Experiences Visiting WDW Solo

[Sharonofwindham]

If you have toured the parks on your own, what was the experience like? Would you do it again, or was it just too lonely? Seriously thinking about trying it one day. Not a real long visit, maybe 3 or 4 days. At times I think about it, and it just seems sad, and other times I think I might really enjoy myself! I just don't want to get their, and end up crying the whole time .

[Amy]

While I have never been to WDW solo, I have visited both Paris and Tokyo on my own. It is great to do what you want to do, eat when and where you want to. The only sad thing was I knew how much my Mom would enjoy the different scenery and attractions at the other parks. I took lots of photos to share. I would visit any of the parks by myself in an instant if the opportunity arose again. You can always strike up a conversation with another guest if you get super lonely in line...

[jeremyleo]

I had an opportunity to visit WDW solo while in Orlando on a conference a few years ago. I stayed at SSR while attending my conference (which was off site) and purchased the dining plan for the first time as well. I toured in the evenings and took one extra day before and after my conference for some WDW time. I looked at that trip as an opportunity to try the dining plan before doing so on a family vacation, and also used the time to experience attractions that we, as a family, had never experienced.

I had a great time. I met many nice families (including a family from my home town while seated together at Teppan Edo) and I got to speak to many cast menbers (servers, bus drivers, etc.) as well - things you don't normally do when travelling with your own family. I have travelled extensively for business so dining alone is not an issue for me. Touring was great - single rider lines and being able to thread through crowds quickly was a big bonus for me. In fact I even visited 3 parks in one day!

I will admit that I felt a litle guilty not having the kids there with me, but it helped us on our following family trip to streamline our touring a little more and use my solo experience to hit the attractions and restaraunts the family would enjoy.

I would do it again in a heartbeat.

[Mousekedude]

It's hard for me to imagine going solo. All my trips have been with my dear wife, and sometimes her parents, and with other friends. So when I try to think about going solo, it would mean that all those folks would no longer be in my life, and that's a depressing thought!
Interestingly, I have thought about whether I would go back again if something ever happened to my wife. In the end, I decided I would... just to honor her memory. Heaven forbid that should ever happen, though!

[cccmouse]

I went once several years ago by myself for four nites and I had a great time. I had just received a new Harley from my wife as an anniversary present and I combined a road trip with a Disney trip. I enjoyed getting to do whatever I wanted whenever I wanted. At that time we still took all of our Disney trips with our 2 sons and as a parent you usually put your childrens desires before your own.
When you go by yourself you never hear "I don't want to do that" or "I don't want to eat there" or "why are we doing this again?". I certainly would not want to go by myself as a regular habit, but once in a while is fun. Actually I will be going by myself in January for marathon weekend. My wife is going with me in Sept/Oct for the Wine and Dine half marathon but our younger son will still be home from college on his Christmas break during marathon weekend, so I will be flying solo.

[MmeLeota]

It's hard for me to imagine going solo. All my trips have been with my dear wife, and sometimes her parents, and with other friends. So when I try to think about going solo, it would mean that all those folks would no longer be in my life, and that's a depressing thought!
Interestingly, I have thought about whether I would go back again if something ever happened to my wife. In the end, I decided I would... just to honor her memory. Heaven forbid that should ever happen, though!

I can't speak to visiting WDW solo, but this is exactly how I felt on my most recent solo trip to DLR.
It wasn't my first time alone in the parks, but it was my first time on a completely solo trip. I wouldn't mind having some "alone time" in the parks during a trip, simply because sometimes you and your traveling partner aren't on the same page about where you'd like to go...but I don't think it's something I personally would want to do again. My feelings mirror Mousekedude's to a T. Besides, I had a hard time remembering that I was alone...I can't tell you how many times I leaned over to the complete stranger next to me and nearly asked where they wanted to have lunch/sit for the fireworks/what FP to get next/did you see what Goofy just did?...etc

I think it depends on your situation. Since all of my Disney trips have been either with family or hubby (with the one exception), I think it would be more fun with a companion.

[laurie5658]

No offense to my family but I would love to have just one WDW solo trip. Just one!

[Sharonofwindham]

It's hard for me to imagine going solo. All my trips have been with my dear wife, and sometimes her parents, and with other friends. So when I try to think about going solo, it would mean that all those folks would no longer be in my life, and that's a depressing thought!
Interestingly, I have thought about whether I would go back again if something ever happened to my wife. In the end, I decided I would... just to honor her memory. Heaven forbid that should ever happen, though!

