Marcia's Solo February 6-13 Pre-Trip Report

[marsh0013]

Ok, so it was suggested that I do one of these. And I had such a great time doing an *actual* trip report, that I figured, may as well. So here goes nothing!

I guess it would help if I put some details into this first post.

When: February 6-13, 2008
Where: Pop Century
Who: Me. Just me. Yup that's it. It's a solo trip baby!

So maybe you'd like to know a little bit more about me. Well, I'm 26 years old. My name is Marcia, but I have many nicknames. Marsh, Marshie, Marshala, ChiChi (don't ask!), Marchum, etc. The crazy ones are given to me by my best friend, Morgan. She never calls me by my real name. I'll just answer to whatever. Anyway, I'm a big Disney fan. I guess that's a duh. But my other two passion in life are the New York Yankees and Dave Matthews Band. My Yankees have disappointed me lately. My band is coming to an arena near me on this coming Tuesday, and I have to work. Just my luck. Oh yes, I have a job. I work part-time at Borders Books and Music. I really like my job a lot. I just started there about a month ago, but it's going really well.

I guess it would help to know that I'm about to leave for another Disney trip. Well, it's a Disney trip in my mind, in Morgan's mind, I'm going down with her to Celebration to stay with her parents for Thanksgiving. But I've got an AP, so I'm going to be at those parks as much as I can. I also went on a week trip with my mother in August, and was down for the weekend with Morgan in September. Lucky, I know.

When I go down in February, I have plans to meet up with some great Disers, who I have met through the Adults and Solo Travelers Board. We've got a great thread over there, me and my Febbers :goodvibes . So you'll hear about them too in this pre-trippie.

So that's a bit of info about me.

I'll post my itinerary in my next post.

Thanks for reading!

[marsh0013]

Wednesday February 6
arrive morning, checkin to pop
dinner at 50's PTC @ 5pm
fantasmic

Thursday February 7
AK all day
breakfast at tusker house @ 10:30am
dinner at boma @ 5:50pm

Friday February 8
mk morning
lunch at GFC @ 1:30pm (skip or go early)
2pm meet at petals
afternoon/evening at MGM
dinner at brown derby @ 6:30pm

Saturday February 9
epcot all day
breakfast at Akershus @ 10:25am
meet w/yearbook 3ish at wilderness lodge?
dinner at the plaza @4:30pm
P&P party

Sunday February 10
morning off (ie - sleep in!)
afternoon DTD
dinner at crystal palace @ 6:30pm (w/englishrose47)
spectro & wishes (w/englishrose47)

Monday February 11
mgm morning
lunch at 50's PTC @ 1:00pm
evening @ epcot

Tuesday February 12
MK morning
lunch at LTT @ 12:30pm
evening @ epcot or magic kingdom

Wednesday February 13
character b'fast somewhere (haven't figured out yet)
late morning/afternoon mgm
late lunch at 50's PTC @ 2:30pm
back to POP to catch DME around 5:15pm

Most days I will probably take a mid afternoon break by the pool/pool bar. And all of my ADR's are for 3 people (done by DU TA), since my mom maaaaay change her mind and come (but I highly doubt it). Or if anybody wants to jump in any of these, let me know!

And if I don't have a meal set w/an ADR, it's up in the air (counter service most likely), so if anybody wants to meet up, just let me know!

You may notice that I have a few meals scheduled at the 50's PTC. Well, I fell in love with the place back on my vacation in August with my mother. We had the best server EVER and now I just want to eat there as much as I can! May seem a little much, but whatever, I LOVE IT! :love:

So that's my plan. Who knows how much I'll stick to it :laughing:

[lassiem1127]

Whooo Hooooo...first to reply.....:banana: I love 50's also....but I have had servers who weren't "in to it"...it just isn't as good then....but I have had some excellent servers before though.

[englishrose47]

2nd in !! We will be meeting up in Feband I can't wait. The age difference doesn't matter we're both DISNEY KIDS!! Hi Mark you beat me to it!! Looking forward to our meets to and meeting your son!!

[marsh0013]

Whooo Hooooo...first to reply.....:banana: I love 50's also....but I have had servers who weren't "in to it"...it just isn't as good then....but I have had some excellent servers before though.

i had a couple who weren't the best, but when they're good, it's sooo worth it!

2nd in !! We will be meeting up in Feband I can't wait. The age difference doesn't matter we're both DISNEY KIDS!! Hi Mark you beat me to it!! Looking forward to our meets to and meeting your son!!

age difference, schmage difference. looking forward to meeting you too!

