"Uno Más!" A "Gran" solo tour of WDW in January! - updated on 4/15/12 [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

ZehnJahren

01-26-2012, 10:42 PM

Bienvenidos! Welcome to my "Gran Fiesta Tour" of WDW over three solo nights and four days at Animal Kingdom Lodge - Jambo House! This trip was done on the fly; I booked the airfare and room a week before I left and ended up renting points for AKL about two hours after I booked my room - so I canceled my value-hotel room and stayed at AKL!

Though I've been home for just a few days, I'm ready to tell my story. Yes, my story is one you may have heard before - but it's a first for me, and I hope you'll at least listen to my tale, even if you never join in the fun!

First, a little background:

You can call me Zehn; I took the name after the german translation for "Ten Years" - because when I was planning my 2010 trip with DBF (his first time ever), it was my first time back to the world in 10 years and my first time at POFQ (at the recommendation of a Disneyfied co-worker!!). Here we are:

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Pre-trip%20report%20pics/DSC02586-1.jpg

I was so happy to be back after so many years! DBF liked it, but he's not a crowd guy so he agreed to going every two years - and that just wasn't going to be enough for me. So in October 2011, I took my Mom to the World (she hadn't been since the last time I'D been, back in 2000!), and we did a split stay at Pop/CR and had a BALL! Here we are (yes, that IS the same shirt I was wearing on my trip with DBF!):

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/DSCN0250.jpg

You would think I'd be content in the knowledge that DBF and I would be back in late September 2012. Right? Wrong. I ran across a great airfare rate, and with the AP I simply couldn't pass up a quick trip. This time, there was no one to come with me so I went solo!

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-17_20-42-25_491-1.jpg

I was booked to stay at Sports, but I went out on a very short limb and tried to rent points at OKW because I thought it would be most likely to have rooms left (don't know why I thought that). Unfortunately there was no availability. But what do you know - there WAS availability at AKL! I was lucky enough to rent points for AKL - a much-coveted spot here on the boards! I had a standard view - but there was nothing standard about it.

The next day, I went to the doctor. At that point I got word that my sinus infection was pretty bad and that I "probably shouldn't travel." I asked the doc how serious he really was, because I was going to WDW in a week. I guess he wasn't too serious, because he just said, "ok, well be careful" and gave me steroids and antibiotics. So everything was set to go!

*Note* I decided on this trip to leave my point-and-shoot camera at home and come to WDW armed solely with my new RAZR phone. This turned out to be a great decision; take note that all photos you see in this TR are from a phone. I also have several excellent high-quality videos, and all from this wonderful phone.

So please, "ven conmigo" to WDW on my solo trip! I hope you enjoy hearing about it as much as I enjoyed living it!

Now, vamanos!

ZehnJahren

01-26-2012, 10:43 PM

Below please find the chapter links for my Gran Fiesta Solo Tour!

Backstory: Yo Ho Yo Ho a Solo Trip's For Me (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43859808&postcount=1)

Tuesday, January 17th - Arrival at AKL - Jambo!
Chapter 1: Hakuna Matata (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43859949&postcount=3)
Chapter 2: Be Our Guest (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43860104&postcount=6)

Wednesday, January 18th - EMH at MK, Epcot, HS, Epcot
Chapter 3: A Whole New World (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43868452&postcount=11)
Chapter 4: One Jump Ahead (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43874587&postcount=14)
Chapter 5: Once Upon a Dream (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43901760&postcount=20)
Chapter 6: Just Around the Riverbend (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43907591&postcount=24)
Chapter 7: Candle on the Water (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43941943&postcount=29)
Chapter 8: Jolly Holiday (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44001920&postcount=34)
Chapter 9: A Little Black Raincloud (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44010811&postcount=41)
Chapter 10: Can You Feel the Love Tonight (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=44013699#post44013699)

Thursday, January 19th - EMH at AK, HS, Epcot
Chapter 11: A Step in the Right Direction (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44061823&postcount=70)
Chapter 12: Best of Friends (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44084739&postcount=85)
Chapter 13: Go The Distance (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44108593&postcount=93)
Chapter 14: I'm Wishing (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44161187&postcount=103)

Friday, January 20th - MK, Departure Day
Chapter 15: A Girl Worth Fighting For (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44168169&postcount=109)
Chapter 16: The Bare Necessities (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44596586&postcount=120)

ZehnJahren

01-26-2012, 11:10 PM

Hakuna matata - what a wonderful phrase! This is the idea I tried to stand on as I made it to one of the busiest airports in America on the eve of what was "supposed to be" a major winter storm.

And since it means "no worries," I took it to heart and enjoyed my time at the airport. I had gotten up very, very early to put in almost 8 hours of work today - even though I was leaving Chicagoland at 3:40. I had some reports that had to be done - but once they were sent, I was free! My plane was scheduled to land around 8-ish; I hoped that would stand firm. I had big big plans for the next few days!

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-17_14-35-41_462-1.jpg

Seemed like we might have a full flight; I'd already paid my seating dues to pick a seat up front, in the aisle (that way, I didn't have to wake anyone up if I needed to use the restroom). So I waited patiently but excitedly for the flight that would take me to WDW, alone, for a whole trip, for the first time in my life!

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-17_14-42-05_530-1.jpg

I was looking forward to it being just me; the holidays had just gotten over with, and that's always stressful. DBF and I both value our alone time, so he was getting some much needed and much deserved alone time as well. But it was NOT as awesome as mine, because I was heading to the House of Mouse! The plane boarded on time, and before I knew it we were hurtling through the air towards one of the greatest entertainment capitals on earth!

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-17_17-41-05_960.jpg

I watched a bit of Tangled on the plane (like I did last trip), and before I knew it they were prepping us for landing! We touched down right on time, and I headed to the Dollar car rental booth to secure my compact car, which I'd gotten for free on credit card points.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-17_19-29-42_531.jpg

But like any car-renters right-of-passage, I first had to listen to the very pushy spiel on how I should upgrade (cheaply, of course), and how much I NEEDED $30-a-day collision coverage, and how I should know that I'd be on the hook for THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS should anything happen. I politely let the nice, pushy man know that I was just fine with my regular car insurance, thank you very much, and was on my way - keep this in the back of your head, because it just might matter later on in the story.

And here she is, ladies and gents: my first rental car ever!

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-17_19-50-00_373.jpg

It was a Nissan Versa, and I truly fell in love with this car while in WDW. So much so that I started looking at used Versas when I made it back home. It made quite an impression on me!

So now my bags are in the car, I'm ready to go, it's time to engage my Android-based-Google-Maps-turn-by-turn-navigation-standard-on-your-android-phone, sorry-Mr.-Rental-Guy-but-Hakuna-Matata-I-already-have-a-GPS-kthanks... but wait! Hmmm. For some reason, the GPS ISN'T WORKING. You can't be serious. I tried everything I could think of to make that &#$^%$ GPS work, but it simply froze up on me and I was cursing my phone like a surly fishwife.

What's there to do then? I just got on a highway and started driving. Yes, hakuna matata, I'd find my way. And when I pulled up to my first toll, I begged the woman to tell me that I was possibly maybe heading in the right direction to make it to Walt Disney World.

"Of course!" she gushed. "Walt made it easy to find! Just keep on keepin' on!" Well thank you, kind lady, I think I will! Here's my dollar!

Sooner than I expected, I saw this very welcome sight:
http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-17_20-19-19_615-1.jpg

I think I screamed very loudly when I saw it, because it really and truly meant that I was at Disney, and I was on vacation, and I was the happiest girl in the world!

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-17_20-21-34_149.jpg

I followed the very helpful purple signs, and before you could say "Scar's your uncle" I was at AKL! It seemed like it was all too fast - I thought I'd been told AKL was way off the beaten path but this seemed like it was right in the heart of the resort. Either way, I was welcomed home by a fellow Chicagoan, who saw my license, chatted for a moment about my city, then told me very seriously "I'll never go back." I understood the sentiment; it was gorgeous in Orlando and ice cold in Chicago, and I could jive.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-17_20-25-05_152.jpg

Now that I was here, my "hakuna matata" motto ("what's the motto with you") had come to fruition. Time to check in, and get my first good look at the beautiful Animal Kingdom Lodge! Wow!

Merida

01-26-2012, 11:11 PM

Yay! You started!

Well, quite literally with the trip report and the traveling and..
okay, it's late at night and I'm not sure where I'm going with this.

So yay!

ZehnJahren

01-26-2012, 11:25 PM

Yay! You started!

Well, quite literally with the trip report and the traveling and..
okay, it's late at night and I'm not sure where I'm going with this.

So yay!

Hi! Enjoying your TR as well; thanks for joining mine! I'm not sure where I'm going either, so we'll try to get there together! :laughing:

ZehnJahren

01-26-2012, 11:42 PM

Be our guest, be our guest, put our service to the test... this I planned on doing, as AKL has quite the reputation.

I had just made it through the checkpoint, and was heading towards the promised land.

Marge welcomed me home at the front desk, and double-checked with me that it was "just one in the room"? I was very happy to tell her yes, and she said "good for you!" I noticed she was from Manilla in the Philippines; I told her my sister-in-law was Philippina, and made sure to say a hearty "salamat!" ("thank you!") when I left her. Be aware up front that I have a very odd hobby of learning languages, even partially - so you may notice me speaking random languages happily, especially when I'm SOLO.

Now, without my luggage, I was on my way to the room. I decided to go up with my flashlight for the prerequisite bedbug check first, then come back down for my luggage etc. After all, we want the company impressed.

When I walked in the room, I was already happy with what I saw. This:

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-17_20-42-25_491-1.jpg

It's me! Smiling! In the mirror at AKL! Is there a greater sight??

Tonight I'll prop my feet up, but for now... let's take pictures of the studio! The sink and fridge area:

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-17_20-43-18_58.jpg

Bathroom sink area:

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-17_20-43-28_901-1.jpg

Living area, a PERFECT size for me:

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-17_20-46-34_572-1.jpg

And complete with a nice Mickey head towel "animal". This was eventually disassembled to dry my bum after a shower, but for now, it was moved to the table:

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-17_20-45-54_548.jpg

I did my bedbug check, took the decorative pillows off the bed and piled them in the corner, then headed down to go to Target and get some essentials.

On my way, I saw a familiar, beloved sight. I couldn't stop myself from following it like a beacon. It was Chick-fil-a!

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-17_21-05-55_285.jpg

Oh boy! No beef ragout or cheese flambe, no pie or pudding 'en flambe' - but there WERE delicious chicken nuggets. I got 12 of 'em and devoured them before heading on to Target, where I bought a few Lean Cuisines, a banana, a 12-pack of water (it was around $4! and lasted me my whole trip!), and some other small assorted items. Then I realized how tired I was; it was time to get to bed, as I was going to be up VERY early making it to EMH at MK. Originally, it was an AK morning, but Obama was in town and they'd changed hours. I was fine with that; I'd wanted to start my trip with MK anyway, so it was perfect!

A bit of Stacey lulled me to sleep.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-17_22-32-31_695.jpg

And I needed it. EMH started promptly at 8 a.m., and I was DETERMINED to see the opening show that Ma and I had just BARELY missed back in October because we were delayed checking into CR.... I'd worked a 7.25-hour-day, handled a 3 hour flight, driven to WDW, driven to Target; would I make it? Or would I hit snooze in the morning and wait on the magic? If you followed my last TR, you probably have a good idea exactly what I did the next morning....

wakica

01-27-2012, 11:03 AM

Your off to a GREAT start :) Glad all went well and you made it on time despite the darn snow!!!!

Can't wait to see your first day! Our first day will be MK when we go :) :)

Corrine 1973

01-27-2012, 11:09 AM

ZehnJahren

01-27-2012, 11:34 AM

Your off to a GREAT start :) Glad all went well and you made it on time despite the darn snow!!!!

Can't wait to see your first day! Our first day will be MK when we go :) :)

Hi! Thanks for coming over! You're planning on writing a TR too, right? I definitely want to hear about that Everest race!

I had an easy time heading out to Florida, but as expected it wasn't quite so easy getting back in at home!

ZehnJahren

01-27-2012, 11:48 AM

I am here!:thumbsup2

Loving the start of your TR. Lucky you for being in the warm florida weather, because it was darn right frigid over here by the windy city. Brrrrr!!

Can't wait to see what happens next popcorn::popcorn::

Hi, welcome! I'll tell you, I was in HEAVEN while I was down there. Every time I talked to DBF, he told me that it was so cold he didn't even want to go outside - and he is NOT a cold-weather lightweight, as he's lived in the Chicago area for almost his entire life. When even HE'S complaining, it's COLD.

I, on the other hand, was in short sleeves, and debating "sandals or tennis shoes?" I did have some chilly early mornings and late nights, but my fleece jacket served me perfectly. Ah, to be there RIGHT NOW!

ZehnJahren

01-27-2012, 09:56 PM

I can show you the World - this morning, I had 'let my heart decide' on MK and the EMH happily coincided. This was originally supposed to by EMH at AK, but the days had been changed around (I even got a little insert in my Welcome folder explaining all the unexpected EMHs this week, with no mention of the presidential visit).

I wasn't sure about getting up this morning, but that good old Disney adrenaline never fails me. I admit to slapping my alarm one time, but then I couldn't fall back asleep knowing where I was and NOT knowing how long it would take me to drive to MK from AKL. So I got up and started moving early. I check the weather by wandering out on my balcony, and this is what I saw:

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_07-04-23_366.jpg

Aw, good morning my little birdie friends! I know you can't see them well, but these were some BIG BIRDS. And they were quite lovely.

Ok OK OKAY! I'm GOING!

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_06-59-40_965.jpg

Hm, WDW is an hour earlier than Chicago, so it was 6 a.m. to my body when I walked out the door this fine morning.

Once I got to the car, I was READY TO GO! LET'S GO LET'S GO!

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_07-15-50_266.jpg

Time to navigate to MK! I gave myself 20 minutes to make it over to TTC, thinking possibly that it could take longer and hoping I'd make the show. Here's my first stoplight at 7:19 a.m.:

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_07-19-40_367.jpg

At 7:28 a.m., I was already in the TTC parking lot! Wow, so much for worrying that AKL was "far away" from the parks.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_07-28-25_649.jpg

I parked and gathered my belongings and stepped out of the vehicle; I was in the FIRST ROW at TTC. I turned around to take this picture, just in case I forgot where I was parked:

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_07-30-00_287.jpg

Here's a little more perspective on how close I was to the monorail boarding area. I'm the second white car from the right, and the walkway I'm standing on is the one that goes underground before you come out right there at TTC.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_07-30-20_82.jpg

It was now promptly 7:30 a.m., which gave me plenty of time to grab the ferry over to MK. Wow, no one here yet:

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_07-31-57_139.jpg

There were people set up asking for room key cards; I hesitated, because I'd forgotten that it was EMH and I'd need to keep my KTTW card where it could be seen! I got it out, showed it, and was on my way to the ferry! ... Hm, that's weird, the huge boat isn't moving. Wait, why?

