Solo trip!

[alexxturnerr]

I wanna go on a solo trip to WDW but as I usually go with my family I'm not sure where to start.

Has anyone done a solo trip before, did you book everything separately or in a package?

So confused, need help haha

thanks!

 

[ginadee]

I have not done a solo trip and thought I would really like it. I have been very encouraged by so many solo trips on this forum. Im sure you will get lots of replies of those that have done it. Im planning on going sept 2015 with or without someone.

 

[disney4life2008]

I have done solo trips: January 14, May 13, January 12, August 11, January 11, November 10, January 10, May 09. WOW I did not realize I did that many, lol. I am currently planning a solo for August 14. The beauty of a solo is that I am on my time and not anyone elses. I can sleep when I want, do what I want, eat when I want. I have equally traveled with groups, family or friends and I always get irritated. I do not book packages solo. I usually do room only because I have an AP. As long as you do not mind being alone waiting in line or eating - then a solo is the best way to experience disney. And in many cases CMs and other people will start a conversation anyway.

 

[shuflemstr]

I have done three solo trips. When I go with family we usually stay seven nights but on solo trips it is usually 5. The one thing I do not like about solo trips is eating alone. I always feel people would stare at me even though they may not be. I haven't had the courage to even try it. With that said, I always stay on the club level at WL so that breakfast and dinner are taken care of and if I get hungry in the parks, I just pick up something that I can eat while walking. People say that you can do what you want when you want, which is true, but after time I did get a little lonely. Don't get me wrong, if I couldn't find anyone to go with me, I would definitely do another solo trip.

 

[disney4life2008]

I have done three solo trips. When I go with family we usually stay seven nights but on solo trips it is usually 5. The one thing I do not like about solo trips is eating alone. I always feel people would stare at me even though they may not be. I haven't had the courage to even try it. With that said, I always stay on the club level at WL so that breakfast and dinner are taken care of and if I get hungry in the parks, I just pick up something that I can eat while walking. People say that you can do what you want when you want, which is true, but after time I did get a little lonely. Don't get me wrong, if I couldn't find anyone to go with me, I would definitely do another solo trip.

You are right about being stared at. I think a lot depends on confidence. People do stare and even CMs will ask are you alone. The CMs at least will make conversation with you. I will say though in all the trips I listed above I have dined at Ohana at least half of them more recently I have not had pleasant experiences. It seems that the servers pay more attention to the larger groups than my table of 1 (presumably because of the tip). And I love the food at Ohana yet as a solo they bring me about 5 wings and 3 potstickers and I always complain - I want the huge dish that the groups get - I will eat that and more. It is more uncomfortable dining at TS places because you either have couples, families, or friends. But I just enjoy my meal and do not rush. CS places are easier because there in the parks. Ive never felt uncomfortable at the food court at any of the resorts or parks. As for being lonely - there are times when I get chills looking at everyone else and wish I was not alone but then I see angst amongst other groups and I am happy that I can proceed with my business. Thanks to technology, my cell phone keeps pretty entertained.

 

[shuflemstr]

You are right about being stared at. I think a lot depends on confidence. People do stare and even CMs will ask are you alone. The CMs at least will make conversation with you. I will say though in all the trips I listed above I have dined at Ohana at least half of them more recently I have not had pleasant experiences. It seems that the servers pay more attention to the larger groups than my table of 1 (presumably because of the tip). And I love the food at Ohana yet as a solo they bring me about 5 wings and 3 potstickers and I always complain - I want the huge dish that the groups get - I will eat that and more. It is more uncomfortable dining at TS places because you either have couples, families, or friends. But I just enjoy my meal and do not rush. CS places are easier because there in the parks. Ive never felt uncomfortable at the food court at any of the resorts or parks. As for being lonely - there are times when I get chills looking at everyone else and wish I was not alone but then I see angst amongst other groups and I am happy that I can proceed with my business. Thanks to technology, my cell phone keeps pretty entertained.

I do agree with everything you said. I feel you will get treated differently. I wish that wasn't the case but as you pointed out, thanks to technology, it helps to keep your mind on other things.

 

[ginadee]

Ok...so where are all the fantastic solo trips I always read about on here? Maybe just look up solo on this forum. There are some solo trip reports as well. I would still plan on doing the whole package just to have it all paid in one transaction plus Im hoping for free dining when I go.

 

[Bocko57]

I have done a few solo trips. I just book like a family trip but just for myself. I booked a package, made my ADRs 180's out, and planned my park days. Great time was had by me, myself and I.

 

[got2lovedisney]

I've done a few solo trips, mostly to catch the Flower & Garden Festival. I drive up and usually get a 4 day ticket (unless I already have a pass) so no package for me. I've stayed at Pop and POFQ. Since I have to foot 100% of the bill I try to go on the cheap. I try to make it a point to experience something I wouldn't normally such as the movie in France or a new restaurant. (Gotta try the movie in Norway next trip) I find it relaxing as I'm on my schedule and can dilly dally as I see fit. Do I miss the family? Yes but I'm not giving up my Disney addiction just cuz DBF and DD are Disney-ed out.

 

[Worldlover71]

I went solo a few years ago and had a really great time on an 8 day trip. Everything was on my schedule and I could eat whatever I wanted. I found lots of people, both guests and cast members, to talk to and also enjoyed NOT talking to anybody sometimes. I had a room/ticket package (no dining plan) and booked a few ADR's when the window opened. I never felt anyone was looking at me while I ate.

I only had one slightly negative experience when an older couple I was chatting with while waiting for SpectroMagic suddenly got silent when I said I was alone. I guess they thought it was odd.

A few times I wished I had someone to share the experience with but I made a call or two to friends and family and it quickly passed. They were all very jealous. I highly recommend it!

 

[disney4life2008]

I went solo a few years ago and had a really great time on an 8 day trip. Everything was on my schedule and I could eat whatever I wanted. I found lots of people, both guests and cast members, to talk to and also enjoyed NOT talking to anybody sometimes. I had a room/ticket package (no dining plan) and booked a few ADR's when the window opened. I never felt anyone was looking at me while I ate.

I only had one slightly negative experience when an older couple I was chatting with while waiting for SpectroMagic suddenly got silent when I said I was alone. I guess they thought it was odd.

A few times I wished I had someone to share the experience with but I made a call or two to friends and family and it quickly passed. They were all very jealous. I highly recommend it!

I do not understand why people think it is odd to travel alone. In my circle of friends I am the odd ball because I go to disney alone, cruises alone, out to dinner alone, etc. They think I am weird because there is a belief that these are group activities. I love going to disney alone - the few times I have went with others (family excluded) I have been irritated. Cruises is a little more of a challenge to do alone because that really is a group event but I have done it twice. Though, on my last cruise I got recruited by a mother who had 5 daughters and she invited me to be part of their family the entire time (it was terrible because I wanted to eat in the dining room alone yet everytime we would be in there together she would make me feel bad if I did not join their table).

 

[alexxturnerr]

Thanks for all the responses! I don't mind eating and stuff alone so that's no bother to me, I'm quite excited to start looking into things but first I have a trip with my family to get through in 6 days!