A Girl Power Solo Disneyland Adventure! COMPLETED 5/8

Does anybody else feel like time changes are affecting them more with age?
Not really.
Since my shifts are constantly changing, time changes don't seem to really bother me.
I'm just... used to not getting enough sleep and waking at weird times.
On my first morning in Anaheim, my body tried to wake up at 5am (7am at home). Nope. No way. Not necessary.
Go back to bed!

Oh... you did.... good.
[This is the view from the hotel parking lot- you can see DCA!]
You should go!
It was an absolutely beautiful morning and I set out on what I thought would be a short walk up Disneyland Drive to the parks. What I didn’t realize was that instead of being able to turn right near the Grand Californian (which is the direction of the parks), you have to go left and go aallll the way around Downtown Disney, then go aaallll the way through DD to get to the park gates.
Or...

When I went that way, I'd go through the GC.
You're not supposed to and sometimes you'll get asked... at which point I'd say "I'm meeting someone inside" or "Yes I'm staying here." or something.
Whichever. Worked. And was shorter.
On a previous trip where I stayed offsite and walked, I went up Harbor and it was a much more direct route.
That is the easier way.
stopped first at the lockers outside the park to stow my tripod and jacket.
So I'm not the only one who brings a tripod!
but first I had to stop for some "I can't believe I'm at Disneyland!" castle selfies.
:laughing:
grab a FP for Hyperspace Mtn.
Haven't done that one. My back was acting up a bit and didn't want to risk it.
The sun(s) was being annoying though, right in my eyes. Taking bright suns a little too literally there.
Nice. :laughing:
of course got engineer when it was my turn.
:sad2:
There's a dis-incentive for SR right there.
But the worst part wasn’t that he was crashing us into literally everything, it was that every time he did he would freak the heck out and apologize at the top of his lungs.
Oy. Fun...
One of my favorite parts of solo trips is taking as long as I please to get photos of things.
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My DH is so, so patient, but I can tell that he gets bored when I stop for too long. So it was nice to take things at my own pace without feeling guilty.
I sooooo get this. I don't care who I'm with or how patient they are...
When I'm taking photos, I want to take my time and lose myself in the process... and I totally can't if someone's there.
My conscience gets to me and I keep thinking "I'm making them wait."...

I almost never take serious photos when someone else is around.
I thought it was funny because they were obviously trying to cover up the fact that they were lost
:laughing: ::yes::
I'm not sure if it was not or later in the day but I'm going to put the pictures here because I'M IN CHARGE.
:lmao:
Okay!
Snapped a selfie on the way cuz the sun made my hair look like it was on fire.
:thumbsup2
Phasma was out and about, terrifying children as usual.

She and I have that in common.
:rotfl:
At Disneyland it’s just absurdly funny how they have this whole launch countdown sound effect and hyperspeed lighting but you’re going like 0.2 mph up that first incline.
It's like a rocket... with a walker.
 
but that is a well known fact.
Not to this lady! I had only ever walked from the Harbor side so I didn't realize there wasn't a path near the Grand on the Disneyland Drive side! Oh well, I just got extra steps in hahaha

Cause if there's no pictures, you weren't at Disneyland!
So true!

Such serendipity for this trip! And that's a really short wait for such a popular ride.
Yeah I think I did single rider three times and I never waited more than 10 mins, it was great!

Why would you be scary?
It's just me be silly 😅

Following!
Yay glad that you've joined in!!
 
Hi, Ann :) I'm so glad you decided to do a report for your solo trip! I went on the EPIC Dis girls trip last May, and while that wasn't entirely solo, as you can imagine, I did spend some solo time park hopping, and it was so freeing!! I loved not having to answer to anyone or get anyone else on board with my plans. So fun doing just what you want to do when the mood strikes you!
Yes, solo trips are amazing! My very first trip to Disneyland was actually a solo trip (and it was attached to some work travel, as well!) I also did WDW solo for my bday a couple of years ago and I'm doing it again this year! I wouldn't say I prefer solo trips necessarily but they do have their own special brand of fun! I really hope I can join in on the next Dis girls trip though!

