Going Wild Series #2- Going Alone
Have you purchased your Go Wild ticket without knowing anyone else who’s going and now you’re wondering if you made a huge mistake?
Don’t start freaking out yet. As someone who went to Go Wild alone last year and as someone who is EXTREMELY introverted, I know EXACTLY how you are feeling.
I’m here to share my tips for going alone and how to have the best experience possible! I promise that if you head to Go Wild alone, you will certainly not leave alone!
Tip #1- Join the Facebook Group
If you’ve purchased your ticket, you should have received an email to join the ticket holder Facebook group. This group is only for people attending Go Wild DC so chances are, all of your future best friends are in that group! In that group you’ll see posts with tips/tricks for Go Wild, ideas for tablemate gifts, information for shops who will sell Go Wild related merch, and posts for those looking for Roommates, which brings me to my next tip!
Go Wild Friends are the Best Friends!
Tip #2- Find a Roommate
If you’re planning on staying at the hotel for Go Wild, finding a roommate is a great way to make friends (and save some money!). Some opt for just one roommate while others opt to share beds and have three. Like mentioned above, the roommate post in the Go Wild group is a great way to find a roommate. I’m personally very introverted and was not going to look for a roommate last year but decided last minute to find one and it was a great experience!
Tip #3- Connect with your online friends
If you’ve been in the planner community for a while and have an Instagram, chances are you follow some other planner lovers who are also attending! Don’t be afraid to connect with those people beforehand. I reached out to many Instagram friends prior to Go Wild and had a few reach out to me as well to set up time to get together. It was so fun to finally meet my planner friends in person and put actual faces with Instagram names!
Tip #4- Step out of your comfort zone
Once you’re actually at Go Wild, you may need to step out of your comfort zone a bit to make friends. Last Go Wild I stepped out of my own comfort zone by meeting up with new planner friends to grab dinner or joining new planner friends to walk to Downtown Disney together. I can tell you that I didn’t have to step out of my comfort zone too much to make friends. Everyone is so kind and willing to talk or hang out, plus you know you already have something in common (Planners!).
Making Memories
I spent Sunday after Go Wild with my newest Go Wild Friends!
Tip #5- Join the Go Wild App
Once it gets closer to Go Wild, the leadership team will release a Go Wild App. This is where updates will be posted and there’s a place to post if you’re going to grab a bit to eat or headed to a stationary shop in town to see if anyone else wants to join in. This was the way that I made most of my friends at Go Wild 2022. I would check the app every so often and there were always people posting, asking if anyone wanted to hang out to go grab food.
Again, as someone who is extremely introverted and shy, I get how nerve wracking it can be to go to such a large event by yourself, but I promise if you use the tips above, you’ll leave with amazing memories and even better friendships that will last a lifetime!
