Mickey, Walt and Winnie...Here I come!

[dizneefan13]

I bought my plane ticket so its official. I'm going to Disneyland! This will be my 3rd solo trip. I've enjoyed my time in the parks when I'm on my own. Those of you who have done it (and enjoyed it) might know what I mean when I say being by myself just makes me feel so free! And where better to be free than Disneyland.

i'm flying in on an October saturday, should be on Harbor by 5 p.m. I've had great luck with Jet Blue in the past so usually fly into Long Beach. When the family flies in from Seattle, we rent a car. Easy Peasy. I love the size of this airport and the remodel is nice.

So this is my first time flying in and not needing a car. I plan to spend each of my 6 days in DLR and don't have a need for a car. After paying just $150 for the flight, I began to look into transportation options from LGB to DLR. Boy was I surprised to learn that shuttles from Long Beach airport are way more than the ones from John Wayne. It never occurred to me that what I paid from OC airport would be a LOT less than going from Long Beach airport to Disneyland. $22 RT SNA to DLR. $45 one way LGB to DLR. Wow. Long Beach is a LITTLE farther but not by much. So much for scoring on the great plane ticket price.

I'm staying at the Anaheim Hotel. I know its not the best reviewed place on Harbor, but we have been there many times and think its okay all things considered. Love the location, love the retro style deco (which is slowly being changed after new ownership), the staff has been great. The lobby was being remodeled last time we were there, November 2017, and I know they continue to upgrade. Unfortunately the prices are being upgraded too, but what can you do. As long as they keep providing great service and upgrading all the rooms. Being in terrible need of renovating, I hear they're about half done with room remodels. Can't wait to see what the new rooms look like. And also the bar/food area. I've never been to a Pizza Press but they get great reviews. Will be nice to have them close in case I need a pizza fix.
Arriving in OC, my overpriced ride from LGB, unpacking and a rest, I will head out and get provisions at CVS or Walgreens. I always buy water and any other drinks I might want and bring one of each in the park that day. I also like things like nuts and jerky, cheese sticks, chocolate, things easy to carry in a backpack.

After returning to the hotel to drop stuff off, I'll head to Downtown Disney and get my first Disney fix. Usually I like walking around in World of Disney and seeing what's new. Then I'll grab some dinner, am thinking Tortilla Jo's or Ralph Brennan. Depends on what I'm in the mood for then.

I figure it will be 8 or 9 p.m. when I get back to the hotel, so I'll get ready for bed, get a good night's sleep, and hit it hard Sunday morning. I can't wait to ride the train and take a river ride. I've missed them a lot on our last couple visits.

I'll add more and outline my plan for Sunday in a day or two. Its fun writing about my plan. The excitement is growing now that I will be heading south in less than two months!

 

[Geemo]

It never occurred to me that what I paid from OC airport would be a LOT less than going from Long Beach airport to Disneyland.
$22 RT SNA to DLR. $45 one way LGB to DLR. Wow. Long Beach is a LITTLE farther but not by much.

Are you going by taxi or a shuttle?

Here's a link to LGB ground transportation info http://www.lgb.org/travelers/transit.asp
Not sure if there is a shuttle for less.
I generally take a taxi for a flat rate.

I know what you mean about the low rates for Jet Blue. I've been looking at some of their $51 one-way days in September and October. Wish those rates were there when I booked our October trip back in June.

 

[dsny1mom]

I bought my plane ticket so its official. I'm going to Disneyland! This will be my 3rd solo trip. I've enjoyed my time in the parks when I'm on my own. Those of you who have done it (and enjoyed it) might know what I mean when I say being by myself just makes me feel so free! And where better to be free than Disneyland.

i'm flying in on an October saturday, should be on Harbor by 5 p.m. I've had great luck with Jet Blue in the past so usually fly into Long Beach. When the family flies in from Seattle, we rent a car. Easy Peasy. I love the size of this airport and the remodel is nice.

