Should I go alone or bring this person??

[DonaldDuckFreak]

Hi all! I am new to the boards but have been lurking for awhile. It looks like alot of you really enjoy your solo trips. I am in the process of planning my very first trip to WDW. I grew up not far from Anaheim so I have been to DL many times. I have always wanted to go to WDW and had orginally planned on going with my boyfriend but then we broke up (mutual so I am NOT devestated!) In any case I am fully prepared to go alone. Here is the problem though-a close friend of mine (male) wants to come along now that he knows I am still planning to go without my ex. We dated a couple of times in college and have been friends for years but the problem is that I am not so sure I feel comfortable going on a trip with him (we would NOT share a room). What should I do? Go alone or let him come along? I have never been on a trip all by myself (I am 26) and I am not sure I would enjoy it. Eating by myself at sit down places? Going to see the shows alone? I like spending time with myself and all, but will I feel weird? Also, will I be safe all by myself? I might want to go to Jellyrolls or PI and these sound like they would be more fun if I was with someone. Thanks everyone for any advice!

 

[TLinden16]

Welcome to the DIS, Jessica!

I can't really say whether or not you should go to Disney with the person you described, but I can help with some of your other questions.

I have taken a few solo trips to Disney World, and I have to say that I really enjoy it. In all my trips to Disney World over the years, I have always felt safe while on Disney property with the exception of one incident (which I will get to in a minute). I keep my guard up when walking alone in the evening in areas that may seem a bit dark and not well travelled--just as I would anywhere else, but overall, I feel that Disney is a very safe place.

The one incident happened one evening at Jellyrolls when some guy was hitting on me. He was making lewd comments and gestures, and asking me inappropriate questions. He left my side three times and came back to sit with me even though the bar was empty and he could have sat anywhere. I was going to slip out of the bar at one point when he walked away, but he came back over when he saw me reach for my bag. He creeped me out enough that I approached one of the piano players I have gotten to know at the bar, and he was kind enough to walk me out of the bar in a torrential rain storm to catch a cab. If a situation like that arises, I know that I could also go to any bouncer, or contact Disney security to escort me to my room, cab, or car.

As for dining alone, that is something that is an individual preference. I have gotten used to dining alone because I travel frequently for business, and also travel to visit friends solo. So, I'm used to it. At Disney, I try to get a table near the window near a window so I can people watch while I eat. Or I'll study a guide map while I eat so that I can decide where to head next. One thing that I noticed when dining alone is that there are often other solo diners--especially in the restaurants at the resorts.

If you are uncertain about how you'll feel about having a sitdown meal alone, why don't you do a test run this weekend. Go to your favorite restaurant in your hometown, and see how you enjoy it.

You could also look into meeting up with other DISers. Look on the solo threads on this board to see if anyone is going when you are going to be there. Post a thread on the dining thread, or the meet board. I've made some wonderful friends on the DIS who I have met at Disney on more than one occassion!

As for Jellyrolls, I have spent many a night there by myself. I've been there so many times in the past year and a half that one of the piano players thought I was a local. Another one gets thrown off if I'm not sitting on my regular bar stool when I'm there by myself. So, don't worry about going by yourself! You'll have a blast! And if you see Scotty and Ray, tell them Karen from Boston sent you (it may get your request played faster). You can check out the schedule for the piano players at www.thepianomen.com .

You could also try to organize a meet at Jellyrolls or Pleasure Island as well. Sometimes you can meet up with just a few DISers and have a lot of fun.

When are you thinking of going? Where are you thinking of staying?

Have fun planning!

Karen

 

[travelin' tigger]

In any case I am fully prepared to go alone.

I just got back from another solo trip and had a great time!!! Did some time at visiting DB & DSIL, went to US/IOA for Mardi Gras and saw a great concert & parade, then spent a day at WDW and managed to spend some time at all 4 parks. I stayed at Pop (2nd time there solo), but have also been solo at AS Music, the Dolphin, Swan and Coronado Sp. and never felt unsafe in any way.

The great thing about traveling solo is its all about YOU!!! You do what you want, when you want so GO FOR IT!!!!

Karen also covered other aspects such as eating out, etc. I was at Jellyrolls solo Sun. night and always enjoy myself there. Everyone is friendly and fun, but if someone is hassling you, just go to a bouncer and they'll be happy to help you (say Hi to Josh for me!).

HTH!!!!

 

[christinadei]

I'd take him along. As long as you have seperate rooms, you shouldn't be uncomfortable. If you are, he probably isn't that close of a friend. I know i wouldn't go alone. I'd much rather take that time to hand out with a friend. I'm just not the type of person that enjoys eating alone or watching shows and stuff alone. But if you think you'd have more fun alone, go for it.

 

[Love That Mouse]

Okay, you were kind enough to respond to my post, so I'll keep your thread going!

Here's the deal (and I am a guy here, so take it for what it is worth. . . .). I say go by yourself and enjoy yourself. Taking this other guy sounds like it makes you uncomfortable. If you feel weird about it now, it won't get any easier once you are there.

