Traveling alone??

[annadseal]

Hello all! Buying an AP to WDW has been a life goal of mine for a while now, and I'm currently in a position where I'm able to do so. However, now I'm met with the dilemma of having to travel alone (for the most part) if I get the AP. IF I get it, I plan for my first trip (and use of the pass) to be the last week of May for Star Wars Weekends. I used to go to the parks alone all the time when I did my DCP, but it's been several years since then and I'm much less sure about it now. So I guess my question is how many of you travel to WDW alone and do you recommend it??

 

[MinnieM123]

Over the years, I've traveled both with and without other people. I've had multiple solo trips and always had a great time. You see, you're never really "alone" so to speak. Traveling solo opens up different opportunities, and I have to say that CMs have welcomed conversation, and appreciate the positive attention from a guest.

As a woman traveling solo, I have to say that WDW is a place where I feel safe (I still take reasonable precautions). I always stay on property, so that I don't have to get a car. All the transportation I ever need is right at my hotel, and I'm always around plenty of people; so, I feel there is safety in numbers. It's a nice atmosphere with all the families, etc. People are friendly.

 

[KLinder7]

My last few trips to WDW have been alone. Get to go down for a work convention and extend the trip to have some personal time. You can have a blast alone, just up to you on how you make it happen. I could always find someone to talk to while waiting and just maybe one day I'll meet a future gf while waiting in a que.

 

[jaklgreen]

I leave my hubby and kids at home and go once a year by myself. I love it. WDW is my happy place where I can relax and just do something for myself a few days a year. I am OK with not even talking to anyone and enjoying my quiet time. I work in food and have to put on a happy face and talk to everyone so it is nice just to be alone. We go as a family also every year and it is a totally different experience.

 

[KappleB2]

I enjoy going solo for a few days! And I'm only really alone in my room, and then I'm asleep! The last time I went solo I had families include me in their ride group(unexpected) and even had a family buy me an ice cream while we sat and waited for a parade! People are so friendly! Go and have a great time!

 

[Captain Jack Sparrow]

Hello all! Buying an AP to WDW has been a life goal of mine for a while now, and I'm currently in a position where I'm able to do so. However, now I'm met with the dilemma of having to travel alone (for the most part) if I get the AP. IF I get it, I plan for my first trip (and use of the pass) to be the last week of May for Star Wars Weekends. I used to go to the parks alone all the time when I did my DCP, but it's been several years since then and I'm much less sure about it now. So I guess my question is how many of you travel to WDW alone and do you recommend it??

ironic! I just posted that I was going to make a trip without the family in a few months.... gonna be weird but i will be able to do some things that I never get to do... Gonna be my first trip without the family....

 

[ddbowdoin]

I could spend 365 days alone at WDW, easy.

 

[Heather F.]

So glad I stumbled upon this thread! I have been dreaming of going to WDW solo since my trip this past November with my sisters. I love them dearly and had an awesome time as always, but for about 30 mins I found myself on my own for the very first time in WDW and it was a magical feeling! I want more of that! I hope more people post their suggestions here. Would love to hear more about where to dine and any other helpful hints (ie, how do you explain being alone if asked without giving away that you are there completely on your own)! I am so glad that I am not the only one who dreams of going solo!

 

[LAKid53]

I'm doing my 3rd solo trip next weekend for the Princess Half Marathon. While it's nice going with others, I enjoy having the Mouse to myself too.

As Belle said, I've never worried about my safety as a solo traveler at WDW, but that doesn't mean I throw caution to the wind. Just take the normal precautions.

I've found that CMs in the restaurants are much chattier when the realize you are dining solo. And CMs in general seem to be friendlier than normal when they realize it's just you. Especially if you are a middle aged woman. Pity perhaps?

 

[Redhawk]

Well, LAKid53, if never comes across as pity to me (although I have wondered!), more just genuine Disney CM friendliness.

I've gone solo twice (for three days at a Deluxe resort each time) and really enjoyed it. I'm an introvert so being on my own was a pleasure and I never felt odd or out of place. If I wanted to change plans on 10 minutes' notice I didn't need to discuss with anyone or get their buy-in.

Got plenty of sleep and a massage, ate when I wanted where I wanted. I've been surprised at how friendly others were in lines, restaurants, etc. Waiting in line for Everest the young boy in front of me (in a tour group from his church) noted I was alone and asked if I would ride with him. I was touched an 11-year-old would want a 50-year-"old lady" to join him and had a nice time chatting with him in line. Of course we screamed our heads off and laughed a lot during the ride. It was one of a few Magical encounters, and that's going solo to Disney World!

 

[disney4life2008]

The last 10 trips i have been on to the world have been solo and it is heaven.

 

[Melissa Strause]

I've been going to Disneyland at least once a month since April (when I got my AP), and I've been to Disney World twice. For all these visits, I've been by myself, and I love it! You can do what you want, and it's great.

