Going to the parks by yourself

[DisneyBiskit]

Hi!

I'm meeting up with some friends at DLR for Friday and Saturday, but I'm arriving early tomorrow afternoon. I was going to head to the parks by myself. I have never done that before and was wondering if there are some things to do that are good for one person (beside riding the rides). Anything I should try?

Also, I was wondering where a good spot for the PTN parade and DL Forever fireworks show would be. To be honest, I kinda want to see these without anyone trying to talk to me during the show.

Thanks in advance!
Chris

 

[beachdreamr1229]

I went alone for the first time recently. Aside from the rides (use single rider when you can), I'd suggest checking out the Animation Academy at DCA, and at DL, go to some of the less common attractions like Lincoln and spend some time just hanging out on Main Street (there are a lot of performances that I always miss when I'm with others). For the PtN/fireworks, best place is in or near the hub. They fill up quickly, but as a single person, you may be able to squeeze in easier.

 

[Gisele]

Hi!

I'm meeting up with some friends at DLR for Friday and Saturday, but I'm arriving early tomorrow afternoon. I was going to head to the parks by myself. I have never done that before and was wondering if there are some things to do that are good for one person (beside riding the rides). Anything I should try?

Also, I was wondering where a good spot for the PTN parade and DL Forever fireworks show would be. To be honest, I kinda want to see these without anyone trying to talk to me during the show.

Thanks in advance!
Chris

How old are you? Asking because I find that many people that are under 35 would rather die to go anywhere in public by themself. lmao

 

[Angrose]

Do the single rider lines for sure. At DL it's Matterhorn, Splash Mtn and Indy. At DCA it's RSR, Grizzly, CA Screamin and Soarin' (but I have found this one is quicker with a FP).

I would do whatever you would not get to do or would find it hard to do while with your group. Also, consider doing your must do's while solo because that way if no one else is interested, no big deal since you will have already done it.

As for PTN and fireworks, I did both while there solo on the 24hr day. I hung out at some shops on Main St until about 20 min before the parade then walked out and a CM lifted a rope for me to squeeze in behind some people. Afterwards you just move into Main St for fireworks with everyone else. It was very easy to squeeze in being by myself and even more people managed to squeeze in behind me. You shouldn't have a problem. I would try to be on Main St since I think that is the most immersive experience.

Enjoy your solo time in the parks, you will be amazed at how much you can get done on your own!

 

[Elk Grove Chris]

I love solo time at DL. I bet I spend half of my time just taking pictures when I am there solo. I hate to stop the family when we are there as a group all the time if I want to take a photo.

 

[KellaCat]

I would love to go solo! I would spend time in the shops, seeing the shows and the street performances, and doing the single rider lines. All without pushing a stroller, stopping for naps, taking kids to the bathroom every 20 minutes.... sigh.... One of these days!

 

[Xenorye]

During our trip in 2013, my family wanted to retire early on the first night (something about waking up at 3am Central time and flying out then being in the parks from noon to about 9pm Pacific... wusses). I walked them back to PPH and came back to the park by myself, and it was GREAT. Honestly, I loved being there with my family for their first time and everything, but I loved just as much those few hours I went by myself. I did everything *I* wanted to do. Rode Indy single rider, Space, Captain EO, Star Tours, Mr. Toad, Mansion, Pirates. I saw Mulan, which is one of my and my family's favorites, and it's the only time any of us saw her, so I made sure to hold that over everyone's heads the rest of the trip ("You remember that time I saw Mulan and I was by myself because you all were too tired?") It was awesome. I would say more than anything just enjoy doing what you want to do!

Gisele, I was 27 at the time.

 

[Princess Disney Mom]

Yes, do it. I am hoping someday to have alone time at DL. I live on the east coast so the couple times I have been I've had high maintenance family with me and with the time change I could not stay until the very end when the other persons were likely to have gone back to the hotel.

I go to WDW often and I so much enjoy the few hours alone when my family is taking a mid day break or have left the parks around 11pm and I stay until 1:00. I've been able to take beautiful photos of the castle. Have a dole whip alone. Sit far from the parade along the side of the castle totally alone and watch. I walk at my own pace and really stop and smell the roses. It is so much easier to walk through the crowds alone too.

 

[laughinplace2]

I LOVE doing the parks alone....its a totally different experience. Of course its great to share the memories with family and friends but sometimes its nice to go yourself, and just TAKE IT ALL IN. Honestly, some of the best Disney Parks moments I remember are just sitting, eating a dole whip, while watching the crowds go by and taking in all the sights, sounds and smells. That's much harder to do when you are with others. You probably won't have time for the tour, but one day that I went to the parks alone I did the Walk in Walt's Footsteps tour because my fiance had no interest in doing it...it was worth every penny!! I'd say just go and enjoy all the little things that you normally wouldn't notice.

 

[TechGuy]

I am not going alone but with just my wife, for our 25th Anniversary. One of our kids is active service marine and she is in Virginia. The other is 12 and going to Girl Scout camp that week.

Our plan is enjoy not having kids/family/others trying to "help" us to to decide what's next.

Have fun! Do your own thing.

 

[DisneyBiskit]

I spent a good 6 hours at the park by myself. I actually really enjoyed it. Found a good spot to watch Paint the Night and the fireworks. Rode a few rides and casually shopped. Thanks everybody for the advice!

 

[Ofred]

It's very different by yourself of with people of different ages. I have a different experience with the kids, friends my age or by myself. Lots of fun any way.