One day tout seul

[rottie155]

Hello all!

Hope we're well?

As you may know, I am booked to go DLP with my friend who is flying over from Canada from Sunday 2nd March to Thursday 6th March. However, I am now thinking about travelling a day early (on the Saturday) as my friend will land early on the Sunday and she will be waiting around 4 hours for me to arrive otherwise.

I guess what I'm looking for are a few words of encouragement here. The Saturday train is non-direct and I need to change at Lille for a SNCF train - has anyone done this and how easy is it to do?

Also, I'm pretty certain I will be fine wandering the park alone on the Saturday afternoon (I'd arrive at 3pm), but what type of thing would you do if you were alone in the park for a day (it will close at 10pm)? I know one thing, I'll miss not being there with DBF

Thanks Disers!

 

[DLPdaft]

I can't help with the indirect Eurostar Adam, we are taking it on our next trip but we don't go until April.

On a Saturday afternoon, on my own, I'd go watch the Descent of the Stairs inside the DLH, of course I'd watch Magic on Parade and Dreams from my favourite spots , I'd wander around with a hot drink (or a cold one if you get a nice early-spring day) people watching from outside Victorias or the Last Chance cafe.

I'd probably do Phantom Manor on my own too - somehow I never get to fully appreciate all the little effects and tricks on that ride when I''m on it with others.

And of course - I'd window-shop til I dropped !

Do you like taking photos? You could get camera-happy on your own too, take your time to get your angle/frame perfect etc.

 

[kizzabel]

I can't help with the indirect Eurostar Adam, we are taking it on our next trip but we don't go until April.

On a Saturday afternoon, on my own, I'd go watch the Descent of the Stairs inside the DLH, of course I'd watch Magic on Parade and Dreams from my favourite spots , I'd wander around with a hot drink (or a cold one if you get a nice early-spring day) people watching from outside Victorias or the Last Chance cafe.

I'd probably do Phantom Manor on my own too - somehow I never get to fully appreciate all the little effects and tricks on that ride when I''m on it with others.

And of course - I'd window-shop til I dropped !

Do you like taking photos? You could get camera-happy on your own too, take your time to get your angle/frame perfect etc.

I second all of this! Especially the picture taking. I always feel rushed taking photographs.
Also you could have a special meal like the California Grill tasting menu to treat yourself and have a Bacardi Royale to unwind in the Fantasia bar.

 

[HFJohnson]

I haven't done the indirect Eurostar yet but from what I've read it sounds very straightforward, particularly on the way out as you will already have gone thought customs, security etc. Sometimes I don't think you even need to change platforms.

I love a few hours in DLP all by myself. I'd probably just mooch around, doing whatever ride took my fancy and looking in the shops. I'd take a book with me so I could sit and relax somewhere and my evening would almost certainly involve a cocktail somewhere!

 

[rottie155]

Thank you all for your replies!!!! I am certainly feeling a little more confident about it all. The way I see it, I will be in Disney - surely I can't feel TOO alone - right?!

Elaine - I am a very keen photographer and am obsessed with taking thousands (quite literally too, I kid you not) of photos when on trips with DBF. The poor thing has just had to get used to my obsessive photography so I am really loving the idea of walking around the park and photographing every nook and cranny without disturbing anyone else's trip.

Kizzy - you know I'm easily won over by a drink! Of course I'll be getting a Bacardi Royale!!!!!!

HFJohnson - I do love the idea of just being able to mooch about without worrying about rushing to the next ride or location, just enjoying being immersed in Disney.

I am a little worried dinner-wise though. Kizzy, as much as I love the idea of California Grill, I think it's a bit elaborate for me to go on my own? I was even contemplating Inventions, but I think I'd look a little sad sitting there tout seul whilst the characters come over and take pitty on me

Is 8 hours of park time, over two days - whilst waiting for my friend to arrive - a little excessive by yourself?

 

[DLPdaft]

I think its a perfect period of time Adam, I really do .

