Guest Writer Wednesday
14 Reasons For Going Solo at Disney
By: Beth Skarp
Many have asked over the years, does it really make sense to head off
to Disney World or Disneyland sans the family, going solo. Having done
this several times, I say emphatically—YES!! Rather than share in bits
and pieces why it is a good idea, I am going to share with you my
reasons, in order, of why I enjoy going solo.
First, understand that I have a very supportive and wonderful husband
who insists that I take this time away. We have a house full of
“permanent kids” who require our full attention 24 hours a day; 7 days a
week, 365 days a year. Since our permanent kids are females, most of
the care for them falls on my shoulders, for obvious reasons. Every now
and again, I need to take a break in order to be a better caregiver and
Mom to my special needs girls. So, we plan, we save, and once or twice
a year both my husband and I take a solo trip, sans the family. His
trips take him many places while my trips take me to Disney. We have
been able to enjoy Disney as a couple, but with the special individual
needs of our girls, it is best and easiest for taking solo trips.
So, here in order are my personal favorite reasons for going solo to Disney.
1. Lighten Up--Yes, traveling
solo means most times I have only two cases, and they are rather small
at that. I have an ample sized carry on case where most of my clothing
goes. I then have a small checked bag. The only reason for the checked
bag is because I need the room for the “liquids” that I can’t carry with
me on the plane, such as my coffee creamers and my hygiene products.
It also allows me to have room for any souvenirs I purchase as well as
my extra shoes for walking (and I walk—LOTS!) One small suitcase to
check, and one carry on. Makes it really easy for me to get where I am
going to and from the airports quickly.
2. ME Time— Nope, not talking about Magical Express here, but honest to goodness time for just ME—Beth
Skarp. When I take a solo trip to Disney, I get to focus on just one
individual, that individual being yours truly. I get to choose where
and when I want to be at any given time. And this sounds somewhat
selfish, but, I get to make all the decisions that will please ME and
not worry about someone else. I am not listening to “Mom will you help
me with…” or “Mom, how much longer will you be in the bathroom”, or
“Mom, what is to eat”. For this time, I am not a Mom, but an
individual. I can run a tub of hot water, add some scented bubbles, and
just relax. I can eat super early or super late or just when the mood
strikes me. I have no responsibilities to anyone but ME.
3. Dress Up Time—OK, this may
not mean much to most of you, but for me, it is huge. I spend so much
time making sure my husband and the girls are ready to go wherever that I
don’t always get the time to get me dressed and ready to go. Don’t get
me wrong, I have clothes on, but they are my typical “Mom Uniform” of
jeans or sweats and a t-shirt or sweatshirt. Invariably, something
happens and I need to make a “before we get out the door” change. Most
times something gets spilled on me, or time runs out before we need to
be out the door, so it is a literal “grab and run” outfit sans makeup,
jewelry or even matching socks. Going solo, I can be fashionable and
not look like a typical Mom. I can put on makeup and jewelry, have a
coordinated outfit, and take time to style my hair to get ready for a
day of doing Disney. My Mom Uniform along with my normal white tennis
shoes usually stays home, so I get to be a stylish individual for the
week.
4. Stop And L-O-O-K!—I am not
talking about rushing from the resorts to the parks or going from a ride
to say dining or entertainment here. Rather I am calculating when we
were last at a bathroom, how long it has been, and whether or not we
need to find a Family or Companion bathroom yet again. I also need to
make sure that I incorporate the needs and wants of not only the girls,
but my husband as well. Where have we agreed we would be at this time?
What shows/rides/parades were our “must see, must do” for this park on
this day? What is the easiest means of getting where I need to go—both
for the wheelchair, the person pushing the wheelchair, and those who are
walking? Going solo, I have NO plans or schedule. I
meander. I people watch. I stop for things just because. If something
catches my eye, I can stop and explore it fully—including taking time
to smell the flowers or roses along the pathways. Time simply doesn’t
exist (except for knowing when the parks open and close). Sometimes I
am able to snag a great dining reservation, so I need to know how long I
have before I need to be at my dining destination. In fact, I almost
don’t need a watch at all.
5. Girlfriend Time—A couple of
times I have gone solo to Disney, I have been able to meet up with
friends, male and female, who live in the local area. We are able to
get together for dinner, touring a show or special event such as Food
& Wine or the Flower and Garden Show, or taking in a park or two
while enjoying the rides and attractions for the day. This time will be
no exception. I am looking forward to meeting at least two of my best
friends. Getting together with Disney Peeps or best friends while at
Disney is always fun. And the best part, I can spend as little or as
much time with my friends as I want and not have to worry about
infringing on “family” time. When girlfriends can spend the night with
me, even better.
