LF Advice: first solo trip & commuting to park

[ScrtSolstice]

DH has a sales conference in LA and his boss invited me to tag along because they all know I would never pass up a free trip where I could have access to Disney. Everything is covered but DH will be in the conference from 20-22 so I will have three days by myself before he joins me for a few days after.

Now I am not a very solo person, I don't like going to the Movie or anything like that alone so this is going to be a new venture for me. Any tips or advice for a first time solo runner? I've been to DL four times but always in a group. I've heard great things but I am still a wee bit anxious. Out of my top rides, only the teacups will be open - maybe I could share a cup!

Also, the conference is closer to the Airport - any tips or thoughts on traveling from Manhattan beach area to the park for these few days? I was considering taxi but that may get expensive. Or maybe taxi-ing to the airport and then something else? Or is public transit a viable option?

Thanks!

Edit: Should mention that I only need to commute until the 22nd, after that we are transfering to the DLR. Will need to commute there and back again for three days

 

[dina444444]

From Manhattan Beach, I would recommend renting a car to drive to Anaheim each day. It's about 30 miles from MB to DLR, travel time will depend on traffic (can vary from 30/35 min with no traffic to 60/90 min with traffic). With public transit you are looking at an aprox. 3 hour minimum journey in each direction with multiple transfers and the cost of a taxi or uber would make renting a car a more viable option.

 

[ScrtSolstice]

I hadn't thought about renting a car, and it may be cheaper than taxi-ing that's for sure. I've never driven in the states, but assuming as long as I had a very good map or maybe a GPS driving in California would not be as scary as one would think.

To be honest I have never rented a car in my life so it is something I will need to look into! Thanks!

 

[Cholula]

Your trip sounds so ideal to me. You get part of it to yourself, then get to finish it out with your DH. Lucky!

For the solo part, you can focus on rides/shows/places to eat that maybe you enjoy more than your DH. Single rider lines are you friend and you will be amazed how much you can get done by yourself.

Take your own teacup. Go as slow or as fast as you like.

 

[bumbershoot]

Driving in Canada and the States isn't so different. Just remember that it's miles per hour here, not kilometers.

Solo trip...if you feel uncomfortable, just tell yourself you're just waiting for DH to join you. You are, just in 3 days. You're checking things out for him ahead of time.

Do exactly what you want, when you want. No need to check with someone or make sure they are still with you if you suddenly decide to zig instead of zag. Eat when you want.

I'm not sure solo trips are better than or worse than family trips, but they are different. They let you savor the good parts of family trips more, IMO.

 

[tarheelalum]

FYI. If you rent a car make sure not to rent it at an airport. They will kill you with fees at the airport. Also, I don't know if this applies to you, but you are required to be at least 24 or 25 years of age to rent a car at most places and you must have a credit card.

 

[dina444444]

There is an Enterprise in MB on Sepulveda between MB Blvd. and Marine

 

[ScrtSolstice]

Driving in Canada and the States isn't so different. Just remember that it's miles per hour here, not kilometers.

Solo trip...if you feel uncomfortable, just tell yourself you're just waiting for DH to join you. You are, just in 3 days. You're checking things out for him ahead of time.

I live in a smaller town, but I learned to drive in Vancouver so perhaps it won't be too bad. Just waiting for DH, that's not a bad though either.

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Your trip sounds so ideal to me. You get part of it to yourself, then get to finish it out with your DH. Lucky!

I hadn't thought of it as lucky, but DH isn't a fan of tea cups he just always humors me. This way I can go super fast without him, and then take it easy when he joins me! I hadn't thought of that either!

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FYI. If you rent a car make sure not to rent it at an airport. They will kill you with fees at the airport. Also, I don't know if this applies to you, but you are required to be at least 24 or 25 years of age to rent a car at most places and you must have a credit card.

Ah! Extra fees at the airport, that is good to know. Never hurts to double check but I cover both bases - I have just never had a necessity to rent a car before, and I'm going to take the age thing as a compliment .