A quick question to a nearby cast member gave me the answer: monorail only at this time of the morning. Hm, that was not good news for me; I have some stomach issues, and the monorail is notorious for breaking down. I thought at least with the ferry, I'd get to MK for sure; with the monorail, I felt some worry. But there was no one to argue with and no one to listen even if I FOUND someone to argue with, so I got in line for the monorail.

Now THIS guy, I liked. The cast member working the monorail gate was super-nice, noticing my phone and asking me all sorts of questions. There was a family of four in front of me and not many people behind me, so he and I chatted for awhile about the Razr, keeping my mind (and stomach) off the thought of being stranded on the monorail. Then I saw this:

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_07-38-22_271.jpg

Now I know I'm in a whole new world - a MONORAIL. I suddenly got excited, and may have squealed a little. Because any good girl knows that the monorail goes in a circle, and one of the stops is the MAGIC KINGDOM!

The ride went smoothly, and I remembered my love for that slick beast of a monorail. Before I could even register that I was travelling aboard the monorail, I was at MK. Here is one of my favorite photos at MK, ever, taken as soon as I saw that beautiful Contemporary Resort in front of me.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_07-48-13_396.jpg

I put this as my phone background, because it seemed so very Disney to me.

I sped down the walkway, through the bag check, and into the plaza in front of the train station, ecstatic that I appeared to have perfectly timed the opening show!

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_07-48-38_182.jpg

It's 7:48 in this picture; am I good or what?

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_07-50-45_322.jpg

Now it's 7:50 a.m., I'm just minutes from opening show!

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_07-52-07_789.jpg

One last picture before the music came on. I videoed the entire thing, including the family of the day. If you know the FOTD for January 18th, I have a full video of the show and would be happy to send it to them. :)

Everybody else started scrambling as the park opened; I stayed put for a minute to finish watching the show. Very lovely, and worth waking up early for. :love:

Alright, let's get in there.

A whole new world
That's where we'll be
A thrilling chase
A wondrous place
For you and me

wakica

01-27-2012, 10:13 PM

Hi! Thanks for coming over! You're planning on writing a TR too, right? I definitely want to hear about that Everest race!

I had an easy time heading out to Florida, but as expected it wasn't quite so easy getting back in at home!

WOO HOO!! We made it into the park :banana::banana: I can't wait to see all you did :)

and yes, i'm the one doing the EE Challenge in May. You've been to see my pretrip for sure once maybe even twice. lol

ZehnJahren

01-27-2012, 10:17 PM

WOO HOO!! We made it into the park :banana::banana: I can't wait to see all you did :)

and yes, i'm the one doing the EE Challenge in May. You've been to see my pretrip for sure once maybe even twice. lol

Oh, I knew you were doing the EE Challenge - I was just making sure you were going to write a TR so we could live vicariously through you! :yay:

ZehnJahren

01-28-2012, 08:05 PM

I'm calling this chapter "one jump ahead" because that's what I seemed to do all morning - stay one jump ahead of the crowds and the lines.

I'd debated whether I'd get the GAC card first thing today or just ride around the low lines at MK - in the end, I decided to try the lines for awhile before defaulting to the GAC, so I headed in the park, passed up Guest Services, and made my way down Main Street.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_07-59-01_984.jpg

Looking at this picture, it appears that I entered MK and was walking down Main Street at exactly 7:59 a.m. And where was I headed?

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_07-59-22_501.jpg

Peek-a-boo! Yep, still walking towards the castle, incredulous that I was here all by myself. I think I'll take a stroll around the block....

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_08-00-37_789.jpg

Alright, it's Haunted Mansion time! I headed left towards Adventureland and saw that it was all roped off - not looking good - and kept walking to make it to the Frontierland gate. I saw the same rope, and before I could start pouting I was greeted by a Cast Member saying that "this area is not yet open to the public." Say WHA? But I wanted HM!

Oh gosh, ok, I guess I'll change my plans. Hey, I'm at MK; there are worse let-downs than a rope across the path to HM, right? ... right? I can take a hint, gotta face the facts; gotta wait for HM until 9.

Ok, well, I'm right by the castle. No better place to go than Fantasyland, right? It was so odd seeing Dumbo all boarded up; it made me sad. So much construction going on; I can't wait until some of these walls are down.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_08-04-17_307.jpg

Well it was time for my first ride in my first park on my first solo trip. And because I didn't think I'd ever see it again the last time I rode it, Snow White was first on my list.

I got put as a single rider with this couple. There was no one else in line; I wish I could have been in a car by myself!

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_08-11-25_618.jpg

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_08-11-37_183.jpg

Last time I'd been here, I was with Ma and we had quite a few laughs on this old favorite. I couldn't help but feel like she was with me in spirit this trip (instead of sitting at work back in the midwest!).

I paused to take this early-morning photo, then figured I'd better get on over to Peter Pan. In my excitement over the short line, I only took a video. When I got home, I showed it to DBF as the main reason to get up early on a Disney vacation - NO LINES ANYWHERE.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_08-15-26_680.jpg

Then I headed to Weirdo-the-Pooh, where I figured I'd ride at least once. However, it was closed! I was already heading towards Tomorrowland, so I figured I'd go hit up Space Mountain - so far, so good!

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_08-15-38_506.jpg

I walked in the empty park, enjoying the sun and the low crowds. It was now about 8:15 a.m.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_08-18-08_283.jpg

A leisurely stroll.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_08-20-02_723.jpg

Rising to greet me like a steel tower of jerky fun.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_08-23-18_858.jpg

Growing ever closer.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_08-24-32_873.jpg

Heading through the line, I thought back to my last SM ride - oh boy, it was painful. As I walked the line, I thought more and more about how tight the ride was last time, and how jerky, and how unhappy I had been with how painful it had been. I made it through the entire line, and when I got to the end, I did regrettably decide to forgo it for now. I figured I'd ride in later in the day on my next MK day, just in case. So I took the "chicken exit" and rode that fabulous moving sidewalk back to Tomorrowland.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_08-29-11_711.jpg

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_08-29-52_29.jpg

So close to getting a picture of myself. So close.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_08-31-12_937.jpg

Ok, well, I'm not getting on SM, and as I said, I wanted to keep one jump ahead of the slowpokes (one skip ahead of my doom), so I thought "I'm in Tomorrowland, what is my favorite ride here?"

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_08-39-08_158.jpg

Of course!

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_08-39-16_271.jpg

I love the spiel on this ride, and I love the person voicing it. I could ride this over and over. As it was, I was pretty much the only person on it this morning. How can ANYONE pass the Peoplemover without a sense of regret in missing this jewel?

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_08-41-51_851.jpg

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_08-41-56_578.jpg

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_08-43-01_195.jpg

Never disappoints.

I looked over and saw Buzz Lightyear when I made it off the Wedway; I'm not a big fan of this ride, but I'm alone, so why not ride?

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_08-43-56_532.jpg

Another walk-on.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_08-44-43_42.jpg

Poor Buzz. Doesn't even realize he's just talking to himself all morning.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_08-50-09_123.jpg

Not bad, but not good. I liked being in this one with only a few other people playing - I could tell where my dang laser was pointing!

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_08-50-56_244.jpg

Total concentration.

Up next - it's 8:50 a.m., where's my Haunted Mansion???

Merida

01-28-2012, 10:44 PM

Corrine 1973

01-29-2012, 09:29 AM

See I knew there was a reason to get up early and head over to the parks . . . no lines. It also doesn't hurt that you were there during a slow period.:thumbsup2

Your day so far looks great. I have never been on the TTA so I am looking foward to taking a nice relaxing ride. I watched a youtube video on it and it looks like a lot of fun.

I think I would have done the same thing with SM, I went on it in May with my DS and some friends that I met on the DIS and it kept wrenching by back. The first time it was so hard that my back actually cracked.:headache:

Hoping everything is alright for you that you need a GAC card. We use one when we are touring with my eldest DS. Actually this next trip is the first one that I will be going on with out it and I am a little worried about it.:confused3

ZehnJahren

01-29-2012, 10:13 AM

I love the DVC Animal Kingdom Lodge rooms. They're just so well done! I love the tiles in the kitchen. I am sad that Chik-fil-a changed from peanut oil to canola - the fries just aren't the same! Not that you can really tell when they're covered with Chik-fil-a sauce, but it's the principle!!

I feel like the monorails are usually pretty good in the early mornings. Because they've just been serviced maybe? I wouldn't necessarily count on them later on, but we had excellent monorail rides in the morning.

The tarps on Main Street don't look too bad. You can even see the Castle still! It's kind of sad about the rides, but at least new ones are coming. And it's not like there's a dearth of things to do in MK. I haven't been on Winnie the Pooh for years! Probably because Tomorrowland is way better and we spend tons more time there.

Ohh TTA. Such a brilliant ride but it was usually decently full when we went on it (.. MVMCP night, maybe?). Maybe the word's getting out!

Interesting - as far as I know, our Chick-fil-a still uses peanut oil! (At least, that's what the website says) I can't imagine it tasting the same if they changed from such a light "healthy" oil to canola. I'll have to look into that! But oh man, that Chick-fil-a sauce - - so delicious, but so prohibitively full of fat. Oh how I both love and loathe it. ha!

Yep, all my morning monorail rides went so smoothly, I started to change my mind on being worried about going on them. I didn't, however, ride them later in the day.

Yeah, I could care less about the Main Street tarps. Yes, they're big and obviously jutting into the street; but they don't look too bad and I'm all for refurbishing rides and buildings to keep MK open and beautiful for years to come. I am definitely ready to see this new Fantasyland though. Very ready.

See I knew there was a reason to get up early and head over to the parks . . . no lines. It also doesn't hurt that you were there during a slow period.:thumbsup2

Your day so far looks great. I have never been on the TTA so I am looking foward to taking a nice relaxing ride. I watched a youtube video on it and it looks like a lot of fun.

I think I would have done the same thing with SM, I went on it in May with my DS and some friends that I met on the DIS and it kept wrenching by back. The first time it was so hard that my back actually cracked.:headache:

Hoping everything is alright for you that you need a GAC card. We use one when we are touring with my eldest DS. Actually this next trip is the first one that I will be going on with out it and I am a little worried about it.:confused3

I have a stomach issue that requires medication, and can cause me some big problems sometimes. The last two trips, I have gotten the GAC and it has really changed my entire trip - I didn't even know about them when DBF and I went (and some of my worst problems hadn't started yet) - so I didn't get one and wish I had. I only used it when I knew I had to, but otherwise, I got in line or FP'd like everyone else.

When Mom and I were there in October, we definitely noticed the difference between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. She and I went on a ride blitz in MK as well before it got stoppered up with the incoming crowds. I'm a firm believer in making morning EMHs; I've never been disappointed!

That being said, you gotta ride the TTA (which I can't stop referring to as the Wedway, since that's what it was in my youth). It's so wonderfully relaxing, and you get an elevated tour of Tomorrowland, including going inside Space Mountain. It's definitely a favorite of mine.

wakica

01-29-2012, 10:18 AM

IheartDDuck

01-29-2012, 02:47 PM

Yay! You started. I can't wait to hear about your solo trip. Everything looks off to a great start so far.

You're totally right, getting up early is such a difference from arriving later in the day. So many less people.

ZehnJahren

01-31-2012, 10:19 PM

So far my morning was coming along very nicely. It was gorgeous weather; crowds were low; I was feeling great and energy was high. I'd only been in a Disney park for a little under and hour and already rode several of my favorite rides. So, what's a girl to do when the clock strikes 9?

I headed back towards Frontierland. I wanted to see my beloved HM - I'd been dreaming about it for the few months since I'd been away. First, a picture of the castle.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_08-54-22_371.jpg

It was now 8:54 a.m., so they should soon be letting us in for the HM rush!

I sat on a bench next to the rope across the Frontierland entryway, complete with some CMs dressed in HM garb. An asian couple, clearly not American, kept speaking with them in broken, difficult english and pointing to the map. The CM they kept speaking to kept shaking her head and saying "we're not open yet" and "nine a.m.". I took a photo to mark this moment from my bench, as I could not remember ever having waited for the HM like this before!

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_08-56-06_326.jpg

Just a couple of minutes passed, and I saw other groups starting our direction. I felt that rush of "hey, wait a minute! I've been waiting here; don't you think you're going to get past me!" and then realized that was ridiculous. It didn't matter anyway, as they were dropping the rope and walking us back to the HM.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_09-00-13_309.jpg

The "rush" begins.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_09-00-18_452.jpg

The "rush" continues.

A small group of guests passed the CMs; I was being careful to stay behind them, but the other guests had no such compunction and ended up beating me in line.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_09-01-55_304.jpg

A quick picture of the horseless carriage, and I headed towards those foreboding doors.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_09-02-19_49.jpg

I was so close to being the first one at the door! Ugh. Oh well I guess it doesn't matter.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_09-03-25_213.jpg

I knew where to go stand in the stretching room, so I slid my way over until I was in the right place. There weren't too many people in the room along with me - the Mansion had just opened. When the spiel was done and the doors opened, I was the first through heading towards the Doombuggies - and being by myself that means I was the first on the ride for the day! A small triumph, but very cool to an old Mansion junkie.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_09-10-33_655.jpg

Grim grinning ghosts, indeed! I enjoyed my trip through the mansion, and once I came out (somehow AGAIN avoiding becoming the 1000th ghost), I contemplated the fate of a man with seven winsome wives. Bummer.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_09-15-13_863.jpg

With such a beautiful morning (and just now past 9:15), I thought I'd head over to Splash, in honor of DBF. But first, a picture of my beloved BTMRR. Aw, I wish it were open; as it were, you couldn't hear any refurbishments going on - but it's still early!

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_09-19-36_58.jpg

Now, on to Splash! Can't miss this one! Except... well, there was a CM apologizing out front - that's never good. Turns out Splash was down this morning. Aw. Well, with one backward look, I headed onward. Where would I go?

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_09-20-00_987.jpg

Hm, all the boats were backed up. Must be a real issue.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_09-21-03_841.jpg

Well, I guess since I'm here I'll jump on Pirates!

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_09-22-33_663.jpg

Another walk on. They put me in a row all by myself, and I spent some time looking closely at the scenery instead of chatting the whole way through (like usual). Ah, the benefits of a solo trip! Now, I like the Pirates movies, but I don't know how I feel about them adding Barbosa and Jack Sparrow. The Jack animatronic is really awesome, though; oddly lifelike. Looks just like Johnny Depp (that being said - do you think his friends call him "Johnny"? Seems like a grade schooler's name).

We got to the cannon-fire area, and for the first time that I can remember, I had a VERY strong blast of air from the "cannon" go through my hair! I jumped and screamed, and the people behind me jumped as well, since my hair went flying! We all started laughing - it was very unexpected.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_09-33-18_922.jpg

Heeeeeeeeeeeeere's Johnny!

I got off the ride still chuckling to myself about the cannon, and then figured I'd go catch IASW before the crowds started growing. They'd be arriving soon - the park was open to the public by now. So off I went to the land of dolls.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_09-44-09_153.jpg

It's 9:44 a.m. in this picture - please note the lines. :laughing:

I got the front row to myself!

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_09-46-54_950.jpg

Instead of taking a bunch of pictures, I enjoyed the ride for once. The solo trip really gave me a chance to soak in all the rides of my childhood and enjoy them.

