Solo Trip Planning

[emily_p]

Hey everyone!



I grew up visiting Disneyland as a kid, but since moving back to Australia, I only make it back maybe every other year, so I really try to make the absolute most out of my time in the parks. I'll be coming over for the very end of January and the first few days of Feb -- except it will be my first time completely by myself! While I'm a little nervous, I'm also really excited to get to check out Galaxy's Edge for the first time as well as have more freedom to, I guess, do whatever I want since it's just me!

I have a few questions for those of you who have done solo trips, or just might know a bit more about the ins and outs of planning a relatively short trip. But also any tips you have would be welcome!

• Right now I'm thinking a three-day park hopper should do it, but I'm not sure if MaxPass will be worth it since it's just me, and I know a good few rides probably have single rider? If you think it's still worth it, let me know!
• What are your must-dos in Batuu?
• Has anyone stayed at the Travelodge on Harbor before that can share their experience?
• Is it worth making dining reservations if it's just for 1?

Thanks everyone in advance for your help!

Em

 

[disneychrista]

Is it worth making dining reservations if it's just for 1?

YES!! I think this was one of the best things about my solo trip. I got to eat places where my daughter didn't want to go or that I wouldn't have been able to afford for 3. If there is some place you want to dine that you would need a reservation than DO IT.

The biggest obstacle (for me) was getting over the awkwardness of being solo in line. But once I did, it wasn't a big deal.

 

[FrazierFamily]

My solo trip was one of my best adult experience to date I have a trip report somewhere on here. I had the same initial concern as @disneychrista of getting over being solo... but honestly... NO ONE cares or even notices! ... Well maybe when I tried to eat a monte cristo and pomme frites by myself.. but I didn't care


1. I did 2 full days, with 2 half days and it was more than enough. I had a huge list of things I wanted to do other than rides and still got in multiple rides on my favorite ones, ever day! I did have the Max Pass for my 2 full days and it really wasnt "needed" but made my life easier. I was moving all over as I didn't have to move with a group so I got places fast so I was all over the parks every day. However, I used single rider as often as possible too. I kept my max passes/fast passes only for rides that didn't have single rider.

2. Batuu was well done. I like Star Wars, but not crazy about it. That being said. I spent no more than an hour there. I rode the ride once, not worth the wait for me. Loved the Ronto Wrap, but didn't get to try the green or blue milk. Oga's Cantina, on the other hand, had 2 of the best alcoholic drinks I have ever had (the Fuzzy Tonton, and the Outer Rim) That being said.. I did not care for the atmosphere being by myself, but I would go back for the drinks in a second.

3. Sorry no.. Holiday Inn, the one thats farther away.

4. YES YES YES. I had reservations for Oga's, Cafe Orleans, Fantasmic premium seating, and the World of Color Dessert Party. I got the best service at WOC and even got lucky enough to get my own table. Would not have gotten into any of them without reservations.


Tips
1. People watching goes to a whole new level when you are alone and do not have your time divided with other people in a group. Take time to sit and watch
2. I made a list of everything I wanted to do. I grew up in LA and visiting DL often as a child... but then moved away and took a 20 year break. It was important to me to catch as much as I could. I made lists of attractions, shows, and food I really wanted to experience so I wouldn't forget.
3. I forgot about my phone! Expect for max pass and mobile ordering it stayed in my pocket. These were my memories. I took a few pictures and I kept notes on my activities. I had my lists on credit card size pieces of paper that I kept with a small wallet that fit in my pants pocket to keep track so I wasnt tempted to take out my phone.
4. Dress comfortably. I didnt have to carry anything for anyone. While I did have a backpack that I brought each day I also got a locker each day. I made sure I had shorts that had closeable pockets that fit my phone and my little wallet thing. This was the best thing ever.... especially when I brought a pair of flip flops and a ziplock baggy for Grizzly Peak.


I am happy to answer any questions as I love talking about my trip... but not alot of people understand why someone would want to go alone so I try not to bore people

 

[FrazierFamily]

I found the post

https://www.disboards.com/threads/my-solo-tr.3764744/

 

[Geemo]

Hey everyone!



I grew up visiting Disneyland as a kid, but since moving back to Australia, I only make it back maybe every other year, so I really try to make the absolute most out of my time in the parks. I'll be coming over for the very end of January and the first few days of Feb -- except it will be my first time completely by myself! While I'm a little nervous, I'm also really excited to get to check out Galaxy's Edge for the first time as well as have more freedom to, I guess, do whatever I want since it's just me!

