Doing Disneyland Solo...Some Questions

[vickalamode]

A friend of mine invited me to visit in San Francisco this summer, and I figured that since I'll be allll the way on the West Coast anyways I might as well tack on a quick trip to Disneyland since I have never been, and who knows when the next time I'll be on the West Coast will be.

For some background info on me...23 year old girl, former WDW CM, I want to do and see anything and everything I possibly can at DL.

I'm looking at 3 days in Disneyland. The Disney hotels seem like they are out of my price range-I'm thinking I will end up doing 3 nights in the area. Right now I am looking at the Carousel Inn, because I can afford to stay there and it seems to be really close to DL. Is anybody here familiar with this hotel? Would it be a good choice for a young, single, female traveler? Obviously I am concerned about price and distance to DL, but since I am traveling alone safety is definitely a key issue that I'm concerned about. If anyone has any recommendations for hotels that would be great too I'm basically looking for a clean room with a comfortable bed at a hotel or motel that is safe and has a pool and is within walking distance to DL for less than $150 a night. I don't think that's too much to ask, is it? Hehe.

My second question is what should I reasonably expect to get done in 3 days? Ideally, I want to see ~*~everything~*~. I'm hoping that being solo will help me to see more since I won't have to worry about what anyone else feels like doing at any given moment. Does DL have attractions that offer single rider lines like WDW? What are the "mad dash" attractions at DL and DCA, that I should make sure I hit at rope drop? I'm thinking Cars Land will definitely fall into this category?

Anything I shouldn't miss? Any other advice for a DL first timer who happens to be traveling solo? I used to work at WDW and have been there more times than I can count but DL is completely foreign to me!

 

[4th Gen Disney Fan]

Sorry I can't be of much help as far as the hotel goes. I have only stayed at one off-site hotel and it was a kid's suite. I would think that you wouldn't have any issues finding a good rate since you just need one bed. I know that Howard Johnson has some great rates year-round. This hotel is right across the street from the park.

I would think that since you will be there for 3 days you will have absolutely no problem seeing/doing everything that you want. As long as you are there for rope drop and/or Magic Morning you will be able to hit between 6-8 rides within the first hour. Just stay away from the Submarines during that hour because the loading/unloading plus the ride itself will eat up half of it.

I would advise that you pick a different land to start in for each morning's rope drop. Alternate between Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. These are by far the busiest lands in the park and their rides get some pretty extreme wait times. On our last trip my oldest son and I were able to go on Start Tours twice while my wife and the little ones took pictures during character interactions on Main Street.

Another tip: They keep Main Street open for an hour after the rides shut down for the evening. While the stores are extremely crowded during this time, you won't be using any of your "riding hours" to shop. Plus, you'll be by yourself and will have a much easier time moving around.

Single Rider lines are going to be your most valuable tool along with Fast Pass. These will allow you to hit all the major rides with minimal wait.

Even though you are young and travelling alone, I wouldn't worry about anything happening to you while you are outside the park. You will be in a very safe part of town with tons of people outside at all hours. It is my experience that you are left alone. There are homeless people that congregate at the bus stops, but they never once even talked to me. If you are still worried about walking back and forth by yourself I would purchase the shuttle pass.

As a father of 4, I am so jealous that you have the opportunity to enjoy 3 whole days in the park by yourself! You will be able to set your own pace and be able to shop, sight see, etc whenever you want. What a great time you are going to have!

 

[Badge]

I went on my first solo trip to DL (after doing WDW solo a few times) last Oct and had a great time! My hotel was a little bit of a distance from the parks, but I felt totally safe walking around the area since everything is so well lit and the amount of people walking back to the hotels in the evening.

As far as ride go, Carsland is at the top of the list! Right now FP's are gone in an hour and the wait is easily over the 200 minute mark everyday. Don't think it has hit the 6 hour mark anymore like it did on opening day, but it could happen again. You need to be at the gates, lining up outside about 45 minutes before the park opens. From the sound of things, they are opening the park 30 minutes early and then stopping people near the end of BVS at the rope. Once the park offically opens, they guide everybody back to the ride. The main area in the land does have the single rider option, but it has been reaching 60+ minutes a lot and I have been reading reports of CM's closing the line throughout the day.

As far as other rides not to miss, I would say anything that DL and WDW share! It still amazes me how different Pirates is at WDW compared to the DL version and how the Haunted Mansion, the streching room is a REAL elevator compared to the "fake" one at WDW. Almost (and maybe even every) ride that the two parks share have something different about them.

On top of that, you should do the things that are only at DL like Indy and California Screamin. Basically, you will want to do everything! Also, a lot of the big rides (like Indy and Screamin) have single rider, but you need to ask the CM about them. Most of the rides don't have signs posted about them. The DL site has a filter on the left hand side when viewing all of the rides that you can check which will show you every ride with the single rider line.

