HONEST detailed account of Solo Trip

I felt the same way when planning my solo trip. I was at a movie and all I could think about was leaving the movie and calling Disney and making plans for a solo trip. Life is too short. There are no guarantees. Sometimes you have to just go for it! Your words are very true by the way. Waiting for something that may or may not happen. Those words cannot be any truer with dealing with life imo. Cheers to you.

Thanks! I guess perspective is one of the great things that comes with age, huh? I just booked my 1st solo trip for July. I've been planning on it for awhile but just hadn't actually booked it. Feels great to have made it official!
 
Hi Christy,
I can completely relate to people pressuring you to find somebody else to go with, contant asking if i am going alone,etc..I admit i really let it get to me but eventually took the plunge for the very reasons you stated :-) I asked my sister and some friends and nobody could or wanted to go. So what am I to do? Sit around and wait? I lost my husband in a motorcyle accident almost three years ago. So i know how short life is and I don't want to sit around waiting on things that may never happen.

I just took my first solo trip to WDW in April. I had 4 whole days for the parks. I had a great time and am wanting to go again this Fall and check out Universal this time. I didn't experience any questions from the bus drivers. Everyone was friendly. I'll admit i felt a little awkward saying it was only 1 when CM asked how many in the party for the rides. But nobody questioned me and everyone seemed real friendly. I did quick service for my meals and was okay. I would like to try some table service next time. I did have lunch at BOG and that was great. Got a table buy the double doors with the snow falling. So i could look across the room and not feel self conscious.


First, I am so sorry to learn that you lost your husband so tragically. I can't even begin to imagine. :(

Second, I don't know you, but I'm proud of you for going solo and not sitting around and waiting! That's awesome. And it sounds like you were rewarded by having an awesome trip. You can't always find someone to travel with. Some may think that's sad, but it's just a fact. I just booked my 1st solo (I have been planning to go for awhile but hadn't actually booked it yet) and just booking the resort was the most exciting thing I've done in awhile! Ha! And then exploring dining options and all was so fun. And I have to admit kinda nice to not have to consult with anyone else. I'm beyond excited for my trip now.

Being on these boards has helped me realize how many people go to WDW solo. It's way more than I ever would have expected!
 
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A solo trip varies in pros and cons. To be fair there are way more pros. I had read through these boards religiously though before I left and didn't really read what I had experienced so I just wanted to give my 2 cents on a solo trip.

I only went for 3 days before I met up with family but I did Downtown Disney, and Magic Kingdom for 2 days. In theory I could have done other parks but I chose MK based on my budget and my love of its overall themes. I also rented a AKL villa through David's DVC rentals and did not do the dining plan.

So let's start with the Pros. There is nothing more awesome than being entirely in control of your Disney experience and itinerary. I spent so much time in shops, trying new snacks, enjoying parades and shows, and re-riding my favorite rides multiple times. There was no rush, no meltdowns, and my face actually hurt from smiling so much on the rides ;)

Likewise my DVC rental was flawless. David's DVC rental hooked me up with an excellent room very last minute and I am extremely thankful for their professional and excellent service. They were great with communication along the way as well.


Ok now for the Cons. To be fair if I did a solo trip again it would be just as short, and I would apply the changes I noticed would help. In my opinion dining and transportation were the most awkward for me. Mind you I am a shy personality and so some people would not deal with this (but it still deserves to be said for anyone out there like me).

From the moment I boarded the Magical Express bus from the airport I knew I should've rented a car. I'm aware Disney resort guests get free parking but I just wanted to at least try the transportation. It was awkward for me because I was the only AKL guest on the bus and I do look younger than I am, so the bus driver gave me a "Sweetie are you lost?" Speech and sort of grudgingly drove out to the farthest resort. I practically ran off the bus.

I also had issues with my luggage being stuck at the airport way late because I went through the magical express. I teamed up with management at AKL who eventually made things right but it still started off on a weird foot.

I likewise felt awkward being alone on those transportation buses to the parks. I got similar speeches from those bus drivers. One bus driver lady said to me "Is it just you all by your lonesome self?" To which I laughed and said yes but I was excited to go ride my favorite ride splash mountain, she smiled. If I had rented a car I know I would have zipped between parks and avoided a majority of my awkwardness in those situations.

