May Have to Solo - Orlando or Anaheim?

[BrianL]

Well, as usual I am having trouble convincing friends to join me on a fall pilgrimage. For the last 3 years I have gone to WDW to do MNSSHP and Food & Wine (I have gone solo and with company). I have been wanting to see the DLR 60th Anniversary stuff though and I read a report that the Disneyland Forever Fireworks show may be discontinued as soon as September 6th. That puts a trip a little earlier than I'd like it, but I could go for my birthday in mid-August. I am having trouble deciding which to do.

WDW pros are better timing, less expensive, F&W, AK nighttime, Star Wars fireworks, Frozen ride, new Castle show, plus they still have Fantasmic! running, which I love.

DLR pros are My Birthday, Paint the Night, Disneyland Forever, Frozen stage show at Hyperion, and Hyperspace Mountain.

I can catch the new Soarin' at either, so that's a wash. I have listed the things I have not yet seen as my primary drivers. DLR is a bit more novel to me as I don't get over there as often.

So, what's the call? Is either park a bit more "solo friendly" than the other? Where would you go? Is the DL Forever worth seeing if it's going away? Why are my friends so lame? Is 2 days enough in Anaheim?

Let me know. Thanks!

 

[fifthdimensiondweller]

If it were me, I'd go with DLR. We were torn as to which park to go to for our honeymon, and had similar pros and cons. The 60th anniversary stuff is pretty breathatking and with it being so easy to get from one park to the other, I'd say it's more solo friendly just in that you aren't put through long bus or monorail rides by yourself just looking out the window. As far as 2 days being enough in Anaheim, I'd say it sort of depends. If you don't mind going all day I think you'd be ok, but if you can swing it I'd squeeze in a third day just so you can take a more leisurely trip and enjoy it. We actually did 4 and didn't really need them, but it was nice to be able to really take our time since we are east-coasters and don't get out that way as often either. I hope you have fun!

 

[Shock13]

I'm going to say DLR as well. I grew up going to Disneyland so of course that park is always going to be my favorite. I've done solo trips to both DLR and WDW...and each was very different but still had a great time. But while at WDW I did miss DLR but again I think that was due to lack of nostalgia.
In regards to fireworks. The Disneyland Forever show is soooo cool. Seeing that show for the first time blew me away. I love it.
Also keep in mind that DLR has more single-rider lines. There were so many times that Radiator Spring Racers were a walk-on for me. There is also Splash Mtn, Matterhorn, California Screamin', Soarin', Grizzly River Run, Indiana Jones.
I can relate to lame friends. I have plenty of those.

 

[Accident]

solo wise it doesn't really matter. what park do you want more? If your making it in time for the DL 60th still happening, it sounds amazing right now and wish I could get over there myself. I personally am starting to hit the poiint I want to see the rest of the properties of disney so i'm starting to eye the overseas locations a little more.

 

[DaisyDuck001]

August at Disneyland would be extra hot and extra crowded. The DLR 60th Anniversary stuff is worth seeing but a different time of year would be more pleasant. Have fun anyway if you go, but if you do choose WDW at end of October, you'd be welcome to meet up for a couple of meals and/or some park touring.

 

[Iosif Golden Spoon]

If it were me, I'd go with DLR. We were torn as to which park to go to for our honeymon, and had similar pros and cons. The 60th anniversary stuff is pretty breathatking and with it being so easy to get from one park to the other, I'd say it's more solo friendly just in that you aren't put through long bus or monorail rides by yourself just looking out the window. As far as 2 days being enough in Anaheim, I'd say it sort of depends. If you don't mind going all day I think you'd be ok, but if you can swing it I'd squeeze in a third day just so you can take a more leisurely trip and enjoy it. We actually did 4 and didn't really need them, but it was nice to be able to really take our time since we are east-coasters and don't get out that way as often either. I hope you have fun!

u would have more fun if u listened to a golden spooner like me

 

[BrianL]

DLR does sound like it has the edge, and actually, as I was thinking about it, IF I did WDW int eh fall I would probably want a slightly longer trip so I could see all the new stuff (plus I haven't been this year - well, I was at Tokyo DL but not WDW), so honestly, it would make the costs pretty similar at that point.

The one hesitation for DLR is the timing, as I'd have to do August...but that is only if the Disneyland Forever fireworks are actually ending on September 6th. I only read a rumor about that. Do you guys think that's likely?

 

[tinkerbell1112]

DLR would be my preference for a solo trip. I took an adult only trip there with friends and it's way easier due to it's smaller size. If I had the chance to choose one to go to by myself, I'd choose CA

 

[AmberK24]

DLR would be my preference for a solo trip. I took an adult only trip there with friends and it's way easier due to it's smaller size. If I had the chance to choose one to go to by myself, I'd choose CA

Agreed! I feel like DLR is much more solo friendly. Because it's more local driven, and much less traveling families, there seems to be much more community & inclusiveness than the need to run me over with strollers.