 

[KaraJoy73]

I mentioned to my sister that I would enjoy a solo trip and she looked at me as if I had a grown a second head. Then she forbid me to ever go to any Disney parks or resorts alone. Or rather, without her.
I didn't mention to her that she left out Disney cruises.

 

[marissieviolissie]

I was touched an 11-year-old would want a 50-year-"old lady" to join him and had a nice time chatting with him in line.

That's nice
I had a chat like that with a 76 year old man on Space Mountain. He was with his wife on the trip but she didn't go on SM. These little chats make travelling alone to WDW like you're not entirely alone really.

Edit: Dutch auto correct

 

[bigorangeandy]

I've had a few partial days that I have been solo on they were fun. I did have a better time once my family joined me later in the week. The best part was finely getting to see all the movies at Epcot, as in the past it had always been objected by someone. I could watch the fireworks and parades from where I wanted, always a good thing. I have a training class coming up in Orlando in a few weeks and will have time in the evening to hit a park if I feel up to it in the evening. My wife will be down for a few days before the class, so if I miss anything I can pick up in the evening.

 

[LadyOlafDisney]

My last few trips to WDW have been alone. Get to go down for a work convention and extend the trip to have some personal time. You can have a blast alone, just up to you on how you make it happen. I could always find someone to talk to while waiting and just maybe one day I'll meet a future gf while waiting in a que.

Hello All:

Newbie here!

I was a member of a couple of Disney forums many years back. I am a four time back to back Disney freak from 97 (Disney 25) to the 2000 Millennium celebration (always stayed at PORT ORLEANS FRENCH QUARTER). There my husband and I got our pic taken for the Millennium wall. We were told that it was guaranteed to be there for 20 years (not necessarily at the same spot) and I've seen that the walls are indeed still located in Epcot (not at the same spot). You tell yourself that surely you will be back WAY before 20 years. Well fast forward and its now 2015! Hello! But I am determined to do it this year. Aside from taking a photo of my wall pic... I just miss Disney something awful. I always go in the month of OCTOBER (thee BEST time.. .no lines, good weather, lower resort prices, etc). The only difference now is thatI am no longer married and I have been looking for someone who can afford to go later in the year. But times are hard for a lot of people to take a 7-8 day Disney vacay.

I AM GLAD THAT I FOUND THIS POST. I would have never IN MY LIFE considered going alone... but after reading this I am now seriously considering it. Now that I think about it... I believe that I might indeed enjoy it so much better without having to acquiesce to someone else's needs and plans. Even though I haven't been in quite a while I know Disney. I know what I want to do and how I want to do it. Where I want to go and when I want to go. When I went with my husband we were always on the same page. He let me plan the itinerary and we did things my way. I purchase the Steve Birnbaum guide book EVERY YEAR whether I go or not, so I am aware of all of the updates and new things that I haven' tried and want to try. An Example - I cant wait to try the Dole Whip... even though I have a strict no sugar diet. There is time to break those things and a time not to, lol. Disney is certainly the time to break it!

I think the time is now, and after this thread I even envision myself being there alone and still enjoying it. Prior to this post I kept telling myself that DISNEY is not a place to do ALONE. I dream about my boat ride from Port Orleans to Downtown Disney and thought... I don't want to do that ALONE. But when you love it like I love it and know exactly how you want to do it... perhaps doing it ALONE is even a better way.

I think what I might still like to do is find out if there are other Disney freaks (does this forum have its own moniker for "Disney Freak" ????) that are on this forum going the same days as I am going (I am not booked yet... the trip is not a definite as yet but will be by June or so). If I go it will be in October unless unforeseen circumstances get in the way. Perhaps I can meet up for a lunch or dinner or even a planned Disney Favorite place with someone. Of course I will check the site on my own, but is there a board I can check for when members are going?

Thanks so much guys.

LadyOlafDisney ( my new favorite Character is Olaf )
Oct 07 - PORT ORLEANS FRENCH QUARTER
Oct 08 - POFQ
Oct 09 - POFQ
Oct 00 - POFQ
01 to Present... life got in the way. But no more!

 

[marissieviolissie]

Nope, if I'm going it will be November

 

[disneygirl76]

Hello all! Buying an AP to WDW has been a life goal of mine for a while now, and I'm currently in a position where I'm able to do so. However, now I'm met with the dilemma of having to travel alone (for the most part) if I get the AP. IF I get it, I plan for my first trip (and use of the pass) to be the last week of May for Star Wars Weekends. I used to go to the parks alone all the time when I did my DCP, but it's been several years since then and I'm much less sure about it now. So I guess my question is how many of you travel to WDW alone and do you recommend it??

I traveled to Disneyland alone for part of a trip. I spent the first couple days there with a friend and then I was on my own. It was really a wonderful experience. I literally walked every inch of the place and just explored, and took pictures (a hobby of mine), went on what ever I wanted when ever I wanted to. After the 2nd day, I missed having someone around. And dining was a bit awkward for me. But once I got over that, I was fine. I would totally go to WDW alone - spending a day at each park alone is actually a bucket list item for me. But I don't know if I could do it for much more then that.