So this is my first time flying in and not needing a car. I plan to spend each of my 6 days in DLR and don't have a need for a car. After paying just $150 for the flight, I began to look into transportation options from LGB to DLR. Boy was I surprised to learn that shuttles from Long Beach airport are way more than the ones from John Wayne. It never occurred to me that what I paid from OC airport would be a LOT less than going from Long Beach airport to Disneyland. $22 RT SNA to DLR. $45 one way LGB to DLR. Wow. Long Beach is a LITTLE farther but not by much. So much for scoring on the great plane ticket price.

I'm staying at the Anaheim Hotel. I know its not the best reviewed place on Harbor, but we have been there many times and think its okay all things considered. Love the location, love the retro style deco (which is slowly being changed after new ownership), the staff has been great. The lobby was being remodeled last time we were there, November 2017, and I know they continue to upgrade. Unfortunately the prices are being upgraded too, but what can you do. As long as they keep providing great service and upgrading all the rooms. Being in terrible need of renovating, I hear they're about half done with room remodels. Can't wait to see what the new rooms look like. And also the bar/food area. I've never been to a Pizza Press but they get great reviews. Will be nice to have them close in case I need a pizza fix.
Arriving in OC, my overpriced ride from LGB, unpacking and a rest, I will head out and get provisions at CVS or Walgreens. I always buy water and any other drinks I might want and bring one of each in the park that day. I also like things like nuts and jerky, cheese sticks, chocolate, things easy to carry in a backpack.

After returning to the hotel to drop stuff off, I'll head to Downtown Disney and get my first Disney fix. Usually I like walking around in World of Disney and seeing what's new. Then I'll grab some dinner, am thinking Tortilla Jo's or Ralph Brennan. Depends on what I'm in the mood for then.

I figure it will be 8 or 9 p.m. when I get back to the hotel, so I'll get ready for bed, get a good night's sleep, and hit it hard Sunday morning. I can't wait to ride the train and take a river ride. I've missed them a lot on our last couple visits.

I'll add more and outline my plan for Sunday in a day or two. Its fun writing about my plan. The excitement is growing now that I will be heading south in less than two months!

 

[Geemo]

.....

 

[dsny1mom]

Lyft will be much
less than the shuttle.

 

[dizneefan13]

Lyft will be much
less than the shuttle.

Thanks dsny1mom, I will check them out. I've never used Lyft, just Uber here closer to home.

 

[dizneefan13]

Are you going by taxi or a shuttle?

Here's a link to LGB ground transportation info http://www.lgb.org/travelers/transit.asp
Not sure if there is a shuttle for less.
I generally take a taxi for a flat rate.

I know what you mean about the low rates for Jet Blue. I've been looking at some of their $51 one-way days in September and October. Wish those rates were there when I booked our October trip back in June.

Thanks for the link, Geemo. I'll check it out.
I'll go taxi or shuttle, whichever is less and good service. I'm doing my research.

 

[dizneefan13]

Looks like I'll take an Uber or Lyft from LGB.

 

[Kirbie]

Looks like I'll take an Uber or Lyft from LGB.

Good choice! I used Lyft on my solo trip August 2016, and loved it! Lyft frequently has new user promos, such as $10 off your first 5 rides. Definitely look into that!

I'm so excited for you! I LOVE my solo trip last August, and can't to drag my BF along with me next spring

 

[SteveMP]

Good choice! I used Lyft on my solo trip August 2016, and loved it! Lyft frequently has new user promos, such as $10 off your first 5 rides. Definitely look into that!

I'm so excited for you! I LOVE my solo trip last August, and can't to drag my BF along with me next spring

If you have friends that drive they can sometimes send promos too, i see them on facebook a lot.

 

[blueskymom]

If you have Amazon Prime, you could use Amazon Prime Now for your snack delivery.

 

[dizneefan13]

If you have Amazon Prime, you could use Amazon Prime Now for your snack delivery.

Good idea. I do have Prime.

