What do you mean you want to go alone?? - my first solo trip to WDW!

[iluveeyore]

Hi all! I wasn't going to do a TR, but since I kept I journal, I thought I might as well give it a go!
Little background on first solo - I'm 39, turning 40 in November and planned to go alone then. DH has different ideas, and plans for the two of us to go away for my 40th like we did for his last year. Soooo, was getting a little down thinking I'll never be able to get away by myself.
Now, let's go back to the last week of February - I live in Southern Ontario, just 5 min from the US border at Buffalo. We had lots of snow here, with more on the way, and it had been cold and snowy since Christmas - I was getting very tired of it! I know it was selfish of me to even think about going somewhere warm, but DH can't just take time off when he wants without planning ahead, and the kids had March Break coming up, then Easter Break, so I didn't want them to miss school. I had my AP and AP rates were available, so I took a deep breath and - booked it!:banana: DH knew I had the winter blahs (happens yearly:laughing: ), and I was a bear to live with, so I think he was at the point where he wanted me to go somewhere - only problem was, I think he thought going away somewhere should be out with my sister for dinner and a movie, not an actual trip. His exact words "What do you mean you WANT to go alone?!" :scared1:
He couldn't comprehend how anyone would want to go as an adult all alone without loved ones to share everything with. Now please understand that we go every year as a family with our DVC, and at least twice as a couple without the kids (who are all teenagers). The kids thought it was cool Mom was heading out on her own - go, have fun! they said. DH told me to refresh and find my smile again, so I was booked and off six days later - what a whirlwind to pack (and find summer clothes!!!)

Day 1 - Saturday, March 1, 2008

I had tried to book an early flight, but none to be had on such short notice. Got cheap enough flight down on Airtran and cheap return on Southwest. My flight was to leave Buffalo at 3:09 pm - the airport is only about 20 minutes from my house, but I left at 11:30 am because I could not wait a moment longer. Thought I'd rather read my book at the gate instead of pacing around the house like a caged animal. I was home alone anyhow as everyone was off doing their own thing and had said good-bye at breakfast.
So here I was, parking my car in the snow at the airport and smiling from ear to ear as I boarded the terminal shuttle with another family going to WDW too. The looks you get when they know you're going alone - Mom's eyes turn green with envy, and Dad's eyes look confused like my DH!
I already had my pre-printed boarding pass, and no luggage to check, so straight through security (no lines), and on to my gate. Grabbed a bite for lunch then settled in to read my book. Before I knew it, I was settling into my window seat and watching them de-ice the plane as the snow started again - seriously, couldn't wait to get to Orlando:cloud9:
We took off a half hour late, and landed at 6:10 pm - look, a palm tree:yay:
No luggage to wait for, just my carry on rolling suitcase and my backpack, so right to ME I went. Got right on a bus for ASMu, but then sat there for 25 minutes waiting for the people who were getting their luggage!:rolleyes:

It was like coming home while I watched the video on the way to the resort.
I was booked in at POP for Sunday, but had switched to arriving a day sooner and had to get a room with my AP rate at ASMu for Saturday as there were none available for that night at Pop. No biggie since I was getting in later and just wanted a place to sleep before hitting the parks first thing Sunday morning. It was 73 degrees when I checked into the resort (far cry from the 15 degrees I left this morning:lmao: ) Had a nice, refurbished room with a flat screen tv, nice new furniture - and the room all to myself, wow! I didn't unpack since I was checking into Pop the next morning, but I was starving, so I went to the food court and got a cheeseburger with a diet coke in my refillable mug to take back to my room. After that, went back and got a hot tea, enjoyed a relaxing bubble bath with the door open :eek: so I could listen to the tv (Disney channel) - it was awesome being alone in my room. I didn't go to any parks tonight, wanted to relax, enjoy the room I had paid the short time for and rest up for my first full day. Set my alarm for 8 am, saw the Weather Channel was showing it was now 60 degrees at 10pm, and fell asleep smiling really big!:goodvibes


