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View Full Version : The Great and Powerful Oz took a 2nd Solo Trip!- Updated 01.08.09


Candice30
11-23-2008, 02:02 PM
Hey, can I still be the great and powerful oz without the kids with me? anyway, here goes!

Pretrip

So I decided after my trip with the kids in July that I needed a Disney fix again before the year was out. I tried coaxing Glendamax into going :banana: and she just about had one foot…okay maybe one toe on the plane :tiptoe: but unfortunately it wasn’t to be. I was also just missing other Disney friends by a matter of days so it was to be a solo trip after all. There is something about having an AP burning a hole in your pocket. I just had to go and I started to get excited about embarking on my 2nd solo trip to the world. I was excited to finally attend MNSSHP and the food & wine festival. I was also determined to try a restaurant solo…we will see. On with the show!

Day 1 – 10/27/08

I had attended a 30-hour marathon scrapbooking event the day before so a super early flight was out of the question. I had my mom pick me up at 8 am for my 10:30 flight. I am always nervous about getting hung up at security. Turns out I shouldn’t have stressed. I arrived at the airport at 8:30 and headed to security. Why is it that I always get nervous when going through security like I did something wrong. My hands get sweaty and my voice cracks. I made it through with no issues and was at my gate by 8:45 am. Okay………now what! I called my mom to let her know I was at the gate and stopped by Burger King to grab breakfast. Not my first choice but there wasn’t a line so I decided to stop there. $5 for a breakfast sandwich, hash browns, and the nastiest coffee you ever tasted. Where oh where is the Starbucks? I swear tasted like the water they used to clean the pots. I chucked it and stopped to pick up a vitamin water instead.

I had plans of not doing this trip so commando and already was failing as it was only 9:00 am and I was at the gate ready to go. So like a good little girl, I started this trip report and decided to text some disfriends and make them jealous that I was going :woohoo: . I flew southwest which I hadn’t done in awhile and got to check out the new boarding system. I was lucky to get the exit row. I always seem to get the really fun flight attendants on my southwest flights. One of them would burst out into song here and there (usually set to the zip-a-dee-doo-da theme). After singing she announced – “southwest, cheap fares and even cheaper entertainment!” She went on with the emergency procedures and told us about the oxygen masks and that it was $1.25 for the first minute and 30 cents each additional minute. She was a real hoot.

I finally fell asleep and awoke to the same flight attendant singing again. When we landed she gave the usual speech about staying seated until we arrived at the gate and that they could see us if we moved. When the fasten seatbelt sign went off, she exclaimed “NOW GET OUT!” It was a great flight and I was ready for my Disney adventure.

In all my excitement, I went to terminal A baggage claim and after wandering around the whole 1st floor I finally decided to go back up and ask for directions. I missed that whole terminal B sign thing :headache: and finally made my way to ME. I checked in and informed them I would be using resort airline check-in as I was flying back on Airtran. I was on the bus quickly. I love traveling by ME. Not sure why others mind it but I love riding with all the other excited people and I could watch the corny video over and over again. The only drawback, I got the same driver the kids and I had and he had the same corny jokes at the same exact moments. He just couldn’t deliver them very well.

I arrived at POP around 2-2:30pm and was checked in by a very friendly CM. They were doing the hustle in the lobby and everyone was really getting into it.

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The person checking me in was dancing the whole time. Though I love my deluxe resorts, it was great to be back at POP. My room was ready and I headed out to find it. I was in the 80s building behind a rubix cube on the top floor with a view of Mr & Mrs Potato Head.

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Seemed far until I discovered the shortcut to the bus stop around the back parking lot- YEAH! The kids and I stayed in a preferred room before so we didn’t explore this area that much when we were here. I will make certain to stop and take lots of photos later.

I was ready to head to Epcot and experience the food & wine festival. I hit spaceship earth first. The kids and I never made it here in July so I was determined to go there first. The new ending was so cute and I can’t wait to ride again and choose a different outcome.

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Since I wanted to not do things commando, I decided to leave the rides until later. I headed to club cool for a drink and then into world showcase.

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I stopped to watch some of the goings on around me.

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I was getting hungry and just wasn’t thinking. Hello…you are there for food & wine festival and you can’t decide what to eat? I totally forgot and grabbed the 1st thing in sight. The sun was out and I had pants on and was ready to sit and eat. I grabbed fish & chips from UK Fish & Co. and a water ($11). It was really good but such a small portion. Lots of salt and vinegar on the fries – YUM! I knew where I was headed next. A grey goose slush in France ($9). Oh so good! Unlike last trip, I took my time and walked slowly around world showcase. I remembered to stop in China for my mom’s cup this time and checked that off of my list of things to do. If any of you read my trip with the kids in July, you know that I forgot this little item and that I blamed it on the kids when grilled by my mom about her souvenir. I know bad, but I got it this time and of course a few things for me.

Unfortunately, the slush filled me up and it wasn’t to be to partake in the food & wine festival booths just yet. I headed back to future world and checked out a few stores. I was in search of a shirt to wear to the MNSSHP the next night. No such luck so I headed to test track. Single rider line rocks. I was on in 5 minutes and got a couple of rides in. I decided to try my luck at soarin and was on in 10-15 minutes – YEAH!

After walking around a bit, I was supposed to head over to MKG for EMH but I was close enough to world showcase to smell the food & wine festival and my feet just started walking that way and I suddenly found room in my stomach. I stopped at 5 booths. Yes, I said 5! They were only 2 bites of food really but I pretty much rolled out of Epcot later that night. I stopped in:

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Mexico City - $3.75 for quesadilla con chorizo – delicious!

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Austria, Vienna - $3.50 for beef goulash with bacon dumpling – this was just okay and in need of salt!

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China – chicken sha cha – kind of a chicken skewer – I didn’t like this at all as I wasn’t entirely sure the chicken was cooked thru.

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India – samosa with tamarind sauce – the samosa was really good but the sauce unfortunately would have been better if warm.

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Japan – California rolls – very good!

Sorry but I was too busy eating to remember to take photos! I was going to hang around as Kool and the Gang was the act tonight but I just needed to walk the food off. I ended up back at the entrance so decided to head out to MKG via monorail. The stand by lines were around 10 minutes. So riding was easy. Some lines posted 20 minute waits but the waits still were only 10 minutes.

I got in 2 rides on BTMRR – love this ride at night; a ride on splash mountain; philharmagic (my favorite attraction); pirates of the Caribbean and space mountain. I unfortunately had an incident with my bra. All I will say is thank goodness I was in the back seat of the car and the ride was in the dark or the other riders would have gotten more than they bargained for. I quickly restored everything where it was supposed to be before getting off. I’m sure the people in front of me were wondering what I was back there making so much noise about. But just as I would get things under control, another dip would come and I’d have to start all over again! Okay…enough said on the subject.

