May be going solo Nov. 16-20

[Tiggerfanatic]

I'm planning my 1st solo trip in 33 days. DH went hunting in Montana last month, DD20 is traveling to Belfast, N. Ireland for Thanksgiving, and I decided I needed a vacation, too!

I look forward to doing what I want, when I want for as long as I want. I want to watch an entire performance of the street players at the Studios. If I want to spend an hour just browsing through the Emporium, no one will be complaining that they're bored. I'm planning on spending an evening just walking through the Ft. Wilderness campground looking at everyone's Christmas decorations. I got the counter service dining plan, so I won't be tied down to specific dining times; the only reservation I made was for the Candlelight Processional.

I think it will be great to have the time to poke into all the little corners and check out all the little hidden details that you never seem to have time to do when you're traveling with others.

 

[Sloan]

just returned from my first solo trip

I will try to do a full trip report soon, but wanted to chime in on the solo trip angle.

In summary, I agree with the others who have said it is a great experience. I enjoyed the total freedom, and really made a point of just doing whatever I felt like at that moment. It made for even better people watching, and there were countless times where I had a huge grin on my face just with the observations I was making - and some of the exchanges that I heard! It was also funny getting my own ride vehicles / whole rows on most rides (it helped that it was not too busy) and, on occasion, when a cast member load operator would play 'matchmaker' and put me with someone else - and that usually worked out well.

Most cast members were very friendly - including the service for my several table service meals. However, not all cast members reacted equally well to the solo traveler - particularly awkward was a dining reservation where I was first asked by the hostess, "Oh, just you - did someone stand you up tonight"? (she was not joking either). When I explained no, I was really on my own, the reply was not really an improvement, "oh well, then I sure hope that you like eating alone". Fortunately, I did, but the setting for the exchange was less than ideal - the last time I'd eaten at that particular restaurant was with my former wife for an anniversary - since that is where we'd gotten engaged - so really not the most sensitive greeting for my dinner that night (I still enjoyed it, though).

Overall, I loved the trip, and will not hesitate to return solo again.

 

[badrew]

I will try to do a full trip report soon, but wanted to chime in on the solo trip angle.

In summary, I agree with the others who have said it is a great experience. I enjoyed the total freedom, and really made a point of just doing whatever I felt like at that moment. It made for even better people watching, and there were countless times where I had a huge grin on my face just with the observations I was making - and some of the exchanges that I heard! It was also funny getting my own ride vehicles / whole rows on most rides (it helped that it was not too busy) and, on occasion, when a cast member load operator would play 'matchmaker' and put me with someone else - and that usually worked out well.

Most cast members were very friendly - including the service for my several table service meals. However, not all cast members reacted equally well to the solo traveler - particularly awkward was a dining reservation where I was first asked by the hostess, "Oh, just you - did someone stand you up tonight"? (she was not joking either). When I explained no, I was really on my own, the reply was not really an improvement, "oh well, then I sure hope that you like eating alone". Fortunately, I did, but the setting for the exchange was less than ideal - the last time I'd eaten at that particular restaurant was with my former wife for an anniversary - since that is where we'd gotten engaged - so really not the most sensitive greeting for my dinner that night (I still enjoyed it, though).

Overall, I loved the trip, and will not hesitate to return solo again.

That was really quite rude of that CM, but glad it all worked out. I will most likely stay away from any table seating - I haven't made any Dining Reservations.

 

[frankd1962]

I did a solo trip in 2007 for my birthday. I was there for a week and had the most fun ever. I did plan it like I would if I was going in a group but I booked the dining places I really wanted to go to. I did things that I wanted to do and acted so like a kid then ever without worrying about embarrassing someone else. Just go and have the most fun you can.

 

[fosse76]

I always go alone. The first two times I ever went to WDW I went with friends...and now I don't think I'll ever be able to go with anyone else again! You'll discover that you will actually get through the parks much quicker...even on busy days.