I guess I’m going solo to Disneyland

[DVC Mike]

Well, here we are just 20 days from our 7 nights at the Grand Californian Hotel at Disneyland, and my wife’s back problems have flared up. Today, her doctor advised no travel for her over the next 90 days, and she has to begin some physical therapy next week. She’s not in any pain unless she stresses her back by trying to do too much.

We both discussed re-scheduling the trip for later in the year, but we both decided that wasn’t feasible given our schedules. If we cancelled, our points would remain as reservation points that we’d have to use only in the Disney Collection before the end of our Use Year (since they can’t be banked). That just won’t work for us.

Instead, my wife just wants me to go all by myself, while she just relaxes at home. I think my wife’s decision was also influenced a bit by two other things – she really hates to fly (that’s why we drive to WDW) and she can only take so much of my mom (my parents live nearby and we’ll also be spending time with them).

I’m pretty bummed my wife isn’t going, but darn it – I’m going to try to make the best of it. After all, it is Disneyland – the Happiest Place on Earth!

I’ll have plenty of time to roam around Disneyland and DCA, as well as DTD and the three hotels. I’ll also be riding more rides than usual.

I do hate dining alone, and I have all 7 nights of Priority Seating booked – including Steakhouse 55 and three nights at Napa Rose. Maybe I’ll take my mom one night and my dad another.

Have any of you taken a long solo trip to Disneyland? Did you enjoy it?

 

[CarolMN]

So sorry to hear about your wife's back. Having experienced excruciating back pain myself, I am truly sympathetic. Hope the therapy and rest helps SOON!


Have no solo experience to share, but perhaps if you visit one of the Disneyland forums, you'll find a meet or two to join. I'm sure your parents will be happy you came even if your DW could not.

Enjoy the trip

 

[Disney Princess]

Mike -

I'm so sorry to hear about your wife's back troubles. I hope she is feeling better so that she is ready for that return trip to WDW!

I have no tips on touring DL alone. We are actually going at the end of May as well. I do remember reading on the DL board that dining alone at Napa Rose wasn't too bad, but I believe that this particular person was dining at the Chef's counter. I think treating your parents to a meal with you will be special for them. Also, I've read on the DL board that Disneyland park itself has many details in architecture and art. You will probably be able to escape into your own world seeing it all. I hope you enjoy the trip even with this setback. Be sure to report back how it goes.

 

[ACDSNY]

DVC Mike - Sorry to hear you're wife's back is acting up, I hope she's feeling better soon.

I've done a few afternoon/evenings alone at DL after attending a conference. I usually travel with quite a few people on our trips so it was nice to do just the stuff I wanted to do without anyone complaining.

Maybe some other DVCers will be there at the same time and you can meet up once in a while. Enoy your time with you parents.

 

[toocherie]

Hey Mike--I'm definitely going to set up something for May 17th like I told you before--just had the Dis Divas at my house this weekend so hadn't had time to post (and am trying to work now while recovering!) I live/work 15 minutes from DL so could probably keep you company another night if you want a dinner companion.

Sorry about Mrs. DVCMike--back problems are a pain (no pun intended). Actually, a few of the DisDivas live around here, so maybe we can set something up with them instead--twelve of us did MouseAdventure yesterday!

 

[grizbuzz]

Sorry to hear about your wife's back problems. I hope she feels better soon.

I think you will have a fabulous time in Disneyland. I really have enjoyed time I've spent alone in the park and it looks like you'll have the chance to meet up with some locals and spend some time with your parents.

Have a great time! And hope your wife gets better soon!

 

[toocherie]

Sorry to hear about your wife's back problems. I hope she feels better soon.

I think you will have a fabulous time in Disneyland. I really have enjoyed time I've spent alone in the park and it looks like you'll have the chance to meet up with some locals and spend some time with your parents.

Have a great time! And hope your wife gets better soon!

Hey Jen--maybe DH will give you a plane ticket for Mother's Day and you could fly down the following week, stay at my place and go to DL!!!!!

 

[WilsonFlyer]

I can tote luggage and open doors.

Seriously. I'm sorry to hear about her misfortune. 20 days is a long time. Maybe some pixie dust will help.

 

[cj9200]

Sorry to hear about your spouse’s back pain. As an occasional sufferer of the same ailment, I know what it means. Can’t help you with going solo at DL but I am sure you will still have a great trip. Just different. My question is what kind of souvenir are you going to bring back to her? May I suggest you open up the wallet?

