Going it alone - How to Handle Solo Trips?

[MGoAway]

HI everyone, long time lurker brand new poster.

I thought I would ask some of you as this seems like the place. As I am finally double vaccinated and can fly from Canada I was looking to add a Disneyland day to my trip in July. It's a middle of the week affair and most local friends aren't available or Disneyland isn't their get down. So this leaves me with the choice of going it alone or not going at all.

I have gone solo once before but it was a pretty sad experience as I found out the morning of my trip my grandmother wasn't long for this earth. I mixed in a walk in walts footsteps tour which made it a little easier. That isn't available this time. I really do want to cap off the release I am feeling from the pandemic abating with a trip but as a 30 something man solo in the park I'm a little in my own head about it.

For those of you who have gone it alone what do you do to make is special? Am I just being a little too self hating? Any tips would be much appreciated.

 

[3TinksAndAnEeyore]

I’ve done some solo and partial-solo trips (partial-solo when I’ve been a chaperone for a school band trip, but was only needed pretty much for the overnight at the hotel).

My favorite aspects to being on my own at the park are being able to go on whatever ride I want, when I want; stop to take in the scenery or musicians; take a break in the parks by riding the Mark Twain as much as I want or finding an out of the way table or bench to people watch or even read a book. I like that I can wait 50 minutes in a line for Soarin’ that the rest of my family would have complained about. I love that I can ride GotG 12 times in a row. I love that I can have a churro for lunch and do a sit-down meal when I’m actually hungry rather than when everyone else is hungry.

Enjoy your trip!!!

 

[GeneralTso]

OH, GOOOO! There is a peace and different vibe when it's just you. You go at your own pace, don't have to check or corral anyone. It really is nice.
Eat when you want to eat, where you want to eat. Sit and chill. Wait for a ride as long as you want and not feel bad.
It really is a good experience.

 

[Jaina]

The only downsides I've found to my solo trips are it can get a bit lonely (I do enjoy visiting with people in line sometimes if they're friendly) and if you don't have anyone to save your seat while waiting for a parade or something if you need a bathroom break! Since that's not so much an issue now, it wasn't a problem when I went last week. I agree that the best part of a solo trip is you can do whatever YOU want pretty much any time or in any way. I saw a lot of other solo travelers. Go for it!

 

[Matrixleos]

Have fun and go! Treat yourself to a visit even if your local friends don't want to go. Honestly, I'd rather do a Solo visit than drag someone there who doesn't want to be there and who will just put a drag on YOUR adventure!

Go ride what you want to ride...
Go see what shows you want to see...
Go eat what ever you want to eat...

While visiting with friends and family are great, doing a Disney solo trip with having no other responsibilities outside of entertaining yourself in the parks is 100% worth the visit!

 

[Karin1984]

Completely let go of what other people might think and the thoughts you might have about a '30s something man solo'.
Other people are far too busy and self-absorbed to notice you, whether you are riding on your own or eating on your own. Really, people do not care. And if people do care... you do not know these people, you will never see them again in your life, their opinion about you and your solo-ness is absolutely irrelevant.
In return: Be just as busy with yourself, and self-absorbed to notice what other groups/solos are up to. It's about you and you alone

'Just you' is not an insult or a remark out of pity. the CM needs to know which table or car to seat you.

Other tip: Act like a local. Pretend you live nearby and you come to relax and unwind after work for a few hours. Only it's a little bit longer than a few hours.

 

[dieumeye]

There’s also single rider lines, if those are back by the time you visit.

My favorite solo tip (which may or may not be affected by covid adjustments by the time of your trip) is that there’s almost always room for one at the bar. Carthay, Lamplight, Napa Rose, Steakhouse 55, Trader Sam’s all have lounge areas with bar seating. Many times I have been able to snag a single seat at the bar by asking the CMs if there’s room for one. Good way to have a nice meal and chat with the bartender in an otherwise fully booked restaurant.

 

[princessme21114]

Going to the parks solo is one of my favorite things. I am a super planner for family trips but when I'm by myself there is no need to plan and i just do whatever I want whenever I want!

A few tips:

1. Single rider lines are your friends when solo.
2. Doesn't matter what anyone else thinks. This is one of the few times in life where you can just do what you want (obv within reason)
3. Have something to read while you eat if it seems awkward to eat alone.

 

[Lm3js]

Completely let go of what other people might think and the thoughts you might have about a '30s something man solo'.
Other people are far too busy and self-absorbed to notice you, whether you are riding on your own or eating on your own. Really, people do not care. And if people do care... you do not know these people, you will never see them again in your life, their opinion about you and your solo-ness is absolutely irrelevant.
In return: Be just as busy with yourself, and self-absorbed to notice what other groups/solos are up to. It's about you and you alone

'Just you' is not an insult or a remark out of pity. the CM needs to know which table or car to seat you.

Other tip: Act like a local. Pretend you live nearby and you come to relax and unwind after work for a few hours. Only it's a little bit longer than a few hours.

I came here to give similar advice. Go in with a confident, devil-may-care attitude and you will be rewarded with a stress free, super fun trip. Too bad character meets and greets aren't going on right now as those have been some of the best interactions being a solo adult...let me tell you about the time that Chewbacca tried to kiss me ha ha ha.