6. Savor the Flavor— My family
enjoys sampling new and exciting things to eat. Yep, they have eaten
snails and other exotic foods and love them. However, the girls do get
bored easily and can’t wait to get out and get going in the parks once
again. They don’t have the patience to want to sit and savor what they
are eating and enjoy every aspect of the dining experience. Also, sorry
to say this, but Disney is not truly set up to accommodate wheelchairs
in all of their dining venues without a bit of juggling and maneuvering
on the part of the wheelchair “handler” to get the wheelchair and the
diners into their venue and up to the tables comfortably. Not saying it
can’t be done, but that it is truly a hassle. Going solo means I can
become more adventurous and enjoy my meal. I can dine at places that
don’t readily accommodate the wheelchair. I am often asked if I feel
subconscious about eating alone. Rarely—if ever. There are places
where you can be part of a group if you wish such as at Teppan Edo or
Biergarten. Or, you can choose to enjoy eating by yourself—the choice
is truly yours. Want to take your time and enjoy an appetizer fully
before the main meal—you can do this. Maybe it’s me, but I like to
taste then determine if I can figure out all the spices or seasonings
used to make my food. And yes, I admit it. I hate to share my
desserts. Some of them are just too good to share. My secret to feeling
less conspicuous while dining solo…take along a small journal style
notebook while dining alone. No, you don’t have to read (other diners
may think you are). Rather, the journal allows me to take notes of what
I have eaten and share these observations with others—like my fellow
Disney lovers. And believe it or not, it also opens up dialogues
between not only other Disney diners but the wait staff as well. With
my Disney themed journal, diners believe I am either some celebrity food
writer and ask me questions about the food, OR, I must know a bit about
Disney so they ask me park or touring questions. Don’t tell, but I
have had the wait staff bring me out something new or different the chef
is working on, just to ask my opinions. Love this. Because I am not
rushed with dinner, I can savor the flavors of what is presented to me
and give a more honest review on what I am sampling.
7. Adult Drinks—Yes, I
like to imbibe every now and again. Going solo, I have more freedom to
do this. Since I am not worried about the time, it truly can be 5:00
anytime for me (if I want it to be). Anyone care to join me for a Lapu
Lapu, Backscratcher, Gran Marnier Slushie or Rum Runner just to name a
few of my favorites. And let’s not forget about the great additions
that can be added to your coffee. I love the Moroccan coffees at
Tangierine Café.
8.
Grown Up Entertainment—There
are so many places to enjoy entertainment once the parks close down.
Having a wheelchair, it is hard to get into these venues comfortably
without feeling crowded or on display. When your “kids” need to be in
bed by around 9:30 pm or so, well, it makes it somewhat difficult to
enjoy Disney after the sun goes down. Going solo, not only can I take
better advantage of the evening Extra Magic Hours, I can also take
advantage of the various adult lounges and nightclubs. Atlantic Dance
is not one of my favorite places to be (too loud and boisterous, and I
am not much of a dancer) but I do enjoy Jellyrolls. The dueling pianos
are so much fun, and the crowds are lively without being boisterous. I
don’t feel as if I need to be on a date or with a bunch of girlfriends
in order to enjoy going here. I also enjoy YeeHaw Bob at Port Orleans
Riverside (although to be honest, he can get on my nerves at times). Not a beer drinker, but I
do enjoy sitting out at the Big River Grille and Brewing works while
watching the happenings on the Boardwalk. Todd’s English Bluezoo Bar is
also nice, but a bit upscale for my liking. Crew’s Cup or Martha’s
Vineyard near Yacht & Beach Club is also a nice place to relax and
just unwind. My personal favorite is to take the water taxi from Port
Orleans to Downtown Disney and enjoy the happenings there. If you want
something fun to do after the sun goes down, you can usually find it at
Downtown Disney. Whether it is a late night movie, bowling at
Splitsville or eating later than usual, Downtown
Disney cranks up when the sun goes down. Have been to Cique de Soleil
for their late show and then enjoyed some music, dinner and drinks at
House of Blues after the show. That was really nice. If night time is
your time, then you will find lots to do while at Disney.
9. Front and Center—Many times
it is easier to get a single person into a show or at a prime location
for a parade then it is for an entire family or group. Many times I
have gone just before the show began to see if I could get in. There is
most usually room for one more individual, if you are nice about the
approach. If I see a spot for say Finding Nemo or Fantasmic that is
closer to the action, and it appears that there is ample room, I have no
problems asking, politely of course, if I can sit there. Most times it
is not an issue. This is especially true if you find a family with
young kids. Just offering a distraction for the kids (someone new…takes
their minds off of the wait time) seems to make everyone happier. For
parades, I can usually snag a spot where I can get great pictures, and
not be in the way of those who have been sitting for a while or staked
their claims. It really isn’t too hard to find a spot. Simply asking
if you can join their group works. I can’t really say how this works
for me, it just seems to work out for me.
