Mom needed a break...no laundry, no hubby, no kids...sorta!! A SOLO TR..updated 11/15 [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

ILuvCrush

10-19-2008, 12:04 PM

Hi all you happy DIS peoples!!!! And Welcome to my Solo TR!!
If you followed my PTR... you'll already be aware that I am not funny, or interesting, or have great writing skills either!! But I did get to go to WDW ALL BY MY OWN SELF!!!!

Here's me....http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/397441095_nzrF4-M-1.jpg

A little background info regarding this adventure:
I'm 35...today, actually, it's my birthday!!:bday:
I've been married to DH Tom for just shy of 14yrs. We got married while I was still in college.... yeah, a little young, but there was a good reason. Kyle.
DS(13) was born very shortly after the wedding, and for those family members who did the math, no DS was not born 3 months too early:lmao: :lmao:

So I lived with my Mama growing up, went to college and lived with a room mate, got married while still in college and lived with DH ever since. So long story short (too late!) I've never been by myself for more than an afternoon!! I know that sounds wierd, but I never had the post school single apartment or anything.

Since getting married, DH and I added 2 beautiful DDs (10 and 7) to the family, 3 cats (Rex, Zoey & Tigger) and a dog (Buddy)

Here's all of us, well, sans the critters:http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/358376836_zYCxH-M-1.jpg

Anyhoo... about this trip.
I wanted to go on a vacation... WDW was at the top of my list. Myself and DDs were there in Feb, but I wanted to go again. I wanted to take the girls (DS is NOT into WDW.... ) But unfortunately DH didn't think the girls should miss school for another trip. So eventually I got him on board with me going as a SOLO trip!! He thought I was a little nuts, but was very supportive. He even bought me a MNSSHP ticket when I couldn't decide if I should go or not!!

I booked my trip for October 13-18 so I'd be home on my Bday (the 19th) in July and my dear friends here on the DIS helped me plan my trip.

Here's my planned itinerary for the trip.... it didn't turn out this way, but I think it's fun to see how far the trip diverged from the plan....don't you???

OK:
Sunday.... head to Pittsburgh to stay at Four Points, my park and fly hotel.

Monday.... 7am flight via Southwest direct to MCO. Arrive at 9:10 catch ME to ASMu. Go to DTD for a while. Dinner at O'Hana's. MNSSHP

Tuesday.... Epcot ride Soarin and go to F&W, eat my way around the world, shop a lot, and see all 4 of the countries films

Wednesday..... KTTK tour, dinner at Tony's, AK EMH

Thursday.... HS all day. Toy Story Mania and Fantasmic were must do's

Friday.... AK in am MK in pm

Saturday.... ME pick up at 8, flight to PGH via Southwest at 11:15, hopefully get home by 6pm ish

Just to give you an idea... a teaser if you will.... I enjoyed my solo trip. I don't think you can go to WDW and NOT enjoy yourself. However, I don't know if I'd be willing to go solo again.

I did learn that I can certainly rely on myself, and the real source of my stress during vacations with the family, is from worrying about everyone else. Are they OK? Are they having fun? Do they need something? and so on. I didn't even realize it until I went on this trip and discovered that even though I was flying an airline I've never used, from PGH where I never fly, and stayed at a resort I've never stayed in... NOT ONE TIME did I ever feel stressed about getting where I was going, dealing with security, anything!! I also discovered that I'm more shy and self concious than I realized I was...I'll explain that more later. So I certainly learned something new about myself.

I hope that you come along for the trip!!

Here's some handy links!!
Mom Needs a Break..So I'm Going Alone!PTR (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1927662)

1. On my way on Disney EVE!!!! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=28247459&posted=1#post28247459)
2. Once upon a time...Day 1, part 1 (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=28256708#post28256708)
3. Once upon a time...Day 1, part 2 (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=28258251#post28258251)
4. Once upon a time....Day 1, part 3 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28263680&postcount=33)
5. Party like a Pumpkin!!.... MNSSHP Day 1, part 4 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28266006&postcount=38)
6. Party like a Pumpkin!!....MNSSHP Day 1, part 5 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28289969&postcount=53)
7. Party like a Pumpkin!!....MNSSHP Day 1, part 6 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28290385&postcount=56)
8. Around the World in 6 hours!...Day 2, part 1
(http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=28356093&posted=1#post28356093)
9. Around the World in 6 hours!...Day 2, part 2 (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=28359012#post28359012)
10. Around the World in 6 hours! Day 2, part 3 (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=28360516#post28360516)
11. Around the World in 6 hours! Day 2, part 4 (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=28360601#post28360601)
12. Paging Mary Poppins! Kids on line 1!...Day 3, part 1 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28444715&postcount=124)
13. Paging Mary Poppins! Kids on line 1!...Day 3, part 2 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28445092&postcount=125)
14. I am the Keyholder of the Kingdom!...Day 3, part 3 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28446975&postcount=128)
15. Now I get the title of this TR!!!... Day 3, part 4 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28451941&postcount=134)
16. Day 3...Finally a Conclusion!!!....Day 3, part 5 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28453214&postcount=135)
17. Not an update...update!!...photopass and scrapbooks (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28498423&postcount=164)
18. Toy Story Maniacs!!....Day 4, part 1 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28507381&postcount=175)
19. Oops! I'm Technologically Challanged!...Day 4, part 2 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28581672&postcount=200)
20. Monsters, Mayhem, and Grouchy People!!...Day 4, part 3 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28582484&postcount=201)
21. Last Day!! make it Count!!...Day 5, part 1 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28586597&postcount=209)
22. Walk with the Animals, Talk with the Animals....!!!....Day 5, part 2 (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=28589041#post28589041)
23. The Imagineers didn't plan for THIS!!!...Day 5, part 3 (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=28597379#post28597379)
24. Animal Crackers in my Soup!!!... Day 5, part 4 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28608059&postcount=229)
25. I'm a Wanderer... I Wander Round and Round and Round!... Day 5, part 5 (http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/411652044_RsbUd-M.jpg)
26. All Good Things Must Come to an End!!!....Day 5, part 6 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28673602&postcount=270)
27. It's a Wrap!! Some final thoughts..the CONS of SOLO tripping!! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=28736752#post28736752)
28. It's a Wrap!! Some final thoughts..the PROS of SOLO tripping! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=28739411#post28739411)

Paula

Diamondintheruff

10-19-2008, 12:17 PM

Good for you.

I can't wait to hear all about it.

Yes, it is fun to hear the how and why the original plans didn't happen.

2xcited2sleep

10-19-2008, 12:20 PM

I'm here! First of all, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! This was apparently a day for DIS'ers as I was just on another DIS'ers TR and it is her b-day too!

Your title is intriguing with the "sorta." Interesting. popcorn::

I forgot you did the KTTK tour. Can't wait to hear about that... and everything else about your trip. :goodvibes

MMmomto5

10-19-2008, 12:40 PM

Hi Paula! Happy Birthday!:bday: I only posted once on your PTR, but I followed along in all your planning and I can't wait to hear all about your trip. I'm leaving tomorrow morning for my first solo trip and I am a nervous wreck. So, I am glad that you at least had a nice time. I'm wondering if you have any last minute tips for me?

ILuvCrush

10-19-2008, 12:46 PM

Well my plan was on Disney Eve to leave home around 2pm for Four Points Pittsburgh Airport for my park and fly reservation. I like to fly out REALLY early, and since the closest airport to me is a good 2 &1/2 hours drive, I usually go a day early and do a park and fly deal. Less stress and since my car can stay at the hotel, it makes it pretty cheap because otherwise I'd have to pay for airport parking:scared1:

I Found Four Points at www.parkandfly.com a site I've used before. it's pretty handy. I had a bunch of last minute things to do before I left. I needed to check in for tomarrow's flight, run to Walmart, make a tri-fold display for my Mama who had a presentation to do and i said I'd help, Drop off said presentation board, pick up DDs now completed halloween costumes from my grandma's house, and finish packing:scared:

I managed to get it all done and was on my way to Pittsburgh by 3pm. DD(7) cried when I left...which just about did me in right there.

The Drive to Pittsburgh was beautiful!! Autumn is my absolute favorite time of the year! I love the smells and the colors. It was sunny and warm for my drive and I stopped to take some pictures along the way. The trees were pretty close to PGH too, but unfortunately, it was much harder to find overlooks and other places to pull off and take pictures.

I had a slow start because I got behind a "Sunday Driver"

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/392558332_bA4qx-M.jpg

Here's some more pictures from my drive....

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/392550746_hcCQ9-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/392553638_NvaE5-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/392556037_xXTdE-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/392559344_YpDfU-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/392557897_TzNEf-M.jpg

I got stuck in a construction area so it took about 3hrs to get to my hotel. I was starved... but there was nothing anywhere near the hotel. So I ordered a burger and fries from room service. That was nice. I don't usually order room service, b/c it's so expensive. But since it was just me, $16 for a burger didn't seem so bad!!!

I signed on my computer and DISsed a bit and checked my email. I watched a little TV. I didn't want to oversleep and miss my flight. The shuttle was taking me to the airport at 5am. So I called for a wake up at 4am, I set the clock in the room for 4:05, AND I set my cell phone clock for 3:55!!! No WAY I was missing my date with Mickey!!

I called home before I went to sleep. Allison was still fussing about me leaving:guilty: For the 10th time over the last 12 hours, I seriously thought maybe I should just go home where I belong, and stop being so selfish. DH conviced me that the separation was good for me AND for DD. We'll both learn how to deal with being by ourselves:flower3: I HOPED he was right!!!!!

Paula

ILuvCrush

10-19-2008, 01:02 PM

Good for you.

I can't wait to hear all about it.

Yes, it is fun to hear the how and why the original plans didn't happen.

Welcome Welcome!!!! You're #1!

I'm here! First of all, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! This was apparently a day for DIS'ers as I was just on another DIS'ers TR and it is her b-day too!

Your title is intriguing with the "sorta." Interesting. popcorn::

I forgot you did the KTTK tour. Can't wait to hear about that... and everything else about your trip. :goodvibes

HeHeHe!! I knew you'd be here quick Christine!!! Well I had to have the title be a little teaser... else every one will blow on by to YOUR TR!!!:lmao: :lmao:

Hi Paula! Happy Birthday!:bday: I only posted once on your PTR, but I followed along in all your planning and I can't wait to hear all about your trip. I'm leaving tomorrow morning for my first solo trip and I am a nervous wreck. So, I am glad that you at least had a nice time. I'm wondering if you have any last minute tips for me?

Thanks for the happy birthday!!
Best bit of advice.... USE THE SINGLES LINES!!!!! Wow! unbelievable what a difference! Regular line 45min, singles line 5min!! Use them and love them!!
Do some grown up stuff, that the kids squirm about so you can really enjoy it (good example hall of presidents and the WS films). You'll be suprised at how much more walking you'll do by yourself, when you don't need to wait for stragglers or wait in every character line. I bet I walked 2-3 more miles per day alone, than when I'm w/ the family just because nothing took as long to do. Bio break 5min... snack 10-15min....crazy to think how long you wait for everyone else to finish those types of activities! You'll weave in and out and hop in line before the folks with strollers are even getting thru the turnstiles. I never rushed (except a fast walk to TSM, but that's a story in itself!) but I was suprised at how much quicker you move thru the park in general!!

Paula

MMmomto5

10-19-2008, 01:07 PM

the_princess

10-19-2008, 01:11 PM

Can't wait to hear more! It's cool that you go by yourself. I went to Thailand by myself and it sure is different (in a lot of good ways) to be on your own.

2xcited2sleep

10-19-2008, 01:13 PM

Beautiful pictures from your drive!! :goodvibes

ILuvCrush

10-19-2008, 01:18 PM

Thanks for the advice Paula. I probably wouldn't have thought of the single rider lines since I'm always with my gang. I love the pics you posted. Every fall I am reminded why I love living in Pa. Can't wait to hear more!

You and me both:flower3:

I keep saying that I'd like to move further South, to get away from the western PA winters, but if I ever do, I'll still come back for October!!

The Single rider lines i used were test track, EE, and Rock and roller coaster. They closed the one at TSM, which was too bad!

mickeysmyboy

10-19-2008, 02:05 PM

Hi Paula! Signing on! I found your PTR last weekend and read my way through it! I can't wait to hear about your trip!

BTW, Happy Birthday!

Stacybaeasm

10-19-2008, 02:27 PM

I just got back myself! Sorry we weren't able to hook up at either MNSSHP or at DHS. I"m looking forward to hearing about your trip!

ILuvCrush

10-19-2008, 03:02 PM

I just got back myself! Sorry we weren't able to hook up at either MNSSHP or at DHS. I"m looking forward to hearing about your trip!

Hey Stacy!! I wish we could have too.... I tried to call you, but apparently when I put the # in my cell I reversed 2 numbers:headache:
So instead of you, I got a very confused older gentleman!!!

I thought the party was way more packed than I thought it would be!! How about you?

Paula

ILuvCrush

10-19-2008, 03:03 PM

Hi Paula! Signing on! I found your PTR last weekend and read my way through it! I can't wait to hear about your trip!

BTW, Happy Birthday!

Thank you!!!
I'm happy to have you here!
Paula

ClareH37

10-19-2008, 03:21 PM

What beautifully stunning scenery during your drive!

Looking forward to reading more.

ILuvCrush

10-19-2008, 03:44 PM

What beautifully stunning scenery during your drive!

Looking forward to reading more.

Hi Clare!!! Thanks for joining us!

bucky1023

10-19-2008, 04:20 PM

:bday: Can't wait to read more! Hope you have a great day!

Diamondintheruff

10-19-2008, 04:22 PM

I'm sitting here feeling jealous that you got to stop the car and take pictures without explaining anything to anyone else. You took some great pictures too.

How wonderfully decadant to order room service. Feeling jealous again.

VanniGirl

10-19-2008, 04:40 PM

I have wanted to take a solo trip - but not sure I have the nerve. I am looking forward to reading more!

mommyintn

10-19-2008, 04:51 PM

Wow I can't wait to hear all of it! I'm not sure I'd go by myself, I'd have to get a friend to go with me if I was going without DH and kids. The pictures of your drive are beautiful, I think I might want to vacation where you live. I've been wanting to go to Amish country....

ILuvCrush

10-19-2008, 06:49 PM

:bday: Can't wait to read more! Hope you have a great day!

Thank you!! And Welcome!

I'm sitting here feeling jealous that you got to stop the car and take pictures without explaining anything to anyone else. You took some great pictures too.

How wonderfully decadant to order room service. Feeling jealous again.

Thank You!!! Can you believe I actually considered not taking my camera at all??? I have a tendancy to view my vacations thru a lens, and not really "experience" them. LOL!!
My DH and kids groan when the camera comes out... if I kept stopping the car with them in it...DH would have probably drove off without me:lmao:

I have wanted to take a solo trip - but not sure I have the nerve. I am looking forward to reading more!

Welcome aboard VanniGirl!!! I suprised myself by going thru with it!! I considered cancelling it almost on a daily basis for the month before I left:scared1:

Wow I can't wait to hear all of it! I'm not sure I'd go by myself, I'd have to get a friend to go with me if I was going without DH and kids. The pictures of your drive are beautiful, I think I might want to vacation where you live. I've been wanting to go to Amish country....

I would have loved to have gone with a friend but no one would go!!!! I don't actually live in Amish country, but we have lots of Amish in our area. Amish country out near Lancaster is gorgeous and I highly recommend a visit!!!

MEK

10-19-2008, 07:11 PM

Welcome back Paula! pixiedust:

I'm so glad you had a nice trip and I can't wait to hear more. I know what you mean about solo trips - that feeling that it was good, but it isn't something you would do again real soon. That's how I felt when I got home. I would solo again, but probably only if the rest of my trip party canceled at the last minute. I would like my next few trips to be with my family.

ILuvCrush

10-19-2008, 07:17 PM

ilovemickeymost

10-19-2008, 09:09 PM

found it. Now can't wait to read it.

ILuvCrush

10-19-2008, 10:02 PM

Well I'm antsy to get this TR really rolling!! I'm amazed how many of you already stopped by!! I know when I go back to work tomarrow it going to slow me down, so here we go!!

I did not sleep well...AT ALL!!! The bed was comfy, but I woke up off and on all night long. I actually was awake and out of bed at 3:45, 10 min before alarm #1 was going to go off:sad2: At least I had gone to bed at 9pm, so I did get some rest during that time!!

Unfortunately, I woke up with a sore throat and a stuffy head:sick: Yuck! I had a little stuffiness all weekend, its something I deal with on a regular basis. So fortunately I had a nice supply of Sudafed (the good kind, not the PE crap they sell OTC now). I made sure I got my "monthly alotment" that the feds allow us to buy from the pharmacist before I left, since I knew that I wouldn't be able to get to a pharmacy to buy some if I needed it. The sore throat, however, was all new. I really hoped that it wouldn't stick around long!! So I popped a couple Sudafed and a couple Motrin, got myself all prettied up and headed to the front desk to catch my shuttle.

Here's my purdy self portrait before leaving the room:rotfl:

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/397396644_M6pMy-S.jpg

HeHeHe I really thought that would be my only pic of myself all week!!

Southwest check-in was a breeze...can't believe I was so worried about it!! I've always had "real" tickets from a travel agent, so I kept thinking this online check-in and printout thing wasn't going to work:laughing: Well call me kooky...it worked like a charm! The plane was very nice. I flew AirTran in Feb...that plane actually had window panels that were separated from the walls so you could see the stuffings underneath:scared1: So I was nervous about trying another "value airline". My concerns were totally for not. Thank goodness!! The flight itself was only half full, so I ended up with all 3 seats to myself:woohoo: talk about luxury! The flight was very uneventful, we actually landed about 5min early and I was off the plane on my way to ME by 9:05!!

As I headed for ME..I kept thinking I was forgetting something:confused3
OH Yeah!!! Everybody else:lmao:

ME check in only had about 3 people ahead of me. So I was set and getting comfy in my seat by 9:25! I guess someone on the bus had a service dog, because the CM asked if I had any allergies or a problem with having a dog on the bus. I said it was no problem, but I never saw or heard the pooch...I assume it was crated underneath.

I looked out the window and the sky was blue and the sun was shining.... maybe the weather report was wrong after all:woohoo:

ME driver Julio took us away from the airport at 9:30...boy was I ahead of schedule!! I didn't expect to get to ASMu til 11 or 11:30..... I wonder if my room will be ready this early:confused: probably not, it is a holiday weekend after all!! So I relaxed, sat back and watched my little Mickey movie!!

Surprise Surprise!!! My room WAS ready:banana: Check-in was very quick and easy. I requested a room near the front of the resort. I had told the CM on the phone at reservations that since I was travelling alone, I'd prefer to be closer to the main building, not a preferred room, parking lot view would be fine. Well, my request was not met. The CM checking me in told me that the ENTIRE Calypso bldgs (including the backs) were preferred...huh?? I wouldn't pay extra to be on the BACKside! Then he told me that the Jazz building was just for families because thats where the suites are. Hmmmm sounded a little odd to me, based on what I knew, but I didn't make a big deal out of it. I was glad that I had a room ready this early. The room that I was given was all the way back in the Country Fair section:rotfl: I really don't think that they could have put me any farther away if I had wanted them to:lmao:

On my way to my room, I stopped in Maestro Mickey's Store. It was HOT and I had on long sleeves. So I bought a cute little Minnie Mouse t-shirt and a couple trick-or-treat bags for DDs

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/397397066_JkM8P-M-1.jpg

Yep it's cute.... but DON'T get too attatched!!!

Paula

ILuvCrush

10-19-2008, 11:46 PM

I made my way to my room....it was a bit of a walk, but not too bad. I took some pictures along the way. The resort was rather pretty, actually. The values always come off as a bit garish to me, I suppose it's the big icons. I found the theming at ASMu far more enjoyable than ASSports and even POP. I liked POP, but I think ASMu is prettier.

Some outside resort photos:

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/398044483_Z578Y-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/398043893_kiLcV-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/398044051_AR2Th-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/398043444_ehCaz-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/398042065_WoQMo-M.jpg

I was in room 6448. It was a ground floor room, which was very nice, no steps! I opened the door and was very pleased with how fresh and clean the room was!! I took a few photos before I bounced on the bed and got all my stuff scattered about:

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/397396243_DCf7F-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/397396354_kiidF-M.jpg

I even got a towel mickey on the bed... Woo Hoo!!! This is why I come back to WDW... the little magical things, that you never quite know what or when you'll find!

Well I tried on my new shirt...whew...I couldn't wait to get out of my sweatshirt!! Awwwww nuts!!:headache: The darned thing didn't fit!!!! It waas one of those "ladies" style tops that are more fitted with the tighter sleeves and hip area. I bought an extra large, but it was still too clingy for my taste. I like a little room, thank-you! And this 'XL' fit me like a medium!!:mad:

So I returned it.

They let me keep the Trick or Treat bags (they were $5 with purchase) which was quite swell of them :lovestruc

After returning the Mini Minnie top... I kept on going right out the door to the DTD bus stop. I hoped it wasn't forshadowing of my bus experiences to come...but it took forever to get to DTD... half as long as it took to get to WDW from PA!!! I waited 40min for the bus... then about 30min til the bus got to DTD!!! Shoot my whole plane trip was only 2 hrs!!!

DTD was pretty busy. I guess cause people were off work, but didn't want to pay for park passes for the day... it seemed like a good number of locals. Weren't wearing the Goofy Hats and Mickey Ears ...you know, standard WDW dress code.

First stop, the Christmas Store...always nice stuff, didn't buy anything. I really want a Mickey Nutcracker... but I can't seem to part with the necessary $300:scared1: or so! From there I went to Mickey Mart. I bought name badge holders for me and my Mama for work, a Mickey icon for my car, and a Darth Vader Goofy for DH.

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/397400124_rb9hb-M.jpg

Then I wandered into Disney Tails, right next door....but no pet stuff:confused3 It was all clothes, mostly baby and toddler stuff. Wierd.
next stop was Pin Traders where I picked up the first of several pins. I got another 2008 pin, a 2008 w/ tink (because mama asked me to get her one), a passholders pin, 2 lanyards, and a Peter Pan fast pass pin that was a $1

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/397400114_tLuPt-M.jpg

Next stop... World of Disney Store!!!

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/397398148_oYe8U-M.jpg

There is just SO MUCH STUFF in there!!!! I browsed around a bit and picked up a couple shirts, a pirate halloween one for DH and a Donald Duck one for DS thats funny and suit him to a 'T'!! I bought a pair of Mickey earrings for me, that I wanted in Feb, but didn't buy. I also bought necklaces for DDs. The one for Ellie is an N... her real name is Noelle, but we call her Ellie:thumbsup2

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/397399949_gLQh9-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/397400670_fNKj6-M.jpg

After looking around and shopping for about an hour and a half... I was getting bored...and restless....and HOT...and tired.... and hungry.....and my head and throat were really driving me to distraction. It's a good thing I DIDN'T go to Mall of America!!!:rotfl: I'd have gone crazy with all that shopping!!

I checked as I wandered back to the busses with my booty...but the DVC guy was busy. I figured I'd have to try and meet up with him later. I only waited about 6 min for the bus back to ASMu, and was back at 2pm. I was really hungry. All I had today was a Coke and a Nutrigrain Bar for Breakfast. I needed to eat.... the problem was it was already 2:00 and I had a ressie for O'Hana's at 5:05!!!

What should I do:confused3

Paula

OneTreeHillAddict

10-20-2008, 02:23 AM

Disney all by yourself...sounds like a good time. I'm in!

OhioDisneyLover

10-20-2008, 06:25 AM

popcorn:: popcorn::

If U Had Wings

10-20-2008, 09:13 AM

Enjoying your report so far. Can't wait to hear more about how everything went!

Diamondintheruff

10-20-2008, 09:25 AM

I bought a pair of Mickey earrings for me, that I wanted in Feb, but didn't buy

Very cute. There's a necklace I haven't bought twice now but is at the top of my list for the next trip.

I found the theming at ASMu far more enjoyable than ASSports and even POP.

Me too:thumbsup2

What should I do

Still kind of wierd only having to worry about what you think huh?:confused:

MEK

10-20-2008, 10:08 AM

Paula -

I tend to agree with you that AsMu is a bit nicer/cuter/relaxed/smaller than POP. I like POP, but there is something about AsMu that really appeals to me. Sorry you got stuck in Country Fair. That's the only section of the resort that I wasn't crazy about. I hope you got to visit the other All Stars, since I thought they were both really cute, too.

I love all your purchases - so cute, especially the T shirts! Sorry you didn't visit DVC yet - I hope you did during your trip. I am really trying to convert you to a DVC'r!

OK - and I am going to take a guess here - did you cancel your Ohana ADR???? I know you were kinda up in the air about this ADR. I bet you started to think - hmmmmm - maybe I should wait until I can go with the rest of the family. Please don't leave me in suspense too long - I need to know! popcorn::

Looking forward to more :surfweb:

ILuvCrush

10-20-2008, 10:35 AM

[QUOTE=MEK;28262304]Paula -

I tend to agree with you that AsMu is a bit nicer/cuter/relaxed/smaller than POP. I like POP, but there is something about AsMu that really appeals to me. Sorry you got stuck in Country Fair. That's the only section of the resort that I wasn't crazy about. I hope you got to visit the other All Stars, since I thought they were both really cute, too.

I've stayed at Sports before...wasn't real impressed. I didn't take the time to wander over to Movies though.

I love all your purchases - so cute, especially the T shirts! Sorry you didn't visit DVC yet - I hope you did during your trip. I am really trying to convert you to a DVC'r!

I was hoping to visit them while at DTD... but the week is still young:rolleyes:

OK - and I am going to take a guess here - did you cancel your Ohana ADR???? I know you were kinda up in the air about this ADR. I bet you started to think - hmmmmm - maybe I should wait until I can go with the rest of the family. Please don't leave me in suspense too long - I need to know! popcorn::

HeHeHe!!! I'll let you know today.....

ILuvCrush

10-20-2008, 11:25 AM

OK. So I'm now back at ASMu. I noticed on the ride back that the darker clouds were starting to roll in:sad1: Hmmmmm darned weather channel, they may be right yet!!