I have a few questions for those of you who have done solo trips, or just might know a bit more about the ins and outs of planning a relatively short trip. But also any tips you have would be welcome!

• Right now I'm thinking a three-day park hopper should do it, but I'm not sure if MaxPass will be worth it since it's just me, and I know a good few rides probably have single rider? If you think it's still worth it, let me know!
• What are your must-dos in Batuu?
• Has anyone stayed at the Travelodge on Harbor before that can share their experience?
• Is it worth making dining reservations if it's just for 1?

Thanks everyone in advance for your help!

Em

Look at the entertainment schedule for the days you'll be in the parks.
Not all shows play every day. Example... Mickey and the magical map.
Some of the evening shows in Disneyland are only on the weekends.

I go solo often now and I still use MP.
You're going to have a great time!!!

Geemo

 

[tsumgirl]

I just started doing more solo trips this year, so my experience is pretty limited.

Right now I'm thinking a three-day park hopper should do it, but I'm not sure if MaxPass will be worth it since it's just me, and I know a good few rides probably have single rider? If you think it's still worth it, let me know!

By all means, get MaxPass. It's handy for rides, but when travelling solo, I mainly use it for photos, since you won't have someone there to take the traditional photos of you at the castle, Batuu, etc. You don't necessarily need it every day if you don't want it, but I enjoy using it. It's so easy to pick up cancelled FPs when you're solo, that it's worth the price if you only want it for rides.

What are your must-dos in Batuu?

Not really a fan, so other than eating at Docking Bay 7, I don't really venture here.

Is it worth making dining reservations if it's just for 1?

Definitely. Since no one knows if the crowds will pick up with ROTR, it's nice to have a fall back for meals. You can always cancel them a day or so beforehand if it looks like your days won't have big crowds. I usually have a few dining reservations scheduled for days that will likely be busy, so I can just sit down in peace and eat.

Travelling solo is so much fun. It's nice to just hop around the parks on a whim and get everything you want done at your own pace.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Your must-do in Batuu at that time will be ROTR (opens at DL on 1/17/20)!
Not that many rides have SR lines (there is a list on the DLR website) -- so just be aware of that. But where there are SR lines, use them!
MP may or may not be worth it -- it depends on which rides you really want to do and what the crowd conditions are in the parks on your trip dates. The good thing is that you can always purchase MP day of if you think you need it, so there's no pressure to buy it ahead of time. Keep checking the app for the days right before your arrival to see what the wait times are, what the FP availability is and what the return times look like and how quickly FPs are running out for the rides you want, then decide whether you think you should purchase MP for your trip. You might want to buy it for just one day for the PP -- then get as many photos as you can on that day to commemorate your trip!

 

[BadPinkTink]

waves hi, solo female from Ireland, been going to Disney Parks solo for nearly 10 years and now I have booked a solo Disney cruise for September 2020.

• Right now I'm thinking a three-day park hopper should do it, but I'm not sure if MaxPass will be worth it since it's just me, and I know a good few rides probably have single rider? If you think it's still worth it, let me know!

I usually do 3 days 1 park and I don't use Maxpass. I use the the free FastPass kiosks and the single rider lines. I just feel that the price of Maxpass is not worth it for me. I can use that money for snacks, food etc. I don't do character meets and or selfies so the photo pass option is not something I am interested in. I find the free Fastpass kiosks suit my touring style just fine

• What are your must-dos in Batuu?

Everything, lol. I did 2 visits to Ogas Cantina, single rider in Smugglers Run, mobile ordering food in Docking Bay and just loved people watching and and the whole atmosphere of Batuu. I also did Disney Bounding as a citizen of Batuu and created my own back story to interact with the CM's

• Has anyone stayed at the Travelodge on Harbor before that can share their experience?

I usually stay at Motel 6 Maingate but for June 2020 I have booked Kings Inn. I use ART shuttle bus to and from the parks. The whole area around the parks, Harbour Boulevard and Katella Avenue is very active when the parks close, there is a continuous stream of people walking from the parks back to the hotels. I would feel safe enough walking back to either Motel 6 or Kings Inn but after 14 hours in the parks my feet just give up. I walk around 10 miles in the park each day

• Is it worth making dining reservations if it's just for 1?

Most defiantly. I always make dining reservations for 1 table service every day. My go to restaurant is Blue Bayou and I do the Fantasmic dining package every year. In 2019 I did the Frozen Dining package in Carthay Circle in California Adventures. I have also done the World of Colour Dining package at Wine Country Tratoria.