About halfway through, I started hearing the couple behind me. They had a daughter and son; the daughter was probably about 3 and beautiful - she was entranced by everything around her. The son was probably about 10 months, and his dad was holding him on his lap. And the entire ride - the ENTIRE ride - the woman was nagging the man. After a few minutes, I sneaked a peek at him - he looked exhausted. He would make a suggestion as to where to go next, and the wife would nag. Finally, he said "let's go to Tom Sawyer's Island." The wife didn't understand, she kept saying "I don't want to walk up in that treehouse" and he tried to explain it calmly. She kept arguing with him, and finally said, in a very "i'm always right" voice, "well honey, I don't have the entire park map memorized so I'm VERY SORRY if I don't know exactly what ride you're talking about at every moment." I had to stifle a laugh; she would NOT get off his case. Wonder how long they'd been there at that point...?

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_09-56-39_887.jpg

After getting off the ride, I figured I'd try Weirdo-the-Pooh one more time. It was up and running, and, surprise, a 3 minute wait.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_10-03-23_925.jpg

This is truly the weirdest ride at the park, if you ask me. I think I sat with my nose wrinkled up in confusion for most of the time.

Once I got off the ride, it was about 10:10 a.m. and I could see the crowds moving into MK. I decided it was park-hopping time - but first, I stopped for a castle shot! Not a good shot of me, so it remains in the vault.

I stopped and watched the Main Street performers; I also took a video and enjoyed a little Main Street atmosphere:

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_10-18-18_256.jpg

I decided to take the monorail to Epcot, but noticed while leaving that my battery was running down for some odd reason on my phone! Hm, that shouldn't be happening already! Ok, I'll run back to the car - parked so nice and close at the TTC - and grab my backup battery charger. Would only take a few more minutes. Then I'd be on my way to Epcot.

And since I wasn't going straight to Epcot, I decided to take the ferry. And WOW, this was an odd trip! Why?

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_10-34-07_751.jpg

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_10-40-05_383.jpg

It was a ghost ship! While about 4,000 people got off the ferry, only me and one other woman got on at MK. Not too surprising - it was only 10:40 a.m. - but just a little odd to be on this big boat almost by myself!!

Aw, I miss the CR:

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_10-33-59_561.jpg

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_10-38-45_625.jpg

When we approached the landing at the TTC, one of the boat drivers (captains?) came out of his little driving box, walked over by where I was, and put up ONE of those "do not use the stairs during this time" stair ropes! I started laughing; I was the only person on the top of the boat, and I was sitting down - no worries, pal, I'm not going to use the stairs while we dock!

Once we arrived (and Mr. Worriedpants dropped the "DON'T USE THESE STAIRS!" rope), I walked downstairs to stand with the other person leaving the boat, a middle aged woman also by herself. We'd just taken this huge boat all by ourselves! And, waiting for the ferry, were literally HUNDREDS of people. It looked like a mass of seething humanity chomping at the bit for my solo friend and I to GET THE HELL OFF THE BOAT so they could get on.

We gladly obliged.

Now, I was heading to my car to grab my portable battery charger so I could continue to take photos and videos - I just didn't know WHY my phone was dying so fast. I paused for a photo of the monorail - no lines, people! - and then ran for the car and made a call to DBF to discuss the battery issue. I wanted to get to Epcot as soon as possible!

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_10-45-37_844.jpg

But I was about to be in for a rude surprise. The dream was over.

ZehnJahren

01-31-2012, 10:25 PM

oooohhhh my goodness!!! i LOVE those beautiful low crowds!!! The last time i was in MK was on a Halloween Day and it was SO beautifully slow that day too :) I think most people bypassed that park b/c they knew of the early shut down due to the Halloween party but it was so slow til about noon that we had done most of what we needed to with no waits!!!
I'm so glad your day started out so good :thumbsup2

We haven't done the people mover the last few trips so we intend to hit it once in the daytime and once at night this time. It's not a thriller but so relaxing and nice to see things from up above :) I'm looking forward to it for sure!

Can't wait to see how the rest of your day went. Too bad HM wasn't open right away but I'm sure that it'll be low lines when it does by the look of things.

Oh I love early morning hours, and I love the Wedway. I know some think it's boring, but it's just a favorite!

Yay! You started. I can't wait to hear about your solo trip. Everything looks off to a great start so far.

You're totally right, getting up early is such a difference from arriving later in the day. So many less people.

I really had a good time by myself - until the last day! But I'll save all that drama for later. =)

I think when we go in September, I'm going to be doing a lot of early mornings by myself. DBF is a night owl and so am I - but when you know you're missing the morning crowds at Disney it's IMPOSSIBLE to sleep in!

wakica

01-31-2012, 10:39 PM

ZehnJahren

02-01-2012, 07:02 PM

oh wow! Look at all those people just heading INTO the park on main street while you are heading out b/c you've "been there, done that" already!:thumbsup2 and to make things worse they are loitering around taking pictures while the line ups are BUILDING!!!! They must enjoy standing in long line ups ;)

and the ferry ride all to yourself! That's pretty neat :) I've never taken it!! I'm always in a rush to get in the park so go monorail and then dd and dh always say oh, let's just go with monorail at the end too. I'll have to put my foot down this time and say - We are TAKING the ferry out this time!

Sorry about Splash :( My fingers are EXTRA crossed it's a go when we are there. It's not the most thrilling ride but for some strange reason it's my happy place and a trip wouldn't be complete without it.

It was so eerie to be on that boat in complete silence - but it was really nice too. It was like it was MY ferry to the TTC. I enjoyed it very much; I grew up being out on boats, and have many fond memories of the ferry from when I was a kid. That was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

I wasn't giving up on Splash quite yet - I knew I'd have another day to try it out again. DBF LOVES Splash and we sang the song for many months after returning from our trip in 2010.

ZehnJahren

02-01-2012, 07:24 PM

As I walked towards my car on the phone with DBF, I had one thing on my mind - getting to Epcot to enjoy some rides and then hitting the boat at International Gateway to get over and enjoy HS! It was a solo trip and I'd do as I pleased, thank you very much!

Plus, I'd gotten a prime parking spot at TTC; I wasn't going to leave this spot no matter what!!!!

So I chatted with DBF about the phone, the charging issue, the weird "Motorola Services" icon that had shown up as my biggest battery drainer, and opened the trunk to get my portable battery charger.

It wasn't there.

What? I'd packed my trunk-bag carefully the night before, with extra shoes, socks, shirt, jacket, the charger... where's my charger?

I looked through everything I had and finally determined that I'd left the $@#$^#@% charger in the room! I had to leave this spot:

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_07-30-20_82.jpg

... because I'd FORGOTTEN THE !@$@%# CHARGER! How could I forget the charger??! Do you see where I'm parked?

One more time through the bag and everything in it convinced me that yes, it really wasn't in the bag. I had to go back to the resort, and I was very mad!

I got off the phone with DBF since it was dying and headed back to AKL. I was cursing the whole way. But when I got to the temporary parking at AKL, I suddenly realized that I was at DISNEY. There was no room for being irritated or annoyed! Yes, I had to take a little time out of my day, but that was ok. And I relaxed.

I got to my room and plugged the phone into the wall for a bit while I had a snack, used the bathroom, and stepped out to the balcony to sit for a moment. And what did I see?

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_11-21-53_914.jpg

Aw, hi Mr. Giraffe! Good to see ya!

It was now almost 11:30 and I had a date with Epcot. I grabbed my battery this time and headed out the door. Since I wasn't going back to MK today, I planned on parking in the Epcot parking lot, and I made a beeline to my favorite park!

Now that I was actually having to park in a row that wasn't the front row, I wanted to get a picture of where I was parked.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_11-55-56_820.jpg

And

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_11-58-25_596.jpg

I actually have a video of me repeating exactly where I was parked so that I wouldn't get lost trying to find the car at the end of the day. You can then hear the tram guy repeating it as well. I LOVE the tram! :love:

TRAM RIDE!

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_11-58-30_242.jpg

Alright, I'm here! So exciting! I turned to gush to DBF - but then realized he wasn't there. =( I think I texted him instead.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_12-04-50_342.jpg

Beautiful fountain; what a great installation in a wonderful park.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_12-05-26_760.jpg

Here's me being goofy. I was so excited!

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_12-06-14_592.jpg

I couldn't believe it - I'd just left MK and was in Epcot?!? In the 75 degree weather? While all my Chicago friends were freezing their butts off? Yes please!

Well I know what I'm riding first.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_12-09-49_450.jpg

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_12-11-15_12.jpg

It was 12:10 p.m. at this point. I really like SE; another old favorite.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_12-19-05_695.jpg

It was at this point that I felt the most contentment in my entire trip; as the vehicles turned to look at the earth, I felt so lucky, safe, happy, healthy, and lucky - did I mention lucky? I felt like God was being so good to me; I was so grateful to just be here, looking at our beautiful earth on a screen and with nothing but fun times ahead of me for the next few days.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_12-21-58_155.jpg

I had a great walk-on ride on SE, and then laughed at my video. I sent it to DBF - for the only time this trip, they put my photo as BOTH of the people in the video; I looked like some sort of wacky twins.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_12-24-17_669.jpg

Next up: Club Cool, where YES I DID try the Beverly, and on purpose.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_12-39-29_613.jpg

At first sip, I thought "hm, very European, not awful but not too..." and then I don't remember what I thought after that, because that terrible, God-forsaken taste burned itself into my tongue and I lost all coherent thought. I drank some Mezzo Mix to try and dislodge it. It helped - a little.

Alright, moving on.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_12-41-07_638.jpg

One more:

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_12-41-44_823.jpg

I figured I'd head to the IG and head over to HS for awhile; then, I'd finish my day at Epcot.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_12-42-20_628.jpg

I stopped for a wistful glance towards Mexico, and my beloved Gran Fiesta Tour.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_12-44-28_883.jpg

But I somehow managed to pull myself away from my happiest happy place and head towards IG. I wanted to try my first boat ride to HS!

So what was waiting just around the riverbend? That part is coming soon!

Merida

02-01-2012, 10:38 PM

Interesting - as far as I know, our Chick-fil-a still uses peanut oil! (At least, that's what the website says) I can't imagine it tasting the same if they changed from such a light "healthy" oil to canola. I'll have to look into that! But oh man, that Chick-fil-a sauce - - so delicious, but so prohibitively full of fat. Oh how I both love and loathe it. ha!

Hm, ours had a sign up where some things are still peanut oil but the fries were definitely canola. Why must they change things?! (or at least, change things and still not be open on Sundays.)

Um, I pretty sure you did more in two hours than we did in an entire day. (My tr: enter MK, have panic attack, get stalked by characters. Yours: RIDE BLITZ DO ENTIRE MAGIC KINGDOM AND MOST OF EPCOT. Teach me how to Disney!!)

I love the Contemporary so much and do this: :confused: to people who say it's boring. They just don't understand!

But switching the Small World queue totally messes me up. I was all 'but look! There's people! A line!... that is heading away from the boats... huh...' and I was just on it a month ago. :rotfl:

I'm sorry you left your charger! I always forget things like that and thus have back-ups everywhere (also, I always get lost in the AK parking lot - the whole one time I've been there). Schedule deviations can be frustrating! But at least it was a quick fix and Epcot was so close! I probably would've given up and just gone to AK. ;)

I wonder if anyone ever picks 'work' as the thing they're most interested in. 'Yes, I've just payed a bazillion dollars to come on vacation.. let's consider what work will be like at the point in which I have paid off this trip...' Leisure option FTW!!

Were you doing 4 Parks, 1 Day this day? I should go back and check.

ZehnJahren

02-03-2012, 06:55 PM

Hm, ours had a sign up where some things are still peanut oil but the fries were definitely canola. Why must they change things?! (or at least, change things and still not be open on Sundays.)

See, I'm cool with the "no Sundays" thing. I'm glad there's a company that won't capitulate in the face of money, but yet still make plenty. Yes, they could make more by being open on Sundays (and also I could get nuggets), but that would be against what they believe in.

Um, I pretty sure you did more in two hours than we did in an entire day. (My tr: enter MK, have panic attack, get stalked by characters. Yours: RIDE BLITZ DO ENTIRE MAGIC KINGDOM AND MOST OF EPCOT. Teach me how to Disney!!)

I was on a mission. I wanted to do as much as I could on the first day, especially at MK since I didn't know when I'd be back, but I paid for it later. :(

I love the Contemporary so much and do this: :confused: to people who say it's boring. They just don't understand

I really, really loved it. Everything about it. I loved the big open space with the monorail slinking through; I loved being there with my mom; I loved looking down onto Chef Mickey's; I loved the big mural on the wall. I loved the pool, and seeing the lake every morning. CR gets a :thumbsup2 from me!

But switching the Small World queue totally messes me up. I was all 'but look! There's people! A line!... that is heading away from the boats... huh...' and I was just on it a month ago. :rotfl:

I'm sorry you left your charger! I always forget things like that and thus have back-ups everywhere (also, I always get lost in the AK parking lot - the whole one time I've been there). Schedule deviations can be frustrating! But at least it was a quick fix and Epcot was so close! I probably would've given up and just gone to AK. ;)

Everything was so close; it wasn't a big deal to head back to Epcot. Especially since I wanted to finish up my day there, and wanted to take the boat over to HS. Plus, I didn't really go into this trip liking AK very much...

I wonder if anyone ever picks 'work' as the thing they're most interested in. 'Yes, I've just payed a bazillion dollars to come on vacation.. let's consider what work will be like at the point in which I have paid off this trip...' Leisure option FTW!!

Were you doing 4 Parks, 1 Day this day? I should go back and check.

Ha, I picked "health" as the thing I was most interested in; then my little avatar chick took a pill in the video. I didn't choose health again - God knows what they're putting in the pills of the future.

I wasn't doing 4 parks today - I only planned on a short trip to AK regardless, though I guess I could have easily done it if I really wanted to! I LOVED having my own car!

IheartDDuck

02-03-2012, 09:28 PM

I know what you mean about the feeling of absolute contentment on SE. That part just makes you feel like everything is right in the world.

ZehnJahren

02-04-2012, 12:58 PM

I know what you mean about the feeling of absolute contentment on SE. That part just makes you feel like everything is right in the world.

It such a nice feeling so early in the trip. I enjoyed my morning at MK but I was so looking forward to spending more time at Epcot this trip. Riding SE really felt like the start of the trip!!!

ZehnJahren

02-05-2012, 05:45 PM

I was heading out of Epcot to HS, and this time I was going out of International Gateway and heading onto the Friendship Boats!

A note here: I have some stomach issues that cause me to get a GAC. These same issues cause me a lot of trouble when I'm trying to wait in long lines or get on buses, monorails, boats, or just rides, and these issues especially act up when I'm in a new situation. After my last trip in October, which had often been frustrating, I vented to my doctor and he gave me a new medication. I was taking it full-time on this trip, and it was allowing me to do so many new things with so many less issues! So, the Friendship Boats were a big deal for me!

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_12-54-02_308.jpg

I was so excited! The boat was such a comfortable ride, and I was enjoying all the sights!

