Possibly Going Single - Should I be Worried?

[BeckWhy]

Badge: You're a youngin! And that pasta you mentioned, I actually do have that on my "to-do" list already. Conference... that is something I didn't think about. I wonder if I could find a conference in LA I could go to. My boss would pay for my plane tickets, and hotel (at least for the days of the conference), I'd just have to fork out the Disneyland aspect of it. I'm going to have to look into that.

I haven't decided if money will be an issue or not. I mean, I don't make much, don't work full time. Long story, I'll explain in my pre-trip report. I mean any money I save I obviously use elsewhere in my life. I haven't gone to WDW in the past two years, so I think that money would help cover the costs. BUT there is a major price difference. But when I go to Walt Disney World I've only ever stayed the Disney Value Resorts (POP and ASMo). When I stay in a hotel not for a Disney based trip, we like Hampton Inns. Great Service, great continental breakfasts.

But the resorts that have attracted my fancy are: Best Western Park Place Inn, Fairfield Inn Anaheim, and HoJo everyone talks about. I don't know what to choose. Anyone have any input about these guys?

Also, this single trip may not be a single trip at all. There's posibilities my mom and/or older sister goes, or maybe a boyfriend. I don't know. I'm making this complicated.

HydoGuy: Thank you so much for your article. I really appreciated it. You some how always find some way to make me feel at ease about some random choice I made.

 

[Badge]

It would be even better to find a conference at the Anahiem center...it is like right next door to Disney. I just walked to both the center and Disney..never rented a car. The one in the middle of Oct (which takes over the WHOLE massive center) is a gaming convention for Blizzard Entertainment...so I doubt your boss would pay for it.

Here is a list of the events planned for the Anaheim center so far for Oct. and Nov.

California Association of Realtors Fall 2012 Business Meetings & Annual Expo 10/02/12 10/04/12

CTA Training Class - October 10/03/12 10/03/12

Orange County Auto Show 10/04/12 10/07/12

Harvest Festival 10/12/12 10/14/12

Upland High School Homecoming Dance 10/13/12 10/13/12

National Recreation & Park Association Congress 2012 10/16/12 10/18/12

PMA Fresh Summit International Convention & Exposition 10/27/12 10/29/12

4th Annual AUHSD College Fair 10/30/12 10/30/12

Airlift Tanker Association Annual Convention Banquet 11/03/12 11/03/12

American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology 11/03/12 11/03/12

Keep in mind that list is not final. The center has a lot of "halls" so they have a lot of events taking place on the same day, but a lot of them are not listed on the site right away. Like the Blizzard one for example is kept off of the list until it is offically announced by Blizzard. However, when it takes place, nothing else will take place there because of the shear size of the event. If your into gaming, it is one heck of an event to attend, but getting tickets are so hard. The roughly 25,000 to 30,000 tickets that they put up for sale sell out in a matter of secs. every year.
West Coast Franchise Expo 10/12/12 10/14/12

 

[Badge]

Here is a list of events taking place so far in Oct. and Nov. at the LA convention center:

The American Academy of Periodontology- 2012 AAP Annual Convention

09/29/2012-10/02/2012

BlogWorld & New Media Expo

10/04/2012-10/06/2012

American Nurses Association - Magnet Conference

10/08/2012-10/12/2012

Adobe Systems Incorporated - MAX

10/22/2012-10/24/2012

Rock n' Roll Los Angeles Half Marathon

10/26/2012-10/27/2012

American Heart Association - Annual Nat'l Scientific Session

11/04/2012-11/07/2012

Ski Dazzle

11/15/2012-11/18/2012

L.A. Auto Show 2012

11/30/2012-12/09/2012

 

[bumbershoot]

But I don't plan on going to Disneyland again (since I'm on the east coast and it costs an arm and a leg).

I bet you'll start tracking ticket costs after this trip. And don't forget to sign up for mileage programs, so you're earning future flights whenever you fly. (our first and second WDW/Universal trips had almost all of the airfare for the 3 of us paid for with miles from hubby's work trips. Our upcoming Universal Orlando trip is the same.

So if I decide to stay at a Good Neighbor Hotel across Harbor Blvd, will I still be OK walking to and from my hotel?

Totally OK. When you get there you'll see; there are tourists swarming around morning, afternoon, and night. And if you're going to the parks really early, you'll run into the joggers!

The only thing I've EVER seen that someone might be nervous about is a homeless person sleeping on a bus stop bench, but they have been totally harmless, and the ones I've seen have actively avoided even chatting with the tourists. I've only seen them in the very early morning.

