Tips for Solo Travelers

[revwog1974]

Yes, I'd usually rather eat by myself than with my children, as much as I love them, they don't make for pleasant dining companions.

 

[SierraRose]

Sadly I honestly don't have that many friends who can afford to go to Disneyland(I'm in college and we tend to lack a little thing called money haha) but I did get an annual pass this year so in order to get my money's worth I've been going to the parks by myself.

My sister says it's sad to go to theme parks alone, but I love them just the same! True it would be MORE fun having someone there to share the experience with, but like other have said, I can go on whatever rides I want, take a break when I want, eat where I want, etc. without having to consult anyone or feel like I'm being bossy. I actually ate at carnation cafe alone before and though I did feel a little awkward I just tried to make myself look busy by being on my phone while eating my pickle fries haha.

Oh and funny thing about Single Riders, I went just last week and near the end of the day I decided to go on Soarin and the CM told me to just go in standby because apparently they were going faster than single riders! XD

 

[SomeGuyInOz]

I am in a similar situation to SierraRose. I'm airline crew and travel to LA often for work, so I got an annual pass. Only a few of my colleagues were interested in doing the same, but we rarely get to fly together. So my only option most of the time is to go to the parks alone. Although I'd prefer to be there with family or friends, I still usually have an awesome time there by myself.

I'm sure a lot of my colleagues think it's sad to go to DL alone, but I think it's sad NOT to go there when you're staying LITERALLY down the road (it's a 15 minute walk to the parks!). Don't worry about what other people think. Most won't even notice you, anyway, because they're in their own adventures ;-)

 

[dreamseeker9]

I leave tomorrow for DL (woohoo!) and a conference. I have friends meeting up with me on some days, but I know that on other days after the conference ends, I will be going to the parks at night by myself. I did a solo trip to WDW last year, and it was a great experience. I'm looking forward to experiencing DL both with friends and by myself.

 

[Anemone]

Thank you all for your suggestions! I'm looking forward to going into a few shops I never get to see because the kids just want to get to the rides.

Does anyone have a favorite place to eat alone? I always try to eat at Blue Bayou but that one may look a little silly all by myself.

I did the BB Fantasmic dinner and the WCT WOC dinner and nobody batted an eye. I also sat waterside in BB. I sat with my back to the restaurant and watched the boats. My server was lovely, really attentive. In WCT again I felt very well looked after and had no impression that any other diner was at all interested in me.

At Plaza Gardens the characters all visited my table for a chat and a hug. I didn't have an autograph book but did take their photo and when I met the Fairy Godmother I asked a CM to take our photo together as she's a very rare character in Paris which is my "home" park.

Sitting alone at a dining table was an opportunity to get my map out and decide what I was going to do next or to scribble a quick note of what I'd done to help with my TR.

 

[revwog1974]

I leave tomorrow for DL (woohoo!) and a conference. I have friends meeting up with me on some days, but I know that on other days after the conference ends, I will be going to the parks at night by myself. I did a solo trip to WDW last year, and it was a great experience. I'm looking forward to experiencing DL both with friends and by myself.

I hope the conference isn't too boring and you have a fabulous time at Disneyland in the evenings!

 

[TechGuy]

Thank you so much! I'm such an introvert that I'm always thinking people are staring at me. This trip will be good for me.

I would be willing to bet that some of the people glancing your direction are wishing they had the luxury to dine, alone, without the "company" of the dining companions they have. I know I had one dinner at Brennans where my brothers's kids would have received applause (from us) if they had decided to go back to their hotel room for a much needed nap.

 

[revwog1974]

I would be willing to bet that some of the people glancing your direction are wishing they had the luxury to dine, alone, without the "company" of the dining companions they have. I know I had one dinner at Brennans where my brothers's kids would have received applause (from us) if they had decided to go back to their hotel room for a much needed nap.

You're probably right. But it's one of the curses of being an introvert that I'd rather people just didn't notice me.

 

[MadeToLove]

You're probably right. But it's one of the curses of being an introvert that I'd rather people just didn't notice me.

I'm a bit of an introvert too, which is why I love going to the parks solo. I take my camera and a notepad to jot down thoughts and just soak in the atmosphere. Sometimes I strike up conversations with other guests in line and sometimes I don't. I take pics with every character I meet and try to play along with them. It's fun to pretend and be like a kid again (without throwing the tantrums). Eat what I want, when I want. Ride what I want, when I want (and apparently acting like a kid again too in that slightly selfish way haha). When you go to the parks without all the anxiety, you can really have a relaxing time.

 

[Chiomaca]

Thank you so much! I'm such an introvert that I'm always thinking people are staring at me. This trip will be good for me.

I eat alone regularly between my Significant Other being 3,000 miles away and travel (work and pleasure). I always have a book ready, either on my phone or hard copy for when I feel like barricading myself from the world or to avoid strange situations. Sometimes I don't need it - I ate solo at the Chef's Table at Napa Rose the day before my family came for Thanksgiving and the Chef (whose name I know I'm supposed to know but can't remember it) noticed my book and asked me about it. Then he started cooking for me himself. And I got Chef's Table reservations for six for Thanksgiving...it was a really good conversation.

I've eaten alone at Plaza Inn (breakfast), Cafe Orleans, Carnation Cafe, Trader Sam's, Cove Bar (sat next to a local guy who builds rockets for SpaceX!), Wine Country Trattoria, and several spots in Downtown Disney. Sometimes I chat with people, sometimes I stay in my book, but I've always had a good experience. I don't think I'd do the character breakfast as a solo adult again, because it's just too awkward for me when the non-vocal characters come up and interact. It's awesome that they don't ignore the solo adults because many people have no problem interacting, but it's just weird for me.

Anyway - I'm a hard core introvert and I find that in some ways I enjoy Disney solo more than I do with my family. I'm not worried about what to do next, negotiating competing desires, or trying to keep track of people. It feels less stressful, even though it's sometimes strange. Also - I totally found great places to watch the parades and fireworks that were just right for a single adult.