Visiting alone...please help.

[Cole'sMom]

Hi everyone! We are visiting as a family in September, but I was hoping to get down before then (need a metal break) and my husband can't go, but I was thinking of going for a long weekend by myself. I would feel terrible leaving my family but my husband wants me to go and have a nice break-he says I deserve it! I know many of you have taken mini breaks alone-how is it, what do you do, how do you get over the guilty feeling? I would love to go, but it's always someplace we have visited as a family. How different is it? I would definitely love some feedback-this is an odd decision to have to make. I would love to get down twice again this year, but I don't want to crush my husband and son, either. Thank you for the replies in advance!

 

[Tinkerbella16]

My mom used to go by herself, and she said its the best way to go lol. You never have to wait on anyone, you go on your own time, do whatever you wanna do, and have fun. She never got lonely, granted, she always went during Super Soap Weekend, so she met other fans while being there, and each year she went back, they met up. But I think, if you have the opportunity to get a break and be able to take that break at the happiest place on earth, then DO IT, I know I would..

 

[TheDisneyMagic]

Once you step into one of the Parks the guilt will soon go

I enjoy taking visits by my self, I can stroll around the parks at what ever pace I choose looking at all of the tiny details that you might miss on a family facation because of rushing to get everything done. Some times I just start talking to people that I see, or I start helping people that are lost or have questions (for some reason I keep getting people come up to me as if I was a park Cast Member :shrug.
Every attraction can be experienced as an individual so see what you can get done, check out some of the new refurbs such as the Haunted Mansion and maybe pop in to Downtown Disney to pick up some gifts for the family that didn't get to go this time.

 

[Goofy36]

I went solo for a week in December and absolutely loved it. At first it was a little strange not having any one to share the experience with but it quickly passed as I enjoyed everything at my own pace. It sounds like you have understanding family as I did so don't worry about it - go have a great time - and know that you'll be going back with your family another time and can point out all the little things you had a chance to see.

 

[H20Babie]

how do you get over the guilty feeling? I would love to go, but it's always someplace we have visited as a family.

My first solo experience will be in 32 days. I am getting over the guilt by realizing that DS will be spending some quality time with his dad -- guys only -- just as us moms need some time to be ourselves, and not "mom", "wife", "daughter" or whatever other "hats" we wear. Think of it this way: you need just as much "me" time to refresh and rejuvinate in order to be the best mom you can be ... and when your family joins you, you'll be ready to take them on with a smile and some magic of your own!

 

[MichWolv]

Hi everyone! We are visiting as a family in September, but I was hoping to get down before then (need a metal break) and my husband can't go, but I was thinking of going for a long weekend by myself. I would feel terrible leaving my family but my husband wants me to go and have a nice break-he says I deserve it! I know many of you have taken mini breaks alone-how is it, what do you do, how do you get over the guilty feeling? I would love to go, but it's always someplace we have visited as a family. How different is it? I would definitely love some feedback-this is an odd decision to have to make. I would love to get down twice again this year, but I don't want to crush my husband and son, either. Thank you for the replies in advance!

I've never literally gotten on a plane for a vacation without my wife and son, but I have tacked on a couple days at Disney to business trips. My wife doesn't mind because she knows I need to do things alone from time to time, and Disney is something where, if I go alone, I do things differently then with the family -- and that's OK. My son doesn't mind because he's 4, we've told him that sometimes mom and/or dad do things without him, and he hasn't yet chosen to get upset about that -- guess I'm lucky there.

As for my guilt, I don't really have guilt from going to Disney without them, but from not coming home as quickly as possible after my business is done. That's always a balancing act between wanting to do things wherever I've traveled to, and getting home to the family. So I tack on a day or two once or twice a year on business trips, but not more often than that.

 

[figmentmom]

Obviously your husband is all in favor of this trip, so why feel guilty? Go, and enjoy yourself! A solo trip to Disney is totally different than a family trip. You can see things at your own pace, be that slower or faster than usual. And - best of all - you don't have to haul everyone else's rain ponchos and other junk everywhere you go! :ROFLOL:

 

[PlutoInOrlando]

I absolutely LOVE going by myself! You sort of see things differently. When you go with family - you're concentrating on what they see/feel/hear etc etc. And when you go alone, you tend to notice other peoples reactions and conversations. One of my favorite things to do, is just sit on a bench at the MK for a little while and watch the people go by early in the day. Just watching their faces and hearing the excitement - sort of, well, makes it all come together, as crazy as that sounds.

