Traveling Alone

[Deborahsew]

To the solo traveler

I wanted to take a trip to Disney alone but always thought I would feel so lonely. Disney is all
about family fun and every where you look people are together. Has anyone felt lonely on your vacation? Do you always find friendly people to talk to when you want to talk? Do you feel comfortable going to all the places you want to go to alone?

Thinking about a solo trip.

 

[Margie J]

I've made many solo trips, to WDW and other locations. Whether you feel lonely and out of place is often up to you. There is always something you can do or see that will keep you occupied and not make you feel like a "fifth wheel".

At WDW, I love to talk to the CM's, if they have time. During an extended visit I make it a point to say Hi each day to the CM's I meet during that vacation (and from previous visits).

Another thing I do is take tours while there. Most tours last a few hours so you are part of a group, at least for bit of the day. Friendships can be made too. I also look for DIS meets during my vacation. There are often a few scheduled.

Pin Trading is a great conversation starter, with all ages. I've met CM's that way and nearly been bowled over by kids who saw a pin they just had to have. Even if you don't make a trade you can have a nice chat.

I'll eat out solo on some days and evenings but avoid the real family oriented places like CRT or Chef Mickey's. I've always been treated very nicely by the staff. Once, I even had a table switch when a single guy was dining nearby and our two waitresses decided to place us together (with our ok of course).

One wonderful thing about WDW is that it is for everyone of all ages.

 

[zoey452]

Traveling alone is a real treat. Go when and where you want. Meet other people or not.
If you feel comfortable with being alone in other situations in your daily life then you will very likely enjoy traveling to WDW alone too. The trick is, I think, to get excited about the things you want to do. For example, I'm going by myself mid-May, so that I can enjoy the flower festival. I'm not going specifically for that reason, but it makes the trip purposeful. But since I made the decision to do this solo trip, I'm really getting excited about doing lots of things that I didn't do before when there with family.

Take a chance!

 

[DeeP]

I have taken many solo trips to WDW and I love my solo trips. I do a lot of the same things as Margie J said when I am solo, I talk to a lot of CMs and other guests, I take tours and I do a lot of pin trading/collecting. I also have friends that live close to WDW so I meet up with them for days/nights in the parks & PI, meals etc but I still save time for being solo at WDW. I enjoy all my trips to WDW whether I am with friends, family or solo but I do value my solo trips to WDW, they are sooooo relaxing and all about me! We all need to pamper ourselves once in awhile! I really have never felt lonely while I was solo at WDW, I appreciate the peace and relaxation in my favorite place to be! I will be going to WDW in less than 2 weeks and will be solo for a few days (for business) and then a friend is joining me--I am looking forward to this trip very much but then in Sept I will be back at WDW for a solo trip and I am looking forward to this trip just as much! If you have a chance to go on a solo trip to WDW--do it--you will have a great time!

 

[RLMS56]

I took my first solo trip to WDW this past Jan and it was a big treat! I stayed at the GF, slept late, ordered room service, had spa treatments, relaxed by the pool and did the afternoon tea twice. Not once did I feel lonely or wished I had brought someone along.

 

[Otimon]

Come on down and have a wonderful solo time!

Will be glad to meet if you would like to.

 

[Deborahsew]

Thank all of you for your response. You have given me sometime to think about.

 

[travelin' tigger]

I'm taking my third solo trip in early June and really enjoy them. It's so relaxing and the really nice thing is you can do almost anything YOU want, when YOU want. Check it out, I think you'll enjoy it!!!

 

[koswalt]

... can't wait. I'm looking forward to:

1. My own agenda.
2. No compromises.
3. Acting on whim.
4. Going at my own pace.
5. My photo scavenger hunt.***

*** I'm a HUGE picture-taker, so since there won't be anyone familiar to take pictures of, I'm going to make a list of wacky things to find and photograph.