I think I'd probably do a hotel buffet or even a filling counter service meal for dinner solo, but not a character one - you'll be doing those with your friend and DBF, won't you?

 

[Lisa_C]

Ok, I've done the in-direct

When you get off the Eurostar, you need to go up the stairs and turn left. You'll see the huge announcement board above the cafe. Its a large station, but all the platforms are under the station and accessible by small lifts or esculators. You must validate your ticket before you go down to the platform (simple swipe it on the machine)before travel, the machines are next to the lifts. Your train number, platform and destination will show on the board. You don't have very long between the announcement and train, so be prepared. I did it with two children so I'm sure you'llbe fine!

 

[rottie155]

I think its a perfect period of time Adam, I really do . I think I'd probably do a hotel buffet or even a filling counter service meal for dinner solo, but not a character one - you'll be doing those with your friend and DBF, won't you?

My favourite land in the park is Frontierland (I adore the theming) so was thinking about perhaps dining in Silver Spur or something? Not sure what it's like but it always smells so good when I pass!!

Oh yes - my friend is a big character fan like me so we will be doing all the character meals! Ha! The same when DBF arrives on the Wednesday! It does feel like a long time being away without seeing DBF though - argh!!!!

 

[rottie155]

Ok, I've done the in-direct

When you get off the Eurostar, you need to go up the stairs and turn left. You'll see the huge announcement board above the cafe. Its a large station, but all the platforms are under the station and accessible by small lifts or esculators. You must validate your ticket before you go down to the platform (simple swipe it on the machine)before travel, the machines are next to the lifts. Your train number, platform and destination will show on the board. You don't have very long between the announcement and train, so be prepared. I did it with two children so I'm sure you'llbe fine!

Hi Lisa!

Thank you!!! The site tells me I have a 26minute connection between the Eurostar and SNCF. Was it pretty self-explanatry when you were there or was it all a bit freaky ?

Also, what was the SNCF like?

Gosh I'm useless with directions too - this is going to be terrifying for me lol!

 

[Lisa_C]

Oh Adam lol! You'll be fine - I must admit that when I got off the Eurostar I asked the guards and they looked at me blankly and panic set in, but as soon as you walk uo the stairs it's fine

You'll have plenty of time to get your connecting train (which are very similar to the Eurostar seat wise) so you should have a pleasant journey from Lille. Just watch the board, it shows up about 10 mins before the train gets in so when you see it, start to make your move. I think that your train comes in on the left hand side as you look away from the Eurostar check in desk) a few exits down (not far from the cafe and just remember to validate your ticket) and its quite straight forward. Believe me when I say I'm useless with directions too and panic like mad, but I'd do this journey again! Got me into Disney by 11am when we did it and I caught a 7am (BST ) train and the connecting train was just after 9am (EST). Was fab

 

[rottie155]

Oh Adam lol! You'll be fine - I must admit that when I got off the Eurostar I asked the guards and they looked at me blankly and panic set in, but as soon as you walk uo the stairs it's fine

You'll have plenty of time to get your connecting train (which are very similar to the Eurostar seat wise) so you should have a pleasant journey from Lille. Just watch the board, it shows up about 10 mins before the train gets in so when you see it, start to make your move. I think that your train comes in on the left hand side as you look away from the Eurostar check in desk) a few exits down (not far from the cafe and just remember to validate your ticket) and its quite straight forward. Believe me when I say I'm useless with directions too and panic like mad, but I'd do this journey again! Got me into Disney by 11am when we did it and I caught a 7am (BST ) train and the connecting train was just after 9am (EST). Was fab

I'm putting all my faith and trust (and pixie dust) into you Lisa!!!!!