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_12-56-37_221.jpg

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_13-15-16_669.jpg

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_13-15-19_777.jpg

(One thing I was surprised about was that the boat ride took so long. I expected 20-25 minutes, but I got on the boat at 12:54 and arrived at HS at 1:30. Still, it was VERY nice!)

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_13-24-32_187.jpg

I was sitting on the back of the boat, outside - some kid kept coming and squeezing between me and the side of the boat, even though there was almost no one else sitting with me. He sat up on the back of the boat with his feet on the seat; it was a little scary, since he was right at the edge, and definitely irritating. I think people forget that they still have to parent at WDW.

Next thing I knew, I was in park three of the day!

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_13-26-43_865.jpg

It was 1:26 p.m.; I was heading towards TSMM. Since I had the GAC, I wasn't going to FP it; I was just heading to ride.

But first:

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_13-29-37_936.jpg

Yay! HS!

Up next: a surprise.

wakica

02-05-2012, 07:44 PM

a surprise?!?!? What was it?? lol

IheartDDuck

02-05-2012, 10:09 PM

ZehnJahren

02-06-2012, 09:27 AM

I'm so glad that your new medication helped you to experience some new things on the trip. I love riding the boats. They do take some time though, I agree, so I always make sure that I have ample time when I take them.

I was more irritated at the out of control children than I was with the time spent; but I did expect it to move just a little faster! It was a nice relaxing ride, though, and I really enjoyed it as an alternate to riding the bus or walking from Epcot to HS. It probably took the same amount of time! But I would like to try the walk and see how long that takes.

ZehnJahren

02-11-2012, 06:11 PM

I took way too long off between updates - things have been crazy around here - but I'm going to pick it back up again RIGHT NOW!

ZehnJahren

02-11-2012, 06:49 PM

I was heading to TSMM.

When I got closer, I saw the FPs were all out, but as I headed towards the FP entrance (using my GAC), I saw that one of the CMs at the standby entrance was waving people over from the FPs line, saying "save those FPs for later; the standby line is only 20 minutes! Come through the FP line; save those FPs!" I asked him how long it really was (because i was considering going through the regular line) and he said "20 minutes, and it's the only way to see Mr. Potato Head IN PERSON!"

But I couldn't talk myself into heading that way, so I went through with my GAC and was on within a few minutes.

Here's proof of the short line; it's 1:36 in the afternoon at this time:

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_13-36-07_958.jpg

Never thought I'd see the day. I tried to get another picture of the line:

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_13-36-21_549.jpg

I really truly love this ride! It's so much fun! It always cracks me up when I spin around and end up seeing some other family facing my way and also laughing.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_13-38-46_903.jpg

Here's my first score of the trip:

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_13-44-08_794.jpg

Not too shabby!

Now, I was heading over to ToT. This is a LOT harder to ride when I'm alone; I get very into the creepy aspect and weird myself out, so I figured while my stomach was calm I needed to grab the bull by the horns and get on over there!

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_13-52-53_818.jpg

Hm, not quite creepy enough. Let's try this:

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_13-52-57_326.jpg

Ooooh, creepy.

I got in the FP line and made my way into the building. It was a walk on either way, and before I knew it I was already to the preshow room, with my heart beating in my throat.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_13-56-40_263.jpg

Once I got through the pre-show, there really weren't too many people in the boiler room area. I was weirding myself out pretty good, but once I rounded the first corner in the middle of the room, I heard a CM call out for a single rider. I put my hand up, and they waved me through about 20-30 people right onto the ride.

They put me in a the top row, all the way to the wall. Next to me was a woman and her boyfriend. She was glad to be in the last row, she said, because there were lap bars there.

I couldn't help but say "I'm sorry, what?" She repeated it. "Oh no," I said, "there aren't lap bars. All the restraints are seat belts now."

She went white around the gills. The boyfriend turned a little green.

"You sure?" she said, and laughed a little.

"Yep, seat belts all around," I said cheerfully. The BF asked me if I was sure, and I told him that I was definitely sure (though I DID second-guess myself a little, since they were so bewildered). Right on cue, the CM started reciting the safety spiel. For a second, I thought the couple was going to bolt. They looked right on the edge of leaving, or puking; I couldn't tell which was more likely in the poor lighting of the ToT basement.

"No worries," I said, "the seat belts hold you closer to the seat; you don't go flying up so far in the air."

And right then, the doors opened.

To their credit, they got in and sat down. The man's hand was shaking a little as he clicked the seat belt. They both looked over at me, and I gave them a cheesy thumbs up.

And in the gift shop, I stopped for this picture:

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_14-11-45_317.jpg

This was the shirt I bought for my mom after her inaugural ride on ToT back in October. It made me miss her; I snapped a photo and sent it to her.

I was hungry now; I checked my handy-dandy Mobile Magic app (free! it's FREE!) and looked at reservations that were open in HS. I decided to go try and get into Sci-Fi, as they had a killer-looking turkey sandwich that sounded like JUST what I wanted right now.

And away I went!

IheartDDuck

02-11-2012, 07:34 PM

That poor couple! I have this image in my head of you giving them a cheesy thumbs up. :lmao: :thumbsup2

Never in my life have I see TSM that slow at that time of day. Never.

My sister's princess

02-11-2012, 07:43 PM

I'm joining in!

Sounds like you had such a fantastic trip! You were there right after we left, and the crowds look even lighter!

ZehnJahren

02-11-2012, 08:01 PM

That poor couple! I have this image in my head of you giving them a cheesy thumbs up. :lmao: :thumbsup2

Never in my life have I see TSM that slow at that time of day. Never.

Seriously. I gave them the thumbs up, and then turned my head so they wouldn't see the tears of laughter rolling down my face. They couldn't believe I was riding alone.

As for TSM, it WAS crazy - the line was almost a walk through! I was tempted to go through to see Mr. Potato Head, as I have only been through the line once, and that time it was at opening and I walked right on through - but those line times can be deceiving. I didn't want it to be a 40 minute wait in reality, and have to leave the line.

I'm joining in!

Sounds like you had such a fantastic trip! You were there right after we left, and the crowds look even lighter!

Thank you for joining in!! It was a great trip; I can't wait to go solo again - might be sooner than I think! :)

When were you guys there? The week before? Or over the holiday weekend?

Edited to add: I see you have a TR! On my way over! We even stayed in the same place!

marDgreen88

02-12-2012, 02:56 PM

Hey! For some reason I JUST noticed that you had a TR, and I read through it all! I'm really enjoying your solo adventures! :)

wakica

02-12-2012, 03:24 PM

ZehnJahren

02-12-2012, 05:45 PM

Hey! For some reason I JUST noticed that you had a TR, and I read through it all! I'm really enjoying your solo adventures! :)

Hello! Glad you saw it! Thanks for coming over! I'm going too slow; want to pick it up some! My family has been in an uproar the past few days - looks like I'm going to be planning a Disneyland trip and I've never been before, and it ALSO looks like it's going to be a LOT of family, which we've never done before either! (that's where the uproar is coming in; even though the trip isn't until 2013 for my Ma's milestone birthday)

But I'm going to type up another update right now!

ZehnJahren

02-12-2012, 06:22 PM

I headed over to Sci-fi to see if I could get in as a walk-in diner. I thought if not, I'd head over to the Backlot Commissary for some chicken nuggets, but otherwise I'd seen a turkey sandwich listed on the Sci-Fi menu that had my name written all over it.

I walked in and said "Do you by ANY chance have room for a solo diner sometime soon?"

"Yes indeed," the very friendly CM said. "Are you on the Disney dining plan?" I was surprised and told him no, I was paying out of pocket, and asked "how long of a wait?" I was skeptical.

"About 5 minutes," he smiled. He took my name, but then asked if I was staying onsite and then asked where I was staying. I told him, but wondered - why does that matter? Why was he asking? Oh well, already told him.

I sat down, taking a photo of the front of Sci-Fi. I'd never eaten here before, and I was excited.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_14-23-31_574.jpg

But this was also my first non-counter service meal going solo - I was a bit nervous about this!

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_14-23-50_31.jpg

Within just a couple of minutes, they were calling my name.

I was seated in the back of a six-person car. I ordered (from the menu): Smoked Turkey Sandwich - Smoked turkey, crispy bacon, lettuce and tomato with an Avocado mayo on mulitgrain bread with Black Bean Relish - $12.99. Of course, I changed this all around and ended up with the turkey, bacon, no mayo, and fries.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_14-35-02_293.jpg

The place was empty - this pic was taken at 2:35 in the afternoon.

Everything was going along well, and then the alarm started.

I guess someone hit one of those speakers in the wrong way, because the alarm started going off. It was LOUD. And it kept going, and going, and going... After the first 10 minutes, my head started hurting - and my waiter had not been by at all. I finally looked at my watch and decided that if it didn't stop in 5 minutes I was leaving, with or without my food.

Five minutes passed, and I gathered my stuff, looked around for my waiter one more time. I had to get outta here, I started to slide out of the seat with my purse in hand, and then...

Then they set down my sandwich. Ok, dang it, I can't just ditch this food. So I resign my aching head and ears, and take a bite of the sandwich. Hmm, something's missing in my sandwich - and that's everything but bacon. Let me make this clear: They sat down a plate that contained a sandwich entirely composed of bacon. So now this alarm is going off, I have a bacon sandwich, and I'm getting a headache. This is not the best trip to Sci-Fi.

Shortly after, the alarm stopped blaring; my waiter came by and was quite surprised by my bacon sandwich and it was replaced. The turkey sandwich was delicious and my stomach was very satisfied; the fries were very good and I enjoyed it all.

I left Sci-fi finally and it was raining. I thought about another spin on TSMM or ToT, or maybe a run over to Muppet Vision, but the rain had considerably dropped the temperature. I was diagnosed with a severe sinus infection a week before I came down to Florida (was still taking the antibiotics), so I thought the time for a nap in my dry room had come.

I headed to the bus stop in the rain, which was slowly increasing. I saw the boat for Epcot had a long line, so I knew the bus was for me. At the bus stop, I had a laugh when I saw that this was the only line without a cover - we would all be standing in the rain until a bus came. Oh man.

Finally:

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_15-37-45_652.jpg

I got a seat.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_15-37-54_241.jpg

Alright, back to Epcot, and the car.

marDgreen88

02-12-2012, 10:07 PM

They seriously gave you bread with bacon on it? That's just weird. Glad they corrected it and you were able to enjoy it!

ZehnJahren

02-12-2012, 10:49 PM

They seriously gave you bread with bacon on it? That's just weird. Glad they corrected it and you were able to enjoy it!

Yeah it was pretty weird. They just sat it down and left; and then my waiter didn't come around for awhile, and when he finally did make it over, he was just as flabbergasted as I was! He asked twice "it just has bacon on it?" like he needed to confirm it before he took it off the table in front of me.

I did think about eating the bacon sandwich. I love bacon. But a full-on thick bacon sandwich is a little too much for me.

I DID like the turkey, and the bread. All in all, I was happy with my choice.

nidasbourne

02-12-2012, 10:51 PM

Best places of WDW :-
1. Zoo places
2. Big gardens
3. Big shopping centers

ZehnJahren

02-12-2012, 11:20 PM

After a wonderful and fulfilling nap at AKL, it was time to head back to Epcot for the night. I hadn't ridden one of my all-time favorites, and it was beckoning to me to return and enjoy, and who was I to say no? After all, I was only there for three nights, so vamanos!

When I got out of bed, my legs were VERY tight. I noted it, but put it in the back of my mind. I stretched a little, but I had plans and rides to ride - so there was no time for feeble excuses!

I got a good parking spot, and marked it for my return. It was right after 7 p.m. at this time.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_19-03-17_78.jpg

I actually wasn't parked too far:

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_19-05-18_469.jpg

This was my view as I walked in. I was in heaven at my favorite park.

I hadn't ridden much of anything in Epcot (just a little SE!) so I went right over to TT.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_19-13-54_697.jpg

I went through the single rider line and rode my first time through - I actually was happy to miss the preshow. Pictures of the line from that night:

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_19-15-01_983.jpg

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_19-18-28_783.jpg

I was through and in line for my car in a matter of moments.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_19-25-04_849.jpg

After my ride, which was a lot more fun than I remembered, I decided to run through again - and I got through fast!

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_19-31-32_116.jpg

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_19-33-54_369.jpg

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_19-35-28_252.jpg

Two rides on TT in less than 20 minutes! Score!

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_19-42-00_109.jpg

I thought I'd head towards my old favorite. I saw this on the way through:

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_19-49-02_301.jpg

I figured I'd take a little detour and enjoy a childhood favorite - FIGMENT! My trip with DBF, I had been very very ill on this ride and couldn't remember it - and mom and I had missed it completely on our October trip - so I hadn't ridden it in over a decade.

However, it was shut down for some reason. The guy out front didn't tell me - they just let me walk right up and see for myself. *sigh* So I turned and trudged on.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_19-55-12_331.jpg

Getting closer...

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_20-02-04_377.jpg

Closer.....!!!!

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_20-02-11_520.jpg

ESTUPENDO! The GRAN FIESTA TOUR!

Yes. I admit it. This is one of my favorite rides in all of WDW. I loved it beyond belief when it was El Rio del Tiempo, but I am an old skool lover of the Three Caballeros (would you believe I have "Os Quindins de Yaya" as my phone ringtone??). This ride is bliss for me, and I would spend a lot of time here on my trip. As it was, it had taken me ALL DAY to get on this ride! And so I settled in.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_20-03-41_963.jpg

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_20-06-26_542.jpg

And, of course,

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_20-08-17_892.jpg

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_20-08-43_414.jpg

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_20-08-56_210.jpg

Yay!

Ok, moving on - I haven't been on the Norway ride in many years (probably around 12, to be exact). Let's go see if the line is short, shall we?

It is! I literally walked right on with a family of three in front of me.

I didn't take any photos, because I was enjoying this ride. I really liked it! Very unusual, and different from other rides at WDW.

Next up, back to SE. And why not? The park was closing soon and I love this ride.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_20-55-43_173.jpg

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_20-59-21_756.jpg

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_21-04-19_622.jpg

At this point, the park had changed from open to closed; it was time to head back to AKL. I took a quick walk through the resort, thinking about hitting the hot tub for a bit. It was occupied by a family and honestly, I wasn't interested in sharing. I took some time to take a few pictures of this pretty resort.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_21-44-04_647.jpg

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_21-46-05_386.jpg

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-18_21-49-21_733.jpg

It was now almost 10 p.m. and I planned on an early morning the next day. So I headed to my room, chatted with DBF on the phone, and watched a little Stacey - it didn't take long, and I was dreaming of my second day at Disney - EMH at AK, due to Obama being in town. EE here I come!

There's a calm surrender to the rush of day
When the heat of the rolling world can be turned away
An enchanted moment, and it sees me through....

ZehnJahren

02-13-2012, 08:55 AM

wow. Toy story that quiet that late in the day?? The joys or traveling in the quiet season hey?? And please fill me in on this "See Mr. Potato Head" business b/c I havn't heard of that?? Is it a character that you can visit while waiting in line?? Is it a video to watch while in line?? I'm confused :confused3

We LOVE ToT!!! that's so funny that they were so freaked out. :laughing: it sounds like you really really enjoyed setting them straight too :lmao:
When we took my mom and DH's mom with us we tricked them and told them it was not scary at all - you just go through the mansion and then go up in the elevator and they open the doors and you are up high and get a view of the park. :rotfl2: They went on it and unfortunately I watched dd who was too young to go at that time so i missed seeing them but it was a bit of surprise for them and i just get pleasure now thinking of it. haha. I'm so glad the went on it b/c you just HAVE to experience it - it's such an awesome ride/experience.