I was praying and hoping that the dole whip place was open and YEAH…it was! It was so good and I ate it on my way out of the park. I was beat and made a quick stop at the food court for milk for breakfast and dare I say, yes another dessert ($5). I hadn’t gotten a chance to try the tie-dye cheesecake so I went for it on top of the dole whip. It wasn't very good and I decided to chuck it after a couple of bites.

Great 1st day and unlike my 1st solo trip, I wasn’t missing the family at all. I was having way too much fun alone!

Up Next: My 1st solo Disney restaurant meal, my 1st MNSSHP, and getting spotted by disers!

vdarrell
11-23-2008, 03:04 PM
Candice(OZ......) how dare you go again without me. You could have waited on me I leave in 15 more days.

Sounds as if you made the rounds sampling around the world. Glad you got your mom's mug.

Okay I'm ready to read more.:dance3:

OhMari
11-23-2008, 09:08 PM
We stayed in the 80's building, but room 9000 something. The CM told me they mixed up the numbers on the 80's building and 90's building. We thought we were far away until we found the parking lot next to the bus pick up.

I thought the room at POP was really clean and nice. My dh didn't care for all the Icons outside. But he agreed the rooms were really nice.

maroo
11-23-2008, 09:22 PM
I admire you for going on a solo trip....

My disfriends are telling me that I need to do that...and your TR is inspiring!

Love the flight attendant! Sounds like she likes her job! Which is very nice to hear.

I have to tell you...when I was in 6th grade (which was a LONG time ago) I went with my teacher on Space Mountain...the teacher was a friend of our family...anyway...SHE had the same experience with her bra, too!! :) Too funny! And I was cracking up as a 6th grader!!! And again reading your TR! :lmao:

Anyway...I am on board and subscribing to your TR...

Candice30
11-24-2008, 07:24 PM
Candice(OZ......) how dare you go again without me. You could have waited on me I leave in 15 more days.


Sounds as if you made the rounds sampling around the world. Glad you got your mom's mug.

Okay I'm ready to read more.:dance3:

as soon as i posted my day 1 i thought "oh no vdarell is going to have my head!" sorry but looks like you are going anyway!


I thought the room at POP was really clean and nice. My dh didn't care for all the Icons outside. But he agreed the rooms were really nice.

my only complaint about POP is the small room but i didn't hesitate to stay there again this trip as i was solo. i do overall really think this is a cool resort too.

I admire you for going on a solo trip....

My disfriends are telling me that I need to do that...and your TR is inspiring!

Love the flight attendant! Sounds like she likes her job! Which is very nice to hear.

I have to tell you...when I was in 6th grade (which was a LONG time ago) I went with my teacher on Space Mountain...the teacher was a friend of our family...anyway...SHE had the same experience with her bra, too!! :) Too funny! And I was cracking up as a 6th grader!!! And again reading your TR! :lmao:

Anyway...I am on board and subscribing to your TR...

thanks for joining in on my trip. i had a great time and the flight attendant was pretty cool. i always love encountering people who truly enjoy their jobs.

MovienutNiffer
11-24-2008, 08:05 PM
Subscribing! My sister did a quick 2 day trip to WDW to do some Christmas shopping and splurged on a park ticket while there. She said she wished she could have taken her time while down there. You are so lucky! Can't wait to read more!

sherreis
11-24-2008, 09:52 PM
Thanks for sending me the PM. You're off to a great start - and, I totally admire you for going solo. My boys would kill me if I left them at home and headed to the land of the mouse. You accomplished so much for your 1st day. Imagine if you were going commando....

Looking forward to hearing more.

Glendamax
11-25-2008, 05:36 AM
Hey! Sorry I've been MIA lately! I'll try to do be better, and stick around for your report!

-G

Lan
11-25-2008, 01:57 PM
I'm here. I just got back from Disney on Sunday. Then I woke up Monday with a stomach bug. Thanks goodness it lasted less than 24 hours.

WDisneyWforMe
11-25-2008, 03:36 PM
What fun! :thumbsup2 I'm along for the ride. We are staying at POP for the first time this December trip! Just 17 more DAYS!! I'm a bit over excited as you can tell.:cool1: :yay: :cool1: :yay: Then on March 14th I leave for my first solo trip! :woohoo: I think you might have posted on my thread about it over in the Disney Single area. And just to be a bit greedy I'm praying for a bounceback offer during our December trip :worship:

Your report is great so far! By the way what a delightful plane trip, not the norm!!

Candice30
11-25-2008, 08:46 PM
:hug: Subscribing! My sister did a quick 2 day trip to WDW to do some Christmas shopping and splurged on a park ticket while there. She said she wished she could have taken her time while down there. You are so lucky! Can't wait to read more!

thanks for joining me...i was determined to slow down this time.

Thanks for sending me the PM. You're off to a great start - and, I totally admire you for going solo. My boys would kill me if I left them at home and headed to the land of the mouse. You accomplished so much for your 1st day. Imagine if you were going commando....

Looking forward to hearing more.

glad you found me. you have to figure out a way to keep it from them. come on...you can be sneaky...just don't do like i did and buy the kids gifts from disney; totally blew my cover! i guess i was still high off of the disney magic.

Hey! Sorry I've been MIA lately! I'll try to do be better, and stick around for your report!

-G

i was about to divorce you. glad you showed up!

I'm here. I just got back from Disney on Sunday. Then I woke up Monday with a stomach bug. Thanks goodness it lasted less than 24 hours.

glad to hear you are feeling better...i wish i was back at disney now!

What fun! :thumbsup2 I'm along for the ride. We are staying at POP for the first time this December trip! Just 17 more DAYS!! I'm a bit over excited as you can tell.:cool1: :yay: :cool1: :yay: Then on March 14th I leave for my first solo trip! :woohoo: I think you might have posted on my thread about it over in the Disney Single area. And just to be a bit greedy I'm praying for a bounceback offer during our December trip :worship:

Your report is great so far! By the way what a delightful plane trip, not the norm!!

i was hoping for a bounceback offer when i went and i wasn't aware that they had stopped them as i called about not having it in my room. hopefully a good deal will come out as the upcoming april trip is going to really kill me financially but mom is worth it. :hug:

Candice30
11-28-2008, 08:15 PM
Day 2 – 10/28/08

I slept in this morning which for me is 8 am. I had breakfast in the room (cereal) and was ready to go by 9 am. First day weather was so great and I couldn’t wait to enjoy the sun as it was so cold at home. In fact I was informed that it had snowed. Uhhhhhhh Ohhhhhhhh…reality check; apparently, Orlando was experiencing some unusually cold weather. The news report said it hadn’t been that cold in Orlando during this time of October since the 50s. Not sure how true this was but it was really cold. I decided to try and brave it but by the time I got to the steps of my floor, I was freezing. I turned around and at least decided to dump the flip-flops for socks and sneakers.

I rushed over to the food court to grab some coffee and head out to the bus stop. I was even colder by the time I got to the food court. So cold I had to lay down $50 for a new jacket. I just couldn’t bare it any longer. In fact, the CM at the gift shop were in awe of the number of people buying jackets. Many people were carrying around 4 or 5 of them for the whole family. The racks were emptying fast! Here is a pic of my new jacket. And luckily, it was just the color I needed to complete my Halloween outfit for the party tonight.

