I guess I’m going solo to Disneyland

[kikiq]

Sorry to hear about your wife. Am I the only DVC Mike groupie in the DLR area? I thought there were a few more folks. Would be happy to meet with you when you come.

Since you're staying at GCH, be sure to book yourself on the early morning power walk through DCA, the CMs doing that walk are fabulous. AND sign up for the hotel Arts and Crafts tour asap. We've missed it the last two times we were there. My DH's favorite spot to sit when he's in the park by himself is right by the Partners statue either facing the castle or down Main Street. My favorite spot to sit, people watch and eat a frozen banana is along the Rivers of America on the wall near the loading area of the rafts to Pirates' Lair.

 

[DVC Mike]

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.

Since I lived most of my life in Orange County (Placentia, Yorba Linda, Brea), it's my old stomping grounds. I know the area and the freeways like the back of my hand. I've also been to Disneyland dozens of times, either as a kid or bringing my kids.

I really didn't catch the Disney "fever" until my first stay at WDW. I've never stayed on property at DLR (all my prior visits have been for just one day), and I've only been back for a 1/2 day since the 2001 expansion that created DCA, DTD and GCH.

 

[stopher1]

So sorry to hear about your wife Mike. I hope she gets the rest needed.

I've done DL solo many, many times, but never for as long as you are going to do. Given the nature of the park demographic though, doing the park alone is much different than doing WDW alone. I feel MORE self-conscious going solo to WDW than I do DL. So many more day trippers that it really isn't that bad. I understand your concern though about the restaurants you've booked for priority seating.

Perhaps there's something outside the resort that you would enjoy doing once again to fill a day since your days of living in the OC? Just because you're staying there doesn't mean you HAVE to go into the parks each day... anyone else besides your parents that you'd like to reconnect with?

The early morning walk through DCA sounds like a neat experience too. I kind of wanted to do that when we were there in February, but didn't get around to it.

I hope you'll still have a good time, and enjoy whatever meets you work out.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I am sorry that your wife has back problems. I hope the therapy works and soon you'll be planning the next get away together.

Since you're familiar with the area around DL, and you have family there, I imagine that the time will go faster than you fear.

Bobbi

 

[nunzia]

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.

Well, that is a bright spot. I'm so sorry your DW is having this problem. I can sure understand her not liking to fly (me too..I didn't for 20 years..and still hate it..and am already dreading the flight to WDW in Jan) I also understand her maybe not missing some of that family time.
I really enjoy wandering the park alone, taking pictures and looking at the details and the landscaping. Don't miss the walt Disney window in Toon Town. Eating a churro and people watching if you can find a spot on a bench is great.
I also don't really enjoy eating alone, so the OP have great ideas on that. Maybe you have some other local relatives that might meet up with you for a day in the parks.
I hope your DW feels better and am looking forward to your impressions.

 

[BostonDisneyKid]

Quote:
Originally Posted by cj9200
My question is what kind of souvenir are you going to bring back to her? May I suggest you open up the wallet?

Quote:
Originally Posted by DVC Mike
Uh oh, that hadn't even crossed my mind yet! I guess I better start thinking of something.

Since this is your first time travelling alone and you are uncertain if you are going to enjoy traveling solo... Might I suggest getting an 8x10 photo of you, mike, with the DisDivas and have each of them sign it individually. Then if you do not enjoy travelling solo, you simply throw away the photo. But, if you do enjoy travelling solo, just give the photo to your wife and then you can travel solo all the time (after the divorce). Just kidding...

I am sure you will enjoy yourself and make the best of it. Like you said, its the happiest place on earth !!!

 

[dgaston]

I am sorry to hear that your wife can't join you on this California adventure. I'm sure the dining will work itself out.

And perhaps there are other suggestions on the DL Boards here.

 

[LisaS]

I'm sorry to hear about your wife's back problems. I will miss reading her dining reviews this trip. I hope she recovers quickly.

 

[BEASLYBOO]

2 Positives out of one huge negative:

1: Unfortunately, when one isn't feeling up to par, it's sometimes easier to just heal alone rather than having to also worry about the rest of the family!

and

2: Nothing like alone time to re-appreciate the one you love!

As this is your old stomping ground, I'm sure that you'll be able to fill your time and in the end spending extra time with your Parents won't hurt either.

Wish your wife a speedy recovery and as I can see from your signature, you already have many future trips already planned to be able to make it up to her!

 

[BWV Dreamin]

Ok, I'll be in the minority here. But I think you should cancel your trip. Unless there are things lined up with your parents, you will have many, many more vacations to take in the future. What if your wife really needed you at home? What if she doesn't get better? Just playing the devil's advocate.....