We loved SciFi too - the food wasn't the most exciting but we are not huge food people anyway and the shake was GREAT!!! and the environment is so cool!! Can't wait to hear about it.

I missed your comment! Ha, Mr. Potato Head is the giant animatronic in the TSMM line - he's supposed to be really cool, but I only ever saw him while going past at a sprint right after rope drop. Go look him up on youtube; I'd like to see him, but I ain't waiting an hour to do so!

I can't believe you didn't prep your mom and MIL for ToT!! Oh my goodness, my mom would have never spoken to me again! Then again, she was looking forward to the ride being a little crazy, and she really liked it. Didn't they wonder why everyone was screaming and disappearing so quickly out of the door frames / window when they saw the tower from the outside? :laughing:

marDgreen88

02-13-2012, 11:57 AM

danimaroo

02-13-2012, 12:59 PM

SO! I'm finally caught up! Looks like you had a great day one! It is funny how I was sitting here thinking, "okay so if she's there, then we wereeeee... HERE!" I was kind of hoping our days overlapped! But it looks like tomorrow they sure do, as we hit up AK first thing on Thursday morning like you did. We avoided MK like the plague due to Obama that day, same as you!

Now I'm really excited to see how our days are similar in your TR!!! :goodvibes

ZehnJahren

02-13-2012, 01:40 PM

Oh wow, I've never been in the Epcot parking lot so it's a little weird to see Spaceship Earth and a bunch of cars. :laughing:

TEST TRACK BABY! Ah, I wish that was going to be open this summer. :( So cool that you got to ride it back to back like that!

AKL is just gorgeous! I would love to stay there someday! (I say that about pretty much every resort hahaha.)

I remember being in the Epcot parking lot when I was 5 years old and thinking it was the coolest thing ever! The monorail going overhead and the "big golf ball" looming over everything, the trams rushing back and forth, I loved it!

I did get quite a few trips on TT - I could use the single rider line, so I was rushing through every time. It's funny, because I rode it in 2010 and was like "eh"; then mom and I didn't get a chance to ride on our trip in 2011. This time, I was loving it! Wonder what the refurb will do; hope it doesn't change up too much.

SO! I'm finally caught up! Looks like you had a great day one! It is funny how I was sitting here thinking, "okay so if she's there, then we wereeeee... HERE!" I was kind of hoping our days overlapped! But it looks like tomorrow they sure do, as we hit up AK first thing on Thursday morning like you did. We avoided MK like the plague due to Obama that day, same as you!

Now I'm really excited to see how our days are similar in your TR!!! :goodvibes

Ha, I was reading your TR and looking very closely in the backgrounds, just in case. I'll definitely go look closer on that date, since we'll be on a similar time schedule then! All my photos have the exact time and date as their names - so I know exactly when I was where, and how long it took me to get from point A to point B.

I do wish I'd have gone to MK on Thursday, though, after I heard about how low the crowds were. I went Friday to MK, and it was TERRIBLE with crowds!

danimaroo

02-13-2012, 01:43 PM

Ha, I was reading your TR and looking very closely in the backgrounds, just in case. I'll definitely be looking closer tomorrow, since we'll be on a similar time schedule then! All my photos have the exact time and date as their names - so I know exactly when I was where, and how long it took me to get from point A to point B.

I do wish I'd have gone to MK on Thursday, though, after I heard about how low the crowds were. I went Friday to MK, and it was TERRIBLE with crowds!

Haha it's really fun to do! I will laugh if we somehow see each other in a photo though, seriously.

AND I AGREE SO MUCH WITH THURSDAY! Ugh, Friday was the only day where I was so overwhelmed by the crowds in MK that we were NOT having a good time whatsoever, so we left and came back later that night (when we experienced the Splash incident).

Not sure if you caught that day's chapters but we were NOT happy with those crowds. It was just unbearable, and when we figured out it was from Obama and the day before, we were like "Ohhh okay.. time to leave. Bye." :rotfl: But the crowds were way better that night at MK, so that was nice.

wakica

02-13-2012, 02:24 PM

You know, I really don't completely know how we tricked them into falling for it. LOL. Maybe they weren't that observant. They did stay aways away with dd who was like 5 at that time while dh and i rode it so maybe they weren't close enough to see it??

anyway, lucky you to do TT :( We are SSOOOO sad it'll be down for our trip. and thanks for the info on Mr. Potato Head. I'll youtube it when dd is home so we can watch it together.

I'm looking forward to Grand Fiesta Tour b/c last tiime it got shut down RIGHT when we were the second family in line :( and it never reopened before we left so we havn't seen it since it changed.

ZehnJahren

02-13-2012, 09:06 PM

Haha it's really fun to do! I will laugh if we somehow see each other in a photo though, seriously.

AND I AGREE SO MUCH WITH THURSDAY! Ugh, Friday was the only day where I was so overwhelmed by the crowds in MK that we were NOT having a good time whatsoever, so we left and came back later that night (when we experienced the Splash incident).

Not sure if you caught that day's chapters but we were NOT happy with those crowds. It was just unbearable, and when we figured out it was from Obama and the day before, we were like "Ohhh okay.. time to leave. Bye." :rotfl: But the crowds were way better that night at MK, so that was nice.

Ugh, I wouldn't have done well being stuck for that long on a ride. After a half hour, I probably would have gotten out of the boat. Well - I don't know about probably; but I would have been freaking out by that point. I'm not good being "forced" to be somewhere.

Yeah, I saw your MK day. Those crowds were terrible, and it was compounded by something else that was going on - but I'll get to that soon enough. This was my last day - I was leaving at 8 p.m. for Chicago. It was sad that MK was so packed.

You know, I really don't completely know how we tricked them into falling for it. LOL. Maybe they weren't that observant. They did stay aways away with dd who was like 5 at that time while dh and i rode it so maybe they weren't close enough to see it??

anyway, lucky you to do TT :( We are SSOOOO sad it'll be down for our trip. and thanks for the info on Mr. Potato Head. I'll youtube it when dd is home so we can watch it together.

I'm looking forward to Grand Fiesta Tour b/c last tiime it got shut down RIGHT when we were the second family in line :( and it never reopened before we left so we havn't seen it since it changed.

That's so funny - that they weren't observant enough to notice all the screaming people plummeting in the tower! hahaha!

That is sad too that you're going to miss TT. :( I hope this refurb is something special to have it down for so long.

As for the Mexico ride, I really think it was better back as El Rio Del Tiempo - but I also love the new version. I always loved that pavilion best. :love:

katt789

02-14-2012, 02:17 AM

ZehnJahren

02-14-2012, 09:17 AM

Yay another TR!! I've noticed that our trips are always so close in time frame! (In fact, I was at WDW for a quick solo trip Jan 29-Feb 1...also splurging for a deluxe!)
I'm liking what you've got so far! Love the AKL, so jealous! Although I'm staying there with my mom in Sept. I know what you mean about the cell phone pics! This most recent trip I had my iphone with me & some of the pictures turned out WAY better quality than my camera!

Excited to read more!

Ha, that's funny - I'm going in September as well! Don't know yet if I'll be solo for longer or if DBF will come along this time. I want to run the ToT race, but I don't know that DBF will be able to stomach the crowds and the heat. We're still "in discussions" - ha! I have an AP that expires October 8th, so if I didn't go for the race I'd STILL go in September - call me crazy but I miss going to Disney when it's blisteringly hot. That's the Disney I know and love. I can't wait.

AND you'll be at the AKL! I want to rent points and stay at an Epcot resort, but with all this indecision about if I'm going alone or with DBF I feel like it will be too late to get points by the time he makes a decision. If that's the case I might stay off site - I haven't decided yet.

That's nice about the iPhone - I almost went with the 4s instead of the Razr, mostly for the picture quality, but the Razr won me over. The pictures are good - not awesome, but definitely not bad - and the videos are VERY nice; I was so happy only having this one item to carry around.

teekathepony

02-16-2012, 10:29 AM

I missed that you had started this TR! :confused3 However I am here and caught up.
I'm so jealous about AKL!! I'm half thinking of renting points and trying that next time. I'm nervous though. But it just looks soooo worth it!
You got a lot done in a short space of time! I love getting to the parks early and having no lines!

ZehnJahren

02-16-2012, 10:53 AM

A shining new era is tiptoeing nearer.....

It was morning EMH at AKL and I woke up groaning. I hadn't stretched at all last night before bed, and my legs were protesting fiercely. I did a little too-late calf stretching, took my stomach meds and some advil, packed my "just in case" bag, grabbed my jacket (because it was CHILLY out there), and headed to the car. Yes, I drove to AKL.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_08-03-40_995.jpg

Early start! But EMH was already going on, so I was glad that I was so close already. And yes, I was ready to go!

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_08-04-02_59.jpg

Heading in; I do like this sign:

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_08-08-08_701.jpg

My daily pic of where I'm parked:

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_08-13-08_733.jpg

I left AKL at 8:04 and had arrived, parked, and taken this shot of the Unicorn parking lot sign by 8:13. I was making good time! Although, I definitely was noticing that I was missing 15 minutes of good solid EMH already.

Walking in:

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_08-18-47_95.jpg

First view of the Tree of Life. I'd skipped this park with my Ma on the last trip, so I was kind of excited to be here. My legs were still a little wonky, but I hoped all the walking would stretch them out. I stopped here and there to stretch a little, too - couldn't have those babies giving up on me!

I took some time to look around at the beautiful setting of AKL.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_08-21-43_626.jpg

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_08-23-25_9.jpg

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_08-23-29_772.jpg

Such nice colors.

Then I found a Photopass guy and had him photo me here at the Tree.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_08-22-10_232.jpg

Now, it was 8:22 a.m. and EMH time was wasting. Where should I go?

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_08-28-27_632.jpg

Rawr! Dinosaur! DBF hadn't been too impressed on our trip, but I liked it ok so I figured "I'm right here, let's pop on shall we?"

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_08-28-36_290.jpg

This man and boy had been behind me in line, but when I stopped to take a pic of the T-Rex I waved them past me. As it was, there were only about 15 people in this room with us before they let us through to the ride vehicle. I rode in the front row and it was SO MUCH FUN! I really had a good time on this one!

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_08-28-58_186.jpg

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_08-30-31_112.jpg

Why won't you look at me?!?:

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_08-40-00_868.jpg

Got off the ride, walked right back on.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_08-50-48_345.jpg

Still fun! Redneck ride photo here:

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_08-51-27_799.jpg

Look, they moved everyone but me away from the scary dinosaur. I'm all by myself on the dino side! Well!!

Ok, I had to run on ONE more time.

Then, my dino pic.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_08-54-10_613.jpg

Now, the park was about to open to the public. I'd better get over to EE and ride before the line starts building, yes?

On the walk over, I considered riding this one:

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_08-54-57_433.jpg

But I decided I wasn't interested in the spinning.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_08-57-27_393.jpg

Very pretty.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_08-59-29_695.jpg

Hm, that's odd, no coasters are coming down the hill... And, it's 9 a.m.

Aw, it's broken. There had been one run-through of a coaster car this morning and the ride had broken down, so everyone was sent out of the line and they were trying to fix it (and trying to get the car back to retrieve the people off of it!).

While I paced in the gift shop, I heard EE running so I came back out. Sure enough, the line was open. I momentarily questioned the intelligence of getting back on this thing after it had just been down, but it was only momentarily.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_09-06-55_446.jpg

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_09-07-55_779.jpg

Once I got off this excellent ride, I went right back in line.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_09-14-46_49.jpg

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_09-15-03_882.jpg

Aaaaaaaaaand - uno más!

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_09-15-10_62.jpg

This time I was sat next to a foreign man and not on my own as the line was filling up. He didn't speak any english, and I definitely was a little put off by having a stranger up against me on the turns. I didn't really feel like I enjoyed it as much - this was the last ride for me!

Once I got off EE, I decided to stroll over to ITTBAB. I love 3D shows (even the ones with spiders), and it was one of the last things I REALLY wanted to do at AKL, so away I went!

Continued in next post! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44046245&postcount=57)

ZehnJahren

02-16-2012, 10:54 AM

Continued from previous post

I strolled over to ITTBAB, weaving in and out of shops on my way over. I managed to find a few other hidden places and get some pictures.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_09-30-01_539.jpg

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_09-30-17_222.jpg

So much color!

So few people!

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_09-31-26_813.jpg

It was now 9:31 a.m., and I'd ridden Dinosaur 3 times and EE 3 times. Really, that's all I cared to ride, so I was ready to go see ITTBAB and head to my next park.

Another show was starting soon (or so they said), and I headed through the VERY interesting line.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_09-34-45_158.jpg

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_09-35-13_267.jpg

I grabbed my glasses and waited. And waited. And waited.

After about 10 minutes, the place was filling up but there was no sign of a show "starting soon". And very shortly thereafter, we were told there was an issue in the show area and that we would need to leave the line and come back later.

So we all dumped our 3D glasses sadly and left the line. Most of us (me) were mumbling under our breaths. I wanted to see the show, dang it!

Oh well. That was enough for me. I'm outta here.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_09-57-35_126.jpg

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_09-57-45_311.jpg

I was abnormally tired. After getting to my car, I decided to go find something to eat and possibly go back to my room for a quick nap.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_10-39-57_921.jpg

Aw, I love Subway. I grabbed an oven roasted turkey sandwich and then took the back road to AKL. I pulled the blinds, ate every piece of my sandwich and chips, and again (without stretching my poor legs out) fell soundly asleep for an early nap. Up next? Another park!

katt789

02-16-2012, 02:58 PM

Yay for morning EMH!! They are so amazing! I love how much you can do in such little time! That sucks that ITTBAB was down! I personally don't think I'd ever actually be able to go on it!! haha!

danimaroo

02-16-2012, 03:09 PM

I was SO looking for us in the background of your photos at EE! I'm pretty darn sure we were riding EE at the same time you were! So funny.

Yeah, I'm not sure how I'd feel about riding EE with a random person next to me. I can totally do TT and RnRC single rider, but EE would be weird. Then again, it's my favorite attraction and Matt and I like riding it together, so there you go. I had to deal riding single rider RnRC with a kid from a Brazilian tour group... That was fun, especially when the kids couldn't make up their minds on which line to go into. :headache:

ANYWAY! You got a lot done that morning! I am really not a big fan of Dinoland at AK so I basically avoid it like the plague. It just gives me this weird cheap vibe, like carnie land, and doesn't feel Disney to me soooo I don't deal with it. Plus I think Dinosaur would scare the crap out of me. :laughing:

marDgreen88

02-16-2012, 06:08 PM

My sister's princess

02-16-2012, 06:49 PM

Great Update! I love that you park hop, we have never done that, but it sounds like you got to much done!

ZehnJahren

02-16-2012, 07:49 PM

Yay for morning EMH!! They are so amazing! I love how much you can do in such little time! That sucks that ITTBAB was down! I personally don't think I'd ever actually be able to go on it!! haha!

