Scared to go Solo!

[killer6.2]

A little background. I am in my late 20's. I thought I was getting engaged recently and then my boyfriend broke up with me for a pretty sad reason. I now realize he never really cared about me but I am left alone. I am overweight, looking to change that, and as part of that change I have decided to run a Disney 10K race. It probably won't be until 2017. But I am going to be going alone at this point. I don't know if I am more scared of going to Disney alone (it's so huge and intimidating) or the race. But, I need to change my life and I love going to Disney so here I am.

I know it is a year away as I may try to go for marathon weekend or the princess weekend (I have to check if they have a 10K or not, I don't remember). But planning has to happen in the next few months.

Are there any tips some of you veterans solo travelers have for me? I make decent money, although I am not loaded by any means. I have been to Disney many times, just never alone. So I know where I like to stay but are any hotels safer for a solo girl? Are there any hotels better for these races? Please tell me I didn't make a crazy decision to do any of this. Everyone I know is making fun of me for all these changes, are they right?

I may have bitten off more than I can chew.

 

[ptlohmysoul]

Staying on-site would be a good idea. By the time you actually go, you might have a friend that would like to join you .

 

[Capang]

Dont ever be afraid to do anything solo. In my 20s I really learned to enjoy and appreciate solo travel. I'm happy I had the opportunity to solo travel. It really was an amazing time. I also used to frequent a large theme park close to home solo all the time. I loved the freedom of doing whatever I wanted whenever I wanted. Best if luck to you and enjoy the experience!

 

[DaisyDuck001]

I admire you that you are so dedicated to your weight loss efforts that you are planning to participate in a Disney race. Something like that can be a very effective motivator to stick with your exercising. The fact that people would make fun of you for this plan, is a sad commentary on the people making fun of you, but not on you. Maybe they are just envious because they don't have the follow-through to set specific milestones like a race, to help achieve their goals. You are very smart to do this. I would look for some more supportive friends. Maybe join a local exercise group where others are also training for a race (even if they aren't going to the Disney race). I have stayed solo in various value, moderate, and deluxe WDW resorts. None of them seemed to me unsafe. Just be aware of your surroundings, as it is good to do everywhere.

 

[Disneypeach]

I've taken several trips to WDW alone over the years and have had a wonderful time being on my own! You get to do what you want and when you want without worrying about conflicts with others. You'll find other people friendly and you can interact as much or as little as you are comfortable with doing. In addition, the CMs are great to talk to. I've even done DCL cruises solo. Traveling alone can be very rewarding. If I waited for others to go with, I'd never go anywhere. It can be scary but try it, you may find you enjoy it...you'll never know until you try. And WDW is a safe place to start.

 

[samsteele]

I echo the above comments. I've taken a number of solo trips to WDW recently. I'd strongly consider staying onsite. I love the POP for its transportation, quick walk over the bridge to the AoA resort and its good QS food court. Like most WDW resorts, very family oriented so lots of families with children walking to their rooms until late in the evening. I wasn't as thrilled with ASMus as IMO poorer setup for women walking on their own at night (esp if you have a very early a.m. dark shuttle departure), more blown light bulbs re outdoor lighting, etc. POP is my go to resort. However, I know others love French Quarter and others the Beach Club. The Magical Express to/from the airport is also incredible for solo women. WDW is a great small pond to get your feet wet traveling solo. ps think of this trip as a great chance to do what you want to do w/o having to be concerned about others wishes or wants. If there is an attraction you love, ride it 3x in a row if you want. A restaurant you discover that you love, eat there at least twice. This is a chance for some much needed me time. Enjoy!

 

[PollyannaMom]

Don't hesitate!! I've never been to WDW by myself - but that's only because my family would be too jealous! I would definitely feel safe as a solo traveler there.

As sick as you're probably going to get of hearing it, it's actually good that you found out now instead of later your boyfriend was not the right one. And setting a Disney timeline to help you stick to your fitness plan is a great idea! - Good luck on your race training, and enjoy your trip!!

 

[karly05]

Here's a little story for you: Once Upon a Time, there was a middle-aged lady who had never in her life taken a vacation solo. (That's me.) I had flown solo, to meet my sister somewhere, but had never stayed alone in another city/hotel/vacation spot, and yeah, it was kind of scary. But I love WDW, and my sis didn't want to join me, and I thought, what the heck, I'm going!!! That was 2012, and it was so awesome, I am getting close to making my 5th Annual Solo Trip to WDW.

