Solo trips to DL

[Minimunchlax]

Hi everyone, first time with posting on here although I have lurked the threads for a while. I'm a WDW vet but I will be headed to Disneyland for D23 for the first time in both the parks and the conventions. Any tips for the solo traveler? I'm mostly nervous because there are definitely places I would like to eat but is it weird if I dine alone at a sit down?

 

[Simba's Mom]

First, it might seem wierd to YOU dining alone at sit-down. As a solo veteran of about 20 trips, I know it took me a few times to feel comfortable. But there's a saying that applies, I don't remember exactly how it goes, but basically it says that when you realize how little other people are noticing you, you'll relax. I always say at WDW (and DL), unless you bear a striking resembalance to a Disney character, no one's even going to notice you. They're all involved in their own vacations. And I went to DL solo once, it ws my one and only trip ever to DL-DS had an internship in Entertainment so I went to see him. I was a little uneasy at first just being in a new place. I stayed off-site, so I was a little nervous at the end of the day walking back to my hotel. But I followed another family close enough so that it looked like I was with them. And fortunately, they didn't seem to notice. Have fun!

 

[Minimunchlax]

First, it might seem wierd to YOU dining alone at sit-down. As a solo veteran of about 20 trips, I know it took me a few times to feel comfortable. But there's a saying that applies, I don't remember exactly how it goes, but basically it says that when you realize how little other people are noticing you, you'll relax. I always say at WDW (and DL), unless you bear a striking resembalance to a Disney character, no one's even going to notice you. They're all involved in their own vacations. And I went to DL solo once, it ws my one and only trip ever to DL-DS had an internship in Entertainment so I went to see him. I was a little uneasy at first just being in a new place. I stayed off-site, so I was a little nervous at the end of the day walking back to my hotel. But I followed another family close enough so that it looked like I was with them. And fortunately, they didn't seem to notice. Have fun!

Thank you! I'll try my best to relax, I'm always just a bit nervous in new places alone.

 

[BadPinkTink]

Im just back from a 2 day solo visit, I did 8am to 11pm both days. I did the Main Street Electric Parade dining package at Blue Bayou and also had an afternoon cocktail / chill out time in the bar in The Grand California Hotel. I ate at IHop on Harbour Blvd, Jolly Holiday bakery and Pizza Port. I went to see Mickey and The Magical Map show, and as much rides as I could. Honestly no one cares that you are on your own. Sometimes I chatted to people while waiting in line, sometimes I did not. The only comments I got were due to my outfit as I one day I did Disney Bounding as Melificent.

 

[Robinjay]

Hi Mini,

I am a local and an AP and I frequently go by myself. I also dine by myself too and I see that I am not the only one. I also know others who do the same (which is why on dining ressies they have an option for one person).

I have never felt out of place or weird about it! No one should!

Solo trips are fun and single rider rocks (on some rides anyway).

Have the most magical time ever!

 

[grannyminnie]

I go solo every time and don't mind it at all. I can set my own pace, eat where I want and as long as I want, and ride what I want to.

 

[GlitteryOtters]

I usually go to the park solo and I have always felt very comfortable. I think part of the reason is that Disneyland has a ton of local AP holders & many of them regularly go to the park solo or in smaller groups (I haven't been to WDW, but from what I hear that tends to be more of a family/group oriented park, right? Disneyland is really solo visitor friendly!).


I mostly eat counter service or bring my own food due to somewhat complex special diet needs, but I have eaten solo at both Blue Bayou and Carnation Cafe and felt nothing but comfortable and quite welcomed by all who served me there, and due to my dietary restrictions I seldom feel comfortable eating out! Most other visitors don't even notice or care that you are there, let alone pay attention to your solo status.


My main tips you already know from WDW--use single rider (I have found this particularly valuable on Indy & Radiator Springs Racers, two of my top 10 favorite rides), enjoy the freedom to ride what you want and eat what & when you want, and have fun!


~Meg

 

[theluckyrabbit]

If you have trouble making a reservation for 1 online, try looking for a party of 2. As long as someone shows up for the reservation (and that someone will be you!), Disney is fine with the number being fewer than stated. But when you check in, let the host/ess know that you are a party of 1 so that the server doesn't keep you waiting for your phantom guest to join you.
At NR and S55, you can sit at the bar in the lounge. It is fun to dine solo at the bar and talk with the bartenders.

 

[HydroGuy]

I have done one short (2 day) solo trip to WDW (I was in the area on business) and I have done one 2 day solo trip to DLR, plus a few solo day trips. You will be fine solo as others have said and I agree it is just not a big deal to dine alone. Plus around the Expo time I think there are more solo visitors like you than normal.

DLR has more single rider lines than WDW. Here is a list: http://disneyland.disney.go.com/attractions/list/#/single-rider-line

 

[cruisehopeful]

I have eaten alone in both table service and counter service. There is nothing weird about it all. It's all very comfortable. The servers are used to it and the other patrons don't care because they are eating a meal and thinking about Disneyland.

If you decide that you would rather eat with someone, you could always post here or somewhere else saying you have a reservation somewhere and ask if anyone wants to join you. I believe you have 24 hours to change any reservation if you don't find someone who can join you.

 

[disneychrista]

My trip last year was solo. I ate at Carthay and Carnation Cafe plus did the WOC dessert seating. I will admit it was odd at first being solo in the parks but after an hour or so I was fine.

I see most of the future trips being solo. Kids are grown and I am single, with little hope that will change.

 

[chirurgeon]

I am a solo traveler at both WDW and DLR. And often a solo diner at home. Like to people watch at the parks. And read both there and at home.

 

[darph nader]

Did a solo trip 10-11 yrs ago. (got a smokin deal on airline tickets and hotel) Up side,,do what you want,down side no one to talk to in line. One day was eating in NOS by myself and a couple asked to join me,(place was packed). We ate lunch and I wished them well.