Tips for Solo Travelers

revwog1974 · May 31, 2015

My wonderful husband gave me a solo trip to Disneyland as a birthday present. I'm so excited! No kids to worry about, no herding my family around the park, no planning and taking everyone else's needs into account.

I'm looking for your best tips for hitting the parks solo.

As best I can tell the single rider lines at DL/DCA are:
Splash Mountain
Indiana Jones
Matterhorn
Goofy's Sky School
Radiator Springs Racers
Grizzly River Run
Soarin'

Anything else?

Thanks for your help!!!!

Cholula · May 31, 2015

California Screamin‍ ' also has a SR line.

Anemone · May 31, 2015

I loved my solo trip in March - there is a link to my TR in my signature. My top tip is don't be afraid to do things, table service restaurants were very welcoming as was Plaza Inn for character breakfast. I also had lots of fun with photopass photographers. Enjoy - you will love it!

Sherry E · May 31, 2015

I have spent a lot of solo time in the parks (love having a hotel room all to myself!), but I don't think I will be much help as far as single rider line info. While I have gone on some rides solo, I actually end up going on more rides when I am with friends.

I thoroughly enjoy my solo trips, though! That's when I am really able to focus on taking a lot of photos and can pay attention to details I have previously overlooked. I explore shops without worrying about holding anyone up and making them wait. If I decide to go to one location and then change my mind on the way there, I can change course on a dime without irritating anyone else. I can also rest or take a midday break when/if I want to, eat where and when I want to, and stop to chat with CMs or fellow guests without worrying that I am making someone wait for me to wrap it up.

Ten years ago, I never would have imagined that I could spend time in Disneyland by myself... AND have fun... AND get to the point where I'd begin to enjoy my solo trips more than other trips because they are less of a hassle to plan! While I have a great time with my friends when we are together, it can be a lot of work trying to round everyone up for a trip -- especially if they are not as excited about the trip as I am.

Cholula · May 31, 2015

On my first solo trip, I spent the first day or so doing the same plan I use when I travel with others...and found that I had quickly gone through that. So I changed course and just went and tried new things that get overlooked when herding people around. Eat somewhere new or poke into that shop you normally walk past. You'll have a great time.

beachdreamr1229 · May 31, 2015

I just recently went on my first solo trip. You do tend to go through things a lot faster without anyone else tagging along, so as someone else mentioned, you may find it easier to just go along, wander, and check out the stuff you might otherwise overlook. There are some great areas just to sit and soak up the atmosphere. I suggest taking time to talk to the CMs, even if it's just a short chat. I learned so much from CMs that I don't think I would have known otherwise and met some surprising "higher ups" this way as well. Plus, they tend to be extra friendly if you're alone I've noticed. Enjoy!

Angrose · May 31, 2015

I agree with all the PPs! I have gone solo twice now and love it for all the reasons mentioned. You will have a great time!
Oh, and don't do SRL for Soarin, it takes as long or longer than standby. Grab a FP instead.

u2pixi · Jun 1, 2015

My best tip is to not miss anything just because you are by yourself- go on everything you want to go on and enjoy it!! I agree with the PPs as well- going solo is great for people watching, enjoying the atmosphere and exploring new things!
Have a wonderful time,
Amy

elmoandzoey · Jun 1, 2015

My tip - if you can't find the single rider line, ask. I had a heck of a time finding the line for California Screamin' because its pretty much - elsewhere (it's up the bridge at a gate clearly marked "exit"). Same for Indiana Jones, ask the CM, they will give you a card and tell you to go up the exit which will result in people telling you you are going the wrong way

). At Soarin' you will have to go to the FP entrance and ask for a single rider pass - they will send you up the FP queue. If the lines are long for Matterhorn, they will move single rider around a lot so if you can't find the entrance, you will need to ask around.

I did Soarin' single rider about half a dozen times during my last trip and always was on the ride within 5 minutes or so while standby was always between 60-90mins so I can't say that it takes longer than standby at all. One time they made me run down the aisle to catch the last open spot because they had already loaded the last row.

Barnabe · Jun 1, 2015

If you're staying long enough for a DLR EMH, I would suggest hitting FL. When I did my solo trip, EMH was 7 am and I had done most of the rides twice by 9am. The exception was Peter Pan. It was great. I also enjoyed visiting with people the lines and just sitting in the hub area ans people watching.

Cholula · Jun 1, 2015

elmoandzoey said:
I did Soarin' single rider about half a dozen times during my last trip and always was on the ride within 5 minutes or so while standby was always between 60-90mins so I can't say that it takes longer than standby at all. One time they made me run down the aisle to catch the last open spot because they had already loaded the last row.

Ha! Lucky. It seems when I try to do the Soarin' SR I get the CMs who grew up playing Tetris and know how to perfectly set their groups so as to leave no empty seat. :teeth:

Angrose · Jun 1, 2015

I too have had bad luck with the Soarin SRL. First time I waited about 50min when it turned out standby was about the same. I was just there on the 21st and asked about SRL and CM said the wait would be about an hour, so I grabbed FP instead. Only waited 5min when I came back to use it.

revwog1974 · Jun 1, 2015

Thank you all for your suggestions! I'm looking forward to going into a few shops I never get to see because the kids just want to get to the rides.