Question 1, OP: Are you comfortable on your own in your everyday life? Going to movies/theatre alone, eating out alone, etc.? I am, so that was never an issue for me. There have been many past threats/posts here about resort safety, and I think the consensus is that WDW is an overall safe place for travelers. As in all circumstances, take common sense precautions, be aware of your surroundings, keep the deadbolt and safety latch on when in your room, etc. I think you'll find people here who have stayed solo in nearly every resort and been happy.

I will tell you my experience. On my first solo trip, I splurged on booking the Beach Club, because I had been there before (with my sister) and I knew I liked it. I was totally surprised to get "pixie dusted" to club level where I had to use my ticket in the elevator to even reach the floor and my room was in a great spot straight out from the concierge lobby/lounge, which helped me feel more comfortable for my first solo stay.

When I decided to keep going back every year, I figured I'd better save some money by going Mod and after a lot of study, chose POFQ. As a solo, I really like POFQ: it is compact, so no room is too far from the central areas, and the landscaping is gardens/fountains/lawns on a square grid of "streets," so no wandering around twisting woodsy areas in the dark. I think it is well lit at night and the wrought iron railings and open stairs make for good "sightlines." As I said before, take your usual common-sense precautions, but I have not felt uncomfortable at POFQ. I'm sure many posters will share equally good opinions of other resorts.

Try not to let the poeple making fun of you get to you. It really beats me why they would want to do that; that's just mean. I understand Mom and Dad worrying about their baby going somewhere alone, but people just being jerks about it... Hang in there. You are not crazy and you are not alone, and if this is something you really want to do, go for it! (Just be prepared to want to keep doing it over and over. )

 

[killer6.2]

Here's a little story for you: Once Upon a Time, there was a middle-aged lady who had never in her life taken a vacation solo. (That's me.) I had flown solo, to meet my sister somewhere, but had never stayed alone in another city/hotel/vacation spot, and yeah, it was kind of scary. But I love WDW, and my sis didn't want to join me, and I thought, what the heck, I'm going!!! That was 2012, and it was so awesome, I am getting close to making my 5th Annual Solo Trip to WDW.

Question 1, OP: Are you comfortable on your own in your everyday life? Going to movies/theatre alone, eating out alone, etc.? I am, so that was never an issue for me. There have been many past threats/posts here about resort safety, and I think the consensus is that WDW is an overall safe place for travelers. As in all circumstances, take common sense precautions, be aware of your surroundings, keep the deadbolt and safety latch on when in your room, etc. I think you'll find people here who have stayed solo in nearly every resort and been happy.

I will tell you my experience. On my first solo trip, I splurged on booking the Beach Club, because I had been there before (with my sister) and I knew I liked it. I was totally surprised to get "pixie dusted" to club level where I had to use my ticket in the elevator to even reach the floor and my room was in a great spot straight out from the concierge lobby/lounge, which helped me feel more comfortable for my first solo stay.

When I decided to keep going back every year, I figured I'd better save some money by going Mod and after a lot of study, chose POFQ. As a solo, I really like POFQ: it is compact, so no room is too far from the central areas, and the landscaping is gardens/fountains/lawns on a square grid of "streets," so no wandering around twisting woodsy areas in the dark. I think it is well lit at night and the wrought iron railings and open stairs make for good "sightlines." As I said before, take your usual common-sense precautions, but I have not felt uncomfortable at POFQ. I'm sure many posters will share equally good opinions of other resorts.

Try not to let the poeple making fun of you get to you. It really beats me why they would want to do that; that's just mean. I understand Mom and Dad worrying about their baby going somewhere alone, but people just being jerks about it... Hang in there. You are not crazy and you are not alone, and if this is something you really want to do, go for it! (Just be prepared to want to keep doing it over and over. )

To answer your question, I have no problem going to the mall alone and stuff but I have never gone on vacation alone. I am very comfortable at WDW so I am sure I will be fine. I have my favorite places to eat and stay so it will be like being home. It will just be sad to be alone at times. Like during wishes. But I have decided I will be fine.

I appreciate all the responses and support. And I will be staying on property, no doubt. I personally don't feel like I get the full Disney experience if I don't stay on property. I like that Disney bubble.

And I do know I am better off without my boyfriend and I feel fortunate I never had any kids with him. I can start over and I am going to make changes. Thank you all again!!!

 

[jagfanjosh3252]

WDW is a safe place, no matter where you stay onsite. I have gone solo a lot and enjoy it. Go where you want, eat where you want. Want a nap? Fine, go back and take one. Don't have to get approval from travel partner.

