Be honest, how weird is it for a male to go on Solo trip?

[Mireille]

Hi all,

I'm a 46 year old man that loves Disney and I need a nice relaxing vacation. No worries, no kids, no work, just relaxation. I want to do a WDW solo trip for 7 days. Walking around the parks and going on rides solo doesn't actually bother me, but I'm a pretty introvert person and the dining part concerns me some. Sitting down at a table alone eating. It's a little awkward and strange is all.

I mean be honest, how weird is it?

Well, I'm a 45 year old woman, and I'm heading there tomorrow for my 3rd week long solo trip in 5 years. I actually love it. Any time I’ve gone with other people, they haven’t liked it as much as me, so it’s so nice to be able to do whatever I want whenever I want. I make loose plans, maybe a sit down meal reservation and work around that. I’d say if you want to do it, go for it! I wasn’t sure what it would be like the first time, but obviously it worked out well because I’m doing it again.

 

[Much-Pixie-Dust]

Go for it. You do you and have a great time! I have seen males and females of various ages alone at Disney and never thought it was strange. Never thought to ask them where their family was either, because it’s not my business.

 

[UKDisney Dave]

I’ve been going solo from the UK for a number of years now. At first I was also a little shy about what others may think, and skipped certain rides and attractions to not feel strange. Over time though it quickly became apparent that no one cares! Most families are to wrapped up arguing (sorry I mean having fun!!) to notice you! And I guess if they do question why your a single man riding alone they probably just think the rest of your party didnt want to ride.

Now I just do what I like, and go with the flow. It’s actually remarkably easy to strike up conversations with people in the parks from CM’s to other guest. I have had some great interactions where I’ve been on rides and another family has ended up sitting with me. On Everest for example, mum and the small daughter sat in front of me, whilst I sat in the row behind with the her son. They were first timers at the parks, and I was able to reassure them that it definitely didn’t go upside down! At the end of the ride the son was loving it and we high fived before I left them to enjoy the rest of their holiday.

There have been many many similar experiences like that, from being “adopted” by an elderly couple on the great movie ride, to being bench buddies on trams, safaries, boats and more. I’ve even done family style dining in Germany, sharing a table with two other families, both of whom where keen to talk.

I’m certainly no extravert, but there is something about having a shared experience with strangers in the park that makes it quite easy to open up.

So go, enjoy yourself. Take the parks at your pace, do what interests you, and have a fab time.

 

[Goofyernmost]

Some people still wear wedding rings.

And many married men do not... I don't see a whole heap of single women lining up to get friendly with someone just because they don't have a wedding ring.

 

[Goofy_Disney_Dad]

I've gone several times alone and the only problem I encountered was the occasional kid not wanting to sit with a stranger on a ride. It only has happened a handful of times though, so I wouldn't worry too much about it. I recommend the solo trip. You'll have a blast. I stuck with counter service eating for the most part as well as that seemed a bit easier and convenient for me solo.

 

[Goofyernmost]

I've gone several times alone and the only problem I encountered was the occasional kid not wanting to sit with a stranger on a ride. It only has happened a handful of times though, so I wouldn't worry too much about it. I recommend the solo trip. You'll have a blast. I stuck with counter service eating for the most part as well as that seemed a bit easier and convenient for me solo.

I never have a problem with anything like that and I don't usually even have the situation come up, The CM's are very good about not putting an unattended child in with a stranger. Only makes sense and the parents would probably be vocal about it anyway.

 

[Darth Figment]

Don't worry about it, I'm doing a solo trip 1st week of Nov. Actually looking forward to it, nobody else to worry about . Good times !!!

 

[noodles]

I am a 50 year old male, and I have went back and forth for weeks on this. I want to go. My vacation does not line up with my kids' Spring Break. My wife is "Disneyed Out". She wants me to go. She knows I love Disney World, and she wants me to just do it and have a great time. The kids want me to go. We have been 6 times as a family. I really really want to go, but I worry about people getting the wrong idea. Normally, I don't care what anyone thinks. But to be mistaken for a pervert would be beyond horrible. Although in my 10 previous trips dating back to 1980, I don't think I've ever looked at anyone in the parks and thought "pervert". I am an introverted soul, so meeting people takes some effort. But, I will say, meeting people at Disney World is pretty easy. I've met tons of people standing in lines. And I've also broken off from the group (we had 17 people a couple trips ago) and spent hours alone. Loved it, and never felt self-conscious.

