Disneyland solo?

[mommy2huddy]

I will be in Orange County alone for a bit of time in the coming weeks and I was thinking it might be nice to spend a day at DL alone, but was wanting to hear from anyone who has actually BTDT. I have 2 young boys at home who will not be with me and I will be missing them like CRAZY, so in some ways, I think it might make me a little sad and a little guilty-feeling to be there without them. I definitely plan to go to DTD one day bc we are out of Mickey bath bombs from Basin and I simply MUST have some more. If I'm that close, it would be a shame to not do DL, right?

 

[Belle Ella]

I don't know what it's like to do Disneyland solo from the parent point of view but I am a very vocal advocate of doing Disney solo! Sure there's something special about being there with a group, family or someone special but being by yourself is a wonderful experience too, and somewhat different. You don't have to confer with others about what to do next and you get to go where you want when you want. My favorite part of being by myself is getting to notice the smaller details that you don't always see because you're paying attention to who you are there with. Perfect photo days!

 

[spacemermaid]

I'm not sure what "BTDT" means, but if it means "gone to Disneyland by onesself", then I've done that alot

With that said, I like going to Disneyland by myself as much as I like going with friends or family, but for different reasons. Solo at Disneyland means that you can do things at your own pace...go on whatever rides you want to, and skip any that you don't, and eat where and when you want to, and if you want to, say, spend an hour photographing the window displays on Main Street, you can. The first time I went to the Park by myself was not planned (I'd already bought my ticket, and the friend who was going to accompany me flaked), so I was a little wary, but I quickly discovered that it was so much fun!

 

[BELLEDOZER]

I went to DL for 9 whole days of solo bliss in Oct/10 and LOVED IT!! I didn't feel guilty about leaving my very hyperactive kids and DH behind, and loved going exploring DL at my own slow pace and not the family's lightening pace. I found tons of things I missed on the family trip to the mouse in '09, and found lot's of things that I'm looking forward showing the family that we missed on our last trip on our surprise trip to the mouse the end of next month. I'm surprising the family with Minnie and friends brekki to give them a special surprise on Feb 3rd. It's lots of fun going solo, and would not hesitate to leave the kids behind to get some private MOM time in DL. Have a great trip!

 

[mvf-m11c]

I have done a couple of solo days to the DLR and WDW resort. The good thing about going solo during a trip to DL means that you can do whatever you want to do during your visit with no one telling you that they want to do this or that. It does kind of feel lonely when you are the only one there at the park and don't have someone to talk to, but at least you don't have to do something that your party member wants to do. I like to go solo and take as many photos of the park. Just like what Jazz said on her post, I also like to take pictures of the smaller details that you don't see much around at the park (for example the wreaths and smaller Christmas trees inside the buildings during the Holiday season).

 

[Sherry E]

spacemermaid - I think BTDT is "been there, done that."

I agree with what Belle Ella said about not knowing what it's like from a parent's perspective, but as a non-parent who just had a good stretch of solo time at DLR, I highly recommend it! Yes, it may feel a little weird the first time if you eat at a sit-down restaurant when you are used to eating with others, but you will get past it. I got better service when I ate alone than when I ate with other people.

And the photos! Oh, the photos you can take! As spacemermaid said, you can spend an hour on window displays (or in my case, much more than an hour) and take photos to your heart's content. I have never gotten as many photos as I have gotten when I am by myself. If you are a fan of the wonderful Disney details around the parks, being alone is an excellent time to capture them on camera.

I do love my 'friend time' at DLR - that will never change, but it's a different kind of fun. I actually want to add more solo days for myself on the next trip. I didn't get enough solo time on this last trip! (Maybe I will have to do a 9-day extravaganza like what Belledozer did.) But, all tolled, this was one of the most productive trips to DLR that I've ever had!

So I agree with all 3 ladies and Bret (mvf-m11c) who have already posted here - solo trips are great!! You have to get in a different mind set than when you are with people, but once you do, the sky's the limit!

 

[dlander]

Solo is super fun! I concur with all above. You can wander through NOS and really appreciate the details. I love the interaction with Castmembers (of course, we do this as a family, as well). And meeting new people. I can sit in all the quiet parts of the park and just immerse myself in all that is Disney. Go and give yourself permission to enjoy the time alone.