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Turns out, the cold front would stay and you will notice my jeans and this jacket appearing in all photos from here on out. IT WAS SO COLD! I headed to DHS today. I headed to Toy Story first to grab a fastpass. The return was already 12:30. I decided to walk around and hit some of the areas I seem to always skip running around with the family. Okay, truthfully…..I got lost looking for RNR. Shhhh… don’t tell anyone! I also got a chance to catch some of the street acts which I never seem to see. I finally found the right road to RNR and of course ran to the single rider line. 15 minutes later I had been on twice and it was awesome as always! The second time I rode I was on with a guy who was riding while his wife waited to ride with the baby swap. Unfortunately for his first ever ride on RNR, none of the sound effects were working. There was no screech when we took off; no lights on the signs; no aerosmith. The ride also seemed to go slower. What a bummer. He had no idea about the single rider line so I informed him and after he swapped with his wife, he was going to go on again.The people I passed twice in the stand by line did not look happy but I say, hey, dump your family and jump in this line! I tried to get on a 3rd time just as quick but it took 20 minutes to ride. Normally not an issue but I was getting spoiled.

I decided to hit another one of my favorites, Beauty & the Beast. I am a sucker for the shows and the family tries to skip them. I was sad that the opening act (singing group) wasn’t there. We just sat around in silence until the show started but the show was great as always. The wind was whipping thru that theatre and I needed to get inside for a little while. I headed to another favorite, the great movie ride. I was walking rather slow until I saw these really 2 cute guys going in ahead of me. I of course quickened my pace so that I could follow them like a lost puppy. They smelled so good…yes I was standing that close. People actually thought I was with them. Couldn’t quite tell if they were a couple. There were little signs but I kept my watch.

The attendant let them thru and stopped me just when I reached the front. Luckily, there is always room for 1 and they squeezed me on…YEAH! I wasn’t too happy about getting the wheelchair row in the back as you usually are behind the rest of the car in the scenes and commentary. But hey, I am sitting next to these 2 cute guys and could just soak in their cologne. The heck with the ride right? NOT!!!! Just when I was relaxing, one put their arm around the other…..shoot! Oh well, no luck today and I guess I can’t follow them around. Ironically I would bump into them later that night. Sorry, no nerve to take a picture and besides it was time for toy story so I ran over there. Definitely missed out on the fun of the line heading thru fastpass but I was on in about 5 minutes.

It was finally time for my ADR at Sci-Fi. Yes, I am finally going to build up my courage to do my 1st Disney restaurant solo.

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I felt a little funny checking in like the CM were staring but probably my imagination and insecurities. I took some photos while I waited.

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I was the only one checking in so nothing else to do but wait and stare. I was called for about 5 minutes later. This was my 1st time eating here as well and the atmosphere was cute. I was hoping and praying for a back seat in the car and my prayers were answered. I sat behind a family and my waitress was really fun and attentive. I have to say that I did feel funny at first, like people were staring but it could have been all the flashing from my camera.

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I was starving so decided to indulge in an appetizer (onion rings), entrée (beef & bleu salad), and dessert (apple crisp), raspberry lemondade – meal $45. Ouch! Expensive for one person but I wanted to try a little of everything and linger around at the meal for a change. I was a little disappointed that there weren’t more pics on screen of sci-fi movies (a lot of advertisements and cartoons showing instead). The food was really good though and my server snapped these pics of me before I left.

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YEAH…I DID IT…I CAN EAT IN A RESTAURANT AT DISNEY ALONE….Okay, so there were other people in the car but they weren’t exactly talking to me and they did leave me after awhile.

I headed out; actually rolled out with my full belly and headed over to sounds dangerous. I love this show even though I know what is coming and it was closed when I was there in July. My luck, only one side of my ear phones was working. It wasn’t too crowded in there and after fishing around in the dark, I got another pair and was able to enjoy it. I was getting pretty tired and needed a break so I headed back to POP. I stopped off to fill my mug at the food court with soda and headed to the room for a nap as MNSSHP was later that night. I also checked in on things at home.

Up Next: MNSSHP continued and disers!

WDisneyWforMe
11-29-2008, 08:21 AM
Another great installment! Good for you dining at Sci-Fi, no one is looking at you, they are involved in their own vacation, unless of course you are cute guys and then YOU would be looking at them :rotfl2:

PS your jacket is REALLY cute!

MovienutNiffer
11-30-2008, 10:28 AM
Love the update! Normally I wouldn't be afraid eating alone but Disney is a bit daunting! You are a brave soul!

maroo
11-30-2008, 02:26 PM
Good installment!! You are so brave! I don't think I could ever eat at a sit down restaurant alone...wow. But those single lines for the rollercoaster sound really good!! :) We didn't even make it to the RNR last time...so...maybe I need to go back! :)

Candice30
12-01-2008, 07:21 PM
Another great installment! Good for you dining at Sci-Fi, no one is looking at you, they are involved in their own vacation, unless of course you are cute guys and then YOU would be looking at them :rotfl2:

PS your jacket is REALLY cute!

thanks, i wore that jacket all week!

Love the update! Normally I wouldn't be afraid eating alone but Disney is a bit daunting! You are a brave soul!

i ate by myself twice at universal and didn't like it..i was afraid to try. glad i took everyone's advice here and chose sci-fi for my experiment.

Good installment!! You are so brave! I don't think I could ever eat at a sit down restaurant alone...wow. But those single lines for the rollercoaster sound really good!! :) We didn't even make it to the RNR last time...so...maybe I need to go back! :)

gotta love those single lines.

Candice30
12-02-2008, 08:16 PM
Day 2 continued

When I returned to the room, mousekeeping had been there and cleaned up. It looked decent enough. Hey antss…look who made the trip with me!

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I was starting to notice some issues with the room at this point. For some reason, my faucet didn’t want to work anymore. It wouldn’t stay on; I had to shove a washcloth under the handle to keep it on. This morning I had noticed that the shower pressure had an issue and when I showered again, the shower button wouldn’t stay up for long. Oh did I mention the humming TV or the clicking in the bathroom vent? Anyway, I decided to deal as I was only there for 4 days.

So anyhoooo , I was planning on joining the party early to take some photos in the daylight as I still couldn’t figure out the night portraits with my mom’s camera. I was hoping to figure it out by parade and fireworks time but you will see how that unfolded later. I decided to do something easy to allow for many rides and I didn’t want to deal with lots of face makeup. I decided to be a cat.