Also, if I go, I want to do table service. Is it difficult getting a reservation for a party of one? Any restaurants you guys would NOT recommend solo? My youngest daughter is autistic, so our restaurant choices are usually limited. If I go solo, I plan to hit lots of places I haven't been to yet.

Am I a terrible dad to be planning a trip to WDW without my family? Also, I'm a big worrier. My wife had a heart attack 2 years ago. My autistic daughter also has epilepsy. And my oldest daughter is graduating high school in May. So, guilt! But guys, I work so hard, I work lots of overtime, and I am just STRESSED OUT. I need Mickey Waffles. I need Monorails. I need an evening listening to Yehaa Bob at Port Orleans. I need a ride on Maelstrom, but that's another post.

Help.

 

[Tony the Tigger]

I am 46, and regret thinking it was “weird” about 15 to 18 years ago.

In the early 2000’s, my work took me to Anaheim for a few weeks in October/November each year. Those hotels near DL are some of the best deals in the L.A. vicinity.

At that point, I had only been to WDW twice, was dying to walk over to DL (could hear the fireworks every night) but thought it would be weird to go alone. I never went.

I think chatting here made it seem less odd, and I went a few times last year for day trips while my spouse was working short term in Orlando. It was fine, and fun. I saw some of our regular servers at bars/lounges, etc.

You end up talking with strangers more than you might think - you pretty much all have something in common to start.

I’m not particularly outgoing but enjoyed it without reservation.

I also appreciated the time to investigate things to then surprise my spouse with on a future trip.

 

[TheDuke]

As many other people have said, I go to Disney by myself all the time.

 

[Tick Tock]

Its sad to say but in this day and age I do worry about what others think of me.

That's a terrible prison to be trapped in. Hopefully you can break out of it sooner rather than later.

 

[OvertheHorizon]

It isn't difficult at all to get a dining reservation as a single. I live 15 minutes from WDW, am an annual pass holder, and go there by myself all the time. As has been mentioned, at Germany in Epcot and the hibachi style Japanese restaurant in Epcot, you will be seated with other people. But I've dined alone in China, France, and various restaurants in the Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom.

 

[MinnieM123]

Going solo to WDW might not be for everyone, but I've always had fun on the solo trips I've taken. From reading the responses on this thread, there's also plenty of other women and men who have enjoyed solo trips.

 

[SyracuseDisneyFan]

Go for it.

 

[disneyspirit]

I am a 50 year old male, and I have went back and forth for weeks on this. I want to go. My vacation does not line up with my kids' Spring Break. My wife is "Disneyed Out". She wants me to go. She knows I love Disney World, and she wants me to just do it and have a great time. The kids want me to go. We have been 6 times as a family. I really really want to go, but I worry about people getting the wrong idea. Normally, I don't care what anyone thinks. But to be mistaken for a pervert would be beyond horrible. Although in my 10 previous trips dating back to 1980, I don't think I've ever looked at anyone in the parks and thought "pervert". I am an introverted soul, so meeting people takes some effort. But, I will say, meeting people at Disney World is pretty easy. I've met tons of people standing in lines. And I've also broken off from the group (we had 17 people a couple trips ago) and spent hours alone. Loved it, and never felt self-conscious.

Also, if I go, I want to do table service. Is it difficult getting a reservation for a party of one? Any restaurants you guys would NOT recommend solo? My youngest daughter is autistic, so our restaurant choices are usually limited. If I go solo, I plan to hit lots of places I haven't been to yet.

Am I a terrible dad to be planning a trip to WDW without my family? Also, I'm a big worrier. My wife had a heart attack 2 years ago. My autistic daughter also has epilepsy. And my oldest daughter is graduating high school in May. So, guilt! But guys, I work so hard, I work lots of overtime, and I am just STRESSED OUT. I need Mickey Waffles. I need Monorails. I need an evening listening to Yehaa Bob at Port Orleans. I need a ride on Maelstrom, but that's another post.

Help.

GO! You need a break and where else but Disney? Your wife wants you to go, your kids want you to go, do it for yourself. Forget any connotation that you might be a pervert, unless you're approaching strange children or weirdly drooling over them, no one will even
notice you're a solo guy walking around. Make your reservations and have a blast.