Men are weird sometimes.
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Honestly, same.
::yes:: ::yes:: ::yes::

Yes!! What the heck. It never used to bother me- now it takes weeks to adjust.
Glad I'm not alone!! It's so weird I used to be like "Psh time change? What time change?" and now it takes forever to adjust

Love this picture- and your shirt!
Thank you!! I saw the shirt on BoxLunch and knew it was perfect for this trip!
 


I had rented a Harley and was traveling from LA down to San Diego, via the coast highway.
Much more scenic and far less traffic, until...
Okay when you said you rented a bike I though bicycle but this makes much more sense. I thought you were nuts for trying to bicycle from LA to San Diego on the freeways 😅

I'm just... used to not getting enough sleep and waking at weird times.
We have a swing shift at work and I'm in awe of anyone who can flip around like that all the time.

Oh... you did.... good.
I let time change get the best of me on our July ABD. But this time...

482937

You should go!
Eh heard it's not that great

When I went that way, I'd go through the GC.
You're not supposed to and sometimes you'll get asked... at which point I'd say "I'm meeting someone inside" or "Yes I'm staying here." or something.
When was that? Because when we were there in July there was a gate at the walkway and you had to put in your key card for access. The only other thing to do was walk up the driveway and go through there, which seemed a little too obvious to me. And I have this weird thing about following the rules so it made me to anxious to try that :earboy2:

That is the easier way.
And now I know to stick to that side for hotels!

So I'm not the only one who brings a tripod!
This was my first Disney trip with a tripod and it was because I knew I could take photos for as long as I wanted and I really wanted to try my hand at dark park photos

There's a dis-incentive for SR right there.
But sometimes you get lucky and get something other than engineer....which may or may not have happened to me later on in the trip

My conscience gets to me and I keep thinking "I'm making them wait."...
Yep exactly!

It's like a rocket... with a walker.
It's the rocket version of those chair stair lift things
 
Love the pics in Batuu! Your shirt/ears combo is so cute!!
I got the ears on Etsy from Isn'tItNeatBoutique and the shirt is from BoxLunch! Those are some of my favorite ears but they're a little hard to travel with since the wires get bent easily. But they're just so cute! She does some other characters that are just as adorable.
 
Okay when you said you rented a bike I though bicycle but this makes much more sense. I thought you were nuts for trying to bicycle from LA to San Diego on the freeways 😅
You can bike on the freeways.

For a very short time...
We have a swing shift at work and I'm in awe of anyone who can flip around like that all the time.
Well, let's see. Today I work from 2:30pm-10:45pm, tomorrow 6:30am-2:30pm then at10:30pm-6:45am that same night.
Eh heard it's not that great
You should not go!
When was that? Because when we were there in July there was a gate at the walkway and you had to put in your key card for access. The only other thing to do was walk up the driveway and go through there, which seemed a little too obvious to me. And I have this weird thing about following the rules so it made me to anxious to try that :earboy2:
2-3 years ago. I don't remember the gate.
This was my first Disney trip with a tripod and it was because I knew I could take photos for as long as I wanted and I really wanted to try my hand at dark park photos
::yes::
But sometimes you get lucky and get something other than engineer....which may or may not have happened to me later on in the trip
Ah!
 


More Star Wars!!!!

I wish I was at Batuu right now.

I hate those tricky DL hotels that seems like they're so close but then you end up having to take the really looong way and it just sucks. You're like...it's right there! I can see it! Let me in!

Hyperspace Mountain is the absolute best. I don't know what DL Paris' is like, so I don't know what I'm missing.

Can't wait to hear more :)
 
You're like...it's right there! I can see it! Let me in!
Exactly!!

Hyperspace Mountain is the absolute best. I don't know what DL Paris' is like, so I don't know what I'm missing.
I actually prefer the one at DL. DLP's is - and I can't believe how old I'm going to sound by saying this - a little too rough for me to enjoy. The effects are cool and it's certainly more thrilling but I like the gentler ride haha

Yay! Joining in :goodvibes How awesome that your work took you to Anaheim!! Looking forward to more ::yes::
Hi thanks for following! To this day I still can't believe I got lucky enough to be sent to Anaheim on the company dollar!
 
