My 9/24 Solo Birthday Adventure :)

[sonnyjane]

I'm back from my one-day birthday celebration at Disneyland and I am EXHAUSTED!

I left my house 10 til 7 because I was so excited to get out the door, and much to my dismay I got to Disney REAAAAAAAALLy early...like 8:20 lol. I was actually hoping there would be a line at the ticket booth to justify my earliness but alas, I walked right up to the front, no waiting, and got my ticket. They were out of birthday pins, so I just got an "I'm Celebrating" one.

Then I waited at the turnstiles for a while. They unfortunately didn't open the gates for Mainstreet until 9:45, so I went to the rope, and was surprised at how few people were there! I walked right up and got a spot in front of the rope. Here's the Halloween decorations and the rope:

 

[sonnyjane]

After a lecture on proper hydration from the CM at the rope drop, we were FREE to explore Since Space was closed, I went and got an Indy FP right away, which would later prove to be pointless. I rode Pirates first, and was alone in the front row! I love the weird chlorine smell of Pirates, I can't explain it lol! After Pirates I went on Pooh and Splash, which only had a 5 minute line. They put me in the front seat and I got DRENCHED! Luckily it was 95 degrees so I dried off quickly! After I got off (and while I was soaked), I saw Eeyore and HAD to take a picture, because, well, funny enough, I always joke that he reminds me of my husband lol.

Next I went on Big Thunder Mountain twice, because the line was only 10 minutes. I was surprised how great of a coaster it was, I guess I didn't notice last time I was at DL.

Ahh, time for my first snack! I was craving a pineapple spear, so I bought one next to the Jungle Cruise, and then got another Indy FP (stockpiling) and went on JC.

I ventured over to Matterhorn and only one side was open, so the line was *long*, about 20 minutes. Apparently, they were doing a Single Rider Line at Matterhorn! Unfortunately, I didn't know about it beforehand because I only found out about it because when the CM asked "how many?" and I said "One", he yelled at another CM and said "You're supposed to give single riders passes!" and lifted up the little red passes to reiterate. Bummer! Could have saved myself 20 minutes!

Next it was Small World, which had NO line. When I went in April, IASW was 45 minutes, so the fact that I walked on around noon made me happy.

Since Space was closed, I think people assumed all of Tomorrowland was closed, because there was NOBODY there! Star Tours and Buzz had 5 minute waits most of the day. I rode Buzz twice in a row. The first time, the ride got stuck, but they didn't turn the guns off, so people just kept racking up their scores! I'm embarrassed to say that my score on the second, non-interrupted trip was higher than when I had the opportunity to cheat!

 

[sonnyjane]

Now, time for FOOD!

I was craving a corn dog since, well, I started planning this visit, so off I went to the Little Red Wagon. I actually thought it was closed since there was nobody in line! I got it and sat down and enjoyed it thoroughly at a table in the shade.

I decided to let my tummy settle with another trip on Pirates, yet again a walk on. On my way to POTC, I overheard a bunch of CM's talking about Ghost Galaxy, which should open tomorrow. Apparently they all got to ride it today, and said it was "Out of control!", "Ridiculous", "Awesome", etc.! I'm very envious of you guys that will get to see it!

After POTC, I went to Indy, because I had two FP's, and alas, the wait was only 10 minutes. The CM told me I didn't need FP's and I just walked right up. I rode twice consecutively, as in, didn't even exit the ride, just hopped right back into the screening video and did it again. I even had my own ROW of 4 seats to myself! It was a ghost town today! So, never ended up using any FP's b/c nobody had lines!

I walked over to Splash and, because it was SO hot, this was the one ride that had a line today...AN HOUR line to be exact, but not for this Single Rider! I hopped right up and was the second single rider in line...I was called on the very next log! I felt like an instant VIP!

After Splash, I went to Pooh's Corner and took some pictures of the woman making Tigger Tails! I ended up getting regular dark chocolate/caramel chocolate covered marshmallows instead, but I took pics

After that, I rode Big Thunder Mountain one more time and headed over to Fantasyland for a trip on Peter Pan, tied for longest wait of the day at 20 minutes, although it didn't really take that long. I was exhausted afterward, so I headed for the tram, having accomplished far more than I had planned for the day.

All in all, I had an amazing birthday. The CM's made me feel very special being a single rider on all the rides. I would DEFINITELY recommend going to Disneyland alone to anyone! I had a wonderful time, and thanks for all the encouragement!

 

[vettegirl]

What a treat, would love to go by myself one time. Those apples are so cute they made!

 

[firefox2]

It sounded like an awesome time, and I guess going to the park alone leaves a person less distracted, able to take in all of the sights and sounds

 

[lulubelle]

Sounds like you had a great day. Thanks for sharing.

I am so sad you didn''t get a b-day button though. It really does make you feel special to be told "happy brithday" all day.

 

[DisneyMomma81]

YAY ~ I'm glad you had fun! Who wouldn't though right?!?

 

[Disney Dreams]

Glad you had a great birthday. Sounds like you discovered my secret: Solo Disney visits can be the best! By the way, us regulars do not think of ringing up points on Buzz during a ride stoppage as "cheating," but rather "Bonus time!' hehe

Happy Birthday!

- Dreams

P.S. If you want a birthday button, I will be happy to track one down for you when at the park next and send it your way if you want. Drop me a note if interested. I LOVE my Disneyland birthday button!

 

[TigerLaw]

I knew splash had a single riders line, but I thought Indy did too, so was just curious if that was correct, why you would FP indy? (can you tell I have a single rider trip coming up?!?)

Any other tips/advice from one single rider to another?

thanks in advance!

 

[SundaeAfternoon]

Sounds like you had a great trip! Happy Birthday!

 

[sonnyjane]

I knew splash had a single riders line, but I thought Indy did too, so was just curious if that was correct, why you would FP indy? (can you tell I have a single rider trip coming up?!?)

Any other tips/advice from one single rider to another?

thanks in advance!

When I got there, I asked the CM if the SRL was open, and he said since it was not crowded, it was not, so I grabbed a FP *just in case*. If Space was open yesterday, I would have just collected those all day long