Going to Disney Solo
When I was recently approached about heading to Los Angeles for a business I trip all I heard in my head was, “You’re going to Disneyland!” I couldn’t wait to tell my hubby and get our flights booked. You can imagine how deflated I was when the dates fell over a period that he couldn’t join me. At first, I was sad that I would be so close to Disneyland and not visiting the happiest place on Earth. Then I realized, I visit Disney World several times a month all by myself. Why not do the same for the west coast? I figured if I thought twice about doing Disney on my own then most of you would too. So with that in mind here are the best things about traveling alone on your next Disney vacation and why you should give it a try!
What to ride next? Anything I want! Often when traveling with friends and family compromises have to be made to keep everyone happy. When you’re on your own there’s a very short list of people to keep content! Want to ride something that your family hates? No problem! Want to sleep in or stay out late? Sounds great! In my case, that means a lot of time taking photos with no pressure to go faster because someone it bored.
Single rider lines are the only lines. Several of the most popular attractions host single rider lines to help fill single seats left open by odd sized groups. When traveling with a group you have to make the choice to split up to save time using these lines. However, when it’s just you there’s no reason not to take advantage of these time saving queues!
The speed of one. If you’ve never been to Disney on your own I can’t tell you how much faster you can move through crowds by yourself! One of the biggest challenges when navigating the parks is keeping your party together. Imagine just being able to breeze along without having to worry if you’ve lost someone! I can scurry through the parks twice as fast when it’s just me. Or would you rather mosey? There is nobody to hurry you along when you’re there alone.
Sleep? I don’t need no stinkin’ sleep! My hubby is a napper, and a person that likes to sleep in late, and a person that likes to go to bed early. I, on the other hand, would skip a night or two of sleep if it meant more Disney. I’m excited to get to Disneyland before opening without the battle and stay until the stars come out. Similarly, I’ve decided to try one of the off property hotels that are walking distance to Disneyland. My other half always wants to stay on property but I’m not so picky and happy to save the cost difference! Since there’s no need to compromise with myself these were all easy decisions.
One word: Shopping! Ladies, did you hear that? It’s the sound of slowly browsing through every shop on Disney property. If that alone isn’t enough to get you to try a solo trip I don’t know what will! 🙂
One is the cheapest number. Okay, and the loneliest. But on a positive note one admission ticket is cheaper than two or more. It’s a great time to try tours or other experiences that the rest of your party might not enjoy as much as you would. Look for those things that your normal traveling party would never do and go for it! When else will you get another chance to do it any cheaper?
Make some new friends. You might not want to be “that person” but I’ve made great friends just from striking up a conversation in the parks. If you’re shy then chatting with cast members is a great place to start. They’re all very welcoming and helpful. I still correspond with a cast member I made friends with when visiting Disneyland Paris. The love of Disney is universal so don’t be scared to meet someone knew when you’re one your own.
Share with a friend. This is where you guys come in! I’m very thankful to be able to share my Disney World experiences with you guys. It motivates me to go out on my own on a night I might have spent on the couch. I have to admit, it helped me decide to tackle Disneyland on my own because I knew I could share it with you! So I can tell you from experience, sharing your trip with others will help you have an even better time!
Have you even tried visiting Disney by yourself? Would you ever try a solo trip? Do you have another reason it’s great to travel alone that I didn’t include above? I hope you’ll share with us in the comments below! As always thanks so much for reading!
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Definitely going to have to leave the 5 kids at home one day and venture off on my own Disney adventure now. This sounds great (hello, shopping!)and problem-free. Since I have a larger family, we usually stay at Coral Cay Resort offsite when we visit, but it wouldn’t be a bad idea to try an offsite hotel that’s within walking distance if I’m going on my own. Great ideas!
I had a couple afternoons to myself while my companion was visiting with extended family and it was so relaxing! I rode People Mover 3x in a row just because I could. I bought a ton of pins without the usual guilt and shame of spending so much $ lol Plus we then met up for dinner and went about the park together later. The best of both worlds!
