Solo and loving it at Disney World

Are you a fan of Disney World but think it's someplace you simply can't go alone? Why?

Gray Cargill at SoloFriendly.com offers 10 reasons for traveling to Disney World alone. And loving it. For instance, how great is it to be able to slip into the Single Rider line and fill one-seat spots, bypassing the sometimes 45-minute or longer waits to get on a ride?

Or, say you want to go one a ride over and over? Or don't want to go on any rides at all one day? Who's to argue with you?

And speaking of arguing, you know how you often see families at amusement parks arguing or irritated with one another. So many reasons that can happen. But not when you're alone.

I'm not a big enough fan of Disney to make it my vacation but I have been there several times. With family. With friends. And alone, either because I had work in the area or because Disney actually WAS my work. I once wrote a story about the park for a publication I used to work for.

I enjoyed each way of visiting Disney but remember why I liked going alone. It was that ability to make quick decisions and zig zag my way through without getting approval from anyone. "Hey, mind if I stop in the gift shop, even though it's the 17th one and they all have the same stuff and you're really sick of the shops?"

I never once uttered anything LIKE that sentence when I went alone.

Once, when I was with family and friends, I was all excited to go on the Matterhorn ride, but there was a (not-to-be-named) person who chickened out at the last minute. So I turned away too. It was okay. I'm an adult. I can take it. But if I'd been alone, I'd have been zooming up those inclines and listening to the screams around me. Just like when I was a kid.

In retrospect, that family member might have done me a favor. (You know who you are, but I'M not going to out you.) Rollercoasters? They don't sit so well with me anymore, now that I'm all grown up. Sadly. Very sadly. They were one of my favorite things as a kid.

So if you're a Disney fan but don't think it's "right" to go to a family place like that by your lonesome, read Gray's post. It may give you the encouragement you need to indulge the kid in you. Even without any kids along.

Photos:

1. Jeff Christiansen

2. Jonathan McIntosh

Comments

[Danielle]

I'll out myself! It was me! Sorry ;)

[Ellen]

No sorry necessary. It has made for a good story over the years. ;-) As you're probably sick of hearing.

S, over in England (the friend) are you willing to check in here? I'm guessing no.

[Becky]

Disney as a Solo Parent
Tomorrow, I head to Disneyland for my fifth visit in the last three years alone - with my child. OK, I know this doesn't exactly fit the solo category, but at times it feels that way (especially when she was too young to go to the bathroom by herself and I had to lose our place in line).
I have three bits of advice for solo parents doing Disney: 1. Stay on property - makes coming and going so much easier and the Disney hotels have great pools for much needed breaks. Too expensive you say? I use the Disney Visa card and earn enough points to stay FREE every year. 2. Costco has the best deal on Disney tickets - at least here in So. Calif. Four days for $130 and few blackout restrictions. 3. Eat dinner in a nice, grown up restaurant with real napkins away from the park. And drink.
(Ellen wish you could join us - I even fear the Peter Pan ride.)

[Ellen]

Thanks for the extra tips Becky. I wish I could join you too. I think I could handle the Peter Pan ride!
AND I could hold your place in line while you run to the bathroom.
Wow, you're a stellar mom to take your child to Disney five times. I hope she appreciates you! Some day...

E

[Rose F]

Not going to lie this post has made me want to search for Disney world hotel deals for ONE! I love the magic of Disney and would go every year if I could!