Day 2 - Sunday, March 2

Woke up at 4 am - felt like Christmas morning, I was lying awake waiting for it to be time to get up! Watched Stacy do her Top 7 Must Sees and managed to fall back asleep by 5:30 am. Awake again at 7:30 am - that's long enough, up I got. Went and got my hot tea to have with my Special K bar, showered and packed up. Checked out of Music, had my bags transferred over to Pop, then waited 20 minutes for the Epcot bus (one had just left as I was walking out). Didn't mind waiting though, beautiful sunny morning and it was 75 degrees by the time I got to Epcot at 9:45 am. WS wasn't open yet, so I wandered over to the Land. Now, I have been to WDW more than fifteen times, and I have never taken the Living with the Land boat ride. So, since this was all about me, I hopped right on - this is such an enjoyable and amazing ride through the greenhouses, perfect start to my day.
Next, I headed over to Test Track to get a fastpass - didn't need one, because I could use the single rider line :woohoo: - walked right on. It was now 10:30 am and 78 degrees, and I am loving life. Rode with a nice older couple who had never been on before - it was fun to watch them hold hands and laugh throughout the ride. Sorry though, still didn't miss DH (love ya honey!:hug: ). Got off TT and went to the rest room to fix my hair (yikes, what a breeze on TT). It was almost 11 am by now, so I wandered slowly over to Mexico on the back path from TT - enjoyed a turtle swimming in the waterway, took some pics of near empty path, and generally just took in the atmosphere of lush greenery and blue skies.
Walked past Mexico to Norway, and stood in line for Maelstrom - only 5 min wait until it opened, then got on the second boat - it was fun for every ride during my whole trip to walk up to the CM and hold up my one index finger when they asked how many were in my party - just little old me:woohoo:

Is everybody bored yet? Hope not!

One thing I noticed this morning, there are a lot of what we Canadians call 'cotton tops', or 'snowbirds' - older, retired people with white or gray hair either walking slowly arm in arm with their spouses, or racing each other on their 'scooters'. Nice - told DH that'll be us when I'm not going solo:rotfl:

It was almost lunch time - stay tuned for what I find to eat!!!

[iluveeyore]

Day 2 cont'd

So now I'm getting hungry, but walking by China, I decide to wander around in there. I haven't seen the movie in ten years, and I don't ever remember seeing all those neat little soldier statues on display. Only about six other people around for the movie, and I found it very enjoyable, especially the 360 degree views. Wandered around the gift shop a bit afterwards, but the rumbly in my tumbly got louder. I didn't really feel like Chinese food, so probably a good idea to leave China. Walked quickly to where my watering mouth was guiding me - France! Had a hankering for something from the Patisserie, and the ham & swiss croissant warmed up had my name all over it! Yum! Sat at a table all alone and watched people scurrying around with their little ones trying to decide what and where to eat. Gee, I didn't have that dilemma - what's that, you want to eat in France? Get whatever you want, sit wherever you want for however long you want - and I didn't have a meltdown or a pouting fit! This solo thing rules!
Now I had to back-track a bit through WS, since I had hoofed it so fast to France. Had a couple of souvies to pick up for my DD at Japan. I was also hoping to catch the candy lady's show (can never spell her name right!), but she wasn't coming out for over an hour, and I had things to do!
Next, I by-passed some more countries to go to Canada - yes, I said Canada, where I live. Believe it or not, we have never, ever visited this pavilion due to the groans of my kids and DH (why should we see where we live???). Although we have enjoyed Off Kilter several times outside the Canadian Pavilion (shouldn't it be Scotland???). So, into Canada I went exploring. The movie with Martin Short was very enjoyable, I must say. I also had a nice conversation with a lady there with her DH from Minnesota. She couldn't believe I was there alone either, said she never had thought about doing something like that, but it seemed like a really neat idea.;)
After the movie, I was excited to see Kenai & Koda posing for photos, so I got out my camera for my first character meet of my trip. STood in line with all the little kids and their families and patiently waited my turn. They were lots of fun, giving me smooches and hugs, and I got a really nice photo. (DH says I'm smiling waaay too big!:rotfl: ) I must apologize here about posting photos - I printed them all off, then had to delete a lot of them off my camera for space for other things my kids and DH needed to take photos of when I got home. Have a few to add later, but today's pics are in hard copy only!:rolleyes1
So now it's almost 1:30, and by my schedule it's time for my must have photo op of my whole trip - Eeyore is in the Toy Shoppe waiting for me:love: Off to UK I stroll, full of anticipation. As I get to the back of the Toy Shoppe, I see the back of Eeyore's head as Pooh and Tigger follow him out the back door, with the CM saying they'll be back in five minutes. No problem, I will wait longer if I have to - which I did, unfortunately while listening to a mother of a four year old and infant who were next in line griping the whole time about how they could have took at least one more family before they left, and how does ten minutes equal five minutes, the CM must not know how to tell time, blah, blah, blah. I just stood there smiling, surrounded by strollers and tired looking parents. One little girl had a Mary Poppins outfit on, and had just met her outside for a photo - everyone was ooohing and aaahing at her, she looked so cute!
My hero finally came back, and everyone seemed to forget they were mad for waiting. Got a wonderful photo with my favourite donkey :eeyore: (and Pooh and Tigger too), then headed to my favourite tea shop with a big smile on my face!
Now it was around 2pm, so I decided to head towards the exit to go back to my room and freshen up. WS had been almost empty until 1pm, but now it was getting busier with lunch time and the afternoon shows and performances starting. On my way out, I decided to try the refurbished Spaceship Earth since the line was a lot shorter than it had been this morning. I hadn't been on this in years, so I enjoyed it - it was relaxing if nothing else! And I lucked out, because it didn't stop for the entire ride.

