How and why do you solo?

In Fridays free form dis unplugged podcast Pete was trying to figure out how people can solo because he can't, so lets answer his question!

For me it comes down to 3 things.
1: I experienced my first solo trips as part of a business trip where I took more time to explore the local area. I found what worked for me when I didn't' have someone with me.
2: some things I enjoy so much that nobody else available to join in will not stop me.
3: you can do Disney really low cost, especially when your only paying for yourself and you have an AP already I know exactly what I'm going to get and do including things I've still not done yet where somewhere else solo isn't as simple.

For Disney, there is a huge amount of pros to solo. the big one it's safe to be there alone. I would not worry about my daughter if she said i'm going on a solo trip to WDW. There is nowhere else in the world I would feel that way.

I also see the place different when I'm alone. I'm planning what I do more on interaction opportunity sprinkled in with things I just want to do. The resort I would always pick is pop century and I would never stay offsite. Onsite is just better to find others into WDW in my opinion, and for pop, the main smoking section combined with a popular destination (in my eye) for solo and long term stay makes it really easy to meet friendly people to make the resort a little less alone. Not only do you meet them but you'll see them in the parks and say hi like they are old friends and possibly even doing some days, meals or maybe an adult night out with them...

For meals, I love the restaurants with the bars you can order food at. 50's prime time is probably my big go to in park location. Meals get be lonely when your alone because it's not an appropriate situation to just start talking to people around you, but the same place at the bar and its a great place to meet many people who are interesting in making a new friend.

In the park and such, I always see some cm or a cm off duty who is very into the moment also and really happy to discuss the excitement. It may not have been a beloved friend or loved one but it was someone equally as excited to share it with you. Again smoking sections are handy as smokers are just really social people usually, we're used to being alone in some smoking section, meeting random people.

I also love being able to do it at my own pace. There's things I could stare at all day and other things I would just skip, you can't do that with someone else and not be inconsiderate or rude ruining the experience for everyone.

And lets not forget dapperdays! That's an easy way to solo at disney and still have a group of people to be with!

What is your how you started to solo at WDW story???

My DH doesn't "do" WDW so it's always been DS and myself. After DS grew up and got married, it got harder with his schedule for him to go with me. Two years ago I was looking for somewhere to go on my birthday for a long weekend and after I checked all my usual places that I love going solo - Jekyll Island, GA, Savannah, Amelia Island, FL I decided on a whim to check WDW. Turned out it was actually less for me to do WDW and bonus it was during F&G. I knew I was getting an AP since I also knew DS and DIL would be going with me in August. At the time AAA and WDW still had a relationship so I got a discount on the AP, a discount through AAA on the room then another discount through Disney with my AP so it just worked. I went for 3 nights and loved it. I had always spent a little time in the parks by myself since after DS got older he liked to sleep late and I don't so I would head over to a park early in the mornings so the parks solo was no problem. I often take long weekend trips to other places by myself, sometimes a girl just has to get away or kill someone so eating and travelling alone was also no problem. I've been solo a number of times since then. I've found I like to do split stays and travelling solo is perfect for that so I've been able to stay in resorts we had never tried before. We've done most of the deluxe resorts but I did do OKW one solo trip so all I left of those to try is WL and SS. I've only done one moderate but plan on doing another one this spring and have tried two values which was enough for me to know I'll never do more than arrival night in one again. DS and DIL did a split stay with me last May and both decided they didn't like the moving so it gives me the opportunity to do that. I enjoy being able to go at my own pace, ride or not ride what I want, eat when and if I want.

How and Why I do Disney solo is easily answered... I'm single, I have a great job and my schedule is flexible.

My hubby doesn't get Disney like I do so I do a lot of solo trips, plus he won't fly during the winter months (scaredy cat). I am going back solo in late January and can't wait...

I did my first solo trip to WDW while attending a conference at the Swan and Dolphin. I went down a few days early and had such a great time that when my wife had a conference in Orlando the following year, I tagged along and visited the parks each day while she worked. Did it again when she attended the conference this year.

She isn't real thrilled about it because she figures WDW once every 5 years is more than enough, which is how I feel about Universal and Sea World. Also she doesn't like the ticket prices (who does?), even though I get the military discounted tickets.

I like going solo because of the freedom and independence: there is no discussion or indecision about where to go or what to do, I can move faster, if I want to ride POTC 3 times in a row I can, if I want an ice cream sundae for lunch I can, etc.

Being alone doesn't automatically imply being lonely. It's easy to engage people in conversation at WDW. But I bring a book to read at meals or sometimes in line or waiting for a show to start, I offer to take family photos, and if I see a child do something helpful or courteous without being prompted I'll give them a pin and compliment the parents. Taking a back stage tour is also a way to be with people.

Since my last 3 trips have been solo, it's going to be hard to go non-solo in the future.