Oh man, you gotta go see ITTBAB! That is, if you like 3D movies at Disney. The line and the waiting area before you go in are SO well done. I was just strolling through the line, looking at everything and enjoying it. But it's a REALLY long line for some reason; I can't imagine the whole line full of people - it would HAVE to be at least a 2 hour wait if that line was full.

I was SO looking for us in the background of your photos at EE! I'm pretty darn sure we were riding EE at the same time you were! So funny.

Yeah, I'm not sure how I'd feel about riding EE with a random person next to me. I can totally do TT and RnRC single rider, but EE would be weird. Then again, it's my favorite attraction and Matt and I like riding it together, so there you go. I had to deal riding single rider RnRC with a kid from a Brazilian tour group... That was fun, especially when the kids couldn't make up their minds on which line to go into. :headache:

ANYWAY! You got a lot done that morning! I am really not a big fan of Dinoland at AK so I basically avoid it like the plague. It just gives me this weird cheap vibe, like carnie land, and doesn't feel Disney to me soooo I don't deal with it. Plus I think Dinosaur would scare the crap out of me. :laughing:

Ha, I really realized I didn't take many pictures of the crowd, only pictures of rides and ride elements (or lines) - I have a ton of videos of the crowds, but not too many pics.

It was pretty odd with the guy next to me; I bet it was a lot of fun to ride with the member of the Brazilian tour group. :headache: I actually told the grouper the first time through the line "I want to sit by myself". I figured I waited in the entire line (I wasn't fastpassing or using the SR line), so I wanted my own row, dang it. But then I went through the whole line two more times without saying anything. LOVE those EMH lines!!!

And, um, no Dinosaur?? I just obtained a healthy love and admiration for this well-done ride on this last trip. I thought it was a lot of fun, and also exciting! Plus, the dinosaurs are REALLY well done; Walt would have been very proud.

ZehnJahren

02-16-2012, 07:53 PM

ANIMAL KINGDOM! Yay. :) Ooof... your poor legs. :(

THREE times in a row on EE? I WANT TO!!! Yeah, I'm usually with an odd number of people, so I've ridden with a random stranger on Everest before. It's a little weird, for sure. I personally feel like I can't hoot and holler as much, and that's part of the fun! Haha oh well.

I think I would have been super upset if I couldn't do it's tough to be a bug. I'm deathly afraid of bugs and insects but I LOVE that show!

Yay for the next park!

It was so awesome to walk on to these rides one after the other! I didn't have a wait at all for 3x on Dinosaur and then 3x on EE, one right after the other, even going through the SB line (unless you count having to wait around in the gift shop for the ride to reopen right at the beginning). EMH are almost the best reason to stay onsite at Disney - I love getting everything done so quickly! That being said, you can also get a LOT done when you arrive at regular park opening in a park that doesn't have the early EMHs that day - but your window is smaller.

I totally agree, too - I felt like I couldn't hoot and holler. I WANT TO HOOT AND HOLLER!

As for ITTBAB, I really, really DID want to see it this trip. I also missed Mickey's Philharmagic and the Muppet 3D show this trip too; that was sad. I'm not sure where I got the bright idea to not go see them.

ZehnJahren

02-16-2012, 07:59 PM

Great Update! I love that you park hop, we have never done that, but it sounds like you got to much done!

Wow, I'm a park-hopping fool. :cool1: I LOVE to hop, mostly because I'm spoiled. I'm totally aware that hopping takes time - but I was really surprised at how short a time it took! My new phone / camera names all new photo files with the exact time and date as the default name - so I can see exactly how long it REALLY took me to go from park to park this trip. And I'll tell you, there were two instances where I made a straight line from one park to the other and did it in about 30 minutes. That's leaving the park, getting to my car, leaving the car lot, going to the other park, parking, and going in in about 30 minutes.

I loved riding HM in the morning, and being on Tot and TT a few hours later. I like changing parks on a whim. :love:

wakica

02-16-2012, 10:09 PM

IheartDDuck

02-16-2012, 10:20 PM

Early magic hours are great for getting things accomplished for sure. It's no surprise that you were able to get on Dinosaur three times and EE three times. How awesome of a morning.

teekathepony

02-17-2012, 07:52 AM

What an awesome AK morning! I love that you did Dino x3 and EE x3! Again, one in the win for EMH!

ZehnJahren

02-17-2012, 09:03 AM

DD didn't care for Dinosaur last trip - she's sensitive to loud noises and bright flashing lights but we are going to try it again and i'm certainly not going to complain that she can't handle those things b/c i will not have to worry about her being in love with rock concerts!!! ROFL:rotfl: Or night clubs for that matter :goodvibes

I can't beleive EE and the BUG show were both down for you!!! how frustrating - at least EE worked quickly. Man - splash was down, EE was down, Bug show was down??? WHAT GIVES :confused3 Did i miss any others?

Ha, well, girls have a way of hating loud noises and bright flashing lights but falling in love with the guy on the loud motorcycle, so don't think you're out of the woods yet. :laughing: I was surprised, honestly, that I liked it so much this trip. The last time I rode it, I felt like it was just ok - I liked the animatronics and the ride vehicle, but kind of just felt "eh" about it. This time I was giggling. And I'm a grown woman.

Yes, I kept running into things that were down! But everything I really loved was up and running all the time, so I couldn't complain. I do wish I'd have gotten to do ITTBAB this trip; this morning was the only AK morning I was doing.

ZehnJahren

02-17-2012, 09:09 AM

Early magic hours are great for getting things accomplished for sure. It's no surprise that you were able to get on Dinosaur three times and EE three times. How awesome of a morning.

Agreed! I thought I was really missing out not getting into the park until 8:15 when it opened at 8, but I still got to super-ride everything I wanted. I haven't even come close to riding everything at AKL - I admit, I've never been on the safari - but I love me some EE and now Dinosaur. :)

What an awesome AK morning! I love that you did Dino x3 and EE x3! Again, one in the win for EMH!

Yep; I'm a convert. EMH is for me!

ZehnJahren

02-17-2012, 08:52 PM

... it's a step in the right direction after all! *sings*

I woke up from my nap refreshed and rested, and.... limping?

My legs were hurting pretty bad. I'm not exactly sure what happened, besides wearing sandals most of yesterday due to the heat. And now, my legs were REALLY starting to complain. I really didn't have time for this, so I popped a few more advil and wandered out to my balcony.

Look! A zebra!

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_13-18-14_740.jpg

Can you see him? Look!

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_13-18-20_593.jpg

According to my pictures, it was now 1:18 p.m. and the day was running through my fingers. It was time to get to a park.

I hopped into the car, and at 1:59 I was sitting on the tram at a park.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_13-59-38_811.jpg

Oh crap, this is the first far away parking spot I had! Quick, a picture of the parking lot so I don't forget where I'm parked!

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_13-59-47_370.jpg

That's not a good picture! Quick, take a video!

So I turned on my video and recited exactly where I was parked. In the video, the guy running the tram repeats it right after I did, so I was good.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_13-59-56_672.jpg

I love the tram; I don't even care when it takes longer. The doors on the tram are interesting, though.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_14-01-46_37.jpg

One more. Ok I'm done.

Exactly where was I?

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_14-07-06_987.jpg

I woke up with a hankerin' to ride some ToT and a little TSMM. Plus, my legs were getting pretty bad for NO REASON, so I thought the smaller park would be nice.

I walked in, then decided I'd go check out TSMM.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_14-12-26_4.jpg

The two women on scooters in the front left of the picture were HILARIOUS. They were clearly good friends, and one was chatting on a cell phone. I felt funny basically taking a picture of them, so I walked behind their scooters to take this pic:

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_14-12-49_646.jpg

I was trying to get an afternoon pic of the crowds, but I ended up overhearing their conversation. They couldn't find their husbands, who were over by Sci-Fi. I finally leaned over and said "maybe I can help you" and proceeded to tell them easily how to get to where their DHs were. They were so sweet and funny; what a great diversion!

I went into the FP line and got a few aerial views of TSMM:

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_14-18-25_274.jpg

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_14-20-52_568.jpg

I hopped on:

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_14-23-18_155.jpg

They never did sit me with anyone else. I was a little surprised.

My score?

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_14-29-43_78.jpg

Decent, right?

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_14-30-21_584.jpg

I strolled across the park towards ToT:

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_14-38-07_191.jpg

First I meandered over here. I don't know if you'll be able to see this photo or not, but I'll include it and see what happens:

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_14-44-57_407.jpg

Never rode this, though I wish I'd have given it a try.

I stopped my quest for ToT and just walked around, taking photos.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_14-49-34_638.jpg

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_14-52-02_968.jpg

Lots of little hidden things in HS.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_15-01-09_292.jpg

You know what? I'm right here; how about one more spin on TSMM?

I got in the FP line, and got a magical red card:

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_15-06-01_359.jpg

And my score:

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_15-14-39_872.jpg

It was now almost 3:30 p.m.; I decided to go ahead and do ToT. I headed over and went through the preshow; I was excited to get back in that wacky elevator (now that I'd ridden it and gained some courage). Little did I know how eventful my next few trips could really be!

Merida

02-17-2012, 10:03 PM

teekathepony

02-18-2012, 07:53 AM

Woo hoo for twice on TSMM!
I can't get enough of that safari view. I am thinking that some day I need to wake up to that.

wakica

02-18-2012, 10:48 AM

ok wait... a magic red card???? I've never heard of those!! What is it????

IheartDDuck

02-18-2012, 12:47 PM

marDgreen88

02-18-2012, 02:38 PM

I SEE THE ZEBRA! I see two, actually! Oh my gosh, Animal Kingdom Lodge is yet another one of my dream resorts.

Those older ladies sound so precious.

Wow, that's awesome that you were able to get on Toy Story Mania so fast!

ZehnJahren

02-18-2012, 09:45 PM

Okay, I have lots to say (because I am woefully late with a lot of it ;))!

I love the Friendship Boats so much but they are SO SLOW. My boyfriend didn't believe that we could walk faster than the boats so we ended up on them a few times until I started power walking past the dock, oblivious to all things besides the bridge (which I was suddenly very interested in seeing...)

Wait, they let you use a GAC at Toy Story? I wasn't allowed to use mine in December. That's so weird.

That's so odd that they DIDN'T let you use it. Just because the ride is popular doesn't mean that they can discriminate people who need assistance to ride it. There was only one time my whole trip where I could have stood in that line. If they "do away with" their current GAC system anytime soon, I would have to give up TSMM.

My feelings on ToT are the same as my feelings on Forbidden Journey in Harry Potter World: Screw the ride, give me twenty minutes to run through the building exploring! It's just so well themed I want to see everything! Even the courtyard would be fine.

Oh no! re: your sandwich. I couldn't decide if it was an awesome mistake or not - if I was really hungry, sucky mistake; if I was just there for something new/chill time, awesome mistake.

I would totally like some free reign in ToT. There is so many interesting little props all over that building!

The sandwich was just funny. I was irritated by the alarm, but how can you stay irritated when someone gives you such an odd lunch? I was hungry, but I had to laugh at the bacon sandwich. I did take a bite. How could ANYONE resist a bite into that sandwich?

Oh, TT. I hope the renos don't change it too much. I wish Disney would be much more straightforward with their big announcements. Maybe someone really likes reading outraged Internet comments?? It shouldn't be THAT hard to come up with a clear description of suggested changes. Or, you know, something more than a vague sentence.

Yes, I don't know how you can have such a major headliner down in the important summer season and NOT say SOMETHING. What the heck are they doing in there??? Inquiring minds want to know.

NORWAY IS THE BEST RIDE EVER (minus ye olden El Rio del Tiempo). Insta-classic. The old rides in EPCOT are the best, but I'm into the whole retro-futurism thing. Also cheesy animatronics and the 80s.

Agreed; old skool Epcot rides were awesome. I know most people didn't like them, but I loved them. It feels kind of empty in an odd way in that park to me with so many rides gone or changed. I walked past the Odyssey building at night while I was there, and I could hear a party going on inside; I felt a wave of nostalgia for the Epcot of the 80s.

Empty early morning AK is the best. It's so nice to be able to see the (outstanding) themeing without fifty zillion other people. Even Dinorama! But not ITTBAB. I would've been cheering if they'd told me it was broken (not that I get within fifty feet of the place anymore).

Did you see any kangaroos in AK? I've read they're there, but they must be mini-kangaroos because I couldn't find them anywhere! And I feel like it would be difficult to hide life-size kangaroos? Unless I'm totally blind (or they're next to ITTBAB in which case I didn't really want to see them anyway).

Yes, I did like the EMH morning at AK. I definitely recommend them now, where before I was like eh whatever.

I did NOT see any kangaroos in AK at all. Actually, I didn't see any animals except Dinosaurs. :laughing: And birds. I kept waiting to be pooped on the whole time I was at WDW.

ZehnJahren

02-18-2012, 09:48 PM

Woo hoo for twice on TSMM!
I can't get enough of that safari view. I am thinking that some day I need to wake up to that.

It was nice. AKL was not somewhere I ever planned on staying - it just didn't look like "My Kind of Resort." Anytime people are rabid over something I tend to shirk back from it - and people are MAD for AKL. But when the person I rented points from told me that AKL was pretty much what was available, I thought "why not?" And I'm glad I did. I don't know if I'll be back anytime soon, but I certainly understand where it gets all the hype.

ok wait... a magic red card???? I've never heard of those!! What is it????

Ha, it's just the card they give you so that they know how long the line is. It was my second one ever; no special anything, just helpin' out the WDW system. :)

ZehnJahren

02-18-2012, 09:58 PM

Argh, that sucks taking a nap to feel better, only to wake up and be stiff. Here you're like "oh, I'm going to be refreshed....d'oh!"

Wow getting on TSM two times that day. Too cool. Gotta love that. Funny that they didn't put you with someone else.

Yeah, I was really starting to hurt, and I could NOT figure out why. I thought the extra time off my feet would help, but slowly I found that nothing helped!

I really expected to ride with someone at LEAST once on TSMM. I really liked the fact that this never happened and I always rode alone. I needed some time alone pretty badly, and riding so many things alone gave me the feeling that I was on a solo trip but still surrounded by plenty of people. This was a refreshing vacation for me and I WILL do it again.

I mentioned to a work friend today that I might go to WDW in September solo - she said she'd be interested in going. I think it would only be her second trip ever, her first being when she was like 7; so that could be fun.

I SEE THE ZEBRA! I see two, actually! Oh my gosh, Animal Kingdom Lodge is yet another one of my dream resorts.

Those older ladies sound so precious.

Wow, that's awesome that you were able to get on Toy Story Mania so fast!

I couldn't believe how inexpensive it was to rent last minute points; I really lucked out with a good DVCer that also needed to get rid of pretty much the EXACT number of points I needed. It was a beautiful resort, and I'd recommend it for at least one stay if you could get points. I find it SO hard to come to terms with Deluxe Hotel pricing at Disney, and love the option of point rental.

