Need HELP Now! Should I go to DL alone if my friend backs out?!?

[alsligh]

I'm supposed to go to DL for the 1/2 marathon on Sept. 1 with by best friend from college (I am 37). It looks like my friend may be backing out, and I have to decide by tomorrow whether or not to keep the reservation. I am a SAHM, so I rarely fly anywhere (i.e., don't have a use for a traded-in plane ticket in my near future) and I don't have tons of extra $$, but I have the money set aside for the trip. My flight is already booked and 1/2 marathon registration is paid. DH encouraged me to consider going by myself, but I'm not sure how fun that will be. I don't mind traveling alone, but I've never traveled alone to a place like DL.

Anyone have thoughts? We can't afford for DD and DH to go with me to Anaheim, and I can't take DD (she's 4) by myself because I won't have anywhere for her to go while I'm running (I know I could skip the race, but if I'm going to do that, I may as well go to WDW in Orlando, as I can fly there in two hours).

Thoughts? Help? I am so frustrated right now that I could scream! We have been planning this "girl trip" since last fall.

 

[Stitch's O'hana]

I say go for it, you only live once! And going by yourself just means you can do want ever you want and when ever you want to! I know it's more fun to have someone with, to share the fun times with but I think it would be an awesome trip and some good time only for yourself to enjoy!

I can understand you being frustrated about all this, since you and your friend have had it all planed out for so long( I would be too). To bad I am not going to be in Disneyland then, I won't be there until the 10th of Sept. Otherwise I would meet up with you( and I am 27).

 

[lulubelle]

I am so sorry your friend has bailed on you, but I say...
GO FOR IT!!!!
I have been to DL many times solo and it is always wonderful. Granted, I enjoy trips with family members more, but being alone has advantages, too. Don't be afraid, go knowing that this is "you" time and before you know it you will be so relaxed and happy. Eat, play, rest, ride, see...what you want...when you want. Sure you will miss your family, but I bet you have an awesome time.

 

[tinkcollector]

Yes, GO!! I have been to the DLR alone a few times. Let me first say it is not as much fun as having friends or Family with you, but it's really not that bad. I go into So. Cal. for dental conventions at least once a year, and my Family can't go. So, I usually have a three day weekend at the DLR alone. Granted I go to the convention to get continuing education, so I'm usually busy there for a day (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.). The parks are fun alone. Watching other people, and everyone interacts with everyone in line. The only time you feel alone is when you sit for a meal. And with a four year old shopping in Downtown Disney will be fun for you. You won't have to keep tabs on your baby. It's all about you and what YOU want to do! My DH, and DS have always encouraged me to go, too. And I'm really glad I have. You can even go see a movie. There's just so much to do and the atmosphere always feels safe. Go, and have a ton of fun!

 

[alsligh]

Thank you all for your quick replies (and please, I'd love to hear from more folks!) I am (we are?) supposed to fly in early on Saturday and take the red eye out late on Wednesday (this is Labor Day weekend), so that gives me (us?) about 4-1/2 days in Anaheim (1/2 of Monday will be the half marathon, and I'll only have about 1/2 a day when we arrive). Assuming I'm not going to drive anywhere, how many days of park tickets do you think I should do? Could I spend a whole day in downtown Disney or other "free" places?

I'm starting to feel a little less frantic now, thank you!

 

[angelhair45]

I've never been by myself, but I'd like to go by myself at least once. I don't think leaving my 3 year old at home would be acceptable though, lol.

I think you should definitely go.

 

[pindecisive]

No.
My friends backed out and I went once by myself and though it wasn't the most awful thing ever, it was pretty bad.

You're by yourself so you have less to take your mind off the crowds so you get more stressed out. It's scarier too...I got grabbed by some kid on a ride and it ruined my day. You also are in restaurants by yourself and lemme tell you, it's not that fun. I spent the whole meal on the phone with a friend.

There is no way I would ever go by myself again.

 

[quadaunt]

The first dozen or so times I visited the DLR I was solo as I was in southern California on business. I enjoyed my 'me' time immensely and loved being able to ride the attractions I wanted to when I wanted to, enjoying a fine meal at a place like Blue Bayou without it breaking the bank (and a single usually always gets seated at most restaurants even without an ADR fairly easily), taking advantage of single rider lines (Soarin' Over California and Indiana Jones comes to mind), etc. You might want to consider taking one of the tours that wouldn't be appropriat for your DD4 (I took the A Walk in Walt's Footsteps tour and was the only one on the tour that morning and was escorted by a VIP guide). You might meet a few fellow solo marathoners who you might want to enjoy a meal with. While I love going to the parks with family and friends, going solo can be a lot of fun. So my vote is YES! -- go and enjoy!!

