Going alone

[jollymon2]

Hey all,

I'm a 34 year old dad who generally takes my DW and 2 DD's (age 6 and 3) at least once a year. This October I have a convention and will be going to Orlando alone. I just decided to stay at POFQ and make a little Disney vacation out of it. I just wondered, for those of you who have gone alone before, how is it? It will seem a little strange not having to carry diapers, wipes, change of clothes for three ladies, etc. around with me the whole time, but I think I can get used to that part of things. Am I going to feel a little strange being alone the whole time? I'm thinking of doing some different stuff on this trip (parasailing, segway tour, etc.). Are there any suggestions on things I should think about doing since I won't be responsible for anyone but myself?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts and suggestions.

 

[figmentmom]

There are LOTS of threads here about traveling to WDW solo. I can tell you from experience that you will have a great time! You can relax and take the parks at your own pace - and see and do what you want. You will feel perfectly safe and comfortable alone.

Have fun! :wave:

 

[yankspy]

I just did a solo trip in March. It was great. I would do the segway tour, or any other thing that you feel that you cannot do when you are with evryone else. Go on your favorite ride over and over. I rode HM three times in a row. I did miss my wife at times, but all in all, it was a great experience. Have fun.

 

[gardenia]

Go sample the micro-brews at Big River Grille & Brewing on the Boardwalk.

 

[cooleo]

I have been in the parks by myself once before & you are right, it did seem strange not having my wife & son with me. However, you have the right idea. Do the things you wouldn't ordinarily do. And enjoy yourself, don't feel guilty because you are there & your family is not.

 

[tjkref418]

I enjoy going it alone once in a while. It gives me a chance to try some of the more exotic restaurants that other members of my traveling party are not too crazy about. Hope you have a terrific time!

 

[Iknewagirlnamed]

I took a week long trip alone in January and it was wonderful. I was entirely independent to do what I wanted- when I wanted. I would definitely suggest doing a tour or something of the like. Don't feel awkward about it. Sure, I had a couple CMs respond with, "Just one?" when going to a restaurant or attraction- but who cares what other people think? By and large I didn't notice anyone staring because why would they? Perhaps I didn't notice because I was in my own world most of the time, but I don't think anyone would notice because they're too busy with their own experience. Go and have an amazing time! You'll love it!:wave:

 

[krankenstein]

I've been solo before and I am taking another solo trip in a few weeks. It is a great experience. I love having the freedom to do what I want when I want. One thing to remember, and this has been documented by many others, when you go solo you tend to park hop a lot more. I would plan on hitting up 3 if not all 4 parks during one day of your stay. The reason why you tend to do this is b/c you simply can and it is easy when you are alone. Enjoy it, you will have a blast.

 

[frankd1962]

Grab one of the guide books and look over what there is then see what you want to do that you wouldn't have done with the family. The big one was doing the Richard Petty Driving Experience. I did the ride along and had great fun because I had recently became a fan of NASCAR and riding in Dale Jr.'s car (#8 back then) was a blast.

 

[captainkidd]

I love going to Disney solo. Going in 2 weeks in fact for a long weekend. I'm like a kid in a candy store. Do whatever you want, as many times as, you want - It's awesome!

 

[Phonedave]

I am a 38 year old dad of two girls (and divorced)

I go with the kids about ever 10 months or so. I end up in the Orlando area for work every so often and do just what you are doing, take a 2-3 day solo trip.

Do the Seqway tour, do parasailing, do all those things that you could only do by yorself of with the aid of a sitter.

Take you time, it's just you, so you do whatever you want. Are you walking along and something catches your eye, then go look at it. Nobody is going to complain that they think its boring.

Yes at times you will miss your family, but you will also have tons of fun.

As for eating, dining solo is not such a big scary thing as it may seem. I do it all the time, especialy when on business. The only thing that I feel odd doing solo are family style meals (Ohana, Liberty Tree, etc). Somehting about being at a table alone with enough food for 4 people just is freaky.

-dave

 

[conntom]

I have been going to WDW for 24 years out of that 2 time with a brother.
I like WDW by my self more you do the thing you like to do and eat the
thing you like no one to say you can't do that. I have had a great time
Iam sure you will.

 

[jollymon2]

Thanks for all the alone well wishes. The more I think of it, the more I'm looking forward to it. I'm finding the hardest part is the dining. I'm still trying to figure out where I want to eat alone. I did make a reservation at Raglan Road at 8:30 so I can see the dancer (the kids would not do well having to wait until then to eat). So, I'm sure I will figure things out. If there are other ideas or suggestions for my alone trip, I would love to hear them. Thanks for all the suggestions thus far.

 

[Carolyn1717]

Hey all,

I'm a 34 year old dad who generally takes my DW and 2 DD's (age 6 and 3) at least once a year. This October I have a convention and will be going to Orlando alone. I just decided to stay at POFQ and make a little Disney vacation out of it. I just wondered, for those of you who have gone alone before, how is it? It will seem a little strange not having to carry diapers, wipes, change of clothes for three ladies, etc. around with me the whole time, but I think I can get used to that part of things. Am I going to feel a little strange being alone the whole time? I'm thinking of doing some different stuff on this trip (parasailing, segway tour, etc.). Are there any suggestions on things I should think about doing since I won't be responsible for anyone but myself?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts and suggestions.

Lots of people go alone. You will have a fine time. You can go at your own pace, see what you want to see and just relax. I worked for Disney & was fortunate enough to be able to get my family in all the time for free. But there were times, when I would just take off to the parks all by myself, and it was wonderful.

 

[conntom]

Well if you go to EPCOT and go to Biergarten - Germany - World Showcase - Table -Buffer you can set with people all you do is say hi and they will talk to you alot are from other country's I like to do it very year I think its fun and the food is
very good to.

 

[JxnMan20]

I agree with everyone else....do exactly what YOU want to do. I just got back 2 weeks ago from my first solo trip, and it was probably the best trip I've ever had to the World.

I would definitely take advantage of doing some of the tours you may not be able to do otherwise (Segway, Keys to the Kingdom, Searacers, Parasailing). There's no other opportunity to treat yourself to enjoying what makes you happy!

Have a great trip!

 

[Glasgow]

haha - My situation is very similar to yours. I have been to a work conference 4 times and have stayed at the Swan each time. I do the conference during the day and then park hop at night -- it is great! Yes, I miss having my family there but the freedom of choice is wonderful.

 

[wdwmomof3]

I can't help you with this one, I made my Dh take us when he had to go. :lol:

But seriously, I think that it would be great to go alone, especially if there are somethings that you normally wouldn't be able to do with the whole family there. What about the Richard Petty driving thing, it's a man thing. You could go fishing, or you could play golf. :shrug:

What ever you decide to do, make a trip to DTD and load up with all kinds of things for your family back home. :animwink:

 

[jollymon2]

Let's see if you can answer these questions. Does anyone know how long a cab ride is from the Orange County Convention Center to Disney? How about how much it will cost? Thanks again for all the great advice.

 

[yankspy]

Mapquest says it is about 11.2 miles from the convention center to port orleans. I could not imagine the cab being more than twenty-thirty dollars for that short distance.