Have you ever taken a Disneyland trip with friends? No kids, no spouses, just friends. I am here to tell you that there are so many ways to enjoy Disneyland and each trip is different. I have experienced family trips, solo trips, and trips with friends. A Disneyland trip with friends is something you want to experience.
I recently went on a “bestie trip” with one of my friends. Just the two of us. It was a crazy idea we had that came to pass. It is one of the best trips I have had to Disneyland and here is why.
Disneyland Trip with Friends – Why You Should Take One
Things are Relaxed
Being with a smaller group and just with friends can be a very relaxed trip. Especially if you both know Disneyland well enough to get around easily. There isn’t any discussion about who wants to do what and when. You basically syncronize and follow one another’s lead to get where you want to go.
You Get Things Done Faster
You never have to worry about not having enough time at the parks when going to Disneyland with friends. You will cover so much ground, it will make your head spin. Single rider options anyone? Plus, no strollers, no stopping for bathroom breaks often, no consistent stops for snacks. I love going to Disney with my kids but I do love the freedom to move quickly.
Crowds are Less of a Worry
Crowds can be difficult to navigate through when you have a larger party, strollers, etc. When it is just adults, however; I find that crowds don’t feel as enclosed in. My best friend and I have learned the art of dodging parade crowds and getting through things quickly.
PhotoPass Can Be Awesome
I love PhotoPass options at Disney but I will admit I rarely use them when with family because getting us all together and smiling for the camera is difficult. Going with a bestie to Disneyland, PhotoPass can be a lot of fun. You have the freedom to do fun poses and make it memorable.
Eat All the Things
When you’re basically solo with friends, food is a way cheaper bill. This is the time to try all of the Disneyland snacks, eat all the things, get the fun foodie photos! I get excited just thinking about it because I love my foodie photos.
You Can Also Take it Slow
On top of covering ground quickly, this also frees up being able to take things slower too. You don’t have to rush around to catch every ride or see every parade. When you’re in a smaller group and with other Disney loving friends, you do not feel the pressure to do it all.
Get Dining Reservations is Easier
If there is any dining that you have wanted to experience but haven’t yet due to the size of your party or age restrictions, now is the time to snag these. My best friend and I dined at Wine Country Trattoria on our trip and it was perfect. While the restaurant is child-friendly, it was easier to take in the moment here with just the two of us.
Buy Something for Yourself
I am going to selfishly say it. Being able to spend some money on me is fun. I use these kinds of trips to take a minute to look in the fancier stores that I know my kids would get impatient in. It lets me decide quietly if a higher ticketed item is something I really want and will I cherish it. It gives me a minute to be me. I love exploring Downtown Disney and Disney Springs alone or with a friend.
I Love My Spouse But the Sleep Is Awesome
I love traveling to Disney with my husband. Our honeymoon and couples trips have been some of my best memories at the parks. However, I cannot lie. Having a bed to myself in a hotel room with no spouse, no kids? Heavenly for a few days.
Come Home Recharged
Speaking of being childless and spouseless, there is something to be said about taking some time away as a parent. I miss my family terribly while away but coming home refreshed and renewed is important. It honestly makes me a better mom and wife. Plus, my kids think it is pretty cool that I am like “Mary Poppins” with a bag full of goodies when I return.
Get In with the Characters
I am a big kid at heart and I love getting photos with the characters. When I am with my kids, I want to focus on their time with the characters so I don’t get many photos with my faves. When I am on these kinds of trips, I finally have my moment.
Like I said, Disney trips with family, couples trips, solo trips, they all have their place. They all have their own special memories. A Disneyland trip with friends has its own set of memories as well.
I recommend it because it is a blast! It is some “me time” that I think we all need as parents, as mothers, as spouses, as people.
We all need some personal time and sharing it with a fellow friend who gets your Disney nerd side is awesome. It gives you a lot to talk about together too. Something you’ll cherish for years to come.
Take the chance, take the risk, like we did. Have a blast and enjoy a Disneyland trip with friends in a new light. Yes, you’ll miss your family while away but you’ll also miss this chance to explore if you pass it up. Something I am learning to take more advantage of in life.