I lived in Los Angeles in the early 90’s and found the urge to head out to Disneyland, but couldn’t find anyone to go with me. I had a blast for all the reasons you stated in your article! I’m a little on the quiet side so approaching people I don’t know is not easy for me. Somewhere in the late afternoon I realized that I hadn’t spoken since I left in the morning. Like, at all. I found a quiet part of New Orleans Square and said “hello” a couple of times just to speak. But I recommend this to anyone.
I’ve been to Disneyland and some WDW parks solo and loved it too! I love being able to get up early for rope drop without someone else complaining and I can stay as late as I want. It’s great to hear others love going solo like me
I agree! Solo is awesome. Especially the shopping.
Hi Wendy! Yay – I wasn’t sure how people would like this idea. I love that there are so many solos out there! 🙂 Thanks for commenting!
While I was a Disneyland passholder, I use to go all the time by myself. I always loved going with friends but it was nice to just do what I wanted, which was usually take pictures and people watch.
Hi Ray – that is how I feel about WDW. 🙂 Glad to know I’m not the only one.
I would say the best part about a solo trip to Disneyland is that you don’t have to worry about kids or loved ones stealing any of your biegnets in New Orleans Square. They’re ALL YOURS! 🙂
Haha – Tom! I’m adding that to the list! And no sharing the mint juleps! 😉
So funny to know, that other people really feel the same like me, while being alone at Disney. I’m a solo traveler always and probably forever and LOVE it so much. I’m absolutely proud of it! For me, there’s nothing better on earth. 🙂 Thanks for that interesting blog, till next time and happy solo traveling and exploring to us…! <3
How cool- another way we’re alike! 🙂 I do love going by myself to WDW. It was a little strange to think of DL on my own at first… but I think I’ll love it once I try it. Fingers crossed.. now I can’t wait!
I did a my first solo WDW trip in February 2013 and have another one scheduled in just a few weeks. What I loved about it was just what you mentioned, going at my own pace. I was able to get up super early and hit rope drop at every park; slow down in the afternoons and soak up the atmosphere. I enjoyed the CM actors in Hollywood Studios and MK. What I truly loved was the new dining experiences! I specifically chose a lot of my table/signature restaurants that have a bar or cook top, like at Jiko and Citricos so I could chat with the cast members and learn more about them, the food and the restaurant while I ate! It was the epitome of luxury going as fast or slow as I wanted!
Hi Lisa – Jiko, yum! That is our favorite spot on all of Disney property. I didn’t think about eating at the bar! The lobster nachos at Disneyland are on my “must do” list so I’ll take that advice. Thanks for sharing!
I was recently in Orlando for a conference, and I spent the last day of my trip visiting the Magic Kingdom. Since no colleagues wanted to join me, I used the day for something I always wanted to do — take the Keys To The Kingdom “behind the scenes” tour. It was a great solo activity, I met some fellow park lovers, and it would have been much harder to manage with a group. Highly recommended.
Hi John- I think taking a tour is a great idea when you’re on your own. I’m really glad you enjoyed your time here!
Once got up early and went to Magic Kingdom by myself. All I wanted to do was to walk slowly down Main Street and take in all the details. Very relaxing; never went on a ride. You can’t do that with a family of six and you can’t even do that with a significant other.
Hi Chris – I agree. I’ve done a lot of quiet walking in the parks but only when I’m alone. My hubby would never do that! That almost deserves it’s own section above! 🙂
I did a day at WDW by myself. I was there from almost open to nearly close. I managed to park hop all 4 parks, rode almost everything I wanted (didn’t want to wait 90 min for Soarin’) and walked just over 10 miles. I had a blast! And would do it again!
Hi Dawn! I’m so glad you had such a great day! Wow, 4 parks! That is a lot! It’s really hard to do that with more than one person. Glad you tried it and loved it!
I did Disneyworld on my own a few times on business trips from the UK, and it was great – I managed 4 parks in 2 days and still did most things I wanted due to single rider and happy to quit out of one stage show before the end and arrive just as next show was starting and watch from the back. And no one to say – why can’t we go on this ride next to the one we have just been on!
Hey Catherine – I love that! I do the same thing here at Disney World. 🙂