 

[BeckWhy]

Badge: It would be like an inter-office type conference. Maybe more like a training or something.

I'd also always carry my Disney Visa on me because it offers a little bit of a discount on site. And the charging abilities, if they are like that of WDW, aren't enough.

Bumbershoot: As for the frequent flyer miles, I hear what you're saying. I used to have a ton through JetBlue, but never enough, not even to fly from Buffalo to NYC. But I always sign up for those programs when I fly on whatever airline (which has only been JetBlue and Airtran).

HydroGuy: You know in all the years I've been coming here, almost every question I asked, I feel you've had the answer for. I appreciate all your help.



As for Good Neighbor Hotels, does anyone have any suggestions as to which are good ones to stay at or not stay at (and why)?

Thanks so much for all the info, you guys. It really means a lot. And I'm glad my thread helped others too!

 

[DisneyDreamer2]

You will love Disneyland! This is a great map that really helps you see where everything is around the park:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2120053

Then I like to look at google maps to see the satellite photo to really get a feel for the area.

Hojos is my first choice. They have interior corridors and a beautiful pool.I suggest a room with a balcony overlooking the pool. There are many entertainment rates right now available in October and you can get a room starting at 59.00. If you think more family might be joining you, get the 79.00 deluxe queen/queen. They all overlook the pool. I feel very safe staying there!

The Fairfield Inn you mentioned is also a great choice, but the pool is tiny and overlooks the parking lot if that impacts your relaxation day.

You may like the Candy Cane Inn, too. It reminds me a lot of Port Orleans French Quarter. It has a free breakfast and nice pool area. The walk is the same as the Hojos, but they also offer a FREE dedicated shuttle that runs every half hour just for their guests. That may make you feel safer when returning at night although I think you will feel safe walking as well.

Not only do I suggest a park hopper but I would pay the extra 10.00 for a 5 day pass. That way on relaxation day you can also pop over for a ride or two if you want. In fact knowing you have an extra day may make all your days more relaxing.And don't miss fantasmic! It is sooo much more special at Disneyland vs DHS. have a great trip!

 

[jemimabean]

I went alone in December, and stayed at a Good Neighbor hotel (the Tropicana Inn, which is right across from the gates). I felt absolutely safe the entire time, and I walked back and forth to my hotel several times a day. The only thing that I did differently this time around was ask the front desk if I could have a room towards the front of the building, just so I didn't have to walk through a dark parking lot alone at night.

I know that I'm repeating what has already been said, but you will definitely want to park hop between the two parks. I found myself walking over to DCA for one right and a meal, before walking back to my hotel for a nap.
Definitely use the single rider passes (for Indiana Jones, Soarin', and I can't remember what else now, but Google and you'll find it).

I think that I'd feel pretty overwhelmed going to WDW alone, but it was super easy and not intimidating to go to DL by myself. I will say that I definitely have more fun when I go with my family or a friend, because it's fun to have someone to laugh with, but I will gladly go alone again in the future.

Good luck!

 

[Eeee-va]

As others have said, you will be safe walking alone. I do prefer interior corridors. We stayed at the Red Lion in November and really liked the hotel and the service, though it's a bit farther walk than I prefer.

When we go, my mom usually goes back to the room a lot earlier than me and I end up walking back by myself. (That's kind of the best of both worlds for me--we get to enjoy a trip together but I still have time to do whatever I want in the parks!)

 

[mouseymommy]

I have stayed at the BWPPI, and we really like it. It is right at the ped xing to get into the park. The rooms have a little sitting area separated by a 1/2 wall from the bed and bathroom. We have found it to be very convenient, and except for the fireworks, we have never had a problem with the noise. And that isn't a problem for us! Even after midnight we had a lot of company walking back to the hotel. I would think you would be fine!

 

[vettegirl]

I had a wonderful solo trip back in August, however I stayed at the DLH and felt very safe.

 

[BlueBayou]

I have never traveled solo - but as the mom in the family I run most of the errands back to the room if needed (like forgotten rain ponchos for world of color - splash zone, back in the day - forgotten blankie not noticed until you have a cranky kid ready to sleep). I have walked solo to all three DL hotels, HOJOS (semi-solo - infant in a stroller), Camelot, and Desert Inn and Suites.

I have never had any issue at all. There are always families nearby. If it is really late and not that crowded - I would just wait a minute or two until you see a family heading the way you want to go.

For counter service - I am partial to the Bengal BBQ across from Indiana Jones and the Jungle Cruise. It is kabobs that are slightly more than snack size (you need 2 for a meal). For our family we end up getting and assortment and sharing. We also like the Veranda Street Terrace - on the side of POTC. Yummy gumbo bread bowls.