[marsh0013]

So I'm a member of Tour Guide Mike, and my days are loosely based on his Green days, but mostly based on the recommendation of my travel agents, Dan from Dreams Unlimited. He helped me out with my August trip, which was absolutely perfect, so I'm sure he won't steer me wrong.

That's not to say I haven't changed things a million times. I originally had a lunch at the Grand Floridian Afternoon Tea, but switched it to Liberty Tree Tavern. I've never had lunch there, and would rather have it since it's earlier than the Tea runs (not until 2pm for the Tea). Also, when my planning started a few months ago, the Pirate & Princess Party schedule was not out yet. So that changed things up.

Of course, I have meets that need to fit into my busy schedule! On the 8th, we have a meet at Petals at the Pop. That will be my first chance to get to meet the crew. Next, on the 9th, we may be getting together with Meli to toast her wedding from the previous day! We'll all be meeting up again at the P&P Party on the 9th as well. Now *that* should be a great time. I'm really looking forward to the Party. And then on the 10th, englishrose47 and I are having dinner together at the Crystal Palace with Pooh and friends, and then seeing Spectro and Wishes together. Since a bunch of us are staying at Pop, I know we will run into each other more times than that. But I really am looking forward to meeting up with a bunch of great people!

[englishrose47]

Ditto , Marsh it will be great to meet all of you!!

[marsh0013]

Why solo, and why February?

Well, it just kind of happened on its own. Once I upgraded to an AP in August, I knew I would be sure to take another trip within the year. This upcoming one in November only half counts. I knew I'd make another. So my original thinking was to go in May. But I was looking at flights, and it looked like it was much cheaper to go in February. I also saw some people chatting on the Adults and Solo Board about February, and I knew it was meant to be.

Now I knew that my mother (my trip companion in August) would not be able to make another trip. She didn't want to spend the money. So she was out. Both of my brothers are in college, so they're out. And none of my friends are interested. So, solo it is!

I was very tentative at first, booking my flight right away, but not getting in touch with Dreams Unlimited for a few days to book my trip. But once I did that, I was off and running. Making ADR requests, signing up for Tour Guide Mike, just absorbing as much info about February as I could. And I must say, my hopes were up for P&P Parties. I knew nothing was for sure, and I definitely wavered in my hope as it got later and later with no announcement, but I was so glad when that announcement finally came! The last piece of the puzzle, as it would be.

So now I'm just waiting. Waiting and waiting. I guess it's not so bad right now, since I have my trip coming up on Friday, but once that trip wears off, the waiting will become hard again. And I know, I'm spoiled. I just went, I'm going again, and then again in February. But Walt Disney World is my really happy place. It's the only place where all my worries go away. I don't love my life, but I love every minute of it when I'm at Disney!

Okay, I will stob babbling now. Except to say I'm bummed tonight since my brother is at a Dave Matthews Band concert that I couldn't go to, since I had to work today. But oh well, I'm sure he'll call with updates.

Catch ya later...

[jordanyosh]

I know we determined that we'd run into each other on tuesday, but I am also at AK on Thursday, but will be with my family all day:sad2: Lunch at Flame Tree around 12:45pm.......just as an FYI.

[englishrose47]

Good morning Marsh!!

[englishrose47]

I know we determined that we'd run into each other on tuesday, but I am also at AK on Thursday, but will be with my family all day:sad2: Lunch at Flame Tree around 12:45pm.......just as an FYI.

Did we set anything up ? I will be in the World by 11am eating at Biergarten 12:30 and Lecellier at 7:10pm then Illuminations!! I'm up to any suggestions!!

[marsh0013]

Did we set anything up ? I will be in the World by 11am eating at Biergarten 12:30 and Lecellier at 7:10pm then Illuminations!! I'm up to any suggestions!!

are your ressies for 1 person? i'd love to join you for le cellier if that's possible. if not, no biggie. then we could do illuminations together. or we could get together before that too.

and yes, i will be at AK on thursday, but thurs feb 7, before you get there! you'll be there a week after me!

[jordanyosh]

I actually at WDW 1/31-2/13. AK on the 7th as well.:thumbsup2

[marsh0013]

I actually at WDW 1/31-2/13. AK on the 7th as well.:thumbsup2

sorry, i totally missed that. i was thinking of englishrose's dates. again sorry for the mixup! i'll be doing a late b'fast on the 7th at AK, so may not be up for lunch until later, but i'll keep it in mind!

