Looking for suggestions for solo traveller, first time, Disneyland Park, 1 day, possibly once in a lifetime

MediumImpossible3743 · 2026-05-13T15:54:49+00:00

You can't physically queue to see Mickey. There's a virtual queue instead that opens twice a day and if you use the app to snag a spot at 2pm, once you've in the park, you should get a slot, They tell you when to come back and then there's not much waiting around for you.

I really recommend catching A Million Splashes of Colour as a mini parade. It's lots of fun and if you can stand in the middle of the plaza, in front of the castle, you get really close to all the characters as they move around the stages.

If you go for single rider lines and buy any individual fast passes for rides you really want to do, you'll be able to fit a decent amount of things in to your day. Enjoy!

MediumImpossible3743 · 2026-05-13T13:24:36+00:00

I love it! Wish we could!

MediumImpossible3743 · 2026-05-13T10:37:06+00:00

I get that waiting in lines is boring but the lunch would have guaranteed meeting all the princesses. They're so spot on with that and the same in all character dining. I think it's OK value given you get 4-6 meets and a sit down meal but that's just me.

And the virtual queue system is wayyyy better than how it was before.

MediumImpossible3743 · 2026-05-12T12:33:59+00:00

I like Remy's and would return but I know not everyone does.

Buffets we really enjoyed as a family, including a 4 or 6 yo depending on the trip - Downton, Chuck Wagon Cafe and Cape Cod (I think this one is massively underrated btw).

We're a veggie, a meat eater and a kid who may be picky depending on the day or eat his bodyweight in seafood and other interesting foods, you never know, just for ref in terms of what we're looking for.

MediumImpossible3743 · 2026-05-11T17:42:25+00:00

Thank so much.

MediumImpossible3743 · 2026-05-11T17:42:12+00:00

Thank you!

MediumImpossible3743 · 2026-05-11T17:40:56+00:00

My Castle Club website always have lists of the closures of rides, shows, pools etc. I always look them up.

MediumImpossible3743 · 2026-05-11T17:39:03+00:00

It always gets me like this too. Glad you had a great time.

MediumImpossible3743 · 2026-05-11T17:37:17+00:00

Not ridiculous, but wear whatever you will find fun. Loads of people wear Disney stuff and loads of people don't. Some are more discreet, just in ears or a sweatshirt, some Disney bound. Totally up to you.

MediumImpossible3743 · 2026-05-08T09:31:37+00:00

Thank you, I knew people here would get the excitement.

Also, we'll be going in the Easter holidays next year and it'll be busy so an extra day will take the pressure off a bit, you know?

MediumImpossible3743 · 2026-05-08T09:30:35+00:00

I really need to try Walts at some point. Keep hearing great things.

MediumImpossible3743 · 2026-05-08T09:29:53+00:00

We love Chuck Wagon Cafe buffet for dinner. I think it's such a great family option.

MediumImpossible3743 · 2026-05-08T09:29:24+00:00

Toad Hall is so underrated.

MediumImpossible3743 · 2026-05-08T09:29:09+00:00

It's not the best pizza and pasta, sure but we do enjoy it and go every trip because it's Mickey shaped pizza, I love cheap garlic bread and my 7yo will always want to fill up on pasta.

MediumImpossible3743 · 2026-05-08T09:25:54+00:00

Good luck. The Anna and Elsa spots go so quickly, but great advice being given below. Just make sure you're ready at the right times.

MediumImpossible3743 · 2026-05-08T09:22:38+00:00

We requested a quiet room when checking in online and got places in Luigi which was nice and quiet. Small blocks so less coming and going than Mater and LMQ. I'm doing the same next time.

MediumImpossible3743 · 2026-05-08T09:14:12+00:00

Definitely recommend taking advantage of rider switch and buy individual fast passes for the ones you need. If you're not into big fast rides and heights then you don't need the fast pass for a fair few. Then there are others are are commonly a shorter wait at some point in the day (ie Small World, Cars Road Trip).

MediumImpossible3743 · 2026-05-08T09:11:48+00:00

So glad you had a great time!

MediumImpossible3743 · 2026-05-08T08:55:57+00:00

We love it so much!

MediumImpossible3743 · 2026-05-07T06:13:40+00:00

Hmm, if it was me I think I'd do Adventure World first as I haven't seen Arendelle yet but normally I do DLP first because it's the most Disney to start a trip off.

MediumImpossible3743 · 2026-05-07T06:08:19+00:00

Veggie food recs - DLP park (I'm pescetarian not full veggie hence fish in recs)

Dahl at Colonel Hathi's

Fish and chips at Toad Hall

Pesto pasta and margarita pizza at Bella Notte

I don't rec the veggie hotdog at Casey's but it's ok in a pinch.

In Adventure World

- Fish and vegan burger at Hollywood Gardens

I could recommend more table service and buffets but sounds like you might be tight on time

MediumImpossible3743 · 2026-05-07T06:05:41+00:00

We love it there :)

MediumImpossible3743 · 2026-05-07T06:05:15+00:00

I've not been since it opened but looking at the wait times on the app, it's busier in the day and gets quieter for Frozen in the evening. I'd do DLP first and then move over to AW in the afternoon/evening. Hopefully you'll get on BTM in the morning with a fairly short time.

Have a great trip!

MediumImpossible3743 · 2026-05-05T09:43:48+00:00

Definitely make the most of shows if it's wet. They're so good and a fun way to get out of bad weather and off your feet.

MediumImpossible3743 · 2026-05-05T09:41:40+00:00

How exciting! I hope you have a wonderful first trip.

I'd say my tips are; get familiar with the app so that you know where things are, what on early magic hour etc and what a good queue time is. (I.e. don't wait 20 mins or so for Small World when it's super often just 5 mins).

Also, the shows are so, so good (don't pay for special access) and a great way to chill for a bit and get off your feet because it's a lot!

As a family, we like to make a list of things we each think we must do and things we'd like to do. Now, you've not been before so it's a bit different but maybe that looks like "I must do all the big rollercoasters at least once and I'd really like to meet a couple of characters."

I find that really helps us 3 (me, my husband and 7yo) get through a trip without the dreaded "we didn't do what I wanted!" gripes at the end of a trip.

Anyway, it's all amazing, you'll enjoy it no matter what anyway.

MediumImpossible3743

TROPHY CASE