Had to wait about 20 minutes for my bus, but only couple other people waiting with me. I still had to check into Pop, and had that done by 3pm. I picked up my luggage from bell services, then headed to my room - #3214 in the 50's building Tramp Hotel (doesn't sound like a Disney theme unless you can see the huge dog!!!) Had a gorgeous view of Hourglass Lake, so nice and peaceful there - lots of ducks and bunnies in the morning and early evenings.
I unpacked, ironed and hung up all my shirts (five I think), and put my Easter stick-ups in the window. I texted home to call me (we have free long distance) and jumped in the shower. DH called and I talked to him and DD for a bit, tried not to make them too jealous by going on and on about what a great time I was having.
DH and I are Nascar freaks, so he was getting ready to watch the race (it was in Vegas this week), I already had it on the tv. He liked that we would both be watching the same thing for the afternoon. I said good-bye and told them my room number so they could call whenever they wanted to try and catch me in my room. Then I went to Everything Pop and grabbed a meatball sub and drink in my mug, and took it back to my room to watch some of the race. DH didn't have to know I had no plans of staying in my room any longer than I had to!

Still more of day 2 to come - gotta go make dinner!!!

Next up - I meet a fellow Dis'er!!!!

[wdwkimberlee]

Solo trip!! How awesome! I know what you mean about people (DH's especially) not understanding the beauty of getting away by yourself. I look forward to reading about the rest of your trip (and living vicariously through you). Thanks for writing. :thumbsup2

[iluveeyore]

Solo trip!! How awesome! I know what you mean about people (DH's especially) not understanding the beauty of getting away by yourself. I look forward to reading about the rest of your trip (and living vicariously through you). Thanks for writing. :thumbsup2

Thank you for reading! I'm enjoying re-living my trip through writing about it!

[eliza61]

Thanks for the great trip report, eeyore. I would love, love, love to take a solo trip one day. You've definitely got me inspired.
E

[iluveeyore]

End of Day 2!