It is intimidating at first, but you will quickly warm up to it. I say stay 5 days if you can, or longer. Time to get adjusted to the solo thing.

I am a local now and always will meet up with Disney people as long as my work schedule permits it.

Go have fun, get ready for your race and kick some butt.

 

[ars0525]

I would be more scared of the 10K!!! No really you will have a great time! Going solo is awesome cause you can do what you want when you want. You will enjoy the planning part & training for the 10K & the excitement leading up to it. Then the actual trip will be so much fun! What am awesome reward for yourself!! I am by no means a runner at all, but having been at Disney during several of their running events it looks like a cool thing so now I am considering trying one. I have taken quite a few solo trips to Disney & I have never felt unsafe (just be smart like you would anywhere).

As for the people making fun of you...f them. No seriously. You don't need people like that around you anyways. People don't like change cause it is scary & new & unknown. You are being brave & going for it...BRAVO. Don't let other people's fears or insecurities or jealousies stop you! I moved 1300 miles away to a new job & somewhere I didn't know anybody. People thought I was nuts (even my BFF said so). But you know what...I made it. I am doing it. And while my life wasn't awful before it just wasn't going anywhere & I had nothing going on. It's been almost 2.5 years & I have bought a home (never would have happened up there), making the money I used to make 5 years ago (never would have happened if I stayed) & been dating a great guy since May (again...never would have happened). I am not saying it will always be easy, but go for it girl. Try things, push yourself, take chances...live the life you have dreamed of.

 

[spiceycat]

People are jealous - ignore them (I know a lot easier to say that to do) - it is your life - so go live it.

boy never had done a Disney run - lots of those are really good runners - so if you can, definitely do it. think disney has a 5 k on a separate date from its marathon.

now can walk and do - but jogging or running - my knees (not to mention my feet, legs entire body) does not like it. So can't join you - not that brave.

It takes courage to do what you are planning - and some people only want to ruin other dreams because theirs did not turn out or even worst they never did what they dreamed of doing.

if you are doing what you want - GO GIRL!!!!

forgot - stayed onsite and offsite for my solo trips. For the marathon would definitely stay on site. WDW provides transportation from their resorts to the start of the race - now not sure if that is all the resorts or only certain one. Would check before you make the reservation.

 

[killer6.2]

I would be more scared of the 10K!!! No really you will have a great time! Going solo is awesome cause you can do what you want when you want. You will enjoy the planning part & training for the 10K & the excitement leading up to it. Then the actual trip will be so much fun! What am awesome reward for yourself!! I am by no means a runner at all, but having been at Disney during several of their running events it looks like a cool thing so now I am considering trying one. I have taken quite a few solo trips to Disney & I have never felt unsafe (just be smart like you would anywhere).

As for the people making fun of you...f them. No seriously. You don't need people like that around you anyways. People don't like change cause it is scary & new & unknown. You are being brave & going for it...BRAVO. Don't let other people's fears or insecurities or jealousies stop you! I moved 1300 miles away to a new job & somewhere I didn't know anybody. People thought I was nuts (even my BFF said so). But you know what...I made it. I am doing it. And while my life wasn't awful before it just wasn't going anywhere & I had nothing going on. It's been almost 2.5 years & I have bought a home (never would have happened up there), making the money I used to make 5 years ago (never would have happened if I stayed) & been dating a great guy since May (again...never would have happened). I am not saying it will always be easy, but go for it girl. Try things, push yourself, take chances...live the life you have dreamed of.

Thank you so much. This is an awesome story. You make so much sense. My question to you is, if you are telling me to live life, take changes, and live the life I dreamed of, why not take your own advice and stop thinking of doing a Disney race and sign up yourself?

I have pretty much decided I will do one. Now I just need to figure out which one for sure. I read some of the specific threads and they all sound so fun. I think marathon weekend if the first WDW 10K that I can still sign up for and that thread seemed real fun. People were raving about how much fun they had. But the Princess races are only a few weeks later and sounds like it is more female friendly and less "serious". I still have time to do my research and decide.

 

[DVCjj]

Last year I met up with some friends for 2 days and then spent 2 days solo at Disney. I stayed at Beach Club and had a wonderful time.
I honestly thought Beach Club was extra great for a solo person not only because I felt so safe but because of the Boardwalk area in general. Aside from all the restaurants and shops and hotel hopping, it was so easy to meander into Epcot or grab a boat to the Studios.

I think for a solo traveler the Beach Club, Yacht Club, Boardwalk Inn or Swan & Dolphin are outstanding choices due to the location, if you can afford them. (there are good rates at various times of the year).