Did my first solo trip because I was attending a work conference. He travels for work a lot more than I do, so isn't as interested in as much fun travel as I am. Plus, while he likes Disney, he doesn't want to go as often as I do.

I love the freedom and independence - the no need to make another person happy and compromise on plans. Like the PP - I can have a hot dog for breakfast and ice cream for lunch if I want. I can visit my favorite restaurants instead of trying a new one. I can skip Space Mountain and not feel bad. I can browse the shops all I want. I can go to bed early or sleep in. My trip, my wants and needs. It's all about me. I'm allowed to be selfish because there is nobody else to consider.

I repeat my solo travel at Disney because: (1) It's actually not a terribly expensive destination for me. (2) It's safe. I love NYC, too, but I have to plan for my safety there. (3) I still feel like I have new things to explore and do. (4) It's an "easy" destination for me - it's not foreign travel that takes more planning, it's not a major metro area where I have to worry about transportation, and it's not so remote I worry about finding what I need. (5) Because my significant other doesn't love it as much as me, there's not a guilt factor of "not taking him along." (6) It ALWAYS makes me smile. I come home happy, rejuvenated, remembering the importance of the family and friends.

ludari said:

How and Why I do Disney solo is easily answered... I'm single, I have a great job and my schedule is flexible.

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Same here. I'm single with no children, so there's no one who I HAVE to take with me. My first three trips to WDW were with relatives and while that was nice at times, we also didn't always get along. On my last two solo trips, I got to make all the decisions on when I wanted to go, where I wanted to stay, what I wanted to do, when and where I wanted to eat, and everything worked out great! I have no problems eating at restaurants alone or doing rides alone, but of course you're never really alone at Disney. I still ended up chatting with people here and there even though I'm mostly a shy person. I enjoy WDW so much that I will not miss out on a trip just because I don't have anyone to take with me. Solo trips are just as fun and I can't wait to take another one next fall!

I solo because my friends are all lame and either don't want to go or can't go as often as I like. I need to be friends with some real Disney people, haha!

While I adore my DH and DS, I am an individual who also thrives on solitude. When my parents deceased within 2 years of each other, I took a little bit of my inheritance [which was in no way life changing] and bought into DVC. I figure they gave me 50 years of guilt free, fancy deluxe room, vacations to WDW. So now, I go solo at the beginning of December - which used to coincide with Mousefest and now other internet community events. I attend the meets when I want and don't when I want to be alone. It is the absolute best of both worlds.

BUT, after a week, I am definitely ready to go home and be with my family. I tell them it makes me a better wife and mother. My DH has no problem with it . . . even though the guys at his work tease him that I must be having an affair with Mickey.

When I used to try to explain to people why I went to WDW alone they would look at me like I was crazy. Now I just say I am down there on a Conference. I even had one couple ask me if I would like to sit with them at Narcoossees because they thought I was lonely. While I thought it was so sweet . . . I actually just have no problem with being alone.

I got through my one and only solo trip by planning. I knew what I wanted to do most of the day, each day. I did some activities that included others like Lunch with the Imagineers and some park tours. I did a few meals where again we were in a group as with Biergarten and Teppan Edo. I felt less lonely that way.

Doing shows at the parks are easier than rides for me on a solo trip. Again, you are part of a large group and you really don't look like you are alone.

I did more quick service meals; because, it was quicker. I could eat and run.

I did strike up some conversations with strangers, but I have to admit that's a challenge. I feel lucky that I know a lot about Disney World; so, I can actually help the strangers sometimes. I will say this works better when I talked with couples without children.

I did feel a little scared going back to the resort late night. I was looking over my shoulder a lot getting to my room. I stayed at POP and if I do a solo trip again I will choose a resort with lobby access.

Going during special events like Flower and Garden Show or Food and Wine Festival would be a better time to be solo for me. I would go to special shows and meals during those festivals.

I do prefer not going alone, but I will go to Disney World alone. I would not go to many other vacation destinations alone.

I am fortunate that by accident one of my past trips turned into a solo adventure. Some work friends and I were supposed to go, each making their own arrangements, but a few weeks out i was told that they couldn't go.
I thought about cancelling, but decided to try it out.

I loved it!!!!!!

Like others have said, the obvious benefits are the ability to do what you want, when you want, as much or as little as you want without checking with someone else.
Sleep in late, wake up at the crack of dawn, whatever i felt, i did. (This was back in the days of Pleasure Island, i once closed the place and ended up sleeping until like 1 or 2 in the afternoon!!!)

Since then, every time i plan a trip, i offer to go with family and friends. Sometimes it works out and i get to enjoy Disney with others, other times they can't make it happen, but i don't let that stop me.

Honestly, experiencing Disney with people who i enjoy to be with and enjoy it as much as me IS better than going solo, but it is still very much a great time when i go it alone.

