Solo veterans

[PolynesianPixie]

Hi! I'm considering a solo trip, and would like some advice from those who have already experienced this.

What are some things you've learned from traveling alone? Especially the women, did you ever feel uncomfortable being by yourself? I'd love to read anything you all can tell me!

Thanks!

 

[nurse.darcy]

Hi! I'm considering a solo trip, and would like some advice from those who have already experienced this.

What are some things you've learned from traveling alone? Especially the women, did you ever feel uncomfortable being by yourself? I'd love to read anything you all can tell me!

Thanks!

I personally love to travel by myself. My work schedule allows me to travel often and therefore I go alone a lot of times. I am never uncomfortable traveling by myself and I have met some really great people since I started doing this. As far as alone to WDW, I haven't done that yet but I go to Disneyland Resort all the time alone (AP holder here). Never am I uncomfortable or feel ackward. . .its awesome because I can ride what I want, see what I want and do what I want. . .

 

[PolynesianPixie]

Thanks Nurse Darcy! I think it would be an amazing experience! I am really looking forward to it. There is just a part of me that is just a little leary.

 

[PolynesianPixie]

Bumpity bump

 

[Taja]

Just bring your common sense on vacation with you.

WDW is a terrific place for a solo visit.

My basic solo travel rules are:

1. Don't advertise that you are solo.
2. Be aware of your surroundings.
3. Relax and enjoy!

 

[iluveeyore]

Hi Pixie! I just did my first WDW solo in March - did a short trippie about it but am not savvy enough to give you a link to it.
But, just so you know, going solo is awesome! I stayed at POP alone for five nights and loved every minute of it. I have an AP, so just did everything at my own pace without any daily plan to follow. Ate when I wanted and where I wanted, went on rides (single rider lines rule ), saw shows, met characters, had ice cream if I felt like it, browsed in gift shops without heavy sighs from DH, and went back to my room whenever I wanted a break alone. I enjoyed every moment, and would do it again in a heartbeat if my budget and DH would let me! We're going for a family trip in seven weeks, but I definitely plan on a day to myself at least in the parks. An evening or early morning to myself in a room was priceless though, and I won't get that on a family trip. Not waiting my turn for the shower, and not having to share the remote or ask who wanted to go where and when.
Enjoy it, take in every moment whatever you're doing - I loved sitting on a bench in front of the castle and just taking it all in
Let us know how it goes!

 

[Simba's Mom]

Hi! I'm considering a solo trip, and would like some advice from those who have already experienced this.

What are some things you've learned from traveling alone? Especially the women, did you ever feel uncomfortable being by yourself? I'd love to read anything you all can tell me!

Thanks!

I've traveled solo to WDW about 10 times now, up to 8 days at a time. I'm not nervous about being alone at WDW, much more comfortable than around my own town! My only "thing" is that at the WDW hotel, when I'm solo, I always ask for an upper floor room. One piece of advise-don't be afraid to do a character meal solo. I couldn't imagine it, until on my 8th solo trip, I took the plunge and did a solo character breakfast. It was great! Watching all the kids interacting with the characters was such fun, I forgot about being alone and my mealtime really went by super fast! The characters are really in tune to your wants-I didn't want to make a fuss when I saw the characters, so after the first time by, Minnie and Goofy just waved or kissed my hand as they went by. And if you think you'll stick out, everyone will notice the "poor person all by themselves", forget it. All anyone is noticing is where the characters are.

 

[spiceycat]

And if you think you'll stick out, everyone will notice the "poor person all by themselves", forget it. All anyone is noticing is where the characters are.

so very true.

go solo alot.

value - Pop
moderate - POR or CSR.
deluxe - CR, BC (depends upon your favorite park)
dvc - OKW, BCV, VWL

don't stay at CBR, Polyn or even POFQ - these try to be romantic - so they have excess dark places. Dark places always make me tense.

wl/vwl had (despite it being one of the most romantic places) very few dark areas - at least where I was concerned. the walkway back and forth to the bus is very well lite. the pool area is also lite. Now going to the boat might be dark - but it isn't it is pretty well lite.

now I haven't been to Pop in over a year - but it was lite up at night - someone else say that it was dark???? going in Sept back to it.

you will be surprised at how many solos are at WDW these days. It is a fairly safe area - which very few vacation spots can say to solos. Pop probably has the most. No sharing of buses. good location. great cms.

that say - there are thiefs - so NEVER take anything to WDW that you can't live without. Don't take jewelry. don't leave cash in your room.

one thing nice about the DVC studios is that all (except OKW) has a queen bed and a double sleeper sofa - now if you have kids this is a problem - but for us solos - it is GREAT!

