First solo trip and first trip to DL?

[mernin]

I have the chance to add 1-2 days onto a work trip that would put me close to DL March 26-28. I’ve never been so when I looked at it, I thought how can I pass it up. I also have never done a solo trip and am a little hesitant to do it somewhere I’ve never been.

I have a wait list at GCH but I know it’s very unlikely. I can stay on points at a Marriott property (likely the 4 points because of # of points needed) and have enough to get tickets via airmiles or Canadian residents offer, so costs for the trip will be minimal.

I’m so undecided to pull the trigger and just book it. Maybe a little guilt about not bringing my family and a little hesitant because I’d be by myself.

Have you done a solo trip to DL? And if so, what do you suggest for a solo traveller on her first DL trip?

Thanks!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

You've come to the right place! We have quite a few DISers who do solo trips, including a number of solo female travelers! They'll give you great tips and suggestions! Come on out to play, @BadPinkTink , @B3rlingirl, @luvthemouse71 (on her trip right now!), and anyone else who wants to join in here!
The Four Points should be fine (especially if you can get the whole stay on points!) -- the walk back might be a bit taxing (uphill at the end), but you could use ride share if you're really tired at the end of the day.
Don't feel guilty about a solo trip -- think of this as reconnaissance! You'll be doing research and planning for a future trip when you'll bring your family. (So look at the hotels on Harbor that you'll be passing on the way to/from the Four Points, especially the other Marriott properties like the Courtyard and the Fairfield, two favorite hotels on this board.) Do you have any specific Disney interests that we could help you with, e.g. food, shows, shopping, etc.? Ask away -- we're here to help!

 

[WonkaKid]

I also have never done a solo trip and am a little hesitant to do it somewhere I’ve never been.

I've done countless solo trips to DL. I'd say at least 50. I know many people that either work there now or visit frequently so it's not exactly the same thing that you'll do but it was once ).

Have you done a solo trip to DL? And if so, what do you suggest for a solo traveler on her first DL trip?

Go. You'll never regret it. There are so many things to do and see there that there's never an opportunity to get bored or lonely. And you can really take advantage of the single-rider lines. As to the guilt you may feel over not taking your family, think of it this way: you have an opportunity to visit the park and surely they wouldn't want you to miss that chance. Especially if you bring them souveneirs ;-).
[/QUOTE]
Let me know if you'd like a park map (send me a direct message). I'm happy to send you one if you think it will help.

Rob

 

[luvthemouse71]

I have the chance to add 1-2 days onto a work trip that would put me close to DL March 26-28. I’ve never been so when I looked at it, I thought how can I pass it up. I also have never done a solo trip and am a little hesitant to do it somewhere I’ve never been.

I have a wait list at GCH but I know it’s very unlikely. I can stay on points at a Marriott property (likely the 4 points because of # of points needed) and have enough to get tickets via airmiles or Canadian residents offer, so costs for the trip will be minimal.

I’m so undecided to pull the trigger and just book it. Maybe a little guilt about not bringing my family and a little hesitant because I’d be by myself.

Have you done a solo trip to DL? And if so, what do you suggest for a solo traveller on her first DL trip?

Thanks!

I’m currently at Disneyland now and am traveling solo. I was nervous at first too but I feel very safe. It does feel weird to be so far away from home.

I say do it. Disneyland is great.. WDW will always be my first love but Disneyland is where it all began.

 

[BadPinkTink]

waves hi, I've been doing solo trips to Disneyland for over 5 years. I started off going with friends but now I just love my solo visits.

Going to a Disney park solo is the best thing ever. Yes its different than going with friends or family but it can be really goo for your overall well being.

You can do things you can't really do in a group. If you want to be there for park opening, go for it. If you want to do a ride multiple times in a row, sure why not Always wanted to try a snack or a restaurant but never had the chance, now is your time.

Also don't be worried about what other people might think. There are a lot more solo's in the park that you would realize. Many CM's for example are in the parks, going on rides on their day off.