 

[dizneefan13]

Okay, down to 46 days until blastoff. The reality and excitement are definitely setting in. I'm not a fullspeed ahead kind of disney fan.
And I'm not a morning person although if I have to, I can be. Having said that, I won't set any alarm and will get ready and head across the street to start day#1 in my favorite park. Special moments stand out to me and going under the tunnel and seeing Town Square for the first time during a visit is one of them. Just very special.
First thing will be my tradition of having breakfast at Carnation Cafe. It started on our first trip many years ago. There is something about this place that I love. I like the food, love the atmosphere. I ask for a table outdoors, near Main Street, not too close though. A special treat is if Oscar appears and chats with his guests.
After breakfast I'll stroll over to Peter Pan. Yes, there will be a line and that's okay. I will check out disney apps, wait times, maybe check in and call home. Another family tradition, CC first, Peter Pan second. Then I'll hang around Fantasyland and ride Snow White, Pinocchio, Mr Toad, Alice, Story boats, Casey jr. Not necessarily in that order.
I'll take a break and do some people watching. Something I like and don't get to do enough of when with others along. I'll probably head back to Small World, trying to time a viewing of Mickey's Magical Map while I'm in the area.
I like to take a stroll through ToonTown, but might wait and do it another day. I think instead I'll hop on the Railroad (Yeah! the RR is back!!
and see the new updates in the tunnel. Walt loved the train. So do I.
I'll ride to New Orleans square and hit my next favorites: Pirates and Haunted. I might ride each one a few times if I feel like it. The benefits of a solo trip!
It'll probably be around 4 p.m. by now so I'll grab some dinner. Most likely Plaza Inn. Another must do during my disney trips.
Not sure what happens next but I might head back to the hotel and chill awhile, then head back over and enjoy disneyland at night and maybe catch Fantasmic if its scheduled. Definitely a maybe. I'll be sure and have dessert, will see what sounds good. Maybe some ice cream.
Back to the hotel, get things ready for the morning, get some sleep and dream of lovely, fun times at Disneyland.

 

[minniegirl25]

We have done both Uber & Lyft to & from Long Beach to Disney multiple times and love it!! So much easier than the darn shuttles!

We are staying at the Anaheim Hotel for the first time this October. Looking forward to a new to us place I see the bad reviews but honestly most all the hotels have them lol.

Have a wonderful solo trip!!

 

[MacMama0930]

I'm still dying to do a solo trip some day...sounds amazing!

 

[dizneefan13]

We have done both Uber & Lyft to & from Long Beach to Disney multiple times and love it!! So much easier than the darn shuttles!

We are staying at the Anaheim Hotel for the first time this October. Looking forward to a new to us place I see the bad reviews but honestly most all the hotels have them lol.

Have a wonderful solo trip!!

Minniegirl, be sure and call the hotel a few days before your arrival and request a newly renovated room. They might be all done by them, but just in case they're not, you can request one.
During our last stay, the room was awful. Wish I would have asked for an upgraded one ahead of time. But we spend so little time in the room that it wasn't a major deal.
We have stayed at this place for most of our visits and usually its just fine. I'm looking forward to checking out the new lounge area. It looks cool.

 

[dizneefan13]

I'm still dying to do a solo trip some day...sounds amazing!

I hope you get to experience a solo trip someday too. I love going with others, but solo is special too!

 

[ddwlms]

First thing will be my tradition of having breakfast at Carnation Cafe. It started on our first trip many years ago. There is something about this place that I love. I like the food, love the atmosphere. I ask for a table outdoors, near Main Street, not too close though. A special treat is if Oscar appears and chats with his guests.

Why "not too close"?

 

[dizneefan13]

Why "not too close"?

No big reason, just personal preference.

 

[ddwlms]

No big reason, just personal preference.

I was just wondering if there was something I need to know. I've been to DL a hundred times and have never eaten at Carnation Café. I've determined that I will eat there on my next trip, so fishing for information.