I headed to the food court to get a little something. I wanted some actual real food...not a "sweet". My head was feeling very spinny from my sinus congestion and I had a headache. Hopefully a little something solid in my belly will help. I scouted around the food court to see what my options were. Everything seemed too 'meal-like'. I noticed a girl preparing a personal pizza. It wasn't much bigger than the palm of her hand, so I thought that would be perfect!! $6 for a mini pizza sounded like a lot, but I wasn't thinking too straight by now. I figured it would be a good snack, but wouldn't ruin my appitite for O'Hanas. I stepped up and ordered my pizza. The CM said they needed to make more and it would be a few minutes. No Problem. He gave me a slip to pay, and a beeper to know when it was ready. I took the slip and my refillable mug to the register and paid. I filled up with some Cherry Coke and found a seat near the pizza pick-up window, to await my mini-pie. While sipping my Coke, I happened to look out the window. :scared1: :scared1: :scared1: It was pouring!! You'd have thought someone was dumping buckets off the roof!! Today was the only day I had worried about rain.... tonite was the MNSSHP and I was afraid of stuff being cancelled if it rained too much:sad1:

Well nothing I could do but sit there and watch it fall... and wait for my pizza, and wait, and wait, I thought CS was 'fast food', and wait some more. Finally after 20min, my pager went off. Finally!! I popped up to the window and the CM asked if she could help me.... "ummmm you gave me a pager til my little pizza was done...it went off....can I have my little pizza now????"

"No one paged you...." "Ummmm it's blinking....see!!!"

Well, must have been a glitch, because even though I know it does not take 1/2 hr for a pizza to cook....mine was still not ready. The CM told me to give it another 5 min.:headache: So I refilled my mug and waited some more.

About 10 min later I got my pizza.... It was about 10" big!! :rotfl: The one I saw them cooking earlier, was apparently the kids pizza, not the individual:sad2: What kind of goof am I??? Well the pizza was OK, It was very greasy. It was similar to the kind you get at Pizzafari, but Pizzafari's is much better tasting and aren't nearly as greasy as this one was. By the time I was done it was 10min til 3pm!!! I had to catch the bus to MK to get to O'Hana's by 4!

The rain had slowed to barely a sprinkle as I made my way back to my room. I really hoped my luggage would be there. It's been about 5+ hours.

Yippee!!!! I opened the door and there sat my wonderful luggage, full of summer clothes...not sweatshirts..LOL!!! Besides my luggage I found this on the table..............

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/397399083_xZC8R-M.jpg

Hmmmm...I've never been to DisneyLand before.... OoooOooo maybe its a special promotion!!! Or a dream!!! Or the free DVC membership I was hoping to win!!!!

I opened it up and this is what I found..... drumroll please!!

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/397399204_8nvYQ-M.jpg

How cool is that!!! I was like a little kid... I as so excited!! I got a personal autographed photo of Mickey, some stickers, and a couple postcards!! I'm going to frame the photo and hang it in my craft/scrapbooking room!!

It was 3:30.... I was totally NOT hungry now. The sore throat from earlier felt more like a full blown cold now... and it was raining again. So I cancelled my O'Hana ressie. I really wanted to try it... but I just couldn't justify spending $30-40 for a dinner when I wasn't hungry, and honestly, my sense of taste was sorta off too. I also figured at least this way I can get to the party earlier:woohoo:

Well...the best laid plans and all that....

I took a shower and washed off the travel stink. I then laid down on the bed to watch Stacy for a half hour. I fell asleep!! I didn't sleep too long, fortunately someone/thing banged around outside my door right before 6 and woke me up:eek: I can't believe I didn't set my clock...just in case!! I got up, got dressed for the party, and headed to the bus stop. I actually felt better, since I slept a little and was excited to go trick or treating. It was cloudy still outside, but I had a couple ponchos in my bag.

By the time I got to the bus it was sprinkling again, then it started raining, then it stopped....darned weather can't make up its mind!!! Finally we saw this.... and I took it as a "SIGN"!!!:lmao:

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/398431456_YRVW4-M.jpg

The bus was crowded with party goers... I sat with a very nice Canadian family and we chatted the whole way. Their 13ish DD was dressed as Alice and looked splendid! They were very excited to go th the party too. On the way, the rain started pouring down in buckets again, and we all fretted about it together!! I was thinking at this point, it would have been better to have waited til I got down here to buy a ticket for the party, based on the weather... but oh well...too late!!

We got to MK around 6:30. The rain had let up again. I couldn't decide if I should drag out a poncho or not. The rain was really off and on. So I ducked into the Emporium. I wandered up thru towards Caseys. I eventually decided to buy an umbrella, because if it wasn't raining all the time, I didn't want to mess with the poncho. I scooted off toward Fantasyland to see if I could hop on anything before the party started. It was still raining.... Booooo!! It looks empty, but everyone was crowded in the shops!

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/398432241_UdMnQ-M.jpg

I saw Pooh only had a 5min wait, so I hopped in line. Pooh is cute but not my favorite ride, and certainly not what I ever expected would be my FIRST ride on the trip!!! The ride was cute. My only problem was the couple who sat in front of me in our honeypot kept whispering, snickering, and stole a couple glances behind them (just me there). It gave me a bit of a complex. I'm sure they were probably being flirty with each other and were worried I'd overhear, but I still felt like I was being made fun of for being by myself:scared:

When I got off Pooh... the rain had stopped, for good this time:banana: YAY!! I just knew if I forked over the 10 bucks for an umbrella the rain would stop!!

It was 10min til 7.... time to get the PARTY STARTED!!! WOOHOOO!!

Paula

tiggerbell

10-20-2008, 11:26 AM

ILuvCrush

10-20-2008, 12:16 PM

I Can't wait to start reading this one - I have a semi-solo trip planned for December (meals and sharing room with DD and her friends, but park days alone) that I'm using as a springboard for a REAL solo trip in May!

I'm nervous! :scared: But it looks like you'll have some great insights for me!

Hi Tiggerbell!!! Thanks for posting! I hope that you have a great December trip. I think a combo of solo and company would be great!! I did have some times when I felt a bit lonely. If it was only a day or 2 it wouldn't have been a problem, but then again, by the time I had really go into the swing of the solo thing...I was half way thru my week!!!

Paula

MEK

10-20-2008, 12:41 PM

mickeysmyboy

10-20-2008, 12:45 PM

That rainbow is beautiful!! Total Disney Magic!!!

ILuvCrush

10-20-2008, 01:30 PM

I headed off around the front of Cindy's castle on my way to Adventureland. I wanted to see Tarzan! It was 6:57 when I found the meet and greet line, and only about 1/2 dozen peeps were there. So I hopped in line! When we were let into the meet and greet area, there were 3 character spots. The first was Rafiki.... creepy little monkey! Next was Baloo. Last was Jane with Turk.... no Tarzan, darn!

Everyone rushed to Rafiki:confused3 or to Jane.... poor Baloo was all alone:rolleyes1 So I figured I should cheer him up, so he wouldn't feel unwanted:cloud9: The CM was very sweet and gladly took a photo of us. Baloo was very fun!

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/398432942_VzpN3-M.jpg

Next I stopped to see Jane, since now there was nobody with her and Turk. Again the CM was very helpful and took a pic. I asked if Tarzan would be out soon and she told me 7:30 or so.

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/398433170_KzyQd-M.jpg

After my character fix... I strolled on over to Pirates. I walked right on. I was going to sit in the front, but a family with a 4yo or so little boy, lined up behind me and were going to wait for the next boat to sit in front.

I gave them my spot and I moved back.... it was still just me and them in the boat. I really didn't relish riding thru it alone.... pretty creepy!! The family was really nice and thanked me several times...the little boy seemed to enjoy the ride too:) Pirates was great. Usually I just watch "my side" but since no one was in the row with me... I could easily see both. After Pirates I trick-or-Treated at the adventureland spot. I felt a little silly but I just sorta went along like I was trying to keep up with the tweenagers running ahead of me:lmao:

Next... off to BTMRR! A favorite...walked right on, trains were going out partially filled. It was a lot of fun, especially since I am usually worried about DD(7) falling out...so I'm typically distracted!! By that point it was about 7:30...so I made my way back to see if Tarzan was out yet... He WAS!! The line was too long for me to wait though! I snapped a pic from the side and kept on going:yay:

My throat was bugging me pretty good, and I had started a cough now too:sad2: So I figured that this would be a good time to get that Dole Whip I've never tried that EVERYONE just raves about!!! It was good...not like I'm going to have dreams about it good or anything, but I did enjoy it!! next time I think I'll try the Float. I took my Whip and wandered out into Frontierland. I stopped and picked up my MNSSHP pin......

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/398428685_4PiHN-M.jpg

Then found a spot to watch the parade and finish Mr Dole Whip. I should have waited for the second parade, but by the time I decided this... the prade route reminded me of a mosh-pit:rotfl2: There was no going anywhere!! So I stayed put. A nice couple with a double wide stoller asked if they could squeeze in, since there was room for the stroller, I said sure. The parents were very polite and grateful and stood behind the stroller and didn't try to block me:cloud9: very nice of them. The parade was GREAT. One of the best I've seen, actually. Everyone was clapping along with the music and having a good time. I got some decent pics, but I was on the wrong side of the street, so the lights on the shops messed some up. I really liked how there were quite a few "odd" characters that you just don't see... like Pain and Panic from Hercules, Kanga and Roo, and the Hyenas from the Lion King!!

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/398486292_wksCp-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/398485997_SvdVD-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/398420789_ZMSyL-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/398421714_GG88t-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/398421691_ViJsf-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/398421895_ZqUtX-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/398423101_gjqLX-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/398420451_YNVPN-M.jpg

The parade REALLY made me miss the Kids!! The Girls and DH would have LOVED it... I really wish they could have seen it with me:sad: I was sorta bummed at this point, but I figured if I just went and did something, maybe it would help. So I headed to HM. It too was practically a walk on. They closed the door with just one family in front of me. I really love the enhancements they did to this ride!! The staircase room is very cool and the new Bride additions are awesome. The storyline is much easier to follow now. I had read the Secrets of the HM blog on all ears, so I tried to find some of the things it had mentioned. Very cool... and it took my mind off of my guilt about leaving the family behind!

I wandered around and took in the sights for a while. Some of the costumes that people wore...especially the adults were fantastic!! My favorite was not so much the costumes, but the whole circumstance...... A whole family was dressed up as cavepeople. Pretty simple costumes, but what killed me was that they were all walking around gnawing on those BIG TURKEY LEGS!!!:lmao: :lmao: I found it hysterical! Another moment where I didn't like being alone... because it was definately a "did you SEE that" moment to be shared:rotfl2:

Eventually I worked my way around to the front of the castle, to get a spot for Hallowishes. I was really excited about it. I love Wishes and the fireworks at the P&PP just blew me away.... so I couldn't wait to see these!!

ILuvCrush

10-20-2008, 01:46 PM

Oops!! Quick interjection.... because I know how STRESSED Christine is about getting a pic of the headless horseman.....:rotfl2:

The street was still wet, he didn't ride:sad1:

That's another reason why in hindsight, I should have waited for the 2nd parade. I don't know if he ran in that one or not, but when I saw how wet the street was 1/2 hr before the first one I was sure he wasn't going to ride then.

Oh well... another excuse to go back!!

ILuvCrush

10-20-2008, 01:49 PM

So you did skip Ohana's! I thought so - but now you have something to look forward to when you visit with your family!

I can't wait to hear about the party! That is one party I really want to attend. I hope it stops raining so you can enjoy your evening.

Hey - I like your special delivery!

You were right!! But at least I didn't skip it due to my guilty conscience:guilty:

Thanks!! I'm not sure why I got it.... maybe my friend who's DD I ordered the pumpkin basket had something to do with it......or then again, maybe I just got lucky:cool1:

ILuvCrush

10-20-2008, 01:52 PM

That rainbow is beautiful!! Total Disney Magic!!!

It was pretty and magical!! The funny thing is, not too many people around me even seemed to notice it up there!!! It was hard to miss because even though the pic can't show it it was a FULL rainbow and was visable the whole way across:cloud9:

Paula

mommyintn

10-20-2008, 02:01 PM

I'm really enjoying the report! Why is it when mom's get away they or one of the kids always get sick?! I hope you started feeling better and didn't get bogged down with that sore throat. :) Bummer you missed the headless horseman, just seeing pics of that looks like it would be great to see!

Hollywoodhaha

10-20-2008, 02:30 PM

Im aboard!

You remind me of Samantha Brown on the travel channel :)

heaven2dc

10-20-2008, 03:39 PM

Great report so far plus the pics of the parade came out great! I can empathize with you about missing your kids - I took a cruise back in 2001 all alone during Halloween time and missed my kids alot (altho they were pretty much grown but my youngest was 8. I remember going to my cabin and having a good cry then I was better. My cousin & 2 friends were suppose to go but since it was so soon after 9/11 they were afraid to travel so I ended up alone. I would love to go to WDW solo sometime - I think I would see and do so much more by myself.)

Hope you got to feeling better and weren't sick for the rest of your trip! also belated HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! :cheer2:

reelmom

10-20-2008, 04:32 PM

I am really enjoying you TR. It is my dream to go to WDW Solo. I can't wait to hear more about your experience.

Stacybaeasm

10-20-2008, 05:04 PM

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/398432241_UdMnQ-M.jpg

I saw Pooh only had a 5min wait, so I hopped in line. Pooh is cute but not my favorite ride, and certainly not what I ever expected would be my FIRST ride on the trip!!! The ride was cute. My only problem was the couple who sat in front of me in our honeypot kept whispering, snickering, and stole a couple glances behind them (just me there). It gave me a bit of a complex. I'm sure they were probably being flirty with each other and were worried I'd overhear, but I still felt like I was being made fun of for being by myself:scared:

Paula

OMG! We must have just missed each other. We did Pooh about6:20ish and then headed over to Peter Pan until 7. I can't believe we didn't run into each other. Oh, and I swear it wasn't Rob and I in front of you on Pooh.

Look at your jump on the TR. I keep thinking about starting mine, and then move on. Oh look - something shiny!

Stacybaeasm

10-20-2008, 05:08 PM

MEK

10-20-2008, 06:24 PM

I LOVE the parade pictures. I REALLY want to go to this party. I would love to plan a trip for next year, but my kids play high school soccer. It is impossible to go away Sept - mid November. :sad2:

I hope you start feeling better soon. Please don't tell us you woke up sick!

2xcited2sleep

10-20-2008, 07:39 PM

You've been busy!! So much to comment on... In random order:

Yeah for room being ready!

I hate those stupid "ladies size" t-shirts too... they fit weird!

I don't know that I've seen pictures of All Star Music. It looks nice!

I like all of your purchases from Downtown Disney, especially your earrings. What's up with the no pet stuff in the pet store? :confused3

Sorry you weren't feeling well.

I will remember to buy an umbrella to stop the rain in the event that it does rain when I'm there. Speaking of which... I'd better check the forecast.

Love the picture of you and Baloo!

Great parade photos! And yes, I am stressed about the headless horseman... don't tell me I'm the only one?! :rotfl:

I'm sure there was more I wanted to comment on but I've forgotten.

lmillercrew

10-20-2008, 09:37 PM

I'm here! I'm here!! Great TR so far. I can't believe I didn't arrive until page 4! I'm so glad you had a good trip. Well, I can only presume that you did. I'm glad that it stopped raining for your MNSSHP! I loved the parade and fireworks. The decorations around MK at that time of year are just fantastic! Unfortunately for me, my camera battery died right before the parade and I had to buy a disposable camera. My pictures were terrible!!!
I can't wait to read more.

If U Had Wings

10-20-2008, 11:10 PM

Your parade pictures came out great. The MNSSHP parade is my absolute favorite. That stupid song gets stuck in my head for days.

ILuvCrush

10-21-2008, 04:57 PM

Im aboard!

You remind me of Samantha Brown on the travel channel :)

Welcome Hollywood!! Glad to have you!

Great report so far plus the pics of the parade came out great! I can empathize with you about missing your kids - I took a cruise back in 2001 all alone during Halloween time and missed my kids alot (altho they were pretty much grown but my youngest was 8. I remember going to my cabin and having a good cry then I was better. My cousin & 2 friends were suppose to go but since it was so soon after 9/11 they were afraid to travel so I ended up alone. I would love to go to WDW solo sometime - I think I would see and do so much more by myself.)

Hope you got to feeling better and weren't sick for the rest of your trip! also belated HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! :cheer2:

Welcome aboard heaven2dc!! I think if I had gone during Flower and Garden festival, or F&W after halloween, I don't think it might have bothered me as much. I really stressed about the MNSSHP before leaving. I knew that DH and kids would LOVE that party!! They are all into halloween. So doing something by myself that everyone would have enjoyed, really made me miss them! Funny though.... didn't miss them not whining about 'isn't this OVER yet????" while I was at Hall of Presidents:lmao:

I am really enjoying you TR. It is my dream to go to WDW Solo. I can't wait to hear more about your experience.

Hi reelmom!! glad you're enjoying it, and welcome!

OMG! We must have just missed each other. We did Pooh about6:20ish and then headed over to Peter Pan until 7. I can't believe we didn't run into each other. Oh, and I swear it wasn't Rob and I in front of you on Pooh.

Well I'm glad that you and Rob aren't to blame for my discomfort:rotfl:
Unfortunately, I have no one to blame for my neuroses, except me:goodvibes

Look at your jump on the TR. I keep thinking about starting mine, and then move on. Oh look - something shiny!

:rotfl: I hope you do a TR, I'd love to read about your adventure!!

[QUOTE=Stacybaeasm;28270348]He did ride. I saw the second parade. I didn't get a picture though. I was too busy going "Wow. Just wow."

:sad2: Nuts!! I knew I should have waited!!

I LOVE the parade pictures. I REALLY want to go to this party. I would love to plan a trip for next year, but my kids play high school soccer. It is impossible to go away Sept - mid November. :sad2:

I hope you start feeling better soon. Please don't tell us you woke up sick!

I'll go with you!!! We can call it a field trip, to REALLY get me thinking about that DVC membership:beach: BCV sounds good!! You'll only miss one game or 2:thumbsup2

About the other part.... I make NO promises:sick:

I'm here! I'm here!! Great TR so far. I can't believe I didn't arrive until page 4! I'm so glad you had a good trip. Well, I can only presume that you did. I'm glad that it stopped raining for your MNSSHP! I loved the parade and fireworks. The decorations around MK at that time of year are just fantastic! Unfortunately for me, my camera battery died right before the parade and I had to buy a disposable camera. My pictures were terrible!!!
I can't wait to read more.

I was wondering where you were!! I knew you'd make your way over eventually!! Disposable cameras are :headache: argh!! I was very nervous about taking my Sony to the party, with all the rain, but I'm glad the rain stopped, and I had taken it. If it wouldn't have stopped, I probably wouldn't have any pics, because Sony would have been dry and comfy in a locker!! You can steal my pics if you like:goodvibes

Your parade pictures came out great. The MNSSHP parade is my absolute favorite. That stupid song gets stuck in my head for days.

Everytime it would stop leaving my mind i'd hop on HM, to refresh my memory:lmao:

ILuvCrush

10-21-2008, 05:53 PM

Well I found I have a little time, so I thought maybe I'd try to finish up day 1!!

I found a spot right near Caseys in the middle of main street to watch the fireworks. I was standing next to a photopass lady, just talking and passing the time. I only waited maybe 10 min or so til the show started. I'll show the pictures first.....THEN give you my impressions!!

I took the first one along the way to main street... I thought about watching the fireworks from this spot, but changed my mind:goodvibes

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/398423914_JMp7Q-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/398423149_Ey9mE-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/398423501_D5QWB-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/398423837_8gthb-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/398424337_xNDFs-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/398424536_mh7QF-M.jpg

I never used to get good FW pics, until I got this camera:thumbsup2 I can set it manually so I get a slower shutterspeed, but not TOO slow!! And if you're wondering... no tripod, or gorillapod or anything either. just me and Sony!

I loved the change in the music... but all in all I thought the fireworks themselves were just OK. I thought the ones from the P&PP and Wishes are much better. It may have just been me, but the FW weren't timed to the music as well as they are for the other shows. So I enjoyed the spectacle, but, unfortunately, I didn't think it lived up to the hype....unlike the parade;)

After Hallowishes, I headed to Tomarrowland and took a spin on the TTA. Since I had the car (and practically the rest of the train) to myself, I slipped off my sandals and propped up my feet on the opposite seat. I should have rode twice!! It was so nice and relaxing. It had been a very long day, even with the nap! Well by now 9:30-9:45 or so... I was getting hungry... so I stopped off at Cosmic Rays for a bite. I enjoyed a burger and fries and watched the kids dancing with Stitch at the dance party. The wait for food, wasn't too long and it was quite good....hit the spot!

After my late dinner, I headed over to ToonTown. I waited about 1/2 an hour to meet my main mouse at his house! I chatted a bit in line with 2 dads waiting behind me 'holding' a spot for their kids who were visiting with Minnie first.... are you allowed to do that?:confused3 Anyhoo, they were very nice, and didn't think I was crazy to wait to get my pic taken with Mickey by myself:goodvibes They even took one for me with my camera!!

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/398424639_7Ezny-M.jpg

Next I decided to do a little more trick or treating, and walked Alice's treat trail.... only there was no Alice:confused3 I thought that was odd, but whatever. I saw Mr Walrus... I just snapped a pic from the side

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/399470639_vcfUc-M-1.jpg

I then took one of a couple very friendly and happy card people.....

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/398425295_VoX5N-M.jpg

The card people were handing out the treats... these two were the only happy ones. I need to watch Alice in Wonderland again.... is being grumpy and snappy 'in character' for them??? or is being silly and nice:confused3 or both?? Most of the Cards, bordered on being outright rude.

I walked along, saw the Mad Hatter, who sort of annoys me, so I kept going. Then I found the White Rabbit. His CM took a nice pic of us too:thumbsup2

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/398425820_dNuHs-M.jpg

Once I finished the treat trail, it was time to head back to the castle, for the Villians Mix and Mingle. I sat down about 50ft back from the forecourt stage, along with a couple hundred of my closest friends:rotfl2: I nibbled on a couple pieces of candy while I waited, and just enjoyed being on my butt, instead of my feet for a few minutes. Right before the show started, a bunch of people came up and just walked thru where eveyone was sitting and stood among them:headache: Rather rude, I thought. I had only been there 15 min or so, but many had been there much longer. When the show started, I had to stand up, because I couldn't see with all the newcomers walking in and standing in front of me. The show was very fun! It was wierd to see all these bad guys diong choreographed "line" dances:lmao:

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/398426925_ef4w9-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/398425962_hUVeH-M.jpg

I'll have to continue on the next post... I'm running out of picture and smiley space:thumbsup2

2xcited2sleep

10-21-2008, 06:05 PM

OMG. AMAZING fireworks pictures. Really. Amazing. And no tripod/gorillapod?? :worship: I hope mine come out as good. But if not I'll just copy some of yours. ;)

Sorry the "card people" were rude... I'll see if I can kick them on my way by. :laughing:

Oh and I caught a glimpse of a Vera in one of the pictures... very nice!

MEK

10-21-2008, 06:07 PM

Welcome Hollywood!! Glad to have you!

I'll go with you!!! We can call it a field trip, to REALLY get me thinking about that DVC membership:beach: BCV sounds good!! You'll only miss one game or 2:thumbsup2

Paula - I think you might be on to something! You KNOW I can't wait to try BCV and who knows, I might have a shot at getting a reservation at 7 months out for late September. I think October might be a little bit more difficult because of food and wine, but late september -hmmmm - tempting! What do you think your DH would say if you told him you were going with someone you met on the DIS Boards? :laughing:

ILuvCrush

10-21-2008, 06:18 PM

After the show, I decided I wanted to meet the Evil Queen. Of all the villians, she's my favorite. I think Snow White is the Most annoying Princess....Ever. I hope that my new friend the Queen gets her one of these days:lmao:

The lines were long to meet everyone... except Frollo, I don't think many people know who he is:confused3 because no one was in his line. So while the other villians did the 'meeting' Frollo did the 'mingling' and just wandered around!:rotfl:

When I finally met the Queen... she was awesome! She was rather chatty, which suprised me, and we had a bit of a discussion over whether she should try some poisoned BROWNIES instead!! you know it is MUCH harder to resist a brownie...even if you KNOW it may be poisoned!! She lamented that she's tried EVERYTHING...but is still working on it. I gave her a curtsy and wished her luck!:rotfl:

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/398426005_VjpnC-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/398426307_ZJvRJ-M.jpg

Following my audience with the Queen... I made an enormously poor decision. It was 11:30...still had a half hour, so I went back to Tomarrowland to ride Space Mountain. It was the longest line I waited in for a ride all night, about 15 min. Not dreadfully long, but by the time I walked all the way to Space, waited in line, rode, and walked all the back to the busses.... I could barely keep my eyes open!! :faint: I did take some more pictures on the way out....

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/398427639_ZbiDq-M-1.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/398427948_u6Z7v-M-1.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/398428008_DnVns-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/398428431_8rAao-M.jpg

The bus was jammed packed:crowded: :crowded: :crowded: :crowded:
I had to stand... which normally I don't really care, but I ended up in a spot where i could not reach a vertical rail... So I ended up riding all the way back, half asleep, on my tippy toes, dangling from the top rail:scared:

I made my way back to the back of the reort...to my exile room... and crashed. Thank goodness I planned to sleep in a bit on Tuesday!! The last thing I saw, was the clock glowing 1:00

Paula

MEK

10-21-2008, 06:19 PM

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/398423914_JMp7Q-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/398423149_Ey9mE-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/398423501_D5QWB-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/398423837_8gthb-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/398424337_xNDFs-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/398424536_mh7QF-M.jpg

Awesome - simply awesome photos. Ok - I am definately going with you next year so you can take my pictures! :rotfl:

ILuvCrush

10-21-2008, 06:21 PM

Paula - I think you might be on to something! You KNOW I can't wait to try BCV and who knows, I might have a shot at getting a reservation at 7 months out for late September. I think October might be a little bit more difficult because of food and wine, but late september -hmmmm - tempting! What do you think your DH would say if you told him you were going with someone you met on the DIS Boards? :laughing:

He'd think I was nuts... but no more nuts than when I told him my new friends on the Dis boards gave me the great idea of going solo!!!!:rotfl:
September could be very doable.... we're going over thanksgiving, and over Summer.... so Sept might fit in there REALLY WELL!!

Diamondintheruff

10-21-2008, 06:21 PM

Great firework pictures!

ILuvCrush

10-21-2008, 06:36 PM

Awesome - simply awesome photos. Ok - I am definately going with you next year so you can take my pictures! :rotfl:

Great firework pictures!

Thanks!!! You're all welcome to them, if you'd like! I'm not real fussy about sharing my photos, as long as I don't have to pay for the printing!!:thumbsup2

ilovemickeymost

10-21-2008, 07:20 PM

What kind of Sony camera do you have/ All the specs please. I just bought a new one & really like it. But, your pics are amazing.

