Solo Trip During a Convention

[foohpah]

I am looking at attending a convention at the DL Hotel the first week of May this year. I was hoping to be able to bring my family with me at least for the weekend after since we are all WDW vets that have never visited DL but school and work schedules just do not want to agree. So that leaves me with deciding to go to the conference by myself and if I do go deciding how much of DL I wish to tour. I will be staying at the DL Hotel from 4/30 - 5/6. The convention is from 5/1 - 5/4. I will probably have a few evenings free and then I will have all day Friday, 5/5, to spend in the parks if I wish. My number one concern is just being sad because I think I will miss my family not being there - Disney is our "thing" and I am really struggling with the idea of being in the parks without them. I am hoping I can get over that and enjoy it.

I was looking at the Twilight Tickets but they seem outrageously priced for what I can get. $75 for 4 hours in 1 park with no hopping. I can get a full 1 day ticket for 1 park with no hopping for $88. Thinking it might be more cost effective to pay for a multi-day park hopper - will need to run the numbers.

How much can I realistically expect to accomplish that week in the evening hours. I would think I will want to focus on rides/shows/events that are not also in WDW. Also it looks like 5/5 is a grad day - how will that impact the parks and my planning that day?

Any info on solo touring at DL would be appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[Sweettears]

I am looking at attending a convention at the DL Hotel the first week of May this year. I was hoping to be able to bring my family with me at least for the weekend after since we are all WDW vets that have never visited DL but school and work schedules just do not want to agree. So that leaves me with deciding to go to the conference by myself and if I do go deciding how much of DL I wish to tour. I will be staying at the DL Hotel from 4/30 - 5/6. The convention is from 5/1 - 5/4. I will probably have a few evenings free and then I will have all day Friday, 5/5, to spend in the parks if I wish. My number one concern is just being sad because I think I will miss my family not being there - Disney is our "thing" and I am really struggling with the idea of being in the parks without them. I am hoping I can get over that and enjoy it.

I was looking at the Twilight Tickets but they seem outrageously priced for what I can get. $75 for 4 hours in 1 park with no hopping. I can get a full 1 day ticket for 1 park with no hopping for $88. Thinking it might be more cost effective to pay for a multi-day park hopper - will need to run the numbers.

How much can I realistically expect to accomplish that week in the evening hours. I would think I will want to focus on rides/shows/events that are not also in WDW. Also it looks like 5/5 is a grad day - how will that impact the parks and my planning that day?

Any info on solo touring at DL would be appreciated.

Thanks!

WDW vet here that has taken 5 trips to DL. I would definitely go for it. I don't know how often you get to Anaheim but if infrequent I wouldn't pass on the opportunity. I would suggest getting the park hopper. DCA and DL and right next to each other and given that you want to experience the non-WDW attractions you will certainly want to experience RSR. I think having evenings will give you a chance to see some of the nighttime attractions. I would definitely see World of Color.

I have traveled solo often and actually enjoy it versus not travelling to Disney. There will be enough to do to keep your mind off being solo. Plus it will give you a better perspective for planning your return trip.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

This thread will give you lots of good info: A DLR Guide for WDW Vets. Don't be sad being solo in the parks! Think of this trip as reconnaissance for a future visit with your family. Take lots of photos to show them what to look forward to. Get them souvenirs that are exclusive to the original DL and to DCA.

 

[Chiomaca]

I like going to the parks solo once in a while. I get to eat/drink what I want, when I want, and I can ride the rides with single rider lines without being bummed that I won't be with my friend/family/significant other. I definitely agree on the park hopper, especially at the prices you list. It's so much easier to hop at DLR. Also agree on World of Color! I don't think the Grad Night will affect you much unless it's changed a lot since I was there last. Most of the big stuff happens late at night when the rest of the patrons have left. It's been a long, long time though.

 

[StormyCA]

Solo in the parks can be really great. You can do exactly what you want, when you want. I had three solo days before BFF and her daughter showed up for the 60th kickoff. I got pretty much all my shopping done, ate what I wanted, didn't have to take time to watch parades or shows, and rode the rides(especially the ones that they don't really care for) multiple times. All at my own pace. The parks are better with friends, but solo can be great, too.

Since you'll be in the area for a few days, you may want to consider a one-day car rental from Alamo and do some exploring of the LA area. Lots to see and do.

 

[Elk Grove Chris]

Solo days are awesome as pointed out above. I just love doing whatever I want when I want, you will too.