 

[sjmac42]

Went solo a couple of time pre wife, enjoyed it just as much as going with someone else, just in a different way. The only time I felt a little self conscious was when dining at a table service restaurant but no one else cared. Just ate quick service from then on.
Love the no one complaining about waiting in line, the ability to just wander around and take it all in for an hour or so here and there, no “what are we doing next” questions, meeting new temporary friends in the lines, single rider lines, more interaction with cast members trying to make you feel welcome as a solo visitor and you set your own pace. Just have a rough plan on the first couple of things you want to do when you arrive so you get straight into it and don’t wander around for the first half hour wondering what to do. Once you’re into it, your away to having a great day.
Visiting with a friend/partner means a little more planning to make sure everyone can enjoy themselves (if you care about that ). Mind you the look of sheer joy on my then new wife’s face when I first took her to Disneyland was priceless. Enjoying your friends/loved ones enjoyment is one thing you’ll miss when solo but there are always plenty of strangers enjoying themselves which you can revel in.

 

[pharmama]

I've done quite a few solo visits as well and agree with everything others have said. Don't worry about what others think and just use the time to enjoy exploring the parks however you want. Hopefully single rider lines will be back by the time you go too as they are very helpful.

I will agree that the one thing that felt a little weird to me was doing a table service restaurant solo but I feel weird doing that at other times too (business travel etc.) so if you're already comfortable with that outside the parks it probably won't bother you. If you do think it might bother you then just do quick service as others have mentioned.

 

[Linkura]

Been to WDW and Universal Orlando twice each solo. Doing my first solo DL trip in two weeks. Can't wait! Never felt lonely or anything. Most CMs and guests are just fine.

 

[MGoAway]

I just want to thank you all so much for the positive feedback and vibes. Its really perked up my spirits about it.

 

[sjmac42]

No worries, remember to make a park reservation for your visit. You’ll need park tickets first and link them in the app.

 

[kappyfamily]

I've done a couple solo trips to DL as well as a 2 week solo to WDW. It really is amazing! I just like how much you can slow down and really just go at your own pace and literally do whatever you want. I remember I rode the train around for like an hour and just enjoyed everything. I would grab a snack and sit on a bench and people watch. It really is unique and a good time to just relax and enjoy. Go for it and have fun. We've all been thru alot this last year and we deserve it!

 

[Kit Jackson]

I did a Disneyland trip with a friend, but there was one day when my friend was feeling incredibly sick and thought it was best to stay in the hotel room, take it easy, and spend most of the day sleeping. She encouraged me to spend the day in the park, so I did. It was strange at first, but I enjoyed it. I kept asking myself, what do I want to do next, and then did it if I could. If you need any help, Cast Members are more than willing to answer questions, and will give great advice/tips. Enjoy your time in the park.

I came here to give similar advice. Go in with a confident, devil-may-care attitude and you will be rewarded with a stress free, super fun trip. Too bad character meets and greets aren't going on right now as those have been some of the best interactions being a solo adult...let me tell you about the time that Chewbacca tried to kiss me ha ha ha.

Tell me about the time Chewbacca tried to kiss you.

 

[upritbass]

My favorite aspects to being on my own at the park are being able to go on whatever ride I want, when I want; stop to take in the scenery or musicians; take a break in the parks by riding the Mark Twain as much as I want or finding an out of the way table or bench to people watch or even read a book. I like that I can wait 50 minutes in a line for Soarin’ that the rest of my family would have complained about. I love that I can ride GotG 12 times in a row. I love that I can have a churro for lunch and do a sit-down meal when I’m actually hungry rather than when everyone else is hungry.

Enjoy your trip!!!

My wife and I do it that way every time we go now.

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

I have two little kids and a husband who doesn’t like Disney. As much as I love visiting the parks with my kids a solo trip sounds like an absolute dream. Ride whatever I want, eat whatever I want, do whatever I want. Ahhhhhhhh…. When I see someone solo in the parks not only do I not judge them, I am actually jealous. Have fun on your trip.

 

[BrianL]

Solo trips can be great and I think DLR is better than WDW for that since so many locals pop in and I really think the guests are friendlier. Alos, the counter-service food options are better so if you don't want to do sit-down places solo, then the food is much better than Orlando. Chat with people and share tips. The "Disneyland People" are great about that. Don't worry, nobody's worried that you are solo. Definitely get Park Hopper and you can treat them like one big park - you can move so fast when it's just you! Enjoy!

 

[Twinkletoesjohnson]

“As much as I love visiting the parks with my kids a solo trip sounds like an absolute dream. Ride whatever I want, eat whatever I want, do whatever I want. Ahhhhhhhh…. When I see someone solo in the parks not only do I not judge them, I am actually jealous. Have fun on your trip.”
[/QUOTE]
Haha, once when I was on a solo trip eating at the Tropical Hideaway a woman at the next table asked me if I was traveling alone and said “I’m so jealous!” and then the rest of her family showed up and kind of winked at me and we shared a moment there Maybe it was you?