You are going to have a blast!

 

[HydroGuy]

I agree with everything said about safety here but would add one thing. Once you are out on Harbor you are on a city street. My wife was frightened by a homeless person who jumped out of the bushes and yelled at us. We were all around her walking to a restaurant at maybe 8 or 9 PM, and lots of other folks were around as well. But it scared her.

On the other hand we let our kids (boys) walk back to the Best Western Park Place Inn on Harbor alone at night when they were 10 or 11 years old.

So it is pretty safe, but don't think it is like when you are inside the parks.

 

[BeckWhy]

I'll bring my taser. Just kidding!

 

[VandVsmama]

A friend of mine who lives in southern CA goes to Disneyland by herself on a semi-regular basis. According to her reports, you should be just fine. Keep your normal street smarts and don't leave your common sense at home. it's a very safe area.

 

[BeckWhy]

I can't wait until I do my pre-trip report. I'll explain why I'm nervous.

 

[wbl2745]

Some people think my wife and I are crazy to go to Disneyland by yourselves. They think that I'm even crazier to go there alone. When I'm in LA for business I usually add at least a day to "go home" to my Disneyland.

There are things that you can do when you're by yourself that you can't do when traveling with others, even those you love. For instance, I really enjoy just wandering around and soaking up the environment. Look up at the buildings. There is so much to see that adds to the spirit of the place that most people just march right past.

When you're waiting for the fireworks or World of Color or Fantasmic! there are places you can stand when you're alone, that you can't get two people into. There's often just enough room for one, but not two (or five!). There's a porch about 2/3 of the way up Main Street with some chairs. I love to sit there and watch people. Underneath the Hungry Bear Restaurant in Critter Country there a seating area, which if you follow the path, you end up in a secluded area. If you're lucky you can see some of the feral cats of Disneyland hanging around there. There are some rides that have single rider lines that are better than Fast Passes: Soarin' and California Screaming are two that I recall. I think there are more. If you're willing to chat with people, you can even start up a conversation with someone standing next to you in line. I've met some nice people that way.

If you stay at the Disneyland Hotel, or any of the Good Neighbor hotels across the street from Disneyland on Harbor, you should be just fine. Unless you're out walking at 2 AM, there will be lots of people going back and forth to the parks.

Hope you have a great time!

 

[KCmike]

I agree with everything said about safety here but would add one thing. Once you are out on Harbor you are on a city street. My wife was frightened by a homeless person who jumped out of the bushes and yelled at us. We were all around her walking to a restaurant at maybe 8 or 9 PM, and lots of other folks were around as well. But it scared her.

On the other hand we let our kids (boys) walk back to the Best Western Park Place Inn on Harbor alone at night when they were 10 or 11 years old.

So it is pretty safe, but don't think it is like when you are inside the parks.

I agree with this review. We have seen several homeless people on Harbor during our visits. We have also seen several police cars with their lights on a few times. I have also heard of several break ins on cars parked at the hotels on Harbor. I would be careful and know your surroundings. I haven't felt unsafe but at the same time I wouldn't let my wife and kids go back by themselves late at night.

 

[BeckWhy]

I agree with this review. We have seen several homeless people on Harbor during our visits. We have also seen several police cars with their lights on a few times. I have also heard of several break ins on cars parked at the hotels on Harbor. I would be careful and know your surroundings. I haven't felt unsafe but at the same time I wouldn't let my wife and kids go back by themselves late at night.

Thanks! Now I feel really safe.

 

[KCmike]

Thanks! Now I feel really safe.

So sorry but just want you to be safe. In the daylight I have no issues but in the night I felt a little apprehensive especially after hearing of break ins and seeing homeless by the Best Western Park Place Inn. I'm sure if you stay with a pack of people you will be fine. Just be aware of your surroundings. Heck its not safe in most people's neighborhoods anymore. So sad.

 

[LisainCalifornia]

Thanks! Now I feel really safe.

I really don't think this is fair. You did ask for honest opinions, right? People are allowed to give their honest opinions unless you say you don't want any negative replies at all. I actually agree with him--I have had that same feeling when staying on Harbor. This is Anaheim, after all.

The difference is that you will be staying at the Disneyland Hotel. So I can say (as someone who has stayed on property and off many times) you will be FINE. There is a huge difference walking home at night on Harbor and walking home at night through downtown Disney to the Disneyland Hotel.

So being that you are stay at the Disneyland Hotel, I think we can all agree that you will be fine and have a great time. I hope you post your positive review when you get home.

Take care,
Lisa