 

[B4DlandOpened]

I agree with those who suggest DLR, but I'd opt for it for other reasons:

WDW hot, humid
DLR hot, dry heat (smoggy maybe, but dry)

WDW Cocoa Beach (65 miles)
DLR Huntington, Newport or Corona del Mar (20 miles)

WDW no real mountains
DLR surrounded on 3 sides by mountains:
Sandstone Peak 3,111' in the Santa Monica Mtns
Mt San Antonio 10,064' in the San Gabriels
Mt San Gorgonio 11,500' in the San Bernardinos
Mt San Jacinto - 10,800' in the San Jacintos) - all within 100 miles

WDW Space Mpuntain, Spash Mountain, Everest
DLR Space Mountain, Spash Mountain, Matterhorn

WDW Lots of dining options
DLR Good dining options but, outside the parks - donut shops on every corner and IN-N-OUT hamburgers!

DLR Best of all - You might get to experience live TV coverage of a high speed car chase.

 

[Stephanator]

I've done both DLR and WDW solo and for a short-trip, I prefer DLR. It's easy to walk back/forth between parks and if you do open to close, you can do it in two days. You have a pretty good variety of dining options in DTD within walking distance too, so you could take a mid-day break and still be close by. The 60th anniversary stuff is pretty cool and I think they will likely keep it through the Labor Day holiday, so I could see September 6th being the beginning of the end so to speak. I think the weather is more bearable as well being less humid/muggy in California. Whatever you choose, go have a happy birthday filled with pixie dust!

 

[PinkyBean]

I agree that DLR is a wonderful option for a solo trip. We were there last October when daily temperatures were in the triple digits and we were astounded at how friendly and kind the majority of the guests were despite the brutal heat. We had so much fun. It's a tough choice.....good luck.

 

[ludari]

I agree with a lot of the suggestions from the previous posters. I agree with your pros for going to WDW over DLR, however if you haven't experienced the 60th Anniversary celebrations at DLR I would definitely suggest doing that before they go away in September (I believe that's the month I heard it was leaving). I absolutely love Paint the Night and Disneyland Forever shows (my favorite was the Electrical Parade until Paint the Night came out). I also believe that DLR is more solo friendly because of the size of the parks. I would suggest that you also consider looking at what rides will be closed for maintenance at both parks just to make sure you don't miss out on anything you had planned to experience. Good luck with your decision.

 

[TayjaDanger]

See I'm exactly the opposite--I think WDW is better solo. I live on the west coast so DLR trips are cheaper and easier for me, and I've been a few times since my last WDW trip. It is SO different than Florida, and going to Disneyland has me yearning for Florida. It's hard to pinpoint exactly why, but I think part of it is how removed you are on WDW property-- the bubble is less permeable there? It has a better feeling there, what with all the nice resorts, landscaping, and fewer "real world" distractions. The surrounding area to DLR is all city, which isn't bad, it's just not as nice or peaceful. We noticed a lot more garbage in DLR-- trash in the water, in the hedges and things, and a lot of annoying high school age kids who come to enjoy the parks in huge packs and make the other guests miserable with their typical teenage behavior.
On our last trip, my family left in the early morning and I had a day in the parks on my own. It was just okay. All the solo benefits, but... I didn't have the greatest time. For one thing it was a Saturday, so even though it was January with was super busy and every attraction had long waits. So rather than wait in a 2-hr line I just kept walking around and around the parks, which felt small and cramped (Disneyland more so than California Adventure). I felt like there wasn't quite enough to do, which I never feel in MK. We had plenty of great CMs but there was just something off in Cali, the CMs seemed less cheerful or more stressed or something. Overworked and underpaid, perhaps? Stressed by having to try and keep the after-school crowd under control?
It's fun to notice all the similarities and differences if you're familiar with all the parks-- and it's way easier to get a same-day TS ressie in California!!!-- but I always have had a better time in Florida over Cali, especially when I've been solo. The new shows sound great, but if it was me, I'd pick WDW!

 

[BrianL]

I agree with a lot of the suggestions from the previous posters. I agree with your pros for going to WDW over DLR, however if you haven't experienced the 60th Anniversary celebrations at DLR I would definitely suggest doing that before they go away in September (I believe that's the month I heard it was leaving). I absolutely love Paint the Night and Disneyland Forever shows (my favorite was the Electrical Parade until Paint the Night came out). I also believe that DLR is more solo friendly because of the size of the parks. I would suggest that you also consider looking at what rides will be closed for maintenance at both parks just to make sure you don't miss out on anything you had planned to experience. Good luck with your decision.

I know, I really wanted to see the 60th stuff. My understanding is that DL Forever might be closing down, but Paint the Night is a permanent thing and not going away. Am I right on that?

I've been waffling a little because of the cost. It's getting up there. I had some Southwest Airlines credit, but it turns out I can't use it. Now it's looking like 800 bucks or so for two park days. I just dunno about that.

