First solo trip and first trip to DL?

[theluckyrabbit]

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

Reservations for TS and Dining Packages (F! and WOC) can be made 60 days out (usually), so your window will open up toward the end of this month. If you want to see those shows (and they're great at DLR!), think about doing dining packages to get the best views with the least wait. And the Food & Wine Festival will be going on in DCA! Lots of fun! Any questions? Ask away!

 

[PHXscuba]

As for the mom guilt, other have pointed out that you can preview Disneyland for them. My kids actually LIKE it when DH and/or I go somewhere fun, because they believe (with some justification) that it greatly increases the likelihood we will all go back together. And I always brings small souvenirs or treats back!

I have spent a couple days at DLR solo. I think the only downside was that I moved so fast that I had to enforce some downtime by mid-afternoon. You can get so much done by yourself in a compact resort that you risk burnout before dinnertime!

PHXscuba

 

[mernin]

Curious about hotel choices. I’ve read some of the reviews but not sure which to pick. They all seem to get similar reviews. I will stay at a Marriott property because I have both nights free (free night certificate and points). I can’t do the Courtyard or Residence Inn (over what my free night will do) but the others in the area fit. Which would you choose? I know the Fairfield is closest, but wonder about the Sheraton?

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Curious about hotel choices. I’ve read some of the reviews but not sure which to pick. They all seem to get similar reviews. I will stay at a Marriott property because I have both nights free (free night certificate and points). I can’t do the Courtyard or Residence Inn (over what my free night will do) but the others in the area fit. Which would you choose? I know the Fairfield is closest, but wonder about the Sheraton?

For a solo trip (and a first time visit), I would choose the Fairfield (FFI) just for the proximity. (And when you bring the family, you might want to stay there for the same reason!) If you don't mind walking (we don't!), the Sheraton Park is also a good choice (it's one of our DLR go-to hotels), but it is much further away than the FFI. For someone who isn't familiar with the area, is solo, and only has 2 days, I'd go with the FFI. But if you do go with the Sheraton Park, you won't be sorry -- that's a good hotel for DLR -- just a further walk.
Sheraton Park Hotel vs. Holiday Inn Anaheim

 

[mernin]

@theluckyrabbit Thanks! I've been back and forth looking at reviews and the walk distances. I think that is what I'll do!

 

[mernin]

curious what you suggest...

I have a 3 day hopper (got it on points so thought why not use the 3rd day). Arrival day I land around 6pm and was planning to head to a park when I arrive after checking in until close. Day 2 all day available. Day 3 open and leaving around 4ish. Calendar isn’t out yet (Mar 26-28).

Would you plan an evening show both nights? I’ve booked WOC dessert party Day 1 and Fantasmic lunch @ BB for Day 2. I’ve never seen WOC and only seen Fantamic once at WDW about 10 years ago. Just not sure if it makes sense to see both shows with the limited time I have.

 

[cruisehopeful]

Would you plan an evening show both nights? I’ve booked WOC dessert party Day 1 and Fantasmic lunch @ BB for Day 2. I’ve never seen WOC and only seen Fantamic once at WDW about 10 years ago. Just not sure if it makes sense to see both shows with the limited time I have.

I would to both if you enjoy the shows. You'll appreciate reserved seating and being solo, you'll get through the parks at lightning speed. It's amazing how much time is spent discussing what to do next, waiting for someone else to use the restrooms, having snacks at different times, etc. I couldn't believe how much I got done in one day of being solo. It was like 3 full days of going with someone else.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

... Would you plan an evening show both nights? I’ve booked WOC dessert party Day 1 and Fantasmic lunch @ BB for Day 2. I’ve never seen WOC and only seen Fantamic once at WDW about 10 years ago. Just not sure if it makes sense to see both shows with the limited time I have.

Lucky you! Your plans sound great! You're really going to enjoy WOC -- totally unique to DCA -- and it's the original show right now (the best one!). And F! originated at DL -- the show fits perfectly on the ROA -- and the finale with the Mark Twain is just super! Almost all WDW folks here agree that DL has the better F! show (but WDW has the better seating!). Stick with your plan and enjoy both shows, the desserts, and your lunch at BB.

 

[AlohaNow]

@mernin did you end up going solo? If so, how was it? I now have the opportunity to tack DLR on to a business trip. If things were normal and I could look at park hours right now, it'd be booked and done! So I came searching for solo threads and wanted to ask how it went!

 

[mernin]

@mernin did you end up going solo? If so, how was it? I now have the opportunity to tack DLR on to a business trip. If things were normal and I could look at park hours right now, it'd be booked and done! So I came searching for solo threads and wanted to ask how it went!

@AlohaNow no, my trip ended up being cancelled with the covid closure. I’m not sure I’ll get to plan another one...I’ll wait to see if my conference gets rescheduled next year.

 

[Elk Grove Chris]

I hope you get to to reschedule-in-person conferences may be a ways off in the future. Hopefully next year it will happen for you. I have been very fortunate to have done about a dozen solo trips over the last few years tied to some conference or workshop in the "general area" of Disneyland. Solo trips are amazing in such a different way than amazing family or partner trips.

 

[mernin]

I hope you get to to reschedule-in-person conferences may be a ways off in the future. Hopefully next year it will happen for you. I have been very fortunate to have done about a dozen solo trips over the last few years tied to some conference or workshop in the "general area" of Disneyland. Solo trips are amazing in such a different way than amazing family or partner trips.

Agreed - its a long shot for next year. I'm not optimistic on rescheduling. It would have been a really fun add on to a work trip. Just a bit disappointed I can't get the refund on my ticket as it was linked to my profile. I got it through Air Miles so not cash out of my pocket but still would be nice to get those miles back. The value will remain after the ticket expires (even after the extension) if I ever am able to get out that way.

 

[whoever]

I honestly prefer solo trips now and then. The reason being is I don't feel the need to MAXIMIZE every possible second on an attraction or standing in an attraction queue. I get to see the intricate details that separates Disneyland from lesser parks. Check my sig for some solo trip reports.

 

[pindecisive]

I've gone solo to DL 4 times and there are some things I'd recommend and some things I wouldn't.

I would absolutely book a tour early on. I met people on mine and we hung out the entire afternoon together my first solo trip.
I'd also have each day planned out with a ride plan and (if you trade) a pin trading plan.
I'd stay onsite at PPH, or the DLH if you get the chance. I didn't feel super safe alone at the Ramada.
I'd most definitely take advantage of the 'single rider' line.

I wouldn't book a fancy dinner - I booked Blue Baylou and it was really hard to enjoy alone and ended up making me feel lonely.
I wouldn't visit with no plan. It can be a downer if you don't have anyone to be excited about things with. Having a plan helps with this.

I would Instgram everything. This helped me a lot because I got a ton of comments and loves and it made me feel less alone.

Hopefully these help, but yes - solo is definitely not a bad way to visit DL