Solo trip worth it?

[Stephanator]

I didn't have a whole solo trip, but some solo days on my last WDW vacation and loved it.

Pros:
*Doing whatever you like. Eating, drinking, shopping, listening to bands, watching a show, people watching, picture taking, character meets, resort hopping, trail walking, etc...
*Meeting people. I'm not talking life-long friends, but it was genuinely interesting to talk to people (both adults & kids) in line for rides, at restaurants and various cast members. It was also refreshing to see that most people really want to be helpful and nice. I must have asked 30 people to take my picture and every one said yes.

Cons:
*Thinking "Oh wow, _____ would've really liked to see this."
*No one else to carry your backpack.

 

[ExpatDisneyLover]

I haven't done a solo trip to WDW but had my first solo trip to Disneyland Paris in March. I loved it!

What I liked - being able to spend as much time as I wanted taking photos, looking at details, riding my favorites again and again etc. Doing what you want when you want is NICE!

I also felt very safe at Disney - that was a plus for a woman on her own.

What I didn't like - I had planned only counter service meals and didn't eat very well. I actually forgot to eat on a couple of occasions. I am going to try to remedy that on my next trip next week by booking a couple of table service restaurants. Eating alone feels a bit strange since I am not having a conversation - so I would write in my planning journal - notes on the day for my trip report.

I really enjoy seeing other people enjoy things - so when friends and family are not there I don't get to see them enjoy the experience. But I will say I got a kick out of watching other people enjoy things - especially small kids - they can't help but squeal and get happy when Mickey appears etc.

 

[mecllap]

I LOVE going solo (also love taking along DD and DGS) -- most of the pros have been covered (being able to get one last minute spot up close for parades and fireworks is great). Hard to think of any cons -- about the only thing is having someone to help unload and reload the car! (But when that becomes a real issue, I'll just get better at using bell services).

I got used to eating in restaurants alone when I traveled for work, so don't mind doing that (I do often read, or write in my journal, or plan what's next, but sometimes I just sit and relax and enjoy being there).

Someone who goes to Disney primarily to take the kids or someone else, and doesn't love the imagination, visuals, characters, experiences, etc. themselves, would probably not like a solo trip -- but then, it wouldn't occur to them to do one.

 

[karmutt]

I've just booked my second solo trip.

Pros - What everyone else has already said; you get to do whatever you want, whenever you want. I can spend 30 minutes looking at the bats at AK and no one tries to drag me away. Also, single rider lines. It sucks that they don't have as many as they do at Disneyland and California Adventure (which I'm only an hour away from and do solo quite often), but at least there are a few. I'm going to Islands of Adventure this time and I believe they have quite a few there, so that should be cool.

Cons - I love the water parks, but some of the slides are family or two or three person only. As an introvert (hence the solo trips), I find it awkward to ask if I can squeeze in. On the plus side, there's a single rider line (or was last time I was there) for the ski lift at Blizzard Beach. I also don't like to fly and somehow feel more secure when I'm flying with someone else. And then there's the cost. It'd be nice to share it with someone, but only if they didn't actually come along.