Tips for solo trip

[huskies90]

Hi everyone!! Long time WDW fan and frequent WDW visitor. I have a work conference at the Disneyland Hotel in two weeks and have planned it so I'll be out a day early to enjoy an extra day in sunny CA. I have never been to DLR so I would love to spend the day in the parks especially checking out attractions that are unique to CA and/or are different than the FL counterpart.

While I am excited to be out there for a day (I LOVE CA), I feel a bit weird roaming the parks by myself without my family. I thought about trying to bring one or two of my kids but the logistics just did not work and plus, we are already planning a trip out to CA in 2010. Does anyone have any tips for a 40 something year old guy touring the parks by himself to help reduce the creepiness?

 

[bumbershoot]

Well, the main thing to remember is that most people will just assume that your wife and kids are back at the hotel having a nap. IF they notice you at all, that is.

I've done a couple solo trips, and I like having things at hand. I love taking pictures, so I'll have camera in hand (not always possible when with my 5 year old, needing to hold hands or get things from the backpack, etc etc). While eating, I have a book (or, on future trips, my Kindle) or my journal or just a notepad to write down what I've done and what I want to do.

I tend to plan out the things I want to do that day. Not a set in stone schedule, but a list and a general plan (see Hydroguy's tips for WDW vets!).

Those things help me feel more prepared, so I always have things to do and I'm not just standing there looking lost. Because a solo person just standing there staring into space, well then you get the creepy factor.

Have fun!!!!

 

[Hound 109]

What day (date) will you be visiting? Staying at the DLH may get you MM.

FROM BUMBER: I tend to plan out the things I want to do that day. Not a set in stone schedule, but a list and a general plan (see Hydroguy's tips for WDW vets!).

The link:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599


& all the rest of his tip threads are worth a read as well.:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1520483


You might also find my one day trip report (linked below) helpful as well.


Have a great time planning a visit to Walt's park.

 

[DangerMouse]

Utilize single rider lines on the following:

Splash, Indy, Soarin, Screamin, Maliboomer, Mulholland Madness, GRR and TSMM.

Have fun!

 

[huskies90]

What day (date) will you be visiting? Staying at the DLH may get you MM.

I am coming on Sat 11/14 in the evening and will POSSIBLY go into the park that night depending how late I arrive and how tired I am but really, I have all of 11/15 free and that is the day I plan to "slither" around the parks.

I thought you needed a 3 day pass to get the MM. But yes, I'll be staying in the DLH.

 

[DisneyMomma81]

Great! On-site guests get MM simply for staying on-site! That's a big part of we we've spent 1 night at each of the 3 DLR hotels ~ we're AP holders so no MMs for us. Definitely take advantage of the MM on your Sun.

 

[HydroGuy]

Utilize single rider lines on the following:

Splash, Indy, Soarin, Screamin, Maliboomer, Mulholland Madness, GRR and TSMM.

Have fun!

My thoughts exactly.

 

[Spirit Mage]

Utilize single rider lines on the following:

Splash, Indy, Soarin, Screamin, Maliboomer, Mulholland Madness, GRR and TSMM.

Have fun!

They have a single rider line for Indy now?! A couple years ago when I was last there I asked and was told their wasn't. I'm so excited . Have someone to go with on the 17th when I'm going but next month I'm flying solo. Now they just need one for Space Mountain

 

[bumbershoot]

Definitely take advantage of the MM on your Sun.

Absolutely!!!!!

 

[Hound 109]

Great! On-site guests get MM simply for staying on-site! That's a big part of we we've spent 1 night at each of the 3 DLR hotels ~ we're AP holders so no MMs for us. Definitely take advantage of the MM on your Sun.

Correct!!

tue/thur/sat & SUNDAY are the MM days.

Since you're staying at the DLH you are entitled to MM each day including day of arrival & day of departure....(even on a one day hopper).

& definitely have FP and Single rider in your one day strategy.

 

[Sleepless Knight]

With only one day in the parks, I'd examine whether or not DCA is really worth the expense at all right now. With the exception of the Aladdin show, the best DCA attractions (or very, very similar ones) are found somewhere at WDW (unless you haven't been since Toy Story Mania opened).

Remember that although smaller than the MK, Disneyland actually has more attractions and sometimes longer (and usually much better) versions of attractions the parks share (POTC).

 

[sonnyjane]

I'm a solo-trip convert! I too was nervous before my first one, but I had such a blast, and I know you will too! I'm actually glad I checked up with this thread because while I utilized the single rider line for the DLR rides, I forgot about DCA (Soarin has SRL!?! YES!).

