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Walt Disney World Trip Planning
Topic: Solo Trip

#AuthorMessage
1
mperry
Sun 5/18/2008 10:31a
I love WDW however don't have any other disney freak friends to go with me, so I guess I will be going alone next time. Is there anyone here who have done the solo trip thig? Any advice?
2
Donalds Gal
Sun 5/18/2008 12:09p
Hi, mperry!

I can't seem to talk any of my friends into doing WDW with me either and it's usually difficult to coordinate family trips to WDW (it's easy for DL since they all live in So. Cal.). SO, I do WDW solo all the time and it's FUN! In fact, my next solo trip is already booked, Dec. 10-17, at CBR.

It is a different type of fun than going with friends and/or family but it is definitely fun. So, BE POSITIVE, don't look it as a lesser Disney trip or something you are "settling" for. Realize that you will be seeing and doing WDW YOUR way. :-) Many never get this chance!

One of the most positive aspects of solo WDW travel is that you have the LUXURY of: traveling to WDW when you want for as long or as short as you want; taking the flights you want; staying where you want; doing what you want to do, when you want to do it; and you can change plans you choose without consulting anyone.

You will ride your favorite attractions multiple times if you choose or not ride your not-so-favorite attractions; you will dine when/where you like; you will shop when/where you like, etc.

I plan a solo WDW trip just as I do trips with family and friends. I plan my days as busy or light as I like, knowing all the while I can change it at any time. I make ADRs, plan my days in the park, book tours, buy special event tickets, etc. I have stayed solo at Value, Moderate, and Deluxe resorts.

I don't know if you have specific travel dates in mind but I enjoy going solo during special events (F&G Show, F&W Festival, the Holiday season, etc.). It's easy to get absorbed into the event, lots to do and look at, demos, etc. and I have found guests and CMs are especially "festive" and more open to conversation. I also enjoy any Value Season to get a good price and usually lower attendance. Taking park tours is a lot of fun when doing WDW solo. You may want to post in the "Meets" section and see if you can arrange a meet or two while you are there. I have dear friends who live in Orlando (also Disney freaks :-)) and we always meet up a couple of times when I go to WDW. Or, have you thought about going solo to MouseFest? There are lots of solo travelers at MouseFest.

I know some folks prefer not to do TS meals solo, but I enjoy TS meals solo or not. In fact, I bought the dining plan for my solo trip in Dec. 2005 and I bought it for my 7 night trip this December. I've never had trouble finding ADRs for 1, I've had wonderful service because the waitstaff has only you to tend to. I've had great and informative conversation with CMs (waitstaff) when I've booked late breakfasts, lunches, and dinners and they have a bit more time because the restaurants are not as full.

Hopefully, this will help get you started. I know others will be along soon with their suggestions but don't hesitate to let me know if you have specific questions.

Have a great trip!
3
mperry
Sun 5/18/2008 4:15p
Yes I love WDW but never been alone, it may seem strage not having somone to share the magic with.
4
Disneymom443
Sun 5/18/2008 9:39p
I've been told you can go as fast as you want and not worrie about others.

Maybe you can see if their can be a minie meet, the locals may come and meet with you.
:)
5
bobbelee9
Mon 5/19/2008 12:52p
I could like a few hours to myself at the parks, but who would I talk to at meals, and who to share stories and laughs with at the end of the day?
6
Donalds Gal
Mon 5/19/2008 5:33p
mperry, believe me you'll find you're sharing the magic more than you think. I have come to believe that CMs and park guests feel more comfortable striking up conversations with solo travelers than interjecting into a group. I have done WDW with family, always spend a day or two with my Florida friends, and have done DL countless times with family and friends (I'm from So Cal) and have never experienced conversation with strangers at Disney like I have experienced on solo trips. LOL, that or I've got one of those faces that people feel comfortable talking to, lol.

<<<I could like a few hours to myself at the parks, but who would I talk to at meals, and who to share stories and laughs with at the end of the day?>>>

Why not take that time to journal your day so you have good notes for a trip report! :-) Or, if you really had to talk with someone, take out the old cell phone and call a friend or family member. If you are single and live alone, do whatever you do anyother day you feel like you need to share an experience. :-)

Regarding talking with someone at meals, I've had some great conversations with CMs (waitstaff) during solo meals. Obviously they cannot pull up a chair and join you for a meal, LOL, but when they are at your table they have only you to take care of and chat with. Then, again, I don't mind dining solo outside Disney.

But, a Disney trip isn't inexpensive so, if you really don't think you will enjoy WDW on your own, don't go solo. Even if you have a few meets with other LPers, and take park tours, you'll still have time solo. So, maybe you should simply wait until you can find someone to go along with you.

Do whatever is best for YOU!
7
mperry
Mon 5/19/2008 9:26p
I would enjoy it but if i'm alone whos going to make me go back home, i may never leave Orlando.
8
Disney Joy
Fri 5/23/2008 11:32p
I solo Disneyland yearly. Love it for all the reasons already spoken. I am going to WDW solo for the 1st time. Can't wait. Solo has been some of the best trips of my life. I am staying 10 nights slowly working up towards 2 weeks. YAHOO !!
9
Disney Joy
Fri 5/23/2008 11:33p
OH and I am trying to keep it a secret from some...don't want any company. hee hee
10
Labuda
Sat 5/24/2008 8:51a
I've done multiple solo trips to WDW. I LOVE IT! My DH is not the Disney fan that I am, and I've actually found that excepting our Honeymoon (WDW), and our first trip to DL, I've had more fun when he's been left home! lol As Donald's Gal mentioned, it's great fun to have TS meals alone, as you do tend to get a bit more attention, it's great fun to ride your favorite rides abd skip what you don't want, and it's fun to strike up converations with folks you don't know.

Just go into this with a positive attitude and you'll have a blast! :)
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