 

[PolynesianPixie]

Hi Pixie! I just did my first WDW solo in March - did a short trippie about it but am not savvy enough to give you a link to it.
But, just so you know, going solo is awesome! I stayed at POP alone for five nights and loved every minute of it. I have an AP, so just did everything at my own pace without any daily plan to follow. Ate when I wanted and where I wanted, went on rides (single rider lines rule ), saw shows, met characters, had ice cream if I felt like it, browsed in gift shops without heavy sighs from DH, and went back to my room whenever I wanted a break alone. I enjoyed every moment, and would do it again in a heartbeat if my budget and DH would let me! We're going for a family trip in seven weeks, but I definitely plan on a day to myself at least in the parks. An evening or early morning to myself in a room was priceless though, and I won't get that on a family trip. Not waiting my turn for the shower, and not having to share the remote or ask who wanted to go where and when.
Enjoy it, take in every moment whatever you're doing - I loved sitting on a bench in front of the castle and just taking it all in
Let us know how it goes!

That is EXACTLY what I need right now!!!!! Thank you so much for that. You have made me so much more excited!

I WILL make the trip. I just won't advertise.

Taja~ I'll be sure to pack my "commom sense" with me!

Spicey Cat and Simba's Mom~ Thank you for all your experience! It never occured to me to do a character meal on my own, but now that you mention it, it does sound like fun!

Hopefully this will be one of many! I did book the WL. I love the feel of that place, but have never stayed there before. My favorites are the Poly and FtW, but I couldn't stay at those without my family. Do you think I made a good choice?

Yay! The countdown begins!!!!!

 

[lizardqueen]

When are you thinking about going? I went on several short solo trips last year (March, August & December) and loved the different "seasons". I'll be going to FW solo in about a month and a half -- only this time it's for 10 days!!! Solo trips are a great time to relax and just do what you want.

 

[suzycute]

Another vote for female solo trips!

I did my first solo 18 months ago staying at POP for 7 nights (and flying from the UK too!) and can't recommend it highly enough. I've loved our family trips but just being able to do what I wanted to do when I wanted to do it was great. The reason I chose WDW for my first solo trip (after 23 years of marriage!) was because it felt so safe.

If anything my solo trip made my "disney-itis" worse - I did the DVC tour and have bought myself enough points to spend a week solo at SSR every year until I'm 93. The only thing is now this year my DH is coming with me on my "solo" trip (although it does coincide with our 25th wedding anniversary!) and next year my DD has invited herself to help me enjoy my "solo" trip!! Maybe in 2010 I will enjoy my next truly solo trip!!

I'd say "go for it!"

 

[Donald is #1]

Another female solo traveler!

When I went for 8 days in October '06, I spent about 1/2 the time solo and about 1/2 the time with my sister and her family. I really had a great time and that gave me the courage to do a fully solo trip.

So in May '07, I went to WDW for 12 days with all but 2 of those days solo. If you are interested, I did a trip report which can be found at My first solo, well almost solo trip. I had a awesome time and didn't feel lonely at all. I ate at table service restaurants and really enjoyed the experience.

My next solo trip is scheduled for 11 nights this December. I have 2 smaller trips planned this year with friends or family, but I am really looking forward to the time on my own. I have a whole list of TS places that I want to eat at that my friend that I am traveling with in May or my sister and her kids in November don't want to eat at.

I have found it very relaxing because you can do what ever you want.

 

[PolynesianPixie]

When are you thinking about going? I went on several short solo trips last year (March, August & December) and loved the different "seasons". I'll be going to FW solo in about a month and a half -- only this time it's for 10 days!!! Solo trips are a great time to relax and just do what you want.

I'm taking my trip for a long weekend in July. It looks like I will be in DLRP when you are taking your trip! I know, I know...WDW in July? What am I thinking? It's just me. I can take the heat.

Another vote for female solo trips!

I did my first solo 18 months ago staying at POP for 7 nights (and flying from the UK too!) and can't recommend it highly enough. I've loved our family trips but just being able to do what I wanted to do when I wanted to do it was great. The reason I chose WDW for my first solo trip (after 23 years of marriage!) was because it felt so safe.

If anything my solo trip made my "disney-itis" worse - I did the DVC tour and have bought myself enough points to spend a week solo at SSR every year until I'm 93.

I'd say "go for it!"

I'll bet when the time comes, you'll want to extend it 100!!!!

Another female solo traveler!