Other table service restaurants I have eaten at are Storeytellers in Grand Californian Hotel and Carnation Cafe.

I usually make the reservations between the 60 day and 50 day mark and I find it helps me with my touring plan. I am aiming to eat in every restaurant in Disneyland ,so each year I book a different restaurant. I choose restaurants based on budget and menu. You should not feel guilty or un comfortable in any restaurant just because you are solo. You have paid to be there and have as much right as everyone else to be there.

You should read my 2019 trip report https://www.disboards.com/threads/t...any-firsts-mixed-with-old-favourites.3758518/ It will give you an idea of just how much you can do when you are solo.

Feel free to ask any questions. I also do other non Disney solo travel. My most recent trip was a week in Lisbon, Portugal for Web Summit conference and my next solo trip is 4 days in London, England during Christmas.

 

[Plip]

but I'm not sure if MaxPass will be worth it since it's just me

I think when you consider the relatively low cost of MaxPass for just one person, it might be the best value you get at DLR for your entire vacation. It's definitely worth it.

You're planning on three days, so it'll be $45 for your entire trip. Considering the cost of your flights, your hotel, your tickets, your ground transportation, your food, your souvenirs... $45 is a minuscule amount compared to the cost of the whole trip. I wouldn't spend all that money to be there and then pass on Max Pass just to save $45.

For some people, it really does bring the whole trip together and allows them to do significantly more than they could do without Max Pass. But even if you're not one of those people, even if you just use it casually -- maybe get two extra FastPasses each day over what you'd get if you were pulling them from the kiosks -- over the whole vacation, that's still going to save you several hours waiting in lines for those attractions and free you up for that many more other attractions. Max Pass also means you don't have to trek across the parks to get your Fantasmic!/WOC passes. And you get all of your photos included. Even if you don't use the Disney photographers, you probably want your Splash Mountain, Cars, Incredicoaster, etc. ride photos.

So even if, for you, MaxePass just ends up being a luxury, it'll be a really nice luxury. And for what it costs you, I wouldn't pass it up.

 

[WonkaKid]

• Right now I'm thinking a three-day Park Hopper should do it, but I'm not sure if MaxPass will be worth it since it's just me, and I know a good few rides probably have single rider? If you think it's still worth it, let me know!

I vote for MP at least on your first day and see how it works for you. Then if you like it you can buy it for the next two days. I'm an AP-holder and have MP added to my pass. But as you say, many of the good rides offer single rider so that makes things a lot easier.

• [*]What are your must-dos in Batuu?

I'm not the best person to ask about this. I've only been to SWL about three times since it opened... even though I've been to park probably 20 times since it was added.

• [*]Is it worth making dining reservations if it's just for 1?

I spoke with the CM hostess at Blue Bayou yesterday and she told me that walk-ups are almost always available, even on busy days. For BB, your best times to check are at 11:05, minutes after they've opened, and at 3:55, minutes before the lunch-to-dinner transition.

FWIW, I go to DL as a solo visitor often. At least four times a month. In my case, however, I know many people that either also come often or are CMs. I'm also exceptionally extroverted and have no trouble striking up a conversation with fellow park guests. Nearly always I find that they’re really cool and easy to talk to.

 

[lalasmama]

I do solo trip every couple of months. Sometimes day trips, but more commonly several days in a row.

I definitely use Max Pass. People cancel their MPs, and, as a single rider, you can catch those MPs really easily.

Some SRLs aren't as fast or any faster than FP lines. For instance, Indy may or may not be faster at any given time. They basically have SRL with the ADA line, so if there's a lot people in the ADA line, the SRL may take as long as the regular line.

On Batuu, I liked breakfast at Docking Bay 7. I enjoyed the Millineum Falcon (I've been in each role now). And it's awesome to just people watch there!

I definitely make dining reservations 1-2 times for each trip. One is always Cafe Orleans. Mmm pomme frites and beignets!

As far as motels, I have not stayed at Travelodge on Harbor. Not sure where your preferred price point is, but on solo trips, I like to be close (but still cheap, and always clean!), so I go to BW Stovall's, or Desert Inn and Suites (both around $130-140/night). Really, I just get whiny walking to my motel after the parks, so closeness is an important consideration!

 

[smartlabelprint]

On my trip this month I rode the 1st SWGE ride 3x. Enjoyed it. 2x was single rider-very quick!

I liked blue and green milk. Preferred blue.

Look at motels right across the street. Desert inn & suites, park vue inn, best western plus Anaheim inn and BWPPI, Tropicana, Camelot