10. Ahhhhhh…..The Spas—Yep, love me a
good manicure or pedicure, not to mention a massage or bit of personal
pampering. I have been to the spa at Saratoga Springs twice and
absolutely loved it. At the spas, I am pampered, I am beautified, and I
am truly relaxed. I feel like I am truly a new person. Oh, and if you
get a treatment say a day or two before you head back to reality and
home…well, let’s just say that the homecoming can be a little bit more
magical and special as well if you catch my drift.
11. Shop Till You Drop (or at least until the credit card says stop)—
Yes, I usually come home with a souvenir or two for the family from my
trips. I love to shop, and it is hard for me to get “just something”
for the girls or my husband. I want to take my time and get the perfect
gift, spending the least amount possible to do this. While in the
parks or resorts, I take note of what I have seen, for whom, the price,
and the item number. I then prioritize what I wish to buy and plan my
shopping attack. Sure, this will involve doing some running around and
advanced planning for my shopping day on my part. However, if I simply
don’t want to do this (or I don’t feel I have the room in my luggage to
transport the items back home), I don’t. I have the item numbers and
the names of the merchandise I want to purchase, including where said
items were seen. It is really just a quick call to Disney Merchandising
to tell them not only where I saw the item, when I saw it, how much it
was, the item number (very, very helpful) and what I want. Disney does
the shopping for me including shipping the package directly to my door.
Best of all, Mom is once again “The Bestest Mom in the WORLD”. Can’t beat that with a stick.
12. Singles Welcome—I bet you were
wondering if I went on any rides. Yep! I get to ride the ones the
girls simply can’t ride or don’t really like. Fast Pass is a great
idea, and I do make use of this for the rides I want to take advantage
of. Another great option is the Single Rider Lines. Many rides within
the parks still have these, and when they do I avail myself of this
line. I have no problems at all riding with a total stranger (chances
are I will not see this individual again in the parks). Also, if you
keep your eyes and ears peeled, many times you will hear a Cast Member
or CM saying “party of one or two”. You can then walk past others in line and ride.
13. Tours and Everything Else in the World—
Disney has not only several tours but special and unique adventures as
well, outside of the normal theme park attractions. These special
activities fit just about any age bracket, time restraints or budget you
can imagine. However, you are truly limited in what you can do when you
have not only a wheelchair in your party but a member of your party who
needs more attention or assistance than the tour or special activity is
set up to accommodate. Going solo or as a couple, I have done many of
the tours and really enjoyed them. I have done the Backstage Safari,
Backstage Magic, Gardens of Wonder (during Flower & Garden show),
Keys to the Kingdom, and The Magic Behind the Steam Trains tours. I
have also done the Safari Breakfast as well as the Wanyama Safari Tour
at Animal Kingdom and Animal Kingdom Lodge. Loved these tours. This
upcoming trip, I am doing the Behind the Seeds tour as well as the Magic
Kingdom to Marceline tour. Really looking forward to these. My bucket
list is by no means exhausted. I would still enjoy taking in Flights
of Wonder (the hot air balloon at Downtown Disney), parasailing in Bay
Lake, riding a jet-ski, and yes, even taking a ride around the race
track with the Richard Petty Driving Experience. We’ll see if I get
these crossed off my bucket list or not.
14. I Get To Be A Kid Again!—Many who
visit get to be kids or at least kids at heart. This is especially
true in my case. I am not a Mom (OK, so I am always a Mom, but while I
am going solo at Disney, I can relinquish that title for a while), I am
not a caregiver responsible for the needs of other members of my party.
I am not the planner, nor am I the one who has to say “we need to head
for here to take care of this” person. I left these responsibilities at
home, along with my Super Mom cape and the Mom Uniform. Instead, I am a
child, an individual who gets to satisfy her wishes and desires during
this time. Want to order onion rings with dinner, sure, go ahead (but
don’t complain when it talks back to you in the middle of the
night—besides, no one around to hear the complaints). Want to sleep
until the crack of Noon so you can enjoy evening Extra Magic Hours, go
ahead—who is going to report you or say anything. Want to ride Rock N
Roller Coaster more than once—OK (just make sure you have the Ben Gay
for later). Want to stay up late, just because you can—yep you can do
that too. Whatever my inner child wants, I can do (within reason of
course). After all, my body still can’t become the 20 something “kid”
it keeps trying to be. The point is this…I can enjoy the simplest of
pleasures again.
Being solo at Disney is definitely NOT for
everyone. For me, it works—and I truly cherish my times visiting Disney
alone. And you know what, while I am technically alone—I came by
myself from my personal family here—I am not truly alone. I am
surrounded by hundreds of others, all coming to enjoy what they can from
their Happy Place. Being alone, I feel secure knowing that I am not
truly alone. Assistance is there for me should I need something (which
thankfully, I never have). Yes, going solo to Disney works well for
me.