“Glad you got to see that, we shared a moment”

While wandering toward Launch Bay for the character meets I noticed some signs for a pop up pin trading event. I’ve never done one of those and there was hardly any line so I checked it out! It was actually super cool and there were two pin trading opportunities.

The first was a game, where there were a bunch of Darth Vader magnets on a table. Me and the CM would take turns picking one up and looking at the bottom for a sticker that said winner. If I picked it up first, I got the chance to do a pin trade. If the CM picked it up first then I was out of luck. But luck was with me and I picked up the winner first!

The prize was the chance to do a mystery pin trade. I had some doubles of pins with me (from the mystery packs) so I picked one of those to trade and chose my mystery box. Inside was a pin with Tinkerbell celebrating the 1 year anniversary of Shanghai Disneyland. It’s not my fave and let’s just say I’m looking forward to the opportunity to trade it back.

The next one was just a CM with a normal pin trading board set up. I spied an adorable Shellie Mae cupcake pin so I traded for it. The whole experience was fun and quick and I’ll for sure be on the lookout for more of those popups.

After that excursion I refocused on my reason for entering Launch Bay- I needed to spend some time with my favorite Wookie. He had a short line (maybe about 10 minutes) but no PhotoPass. I was actually surprised by how few character experiences had PhotoPass on this trip. I know DL in general has few photographers just floating around than WDW but you expect some of the characters to have some! (Not that I expected Chewie to have one, but some of the other characters I met on this trip for sure).



Anyway, Chewie and I had a great time. He loved my ears (which have a little Chewie on them) and he really loved my shirt. We talked about how girls run the world. I remember the CM mentioning something about women taking over the world and Chewie felt left out. We told him sorry not sorry, but he was free to join us.




We got some regular photos and some selfies, in true Chewie fashion. Then I moved on to a slightly less light-hearted interaction with Darth Vadar, who had no line (and also no PhotPass, but the lighting was better). Judging by my facial expression I was terrified the entire time. I feel like Darth is also just kind of an awkward greet anyway. Lots of pacing and breathing.








Nothing brings out the hunger pains quite like feeling you’re about to be arrested for space treason. I decided it was time for lunch and instead of looking on the app and choosing something I was going to walk around and stop at whatever sounded good in the moment! Which is very not-Ann. I usually know what Disney food I’m eating at the requisite 6 month mark.

As I wandered I saw that there was only a 5 minute wait to meet Tinkerbell! Even though there was no line and no one waiting behind me, the meet still felt super rushed. I tried to extend it by chatting it up but she just wasn’t having it. At least there was PhotoPass!
I do remember talking about how Tink should try to die her hair orange. We could call it Tinkerbell Orange.




My wandering recommenced and I found myself near the wishing well and set up to try some long exposure shots of the waterfall. I was setting up my camera and noticed someone hanging out right next to me. It was Gepetto! He was on his way out to meet some folks and was very interested in my camera.

I don’t love any of the photos I got, but I was really just using it as an excuse to try some new filters I bought.

Lunch was delayed once again when I heard the sounds of the Disneyland Band. I popped out to hear them play in front of the castle then went out of my comfort zone and followed them down Main Street. By myself. With no children. Even though 90% of the followers were children. But it was fun! I love marching bands and was a drum major for most of high school and it was super cool. The band stopped in front of the train station and there was a short show with Mickey & Co and the Dapper Dans.











It was all very fun and one of those ‘only on a solo trip’ kind of experiences.

By now I was good and truly hungry. Bengal BBQ sounded amazing so I went toward Adventureland. On the way I was near a family where a little kid asked his dad when Christmas is. And his dad just gave him this look like ‘you absolute buffoon of a human how do you not know when Christmas is?’ and was like “The same day it is every year, bud. December 25.”

The whole interaction had me giggling to myself. I get that not everyone knows when Christmas is since not everyone celebrates or is interested in Christmas. But it was obvious from the dad’s reaction that this kid probably should have known.