Stacybaeasm

10-21-2008, 07:39 PM

Your fireworks and parade pictures are amazing. I take lousy photos so I gave up trying. It's good to know my memories will live on in your photos. We were so close to each other for the fireworks too. We were right around the curve in front of the popcorn stand. So many close calls. Maybe next year we can hook up.

Ps - finally got my tr started. I don't think it will end up being nearly as interesting as yours though.

ILuvCrush

10-21-2008, 07:45 PM

What kind of Sony camera do you have/ All the specs please. I just bought a new one & really like it. But, your pics are amazing.

I have a Sony DSLR Alpha-100 its a 10.2 megapixel with interchangable lenses available. It has both the auto functions (like high speed, landscape, night portrait, etc) but I can also switch it to partially manual (I pick the shutter speed and it figures out the Fstop and vice versa) or fully manual where I can pick both, white balance, even manual focus. I used the preprogrammed stuff alot at first, but as I played more and more with the manual options, I got alot better. People are smarter than machines;) So I can get much nicer pics using my own settings alot of times than using the programmed ones.

They don't make the on I have anymore, but have upgraded the line to an alpha 200 and I think 350 too.

I had a Minolta SLR for years, and absolutely refused to go digital. I thought that digital pics were too grainy, and you didn't have as much control over the shots. Then out came the DSLRs... which were horribly expensive at first, but last year the prices had started coming down and I bought one. $799. As it was. I chose the Sony, b/c it was actually compatable with my Minolta lenses. I still use my old Minolta 80-210mm zoom lens on it. Never replaced it with a Sony one, but it works great.... wait til you see my Safari photos:goodvibes

I highly recommend it. The new ones are even nicer, they have great stability control! I just can't justify buying a new one.... yet:rolleyes1 I picked Sony because of the compatability with Minolta.... but if it wasn't for that, I may have gone with a Nikkon DSLR... I really liked it too:thumbsup2

I went into Ritz Camera and played with the different cameras for a couple months, before I bought one. They are much more helpful, then going to a department store or like Circut City... because they specialize in cameras. I also got a coupon book for free photography classes thru them too when I bought my Sony:woohoo:

Paula

OneTreeHillAddict

10-21-2008, 07:51 PM

Brownies...:rotfl2: That's a good one. I LOVE the Villains! Great update!

mickeysmyboy

10-21-2008, 08:21 PM

Great pictures!! Your fireworks and castle look so nice and crisp! I hope my night time pics with my new Canon!!

lmillercrew

10-21-2008, 09:35 PM

I would love to use your pictures. Thank you for offering. I told DH your pictures and told him they were so much better than my point and shoot 8 pix Kodak. I really want a camera with a big lens. DH was nice and said that your pictures look like mine, No way. Much more clear from your angle. I can't wait to hear about your second day. You really had a full day your first day. Good for you! :thumbsup2

brookelizabeth

10-22-2008, 08:14 AM

MEK

10-22-2008, 08:41 AM

He'd think I was nuts... but no more nuts than when I told him my new friends on the Dis boards gave me the great idea of going solo!!!!:rotfl:
September could be very doable.... we're going over thanksgiving, and over Summer.... so Sept might fit in there REALLY WELL!!

Yeh - September seems like a good idea. DH and I are going for 4 nights in December and we are all going in June (I hope). 3 more months - SEPTEMBER! I definately think every 4 months is the way to visit Disney World! Twice a year just isn't enough! :lmao:

2xcited2sleep

10-22-2008, 08:45 AM

ETA: Your DH sounds like a very good man in encourgaing you to go and buying you the MNSSHP ticket! Do you think he had something to do with the signed Mickey picture/postcards/stickers pack too?

Oh yeah! I forgot to ask about your special delivery Mickey autograph packet. Very cool. Who sent it?

ILuvCrush

10-22-2008, 03:15 PM

I followed your siggy link from 2xcited2sleep's PTR for her solo trip...I am LOVING your report!!! The whole caveman family with the turkey legs made me laugh out loud!!! :lmao:

I woud love to do a solo trip sometime....ahhhh...I know I would miss DH and DS, but also really enjoy the trip.

Looking forward to more. :goodvibes

ETA: Your DH sounds like a very good man in encourgaing you to go and buying you the MNSSHP ticket! Do you think he had something to do with the signed Mickey picture/postcards/stickers pack too?

Hi BrookeElizabeth!! Welcome!! DH is a keeper:lovestruc I totally don't think he had anything to do with the Mickey photo. DH isn't the type to think about that kind of stuff. Besides, I would be really shocked if he'd have figured out who to even contact.... He just asked me today who I was calling in Florida last month, because we had gotten the phonebill.:lmao: never even dawned on him that I had to make ADRs and confirm stuff etc!!

Oh yeah! I forgot to ask about your special delivery Mickey autograph packet. Very cool. Who sent it?

Thanks!! I still really don't know:confused3 If I was to hazzard a guess, I'd say it was my DDs friend's Mom. She's very nice like that. But she and Minnie are still down there, so I haven't talked to her to find out if she was behind it OR if Minnie liked the suprise we sent her. In a way I hope I don't find out.... it was pretty magical:thumbsup2

kristinanderic

10-22-2008, 09:42 PM

I'm so jealous, I too was married young and would love to just go to the grocery store at this point ALONE. I'm drooling that you went on a solo trip...I'm hooked!

ILuvCrush

10-23-2008, 03:27 AM

I'm so jealous, I too was married young and would love to just go to the grocery store at this point ALONE. I'm drooling that you went on a solo trip...I'm hooked!

Hi Kristinanderic!!!

I'm glad you're enjoying it! Fortunately I'm now in a place where my kids are getting a bit older, so I can get away with a little more selfishness now:goodvibes than I used to!! But, I know where you're at... and I can relate.

Paula

OhioDisneyLover

10-23-2008, 05:29 AM

Loving your TR. Your pictures are fantastic!:yay:

If U Had Wings

10-23-2008, 09:40 AM

[SIZE="3"][COLOR="Blue"]After the show, I decided I wanted to meet the Evil Queen. Of all the villians, she's my favorite. I think Snow White is the Most annoying Princess....Ever. I hope that my new friend the Queen gets her one of these days:lmao:

I have to agree with you on this one. She's bugged me for ages. Everyone else has always thought I was nuts.

[
When I finally met the Queen... she was awesome! She was rather chatty, which suprised me, and we had a bit of a discussion over whether she should try some poisoned BROWNIES instead!! you know it is MUCH harder to resist a brownie...even if you KNOW it may be poisoned!! She lamented that she's tried EVERYTHING...but is still working on it. I gave her a curtsy and wished her luck!:rotfl:

She may have a point on the brownies. I'd have a hard time resisting. Better yet ice cream. I'd be out in seconds.

ILuvCrush

10-24-2008, 01:52 PM

Loving your TR. Your pictures are fantastic!:yay:

Thanks!! BTW I used to live out your way.... Parma Heights. We moved back to PA about 9 years ago. But DH is a big time Tribe fan, so we are out in the vicinity at least 1-2 times a month for games over the summer:thumbsup2 We're even still zoo members:rotfl:

I have to agree with you on this one. She's bugged me for ages. Everyone else has always thought I was nuts.
She may have a point on the brownies. I'd have a hard time resisting. Better yet ice cream. I'd be out in seconds.

I was afraid I'd get flamed for dissing on a princess: It's nice to know I have a like minded friend:goodvibes
Brownies with Ice cream.... yeah, that would be even better... I can't wait til I see her again, I'll have to suggest it:rotfl2:

Paula

jenjolt

10-24-2008, 02:02 PM

I have a Sony DSLR Alpha-100 its a 10.2 megapixel with interchangable lenses available. It has both the auto functions (like high speed, landscape, night portrait, etc) but I can also switch it to partially manual (I pick the shutter speed and it figures out the Fstop and vice versa) or fully manual where I can pick both, white balance, even manual focus. I used the preprogrammed stuff alot at first, but as I played more and more with the manual options, I got alot better. People are smarter than machines;) So I can get much nicer pics using my own settings alot of times than using the programmed ones.

They don't make the on I have anymore, but have upgraded the line to an alpha 200 and I think 350 too.

I had a Minolta SLR for years, and absolutely refused to go digital. I thought that digital pics were too grainy, and you didn't have as much control over the shots. Then out came the DSLRs... which were horribly expensive at first, but last year the prices had started coming down and I bought one. $799. As it was. I chose the Sony, b/c it was actually compatable with my Minolta lenses. I still use my old Minolta 80-210mm zoom lens on it. Never replaced it with a Sony one, but it works great.... wait til you see my Safari photos:goodvibes

I highly recommend it. The new ones are even nicer, they have great stability control! I just can't justify buying a new one.... yet:rolleyes1 I picked Sony because of the compatability with Minolta.... but if it wasn't for that, I may have gone with a Nikkon DSLR... I really liked it too:thumbsup2

I went into Ritz Camera and played with the different cameras for a couple months, before I bought one. They are much more helpful, then going to a department store or like Circut City... because they specialize in cameras. I also got a coupon book for free photography classes thru them too when I bought my Sony:woohoo:

Paula

I've been thinking of dabbling in the world of the DSLRs but for now I got a FugiFinePix S2000 for my birthday and I'm going to use it on my trip in January. I would love to invest in one the Nikkon's or Sony's ...some day!!

Thank you for posting about Ritz Camera though. I just might stop in there and see about photography lessons between now and then and maybe learn how to use my camera to get some really good shots of things at night.

Also meant to say I'm subbing in!! I'm going on a solo trip in January and love reading about other solo trips!!

ILuvCrush

10-25-2008, 01:47 AM

I've been thinking of dabbling in the world of the DSLRs but for now I got a FugiFinePix S2000 for my birthday and I'm going to use it on my trip in January. I would love to invest in one the Nikkon's or Sony's ...some day!!

Thank you for posting about Ritz Camera though. I just might stop in there and see about photography lessons between now and then and maybe learn how to use my camera to get some really good shots of things at night.

Also meant to say I'm subbing in!! I'm going on a solo trip in January and love reading about other solo trips!!

Welcome Jen!! Congrats on the new camera:thumbsup2 I've have found a great camera does NOT a photographer make:rotfl: The classes are very helpful, I liked them. I'd really love to do a class at the community college someday... but I just can't seem to fit it into my busy schedule. If your ritz doesn't have classes available, another one nearby may. I had a grand time for months just going in and playing with the cameras:hippie:

I'm going to head on over to your pre-trippie!!

Paula

Schmoodle

10-25-2008, 07:54 AM

Minnie&Nana

10-25-2008, 08:02 AM

Paula, Congrats on your solo trip!

Have so enjoyed your TR and as others have said, the photos are fantastic!

Also, good to know about ASMU - not a fan of values, enjoyed POP, but it's in need of room refurbishment, so nice to know there might be another option if needed.

A solo trip takes so much courage! You did great!! :cheer2: I'm such a wimp, would have asked for a manager to find me a room closer. :rotfl:

All the Disers commenting on your TR that they wish they could go solo, but don't want to go alone, got me thinking that we maybe could get together and do a group solo trip!!! ::yes:: We could share a room or not, but maybe stay at the same resort and not have to eat alone or do the attractions alone all the time. Could be the best of both worlds - some solo time, but also time with other DIsers! Sounds perfect to me! :thumbsup2

Okay, on to the rest of your TR! popcorn::

Oh, may I use your rainbow photo as a desktop, please? :goodvibes

OhioDisneyLover

10-25-2008, 08:35 AM

Thanks!! BTW I used to live out your way.... Parma Heights. We moved back to PA about 9 years ago. But DH is a big time Tribe fan, so we are out in the vicinity at least 1-2 times a month for games over the summer:thumbsup2 We're even still zoo members:rotfl:

Paula

Go Tribe!!! My DH is from PA. Has family in Westmoreland County (where he is from) and a brother in Centre Hall. We get back there a couple times a year.

Maybe we can meet next summer when you're in town. :)

Sophia

ILuvCrush

10-25-2008, 11:00 AM

Hi Paula, I am subbing, can't wait to hear about the rest of your trip! We were at WDW the same week as you, just me and the kids. I would love to do a solo trip one day, so I am very interested in how much you enjoyed yourself. Your pics of the parade are great and the fireworks pictures are awesome. Mine never turn out that well. We were at MNSSHP the same night as you and watched the fireworks from Pinocchio's patio in Fantasyland. I'm sure we missed a lot not seeing it over the castle, but the kids thought it rocked because the fireworks were all around us and things were lit up so bright.

Hi Schmoodle!!! Thanks for coming over:goodvibes Thanks for the compliments too:blush: I think I like watching the fireworks from Fantasyland better than in front of the castle. I wanted the 'full effect' for Hallowishes, since I hadn't seen it before. But I usually watch Wishes from Fantasyland... I love being in the middle of them:thumbsup2

Paula, Congrats on your solo trip!

Have so enjoyed your TR and as others have said, the photos are fantastic!

Also, good to know about ASMU - not a fan of values, enjoyed POP, but it's in need of room refurbishment, so nice to know there might be another option if needed.

A solo trip takes so much courage! You did great!! :cheer2: I'm such a wimp, would have asked for a manager to find me a room closer. :rotfl:

All the Disers commenting on your TR that they wish they could go solo, but don't want to go alone, got me thinking that we maybe could get together and do a group solo trip!!! ::yes:: We could share a room or not, but maybe stay at the same resort and not have to eat alone or do the attractions alone all the time. Could be the best of both worlds - some solo time, but also time with other DIsers! Sounds perfect to me! :thumbsup2

Okay, on to the rest of your TR! popcorn::

Oh, may I use your rainbow photo as a desktop, please? :goodvibes

I likes ASMu way better than I expected to. I'm more of a moderate girl than a value girl.... and I'm sure I'll end up being a deluxe girl rather than moderate, once I break down and spend the $$$cha-ching:rotfl:

I love your idea of a group solo trip!! I guess that mousefest could be sorta like that, but December was just too busy of a time of year for me (not Disney busy...Christmas/gymnastics busy:thumbsup2 ) I think you're on to something!!!

As I said in an earlier post...anyone is welcome to any of the pics I took, so help yourself to the rainbow!! I'm so glad you like it!!

Go Tribe!!! My DH is from PA. Has family in Westmoreland County (where he is from) and a brother in Centre Hall. We get back there a couple times a year.

Maybe we can meet next summer when you're in town. :)

Sophia

We're in Cambria County, so you pretty much drive past on the way to Centre Hall:goodvibes ... A Cleveland Dis meet... I'm all for it!! I just hope our Tribe looks better next year:sad2: October is SOooo lonely without them!

Minnie&Nana

10-25-2008, 11:21 AM

I likes ASMu way better than I expected to. I'm more of a moderate girl than a value girl.... and I'm sure I'll end up being a deluxe girl rather than moderate, once I break down and spend the $$$cha-ching:rotfl:

I love your idea of a group solo trip!! I guess that mousefest could be sorta like that, but December was just too busy of a time of year for me (not Disney busy...Christmas/gymnastics busy:thumbsup2 ) I think you're on to something!!!

As I said in an earlier post...anyone is welcome to any of the pics I took, so help yourself to the rainbow!! I'm so glad you like it!!

Ohhh, Paula, a deluxe stay will hook ya fer sure!! I guess we were lucky - my kids are adults now so waaay back in the early days (after horsedrawn carriages though) we only had CR, Poly or the Golf Resort (later The Disney Inn, now Shades of Green), so we would alternate between CR and Poly each trip. By the time CBR opened in 1988 we were ready to try somewhere new - we LOVED the ambiance of CBR, but missed the amenities etc at a deluxe.

Would you believe the Poly and /or CR Garden view was $79.80 inc tx in 1981?? It felt downright inexpensive! The Tower was $100 and change!

Of course, these days a deluxe is big bucks, so those stays are not often. ::yes:: I digress...you will LOVE a deluxe - OH! Go for a monorail resort for your first deluxe stay - it will be a whole new experience of what it really means to be immersed in the magic.:goodvibes

So glad you like the group solo idea. :) December can be a tricky time to get away and MF now alternates weeks so some yrs it is mid December and too close to Christmas for many. Really enjoyed MF, but would love a group solo trip where there would not be a 100 meets to try to make! ;)

I bet we Disers could make it happen!

Thanks for sharing the photos.:flower3:

Looking forward to the rest of your TR. :woohoo:

ILuvCrush

10-25-2008, 11:57 AM

Thanks for hanging in with me all week... it's been a little crazy. Now, on with the report!!

I woke up at 8:00 on Tuesday... I thought my head was going to explode when I stood up, so I went back to bed!!

At 9:00 I actually GOT UP! I felt really really crummy. I now had a lovely cough to complete my cold:sick: I got ready, stopped and filled my mug, stopped at Maestro Mickeys and picked up a box of cough drops, and hit the busses.

I was heading to Epcot!! I wanted to spend the day in World Showcase. I was also planning to hit Soarin'. I didn't wait too long for a bus, and got thru the Epcot gates at 11:00. UG is right, don't go to a AM EMH park:sad2: unless its for EMH, then leave. Wow. It was a Tuesday... not a weekend ... wow!!

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/400911595_X4EUh-M.jpg

I checked the times board to find out about waits....
Soarin' 90min (FP return 4-5pm)
Fast Track 70mon (singles line 30min)
Spaceship Earth 20min
Nemo 30min

:scared1: I was SO glad I wasn't committed to riding rides!! So I headed off to WS. I figured I was back there by 11:20... I should be ahead of the masses... and for the most part I was:banana:

My first stop was at the Festival Shop to pick up a stretchy bracelet gift card. I put $40 on it... I figured that that was a good start, toward my food tour around the world!! I also bought a F&W pin with Figment on it.

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/397829073_K52VW-M.jpg

I'll have a pic of the card later in my Day 2 posts... I took it along with ALL my other purchases that day, and I don't want you to know what all I bought yet!! If you missed my PTR, part of the reasoning for this trip was for Christmas shopping. I moved my Epcot day to Tuesday, so that I could take advantage of resort delivery.

Next stop is Poland!! Ilove Pierogies. And Keilbasa! :p

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/400889765_ujGMJ-M.jpg

Yum!! It was very good. There's alot of ethnic festivals around our area with lots of polish food... this was just as good as they make:goodvibes

Well my little appetizer left me hungry for more... so I headed to Canada!! I
was intrigued by the Maple Custard with Almond Crumble.

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/400889367_bQPhV-S.jpg

OMG... it was Sooo yummy!!! It was tiny though, I'm glad I didn't have to share!! It was sweet, but not TOO sweet, if you get my drift!!

After my delightful little maple delight... I went to see O'Canada! One of my missions on this trip was to see all 4 of the world showcase films!! So while in Canada.....

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/400890434_ZWFKv-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/400890497_kstpQ-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/400891037_WGoGa-M.jpg

I thought the O'Canada film was very well done! Unfortunately, due to the 360 circlevision, I got a little queasy:sick: but I recovered pretty quickly.

Next stop, England.

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/400891233_XQu8w-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/400891987_6XXba-M.jpg

I wanted to find a teabox for my DMil for Christmas, or something similar. I shopped around for quite a while. I skipped the Toybox, but i poked around in all the other shops. I found some beautiful teapots, but a $200 thay were out of my Xmas budget:scared1: I also found no teaboxes:confused3 nuts!! So I left England empty handed, and walked across the "english channel" to France!!

Along the way I noticed this....

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/400892267_un3NE-M.jpg

I never noticed the waterwheel at Morocco before!! I stood in a little outlook near the lake and just looked around for awhile, drank some water, ate more Motrin and Sudafed.... then I continued my travels!

jenjolt

10-25-2008, 12:26 PM

I'm simply just loving your TR, it has me so excited for going solo LOL!!! I'm hoping for some good deals for Florida residents and hopefully I'll go from being a value girl to being a moderate girl...at this point I'm not sure I want to spend the $$$ just for myself LOL!

ClareH37

10-25-2008, 12:27 PM

Finally caught up (my internet keeps going down so just as soon as I got back online, it would go again!).

Sounds like a great trip so far :goodvibes

I love Epcot, it's my favourite resort and I can't wait to be strolling around worldshowcase again - your photos are fantastic but are making me very 'homesick' :rotfl:

ILuvCrush

10-25-2008, 03:44 PM

Welcome to France!! home to the city of lights...amazing food, amazing fragrances and fashion, a shopping mecca by all standards!!!:worship: :worship:

The France pavillion is, IMHO, one of the prettiest places in Epcot. I was really looking forward to this one. Ellie (DD10) is enamored with all things Francais, so I was going to find some great stuff for her for Christmas while in France. We are planning a trip to France, including Paris, in less than 3 years to celebrate her 13th birthday. I was looking, in particular, for photo books (like coffee table books), clothing, accessories, and maybe something nick-nacky.

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/400891856_TvhGi-M.jpg

I wandered around, there still was not too many people about... I was keeping ahead of the crowds:thumbsup2 I noticed a few details that I've missed before, I assume because of all the people milling around and blocking them.:confused3

I found this artists area...

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/400893044_3uFtu-M.jpg

A nice clear view of the advertisments....

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/402088785_TaUrc-M-1.jpg

I've seen the hedge designs before... but this is one of the best photos I've ever gotten from there:)

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/400893818_CkhgS-M-1.jpg

I decided since I was in France, I needed some Creme Brulee:woohoo: The France F&W booth had Chocolate Creme Brulee, so that was my pick.

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/400892561_zmtqi-S.jpg

It was a nice big serving... but although it tasted good, it wasn't 'brulee'd' very much:confused3 The crust was rubbery not, well, crusty. It was a bit disappointing, but I ate it all anyway:lmao: So obviously, it wasn't THAT bad!!

I browsed around the shops for a while. I found a library that I didn't know was there... I think they do Belle and Beast meet and greets there, but when I found it, it was empty

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/402088535_tQSe7-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/402088837_n5JWx-M.jpg

It was about time for the next Impressions of France film... so I headed that way next. It was not as good as O'Canada, but enjoyable none-the-less. It will be on the must do list when I take Ellie next... I think she'll enjoy it..... plus there are SEATS!! However, like O'Canada... it made me nauseous. What is with that:confused3 I can ride the rides without getting ill... but I watch a film and need a little white airline bag:crazy2:

After the film... I was browsing the shop that we were emptied into and found a really cute barrette for Ellie with the Effiel Tower on it. So I bought that. I couln't find any photo books, just young kids books and travelogues. the clothes and nick-nacky things were just blah. The shirts were not really any different than ones I have seen elsewhere with "paris" on them. So that was the end of my shopping in France.:sad2:

Actually it was the end of my shopping at WS period!!! I was expecting bags and bags of shopping, but I couldn't find much I really liked AND was willing to pay for!! WS has some very cool things, but so much of it you can find elsewhere, for alot less. I did really enjoy all the browsing.

Here's my purchases... I won't keep you in suspense:lmao:

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/400897506_L8tHN-M.jpg

to be continued......

Schmoodle

10-25-2008, 03:45 PM

All the Disers commenting on your TR that they wish they could go solo, but don't want to go alone, got me thinking that we maybe could get together and do a group solo trip!!!
Now, this is an excellent idea. Sorry you weren't feeling well this day. Hopefully that will clear up as the week progresses. Now see, this is why I need to do a solo trip, or at least a trip w/o kids, I have never even seen those parts of Canada! One of the things I would do is spend an entire day just exploring World Showcase. My kids liked it, but a whole day would have been too much.

I had a creme brulee from the Boulangerie and it was so yum, and nice and crispy on top. Glad I didn't get the one from the F&W booth. That barette is so cute. My kids liked "seeing France" too. My DH is French and we plan to take them to see his family next year, so they are very excited about that. Your trip to Paris sounds very exciting!

ILuvCrush

10-25-2008, 04:02 PM

Now, this is an excellent idea. Sorry you weren't feeling well this day. Hopefully that will clear up as the week progresses. Now see, this is why I need to do a solo trip, or at least a trip w/o kids, I have never even seen those parts of Canada! One of the things I would do is spend an entire day just exploring World Showcase. My kids liked it, but a whole day would have been too much.

I had a creme brulee from the Boulangerie and it was so yum, and nice and crispy on top. Glad I didn't get the one from the F&W booth. That barette is so cute. My kids liked "seeing France" too. My DH is French and we plan to take them to see his family next year, so they are very excited about that. Your trip to Paris sounds very exciting!

I went the wrong way to the O'Canada film.... that's how I found the waterfall:rotfl: I took the wheelchair route...instead of the regular one.

I hope that the Paris trip goes off well. I'm leaning toward doing an Adventures by Disney trip, then adding a couple days for DL Paris afterward. I'll have to see. I got the 2009 ABD book and their prices have REALLY shot up. But If we're going, I'd rather pay more and go with Disney. I trust that it will be a great trip:thumbsup2

Stacybaeasm

10-25-2008, 05:18 PM

ILuvCrush

10-25-2008, 05:36 PM

I continued my trek around the world.

I wandered thru Morocco, I saw a family taking turns taking pictures of each other...so i offered to take one of them all together. The lady looked at me like a had 2 heads, and snapped a 'No' at me:confused3 I was like 'Oh OK, just thought I'd offer." The hubby smiled and thanked me, I guess mom was having a bad day. I offered to take pics lots of times over the course of the week... everyone but this lady took me up on it. It was fun to take pics for other people:goodvibes

I took quite a few pics in Morocco, i was originally going to try to do the free tour, but I was tired and my head was still pounding a bit. So I decided not to pursue it. At least it saves me something new for the next trip!!

I had to find the water wheel, now that I've seen it

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/402124599_t88UC-M.jpg

While lurking around behind a tent, checking out the water wheel, i found a cart full of goodies too.

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/402124598_hjEBW-M.jpg

I love all the tile

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/402124882_LsWpK-M.jpg

I found a rug shop... the colors were eye-popping!! This is one of my favorite pics!! It makes me want to redecorate a room:rotfl2:

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/400893806_QARUa-M.jpg

I found this light.... and thought of LL:hug:

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/400893916_z82pE-M-1.jpg

Next stop was Japan for a little Plum Wine. I had been really looking forward to trying it, everyone kept saying how good it is. The closer my wine tastes to juice... the happier I am:thumbsup2 I was told that plum wine tastes just like plums:woohoo: I LOVE plums... so I was really excited!:drinking1

while in line here.....

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/402125577_JPhXp-M.jpg

I saw this.... which if I hadn't been in the F&W line, I'd have missed:goodvibes

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/402126255_B6D6b-M.jpg

And the PLUM WINE!!!!