 

[BWV Dreamin]

Hey Mike--I'm definitely going to set up something for May 17th like I told you before--just had the Dis Divas at my house this weekend so hadn't had time to post (and am trying to work now while recovering!) I live/work 15 minutes from DL so could probably keep you company another night if you want a dinner companion.

Sorry about Mrs. DVCMike--back problems are a pain (no pun intended). Actually, a few of the DisDivas live around here, so maybe we can set something up with them instead--twelve of us did MouseAdventure yesterday!

Wow, 12 DisDivas and DVCMike? Don't let the DW read this, somehow I think she would have a miraculous recovery!!

 

[toocherie]

Wow, 12 DisDivas and DVCMike? Don't let the DW read this, somehow I think she would have a miraculous recovery!!

LOL--oh man! Hadn't thought of that--guess I'm just too naive!

 

[#1DisneylandFan]

I'm sorry for your wife's troubles, but you will not have difficulty filling up your time! You can even venture outside of DLR - there is plenty to do and see... Enjoy your trip!

 

[DVC Mike]

I have no tips on touring DL alone. We are actually going at the end of May as well. I do remember reading on the DL board that dining alone at Napa Rose wasn't too bad, but I believe that this particular person was dining at the Chef's counter. I think treating your parents to a meal with you will be special for them. Also, I've read on the DL board that Disneyland park itself has many details in architecture and art. You will probably be able to escape into your own world seeing it all. I hope you enjoy the trip even with this setback. Be sure to report back how it goes.

I think I'll feel a bit self-conscious dining by myself, but I'm not going to cancel my PS reservations. I've booked some nice meals and I want to try them.

I plan to make the best of it and enjoy myself -- walk around, take pictures, take in every detail of DLR, ride rides, etc.

I guess I'll have plenty of time to post a TR.

 

[DVC Mike]

Hey Mike--I'm definitely going to set up something for May 17th like I told you before--just had the Dis Divas at my house this weekend so hadn't had time to post (and am trying to work now while recovering!) I live/work 15 minutes from DL so could probably keep you company another night if you want a dinner companion.

Sorry about Mrs. DVCMike--back problems are a pain (no pun intended). Actually, a few of the DisDivas live around here, so maybe we can set something up with them instead--twelve of us did MouseAdventure yesterday!

While I would still enjoy a meet, I don't think the DW would appreciate me meeting with a group called the DisDivas!

 

[DVC Mike]

My question is what kind of souvenir are you going to bring back to her? May I suggest you open up the wallet?

Uh oh, that hadn't even crossed my mind yet! I guess I better start thinking of something.

 

[DVC Mike]

I'm sorry for your wife's troubles, but you will not have difficulty filling up your time! You can even venture outside of DLR - there is plenty to do and see... Enjoy your trip!

I thought there's just a vast wasteland outside the gates of the Disneyland Resort?

 

[toocherie]

correction

I thought there's just a vast CULTURAL wasteland outside the gates of the Disneyland Resort?

LOL--and the DisDivas are just a wacky bunch--although probably just as well if you didn't meet them all--we'd probably make you wear a tiara!

 

[helenk]

Oh, I hope your wife feels better.
It sounds like you have some really great dining reservations. You should not feel awkward dining by yourself. There are plenty of solo disers here on the boards that will more than happy to give you some advice.
I'm going to Disneyland, solo, and I leave this Saturday. I'm nervous about not knowing my way around. I don't know about you but I am comfortable in WDW, I know my way around, and flying into MCO is great the airport is easy for me to navigate.
Now I'm flying into LAX and then on to Disneyland and California Adventure as a newbie.
Enjoy yourself and your family. You'll be back home with your wife before you know it.

 

[grizbuzz]

Hey Jen--maybe DH will give you a plane ticket for Mother's Day and you could fly down the following week, stay at my place and go to DL!!!!!

What a great idea!
But, no, what kind of mother would I be if I went again to Disneyland without my family? I just have to get my little hands on those premium APs from DVC and then I will find a way to finagle a DL trip for all of us. How much longer 'til they arrive, I wonder...

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

So sorry to hear about your wife Mike - I hope she feels better quickly! I can't comment about any long DL solo trips but I've done two 3-4 day solos down there in the past year and easily wanted to stay longer. The first was in May for the member event and then again for a couple of days after a conference in Long Beach. There's lots of families traveling, but lots of solo visitors too so you shouldn't feel self-conscious. AND you can do the single rider lines at CA screaming and Toy story and cut down the wait!

Of course I've been doing Disney solo at times since I was a teenager and the parents would be like - "what, disney again?! Take the car and we'll visit with the relatives!".