I never thought that I would be in the situation you described at this point in my life, I haven't even hit the big 50 yet. I envisioned my late sister and myself having lot's more trips to our favorite place on the planet. Sure, we went with other family members and friends over the years, but with the acception of our Dad, who passed away as well, non were true "Disney People". Unfortunately at this time I don't personally know any people who fit that scenario, thats why I am contemplating the solo visit. Even considering bringing a small amount of their ashes( to scatter, don't know exactly where), as well as my Mom's with me.
DON'T think about the future and possibly being without your loved ones, savor every moment together NOW. Not really sure you can take the time or have the money to take a trip you really want to take, do it anyway, and enjoy every minute

[Sharonofwindham]

It's hard for me to imagine going solo. All my trips have been with my dear wife, and sometimes her parents, and with other friends. So when I try to think about going solo, it would mean that all those folks would no longer be in my life, and that's a depressing thought!
Interestingly, I have thought about whether I would go back again if something ever happened to my wife. In the end, I decided I would... just to honor her memory. Heaven forbid that should ever happen, though!

I can't speak to visiting WDW solo, but this is exactly how I felt on my most recent solo trip to DLR.
It wasn't my first time alone in the parks, but it was my first time on a completely solo trip. I wouldn't mind having some "alone time" in the parks during a trip, simply because sometimes you and your traveling partner aren't on the same page about where you'd like to go...but I don't think it's something I personally would want to do again. My feelings mirror Mousekedude's to a T. Besides, I had a hard time remembering that I was alone...I can't tell you how many times I leaned over to the complete stranger next to me and nearly asked where they wanted to have lunch/sit for the fireworks/what FP to get next/did you see what Goofy just did?...etc

I think it depends on your situation. Since all of my Disney trips have been either with family or hubby (with the one exception), I think it would be more fun with a companion.

If I still had my family to go with I wouldn't even think about going solo. Other people in my life try to act interested and say they would go one day, however, you can pretty much tell they would in a sense just be doing you a favor . Oh sure they may have an OK time, but they just don't have that true love of Disney

[Mousekedude]

...I will be going by myself in January for marathon weekend...

And we're really looking forward to meeting you! You've already given us the dates you'll be there (on the "Mayhem Marauders Meet-up Part Deux" thread...), but have you nailed down a resort where you'll be staying yet? Post that as soon as possible, please, so we can update the list.

[Mousekedude]

...DON'T think about the future and possibly being without your loved ones, savor every moment together NOW. Not really sure you can take the time or have the money to take a trip you really want to take, do it anyway, and enjoy every minute...

Very nice sentiments... I can't disagree with that.

[Soarin08]

I love my solo trips! I just enjoy the freedom of being able to go where I want, ride what I want, eat what I want.... anytime! I especially love to resort hop when I'm there alone- I tend to dine at resorts since I get 20% off all day as a cast member and I finally reached my goal of visiting them all on my last vacation in July. I also take up a lot of time with the cast members when I'm there alone (those of you who know me really well know EXACTLY what I mean), especially the ones in World Showcase. I love talking to people, cast and other guests alike, so I take advantage of it when I'm alone. It's hard to do much of anything with my family because my mother is always in a bad mood and my dad and brother just want to ride the roller coasters and other thrill rides.

I even did 4 parks 1 day this spring. It was a BLAST!

[Amy]

DON'T think about the future and possibly being without your loved ones, savor every moment together NOW. Not really sure you can take the time or have the money to take a trip you really want to take, do it anyway, and enjoy every minute

Pretty much where my head is at for this upcoming trip...if F1gment can ever nail down the airfare, then I can work on the accommodations and other details

[leblanan]

I have gone down to WDW a day before the rest of my family because I was coming from a different city and the airline prices were outrageous. It was fun, I spent the whole day in the Magic Kingdom; it's amazing when you're by yourself how quickly you start up a conversation with complete strangers. Also, while me and my family are usually on the same page, there's occasional disagreements... By yourself it's only what you want to do. I recommend it as something to try. But I do prefer to be with the family

[MmeLeota]

...DON'T think about the future and possibly being without your loved ones, savor every moment together NOW. Not really sure you can take the time or have the money to take a trip you really want to take, do it anyway, and enjoy every minute...

Very nice sentiments... I can't disagree with that.

I agree with that completely! What's the point in saving something for another day when that day may never come?

If I were in your situation Sharonofwindham, I would most definitely go. It makes you happy to be there...