Second Solo Pre Trip and Trip Report Complete

[ExpatDisneyLover]

Sorry I meant to put this on the DLRP TR board!

If you want to skip right to the trip report go to page 2!

Hi Everyone,

I have been soooo busy that I haven't had time at all to think about my next DLRP trip -but since it is about 2 weeks away I think I need to gear up!:)

And now that I have been once and have planned another solo trip I think my friends are catching on to my Disney obsession and two people have expressed interest in joining me for my next trip - so we will see how many solo trip chapters I get to write. But at least I have one more solo trip coming up - which I must say I do enjoy!:)

Who - expat American teacher living in Turkey.:teacher:
When/Where - June 15th-17th - staying at Magic Circus and using a Francilien Annual Pass:thumbsup2

Things I want to do differently this time around:

pre-book some good meals at least one per day - maybe Walt's quick lunch, or buffets at Plaza Gardens, Agrabah or Rendevous de Stars:goodvibes

First time for:

Staying off site - Magic Circus - hope I like this option!:lovestruc
Using an annual pass:cool1:
Taking Eurostar to London on the way back to Turkey - interestingly this was a far cheaper option than booking the return flight from Paris - I know weird. Hope it is not exhausting to do it this way!:hippie:

What I want to do:

Hit the attractions I missed last time and enjoy my favorites once again - plus soak in the magic:wizard: - and may be look for the "From Sketch to Reality" book about the planning of DLRP. Does anyone know the price of this?:confused3

[Ms Poppins]

Sounds great!

We ate table service for the first time last year and really enjoyed it. We used to just rush from place to place, but taking time to relax and enjoy a good meal really added to the holiday - we all loved Walts.

Sketch to Reality is on my to do list too - I think someone mentioned that if you're lucky enough to find a copy it's about 50E - I might have that wrong though.

Hope you have a great time - the Magic Circus looks lovely :goodvibes

[ExpatDisneyLover]

Sounds great!

We ate table service for the first time last year and really enjoyed it. We used to just rush from place to place, but taking time to relax and enjoy a good meal really added to the holiday - we all loved Walts.

Sketch to Reality is on my to do list too - I think someone mentioned that if you're lucky enough to find a copy it's about 50E - I might have that wrong though.

Hope you have a great time - the Magic Circus looks lovely :goodvibes

Thank You! I was wondering how much extra to bring for the book if I find it that is (I know you are looking for a copy too - I'll let you know if I find one). I think I really want to relax and enjoy a good meal this time - didn't quite do that last trip. Any favorite dishes at Walt's?

[Mum to Belle]

Sounds great!! :thumbsup2

We loved Walts and the quick lunch was really good value, would definitely go back! :lovestruc

Can't wait for your TR when you get back! (Only 2 weeks - you lucky thing!!) :goodvibes

[mikki.young]

When I go the book in 2003 it had 45 Euros as the price. It is a wonderful book and Didier is a great guy! Booking lunch sounds a great idea - I might have to copy that for my trip in August!

[ExpatDisneyLover]

Sounds great!! :thumbsup2

We loved Walts and the quick lunch was really good value, would definitely go back! :lovestruc

Can't wait for your TR when you get back! (Only 2 weeks - you lucky thing!!) :goodvibes

I think I saw your post about Walt's quick lunch and thought what a good idea - good meal for a decent price.:):) :thumbsup2 I'd rather get one good meal than spend the same amount on two counter service meals.

When I go the book in 2003 it had 45 Euros as the price. It is a wonderful book and Didier is a great guy! Booking lunch sounds a great idea - I might have to copy that for my trip in August!

Hope I can find a copy of the book - wish they'd reprint!:wizard:

Just figured out the multi quote tool - how nice is that!

[ExpatDisneyLover]

I spent a good part of yesterday on dlrpmagic web site reviewing and watching video clips!:surfweb: A good way to get a little pre-trip pixie dust!:wizard:

I wanted to look specifically about Eurostar information since I haven't done that before. Has anyone stored their luggage at the train station on your departure day? How did that work?