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There is an Enterprise in MB on Sepulveda between MB Blvd. and Marine

Brilliant! I will look into this one as well!

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Thanks so much everyone! I think I am more excited than nervous now, there are definitely some benefits for taking a solo mission every once and awhile. Still a shame that Soarin' is down for maintenance, but that just means more time for snacks!

 

[Rebekkap]

I've done Disneyland solo a couple of times (and am planning another solo trip for March) - I absolutely love it! The complete freedom to do what you like when you like, relax and experience the magic if that's what you feel like doing, or dash from ride to ride when you want to do that. Don't forget some of the rides have single rider - Matterhorn and Indiana Jones are the two that seem to work best in DL. In DCA, RSR works great, California Screamin does have one but I'm too chicken to try that, and Soarin does but it doesn't work so well (and isn't open at the moment anyway).

 

[Disneyluvr2]

I've done Disneyland solo several times and always have a great time! You're never really alone when you're at the park. I've struck up conversations with families while waiting in line and ended up being invited to join them for the next ride or lunch. Some people will be amazed that you are there alone and will want to take you under their wing. LOL! Lines are a great way to meet wonderful people from all over the world, so don't miss a chance to speak up and meet a new friend.

The only time I feel alone at the park is at meal time. Sometimes it's hard sitting alone in a restaurant while surrounded by families talking and enjoying their meals. I usually try to just grab a corn dog on the run or grab something quick at one of the counter service places so I don't spend too much time sitting alone eating. Other than that, solo is a wonderful thing! Being able to do what you want, when you want, at your own speed is truly a gift so go and enjoy!

 

[ScrtSolstice]

Don't forget some of the rides have single rider - Matterhorn and Indiana Jones are the two that seem to work best in DL. In DCA, RSR works great, California Screamin does have one but I'm too chicken to try that, and Soarin does but it doesn't work so well (and isn't open at the moment anyway).

Soarin' is one of my favorites but you are right it is down for maintenance. I've never seen the single rider lines at Indiana and Screamin! I will need to check those out. I think Matterhorn is down too.

You're never really alone when you're at the park. I've struck up conversations with families while waiting in line and ended up being invited to join them for the next ride or lunch. Some people will be amazed that you are there alone and will want to take you under their wing. LOL!

This surprises me and also doesn't surprise me! People are so nice!

The only time I feel alone at the park is at meal time. Sometimes it's hard sitting alone in a restaurant while surrounded by families talking and enjoying their meals.

Yes, this is one of the things that worry me too. They only time I feel comfortable alone while in a restaurant or cafe is when I was in school doing home work. But I am a big fan of the Mickey Pretzels so snacking will be a bit easier.

 

[bumbershoot]

FYI. If you rent a car make sure not to rent it at an airport. They will kill you with fees at the airport.

I can say from experience that this is not a universal truth. The one universal truth with car rentals is to ALWAYS check all possible locations, because they can switch it up on you.

Sometimes renting from the airport is cheaper, sometimes it's higher. Sometimes the rate is one way but the taxes/fees take it the other way. Sometimes a one-way car rental is crazy-expensive, sometimes it isn't (like my amazing rate from Phoenix to Anaheim in 2011).

I live in a smaller town, but I learned to drive in Vancouver so perhaps it won't be too bad.

Oh Vancouver can be crazy! All those one-way streets at certain times of the day...

The freeway (highway, expressway, whatever you want to call it) can be fast-moving, but just be safe. And know where you're going.

 

[SplashMo]

You will be fine driving in the states. I drive in Canada from the US and the only weird things are the metric system (miles per hour vs KPH) and imperial gallons -vs- our gallons...

 

[ScrtSolstice]

Oh Vancouver can be crazy! All those one-way streets at certain times of the day...
The freeway (highway, expressway, whatever you want to call it) can be fast-moving, but just be safe. And know where you're going.

Where I am going... that may be an interesting one too. Growing up in the Lower Mainland makes Vancouver easy for the most part, but LA... who knows.

