Disneyland solo trip??

[disneycutie84]

My DBf is going to Tahoe with his family for a week at Thanksgiving. I was inspired (by solo trip reports) to go to Disneyland on my own. I have never done that before.
I think it would be fun to treat myself to a few days at DLR! Anyone done this before? Did you enjoy it?

 

[Liltx]

I haven't done it but think it would be fun. I like to do lots of things on my own though like movies, eating out, spa days. With toddlers any quiet time alone is a blessing. We have to do baby swap so I ride the rides alone all the time and they are just as fun. You could also spend more time talking with cast members which would be interesting. And the best part would be YOU COULD DO WHATEVER YOU WANTED TO!!!!

Monica

 

[hlbtimes2]

I had a couple hours one day in May. My two friends didnt have any time left on their hoppers, and I have an a/p. I got to the park before opening and was there for about 2 hours. I could have easily spent a couple day there alone. I loved being able to do just what I wanted. I would love to find a way to return with out my family for a day or two. But, I doubt it will happen any time soon.

 

[disneycutie84]

Thanks to you both for your insight.
I am really considering it, possibly doing the Mon-Wed before Thanksgiving. I know that thanksgiving thru the following weekend are very crowded. Maybe I could beat some of the crowds by showing up the Monday before.
Right now its 50/50 whether I'm going alone or not. The thing I am most looking forward to is being able to choose exactly what I want to do! That means I can shop in DTD for hours w/o DBf getting impatient.
Anyone have any tips for travelling solo?

 

[disneyochem]

I have been to DL numerous times on my own and absolutely love it! Don't get me wrong--I get to go to DLR a couple times a year with my family but any chance I get to go on my own, I do! I love going to conferences in Anaheim 'cuz I always schedule a couple of days to hit the resorts!

You will find that you will love being by yourself. Yes, take advantage of shopping! Visit all the little stores and really explore. Buy a coffee drink and sit on the porch on Main Street and people watch. Go on any ride you want (be sure to ask if there is a single person line). Sit at the Cove Bar and watch CS take off. Enjoy the live piano music, sipping a hot toddy, in the GCH lobby. Take a tour--In Walt's Footsteps is great.

Even when traveling alone in DLR, I still be careful. I don't get on ART by myself (silly, I know!). I will call and catch a cab at the GCH back to my hotel if it is on-site. Be sure not succumb to cheap prices at some hotels and stay somewhere that you feel safe. I like to stay at hotel-type places (Sheraton, Hyatt, etc) as opposed to motel-like, i.e. CCI, Tropicana.

 

[disneycutie84]

Thank you so much for your wonderful suggestions! I never even thought of the Cove Bar!!
Yeah, I intend on staying at Paradise Pier because I would feel safer onsite. Especially for my first solo trip. I am also taking the Amtrak from San Diego to Anaheim, and then a cab to the hotel.
So far it seems like a blast and I love all the positive feedback from everyone here! Any help and encouragement means alot.

 

[puggymom]

I went last year by myself and stayed at CCI, never felt nervous about anything. CCI has a great shuttle so you never have to walk around by yourself. But honestly it is so busy around that area, I never felt funny walking by myself. I had a car and drove up to the Disney Outlet store, In and Out and the Food 4 less. As for the parks, I loved being there solo, I took a tour which was great, definately recommend taking one.

 

[dbanzai]

My first trip was a solo trip and I loved it. DL seems to do very well accomocating the single traveler: Single-rider lines and such. DTD was fun too. I could always get a seat at a bar if a table wasn't opening up, and bar-hopping alone can also be fun... "Betrothed" or not.

I stayed at the Fairfield Inn that trip and felt perfectly comfortable solo. But then I'm originally from NYC so it take a lot to whig me out. Still, I got the feeling any of the hotels along that strip would be safe. If you stay at PP, then that's all moot anyway, but I didn't feel nervous at along the block.

I may end up there the week before you're planning... That's my birthday week, and going to a Disney park is semi-traditional now for me.

 

[Baloo2003]

This year was my frist experience at solo trips. Last year I went to WDW with my Father, his wife and my brother....none of them are into theme parks or Disney like I am (42 yr old male). They would leave the parks at 2pm or so every day. I couldn't believe they went to the trouble to go but didn't stay to enjoy the parks. I of course stayed (I also klept their park tickets to get extra fast passes...which was a perk).

After that I felt like I was on my own anyway and decided it is OK to go it alone. I went back to WDW this year in March to ride Everest and I went to DL in June to see the 50th decorations again before they went away. I stayed at the Best Western Anaheim Inn across from the main entrance. I never felt unsafe at all. There were always other park guests around, walking to and from the park. While that hotel had a couple of downsides, it was comfortable, clean, close and cheap. (This was the first time not staying at one of the DL Resort hotels.) I would do it again in a minute.

Here is a list of single-ride lines:
Disneyland Single-Rider Lines
Splash Mountain-CM collecting FP's, go thru exit.

Soarin'-ask CM at the door. May decide to use FP.
Mulholland Madness-enter thru special gate.
Maliboomer-single rider line when busy.
GRR-when busy, ask CM, thru exit?
Screamin'-single rider thru wheelchair entrance, take elevator, get pass

As you can see, DCA has more of a selection, but knowing these allowed me to save my fast passes for other rides. I did forget Splash Mountain had a single-rider line, while I was there.

I also found that as a single, I could fit in crowds better for fireworks, parades, shows, etc, without having to wait as long because I wouldn't take up much space.

I also found the occasional fastpass on the ground and near the fastpass machines. This wouldn't help in a group, but a single fastpass for a ride works well with a single traveler. I was surprised at how often I would find these.
Good luck with your trip.

 

[disneycutie84]

I just want to say to everyone here who has posted tips and ideas for my first solo trip!!!
Its not concrete yet, but its in the works so we will see how it goes.
Slightly off topic but...has anyone stayed at Paradise Pier, and if so, how did you like it?
I could stay at the Candy Cane Inn or Howard Johnson for about 60 dollars less. Somehow I think staying at a Disney hotel is worth the extra 60 dollars. hm. Can't decide. Need help!