You WILL have a wonderful, fun relaxing time. Good luck with the trip, marathon & weight loss. You can do it!!!

 

[ars0525]

Thank you so much. This is an awesome story. You make so much sense. My question to you is, if you are telling me to live life, take changes, and live the life I dreamed of, why not take your own advice and stop thinking of doing a Disney race and sign up yourself?

True! Unfortunately the one I really wanted to do (the Everest 5K Challenge at AK) they discontinued. So now I have started thinking I could do a 10K (have walked 5K in the past), but I need to decide which one now. And then I think maybe I want to do a Disneyland one and take a trip to CA?? Ahhh...Disney has too many choices! haha!!

 

[PirateSAM]

All the previous posters echo my sentiments. WDW is a pretty safe place for solos. Otherwise I wouldn't have been spending my last four vacations here!

 

[Neesy228]

First of all, . I know you're going through it right now, but don't be so sure that a year from now you won't have someone to go with you!

I travel to WDW once a year alone. Usually for my birthday in February and I look forward to it every year.

A little over 2 years ago I decided that I was going to train for and run the Princess Half Marathon. It was my 40th birthday gift to myself...proving that I could do 13.1 miles, getting in shape, setting a good example for my kids, plus I got a few days in Disney alone! It was a win-win! I have done two Princess Half weekends now (I am skipping the race this year because of an ankle injury), and I'm seriously considering signing up for the Glass Slipper Challenge (all three races that are held that weekend) for next February. You are most definitely NOT insane! Don't underestimate yourself.

I leave next week for a 5 day trip alone and I always stay at Pop Century when I'm alone, just because it's one of my favorites and I like the area. I have never felt unsafe. I'm even a nightowl and often out late. If you use common sense and are aware of your surroundings, you'll be fine. Its really wonderful to go alone...getting to do what you want, when you want.

If I can answer any questions for you about the PHM weekend races or processes, feel free to PM me. Go for it! You can totally do it!

 

[dreamscometrue101]

I went solo in 2014 and met up with some people from the boards so that was a lot of fun. I'm planning my next Disney trip around my birthday and a Run Disney event in 2017 as well so we might be there at the same time.

I stayed at Pop Century on my solo trip only because it was a budget trip but I felt safe the entire time. I thing my next trip with be at POFQ, but not sure yet as I don't know what my budget will allow.

 

[Stefecatzz]

I found it intimidating too at first but at the same time, the freedom of a solo trip cannot be beat! I really love planning my solo trips as much as I loved planning ones with others but the beauty of it is if you want to do something else last minute & skip a FP or change something around, you can without having to discuss anything with anyone else. As much as I do enjoy the planning aspect, I've just picked a direction sometimes & gone with it, stopping to do whatever caught my eye instead of following an itinerary. I've also gotten into conversations with some pretty interesting people which I probably wouldn't have if I were there hanging out with someone else already. The biggest thing for me to get used to was eating solo but after I saw for myself that people really had no interest in me, it became much more comfortable. And if they do, just look at them back & smile & most of the time, they will stop paying any mind if they were in the first place.

One of the best parts of a solo trip is being able to score awesome seats to parades & shows last minute! I never had an issue getting one of the first rows at Fantasmic or a good viewing spot for fireworks or parades without getting in anyone's way or having to stake out a spot for at least 30 minutes/having to book a FP for it.

I also agree with a PP who said that by the time your trip comes around, you might have someone to join you if that's what you want. A lot can happen in one year!

Nevermind people who mock you for going to WDW solo. They are jealous bc they don't have what it takes to do it themselves so forget them & their opinions. We all have our own insecurities but I don't trust a person who is uncomfortable with themselves to that extent.

Have a great trip & happy planning!

 

[ludari]

It's best that you found out now about your relationship rather than after you are married. I understanding that's it's not easy but everything's going to be okay.
I'm sure others have mentioned that they will be host resorts listed by runDisney for whatever race you decide to do so use that as your guideline for picking which resort to stay at. I have done many races both at WDW and DLR solo and I always meet all sorts of great people so don't be shy and talk to people in your corral or at the race expo because you'll probably meet some great people. In fact, four years ago I met this wonderful, exciting, fun, special person at one of my races when I too was in a bad place. She has become one of my best friends and it's great to have someone that understands my Disney, Star Wars and runDisney addictions. The only downside is she lives on the east coast and I'm on the west coast, nevertheless our friendship works. Who knows what the future has in store for us but we are happy now and live in the moment.