Originally Posted By gwengee I love Disney and usually can round up some friends or family to go, but not this year. I'm having withdrawal - and am seriously considering going by myself. Never having done it before - could someone who HAS done it give me some tips and suggestions?
Originally Posted By Schmitty Good Vibes Go in the off season. Check to see when your favorite rides will be open or closed first. You'll have time to do all the things you enjoy, and with less crowds, you'll be able to interact with the cast members all the more. It's a way to not feel so 'alone'. Take time to see and do all the things you couldn't/wouldn't do with a group of friends as there is no rush. Seek out the little details. i.e. spend some time listening to the windows by the lockers. You'll love it!
Originally Posted By SleepingBeauty82 I've done it before. I like to take my time and people watch a lot more. I'll get a lemonade and ride the Mark Twain, take the Railroad around more then once if I feel like it, maybe go on Pirates or Big Thunder. I treat it kind of like a city I'm exploring by myself. The first time I felt a little weird and I have to admit I do like going with other people but really, it's a different experience and it's not too bad by yourself.
Originally Posted By EighthDwarf I've done it many times and love it. In the beginning I had to tell myself repeatedly to slow down. I had the tendency to race all over the place and do everything as fast as I could - after all, I had no one there to slow me down! But it actually wasn't very enjoyable. Now when I go, I try really hard to be "in the moment" every second I am there. I try not to think too much about anything that does not pertain to that exact moment (what my family's doing, what's going on at work, what ride am I going on next, where am I going to eat lunch, etc.) and spend time just sitting places, listening to things, watching people, noticing things I've never noticed, etc. If I am able to do that it becomes an extremely enjoyable experience (more so than being with other people). Disneyland is an incredibly beautiful park and becomes even more so when you take the time to experience all the things that make it so. Also, I notice time tends to go very slow when you're there by yourself. So don't be afraid to stand in lines, listen to the conversations around you, and find something in the queue area you've never seen before. Just know that you will have plenty of time to do all you want (assuming you're there for the whole day). It's amazing all the things you can see and do when you're by yourself.
Originally Posted By Stichy626 This past July my dd turned 15 and got to bring a friend. It was just the three of us and we would start out together and then split up for a couple of hours. I was worried that I would be bored but I LOVED it. I took my time in the shops. I used the single rider lines (important in July) and spent over an hour one late afternoon just sitting in the anamiation building just soaking it all it. I was "in the moment" and although I was alone it has to be one of the most special memories of my many trips. When we would meet up for meals, we had so much fun sharing our day with each other. I got to really take my time and "explore". It was wonderful. Like the others have said, just take your time and enjoy!
Originally Posted By tynkrbell1977 Seriously....go by yourself. I always tell people that you have never really experienced DL until you go alone. You can really take it all in. You dont have to worry about if everyone is having a good time or what they want to do. It is all about you. I am literally jealous that you get to go alone. I have gone alone about 4 or 5 times. Best times ever. And chances are that you will meet some cool people while waiting in line or watching the fireworks. I always do. Get a single rider pass for Splash!! Also it is fun to ride the train around the whole park and just feel the Disney goodness. It is also easier to maneuver through crowds when there is only one of you! =) Let me know how it goes!
Originally Posted By KittyPrincess1206 I've never gone the entire day by myself, but I have been alone for about 5 hours or so, and loved it. I got to soak in the atmosphere more, and take my time. Sometimes, I even prefer being by myself!
Originally Posted By tynkrbell1977 I DEFINATELY prefer being alone. It seems like everyone I always go with never wants to do the same things. I am easily pleased. I will do whatever but not everyone feels that way. Sometimes it just causes so much drama!!! That is something you definately DO NOT need in DL!! LOL
Originally Posted By KittyPrincess1206 ^^^That is the main reason I go off by myself, because everyone gets tired and grouchy, so I'm like Whatever guys, I'll see you later! Unless I'm at Disneyland with hubby, then he's all about walking around to my heart's content!
Originally Posted By GMLSKIS I go alone all the time as I'm single and none of my friends understand my love of Disneyland. Even though I would prefer to experience it with love ones it's better alone than not all all. Going single allows next to no waiting on rides with single rider like Splash Mountain and Soarin'. You can ride whatever you want whenever you want or take a break at any time. It allows so much freedom and you will have a great time so do it and enjoy it.
Originally Posted By WDWdreamin I've gone alone and really enjoyed it, especially for one day. I always have a couple good conversations. I help people find things, or plan (early in the day), or just sit by them and eventually join in while eating or waiting for a parade/fireworks/F!. I always get to do everything I'd like to. I still rush around in the mornings to get the important Es down once, and then I slow down and smell the roses. I go on rides I haven't in years, people watch, meander...
Originally Posted By gwengee Thanks, everyone - you've all made me feel a whole lot more excited to go by myself! I hadn't even thought of the pace of my trip, but we always kind of always run through the park like commandos. The thought of riding the train as long as I want or sailing on Mark Twain is just exactly what I needed. Thanks everyone!