Does anyone have a favorite place to eat alone? I always try to eat at Blue Bayou but that one may look a little silly all by myself.

Sherry E · Jun 1, 2015

revwog1974 said:
Thank you all for your suggestions! I'm looking forward to going into a few shops I never get to see because the kids just want to get to the rides.

Does anyone have a favorite place to eat alone? I always try to eat at Blue Bayou but that one may look a little silly all by myself.

Dining is one area where I don't yet feel totally comfortable by myself, but I will do it anyway.

If you think you might run the risk of feeling awkward or looking silly (even though I'm sure you would be fine!), a good place to eat is Tangaroa Terrace at the Disneyland Hotel. Go on a late morning or early afternoon (after breakfast and before the lunch rush). The outside patio has a lot of tables, some of which are tucked around corners. When I ate there, there were very few people outside. Most of them were inside. I sat outside by myself, with a view of the pool, and a bunch of cute little sparrows gathered around me, waiting for me to toss out some scraps. It was very quiet.

I also ate at Plaza Inn by myself. Needless to say, there are lots of people at the Plaza Inn, so it wasn't exactly quiet and I couldn't really hide in a corner or anything.

I have eaten at Storytellers Café alone -- a bit awkward and very busy, but I got through it.

Many times I have grabbed cookies, pineapple spears, drinks or ice cream and plopped down at the tables next to the Market House/Starbucks, or on nearby benches. On one occasion I was quietly sitting by myself, dealing with a messy ice cream cone, when a family just sat at my table and watched me eat! :lmao:

I can laugh about it now, but one of the people in the family was glaring at me the whole time, as if I was somehow intruding on their family outing! :lmao:

I never felt more awkward as a solo diner than I did at that moment, and I couldn't wait to get away.

Another thing you can do -- if you feel uncomfortable eating solo -- is get food to go from Earl of Sandwich. The sandwiches are nicely wrapped and put in convenient carry out bags, perfect for transporting to a bench or hotel room.

revwog1974 · Jun 1, 2015

My goodness Sherry, I'm so sorry that happened to you. How very rude! You have every right to enjoy Disneyland just as much as they do.

I imagine myself taking to-go food or counter service more than dining in restaurants, which is a shame becuase there are some lovely dining experiences in restaurants and it limits my Fantasmic dining fastpass options.

Does anyone know if the Hungry Bear is going to be back open by the fall? The Fantsmic dessert might be fun.

huggybuff · Jun 1, 2015

revwog1974 said:
Does anyone know if the Hungry Bear is going to be back open by the fall?

As far as I know, Hungry Bear is open now.

revwog1974 said:
Does anyone have a favorite place to eat alone? I always try to eat at Blue Bayou but that one may look a little silly all by myself.

I say go for it! I enjoyed my solo meal at BB very much, as far as the 'solo' part was concerned. The food itself was middling. The ambiance took up the experience a few notches - I got a table on the water too. I've done two solo trips to DL so far, with another planned for January. Learning to eat at a TS restaurant on my own was an acquired skill. I felt a bit out of place and like people might be judging me. Now I don't care...I just try to relax and be happy. I'm at DL after all!

revwog1974 · Jun 1, 2015

Apparently they aren't doing the Fantasmic dessert at Hungry Bear anymore. I wonder why they stopped.

squidlet · Jun 2, 2015

revwog1974 said:
I imagine myself taking to-go food or counter service more than dining in restaurants, which is a shame because there are some lovely dining experiences in restaurants and it limits my Fantasmic dining fastpass options.

You won't look silly eating anywhere at DL solo. I've eaten solo at BB many times and usually see others doing the same. Please don't limit yourself based upon what others might think -- and certainly not the opinions of complete strangers!

revwog1974 · Jun 3, 2015

squidlet said:
You won't look silly eating anywhere at DL solo. I've eaten solo at BB many times and usually see others doing the same. Please don't limit yourself based upon what others might think -- and certainly not the opinions of complete strangers!

Thank you so much! I'm such an introvert that I'm always thinking people are staring at me. This trip will be good for me.

bellazachmom · Jun 3, 2015

squidlet said:
You won't look silly eating anywhere at DL solo. I've eaten solo at BB many times and usually see others doing the same. Please don't limit yourself based upon what others might think -- and certainly not the opinions of complete strangers!

I completely agree!! Go and eat where you want and enjoy every bite!!

Honestly, I don't think most people will even notice that you're alone, we all tend to pay more attention to ourselves than those around us ~ though I always feel like everyone's looking at me

And I would hazard a guess that most of those who DO notice you eating alone will be a tad bit jealous, especially those of us with 4 small children

Tips for Solo Travelers

Mouseketeer

hot sauce!

DIS Veteran

Currently tag-less...

hot sauce!

DIS Veteran

DIS Veteran

Earning My Ears

DIS Veteran

I'm with the band

hot sauce!

DIS Veteran

Mouseketeer

Currently tag-less...

Mouseketeer

DIS Veteran

Mouseketeer

Mouseketeer

Mouseketeer

DIS Veteran

Share this page