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I headed out the back way to the bus stop. It was packed as it was only 30 minutes until the start of the party. Most people were in costumes and already having a good time in line. Luckily they sent 2 buses to pick everyone up. The bus was packed and I had to stand but I was well rested. My Disney high however was interrupted by a man on the bus who was dressed as a political figure and was taking his portrayal of that person way too far. Not sure how much of what he said others heard but some of his statements were pretty offensive. I was getting really annoyed but seeing as though I was alone in my cultural group, I decided to keep quiet and find that happy place in my head. Just then I was tapped on my backpack. It was a man who said “you post on the DIS!” YES!!! I was too excited to have been spotted. Up to now my lime green mickey was not getting me any recognition. Turns out his wife (my3sons77) was the poster and she had spotted it. They were on there way to the party with their 3 sons and we chatted all the way there. I totally forgot about the rude guy on the bus. I actually remembered to take some photos. Here is one of the diser (though her husband caught me blinking) and I took photos of her 3 sons in costume.

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We wished each other a happy evening and parted ways. I made my way thru the gates but it took me a while to get a wrist band as people were using their kids to get to the CM first (I hate that). So I lingered a bit and attempted to take some photos.

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As I was heading under the train station to grab my map of candy locations I hear, “CANDICE!!!” Yes it was my diser friends from the bus. I felt so loved that we had met up again. Like an old friend finding me in the crowd. We headed in opposite directions when we finally entered and I hung around snapping some photos as this was my first MNSSHP.

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So here I was at my very first Mickey Halloween party and I was so excited. I just took some time to take it all in and soak up everything. I scoped out the candy locations and went trick or treating. I have to admit that trick or treating in Magic Kingdom was a lot of fun and I actually made it to every location like a big kid!

I finally decided to hit a couple rides before the parade and I couldn’t wait to ride the haunted mansion. Something about riding during Halloween made it so spooky. While I was in line I was tapped on the shoulder again. YEAH…it was another diser. (sorry I forgot her name). She was there with her husband and son I think. We didn’t get to really talk as we were entering the ride and focusing on the ride. I tried to get my photo in front of the mansion but some people were asking for full photo spreads and the picture taking line which was only 5 people deep seemed like 50 so I decided to try again later.

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I squeezed in BTMRR and headed out for the parade. I was cutting it close and unfortunately didn’t get the greatest spot. My mom’s camera was also not cooperating and I wasn’t getting the best shots. Also, the guy in front of me kept moving into my shots. I did get these few and some are shared by other party goers as mine were just too blurry.

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My favorite part was definitely the grave diggers….they were too cool and I loved the sparks when their shovels hit the ground! I headed off to find the rest of the candy stops and to ride it’s a small world. Here I am having fun all by myself on the ride. The rocking of the boat almost made me lose my ears.

http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l445/Candice35_Photos/100_0730.jpg

Believe it or not, I didn’t really ride much else but the lines were pretty good. The only ride with a super long line was the haunted mansion. Everything else was manageable. I tried again to get a photo in front of the mansion but again, people were getting like 10 photos per person and I decided to forget it. I hung around for the fireworks which were really good and I was happy to finally get the camera cooperating a little.

http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l445/Candice35_Photos/100_0777.jpg

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I thought that I would try my luck at the parade again and I was happy to finally see the headless horseman. Unfortunately, my camera battery died and in a huff, I decided to leave. What can I say, I have a short temper. Overall, I had such a great time at the party. So much so that I never felt alone. I would definitely recommend to anyone contemplating it solo. I decided to try and beat some of the crowds and head back to POP.

I stopped at the food court again for a late dinner (parmesan chicken & pasta) again and carrot cake. I also picked up milk for breakfast. Here is my efforts of the night

http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l445/Candice35_Photos/100_0815.jpg

I passed out the minute I hit the pillow.

Next Up: Animal Kingdom, the lodge, magic kingdom, and epcot. All in one day!

Glendamax
12-03-2008, 12:33 AM
CANDICE!!!! I'm back online! I'm SOOOOOOOOO happy!

Your costume is sooooo cute! I wish I could've been there! Ok- I'm going back to read more!

Smooches!!!
-G

Candice30
12-03-2008, 06:28 PM
CANDICE!!!! I'm back online! I'm SOOOOOOOOO happy!

Your costume is sooooo cute! I wish I could've been there! Ok- I'm going back to read more!

Smooches!!!
-G

thanks! my mom wore my ears for halloween when i got back! glad you are back up and running. time to plan that trip now!

MadiMouse
12-03-2008, 06:58 PM
Honnnnneeeeeyyyyyyyyyyyyyy...I'm hommmmeeeeeee!

Great report so far!!!! :)

scottny
12-03-2008, 08:14 PM
great report and pics.

I followed you over from Glenda's.

I did a solo trip for the first time in early October. Eating at a restaurant the first time(T-Rex cafe for me) was strange.

Looking forward to more

Candice30
12-04-2008, 09:44 PM
Honnnnneeeeeyyyyyyyyyyyyyy...I'm hommmmeeeeeee!

Great report so far!!!! :)

great report and pics.

I followed you over from Glenda's.

I did a solo trip for the first time in early October. Eating at a restaurant the first time(T-Rex cafe for me) was strange.

Looking forward to more

thanks guys for reading :surfweb:

Glendamax
12-10-2008, 01:26 AM
My favorite part was definitely the grave diggers….they were too cool and I loved the sparks when their shovels hit the ground!

Yes! This was my favorite part too. They were a HUGE reason why I watched the parade a second time! Here's a video clip from the Haunted Mansion part of the parade:

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l301/glendamax/September%202008/MGM/th_MVI_3083.jpg (http://s99.photobucket.com/albums/l301/glendamax/September%202008/MGM/?action=view&current=MVI_3083.flv)

Looks like you hit the jackpot with Trick or Treating. I didnt do ANY the night I went! I was so excited about the other stuff, that I forgot about the candy! HA!

I think I will skip going to the parade this year, and insted try for the Christmas parade. At work, I put in for the week before Christmas - that was the only week available in Dec. I'll know next week if I got it! If I do, I'll let you know so maybe you can go then too!

-Gmax

Candice30
12-10-2008, 08:58 PM
Yes! This was my favorite part too. They were a HUGE reason why I watched the parade a second time! Here's a video clip from the Haunted Mansion part of the parade:

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l301/glendamax/September%202008/MGM/th_MVI_3083.jpg (http://s99.photobucket.com/albums/l301/glendamax/September%202008/MGM/?action=view&current=MVI_3083.flv)

Looks like you hit the jackpot with Trick or Treating. I didnt do ANY the night I went! I was so excited about the other stuff, that I forgot about the candy! HA!

I think I will skip going to the parade this year, and insted try for the Christmas parade. At work, I put in for the week before Christmas - that was the only week available in Dec. I'll know next week if I got it! If I do, I'll let you know so maybe you can go then too!

-Gmax

thanks for the video clip. i now have that song in my head....beats the "it's a small world theme!" as that has been in my head since antss' text earlier :rotfl2: :rotfl2: i really did have alot of fun trick or treating in the park. i actually just finished that candy up too.

i'm working on an update....hopefully i will get to post soon!

Candice30
12-13-2008, 09:45 AM
Day 3 – 10/29/2008 Animal Kingdom, the lodge, magic kingdom, and epcot. All in one day!

