I can’t help it - I like being at WDW by myself once in awhile. It seems selfish,  childish, and even a little pathetic, but I can’t help loving it.

Lots of times I have just tacked on a day when Lauren is meeting me - she’s getting in Friday but I arrive Thursday. Stuff like that.

But there have been times that I’ve actually planned a whole weekend in WDW all by myself. I liken the pleasure I get from this to the same I get from going to the movies by myself once in awhile. You can see the movie you want to see, arrive for all of the previews if you want to, and eat a bunch of junk and not be embarrassed. But more importantly, you can kind of lose yourself in the story without worrying about a companion’s comfort or happiness and without being distracted by conversations. And at WDW, I can lose myself in my favorite story, temporarily but effectively shutting out the outside world.

I don’t think that it really matters where you stay if you are going solo. I know that there are those that would disagree, but I think that since the value resorts attract so many families with little kids and groups of young people,  adults would be more comfortable at a moderate or deluxe resort. It’s not that big of a deal - if you are traveling along you can presumably be more flexible with your dates and go when you can get the best possible rate on a better room.

Don’t forget that WDW is more than just an amusement park, it’s a great resort. I like to get up late and then work out at the beautiful health club.  I could use the spa if that were something I ever wanted to do - It’s not - I really don’t like people touching me, but you might like a massage or something.

I spend a lot of time at EPCOT. You can go in, have a little lunch, and then spend the afternoon shopping, having cocktails, and looking for the entertainment that is here and there around World Showcase, like the mariachi band at the Mexico Pavilion or the Chinese acrobats at the China Pavilion.

I can do all the things that nobody ever wants to do with me, like watch the movie at the France Pavilion (in the “wrap around” cinema, the “Impressions de France” , a gorgeous travelogue that makes you want to find a travel agent upon leaving the theater) or ride “Spaceship Earth” 5 or 6 times. (Give me a break I really like it.)

I don’t mind eating alone. I wouldn’t go to a character meal or anything, but lots of restaurants are welcoming for a solo visitor. For instance, it’s fun to go to Sci-Fi Dine-In, get a seat in one of the “cars” in the dark and watch the clips from old “B” movie horror films while I have a garden burger and a beer.

And why not go to Jiko by yourself? It’s quiet and chic, and makes for a very relaxing evening. Why not go to “Marrakesh” at the Morocco pavilion, and catch the live music and the belly dancing.

If you are really uncomfortable having dinner in a nice restaurant by yourself, there are plenty of great counter service places, or you could eat well without ever leaving your resort.

There’s just something about being in the Magic Kingdom late at night, in the dark, lights twinkling and Tinkerbell flying that makes me happy. If I want to lollygag  on Main Street for an hour just eating a blueberry muffin and listening to the music I can, and I don’t have to worry that whoever I’m with is bored or wants to do something else. I don’t mind being alone - in fact sometimes I crave it. Being alone in WDW is a little like, to use the cliche so often used by us Disney people,  living a fantasy.