If he is a sensitive, mature and caring guy, he will feel that you are uncomfortable and both of you will not have any fun.

If he is an unsensitive and non-caring guy and he doesn't pick up on this, then. . . .did you really want to spend time with him in the most magical place on earth?

Trust me, reserve WDW for that special person who has earned the right to spend time with you. It sounds like you are to special to just accept anybody.

Just my thoughts. . . . .

 

[LucyStorm]

Maybe you could compromise. Go together, but agree for each to have some solo time...best of both worlds.

 

[Terk-1]

I've been to WDW 4 times solo, with the 5th trip coming up later this year. I think you'll enjoy this trip solo. You will get to see and do what you want, when you want. You can dine anywhere and at anytime you want. You can get up early for Magic Hour or sleep in. As far as dining alone, do what I do and bring a book with you. This way it takes away the awkwardness and gives you something to do while you are there. I have a book (usually a paperback, since it's lighter to carry) in my backpack all the time, so this way if I'm dining or waiting for a show/parade to start, it helps kill the time. Most cast members are respectful of you being solo, especially at restaurants. If you love the characters, go ahead and make a PS for a character meal. On my last solo trip I had my picture take with as many of the characters as I could. I had to wait a little for some of them, but where I was solo, I had nowhere I had to be and no one was waiting for me to hurry up. As long as you use common sense regarding your safety, I think you'll be ok. Make sure to double lock your room door everytime you enter and be sure to check that the door closed all the way after your leave. If someone knocks on your door claiming to be from the resort and you were not expecting them, ask them their name and the purpose of their visit, then call the front desk and confirm this information. Be aware of your surroundings. Don't walk anywhere at night that is dimly lit. Make sure you know a direct path to your room from a bus/boat/monorail. Never give out your resort name or room number, unless you are having packages sent there from one of the theme parks (I actually like having packages sent to the main entrances, then stop and pick them up when I'm leaving the park). Don't bring alot of cash or credit cards and lock anything valuable in the in-room safe. When I go solo, I'll bring only what I need (license, one credit card, an ATM card, a little cash and insurance information). Your room key can be used as a charge card at most of the restaurants & stores, so I usually take that will a little cash with me each day to the parks. Other than that everything else stays home, including any valuable jewerly. Better safe than sorry I think. Alrighty, now back to more positive things. Don't forget to see some of the great shows that are there, including Wishes, Illuminations & Fantasmic. If Spectromagic is running, see that too. Don't miss the Legend of the Lion King at Animal Kingdom and do Fast Pass at some of the most popular rides, that way you won't have to wait so long. The daytime parades at the other parks are ok, but I would not wait hours to see them. There are some attractions that have "singles" lines, including Test Track & Mission Space. Take advantage of this, since you will literally walk right on the attraction. I'm typically an early riser anyway, so I love doing early entry into the parks, but will split the day in 2 different parks. Will do EE at one park, then have lunch and head back to my resort for a break (will talk about this next), then head to a different park later in the day. WDW is huge and you can't see and do everything in one week. Make sure to take a break mid-day, as your feet will definitely appreciate it. Go for a swim, relax in your room or hot tub (if your resort has one), just chill for a little while. This will help you get a second wind. Since I don't leave Disney property when I go solo, I never rent a car and use Disney transportation to get everywhere. When you pack, make sure to throw in something for a quick change of weather. For instance, if you're going in the fall, make sure to bring a sweatshirt and pants, in case it gets cool. Break in your sneakers/shoes well before you leave and that will help prevent blisters. Drop me a PM if you want more tips, suggestions or have any more questions about going solo.

 

[Schweet]

Run far, run fast.

Read your own letter again... you've already answered your own question, you don't feel comfortable going on a trip with him. Don't take him, don't let him go with you. Go alone and have a blast, you'll do just fine. DO NOT feel guilty about not letting him go along.

 

[Taja]

Have to agree with those who said read your own post and listen to your feelings. If you're uncomfortable with the idea of going on holiday with this man, you're likely to be equally uncomfortable while on holiday and be miserable.

Try some solo trips at home first. Go to Disneyland, Magic Mountain or Knott's Berry Farm alone (I recommend DL, although Knott's isn't too bad solo). Don't mention to anyone you are going, just get up one morning and GO. Eat a counter service meal while there. Go on rides that others usually won't consider. People watch. Do what you enjoy. Then analyze how you feel.

Do the same for some full service restaurant meals. Don't mention that you're going out to anyone, just select a restaurant you've always wanted to try and go for it. Casual probably is best at first, but WDW is casual anyway, except for V&A. Again, analyze the experience. Where were you seated? Did you like it? Did you ask to be moved (restaurants love to place solos near the kitchen door or service stations--be sure to let them know that isn't acceptable if you don't like it) if you didn't?

I've been traveling solo since high school, so I'm very comfortable with it. Although WDW probably is safer than most places, always be aware of your surroundings and use common sense. You'll be fine!