solo dismeet

[katypop]

hi
okay i have a question for all of us who are traveling solo. i went to wdw solo for the very 1st time recently and had a wonderful trip. i would have loved to have met up with other solo travelers but was very nervous about meeting up with people i didn't know. i do feel safe at wdw but couldn't help but worry a little . we read so many horrible things in the paper anymore , does any one else worry about who you might be meeting up with? how many people have had a positive experience meeting another solo person for a meal for instance? am i the only one worried about this
katypop

 

[billybaruch1]

katypop, no, you're not the only one. I'm also worried about making plans and meeting a stranger at WDW. Just because someone has a computer and posts messages on disboards.com DOES NOT make them Prince(ss) Charming.

It's so much safer if I just have my vacation alone. What's the answer? You tell me, please.

 

[taswira]

The safest way to first meet is <B>at the parks</B> - inside the park. After you have shared some rides or attractions and a meal or two, you <I>should</I> (no guarantees of course) be able to judge a person's character and personality enough to know whether you feel safe or not. I don't think a woman who projects weakness or frailty should take a chance on going anywhere else. That is NOT meant to be offensive to <I>anyone</I>, but you know what I mean . . like the police always advise one to walk confidently and look "in authority" . . there are <I>some</I> who simply can't do that. If you <I>look</I> like a victim, you <I>might</I> become one.

It might not be a good idea to meet someone for the first time at P.I., etc. JMHO, but I think the parks are safer. So far all the DISers I've met up with at the parks have been great. Usually they knew a lot about me by that time, because I have several business and personal websites where they were able to learn about me. But most of the time I never saw so much as a picture of them before meeting.

One thing I also do when I am at the parks solo - - When parking I advise the parking attendant if I will be staying late and am solo. I then request to park close to the end by the trams. In other words, I don't want to have to walk to the FAR end of a row alone late at night. It is just an extra precaution and I am <I>much</I> more comfortable that way.

 

[nativetxn]

I think meeting in the parks is very safe, or meeting in a Disney restaurant. I wouldn't be comfortable meeting in anyone's room or off site.

I think you would be very safe meeting DISers in a park. I've done it many times. It's fun

 

[katypop]

i'm glad i'm not the only one who worries about this it's funny though, i have considered meeting up with someone, but if it was dd telling me she was meeting up with "strangers" i would be in a panic LOL. i think i would feel more comfortable meeting up with a group of solo travelers rather than just with one person. i am not going solo again until probably next spring so have time to think about it. i am glad to read so many positive reports on meetings but has any one ever wished they hadn't arranged a meet

katypop

 

[Margie J]

I've met up with both solos and groups within the parks and shared meals, etc. Before meeting we usually exchange a few PM's and make sure we agree on a location and time.

If I meet up with one person I follow the rules you might use on a blind date. Meet in a public place, use your own transportation, don't give out info on your hotel location, make it short and sweet (don't plan a whole day of activities with a stranger), etc. It's just common sense stuff to stay safe.

If I notice that the person or people I will meet up with have had meets with others before (and they are reported here) this eases the mind a lot. It assures me that they are fun, trustworthy people. Starting with group meets is a good way to meet "strangers".

One thing I also do when I am at the parks solo - - When parking I advise the parking attendant if I will be staying late and am solo. I then request to park close to the end by the trams. In other words, I don't want to have to walk to the FAR end of a row alone late at night. It is just an extra precaution and I am much more comfortable that way.

I like this idea. Wherever I am solo I make sure that my safety comes first. Unexpected things can happen anywhere and solo women in particular must be aware of their surroundings at all times. You don't have to look weak or scared, just be comfortable and as confident as possible.

 

[TDC Nala]

Meet somewhere public. Don't go anywhere private with someone you don't know. Don't accept rides. Drive yourself or take the bus.

I don't know about the mention of not meeting anyone at PI...most of the online folks I've met, I met at the Adventurers Club. I usually don't leave the club and go anywhere else, though. If you do that, take the bus there and back if you're onsite and don't go anywhere outside of a public area with somebody you just met.

 

[billybaruch1]

TDC Nala,

Balderdash!