Still need to get some Euros and Pounds - pay rent and bills before leaving - still time to spare. Goal - get my hair cut and styled and find a good book in English to take on the plane!:goodvibes

:woohoo:

[ExpatDisneyLover]

Ok - sorry I have got to rant!:headache:

I went downtown today to get the euros and pounds I need for my upcoming trip - also got a much needed haircut which I love!:lovestruc:

On the way home though I stopped off to do some shopping - and bought too many heavy items - onions, potatoes, juices, soda - you get the idea and so decided to take a taxi home. I used the local taxi stand that I use often. But I left my pink princess Disney world hat that my mom got for me during her birthday trip at WDW in the trunk of the taxi. Last I saw it was on the top of a bag of groceries. I have been on the phone with the taxi guys for the past half hour and they keep telling me they can't find it! Argh! Now - I am the kind of teacher who looses my pen behind my ear - so maybe it will show up - but I have this sinking feeling that I will never see it again.:sad2: Ok it is just a hat - but one from my mom on our special mother daughter trip.

Sigh - only good thing is I will be at Disney soon so maybe can replace it with something similar. But honestly haven't seen another hat like it. I bought it at the Studios at WDW last September. Ok rant over - I feel better just getting that out!

Here it is - said hat-forgive the shiny Florida face:rotfl:

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[Ms Poppins]

That's so sad :sad2:

I hope it turns up :hug:

[ExpatDisneyLover]

That's so sad :sad2:

I hope it turns up :hug:

Thanks! I know - me too - but so far still missing.:sad1: I haven't told my mom yet.

[ExpatDisneyLover]

Still no hat - but I have decided to put it behind me and look for a new one at DLRP!:hippie::) Very convenient since I will be going next week!:lovestruc:banana: Now in search of the perfect hat. We will see what I can find!:wizard:

[Mum to Belle]

I've just seen your hat photo and one of my daughter's friends at pre-school has the same one (prob in a smaller size though as she's 3!!)

DD kept trying to get her to "share" it but she wasn't having any of it!! It's a beautiful hat, I hope you find a replacement on your next trip...

[ExpatDisneyLover]

I've just seen your hat photo and one of my daughter's friends at pre-school has the same one (prob in a smaller size though as she's 3!!)

DD kept trying to get her to "share" it but she wasn't having any of it!! It's a beautiful hat, I hope you find a replacement on your next trip...

Yeah I am afraid the only one I may find will be for a 3 year old!:rotfl:What is wrong with preschoolers these days not sharing their hats :laughing: I taught that age for a number of years:teacher:. Anyway - will have a nice time looking for a replacement. The sun here is a killer in the summer - won't be able to go "hatless" much longer - but really want one I like (pink and princess: would be ideal but not sure I'll find an adult one at DLRP):rolleyes:

Not much longer!:cheer2:

[Kristina]

Hi! Just wanted to say I ordered my book from the Disney and More blog and it looks like you can still get a copy from them...

http://disneyandmore.blogspot.com/2009/12/looking-for-great-disney-gift-for.html

I ordered an autographed copy and I love my book so good luck, I hope you are able to pick one up in Disneyland then you've another option :goodvibes.

Also, I'm thinking of booking my first solo trip which is what has brought me to your post. I'm thinking of doing 2 nights although it's not nearly enough (babysteps), but I'm afraid I'll go into shock from loneliness otherwise! Still, I need a bit of Disney magic so yeah, might give it a go! Here's hoping I'm brave enough :)!

[ExpatDisneyLover]

Hi! Just wanted to say I ordered my book from the Disney and More blog and it looks like you can still get a copy from them...

http://disneyandmore.blogspot.com/2009/12/looking-for-great-disney-gift-for.html

I ordered an autographed copy and I love my book so good luck, I hope you are able to pick one up in Disneyland then you've another option :goodvibes.

Also, I'm thinking of booking my first solo trip which is what has brought me to your post. I'm thinking of doing 2 nights although it's not nearly enough (babysteps), but I'm afraid I'll go into shock from loneliness otherwise! Still, I need a bit of Disney magic so yeah, might give it a go! Here's hoping I'm brave enough :)!