When I went for 8 days in October '06, I spent about 1/2 the time solo and about 1/2 the time with my sister and her family. I really had a great time and that gave me the courage to do a fully solo trip.

So in May '07, I went to WDW for 12 days with all but 2 of those days solo. If you are interested, I did a trip report which can be found at My first solo, well almost solo trip. I had a awesome time and didn't feel lonely at all. I ate at table service restaurants and really enjoyed the experience.

My next solo trip is scheduled for 11 nights this December.

I have found it very relaxing because you can do what ever you want.

I enjoyed your trip report! Great pictures!!! Those are 2 resorts I've never tried. They need to go on my to do list!


Wow, some of these trips are so long! I have something to work up to!

I'm really enjoying the tips and ideas you all have! I only have 3 nights planned. Its just an escape. Maybe I'll get to that last day and realize it's not enough!

Thanks!!!!

 

[Donald is #1]

I enjoyed your trip report! Great pictures!!! Those are 2 resorts I've never tried. They need to go on my to do list!


Wow, some of these trips are so long! I have something to work up to!

I'm really enjoying the tips and ideas you all have! I only have 3 nights planned. Its just an escape. Maybe I'll get to that last day and realize it's not enough!

Thanks!!!!

Thank you!
I think that you will find that there are 2 camps in the solo travelers. One group are the people who take shorter trips 3-5 days or so and then there is the seonc group that likes the long trips. I think that if you want to try a solo trip, then a shorter trip may work better so that you can get the feel of it. The trip with my sister and her family in Oct 06 really helped me for my May solo trip. Because I split my time between being solo and with them, it was the equivalent of a 4 day or so solo trip. I also think that it depends upon how long your non-solo trips normally are. All of my WDW trips until last October had been 8-10 days in length. So I am used to longer stays at WDW.

 

[TaraPA]

Great thread! I'm taking my 1st solo trip in 3 weeks - can't wait! Love all the tips & ideas on here. Keep 'em coming.

 

[disneyfav4ever]

This is something I posted after my first solo trip.

I will always want to go solo from now on. Maybe I'd consider a trip with DBF, and I do want to have my wedding there, so DBF and I, (who will sooner or later propose,) will eventually take a trip together then at least, and of course after that, with our children. But I did love going solo, and have my trip planned, and booked for Dec, and hopefully they'll offer free dining again in 2007, for my Oct trip. I was suprised when I read this morning that they're having it this year, so I'll keep my fingers crossed and hope for pixie dust next year.

The advantages of going solo definatly out-weighed the disadvantages. I was able to eat where I wanted, where as whenever I went with my family it was usually all CS meals, with the exception of one or two TS meals for the duration of the trip. And, as you can tell, I did mainly TS meals, with several CS snacks.

I was able to see as many characters as I wanted without anyone making fun of me, or saying I'm too old, or why do I want to wait in line for people dressed up in a mouse/mermaid/racoon costume. I don't care, as far as I'm concerned, when I'm at Disney they are real. I ended up seeing 76 different characters, many of whom I got autographs from - Prince Charming, the dwarfs, the prince from Beauty and the Beast, etc. didn't sign.

I was also able to ride whatever I wanted when I wanted to, but that was always less of an issue on family trips then the characters or meals were, though I was almost always the only one who wanted to see all of the parades.

I usually recieved good, if not great service, with two exceptions, (Kona and 1900 Park Fare.) For the most part I was also seated extremely quickly, since I guess being solo I was easier to seat then a big group. Also, I had a lot of early ADR's when the restaurant was just opening up, so that may have also helped.

It still all holds true, except that my last trip was with my mom instead of solo, and trust me, I definatly prefer solo.

 

[Bete]

and I had some of the feelings I think you are experiencing about it.

Last December I went with a cousin to WDW and we actually parted company for 1-1/2 days in the middle of our trip to do our own thing there. She wanted to shop and I wanted to enjoy the parks more. This gave me the courage to do it totally solo this time. I enjoyed my time alone.

Also, I love to do video and pictures. I finally bought a high definition camcorder last year and I just didn't have a chance to use it enough when I went with my cousin. I want to devote my December solo trip to doing video and more video. This way I don't have to bore anyone with me doing video.

I want to be selfish and do just what I want to do without concern for any one else. I caretake for my mom and I need the release this way. It's been a rough year that way.

My main concern is being isolated going back and forth to my resort room, etc. from the parks. I will have my guard up about my surroundings. If I feel uneasy I will get to a busy public area as soon as I can. I may even ask for a CM escort to my room, bus, etc. if I feel very uncomfortable. I would get a room close to the bus transportation system to cut down on the amount of walking necessary. I wouldn't take many walks to the ice machine, either. I will be careful. I won't be going to Pleasure Island alone, either.

