My First Solo Day Trip :)

[MacMama0930]

Yesterday I got to experience my first ever solo day at Disney.

I drove down with my husband and son and we got an inexpensive room at Fairfield Inn across the street from the park. They went to a super cross event while I did a day at Disney.

I “redeemed” my new AP at the ticket booth and it was painless. I worried this would take too much time and we already got to the park late (about 10ish I think), but it was easy.

My first thought is that the crowds were awesome. It felt like a ghost town compared to most of my previous visits. Rain was in the forecast but it only sprinkled for maybe an hour around 4pm? It was no big deal.

I used MaxPass for most rides although I hardly needed to. I used single rider lines which was super efficient. I did not even wait 30 seconds to board Space Mnt through SRL.

I finally found the home of the “little man of Disneyland” which I always mean to do but always space on it. I also did Animation Academy twice. I have always wanted to do this but always hesitated to do it with my kids. My son is a full blown perfectionist and I could see him getting frustrated. But I LOVED it!!

The day went by so quickly...and I pooped out much earlier than I thought I would. I was back at the hotel by 9pm I think.

I’m so glad I got too do my fun little solo day trip. It felt slightly lonely here and there but mostly I just felt content and relaxed.

I thought the motel was...meh. I mean, it was nice for a motel. The room was painted in Disney theme and was a nice sized room. I just don’t like staying off site. I don’t like walking to and from the park when staying off site. I mostly stay at DLH or GCH but because this was a quick one night experience, I thought it wouldn’t make a big difference, but it did. I am not a snobbish person in the very least, but when I’m enjoying time at Disneyland, it’s hard to be smacked in the face with homelessness and people asking for money. On my walk back, I had what I can only assume was a mentally ill man walk towards me, staggering and ranting very angrily. It didn’t help that earlier that day I listen to a podcast about circumstances where mentally ill had randomly and viciously attacked complete strangers in public!

Oh, and I had so looked forward to my bacon Mac and cheese from Cozy Cone and I swear they’ve changed it. The Mac and cheese noodles were different and it just didn’t taste the same

 

[cruisehopeful]

Isn't is amazing how much you can get done by yourself?

I agree with not enjoying the walk. I am okay if I am with someone, but I wouldn't want to walk around the area by myself unless it was at one of the really busy seasons where the street is as packed as Disneyland.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

So glad you enjoyed your day! It rained harder later in the evening. Around 9 pm, it rained much harder for a bit. Sprinkling hard when our boat entered IASW, pouring when we exited the building. Good thing we were dressed for the occasion! For the first time in forever, Peter Pan was a literal walk on right before closing! Cannot remember the last time that happened.
Agree that some of the "local color" can be a shock after leaving the parks. We prefer to stay on the west side of Harbor (the park side of the street). It just makes for an easier walk back. Maybe try the Candy Cane next time? And if you prefer not to walk back, CCI has a private shuttle, too, with very friendly drivers.

 

[Daisybelle]

Yay for time on your own in the parks! It sounds like you had a lovely day. And to hit low crowds! Amazing!

 

[cinnaminny]

That sounds awesome!! I also agree with you about the panhandlers and homeless. That is hard to see when you're trying to be in a happy space.

 

[DnA2010]

Sounds like a great visit the only panhandling I've experienced is the same guy who drags his kid out at night- our trips are years apart and he seems to be there each time...I bet he drives a fancy car..