I only watched an hour of the Nascar race, since I looked around me and thought 'You're in Disney girl, get outta your room!' So I got ready and headed out to the MK bus at 5:45 pm for Spectro at 7pm, then Wishes and EMH tonight. The bus came at 6pm, but then when we got to the entrance of the MK parking in the bus lane, we came to a stop:confused3 . When we finally inched through, we saw there was a fender bender at the intersection to WL and MK. By the time we got to MK, there was a line-up of buses waiting to get in, so I didn't get into the park until 6:50, and there was wall-to-wall people everywhere waiting for Spectro to start. So I found a spot at the entrance to Main St. and stood back to enjoy it from there. It still amazes me how parents behave at parades - I've seen them several times, so don't mind not being able to see everything, but other people are trying to enjoy their first time, and someone always thinks they deserve the best view more than anyone else. I was about three people deep behind the rope in the outer part of the circular hub by the entrance. There were a couple of 7 or 8 year old kids behind the rope, and a couple of teenage girls behind them who were both shorter than me (and I'm not tall). They were all excited and snapping photos of it all - then this lady comes from behind me, shoves around me (I had made the mistake of leaving a half a foot gap between me and the teenagers), and squeezes her three year old son right up to the rope, making everyone have to shove over where there was really no room, and the teenage girls moved over behind taller people to make room for the mother behind her son. No one looked happy after that except the mom, and no one said anything. She then had the unmitigated gall to turn around and signal her husband and what I guess was her mom to join them behind her, right in front of me. :confused: The teenagers looked at me for my reaction, to which I just shrugged my shoulders and rolled my eyes with a smile and a wink. ;) There would be no winning if I complained, but I might have caused a stink if my kids had been with me for their first time seeing it. My lesson learned - don't leave any space whatsoever because someone will smell it!:laughing:
Anywhooo, enjoyed the rest of the parade from my somewhat blocked view, then joined the crush of people up Main St. towards the castle for Wishes in half an hour. For some reason, I ducked into the candy shop to get out of the flow and check my cell phone in case DH had tried to call my room and might have texted me. To my surprise, I got a text from a fellow Dis'er I had been emailing prior to leaving because we were both on our first solos at the same time. (Hi acm563!). Her text said she hoped I got settled in my room okay. I texted her back I came a day earlier and now I was in MK - she texted me back that so was she:yay: After a couple of more texts, I found her near the castle and joined her to watch Wishes. It was so fun meeting her knowing the Dis had brought us together here in front of the castle on our first ever solo trip!:hug: After enjoying the best show in the world (Wishes), we parted ways because she wasn't a resort guest and couldn't stay for EMH.
Now, on a side note, I had been having trouble with the side of my knee and leg on a trip I took in December with my DSis (yes, to WDW to see Christmas decor!), and after a day of constant walking through Epcot and now at MK, it was starting to act up again - crap! I hadn't packed my muscle rub or my Aleve:sad2:
I rode Thunder Mountain - of course it was walk on, so I had to slowly trudge through the path to the ride with my bum leg, letting people pass me that were walking faster. But I made it, that ride's always fun in the dark! I hobbled over to Pirates, but the line was long so I wandered through the gift shop for a bit, then decided to go on Haunted Mansion. There was no wait to go right into the first room with a small group, and soon I was resting my leg on the ride. I really like the refurbishment.
After that, I went in the direction of the castle and noticed Philharmagic was open for EMH, so was able to get into the very next show. Love this show!
Many Adventures of Pooh was really busy, so looked in that gift shop for a bit, then decided to give in to my stupid leg pain and head back to my room. There was still two hours left in EMH, but there was no point in pushing myself since I still had four days left. Had to stop at the BAkery though for the necessary gorging of a cherry turnover - took it to go so I could enjoy it in my room with a drink in my refillable mug. Of course the Pop Century bus stop is the absolute farthest one away from the exit :eek: and lots of people were waiting. A bus came, filled up and left during the time I was slowly limping to the stop. Another came, but I would have had to stand, so let a few people by to wait for the next one - there was no way this leg would support me swaying on a bus!. Now it was 10:30pm (EMH went until 11), the next bus of course had to load a scooter, but I finally got on, had a seat and went back to Pop. Stopped in the gift shop and found Ben Gay muscle rub and Aleve ($16 for those two things:scared1: ), got my drink, and back to my room. Collapsed in bed by 11 - whew!

Coming up - Day 3- Limping around AK!

[ILMICKEY]

I just love reading solo reports. I really am going to do it someday. I was going to this year for my 40th, but my daughter said she wanted to go.

Someday though!!

Your an inspiration.

[iluveeyore]