Oh my goodness thanks for the tip on the book!:) I'll look it up.

I had a great time going solo - doing what you want when you want is a nice feature plus there are lots of friendly people to meet too.:wizard: It does feel a bit strange at times but I really enjoyed the trip. It is really easy to enjoy the creativity that is Disney on a solo trip - no distractions. No reason for a Disneyless life! Sounds like a good idea to start slow and see what works for you. Have a great time - I look forward to the trip report!:goodvibes

[ExpatDisneyLover]

:woohoo: This time tomorrow I'll be on the plane! Disney here I come!:banana:

[Kristina]

Weeee :yay::yay::yay:how exciting!! Have a great flight and trip ::yes::!! Looking forward to hearing all about it!

[ExpatDisneyLover]

Well folks! Today is the day! The call to prayer goes off here around 4:15am - with all the neighborhood canines chiming in so I decided to just go ahead and get up - will try to get the 6:00am airport bus. Flight to Istanbul leaves around 8:00am - then to Paris!:woohoo:

It's a happy Disney day!!:wizard:

[Mum to Belle]

Just think, you're there right now, scouring the shops for a pink princess hat...!! princess:

[ExpatDisneyLover]

Hi Everyone,

Back last night from a really terrific quick trip to DLP - plus I was able to renew my Turkish visa - always when there is a job to do - why not let that spoon full of sugar be there too. So Disneyland Paris was my spoon full of sugar and I enjoyed every minute!:wizard:

Mum to Belle - I scoured the shops for a pink princess hat but unfortunately came back sans hat - just couldn't find one that made me go "yes, that's it!" Oh well I guess I'll just have to make it back to WDW one day -:rotfl:!

Anyway- the trip report continues!

This time I decided to take public transportation rather than taxis and the private airport bus - it is a tenth of the price - that's right a tenth - and so I could rationalize paying for for my lunch on the plane!

And so I started with a mini bus to the city center - wait time 20 minutes - travel time - 10 minutes - :laughing: ok so very few are out at 6:00am in Ankara!
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Then I transferred to a city bus to the airport - travel time 30 minutes - but crowded - everyone wants to save a dime it seems. Glad I had a seat!

Here is the juice truck opposite the bus stop - boy I wish this had been open - a fresh squeezed orange juice sounded really good about now!

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Then it was off to Istanbul - about a hour late! :headache: But I was still smiling - hey I was going to Disney!:) And then our flight from Istanbul was an hour and a half late!:headache: But I was still smiling - though slightly less so!:) Because of the flight delays - I didn't get the Disney bus I wanted - 2:30pm and had to settle for the 3:30pm.:sad1: Less Disney time.:sad1::sad1:

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Only five of us on this bus!:confused3
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There was a lot of traffic this time of day - so the journey took a bit longer than I remember.:rolleyes1

But then we were there!!! The very nice driver took one family by the Santa Fe then dropped myself and one other person at the Disney bus stop. Thankfully he pointed me in the right direction and told me to take bus 54. I was very happy for this grace since I'd been up since 4:15am - I was tired!:wizard: Finally the pink bus came and I was on my way to the Magic Circus!!:woohoo: I'd been really looking forward to staying here.

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First impressions - nice staff - not too impressive public areas - no "Disney" theming but really, really great quality rooms. Did I say really great?:lovestruc

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[ExpatDisneyLover]

I booked a single room but they gave me a family room. I didn't mind the extra space!

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So by the time I checked in and was settled it was 5:30pm - do I try to get to the parks? I was debating - so I went outside to wait for the bus and waited and waited and waited -:eek: - OK this is where my memory of POR bus service at WDW comes up and this was clearly not. So I reconciled myself to that thought and at 6:00pm decided to head back into my lovely hotel room and enjoy! And so I did!:lovestruc I took what seemed like a thirty minute blazing hot shower, flipped through the tv channels, made myself some soup with the provided kettle and cuddled into my very, very comfortable bed! Did I say very enough times to get the real essence of how comfortable this bed actually was? The room was sooooo quiet - I heard not one soul the whole night and boy did I need that good sleep!!:wizard:

Coming up - a terrific Disneyland day!