I had breakfast in the room again before heading to the food court for coffee. I wanted to make rope drop at AKG. I couldn’t believe it but I finally made it and was up against the rope. The opening show was cute. Of course as soon as it started, I realized that I hadn’t changed my batteries from the night before at the party. So no pics. SHOOOTTTT! When we were let in, we all headed toward expedition. I was too busy watching the person in front of me that I forgot to take the other road the kids and I discovered last trip. Oh well, I still made it to the ride and was able to grab a fastpass before jumping on.

For me, this ride is definitely better in the freezing chill of the morning. It was so cold up there and the wind went straight thru to your bones. It was great! After riding twice, I stopped in at the gift shop to buy batteries. OUCH…$15 for 4 AA batteries! I made a contribution to the conservation fund also and stopped to grab a couple pics before heading off.

http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l445/Candice35_Photos/100_0816.jpg

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I had this “dream fastpass” feeling and felt like it would be at the safari ride right about now. It was about 45 minutes after opening and I decided to go for it. On the way over I stopped at the restroom and then ran to the safari ride. The car in front of me had just filled and I got on the second vehicle. The ride was okay but just not all that much fun as I didn’t have the greatest driver. He was driving way too fast and I couldn’t get many photos on my side of the vehicle. Most of the animals were hiding too.

http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l445/Candice35_Photos/100_0824.jpg

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When we approached the area to get off, we were held up by the vehicle in front of us. Finally we were waved past and let off at the next dock. I looked over and saw a crowd! When we got off and I headed out the exit, I passed the area where the first car had unloaded and guess what….YEP YOU GUESSED IT…DREAM FASTPASSES FOR ALL OF THEM! I was so sad and not speaking to my bladder at this point for making me stop. RATS…FOILED AGAIN! I was so totally bummed and decided to call home to mom for some comforting. She says I should have just held it!

I ran down my plans with the family and headed off to Pagani trail. I didn’t get a chance to see any of this stuff with the kids in July so I wanted to make certain to get it in. Most of the animals were not cooperating today though. i apoligize if these photos are out of order, just can't remember what was where.

http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l445/Candice35_Photos/100_0823.jpg

http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l445/Candice35_Photos/100_0918.jpg

http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l445/Candice35_Photos/100_0850.jpg

Upon exiting, I headed back over to expedition for my fastpass ride….yep, my 3rd ride! I had been out since really early and it was starting to catch up with me so I decided to slow down a bit as I had a lot to get in today. I headed over to It’s tough to be a bug.

http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l445/Candice35_Photos/100_0860.jpg

I think you have to take a pic of yourself in these things; notice the women behind me staring at me.

http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l445/Candice35_Photos/100_0859.jpg

After it’s tough to be a bug, I made my way over to the lion king. I was so upset that I didn’t get to share this with the kids as I know they would have loved it but in July, AKG was so unbearable with the heat that we kept missing it and left the park. I was let in and had a great seat. I was seated next to a little boy with his parents and it was a lot of fun seeing the show through his eyes. He was so excited and kept engaging me…I guess he didn’t remember that his mom was seated on the other side! My camera again was not cooperating but about half way thru the show I was able to get a few good shots.

http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l445/Candice35_Photos/100_0904.jpg

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http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l445/Candice35_Photos/100_0896.jpg

Candice30
12-13-2008, 09:47 AM
On my way over to the jungle trek, I ran into lady divine.

http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l445/Candice35_Photos/100_0853.jpg

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http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l445/Candice35_Photos/100_0854.jpg


Just like the pagani trail, the animals really weren’t cooperating all that much.

http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l445/Candice35_Photos/100_0926.jpg

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http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l445/Candice35_Photos/100_0925.jpg

I was ready to head out but my tummy was rumbling. I stopped at Yak & Yeti as I had never been there before to grab a snack. I stood in line so long but knew I wouldn’t make it to the bus stop without something. I just grabbed some egg rolls ($3.50). They were just okay; a little mushy. Not really worth the wait but it was just a snack. I headed out to the bus stop. I really wanted a sweet treat but not sure what I wanted. Zebra domes jumped into my brain but I started to rationalize heading to AKL to get them. But hey………….this is a solo trip…I can do what I want so off to the AKL bus stop I went.
I really had to fight my way onto the bus to get a seat. See how crowded it was!

http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l445/Candice35_Photos/100_0928.jpg

http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l445/Candice35_Photos/100_0929-1.jpg

Actually I was the only passenger. Ray was my driver and I had a nice time chatting with him. He couldn’t believe that I was leaving the park so early but I had told him about all I had done that morning and he agreed that a rest at the lodge was in store. In my head I was thinking how nice if I was really returning home to the lodge for a rest. Oh how I have missed AKL. It really is my favorite resort. The lobby was empty and so peaceful. Just a few kids on the floor coloring. I headed down to the food court and grabbed some zebra domes ($4) and a drink.

http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l445/Candice35_Photos/100_0932.jpg

ohh…ahh…..they were really good. I had to sneak these photos in between passer byers.

http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l445/Candice35_Photos/100_0931.jpg

http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l445/Candice35_Photos/100_0930.jpg

Once again, this is where being solo comes in handy. My family would have said, “let’s explore the resort since we came all the way over here.” But hey, this is my trip and I had an agenda. I stopped in the zawadi marketplace to find a box to match a jewelry box I had bought years ago. YEAH…they had it.

http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l445/Candice35_Photos/100_1208.jpg

I also chatted it up with the CM working the register. Turned out she was originally from my hometown. I headed back out to the bus stop and caught a bus to downtown Disney. It was still only early afternoon and the crowds were light except in the world of Disney store. I was actually on a hunt for a Christmas ornament but they didn’t have one in gold which is what I wanted. I spotted a castle one but it was so expensive and all I could picture was someone knocking it off the tree and it shattering into thousands of pieces. I decided to leave it on the shelf. After doing some shopping it was time to have a more substantial meal. I went to earl of sandwich for “the original” $6 and decided to take it back to POP.

It took awhile for the bus back to POP to come and by the time I got there all I could do was eat and take a nap. I woke up about 5 pm and still planned on making it to MKG and EMH at Epcot. This was after all my last night at the world.

Next Up: I'll finish up this day with MKG and another trip to F&W at EPCOT.

scottny
12-28-2008, 10:44 AM
just catching up and all caught up.

looks like you had a full day in one morning at AK.

great pics.

MovienutNiffer
12-28-2008, 02:24 PM
Great update!

Just wanted to share with you my little Expedition Everest story. I was excited to go on it sinc I love BTMR and my sister said EE was like that but a little bit faster. So I thought I knew what I was in for. Little did I know! It scared the CRAP out of me! I was braced in that seat with my backpack so hard my hands hurt the rest of the day! I was just sitting there whimpering "Nononono" the whole time. Yeah I was a baby about it! The worst though I didn't know about until after we got off the ride. When we got back I was all shaky, a little nauseous and it was a little hard to walk. Well I went and sat down outside the store while my sister shopped. When she came out she goes "Now I didn't want to tell you this until now because if I said anything I knew what was going to happen but when we pulled up to the platform you were green." Well thank god she didn't tell me that because I bet you can figure out what would've happened. Things would have gotten real messy.