The ladies were awesome. It was a nice little side story. :hug: And I try so hard not to take advantage of the GAC with TSMM, since you just go right through the FP line there. It's such a fun ride, it's hard to resist. I am so lucky that GAC exists though; when DBF and I went for my first-time-back-in-ten-years trip back in 2010, I didn't have one and we did have some issues. We couldn't get in line because I couldn't make it, but we got FP from a wonderful, friendly CM standing near the closed down FP stations. Pixie dust! We were glad to get to try it then.

Twoboysnmygirl

02-19-2012, 04:58 AM

Just subbed! I saw your signature over on danimaroo's TR and I'm working on catching up! How fun to go solo, I really think I would LOVE going solo!

ZehnJahren

02-19-2012, 03:57 PM

Just subbed! I saw your signature over on danimaroo's TR and I'm working on catching up! How fun to go solo, I really think I would LOVE going solo!

Hey, thanks for coming over! Nice to have you! I just spent a large portion of my Sunday reading all your updates on your TR and am really enjoying your trip and your pictures!

danimaroo

02-19-2012, 04:29 PM

ZehnJahren

02-19-2012, 04:39 PM

Great update... So nice to be able to do TSMM twice! Those are some pretty darn good scores. I am so intrigued now by your ToT experience, can't wait for the next update.

Also, I loved some of the older people on scooters. I just enjoy seeing older people in the parks in general having a fun time. It kind of warms my heart. :goodvibes

Yeah, ToT got weird on me. I'm about to come back and update now!

I agree 10000% about the seniors on the scooters. It totally made me feel like I'd love to be some old lady on my scooter in HS with my best friend and our husbands when I'm 80. :)

Twoboysnmygirl

02-19-2012, 08:52 PM

204charity

02-19-2012, 10:26 PM

subbing! I just spent the last hour and a half reading both of your TR's! Lol! Love the surprise for your mom last trip, and a solo trip to DW sounds Heavenly! But with two young kids and a husband, that won't be happening anytime soon in my future!

ZehnJahren

02-20-2012, 02:14 PM

(I forgot to mention in my last update that I'd stopped by the front desk at AKL to inquire about how difficult it would be to get to MK. I kind of wanted to go there instead. They assured me that the security around MK was very think at that time and it wouldn't be very smart to head to the MK at all today. I was disappointed; but I figured I'd wait until tomorrow to go. As a foreshadowing - I should never have listened. :( )

Carrying on...

I was over at ToT and there was really no line until you reached the basement. I walked through quickly and headed all the way left, even taking the farthest branch of the line. There was a man behind me working very, very hard to convince his little daughter that this was not a scary ride. She couldn't have been 4 years old. He was telling her in great detail how they "wanted to make you feel like it was scary, but it wasn't" and was explaining some of the details of the ride. It was ADORABLE.

He stopped for moment to tap me on the shoulder and ask about my phone. He noticed me surfing the web on it and was impressed by the display. We chatted for a bit, but we weren't moving at ALL. None of the elevators were. Hm, not 100% sure what the hold up is, here! Let's look alive, people!

We continued to stand and wait, so I took a few pictures.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_15-43-17_297.jpg

Um, that kid on the right by the lady on the scooter looks kinda freaky. But the lady looks normal, she just looks like a regular ....

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_15-43-34_664.jpg

ZOMG! What is wrong with these people??? Are they possessed? Freaky.

Believe it or not, there was an empty seat open on this load and they called out those words I love to hear - "Single rider? I need a single rider please!"

That would be me! I excused myself from the conversation with the Dad and Mom behind me, went up to the front, and stood in my space. And stood. And then, they moved us all to ANOTHER elevator, and we waited. I was getting a little apprehensive about getting on this ride if it was so recently broken down! But soon enough, the doors were opening and I was committed.

After an uneventful ride (except for those multiple drops and rises, of course), I went through the line again. It was very short and I was back in line in the basement area right away.

I walked through the line and heard my beloved words again: "Single rider? Any single riders?" Up went my hand, and I went straight through the line and onto the loading platform.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_15-46-39_441.jpg

This time, the ride went smoothly - no weird photos with people looking possessed. I had a nice drop sequence, and since I figured (correctly) that the line was still short, I went back into the tower immediately.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_15-59-55_689.jpg

This time, I AGAIN was called up as a single rider (clearly, I was the only single rider in all of ToT all day, and they were starting to recognize me since I'd been on a few times that day). They put me in line with a very nice but very non-English-speaking family. There were several of them, and I was placed against the wall in the second row. The man sitting next to me was a large Spanish-speaking man who was quite clearly nervous. I used to speak Spanish fairly well, but now my German gets in the way - however, I can still understand it often when I hear it. The man sitting next to me was VERY NERVOUS.

Once we loaded, I was pretty much smooshed against the wall - because, as I said, this was a pretty large guy. He kept talking rapidly to his family, and then looking at me and smiling while his face got whiter and whiter. "Ready," he said to me and smiled, but I could see his hand shaking. I was trying not to laugh and just said "vamanos" with my now-patented cheesy ToT grin and thumbs-up, to which he laughed and laughed.

We got up in the tower and he kept swearing under his breath; I glanced over, and he had a layer of sweat on his forehead. He was being quiet, but it was getting funnier the more nervous he got. I let him grab the handle between us, because I figured I was fine and didn't need it while he certainly did. But once we got in the elevator shaft, he just reached right on over and grasped my upper arm and started hollering like a schoolgirl who just ran into Justin Bieber in the hallway. He hooted and shrieked; and the whole time he kept TRYING to let go of my arm and then would just grab me again every time we plunged down - I started laughing so hard I couldn't get it together.

We finally came to a stop. He looked at me a little sheepishly, let go of my arm, let out a barking laugh, and hightailed it out of that crazy elevator without looking back. I laughed for about 20 minutes on that one.

Alright, I was done with the tower for a bit. I didn't know where I was going, but my legs were starting to hurt so bad that it was slowing me down. I made my way down the street, then stopped to observe the crowds leaving Beauty and the Beast.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_16-32-22_993.jpg

With as bad as I was hurting, I thought I should go back and put my feet up for awhile. This wouldn't be a bad opportunity to stop by and try the QS at AKL, so I slowly started making my way out of HS. But of course, I had to weave through the stores.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_16-35-22_889.jpg

I was "the little mermaid" (Marietta) in a play I was in while studying in Germany, so I love Ariel. I had to stop for this photo. It was a bank; I kind of wish I'd have bought it.

Also, this hat CRACKED me up. I kind of wanted it:

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_16-39-40_27.jpg

It was almost 5 p.m. as I made my way out of HS.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_16-45-41_638.jpg

Due to Obama's visit, Epcot was having EMH tonight and I really wanted to see Illuminations. So I headed to the tram (because I was really getting to a point where I could barely walk at this point) and jumped on.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_16-47-57_266.jpg

I made it back to the car by 5 p.m. and made a beeline for Mara at AKL.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_17-20-00_584.jpg

I ordered the pepperoni flatbread, even though I figured my stomach wouldn't handle it very well. OMG it was DELICIOUS.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_17-22-15_231.jpg

It was 5:30; I wanted to head to Epcot between 7 and 8 so I went up to the room, iced my aching shins, and put my feet up. It was going to be a late night!

ZehnJahren

02-20-2012, 02:31 PM

Wow! What a full first day you had! 3 parks! Empty MK looked so great.

I cannot believe you were given a bacon sandwich and the alarm was going off. Did they explain or apologize at all?

EE THREE times! That's awesome!

Sorry your legs were hurting, I hope it didn't get too bad. I was in some severe pain on my trip as well, I have a running injury on top of just normal disney walking pain. How funny that we go to a place that causes us physical pain. That's LOVE right there. LOL

Your link in your TOC isn't working for chapter 12, I read it, but wanted you to know it wasn't working!

Can't wait to hear more!

It was a very full trip - I was determined to get everything done, regardless of pain or personal limitations! :laughing: We're in DISNEY; pain is not an option. :banana:

As for the bacon sandwich, I think it was such an oddity that everyone just kind of glossed over it. After all, who would believe it? A bacon sandwich.

My legs got worse; it's funny, because I like to run and I do run, but as much mileage as I get in is never as much as Disney. I will always hurt. Fortunately, I don't blister! That sucks that you have to deal with a running injury on top of "disney injury." The things you do for love. ha!

Thanks for letting me know about the link! Not sure where I went wrong there.

subbing! I just spent the last hour and a half reading both of your TR's! Lol! Love the surprise for your mom last trip, and a solo trip to DW sounds Heavenly! But with two young kids and a husband, that won't be happening anytime soon in my future!

Thanks so much! Ma and I had a great great time and are planning our very first trip to DisneyLAND for her 60th birthday in July of 2013. It's very quickly becoming a very large family trip, and I'll be doing all the planning because it's what I do. :) I'm also planning a trip to the World in September, hopefully to run the ToT race but if not I'm still going. Whether it will be solo, with DBF, or with a friend from work I don't know - but I have that AP and it keeps hollering at me for MORE TRIPS MORE TRIPS. I just have to oblige.

I like writing the TRs because I like to go back and read them. It's a lot more fun when people join in and read them too; thanks for coming over! I also love it when I see the people reading my TR that have TRs of their own; I always go read them. It's so much fun to see people's trips, I think!

marDgreen88

02-20-2012, 03:44 PM

Hahahaha oh my goodness. That Spanish man. That's hilarious!

That flatbread really does look good!

204charity

02-20-2012, 11:12 PM

Lol well, so far I've only got a PTR happening, not sure I'll do a TR, just have to see how well I document the trip I guess.

teekathepony

02-21-2012, 07:01 AM

Ahahaha omg, that guy on ToT! That was me on that ride, only luckily I was next to my DH so I was grabbing his arm.
Hope your legs shape up! Can't wait for Epcot EMH <3

ZehnJahren

02-21-2012, 09:33 AM

Hahahaha oh my goodness. That Spanish man. That's hilarious!

That flatbread really does look good!

I couldn't even concentrate on the ride at all; he had the grip of death on my left arm. I just stopped paying attention to the ride and laughed for most of it.

Lol well, so far I've only got a PTR happening, not sure I'll do a TR, just have to see how well I document the trip I guess.

You know, I only partially document the trip - the rest I just take a ton of pictures and let the time stamp help me remember. If something funny happens, I'll write it down at the end of the day, but otherwise, my phone names the pictures you take with the date and time, so I have a pretty good thing going.

Ahahaha omg, that guy on ToT! That was me on that ride, only luckily I was next to my DH so I was grabbing his arm.
Hope your legs shape up! Can't wait for Epcot EMH <3

He was holding on to me so hard that he left red marks on my arm. You just gotta laugh at something like that - this big, burly, mustached man was TERRIFIED.

This night at Epcot was quite possibly my most favorite night at any park in WDW in my entire life - and I've been on a lot of trips. I can't wait to get into the story of it! Stay tuned!

danimaroo

02-21-2012, 12:24 PM

ZehnJahren

02-22-2012, 07:07 PM

Ummm that kid does look possessed in that first photo! Hahaha.

HAHAHA I just laughed OUT LOUD in the middle of work at your ToT experience with this random man holding onto you! I would've DIED and between my screams also would've been laughing and laughing. Oh my word, that is TOO funny. :rotfl:

That Dumbo hat looks fabulous! Haha, I thought that one was cute when I saw it, too!

That flatbread looks AMAZING. I want to eat it right now. Even at 10:24am. AHHH!

We did EMH at HS this night! So we were right nearby! :goodvibes

They BOTH look nuts. I was showing DBF when I got home and even he looked at it a few times and made a face! I wish I could have gotten a pic or video of our Spanish Friend; hysterical!

I kinda wish I"d have bought the Dumbo hat and worn it around. It was a fun day, after all - why not be Goofy? er, Dumbo, I mean.

ZehnJahren

02-22-2012, 07:36 PM

Ah, EMH at Epcot.

A truly wonderful thing.

I didn't nap in my room; I had only sat with my feet up and icing my aching shins in the hope that I'd be good to go for EMH.

I was not.

I was limping and gritting my teeth; the pain in my legs was comparable to salsa dancing on razor blades. But this was my last night already and I was committed to my old favorite park, so I got in the car and headed over, a little sad that I would be leaving tomorrow night.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_19-11-32_148.jpg

I pulled into Epcot and parked.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_19-21-52_808.jpg

It was 7:20, and the park closed at midnight. I knew I wouldn't be back tomorrow - I was planning on MK all day - so I was going to make the most of my night.

I headed for the park.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_19-27-26_141.jpg

I loved to see Spaceship Earth just peeking out at me. I always look at the ball and think - wow, that's a ride building. It's huge! And you can walk all the way around it! Are there any other big rides in a single building that you can walk all the way around at Disney? I can't think of any right now. I hope Disney considers a refurb of this ride in the future - but I have a feeling it won't see any changes for awhile. I love it, but there's so much more that could be done.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_19-34-48_68.jpg

I passed up Spaceship Earth and looked at the board. Wow, nice line times! What to do first?

I decided on a ride, and headed that direction. But since I was limping - badly - I took my time getting to Figment.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_19-35-01_346.jpg

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_19-37-49_282.jpg

I'll tell you, I really never noticed how dark Epcot can be! I got a little apprehensive walking over, because I kept walking into very dark areas that had one or two people sitting in them.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_19-37-58_817.jpg

I was glad to jump on Journey into Imagination. I know it's not very good, but it's a ride and it's cute. Cute-ish. Who am I kidding - where's my Figment of 1986??? *weeps in anguish*

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_19-40-25_480.jpg

I was trying to get a goofy pic to send to DBF stuck in the midwest. Here's what I got:

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_19-41-15_479.jpg

I'm supposed to look enthralled. Do I?

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_19-43-22_104.jpg

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_19-47-41_193.jpg

Now I was on a mission to take pictures of myself and send them to DBF. I got this one:

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_19-55-37_773.jpg

...on my way to my next ride, and this one:

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_20-04-51_847.jpg

... ON the next ride. That's right!! EL GRAN FIESTA TOUR!

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_20-04-58_612.jpg

Panchito!

Ok, done with dumb self-portraits, I settled in to enjoy this underestimated ride.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_20-07-56_481.jpg

Look out Donald!:

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_20-08-52_729.jpg

I jumped off and walked right back through and got on the next boat. Yay! Dos trips on GFT!

I found a hidden Mickey, but it wasn't hidden TOO well. I bet most people don't notice it, though. I got a bad angle.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_20-11-13_317.jpg

I got off the ride and decided no más, I needed to keep moving. I read in a TR here that there's a nice spot to view Illuminations in, and I wanted to make it over there eventually. By this time, I was limping BAD and starting to think about the fact that I might not be able to get out of the park without medical assistance. Oh well, pushing on. I made it to Norway and sat down for a rest.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_20-25-21_676.jpg

I limped through Norway. When I got to China, I couldn't hardly look through the stores - I sat down again. I like to go talk to the people in the Germany pavilion about Germany and see if any are from the city I lived in while on an exchange program. After wandering through the store, I sat down for a bit to ease my aching legs.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_20-29-33_268.jpg

I had reached Italy, and I HAD to stop walking.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_20-32-49_979.jpg

I still had 20 minutes until Illuminations but I couldn't go one more step. I saw a small arched bridge where there was a gathering of people and a rope set up - it appeared to be for a wedding. I walked to the other side of the bridge; it wasn't roped off, and the steps were wide. I sat down and snacked on a granola bar while I waited for the fireworks to begin! I had gone the distance....

