxed.

There were times when it would have been nice to have someone along on the trip to share in special moments. You just have to rethink how you enjoy the Parks. I highly suggest solo trips for a unique experience.

My favorite thing to do was to take the time to search for the Hidden Mickeys and explore all the different resorts.

Oh and you get to take as many pictures as you want without someone saying "why are you taking a picture of that" or "hurry up" or "don't you have enough pictures of the Castle already".

You took the words out of my mouth. I loved my solo trip last December. It was all about ME. What I wanted to see, ride, eat, do, etc. I could shop when I wanted, change my mind and plans when I wanted, eat 2 Mickey Bars a day if I wanted, sleep in if I wanted, ..... you get the idea.

I took pictures and it was lovely that no one said "how many times are you going to take a picture of that?"

It was very relaxing. I saw so much more detail than I ever did before. I took the KttK tour years ago. When I went solo, I 'noticed' all of the little stuff, I read all the windows on Main Street, I listened for the subtle music changes as you go from land to land, I saw hidden Mickey's, ..... I really stopped to smell the roses.

My friends and family at home said that I would be lonely. I wasn't. There is no such thing as a stranger at WDW. It's so easy to strike up a conversation with other guests or CM. I did check in with DH 3 or so times a day. It was nice to chat while I found an out of the way spot to people watch.

Another thing that I loved was that I got to ride by myself (great pictures) on rides like Finding Nemo, SE, HM. I also got front row by myself on POTC and Maelstrom.

When you go by yourself, you can focus on the details, the colors, the landscaping, the que's, the ride itself. When you are with others, you're focused on their enjoyment and conversation with them.

It's hard to describe, but it was the best trip and I'm planning on another solo trip in Dec. '09. As others have said, indulge yourself with a specialty tour. I took the Yuletide tour and it was fabulous. I met up with a new friend from the boards and expereinced Boma for the first time. I resort hopped to check out Christmas decorations. I went from park opening to park closing (9-midnight)

I highly recommend it for the true Disney fan to do at least once. There's nothing like walking down Main Street at 12:30 in the morning with very few people around. The only way to top it would be if my DH was with me but he'd be in bed by then so it's not possible.

 

[WaltD4Me]

Wow Lorie!!! You've got me really excited now! That all sounds so great!

On my last trip I was split from everyone for 1/2 a day while they did some other stuff and I really did have fun by myself, but it was just 1/2 a day, can't imagine what I'll do with five whole days.

 

[TXYankee]

Hi Lisa,

Check out the Disney for Adults and Solo Travelers board. They have alot of idead there for solo trips. I have gone solo and love it!

 

[MenashaCorp]

I love having dinner at the bar at House of Blues. You don't need reservations, and it's so much more comfortable than sitting at a table. Counter service is a snap. When I do make ADR's for a restaurant, I sit there with my camera and a pad of paper and pen, taking pictures and notes...you wouldn't believe the wonderful service I get!

Single lines move you through the parks so quickly, you'll want to do standby just for the entertainment value.


Any questions? Ask away.

Is it any wonder why we love you?!?

I *LOVE* the faux critic thing!!

 

[WaltD4Me]

Is it any wonder why we love you?!?

I *LOVE* the faux critic thing!!

OMG! Duh!!!!!!!!!! That went right over my head .....
Great idea!

 

[kab407]

I love solo trips. It gives me the chance to...

-get up early and see openings/rope drop at the parks
-tours!
-look at the details
-wonder around the resorts
-Flights of Wonder One Man's Dream, Main Street
-Walk thru the shops
-enjoy a glass of wine and people watch in World Showcase
-eat in places I would never be able to with a group
-lounge by the pool

 

[Tonya2426]

You took the words out of my mouth. I loved my solo trip last December. It was all about ME. What I wanted to see, ride, eat, do, etc. I could shop when I wanted, change my mind and plans when I wanted, eat 2 Mickey Bars a day if I wanted, sleep in if I wanted, ..... you get the idea.

Ooooo, I forgot about eating as many Mickey bars as you wanted. I even had tie dyed cheesecake for breakfast one day and Figaro Fries for dinner. Ahhhh, the joys of not having anyone to tell you you aren't being healthy on your vacation - makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. In fact I think I will plan my December Solo Trip right now.

 

[Minnie Lor]

Ooooo, I forgot about eating as many Mickey bars as you wanted. I even had tie dyed cheesecake for breakfast one day and Figaro Fries for dinner. Ahhhh, the joys of not having anyone to tell you you aren't being healthy on your vacation - makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. In fact I think I will plan my December Solo Trip right now.