You will be fine driving in the states. I drive in Canada from the US and the only weird things are the metric system (miles per hour vs KPH) and imperial gallons -vs- our gallons...

Gas wouldn't bug me as much but the speed might be an interesting change.

 

[chickapin parterre]

One strange thing about Vancouver driving is the intersections. In Vancouver they allow the first car in turn lanes at intersections to turn into the traffic. That will not happen in the states, you will get T-Boned. No one in the PNW has fun driving in L.A., just jump in and go with the flow. Seattle does not count as it just one long interstate. have you ever driven the interstate loop around Portland, now that is some crazy driving? If you can drive that loop, you can drive L.A.

 

[chickapin parterre]

Take the shuttle from your hotel back to the airport, catch a bus from the airport to Disneyland. My research indicates that Mass transit is out of the question and other sites suggest using the airport to reach Disneyland.

 

[Jennafoo]

I took my first solo trip in October and can't WAIT to do it again. My trip report is in my signature if you're interested.

My major piece of advice is that if there's something you want to do but are afraid to because you're alone, go anyway. I almost skipped Goofy's Kitchen, because I'd been shy around characters during the trip (mostly because I felt I was taking time from a kid), but it ended up one of the highlights of the trip.

Since you're solo, you can move a little faster. I tried all the rides in DL and a good portion in DCA at least once. Only a few would I not ride again (and that for mainly motion sickness reasons), but I developed some unexpected favorites.

Finally, I had a very bad experience as a solo diner at Carthay, and while you can't decide on one person's isolated experience, I might try Napa Rose or Steakhouse 55 first...

HTH

 

[ScrtSolstice]

One strange thing about Vancouver driving is the intersections. In Vancouver they allow the first car in turn lanes at intersections to turn into the traffic. That will not happen in the states, you will get T-Boned. No one in the PNW has fun driving in L.A., just jump in and go with the flow. Seattle does not count as it just one long interstate. have you ever driven the interstate loop around Portland, now that is some crazy driving? If you can drive that loop, you can drive L.A.

Vancouver and I are driving buddies at this point but I don't think I've ever taken that first turn. I'm also not a heavy U-turner but I noticed that was a big thing around Disneyland last time. And definitely never driven in Portland.

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Take the shuttle from your hotel back to the airport, catch a bus from the airport to Disneyland. My research indicates that Mass transit is out of the question and other sites suggest using the airport to reach Disneyland.

Really? Shuttle back to Airport and then like the DL Resort Express or something, South Graylines. I will look into pricing for this too. Thanks

I took my first solo trip in October and can't WAIT to do it again. My trip report is in my signature if you're interested.

My major piece of advice is that if there's something you want to do but are afraid to because you're alone, go anyway. I almost skipped Goofy's Kitchen, because I'd been shy around characters during the trip (mostly because I felt I was taking time from a kid), but it ended up one of the highlights of the trip.

Since you're solo, you can move a little faster. I tried all the rides in DL and a good portion in DCA at least once. Only a few would I not ride again (and that for mainly motion sickness reasons), but I developed some unexpected favorites.

Finally, I had a very bad experience as a solo diner at Carthay, and while you can't decide on one person's isolated experience, I might try Napa Rose or Steakhouse 55 first...

HTH

Ya, I can imagine eating at Carthay solo would be a tad out of my comfort zone. Goofy's Kitchen is one of my highlights so that is definitely on the list! Thanks for the tips!

 

[Princessleia]

Another fun thing to do solo is pin trade! Gives you an easy conversation starter with CMs and other guests. You can get starter kits with a lanyard and several pins if you've never traded/collected before.

 

[ScrtSolstice]

Another fun thing to do solo is pin trade! Gives you an easy conversation starter with CMs and other guests. You can get starter kits with a lanyard and several pins if you've never traded/collected before.

I am an avid pin trader - this is the one thing that won't bug me to do by myself because DH isn't the least bit interested so I normally run off to trade while he is doing something else or in line! I've already started to pull my selections to take.