So I am glad I did it once but I vow I will never ever ride that again!

Candice30
12-28-2008, 08:01 PM
just catching up and all caught up.

looks like you had a full day in one morning at AK.

great pics.

it was a full morning....i almost didn't make it back out the room that evening but i pressed on...i'll post the update soon.

Great update!

Just wanted to share with you my little Expedition Everest story. I was excited to go on it sinc I love BTMR and my sister said EE was like that but a little bit faster. So I thought I knew what I was in for. Little did I know! It scared the CRAP out of me! I was braced in that seat with my backpack so hard my hands hurt the rest of the day! I was just sitting there whimpering "Nononono" the whole time. Yeah I was a baby about it! The worst though I didn't know about until after we got off the ride. When we got back I was all shaky, a little nauseous and it was a little hard to walk. Well I went and sat down outside the store while my sister shopped. When she came out she goes "Now I didn't want to tell you this until now because if I said anything I knew what was going to happen but when we pulled up to the platform you were green." Well thank god she didn't tell me that because I bet you can figure out what would've happened. Things would have gotten real messy.

So I am glad I did it once but I vow I will never ever ride that again!

what a shame the ride had that effect on you. i am a thrill seeker though so i can't get enough of it.

Candice30
12-29-2008, 08:05 PM
Day 3 continued

I woke up around 5pm and was still tired but I really wanted to make it to MKG for spectromagic and EPCOT for EMH. I cleaned up and pushed myself out of the room by 5:30pm and headed to MKG. I stopped to make certain to get some day shots of the Halloween decorations.

http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l445/Candice35_Photos/100_0958.jpg

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http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l445/Candice35_Photos/100_0966.jpg

I headed to grab a fastpass for BTMR first. I decided to not do what I usually do which is wait till the last minute to grab a space for spectromagic. I had finally figured the camera out and was determined to get some good shots. I found a great space in front of the shooting gallery in frontierland. It was a long wait till the parade and people kept trying to sit in front of me even though I was almost up against the rope. I hate when people do that! I decided not to start anything and cast members came around and told them to move back anyway and since moving back meant my lap, they had to move. HA! Finally the parade started and I grabbed some great shots.

http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l445/Candice35_Photos/100_0985.jpg

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The end of the parade and my fastpass time where approaching. I decided to make my way to the end of the parade route when I saw the final floats coming down. I wanted to get to BTMR as soon as the parade was over. Unfortunately I didn’t make it very far and stopped to just catch photos of the end of the parade.

http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l445/Candice35_Photos/100_1027-1.jpg

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I ran to BTMR and was able to avoid most of the crowds. I was on pretty quickly and the ride was just what I remembered at night. So much better at night. It was so exhilarating and I decided to squeeze in another ride as the standby-by line was low. For some reason the crowds didn’t head here after the parade. As I was leaving the ride, I figured it out …..….UH…DUMMY….WISHES IS ABOUT TO START!! Okay, so I had to hall a** to the castle. I don’t remember ever running this fast through the park before. Wishes is one of my favorites and I couldn’t miss it my last night there. When the announcement came on that it was about to start, I ran even faster…………….think roadrunner! I grabbed my favorite spot on the bridge and the fireworks started soon after. I cried of course as usual; luckily just a few tears as there were a lot of people around.

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I was getting pretty tired and knew that the booths at F&W at Epcot were closing so I wasn’t sure I would even try to head over. I decided for a split second to just call it a night. I headed out of MKG and the mass of people steered me away from the POP bus. I turned around and tried to get on the monorail but the line was all the way down the ramp. YUCK! People were starting to push at this point and I was getting frustrated. I headed for the ferry instead to TTC and would try to catch the monorail to Epcot after all. I had just missed a boat but was sure to get on the next one. When the next boat arrived, people starting inching forward without any regard for their children getting trampled. Many parents were putting their children purposely in harms way to occupy any open space closer to the front and then all 20 of the other relatives would attach themselves so they could all go on 1st. It was ridiculous!

The monorail at TTC for Epcot was pretty empty so it wasn’t hard to get on. I was trying to shake off the rude people in the ferry line and headed through to have my bag checked to get into Epcot. I just about had my Disney spirit back when I got stopped again to have my bag searched again at another desk. They had it setup all wrong and rather than admit that they did something wrong, everyone had their bag searched a second time. Very undisney like response too but I was fighting hard to stay happy.

Since world showcase was closing up, I headed to soarin first. The line wasn’t too bad and I was on in about 15-20 minutes. I asked for the 1st row in the center and I had to wait for the next departure. I felt stupid waiting there and the other attendants kept urging me to move as the attendant who told me to stay where I was, was inside the ride. I informed them of this and kept my feet planted. She came back out and let me choose my seat..YEAH! The ride was good at putting me back into the spirit. Just wish all of the smells were working. There were people next to me who had never been on the ride before and had waited all day for the ride. I felt bad for them as people had told them to expect the smells. I headed to test track to see how the single rider line was doing. It was very minimal and I rode a few times without any wait. I would have kept riding all night but it was freezing out and that cold wind in my face was not good. 2 of the times I rode I was placed with really fun families and we had a ball. After this, I was beat and needed to head back to POP to pack. I was starving and decided to wait and eat at the food court again. I grabbed…what else…parmesan chicken with pasta and a slice of chocolate cake. The chocolate cake was really good! I just spent the rest of the night packing.

Up Next: My last day at the World! I finally make it back to F&W again.

MadiMouse
12-29-2008, 09:28 PM
Great update! I hate rude and pushy people, too. I swear I have to hold my tongue but sometimes I don't and I let it ROOOLLLLLLL! LOL.

I hate that this report will be ending very soon!

Glendamax
12-30-2008, 12:21 AM
HEY! I'm all caught up!

-So Sorry the batteries were so expensive! How in the world can they do that?

- It's hard to imagine AK COLD! That is the HOTTEST park on the planet! If I go back next December, I hope it's not FREEZING!

- I was surprised that you were able to stick to your plans and do EPCOT and MK that evening! My feet and legs would've said "NO"!

- Sorry about the rude people at Spectro! I'm glad the CMs made them move!

- Great pics at Spectro! I need to practice so I'll be able to get better results!

-Isnt Thunder Mountain the best at night?! I LOVE it! I can't wait to go back and do it again!

- Bummer that the smells werent working on Soarin. I hope that family got a 2nd chance to ride!

-Glad you are enjoying yourself so far in the trip. But I gotta admit that I wish I was there with you! HA!

Looking forward to more! :surfweb:

MovienutNiffer
12-30-2008, 11:25 AM
I'm glad you had fun! 3 parks in one day- you are my hero!!!

Glendamax
12-31-2008, 12:45 AM
I'm glad you had fun! 3 parks in one day- you are my hero!!!

