Tips for the solo traveler

[MerHearted]

I'm currently planning a trip and if I go, it will most likely be solo for a week. I went to some of the parks for the first time 2 years ago, but I see this as my first real Disney vacation. Do you have any tips and advice for the solo traveller? Or is it just not worth it to go alone?

 

[MouseMadness]

Always be sure to take a little madness with you on your trip!! (i don't eat much... and i can fit in the overhead bins!!)

 

[Moustronaut]

Well the solo rider line on test track is ALWAYS short :lol:

 

[DMC-12]

Vince... feel free to read thru my "Happy Fun Solo Trip Report" I posted back in March.

http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=21276&highlight=Trip+report

If you have any more questions... let me know

 

[Bagheera]

Talk to the people around you.

When I was there last April for a conference, I had the late afternoons and evenings to myself. (And darn sure I was spending them in the parks!) I chatted with the folks around me and had a great time doing so. I chatted with a family that lives near where I grew up on Long Island at Tempura Kiku. I chatted with a woman from Portland, OR, in line for Pirates, who tipped me off to a great book for dealing with some of my son's more "spirited" nature. Waiting for Illuminations, I chatted with a woman from the UK who was on holiday with her family while her husband fetched the beer and her kids sat around resting. I chatted with a DVC rep, and answered some questions for another prospective member as an "impartial" DVC member. I had a great evening at the Comedy Warehouse, lots of fun running around by myself at E-ride night, and enjoyed getting in to restaurants easily as a party of one.

Just relax, talk to other guests and CMs, and have fun!

In case you're interested, here's my trip report.

 

[Yellow Shoes]

Take the time to chat with the International CMs in World Showcase.

They are very young, and very far from home, and I feel a little sorry for them. But besides that, they are very interesting people.

I got into an interesting discussion with at CM from Morocco and my 14 year old got into a very LONG conversation with 2 girls from Canada.

This is the kind of thing that you can't do as easily when you are with a group--it always seems that there is the pressure to keep moving.

When you are alone, it is less important to keep to a schedule. That's the fun of a solo trip.

 

[lborne]

I agree with the previous post, that talking to the International CMs is really educational and fun. Also, I find it fun to buy different types of foods from each country to bring back home. The candies in Germany are great, as is the beer. Just take your time and explore every inch of each building.

For me, riding the rides solo is not that much fun - well, waiting in lines is no fun by yourself. But without the family, I can take my time doing other stuff and notice details that we otherwise miss.

I like to notice all the overlooked attractions. There is a great list of all these overlooked attractions here:

http://wdwig.com/ola.htm

I never get to do these things with the family cause we are always rushing to get to the next ride or parade.

Have fun - its mandatory.