 

[squirrel]

I will be arriving on Sept.4th with my DNiece (3). If you are board of hanging out by yourself you can meet up with us. We will have a small blue stroller with a LGMH on it and also on a backpack.

Remember-some rides have a single rider lane.

 

[bumbershoot]

I'd go. I love going places by myself like that. Lots of time to think!

Take a book or journal for mealtimes, do what YOU want to do, run a good race, sleep deeply, and go back refreshed.

I personally would get tickets long enough to go every day, but I'm not a big shopper, so DTD won't likely hold my attention long enough.

 

[noryglory]

Wow. First off, sorry regarding your friend. I hope that you can forgive her or that she has a great excuse. That's a major bummer.

But, a trip (and your attitude) are what you make of it. If you feel like "woe is me" then you won't have a good time. If you get into the spirit of it, you can have a blast. Like other posters said, you can meet up with other solo runners, or perhaps some people here from the DIS if you plan it in advance, and since you DO have a small child that won't be with you, you can have some of that "me" time you might not get (in bed sleeping late, by the pool, shopping....are there any spa experiences???)...and then while at Disneyland and touring the attractions you can enjoy it because you are being entertained. I mean, when you're on a ride even if you are normally with someone it could be cool to take it all on on your own.

I think the eating part might be the hardest but there are ways around that...not every place is a "table for one" sort of situation. If you are feeling low, hit up a conversation with people in line or where ever...I have always found at Disneyland that people are generally more sociable with strangers than they would be elsewhere.

I like the tour idea as well. The segway tour could be cool, as well as the other grownup experiences available like the Walt tour or whatever else they offer. Take advantage!! You can always cut the trip short if necessary.

If it ends up being a bust, lesson learned. If it's a blast, you'll be glad you didn't miss out. Personally, I'd much rather do and regret than not go and always wonder what if.

Good luck!!

 

[DisDancerina]

A Few Words Of Wisdom- Do It! You won't regret it. Do single rider on the following rides:

Splash Mountain
Soarin
Grizzly River Rapids
California Screamin
Mulholland Madness
Those Are All I Can Think Of Right Now. Maybe I'll think of some more later I think you should do it. If I had the time, I would do the 1/2 Marathon too but, nah. Another Thing,

If you really wanted to take DD, you could always do child care, they are always so caring and nice. I don't know how old she is, so I couldn't tell you if it would be great for her. So, I hope I help!

- The Dancerina

 

[Dukland]

I'm also a SAHM, and although I'd be bummed that my friend bailed, I would definitely go. I never have time to myself, and it would be so nice to have that. Especially someplace as fun as DL!! If you don't like to eat by yourself, bring a small book to read while you eat. Or even buy one there. I know they have everything at DL.

good luck in your decision

 

[epcotfan]

Go! I spent a wonderful day at Disneyland last year. I wandered around the park by myself till it closed. It was amazing. I would not hesitate to go there for a couple of days by myself. There is a ton to do, especially if you haven't been there before.

 

[alsligh]

I would really love to take DD, but I'm pretty sure the childcare won't be open at 4 or 5 in the morning! I do know one other person running the DL Half, so I may can hook up with her for part of my trip. I am leaning toward going right now, but I'm not sure. I'm going to be calling Disney travel in a little while to find out how much it will cost me to go alone.

My friend hasn't bailed on me yet, but I just have this bad feeling she's going to. She has been unreachable on the phone for the past couple of days (which is not so unusual, and could be nothing) but she has a real aversion to things unpleasant, like giving people bad news. We have been friends for 18 years and I've seen her be this way before - usually having to do with a guy she wants to break up with, etc. She's never bailed on me for something big like this, so I have no reason to think she is going to this time other than a really bad feeling I have (and, like I said, I've known her a long time).

This whole situation just makes me sick to my stomach. My friend is single without kids and with a high-paying job, so for her it's probably no biggie. As for me, I no longer work and even though my husband does pretty well, my daughter has a lot of medical bills that eat away at our "extra" money. I've been saving since last November to do this trip with her (not to mention taking up running again after a 5-year hiatus). I could have used that money to take DD on a mother-daughter trip to WDW instead (which I have been trying to come up with a way to do this year before she starts kindergarten - my mother did that with me back in the day) - it's only two hours from here by plane, whereas DL is a whole-day ordeal.

Yes, I'm pretty well sick about it.

 

[LittleWoodenHead]

Going to Disneyland alone is AWESOME!!!

Here's another recent thread on this topic: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1529033