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/400894208_a7PGi-S.jpg

:crazy2: I didn't like it... I tried it, hoping that it would get better, til I had drank about 1/2... but I couldn't take anymore... so I threw it away:sad2:
Oh well... next time I know I should try something else:thumbsup2

I continued taking a few more Japan pics:

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/400895483_rr2Xh-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/400895945_VkRSZ-M.jpg

ILuvCrush

10-25-2008, 05:44 PM

OK when I went to post the last installment, I had 39 images... oops!! so rather than redo it I just cut and pasted half or so to this post:lmao:

I meandered taking pictures to the American Pavillion... here's another 'golf ball' picture as my kids call it. I must have a thousand from all different angles from all my different trips:rotfl:

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/402126179_PSLzB-M.jpg

I checked out Pearville... it had some cute stuff for the kids, and I had a yummy pear. The best part was the Pear King...isn't he swell??

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/400896235_dHGwS-M-1.jpg

I was a little too early for the American adventure, so i went and got another bottle of water, i could have used some caffeine, but soda made my throat hurt more, so water it was. I caught the end of Voices of Liberty. They are so good... tears in my eyes good!! No pics, I was just mesmerized.
I hadn't seen the American Adventure since 1999. I remembered liking it. This time, I thought the first 2/3 was pretty blah. But the last 1/3 made me cry!! It was so good!

Continuing my adventure... I was off to China. I poked around the shops a bit then I went to see Reflections of China. I was early again. So I took some time to check out all the artifacts in the Tomb Warriors exhibit. The exhibit was great... much better than the film, which I will never stand thru again, unless it undergoes a remake. But at least I could check it of my to do list.:thumbsup2

Here's my reflections of China:lmao:

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/400897498_DMcoa-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/402150740_UsViD-M-1.jpg

I kept on going to Norway.... I had one more film I needed to see. That was all that was keeping me going at that point. I was exhausted. And felt pretty crummy. But I had a mission. There was a 35min wait for Maelstrom... doesn't anyone READ the guidebooks??:confused3 it is so NOT worth a half hour wait!! But here's the wierd part... the FP return time was only 30 minutes away:lmao: Why wait for 35 min, when you can FP???
So I got my FP and then explored the shops. I had read that you can go inside the Stave Church. It has a bunch of viking stuff in it that was very cool.

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/402151093_dREwA-M-1.jpg

I found the sod roof neat too... I wonder how they mow it:confused3

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/400896893_qt5A9-M-1.jpg

It was then time for Maelstrom... all 1.5 minutes of it. I walked right on and got in the front of the boat. The couple behind me had waited 30min+ to get on and were all excited. I guess they had never ridden it before:lmao: So 90 seconds (or less) later, the lady behind me was laughing with the DH and was like "is that it...we waited half an hour for that!!" She was funny, not mad. So as everyone buzzed thru the seating for the film, on to the next big thing, I got comfy in my seat. The film was OK. i didn't really learn anything about Norway from it... but really how:teacher: educational can a 5min film be:confused3

I had had enough... I started to Futureworld... I didn't even take any pics!! When I got to the times board it looked like this....
Soarin' 90min...no fp available
TT 40min... no fp available
SE 20min

Not alot better than it was 6 hours ago (it was about 5ish) I thought maybe TT singles line might not be too bad, since the standby was only 40min. So I walked over. The sign said singles was 30min... I figured no way, its gonna be shorter than that!! So I took the chance and hopped in line. I checked my watch, and from the time I walked into the line until I got in my car.... 4 minutes flat!!:drive: That ride is so FUN!! I sat with a friendly couple who hadn't ridden it before and they loved it. There was a little girl (4ish) in front who cried the whole speed part... I felt so bad for her... she was scared:scared:

So after TT I went to leave. on my way out I saw that the Spaceship Earth line ended at the bottom of the ramp. Thats not 20 min... it like 5, or less...so I hopped in line. After a nice trip to the past, I got a look of my future, with an unknown man... hmmmm what does that tell me, Madame Lolita???

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/400894527_knViN-M.jpg

I got lucky and caught the bus while they were changing drivers...so no wait and was back at ASMu by 6pm. I had supper at Intermission Food Court. I had the spaghetti with meatballs and a salad. The spaghetti was so-so, the meatballs were good and the breadstick was awesome. I went back to my room and called it a night. I talked to DH and the kids--Allison had finally stopped crying about me being gone. I found out the kids located the Xmas cookies already in the freezer, and ate them:sad2: Now I'll have to start all over.

This is where my Sorta started coming into play from my TR title. I did a load of laundry (I wanted to wash my sweatshirt from Monday...b/c I'll wear it home too) I also sat in the sun and read a little of my book too.

I took a really long shower and watched some election coverage on CNN. I was out by 9!! It was a good thing too.. I needed to feel better and the bus was picking me up at 6:45 for my KTTK tour in the morning!!!

ILuvCrush

10-25-2008, 06:06 PM

I wish we could have hooked up for Epcot day. I don't like this park at all but maybe going with someone who adores it as much as you would show my the good things. It's funny that all the food you ate was the food I stopped and considered for a very long time before deciding to save my money for other things.

I hope you feel better soon in the TR. I was lucky enough not to get sick until I stepped off the plane at home. Now, if only I could get rid of this gosh darn cold.

Looking forward to more updates.

The first time I ever went to epcot was with DH in 99. It was an EMH day so we got there at 7:30 am and got back to ASSports at 11:30pm!!! I've been enamored with it ever since. The funny thing is, all 3 of my kids, love it too... even the "WDW is Stupid" DS!! I managed to spend about $30 of my giftcard... I used the last of it on my dinner back at music. I still have 33 cents left:rotfl:

Paula

tinkerbellmagic

10-25-2008, 06:07 PM

I found out the kids located the Xmas cookies already in the freezer, and ate them:sad2: Now I'll have to start all over.

I'm sorry. I am still laughing at this one. This sounds just like my family!!!
Anyhow, I applaud you for being so organized to have made the cookies in the first place.

We were at Disney same time as you. It was my grandson age 10 and I. Too bad I didn't see you in line at any time. Sometimes I needed to talk to someone over age 10, lol. We were also at the downpour MNSSHP that you attended (Oct 13?).

I am enjoying your report and gorgeous photos. :)
tink

My resort reviews:
Beach Club
http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1989297
Saratoga Springs
http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1991822
Caribbean Beach
http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1988280

ILuvCrush

10-25-2008, 06:22 PM

I'm sorry. I am still laughing at this one. This sounds just like my family!!!
Anyhow, I applaud you for being so organized to have made the cookies in the first place.

We were at Disney same time as you. It was my grandson age 10 and I. Too bad I didn't see you in line at any time. Sometimes I needed to talk to someone over age 10, lol. We were also at the downpour MNSSHP that you attended (Oct 13?).

I am enjoying your report and gorgeous photos. :)
tink

Welcome Tink!!! Thanks for the compliments!!! I'm not usually ahead on the baking stuff, but I needed to bake cookies for a bake sale, so I just doubled up since I was baking anyway:thumbsup2 Seemed like a good idea at the time:lmao:

Thank goodness that the rain stopped. I had already decided on the bus en route to the party, if it was a total washout, I was going to buy a ticket for the 16th. I did learn my lesson though. Next time, unless there's only 1 day available to go to a special event on my trip, I'm going to pay the extra $5 to buy my ticket that day instead of in advance!!

Paula

tinkerbellmagic

10-25-2008, 06:49 PM

Welcome Tink!!! Thanks for the compliments!!! I'm not usually ahead on the baking stuff, but I needed to bake cookies for a bake sale, so I just doubled up since I was baking anyway:thumbsup2 Seemed like a good idea at the time:lmao:

Thank goodness that the rain stopped. I had already decided on the bus en route to the party, if it was a total washout, I was going to buy a ticket for the 16th. I did learn my lesson though. Next time, unless there's only 1 day available to go to a special event on my trip, I'm going to pay the extra $5 to buy my ticket that day instead of in advance!!

Paula

Thanks, Paula. :)

This year I thought I would do the smart thing and, like you said, wait til we get to Disney to check out the weather report before buying MNSSHP tix. Then a week before we left, I started freaking out when I read the Oct 31 party is already sold out. I kept seeing the words "MNSSHP is a POPULAR PARTY.. Don't miss out!!! Tickets should be purchased before they sell out" ...in a panic I ordered them online and used the Will Call feature. I don't know what the answer is, lol.

Luckily our MNSSHP turned out ok since the rain stopped, but I did feel very sorry for a family at our bus stop that went as a deck of cards. Wow, were they ever drenched with their wet faces sticking out of big wet spongy cards, but they were real troopers and didn't pay it any mind.

I'm especially interested in your reasons why you probably wouldn't do a solo again. I'll wait for that installment of your trip report. Sometimes I think about going solo, but then imagine myself crying at a parade or something, lol.

Anyhow, keep up the good work. Love reading your report. :goodvibes

mickeysmyboy

10-25-2008, 07:15 PM

Ugh! How terrible that you felt so bad on you solo trip! I'm glad you got to enjoy a few things from F&W if not the Plum Wine! Did you use all $40? Just curious!

Can't wait to read more!

OhioDisneyLover

10-25-2008, 07:19 PM

Sounds like you had fun at Epcot. The first time we rode Maelstrom we all said practically at the same time...."is that it?" yet every trip we ride anyway! :laughing:

I didn't know that you could go into the church. I'll have to check that out next time!

ILuvCrush

10-25-2008, 07:48 PM

Ugh! How terrible that you felt so bad on you solo trip! I'm glad you got to enjoy a few things from F&W if not the Plum Wine! Did you use all $40? Just curious!

Can't wait to read more!

I used just shy of $30.... I also used it to buy a couple of drinks (water and pop) and a pretzel in Germany... which was not very good, and was thrown away mostly uneaten:sad2: If I'd have felt better, some of the things I originally wanted to try would have looked better to me...so I would have probably spent an easy $50 or more... maybe its a GOOD thing that I was sick:thumbsup2

I could use the Gift card anywhere, so I used it for supper at ASMu and I think I had a little left over for grapes one night too:goodvibes I have the card upstairs.. it is very convienient, I'm hoping I'll be able to reload it and use it on my next trip(s)......

Look a 'teaser' LOL!!!!!

Paula

lmillercrew

10-25-2008, 08:55 PM

ILuvCrush

10-26-2008, 12:41 AM

Great update, as usual. It's just too bad you felt so crappy! It totally stinks being sick when on vacation. I hurt my back somehow when I was in Mexico this summer. Thankfully you can buy "stuff" down there. I took a Flexerall and fell asleep on a lounge chair in the sun.
.

That was one REALLY great thing about being solo.... probably the BEST thing. If I was with anyone else... I would have pushed myself alot more. I wouldn't have taken the nap on Monday...because I wouldn't have cancelled O'Hana. I wouldn't have done a very short touring day on Tuesday and rested either. I most likely would have been ALOT sicker come Wednesday, and if not, I would have definately been too crabby for anyone to have fun.

I do that at home... like any mom, I put everyone elses wants before my needs... so when I get sick.... it lasts for weeks, because I never give myself time to feel better. Fortunately, the rest is exactly what I needed on Tuesday, so even though I didn't get much done that day....the rest of my week was MUCH better:thumbsup2

Paula

jenjolt

10-26-2008, 05:48 AM

Wow great updates...I'm still amazed at the quality of your pictures LOL!

I'm sorry you weren't feeling so hot but it stills sounds like you had a great time. I too adore Epcot and am a huge fan of France. That barette was just gorgeous. I spent part of my summer in Quebec and would love to go to Paris some day.

Thanks again for a great report...you are doing a fantastic job!

VanniGirl

10-26-2008, 10:15 AM

Great photos!! Love your report.

mickeysmyboy

10-26-2008, 10:33 AM

I used just shy of $30.... I also used it to buy a couple of drinks (water and pop) and a pretzel in Germany... which was not very good, and was thrown away mostly uneaten:sad2: If I'd have felt better, some of the things I originally wanted to try would have looked better to me...so I would have probably spent an easy $50 or more... maybe its a GOOD thing that I was sick:thumbsup2

I could use the Gift card anywhere, so I used it for supper at ASMu and I think I had a little left over for grapes one night too:goodvibes I have the card upstairs.. it is very convienient, I'm hoping I'll be able to reload it and use it on my next trip(s)......

Look a 'teaser' LOL!!!!!

Paula

Do they have the cards all the time or just F&W? That would be great for DH & I for our grownups only trip in March! A Grey Goose Slushie, a Margarita.....

brookelizabeth

10-26-2008, 03:02 PM

Sorry to hear you were feeling so crummy, but it sounds like you really enjoyed yourself at the WS. We have set aside a day on this trip for just eating around the world and the WS since we didn't get a chance to really enjoy it last trip. I love all your pictures and it all makes me very excited for our WS day!!! :goodvibes

I plan on getting the stretchy bracelet, I love that idea. :thumbsup2

ILuvCrush

10-26-2008, 06:11 PM

Do they have the cards all the time or just F&W? That would be great for DH & I for our grownups only trip in March! A Grey Goose Slushie, a Margarita.....

They had the Cities in Wonderland theme on the card. There were no others. I'm thinking that they are special for F&W. When I used it at ASMu, the CM was like "how cool! never saw one like this!" so I don't think they've been around long:goodvibes

Maybe they'll keep them, it seemed like alot of people were using them at F&W. I hope they do:thumbsup2 But that's why I kept mine...just in case!

lmillercrew

10-26-2008, 06:22 PM

ILuvCrush

10-26-2008, 06:30 PM

You are right about being a mom and not taking care of ourselves. You are also right about being lucky in that you were the only one there. So, if you wanted to take a nap you could. See, there were some good things to come out of it. :rolleyes:

Oh there was DEFINATELY some really good things about doing a solo!!!
I'm figuring on doing a post at the end about what I liked/didn't about it!

lmillercrew

10-26-2008, 06:44 PM

Fantastic. I have a feeling that someday I'm going to be going solo. None of my family loves it as much as me. My DH tolerates it and is o.k. going, but in no way is he in LOVE with Disney. It's unfortunate really :sad1:

dad2t&e

10-26-2008, 06:49 PM

Nice trip report. I don't know if I could go without my family though.

ILuvCrush

10-26-2008, 06:59 PM

Nice trip report. I don't know if I could go without my family though.

It was a learning experience!!!

I have given up on taking the whole family at once though anyway. DH and DS have way different ideas on what a WDW vacation should be as opposed to my DDs. I can go either way, but I can't take the tension between the 2 groups when together!! So its now Me and the Boys... or me and the girls (w/ sometimes my mama thrown in that mix too:goodvibes )

Paula

Stacybaeasm

10-26-2008, 07:53 PM

I loved the solo portion of my trip. I'm really excited to go back and do it again next year. Of course, I don't have any children or a spouse so I don't have any guilt feelings while I'm there. I think that makes it easier for me.

MEK

10-27-2008, 10:43 AM

MMmomto5

10-27-2008, 11:10 AM

Hi Paula,

I am loving your TR. The pictures are amazing. I just got back from my solo trip on Friday. Your tip about the single rider line was great. I had never used them before and I was able to ride EE three times at 1 p.m. when the standby was 40 minutes. I also liked being a single for Space Mtn. I know they don't have a single rider line, but every time I'd get to the part of the line past the turnstyle, they'd be looking for a party of 1. I was amazed at all of the little details I was able to notice (like the waterwheel you noticed).I thought I'd do a lot more shopping on my trip than I did too. I will say that I did buy myself more than I'd ever bought on any previous trips. I also got to meet a lot of nice families and every morning I'd talk with a CM at the bus stop at my resort. I am looking forward to your review of the KTTK tour. I took it with my DH in May and we both loved it. On my next trip I'd like to do a tour solo, but worried that I'd feel funny. I'm also waiting to hear your pluses and negatives about a solo trip. I'd say my positives outweigh the negatives and I know I'll do another solo someday, but I did 4 days and felt that was plenty of time.

I can't wait to read more!

wildfan1473

10-27-2008, 11:12 AM

heaven2dc

10-27-2008, 11:37 AM

I sure hope you get to feeling better soon! Sounds like you are enjoying yourself and still getting some rest.

This is kind of in response to your question about how they mow the grass on the roof - I saw on the Discovery Channel where there were 2 ladies crouched down on the roof with looked like big scissors cutting the grass or sod (this might have been on a Samantha Brown episode). Did anyone else see this or was I dreaming it? :rotfl2:

ilovemickeymost

10-27-2008, 02:07 PM

I just wanted to jump in here, I'm about half way through your report and completely enjoying it! I have to go back and read your pre-trip, too. I just booked my first solo trip for December, as of right now I'm staying off-site buy am trying to get on site. I haven't started my pre-trip report yet, but my title is almost identical to yours :eek: Mine will be "Mommy gets a vacation"

Try everything you can to stay on property unless you have a rental car & are good w/ directions. MY solo trip was off property & you have to wait for buses & be at the pick up to get taken back on their schedule. Unless you stay by DD & you can just walk over there & catch the bus. Also, the military resort (have to be military) Shades of Green has really good transportation to & from or you can walk across the street to Poly & take the monorail or bus. Have a great time. sorry to high jack your report. Hope u don't mind.

ILuvCrush

10-27-2008, 03:33 PM

sorry to high jack your report. Hope u don't mind.

:thumbsup2

ILuvCrush

10-27-2008, 09:51 PM

Paula -

I love your new updates (and, of course, your pictures). I can't wait to read about your KTTK tour and see your pics of that. When I took the tour I followed their instructions about "No Photography" quite literally and didn't even take my camera to the park. Yet, several other people in the group were taking pictures. I'm sure I missed some nice detail shots. Anyway, your pics have me inspired to take better pictures on my next trip. And that means keeping the camera away from DH.

I hope you wake up feeling better on KTTK day!

Yeah... I took that pretty literal too:rotfl2: I had my camera in my bag, but I never once took it out during the tour. It was one of my 'experience it' moments!! I took no pics on any ride or during any show either (except at MNSSHP). I have lots of pics of that stuff.... but for once I just wanted to ENJOY it!! It was great!! I noticed alot more by not having the camera to my face all day.... The best part is my next trip... they'll be NEW
again, b/c without my pics, I'll forget some!!:lmao:

Hi Paula,

I am loving your TR. The pictures are amazing. I just got back from my solo trip on Friday. Your tip about the single rider line was great. I had never used them before and I was able to ride EE three times at 1 p.m. when the standby was 40 minutes. I also liked being a single for Space Mtn. I know they don't have a single rider line, but every time I'd get to the part of the line past the turnstyle, they'd be looking for a party of 1. I was amazed at all of the little details I was able to notice (like the waterwheel you noticed).I thought I'd do a lot more shopping on my trip than I did too. I will say that I did buy myself more than I'd ever bought on any previous trips. I also got to meet a lot of nice families and every morning I'd talk with a CM at the bus stop at my resort. I am looking forward to your review of the KTTK tour. I took it with my DH in May and we both loved it. On my next trip I'd like to do a tour solo, but worried that I'd feel funny. I'm also waiting to hear your pluses and negatives about a solo trip. I'd say my positives outweigh the negatives and I know I'll do another solo someday, but I did 4 days and felt that was plenty of time.

I can't wait to read more!

Welcome back!!! I'm so happy that you had a great time! Make sure you let me know when you start your trippie:goodvibes I love, love, love the single rider lines!! Too bad there's not more. They could easily use 'filler people' on Space Mountain and Soarin'. Since a tour is basically an organized mob... I felt less self conscious about it than many other times!!

I just wanted to jump in here, I'm about half way through your report and completely enjoying it! I have to go back and read your pre-trip, too. I just booked my first solo trip for December, as of right now I'm staying off-site buy am trying to get on site. I haven't started my pre-trip report yet, but my title is almost identical to yours :eek: Mine will be "Mommy gets a vacation"

Welcome wildfan!! December will be so great!! I'd really love to try a December trip. But it's such a tough time of year for me. Sooner or later though, I'm going to say the heck with it and go anyway!! I'm getting closer... Thanksgiving week next year! Keep trying to get on site. They have all sorts of codes going on. I've heard prices at values as low as $59 a night!!

I sure hope you get to feeling better soon! Sounds like you are enjoying yourself and still getting some rest.

This is kind of in response to your question about how they mow the grass on the roof - I saw on the Discovery Channel where there were 2 ladies crouched down on the roof with looked like big scissors cutting the grass or sod (this might have been on a Samantha Brown episode). Did anyone else see this or was I dreaming it? :rotfl2:

Well I guess a weedeater would be a little dangerous:lmao: I need to find this Samantha Brown gal!!!

MARY-IN-OH

10-28-2008, 12:52 PM

ILuvCrush

10-28-2008, 02:07 PM

Great report so far! I don't always do the "whole family disney thing" either! See my signature, with kids, without kids, just my sister, but I have yet to do solo. I think I would be ok since my kids are 17/19 and my DH is not a disney fan. I have taken off to MK for the evening or DTD for some shopping while leaving the family at the resort, so I think (maybe) I could do it.

I am going in January and part of me really needs "mom only" time. Won't complain about all the reasons why mommy time is needed, because you know exactly how it is! :rolleyes1 - and mine are teenagers eeew!

Unfortunately (sort of), my DH is starting to think it might be pretty fun to go again since we aren't doing the parks every day (just the one day for my b-day).

I'm from Parma, and that pierogie you had in Epcot looked a little "Mrs. T's" frozen section of the grocery store-ish! How was it? Pierogies are one of my favorite foods, too!
-mary

Hi Mary!!! The pierogi WAS better than Mrs T's! The one's that the poles in our area make are more doughy than that one was (almost more dumpling-like). I prefer less dough...so I like Mrs T's:lmao:

I think the thing was more how it was prepared. It was like it was sauted...which I certainly can't be bothered with at home. A little crisp on the filling top/bottom...but nice and soft around the edges!! Yum!! And somehow the kielbasa wasn't greasy... it was really good. I usually make pierogies with fish...so the kielbasa was a really good change, and I've made it together since I've been home!!

I remember when we lived in Parma Heights we used to buy a local brand of pierogi... I want to say it was Parma Pierogies, but I may be wrong. Anyway it reminded me more of those than anything:rotfl:

BTW I used to work in Parma... at Finast (now Tops) at the corner of Broadview and Pleasant Valley in the pharmacy. good times, good times!!

Paula

MARY-IN-OH

10-29-2008, 11:46 AM

Hi Mary!!! The pierogi WAS better than Mrs T's! The one's that the poles in our area make are more doughy than that one was (almost more dumpling-like). I prefer less dough...so I like Mrs T's:lmao:

I think the thing was more how it was prepared. It was like it was sauted...which I certainly can't be bothered with at home. A little crisp on the filling top/bottom...but nice and soft around the edges!! Yum!! And somehow the kielbasa wasn't greasy... it was really good. I usually make pierogies with fish...so the kielbasa was a really good change, and I've made it together since I've been home!!

I remember when we lived in Parma Heights we used to buy a local brand of pierogi... I want to say it was Parma Pierogies, but I may be wrong. Anyway it reminded me more of those than anything:rotfl:

BTW I used to work in Parma... at Finast (now Tops) at the corner of Broadview and Pleasant Valley in the pharmacy. good times, good times!!

Paula

What a small world! Oh, there are no more Tops stores :sad1: Giant Eagle has taken over the world!! No more Parma pierogi either! But, just about every tavern in Parma gets theirs from the local churches (mostly Ukranian) and they are wonderful !! - Looking forward to hearing more about your trip. I am still going back and forth daily about who (if anyone) is coming with me in January! :confused3
-mary

OhioDisneyLover

10-30-2008, 04:56 AM

What a small world! Oh, there are no more Tops stores :sad1: Giant Eagle has taken over the world!! No more Parma pierogi either! But, just about every tavern in Parma gets theirs from the local churches (mostly Ukranian) and they are wonderful !! - Looking forward to hearing more about your trip. I am still going back and forth daily about who (if anyone) is coming with me in January! :confused3
-mary

You guys are making me miss Parma Pierogi! They were awesome. I agree that the best place around here to get them now are the local churches. We use to drive up and down Broadview Rd stopping at the various churches....at least the ones that you didn't need to call ahead and order from. And do either of you remember the Grey Wolf? They had awesome pierogi. Here it is 5 a.m. and now I want some!:lmao:

MARY-IN-OH

10-30-2008, 11:28 AM

You guys are making me miss Parma Pierogi! They were awesome. I agree that the best place around here to get them now are the local churches. We use to drive up and down Broadview Rd stopping at the various churches....at least the ones that you didn't need to call ahead and order from. And do either of you remember the Grey Wolf? They had awesome pierogi. Here it is 5 a.m. and now I want some!:lmao:

Yep, Sure do remember Grey Wolf, every Friday during lent, the line would be down the street. Also Midtown Tavern pierogis, there is still the tavern at Midtown (Snow/Broadview shopping center) but it has changed names a few times.

Need another trip report installment!!!

ILuvCrush

10-30-2008, 12:06 PM

First of all I want to thank everybody for reading and posting and everything:hug: It has really been making my days brighter!! I am really making such nice friends here, I wish I would have joined up sooner;)

I kept trying to drag this TR out a bit, so it would last longer:thumbsup2 But I'm just too excited to share the rest, so I'm plunging ahead! This is already Day 3!! I was only there 5 days, so this marks my halfway point in my TR already! My next trip needs to last at least 10 days... so I can write a longer report:lmao:

OK! So when day 2 closed, I was feeling rather poorly:sick: still, and had bailed on my original plan of all day at Epcot. Wednesday (Day 3) was to be an EXTREMELY busy day. I had a lot planned! KTTK tour in the morning, some rides at MK in the afternoon, dinner at Tony's and then either Spectro and Wishes at MK or PM EMH at AK!!! When I went to bed Tuesday night, I figured that something would end up dropped, but what:confused3 .

Wednesday started out VERY bright, well dark, and early! I was taking the 8:30 am KTTK tour AND I needed to use WDW transportation. I checked with concierge Tues night and found out the Character Breakfast bus left ASMu at 6:45am:scared1: Geez Louise! That is early! I set my wakeup call for 5:30. I was awakened by the screeching of Demi Lovato!

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OK, so I heard, not SAW, her. But since I have the pics from the Jonas Bros concert that I took the girls to because I felt guilty:guilty: about not taking them to WDW... I thought I'd use it. Plus I thought that it was funny that she was on the wake-up. At least it wasn't totally generic non-Disney music!! I actually go up right away and hopped in the shower. I felt MUCH better today:woohoo: woohoo!!! Thank goodness for Disney miracles! I really hoped that it would last.