 

[JH87]

I've only ever spend 3 hrs alone at DL but it was pretty fun! My friend got tired and there was no way I was ready to leave! As other have said, it's a great opportunity to take photos, & you can just take in the whole atmosphere of DLR.

I got lots of character photos since my friend wasn't too into doing that. Everyone is usually friendly, CMs and guests, so if I was ever in line alone or anything there was always someone around to talk to.

Like others have said also, you can do what you want to do. I like sitting and watching parades and shows and the friend I was with was more into rushing from ride to ride. So during my few hours to myself I grabbed a Tigger Tail (tooooooo sweet, but glad I tried it!) and sat down and watched Fantasmic! It had been years since I saw the show and it was amazing.

Enjoy yourself! There are actually lots of solo visitors in DLR!

 

[BelleBway]

Just got back from an awesome solo Christmas trip. Agree with what others have mentioned. In addition- pay attention to rides that have single rider lines because that rocked the few times I did them.

I also don't have a parent's perspective, but I can compare to taking my nieces (to WDW)- to me, they are both just different ways of experiencing the parks, each with its pluses and minuses.

 

[sonnyjane]

I try to go alone about once a month. Honestly, unless it's a great travel partner, I almost prefer it! You don't have to worry about pleasing anyone but yourself. I love the flexibility but more importantly, I LOVE being able to use the Single Rider Lines to basically cut to the front of the line on a lot of the big attractions.

 

[bumbershoot]

I have gone three times solo.

YES I miss my son and hubby. Nope it's not the same. YAY it's not the same!

If I'm walking and I want to stop to sit, I just stop (after making sure I'm not going to cause a domino effect knocking people down LOL). If I want to take pictures for 5 minutes of a decorated window, I don't have to check with someone first.

I make a list of what I want to do, and I do it!

I tell you, my solo trips have made my family trips SO much better. I'm a bit more "go go go!" than my husband and son tend to be (though they admit that utake their needs and wants into account while planning out days), so if I can run around like a madwoman (correction..."walk with purpose", as there is no running at Disneyland) while I'm alone, I can more easily slow down for them when they are with me.



When solo, you might have weird reactions to families. Happy sappy families will of course make you want to weep. For me, even the families caught up in the stress of a moment, snapping or tantruming or whatever...even those make me a little wistful. Both in a "aw, those moments aren't THAT bad, are they?!" way, and also in a "oh yeah, I dno't have to deal with that today!" way.

 

[mommy2huddy]

I have gone three times solo.

YES I miss my son and hubby. Nope it's not the same. YAY it's not the same!

If I'm walking and I want to stop to sit, I just stop (after making sure I'm not going to cause a domino effect knocking people down LOL). If I want to take pictures for 5 minutes of a decorated window, I don't have to check with someone first.

I make a list of what I want to do, and I do it!

I tell you, my solo trips have made my family trips SO much better. I'm a bit more "go go go!" than my husband and son tend to be (though they admit that utake their needs and wants into account while planning out days), so if I can run around like a madwoman (correction..."walk with purpose", as there is no running at Disneyland) while I'm alone, I can more easily slow down for them when they are with me.



When solo, you might have weird reactions to families. Happy sappy families will of course make you want to weep. For me, even the families caught up in the stress of a moment, snapping or tantruming or whatever...even those make me a little wistful. Both in a "aw, those moments aren't THAT bad, are they?!" way, and also in a "oh yeah, I dno't have to deal with that today!" way.

Thank you so much for your response. Yours was the one that made me say "you know what, I think I want to do this!"

 

[taaren]

This thread convinced me that I should try to go solo on Wednesday on a layover I have at LAX on my way to NorCal. Have an AP, so I should use it right? However, I'm accustomed to splitting meals with DH and most of the food I love has portions that would overwhelm me alone.
Can I get some recommendations from people who have done it on good counter service meals for someone who _loves_ food but has a small appetite for each meal? I know I can't tackle a Rancho Zocalo burrito on my own, or a turkey leg, and I hate wasting food ... I wouldn't mind ordering off the kid's menu, but the stuff my DS4 orders is always so bland (not a complaint, it is for kids, and kids love bland). So solo CS meals: what's your favorite?

