Reason for the trip: 1) I wanted to experience Disney in a different way. To be able to stop and notice the details, do the Keys to the Kingdom tour, to be able to watch how the parks run. 2) I wanted to do it MY WAY. Be there before rope drop everyday, eat the food I want, do the rides and attractions I want.
As for reason #1 - The tour was excellent. I loved the history and the details about how the park runs and functions. There were definitely things I did know, but I learned a lot too.
One of my favorite moments was getting to MK and being one of the first people let in at 8am. I got a coffee without any line and just wandered around Main Street and the Hub listening to the happy Main Street music. I took some interesting pictures, noticed some of the architecture and windows on Main Street, and people watched.
As for reason #2 - I got up at 5:30 every morning. I was at the gates before the sun was up each day. I loved the quiet, I loved just being there. I did a whole bunch of thrill rides that my family wouldn't do. I got to wander around the world showcase at my own pace. I sat through the Hall of Presidents. I walked from Tomorrow Land to Adventure Land just for a dole whip.
My general notes on being solo:
1) I fully expected to want to be back in the hotel room at or just after dinner. I usually need some "down time" in the evening whether it's watching tv or just reading. But I just kept going. I think that since I wasn't talking all day, or managing everyone else's needs, I just had so much more energy. I wasn't mentally drained.
2) Using the 4th FP and on was great. I'm sure looking for only 1 person helped my options. Plus, I had no problem crossing back and forth through the parks. I just went from one ride to the next with little wait.
3) I had a few awkward moments because I was solo, but nothing too major. For example, I ate breakfast at Garden Grill. I gave Mickey a hug then went to get my phone for a picture and he just ran off to the next table. It was also hard to not just look at other people while I was in line. I tried not to stare or anything, but I did get some side glances. But I also met some nice people who I could chat with for a few minutes here and there.
In conclusion, the trip was amazing. I wouldn't do it again anytime soon because my kids are still fairly young and it was hard to leave them for so long. But it was such a great trip.
As for reason #1 - The tour was excellent. I loved the history and the details about how the park runs and functions. There were definitely things I did know, but I learned a lot too.
One of my favorite moments was getting to MK and being one of the first people let in at 8am. I got a coffee without any line and just wandered around Main Street and the Hub listening to the happy Main Street music. I took some interesting pictures, noticed some of the architecture and windows on Main Street, and people watched.
As for reason #2 - I got up at 5:30 every morning. I was at the gates before the sun was up each day. I loved the quiet, I loved just being there. I did a whole bunch of thrill rides that my family wouldn't do. I got to wander around the world showcase at my own pace. I sat through the Hall of Presidents. I walked from Tomorrow Land to Adventure Land just for a dole whip.
My general notes on being solo:
1) I fully expected to want to be back in the hotel room at or just after dinner. I usually need some "down time" in the evening whether it's watching tv or just reading. But I just kept going. I think that since I wasn't talking all day, or managing everyone else's needs, I just had so much more energy. I wasn't mentally drained.
2) Using the 4th FP and on was great. I'm sure looking for only 1 person helped my options. Plus, I had no problem crossing back and forth through the parks. I just went from one ride to the next with little wait.
3) I had a few awkward moments because I was solo, but nothing too major. For example, I ate breakfast at Garden Grill. I gave Mickey a hug then went to get my phone for a picture and he just ran off to the next table. It was also hard to not just look at other people while I was in line. I tried not to stare or anything, but I did get some side glances. But I also met some nice people who I could chat with for a few minutes here and there.
In conclusion, the trip was amazing. I wouldn't do it again anytime soon because my kids are still fairly young and it was hard to leave them for so long. But it was such a great trip.
Your last paragraph almost scared me, but I understand leaving young kids behind.
