Anyone gone solo to DLR?

[platypus67]

I'm seriously thinking about a trip over to visit my mum in Canada. Can't really afford another family trip at this stage so I'm looking at going alone. I'll fly through to Toronto on the way over but don't want to do the same on the way back as it would be a nightmare trip given the number of hours between flights etc.

So my plan would be on the return fly Toronto to LAX and stay maybe three nights before heading home. Of course I would choose to go to Anaheim and have a couple of days at DL.

I feel a little strange even thinking about visiting DL without DD. She's ok with the whole thing so it shouldn't worry me.
I'm sure I'll feel a little lonely at first, but I imagine being able to do what I want when I want will cure that pretty quickly.

So I'm wondering if any of you have done the solo thing? I've travelled on my own lots of times in the past, but not in over 20 years and definately not to DL.

 

[5ofus]

I haven't done Anaheim, but I did Paris by myself in my mid 20s. It was different, but it was still fun and magical - although freezing.

I loved the freedom of doing what I wanted, when I wanted without having to worry about anybody else. I also loved just sitting and people watching while I was eating.

If you do feel lonely, you could always strike up a chat with somebody in the queue. I always find people are fascinated with Australia so it's easy to make queue friends

 

[halfwaynowhere]

I'm a local, so I've just done day trips, but its so worth it to try. you get to have your own schedule, your own pace. You can eat when/where you want, leisurely browse the shops without anyone getting antsy. Definitely take advantage of Single Rider lines, there aren't many, but the few there are, you can pretty much just walk on the ride without much of a wait. Disneyland is such a customized experience for everyone, that you'll have a great time on your own, though it will be different not being able to share that magic with someone else. Different isn't always a bad thing, though.

 

[australiankaren]

hey

I did WDW for 5 days after DH had to leave to come home for work......had an awesome time, a bit strange at first, but you get to talk to people you wouldnt normally, and I sat alot people watching.
I had never been to a table service rest. before by myself, and it was a bit daunting but I enjoyed it.
Totally diff to traveling with someone, but the experiences outweigh the awkwardness...
I'd do it again if I had the chance.

 

[Sugarglider]

i've done both WDW and DLR solo.
whilst it is a bit of a shame to not share the experience with an another - mt significant other isn't really into it and just detracts from the experience with his whining.
so going solo means I can move at my own pace, do what I like, get up and go to bed when I like, eat what I like etc etc,
Eating solo isn't too bad - the CMs will talk to you. Some places you can sit at a bar or watch the kitchen or sit and people watch. At Napa Rose I took to book a read and the CMs were still very nice.
I stayed at GCH and felt very safe and it was easy to get everywhere on my own
Must admit I am wondering how I will do V&A on my own - better find a small book!

 

[Busy Busy]

Yes, a book that fits into an elegant evening bag!

 

[Snickals]

I haven't done DLR solo but I did WDW solo last year for 2 weeks...well mostly solo, fridays-mondays I had friends staying with me which was nice catching up with them and having some people to hang out with but the days I did do solo were just as nice! I was able to do what I wanted, when I wanted and not have do worry about the others not having a good time instead just going at my pace. Was very enjoyable!

 

[Luisa]

It probably makes me sound like a sad case, but all of my trips have been solo- DLR 3 times, WDW and Hong Kong and a Tokyo trip coming up Nov/Dec. I've never really thought I'm missing out on anything by not having a travel partner and find I'm much more open to chatting to strangers than I am at home as I'm quite a reserved person so I never feel lonely.

 

[Anne_Aus]

Luisa have you used the photopass system? This is something I am still not 100% sure on, going by myself I am not sure if it will be worth the money or not

 

[Luisa]

I didn't so much at WDW, but used it a lot at DLR this year. I bought the stock photo DVD at the photo store on main st as it came with the photopass voucher- I even got the free postage with it. As it was also my 40th I wanted lots of character photos, so for me it was well worth it!

 

[platypus67]

Any suggestions on where to stay when going solo. I'm sort of thinking BW Anaheim Inn. Have stayed there when it was just DD and myself. I like Hojos as well but think the closer the better if I'm returning to the hotel after dark.

 

[Oz-kateer]

I've done DLR alone when on my way back from a business trip, I couldn't resist.

It's different but I had a great time doing exactly what I wanted, and I could line up in the single rider lines which meant wait times were minimal on the top attractions and I did pretty much everything. I think they've cut back on single rider though these days.

Eating alone was no different to a work day where I sometimes eat alone to gather my own thoughts, but magazines and books came in handy, and of course there's always the option to watch the world go by, and occasionally I'd share a table with a complete stranger and have a nice chat. Being a solo traveller made it easy to get seated.

I stayed at Anabella, right opposite DLR and found this hotel to be safe and very convenient. I would recommend, and would cheerfully stay there again. And IHOP is right nearby. Always a plus.

 

[Luisa]

My last trip was split between Hojo's and Ramada Inn Maingate. I'd recommend them both and had no concerns at all about walking back to either late at night- everything was well lit and there was always plenty of people around.