Potential Solo Visit to WDW - Oct 2022

[Musicman20]

Hi all,

Due to the pandemic and moving/buying a house, I have not been to DW since Oct 2016! This is outrageous!

I was hoping a friend was able to come with me this year, but he might have to pull out.

I am wondering whether solo visits are a good idea, and where I can meet like minded travellers?

I am from the UK btw. I'll be in Orlando area for around 10/11 days should the trip go ahead.

Thanks

 

[BeanCounterBob]

I have done a solo trip and it was one of the best trips I did down there. I was able to do anything I wanted, whenever I wanted to, and did not have to feel like I was being pushy about it. I love to bounce around parks, which is not for everyone, but it was nice to start at one park and then maybe hit 2 other parks that day. It was very relaxing though. I get that it can be a little lonely but I did not feel that. I was way to into going on rides and eating whenever I wanted to. The biggest draw back, for me, is going to a sit down restaurant solo. I am not a huge fan of that, but the cast members are always so nice that it makes it worth it.

 

[MichWolv]

I've gone solo to Disneyland, WDW, DLP, and Tokyo Disneyland (generally as add-ons to business trips). All of the trips were fun. I bring a book or download stuff on my phone or iPad to read in particularly long queues if there's nobody to talk to or when dining alone. I enjoy the freedom to do what I want in whatever order I want, spend excessive time on things other's wouldn't, etc.

 

[jloucks]

Good idea? Inherently I think it would be fine. Especially if you are used to it. Not much of a talker? You are gonna be fine.

I'd say probably 70% of my joy is generated from sharing the experience with those that I am with and vicariously enjoying their joy.

And talking. Getting off a ride or leaving an attraction and not jabbering about it for 20 minutes seems yucky to me.

Same with sitting at a nice restaurant. For me, talking is a big chunk of the experience.

That said, I do go to movies alone and local food places alone. At that point, it is about food quality. I had to quit fast food because I we getting enormous. My point being, make it about the food (and décor too) and it all makes sense.

Too bad WDW food is sub par, in most cases. Way better than Six Flags food tho, lol.

 

[UKDisney Dave]

I’m also from the UK. Have a 17night solo trip planned for September. One of many I have done, but it’s been a while so looking forward to heading back.

Solo trips are what you make of them. The upside is freedom to do as you please. Throw out your plans if the mood takes you, and go with the flow. If your a people person and think you might be lonely then I highly recommend people watching. Just take a seat and enjoy others enjoying time together. Or giggle as they argue like cat and dog and be thankful your all alone!

Dining alone can be odd in table service restaurants, but not impossible. I’ve done a few character meals alone and find it funny that the characters always come and join me at the table, pull up a chair and “cheer me up”. Kinda funny. If you really want company look for dining where you share a table with others. I’ve done this a few times, had some great nights and meals with total strangers. Or if you just like being alone wander the food and wine and feel no guilt what you order because no on is watching. Want to do a full trip round the world on just desserts….no one’s gonna know!! .

So yes is it worth it. Absolutely. Relax. Have fun. And share lots of pics with folks back home to make them jealous.

 

[SaucyBoy]

Solo WDW trips are some of the best ways to visit. You can enjoy things at your own pace and not have to worry about catering to others schedules. I've always been someone that has no issues going to places by myself; movies, restaurants, and even concerts. For me the only time it feels awkward is getting on rides by myself. I always feel like the people in the line think I'm some sort of a freak.

 

[jloucks]

This reminds me...

You can have too many people too.

• 1 - Too lonely, not for me.
• 2-4 - Perfect number.
• 5-8 - Moving around gets clunky. Dining decisions become challenging. Ride selection gets tricky. The added company can make up for it.
• 8-12 - Moving around as one becomes near impossible (unless maybe you are chanting loudly?). Unanimous dining choices are almost impossible. Reservations are a huge pain. This was our last trip, and it was fun. But, yeesh, it was tricky. On the Starcruiser it was ok, because were were very contained, but in the parks it was wacky.
• 13+ - I cannot image it. You would have to break it up and meet just occasionally.

 

[DisneyDreamer08]

Check out this Facebook group. Lots of travelers from the UK.

 

[DisneyDreamer08]

I did my first solo trip this past January and I’m not going to lie, it was the best trip to Disney ever. I’m very introverted and love peace and solitude. Here’s my trip report if you’re interested.

The Most Magical Solo Momcation

 

[jonnyc]

I also did my first full solo trip in January this year - did 10 nights at Pop and 4 at Universal. Absolutely loved it - you can do whatever you choose to do - want to rope drop and hit rides non-stop all day you can, want to cancel your plans and have a relaxing day at the pool before jumping to a park to hit a couple of rides before it closes you can.

And don't be put off on dining alone - it really allows you to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the food!

I'm going solo again this September and can't wait. I'd highly recommend a SkyLiner resort - the ease of being able to be at DHS or EPCOT within 5/10 minutes really opens up that flexibility.

 

[the_rich]

I did a solo trip to DL and it was fantastic. Kept my own schedule and didn't have to worry about anyone else's food pickiness.

 

[danyoung56]

I almost always visit solo, and I have a terrific time. As others have said, you have the freedom to do what you want without keeping a committee happy. If you get tired, you can head back to your room for a nap. If you feel like riding "Pirates" 3 times in a row, you don't have to convince anyone else. I usually end the day with a drink or 3, and I have a great time chatting with my barmates.

Of course, when I go with a friend or relative, I still have a fine time. But I'm always looking forward to my next solo trip, where I can get a lot more done with minimal fuss.

 

[JIMINYCR]

Solos are great fun once you adjust to being by yourself and not having a family member or friend to enjoy the fun together. Ive been able to breeze through the parks not having to wait for someone, the schedule is all mine to do. Adjust or change things on the fly without worrying about what someone else thinks about it. And taking advantage of single rider lines helps you rush along.
Hope it works out for you and you can report back to us on how it went.

 

[The Empress Lilly]

Hi all,

Due to the pandemic and moving/buying a house, I have not been to DW since Oct 2016! This is outrageous!

I was hoping a friend was able to come with me this year, but he might have to pull out.

I am wondering whether solo visits are a good idea, and where I can meet like minded travellers?

I am from the UK btw. I'll be in Orlando area for around 10/11 days should the trip go ahead.

Thanks

Solo trips fantastic. Why bother meeting like minded travellers - you don't need to be with company.

The one aspect I find awkward is always having to fill in empty spots on rides. The three other people of the same party already boarded didn't need me to join them, and mutually I would rather have let them enjoy their ride without me joining them as well.
(Also, I'm 6'4 with purple hair and 'ask me about JK Rowling ruining my childhood' tattooed on my forehead, which adds to the trepidation of me boarding a ride vehicle already occupied by a family peacefully going about their business)

 

[Musicman20]

Thanks all for the great advice!

 

[Maelstrom Troll]

I had a couple days before my wife and daughter arrived and I had a blast. I did tours no one else wanted to do (pre covid), ate at Chefs de France which no one wanted to do, and drank a bunch of beers that no one would have wanted to wait in line for. I brought my kindle to the sit downs and didn’t feel awkward at all.

 

[CelebrationFL]

I am wondering whether solo visits are a good idea, and where I can meet like minded travellers?

I traveled solo to WDW in September 2016 and August 2020. And I had a blast both times. If doing a solo trip is something you want to do then I say do it. Going to WDW and doing what you want, when you want is the best feeling ever. I don't think you have to go out of your way to find like-minded travelers. You might end up meeting them in line for a ride.