 

[Goofyernmost]

I am a 50 year old male, and I have went back and forth for weeks on this. I want to go. My vacation does not line up with my kids' Spring Break. My wife is "Disneyed Out". She wants me to go. She knows I love Disney World, and she wants me to just do it and have a great time. The kids want me to go. We have been 6 times as a family. I really really want to go, but I worry about people getting the wrong idea. Normally, I don't care what anyone thinks. But to be mistaken for a pervert would be beyond horrible. Although in my 10 previous trips dating back to 1980, I don't think I've ever looked at anyone in the parks and thought "pervert". I am an introverted soul, so meeting people takes some effort. But, I will say, meeting people at Disney World is pretty easy. I've met tons of people standing in lines. And I've also broken off from the group (we had 17 people a couple trips ago) and spent hours alone. Loved it, and never felt self-conscious.

Also, if I go, I want to do table service. Is it difficult getting a reservation for a party of one? Any restaurants you guys would NOT recommend solo? My youngest daughter is autistic, so our restaurant choices are usually limited. If I go solo, I plan to hit lots of places I haven't been to yet.

Am I a terrible dad to be planning a trip to WDW without my family? Also, I'm a big worrier. My wife had a heart attack 2 years ago. My autistic daughter also has epilepsy. And my oldest daughter is graduating high school in May. So, guilt! But guys, I work so hard, I work lots of overtime, and I am just STRESSED OUT. I need Mickey Waffles. I need Monorails. I need an evening listening to Yehaa Bob at Port Orleans. I need a ride on Maelstrom, but that's another post.

Help.

I'd like to just say GO, however, I don't know your marital situation. I was fooled one time by a wife that smilingly said go on the golfing trip, you have earned it. I paid for it over and over again. You have to be able to correctly interpret the way a wife says "Go, have a good time". Remember the Women are from Venus and men are from Mars distinction. You have to listen carefully for the nuances in voice and body language. If you have a really good, non-passive aggressive relationship then that is great and you will know that the words are really meant. Of course she might get upset if you don't go as well. There are times when you just can't win so you might as well go and have a good time while you can.

I'm just kidding around with you, of course, you do have a lot a variables to consider. I'm sure you wife means what she said and you shouldn't feel bad, however, if you have all these doubts and you don't think you can shake the guilt once you get there, perhaps instead of it being a relaxing experience, it just adds more stress. You know yourself better then I do, but, I would seriously consider how deep those feelings go and if your desire to go there is strong enough to stop you from thinking about your own doubts.

One thing I can tell you though is that you will have one hell of a hard time riding Maelstrom at this point.

 

[mergatroid]

Before I met my wife 17 years ago I used to go alone from the UK to Orlando for 2 weeks every year. I've always enjoyed my own company and honestly never felt odd eating or doing anything alone. Any awkwardness about doing stuff alone will be entirely in your own mind I can assure you.

Ask yourself this. If you go to a restaurant with other people and notice somebody on their own, do you look at them and question why they're on their own? Chances are you don't, it's of little relevance to you really isn't it? I mean they could be married and their wife's tired and so they just thought they'd try a restaurant on their own that night. They could be there to try food their partner doesn't like or maybe they lost their partner to illness recently and so are revisiting a place they used to visit together to reminisce on happy memories they shared. There's numerous reasons so others probably have little interest and won't waste their time guessing.

And if they do, what's the worst they could imagine? That you're waiting for an escort that you've paid to meet up with you (who cares anyway), or you're some social misfit or deviant who everyone avoids (personally wouldn't care less if somebody thought that about me). And if they think this what difference would it make, you have little control over what other people think anyway.

So go on your own and visit restaurants every day. If you want I'm sure the server will make polite conversation with you. And if you're genuinely not an oddball then you may even find the people on a nearby table may engage you in friendly chit chat (happened to me several times). Make the most of it and honestly don't worry about it, visiting Disney alone can be a wonderful experience enjoyed by many.

 

[Sans Souci]

Am I a terrible dad to be planning a trip to WDW without my family? Also, I'm a big worrier. My wife had a heart attack 2 years ago. My autistic daughter also has epilepsy. And my oldest daughter is graduating high school in May. So, guilt! But guys, I work so hard, I work lots of overtime, and I am just STRESSED OUT.

If you are worried about your wife, could you arrange for some help for your wife if she feels she needs it? I would imagine knowing your wife has help if she needs it would take a load off of your mind.

 

[SKYWAY 4 ME]

I do it also, when my wife is at work or anytime I feel the need

 

[SKYWAY 4 ME]

Han went Solo