This is my most recent trip report from June 2019 https://www.disboards.com/threads/t...any-firsts-mixed-with-old-favourites.3758518/

As a solo, use the Single rider lines, they really do make a difference, time wise. Use the Fastpass system, either the free paper ones from the kiosks or Maxpass, whichever you prefer. Use mobile ordering for quick service and counter service food places. When you are near the loading areas for rides, listen to the CM's as they load. Often times they will call out for a solo person to fill the ride vehicle in rides which don't have single rider lines. This has happened to me at Pirates

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Join the March Check-In **Official** Thread (Start with Post #17)! This will help keep you updated on all the goings on and announcements for March and acquaint you with fellow DISers who'll be visiting during your dates.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Some threads with helpful information for you:
* DLR Info/Links - Maps, Hotels, DISer Reviews, Hydroguy's tips, NEWBIE INFO here! -- one of the sticky threads at the top of the first page
From that sticky:
A DLR Guide for WDW Vets -- a classic thread and a must read!
HydroGuy Tips Compilation -- so many great threads contained here!
From that link:
Airport Proximity to DLR and Ground Transportation Information ~ 3TinksAndAnEeyore -- ask any airport and ground transportation questions here!
"Maxpass/Fastpass: an overview and some strategy" by @Skyegirl1999 - www.disboards.com/threads/maxpass-fastpass-an-overview-and-some-strategy.3726246/ -- DLR doesn't have FP+, we have MP and legacy FP -- read through this superthread and ask all MP questions here!

 

[tsumgirl]

I've recently started going on solo trips - 3 so far ranging from 4-9 days per trip. As a petite, disabled solo female, I have never felt unsafe in the area around Disneyland, so staying off-site is no big deal. The one-block radius around Disneyland has many parkgoers walking back and forth at all hours of the day/night, so it feels safer that way too and makes it hard to get lost

I think the best part about solo travel is being able to do everything at your own pace. MaxPass is a great way to optimize your trip, but not necessary. You can have photographers take pictures with your phone, so you don't miss out on any photo opportunities. Single rider lines will help reduce wait times.

The best part about going before your family is that you can assess if this would be a good vacation opportunity, while doing your research for minimal cost. You can check out the hotels as you pass, gauge their distance from the parks, see how many days you may need, and what the food costs would be like. I'm sure many families going for their first time would love the opportunity to do hands-on research, and there are a few people who did take a trip before bringing kids to make sure it was something they could handle.

I'd say do a little research, figure out the top things you'd love to do, and then go with the flow once you get to the parks. It's so easy to change your plans on the fly as a solo traveler.

 

[Elk Grove Chris]

I do this several times a year-add some days on to a conference and treat yourself. As said above, solo trips can be amazing. The only thing that slightly bums me out is eating solo, but even that can be an adventure. I can get my family to rope drop-but rarely can I get them up early enough to have breakfast at SH55 and then rope drop.
I am doing 2 solo days at the end of this month and then my family is joining me for a weekend. First day will be breakfast at SH55 since the parks open at 9. Then I get to roam the parks and do whatever I want.

Now I am never the first in line for PP like Rob, but I will put in the time to wait for the ride where my family generally will pass on most of Fantasyland, except when it is me and my Daughter who lives nearby. As said above solo trips are great for recon for family trips. I plan on concentrating on dialing in ROTR as a big part of my 2 solo days so my family will get the most out of it on the weekend. I can also just wander the park semi-aimlessly just taking random pictures everywhere-something I just don't do on family trips. I have Maxpass on my AP, but rarely need it. I use it mainly if I want to request the front of a ride to take pictures, single rider lines can be very useful.

Have a blast!

 

[B3rlingirl]

I did an impromptu solo trip last thanksgiving (it was planned as family trip but my parents couldn’t make it because my mom broke her wrist a week before departure...) So it was a little weird to do the stuff I had planned month ago for three now alone... but nevertheless it was soo much fun!

Going solo really saves so much time because you don’t need to wait for anyone or discuss what you wanna do next (I would never have imagined how much time that actually saved for me). The combination of single rider and maxpass works great and picking up canceled FPs is also easier as single rider and is a lot of fun. (For me it became a fun little game trying to snatch canceled FP)
I also enjoyed the BB dining package and the dessert party! I especially enjoyed eating solo at the BB because I could focus on the environment without others to talk to...(and I didn’t have to share my bread)
It is also easier to grab a nice spot for parades or fireworks without waiting for hours if you are just one person. There is often a spot that works for one but not two or more persons...(you just have to be careful not to steal a spot from someone waiting there)
Depending on when you go you might also be able to meet some DISers in person... That’s a lot of fun!