What I really liked, and I think most agree, is the flexibility you're afforded. I didn't feel like I had to go to each "land" systematically, nor did I feel like I had to ride everything out of obligation. Instead, I focused on riding my favorites a couple of times, and skipped the ones I wasn't crazy about (um, sorry Snow White lol). I also loved that I didn't have to worry about when or where to eat just because others were hungry. I'd ride and ride, then pop in to grab a snack somewhere, then ride some more.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[bumbershoot]

They have a single rider line for Indy now?!

Yep. Relatively new! It's a little uncomfortable b/c they send you "up the exit"...I always hold my little slip of paper out so I can easily say "no really I'm supposed to be here" in case anyone cares to get nosy.

What I really liked, and I think most agree, is the flexibility you're afforded. I didn't feel like I had to go to each "land" systematically, nor did I feel like I had to ride everything out of obligation. Instead, I focused on riding my favorites a couple of times, and skipped the ones I wasn't crazy about (um, sorry Snow White lol). I also loved that I didn't have to worry about when or where to eat just because others were hungry. I'd ride and ride, then pop in to grab a snack somewhere, then ride some more.

Enjoy your trip!

Absolutely.


As for skipping DCA, IMO, perish the thought! Screamin', TSMM, TOT, Monsters, GRIZZLY...best of the best right there, for me!

 

[huskies90]

With only one day in the parks, I'd examine whether or not DCA is really worth the expense at all right now. With the exception of the Aladdin show, the best DCA attractions (or very, very similar ones) are found somewhere at WDW (unless you haven't been since Toy Story Mania opened).

Remember that although smaller than the MK, Disneyland actually has more attractions and sometimes longer (and usually much better) versions of attractions the parks share (POTC).

Well, the expense is not that big a deal when you are by yourself. Perhaps if I was paying for my whole family that would be true. And I will probably buy a multi day pass anyway and go in Saturday night when I get in if even just to watch the fireworks. As for DCA, I have been on TSMM at WDW so, the main attraction for me will be Cali Screamin'!!

 

[Spirit Mage]

Yep. Relatively new! It's a little uncomfortable b/c they send you "up the exit"...I always hold my little slip of paper out so I can easily say "no really I'm supposed to be here" in case anyone cares to get nosy.



Absolutely.


As for skipping DCA, IMO, perish the thought! Screamin', TSMM, TOT, Monsters, GRIZZLY...best of the best right there, for me!

Yay

For me, the best part of DCA is Soarin' Over California. I ride that 8 times a day because of single rider lines... and I'm not exaggerating LOL. I love it SO much.

 

[BacksideOfWater]

So are you still planning on hitting DL on your trip? I was in a similar situation last week. I am an almost-40-yo male with a family, and I was in the LA/Anaheim area attending a convention. The convention was kind of a bust, so I had almost 2 full days at the parks by myself.

At first I thought it would be really weird being alone, but that didn't turn out to be an issue. However, as I looked around as I traveled through the parks, I did not see anyone else who fit my profile. Looks like the mid-aged male solo DL visitor is a pretty small demographic, as I expected. I seemed to get a few strange looks, but it could have been my imagination.

I had a fantastic trip and would definitely do it again. Have fun!

 

[ukstitch]

I'll be hitting DLR next month for my second solo trip - I'm a 25 year old male. I found on my last trip I got the same treatment from everybody (CM's, characters etc) as a family - I even queued for the characters for autographs etc

To be honest, I don't think anybody really notices that you're alone, or if they do, I don't notice that they notice

As others have said - make the most of the single rider queues. Also - make the most of there just being the one of you. It's a lot easier to "squeeze" (without pushing of course) through the small gaps in crowds when you've only got yourself to worry about.

 

[PDJPrinceCharming]

Every single trip i've taken to WDW has been a solo trip save one & it might has well have been one. I love to take advantage of the SRL, its a BIG time saver especially on Test Track. I'm excited to be able to do Soarin' & TSMM at DLR in a few weeks on my first trip & i'm even more excited to be able to finally experience Indy & California Screamin' with the SRL as well. It will be my first trip & as a solo, the best part is that you are your own boss & that is something I very much enjoy. Even though i'd love to be able to share the magic with someone special, oh well hopefully someday.

 

[DLR29]

One small thing about the Single Rider lines. It has been reported on "the other site" that TSMM's SR line isn't being used anymore.