Going without kids?

[Belle Ella]

What would be some good tips to keep in mind if you're not traveling with any kids?

It's been a few years for me since I've been (my last trip was right after the Nemo subs opened), and it will be my first time staying for more than one night since I went with my parents ages ago. My friend and I will be there the weekend of March 27 (anyone know what the weather might be like around then) and I'm just super anxious to start planning now that we have our reservations. It's a big treat for ourselves that we've been talking about ... since before we left the last time.

Ah! And I know you all probably see the same questions every day, so TIA for always being great about it.

 

[bumbershoot]

Interesting question.

If you have kids and are leaving them behind, assuming they are old enough to be without you and you have excellent people watching them, try to not feel too bad, buy them presents, and watch the meltdowns around you while being so glad you're not the adult dealing with them.


If you don't have kids and just want tips on having an adult style trip...ignore the meltdowns around you, smile sweetly at families having those meltdowns, and just have fun!

Either way, go on all the "big" rides without worrying about height restrictions, have some adult beverages if you're so inclined, take some time to sit on a bench or comfy chair at a hotel lounge area and just watch the world go by.

 

[fairykin]

Oh Wow! You and Your friend will have a Great time!

Allow yourself to get excitted.. and indulge in your favorite snacks and ride the rides that make you happy.. even do some of them twice if there is no line.

Take your time and explore the park..go to sections you have never been to. Have you riden pooh's ride? What about DCA? Have You riden the golden zepher?

Buy some pins on ebay and trade some pins with castmembers..that's more fun than you know.

Get into the planning of the trip... and be sure and plan time to relax.

Have a supertime and be sure to take fun pics with the photopass.

 

[Belle Ella]

Couldn't think how to word my title right, lol. Neither of us have kids, so that's not a stress point of worry for us, but there's definitely a big difference between going with kids and not. I've had to rush everything before (didn't even get to hit DCA my last trip because I was there for so little time) so I'm really looking forward to having that chance to take it all in.

Thanks so far

 

[PinkBudgie]

I would suggest trying some of the "children's" rides in Fantasyland if you have time. They are fun for adults too. Some trips we just don't have time and other rides are priority for us, but I like them when we have done the favorites several times.

We always go to DL first thing in the morning, then go over to DCA in the afternoon. Don't forget to pick up a FP from DL before you leave to go to DCA and then pick up a FP there too.

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

What would be some good tips to keep in mind if you're not traveling with any kids?

It's been a few years for me since I've been (my last trip was right after the Nemo subs opened), and it will be my first time staying for more than one night since I went with my parents ages ago. My friend and I will be there the weekend of March 27 (anyone know what the weather might be like around then) and I'm just super anxious to start planning now that we have our reservations. It's a big treat for ourselves that we've been talking about ... since before we left the last time.

Ah! And I know you all probably see the same questions every day, so TIA for always being great about it.

Well, one thing for sure, you won't have any restrictions as far as when you need to eat. (Kids need to eat on a regular basis or they get all off kilter. That's not something you'll need to worry about.) So then also think about what kind of dining experiences you want. Onsite/offsite; hoity toity /not so toity ?? You get the picture. Adults can do whatever they want without worrying about the kids! YAY! Sounds like a dream trip to me. Have fun!

 

[LavenderPeach]

I agree with PinkBudgie. Do all the big rides but don't skip over rides that seem like they're just for kids. The canal boats, Peter Pan, and IASW are some of the ones that come to mind. They may not be thrill rides but they're still a lot of fun and have lots of details to look at. Perhaps reading some Disneyland history might be interesting to you. I just finished reading the Dinsyland Encyclopedia and it had a lot of interesting information in it.

Oh and a tour might be interesting. I've never done one but they sound like so much fun, if you have the extra money for it. There is a Segway tour at DCA that you do before the park opens.

DH and I went to DLR lots of times before we had our DS and it was so much fun. (It's fun with DS too but it's a different experience.) When we go by ourselves we get to go do whatever we want, whenever we want. Also, with just 2 people it's easier to manuever around the parks when they're crowded. Just try not to cut off strollers as you zip around.

Sounds like it will be a fun trip!

 

[prncssmel]

Finally, something that is my specialty. Even though we go with family and friends a few times each year, the best times we have our just me and DH. Here are a few tips:

Go at your own pace and see all the things you want to. It is so nice to not have to what anyone else wants and to not be rushing.

Stake out a good spot for the fireworks/Fantasmic early. We like to get a good spot, sit down with some snacks and just talk and people watch. So relaxing and wonderful when you don't have to worry about kids getting bored waiting.

Have a nice adult meal out, with adult beverages if inclined. We like Hook's Pointe and Catal.

When you get close to the front of a line, listen for the the ride operators asking for parties of 2. Often, there are so many large parties that you will get to skip ahead having only 2 people.

Shop. Eat. Get lots of photopass pictures.

 

[DizNee Luver]

Do absolutely everything you want!!! Don't be afraid to be a kid yourself!!! Ride on Dumbo, who cares?, Play around in ToonTown, Squeeze into the animal cages & ride Casey Jr., ride the big rides, take in a character meal, eat at the Blue Bayou, watch Fantasmic & the fireworks, walk around DTD, sip a cocktail while listening to jazz, look around the 3 resort hotels & take in the history & beautiful surroundings.....etc

As you can see, you can do absolutely anything & have the freedom to do lots or go the relaxed route. No one will look twice if you're doing the more traditional "kiddy" rides or interacting with characters & getting autographs.