Monday, March 3

Today is Animal Kingdom day I decided - didn't have to take a vote, listen to other opinions - just me saying "I'm going to AK", and that's that!:thumbsup2
This morning I woke up at 7am - decided not to use the alarm or wake up calls all week - I knew I'd be up and at 'em without a problem each day. I had a good night's sleep, but I'm glad I brought ear plugs. The walls are so thin at Pop that as soon as I took them out, I could hear the shower going either above me or beside me (hard to tell), and a baby crying somewhere above. Didn't bother me all night though! Went to get my hot tea in my mug and try out the bum leg - still really sore, so just took it easy on it by limping. (Found out when I got home I have some kind of 'syndrome' where the outer muscle that runs down my leg is weakened and my knee cap isn't being held where it should, plus I needed physio and a knee brace to do any more walking - ouch!). Also, on another side note, when I left home my DH and DD had both had terrible coughs and lung infections and found out they had went to the doctors today and got antibiotics. That would explain the tickly cough I woke up with this morning - thank goodness I packed Halls cough drops, but had to buy Robitussin for $8 at gift shop - word of advice to everyone - pack any and all medicine you can think of, because you'll end up paying double on your vacation!!!:sad2:
So, with bum leg and start of lung infection and cough, out into the Florida sunshine I went, smiling nevertheless all the way to AK at 7:45am - it was EMH this morning at AK, and although I missed the park opening, I still had an hour before it fully opened. It was 80 degrees today and I love the lushness of the AK, so walking with a sore leg didn't dampen my spirit. Nothing was going to ruin my solo trip, even if I had to rent an ECV! (which I didn't thank goodness!)
Went to Africa first after admiring the Tree of Life, to get a fastpass for the safari. Fastpass was for 9:15 am, so off to EE I went, my favourite ride that no one else likes to go on with me. It was only a 10 min. wait, and the single rider line wasn't open yet, so I had to do the long trek through the stand-by side of course!:headache: Made it on, got the very back (which is also the very front for part of it!!!), sat with a nice older gentlemen whose wife can't handle fast rides. It was his first time, and I didn't say anything to spoil it for him - we just screamed amicably together when appropriate:scared1:
By now it was about 9am, so I walked slowly back to the safari to wait for my fastpass time. Found a bench :cheer2: right beside the fastpass entrance to wait on. A lady and her son sat beside me to have a snack and they were speaking french - I asked if she was from Quebec, and she was. I know they can all speak english because they are after all Canadian, so she answered me in english. It was Spring Break for Quebec that week, so I heard lots of French that week. I'm Canadian too, and we learn french in school, but we don't use it after that ever really, at least not where I live!
So, my time has come, and I walk into the safari - and right on! Didn't even need a fastpass! Oh well, guess I could have saved it, but on I went. I love the safari, although this time I didn't seem to see very many animals out - not even one giraffe!
Next was my character quest - love Camp Minnie Mickey for character greets, so that's where I limped slowly to next. Actually had to line up as it was before 10am and they weren't out until 10. Decided to wait for Goofy as I was second in line instead of being 20th or more for Mickey & Minnie. Out he came in his fishing gear. Got a great picture of just the two of us. Happy with that and seeing the lines longer for the others, I decided it was time to leave Camp Minnie Mickey. My dreams of wandering through the Pangani Forest trail and watching gorillas for an hour were dashed by the pain in my leg. I downed an Aleve and rubbed on some more Ben Gay and decided to leave AK for now :guilty: . However, as I was making my way towards the exit, I was passing by the exit of the viewing area where they have flamingos and kangaroos and deer at the base of the Tree of Life, and I notice two guys in white vests - Dream Team!:yay: This is where I became a stalker. I have to tell you quickly that I learned this the hard way - for DH's 40th we were at WDW last October after a Nascar race, and had went to DTD the morning of his birthday. We were waiting for the DVC CM across from the Black Cauldron shop on the West Side, and saw the Dream Team wandering around like they were waiting. As we stood by the DVC