 

[dolewhipdreams]

My first trip to DL was solo and was a tag onto a work trip, as well! You're going to love it!

My only additional advice (because PPs have covered most of it already!) is when you're doing your research, think about things that you would really enjoy but the rest of your family might not and focus on those! My favorite part about going solo is not needing to worry about if everyone else is having a good time. So take advantage of that and do things that you really want to do.

 

[ironband74]

I haven't done a full on solo trip. However, during trips where the rest of the family has tired, or when my daughter was doing rehearsals before a parade, I've had short stints of solo time for a few hours.

It's waaaay more fun than it should be. No one complaining that I want to hunt for CMs to trade pins with. No one complaining that I am walking too fast. And single rider lines without any regrets. While my daughter was rehearsing a month ago, I started out in GE - line for MFSR was 90 minutes, but I rode single rider 3 times in 30 minutes. There was a father/daughter in the SR line who got split up, but I wound up in a group with the dad. I offered to swap groups with his daughter so they could ride together. You get little moments of magic and stories to tell. During our holiday trip, on NYE while everyone else was resting up for the evening celebration, I went and saw the last Frozen show of the year (my family is not into the shows).

Don't get me wrong, I also love being in the park with my family. But the freedom of having been able to do whatever I want for a while makes it even more fun when I'm with them because I can be like "I already did this other thing you don't want to do, so let's do that thing you want to do!"

So if you have the means and the opportunity...

 

[SeattleTink]

I have in the past year started doing solo trips. Although I have been to DLR many, many times...I love going solo. My best advice is plan the things you MUST do, and take your time to just enjoy everything that makes YOU happy. Eat what you want to eat, ride what you want to ride, and sit and soak it all in. My last trip was with my kids and honestly I was slightly concerned that I wouldn't have as much fun. Well, we had a blast - but solo trips are great and I love them just as much as being with others. Have a great time!!

 

[Pamela M]

I do solo vacations all the time. Disneyland is one of my favorites as your never really alone. I've met some super nice people who even invited me to ride a few rides or go watch a parade with.

I've thought about staying at the 4 Points (because it's the cheapest Marriott) but I've always been worried about the walk back at night. I'm not sure how many people walk that way at night so I stick to hotels that are a little closer. While I prefer to stay at Marriott and get points they can sometimes be expensive. My new favorite find is the Candy Cane Inn. I've seen rates as low as $125 a night. My trip in April I got for $136 with an AAA discount.

 

[luvthemouse71]

I’m on a solo DL trip now. I’m having a great time. Many of the hotels are serviced by the ART shuttle. They’re very similar to WDW buses in how they work, except not as crowded.

I feel very safe. Most people here have been nice. I’ve noticed a more laid back vibe here, which is a nice change of pace. The other day, I inadvertently cut the line for a churro. I quickly apologized and the people were not mad at all. At WDW, they might have ripped my face off.

 

[mernin]

Well, you guys are just awesome! Off to research some more because I’m pretty sure you’ve convinced me to do it!

 

[Cholula]

I especially enjoyed eating solo at the BB because I could focus on the environment without others to talk to...(and I didn’t have to share my bread)

I like eating solo at Carnation Cafe so I don't have to share the fried pickles.

 

[Sarahelizabeth]

I travel to the area frequently for business and my family and i are going to upgrade to the Flex pass when we go in February. I’m trying to decide if i would go by myself after work for the evening. My family doesn’t travel with me and the office i work out of is about 22 miles from the parks. I think I’ll try it at least once and see. This thread is fun to hear all of your experiences!

 

[mouschievous]

I would love to do a solo trip. I'd eat my way through the land, including tea at DLH. I want to do that more than I can say, but no one else in my family is interested.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

I would love to do a solo trip. I'd eat my way through the land, including tea at DLH. I want to do that more than I can say, but no one else in my family is interested.

Oh, do the tea! Just take an afternoon break by yourself and go for it! If you want to find a tea buddy, make a reservation for 2, then post here asking someone to join you!