[ExpatDisneyLover]

After a very exhausting travel day I was very well rested in my lovely Magic Circus room. At this point I was VERY glad I was staying here - I needed the little extras that the Magic Circus provided. One of these little extras was a great breakfast including hot items at any time I wanted! :cheer2: (ok anytime from 7-11) This was a huge plus for me. Knowing I could sleep in if needed and head down for a leisurely breakfast was heaven in my mind!:cloud9: Actually this was one of the reasons I wanted to try this hotel. And it did not let me down!

I went to bed early because I was exhausted after a long day of travel so I was up and ready for breakfast at shortly before 8. I wondered if it would be chaos but was pleasantly surprised to find a good amount of calm. And I was seated to a small room left of the dining room as you check in so it was very peaceful. One of the advantages of traveling solo is getting nice little peaceful tables for one - often out of the way from the roaring crowds.

Anyway - here are my first breakfast pics - and yes ladies and gentlemen I ate ALLLL of it!!

You must remember I live in a country with virtually NO pork products. Greasy bacon was absolutely fabulous from my point of view!

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Yes ladies and gentlemen - after that breakfast I was singing the praises of the Magic Circus Hotel!

A few pics of the lobby and views on the way out.

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[ExpatDisneyLover]

After a very leisurely breakfast in relative calm I was off to the parks well before the 10:00am opening time. I waited maybe 20 minutes for a bus but was at Disneyland at 9:30am and happy to explore Main Street USA until the rest of the park opened at 10:00am. Ahhh the magic!:wizard:

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Is it working? Thanks bro for the gorilla pod - works great!
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[ExpatDisneyLover]

After a great time exploring Main Street it was off to Frontierland. Like all other good Disney goers I hustled to the fastpass line for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and claimed my prize!

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And decided to go on a ride on this little baby!

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Ok now this is one thing I find a bit strange about DLP - I totally understand the reasoning but having a Mark Twain Mississippi River boat in the middle of Wild West Frontierland is strange really. It's like hey let's put the Empire State Building in Texas - close enough. Chuckle!:) I thoroughly enjoyed starting the day with the riverboat cruise - happy!

Those happy people just off BTMRR-

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Very well behaved don't you think?
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Then over to Phantom Manor and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

A bad shot of my ride photo - that is a pink scarf I am wearing not weird arms.

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[ExpatDisneyLover]

Then it was off to Adventureland and a very happy ride on Pirates of the Caribbean. Man I love this ride at DLRP!! So very well done! After that off to Fantasyland and a trek on my fav - It's a Small World!

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Then off for a candy apple break - love the French name for this "Pomme de Amour" - or something like that! I devoured this snack while watching all the little princesses meeting the forever lovely Snow White.princess:

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I then scooted over to Discoveryland to grab a Buzz fastpass and see the African Tam Tams. Great show - very enjoyable - this was my first visit to the videopolis theater.

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I applaud these men - very brave!!

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Then happily and purely by accident I caught the New Generation Show in the Central Plaza.

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[ExpatDisneyLover]

By now I was very very tired and had just the perfect pick me up planned - a very relaxing meal at the Plaza Gardens. My reservation was for 3:00pm - perfect timing. I loved this meal!!:love: Can I just say - "oh the cheese!" and "what did they do to that spare rib?" and "the flavor of those chicken wings!":laughing: Those were my thoughts all through this meal. Very good - and with a soda and my annual pass discount came to 22.59 Euro - good food for a good price. Absolutely the most important lesson I learned on trip. A nice meal - good food makes one feel very human during a park day. I spent the same amount on food this time around than I did last time but ate far better. Table service meals are WORTH IT!

Sorry I forgot to take a photo of my salad plate - green salad, couscous, two cheeses - brie and goat's cheese (all I can say is wow), herb tomatoes and garlic carrots.