 

[BonnieA]

I took a mostly solo trip in January. I was there for 8 days but my husband joined me in the middle for the weekend. The only time I felt lonely was after I dropped him off at the airport but that wore off after a couple hours.
I had a great time by myself. Being an introverted person, I'm not one to start up a conversation with strangers. But while waiting in line or for a show with other people it came naturally. We would get into a conversation, time passed quickly and new memories made. The CM's are even more attentive to solo guests I think. Even passing characters would make a special trip to see me as I rested on a bench. I did do a lot more resting/people watching because I didn't feel any pressure to keep moving. It was very enjoyable to move at my own pace and do my own thing. My next trip may be with relatives or friends but if not, nothing would stop me from going solo again.

 

[MdmMim]

I just love my solo trips! I do what I want, eat where I want, take a whole day off and stay in bed if I want. (After all, it is vacation!) I head for the bus stop and maybe will get on the first bus that shows up. No plans, just go with the flow. So relaxing! And fun! I can go on PoC 4 times in a row. I can just grab a box of popcorn and people watch by the castle. I can dine in the most expensive restaurants ( it's cheaper for just one!). Or I can get a sandwich to go and get back to my room in time to watch Law & Order. I can sleep in the middle of the bed (king-size if I'm lucky) with all the pillows behind me.

I totally savor my solo trips.

 

[61859]

I am inspired by the solo travelers. I am traveling solo in July to WDW.
Any recommendations for hotels off of the WD property?

Many thanks
MB

 

[zoey452]

I'll be staying there soon, ($61/nite from Priceline!). When I get back I'll report on my experience.

 

[BonnieA]

Hey MB,
Try priceline. That's what I used in January and paid only $30/night for the doubletree suites maingate. It was great for the price.

 

[BroadwayBunny]

I took my first WDW solo trip last December and had a blast. Not once did I feel lonely or out of place. And coming from someone with a social phobia, that is saying a LOT!!!

I rarely made reservations for dining, since I prefer to dine with a companion. However, the one time I did, it was at the character breakfast at the Crystal Palace in the Magic Kingdom. I also attended MVMCP solo, and had a blast. There was a lot of character interaction for me. Since I had made time during the day to talk to cast members, I met them later during the party and that more than made up for being by myself. CM's at WDW are the best and I frequently use them as examples when I do customer service training.

I went to PI solo. Again, a BLAST! I spent most of time at Mannequins, but found my way to the other clubs as well.

Then there was the bartender at CBR. I must have made an impression on her, because when I went back with my mother later in March, she remembered me from my December trip - including what we had talked about and my drink of choice while there (a dirty banana - don't miss it!).

I also went back for a one day trip in April. Since I was by myself, I managed to hit all four parks, plus two resorts and Downtown Disney.

All in all, don't be too worried about being there by yourself. I highly recommend it for everyone!

 

[BriarRosie]

There are times I felt that I wanted to share what I was doing with specific people, but for the most part, I enjoyed the freedom of travelling solo at WDW!

I've done two solo trips, but I had the luxury of meeting up with people I knew from different Internet groups. (These are WDW "locals" whom I've met in group situations previously.)

So I'd have "group" and "solo" experiences. I must project a vibe that makes people want to talk to me, because I have strangers talk to me while I'm shopping for groceries!

I would do another solo trip in a heartbeat, but my next trips are with other people.

 

[Deborahsew]

All of you have given me the courage to take a solo trip.
It will have to be next year because this year is a family
trip to W.D.W.

 

[preshi]

I was just looking back on my solo trip... and I don't know how to say this... after the inital shock of it all I had no choice(literally as I was stuck there) but to enjoy myself. I had a very peaceful time reflecting on life there and I am glad I had that time to think things out....

It's made me a whole lot more brave as well. I now can eat alone at sit down resturaunts with no shame...

 

[tkldisney]

I have gone to WDW alone and it was fantastic! I would do it again anytime. I went during the Flower & Garden show and spent the entire time (3 days) in Epcot. I stayed at POR, and they gave me a great room that was quiet and next to a 24 hour pool. I ate in Japan, which you sit with other folks and had some great conversations and made some new friends too! Going alone let me do what and when I wanted. (Like all the shopping in DD.) All I can say is GO FOR IT!!!!!!

 

[jwill]

I am going to WDW Wilderness Lodge in July with my family but will be looking forward to spending alot of the time by myself. I think it will be unique from my other trips.

I am looking forward to visiting some of the other resorts I have not seen before by myself and at my pace.