[englishrose47]

are your ressies for 1 person? i'd love to join you for le cellier if that's possible. if not, no biggie. then we could do illuminations together. or we could get together before that too.

and yes, i will be at AK on thursday, but thurs feb 7, before you get there! you'll be there a week after me!

I'llall and changs Le Cellier to 2 if I can but as I don't see how they have a table for 1 it shouldn't be a problem!

[marsh0013]

Today, I got to go by my future resort, Pop Century. When my best friend's dad picked me up from MGM, we took the scenic route home, so I could wave to my future home in February. I'm such a dork. But I'm having a great time down here in Florida. I'll be back to more updating and such when I got home from my vacation next week!

[marsh0013]

i'm back from my vacation! i've actually been back for almost a week, but i've been so busy with work that i haven't had the chance to get on the internet much. but i'm back now, so back to planning for february!

i had such a great time at MVMCP that it makes me even more excited for the P&P party! i'll definitely be buying pirate mickey ears (the red and white striped ones) to wear with a pirate tshirt. should be lots of fun!

i'm off to start my trip report from that trip now. i'll link it up in my signature!

[MagiKitty]

Hey Marcia!

Just stumbled upon your pre-trippie while snooping around. I can't beleive you're going back! How exciting!

Just convinced my BF to go again sometime next year. We're planning for Sept/Oct time. I think we should invest in an AP too.

I'm enjoying your planning! Looking forward to the next installment.

Thanks for everything!

[englishrose47]

Hi Marsh Can you believe we are only 60 odd days to our Feb trip. Just got back from a weekend in Ontario for a Huge Cheerleading contest. The girls squad won second place and are sooo Happy! DD and I are exhausted . We're ordering Pizza and just vegging for the restof the day!!

[marsh0013]

Hey Marcia!

Just stumbled upon your pre-trippie while snooping around. I can't beleive you're going back! How exciting!

Just convinced my BF to go again sometime next year. We're planning for Sept/Oct time. I think we should invest in an AP too.

I'm enjoying your planning! Looking forward to the next installment.

Thanks for everything!

yes, i'm very lucky i get to go again! thanks for finding me :). that's awesome that you're going to go again in sept/oct. that should be a great time to go!

Hi Marsh Can you believe we are only 60 odd days to our Feb trip. Just got back from a weekend in Ontario for a Huge Cheerleading contest. The girls squad won second place and are sooo Happy! DD and I are exhausted . We're ordering Pizza and just vegging for the restof the day!!

i know, i can't believe how close it's getting! i finally changed the counter in my siggie to reflect my new trip, and it's at 2 months and days! that makes me so happy! congrats on second place, that's great! hope you enjoyed vegging!

[englishrose47]

Thanks Marsh I enjoyed vegging! Any idea how many are joining us on the 8th?

[marsh0013]

Thanks Marsh I enjoyed vegging! Any idea how many are joining us on the 8th?

nobody has posted on the meet thread. so far, i think it's you, me, and lassiem1127. but i've also posted in the feb list thread that meli has going, so maybe more will come. who knows.

but yes, public service announcement: Dis Meet, Feb 8, 2pm, @Petals at the POP

EVERYONE IS WELCOME!!!

[MagiKitty]

Hello!

Since you're been several times in a year, do you do Photopass everytime? Do you follow a schedule/map? I didn't see that many photopass photographers when I was there. I'd love some tips and pointers!

Have you done a Dis meet before?

What is Petals?

Is there a particular time of year thats your favorite? Or is your favorite whenever you're there? :goodvibes

Sorry to have so many questions, but I'm so excited for you! (and who doesn't love talking about Disney?)

Talk to you later!

[marsh0013]

Hello!

Since you're been several times in a year, do you do Photopass everytime? Do you follow a schedule/map? I didn't see that many photopass photographers when I was there. I'd love some tips and pointers!

Have you done a Dis meet before?

What is Petals?

Is there a particular time of year thats your favorite? Or is your favorite whenever you're there? :goodvibes

Sorry to have so many questions, but I'm so excited for you! (and who doesn't love talking about Disney?)

