Very Nervous About Solo Trip... Experimented On Last Trip

[nickspace]

I have a month sabbatical next January and plan on spending most of it at BW. I am very nervous that I will be very lonely and feel out of place.

We just returned from a family trip last week and I took a few hours to walk around by myself to see what it felt like and I just felt lonely and out of place. I felt like people were looking at me differently being alone.

I do have some plans when I go next January like meeting up with a friends, attending some classes, and meet-up park walking groups, but I am really concerned. Does anyone have any suggestions?

 

[karly05]

I'm not sure how much advice I can give - if you feel lonely on your own, that's how you feel. I like doing things on my own, but I know a lot of people are happier having friends and family around to share the experience.

That said - I just got back from my second solo trip (went Feb, 2012 then Feb again this year) and never once did I feel "out of place" or that anyone was looking at me or judging me. CMs were all nice, I had great experiences dining solo at Artist Point, La Hacienda and Via Napoli this year (and VN, Les Chefs and Flying Fish last year). I got in a LOT of character lines this year, the characters were great and the CM handlers were happy to take pics with my camera alongside the Photopass photogs (many of them volunteered before I even asked). As for the general public - I'm admittedly a fairly oblivious person, but if anyone gave me any funny looks, I never noticed. And, honestly, that's their problem! Trust me, some of them probably envy the solos, when we're doing just what we want while they deal with toddler meltdowns and party-pooper family members.

 

[undchefreak]

I completed my first 5 day solo trip at the end of January and loved it. I am a world traveller, so I've also been to Spain and Denmark alone without any issue. I think a lot of the feeling that people are looking at you differently may be because they are concerned because you look so sad and out of place, as you said you felt. If you are comfortable with your surroundings and situation, you'll look it. Can you ask friends if they would be able to meet you there for a few days so that you can"prepare for visitors"? Then you would have another purpose: to figure out the best places to take them. Just a thought.

 

[the who #3]

if you are traveling alone for the first time, wdw is the best place on earth to do that.

i am a 70 yr old woman and i take my children and grandchildren to wdw as often as possible(at least once a yr). we are also ap holders so i like to go at least 2 or 3 times a yr. i go alone very often because the kids are in school. i feel at home there and find that many cast members remember me when i go back. we are also dvc members and if i have a dvc tee or jacket or hat on, i will be welcomed home by many other dvc members. i also go to welcome home wednesdays when in the world. i meet a lot of nice members there. i live alone, so i guess being at disney alone really feels like vacationing with a lot of other really nice people. but whether or not you are dvc or ap you will be welcomed at disney by all cast members and will meet many travelers on the transportation systems or while waiting in line for rides. believe me you will not be alone.

i also went alone on an adventures by disney trip to italy and had no problems at all. i trust disney to be as safe as possible in todays world.

you will not be lonely or feel uncomfortable being alone at wow. disney does the best job in the world of making it happen!! just relax and enjoy the disney magic.

 

[the who #3]

if you are traveling alone for the first time, wdw is the best place on earth to do that.

i am a 70 yr old woman and i take my children and grandchildren to wdw as often as possible(at least once a yr). we are also ap holders so i like to go at least 2 or 3 times a yr. i go alone very often because the kids are in school.i feel at home there and find that many cast members remember me when i go back. we are also dvc members and if i have a dvc tee or jacket or hat on, i will be welcomed home by many other dvc members. also go to welcome home wednesdays when in the world. i meet a lot of nice members there. i live alone, so i guess being at disney alone really feels like vacationing with a lot of other really nice people.

i also went alone on an adventures by disney trip to italy and had no problems at all. i trust disney to be as safe as possible in todays world.

you will not be lonely or feel uncomfortable being alone at wow. disney does the best job in the world of making it happen!! just relax and enjoy the disney magic.

 

[teruterubouzu]

I've been solo in cities around the world, but I had a bit of a problem with my solo time at WDW. It did feel lonelier.

However, I *need* to get back to the world and solo might be my only way of going. If I go, my strategy is going to be spending more time taking photos and treat the vacation like a fun project.

 

[MichelleWDWfan]

I've been to WDW solo 2x, and my 3rd solo trip is in 2 1/2 weeks for my birthday.