HA! Mine too!

Candice30
01-02-2009, 11:55 AM
Great update! I hate rude and pushy people, too. I swear I have to hold my tongue but sometimes I don't and I let it ROOOLLLLLLL! LOL.

I hate that this report will be ending very soon!

HEY! I'm all caught up!

-So Sorry the batteries were so expensive! How in the world can they do that?

- It's hard to imagine AK COLD! That is the HOTTEST park on the planet! If I go back next December, I hope it's not FREEZING!

- I was surprised that you were able to stick to your plans and do EPCOT and MK that evening! My feet and legs would've said "NO"!

- Sorry about the rude people at Spectro! I'm glad the CMs made them move!

- Great pics at Spectro! I need to practice so I'll be able to get better results!

-Isnt Thunder Mountain the best at night?! I LOVE it! I can't wait to go back and do it again!

- Bummer that the smells werent working on Soarin. I hope that family got a 2nd chance to ride!

-Glad you are enjoying yourself so far in the trip. But I gotta admit that I wish I was there with you! HA!

Looking forward to more! :surfweb:

I'm glad you had fun! 3 parks in one day- you are my hero!!!

luckily i shook off the rude people and was able to enjoy the night. my feet really didn't want me to do 3 parks that day and epcot i could have skipped but once i get something in my mind, i do tend to do it. i promise the next update will be up when i get home tonight. thanks for staying with me.

MadiMouse
01-02-2009, 12:08 PM
luckily i shook off the rude people and was able to enjoy the night. my feet really didn't want me to do 3 parks that day and epcot i could have skipped but once i get something in my mind, i do tend to do it. i promise the next update will be up when i get home tonight. thanks for staying with me.

"Shake them haters off...shake 'em off, shake 'em off."
:lmao:

YaY! Another update tonight!

Happy New year!!!! :goodvibes

mjaure
01-02-2009, 12:48 PM
Hello Candice! I believe it was me and my family you met at the Haunted Mansion. Here is our picture.

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn37/mjaure/image0950.jpg

You were the only DISer I found on our trip! We also stayed at POP, but we were in the 50s section facing the lake. Can you believe how cold it was? I also had to buy a $50 jacket. It was great meeting you and I wish we had had more time to chat!

--Mary

Candice30
01-04-2009, 10:35 AM
Hello Candice! I believe it was me and my family you met at the Haunted Mansion. Here is our picture.

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn37/mjaure/image0950.jpg

You were the only DISer I found on our trip! We also stayed at POP, but we were in the 50s section facing the lake. Can you believe how cold it was? I also had to buy a $50 jacket. It was great meeting you and I wish we had had more time to chat!

--Mary

yeah...it was you! you found me! sorry i am horrible with names. so nice to have met you.

Candice30
01-08-2009, 07:26 AM
Day 4 – Final day

I can’t believe that I made it to my final day. The trip definitely went faster than this trip report. Sorry for the delay…on with my last day recap!

EMH was at MKG this morning and I had planned to make it there but after hitting all those parks yesterday I just couldn’t do it. I hung around the room for a while and finished packing. I was out of the room by 9 am which was still pretty good and headed to airport check in. I already had my boarding pass on the door so I just dropped my bags off and was off to have my last day of fun. I decided to head to Epcot since i wanted to hit F&W again. I arrived around 9:30 and it was pretty quiet. I rode spaceship earth and then realized I hadn’t hit finding nemo at the seas yet so I headed over.

http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l445/Candice35_Photos/100_1068.jpg

Mine...Mine...Mine...Mine...Mine...
http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l445/Candice35_Photos/100_1071.jpg

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Just keep swimming...Just keep swimming
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I headed over to world showcase and caught the street act on my way over.

http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l445/Candice35_Photos/100_1092.jpg

Of course I made a stop at club cool also. The weather had changed this day thankfully and I was getting warm.


http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l445/Candice35_Photos/100_1096-1.jpg

World showcase wasn’t open yet so I took the opportunity to snap some photos before it was filled with people.

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This group came passed me on the segway tour and i was thinking how cool it would be to do this with some diser friends. I ran into them again while I was in Japan later and the thought re-entered my mind. The leader took them up the hill back to where the fountain and pond is in Japan and I was thinking "I'm not sure that these beginners can navigate that hill." Just as I was finished with this thought, i heard a loud thud and an "UGGH!" I looked up and everyone jumped off there segway and went running. Someone had fallen off. Maybe I'll wait on trying this experience.

http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l445/Candice35_Photos/100_1099.jpg

I thought that I would take photos of all the booths at F&W before they opened but there was a rope at Norway so that is as far as I could get. I hung around there for a while until world showcase was finally open.

http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l445/Candice35_Photos/100_1119.jpg

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Someone was having a bridal shower type party on the waterfront in front of Italy. It was so beautiful but of course I didn’t intrude and take photos.

http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l445/Candice35_Photos/100_1140.jpg

Love this hidden Mickey!
http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l445/Candice35_Photos/100_1152.jpg

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Once I finally made it to the end and grabbed all the photos, I killed some time waiting for the booths to open. I hadn’t seen the film in Canada in a long time and it was really getting warm and everyone was peeling their jackets off. After walking all the way around I was getting tired too. Unfortunately I forgot that you stand during the film. Yuck! I enjoyed the film though and got some much needed rest. I was getting hungry and the booths were all open so I decided to start the sampling. Today I had:

Greece – Spanakopita – YUM…YUM…YUM!
http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l445/Candice35_Photos/100_1170.jpg

South Africa – Bobotie – I first had this at Boma and fell in love with it. I found the recipe online and though it calls for a lot of ingredients, it is worth the effort. This was really good!
http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l445/Candice35_Photos/100_1130.jpg

Chile – Beef Empanda – Oh My! This was delicious!
http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l445/Candice35_Photos/100_1110.jpg

Poland – Pierogie & Kielbasa – This was just okay. Maybe because it wasn’t hot.
http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l445/Candice35_Photos/100_1171.jpg

Since the weather had changed, I finished it all off with a Grand Marnier slush from France. With a full tummy I decided to say farewell to Epcot at around 1 pm. My shuttle was not coming until 2:15 so I had a little time to chill. I stopped at the food court to have some dessert (chocolate cake) and took it to the hippy dippy pool and texted some friends (Hi Klofan). A ME bus came at 2pm so I jumped on it. My driver was a hoot and for once I stayed awake heading back to the airport. Only drawback, I had 3 hours to kill in the airport and was too full to eat again so I wandered around. Flight home was interesting. I was stuck in a middle seat and the perfume and cologne smells were driving my allergies crazy. I tried to take an allergy pill but I dropped my one and only one left on the floor of the plane. Ugghhh.. I will just have to suffer. I went to sleep instead.

Well that’s it! Thanks for hanging in here with me. I had so much fun and I would say that my first Halloween at Disney was a success. Too bad there was unusually freezing weather but I still had a ball and a much better time this solo trip.

