doing disneyland alone

[eryn the pooh]

My closest single friend and I have been planning a trip, just the two of us, no kids, since November. Unfortunatly, shes called and cant make it now!
Im still going, but now alone. Im a little nervous, a little worried. Ill be there for a whole week, just me. Does anyone have any good tips or stories about visiting the parks alone? I think I just need a pick-me-up, that it can be just as fun alone as with someone.
Thanks!

 

[Sherry E]

I do not have any good stories about being alone at Disneyland YET, but I have thought for many years that I may end up there on a solo trip eventually, because of that very issue - a friend suddenly can't make it and I have a reservation that I can't get out of. Of course, I would prefer having company on rides, but I think I can manage shopping and even eating by myself. I have gone other places like Catalina Island alone and shopped and ate and took pictures, all by myself. Ironically, the one friend of mine who would be likely to cancel on our plan for this coming December is a huge Disney fan and she actually lives about three minutes from the park. I have asked her before why she doesn't go more often, even solo, because she lives so close, and she says, "I don't want to go alone!" But I bet if she were there alone, just hitting shops and taking in every detail and strolling at a leisurely pace, she would eventually realize she could find a way to eat alone - even if not at a sit-down restauarant. One good thing about it is that you have no one to slow you down and you can do whatever you want whenever you want, and since you will be there for a week, you will have time to absorb every little nook and cranny of both parks and Downtown Disney and the hotels.

One thought though - and this is risky, so I can understand how you might not want to do it - have you considered that, after a while, when you feel more comfortable and get to know people on this board, maybe you can invite some people to meet up with you, just to have company for one or two days? I mean, again, you'd have to feel comfortable doing it, but it seems like so many folks on this board ar AP holders and go there all the time. You could form a small group and make new friends, and it could be fun! Heck, I would do it if I didn't already have a big Disneyland plan for December and another possible mini-trip planned for September/October.

Aside from the lack of anyone to talk to about what you are doing, the only thing people get freaked out about while being alone is seeming sad or lonely, and having people notice that they are alone. I generally find that no one notices me being alone and if they do, they don't make it obvious. With Disneyland, everyone has so much else to look at and see that they won't care or notice who you are or are not with!

 

[cirquelovers]

Don't worry, you will have a great time! There are rides that have single rider lines, which means you don't have to wait as long. It makes it a lot easier to go on Soaring, Screaming and I think most of the Mountains in DL.

You'll get to explore at your own pace and just enjoy the ambience that is Disneyland It should also be easier to eat with a party of one.

There is always someone willing to take your picture for you with Mickey or the castle and such. It will be easier to find a seat at the parades and shows.

Most of all I just love to people watch sometimes. Grab a chair on Main Street and enjoy the view of all visitors and excited children.

Just enjoy your time at the most magical place on earth!!!

I have never gone alone but my son and I have gone by ourselves and we had a blast! I wish I could have a few days by myself at DL. I think it would be heaven!!!

 

[ctamama]

You may find this trip report some good and encouraging reading:

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1646650

She ended up doing much of her trip alone, and it is really funny to read!

 

[disney-super-mom]

My closest single friend and I have been planning a trip, just the two of us, no kids, since November. Unfortunatly, shes called and cant make it now!
Im still going, but now alone. Im a little nervous, a little worried. Ill be there for a whole week, just me. Does anyone have any good tips or stories about visiting the parks alone? I think I just need a pick-me-up, that it can be just as fun alone as with someone.
Thanks!

I don't know when you planned on going, but I wanted to extend an invitation to you to join our Ladies Only Trip Group. We're planning on getting together April 24-28. Just a bunch of crazy fun Disneyland lovin' women, leaving their hubbies and kids at home, and getting down with the Mouse!

There's all kinds of stuff we're planning. If you're interested, just click on the link below, which will take you to the first page of the Ladies Only Trip thread. It has all the up to date info about our trip so far. Right now there's about 39 ladies signed up to go, so it should be a BLAST!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1626753

 

[bumbershoot]

When are you going? I'll be there on my own on the 25th and 26th.

