Solo trips to disney world? Thoughts...

[bookgirl]

I've done solo time at the world more than once. I love those trips, in fact sometimes I resent when others come along .

I do what I want, when I want, for however long I want. I change plans on the spur of the moment with no debate.

Don't get me wrong I like my trips with others as well, but sometimes I really really enjoy being solo.

I was nervous at first but it was so easy and I had so much fun. Those solo days made me reevaluate how much I liked traveling alone.

 

[Simba's Mom]

You'd think. But you would be wrong. Certain restaurants simply do not put ADRs for 1 in the system. I know for a fact that on my solo trip I could not get a table for one at Ohana or Trails End, but when I looked for ADRs for 2, suddenly I had my choice of tables.

BTW, an easy walk up for a solo diner is TEPPAN EDO. It's kinda like single rider line, they are happy to have you take an empty seat.

I've also had this happen to me several times, or at least I used to. Now I just always make my ADRs for 2 people, even when I'm solo. Who knows? Maybe I'll meet my new BFF on the way to my ADR and want to invite them to join me. Or maybe DH will jump out of the bushes-"Surprise!"-how would I explain, "Nice to see you but I have an ADR now." But since neither case has happened, I just show up and say "My husband had to cat-sit" (which he is).

 

[DrivenByDisney]

You'd think. But you would be wrong. Certain restaurants simply do not put ADRs for 1 in the system. I know for a fact that on my solo trip I could not get a table for one at Ohana or Trails End, but when I looked for ADRs for 2, suddenly I had my choice of tables.

BTW, an easy walk up for a solo diner is TEPPAN EDO. It's kinda like single rider line, they are happy to have you take an empty seat.

I second Teppan Edo for solo diners.

When I go to the parks by myself, I walk up to restaurants and generally have no issues at all about getting in. I have had to sit with other families and all but about a handful of times did it ever seem weird or strange to the other family.

I would recommend that maybe check out the group seating restaurants like Teppan Edo, Biergarten or in the pub at Rose & Crown and enjoy meeting new people from who knows where. I've even set with a family at the 50's Prime Time and had an absolute blast. It's all what you make out of it and luck of the draw if you have to sit with others.

People are there from all around the World, you never know who you might meet and make a life long friend in the process.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I've got to pipe up with a negative experience at Teppan Edo, no fault of the restaurant. But at the communal table, I was seated next to a teenage girl who had just encountered her worst nightmare-being seated next to a MATH teacher! I tried to be friendly and ask about her experiences at WDW, but I was just met with those one-syllable grunts (I taught high school and knew them well). And I was seated at the end, the restaurant was kind of loud, so there was no one to talk to. At the end of the meal, we were both glad to get out of there. I'd rather sit alone than wish I was so no more communal dining for me!

 

[DrivenByDisney]

I've got to pipe up with a negative experience at Teppan Edo, no fault of the restaurant. But at the communal table, I was seated next to a teenage girl who had just encountered her worst nightmare-being seated next to a MATH teacher! I tried to be friendly and ask about her experiences at WDW, but I was just met with those one-syllable grunts (I taught high school and knew them well). And I was seated at the end, the restaurant was kind of loud, so there was no one to talk to. At the end of the meal, we were both glad to get out of there. I'd rather sit alone than wish I was so no more communal dining for me!

Man ... Sorry to hear that. I have always had great experiences solo at Teppan Edo. Bummer

 

[Stinky_Pete]

I've had mixed experiences with communal dining at WDW. It's not like a cruise where people generally expect it. I've had great times at Biergarten with a few ladies on one trip, and silence during a dinner show by a family who seemed to be mortified that some strangers were seated at their table. It was similar to Simba's Mom's experience. I tried to make light chit-chat with the person next to me and she would have none of it.

When I go solo I typically do QS. This time will work on an ADR at 'Ohana because I want meat, meat and more meat!

 

[mrzrich]

I have to say eating solo at Ohana was interesting. i was seated at a tiny table that they proceeded to cover in food. I must have looked like a complete gluton!

All for one person:
Bread

Salad

Sauces

Potstickers and Wings

Noodles and Broccoli

Banana Bread Pudding

Of course in addition to this the skewers of meats and shrimp kept coming around.

 

[mickey1968]

That does look like a lot of food but I wanna see the meat!!!

 

[C.C. Langley]

I'll definitely need to schedule a dinner at Ohana if that's what I shall receive! Haha. I'll be in hog heaven. Yum!

 

[Cee]

LOVE solo trips. I can't wait to take another one!

 

[richmo]

I'll definitely need to schedule a dinner at Ohana if that's what I shall receive! Haha. I'll be in hog heaven. Yum!

Yeah, you definitely won't leave hungry.

 

[beachbumfun]

I may be soloing tomorrow or Friday... wish me luck. Dole Whip here I come!

 

[C.C. Langley]

I may be soloing tomorrow or Friday... wish me luck. Dole Whip here I come!

Good Luck!!!! I can't wait to have some dole whip myself. haha

 

[kaetra]

Just got back from 1 week at WDW with husband and 12 year old daughter. We had quite a few minor squabbles about where to head/what to do. They wanted nothing to do with slower attractions, I had no desire to do Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom for hours on end and Husband was super disappointed when daughter and I refused to go to Hollywood Studios.

A few times we split up for a bit and each did our own thing.

There were many moments I found myself dreaming of a solo trip. LOL

 

[branv]

I can definitely say that I learned it takes a certain personality to enjoy a solo trip. A few years ago, before DS came along, I tagged along with DH to WDW for a business conference. He spent all day in meetings, I went to the parks. I was so excited going in: finally I could longer in shops, ride what I wanted, skip afternoon breaks that DH insists on.

Then my beloved cat died unexpectedly two days before the trip.

And I realized in the trip that I am far too self conscious to do many things at the park alone. I'm, oddly, fine at home doing things alone. But not really at the parks. Too shy to start chats with strangers in line (though if they get me started, I won't shut up ). Noticed a lot of side glances and awkward silences when filling in that +1 for rides. Way too many pitying, "You're alone?!" when I did chat with someone (though a few did express jealousy, lol). But mostly, I missed sharing the good stuff with someone else. Added to a deep lingering sadness over my pet, even doing enjoyable things somehow made me feel lonelier rather than better. My trip was 2000x better during the times when DH was with me.

Now that DS is here, as much as I'm always kvetching over no personal time (toddler!), I'd probably cry doing WDW without him. Now shopping or a spa day on the other hand...

I say it's great for some, but definitely not for everyone. It definitely helps to be comfortable in your own skin or just in your own head.

 

[C.C. Langley]

Then my beloved cat died unexpectedly two days before the trip.

Sorry about your cat.

 

[richmo]

...Noticed a lot of side glances and awkward silences when filling in that +1 for rides. ..

I'd try not to let that bother you. Heck, I've done several solo rides even with the family along. Maybe a ride they didn't want to do, or I may be off doing a ride while they're doing one I don't like (like a coaster). And if there are glances, I've either not noticed or filed it in the "I don't care" category.

 

[Princess Disney Mom]

I've never done a solo trip but have done solo time. I've had alone time at the resort and MK and loved it. I'm really too cheap to pay for a room and not at least have another person.

 

[remy1970]

I go to Disney world solo every year. I don't have family that likes theme parks.

 

[DisneyFan2013]

I took a solo trip last year and really enjoyed it! I had three ADRs and a Be Our Guest lunch Fastpass and they weren't hard to get (I don't do character meals though). I had a great trip overall and didn't experience any issues. I would definitely take a solo trip again!