Now, if you can afford it, you might want to think about adding on an extra day or two since it is the summer time. 3 days should be enough time, but you never know with the summer crowds. Also, the nighttime shows/events they have at DL are all great, so you will want to make sure you can see/do them all. You have World of Color (do not miss this one! Make sure you arrive REALLY early and get a front row spot as close to the center as you can), the Mad T Party, Fantasmic (a much different version that the WDW version!) and of course the fireworks.

 

[PigletSeeker]

You can definitely see everything alone in 3 days! I can't imagine how much more I would see without frequent potty breaks and snack breaks for 3 kids. Use the Single Rider line anytime you can- for sure on Matterhorn, Indiana Jones, RSR, Grizzly River Rapids, and Screamin'. So you won't need to worry about FP's for any of those. Have a blast!

 

[donsullivan]

....
I'm looking at 3 days in Disneyland. The Disney hotels seem like they are out of my price range-I'm thinking I will end up doing 3 nights in the area. Right now I am looking at the Carousel Inn, because I can afford to stay there and it seems to be really close to DL. Is anybody here familiar with this hotel? Would it be a good choice for a young, single, female traveler? Obviously I am concerned about price and distance to DL, but since I am traveling alone safety is definitely a key issue that I'm concerned about. If anyone has any recommendations for hotels that would be great too I'm basically looking for a clean room with a comfortable bed at a hotel or motel that is safe and has a pool and is within walking distance to DL for less than $150 a night. I don't think that's too much to ask, is it? Hehe.

.......

I actually stayed at the Carousel Inn a couple of years ago. It's nothing special but it was clean and it doesn't get much more convenient. If you look at Google Maps you'll find it is directly across the street from the Transportation Plaza on the east side of the Disneyland Resort where all the buses from the other hotels arrive. You can actually see the monorail going by and Space Mountain across the street when you're standing at the front of the hotel.

You're actually looking at a much shorter walk than if you were staying at the Disneyland Hotel or Paradise Pier. You just walk less than a block down (one very narrow hotel and an IHOP) and then cross the street to Disneyland.

 

[LittleToni]

A friend of mine invited me to visit in San Francisco this summer, and I figured that since I'll be allll the way on the West Coast anyways I might as well tack on a quick trip to Disneyland since I have never been, and who knows when the next time I'll be on the West Coast will be.

For some background info on me...23 year old girl, former WDW CM, I want to do and see anything and everything I possibly can at DL.

I'm looking at 3 days in Disneyland. The Disney hotels seem like they are out of my price range-I'm thinking I will end up doing 3 nights in the area. Right now I am looking at the Carousel Inn, because I can afford to stay there and it seems to be really close to DL. Is anybody here familiar with this hotel? Would it be a good choice for a young, single, female traveler? Obviously I am concerned about price and distance to DL, but since I am traveling alone safety is definitely a key issue that I'm concerned about. If anyone has any recommendations for hotels that would be great too I'm basically looking for a clean room with a comfortable bed at a hotel or motel that is safe and has a pool and is within walking distance to DL for less than $150 a night. I don't think that's too much to ask, is it? Hehe.

My second question is what should I reasonably expect to get done in 3 days? Ideally, I want to see ~*~everything~*~. I'm hoping that being solo will help me to see more since I won't have to worry about what anyone else feels like doing at any given moment. Does DL have attractions that offer single rider lines like WDW? What are the "mad dash" attractions at DL and DCA, that I should make sure I hit at rope drop? I'm thinking Cars Land will definitely fall into this category?

Anything I shouldn't miss? Any other advice for a DL first timer who happens to be traveling solo? I used to work at WDW and have been there more times than I can count but DL is completely foreign to me!

Carousel Inn is a great choice. My brother and I stayed there a week last August and all was good and safe. Quizno's on site too. It is only a 5 minute walk to DL main gates too which is great for going back to refresh and reload for the afternoon

First thing first: You are there for Disneyland, not DCA right? hehe. So at rope drop go get a Star Tours Fast Pass (FP). This will allow you to get 2-3 more FP's during the day. And do not worry about getting back when the time says. Unlike WDW now, DL does not enforce the FP times, just don't arrive early After getting FP, and depending on whether you like roller coasters or not, I would go ride Space Mountain when the lines are small (ask CM for front row, he/she will tell you to "stand over there" where you wait to get in the front row gate line), then go Single Rider (SR) newly refurbished Matterhorn.

If coasters not your thing, then after getting ST FP, maybe ride ST, or go ride Nemo Sub ride which is around the bend.

Either way, after that I would walk over and single ride Indiana Jones (IJ). IMPORTANT: Use single rider wherever you can in both parks! After walk to Pirates and it usually a walk on early in the day, or go into Haunted Mansion, then Pirates. If you want to be wet for half the day, go on Splash Mountain lol but use their single rider too! After go walk on pooh ride hehe hey why not!?