If you are there on a Sunday at noon, another message board (micechat) has a weekly, open to everyone, meet at the hub and they generally get lunch and ride some rides.

I spent 2 hours alone in December and it was so great it inspired this mini-trip of mine. But I have always loved sightseeing, roadtrips, eating in restaurants, and going to movies alone so I might not be entirely normal.

 

[greewe]

I didn't quite do a trip by myself. But I did go to Disneyland while my husband was in conference during the day. I really enjoyed myself and I was able to do things that I really wanted on my own time schedule.

 

[Tink208]

I spent about five hours alone at Disneyland while down in Anaheim for a convention and I had a great time! In those five hours (all after 5:00 p.m.), I rode several rides (including Buzz, Space Mountain, Pirates and Haunted Mansion), caught a parade, Fantasmic! and the fireworks, did a little shopping and ate dinner (actually sitting down, and not just eating on the run). It was nice to go at my own pace; and if I had been there for more than the five hours, I could have gone at a slower pace, but still all my own, which would have been nice too.

 

[kikiq]

I go to DL/CA by myself all the time..premium AP. Take your time. I get the schedule and do all the things and watch the shows that my family will not do when we're all together.

I also try different resturants, dining alone...but then I'm use to dining alone from traveling to conferences/meetings. Be friendly to folks around, I'm a teacher now, so I'm always talking to kids, even give away pins to first timers<G> Offer to take pictures for families and use the single rider line.

My favorite spot during the day is long the Rivers of America eating a snack. I used to sit at a table but now I sit on the ledge close to the rafts, so I can watch the pirate show from the New Orleans side. You might even be picked up by a pirate if you sit there long enough<G>

 

[Alex2kMommy]

Gosh, I can think of several things I'd love to do that either my kids or DH are not interested in doing.

If you haven't already, go see the Aladdin Musical, it's really spectacular!

I would also love to do a tour someday, but right now my kids are too young to find it interesting. They offer several different kinds, check them out!

Eat at a nicer restaurant, like Napa Rose!

I second the idea of seeing who else from the DIS will be there at the same time. Maybe you can meet up for a meal, or the Billy Hill show? On our last trip I met up with several DIS friends (with kids!) at the Brother Bear show, and three of us watched the Billy Hill show together. It was a lot of fun!

 

[DoomBugger]

I go into DL solo occasionally on purpose as if it is an opportunity. I go with people often (my entire family has passes) and once and a while it is fun to play hookie from work and go solo! You can cover much more ground by yourself (try being with women.. ha ha) and if you want to stop and smell the roses for a few you don't have to sell anyone. You always meet people too. Also, many rides like the mountains and Indiana Jones you can practically walk up and ride on demand, jusy say you are a single rider and that you want to go up to the front to help with efficiency.

In addition, think of all the goofing off you can do by yourself that you could never really do with anyone else...

Riding the Tower of Terror atleast 5 times in a row...

Running around like a child on Tom Sawyer Island until your lost in the caves...

Wearing one of those ridiculous hats and shouting "king of the world" off the edge of the Columbia...

Competing with a stranger kid for top score on the Buzz-Lightyear ride without your friends thinking less of you for it! (and losing anyways)

Jumping on the overpass bridge of the Tarzan Tree House aimlessly for 10 minutes until that bongo music starts driving you nuts...

Singing the Pirates theme song for an hour after riding it and nobody hating you for it...

Screaming like a little boy at that one ghost in The Haunted Mansion you hadn't noticed before without your friends heckling you for it...

Actually fighting with a little kid over who gets the animal cage car on the the Storybook Train and losing to the faster runnng kid and settling for the caboose without worrying about the lady losing respect for you...

And best of all... shamelessly sitting on Main Street and eating a waffle ice cream cone! Think about it, nobody you know will see your gluttony! Getting to snack on junk without the lady giving you grief is pretty nice as well and solo for the day you can do it as much as you like, you are on vacation!