 

[wideeyedwonder]

Since I lived most of my life in Orange County (Placentia, Yorba Linda, Brea), it's my old stomping grounds...I've never stayed on property at DLR

It's a totally different vacation staying multiple days, as opposed to "annual passholder daytrips" (I grew up in Anaheim, worked as a CM, and it wasn't until we moved 3 hours up the coast that I was able to enjoy DLR as a RESORT).

My advise, talk to people in line...talk to A LOT of people in line. People at DL always seem friendly and open to chat...especially if you have a lanyard with pins on it to chat about. Somewhere, in one of the lines, you may hook up with a group that is there "sans spouses", and you may be able to hang out with them for half a day.

Also, chat with the cast members, you can learn some amazing stuff from them.

 

[wildernessDad]

Sorry to hear about your wife's bad back, Mike. I hope that she can recover and go on future journeys to the world and DL!

 

[bumbershoot]

Hopefully you'll wander over to the DL forum. I've done a couple solo trips (and the "divas" ladies trip in March) and it was fun. Not a week-long trip, but then I have a 4 year old at home and hubby can only be the solo parent for a few days at a time.

Since your wife won't be joining you for those meals, there's your souvenir budget for her!

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

Mike:

I hope your wife gets feeling better soon.

Its funny how you picture people on the boards. I have to admit I had no idea you were from California. I guess Mayberry maybe isn't the best description for DVC Mike, ehh?

 

[Mouseaholic!!!]

I am so sorry to hear about your wife. Perhaps she will get serious rest when you are away and she will heal faster.

For you - go.

If this is your first time traveling solo - it will be different. First thing....you will probably notice more - little things like special imprints in the cement or a silly little sign the Imagineers put on a building which you walked by a hundred times.

I did this in reverse. I met my DH 4 years ago at BTMRR but before - I would travel alone on occassion. It's delightful. You may find yourself watching people far more --- I used to love to watch the children when they first arrived in the park.

You will travel easier through crowds - find little corners to watch things you missed before.

DL is a GREAT park to travel solo. It's compact and easy from your nearby hotel. You come and go easily.

There is no doubt it will not be as special because you are not with your wife --- be sure to call her every night! I bet you will find some personal magic there. It's tough to describe - perhaps I'll call it ..... quiet magic.

Enjoy your solo trip!

 

[DVC Mike]

Ok, I'll be in the minority here. But I think you should cancel your trip. Unless there are things lined up with your parents, you will have many, many more vacations to take in the future. What if your wife really needed you at home? What if she doesn't get better? Just playing the devil's advocate.....

My wife spent the whole day in the backyard gardening -- including filling large planters with potting soil and planting several new plants. She seems strangely well enough to garden, clean the house, go shopping -- just not well enough to get on a plane to go to Disneyland. I wonder if that doctor's note was forged?

 

[kikiq]

My wife spent the whole day in the backyard gardening -- including filling large planters with potting soil and planting several new plants. She seems strangely well enough to garden, clean the house, go shopping -- just not well enough to get on a plane to go to Disneyland. I wonder if that doctor's note was forged?

It's the plane trip. If she really doesn't want to fly, maybe knowing that she doesn't have to fly has relieved the stress and her back feels a little better. Just find that special gift for her at DLR... something shiny from the little jewelry shop in New Orleans Square.

 

[nunzia]

My wife spent the whole day in the backyard gardening -- including filling large planters with potting soil and planting several new plants. She seems strangely well enough to garden, clean the house, go shopping -- just not well enough to get on a plane to go to Disneyland. I wonder if that doctor's note was forged?

Maybe her back would be better if you took the train to CA?

 

[moredisneyplease]

Well Mike, maybe her back would feel better if you start telling her that you've had some amazing offers from the DisDivas!!!

On a serious note, I'm a local and will be there on May 18th (my sister's b-day) so if you want to hang around two young 30(ish ) gals, one of whom is pregnant, a 4 year old, a 2 year old, and 16 month old come meet up with us!!

I think you'll keep yourself busy enough.

Also, might I add that after growing up in the SoCal area and knowing DL in and out the bug didnt bite me either until my first visit to WDW. Even though DL cant even compare to WDW I find every trip to DL wonderful....like little treats twice a month to fill the void between those big meals (WDW).

The 4 year old and I just got back from WDW yesterday so i guess its time to start "snacking" with DL

 

[DVC Mike]

Maybe her back would be better if you took the train to CA?

Now that we own at VGV, she's already told me she's taking the train for our 2011 visit.