A Brit-Chick Goes Solo in Disneyland – Pre Trip Report

So, in just a week and a half, I don my mouse-ears and fly from London all the way to sunny LA for my first EVER visit to Disneyland. To say I am excited is an understatement – I’ve dreamed of visiting the birth-place of the Disney parks since I was a little girl, and yes, I know EVERYBODY says it, but… I can’t believe I will soon be where Walt walked!

I have been busy putting a plan of action together, to try and cram in as much as possible whilst I’m in LA – I will be arriving on the afternoon of Wednesday 22nd September and coming home late on Sunday 26th September (arriving back in London Monday afternoon).

My plan (providing the flight isn’t delayed or I’m held up in immigration) is that I will check in to my hotel (Quality Inn and Suites), change in to some fresh clobber and then spend the remaining part of the day in Disneyland Park. According to the times guide on Disneyland’s website, the park closes at 8pm that evening, so I will probably just use my time, exploring Main Street (my favourite part of any Disney park) and taking lots of photos. In the evening, I plan to hang out at Downtown Disney and purchase lots of useless souvenirs that I have no need for, but simply MUST buy!

Thursday morning will begin at the crack of dawn with the plan being to arrive at the gates of Disneyland park very first thing. I have a list of attractions I want to hit, and being realistic, I know I’m not going to get everything done. I’ll have to be choosy, with my main focus being on rides/attractions I haven’t experienced before in Orlando or Paris. The exception to the rule definitely being Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion (although that should have it’s lovely new Nightmare Before Christmas Overlay, so technically, it’s still a new ride)!

In the evening, I’ve got a ticket to Lou’s World of Color meet and greet, which I’m really looking forward to. I met Lou for the first time this past February at All Star Music in Florida and can’t wait to say ‘hi’ again. I’m also itching to see WoC for the first time – the YouTube videos I’ve seen of it look stunning and the music’s fab. After WoC, we’re all heading over to the Golden Vine Winery for some yummy desserts and Disney chat. Whilst I’m very much looking forward to this meet, I am a little nervous, as I’m travelling by myself, and don’t know a single person who’s attending – hopefully I’ll make some new Disney pals though.

Friday and Saturday are very special days, as I’m attending the Destination D event at the Disneyland Hotel. And, as a treat to myself, I’m also spending the Friday night at the Disneyland Hotel as a guest. I’m sure this event is going to be outstanding and I’m very excited about watching the panels and seeing dozens of Disney celebs in the flesh (including the original Mousketeers)! I’m also chuffed that Mark and Hilda from Ugly Betty are taking part in the E-Ticket concert on Friday night, as I’m a massive Ugly Betty fan. That should be awesome.

Sunday is my last day in Anaheim, but I’m planning to enjoy it to the fullest. I’m booked on the very last flight from LA to London, which means I can stay in the parks until about 4pm in the afternoon – I think it’s also extra magic hours that day, so I should be able to squeeze a few extra attractions in first thing in the morning if I’m lucky.

My only disappointment is that I won’t be able to see the fireworks whilst I’m there (they are being shown at the weekend, but I’ll be at the Destination D event) and it doesn’t look like the Aladdin show at California Adventure (Hyperion) is on either. However, I’m coming back to Anaheim next year (with my hubby!) for the D23 Expo, so will be able to fit all of that in then.

So, that’s a rough plan of what I’ll be doing in California. I’ll do a full trip report when I get back, with photos and hopefully an extensive run-down of what went on at Destination D. Stay tuned…!

I have to say, you are going to love it there. Disneyland is my home park, and Halloween time can be a lot of fun. Things you should keep in mind for your mornings are: Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy. The first thing I noticed last year when they brought this overlay out was the fast passes were gone before noon each day, and could have a stand by time of over 2.5 hours. Grab one when you first get in, and consider getting at least one more as soon as you can since you can use them any time during the day. The Haunted Mansion overlay is a lot of fun, but make sure you get over to the Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye. WOW! One other bonus is this ride is also a single rider attraction.
I would recommend listening to, (or again if you already have), WDWRadio episode #58. This is Lou's experience in the park a few years ago with his friends.

Thanks for the great advice Jaxum - I'll be sure to take this during my visit! Much appreciated! :)

Have a great trip.

I'm so jealous Have an awesome time!!

im jealous too.. i wont be going to disneyland until next halloween

Have a blast!! I'm still waiting for the day that I will have a chance to make my way to Disneyland!

Hope you have a fantastic time!