kiosk, one of them said "It's time", but then they still stood there waiting. We even got to talk to one guy, who asked if we were waiting for the DVC guy, and he said "me too". Great, we thought we just had to be first in line when he got there, and we'd win something. Then suddenly, they swarmed a lady who had just sat down on the end of the bench we were standing beside, the same bench DH had just put his foot on to tie his shoe. The same Dream Team guy we had talked to came over and said "Why didn't you just sit down, you would have won!" Apparently the lady and her family one tickets to the MNNSHP and "other wonderful prizes" they wouldn't disclose. My thoughts were they had won the night in the castle, but I didn't want to know for sure. All I know is DH was depressed the whole rest of the day, and from then on if I see the Dream Team, I do everything possible to find out what they're up to and what I need to be doing to win something.
Soooo, saw the Dream Team - only two of them and had the big bags on, so I knew it was either FP or lanyards. They were trying not to make eye contact with anyone, so I suddenly became very interested in taking photos and watching flamingos - had to delete about five later:rotfl2: Finally heard one say "That's good enough, let's start", and the next family that walked by on the way out the exit end got stopped and were awarded lanyards. So guess what? I won a YOAMD lanyard:woohoo: I was so excited. DH and I had actually won lanyards at AK on the Pangani trail last year, and this lanyard had different pins for 2008, so this really made my day.
I floated to the exit :cloud9: proudly sporting my lanyard.
From there, decided to take the bus to Hollywood Studios and check out the new signs and ride my favourite ToT. Bus came right away, and off I went to HS. Just walked slowly so my leg wouldn't spoil my day and rubbed more Ben Gay on it while I was on the bus - thank goodness they make it unscented nowadays! Got on ToT with only a ten minute wait - love, love, love this ride, and DH hates it. So nice to not have to hunt around for him when I came out of the gift shop.
By now it was 11:30 and I was getting hungry, so I decided to go to DTD for lunch. Got on a bus to POP, and when we got there the bus driver stopped at the DTD stop instead of HS, so I just stayed on the bus. Got off at PI so it was a shorter walk to McDonalds to use my DVC discount.:idea:
After gorging myself on a meal, wandered slowly through all my favourite stores. Got my necessary 2008 magnet for my fridge collection, then just 'window shopped' around most of the stores. I love Disney souvies, but didn't really need any as we already have lots at home. I always look for newer, neater things though, but didn't see any today. Got back on a Pop bus at the Marketplace at 1:30. Decided I'd like a nice dinner at a table service tonight, and after much thought I picked Olivia's at Old Key West. Thought I'd love a boat ride after dinner, it was such a pretty day, and OKW is our favourite resort to stay at with our DVC. So I called WDW dining and made a 5pm dinner reservation. Had a shower, changed and relaxed for an hour, then left my room at 3pm to get a bus to DTD. From there I waited for a bus to OKW - would have taken the boat from there, but my leg wasn't cooperating so I just waited on a bench at the marketplace. Waited 20 min, then stopped at PI, Typhoon Lagoon, and finally to OKW - arrived at 4:15 (that's why they tell you to give yourself an hour travel time when dining at another resort!). I browsed in the gift shop, then thought I'd see if I could get in earlier for dinner. Got seated at 4:30, no problem. I had a wonderful penne with grilled chicken and nice pot of hot tea while reading my book. Wasn't too busy, so had a nice quiet dinner. I wasn't sure about eating at a table service alone, but it was so nice.
By 5:30 I was on a boat back to DTD - there were three nice older ladies in the back row taking pictures of two of them at a time, so I offered to take a photo of all three if they would take one of me - got a nice photo! (Sorry don't have it to share!). I got off the boat on the West Side, and wandered around the Virgin Megastore for my teen DSs. At 6:45 I bought a ticket for a movie (Fool's Gold, it was okay) at the AMC theater. My cough was slowly getting worse, so I practically ate Halls the whole movie so I didn't bother anyone. At 9pm I limped back to the PI bus stop (furthest one of course!), and waited half an hour to get on a full bus. I was too tired to wait, so I stood for the short trip back to Pop. Was in bed by 11 after taking Aleve and Robitussin:sick:

Next up: Please stop coughing!!!!!!

[iluveeyore]

Anyone still with me?? Even if not, I'm having fun reliving my trip!

Tuesday, March 4th - where does the time go???

Up at 7am today - another sunny day! Got my tea and had a shower - DH called at 8am, talked to him and DD - both home sick with lung infection.:sick: They had antibiotics from the doctor - I did not! My cough was getting so bad, that I nearly coughed my voice completely away. DH thought it was funny I was alone and couldn't talk to anyone, I did not share his humour.:mad:
Anyhow, sent them my love and said I was off to a park.
Went out to the bus at 8:45 and decided to go back to Hollywood Studios since it wasn't as spread out as AK or Epcot (leg still hurting too). Got a fastpass for the ToT, then went on since it was only 10 min. wait. Wandered around a couple of gift shops (love the Villain Store), then went back for my fastpass - line was now 40 min. wait, but I was on in 10.
Coming out of ToT, saw an ice cream cart (it was 10:30), and thought, why not? Nobody can question what I eat and when. So I got a Mickey ice cream sandwich (is anyone else upset they don't sell the Toll House Cookie ice cream sandwich? I was devastated!). Took my yummy treat with a small bottle of water to the Beauty and the Beast show - love the beginning with Four for a Dollar:rolleyes1
I browsed through some more gift shops, since they were practically empty on my way towards the exit. At the main emporium I saw a family with the Dream Team shopping with their $500 shopping spree.
Headed out to the buses to go back to AK - wanted to have lunch there. I was craving the Italian sandwich at Pizzafari, so that's what I got, along with my free ice water. Back to the safari for a fastpass, since it was later in the day and busy, then on to EE for a short wait in the single rider line:woohoo: . It was getting overcast, so it was a great safari ride when I got on, because all the animals were out this time - got some great pics of the lion, which I can never get.
I had wanted to go back to get some more character photos at Camp Minnie Mickey, but while waiting in line for Donald, I felt a coughing fit coming on, so I went into the bathroom out of the public eye. When I say coughing fit, I mean I cough so hard and without pause, so I can't even take a breath between coughs, my eyes water and I can't catch my breath. I tried to drink some of my bottled water, then sucked on a Halls until I could swallow and breath without coughing. I still had that darned tickle in my throat, and my voice was completely gone, so I knew a photo with Donald was out of the question - didn't want a red-eyed photo with me spewing my lungs all over the cute little guy!
So I hobbled and coughed my way out to the bus stop, thinking I'd go back to POP for a nice, hot shower and relax a bit while chugging my Robitussin. My Dis'er friend I had met up with had wanted to get together sometime today, so I texted her that maybe we could meet at the food court (she had checked into Pop that morning). She texted me back she was at MK then HS, and would let me know what time later.
By 5:30 I was starving, so I texted her I would be in the food court. However, once I got some chicken alfredo and sat down to eat, the dreaded coughing fit started up again - grabbed my food, refilled my mug and trucked it back to my room with a few stops to catch my breath and not drop everything while coughing! I must have looked a sight limping along and then stopping to bend over and cough my guts out!
I texted her about my coughing fit, and she called me when she got back to her room. We had a nice chat with my voice coming and going and a few coughs in between. It was actually her last night in Orlando, so she was going to DTD to have a nice meal at the RC and finish up some shopping, so no biggie that we didn't meet up.
I wanted to go somewhere, anywhere, but thought I'd better take it easy for the evening so my last full day would be a good one tomorrow. I went back quickly to the food court and got a yummy, sweet and huge white frosted cupcake, refilled my mug and went back to my room. Had a nice relaxing bath, got my jammers on and settled in with my Disney wordfind, my cupcake and the tv. DH called at 11 just as I was dozing off to see how I was doing. Then in went the earplugs and out I went!

Next up - determined to cough & limp my way through the parks!!!

[lynn71092]

I am so enjoying your TR. It brings back old memories when I did mine, except no one knew I was going until I was on the plane!!!:scared1: They totally flipped out but eventually were very happy for me and the fun time that I was having. I love a good solo trip once in the whille!!:banana:

[iluveeyore]

I am so enjoying your TR. It brings back old memories when I did mine, except no one knew I was going until I was on the plane!!!:scared1: They totally flipped out but eventually were very happy for me and the fun time that I was having. I love a good solo trip once in the whille!!:banana:

I almost did the same thing - but I just went ahead and booked mine without asking first and told DH I couldn't get my money back for my flight & I was leaving in six days!!!! Would do it again in a heartbeat, just wish we were all independently wealthy!!!