Walk over to Big Thunder (roller coaster type ride but on the timid side hehe) and ride that. Check your next available FP time. If you want to, and I recommend it, go get another ST FP. If they are sold out by then, get a SM FP instead

OK, so now you have rode SM, MAT/Nemo, IJ, POTC, HM, Splash/Pooh, BTR, and have 2 ST FP. If you ready to ride Star Tours and FP start time is past, go ride it Awesome ride

This is all in the first few hours of your day.... Maybe around Noon or 1 pm you can hop over to DCA and get a FP for Soarin (although they have single rider, the CM's usually make you wait and give lousy seats, lol, at least that has been my experience with SR on SOC) When you do get close to the seating zone, ask the CM nicely if you could get section B row 1. Best for SOC They always try and accomodate you although you may have to wait to the side until the next ride but worth it.

Maybe take the new trolley (or just walk) to TOT and check lines and ride if not too long, otherwise go check out Bugs Life show Then go SR Screamin! Awesome coaster. (Again, ask the CM for front row, all they can say is no lol which they almost never do)

On a side note, I would by-pass Carsland rides until next day or last day when you can go to DCA rope drop and immediately get a FP for Radiator Springs Racers. (I just read this ride has SR Get the FP then SR it!) WOOT!

Idk Rest is up to you but ALWAYS use Single Rider and keep getting FP's when you are able!

And remember that the 2 parks are on separate FP systems so even if you have a FP from DL that says you can't get another FP until "whatever" time you can still get an FP from the other park.

And don't forget to eat a churro, have a dole whip cup, and hug Mickey!

Plus, you can always walk back to your room to relax and get ready for afternoon/night shift. Put the room fridge to good use too.

And always carry a plastic water bottle with you. Fill it up in the bathrooms as water fountains are weak and get on the warm water side lol. Plus you are out of the way of others

Have a great time!

LT

ps: Now I want to go...... lol

 

[Amysita]

I can give my opinion on a hotel. I go solo to DL...and it sounds like you have the same concerns as I do. I stay at the Sheraton Anaheim (the one that looks like a castle). It's on the back-side of DL. It is a hotel (interior hallways/doors), the property is completely fenced and you have to go through a automatic gate to drive in. I've never been out & about where I did not see security. Beds are VERY comfy, rooms are huge, bathrooms are small (but, hey, how much time do you intend to be in there?) It is not within walking distance, BUT they have their own shuttle buses that go to and from the parks every whole & half hour, and pick up from the parks every 1/4 & 3/4 hour. And if you're tired & don't feel like schleping back to DL for the fireworks, you can see them from the parking lot of the hotel. The one thing I don't know is price during the summer, I go mid / late Sept., and I wait for deals, I usually wind up with $125 per night stay 4 get the 5th free. So it actually comes out to about $100 per night. But you're not staying that long...so me telling you this is mute.

You'll have a fantastic time at the parks...everything so much closer together @ DL/DCA/DTD (EVERYTHING is safe walking distance) than @ DW, I actually prefer DL solo over WDW solo. Eighter way...have a magical time.

 

[SplashMo]

Harbor Blvd close to DL and DCA is reasonably safe. Some of the side roads at night are not as good.

Arrive early each day before the gates open. Tue, Wed and Thur are the slowest days. If you can get an early admission into DL for the one day. It is super productive. Hoping parks mid day works really well. You can run over before lunch and get some fast passes.

On the early admission day you can also hit the rope drop for Indy. It might be better to ride than FP. Or you can do both.

 

[DLR29]

Single Rider lines are available for...

At DL:
-Splash
-Indy
-Matterhorn

At DCA:
-Soarin
-Grizzly River Run
-Radiator Springs Racers
-Screamin
-Goofy's Sky School

Should help cut down on some lines!

 

[CamoMama]

I just went on my first solo trip in May. It was amazing. I stayed a bit further away, at the Motel 6 on Disney Way because it was super inexpensive, but I was pleasantly surprised by the accommodations. I walked to and from the parks every morning and evening and had no concerns. There were so many people walking around at the same time I'd often just walk near a big group and felt perfectly safe. Motel 6 is about a 10-15 minute walk from bag check, everything is well lit and you pass right by the Garden Walk.

I spent 2 and a half days there, and had a great time. I got there at 2:30 in the afternoon on Sunday and really didn't do a lot of rides, PoTC and BTMRR, I think was it. I watched Fantasmic, rode the train around once or twice and all around had an excellent laid back afternoon and evening. I was a bit more ride oriented the next day, but still took it easy. I rode everything I wanted (although I didn't do much in Fantasyland), but I still didn't want to leave at the end of my trip. On the last park day I went to Disneyland at park opening, then went to DCA at 10 when it opened and stayed there most of the day, returning to Disneyland in the evening. That was before Carsland opened, though so you may want to spend a bit more time there now.

I have to recommend that you make sure to see the stuff that WDW doesn't offer. Storybook Land Canal Boats are my favorite, along with Indiana Jones, the Matterhorn and Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin. Also make sure to ride PotC and Space Mountain as they're different (and better) at DLR. If you can, try to get reservations at the Blue Bayou. It's on the pricey side, but sitting at a waterside table having a lovely diner while you watch the ride go by is very much worth it, in my opinion.

Everyone was just lovely while I was there, CMs and guests alike. When they realized that I was travelling on my own everyone said how awesome that would be and that they were jealous. You will love it.