Oh yes and they have some really cool tours that are great for a solo visitor. Check on CA's tours too as they have a couple good things to offer, especially if you are an early bird. Shoot, you might meet the love of your life on this trip, think of it as an adventure... an adventure through Adventureland!

Heck, lemme know if your really struggling with the solo thing and I'll come visit you in New Orleans Square and give you an expert tour of the park! PM me if you would like any help.

Make the best of it, you are at Disneyland for heaven's sake!

 

[bumbershoot]

DoomBugger I love your list.

During my couple of hours alone in December, I rode Grizzly twice in a row, didn't even get out of the raft. It was nighttime, cold, and had been raining earlier, so no one was waiting... I *could* go on it again, so I did!

Then the single rider line for Soarin' worked out very well.

The eating thing cracks me up, too. And for me it's an added bonus, b/c my son has to avoid several foods at DLR b/c of high fructose corn syrup. My hubby has discovered that he needs to avoid it, too. So should I just b/c it's nasty stuff, but I don't have any obvious problems with it, which means that if I'm alone I can eat ALL sorts of stuff that does or probably does have HFCS in it. Without anyone to get jealous or mad at me.


To the OP, I went through the DLR's website and looked at all the attractions to see what I WANTED to go on. Wrote those down, then looked around at the other things on the website and found out what I wanted to do or see. I would LOVE to go on the DCA Segway tour (starts very early, ends before DCA opens) but I'm not sure I can swing it this trip, but it's still on my list.

 

[eryn the pooh]

I feel SO much better! I was excited about going at my own pace, doing what I want when I want to. It will be nice to enjoy a meal alone, Im always the last to finish and feel bad the other person has to wait for me, now I won't have to.
But the sad and lonley thoughts were getting to me. I just went and saw I am Legend, Will Smith. He's the only one left on Manhatten Island after some disease kills everyone. He's set up manicans around and starts talking to them like they're people! I'm worried I'll just start talking to myself, or really start to annoy cast members when I start following them around, just to tell someone what I did the night before!
disney-super-mom, I did check out you're thread when we were booking our trip, just to see if we'd be able to join you. A bunch of mom, no kids, no husbands! FUN! But I'll be there in only 21 more sleeps, Feb 6-13.
DoomBugger, that was great! I think I'll definatly be doing some of those things on your list! I might just take you up on the offer for a tour! And boy, would it be the icing on my cake if I met the love of my life there! I mean, I'm not looking for Prince Charming, but....
Now I'm actually thinking this is better than going with a friend, I definatly needed some alone time, to just find myself. (I knew Id be at Disneyland!)
I am wondering if there are any placed I can go to dance, not that I can very good, BUT I bought an amazing pair of new shoes and Id love to go out for a night and dance, even if I have to alone. The only place I can even think of is HOB, but I don't know if they have a dance floor.
Anyway, thanks so much for all the support everyone!

 

[doombuggy]

sorry to have missed you - I am going alone 2/23-2/27/08. While I will be meeting up with people from another board for a special event on 2/25, I will probably spend more of the trip by myself than not. I have come down to WDW alone a few times before I moved down here (I stayed with area friends who had to work, so I went to the parks). It's nice b/c you can do what YOU want!

Enjoy your trip!

 

[bumbershoot]