Talk to you later!

well, let's see. this is actually the first time i've done photopass, and i may or may not do it again in feb. i didn't have a schedule or map, but i just kept my eyes out for the photogs, and stopped at every single one i had the chance for. i knew the main spots, by all of the major landmarks, the others i just stumbled upon. i had used the photopass photogs a lot during my august and sept trips, but didn't purchase the cd. i copied and pasted and got low res files from the website (shhh, not supposed to be able to do that...)

anyway, i guess my tips would be to just keep your eyes open and go to the major landmark areas. and most character greetings have them photopass people with them too. i ended up with something over 200 photos from 10 days. not too shabby :woohoo:

i have kinda done a dis meet before. i met up with chikkypoo my first day in epcot, on nov 17. we had a blast touring around together. but that's the first time i've met someone from the dis. i will be meeting many more in february though!

petals is the bar at Pop. couldn't think of a better place to meet :rolleyes1

let's see, out of the times i've gone, i'd have to say the time before and after thanksgiving (when the crowds are low) is my favorite. i mean, i had the best time on my august trip, but we had to deal with the rainy season. the weather was much better in nov. then again, i still don't know how feb will be. that could take over, since the crowds should be lower than when i was there in nov.

but really, i doubt i'd ever pass up a trip to go to Disney, no matter what the time was. having an AP helps with that, since i don't feel like i have to make the most of my days. i can just go and enjoy and if i don't do all the rides, or don't stay all day because it gets too crowded, then i don't feel bad about it, or like i've missed anything.

no worries about questions, i'm happy to answer :goodvibes . and yes, i looove talking about disney too :thumbsup2

[marsh0013]

update: my ticker says 2 months today!!! how very exciting. i still haven't unpacked from my nov trip. maybe i should just leave it all packed for feb? hehe, just kidding. i'll eventually get to it. and i won't be packing until the day before i leave, i'm sure. i'm such a procrastinator with packing.

i realize i haven't included any pics in this pre-trippie. so let's liven it up a bit.

here's a pic of my suitcases in my room
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r149/marsh0013/disney%202008%20feb%206-13/pre%20trip/pretrip001.jpg

and here's a pic of me i just took, so you know what i look like, even though it's a horrible self portrait :headache:
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r149/marsh0013/disney%202008%20feb%206-13/pre%20trip/pretrip002.jpg

so there ya go. i'll try to take more pics to add to this, as things move along.

[MagiKitty]

Hey Marcia!

Those are your suitcases from November's trip? That's awesome! I'm so glad to find someone else who packs quite well prepared for a trip. Kindred spirits, you and I. Although I pack too soon, and revise, revise, revise. Its after I've gone over my stuff about three times that I'm satisfied. I say wash the stuff from last month's trip and put it back in the luggage. You won't be needing shorts anytime soon.

And only two months to wait! It almost makes the weather seem bearable...

[englishrose47]

I see Sponge Bob !! We watch A LOT of Sponge Bob DGS is a big Fan!!

[marsh0013]

Hey Marcia!

Those are your suitcases from November's trip? That's awesome! I'm so glad to find someone else who packs quite well prepared for a trip. Kindred spirits, you and I. Although I pack too soon, and revise, revise, revise. Its after I've gone over my stuff about three times that I'm satisfied. I say wash the stuff from last month's trip and put it back in the luggage. You won't be needing shorts anytime soon.

And only two months to wait! It almost makes the weather seem bearable...

yup, from november! i had to take 2 suitcases to fit all of my stuff, even though i didn't end up using the sneakers and most of the jeans. oh well, better to be prepared i say! i'm sure i'll do the same in feb, so maybe i *will* just leave it there, tee hee :rotfl:

I see Sponge Bob !! We watch A LOT of Sponge Bob DGS is a big Fan!!

oh yes, i love my spongebob. morgan's parents actually buy me everything spongebob that they see! they gave me a spongebob alarm clock while i was down there for thanksgiving. here's it is!

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r149/marsh0013/disney%202008%20feb%206-13/pre%20trip/pretrip003.jpg

[marsh0013]

Nothing new really to report, except that I almost finished putting away my pictures from my previous trip, I just need another photo album. It should have been taken care of, as I bought 2 more on ebay (bought a 200 photo one while i was in the world). Anyway, 1 of them was damaged, the pages are all falling out. I have to send it back to the guy if I want a refund. And the guy I bought it from will not refund shipping, either direction. Plus, he said they were brand new in shrink wrap, well, they must be years old, because they're in plastic baggies, not shrink wrap, and oh I just don't know.

I'm kinda peeved about this. Since his product is damaged, shouldn't he have to pay for it to come back? Grrr, it may just be cheaper to keep it and glue the pages back in if I can...