Wednesday, March 5

Awake at 7am, no alarm - my last full day here, and I wanted to get it going. Unfortunately no parks had EMH this morning, so nothing was open until 9am. Got my tea, had my shower, then lounged around my room a bit enjoying some more 'me' time. I must say, this not having to share a bathroom thing was wonderful, and lazing around my room alone was very enjoyable. I got ready at my own pace, and was about to straighten my bed out of habit, then thought, wait - one more day of someone cleaning my room and making my bed:worship:
By 8:30 I was out the door to catch a bus to MK - hadn't been there in the light of day yet - got in the gate at 9:05 and got on the train to give my leg a rest from the hike to Frontierland. I know everyone usually heads to Tomorrowland or Fantasyland first, and I was right! Walked right on to Thunder Mountain, then wandered back towards the castle through an almost empty Frontierland. I found a spot on a bench right in front of the castle. It was almost 70 degrees and sunny out, and I just sat there taking it all in (got some really nice castle shots too). Couldn't believe I was steps away from that beautiful castle - it just doesn't get any better. Even my coughing couldn't take the smile off my face. The show Share a Dream with Mickey was starting, and I sat there away from the crowd around the stage and thoroughly enjoyed myself. I even stayed on my bench for a while after the show ended just taking it all in. I had a photopass girl take my picture with my own camera for me, then headed towards Adventureland. Walked right onto Pirates, then caught the next show in the Tiki Room. By now it was 11 am, and I was trying to decide what I would do for something special for lunch on my last day. Decided to head back to my room with a snack for now, so got a fresh cherry danish (not turnover this time), and took it back to Pop to have with some tea in my room.
I decided for a late lunch, I would love a big juicy burger and some ice cream at Beaches & Cream at the Beach Club - my mouth is watering just thinking about it:goodvibes Grabbed a bus to HS, then got on the boat outside the exit over to the Yacht & Beach Club. When I got off the boat, a coughing fit ensued on the dock, and I almost just turned around to leave. But I got through it and continued to the restaurant. Once there at 1:30 I discovered it was packed and there was a 30 minute wait:scared1:
After sitting at a patio table and having another coughing fit, I decided it wouldn't be in my best interest to sit in a restaurant today and risk coughing my lunch all over the table in public. I opted for a yummy coke float from the ice cream 'to go' side, and sat on the patio outside Beaches & Cream. This really felt good on my throat, so although it wasn't a big lunch like I planned, it did the trick for now. Was a bit expensive though $4 for scoop of vanilla ice cream in a large coke!
Now I had to go wait for a bus, since I had purchased a sweatshirt at AK that I decided didn't fit right and had to return today. The buses at Beach Club seem to take forever - of course an AK bus was leaving as I was hobbling towards the stop about thirty feet away, so plopped on a bench and waited thirty minutes for the next one. Then of course we had to stop at the Yacht Club before finally heading towards AK. Returned my shirt, then single rider EE was my next stop - 5 min wait and off I went!!!:thumbsup2
Walked over towards Dinosaur, and was going to see Nemo, but knew my coughing would disturb other people's enjoyment. Changed my mind about Dinosaur too, since I always scream on that ride, and that wouldn't help my throat. It jostles you around a lot too, so my leg probably wouldn't feel any better. Boy, can I whine, or what???
I guess you get the picture - lots more I would have done, but couldn't seem to do with my ailments this trip. Now I have a knee brace and cold season is past, so I should be fine for my next trip.;)
Back to the moaning.....
Walked slowly back to the exit, but it wasn't a bad thing - loved enjoying the scenery of AK while I strolled to the side out of everyone's way.
Once back at Pop, had to go back to my room to get my mug. Went to the gift shop to get DH a pirate flag I had my eye on, then got a cheeseburger I was still craving to take back to my room. Texted DH to make me a doctor's appt. for the day after I get home. By now it was 6pm - went and got a refill in my mug, then decided there was no point in suffering in the parks - AK had EMH until 9, but knew I would just make matters worse, so opted to stay in for the night and enjoy my quiet time. Got my pj's on and packed for tomorrow.:sad1: Boy, did time fly! I watched Wife Swap and Supernanny, then talked to DH when he called before bed. Took my medicine and fell asleep.

Last day!!!!

Woke up at 4 am, thought shoot, last day - then fell back asleep until 7. Dozed in bed until 8 am hoping to prolong the inevitable, but finally got up knowing it was check-out day. Got my tea, had a long shower, then watched some tv while packing up the rest of my stuff. By 9:30am I decided I wasn't going to spend my last morning moping in my room, so I grabbed my stuff and headed to the lobby, saying a fond farewell to my solo digs!
Checked out, left my bags with bell services and arrived at HS at 10:30 am. It was a beautiful morning, about 72 degrees. Got my fastpass for ToT, then went and enjoyed the High School Musical show by the big hat. Back to ToT for my last hoorah (love those random drops), and went out to my last bus ride to Pop. It was 11:30 and I had to be on ME by 1pm for my 4pm flight home. Had some fries in the food court and a Mickey shortbread cookie, refilled my mug and waited for ME (not so magical when you're leaving, is it?)

I got home without incident - had connecting flight, so didn't get home until 10pm, but was greeted with welcome home Mom signs and hugs of everyone that missed me.

Thank goodness we have a family trip in seven weeks, or I might be tempted to just go back again alone :rolleyes:

I must say, even though DH still can't understand it, solo trips rule! I will definitely revisit solo, although it would be nice to be healthy and able to do anything and everything. Hope I can talk DH into renewing my AP;)
Thanks for reliving my journey with me - and if you're contemplating doing a solo trip - GO FOR IT:cheer2:

[wdwkimberlee]

So sorry you had a bum leg and that cough. But still, you were in Disney World!! Sounds like you're a real trooper, though, making your way thru the World--even if it was a hobble! Hope you're feeling better.

Thanks for sharing your trip with us.