Secondly, dining of course is a subjective experience. The only place where I got sad looks was at Boma surprisingly. Funny enough I just played with my phone and my server at the end asked if I was a Disney employee because I was dining alone. I laughed and said no I was just a die hard Boma fan. But I could definitely see how having a distraction could be helpful for dining alone, I found myself a little more rushed to finish sit down meals and more prone to snacking.

Lastly- rides. I had great experiences on rides but the only one I found awkward was surprisingly Buzz Lightyears ride. I've gone on before (and of course killed it with points ;) ) but this time the ride attendants made it feel a little awkward. I even didn't feel awkward being alone on its a small world! Haha but yeah that was the only ride.


Overall, solo trips are awesome and if you're a Disney fanatic you must try them at least once! Don't get too much in your head but also know yourself and what would make for your best experience :)

I am starting to wonder if it is a "female thing"... :laughing: that sounded sooo weird. But honestly, as a male I haven't experienced those kind of comments from CMs and this was my 5th solo trip. I have seen from time to time on the boards about females getting those kinds of comments, so I don't know if they are going out of their way for you guys or what? Or maybe they were just random coincidences? I dunno :confused3

But I like to think that not all CMs are perfect and guests certainly aren't either and I will say that sometimes they don't know how to handle solo travelers. I've had my fair share of CM servers give less attention or guests give weird looks (and vice versa I have had some AMAZING experiences with CMs and guests). The only thing that still bothers me anymore though is when they yell out "[insert last name] family" and you sheepishly raise your hand. It's a fleeting moment so I don't really care, but come on, how hard is it to check the party is for one? :rotfl:Some will call you out by your first name and avoid that, but I get over stuff like that really quickly. I won't let anyone ruin my trips anymore; I always turn awkward comments from CMs and guests into positives, like you mentioned just saying you were happy to be there or ask them in return how their trip is going generally helps change the direction of the convo. Although I lug around 20 pounds worth of camera gear so I often get mistaken as a die hard local when I am snapping pics on rides or at restaurants; you could always carry a camera to make people think twice with their comments :D

And thanks for the David's DVC recommendation. I was looking at using them for my SOLO trip in December; I will have to research them further! :thumbsup2

ps - did you make it to the HDDR on the 26th? They bumped 3rd tier (or just me) to the front!DSC01751 (2).JPG
 
That's the spirit! I didn't get married until mid-life, and did many non-Disney trips and activities solo. Traveling with others is difficult when you're single, due to varying budgets and competing desires. I rationalized that I'd rather go alone than not go at all. You can spend a lifetime waiting for life to begin at the point that Mr. or Ms. Right shows up, missing out on a lot of fun and personal growth. I had friends that wanted to wait to buy furniture until they got married. Heck, I bought a house!

Now that I am married, I find that I happen to enjoy Disney more than my husband. Not a problem!

As to comments, there will always be comments when you function outside of the norm in anything. You can choose to take it in stride and respond graciously, perhaps in a manner that enlightens the speaker, or let it rain on your parade. If you anticipate comments, knowing that it might rattle you a little, you can prep yourself emotionally in advance.

I already knew I would do the Walk Where Walt Walked tour at Disneyland by myself later this year. This conversation has convinced me that I must also do the Chef's Tasting at the Napa Rose whether my husband comes or not. pluto:

Very true...I'm definitely not going to wait around for someone to go with me. I have friends that have been married for years who can't imagine going on vacation by themselves. And they think I am crazy sometimes because I do. One friend actually said to me...don't you want to wait and do those things when you have a husband? LOL. Um, no. Who knows if I will ever even get married...and I am not about to sit around, doing nothing, waiting for something that may or may not ever happen. Life is way too short for that!
 


First, I am so sorry to learn that you lost your husband so tragically. I can't even begin to imagine. :(

Second, I don't know you, but I'm proud of you for going solo and not sitting around and waiting! That's awesome. And it sounds like you were rewarded by having an awesome trip. You can't always find someone to travel with. Some may think that's sad, but it's just a fact. I just booked my 1st solo (I have been planning to go for awhile but hadn't actually booked it yet) and just booking the resort was the most exciting thing I've done in awhile! Ha! And then exploring dining options and all was so fun. And I have to admit kinda nice to not have to consult with anyone else. I'm beyond excited for my trip now.