You also see/notice the little things - the details, the music, the colors, the sounds, and so on - that make WDW so special.

On top of that - you see the World in a different light too. You see it in a more "grown-up" way - if you will. EPCOT becomes a totally new experience - as does the DHS. I always take a camera and a note book - not so much as a journal - but just to jot down things that I know I would like to remember to show the rest of my family next time we go down (the little things). And taking pictures of those "things" also helps to remember.

Trust me - it is a totally different feel doing everything on your own. Sure - as others have said - at times you wish your family were there to experience it with you, but that soon fades and you move right along to the next experience. It really is a magical place on your own.

GO - have fun - and linger in the moment.
It doesn't happen often for many people!!!!!

 

[Cole'sMom]

Thank you all so much for your replies! I have never been away from my husband and son for one day in my life and I am having a hard time with that. All of your replies have valid points. Thank you h20babie- I always put myself last, and for once I would be getting out for myself. It sounds heavenly! I just need some time to "tune into things". I never spend this much money on myself, but, my husband is willing to spend the money, I guess I am willing to go! WDW is a place I truly find inner peace, so this is just what I need. I would do it inexpensively-I am a weight watcher (I have lost over 60 pounds) so I would bring my own Quaker Oatmeal for breakfast and my own snacks. I am a pretty low-maintenance person. I had a really rough pregnancy and my son arrived at 37 1/2 weeks and I was on bedrest for 5 months, so I never got to enjoy much of my pregnancy, but I digress. Thank you all for your words. It is something I am truly looking forward to!

 

[a2grafix]

I absolutely LOVE going by myself! You sort of see things differently. When you go with family - you're concentrating on what they see/feel/hear etc etc. And when you go alone, you tend to notice other peoples reactions and conversations. One of my favorite things to do, is just sit on a bench at the MK for a little while and watch the people go by early in the day. Just watching their faces and hearing the excitement - sort of, well, makes it all come together, as crazy as that sounds.

You also see/notice the little things - the details, the music, the colors, the sounds, and so on - that make WDW so special.

On top of that - you see the World in a different light too. You see it in a more "grown-up" way - if you will. EPCOT becomes a totally new experience - as does the DHS. I always take a camera and a note book - not so much as a journal - but just to jot down things that I know I would like to remember to show the rest of my family next time we go down (the little things). And taking pictures of those "things" also helps to remember.

Trust me - it is a totally different feel doing everything on your own. Sure - as others have said - at times you wish your family were there to experience it with you, but that soon fades and you move right along to the next experience. It really is a magical place on your own.

GO - have fun - and linger in the moment.
It doesn't happen often for many people!!!!!

I echo this as well. I visited WDW in October 2007 for a week by myself and had an ultimate blast. Of course I'm a very big kid, and seeing Disney in a whole new way as an adult adds new life to the Disney mystique.

On top of that you are your own boss -- you go and do what you want and when you want and if you want to change on a dime, you do it. For most of the time down there I hit three parks in a day and then pleasure island. One day I almost hit all four parks. Unreal. Yeah, there was a little planning, but it all fit and I had the best time.

Good luck --

 

[MousDad]

You should feel no guilt. It's no different than someone going to Vegas, on a golf weekend, hunting weekend, or anywhere by themselves. As long as your spouse is on board, you're golden.

I try to go on a solo weekend trip once a year. We go as a family every 2 or 3 years. I love it both ways.

I use the solo trip to see attractions I want to see, take lots of photos, soak in the atmosphere, etc.

One thing that did surprise me a little my last solo trip was that I never 1 time in 3 days saw another solo traveller. Does make you feel a little strange, but that could have been a fluke. I know a lot of people do it.

The best is going to a table service resaurant solo. They always treat you great because they think you're a critic or writing for a travel magazine or something.

Have a great time.

 

[Crazy4WDW1]

Do you have a girlfriend that would like to join you? A girls only trip is fab! I've done it a couple of times and we have a ball.