Single... 44 years old man here. Been going to Disney solo at least once a year for the last decade. As an extreme introvert it took me a couple of visits to realize that those feelings were, at least for me, my fear of how other people saw me. And then I realize that the vast majority of people don't even pay attention to the other guests. Granted I don't meet the characters I haven't gotten over my fear of judgement for that yet. But I go on Small World at least once a trip.
Sometimes when my tongue gets tied, I find the best interaction I can give characters is a big smile. That seems to do the trick every time! Every character can communicate with that!... I have another autograph book for my next visit and I hope I can give the characters a better interaction (as much as they try to give me).
I'm a kid at heart and have to "adult" a lot in my regular world. I don't have kids - and I probably never will but that won't stop me from enjoying things that I love. Fight through the uncomfortable and I promise it is worth it!
I think sometimes people associate Disney as something you grow out of when you get to a certain age. They may not even know much about the parks themselves but just have that overall viewpoint.This. A lot of people don't get why adults go to Disney when there's more "adult" theme parks like Cedar Point. But I've been to Cedar Point. I'm a thrill ride guy, so I had a lot of fun. Thing is, I prefer variety. I like the few thrill rides available at Disney World, but I like the slower rides too because they all offer some level of something I don't get to experience often (I'm terrible at video games but still have fun on TSM). I'm really looking forward to visiting GE (I did get all of the paid experiences admittedly, but even if I didn't, I would be happy just to explore the land). I feel like Disney offers that variety of thrill and simple rides that I crave and when I can't find a FP, I still have options of something else to do. And that includes meet & greets (man did that first trip really change my perspective after visiting just a few characters).
I think sometimes people associate Disney as something you grow out of when you get to a certain age. They may not even know much about the parks themselves but just have that overall viewpoint.
No need to feel sheepish*raises hand sheepishly* That was me and my dad on our first visit. We thought it was "one & done" since we were "too old" for most of the stuff there. Third trip coming up now XD.
As a fellow introvert who used to shirk characters, they are very good at adjusting the interaction. Though yes, it's hard to get over waiting in line for Cinderella and not feel like a bunch of people are staring at you.
I made my first autograph book for my last visit. I was still slightly embarrassed (my own issue) about asking characters for their signatured. Anna tried to get me to loosen up with saying "I don't judge". But my head just wouldn't let me respond to get the two way interaction .
I have another autograph book for my next visit and I hope I can give the characters a better interaction (as much as they try to give me).
I'm terrible at character interactions, too. If you're looking for tips, Kenny the Pirate has the character locator website. It's about $15/year. Best part of the site is the info he includes about interacting with each of the characters. So for example, if you go see Donald Duck one of the suggestions is to tell him Mickey is your #1 and see how he reacts. There are also tips for posing for pictures with most of the characters.