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This was a coconut tart - good.

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By now I had finished just in time to find a good seat for the Once Upon A Dream Parade!

After that - off to the Studios where I hit the Backstage Tram Tour before returning to my hotel.

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A very magical Disney Day!:wizard:

[ExpatDisneyLover]

This was to be my "Studios" day! Unfortunately - also my check out day.:sad1: But breakfast again was great - though I tried to eat a little less this time around.

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More views of the hotel gardens.

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This morning I ate breakfast about an hour later than the day before - the breakfast crowds were not bad - still enjoyable and I had time to pack before checking out. At 10:00am I went outside thinking this would be a good time to catch a bus since the parks had already opened most people would have already left - WRONG! There were masses of people waiting for the bus. So many in fact they had to send an extra bus just to pick up the Magic Circus folks - one whole bus just for us - I am very thankful they did this :thumbsup2 :wizard:!! Sadly though it took 45 minutes - I arrived at the studios at 11:00am. I stored my bag at DL guest storage - for 3 Euro. I really wanted to see the 11:00am showing of Animagique and was happy to find they were still letting people in and I made it!

So in quick succession I went to Animagique, Cinemagique and Stitch Live - all of them very enjoyable!

After that time for Tower of Terror - really well done - the Paris version is really great! Some photos of some of the details.

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The gardens at the Tower of Terror -

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[ExpatDisneyLover]

After Tower of Terror - did I say how much I loved this ride? - I went for lunch at Restaurant de Stars:lovestruc There are three attractions that I think are really great at this DLRP - Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Pirates of the Caribbean and Tower of Terror - (I added Tower of Terror this trip!).

I made my reservation for Restaurant de Stars during the time of the parade - since I had already seen that last trip. This was a good plan I think because the restaurant was quiet and relaxing. I can see though that if there had been lots of people - it would be loud and not so nice. This was however very enjoyable - and for 22.59 euro with a drink and pass discount - very affordable!

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The desserts were great at this buffet and while the food was similar to the Plaza Gardens there were some menu offerings here I especially enjoyed - salmon and beef bourgenon (sp?).

After that off to the 3:30pm showing of Lights Motors Actions!

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I had booked a Eurostar ticket to London for this evening - the 19:37 arriving into St. Pancras. So I wondered how much I would be able to do before departure. After Lights, Motors, Action I went back to Disneyland Park - watched a bit of the Once Upon a Dream Parade, went by It's a Small World and Pirates of the Caribbean again and was back at the train station by 6:00pm.

The Eurostar crowds were huge and I realized I had got there way too early. I could have spent an extra half hour at the park. So I waited at the train station for a good hour - hour and a half.

Though the check in was chaotic - I found the train service to be pretty good. We arrived into St. Pancras on time and I was able to catch the 9:30pm train to Luton Airport where my flight the next day was to depart. A very long day but workable if direct flights are too expensive.

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Premier Inn Luton - this hotel was fine for the price 29 pounds - bed comfortable.

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All in all a very good trip but I was glad to get home!!

Thanks for sharing my magical journey!:wizard:

[ExpatDisneyLover]

What I loved-:love:

Magic Circus breakfast and rooms.

Buffet meals - Plaza Gardens and Restaurant de Stars - from now on will include afternoon table service meal in my plans.

Able to do all I wanted and more in two short days!

Just being at Disney!:wizard:


What I didn't enjoy - :headache:

Taking the bus from the hotel to the parks. In this respect the location of the Disney hotels win out.

Eurostar check in.

Lines to get into parks 10:00am-11:00am were massive.

All in all a really great trip - I'd do another short trip but would prefer direct flights - no delays (in a perfect world). Next trip I want to make at least four nights and go at a slower pace.

I am now convinced the perfect hotel for me is the Disneyland Hotel but I won't pay those prices - yet.:rolleyes1

[ExpatDisneyLover]

I was looking for the book "From Sketch to Reality" in English and didn't find it. That doesn't mean it is not there but I just didn't see it - I didn't ask any CM about it either. I did see a large book in French about the creation of Disneyland Paris at the Storybook Shop on Main Street USA.