No, you make sense. I'd like to meet you at the AC. I'll be in the World Oct. 18 - 25. Sounds like too much fun!

Or taswira, maybe we could meet in a park, I dunno, Epcot maybe? I'm looking forward to the F&W tastings.

Long way to go... I'm into it all the way.

I'm thinking about posting a series of trip reports from the planning to the afterthoughts. Maybe I'll call it "Disney for Solo Middle-Agers." I just hope people won't think it's about knights in shining armor.

 

[taswira]

Originally posted by billybaruch1
Or taswira, maybe we could meet in a park, I dunno, Epcot maybe? I'm looking forward to the F&W tastings.

I'm up for meeting at any of the parks (I am not into the water parks, so my AP is only for the 4 main parks). I love EPCOT and the F&W Festival. I also like everything else at the parks - shows and attractions, the tamest to the wildest rides, all the dining experiences, etc.

You are right that it is a long way off. It's likely that many more solo DISers will be there at that time.

 

[taswira]

Thanks to moderator KarenNY, I was given permission to make a <B>"<a href="http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=393800">SOLO CENTRAL</A>"</B> for us (SOLOS ONLY). Please check it out and utilize it for solo-related topics.

 

[prncess674]

I have never met people from DIS but
I travel for work so I find myself in strange cities alot. I post on a frequent flyer bulletin board and have met people for dinner that I have never met just because we both happen to be travelling in the same city. I use common sense. I meet them at the restaurant. I have met a few "weirdos" but they have been harmless. If you feel uncomfortable with your dinner partner that you made arrangements with, order a drink and an appetizer and excuse yourself shortly after eating. Thank them for there time and that is all there is to it. They don't know where you are staying. If you feel uncomfortable ask a CM to escort you. don't ever feel you are being rude by leaving if you feel you are in danger. More than likely you will meet a lovely person to share a dining experience with. I now have regular "dining friends" in Dallas and NYC because of these off chance meeting on bulletin boards!

 

[Claudia Kellenberger]

Last December I signed up for a DIS dinner meet at the Prime Time Cafe. I felt VERY safe, seeing that 68 people signed up for the meet. LOL ! Honestly.....I haven't laughed that hard in a long time !

I treasure my solo trips, and being a woman, I stay ONLY on Disney property the whole time, and use all Disney transportation. I was tempted to get a cab to Universal, but I would be breaking my own security rules.

I would never sign up for a Disney meet if it was with a solo man. It would have to be with a group of people. I will be meeting up this Dec. with a solo woman, but we have had MANY PM's this year, and we are already getting to know each other.

I also would never meet up with a stranger, or strangers, with the intention of hanging around with them all day. That is just too awkward for me.

 

[SharBear4]

WOW this is so exciting!!! My husband and I take trips together, but there are so many times I could have the opportunity to go alone. I'm a Nurse Practitioner and am sent many places for conferences. I try to fly only one airline to accumulate miles and have enough already for one frequent flyer ticket....after this year, I'll have enough for another! Many times there is not enough $ in the budget to take the whole family or even the two of us because you have to feed everyone...transportation, etc. I would love to be able to meet up with someone for the parks or to eat!

 

[taswira]

<B>SharBear4:</B> I live about an hour from the parks, have an AP and make LOTS of solo visits. If you ever decide to do a solo trip, please PM me or post on our new <B><a href="http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=393800">SOLO Central thread</A></B> if you'd like to do the parks and/or meals with me.

BTW - My real name is Sharon also, but I am known as Shari.

 

[SharBear4]

Shari,
I will most certainly PM you if I find myself the opportunity for a solo trip!! There are soooo many conferences in Orlando and around the Disney area. I actually received one today for Wyndham Palace and Spa for 3/14-3/17 2004.

 

[katypop]

okay you're all making me wish i was going for another solo trip soon dd and i are going in dec but she does not want to meet up with anyone she doesn't know, and since we've never been that time of year i expect we'll be pretty busy trying to fit everything in we want to see. i bought an AP this year for the 1st time and am thinking i might be able to use it for one last time late in apr/04. i would love to meet up with other solo travellers so will take everyone's advice and try to plan something once i've decided on dates in the meantime, make sure you all post about your experiences meeting with others
kathe