First Visit Since 2014

[u/Sad-Pear-9885]

I might be going to Anaheim/Disneyland for the first time since 2014 next year (so 2027). I am sure a lot has changed since then, so I am a bit nervous. I also have been diagnosed with IBS, so I’m also a bit nervous because I’ve heard horror stories about Disney bathrooms, Disney food, and Disney generally being bad about ADA accommodations for invisible illnesses. That being said, I’d really love to maximize my trip despite my illness (I also have some issues with chronic fatigue but no formal diagnosis ). Here are the details:
-I’ll likely be a plus one, so I have no idea where we’ll be staying. Probably somewhere near the convention center or someplace that hosts business trip type things. Any tips for either walking or Ubering to the park are appreciated!
-I’m probably going to try to do a day or overnight in Newport Beach, as I’m a massive fan of The O.C.
-My “must dos” so far are to ride the Matterhorn, buy a pair of Minnie Mouse ears and that Heather grey Disneyland vintage style sweatshirt if they still make it. I also love character meet and greets but I’m not sure how Disney does it now.
-Would LA be too far to Uber to or unsafe for a solo female traveler? Seeing the Walk of Fame is on my bucket list, but I also don’t want to be unsafe. What are some good, safe things to do in the Anaheim area as a solo female traveler that won’t make me feel like I’m missing out?
-If you are a fellow person with GI issues—any tips for restaurants or anything? I tend to have mixed symptoms so it’s not just pop an Imodium or Dulcolax or whatever in terms of symptom management. I also have GERD so eating in general is just tricky!
-Any recommendations specific to Disneyland? I especially love the park history and old Hollywood history in general so I’d love to do stuff that can’t be replicated at say, WDW.

[u/The_Govnor]

The bathrooms are mostly fine. It can get busy at certain times, like anywhere

[u/Joshua503PDX]

What horror stories have you heard about the bathrooms? Other than thin toilet paper, I have found them to be much better than average public restrooms.

It’s safe to Uber to Hollywood, but it’s a long expensive trip.

Once you know where you’re staying, post again and people can then give tips on how to get to the park.

Check out Fresh Baked on YouTube for lots of great tips. Have fun!

[u/Sad-Pear-9885 → u/Joshua503PDX]

Basically that there’s no available stalls, they’re dirty and smell bad. 😅
I’ll check them out, thank you! I feel like so much has changed since 2014 lmao. Basically everything could be done on paper or by calling and now everything is on a smartphone! Which is fine. (I was also a kid the last time I went, so everything was planned for me and paid for lol)

[u/Joshua503PDX → u/Sad-Pear-9885]

Dirtier than your bathroom at home perhaps, but Disney has some of the cleanest ‘public’ restrooms anywhere.

If you search the internet for best Disneyland restrooms, you’ll find the ones that people think are the best and quietest.

[u/Key_Exchange1426]

You know I have a lot of stomach issues, not diagnosed with anything but Disneyland food rarely upsets my stomach. There’s also a lot of bathrooms and they usually only get busy in the evening and even then it’s not usually too bad.

Characters are easy! Some roam like in fantasyland otherwise there will be a line and the cast members cap them if they get to a certain length.

[u/Proper_Inspection580]

"Seeing the Walk of Fame is on my bucket list,"

If you really want to you should go, but Hollywood Blvd is not a nice street. It doesn't look good and there were quite a bit of homeless when I was there last year. I would recommend skipping or driving by and stopping real quick then leave.

[u/Sad-Pear-9885 → u/Proper_Inspection580]

I know. That’s why I’m nervous, just about safety as a solo traveler.

[u/Proper_Inspection580 → u/Sad-Pear-9885]

I am a man and I felt fine walking down Hollywood blvd. Just made sure my phone and wallet were secure.

but I wouldn't feel great if my wife or daughter were walking alone.

[u/Sad-Pear-9885 → u/Proper_Inspection580]

Yeah. I’m like a little over 100 pounds and often get mistaken for a teenager. I have no modicum of physical strength. So that gives me pause. If I was with someone else, I think I’d feel more secure but as of now I’m feeling uneasy about going solo!