I stopped at intermissions and filled up my mug...took a big swig and washed down my am Sudafed (I felt better, but not 100%, so I decided to be proactive:thumbsup2 ). I then filled it up again and headed to the buses. Along the way, I stopped at the concierge desk to inquire about booking specials. I knew all about the bounceback offer and had the phone# and code in my bag, but since I never recieved a flyer, I thought I'd ask. The girl at the desk knew NOTHING about it!! She said they have promos occasionally, but she didn't belive there was one currently. Hmmm, I wonder why Disney bothers with these promos when the ones who use them (all of us) would go anyway?:confused3 If not for the DIS, I wouldn't have known about it at all. I never did get a flyer in my room all week!

OK, back to the story! I headed to the bus... It was about 20 or 25 min til 7, and still rather dark. Only myself and a couple with a little girl were there waiting. I talked to the lady a bit and found out that she and her DH were there with their granddaughter, who is 6 and in 1st grade. I'm going to call the Dgd, Scuttle....you'll see why!! So Grandma goes and sits on a bench with her DH to drink their coffee. I'm left standing in line with Scuttle. OMG that little girl talked my ear off!!:rotfl: She was the most fun I had all week. She had opinions on everything and was too excited about having breakfast with the princesses, "even though gran won't let me get all dreesed up at the castle beauty shop!" She had me in stitches! She insisted on sitting with me on the bus and jabbered the whole way to MK. By the time we got off the bus at MK, she was trying valiantly to get us to all meet up and ride HM together, cause she thought Pap would try to scare her! I was willing and so were gran and pap, but we couldn't get a time because with my tour and adrs and theirs. Too bad!

So I get off the bus, its like 7:30 and I head toward the bag check area, while my new friend Scuttle heads toward the monorail with her entourage (guess she thought she was eating w/ princesses, but not at MK:confused3 I never asked, maybe they were taking the mono to Epcot). I get my rather empty bag checked, the security guy even commented that it was the emptiest purse he's seen in his life:lmao: I was directed toward the right side enterance.

Once I entered I did take a few pics, since it was raining Monday nite, I didn't get Sony out til well after I was inside the park, so I missed taking some pics out front. I did it today.

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Rather than stand in line, I went and sat on a bench to sip on my Cherry Coke. Within 2 minutes an adorable little girl (4ish) and her brother (6ish)walk over and plop themselves down with me!! I eventually saw the parents were right behind them, but I was so suprised I didn't notice them at first! I chatted with the mom a bit, who told me they were going to Crystal Palace for breakfast then doing the Dumbo Dash! Her DH was a planner and had a timed to do list for them that she was shaking her head over:rotfl: It cracked me up, cause I always think of it as the other way around! Well her 2 little munchkins warmed right up to me too! What is this! My kids think I as far from cool as it gets, but at least I'm cool at WDW!!

Well the kids had their own cameras, and I guess I'll be in their scrapbook! They took a bunch of pics of me and each other! Eventually the time came for us to be let into the park. It was about 10min til 8. The CMs didn't check conf#s or lists or anything. If you said you were there for Bfast or a tour they let you in, no questions asked!

I Love:lovestruc getting into MK before opening!! This is the second time I've done it and both times were amazing!! I had a good 20min to kill before I had to check in for KTTK, so I headed up Main Street to take some pics! There was even a photopass CM near the castle and I got THE BEST pic of me and Tink!!! I ordered it and 2 others, but not the CD. I'll scan and post it once they come later this week:cutie:

I'll post pics on the next entry......

ILuvCrush

10-30-2008, 12:24 PM

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I just love being able to get "postcard" pictures!! The only time you have a chance at getting Peopleless pics is before opening!!! As always, feel free if you want any!

Paula

jenjolt

10-30-2008, 12:33 PM

WOW!! I can't wait until I get to go into MK before rope drop! I hope I'm as lucky as you to get a great photopass picture!!

As you know I can't wait to hear more about the KTTK tour!! Great update!!

If U Had Wings

10-30-2008, 01:01 PM

I loved getting the empty park pictures this trip too. Can't wait to hear all about the tour. I went in August and loved it.

ILuvCrush

10-30-2008, 01:55 PM

After a lovely time wandering up Main Street to the Castle and back again, it was 8:15....time to check in for my KTTK tour! Check in is in the building next to City Hall, by the exit.

Now before I get going on this.... I will say that I am going to give a rundown on the tour, however I am NOT going to mention too many details of the tour!! I think that if you are planning to take it, the less you know before hand the better. But an itinerary of where we went and when, IMHO, won't ruin it for anybody. If you don't want to know that even, skip this entry (It'll be short) and pick up with the next one. I'll keep this entry limited to "tour talk!"

If you're leaving... bye!!! Catch up with you on the next post!!!

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OK are we alone now?????

My tour started at 8:30. When I checked in at 8:15, I was given a backstage pass on a lanyard, a earpiece, a nametag, and was asked to pick my lunch. Lunch is included on the tour at the Columbia Harbor House. I had the choice of the Chix nuggets, fried fish, combo of the two, BLT salad, and a sandwich that had hummus and stuff. I'm not into the 'fancy sandwiches' thanks, so I don't remember exactly what it was, but I know it is off their regular menu. If you're really interested, you can check it out. I'm too lazy:lmao: The BLT Salad looked great to me, but I hate eggs. I asked if they could leave them off, and it was no problem at all.

After I checked in I had a few minutes so I took a quick bio-break. The tour folks offered us coffee/water. I took a bottle of water, I'm glad I did. I sipped on it off and on thru-out the tour. I sat on a bench outside the tourbuilding, waiting for the tour to get underway. There were DOZENS of people milling around with backstage tour passes:scared1: When we finally go called to go, about half the people there went with me. Now I've read bunches of reviews about the tour. I've always gotten the impression that it was a small group tour 8-12 people. Well there were 19 in our group! Our guide's name was Fred. Very nice, grandfatherly fellow who has been with WDW since the 70's. I asked Fred, and he said the max tour size is 20 and it usually sells out. Most of our group were 'pairs' either friends, spouses, siblings, whatever. There was me and 2 guys that were singletons. We did have a gentleman in an ECV, which did not seem to be a problem. So if you have mobility issues, and want to do do the tour...go ahead!!

We introduced ourselves, suprisingly almost 3/4 of the group was from PA or NJ!!! I thought that was wierd! Then we chatted for a while, Fred told us about some Walt history and stuff. We walked up Main Street, stopping at the Roy and Minnie statue, and various buildings, windows, etc. Fred told us about the people behind the names on some of the windows, and plenty more Walt/Roy history.

From there we went thru Adventureland. Fred pointed out details in the buildings to show how the lands all seemlessly flow into one another. The amount of overall foresight that the imagineers need to create ANYTHING new in MK is astounding!! We took a quick Bio-break, then were let on the Jungle Cruise ride...through the exit! We had the boat to ourselves. The skipper got to take a break, and Fred told us how the ride was originally imagined, how and why it was changed, and pointed out how it all works. Piece of trivia.... The water is muddy, because rivers are muddy.... How is it muddy? It's dyed!! JC is in a concrete basin, so no dirt!!

Following the JC, we talked quite a bit about PotC, and the animitronics pirate: We didn't ride it. We kept heading toward Frontierland, while Fred gave us lots more info on various things we saw. This is when we finally headed backstage!! We did see the float buildings (I finally now know how they drive those things!!), the trash thingy (did you read Kingdom Keepers???....Vrooooommmm!) and some animitronic JC animals being refurbished. We didn't spend too much time there. At that point we headed to Lunch. It was 11:00. I was starved!!

Me, the 2 male singletons, and Fred sat together. We recieved a special pin to remember the tour. My BLT Salad was AWESOME:woohoo: CHH is my new favorite place to eat! We had a half hour for lunch, then we started off again. 1st stop was HM!! We spoke for quite a while about the building itself and the concept of the attraction. Fred told us about a couple Hidden Mickey's we could look for too:thumbsup2 . We entered thru the chicken door.... which is as creepy as the drawing room! We rode the ride without our headsets turned on. I did find one of the hidden mickey's, but not the other one:sad1: After the ride, we discussed how quite a few of the effects are done. We meandered around going toward Sleepy Hollow. We found a shady spot where the other tour members asked oodles of questions. 98% of which Fred could answer. I think our group had quite a few folks aspiring to work at WDW, because most of the questions had to do with jobs, job security, pay, promotions, etc. There was also a lot of questions about trash :confused3 . It was rather interesting. If you do the tour, obviously this is a time where your experience is going to be totally different than mine...because its dependant on the groups interests!

After our nice shady break, it was finally time for the utilidors!! I was excited about this part. Once down there, it wasn't nearly as interesting as I thought it would be:rolleyes1. I did get to see Anastasia in jeans and a makeup smock:thumbsup2 We spent maybe 20min or so down there, then we came back up to the tour building and it was all over.

When I booked the tour... they said NO CAMERAS. I was a good girl, and kept Sony tucked away at the bottom of my purse. However, once the tour started, Fred said that photos were fine, but all cameras, cellphones, and video cameras had to be IN BAGS while backstage. I chose not to take ANY pics at all, because I wanted to experience the tour. I didn't want to miss stuff, because I was too busy getting my shutterbug on:rotfl:

Overall... the tour is DEFINATELY worth the $50 I spent (w/ AP discount) It lasted from 8:30 until 1:30, 1 potty break, and lunch. It was alot of walking, but not too bad. Fred found us little cubbies to sit down in the shade a few times. The vast majority of the info that we heard was stuff that you can find by reading Walt/Roy biographies, the Imagineering Guides, or even right on the DIS, etc. There was little that I hadn't heard of before I went, but it did put alot into perspective. I developed a deeper respect for Walt and Roy for sure.

OK that's it for the tour part.... I'll move on to a new post so that those who wanted to skip this part can come back!!!

Paula

Lady Lallie

10-30-2008, 01:56 PM

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I found this light.... and thought of LL:hug:

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I finally have caught up. :banana: Phew.

I love the light picture of course, it's just delightful. :cloud9:

I am so sorry you were sick! That's just awful. I can't wait to hear about your tour. :goodvibes

Lady Lallie

10-30-2008, 02:13 PM

I am so putting the Tour on my list for December. I really want to do it now after reading you and Crissy's reviews. I think I would love it! :thumbsup2

reelmom

10-30-2008, 03:53 PM

Great review of the tour.

jaycns

10-30-2008, 05:04 PM

I promised myself that I would not start reading any new trip reports until I had finished up the ones I was already into or finished writing my own trip report (I just don't have the time). BUT...yours sucked me in and is GREAT! I am loving every step of your single journey!

As another DISer who was married while still in college and has never "lived alone", it's very enjoyable to see a trip report written from that perspective.

I am glad I found your report and just read the entire thing in one sitting! Thanks for putting the time and effort into writing it and I look forward to more! :)

ILuvCrush

10-30-2008, 05:36 PM

I am so putting the Tour on my list for December. I really want to do it now after reading you and Crissy's reviews. I think I would love it! :thumbsup2

Definately do it! If you have any intrest at all in the background of WDW, how stuff works, or just like DETAILS.... take the tour!!

Great review of the tour.

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it:goodvibes I was nervous about it because I wanted everyone to try the 'milk' , but not give away the 'cow':lmao:

I love the light picture of course, it's just delightful. :cloud9:

I am so sorry you were sick! That's just awful. I can't wait to hear about your tour. :goodvibes

I knew that you'd like it:thumbsup2 If I had to be sick... WDW is an OK place for it, at least I could do what I felt up to and didn't have to do laundry!!! Oh wait....I DID do laundry!:rotfl:

I promised myself that I would not start reading any new trip reports until I had finished up the ones I was already into or finished writing my own trip report (I just don't have the time). BUT...yours sucked me in and is GREAT! I am loving every step of your single journey!

As another DISer who was married while still in college and has never "lived alone", it's very enjoyable to see a trip report written from that prespective.

I am glad I found your report and just read the entire thing in one sitting! Thanks for putting the time and effort into writing it and I look forward to more! :)

Welcome jaycns!!! I'm excited to have another ready YAY!!:banana:
I'm sorry that you had to add another TR to your list though... I know the feeling, I think I'm subscribed to about 30!!!

ILuvCrush

10-30-2008, 06:32 PM

Well the tour was over at about 1:30. I had an ADR for Tony's at 5:00. So I have time to visit some attractions:woohoo: Very cool! There was a good number of people on Main Street, but we all know that isn't always indicitive of how long the attraction lines are. I was planning to head to Hall of Presidents, but decided to take the long way thru Fantasyland to see if maybe I could catch Snow White on the way. Yep... Fantasyland looked like a Rolling Stones concert, with strollers, instead of pot. OMG the area was packed! Pooh and Peter Pan had 60min waits... IASW was 35min!:scared1:
Crazy! Snow White was 35min.... it didn't LOOK that long, but I figured I try it another time. Off to Liberty Square. Hall of Presidents... walk on, per usual. It was nice and cool in there. A decent number of people were waiting in the anteroom with me. Since I hadn't been in there in about 9 years, I wandered around and checked out all the memoribilia... revelling in the fact I could actually read the inscription cards! I'm used to the take a look, then you book method:lmao: I like this way better!!

When it was finally time for the show, I snagged myself a sweet center seat. The chairs are nice and comfy... I was tired, fighting my cold. But unlike so many others, I STAYED AWAKE and thoroughly enjoyed the show!! I'm so glad I made time for it. I actually enjoyed it more than the American Adventure... how many people have you ever heard say that!!:rolleyes: I'm excited to see the changes when its done with it's referbishment when I go next year. Yes I will make the kids sit thru it this time... I haven't yet, but it's time:laughing:

After leaving the theatre, I walked over to the Liberty Belle. This is another ride I haven't done in about 9 years. What AWESOME photo ops!! And you all know how Sony and I LOVE photo opportunities!!!... here you go!

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I really like the HM pic... by taking it from the LB, you get a good view of the front porch.... see how the porch pillars look like old fashioned coffins??? It's harder to see from the ground!!

While I was on the LB, the 3pm parade started, it was still going on when I got off. I headed back to Fantasyland, to see how much a difference the parade made in the lines!! IASW was now a walk on, but I bypassed it in favor of Snow White.... SW was still long, so I skipped it too. So instead I went to see Mickey's Philharmagic:3dglasses

OK, now I'm getting to the last part of my TR title....
For those keeping track:
Laundry-check (on Tuesday)
Kids-check(my Weds morning being the pied piper of half pints)
hubby-check............

I'm waiting in line for Mickey's Philharmagic. A couple of guys were waiting in front of me. I'm minding my own business, I'm getting pretty good at this all by myself stuff by now. Well feller #1 says 'hi'. I respond in kind, I'm certainly not going to be rude. Well feller #2 starts asking where the rest of my party is. Hmmmm, well I'm not about to tell them that I'm here on a solo trip... So I LIED!!! Sort of:rotfl: I said that DH had work stuff to accomplish this afternoon til dinner, so I either sat in the hotel room, or came and rode some rides til he was done:thumbsup2 It wasn't a complete lie... DH was doing some paperwork this week, and I was sure that he'd be done by dinner time.... and I could have sat in the hotel room..... OH boy!! I don't think that I was being hit on or anything:confused3 but I didn't want any problems either!!:rolleyes1

When we were let into the holding area for the show, I lost sight of them, and didn't see them again either. Mickey's Philharmagic is an awesome show!! I was OK til I saw the little kids trying to grab the 3D stuff. Then I started to CRY!!! And I mean CRY!! Not teared up ... but tears running down my face and snuffles!! MP is probably the only attraction that ALL my kids absolutely love:lovestruc I was really smacked with a sudden bout of homesickness. It actually suprised me, since today was the best day I had had so far!! I got myself pulled together by the end of the show... thank goodness for waterproof mascara!!

I walked back to IASW... 30min again:mad: Crazy people!! So I headed for the one thing I knew I wouldn't need to wait for........ TTA!

ILuvCrush

10-30-2008, 07:53 PM

I'm so glad only us DISsers love the TTA:love: A Everyone else can keep going, we'll keep it for ourselves!! Off came my shoes, and up propped my feet.... WEEEEEEEE!!!!!! I enjoyed the spin thru Tomarrowland:thumbsup2

By now it's about 4:30. So I figured it was time for a quick Bio-break then off to Tony's I wandered back thru the hub, I decided to take a pic from Walt's point of view, for a change.... it does give an idea of the crowds:hippie:

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I love this picture... it is just MK at it's most magical:cloud9:

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/406218909_p3kfN-M.jpg

Along the way, I double-checked my ADR. I remember things in 'wholes" so I knew that since I remembered my ADR was for 5pm... it was for like 5:05 or 5:10. When I double checked, it was for 5:30:rotfl: Oops! I had a little too much time on my hands!! So I meandered thru the Emporium. It must have been fate... the choir of Angels was singing!!! I found the SNOWGLOBE!!! Now for you newbies, Allison (DD7) decided that me going to WDW without her was OK if I brought her back a snowglobe. I was very stressed about it, because I wanted her to love it + I was really worried about getting it home on the plane, since it can't be carried on. Well here it is:woohoo:

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/406219508_Tt7WX-M.jpg

I had it delivered back to ASMu. I heard some commotion outside, It was the streetmosphere people!

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/406219194_WXFY4-M-1.jpg

They are too fun!!! Well it was a few minutes til 5 and I noticed they were starting the Flag Retreat Ceremony. I've never watched it so I found a shady spot to watch. I really enjoyed listening to the Philharmonics play and the Dapper Dans sing. When they sang God bless America, I got all teary eyed again! After the ceremony I popped over to the Firehouse and bought a couple gifts for DH:firefight who is a volunteer fireman and of course LOVES the stuff there!! I bought a T-shirt and a bobble head Fire Mickey.

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/406219874_JkwAC-M.jpg

I had it delivered to ASMu too.

Finally it was time for my ADR at TONY's!!!
I checked in and was seated immediately. For all you Foodies.... there are NO FOOD PICS!!! They sat me in the middle of the restaurant, so I felt conspicuous enough WITHOUT photographing my dinner:lmao: My waitress was very sweet, her name was Kham. She was very efficient without rushing me. She kept my drink filled, and got me my food quickly!! Since I skipped O'Hanas... I decided to go all out for this meal! I ordered the Tomato and Mozzarella Salad as an appy. The tomatoes and dressing were great, but the mozzarella was flavorless.:confused3 I thought maybe my tastebuds were still off from my cold...but the mozz on my entree was terrific. For my entree I went with the Chicken Parmasean. The chix was huge, seasoned acceptably, with just the right amount of breading. The pasta wasn't exactly overcooked, but it was 'past' al dente. I usually only eat a few bites of the pasta anyway, so it was fine. For dessert I ordered the tiramasu. OMG it was AMAZING!!! I'll return just for that and coffee sometime! My bill came to $36.70 before tip ($8.30). A bit much for a meal for one person, but I did enjoy it!!

After Dinner, I headed for the bus stop....... but to where?
Animal Kingdom Lodge!! I still felt good to go, but had enough of MK for the day, so off the AK for EMH!! It took 25min to get to AKL, but the AK bus was already there waiting, so 5min later I was at AK!! As I walked in it was very close to 7pm. Mickey & friends were saying goodnite to those leaving and howdy to those of us just coming!!

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/405903319_kjCgu-M.jpg

I grabbed a EMH times guide and headed to EE!! I hopped in the singles line and less than 15 minutes later I was in my train:woohoo: I'll tell you what... if you EVER have the chance to ride EE in the dark...DO IT!! WOW it is a completely different experience and oh so much fun!! FOTLK was only showing at 8pm. I underestimated how long it would take to get to EE and ride, so by the time I was done, I had to trek across the park to Camp Minnie Mickey. There was practically no one around as I walked the path to FOTLK in the dark. However, instead of it being scary, it was the coolest thing EVER! You could hear the AK music playing as well as the live crickets chirping! The whole thing totally reminded me of going to girl scout camp as a kid. I loved it, and will definately try to hit any PM EMH at AK on future trips just for the atmosphere.

FOTLK was awesome..as always. It is far and away my favorite show! After the show I trekked back to Dinoland. I like Dinosaur, I can live without it, but if I can get on, I will. It was a walk on. There were 3 LITTLE kids (3-4-5-ish) in my time machine. I was worried about them, cause I know its scary... but in the end, mine were the only visable tonsils in the picture:rotfl:

After Dinosaur I went back and rode EE again... amazing!! It was getting to be about 9:30 so I headed back toward the front. I snapped this amazing picture over Everest along the way

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/405903541_BNmmD-M.jpg

I got a couple pics in front of the Tree of Life. I noticed Mickey and Minnie only had 1 family in line to meet them, so I hopped in and got my favorite pic of my trip!

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/405903476_w7Ggt-M.jpg

I browsed the shops a little, but didn't buy anything, then walked toward the busses. DH called as I was leaving, so i found a bench out of the way of traffic and talked for about 20 minutes. He caught my cold, apparently over the phone... poor guy!! I told him about my day. Day 3 was about as close to perfect as I had dreamed.

Paula

mommyintn

10-30-2008, 08:03 PM

I'm waiting in line for Mickey's Philharmagic. A couple of guys were waiting in front of me. I'm minding my own business, I'm getting pretty good at this all by myself stuff by now. Well feller #1 says 'hi'. I respond in kind, I'm certainly not going to be rude. Well feller #2 starts asking where the rest of my party is. Hmmmm, well I'm not about to tell them that I'm here on a solo trip... So I LIED!!! Sort of:rotfl:

I'm all for being friendly with strangers but 2 men asking me where the rest of my party is even in Disney kinda creeps me out. So you did the right thing! Of course I watch way too much CSI!:lmao:

My kids think I as far from cool as it gets, but at least I'm cool at WDW!!

Isn't that the truth? When you are away from your own kids for some reason kids always flock! It's sweet and obviously you give off the nice mom vibe, but that just cracks me up. :laughing:

Alright I just skipped your latest installment so I'm going to read that and I'm so glad you felt better. That KTTK tour sounds great, that's something DH and will have to do when we go without the kids. :)

Lady Lallie

10-30-2008, 08:30 PM

Another wonderful update!

I absolutely adore the picture from Walt's perspective. I am going to have to do that next time I am down there. I really need to start listing things by the computer so I don't forget them all!

I never even thought about going to AK for Evening EMH but it does sound wonderful.

Diamondintheruff

10-30-2008, 08:59 PM

The tour sounds really great.

My kids love philharmagic too. I totally get why this one hit you so hard.

princess&her4princes

10-30-2008, 09:33 PM

Hi! :flower3: Great report so far!! Hope you don't mind me joining in so late into it, I just stumbled across it and now I"m living vicariosly through you...being a SAHM to three litte ones. Good for you for taking a trip yourself!!! Sounds magical!!:wizard:

jenjolt

10-30-2008, 09:56 PM

WOW Paula!! What a great Day 3!! I'm so loving reading your trip report and just by reading it I have added so much to my promise list! I really want to try to ride EE at night!!

I'm so glad you had such a great time solo...it makes me less apprehensive about my own trip!!!

GREAT pics again..can I borrow your camera on my trip LOL!!!

mickeysmyboy

10-31-2008, 05:56 AM

Great updates!! I'm glad you were feeling better!! I can't wait to do KTTK in March! I missed it last trip because my boys were sick, DH took his father in place. I would have lied to the guys at PhilHarMagic too! Seems a little weird that they would ask were the rest of your party was!!

OhioDisneyLover

10-31-2008, 06:10 AM

Awesome update. Now I want to book the KTTK tour!

If U Had Wings

10-31-2008, 08:42 AM

Great review of the tour. I can't wait to try another one next year.

ILuvCrush

10-31-2008, 08:44 AM

Yep, Sure do remember Grey Wolf, every Friday during lent, the line would be down the street. Also Midtown Tavern pierogis, there is still the tavern at Midtown (Snow/Broadview shopping center) but it has changed names a few times.

Need another trip report installment!!!

Yummmm Grey Wolf! I forgot about them! more than once I was standing half a block away waiting for mine:rolleyes1

I'm all for being friendly with strangers but 2 men asking me where the rest of my party is even in Disney kinda creeps me out. So you did the right thing! Of course I watch way too much CSI!:lmao:

That KTTK tour sounds great, that's something DH and will have to do when we go without the kids. :)

I really don't think they ment anything by it.... prior to talking to people here, I don't think I'd have thought about anyone being there alone:confused3 It was obvious that I was by myself in that line, though, because at the time no one was behind me:rotfl2:

I absolutely adore the picture from Walt's perspective. I am going to have to do that next time I am down there. I really need to start listing things by the computer so I don't forget them all!

I never even thought about going to AK for Evening EMH but it does sound wonderful.

Better start making new lists LL!!! I saw a similar pic from Walts view before, which is why I tried it. Definately try to hit AK after dark.... it would be very romantical too;)

Hi! :flower3: Great report so far!! Hope you don't mind me joining in so late into it, I just stumbled across it and now I"m living vicariosly through you...being a SAHM to three litte ones. Good for you for taking a trip yourself!!! Sounds magical!!:wizard:

By all means I'm thrilled to have you!!! I'm glad you're enjoying it!

WOW Paula!! What a great Day 3!! I'm so loving reading your trip report and just by reading it I have added so much to my promise list! I really want to try to ride EE at night!!

I'm so glad you had such a great time solo...it makes me less apprehensive about my own trip!!!

GREAT pics again..can I borrow your camera on my trip LOL!!!

Jen you're going to have a great time:goodvibes Make your plans, but roll with the punches. My only reget was not doing more TS meals... go figure:confused3

Great updates!! I'm glad you were feeling better!! I can't wait to do KTTK in March! I missed it last trip because my boys were sick, DH took his father in place. I would have lied to the guys at PhilHarMagic too! Seems a little weird that they would ask were the rest of your party was!!

I think they were suprised to see someone (esp a female) alone, but my inner female self defense shields went up pretty fast:lmao: Being approached because of appearing alone, and my response, was something that I worried a bit about before I left... and I had thought up a couple responses. So not only did I lie.... it was a PLANNED lie!!!:rotfl:

Awesome update. Now I want to book the KTTK tour!

Do it Do it Do it!!! it's OK... I'll wait:thumbsup2

ILuvCrush

10-31-2008, 08:47 AM

Great review of the tour. I can't wait to try another one next year.

Thanks!!:goodvibes Which ones have you done???

I'm thinking Backstage safari will be my next grown up one. I'm also thinking of the Family Magic tour with my girls and nephews next year. Diamond had a review of FMT, it sounded like a blast!

