Going to Disneyland/DCA solo

[ST3]

I'm kind of a loner by nature having no problems traveling alone, but do find certain things kind of sad when doing them alone.

I'm currently single and have 2 days left on my 3 day resident ticket (bought them for my boyfriend and myself as a holiday gift and we went one time) and intend on using them during the week (no weekends).

I went to Disneyland solo the weekend it opened up from the pandemic and found it kind of depressing doing it alone but I want to try to it again to finish up the days I have left.

To the people on here who have gone solo, what are your favorite things to do at the parks solo or how do you get over it?

Already intend on using the single riders line as often as possible!

 

[Howry]

I find that chatting up people in line while waiting helps. Some people like to talk, others don't. You can usually tell right away and it makes it a more interesting experience instead of just standing there feeling alone.

You could also post the date(s) you are going to see if there are any groups getting together you may be able to join.

 

[disneychrista]

It is awkward at first but after a while it was fine. The best part of going solo is being on your schedule and no one else's. Being able to do & see things that your usually travel partner wouldn't want to. Try things that are new to you. Treat yourself to a meal.

The only negative experience I had as a solo traveler was being pushed to the very end of a table at Oga's. I could hardly reach my drink on the table. I had planned to have a second drink but decided against it.

 

[CoachBeard]

I go solo every time. I also have recently used one day of my so cal 3 day ticket. I’m local so I usually just go for the day and head home but when I’ve stayed over I’ve had good chats at Trader Sam’s at the bar, and some other bar spaces. Sometimes in lines as well.

I did 17 days solo at WDW in January and it was great! Sure, some loneliness but there’s so much going on and the “escape” is just so nice. I’ll sometimes text with friends while I’m at the parks or take some time to sit and relax while listening to a podcast or something.

I’ve had some less than fun things happen as a result of being solo, and I’m tied of always being an engineer on Millenum Falcon because I do single rider. But, single rider adds so much advantage to your day!

Often times bar tenders are chatty and engaging. Even if you don’t drink alcohol it may be a nice break from the solo time. Also, I try to dine at the bar rather than a table because some of my negative experiences have been while dining by myself at a table. Walk ups are also easier when by yourself. Give it a whirl!

Edit: more so in WDW I do the extra experiences like the tequila experience at La cava or sangria university, and I did the Wild Africa trek. So maybe books tour or a food and wine experience or class.

 

[irlandaise]

I go solo every time. I also have recently used one day of my so cal 3 day ticket. I’m local so I usually just go for the day and head home but when I’ve stayed over I’ve had good chats at Trader Sam’s at the bar, and some other bar spaces. Sometimes in lines as well.

I did 17 days solo at WDW in January and it was great! Sure, some loneliness but there’s so much going on and the “escape” is just so nice. I’ll sometimes text with friends while I’m at the parks or take some time to sit and relax while listening to a podcast or something.

I’ve had some less than fun things happen as a result of being solo, and I’m tied of always being an engineer on Millenum Falcon because I do single rider. But, single rider adds so much advantage to your day!

Often times bar tenders are chatty and engaging. Even if you don’t drink alcohol it may be a nice break from the solo time. Also, I try to dine at the bar rather than a table because some of my negative experiences have been while dining by myself at a table. Walk ups are also easier when by yourself. Give it a whirl!

Edit: more so in WDW I do the extra experiences like the tequila experience at La cava or sangria university, and I did the Wild Africa trek. So maybe books tour or a food and wine experience or class.

My experiences with solo days at both DL and WDW have been similar to yours. I like being able to do what I want, when I want, whether that's going on a certain ride or sitting and watching people or heading back to my hotel for a rest. I might keep a paperback book or a magazine in my knapsack to occupy myself during table-service dining. I don't think I've ever had a bad experience as a solo diner; sorry that you have.

I think a lot of what makes a solo visit enjoyable is looking at it as though you're gaining freedom, not losing companionship. Both kinds of visits have their advantages and disadvantages. The trick, as always, is to focus on the former!

 

[BrianL]

I get it - sometimes I feel lonely too, but I also enjoy the "me time" and getting to do whatever I want. I am for some reason more gregarious when I'm at Disney, and will chat with people sometimes. Otherwise, I just try to be in the moment and take it all in. I find I kind of like the thrill rides better when alone - not sure why. Dark rides and such is where I maybe feel it the most because I am not sharing it. It's a feeling that comes and goes though. It sounds like you've already got the tickets, so why not? Go try it out and have fun!

 

[Tinkaboo]

I have been going solo for almost 5 years and I could never go back...it would drive me crazy. Sometimes I meet up with some friends I actually made at DL but after a couple hours, I am ready to be on my own again! I enjoy meeting others...Cap, Star-Lord, my BFF Loki, his bro Thor, my new bestie Tigger, and always my squad Daisy and Minnie! I have never had a bad time on my own!

And don't ever call me a " Disney Adult" - I am just big for my age

 

[LKing]

I’ve had some less than fun things happen as a result of being solo, and I’m tied of always being an engineer on Millenum Falcon because I do single rider.

At the media event a couple of days ago, they announced that the engineer will soon be the one who picks the destination of the mission.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Download a book on your phone. Sounds odd but that has been the best thing I’ve done for my solo trips. Sometimes the groups around you in line aren’t the chatty type or you want to dine at a TS but not spend the meal staring at the servers. This keeps me enjoying myself without inviting life stresses of news and social media into my travel bubble.

I do want address when you traveled before- Covid was a lonely time for a solo traveler as interaction was not welcome. And Disneyland was extra hard as the rules were very strict in CA and the cast were majority new and well things just didn’t jive. It’s gotten way better obviously and with the announcement of further training for Covid-era hires it will continue to get better. The complete lack of Covid-era everything in and of itself will bring a more welcome feeling to you as a solo.

 

[irlandaise]

I do want address when you traveled before- Covid was a lonely time for a solo traveler as interaction was not welcome.

Oooh, good point. That time right after DL reopened would have been atypical, everyone still on edge. Things are much more relaxed now.

 

[Jawwdoc]

I’ve done many solo trips. The first few were a tad awkward but it doesn’t bother me to go solo at all now. I do miss having the family along but they are no longer interested in the parks. I primarily add on solo trips when I’m in town for business and I find it is a fun way to get some exercise after sitting around in meetings all day. I like to split up the day with a rope drop, business meetings, dinner in the park and then enjoy the stacked LLMPs in the evening. I find that the vibe at rope drop is great and people seem to enjoy chatting about their plans for the day.

 

[disneychrista]

I have been going solo for almost 5 years and I could never go back...it would drive me crazy. Sometimes I meet up with some friends I actually made at DL but

I am about to go on a trip where someone else will want to make some of the decision and I am not sure how I feel about that. I went with my mom in Dec 2024 and that was okay but I pretty much was “in charge” plus I looked it as her trip with my just tagging along. This upcoming trip is as much or more for me and as it them, so it’ll be interesting. Wish me luck