I just watched a YouTube clip about the change-over at Lille (yes, this is how panicky I am ) and it showed me something about validating my ticket. As if I don't have enough to remember!!!!! I think the panic is setting in already, don't know about then! ha

 

[kizzabel]

Dont worry!! It will all be fine! Deep breaths!
We've gotten the TGV / RER and to be honest it is easy to get flustered with the language barrier and unfamiliar surroundings or lay out but take it all in your stride and it will be perfectly fine. You have a good amount of time to change and so long as you keep an eye on the board and validate the ticket you'll be grand.
Silver Spur sounds fab, have to agree on the smell of lovely charring steak! YUM! I love Frontierland too and will definitely be returning to the Lucky Nugget. We had a great meal there in October but maybe its not substantial enough for your evening meal.

 

[rottie155]

Dont worry!! It will all be fine! Deep breaths! We've gotten the TGV / RER and to be honest it is easy to get flustered with the language barrier and unfamiliar surroundings or lay out but take it all in your stride and it will be perfectly fine. You have a good amount of time to change and so long as you keep an eye on the board and validate the ticket you'll be grand. Silver Spur sounds fab, have to agree on the smell of lovely charring steak! YUM! I love Frontierland too and will definitely be returning to the Lucky Nugget. We had a great meal there in October but maybe its not substantial enough for your evening meal.

Thank you my lovely! The Eurostar has now been booked!!! Now to figure out the hotel to stay in and rest my head for one night! This could be the tricky part!!!

I can't believe I'm heading to DLP and spending a day/night by myself there! Aaaargh!!!!!

 

[kizzabel]

What are you thinking for the hotel?
Dream Castle was ok if you are looking for offsite but don't discount Val D'Europe as the RER makes it so handy.
I would love the chance to do a solo trip.

 

[1nfrequent]

I've just done this and I think it all comes down to what kind of person you are. I'm a ride fanatic so I focused on doing the adrenalin rides and the rides that weren't there the last time I went. Food wise, I ended up skipping the sit down service restaurants and tried one of the buffet places, which was fine. There really is something for everyone there though so it's easy to just wander around and soak up the atmosphere too.

1F

 

[rottie155]

What are you thinking for the hotel? Dream Castle was ok if you are looking for offsite but don't discount Val D'Europe as the RER makes it so handy. I would love the chance to do a solo trip.

I'm kinda lost and confused re the hotel. Was looking at Kyriad... Or Cheyenne... Or Sequoia Lodge. As I'm by myself I want to be as near to the parks as possible and as safe as possible y'know

 

[kizzabel]

I hear ya love.
Have you got an AP? SQL is a god choice, near the park, nice bar and nice rooms but could be pricey for one night?

 

[rottie155]

I hear ya love. Have you got an AP? SQL is a god choice, near the park, nice bar and nice rooms but could be pricey for one night?

Well this brings me onto my next question you see lol - I will need to get an AP when I arrive as I'm booking room only on the Saturday and also so that DBF can use my park tickets when he arrives later in the week. How do I do this without having a ticket for the park?

Does Bureau de Donald still exist and can I get an AP from there?!

 

[DLPdaft]

Well this brings me onto my next question you see lol - I will need to get an AP when I arrive as I'm booking room only on the Saturday and also so that DBF can use my park tickets when he arrives later in the week. How do I do this without having a ticket for the park?

Does Bureau de Donald still exist and can I get an AP from there?!

Yes Bureau Donald is still there, and it is (in my experience) the best place to go to get an AP. If its closed when you arrive, don't worry, you just go to either Guest Services or the main ticket booths (in that order) and pay for an AP there. You'll get a temporary day ticket with your receipt, you use that to get through the turnstiles, then you go to the AP office inside the park with your passport and ticket/receipt, and they make up your permanent AP for you there.

And then there will be no stopping you :thumbsup!

 

[loladelorean]

Adam, you'll love 8 hours in the park by yourself! I would love the chance to do this. I've spent a couple of hours at a time by myself in the parks on past trips where friends wanted to lie in (an unknown concept to me in DLP!)

If it were me I would go on a few rides but mainly wander around people watching and taking photos. Just being selfish, really. Especially bearing in mind that you'll be hosting your newbie friend for the rest of the trip - the time by yourself is time to be geeky.

You'll have a ball!