When I arrived at my lunch spot there was a pretty long line, and Jungle Cruise next door had a nice short line. So I hopped in line for Jungle Cruise and put in a mobile order. Best of both worlds, amirite?

The skipper on this cruise was crushing it. I feel like I have gotten so many amazing skippers but whenever my DH is with me they’re just okay, which is why he does not share my love for Jungle Cruise. But here were a few of my favorite jokes (hidden in case you hate spoilers):

Those elephants sure do have dry skin. They should see a pachydermatologist.
Most people think that’s a Himalayan tiger. No, himastandin.
We had to turn down the Nile, it was getting too loud.
*pointing out plants* - that brown thing with the thorns. That’s new.
That plant is my favorite. Glad you got to see that. We shared a moment.”
*after the ‘spear throwing’* - Man I should have seen that one coming. That plant was an ambush
.

We made it safely back from our river journey and my mobile order was ready. As I was picking up I heard an announcement that Jungle Cruise was shutting down- so somehow I had perfect timing!



[God bless mobile order]

I like Bengal BBQ because you can get small portions of different things. I got a tiger tail, the chieftain chicken, and pork belly. The chieftan chicken was really good but the pork was super tough. Both were blown out of the water by the tiger tail. I would eat 10 of those and go back for more.

For dessert I grabbed a mango/pineapple swirl from Tropical Hideaway. I will always love my OG Dole Whip but I have to admit that these new flavor options are a beautiful new world.




r

My theme for this trip was Girl Power and I figured an amazing way to celebrate that would be to visit some of my favorite princesses at the Fairytale Hall. The hall didn’t have PhotoPass (I thought surely the princesses would have PhotoPass, but no) but a CM followed me around and took pictures with my phone. Like my own little paparazzi.


We talked about Star Wars while waiting, so that was fun. I got to meet Cindy, Elena, and Snow White. This was my first time meeting Elena. I’ll admit I haven’t seen her show but she was fun! We talked about Wookies and she asked if I thought they would have fun in Avalor. It was a good time.









 
Disneyland is probably the only place that I could also keep putting off lunch because so many spontaneous fun things keep happening :)

I was going to attempt some quip about Gepetto wanting to learn about your camera so he could have a photo shoot with Pinocchio later...but..that is so...wrong. That thought went bad quickly.

I like to think that the kid had just asked his dad a half hour before you heard their conversation when Christmas was.

Jungle Cruise is the best, it's like Christmas when you get a fantastic skipper.
 
While wandering toward Launch Bay for the character meets I noticed some signs for a pop up pin trading event.
I've actually never heard of this! This seems interesting.
Judging by my facial expression I was terrified the entire time.
Yeah, especially in the first picture.
I decided it was time for lunch and instead of looking on the app and choosing something I was going to walk around and stop at whatever sounded good in the moment! Which is very not-Ann. I usually know what Disney food I’m eating at the requisite 6 month mark.
Interesting strategy. When I went with my band last April, I had already decided most of my counter service places. But, if I've already been to the park that year, I'd probably also just pick something out of thin air.
But it was fun! I love marching bands and was a drum major for most of high school and it was super cool.
Yay for band! I play the tuba in my band, but we don't really march.
So I hopped in line for Jungle Cruise and put in a mobile order. Best of both worlds, amirite?
Very rite indeed.
 