 

[BrianL]

See I'm exactly the opposite--I think WDW is better solo. I live on the west coast so DLR trips are cheaper and easier for me, and I've been a few times since my last WDW trip. It is SO different than Florida, and going to Disneyland has me yearning for Florida. It's hard to pinpoint exactly why, but I think part of it is how removed you are on WDW property-- the bubble is less permeable there? It has a better feeling there, what with all the nice resorts, landscaping, and fewer "real world" distractions. The surrounding area to DLR is all city, which isn't bad, it's just not as nice or peaceful. We noticed a lot more garbage in DLR-- trash in the water, in the hedges and things, and a lot of annoying high school age kids who come to enjoy the parks in huge packs and make the other guests miserable with their typical teenage behavior.
On our last trip, my family left in the early morning and I had a day in the parks on my own. It was just okay. All the solo benefits, but... I didn't have the greatest time. For one thing it was a Saturday, so even though it was January with was super busy and every attraction had long waits. So rather than wait in a 2-hr line I just kept walking around and around the parks, which felt small and cramped (Disneyland more so than California Adventure). I felt like there wasn't quite enough to do, which I never feel in MK. We had plenty of great CMs but there was just something off in Cali, the CMs seemed less cheerful or more stressed or something. Overworked and underpaid, perhaps? Stressed by having to try and keep the after-school crowd under control?
It's fun to notice all the similarities and differences if you're familiar with all the parks-- and it's way easier to get a same-day TS ressie in California!!!-- but I always have had a better time in Florida over Cali, especially when I've been solo. The new shows sound great, but if it was me, I'd pick WDW!

I do overall prefer WDW, but I just go there so much more frequently and do like to get the different experience. I find the food better in DL, but I'd probably just do counter service solo anyway. I really wanna see that DL Forever show though, so that's the main driver. I live much closer to Orlando, so it's easier to visit more often. Believe me, I'll be back at WDW sooner rather than later.

 

[TayjaDanger]

I do overall prefer WDW, but I just go there so much more frequently and do like to get the different experience. I find the food better in DL, but I'd probably just do counter service solo anyway. I really wanna see that DL Forever show though, so that's the main driver. I live much closer to Orlando, so it's easier to visit more often. Believe me, I'll be back at WDW sooner rather than later.

That's a good point-- going west might be more novel and exciting, in that case! Plus if you will only be there for 2 days, you should definitelyvhave time to hit your personal highlights and some extras. One bonus about the two DLR parks being so near each other is that hopping is super easy, so you won't waste precious park time travelling from one location to another. Also, accommodations are really inexpensive since you can stay at an off-site hotel and still walk to the parks in under 15 minutes. That being said, you may prefer to stay at a Disney resort for the perks (literally less that 2 minutes walk from the parks!) and atmosphere. You will have fun no matter what!

 

[Shock13]

I do overall prefer WDW, but I just go there so much more frequently and do like to get the different experience. I find the food better in DL, but I'd probably just do counter service solo anyway. I really wanna see that DL Forever show though, so that's the main driver. I live much closer to Orlando, so it's easier to visit more often. Believe me, I'll be back at WDW sooner rather than later.

Yes, it's me again. I don't want try and keep swaying you over to DLR but I will say this. One thing that I've always wanted to do since childhood was stay at the Disneyland Hotel. We had friends that lived virtually down the street from Disneyland growing up so we never stayed in hotels. But as an adult, I finally decided to do it on a solo trip. The price was excessive but I have absolutely no regrets because the hotel was amazing. I guess my point is that taking the trip to DLR may not be cost and time ideal but I don't think you'll regret going even if it's just to see the Disneyland Forever show.

 

[BrianL]

Yes, it's me again. I don't want try and keep swaying you over to DLR but I will say this. One thing that I've always wanted to do since childhood was stay at the Disneyland Hotel. We had friends that lived virtually down the street from Disneyland growing up so we never stayed in hotels. But as an adult, I finally decided to do it on a solo trip. The price was excessive but I have absolutely no regrets because the hotel was amazing. I guess my point is that taking the trip to DLR may not be cost and time ideal but I don't think you'll regret going even if it's just to see the Disneyland Forever show.

Yeah, the Disneyland Hotel is too rich for my blood. I have a hotel room already booked nearby using my employee rate (I work for a large hotelier). That actually saves me money over WDW because I like to stay onsite there. But the plane tickets are just way more (especially if I fly into SNA and not LAX), plus transportation to and from the airport (which is cheaper from SNA though)...park tickets, food...it's just going to be like 900 bucks, which isn't that bad until you think that my previous solo two day trips to WDW came in at about half that.

There are more rumors that the fireworks are going to go dark for construction purposes for an extended period of time. I better make a decision soon.

 

[Alfredo68]

I have mostly been to the Florida parks, but when I finally went to Disneyland during one of my work trips to Los Angeles, my first impression was, "wow, this is small!" Personally, I prefer the Magic Kingdom in Orlando. I am also going solo for the first time ever in late October