First trip ever...solo?

Gaugersaurus

DIS Veteran
Joined
Jan 11, 2018
Hi everyone, I'm considering doing my first ever trip (that I'll be able to remember) to WDW. My only fear is that I'll feel totally lost being there solo. I'm a Disneyland local and did quite a bit of research for WDW for a trip that last year that was canceled due to hurricane Irma.

What's everyone's thoughts, is a first timer going solo a good idea or is it better to experience everything with friends/family the first time around.
 
As you know WDW is so much larger than Disneyland. There's so much more to see, discover and tour that you would never get bored. Only your personality will determine if it is a good idea. I have been to the World about thirtyish times with family and am going solo for the first time in October. I am both nervous and excited.
 
Disneyland local here. Even worked there for 10 years. SoCalPass now.

I kept putting off a WDW trip because I was concerned about going solo. Finally stepped up and went for the first time in 2007. I'm SO glad I did and my only regret is I didn't do it sooner.
is a first timer going solo a good idea or is it better to experience everything with friends/family the first time around.
Better? I have now gone back several times - solo and with friends - and each experience is different. Neither is better. But I will say that for me, a solo trip for the first time was perfect. I did 10 days so I had two full days in each park and two days to just hang around. One day I did nothing but take Disney Transportation all over - boats, Monorail, buses - to see the other resorts and just experience the whole World. I don't think any of my friends would have wanted to do that.

I got in late in the day, spent my first evening at Downtown Disney (now Disney Springs) and then got up first thing in the morning to get to MK at rope drop. What an experience for a long time Disneyland goer! And being solo was in many ways the way I wanted to see that. Go!

BTW: I was there during Irma - it was the 10th anniversary of my first visit and even though a couple of friends wanted to go, I went solo. Quite an experience.
 
I've done the opposite-WDW regular who went to DL solo when I'd never been there (but DS was working at DL as All American College Band member and I really wanted to see him). If you do research beforehand, as you said you did last year, I think you'll be OK. One thing I noticed was that when you're solo, if you stop someplace to eat and it's terrible, you haven't wasted as much money as you would if you're with family!
 


One of the big advantages to going solo is that you can do (or not do) whatever you want whenever you want. Being able to explore at your own pace, without needing to coordinate or negotiate, is great for a first trip.
 
I think my main concern is feeling lonely at the parks but there's always fellow DISers at the parks I can meet up with for meals or a few rides.

Sounds like I should start doing some planning and seeing if its worth it to upgrade to the premier AP for the extra discounts.
 


When I can have family and friends with me it's definitely less lonely especially with meal time. For that reason I minimize table service when solo except for going to Teppan Edo and Biergarten; since, those are group sittings.

Taking in some special experiences like dining with an Imagineer is another group sitting. Doing a dessert party for fireworks is another option.

I like doing a few backstage tours if going solo.

The advantage of going alone is you only have to please yourself. Also, you set your hours for the parks and so forth.
 
Going on solo trips is one of the best things I could have done. Seriously, you will not regret it one bit. For me, I never once got lonely or bored. There's so much to see and do. You can do whatever you want, even if it means riding the same ride 10 times in a row! Its the best! :)
 
I went ahead a booked a stay at POP for Sept. 7-16! Now its just the nervous excitement/anticipation of going!

Time to start making ADR's and getting my park days sorted out. Thank you everyone for the replies and encouragement!
 
Going on solo trips is one of the best things I could have done. Seriously, you will not regret it one bit. For me, I never once got lonely or bored. There's so much to see and do. You can do whatever you want, even if it means riding the same ride 10 times in a row! Its the best! :)

I'm like you! I go solo every year sometimes as long as 2 weeks. I never get bored or lonely. It is great doing things just for yourself and not having to worry about what someone else wants or does not want to do, where they want to eat, etc. I love my trips with my family but solo trips are the best.
 
I'm like you! I go solo every year sometimes as long as 2 weeks. I never get bored or lonely. It is great doing things just for yourself and not having to worry about what someone else wants or does not want to do, where they want to eat, etc. I love my trips with my family but solo trips are the best.
ha ha, I hear you! To be polite, I asked my bf if he wants to join me on my upcoming disney trip. Secretly I was hoping he'd say no...and he did! PHEW! You see, a) he's not really into disney, which is a big deal... and b) I honestly wouldn't have as much fun with him as I would on my own. I know we'd just argue about things like, rope drop being too early for him, he'd complain that a ride i want to go on is too "babyish", he'd complain its too crowded. etc etc. Plus, he's vegetarian! Huge issue for me! :lmao: Thankfully he never expressed interest in coming. And as for my DS17, he's "outgrown" disney for now. He'll come around again eventually. My bf though, nope. Solo trips are the best though. Perfect opportunity for me to just relax and be a kid again.
 
ha ha, I hear you! To be polite, I asked my bf if he wants to join me on my upcoming disney trip. Secretly I was hoping he'd say no...and he did! PHEW! You see, a) he's not really into disney, which is a big deal... and b) I honestly wouldn't have as much fun with him as I would on my own. I know we'd just argue about things like, rope drop being too early for him, he'd complain that a ride i want to go on is too "babyish", he'd complain its too crowded. etc etc. Plus, he's vegetarian! Huge issue for me! :lmao: Thankfully he never expressed interest in coming. And as for my DS17, he's "outgrown" disney for now. He'll come around again eventually. My bf though, nope. Solo trips are the best though. Perfect opportunity for me to just relax and be a kid again.

I go for a Mama only trip. Hubby is OK with Disney but does not love it like I do. My girls(17&16) still really like it but we go when they are out of school(end of May). The fall trip is all just for me because I really enjoy the F&WF events. I love going with my family but there is a big difference in trying to make 4 people happy and just yourself.
 
I go for a Mama only trip. Hubby is OK with Disney but does not love it like I do. My girls(17&16) still really like it but we go when they are out of school(end of May). The fall trip is all just for me because I really enjoy the F&WF events. I love going with my family but there is a big difference in trying to make 4 people happy and just yourself.
I totally hear you on that. Trying to make 4 people happy can be challenging.
And I also go in the fall specifically for F&W. Im a foodie, so there's really nothing better than the F&W fest. :cloud9:
 
What are some of the "must do" ADRs? I'm not really a picky eater so open to any suggestions.

I currently have lunch at Sci-Fi and dinner at Rose & Crown, CA Grill, San Angel Inn, and Be Our Guest. I'm thinking of adding Tiffins and Prime Time to the list. I'm thinking of canceling one of my Epcot ADRs so to focus on F&W booths.

Right now all my ADRs are for 2 so open invitation for those who want to join.
 
What are some of the "must do" ADRs? I'm not really a picky eater so open to any suggestions.

I currently have lunch at Sci-Fi and dinner at Rose & Crown, CA Grill, San Angel Inn, and Be Our Guest. I'm thinking of adding Tiffins and Prime Time to the list. I'm thinking of canceling one of my Epcot ADRs so to focus on F&W booths.

Right now all my ADRs are for 2 so open invitation for those who want to join.
You are going a month before me, otherwise I would have loved to meet up for dinners. Food is so objective. I've dined at Sci-Fi (think it's a great choice, as there is entertainment in addition to a meal). Rose & Crown is lovely. CA Grill and Be Our Guest is on my list for October. I am not a fan of San Angel Inn - I live in Colorado with great Mexican food and spent two years in Mexico with the real stuff! I keep reading about the lounge at Tiffin's and will stop by for at least a cocktail. Prime Time was always a family favorite when touring with my daughters. Have a great time. Looking forward to your reviews.

Dawn
 

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