Single Rider Lines Are the Secret Weapon You're Not Using
I was at Disneyland two weeks ago with my husband and some friends. We kept splitting up. On purpose. Because I finally learned what seasoned park-goers have known forever: single rider lines are magic, even when you're not actually solo. My back is still recovering from the Matterhorn (that bobsled does not mess around), but I rode it in 12 minutes instead of 50. Worth it.
This Week at the Parks
If you're booking summer travel right now, there's a solid deal happening at Walt Disney World. Up to 25% off rooms at select moderate and deluxe resorts for June through August stays. That's real money back in your pocket, the kind that pays for a nice dinner at California Grill or an extra day at the parks.
Over at Disneyland, the package deals with Good Neighbor Hotels are bringing 3-day tickets under $100 per day through mid-June. Good Neighbor Hotels aren't on Disney property, but many are a short walk away. And that price point makes a huge difference if you've been on the fence about whether you can afford to go.
Crowd-wise, we're in that sweet spot right now. May weekdays at both resorts are beautifully light before the summer rush hits after Memorial Day. If you've got any flexibility at all, Tuesday through Thursday at Disneyland is chef's kiss. At Disney World, anything mid-month and midweek right now is giving you the park with room to breathe.
Worth Knowing This Week
Let's talk about park hopping for a second because I'm hearing this question constantly from first-timers. At Disneyland, park hopping isn't optional. It's essential. The parks are literally across from each other. You'll want to bounce back and forth. It's part of the whole experience.
At Disney World? Different story. The parks are spread out. You're taking buses or the Monorail or boats. Park hopping there adds flexibility, especially with the extended evening hours they're offering now, but it's not make-or-break. You can have an incredible day staying put in one park. Don't let anyone tell you you're doing it wrong either way. It depends on your family, your pace, your priorities.
On My Mind
Here's what I keep thinking about from that Disneyland trip. My husband and I separated for 15 minutes so I could hit the single rider line. We met up right after. And somehow that tiny bit of independence made the whole day feel more expansive. Like we each got to have our own little adventure and then come back together to share it.
I think that's true about Disney trips in general, especially for families who think it's all about sticking together every single second. Sometimes the magic is in the space. The teenager who wants to ride Space Mountain five times while you sit on a bench with a Dole Whip. The kid who needs 20 minutes in the hotel pool while everyone else naps. You don't have to be joined at the hip to be together. You're still making memories. They just look different than you pictured.
If you're planning something for this summer or beyond, I'm here. My services are completely free to you, and I love helping families find their own version of what Disney can be. Especially if you think it's not for you. That's my favorite conversation to have.
Jamey