So I'm just a little frustrated right now. I think I want to buy another one on ebay, but none of the prices are looking too good right now. Sorry for the vent. It is Disney-related though. And a lesson for my trip in February - buy enough photo albums while I'm down there! And mail them back to myself if I run out of luggage space, which I have a tendency to do :rolleyes1

[MagiKitty]

Hey Marcia, sorry to hear about the photoalbums. Are they Disney ones? Our local AC Moore (a craft store) has some Disney-themed ones. You may also want to try your local Disney store. Rumour has it they're on crazy sale.

Did you use PayPal? You can complain to PayPal and they may be able to help you out Just a few weeks ago, I had a bad transaction too. I tried to contact the company but they never answered me. I went back to PayPal and explained my situation and they refunded my money back!

I am determined to put my pics away this time. I STILL haven't put my pictures away from last year!

Have a good day, good luck with the pics and Ebay, and looking forward to hearing about your plans!

[englishrose47]

Sorry to hear about your albums Marsh, what a bummer!

[marsh0013]

Sorry to hear about your albums Marsh, what a bummer!

thanks, i still haven't decided whether i'm sending it back or just forgetting about it. we'll see...


anyway, i've been thinking a lot about my feb trip as i've been writing my nov trip report. i've gotten a few reactions like "you get a lot done!" and "that's a lot of walking!". it's made me rethink my style. i told myself that i would go slow and not be commando-ish, and i thought that i did, i mean, i walked around and took lots of pictures, enjoyed the atmosphere, etc. but most of the time, i had a fastpass and knew when i would be getting my next one...no matter what!

i know that in feb, i will actually be taking mid-day breaks though. so i think that should help me slow down. i hope it doesn't make me feel more rushed though, especially with shorter hours. but i need to remember - i've done it all before! there's no need to rush around like crazy. i need to take a step back and try to soak up the atmosphere.

so we'll see how that works out :thumbsup2

other than that, nothing really new. i've been working a lot, so i've been pretty busy. and i'm in the city right now visiting my best friend (whose family i visited for thanksgiving on my nov trip). back to work tommorrow, though, for the next 3 days.

less than 2 months til my trip!

[englishrose47]

I'm right behind you Marsh!!

[marsh0013]

I haven't posted here in a while, I've been so busy writing my Trip Report from my November Trip. But alas, that is coming to an end. I only have one installment left to write, and I'm kind of putting it off because I don't want it to end! I don't know what else to do with myself until February. Any suggestions for me? At least I had my trippie to work on, but now that that's almost over, I just don't know. I've pretty much got my entire Feb trip planned out aready, and I don't want to overplan. So hrmph. I'm stuck in a rut I guess, and I just don't know what to do.

I am working a lot, so that keeps me busy, and with Christmas, I'm buying and wrapping lots of stuff, so that'll do for now. But I need my Disney fix. Ok, so this is just a lot of babbling and complaining. I'll be done with that for now.

:santa:

[englishrose47]

50 days for me! Even less for you!!

[englishrose47]

Marsh have you posted you Nov Trip report cuz I can't find it !! Also I seesomeone else wants to watch Spectra on the 10th Can we set a time and a place to meet and find out who all wants to join us. You could do that to help fill in the time till Feb . I'm also getting rambly . what with Christmas and Disney it's too EXCITING.ot to share this I wear my Team Focker lanyard with my work keys on every day and the pharmacy delivery man walks in and "Focks " me He just got back from Disney with a large group who all wer given the lanyards. So of course we Disney chatted for a while. Got to post this on other boards too! Marsh let me know about the 10th and your TR

[marsh0013]

my nov trip report is linked up in my siggie, it's right here! http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1652107

enjoy! there's lots of pics :)

[marsh0013]

oh yeah, and i think a good spot to meet for the parade is near the front of liberty tree tavern. i've gotten a rope side spot there no problem with 30 minutes till the parade. so that would be 9:30, maybe a little earlier. i'll work on it, but i have to go to work today, and the next 2 days, so i'll be a little busy for now :)

[englishrose47]

oh yeah, and i think a good spot to meet for the parade is near the front of liberty tree tavern. i've gotten a rope side spot there no problem with 30 minutes till the parade. so that would be 9:30, maybe a little earlier. i'll work on it, but i have to go to work today, and the next 2 days, so i'll be a little busy for now :)

Just letme know ! ***' we will be together for supper anyway ! How about doing POTC after I love that one. Have to tell you a funny tale about DD and that one later!!