Honestly, I have a great time. You meet lots of nice ppl.
I do the dlx DDP, and have had lots of ppl and CM's offer take pics for me at character meals, and character meet and greets. Everyone has been so nice.

Trust me alot of adults go solo to Disney.

I love being able to come and go as I please, and not worrying about anything but having a great time!

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

I just got back from a semi solo trip. My DH went down two days before me. Then we spent 3 days together and then I spent a day and a half alone. I enjoyed my alone time. I went over to VWL and rented a bike and rode over to the campgrounds. Saw 3 deer on my way over. Stopped at the horse barn and talked to the horses and watches the ponies playing. Rode around and looked at campsites.

I went to CBR to relax in a hammock for an hour and got a fair amount of sun.

I was staying the BCV and walked over to the Boardwalk in the evening. Eat a cupcake and people watch.

Never did I feel signaled out. Too many people for them to notice you are alone. I even had lunch alone at Oliva's and it did not bother me.

 

[nickspace]

Thanks for all the kind words and support. Hopefully I will also make a few friends on the trip.

 

[singastory]

I also have plans for a longer trip next January. I have extended invites to others, but as of right now it is just me since they can't give me a definitive answer yet. Could it be that you felt lonely because you were there on a family trip and were taking time away from them? My two summer trips last year were with family (all adults), but I ended up wandering the parks by myself most of the time because they aren't really park people. I felt lonely, but only because I knew that they just didn't feel like going with me. I think it will be different this time knowing that I will be solo right off the bat. Plus, my goal this trip is to not be so park-dedicated. I'm looking forward to more solo-centric things like shopping, taking a bubble bath every evening, eating wherever I want, etc.

I've also only been solo during the summer, so I think the huge crowds and many families contributed to the loneliness. Maybe when it's not so crowded it won't be so bad. Either way, I will be at Disney, my favorite place in the world!

 

[nickspace]

I also have plans for a longer trip next January. I have extended invites to others, but as of right now it is just me since they can't give me a definitive answer yet. Could it be that you felt lonely because you were there on a family trip and were taking time away from them? My two summer trips last year were with family (all adults), but I ended up wandering the parks by myself most of the time because they aren't really park people. I felt lonely, but only because I knew that they just didn't feel like going with me. I think it will be different this time knowing that I will be solo right off the bat. Plus, my goal this trip is to not be so park-dedicated. I'm looking forward to more solo-centric things like shopping, taking a bubble bath every evening, eating wherever I want, etc.

I've also only been solo during the summer, so I think the huge crowds and many families contributed to the loneliness. Maybe when it's not so crowded it won't be so bad. Either way, I will be at Disney, my favorite place in the world!

Thanks for the encouraging words! I am sure that my plans will be very different when I am alone as when I am with a group. I do hope on being able to audit a some classes at a local university when I am in town and reading a few books just for a little mental stimulation. I also found some Disney meet-up groups that I have joined which I am looking forward to participating in next January. And as always it is important to always make new friends!

 

[nowater]

I'm admittedly a fairly oblivious person, but if anyone gave me any funny looks, I never noticed. And, honestly, that's their problem! Trust me, some of them probably envy the solos, when we're doing just what we want while they deal with toddler meltdowns and party-pooper family members.

This paragraph alone, should be all the reason anyone ever needs to make you feel better to go solo. Love it, I'm actually in the process of debating meeting someone for the first time there or just going solo.

 

[rmom]

There are a number of tours we went on. My mom did them as a single and loved them. I am looking forward to going on a few when I do my solo trip in 2 years, when my youngest go off to college.

 

[princessdawn2011]

I go alone a LOT. It's great! I will share my first solo trip alone was forced as it was a 16 day trip planned w/ my ex-husband. Our divorce was finalized mid-trip. I wasn't losing all that money or 2 weeks vacation b/c of someone else's problems! It was one of the best trips!!! Truly.

Talk to people, go to attractions, watch the entertainment in Epcot. Go to the movies. Read by the pool. Read & nap @ a water park. I met a family that bought me dinner! We started chatting @ the pool, and went to a park together and the family had extra meal credits & bought me dinner. That was so nice! I wouldn't suggest going off alone w/ people, but chat. They're usually nice. I made a nice friend who lives in FL, another family from MN, met my DBF there. Can't be so bad to be alone!