MadiMouse
01-08-2009, 10:01 PM
I really hate to see this report end. Great update. Your fish faces are hilarious! ;)
When are you going in April? My family will be there on the 23rd?

Maroon
01-09-2009, 11:16 AM
Honnnnneeeeeyyyyyyyyyyyyyy...

Candice30
01-09-2009, 04:14 PM
I really hate to see this report end. Great update. Your fish faces are hilarious! ;)
When are you going in April? My family will be there on the 23rd?

i just noticed the picture in your siggie.....too cute! did you have that sketched at disney?

mom and i will be there 04/19 - 04/24 at AKL.

MovienutNiffer
01-09-2009, 04:46 PM
Darn you. Foooooooooooodddddddddd!!! This past trip we went to Chef's de France which is very adventurous for me and I fell in love! That place was amazing and your TR just made me want to go back again!!! I think we are going to try to go for the 2nd Star Wars weekend because that's the closest to my birthday so we could use my free ticket!:yay:

I hope your next trip rocks!

MadiMouse
01-09-2009, 05:51 PM
Yes, it was sketched at DLR. We love that portrait!!!
Okay, we will be there the 23-26. I just know we will meet! ;)

TinkerBelle_325
01-09-2009, 06:34 PM
Day 2 – 10/28/08

I slept in this morning which for me is 8 am. I had breakfast in the room (cereal) and was ready to go by 9 am. First day weather was so great and I couldn’t wait to enjoy the sun as it was so cold at home. In fact I was informed that it had snowed. Uhhhhhhh Ohhhhhhhh…reality check; apparently, Orlando was experiencing some unusually cold weather. The news report said it hadn’t been that cold in Orlando during this time of October since the 50s. Not sure how true this was but it was really cold. I decided to try and brave it but by the time I got to the steps of my floor, I was freezing. I turned around and at least decided to dump the flip-flops for socks and sneakers.

I rushed over to the food court to grab some coffee and head out to the bus stop. I was even colder by the time I got to the food court. So cold I had to lay down $50 for a new jacket. I just couldn’t bare it any longer. In fact, the CM at the gift shop were in awe of the number of people buying jackets. Many people were carrying around 4 or 5 of them for the whole family. The racks were emptying fast! Here is a pic of my new jacket. And luckily, it was just the color I needed to complete my Halloween outfit for the party tonight.

http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l445/Candice35_Photos/100_1206.jpg

http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l445/Candice35_Photos/100_1207.jpg

Turns out, the cold front would stay and you will notice my jeans and this jacket appearing in all photos from here on out. IT WAS SO COLD! I headed to DHS today. I headed to Toy Story first to grab a fastpass. The return was already 12:30. I decided to walk around and hit some of the areas I seem to always skip running around with the family. Okay, truthfully…..I got lost looking for RNR. Shhhh… don’t tell anyone! I also got a chance to catch some of the street acts which I never seem to see. I finally found the right road to RNR and of course ran to the single rider line. 15 minutes later I had been on twice and it was awesome as always! The second time I rode I was on with a guy who was riding while his wife waited to ride with the baby swap. Unfortunately for his first ever ride on RNR, none of the sound effects were working. There was no screech when we took off; no lights on the signs; no aerosmith. The ride also seemed to go slower. What a bummer. He had no idea about the single rider line so I informed him and after he swapped with his wife, he was going to go on again.The people I passed twice in the stand by line did not look happy but I say, hey, dump your family and jump in this line! I tried to get on a 3rd time just as quick but it took 20 minutes to ride. Normally not an issue but I was getting spoiled.

I decided to hit another one of my favorites, Beauty & the Beast. I am a sucker for the shows and the family tries to skip them. I was sad that the opening act (singing group) wasn’t there. We just sat around in silence until the show started but the show was great as always. The wind was whipping thru that theatre and I needed to get inside for a little while. I headed to another favorite, the great movie ride. I was walking rather slow until I saw these really 2 cute guys going in ahead of me. I of course quickened my pace so that I could follow them like a lost puppy. They smelled so good…yes I was standing that close. People actually thought I was with them. Couldn’t quite tell if they were a couple. There were little signs but I kept my watch.

The attendant let them thru and stopped me just when I reached the front. Luckily, there is always room for 1 and they squeezed me on…YEAH! I wasn’t too happy about getting the wheelchair row in the back as you usually are behind the rest of the car in the scenes and commentary. But hey, I am sitting next to these 2 cute guys and could just soak in their cologne. The heck with the ride right? NOT!!!! Just when I was relaxing, one put their arm around the other…..shoot! Oh well, no luck today and I guess I can’t follow them around. Ironically I would bump into them later that night. Sorry, no nerve to take a picture and besides it was time for toy story so I ran over there. Definitely missed out on the fun of the line heading thru fastpass but I was on in about 5 minutes.

It was finally time for my ADR at Sci-Fi. Yes, I am finally going to build up my courage to do my 1st Disney restaurant solo.

http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l445/Candice35_Photos/100_0682.jpg

I felt a little funny checking in like the CM were staring but probably my imagination and insecurities. I took some photos while I waited.

http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l445/Candice35_Photos/100_0683.jpg

I was the only one checking in so nothing else to do but wait and stare. I was called for about 5 minutes later. This was my 1st time eating here as well and the atmosphere was cute. I was hoping and praying for a back seat in the car and my prayers were answered. I sat behind a family and my waitress was really fun and attentive. I have to say that I did feel funny at first, like people were staring but it could have been all the flashing from my camera.

http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l445/Candice35_Photos/100_0686.jpg

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I was starving so decided to indulge in an appetizer (onion rings), entrée (beef & bleu salad), and dessert (apple crisp), raspberry lemondade – meal $45. Ouch! Expensive for one person but I wanted to try a little of everything and linger around at the meal for a change. I was a little disappointed that there weren’t more pics on screen of sci-fi movies (a lot of advertisements and cartoons showing instead). The food was really good though and my server snapped these pics of me before I left.

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YEAH…I DID IT…I CAN EAT IN A RESTAURANT AT DISNEY ALONE….Okay, so there were other people in the car but they weren’t exactly talking to me and they did leave me after awhile.

I headed out; actually rolled out with my full belly and headed over to sounds dangerous. I love this show even though I know what is coming and it was closed when I was there in July. My luck, only one side of my ear phones was working. It wasn’t too crowded in there and after fishing around in the dark, I got another pair and was able to enjoy it. I was getting pretty tired and needed a break so I headed back to POP. I stopped off to fill my mug at the food court with soda and headed to the room for a nap as MNSSHP was later that night. I also checked in on things at home.

Up Next: MNSSHP continued and disers!

Oh my goodness!! This is too funny! My family and I were at WDW on Oct 28th as well and MY GOD was it cold! I bought the Tinkerbell version of that EXACT sweater that morning! :thumbsup2

AND....we went to MNSSHP that night as well! We were shivering through Hallowishes but it was still fun! :woohoo:

scottny
01-12-2009, 08:31 AM
sounds like a fun last day. sorry to see it end but it was a great report to read.