The ONLY thing that i currently have a problem doing solo is swimming at the resort pools. Not sure why, but i just don't feel comfortable enough to do it. Dining and solo rides are not a problem. In fact with the rides, more often than not i can get on the rides quicker than most!

I love seeing all the posts about solo trips. I've never gone to wdw solo but am thinking of doing it next year. Around Christmas time!

disneykelly said:

The ONLY thing that i currently have a problem doing solo is swimming at the resort pools.

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I never really thought about it before but I agree, it's weird for a guy to be around something like a pool or playground alone. It's actually illegal to do so in nyc. I am comfortable sitting with my tablet poolside but it's only when I'm waiting for laundry since many of hte laundry rooms are next to a pool in value and moderates.

Solo trips for me began years ago as a "Mom's weekend" thing, time for me to get away by myself and relax. My first solo trip was a gift from my family back when park tickets never expired and the family came home with one day left on a park hopper ticket. Back then, DH traveled for work (as an added benefit-frequent flier miles), we had two very active boys, and I taught part-time. Since I love Disney, and WDW's safe, what better place?

I go solo b/c right now, I live in S FL where almost no one it seems down here is a huge Disney fan who goes to the parks often. The people I did know who were also Passholders here have moved out of state & I just continued to go without them & have had many great memories doing so. Someone else mentioned that going solo is a different view point & that's definitely true. It allows me to absorb the atmosphere at my own pace & plan exactly what I want to do when I want to do it with no questions. If something happens to the plans I made & I don't stick to them, no big deal & I go w/the flow. I can find great spots last minute for shows, parades & am able to skip long lines by being a party of 1 on some attractions. I'm never having to wait around for someone else & never have to worry about anyone waiting for me. I've met plenty of people & have had some great conversations randomly while taking a rest or waiting in line. And of course, I just love the feeling of freedom as I run around property doing whatever I please.

As much as I do enjoy my solo trips, I am hoping to meet others when I finally do move up to the Orlando area who are as big fans of Disney as I am!

I would have never dreamed of going into a Disney park solo until I got accepted into the college program. Because I am halfway across the country, my family does not have the ability to go in with me. So I go alone.
Before then, I imagined a solo trip would be horribly depressing and sad.
But folks, it's actually quite wonderful. Sure, it's great to go in a group, but it's a whole different experience going it alone. You don't have anyone slowing you down because:
a) They are hungry
b) They have to use the bathroom
c) They don't want to ride that ride
d) They are tired and want to go back to the hotel.
A solo trip is on YOUR terms. You go where you want, when you want. You are able to take your time. It's absolutely great and I'd highly recommend everyone try it at least once!

First solo trip was a runDisney trip. It was fun because for once I did my own thing! I have a problem making sure everyone else is happy and forgetting about myself. 99% of the time that leaves me happy because if everyone else is having fun I'm having fun too but it was so nice ok my solo trips to only think about myself.

Oh, and I might add....you'd be surprised by how friendly other guests are towards you when they spot you alone! I have often been approached by families when sitting at tables who would like to share the space with me. We wind up talking about their trips, and I've met many interesting people that way. In lines, people will often include you in their conversations. As you can see, going solo is a great way to meet others and make new friends!
Still waiting on Prince Charming to show up on one of my solo adventures; although that's a topic for an entirely different thread, haha.

I took my first solo trip to WDW last year in September. And the reason I did it solo was I wanted to go back because I have been to WDW only one other time when I took my dad for his 70th birthday. We did a cruise the year after that but I really wanted to go back to WDW. So my parents didn't have the money to pay for my dad (mom wasn't a Disney fan) and I didn't have the money to pay for him too. I asked all my friends who wanted to go and they all didn't want to go (crazy!) or didn't have the money for it.

So I decided to go solo. Wasn't a big for me to go by myself. Been on a couple of trips by myself before and I'm ok with eating alone too. Also I knew being at WDW would be safer than when I went to Vegas solo. Going solo was great, did I what I wanted, ate when I wanted, met characters and rode what I wanted as many times I wanted.

Last December I got to go to DL with a friend who was attending a conference, so it was a semi-solo trip. The days I had to myself was fun. I did the Walking in Walt's Footsteps tour and rode a lot of rides. The days with my friend was difficult. She didn't have an opinion on anything! She would never say what she wanted to do or where to eat, I had to decide. She said Pirates was an "ok ride." Haunted Mansion was "too scary" and she didn't really wanted to meet any characters. She sucked the fun and Disney spirit right out!! So that right there is another good reason to go solo. Go with another Disney fan or go by yourself.

my dad lives near orlando so I try to go at least once a year he just meets me at disney but I spend some days solo. last year I did it was the first time and it was awesome I actually thought it would be terrible . so I'll be back in a week for a couple solo days . I'd love for my boyfriend to come but he doesn't like disney world much but that won't stop me from going lol