Solo Trip

[atterris]

Hi Everyone,
I just got back a few weeks ago from a 10 day trip with two of my friends. I had a great time but next time I'm thinking of going by myself. My question is what is a solo trip like and how long do people typically go for by themself? I think a vacation where I can do whatever I want would be fun.

 

[krankenstein]

Solo trips are awesome. I've gone a couple of times by myself, and probably will again next March or May. They normally last around 4 or 5 days, but that is a typical length of stay for me with or without someone else. Definitely do it, you won't regret. Just make sure you have park hopping, you will use it a lot more since you will be alone.

 

[DznyGrlSD]

Solo trips ROCK!!!

I usually go for 10 days solo with DDP @ POP

 

[a2grafix]

My last two, and only two, previous trips were solos. My October 2007 trip lasted a week, but that's because it had been 14 years since my previous visit (Aug 1993).

I just got back from 4-nights and 5-days of Tropical Storm Fay-filled fun. I did things at my own pace and saw things I did not catch on my October 07 trip.

Thoroughly enjoyed it and it was very economical and fun. Looking forward to another trip sometime soon. In fact I am sorting out the details of a solo trip to Anaheim Disneyland this December.

Best of luck! Enjoy!

 

[atterris]

Thanks for the responses For those of you that did the ddp did you feel bit strange eating alone?

 

[raven]

Used to go every year by myself. Loved every second of it. But check out the links at the bottom of the page for more infor on solo trips.

 

[a2grafix]

Thanks for the responses For those of you that did the ddp did you feel bit strange eating alone?

I'm kind of special in that I didn't need to get into a dining plan. I work for a TV station and I work as a weekend warrior with the Air National Guard, so received some discounts by staying at Shades of Green, etc.

 

[MichWolv]

Thanks for the responses For those of you that did the ddp did you feel bit strange eating alone?

Eating in restaurants alone does feel a bit odd. I've done solo trips on several occasions, mostly as add-ons to business trips in the area. I've never done the ddp solo, but have indeed eaten at nice restaurants solo. My strategies...

1. Buffets are pretty easy solo. Boma, Biergarten, Chef Mickey's, etc. No waiting around for a waiter/waitress.

2. Bring something to read. I know it may seem odd in a nicer restaurant, but this is Disney, and there will be loud kids in even a nice restaurant, so nobody will care that you're reading a book/magazine/new accounting standard (your profession may vary).

3. Pick places with views -- California Grill, Rose & Crown, Coral Reef, etc -- or entertainment -- Biergarten, ESPN Zone, All-Star Cafe, etc.

4. Pick the places that your traveling companions normally won't go.

5. If you crave a table with people to talk to, some restaurants have bars to sit at, or communal tables (Biergarten again, Ohana I think, Teppan Edo).

But mostly, just make reservations where you want to eat, and don't be self-conscious about being a "party of one". The CMs have seen it before, and you don't really care what others think anyways!

 

[a2grafix]

I did this during my October 07 trip - asked if there were any single seating at the Sci-Fi at the Studios, and the cast member said they could accomodate and asked me to return in a half hour. I had never eaten there but walked inside to take a quick look when I was with my mom and dad and sisters back in 1990.

I ended up being a "hitchiker" in the last back seat of one of the cars and I still had a great time. The hostess and server both played it up that I was a loner on the street and needed a ride.

So, I ended up eating with a family with little kids and watched about a hour worth on the big screen. Had a blast, a highlight of my day at the Studios, other than riding Tower 7 times and Rock n Roller 5 times. Single rider lines, being a singler rider rules!

Even though I wait at Tower in the main line, when I snake my way through the boiler room and a cast member calls for a "single staying guest," by hand shoots up straight and "ding!" I'm on the next elevator up.

Good luck in planning your solo trip.

 

[Cmdr_Crimson]

I've gone solo since 2004 and I love going ever since!

 

[gibson12]

I am going to go for one day by myself this month. I can take my time getting pictures and trading pins. Some members of my family are very goal-oriented and prefer to get as many rides in as possible, so it's nice not to have the pressure.

 

[Disneychild92]

i really want to do a solo trip as well as my family like to quickly walk to places and i like to look at all the details and all that stuff it seems better to go on my own plus it means i can watch the shows as much as i want and means i can spend as much time as i want in the shops.

seems like a good plan to me plus when your on your own its just you and the magic i cant imagine anything else thats that good

 

[H20Babie]

From one fellow Canuck to another, take at least a week. I went for a week solo this past March, and enjoyed every single minute. Scratch off one or two days for travelling, and you still have at least 5 days in the parks. Most days I did 2 parks, one day I did all 4. I was on the DDP too, and enjoyed some of the finer restaurants that I always wanted to try but never could with my son in tow. I never felt odd dining by myself and always received excellent (dare I say, better) service. Take advantage of the EMH's, and just go with the flow!

:wave:

 

[The Red Head]

If you are interested in any of the backstage tours..

I live in Central Florida so I have not had a solo vacation there per say but I did spend a day at the Magic Kingdom by myself when my husband got called back to work on a weekend at the parks. I was scheduled to take the Keys to the Kingdom tour that day and being the only "single" party in the tour group had its advantages. When we went on the Haunted Mansion ride (I don't know if this is one of the standard rides they go on, on the tour but it had just reopened so it was a stop on our tour) and at lunch I was sat with our tour guide, which was very cool because I got to ask extra questions and on the Haunted Mansion I got the expert pointing out all the Disney Magic while on the ride. I would say if you were interested in one of the Backstage Tours, solo is the way to take them.

 

[atterris]

Thanks again for all of the support. I think I might take a solo trip next year. Is it better to travel in July or August?

 

[Phonedave]

Eating in restaurants alone does feel a bit odd. I've done solo trips on several occasions, mostly as add-ons to business trips in the area. I've never done the ddp solo, but have indeed eaten at nice restaurants solo. My strategies...

1. Buffets are pretty easy solo. Boma, Biergarten, Chef Mickey's, etc. No waiting around for a waiter/waitress.

2. Bring something to read. I know it may seem odd in a nicer restaurant, but this is Disney, and there will be loud kids in even a nice restaurant, so nobody will care that you're reading a book/magazine/new accounting standard (your profession may vary).

3. Pick places with views -- California Grill, Rose & Crown, Coral Reef, etc -- or entertainment -- Biergarten, ESPN Zone, All-Star Cafe, etc.

4. Pick the places that your traveling companions normally won't go.

5. If you crave a table with people to talk to, some restaurants have bars to sit at, or communal tables (Biergarten again, Ohana I think, Teppan Edo).

But mostly, just make reservations where you want to eat, and don't be self-conscious about being a "party of one". The CMs have seen it before, and you don't really care what others think anyways!

I don't bring anything to read, I just people watch, but I have also have no problem eating alone.

The only places where it seems a bit odd are in family style places, like Ohana'. Something about sitting alone at a table while the wait person brings you dishes and dishes of food.

I do the same thing with business trips, I tack on a few days. All be doing that the end of this month in fact

-dave