MEK

10-31-2008, 09:42 AM

Fred told us about a couple Hidden Mickey's we could look for too:thumbsup2 . We entered thru the chicken door.... which is as creepy as the drawing room! We rode the ride without our headsets turned on. I did find one of the hidden mickey's, but not the other one:sad1: Overall... the tour is DEFINATELY worth the $50 I spent (w/ AP discount)Paula

Paula - I only found one hidden mickey, too! :rotfl: Now I don't feel so challenged. I've ridden HSM a few times since I took the tour and all I can find is one hidden Mickey! :sad2: They need to slow that ride down so I have more time to sight see! :rotfl: I agree that the tour was money well spent!

MEK

10-31-2008, 10:08 AM

: I'll tell you what... if you EVER have the chance to ride EE in the dark...DO IT!! WOW it is a completely different experience and oh so much fun!!
After Dinosaur I went back and rode EE again... amazing!! I snapped this amazing picture over Everest along the way

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/405903541_BNmmD-M.jpg

Paula

I am so jealous. I never get to do nighttime EMH at AK. My timing is always off. I will miss it again in December, but have to do it next summer. I am dying to ride EE at night! Your day sounded awesome!

Stacybaeasm

10-31-2008, 10:31 AM

That snowglobe you found is perfect! What a fabulous present. I wish I had seen it while I was there but I stayed far away from the Emporium. Your tour sounded like fun too. I always think about trying one, but I never do. Maybe next year? Your trip report is making my list for next october longer and longer :worship: Oh, and that photo of Everest at night? Wow, I mean just wow.

ILuvCrush

10-31-2008, 12:54 PM

Paula - I only found one hidden mickey, too! :rotfl: Now I don't feel so challenged. I've ridden HSM a few times since I took the tour and all I can find is one hidden Mickey! :sad2: They need to slow that ride down so I have more time to sight see! :rotfl: I agree that the tour was money well spent!

The dining room one was easy! The one in the graveyard... yeah I rode it multiple times after the tour.... never found it!! One time the ride even stopped while I was in the graveyard... but not in the right spot:headache: That is probably what it's gonna take for me to spot that one... getting stuck in the ride there:rotfl:

Paula

If U Had Wings

10-31-2008, 02:05 PM

Thanks!!:goodvibes Which ones have you done???

I'm thinking Backstage safari will be my next grown up one. I'm also thinking of the Family Magic tour with my girls and nephews next year. Diamond had a review of FMT, it sounded like a blast!

I've done the KTTK, and the Around the World on a Segway (twice). I'm contemplating the 3 park tour, but not sure if I want to spend that much money.

If I don't do that one I'm torn. I'd like to try the train tour, the holiday tour and the Ft. Wilderness Segway tour. Decisions, decisions!

momtoccc

10-31-2008, 03:01 PM

A great trip report! Someday I just might do a solo trip too. Can't wait to hear how the rest of your trip went. Also - never heard of the "bio-break" before - cute :laughing:

brookelizabeth

10-31-2008, 10:00 PM

Love the review of the tour! Glad to hear you started to feel better too. And great find on the snow globe!! :thumbsup2 I love all your pictures, they are just beautiful.

dvc at last !

10-31-2008, 11:12 PM

Just found your solo tr and I am enjoying reading what you had to say about your experiences. The tour sounds interesting - might have to do that
someday. Hope you are feeling better !

:cool1:

ilovemickeymost

11-01-2008, 11:33 AM

once again your pics are great. Sounds like you had a great time. I'm going to try Columbia House next visit b/c I want the BLT salad. Sounds so yummy.

Alice In Tinkerland

11-02-2008, 06:55 AM

Hi Paula

What a fun trip you had!~!~ I love the pic of EE with the full moon It is just so beautiful. :love:

Diamondintheruff

11-02-2008, 09:20 AM

l'm also thinking of the Family Magic tour with my girls and nephews next year. Diamond had a review of FMT, it sounded like a blast!

So funny because after reading your review of Keys to the Kingdom tour I'm thinking about doing that one next.

2xcited2sleep

11-02-2008, 09:53 AM

ILuvCrush

11-02-2008, 09:55 AM

I've done the KTTK, and the Around the World on a Segway (twice). I'm contemplating the 3 park tour, but not sure if I want to spend that much money.

If I don't do that one I'm torn. I'd like to try the train tour, the holiday tour and the Ft. Wilderness Segway tour. Decisions, decisions!

My next childless trip I think the Ft Wilderness Segway would be fun:goodvibes Hopefully there would be less witnesses present there than Epcot to see me make a dork of myself:lmao:

A great trip report! Someday I just might do a solo trip too. Can't wait to hear how the rest of your trip went. Also - never heard of the "bio-break" before - cute :laughing:

Welcome momtoccc!! I'm having so much fun with this TR. My only problem is I'm anxious to start new PTR(s):rotfl: but I have to wait! I read the "bio-break" term on another TR a while back....and have been using it in everyday life ever since, too cute:cutie:

Just found your solo tr and I am enjoying reading what you had to say about your experiences. The tour sounds interesting - might have to do that
someday. Hope you are feeling better !

:cool1:

Welcome dvcatlast!! I'm glad you joined us:)

once again your pics are great. Sounds like you had a great time. I'm going to try Columbia House next visit b/c I want the BLT salad. Sounds so yummy.

Thanks! I was really happy about my pics this trip... but I made the mistake of going back over to the photog threads.... yeah I stink compared to them!! I have learned a bit from browsing over there, but I still have a long way to go...

Apparently CHH is MK's best kept secret! I always thought it was a TS, until we went in Feb. There's an upstairs dining room too.... a lot of people don't know that. Fred said you can usually find an upstairs seat almost anytime, no matter how busy the parks are... and the food was great!

Hi Paula

What a fun trip you had!~!~ I love the pic of EE with the full moon It is just so beautiful. :love:

It's one of my fav pics too:goodvibes

ILuvCrush

11-02-2008, 10:04 AM

Whew! All caught up! So sorry you were sick. There oughta be a law!

Paris for DD's 13th birthday sounds awesome!! I've been eyeing the ABD tours too but you're right they are pricey! Although it sounds like they are well worth it. :rolleyes1

I took your advice and bought the wrist band gift card. Great tip! It was very handy!! :thumbsup2

Sorry you didn't like the plum wine. I had the same experience w/ another adult beverage I'd been coveting.

KTTK tour sounds great. I want to do that one and the Epcot one.

More great photos. Especially the Everest/moon photo!! :)

I agree 5 days is too short. Hope you're working that into whatever plan you're contemplating. ;)

Hi Christine!!! I'm glad you got back over here:goodvibes Glad the gift card worked for you... I think it would be nice to have on any Epcot visit that you plan to partake in the offerings... F&W or not!

Which Epcot tour?? The segway?? They used to have a WS'secrets' type tour, but it was discontinued:sad1: I really wanted to do that. They still have a Futureworld "secrets" tour...but that doesn't sound as interesting to me.

I thought 5 days was long enough for a solo trip... just too short for my TR:rotfl: The plan has flexibility as to the trip length.... what sounds good??? I'm thinking 5-6 nights.... not sure yet. I'm sorta hoping that it won't be a solo;)

Paula

faerieprincess

11-02-2008, 10:15 AM

Oh my goodness. Those are possibly the best fireworks pictures i've ever seen! i'm in awe!

And shame on you Paula, saying you're not funny or a good writer in your OP. You are wonderful to read and i'm SO enjoying reading your TR! i'm only on page 4 so far. Very belated happy birthday!

ILuvCrush

11-02-2008, 10:21 AM

tiggerfan6

11-02-2008, 03:05 PM

Thank you for doing your trip report! I love it! I also did the KTTK tour with my aunt in 02 and I am glad to hear that its about the same as when you went. The only thing new is the earpiece and the group size was bigger. I loved eating at CH, Our tour guide was good too, I wished I had brought my camera, I want to do it again sometime. I would love to go by self sometime... good for you ;)
Erica

MEK

11-02-2008, 04:43 PM

Here's a shout out to Paula -

I AM READY FOR A NEW INSTALLMENT!!!!!!! :surfweb: Let's get to it girlfriend! :goodvibes

ILuvCrush

11-02-2008, 06:18 PM

Well I don't have an actual update for the trip... BUT I do have some trip related bragging to do:thumbsup2

Yesterday I got my photopass pics in the mail:woohoo:
I only ordered 3... the ones the photopass photogs took with my camera were as good or better than the ones they took with theirs!! However I couldn't get these ones with mine!! Please forgive the quality... the real ones are better, but i had to redneck these since my scanner is junk!

OK this is my fav pic from the week...of me anyway

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/408427065_24vzo-M-1.jpg

memories of MNSSHP!!

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/408426924_HLQ22-M-1.jpg

Now this is far from the best pic of me... but was too cool having Stitch in it, I couldn't resist!

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/408427143_SyKXY-M-1.jpg

I also wanted to brag... I actually got my ENTIRE scrapbook completed this weekend:woohoo: I went the lazy route... and did a Creative Memories Picfolio Milestones album, instead of a traditional scrapbook... but since it was alot of scenery pics and nothing bigger than a 4x6, I tried it. It was quick and easy...AND I liked how it came out!! I think I may use them for other vacations.... but they won't replace my regular scrapbooks;)

Here's a couple pics... yeah they're bad, but I felt I needed some proof of my diligence. I'm amazed I managed to stay off the boards long enough to do it:rotfl:

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/408392261_rEf55-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/408392066_XvwFs-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/408391974_yoetx-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/408392750_CGhnt-M.jpg

faerieprincess

11-02-2008, 10:36 PM

MEK

11-03-2008, 04:23 AM

Paula -

Great pic/scrapbook! Ok - I will forgive you for not doing another installment. I see you were hard at work on your creative memories of the trip. Tell us more about the process. I really like that!

p.s. Love the time change right now - woke up super early and have time for a quick trip to the DIS!

OhioDisneyLover

11-03-2008, 04:28 AM

Paula,

I'm jealous...you got your scrapbook pages done already! I've been back since September 21st and all I've done so far is organize my days. :lmao:

Sophia

ILuvCrush

11-03-2008, 05:42 AM

Ohhh Paula i love your scrapbook pages. i'd be tempted to do something like that if only because my absolute need for symmetry would be much easier to accomodate!!!

ETA: i have finally finished reading and am all caught up, and will join the rest of the gang eagerly awaiting an update!

Paula -

Great pic/scrapbook! Ok - I will forgive you for not doing another installment. I see you were hard at work on your creative memories of the trip. Tell us more about the process. I really like that!

p.s. Love the time change right now - woke up super early and have time for a quick trip to the DIS!

Paula,

I'm jealous...you got your scrapbook pages done already! I've been back since September 21st and all I've done so far is organize my days. :lmao:

Sophia

Thanks everybody!!! Picfolio is the way to go:lmao: There's pockets for your pics + you can buy 'kits' that include papers that match your theme and fit in the pockets without any cutting!! So I got a Mickey Vacation Kit, a book, and my pens... and off I went! I did add a few of my own halloween papers and mickey stickers, but it was nice not needing to get out 472 pounds of carp to do it:rotfl:

I still haven't started the scrapbooks from the All Girls Trip from Feb:rolleyes1 In fact, I haven't even printed the pictures yet:scared1: So I have plenty more to get accomplished!! My 2006 trip ended up as 2 albums and 180 pages.... the traditional scrapbook route.... needless to say, I was scrapped out after that...and had been dragging my feet for the repeat performance for the Girls trip:lmao:

The time change is killing me:hourglass I work all 3rd shift... I was off last night, but couldn't keep my eyes open come 10:00!! Now today, i'm up at 4:30:sad2: It would be fine, except I go back to work 2nite, and if I don't manage a nap today, I'll be up a creek!!

Paula

princess&her4princes

11-03-2008, 06:15 AM

Morning Paula!!

LOVE the scrapbook album!!:lovestruc I am SO FAR BEHIND on my albums that is exactly what I need to catch up!! Can you just order them from CM website or do you have a rep with them that you use? I need to look into this......my poor first born (who will be 6 on Friday!!) just has 4 pages done in his scrapbook and the rest are in regular albums and I've had two babies since!!! Uh oh!!:scared: Love the pics, they turned out great!! Looking foward to the next installment. Hope you can get some rest today!!!!:flower3:

Hollywoodhaha

11-03-2008, 06:26 AM

Woah! Those are some SKILLZ!

How did you get your scrapbook like that?

2xcited2sleep

11-03-2008, 06:31 AM

ILuvCrush

11-03-2008, 06:56 AM

I love your photopass pictures! And your scrapbook looks incredible. I've wanted to start scrapbooking but am daunted by everything it entails. Maybe this kind of book would be a good way for me to start?

Thanks!! I've never had even 1 photopass pic with Tink or Stitch or anything in it... I was pretty excited!!! My mom loves:lovestruc the Tink one... I know that she's planning to ASK for it in november... she hasn't told me that...I just KNOW HER!!:lmao:

Its touted as a "scrapbook for people who don't/can't/won't scrapbook":rotfl:
Definately a good place to start:thumbsup2

If U Had Wings

11-03-2008, 08:55 AM

The scrapbook pages look great. I may have to look into getting some of those picfolios for my older stuff so I can get caught up.

lmillercrew

11-03-2008, 09:38 AM

Yay for easy scrapbook pages!!:yay: :yay: Your last 2 book endevour sounds like my last Disney scrapbook. I had two too. I did a simple Mexico album and have yet to start my Disney Oct 07 album. I still have to do Hawaii and I'm not even sure how to go about doing that. I have an expander file FULL of articles, cards, bills, etc of Harvey's shark incident plus all of the normal pictures that were taken. I still haven't developed my pics from either trip. Plus, I have a Mexico trip from this year to do and make Christmas cards. AAGGHHH!!!!
I so glad you did a long update this time. Although, now I have to go and do my wifely duties. (:rotfl2: I said duty. (doodie) :rotfl2: ) Makes me laugh every time. I know, I'm a little off. :rotfl2:
Sorry about the time change. You never think about those people that work third shift when those time change things happen. I just know I'm excited that I get an extra hour of sleep. I hope you get a nap today!

ILuvCrush

11-03-2008, 09:43 AM

Suprise Suprise!!! A new installment this morning! I wasn't really planning to but I'm in a Disney frame of mind.... not a laundry state of mind... which honestly, is the one I should be in:rolleyes:

This is my 4th day... I've FINALLY gotten into the swing of the solo trip, thanks to an AWESOME day on Wednesday.:woohoo: Even better, I felt all kinds of human again... still a little stuffy, but no big deal...WooHoo!!

I had a big day planned at DHS... yes I CAN do it... DHS not MGM! I was committed to rope drop...cause I had to try TSM. I didn't want to wait in a huge line. Lines don't bother me too much, but I like standing in them w/ someone to talk to:upsidedow ...thus a 90 min wait in line for TSM didn't appeal to me!

My wake up call went off at 7am... it had generic-non-Disney music. BOOOO!! I can wake up to generic music at home... even Demi is better than that! I managed to shower, get myself together... realized I forgot my cellphone (I was to call Stacybeasm for a possible meet today)....went back and got it, filled my mug, grabbed a rice krispy treat for bfast..... AND made it to the busses by 8:10:scared: Whew!

I was about 12th or so back from the turnstiles and chatted with a nice family from Louisiana. They let us in and I became part of the human wave surging down the street to the "ROPE". Now this is odd... at 9:00 the rope dropped..... No opening show...nothing! I'm not a big fan of the DHS opening show or anything, I just thought it was odd that they didn't do it...or anything:confused3

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/408431711_5r8N2-M-1.jpg

Well, the rope's dropped, so me and what feels like 1/2 the population of Florida head off toward TSM!! I'll tell you what, the Dumbo Dash has NOTHING on that madness!! OMG I can't imagine what that stampeede would look like during a BUSY time!! During my pretrip research I had read on the DIS that the general concensus was to ride TSM standby and get FP afterward for a 2nd ride. Standby WAS a walk on:banana:

It is a great ride! My kiddos and even DH & DS would love it:lovestruc I didn't do real great...I'm not a videogame person. I got a score of 75K something and a little bunny prize. The ring toss did me in... I just couldn't get the hang of that one! Would I wait 90min to get on????
*&%$^% NO!!! It's very cool...but almost nothing is worth that kind of wait in my book. I was off TSM by 9:16. By now the line to get a FP had to be 20min long! It stretched all the way to One Man's Dream.:sad2:

Next stop was R&RC... singles line. The regular line had a 30min wait time posted. There was nothing on the SRL sign:confused3 I double checked that it was even open...then I walked in. I was thru the recording studio and into the 'loading area' in less than 3min.... I SO LOVE the single rider lines:woohoo:

I ended up riding with a gal who was also a single rider... but didn't know about the special line, so she waited in the regular one. She was really nervous. What a RUSH!! I hadn't rode it for almost 2 yrs and had forgotten just how great it is! My seat mate didn't share my enthusiasm. She looked shell shocked and asked "is it PLEASE over now!!!" I felt so bad for her, but laughed with her anyway:laughing: I offered to ride ToT with her, since she planned to ride it alone too... but after R&RC she didn't want to try it. My new friend went to calm her nerves with a cigarette ... I went and got a FP for just me for ToT!!

It was now around 10.... character greeting time..... You all remember who I was on a mission to find.... don't you?????

Prince Caspian:lovestruc

How dreamy:cutie: That silly Susan, what was she thinking.:confused3 You're not gonna find THAT on THIS side of Narnia......:rotfl:

I headed to the Narnia exhibit. After fighting my way thru the TSM FP distrubution line that was blocking the enterance:sad2: I scoped out my competiton... I mean I looked to see how long the meet and greet line was::yes:: There was NO ONE THERE!! So I walked in. My dear prince has his own private meet and greet area... so it's just me and him:love: (well and the photopass guy and character handler.... but who cares about them)

Ooooohhh he is quite the smooth talker... "hello princess, I've been waiting so long to meet you!!! From where do you hail??? You're a very beautiful princess, I'm so glad you made the time to give me an audience...."
AHhhhhhh where's the "jelly smiley" I need one!!!! He held my hands and looked dreamily into my eyes. Yep he made this chubby, middling aged gal feel like I was a giddy 16 again.... AND he was cute!!

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/408436509_PaMEw-M.jpg

So after my wonderful audience with the prince... I went in to see the Narnia exhibit. I saw the first one... so I didn't expect much, well, I didn't expect anything at all really! It was me and like a dozen other people. Narnia is well down on most peoples to do lists... rightfully so. If I hadn't seen how bad the first version of this attraction was, I'd have been disappointed. However, in comparison, this one is like a million times better. Aslan's How is very neat and the effects are quite cool as well.

I exited and popped right into One Man's Dream. This was also on my to do list. I'm glad I did it the day after my KTTK tour!! It would have been interesting anyway, but it was neat to see so much that we actually had TALKED about yesterday during the tour! I took a really long time walking thru the exhibits, and reading everything... I was probably in there for at least 45min! I loved looking at the models and pictures. I'm still kicking myself for not taking a picture of the Castle model for Disneyland Paris.... I can't wait to see that one in person, it is gorgeous! I also made sure to watch the film. I enjoyed it, but they really need to update the sound... I had a hard time understanding it.

OMD exited right next to the Animation Studio. So I did that next. I liked the first part, but the cast member narrator mumbled so bad, I could barely understand her... what is up with me and my hearing today:confused3
Afterward, i skipped the meet and greet with Mickey... I've seen him twice already... and qued up for the drawing class. It was my first time, and WOW it was so fun!! Definately on the list for future trips... the kids will love it too. We drew Pluto... and miine even sorta looked like Pluto when I was done!!

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/408432273_Jt4hS-M.jpg

It was time to use my ToT FP... so I headed that way next. I waited, oh, 1 minute...maybe. Then I was into the Library. I got to sit in the front row. I never did that before... I was a bit scared:scared: but I lived to tell the tale!! It was a great time.

by the time I got off ToT.. it was almost noon... I was hungry, AND I needed to call Stacybeasm!!

How will our meet go?? Stay Tuned!!

Paula

ILuvCrush

11-03-2008, 09:51 AM

pamjb

11-03-2008, 10:13 AM

Lady Lallie

11-03-2008, 10:14 AM

What a great update! I love DHS. I have never gone on ToT though. It scares me. DH wants me to try it at least once but I couldn't bring myself to do it this past trip. :scared1:

jenjolt

11-03-2008, 11:15 AM

Hey Paula!!

First of all I have to admit I loved your scrapbook!! I'm a huge Creative Memories Scrapbooker and I have two trips in one album and I have already started planning for my January trip. I never thought of doing the Picfolio route since I love to do the original scrapbook although it will take me probably a year to finish it LOL Oh well relive my trip each time!!

Sounds like you had an amazing day at DHS! I must admit I haven't seen Narnia 2 yet so I might have to do that before my trip so I don't sound like a complete idiot when I go!!!

Thanks for a great update!!!

jblrn2b

11-03-2008, 12:47 PM

After spending one busy weekend btween football, lacrosse, a husband, an eight yr old and a moody 14yr (yesterday- he's usually okay), I am ready to join you. I have sat here for the last hour and sum ready your TR - boy am I jealous. I haven't cleaned or done laundry. Thanks for cheering me up!!!!!!!!!

Alice In Tinkerland

11-03-2008, 01:21 PM

Hi Paula

Love your Photopass photos. You had the perfect expression for the Stitch picture!!!

OMG Prince Caspian is a cutie pootie!!! I haven't seen the movie But can't wait to go get my photo taken with this guy!!! Loved LW&W not sure why I didn't see PC. Maybe if I get my photo taken with him I can send it out as my Christmas photo and say here's my new BF. Maybe that will get my family to stop asking me when am I going to get married :rotfl: :laughing: :rotfl:

Can't wait to see Toy Story Mania Mayhem on Thanksgiving Morning!!!!! I'll be there for rope drop. Do you think it would be better to grab a FP then get in line since the FP line gets so long. I am thinking that If I can be up front for grabbing a FP, I"ll maybe be about 20 minutes in Standby line but can see the Mr Potato Head show etc... Instead of going quick thru standby line then have to wait outside after for FP to ride a 2nd time. Or did the Standby line get really long fast too?????

You did a great job on your Pluto. You should frame it and hang it in the laundry room, that way when you are doing laundry you can remeber your great no laundry trip!!!!

Can't wait to read more.

Eve

princess&her4princes

11-03-2008, 01:36 PM

Hi Paula!!

Loooove this latest update! I feel like I'm riding along with you and skipping out on my Mommy duties for the 5 minutes while reading your post. It's fun!!!:goodvibes Thanks!!

Wow...you finally met HIM!!!:lovestruc And the pic turned out great! Hope DH isn't jealous!! :rotfl:

You did great with your Pluto pic.....I"m impressed!!:thumbsup2

Thanks for the surprise of another update so soon! You're spoiling us!!! :)

Btw, OT...have to ask.....how is it writing a TR, is it fun? overwelming? I'm thinking of doing one for my upcoming trip...any insight is appreciated!! :goodvibes

ILuvCrush

11-03-2008, 03:01 PM

Paula,

I am loving your trip report. While I haven't gotten up enough gumption to go solo, I have gone on a Ladies Only F&W fest trip. WDW is a whole different place when you are traveling without children and/or husbands.

The gift card on the stretchy bracelet ARE reloadable. I got one for our F&W fest trip. It was great to use at the kiosks. They work just like the Disney gift cards. I like this method better than charging to my room. Also helps to "theoretically" budget.

Budget... at WDW??? Who knew!!:rotfl:
Thanks for posting!! A girls trip is definately on my mind.... ANY TAKERS?????

What a great update! I love DHS. I have never gone on ToT though. It scares me. DH wants me to try it at least once but I couldn't bring myself to do it this past trip. :scared1:

ToT isn't as scary as it looks... really:rolleyes1 My mom almost peed herself on her 1st (and only) ride... it then took her 2 cigarettes til she relaxed enough to form coherent sentences!!:lmao: But mind you SHE'S not normal!!

Hey Paula!!

First of all I have to admit I loved your scrapbook!! I'm a huge Creative Memories Scrapbooker and I have two trips in one album and I have already started planning for my January trip. I never thought of doing the Picfolio route since I love to do the original scrapbook although it will take me probably a year to finish it LOL Oh well relive my trip each time!!

Sounds like you had an amazing day at DHS! I must admit I haven't seen Narnia 2 yet so I might have to do that before my trip so I don't sound like a complete idiot when I go!!!

Thanks for a great update!!!

I have about 30 regular CM scrapbooks completed (I was a consultant for several years)... but now with the kids/work/obsessive vacationing habits... I'm having more trouble keeping up with all of them:thumbsup2 So an easy one here and there...makes me feel like I'm still somewhat productive!

I likes LW&W better than PC... PC had alot of battles and stuff, DH and DS liked it BETTER, for what it's worth:upsidedow I enjoyed it though, and am happy to watch it over and over cause Caspian is so easy on the eyes:thumbsup2

After spending one busy weekend btween football, lacrosse, a husband, an eight yr old and a moody 14yr (yesterday- he's usually okay), I am ready to join you. I have sat here for the last hour and sum ready your TR - boy am I jealous. I haven't cleaned or done laundry. Thanks for cheering me up!!!!!!!!!

you're very welcome!!

Hi Paula

Love your Photopass photos. You had the perfect expression for the Stitch picture!!!

Can't wait to see Toy Story Mania Mayhem on Thanksgiving Morning!!!!! I'll be there for rope drop. Do you think it would be better to grab a FP then get in line since the FP line gets so long. I am thinking that If I can be up front for grabbing a FP, I"ll maybe be about 20 minutes in Standby line but can see the Mr Potato Head show etc... Instead of going quick thru standby line then have to wait outside after for FP to ride a 2nd time. Or did the Standby line get really long fast too?????

You did a great job on your Pluto. You should frame it and hang it in the laundry room, that way when you are doing laundry you can remeber your great no laundry trip!!!!

Can't wait to read more.

Eve

OMG... I would love to see the fiasco... wouldn't want to stand in it...but would love to see it. I'd grab the FP first... assuming the FP line is only a dozen-20 people deep. That should get you into the TSM line w/o too much more than a 20 min wait (hopefully:thumbsup2 ). Personally I'd rather stand in the ride queue and enjoy all the stuff to see.... it's really cool. Standing outside waiting in line for a FP is sorta silly.

Hi Paula!!

Loooove this latest update! I feel like I'm riding along with you and skipping out on my Mommy duties for the 5 minutes while reading your post. It's fun!!!:goodvibes Thanks!!