Being on these boards has helped me realize how many people go to WDW solo. It's way more than I ever would have expected!


Thank you for saying that. was pretty proud of myself too. I even took the Marceline Tour. That was really neat. I'm more of an introvert too. So I had to step out of my comfort zone some. That may have helped me too though because I don't need to be around a group to have fun. I enjoy my own company at times.
Reading these boards also gave me confidence.

I hope you have a great trip!

I do need to work on how I respond to people's reaction when they learn I'm going places solo. Someday I wish to have a companion again but in the meantime I have to try and move forward and do things on my own. I'm too young(44) to just sit around and wait on others. Sometimes easier said than done :-)
 
Sorry to hear of your loss Ncgirl71 life is too short to sit around and worry and I found out when you want to do something just go and do it and make it fun.
 
I'm going on my first ever solo trip to Disney in September for MNSSHP. I'm really excited (even got my costume ready to go!) I appreciate the feedback and insight from other solo travelers. This trip is going to be an all out luxury trip for me, since it's the first time in my life I'll be traveling solo. Until now, I either didn't go places I wanted to because nobody would go with me, or I always went places with my ex. I went to Disney in April/May (multiple weekends), but that was with my sister. I found myself more and more thinking "If only I were alone..." LOL

Keep the great trip reports coming!
 


Thank you for saying that. was pretty proud of myself too. I even took the Marceline Tour. That was really neat. I'm more of an introvert too. So I had to step out of my comfort zone some. That may have helped me too though because I don't need to be around a group to have fun. I enjoy my own company at times.
Reading these boards also gave me confidence.

I hope you have a great trip!

I do need to work on how I respond to people's reaction when they learn I'm going places solo. Someday I wish to have a companion again but in the meantime I have to try and move forward and do things on my own. I'm too young(44) to just sit around and wait on others. Sometimes easier said than done :-)

I would love to do that tour! I've never done any of the tours. The now ex and I always talked about doing some of them. He had done many (he has gone to WDW almost every single year of his life, usually multiple times per year...he sparked my obsession:), and always talked about how great they are. I'm hoping to move down there next year, so I'm thinking it will be much easier to do tours then, especially with a Florida resident AP.

I am a weird mix. I enjoy my own company at times too...and need that alone time sometimes. But I also am very outgoing and love being around people.

I bit the bullet and bought an AP today!! AH! I have 2 other trips planned in the next 8 months so I decided it would be better to go with the AP. It just feels so weird to have an AP! But really exciting! I'm guessing I will end up going more now that I have it.

If we are ever down there at the same time, would love to grab a meal or ride something with you!
 
I'm going on my first ever solo trip to Disney in September for MNSSHP. I'm really excited (even got my costume ready to go!) I appreciate the feedback and insight from other solo travelers. This trip is going to be an all out luxury trip for me, since it's the first time in my life I'll be traveling solo. Until now, I either didn't go places I wanted to because nobody would go with me, or I always went places with my ex. I went to Disney in April/May (multiple weekends), but that was with my sister. I found myself more and more thinking "If only I were alone..." LOL

Keep the great trip reports coming!

LOVE MNSSHP!! So much fun. Congrats on planning your first solo trip! I just booked my first to WDW, but I've traveled a LOT by myself. It can be amazing!
 
That's the spirit! I didn't get married until mid-life, and did many non-Disney trips and activities solo. Traveling with others is difficult when you're single, due to varying budgets and competing desires. I rationalized that I'd rather go alone than not go at all. You can spend a lifetime waiting for life to begin at the point that Mr. or Ms. Right shows up, missing out on a lot of fun and personal growth. I had friends that wanted to wait to buy furniture until they got married. Heck, I bought a house!

Now that I am married, I find that I happen to enjoy Disney more than my husband. Not a problem!