If you get lonely try some disboard meets. Talk to people at the parks while you are waiting to see a parade, etc. I'm dining at the Biergarten and Edo Teppan; so, I can be grouped with others at a table. I'm hoping for some conversation that way. I'm going during Mousefest and I may join in those activities. You can always call your family and talk.

If I don't like my solo trip I won't do it, again. If I do, I'll keep doing it. If you don't try you won't know.

 

[iluveeyore]

and I had some of the feelings I think you are experiencing about it.

Last December I went with a cousin to WDW and we actually parted company for 1-1/2 days in the middle of our trip to do our own thing there. She wanted to shop and I wanted to enjoy the parks more. This gave me the courage to do it totally solo this time. I enjoyed my time alone.

Also, I love to do video and pictures. I finally bought a high definition camcorder last year and I just didn't have a chance to use it enough when I went with my cousin. I want to devote my December solo trip to doing video and more video. This way I don't have to bore anyone with me doing video.

I want to be selfish and do just what I want to do without concern for any one else. I caretake for my mom and I need the release this way. It's been a rough year that way.

My main concern is being isolated going back and forth to my resort room, etc. from the parks. I will have my guard up about my surroundings. If I feel uneasy I will get to a busy public area as soon as I can. I may even ask for a CM escort to my room, bus, etc. if I feel very uncomfortable. I would get a room close to the bus transportation system to cut down on the amount of walking necessary. I wouldn't take many walks to the ice machine, either. I will be careful. I won't be going to Pleasure Island alone, either.

If you get lonely try some disboard meets. Talk to people at the parks while you are waiting to see a parade, etc. I'm dining at the Biergarten and Edo Teppan; so, I can be grouped with others at a table. I'm hoping for some conversation that way. I'm going during Mousefest and I may join in those activities. You can always call your family and talk.

If I don't like my solo trip I won't do it, again. If I do, I'll keep doing it. If you don't try you won't know.

I understand your concerns about maybe feeling uncomfortable travelling alone at night, but seriously, I never did. I stayed at Pop in the 50's by the lake, and I had to take the elevator to my room (bum leg), and not once, ever, did I feel uncomfortable. It was very well lit, as all WDW resorts are, and there were always people around, mostly families or couples. Most people probably figure you're on your way back to your family/husband anyhow (alone at Disney? ), and there were families in both rooms around me, so no one was casing me out and seeing I was always coming in/going out alone. Just go with your gut feelings - if I had felt uncomfortable in the least I would have asked for an escort - but I was always happy and relaxed going to/coming from my room.
And you'll loooove having a room to yourself!
Enjoy!

 

[acm563]

I understand your concerns about maybe feeling uncomfortable travelling alone at night, but seriously, I never did. I stayed at Pop in the 50's by the lake, and I had to take the elevator to my room (bum leg), and not once, ever, did I feel uncomfortable. It was very well lit, as all WDW resorts are, and there were always people around, mostly families or couples. Most people probably figure you're on your way back to your family/husband anyhow (alone at Disney? ), and there were families in both rooms around me, so no one was casing me out and seeing I was always coming in/going out alone. Just go with your gut feelings - if I had felt uncomfortable in the least I would have asked for an escort - but I was always happy and relaxed going to/coming from my room.
And you'll loooove having a room to yourself!
Enjoy!

Hey lady March was awesome, I have to agree....and btw I now have yet another solo planned after the May one...I am going solo again Aug 29-Sept 1 and looking forward to my alone time

Drop me an email and let me know how things are going and I will fill you in on everything in my world

 

[PolynesianPixie]

I understand your concerns about maybe feeling uncomfortable travelling alone at night, but seriously, I never did. I stayed at Pop in the 50's by the lake, and I had to take the elevator to my room (bum leg), and not once, ever, did I feel uncomfortable. It was very well lit, as all WDW resorts are, and there were always people around, mostly families or couples. Most people probably figure you're on your way back to your family/husband anyhow (alone at Disney? ), and there were families in both rooms around me, so no one was casing me out and seeing I was always coming in/going out alone. Just go with your gut feelings - if I had felt uncomfortable in the least I would have asked for an escort - but I was always happy and relaxed going to/coming from my room.
And you'll loooove having a room to yourself!
Enjoy!

That is so great to know you felt safe!!!!!!!

And I am so looking forward to that room! Oh you have no idea!!!!!!