The first was a game, where there were a bunch of Darth Vader magnets on a table. Me and the CM would take turns picking one up and looking at the bottom for a sticker that said winner. If I picked it up first, I got the chance to do a pin trade. If the CM picked it up first then I was out of luck. But luck was with me and I picked up the winner first!
Score!
I've never heard of that before, though. Interesting.
Inside was a pin with Tinkerbell celebrating the 1 year anniversary of Shanghai Disneyland. It’s not my fave and let’s just say I’m looking forward to the opportunity to trade it back.
Yeah... I'd probably want to drop that one, too.
I needed to spend some time with my favorite Wookie.
Which implies you have less than favourite Wookies?
He had a short line (maybe about 10 minutes) but no PhotoPass.
No PP?
I remember the CM mentioning something about women taking over the world and Chewie felt left out. We told him sorry not sorry, but he was free to join us.
I'm sure he was quite perturbed about the whole thing.
"Girls rule the world? not Wookies?"
Judging by my facial expression I was terrified the entire time.
:lmao:
Lots of pacing and breathing.
Well, the breathing is necessary. Otherwise you die, you know.
I usually know what Disney food I’m eating at the requisite 6 month mark.
::yes::
Even though there was no line and no one waiting behind me, the meet still felt super rushed. I tried to extend it by chatting it up but she just wasn’t having it.
I really don't get that. Why are you there? Are you not "on stage"?
It was Gepetto! He was on his way out to meet some folks and was very interested in my camera.
Makes sense. He is a tinkerer, you know.
I popped out to hear them play in front of the castle then went out of my comfort zone and followed them down Main Street. By myself. With no children. Even though 90% of the followers were children. But it was fun!
Good for you! :)
Bengal BBQ sounded amazing
One place I hope to try, some day.
a little kid asked his dad when Christmas is. And his dad just gave him this look like ‘you absolute buffoon of a human how do you not know when Christmas is?’ and was like “The same day it is every year, bud. December 25.”
I get that. I've heard that from kids before.
Jungle Cruise next door had a nice short line. So I hopped in line for Jungle Cruise and put in a mobile order. Best of both worlds, amirite?
You is a smart girl.
That's why you're taking over the world! Totally get it now.
But here were a few of my favorite jokes (hidden in case you hate spoilers):
Those are great. I don't think I've heard any of those. :)
As I was picking up I heard an announcement that Jungle Cruise was shutting down- so somehow I had perfect timing!
Whoa! Nice timing!
The hall didn’t have PhotoPass (I thought surely the princesses would have PhotoPass, but no)
Really? :confused3
 
Disneyland is probably the only place that I could also keep putting off lunch because so many spontaneous fun things keep happening :)
For real. Anywhere else and I am an absolute hangry monster but at Disneyland I'm just like, eh whatever I'll eat when this cool stuff stops happening.

That thought went bad quickly.

483302

Jungle Cruise is the best, it's like Christmas when you get a fantastic skipper.
Yes! I keep hoping Jon will get one but it has yet to be.
 
I've actually never heard of this! This seems interesting.
I had heard of them vaguely but hadn't participated before so this seemed like the right time to jump in! Plus there was only one person in line, so that helped.

Interesting strategy. When I went with my band last April, I had already decided most of my counter service places. But, if I've already been to the park that year, I'd probably also just pick something out of thin air.
Yep usually I'm the same. But this trip was all about going with the flow and doing whatever I wanted whenever I wanted. It was actually awesome.

Yay for band! I play the tuba in my band, but we don't really march.
Awesome! Before I was drum major I played clarinet in marching band and in concert band I played the bassoon. My dad plays the tuba, though! Props to all you tuba players for hauling those things around.
 
Score!
I've never heard of that before, though. Interesting.
Yeah it was fun, especially if you enjoy pin trading and have a couple of pins you wouldn't mind parting with.

Yeah... I'd probably want to drop that one, too.
I'm holding onto it for the purpose of trading hahaha

Which implies you have less than favourite Wookies?
Back row, 2nd from the left with darker fur really looks like one who would get on my nerves. He would probably try to explain to me how girls really shouldn't be trying to rule the galaxy.

483304


No! An unfortunate trend for this trip was a real lack of PP.

I'm sure he was quite perturbed about the whole thing.
"Girls rule the world? not Wookies?"
Well technically there are female Wookies....

Well, the breathi
Yeah but does he have to be so in your face about it? Like I GET it, you almost died. Can we move on now?

You is a smart girl.
That's why you're taking over the world! Totally get it now.
My senior quote in my high school yearbook did warn everyone about my intentions. It was from a Kesha song- "We are taking over, get used to it."

Those are great. I don't think I've heard any of those. :)
They were all so original! Yet they fit perfectly, like they had always been part of the script.
 

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