[Jonjo]

Lovey trip report and thanks for sharing. I've been thinking of geting a Gorilla Pod for my camera. Was it easy to use?

[ExpatDisneyLover]

Lovey trip report and thanks for sharing. I've been thinking of geting a Gorilla Pod for my camera. Was it easy to use?

The Gorilla pod was great! It took some practice to be able to get it to stay but after awhile was easy to set up and I could spot where it might work best.:)

[LoodlesNoodles]

Oh my! That scrambled egg looks delicious! It's making me rather hungry. :goodvibes

[Ms Poppins]

That was a lovely report Jill!

I love not having time slots for breakfast too - which is why the HNY is our preferred choice. The Magic Circus looks really lovely.

Another great trip for you - when's the next one? ;)

And thanks for looking for 'The book' - i'll cross all my fingers and toes until October and hope some appear :goodvibes

[Mum to Belle]

Welcome back!!

Shame about the hat, but as you say, you'll just have to keep looking - oh the hardship!! :rotfl:

Some great food photos - always warmly received :goodvibes

[ExpatDisneyLover]

Oh my! That scrambled egg looks delicious! It's making me rather hungry. :goodvibes

I was very happy to find eggs on the menu- I am so easily pleased.

That was a lovely report Jill!

I love not having time slots for breakfast too - which is why the HNY is our preferred choice. The Magic Circus looks really lovely.

I can totally understand why- may be I'll try the HNY sometime.

Another great trip for you - when's the next one? ;)

:laughing:Trying to fight off the "I must book now" virus - I'm thinking about September but don't know if I'll be able to.

And thanks for looking for 'The book' - i'll cross all my fingers and toes until October and hope some appear :goodvibes

Hope you can find one - they certainly may be there - at least I hope they are when you go!

Welcome back!!

Shame about the hat, but as you say, you'll just have to keep looking - oh the hardship!! :rotfl:

So true!:rotfl:

Some great food photos - always warmly received :goodvibes

Bit of a foodie here I think -:rolleyes1:)

[ExpatDisneyLover]

Still no news on my missing hat however just finished talking to Mom - bless her - who googled about finding a replacement hat. My mom is an angel!:littleangel: Truly! I hadn't even thought of finding another hat online. Anyway - there is a web site called ***************** and they will locate specific items from WDW. Evidently they have Orlando shoppers who will go to the Parks and hunt for specific items you are trying to locate. Thought someone might be interested if they are trying to find something. So there may be hope to find another hat if I don't make it back to WDW soon! princess:

[LoodlesNoodles]

Yay! Let's hope they manage to find you a replacement hat. :goodvibes

[Mum to Belle]

Ooooh that's such good news!! Fingers crossed for a replacement hat soon!! :thumbsup2

[Kristina]

Glad to read you enjoyed your trip :)! The hotel looked nice, and I agree a nice warm non stressed breakfast is lovely! We stayed at the Cheyenne for our trip and on the first day the breakfast was lovely...because we got there super early. On the following 3 mornings we ate just a bit later and it was crazy busy and hectic :eek:! Still fun though :)! Sorry you didn't find the book or your hat! Next time hopefully ::yes::!

[ExpatDisneyLover]

Glad to read you enjoyed your trip :)! The hotel looked nice, and I agree a nice warm non stressed breakfast is lovely! We stayed at the Cheyenne for our trip and on the first day the breakfast was lovely...because we got there super early. On the following 3 mornings we ate just a bit later and it was crazy busy and hectic :eek:! Still fun though :)! Sorry you didn't find the book or your hat! Next time hopefully ::yes::!

Thanks! Yeah I have had breakfasts at the Santa Fe that were very active:rotfl:! I did enjoy the peace at the MC:cloud9: but the location of the Disney hotels is great.:) Each has its' own advantages and disadvantages.:rolleyes:

Have you thought anymore about doing a solo trip?