The choices are endless & you'll be held to no schedule. Have a great time & enjoy every minute of it!!!!!

 

[Zoemakes5]

If I was going without kids....Oh, wait I am...see the Ladies Trip thread ......I would splurge on things that are difficult to do with kids, impossible to do with kids, or the kids would enjoy so little that they would make you miserable!
Some of those things, Blue Bayou, restaurants/bars in DtD (I personally really enjoy Jazz Kitchen), maybe even seeing about facial/spa treatments while I was there. I'd get up when I want, eat what I want and when I want, sit out by the pool with a book and a drink, soaking in the rays and not having to watch anyone! I'd wander around in the shops (preferably mid day so as not to deal with the mass congestion towards the crazy times.)
I suggest, and have done myself, going all out, being as silly and crazy as you want. Wear a tiara for the entire trip. Wear boas if you like. Get you friend and yourself matching (or coordinating, if you prefer) tshirts for your trip. Disney Store has a pretty good selection at only $5.99 right now. Wear characters from head to toe. If it appeals to you, get an autograph book and get pics and autographs from the characters. I personally recommend at least one character meal during your stay. I like them all. For character interaction, I like Minnies, for food I'd say Goofy's or Lilo and Stitch breakfast (creme brulee french toast or banana's foster french toast, nummy!) It's a totally new experience going without children, even if they aren't your own.
Take a round trip on the Monorail. Try to get in the capitan's area. It's really cool up there. I think it can seat four or five, so even if there's people up there, you can still see if you can join them as long as there's not too many.

 

[Bunless]

DH and I go a few times a year, and we don't have kids...so we never go with kids.

We just take our time. Our touring style seems to be more about fully taking in one land at a time, instead of criss-crossing the park. We take the time to check out all the little things, lots of shows, talking to people, we'll do the single rider lines if the regular line is long and the fastpass isn't coming up soon, we eat on our own schedule--although we tend to make alot of dining reservations. We take the time to go back to the room and take a nap. Sometimes we get spa treatments...this time around DH is going to a show at the House of Blues while I'm doing the solo thing at Napa Rose (Chef's Counter! so excited). Tours are alot of fun too.

I think that sometimes, we make our touring decisions based on when areas of the park might be crowded with younger kids and their family. For instance, we tend to save Fantasy land for the late nights --10pm to midnight, not only is it magical in the evening, but much easier to get around.

If anyone knows the best time to do Toontown, let me know!

 

[LavenderPeach]

I think that sometimes, we make our touring decisions based on when areas of the park might be crowded with younger kids and their family. For instance, we tend to save Fantasy land for the late nights --10pm to midnight, not only is it magical in the evening, but much easier to get around.

If anyone knows the best time to do Toontown, let me know!

Ooh, good tip! Several years ago (before DS was around) we had APs and would do FL in the evening and there were very short lines or no lines at all!

We've done toontown at night and it is much less crowded then too. I know they close it early for the fireworks but I'm not sure what time. We went after dark in november (maybe 6 or 7?) and there weren't many people there. Still had a little bit of a wait to see Mickey but maybe only 5-10 min. at the most.

 

[bumbershoot]

not so toity

I want you to be tagged with that by the Tag Fairy.

 

[Belle Ella]

My friend and I have two very different Disneyland styles. I've never been much of a ride person (too anxiety ridden for anyhting that goes fast/has sharp turns/big falls) but my friend is so while she waits on the rides I busy myself with my camera. I think I may take a look into one of the tours and let my friend do he ride thing - that's something I haven't done before. We're looking into doing a character meal. Wish we could do more than one, but that's probably all we'll get to. Making decisions is not my strong point.

 

[Belle Ella]

Just reserved a dinner at BB and we're going to go with the Breakfast in the Park with Minnie and Friends the morning that we leave

I'm a very happy camper right now.

 

[PinkBudgie]

Yeah! Sounds like the Fantasyland rides might be right up your alley then, be sure to try them.

DH and I are looking forward to a week there without kids. We are going to ride the Disneyland RR and the Mark Twain- two things I'm not sure I've ever done because we are always so rush rush to the big rides.

Oh yeah, Pirates Lair island is very cool too. The first cave to the left of the raft exit has cool surprises and it big enough for adults to go through. I think there is another one somewhere else that is a little tighter but can't remember for sure. Also the treasure and bone cage is a great photo op.

 

[pixiewings71]

We did a no kid trip in Jan. It was GREAT!!! We love taking our kids but we love going by ourselves too. We did what we wanted when we wanted so that was nice. Since you aren't a big rider make sure you utilize fastpass with your friend. And yes, do the FL rides, we always do, with or without kids we love the FL rides.

 

[Belle Ella]

Oh yeah, Pirates Lair island is very cool too. The first cave to the left of the raft exit has cool surprises and it big enough for adults to go through. I think there is another one somewhere else that is a little tighter but can't remember for sure. Also the treasure and bone cage is a great photo op.

Just to check ... Pirates Lair island is what used to be Tom Sawyers island, right?

 

[pixiewings71]

Just to check ... Pirates Lair island is what used to be Tom Sawyers island, right?

Yup!

 

[Belle Ella]

Are they still doing the short day shows there? I'm pretty sure I remember they had PL set up the last time that I went, but I didn't have the time to go and explore. The only thing I remember was walking around out there and randomly catching bits and pieces.