 

[cglaura]

I am not a people person. I'm social when I need to be, but not likely to strike up conversations with strangers.

I was concerned same as you. So what I did was give myself a different task each day. Mostly photo related. One day I took flowers, one day the unique rooftops on the many buildings, one day hidden mickeys, one day characters...you get the idea!

I kept a little notebook of things I did and things I saw that maybe I could make a theme next time (Christmas ornaments at that time...).

This way you are focused on something you are doing, not on other people.

And if they are thinking anything, who cares! You'll never see them again anyway!

Reminds me of a quote: There are billions of people in the world...you are going to let one ruin YOUR day?

 

[Irishman]

OK to all..it is 2-21-20013 9 pm.ish.Just got home last night.Cold in MD.Compare to Orlando.I am not affraid to travel solo.BUT due to all yous out there.I did a solo to Mickeyland.I had to go down for some personal business and lost some ME time.BUT.I did have a day in ahalf for myself.SO.still not expert as all of you BUT...I went to downtown.Shopped drang irish beer.Meet a bunch of folks from all over.Laughed my _utt offf...moooched a free pass to EPCOT.( timeshare business)...I was able to catch a bunch street shows in all of the countries.Shopped.( oh so not me).Ate well drank better.Did not feel bad being solo...mostly all adults drinking everyone was friendly..Thinking on trying a real week solo next Jan..give it a real try....

 

[DisNorth]

I have a month sabbatical next January and plan on spending most of it at BW. I am very nervous that I will be very lonely and feel out of place.

We just returned from a family trip last week and I took a few hours to walk around by myself to see what it felt like and I just felt lonely and out of place. I felt like people were looking at me differently being alone.

I do have some plans when I go next January like meeting up with a friends, attending some classes, and meet-up park walking groups, but I am really concerned. Does anyone have any suggestions?

I love traveling solo! You can do what you want! Having some plans to meet up with people and classes will help break up your solo time. Have a list of 'to dos' and go with a good atitude. You are not out of place at all! Lots of solo adults at Disney! It's just your perception that people are looking at you diffrently. And really they don't know if you are really alone or not and it's none of their bussness so don't worry!

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

I adore my solo trips to Disney more than when I go with my family.

I was nervous on my first solo trip. But I don't mind being alone so I quickly adapted.

I like to take pictures so I took alot of pictures. I did everything that I wanted that my family never does.

I chat with CM's and people in line (if they want to talk - sometimes they only want to talk to their group).

If I see anyone holding a map looking confused I stop to help. The funniest was in DHS, the folks were from Japan and didn't speak English and couldn't figure out how to get out of the Streets of America. I wasn't in any hurry so I after pantomine, they realized I was willing to lead them out and followed me. Then I went back to wander around.

If I see people trying to take a group shot and there's no Photopass Photographer around, I offer to take their picture so everyone can be in the shot. Usually they return the offer so I have a few pictures of me that aren't photopass.

I also preorder the photopass and make sure to have my picture taken alot. I love seeing characters!

And use single rider lines when available. Less waiting and more fun.

And be aware of your surroundings and who is nearby. Keep your deadbolt locked every time you are in the room for safety.

I hope you enjoy your solo trip.

 

[Anonny]

I have had two week-long mostly solo trips. Love it! My biggest regret is that I have to pay full price for the motel room, would prefer to split the cost of the room.

I love going at my own pace. Single rider line is sometimes faster than the fast pass line. I like the serendipity of meeting people. I shared a boat with a large family on It's a Small World. Later in the day, they saw me in line Splash Mountain and they asked me to join them. They had an extra Fastpass from a family member not riding. I chatted with a nice woman waiting for lunch at Be Our Guest. We ended up eating together and found we knew people in common. Four days later, we unexpectedly met again in Epcot on the Segway tour.

As a solo diner, I usually get quick service food. For sit-down meals, I prefer buffets so I have something to do, I am not just waiting for food to be delivered.

Have fun!

 

[DakotaRose]

If you felt lonely and out of place and scrutinized while on your own for a few hours, even tho you knew you would see your family shortly, then you probably should not go solo. It's not for everyone. Your own experience is a pretty strong indication that it's going to be unpleasant for you. The posters above, like me, have really enjoyed solo travel. However, plenty of people do not. If you are going for it, I hope you have a great time!!