As to comments, there will always be comments when you function outside of the norm in anything. You can choose to take it in stride and respond graciously, perhaps in a manner that enlightens the speaker, or let it rain on your parade. If you anticipate comments, knowing that it might rattle you a little, you can prep yourself emotionally in advance.

I already knew I would do the Walk Where Walt Walked tour at Disneyland by myself later this year. This conversation has convinced me that I must also do the Chef's Tasting at the Napa Rose whether my husband comes or not. pluto:

Very true...it can be hard to plan things with others. I'm planning a WDW trip with a friend for February...but she is up for whatever and told me to just plan away! So that makes it easier. Our budgets are similar and she likes WDW but doesn't know that much about it. She has only tagged along on trips before. I'm trying to inform her along the way as much as possible though. :)

Exactly...I can't understand the mentality of waiting to do anything really. We are never guaranteed tomorrow. That's a big reason why I am now very seriously considering moving down there. My ex and I broke up about 6 months ago and now being 35 and single again...why not? This isn't at all how I thought life would look at this point, but I have to embrace it and do what makes me happy and not what anyone else thinks I should do. I want to take advantage of this place I am at now and experience life as a local. It sounds amazing to randomly take a walk through Epcot at night or have dinner in the parks whenever. Or just head over to watch the fireworks whenever. And being an hour from the beach sounds good too. :)

Enjoy DL! I am so eager to go there! Maybe one day!
 
Does anyone on this thread know of a specific thread with annual pass info? Especially for first timers? I keep searching different things and can't seem to find one. Thanks!
 
Does anyone on this thread know of a specific thread with annual pass info? Especially for first timers? I keep searching different things and can't seem to find one. Thanks!

I don't have the answer for you but I would call Disney and ask one of there reps. They are usually very helpfull
 
Thanks! I guess perspective is one of the great things that comes with age, huh? I just booked my 1st solo trip for July. I've been planning on it for awhile but just hadn't actually booked it. Feels great to have made it official!

Yes prespective does come with age and knowledge as well. You are going to have such a great time. Where are you staying if you don't mind me asking? Are you doing any tours at all? I did the Horse back riding at Fort Wilderness and the Epcot Seas Aqua Tour. So I am curious to ask, what was the deciding factor into going to do a solo? I know you said earlier that it felt right and other things but was there was a moment like "screw it, I'm doing it". Maybe not those exact words lol but something like it.
 
I don't have the answer for you but I would call Disney and ask one of there reps. They are usually very helpfull

Thanks! I talked to a couple of them in the last 2 days when I booked the resort and bought the AP. They answered most of my generic questions perfectly. I was kinda just hoping for a thread where maybe people shared ways they had used it to get the most out of it, etc. With all of the things on here, I thought there might be something along those lines!

Yes prespective does come with age and knowledge as well. You are going to have such a great time. Where are you staying if you don't mind me asking? Are you doing any tours at all? I did the Horse back riding at Fort Wilderness and the Epcot Seas Aqua Tour. So I am curious to ask, what was the deciding factor into going to do a solo? I know you said earlier that it felt right and other things but was there was a moment like "screw it, I'm doing it". Maybe not those exact words lol but something like it.

Don't mind at all. :) I am staying at Caribbean Beach! I have actually only stayed on property one other time, and that was at Port Orleans Riverside. (Well, technically I spent one night in December at Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort, so I suppose that sorta kinda counts? Ha) So I am really excited to be staying at a resort. I was going to do a value to make it as cheap as possible, but then CBR wasn't that much more and I wanted to go for what I hope will be a more relaxing trip. I've never been during the middle of the summer either, so I definitely want to head back to the room/pool for awhile midday. CBR seemed like a good place to do that.

I am not doing any tours...this time. I have a trip planned for December and February, might consider doing one for one of those trips. Not sure. There are so many I would love to do!