I feel SO much better! I was excited about going at my own pace, doing what I want when I want to. It will be nice to enjoy a meal alone, Im always the last to finish and feel bad the other person has to wait for me, now I won't have to.
But the sad and lonley thoughts were getting to me. I just went and saw I am Legend, Will Smith. He's the only one left on Manhatten Island after some disease kills everyone. He's set up manicans around and starts talking to them like they're people! I'm worried I'll just start talking to myself, or really start to annoy cast members when I start following them around, just to tell someone what I did the night before!
disney-super-mom, I did check out you're thread when we were booking our trip, just to see if we'd be able to join you. A bunch of mom, no kids, no husbands! FUN! But I'll be there in only 21 more sleeps, Feb 6-13.
DoomBugger, that was great! I think I'll definatly be doing some of those things on your list! I might just take you up on the offer for a tour! And boy, would it be the icing on my cake if I met the love of my life there! I mean, I'm not looking for Prince Charming, but....
Now I'm actually thinking this is better than going with a friend, I definatly needed some alone time, to just find myself. (I knew Id be at Disneyland!)
I am wondering if there are any placed I can go to dance, not that I can very good, BUT I bought an amazing pair of new shoes and Id love to go out for a night and dance, even if I have to alone. The only place I can even think of is HOB, but I don't know if they have a dance floor.
Anyway, thanks so much for all the support everyone!

LOL. I haven't seen the movie, but I'm sure that happens in more time than just a week or so. And you'll be surrounded by people. It's amazing how many people will chat with other guests...I have conversations all day long at DL with people, and I had MORE conversations when I was alone in lines. Single rider line at Soarin' was especially interesting, b/c I walked past a HUGE line of people, and got glares from everyone (and explained it to a few people), then I got to stop and wait for all those people to board (the glarers then became the "ha ha you thought you were getting away with something" people, very silly of them) and some people expressed concern that I was being overlooked...as you can see, conversations abound!

I'll have my notebook so I can journal during my two partial days there, but if I weren't doing that I would very likely bring a little paperback, just in case I run into lines. Though actually any lines will likely be a reason for me to bring out my camera (I'm yearning to stand in a HUGE line for Haunted Mansion so I can see the whole queue). But the journal or a paperback is always good to have for meals by yourself.

If you get in a mood, remember there's a movie theater there, and seeing movies alone is SUCH a treat! I mean, unless you're alone b/c of a breakup and you go on a Saturday night to a comedic romance, that's just emotional suicide, LOL. But if you're having a good time, seeing a movie is a great treat while alone!

 

[brenda1966]

One of the things I did when I had a day alone at Disneyland was book a tour. Do they still do the Walk in Walt's footsteps tour? If so, i'd book that. You get a behind the scene's glimpse, the kind of thing a true Disney fan loves.

I really enjoy the parks by myself because I get to move at my own pace and don't have to be responsible for other people's fun.

Enjoy it!

 

[ksoehrlein]

Hey Eryn, my solo trip will overlap yours! I'm staying late afternoon on 2/8 through about 1:30 PM on 2/9.

My goal is to see all or most of the attractions that are not available at WDW in a mere 12 park hours or so, so I'll be going super-commando-style, but you are welcome to join me for a bit -- if you can keep up with my crazy pace, that is!

DoomBugger, I noticed that the DL park map indicates only Splash as having Single Rider Service. DCA indicates that California Screamin', Maliboomer, Mulholland Madness, and Grizzly River Run have it. Are there others???? I love the thought of bypassing any lines I can!

 

[DoomBugger]

Indiana did it until recently but maybe they don't anymore unless it is real busy. Just ask the CMs at the busy rides and sometimes they give out paper you can take to the front by walking backwards from the exit line to the ride loading deck.

 

[50sjayne]

I am wondering if there are any placed I can go to dance, not that I can very good, BUT I bought an amazing pair of new shoes and Id love to go out for a night and dance, even if I have to alone. The only place I can even think of is HOB, but I don't know if they have a dance floor.
Anyway, thanks so much for all the support everyone!

Pete's Caribbean Grill on Ball Rd. looks good for that-- we were checking it out when we were planning to stay over that way.

 

[doombuggy]

If you get in a mood, remember there's a movie theater there, and seeing movies alone is SUCH a treat! I mean, unless you're alone b/c of a breakup and you go on a Saturday night to a comedic romance, that's just emotional suicide, LOL. But if you're having a good time, seeing a movie is a great treat while alone!

I knew there was a reason why i was saving that AMC ticket, plus the pop corn & soda coupon...