 

[Leofoenget]

I have 2 boys and I have done DL solo a few times. It's fun. If anyone asks (I had a young girl ask me where my family was) I just said On Space Mountain. Who cares if you are alone??

 

[BELLEDOZER]

I loved the penne pasta kids meal at the Plaza Inn. If you are a small eater then this is perfect, as it's a large portion for a kids meal, but not as big as the adult ones. I also loved the Veggie Gumbo at the Royal Street Veranda in NOS, and the fish and chips at the Stage Door Cafe at the end of the Golden Horseshoe. Also the pretzels on the carts are pretty filling as well. I didn't like the Rancho De Zocalo kids meal, but others on the board love their food, so it's a matter of personal taste. The food at the French Market is also really good, but a little pricey for CS if you don't have an AP.

 

[LavenderPeach]

This thread convinced me that I should try to go solo on Wednesday on a layover I have at LAX on my way to NorCal. Have an AP, so I should use it right? However, I'm accustomed to splitting meals with DH and most of the food I love has portions that would overwhelm me alone.
Can I get some recommendations from people who have done it on good counter service meals for someone who _loves_ food but has a small appetite for each meal? I know I can't tackle a Rancho Zocalo burrito on my own, or a turkey leg, and I hate wasting food ... I wouldn't mind ordering off the kid's menu, but the stuff my DS4 orders is always so bland (not a complaint, it is for kids, and kids love bland). So solo CS meals: what's your favorite?

At Riverbelle Terrace you can get a kid version of their turkey sandwich which i love because it's real carved turkey, not deli meat. Also, i like getting the BBQ chicken baked potato at Troubadour Tavern (next to PFF). They are big potatoes but i've always been able to finish mine plus i think it's one of the better "bargains" in the park for food. It's around $6. Oh, or there's the skewers at Bengal BBQ. They aren't very big. I like to get one chicken and one veggie skewer. Or a corndog might be another idea.

I don't have any experience going on a solo trip but i do know that it will be much easier for you to get around from place to place. When I've gone off by myself, just for a few minutes to grab a FP or something it's great to just be able to go instead of having to make sure the group stays together - especially if you're used to having to push a stroller around. There's a great sense of freedom for me just for those few minutes so I imagine a whole solo trip would really make a person feel carefree.

Have fun!

 

[spacemermaid]

This thread convinced me that I should try to go solo on Wednesday on a layover I have at LAX on my way to NorCal. Have an AP, so I should use it right? However, I'm accustomed to splitting meals with DH and most of the food I love has portions that would overwhelm me alone.
Can I get some recommendations from people who have done it on good counter service meals for someone who _loves_ food but has a small appetite for each meal? I know I can't tackle a Rancho Zocalo burrito on my own, or a turkey leg, and I hate wasting food ... I wouldn't mind ordering off the kid's menu, but the stuff my DS4 orders is always so bland (not a complaint, it is for kids, and kids love bland). So solo CS meals: what's your favorite?

Another vote for Plaza Inn's penne pasta kids' meal...it's yummy & it's served on one of those cute Mickey shaped plates. The Asian chicken salad at Pizza Port also makes a nice light meal. If you want to do any table service meals, Carnation Cafe' has a meal that included a cup of soup and half a sandwich, which to me is the perfect amount of food (and really, really yummy...and only around $10).

 

[taaren]

At Riverbelle Terrace you can get a kid version of their turkey sandwich which i love because it's real carved turkey, not deli meat. Also, i like getting the BBQ chicken baked potato at Troubadour Tavern (next to PFF). They are big potatoes but i've always been able to finish mine plus i think it's one of the better "bargains" in the park for food. It's around $6. Oh, or there's the skewers at Bengal BBQ. They aren't very big. I like to get one chicken and one veggie skewer. Or a corndog might be another idea.
Have fun!

ZOMG! BBQ chicken baked potato sounds amazing! I never go anywhere near the Princess area since my son is all boy to a ridiculous degree (not sure where he got the testosterone from - DH is a video game nerd), and is much more into Tomorrowland than Toontown. Will have to try the Baked Potato for brunch and the Turkey Sandwich for lunner! Thank you everybody so much all for your suggestions!
(The pasta at Plaza and soup/sandwich at Carnation also sounds good but the idea of TS by myself sounds too intimidating without my Nook, which would be too much baggage for the rides.)