I know what you mean but strangely enough I eat pretty healthy at WDW. I offset the with alot of salad's. I love salad's at WDW and my favorite is the Asian Chicken Salad at Pop.

 

[Minnie Lor]

I just have to add that I get teary eyed everytime I think about my solo trip ~ it was that good.

 

[tinkbutt]

I don't think I could do a solo trip I am not one who likes to be alone!!!

 

[BriarRosie]

Is it any wonder why we love you?!?

I *LOVE* the faux critic thing!!

FAUX critic thing? Who does that? I'm all about the food porn.

 

[WaltD4Me]

I don't think I could do a solo trip I am not one who likes to be alone!!!

I'm pretty sure I won't be too alone at WDW!

It's not something I think I would do at many places...like I wouldn't go to Vegas by myself, but WDW is somewhere I know I could do alone and love it.
I really get into all the detail and just exploring everything. I also have this weird thing where people ... total strangers ... like to talk to me. My sister says it's amazing, no matter where we go people will just come up and talk to me, ask me questions, strike up conversations, ect...she thinks it's weird, sometimes I do too, but I think it's something that will serve me well on a solo trip.

 

[kab407]

Disney is the one place I can go to solo and never feel alone or lonely. I love striking up conversations with the CM or people waiting in line. I enjoy having dinner at the better restaurants. I had dinner one night at Flying Fish at the counter that faces the kitchen. I had the best time talking with the chef and the guys working the grill. I would never had had that experience with a group.

Travelling solo can be a great experience. You get the opportunity to see and do things you never would be able to do with a group of people.

 

[PDJPrinceCharming]

The last trip in 2007 was my first solo trip & i'm taking another one this September. In 2006, my friend didn't wanna do rope drop & was too tired to go back to PI after spending all day in the parks so most of the time I just let him rest in the room. He didn't want to ride Maelstrom, Kali or Splash for fear of getting wet.(I don't like getting wet either but usually stay pretty dry on those rides...well except Kali because almost no one survives that one.)

But at any rate, last year I did things by myself. I hit up Maelstrom & Splash(didn't get to Kali though) & rode some things i've never rode before like Dumbo & Mad Tea Party. I attending La Noub & enjoyed the KTTK Tour as well as the Mickey's Magical Milestone Tour & also went to my second MNSSHP. I did rope drop every day & I ended up at Comedy Warehouse every night. I had a great time.

This year i'm all booked, all my ADR's are set, going on the Backstage Magic Tour & attending two MNSSHP's. I'm spending my birthday doing the Scopa 4 Parks in 1 Day Challenge & finishing the night by saying goodbye to Pleasure Island at the Comedy Warehouse. I'll be down the 15-22 at POP so I hope to see some of you there. I'll post my iten in the next week or two so ya can find me if you'd like.

Solo trips are still a blast, you'll have a great time!

 

[RutgersAlum]

A solo trip sounds heavenly!

I love what everyone has suggested and would just add walking around your resort, maybe grabbing a map of the place and exploring the resort. And maybe other resorts as well!

Can't tell you how many times we have left a place and then seen a map of the resort and said, "Oh, man, I didn't know THAT was there!"

You might also try www.letterboxing.org. You bring a small notebook an your own stamp, then follow some clues to a spot (usually under a tree or behind a rock or something) where there is a box with a stamp & ink pad and you stamp your book with the boxes' stamp, and you stamp the boxes' book with your stamp. I tried this once @ WL, followed a path between VWL & the campground I guess--funny thing is, I never found the box, but I had a great little hike in the woods along the beach. Something I never would have even known about. That site lists boxes hidden in and around the resorts. You never know if they are still there, but the journey is usually better than the prize anyway, imho.

Enjoy your solitude!

 

[WaltD4Me]

You might also try www.letterboxing.org. You bring a small notebook an your own stamp, then follow some clues to a spot (usually under a tree or behind a rock or something) where there is a box with a stamp & ink pad and you stamp your book with the boxes' stamp, and you stamp the boxes' book with your stamp. I tried this once @ WL, followed a path between VWL & the campground I guess--funny thing is, I never found the box, but I had a great little hike in the woods along the beach. Something I never would have even known about. That site lists boxes hidden in and around the resorts. You never know if they are still there, but the journey is usually better than the prize anyway, imho.

Well, I have NEVER heard of this before, (you learn something new every day here on the DIS!) how VERY cool! At first I didn't quite get what it was, but I read the website and it is really neat. I even found there is a letterbox hidden at a resort here in Ohio that we are going to at the end of July so I'm going to look for it!