An English Woman’s Solo Trip to the World – Pre-trip Report About This Page:

[Annabel]

I thought I’d start my trip to the World with a little pre-trip report

I’ve always wanted to visit Walt Disney World alone – ride what I want to, take ages shopping if I feel like it, have lazy mornings by the pool, you get the idea. I never thought I would have the guts to go alone. I can be quite a shy person at times, plus I don’t travel well on the plane so to actually be going alone is quite an accomplishment – as well as being a dream come true.

Sunday afternoon, I was reminiscing my trip with hubby in 2003, watching camcorder footage – it was his first and my second. I suddenly felt very homesick and I happened to mention this to hubby. I said jokingly I want to go back right now. With us moving to London at some point in late August/ early September and hubby leaving his current job at the same time, it was impossible for him to take any time off. Plus we’re already booked to go for a sneaky visit in September before going again over Christmas. September suddenly felt ages away. I casually asked hubby if he would ever consider a visit to the World for a week – his answer was no as he felt it was a long way to go for a week. We talked about the possibility of me going alone. After all, with our new jobs (when we actually get around to applying for some!!), we might find that one of us has more holiday entitlement than the other. At first, hubby wasn’t sure about me going without him. We discussed it a little and that was that.

Monday afternoon, hubby came home from work and announced that he had been thinking about me holidaying without him and even though he would miss me, he wouldn’t actually mind if I went. We trust each other 100% so that was never an issue. Just out of interest, I started looking at prices and asked for a few quotes. I decided to wait until Tuesday before booking something definite – to give myself more time to think, and also as we had several people view our house yesterday and I wanted to see if anyone would make an offer to purchase it.

Tuesday, I started looking at flights after I received a great quote for a week at Pop Century. The airline with the best deal (First Choice) was giving me conflicting information on my flights including transfer to the resort from the airport or not – in the end I spoke to either 5 or 6 people and was still very confused, so I waited and waited as I couldn’t make up my mind. Big mistake. I lost the flights I wanted and if I still wanted to go, I had to go a week later. The flight was cheaper but it was in economy not premium. I am a terribly nervous flyer and in the end, I figured I’d be nervous wherever I sat! Early Tuesday pm, we had a phone call from the Estate Agent saying we had 2 offers to purchase our house. We chose one so we are now officially sold and moving to London. By way of celebration I decided to go for it and I booked my flight. I put the phone down to the airline and was shaking like a leaf, utterly amazed that I had actually gone through with it and not chickened out at all. Even typing this now, I still can’t believe I’m going.

I’m still waiting for a revised quote on Pop Century as I had to change the dates but I’ve arranged my travel insurance, my transfers to and from Sanford Airport, my coach from Wales to London (my mum lives near Gatwick Airport so I will stay with her and she will drop me off at the Airport) and I’ve purchased my Annual Pass over the phone. There’s nothing like speaking on the phone to a Cast Member, especially one so helpful and polite. Now I’m starting to plan.

So far, all I’ve planned is to take advantage of the Early Magic Hours and also do an E-Ride night just to say I’ve done one. There’ll be more plans once I’ve got an itinerary sorted. I’ve made my packing list already as I’m very forgetful so will write things down as I think of them. I told my mum all about my trip once I’d booked. My mum is a worrier (like mother like daughter!) but she didn’t seem too concerned – although I am now officially considered odd as I’m leaving my hubby behind. But sometimes, a Disney Fanatic has to do what a Fanatic has to do.

Annabel

[pparm]

Annabel,
Congrats on your upcoming trip--and selling your house! When are you traveling? I hope you have a wonderful time. I'm sure you will--I've read lots of solo trip reports and everyone says it was great!
Paula º0º

[Jennifer2003]

So when exactly do you go??? How awesome!! I can't wait to see the report!!

Congratulations!

Jennifer

[DrDolphin]

Annabel that is GREAT!!! I can not wait to read that report.

[Annabel]

Oops - I totally forgot to put my dates in dohhhh! My trip is from 24th July to 31st July. At the moment I'm still half excited and half in shock that I'm actually going alone. It's a long way to go but it'll definitely be worth it. Thanks for the comments

[luvnwdwgal]

Congratulations on your upcoming solo trip! Although it seems very tempting, I'm not sure if I could do it or not. Looking forward to reading all about your trip!!

[simbarel]

Wow, good for you! You are hooked, girl! Absolutely loved your last TR, looking forward to the next 3! Have fun!

[DopeyGirl]

[ QUOTE ]
But sometimes, a Disney Fanatic has to do what a Fanatic has to do.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yup, my thoughts exactly!!! I would be a bit nervous to go it alone as well, but it will be a nice respite and some alone time that you will need before the busy time around and after your move!!!

Looking forward to more!!!

[BritDisFan]

Well done Annabel for booking it, I think you are very brave, I'm sure you will be fine on the flight. I don't think I could travel alone (far too shy) but have the utmost respect for people who do. I can't wait to read your report.

Karen

[JulieandChris]

Wow, Annabel you will have had 3 trips to WDW in the time I have waited for one. Not that I`m envious
Have a really great time and I`ll look forward to your trip report.

Julie.

[Colexis Mom]

Great start Annabel I can't believe it's coming up so quick, and you are going back so many times within the year

You're going to have a great time, and I can't wait to read all about the rest of your adventures Enjoy it

[Coinbeach]

Hi Annabel.....I went by myself back in 1996 for 5 days and had a blast....I was a little scared about flying myself, but I made sure I had a good book to keep me interested. And it is very fun to be there alone and to be able to do exactly what you want..when you want... Even if you just want to stop for a while and sit on a bench in the Magic Kingdom and people watch.... I would definately do it again... So just keep saying to your self... I'm Going to Disney.... I'm going to Disney.... That should help... Enjoy and can't wait to hear all about it.....

[buckysmom]

Annabel,
You are living a dream! How awesome! Can't wait to hear how your trip went, and don't worry too much about the flight, it'll be fine (with a lot of wine )!

[karmic]

Annabel we will be there the same time as you! It sounds like you're planning a terrific trip!

[Annabel]

Thanks for all the lovely comments I'm still a bit in shock that I've booked it but the excitement is starting to creep in. I've had my revised quote for Pop Century so I've now paid for that and so far I've booked a PS for lunch at Le Cellier and dinner at the Concourse Steakhouse. I bought some shorts and tops yesterday along with a lovely pair of flip flops and a notebook for writing my trip report in, so it's starting to feel more real now. My brother thinks it's the coolest thing ever that I'm going alone, he's very jealous He hasn't been since 1989 when we went with our family for the first time so I'm hoping to persuade to come along during one of our future trips.

Annabel