You did great with your Pluto pic.....I"m impressed!!:thumbsup2

Thanks for the surprise of another update so soon! You're spoiling us!!! :)

Btw, OT...have to ask.....how is it writing a TR, is it fun? overwelming? I'm thinking of doing one for my upcoming trip...any insight is appreciated!! :goodvibes

Thanks for the compliments!! I am having a great time writing this TR!! I always wanted to write a book... doubt it would be good, but thought the journey would be neat. I'll tell you a secret....shhhhh..... I wrote my entire TR while I was on my trip::yes:: Since i didn't have anyone to talk to while I ate or waited for busses and stuff... I just kept up a continuous running story about what I was doing. I couldn't get away with that on a family trip, but as a solo...it gave me purpose:lmao: So, no, I'm not overwhelmed at all.... I'm just having trouble pacing myself.... cause the best parts are at the end!!!!!

Ahhhhh a cliffhanger!!!!!

Paula

princess&her4princes

11-03-2008, 03:13 PM

Ahhhh....you're leaving me hangin'!!!! :eek:

Only kidding, take your time, I love this report and don't want it to end anytime soon!!!!:goodvibes

faerieprincess

11-03-2008, 03:29 PM

Thanks for the compliments!! I am having a great time writing this TR!! I always wanted to write a book... doubt it would be good, but thought the journey would be neat. I'll tell you a secret....shhhhh..... I wrote my entire TR while I was on my trip::yes:: Since i didn't have anyone to talk to while I ate or waited for busses and stuff... I just kept up a continuous running story about what I was doing. I couldn't get away with that on a family trip, but as a solo...it gave me purpose:lmao: So, no, I'm not overwhelmed at all.... I'm just having trouble pacing myself.... cause the best parts are at the end!!!!!

Ahhhhh a cliffhanger!!!!!

Paula

LOL Paula i started my PTR that way, too. Great update, Prince Caspian sure is dreamy!!!:cloud9:

2xcited2sleep

11-03-2008, 03:35 PM

All the best parts are at the end?? Well I thought the beginning was great so I can't wait to hear what happens at the end!!

Walk on TSM... well that is something I definitely didn't see while I was there. But I didn't do any wake up calls. I need my beauty rest! :laughing:

LOVE that you were scoping out competition w/ the Prince. You're too funny. Sounds like he was quite taken w/ you! :love:

Your Pluto came out great! Mine would be unrecognizable! :laughing:

You know I'm in for a girls trip... anytime...and of course we know where...WDW!!

Finally loved your first picture of the sorcerer's hat... that's a great angle.

Lady Lallie

11-03-2008, 03:37 PM

I think a girls trip would be a lot of fun!! ;)

missj1975

11-04-2008, 05:08 PM

ILuvCrush

11-04-2008, 05:14 PM

I am all caught up on your trip report and I just have to say your pictures are amazing. I especially love your Haunted Mansion picture.

Your Prince Caspian was also adorable. His hair looked much more natural then my Prince Caspian.

I am sorry your creme brulee wasn't that good. I had three on my trip and the best one was from Victoria and Alberts but my second favorite was the F&W festival one.

Anyway, I just love your pics. I might have to "steal" your Haunted Mansion one. Ok? :goodvibes

help yourself to any of the pics:thumbsup2 I'll have some really good one coming up in the next few installments too;)
The creme brulee was OK... but next time I'll definately get one at the Boulangerie Patisserie instead.

My prince's hair was au natural... it was very nice, I was rather jealous actually!

Paula

mickeysmyboy

11-04-2008, 05:49 PM

Great pics Paula!! I love the Tink picture!!!! Your scrapbook looks great!!

scrapbookinmickeyfan

11-04-2008, 10:02 PM

I am loving your report. I will be going on a solo trip in March. It is great to read about the KTTK tour. It is one I was thinking about doing while I am there.

Diamondintheruff

11-04-2008, 10:08 PM

I almost missed this last installment and it would have been such a shame to miss your prince caspian photo. Very cute indeed.

I think you did a great job on your pluto.:thumbsup2

brookelizabeth

11-04-2008, 11:24 PM

Its touted as a "scrapbook for people who don't/can't/won't scrapbook":rotfl:
Definately a good place to start:thumbsup2

This is PERFECT for me! I love, love, love your scrapbook. I am adding this to my Christmas list! Thank you for the tip. :goodvibes

That is one VERY long line for TSM! :scared1: I hope we are able to make it to RD and get on quickly. I *might* stand in a long line for a FP, but not that long!

Great job on your drawing! I wish I had known about this on our Disneymoon, now with baby there isn't an easy way that we will get to enjoy this one for a few years.

mom2jcc

11-05-2008, 08:42 AM

Just getting started and definitely subbing:thumbsup2 You have a beautiful family.

ILuvCrush

11-05-2008, 08:59 AM

Great pics Paula!! I love the Tink picture!!!! Your scrapbook looks great!!

Thanks!! I love it too...it's currently my 'wallpaper'!!

I am loving your report. I will be going on a solo trip in March. It is great to read about the KTTK tour. It is one I was thinking about doing while I am there.

Try to do it!! If you can rally yourself early...do the 8:30 or at least 9:00 one, so you can hang out on Main Street and take pictures first!:thumbsup2

I almost missed this last installment and it would have been such a shame to miss your prince caspian photo. Very cute indeed.

Missing Caspian would be a tragedy!! I hope there's a new hansome guy to meet on my next trip! I got to meet Captain Jack in Feb...and now PC...I'm on a roll!

This is PERFECT for me! I love, love, love your scrapbook. I am adding this to my Christmas list! Thank you for the tip. :goodvibes

Great job on your drawing! I wish I had known about this on our Disneymoon, now with baby there isn't an easy way that we will get to enjoy this one for a few years.

Oh I hope that you like it once you try it!! You might be able to go draw while Jr is napping in the stroller:confused3 It took about 20 minutes or so. I'm sure you could figure out a way to do a drawing!!

Just getting started and definitely subbing:thumbsup2 You have a beautiful family.

:welcome: thanks for joining in! And thanks for the compliment on the family:hug: they're pretty swell!!

Paula

ilovemickeymost

11-06-2008, 08:53 AM

ILuvCrush

11-06-2008, 11:42 AM

I've been away from CM for awhile, but what are the scrapbooks you used? I've never seen them before. And how are they different then the regular kind like them you can buy in the photo section of most stores?

The one I used is a Picfolio Milestones Album. There's different sizes, milestones is the largest... 11x14). I gave up being a consultant almost exactly 1 year ago.... they came out not too long before that. Basically it has pages that are not actually cloth, but sorta FEEL like they are:confused3 I'm not sure what type of polymer thay are made of. On the page is #2 4x6 vertical pockets, #2 4x6 horizontal pockets, and #1 4.5x6.5 horizontal pocket. The album meets the highest standards for being acid-free, just like all the CM products. It has the convenience of the old photobooks that you slip the pics in the sleeves.... but has some really nice advantages... ie your pics won't turn yellow, vertical sleeves so you dont get a kink in your neck, some size flexability to add matting/color, and it is much more durable.

It's hard to explain, or even see in a picture.... but the quality of the book is fantastic. If you know a CM consultant... you should check one out in person. I've seen lots of different types of albums, but this one is really different than the ones you can find in the photo sections at the store.

I hope I answered your question ok... and didn't sound like a commercial!!

ilovemickeymost

11-06-2008, 12:22 PM

I hope I answered your question ok... and didn't sound like a commercial!!

Thanks for all the info. I'd love to have one, even if just to keep my pics in until I get around to scrapping them. That way if I NEVER get around to scrapping them, I won't feel guilty. The kids will still have personalized albulms, but I won't have to put all the extra time into them. As for the commerical, I use to sell Pampered Chef b/c I LOVE their products & whenever I go to a friends show I over promote the consultant b/c I believe in the products so much. CM makes the best albulms by far, so I know what you mean & will definately check out this type of albulm. Thanks so much. By the way your trip report is rockin the house. I love the pics of you w/ Tink & Stitch. These weren't available when we were there last or I didn't know where to get them. Where do they do these or did you have to ask for the special pictures?

ILuvCrush

11-06-2008, 05:39 PM

By the way your trip report is rockin the house. I love the pics of you w/ Tink & Stitch. These weren't available when we were there last or I didn't know where to get them. Where do they do these or did you have to ask for the special pictures?

Awww you're too nice!!! I've seen the Tink one before, but not the Stitch one. I didn't ask for them (I was going to ask for the Tink one, but the CM beat me to it:thumbsup2 ) The PP told me what to do and said there would be a suprise in the pic when I looked at them. I never had them done before. I'm glad I did and I plan to ask next time, if they don't suggest it first!

ILuvCrush

11-06-2008, 06:55 PM

Thanks for hanging around all week everybody, waiting for this update!!

Alright... its about noonish, and I'm hungry. So I make my way over to the Backlot Express. I pick up a hotdog, fries, and a coke. I found a shaded spot outside and had lunch while I watched the kids fight Darth Vader at the Jedi Academy. The show was cute, the kids were so excited!! My son was too big for it once it came out...but if he had been younger, he'd have loved it too!

After lunch, I tried to call Stacybeasem. She had PMd me her phone# right before she left to come down... I hadn't PMd mine back...I doon't know why. So this meet was ALL on MY shoulders!!

OK, before I continue... I need to give you a little background story that occured during my PTR... that wasn't posted. I have a dear friend that I've been close with ever since high school... I'm going to call him Sully:sulley:

I don't see Sully very often...maybe every few years, because he's in the military. Sully was, until last month, in Iraq... so to help pass the time, I sent him oveer to read my PTR... so I could tell him all about the plans for my trip. Well, Sully is a mite overprotective. He gave me lots of advice about what I should/not say in my PTR to prevent stalkers (since I was going alone). I wasn't as worried, cause I figured if I hadn't had a stalker back in the days when I was young and skinny and cute... why whould I get one now:confused3 But, I digress! Well, I followed Sully's advice, even though I thought he was being a tad overly cautious:flower3:

Back to DHS. So I call Stacy. I had programmed the # into my cell phone before I had left home. The phone rings a few times, then finally I get an answer. OMG!! STACY'S a MAN!!! an OLD MAN!!!pirate: I hadn't seen a pic, but thru our PMs I thought she was a SHE! OMG Sully was right!!! I had no idea what I was going to say... now I didn't know if I wanted to go thru with the meet.

So I say..."um hi, is this Stacy??"
{silence}
Me: hello??
pirate: "who are you looking for?"
Me: 'Stacy, from the DIS boards'
pirate: 'I have a dog named Stacy'
Me: "OK... are you at WDW??"
pirate: "huh??? I live in (I don't remember what he said)"
Me: "were you the person I was talking with on the computer about WDW?"
pirate: "I don't have a computer... leave me alone"
{click}

Well, apparently, I put the REAL Stacy's # in my phone wrong:lmao: I felt like an idiot.... but at least no one but this poor old dude was witness to it:rotfl:

Since the Dis-meet was definately now a no-go... because of ME... I figured I may as well head back toward the stadium for the Lights, Motors, Action show. It started at 1:30... it was only around 12:20. I stopped at Muppetvision and saw that on my way. I got there as they were letting everyone into the theatre, so I saw NONE of the preshow! That's too bad... because I think the preshow for Muppetvision is as funny as the show itself. After the Muppets finished blowing up the theatre... I walked back thru Streets of America. I didn't take any pics, I don't even know why:confused3
I stopped along the way and got a Lemonade and some cinnamon almonds to munch on during the LMA show. I was finding a seat by about 1:00. That Stadium is HUGE!! The show was OK... I can understand why DH and DS like it (and I'll make sure I get my Bro and his boys there in Nov), but I wouldn't plan around seeing it again. I'll go see it with the boys or if whoever I was with wanted to see it... alone, I'd skip it:laughing:

After the show, I figured I'd do Star tours. The wait time was 30min, so I grabbed a FP for later. I browsed around a few shops... but didn't find anything I wanted to buy. Around 2:30, I got a Mickey Ice Cream and found a place to watch the parade. The Streetmosphere characters were out entertaining those waiting for the parade. I wanted to watch and NOT participate so I leaned on a rail against a building in the shade.

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/408431503_WYfvG-M-1.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/408432264_3FLsw-M.jpg

ILuvCrush

11-06-2008, 07:32 PM

When the parade started, I went to move up into the still empty spot I had scouted (it was only like 3 feet away). Out of NOWHERE the hoardes decended!! I let the little kids in front of me, so they could see. I refused to budge for the crabby lady behind me who was complaining about how "people let kids in front of them, but will they 'share' a good spot with an adult...nooooooo!!!! I can't get good pictures from back here. Blah, blah, blah" i figured if she had wanted a better spot, she should have grabbed a soda and a spot on the curb half an hour ago... but I held my tongue:sad2:

The parade was...well, not a parade:confused3 It was more of a mobile party. The characters and floats came up the street and stopped. There was singing and dancing and people on trampolines. It's very interactive with the kids... gets them dancing and playing along right in the street!! It was very fun to watch... but not really an 'adult' thing. My DDs will LOVE:lovestruc it! I'll make sure when I take them we get a spot nice and early right on the curb, so they can dance with the characters. When the party stopped... I was in the Monsters Inc section... I was excited to see the non-meet-and-greet characters like Boo and the monster with the sock on this back!! I did get some pictures!

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/408432444_xKjXY-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/408433489_gFdHH-M-1.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/408434046_uYHBf-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/408434455_R9W3g-M-1.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/408434983_8KBzS-M-1.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/408435524_yGuy7-M-1.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/408434332_7trL6-M-1.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/408436245_72hHX-M-1.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/408436344_zdjv4-M.jpg

After the Block Party passed me I slipped around past Starring Rolls and headed toward the Little Mermaid show. I had just missed it, and didn't want to wait til the next one... so went to use my Star Tours FP via the 'back way' past Sci Fi. Star Tours is always fun. I snapped this on my way thru...

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/408438164_xAzbR-M-1.jpg

At this point, I was tired. But it was only 4pm. It was still 3hrs til fantasmic. Fantasmic is my FAVORITE show... and I didn't want to miss it. But I was hot and tired. I made the decision to go back to ASMu for supper and to freshen up, then to come back for Fantasmic about 6. When I got to ASMu (very quickly actually, it was before 4:30) I got a cheeseburger for dinner and a salad. I picked up my deliveries from the day before and went to my room. There I found that my mousekeeper had added a bow to my towel Mickey Head that was on the extra bed!!

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/408438237_nWdbL-M-1.jpg

I was pretty excited!! I took a quick shower, then decided it was a good time to book my bounceback package!! DH and I decided ahead of time that since DS has decided that he wanted to go with us... we were booking in August, so DS wouldn't miss school. I booked us at the Wilderness Lodge from August 21 - 27th, free DDP, one day tixs (I don't know if I'm going to renew my pass... or just get a new one then):woohoo: :woohoo:

I felt alot better, but was still tired. So instead of going to Fantasmic, as planned... I curled up with a book I had brought, then went to bed early. No Fantasmic this trip!

princess&her4princes

11-06-2008, 07:39 PM

OMG!! I was SO nervous when reading about your call to Stacy and that he was a man.....I didn't know what you were going to do if he was Stacy!!! Phew.......:scared: I was sweating it out with you!:goodvibes

Great update.....looking forward to the next one. I still give you SO much credit for going alone, when reading your report, I 'm not sure I could do it!!!! So good for you girl!!!!!!:woohoo:

princess&her4princes

11-06-2008, 07:41 PM

Just got the second part of the update..bummer no Fantasmic, but it was was a full day. And woohoo for booking bounceback!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:thumbsup2

ILuvCrush

11-06-2008, 07:55 PM

OMG!! I was SO nervous when reading about your call to Stacy and that he was a man.....I didn't know what you were going to do if he was Stacy!!! Phew.......:scared: I was sweating it out with you!:goodvibes

I was rapidly searching my brain for a plausible excuse why I couldn't meet from the time he answered!! I know i wouldn't have gone thru with it. If I knew ahead of time it was a guy, it wouldn't have bothered me. But since "Stacy" came across online a woman, it was creepy:scared: I told Stacy about it when we got back, and had a good chuckle out of it! (Stacy is a she, as I had thought)

Just got the second part of the update..bummer no Fantasmic, but it was was a full day. And woohoo for booking bounceback!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:thumbsup2

Very excited about WL... but notice there's no ticker???:rolleyes1

OneTreeHillAddict

11-06-2008, 08:05 PM

We bouncing back in August too. Loving the updates! I could never go alone. I do dream of a time when me and Sidney can go alone again. :goodvibes My parents are coming in December so I might get some park time to myself then. (Fingers crossed!) :lovestruc

2xcited2sleep

11-06-2008, 08:06 PM

Whew! That lady sounds CRABBY. I wouldn't have shared with her either. In fact I might have accidentally spilled my soda on her. Well maybe not. Wouldn't want to end up like the women in line for the teacups who had a fist fight! :scared1:

Yeah for a relaxing evening at the hotel. I had totally forgotten how exhausting Disney is! I definitely overdid it on my trip. Next time mid day breaks are essential.

I love Star Tours too -- even if it is a little old.

And WOO HOO for booking bounceback!! :woohoo: :woohoo:

Did you see the deal that came out tonight? I have to do some calculating to see how/if it would work for me since I don't need the park tickets.

Stacybaeasm

11-06-2008, 08:10 PM

I posted this on my TR but thought I'd post it here for your readers as well.

It's all good Paula! I mean, I will probably need therapy to get over my feelings of despair because you thought I was an old man (be quiet Rob!) but hey, it can join a LONG list of things that I need therapy for. :rotfl: Oh well, this just means that we have to plan trips at the same time again so we can really meet!

I can't believe you skipped Fantasmic! You must have been really tired. And we missed another chance to meet although I doubt we would have found each other - me looking for anyone and you looking for an old man - but we could have tried. Congrats on booking bounceback! I wish I could have, but I know I can't travel again until next October. Keep your fingers crossed that there will be a good booking bonus for then.

ilovemickeymost

11-06-2008, 11:00 PM

I've got tears in my eyes b/c of the block party. We don't go until next Dec & have never seen it & know the boys will love it. I CAN"T WAIT.

ILuvCrush

11-06-2008, 11:21 PM

My plan for my final day started with breakfast at Boma, then AK at rope drop (to see the critters), probably MK in pm (due to being open til 11:00).

In reality... here's how it went!!

I woke up rather early, showered, and headed to the food court to fill my mug. I was outside looking to see if there was a cab available at 6:30. There was a cab there, but he was waiting for someone. The cabbie called me another and I was on my way to AKL by 6:45. I arrived within about 10min. The cab ride was an experiment. I hadn't tried going from one resort to another that way, and wanted to give it a whirl. It worked fine. With tip it cost me $10.

Since my Bfast ressie wasn't til 7:55, I wandered around the lobby and checked out the decor. I went out on the overlooks to see if I could see any animals on the savanna, but the area was not opened for the day yet. So instead I wandered down and checked out the Uzima Pool area (beautiful!) and Mara. I then went back inside and looked around the gift shop. The shop at AKL has some AMAZING stuff!! I am so taking more spending money next time!!! There's all sorts of African and animal inspired items that are totally different from anything anywhere else. It was about 7:20, so I tried the savanna again... it was now open:cool1: There were a few zebras out and I saw an antelope and giraffe way in the distance....but couldn't really see them well.

Here's a few AKL pics....

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/411637376_JtxFE-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/411637289_fiJjN-M-1.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/411636361_7dHi7-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/411636387_WfnvL-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/411636302_EHEka-M.jpg

Around 7:30, I made my way to Boma. It was early, but I thought maybe I could get seated sooner than 7:55. Sure enough, after a 5 min wait, I was seated. Yum Yum Yummy!! It was a very good buffet. Very nice variety of well prepared foods. The baked goods were about '2 bite sized'...which was a good thing!! They all looked so delicious! Since they were small, I was able to try several. Instead of coffee, I decided to have the African Frunch, juice blend. It was very good, but rich. All in all, it was an excellent breakfast that I definately recommend:thumbsup2

After breakfast, I walked to the bus area. My AKL bus mojo was still going strong!! Again, the AK bus was sitting at the stop, just waiting for me:woohoo: I am loving the busses at this resort! I arrived at AK around 8:25ish. I was behind a friendly lady and her adult daughter, whom I chatted with a bit while waiting for the park to open. Apparently they were first timers, because when we get to the turnstiles, the daughter uses the ticket, then hands it to mom....who of course, can't get in with it:scared1: They were upset. I guess that when they went to guest relations at their resort, they asked for 2 tix, but only handed the CM 1 KTTW card. So they were both put on the same card. After a 5-10min delay..they were sent to guest relations (1 on the inside and 1 on the outside of the park). I felt bad... i could see how it got messed up. Miscommunicaion is a killer! hopefully they got it worked out.

I took my time walking thru the Oasis, as everyone else rushed past me. And I took several nice scenic photos:goodvibes

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/411637248_6uYr2-M-1.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/411638523_PVjhQ-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/411638310_eY9Gr-M.jpg

Once they little preshow was over and the CMs let us all loose...I headed straight for the Safari, well me and a couple thousand of my new friends! I fastpassed the Safari and headed down Pangani Trail. Let me just say.... EXCELLENT PLAN!!:banana: I was practically alone! Everybody was queued up at the safari and EE! It was beautiful walking thru there early in the morning. I could linger as long as I wanted, because I wasn't blocking anyone:cloud9: I had the chance to talk at length with the CMs about the Meerkats and the Gorillas. It was nice being able to talk with them and ask questions without worrying about people behind you getting irritated:laughing:

I finally got to see a meerkat....they've eluded me in the past

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/411638376_fcTPv-M-1.jpg

The gorillas were very active!! I was able to see both the bachleor AND the family troupes out and about. They were playing and eating. There was a big Silverbacked Bachelor Male that had his own blanket that he carried around and spread out to sit on!

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/411639790_gnSjG-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/411639412_maau3-M-1.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/411639374_3bEXe-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/411640401_fH6Kj-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/411640418_ZdxMr-M-2.jpg

I must have taken 100 pics of the gorillas!! They were amazing. By the time I finished the trail, it was well into my Safari FP time...so I headed for my favorite 2 week adventure!!

Paula

ilovemickeymost

11-07-2008, 12:05 AM

Okay, after these pictures. I'm definately buy your camera & taking the classes. Amazing.

brookelizabeth

11-07-2008, 01:01 AM

Wow, those gorilla pics are awesome!! Great tip on FP for the Safari and then hitting the trail. I'll keep that in mind for this coming week!

YEA for bounceback, but where is your ticker for it?!

I love that you took a quiet evening and curled up with a book, even though it meant missing your favorite show...it was what you wanted to do at that moment and you had the flexability to do so! So nice!

2xcited2sleep

11-07-2008, 05:52 AM

You were an updating machine last night!!!

AKL looks beautiful! :love: I so cannot wait to try it. And I've made a mental note: gift shops = dangerous! Is bus mojo transferrable? If so, send a little my way!

LOVE the Pagani trail pics! I have never done the trail but I think I will take your advice and FP the safari and hit the trail (hopefully alone-ish). How cute that Mr. Gorilla has a blankie?? That is ADORABLE! Great photos, as always!! :goodvibes

ILuvCrush

11-07-2008, 07:03 AM

Okay, after these pictures. I'm definately buy your camera & taking the classes. Amazing.

Thanks!!:goodvibes

Wow, those gorilla pics are awesome!! Great tip on FP for the Safari and then hitting the trail. I'll keep that in mind for this coming week!

It was a moment of brilliance, if I do say so myself!!:lmao: The CMs on the trail said that it doesn't usually get busy til later, but the gorillas are the most active in the early morning. The family troupe usually come out around 9:30 but the bachelors are out before that.!!

YEA for bounceback, but where is your ticker for it?!

:rolleyes1 :rolleyes1 :rolleyes1

I love that you took a quiet evening and curled up with a book, even though it meant missing your favorite show...it was what you wanted to do at that moment and you had the flexability to do so! So nice!

It was nice:) I wish I'd have been more motivated to go back to DHS, though! I did see it in February... and there's always my next trip:thumbsup2

You were an updating machine last night!!!

AKL looks beautiful! :love: I so cannot wait to try it. And I've made a mental note: gift shops = dangerous! Is bus mojo transferrable? If so, send a little my way!

LOVE the Pagani trail pics! I have never done the trail but I think I will take your advice and FP the safari and hit the trail (hopefully alone-ish). How cute that Mr. Gorilla has a blankie?? That is ADORABLE! Great photos, as always!! :goodvibes

AKL is beautiful... its so peaceful in the morning! I was there on my last visit, because we did Boma for dinner, and the lodge is like a different place in the morning vs after dark. I could have (no joking) spent an easy $500 in that gift shop...on NON-WDW type stuff!! Next time I'm definately taking more $$$!! I love giraffes and turtles, they had some really great stuff that was right up my alley!

It was a good plan to get the 'thrill' rides (EE and dinosaur) out of the way at EMH, so I could spend some quality time with the critters. It worked out even better than I had hoped, since the trail was so empty of park guests. For the most part, I did very well zigging when everyone else was zagging all week:goodvibes

Paula

princess&her4princes

11-07-2008, 07:10 AM

Great pics, Paula!!:lovestruc Can't wait to hear about the rest of your last day!! Over sooooo soon??!!

ILuvCrush

11-07-2008, 07:21 AM

Great pics, Paula!!:lovestruc Can't wait to hear about the rest of your last day!! Over sooooo soon??!!

Thanks:goodvibes Yep we're winding down...but don't worry... My last day was a very BIG day and will be quite a few installments!!!

Paula

ILuvCrush

11-07-2008, 07:46 AM

I exited the Pangani Trail and popped right into the Safari FP line. One thing that I liked about the safari solo... is I knew that I'd have an end seat:thumbsup2 I really didn't expect to be put in the middle of a row. What I didn't expect is that they gave me a whole row to myself!!! I was able to slide from one side to the other, depending on where the animals were! I stayed on the left side almost the whole ride except for one section, so I don't think I annoyed the people behind me too much:thumbsup2 I was just so excited!!!

This safari was prbably the MOST animals I've ever seen on it!! The Black Rhinos, Cheetahs, Male and Female Lions were ALL out!! However none of the ones I always see were around:confused3 I only saw the one baby giraffe, but no others...and no zebras or ostriches.