So...I will try to not get too long-winded, but...I went to WDW once with family when I was 4 or 5. Then not again until I was in high school on a choir trip. Then not again until 2013. I was dating a guy who had grown up going every single year of his life, usually multiple times. So he got me hooked. We went 4 times in 2013. We broke up 6 months ago, and at first I wasn't sure I would still love it all so much. But I quickly learned that I truly had developed my own passion for it, aside from him. Sometime around February I started entertaining the idea of moving down there. This idea has turned into an actual possibility now. I'm seriously considering moving down there next summer. Since I have only really done the WDW thing in Orlando, I decided I needed to go down there and explore more than just WDW. So the main purpose of this trip is to get to know Orlando a little better and check out some areas where I've thought about living. But I can't possibly go down there without getting my Disney fix too! Especially since I haven't been since Dec 2013. So part of my trip will be at CBR/in the parks and part will be near Downtown Disney/exploring Orlando. One of my best friends is moving to Bradenton in a few weeks, so the last 2 nights I'm going there to hang out with her and her family! :) I guess there wasn't a "screw it, I'm going" moment, it was more of a slow accepting of the fact that I could just go live there now. And if I'm going to live there I will be going to the parks solo a lot, so better get used to it!
 
Yes prespective does come with age and knowledge as well. You are going to have such a great time. Where are you staying if you don't mind me asking? Are you doing any tours at all? I did the Horse back riding at Fort Wilderness and the Epcot Seas Aqua Tour. So I am curious to ask, what was the deciding factor into going to do a solo? I know you said earlier that it felt right and other things but was there was a moment like "screw it, I'm doing it". Maybe not those exact words lol but something like it.

And also...I've done many trips alone over the years. I took a 2 week solo road trip to Colorado for a friends wedding in Aspen in 2009. I was with friends for the wedding weekend but other than that I was on my own and enjoyed every second of it. I've been to the beach by myself many times. New York, Boston. Would meet up with a friend here and there but mostly on my own. In December for my birthday I spent a few days on Hilton Head Island solo...thus the Disney resort stay there I mentioned before. I'm totally ok with going to movies alone and dining alone, going to sporting events alone (football games and nascar races), so it wasn't much of a stretch to go to WDW alone too.
 
Thanks! I talked to a couple of them in the last 2 days when I booked the resort and bought the AP. They answered most of my generic questions perfectly. I was kinda just hoping for a thread where maybe people shared ways they had used it to get the most out of it, etc. With all of the things on here, I thought there might be something along those lines!



Don't mind at all. :) I am staying at Caribbean Beach! I have actually only stayed on property one other time, and that was at Port Orleans Riverside. (Well, technically I spent one night in December at Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort, so I suppose that sorta kinda counts? Ha) So I am really excited to be staying at a resort. I was going to do a value to make it as cheap as possible, but then CBR wasn't that much more and I wanted to go for what I hope will be a more relaxing trip. I've never been during the middle of the summer either, so I definitely want to head back to the room/pool for awhile midday. CBR seemed like a good place to do that.

I am not doing any tours...this time. I have a trip planned for December and February, might consider doing one for one of those trips. Not sure. There are so many I would love to do!

So...I will try to not get too long-winded, but...I went to WDW once with family when I was 4 or 5. Then not again until I was in high school on a choir trip. Then not again until 2013. I was dating a guy who had grown up going every single year of his life, usually multiple times. So he got me hooked. We went 4 times in 2013. We broke up 6 months ago, and at first I wasn't sure I would still love it all so much. But I quickly learned that I truly had developed my own passion for it, aside from him. Sometime around February I started entertaining the idea of moving down there. This idea has turned into an actual possibility now. I'm seriously considering moving down there next summer. Since I have only really done the WDW thing in Orlando, I decided I needed to go down there and explore more than just WDW. So the main purpose of this trip is to get to know Orlando a little better and check out some areas where I've thought about living. But I can't possibly go down there without getting my Disney fix too! Especially since I haven't been since Dec 2013. So part of my trip will be at CBR/in the parks and part will be near Downtown Disney/exploring Orlando. One of my best friends is moving to Bradenton in a few weeks, so the last 2 nights I'm going there to hang out with her and her family! :) I guess there wasn't a "screw it, I'm going" moment, it was more of a slow accepting of the fact that I could just go live there now. And if I'm going to live there I will be going to the parks solo a lot, so better get used to it!

