Visiting WDW by yourself

[Stinky_Pete]

I go solo to WDW at least once or twice a year. The only resturaunt where I've ever had a bad experience was Teppan Edo. I hate those communal tables now! Unfortunately (for both of us) I got seated next to a teenaged girl who, I think, really didn't want to go to WDW with her parents, and worse, she got seated next to a stranger at dinner! My attempts to be friendly and engage her in a little conversation were meant with monosylabic grunts (I used to teach high school-those monosylabic grunts are NOT a good sign!). At the end of the meal, I don't know which one of us was more relieved to get out of there. Other than that one meal, though, I've always been perfectly comfortable traveling solo at WDW.

I've had this experience with communal dining at WDW too when traveling with someone else. With one exception, I found if I turned in the other direction, the people on that side were wonderful communal dining companions. I go on cruises so am accustomed to this.

The one exception was when we were seated with only one other family at Disney's "Jolly Hollidays" dinner show in like 1996 or something. They were not pleased at having these two "strangers" at their table.

When I travel solo, I'm not much into table service dining anyway. I prefer QS, and fortunately WDW has so many varied and tasty options. My last trip the only TS I did was Rose and Crown, and that was only because I wanted to do the Candlelight Processional dinner package.

 

[Terk-1]

Although I love going to WDW with family, I find I have just as much fun going solo. I have had some people remark "won't you be lonely" or "that sounds selfish", but my responses are "nope" & "nope". You get the freedom to do what you want, when you want. Haunted Mansion is my absolute FAVORITE ride in all of WDW, so for me to ride this attraction 20 times during a visit is not a rarity. I love taking in all the details, so I take my time walking around the parks, taking pictures, and really noticing all of the little things. I made a game for myself on my last trip to see if I could find all of the different window displays (such as the pet therapists), as well as some of the other little details (like the apartment mailboxes over by the 50's Primetime Café. You can't do that kind of stuff with a group of people, as I doubt they are going to wait for you. I have no problem traveling or dining by myself. I'm an avid reader, so I always have a book in my bag. Once I get seated and order, I will sit back, relax, read a little, then enjoy my meal. I also find people strike up a conversation with you, when they notice you are alone, while waiting for a parade or show to start. The other thing that I LOVE to do going solo, is ask people that are a couple or a family if they would like for me to take their picture with their camera for them. Can't tell you how many happy reactions I get. Makes me feel like I'm spreading the magic.

 

[NJDiva]

I am all about going solo!! not that I don't enjoy hanging with my friends, but there's something about getting to do what you want, when you want to. there's no compromising or debating on where to go or what to see next. plus I agree with you that there's something very tranquil about spending time solo in the parks....it's all about your magic!

 

[Simba's Mom]

I forgot to say also that CMs seem to be especially "chatty" with solos. They're often interested and envious about your solo trip. One time I had the CMs at Spaceship Earth telling me where all the Hidden Mickeys were on the ride, then sending me back through the ride again to find more. It was such fun! And I've been mistaken for another CM by CMs. Once a CM whispered to me "[the local TV station-I can't rememberr which one] is in back filming now, but don't tell the guests". I thought that was particularly funny!

 

[TattooedMermaid]

I always wondered about this- then I took a solo trip in 2011. Spent the last half of my trip with another solo traveler which was cool.

My trip helped inspire me to move to Florida. Even though I have friends, none are Disney people so when I go to the parks, I always go alone. Honestly, I love it. As everyone else has said, you get to go at your own pace, re-ride things as many times as you want and- in the case of crowds- its easier to quickly maneuver through them.

It's been so long since I've been in WDW with anyone else, I don't know how it'll be when I find someone to go with!