Here's some of the 80 pics I took on the Safari:goodvibes

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/411641506_2DL7U-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/411641208_ATC8s-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/411861333_sKADb-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/411641615_Gj8Pp-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/411861274_JdqmL-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/411861599_qPCt7-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/411642278_H3rw8-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/411642570_uLFTQ-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/411865268_Ri5L3-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/411643091_huVFN-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/411861727_ksKTS-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/411861972_4Zh6F-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/411862498_eVev7-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/411642513_fr5LT-M.jpg

I was thrilled that I saw so many animals... I never even knew there were cheetahs on the savanna, I've never seen them there before:goodvibes However, I was disappointed that I didn't see more giraffes. I'm a big time giraffe person, I just LOVE:lovestruc them!! So I did the only thing I could do... get another FP and try it again!!:woohoo:

Paula

Alice In Tinkerland

11-07-2008, 08:17 AM

Great safari pics. You were lucky to see the cheetahs they are normally so far up and in the shade. Plus you got both lions!!! I love the safari ride. I could go on it over and over.

Lady Lallie

11-07-2008, 08:39 AM

Those are fantastic safari pictures!! Wow. What kind of camera do you have??

If U Had Wings

11-07-2008, 08:57 AM

Your pictures came out wonderful. Love the picture of the lodge. It's one of my favorite resorts.

ILuvCrush

11-07-2008, 09:27 AM

Those are fantastic safari pictures!! Wow. What kind of camera do you have??

I talked about my camera earlier... here's the post:

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28292008&postcount=63

Sorry, but it was kinda long and I didn't want to type it all over again:goodvibes

The Safari was the only time I did use my 80-210mm zoom lens. I like the flexibility of interchangable lenses... but they get annoying to carry around all the time. I actually left my zoom in my room all week except for my AK day. I knew I'd want it for the Safari:thumbsup2

All my other pics, I used the standard 35-80mm lens, which is pretty comparable to what you get with the 5x zoom on the piont and shoot cameras.

My pics still aren't nearly as good as the ones over on the photography board!! But I'm getting better... at least in the current photo contest, I'm not in last place in my 'heat'!! I'm in the middle of the pack. Unfortunately, that's still no where good enough to make the finals, which is my goal:thumbsup2

If you want to check out this weeks contest its at:
photo contest 2008... rules, voting links, and upcoming contests. (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1679394) this week is all halloween pics... some are absolutely AMAZING!!!

Paula

heaven2dc

11-07-2008, 09:32 AM

You really have an eye for photography! Awesome pics!! I loved the ones you took inside AKL - that's the first time I've seen it without the lobby looking so dark. Great job :thumbsup2

My DS15 & I are going in December but now he is having second thoughts - wants a computer instead. I'm surprising him with a used one anyway for when we get back so I can't tell him that he doesn't have to make a choice. I think if his older brother (DS30) could go with us, he'd jump at the chance. He's probably afraid to tell me that he doesn't really want to tag along with his old mother :lmao: He has no clue what WDW is all about - he thinks it's more like Kings Dominion (an amusement park here in VA) so he can't comprehend spending 7 days at an amusement park :rotfl: Reason for this long story is I may be going solo which is kind of scary but you are having a great time so maybe it won't be so bad :confused3

Lady Lallie

11-07-2008, 09:52 AM

I don't blame you for not wanting to type it all. Your photos are so beautiful. I really want to take a photography class! :goodvibes

brookelizabeth

11-07-2008, 11:14 AM

:rolleyes1 :rolleyes1 :rolleyes1

You're not gonna spill?! Come on!!! ;)

Your Safari pics are GREAT! Beautiful photographs. I also found your Halloween entry on the Photography board, I love it! Very nice work. I hope I can get a few winners. I used to do some really fun photography with my film SLR, but got lazy and never really learned on my digital. Now we have a DSLR and I'm finally branching back into learning. I played a BUNCH with the settings recently and have read some tips to refresh my memory about ISO, FStops and the Shutter Speed. I don't know much about white balance yet, but I think our camera covers that pretty well on its own.

I won't be here for the wrapping up of your trip, but I look forward to reading the ending and finding out what's the deal with your ticker! when I return. :goodvibes

wildfan1473

11-07-2008, 01:21 PM

What beautiful pictures! I had absolutely no intention of heading to AK during my trip next month - you may make me change my mind!

popcorn:: waiting to read more.

ILuvCrush

11-07-2008, 03:28 PM

Look at me!! I'm an updating fool today!

Where was I? Oh yes... picking up another FP for the Safari!! I had about 2 hrs til my return time...good....maybe that will give those giraffes some time to get a move on!!

In the mean time, I decided to go on over to Maharajh Trek. I thought that since my luck with the critters was going so well today, I should see the tigers too:thumbsup2 I snapped a couple pics and had a couple taken of me as I strolled from Africa to Asia.

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/411646090_EcY7i-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/411643701_KN978-M-1.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/411650656_HnJip-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/411649339_rhWto-M-1.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/411649423_viaaK-M-1.jpg

Unfortunately, there were more people than animals this time.... but not too ridiculously crowded. The bats are very cool. I like the tigers, but they were already being lazy kitties and lying around in the sun. I enjoyed the details along the trail more than the rather sparse animals. It was a very pretty walk... and shaded too:)

Look! more pics!!

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/411644664_zFkq4-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/411645029_f7juh-M-1.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/411647111_t2iNW-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/411646941_Sw2K8-M-1.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/411648059_m8qZZ-M-1.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/411649232_AUq5D-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/411648877_gwr76-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/411862231_PmFdQ-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/411862461_rWLUL-M-1.jpg

Can you tell that I LOVE taking pics at AK???? I think it is the best park to take pictures... because NOTHING is static. You can take a pic of something, then when you walk thru again 10 min later you can take it again with a whole new feel. Lighting changes, birds/animals move around, each trip the foliage changes/grows!!

After my Asian Trek... I thought, hmmm I have an hour til my Safari time. Lets go see what the EE single rider line looks like today. It was noon, the park was sorta crowded, but I have a hard time telling since AK ALWAYS feels crowded to me.

This is the point where I did something I did eventually regret (a little)... something the imagineers may have NEVER envisioned OR intended to happen at Everest.....

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/411650264_3gkEf-M.jpg

There were only a couple people in the singles line!! So of course I hopped in. I didn't wait long before I was heading up the mountain!! Yay!! I love Everest! When I got off, I went around the corner and HEY!! only 4 people in line... so I went again.... and again... and again........

I rode EE 7 times in a row... in less than 50 minutes!!!!! By the time I got off the last time, i thought that I had bruises on my frontal brain lobe, where it rattled against my skull too many times:scared1:

I needed to sit down.... before I fell down... my legs felt a bit like jello. I got a cold drink and found a shady bench for about 15 min...then I felt better!! After my well needed rest, I headed back to do the Safari...in search of giraffes. On the way... I finally spotted DeVine!! She is unbelievable!

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/411644188_LKvB2-M-2.jpg

After watching for a while... I went to use my FP.... was there any giraffes?????

Stay tuned!!

Paula

MARY-IN-OH

11-07-2008, 03:51 PM

Yay!! Your trip report is amazing. Your details are what brings us back, and I'll bet when you are on trips with your family, you will think back to your solo trip with wonderful memories! The only bad thing is when I get to the end of an installment, it's like NOOOOO!!! Can't wait for more! - but you are on a roll today! :yay:
-mary

2xcited2sleep

11-07-2008, 07:51 PM

Paula, I am in AWE of your photos. They are SO good! Will you give lessons? Seriously they are that good. You are inspiring me to make my next trip a photography focused (ha ha!) trip.

And 7 times in a row on EE??!! :scared1:

MEK

11-08-2008, 06:55 AM

Paula -

Thanks for your updates. As usual, your pictures are beautiful! Especially AK. Nice bounceback package. I love late august, but soccer kills that for me! Now, I am still waiting patiently to hear about DVC - did you or didn't you?????;)

ILuvCrush

11-08-2008, 09:42 AM

I'm going to finish this very soon, at the rate I'm going!!

After seeing DeVine, off I went on my 2nd 2 week Safari of the day. This time I did get to see several giraffes:woohoo: including the new baby.... Awww isn't he so cute!!

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/411650645_THv9S-M-1.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/411650684_9YsnZ-M.jpg

I took a lot more pics of them.... but I likes these two the best:goodvibes

Still no zebras... but I did see a couple of them at AKL this morning. The ostriches were out now too... but no good pics.... I never get and good pictures of them:confused3 That may be a goal for next time:thumbsup2

By now I was hungry and a bit tired, so I needed a break. I meandered toward the front of the park, thinking to grab some lunch. On the way I browsed a few shops and bought a "fat Yeti" for Ellie (which she LOVED!)

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/406219809_VqeVo-M.jpg

He's so soft and fluffy!! And about the size of a soccer ball... Allison already said she wants a "fat" stuffy when we go next time!

When I got to pizzafari, the line was long (it was about 1:30ish... give or take) so I decided to go outside and chat with the DVC guy for a few minutes. I figured it would give the line a chance to wind down..and I wasn't like starving or anything!!

DVC dude had no one with him (I want to say his name was Justin or Jason:confused3 ... I didn't write it down, now I don't remember!). So we chatted a few minutes and I told him I wanted to take the tour.

A little background info.... I had planned to find time to do the DVC tour this week anyway. DH and I had already come to the decision that we were going to buy in come spring time.... after the :mad: heating oil:mad: was done for this year. So I was on a fact finding mission.

Well, Jason (Justin) told me that they could send a van for me to go now, it would be able to be here in 15 minutes. Hmmmm that sounds like a good break for a bit, get out of the sun. Besides, this was my last park day... so it was now or never!! While waiting for the van... I went and got another drink and a rice crispy treat to tide me over until I got a real lunch.

The DVC tour was really nice. Gib was my guide. I had spoken with Gib well over a year ago, when DH an I first started looking into the DVC. I was suprised, but he remembered talking to me back then!! There was no pressure, but Gib answered a ton of my questions. There was no problem with me taking the tour solo either... most timeshares require both spouses, but DVC will take anyone interested.

Anyway, I found out the SSR was sold out (I didn't know that!) AKV was selling very well, but there will be a lot of rooms in the resort when its finished too. We walked thru the demo rooms of BLT and AKV (Kidani). The pics online really don't do them justice!! They are both beautiful! BLT is much nicer than I expected. The pics I've seen made the color scheme seem :scared1: (at least to me!). In reality, although the colors are modern, they are muted enough to not be as overstimulating as I had believed they'd be. AKV is gorgeous... OMG the bathroom in the 1br... is HUGE!! My room from ASMu could fit in there!! OK well maybe not, but the bathroom was alot bigger than the one I have at home... and its nice sized!

Talking to Gib, I found out the current DVC promo is $8 off per point (for AKV only) given as a gift card which is then applied to your downpayment. Since Kidani doesn't open til May... no fees on points til then. Plus, matching developer points for SSR to use the 1st year!

Between the deal and the bathroom.... I wa SOLD!! I talked it over w/ DH when I got home.... Paperwork is pending.... 250 points AKV!!!!:woohoo:
Only $600 down... no reason to wait til spring

http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/uploads/21406/akvgroup.jpg

Yippee!!! Thats's why there's no ticker for my bounceback..... I'm going to stay in a 1BR at SSR instead, in July over DH birthday:cool1:
I haven't cancellled the BB deal though.... I'm hoping 2xcited2sleep and I can work it out for a girls trip:goodvibes

OK back to the TR... and away from the DVC tangent.

There were a couple of other cool things about doing the DVC tour. There were FREE ice cream sundaes (that looked ..oh so yummy) avilable afterward. I needed real food, so I passed:sad1: And I got a special FP card for 3 immediate FPs. As long as there were still FP available for the day, you could stick the card in and get one for the CURRENT time:dance3: How cool!! You get 1 card per person on the tour and have 4 days to use it. Well it was 3pm ON MY LAST DAY!!! I knew what I was going to use it for... SOARIN'!! DVC will give you a ride anywhere you want, after the tour... so I hitched a ride back to ASMu. I had a fruit salad and a muffin for a late lunch then went to my room. I wanted to drop off "fat yeti" so I wasn't carrying him round all night. When I got to my room... I found a little birdie!!

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/412497741_qcgkA-M.jpg

Here's a close up of the card... how sweet!!:hug:

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/412497735_FcfxS-M.jpg

I was so excited!! We've never gotten a towel animal before! I certainly didn't expect one when I was there without kids!

Next up.... EPCOT!

tiggerbell

11-08-2008, 10:07 AM

I love the note from mousekeeping!!! :goodvibes

2xcited2sleep

11-08-2008, 10:22 AM

Yeah! We got to the DVC portion! :woohoo: and congratulations!! Sounds like a great deal to buy. "Only" $600 down for 250 pts??? Hmmm... :idea:

Those magic fast passes they gave away sound so cool!

I am hoping we can work out a girls trip too!! :goodvibes

Love the fat yeti... he's so cute! And so is baby giraffe!

Oh and love the note from mousekeeping too. How nice is that?!

princess&her4princes

11-08-2008, 10:52 AM

What an exciting post!!!!!! LOVE the giraffe pics, they are my absolute favorite animals and you got great pictures, love the one of him peaking from behind the tree!!:lovestruc AND DVC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:thumbsup2 WOW, I'm SO jealous!!!!! We've been going back and forth for at least a year but with the way the economy is and being a one income family, we just don't know that we should do it. But when I read your post, you got my wheels spinning AGAIN!! My poor DH will be hearing about this again today!!! lol!!:rotfl: Congrats on your purchase and your future trip in July!!!!! How exciting!!!! Btw, LOVE birdie, too!! Very cute!!:flower3:

Lady Lallie

11-08-2008, 11:37 AM

A fantastic update! You took some amazing AK photos. :goodvibes

Buying into DVC is so freaking exciting!! Yahoo!!!!

Alice In Tinkerland

11-08-2008, 01:43 PM

7 times on EE :worship: . The most I have done is 4 (trying to get a pic of the Yeti). No wonder your legs were wobbling.

WOW, congrats on the DVC membership. What a fun way to end your trip.

MEK

11-08-2008, 02:32 PM

Yeah for DVC. :thumbsup2 I think you will love it! Looking forward to the your exciting conclusion!

Stacybaeasm

11-08-2008, 03:07 PM

Wow, wow, wow! Yay for DVC :banana: :banana: :banana: I am so jealous! What day was your last day? I think we may have just missed each other on EE if you were there on Friday. A third swing and a miss on our solo trips. Oh well, next time. You are going to be done with your report soon. wow. Now, time to start PTR for your first "I own it" DVC stay and your girls' trip.

OhioDisneyLover

11-08-2008, 08:24 PM

Hi Paula,

Great updates! I really enjoyed them, especially DAK. I love that park. Seems that my family is ready to head out after a couple of hours. I would love to spend more time there.

Congrats on the DVC! :woohoo:

Your pictures were awesome! I am bound and determined to take a class or something to learn how to use my camera to its fullest potential. If I even come close to the fabulous quality of the ones that you took, I will be thrilled!

Sophia

ILuvCrush

11-08-2008, 10:58 PM

Yeah! We got to the DVC portion! :woohoo: and congratulations!! Sounds like a great deal to buy. "Only" $600 down for 250 pts??? Hmmm... :idea:

Those magic fast passes they gave away sound so cool!

I am hoping we can work out a girls trip too!! :goodvibes

I know you've been waiting patiently:thumbsup2 the deal is good til end of November... When we started our paperwork on monday, Gib said they've already gotten word that it's changing (and not for the better)... just sayin:rolleyes1

take the tour in Dec... get the free ice cream and magic Fastpasses... it only took a little over an hour, and that's b/c I talked Gib's ear off!! plus, they'll drive you anywhere after... if you go from DTD... by the time you would have waited for a bus and rode back to your resort, you'd already be done with the tour!!

Here's to the Girls Trip... we'll have to think of a snazzy title:thumbsup2

What an exciting post!!!!!! LOVE the giraffe pics, they are my absolute favorite animals and you got great pictures, love the one of him peaking from behind the tree!!:lovestruc AND DVC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:thumbsup2 WOW, I'm SO jealous!!!!! We've been going back and forth for at least a year but with the way the economy is and being a one income family, we just don't know that we should do it. But when I read your post, you got my wheels spinning AGAIN!! My poor DH will be hearing about this again today!!! lol!!:rotfl: Congrats on your purchase and your future trip in July!!!!! How exciting!!!! Btw, LOVE birdie, too!! Very cute!!:flower3:

Thanks!! I've been going nuts waiting to get to this part of my TR!! I wanted to tell everybody SO BAD!!! That's probably why I've done so many updates in the past week!!

A fantastic update! You took some amazing AK photos. :goodvibes

Buying into DVC is so freaking exciting!! Yahoo!!!!

:cloud9: Thanks! Now that your starting 'double trippin' ...hmmmm maybe it's time for you too:rolleyes1 just sayin.... Once you see that Bathroom...it'll all be over:lmao:

7 times on EE :worship: . The most I have done is 4 (trying to get a pic of the Yeti). No wonder your legs were wobbling.

WOW, congrats on the DVC membership. What a fun way to end your trip.

I thought I was going to faint... seriously!! I can't believe that I never took my camera out to try to get pics!! next time:thumbsup2

Yeah for DVC. :thumbsup2 I think you will love it! Looking forward to the your exciting conclusion!

I posted my "I'm In!!" thread on the DVC board on Monday because I was ready to bust, i was so excited!.... I figured you'd find it:rotfl2: and was suprised when you didn't! Oh well...at least I didn't need to swear you to secrecy!! I may be PMing you with some DVC related questions at some point too BTW. Sorry to bug you...but you started it:lmao:

Wow, wow, wow! Yay for DVC :banana: :banana: :banana: I am so jealous! What day was your last day? I think we may have just missed each other on EE if you were there on Friday. A third swing and a miss on our solo trips. Oh well, next time. You are going to be done with your report soon. wow. Now, time to start PTR for your first "I own it" DVC stay and your girls' trip.

I WAS there on Friday!! Rope drop til about 1:30ish when I left with DVC!! Did you use the SRL for EE too??? I love the stuff in the regular queue line, but just couldn't stand in it, when I could basically just walk on!! When I got off my last time there still was almost no one in the SRL... I looked:lmao:

I'm going to have a hard time deciding which trip to PTR.... The July DVC trip with the "un-disney" boys (DH and DS) OR the big Grand-gathering trip in November... which guarenteed will end up as some interesting TR reading!! Plus I'm going to need help from all you for that one. 4 adults, 4 kids... half have never been to WDW before... My DBro and DSil are 'replacing' Xmas for their boys (15 and 10) with this trip:scared1: So it HAS to go well!!

Hi Paula,

Great updates! I really enjoyed them, especially DAK. I love that park. Seems that my family is ready to head out after a couple of hours. I would love to spend more time there.

Your pictures were awesome! I am bound and determined to take a class or something to learn how to use my camera to its fullest potential. If I even come close to the fabulous quality of the ones that you took, I will be thrilled!

Sophia

I could spend DAYS in AK... I don't know how people can say it's a half day park:confused3 I love that it has all the details that we expect from Disney, but is SO different from the other parks!!

practice taking pics of EVERYTHING!! different lighting, weather, seasons... buildings, people, animals... the more you take the better you'll get! promise!
That's the best thing about digital... you know right away which settings you like/work best!!

MEK

11-08-2008, 11:25 PM

I posted my "I'm In!!" thread on the DVC board on Monday because I was ready to bust, i was so excited!.... I figured you'd find it:rotfl2: and was suprised when you didn't! Oh well...at least I didn't need to swear you to secrecy!! I may be PMing you with some DVC related questions at some point too BTW. Sorry to bug you...but you started it:lmao:

I actually did see it, so I swore myself to secrecy until you revealed the big news! :rolleyes1
250 points is great! 200 is a bit small and I have been searching for 50 -70 point resales. But then I keep thinking that in a few years 200 should be just fine. My DH did say something the other night about buying while the resale prices are low, so you never know! Anyway - we just booked AKLvillas for early June and I am very excited to stay in the new Kidani village. I'll be sure to take lots of pics!

p.s. we just got home from soccer and ds's team made it to the semi-finals. Very exciting since they were ranked 10 and the other team was ranked 2. :cheer2:

wasabi girl

11-08-2008, 11:52 PM

What a great solo trip. I'd love to go solo, I also married while in college and have never lived alone, and it would be really nice to be at WDW and not have to think of anyone else or what they may or may not want to do, but to have it be All. About. Me. Congrats on DVC! Looking forward to the rest of your TR.

mickeysmyboy

11-09-2008, 06:06 AM

Great update!! Congrats on DVC!!! I'm sooo jealous!!! I've been working on convincing DH we need to buy in! He even suggested we take the tour in March!

ILuvCrush

11-09-2008, 07:00 AM

I actually did see it, so I swore myself to secrecy until you revealed the big news! :rolleyes1
250 points is great! 200 is a bit small and I have been searching for 50 -70 point resales. But then I keep thinking that in a few years 200 should be just fine. My DH did say something the other night about buying while the resale prices are low, so you never know! Anyway - we just booked AKLvillas for early June and I am very excited to stay in the new Kidani village. I'll be sure to take lots of pics!

p.s. we just got home from soccer and ds's team made it to the semi-finals. Very exciting since they were ranked 10 and the other team was ranked 2. :cheer2:

Way to go on the Soccer-Semis!!! Thats exciting:cheer2: We were at DD(7) Ist Gymnastics meet of the season this weekend... she did good... qualified to sectionals already (which is still 5 months away!!!) :sad2: So no P&PP for me this year!!

DH and I went back and forth between 200 and 250... that's why it took so long to get our paperwork started!! After hearing so many owners say they 'shoulda' got more points... we figured the cost wasn't THAT much more to add them on now, so lets just do it!! (besides...it'll give me more flexability to book another solo:rolleyes1 )

What a great solo trip. I'd love to go solo, I also married while in college and have never lived alone, and it would be really nice to be at WDW and not have to think of anyone else or what they may or may not want to do, but to have it be All. About. Me. Congrats on DVC! Looking forward to the rest of your TR.

:welcome: Thanks for joining in on my little TR! I think that doing this solo was a very good thing for me!! The more I look back on it and weigh the benefits of having done it to the cons... I really think that moms should take some time away, regardless of where they go:goodvibes

Great update!! Congrats on DVC!!! I'm sooo jealous!!! I've been working on convincing DH we need to buy in! He even suggested we take the tour in March!

Thanks!! I'm very excited! Hopefully there won't be any problems:scared1: I always worry until it's 'in the books' so to speak that something will go awry!! Definately do the tour, at least. They were super nice... and it is a nice break (with free refreshments/drinks beforehand and Icce Cream after... the kiddos will be happy:thumbsup2 )

jenjolt

11-09-2008, 07:39 AM

WOW!! What a great update Paula!!! You did take some amazing photos at AK!!! They were beautiful!!!

Congrats on buying into DVC...its something I would love to do but only if I could find a way to convince NDH its worth the investment LOL!

MomofCKJ

11-09-2008, 07:42 AM

Okay I just sat and read and caught up with the whole thing!

1. Great pictures! You got some wonderful shots! You are right, AK is a photographers dream! So many wonderful things there and you can get some really exotic looking pictures.

2. Glad you enjoyed KTTK too! It is a fun tour and neat to see things you don't normally see.

3.You got a lot accomplished on your trip! I had things that even being alone I just couldn't get to. Sounds like you did a lot on your list, the movies, WS, etc. And Everest 7 times in a row, you rock girl! :worship: I think my brain would be sore from the shaking that many times in a row but how fun!

I'm happy to read another Mom who had a great solo trip! There are certainly moments where you miss your peeps but I think it is just a cool thing, for those that are interested in doing it, to actually go and do. Empowering in a way.

And what dates in August might you be there? I read where you booked BB but can't recall which update it is in? If you do go, and 2excited, I'm going to be there in August too! Belle (DD 11) and I are going for her 12th birthday. We haven't booked yet but are looking at somewhere around August 20-25ish.

Congrats on buying DVC!:banana: :banana:

Allyson

Diamondintheruff

11-09-2008, 10:40 AM

I'm so thrilled for you about buying into the DVC!

The note from housekeeping is so sweet. I've never heard of them leaving notes before.

ILuvCrush

11-09-2008, 12:50 PM

ILuvCrush

11-09-2008, 03:21 PM

I made it to Epcot about 4:00. I made a bee-line stright for Soarin'!!! I was bummed that I missed it on Tuesday. I love this ride, but I'm terribly afraid of heights. So I feel 'safe' when I ride it... I use the kids seat belt:rotfl:
So all excited I get to the Land pavillion... and WHAT!!! There's no FP left for the day!!!!:sad1: I can't use my magic FP!!

Since I was already at the Land Paviillion, I figured I should do SOMETHING!! So I walked onto Living with the Land. Yeah, I'm a geek...I really like LwtL. It was neat seeing how different the greenhouses were compared to February. The crops had changed, lots of seedlings and no pumpkins.

After my ride was over, I decided that since I was unexpectedly back in Epcot... I could go try out Yorkshire County Fish Shoppe! It was on my list of things I wanted to try...it always smells so yummy! I snapped a couple pics en route....

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/411651544_4MQro-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/411652581_cKHEm-M.jpg

Along the way, I got to catch most of an Off Kilter set

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/411653213_HrFFV-M.jpg

http://pixiepics.smugmug.com/photos/411652044_RsbUd-M.jpg

After a rather lengthy wait, I got my fish and chips. Not much in the basket for $8. I took it back to find a piece of curb to watch the Beetles. The chips were really yummy.. the fish, not so much. The batter was still really squishy and slimy underneath ...yuck! So I didn't like it...or eat it!!

While eating (or not eating) I made the final decision to skip Fantasmic. I was only a boat ride away and had been toying with the idea of heading that direction. But I wanted my night to last as long as possible... so I chose to go to MK instead. Even though I knew it would have been much closer to go to the Yacht Club and catch a bus to MK... I hadn't ridden the Monorail once all week. So I headed back to the front of the park. I popped into MouseGear along the way to look around. Yay! I FINALLY found a T-Shirt I liked! I also picked up a couple resort pins (POR and POP) that I had forgotten to buy on previous stays at those resorts. I caught a ride on Monorail Black to the TTC and then the Ferry to MK...just for kicks!

I entered MK with a smile and a sore toe. I kept the smile and stuck a bandaid on the toe. It didn't seem to help, but I went on anyway!

I made my way to Fantasyland and saw Snow White had a 15 min wait.. not bad, but I figures I'd check out the reat of FL and come back. Next stop Peter Pan. FP was still available for 10:15-11... so I stuck in my Magic Card and Voila! A FP with a return time of 7:12-8:12!! And on I went. PP is a most enjoyable ride, one I really like... but I don't think I could wait 60min in line like other people do!!

When I returned from Neverland, I went thru the gateway into Liberty Square and took another ride thru the Haunted Mansion... still can't find that hidden Mickey in the graveyard:confused3 I did take in more details this time and noticed some of the individual wedding gifts this time... so cool!