You are going to have to let me know how CBR is. I think that is a gorgeous looking resort. The pirate pool looks cool. I definitely want details. I wish to move to Florida soon as well. When I was there in February, it blew me away how beautiful and nice it was. I was used to going in August. I wasn't sure what type of weather I would get but to my surprise, the weather was amazing. I was truly blessed. I wish you good luck on the trip and everything. Very hard for anyone not to get there Disney fix. If your in Florida, you gotta visit WDW. Are you trying any different eating venues this trip since your are choosing the places yourself?
 
And also...I've done many trips alone over the years. I took a 2 week solo road trip to Colorado for a friends wedding in Aspen in 2009. I was with friends for the wedding weekend but other than that I was on my own and enjoyed every second of it. I've been to the beach by myself many times. New York, Boston. Would meet up with a friend here and there but mostly on my own. In December for my birthday I spent a few days on Hilton Head Island solo...thus the Disney resort stay there I mentioned before. I'm totally ok with going to movies alone and dining alone, going to sporting events alone (football games and nascar races), so it wasn't much of a stretch to go to WDW alone too.

You sound a lot like me. I am very independent and do a lot of things by myself and it doesn't bother me one bit. My Disney solo trip was a belated birthday trip for me. I was treating myself to a great present. Hence the two tours I did, which were out of my comfort level for sure. Aha a football fan, whats your favorite team?
 
You are going to have to let me know how CBR is. I think that is a gorgeous looking resort. The pirate pool looks cool. I definitely want details. I wish to move to Florida soon as well. When I was there in February, it blew me away how beautiful and nice it was. I was used to going in August. I wasn't sure what type of weather I would get but to my surprise, the weather was amazing. I was truly blessed. I wish you good luck on the trip and everything. Very hard for anyone not to get there Disney fix. If your in Florida, you gotta visit WDW. Are you trying any different eating venues this trip since your are choosing the places yourself?

It does look amazing! Yes I'm probably crazy going in July, but the family I am a nanny for is going to the beach, so I am off for a week and had to make it work then. I'm used to going in April, Sept, Oct and Dec. All of those were great times, weather wise! September was hot, but not unbearable. I do live in Alabama...so we get really hot summers too. From what I hear, it just lasts longer down there. But the winter sounds incredible. I will definitely let you know how it goes. I may even do an actual "trip report". Ha. Since I am going for the entire week, I'm spending a good bit of money on this trip. So I'm trying not to get too carried away with the dining side. But oh how I want to. I am just now starting to look at what reservations are still available. I'll get back to you on that one.
 
You sound a lot like me. I am very independent and do a lot of things by myself and it doesn't bother me one bit. My Disney solo trip was a belated birthday trip for me. I was treating myself to a great present. Hence the two tours I did, which were out of my comfort level for sure. Aha a football fan, whats your favorite team?

Nice birthday present to yourself! I'm an Alabama fan. I grew up in Georgia, but my parents were both from Alabama, so I was born a Bama fan. I'm mostly into college football. I do kind of follow the Saints, but I get tired of the NFL. Grew up a Braves fan. I've been a nascar fan for 15 years. Very excited at the prospect of living near Daytona. Went there in 2008 for the Daytona 500. Loved it.
 
It does look amazing! Yes I'm probably crazy going in July, but the family I am a nanny for is going to the beach, so I am off for a week and had to make it work then. I'm used to going in April, Sept, Oct and Dec. All of those were great times, weather wise! September was hot, but not unbearable. I do live in Alabama...so we get really hot summers too. From what I hear, it just lasts longer down there. But the winter sounds incredible. I will definitely let you know how it goes. I may even do an actual "trip report". Ha. Since I am going for the entire week, I'm spending a good bit of money on this trip. So I'm trying not to get too carried away with the dining side. But oh how I want to. I am just now starting to look at what reservations are still available. I'll get back to you on that one.

If you do a trip report let me know I would be interested in reading about your findings and pictures of CBR. You should spurge a little. It's for your trip, go for it. One place I highly recommend is Yachtsman steakhouse. Well worth the two credits. The place is amazing and the food plus the service is out of this world. You will love it. Especially if you love meats. I tried different cusines and places to eat at last trip. Yak and Yeti cs at Ak was really good as was Boma for breakfast. Any advice on any places your eating at or got a question, let me know, maybe I can help.
 

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