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_20-36-48_492.jpg

204charity

02-22-2012, 09:55 PM

Oh you poor girl! Too much walking for you! Any idea how many hours of walking you actually had one by his point? :S

IheartDDuck

02-22-2012, 10:14 PM

Okay, all those people in that ToT picture really did look possessed! Freaky dude, freaky.

Love all of the self portraits at Epcot. And I agree with you. I sob in anguish over my original Figment. It's so sad. I watch my old video when I get sad (my mom taped it once). :sad1:

Merida

02-22-2012, 11:23 PM

That's so odd that they DIDN'T let you use it. Just because the ride is popular doesn't mean that they can discriminate people who need assistance to ride it. There was only one time my whole trip where I could have stood in that line. If they "do away with" their current GAC system anytime soon, I would have to give up TSMM.

Yeah, I was told that it wasn't accepted because people in wheelchairs could just go through the line? TSMM was crazy busy all day (even during the 6ish Fantasmic/Osbourne Lights show!) so I think they were just kind of flustered about the whole situation. We had gotten bad info about TSMM all day so we weren't expecting them to do anything with the GAC. :rolleyes:

Yes, I don't know how you can have such a major headliner down in the important summer season and NOT say SOMETHING. What the heck are they doing in there??? Inquiring minds want to know.

I knooow. I'm guessing it's something like the new Cars ride at Disneyland but I'm really tired of having to guess about decisions at the parks. But that doesn't seem like a big enough change to necessitate a summer shut-down? I'd think you'd have to be desperate (safety issues? Or mind-blowing new ideas?) to close TT during a peak season! Make at least one change easy and stress-free please!

I would totally like some free reign in ToT. There is so many interesting little props all over that building!

Even enough time to see all the Twilight Zone references! How do people manage to spot them in the .4 seconds you have to look around?!

I like the dropping part of ToT but have yet to actually open my eyes to see all the little cut scenes in there. I'm not sure why that's so much scarier! :lmao:

Where did you study in Germany? I did a program in Braunschweig (next to the Jaeger factory ;)). Unless I asked you already? I feel like I discuss this with many people!

I looove Spaceship Earth. But if a refurb means more video screens, they can leave it for a few more years. I think that, for some anniversary or something, they should 'refurb' everything back to "original"/retro versions. idk, in my head it sounds like a neat promotion and tons of the old props (or at least pictures!) have to be floating around waiting to be used.

I get lost in Epcot at night. There's way too many side paths that lead to, like, a hedge. They definitely need to put in a few more lights back by the Imagination pavilion.

YAY MEXICO. The video screens seemed much less intrusive this time around for some reason? Maybe they just turned down the volume or something. We were in the front of the boat all the (many) times we rode it, so maybe we just didn't have speakers near us. The Donald pinata is probably my favorite vignette in the ride. It's too cute!

teekathepony

02-23-2012, 07:11 AM

Ouch, sounds like a rough go!
I had to wander around Epcot once to find the first aid building by myself. It IS dark there! Haha, I kept spooking myself.
I've never seen the original Figment. I wish I did because I really hate the new one!

ZehnJahren

02-23-2012, 09:49 AM

Oh you poor girl! Too much walking for you! Any idea how many hours of walking you actually had one by his point? :S

No idea - but it had been a LOT. And on the first day, I was not only in sandals but skipping around like a 3 year old. Also, the tennis shoes I brought were a big mistake; they were my recently-retired running shoes, which I had conveniently forgotten were retired because THEY WERE HURTING MY SHINS.

Okay, all those people in that ToT picture really did look possessed! Freaky dude, freaky.

Love all of the self portraits at Epcot. And I agree with you. I sob in anguish over my original Figment. It's so sad. I watch my old video when I get sad (my mom taped it once). :sad1:

Oh, I would love to see that. I went online and found the original "El Rio del Tiempo" and watched that - and just now found an original Figment ride-through on YouTube! Thanks for the inspiration; I'm gonna have to go watch it!

Ouch, sounds like a rough go!
I had to wander around Epcot once to find the first aid building by myself. It IS dark there! Haha, I kept spooking myself.
I've never seen the original Figment. I wish I did because I really hate the new one!

Ha, I kept spooking myself too! Even between the countries, it can be pitch black! I kept clutching my purse to me like I was on a Roman bus, thinking at any moment a pickpocket was gonna snatch it. Still, it's very beautiful at night there - but alone, it can be a little scary.

Go on YouTube and search for "Journey Into Imagination with Figment Original" - I just did because of IHeartDDuck and found the original ride through! (Although, I must keep in mind while I watch this that I was very, very young when I rode this ride and that might be the reason I loved it - not because it was a good ride, but because I was just a wee child.)

ZehnJahren

02-23-2012, 10:08 AM

Yeah, I was told that it wasn't accepted because people in wheelchairs could just go through the line? TSMM was crazy busy all day (even during the 6ish Fantasmic/Osbourne Lights show!) so I think they were just kind of flustered about the whole situation. We had gotten bad info about TSMM all day so we weren't expecting them to do anything with the GAC. :rolleyes:

Interesting! I would have said "I don't know if you can see this, but I'm not in a wheelchair. And I can't wait in that line, otherwise I would." I think I wouldn't have done well if they'd have said something to me. Now, if I rode once and then immediately tried to get back on, I can see them saying they can't do that right now and asking me to come back. But I would have had to say something if they wouldn't even let me go on once.

Where did you study in Germany? I did a program in Braunschweig (next to the Jaeger factory ;)). Unless I asked you already? I feel like I discuss this with many people!

No, we didn't discuss it - I lived in Bonn and went to Uni Bonn while there. I loved it, and can't wait to go back. My German friend and I are currently "collecting" food to send to the other person - I've got Oreo No-Bake cheesecake and Oreo pudding, twinkies, and pop tarts for her. For me, she's getting my favorite Blut-orang Ritter Sport and my beloved Brause-baerchen. I can't wait!!

I looove Spaceship Earth. But if a refurb means more video screens, they can leave it for a few more years. I think that, for some anniversary or something, they should 'refurb' everything back to "original"/retro versions. idk, in my head it sounds like a neat promotion and tons of the old props (or at least pictures!) have to be floating around waiting to be used.

Egh, they'll never go back. It takes them a month to make a minor change; it would take a year to refurb back to the "good" ride. :)

YAY MEXICO. The video screens seemed much less intrusive this time around for some reason? Maybe they just turned down the volume or something. We were in the front of the boat all the (many) times we rode it, so maybe we just didn't have speakers near us. The Donald pinata is probably my favorite vignette in the ride. It's too cute!

I do miss El Rio del Tiempo, but I always really loved the Mexico pavilion and have ALWAYS loved the Three Caballeros. I read a website where they talked about the refurb and the story about the new ride - really good read.

marDgreen88

02-23-2012, 11:57 AM

wakica

02-23-2012, 12:27 PM

:laughing: loved the possessed people shots!! I showed it to dd and we both chuckled. She totally agreed it's pretty freaky - especially how you caught one and then the other. :rotfl:
and wow the bonus of ToT single rider hey??? That's GREAT!!!

So sorry about your legs :( I could totally feel your pain as you were explaining it and i had to cringe a few times! I always used to get bad shin splints if I walked for long periods of tiime and i KNOW how AWEFULLY painful it is to try and walk lots when dealing with the stiffness :scared1: I finally found a pair of good runners and have not had them since but i worry about the parks b/c I don't really care to wear them in the parks - i prefer crocs where my feet can breathe. Maybe I'll have to just suck it up and do the runners the first few days til my legs get adjusted to all the walking at least. Maybe I'l'l throw a pair of really thin flip flops in my park bag to give my feet a breather here and there. and i was wondering how much walking you did too - LOTS I'm sure but it's motivated me to go and put my pedometer in my Disney Box right now so I can track ours when we go :thumbsup2

ZehnJahren

02-26-2012, 01:31 PM

I'm so sorry about your legs. Not being able to walk in Disney KINDA puts a big damper on things, not to mention, OUCH. :( Do you know what the cause was? I can't remember if you mentioned that already, sorry. Hope you were able to enjoy IllumiNations, it's such a great show.

I don't know what happened to my legs - it felt like shin splints, but I never went to a doctor - I just stayed off my feet for a couple of days when I came home. I was limping around for a couple of days after I returned.

I did very much enjoy Illuminations;there was so much of it I didn't remember, so it was like watching for the first time. I got some great photos.

:laughing: loved the possessed people shots!! I showed it to dd and we both chuckled. She totally agreed it's pretty freaky - especially how you caught one and then the other. :rotfl:
and wow the bonus of ToT single rider hey??? That's GREAT!!!

So sorry about your legs :( I could totally feel your pain as you were explaining it and i had to cringe a few times! I always used to get bad shin splints if I walked for long periods of tiime and i KNOW how AWEFULLY painful it is to try and walk lots when dealing with the stiffness :scared1: I finally found a pair of good runners and have not had them since but i worry about the parks b/c I don't really care to wear them in the parks - i prefer crocs where my feet can breathe. Maybe I'll have to just suck it up and do the runners the first few days til my legs get adjusted to all the walking at least. Maybe I'l'l throw a pair of really thin flip flops in my park bag to give my feet a breather here and there. and i was wondering how much walking you did too - LOTS I'm sure but it's motivated me to go and put my pedometer in my Disney Box right now so I can track ours when we go :thumbsup2

Yes, I had the best single-rider luck at ToT. I think every single time I went in, I was called forward. Once, there were at least 40 people in front of me but they were all in groups of two or more.

I took my running shoes to Disney on our 2010 trip and it saved my feet for certain - I don't have good luck on my first day at Disney. In 2010, I wore inserts for the FIRST TIME on my FIRST DAY and was in a lot of pain, but my running shoes made everything all better.

I took those same shoes this time, because they were very newly retired. It was a dumb idea; I really need a pair of walking shoes, since my running shoes are for runs only. In Epcot on this night, I kept trying to walk how I run - hitting the middle of my foot when I took steps, hoping for the proper cushion - but it didn't work. :( But this was still one of my most favorite nights ever spent in Epcot, and the pain didn't matter in the long run!

ZehnJahren

02-27-2012, 11:44 PM

I had made it to Italy and sat down. There were people walking over the bridge pretty regularly, coming form the bridal party, but I just ignored them and relaxed. I had a granola bar with me, so I chewed on that as I considered how the heck I was going to make it until midnight for all the EMHs - I was in severe pain.

All the pain disappeared when I sat down, though, so that made it manageable to me.

Once they gave the 5 minute warning for Illuminations, I stood up. There were two girls standing to the right of me, taking 100 pictures of themselves. I finally asked them if I could take a pic for them; turns out they were on the CP and were "just having fun". They'd worked all day and came over for Illuminations. They were very nice, and we chatted until...

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_21-01-45_225.jpg

Illuminations!

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_21-02-10_436.jpg

WOW!

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_21-02-55_268.jpg

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_21-03-03_383.jpg

I got video too - I had totally forgotten about the planet Earth coming out to the middle of the lagoon - i thought it started out there. I was completely bound by the show.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_21-07-38_533.jpg

Everybody oooh'd and aaaah'd - I went along with them. Really, Illuminations is something else.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_21-09-41_126.jpg

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_21-09-44_928.jpg

Pure imagination. I loved it all.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_21-09-54_79.jpg

But then...

I happened to glance behind me, and a woman was lying on the bridge. She was surrounded by paramedics, one with a stretcher and oxygen tank. They had a flashlight on her face, but from her angle I couldn't tell what was going on. I couldn't really see anything wrong with her, and she appeared coherent.

I kept glancing back and forth, as I'm very nosy. Every time I looked, she was laying on her back and talking to the paramedics.

The finale!

And finally, after so much going on for so long .. . calm:

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_21-21-55_505.jpg

I was exhausted. The paramedics by the collapsed woman packed up and left her right after the show was over; she sat up, and perched on the stairs for awhile, and when I turned away to enjoy the breeze, she disappeared.

The mass exodus from the park had begun. The crowds ebbed and flowed; I limped my way towards Mexico, stopping every 15 yards or so to sit and relax my aching legs. This gave me the added benefit of watching the crowds file out; I got to see the tired masses making their way of out of the World Showcase. I was physically beat, so where should I go? What could soothe my pain? Where would welcome me?

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_20-07-45_229.jpg

That's right, my friend.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_21-54-11_558.jpg

Here's a little better view of the hidden Mickey from earlier.

I rode again.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_21-56-18_677.jpg

I rode again.

No pictures this time?

I limped back to the front of the ride and gazed longingly at the pyramid in the distance. It's silly to ride again, right? I mean, I love this ride but it's silly to ride it again... right? Yes. I mean, I just rode it three times, and it's after 9, and I need to limp my way to FW and I'm hurting and... well, it's just plain stupid to ride again.

Right?

The CM at the front of the ride looked at me expectantly, and I just threw up my arms and looked at him. "Uno más," I said, and he agreed; I got my butt back on my now-favorite ride and enjoyed one more round.

I wanted to ride Soarin', I wanted to ride Mission: Space, I wanted to catch TT one more time. But my legs absolutely refused, and I saw that it was time to limp on back to AKL.

I stopped to take a picture while I was sitting down.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_22-01-31_62.jpg

And then, I stopped to take some pictures - because I was solo, and no one would tell me not to.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_22-12-02_696.jpg

Love you, SE.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_22-12-10_234.jpg

I saw the line for SE, and I had to get on. How could I resist?

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_22-13-24_306.jpg

I sat in the ride, but I felt a mounting anxiety due to how bad my legs hurt. By the time we'd turned around and "returned to Earth," I was almost hyperventilating. I was in agony; I had to leave.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-19_22-32-31_973.jpg

Once I got to the car, I jumped in and headed STRAIGHT to Walgreens. I grabbed some Ben Gay and headed out. Oddly, it was almost 11 and there was still a line!

When I got to the car, it finally registered that someone had scraped me. I saw it at Epcot, but I was so tired and in so much pain that I barely noticed. DBF told me to grab some fingernail polish removal and a cloth; I did and wiped away the smudges. Thanks, DBF!

Now, back to AKL to pack up. Tomorrow morning I needed to check out at 11 a.m. and head to MK, and here I could barely walk. Tomorrow would be a fun day! For now, I loaded up on the advil, packed, and cleaned the room.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-20_01-02-05_178.jpg

I finished packing after 1 a.m., but I wasn't too concerned. I was going to sleep in tomorrow; I wasn't setting an alarm, as I was going to sleep as long as I could and hopefully "fix" my legs for my last day at MK.

teekathepony

02-28-2012, 06:50 AM

Ahhhh I love Illuminations!
Wonder what happened to the poor woman who was surrounded by paramedics. :/
Hope your legs heal up for your last day at MK!!

Corrine 1973

02-28-2012, 09:10 AM

ZehnJahren

02-28-2012, 09:16 AM

Ahhhh I love Illuminations!
Wonder what happened to the poor woman who was surrounded by paramedics. :/
Hope your legs heal up for your last day at MK!!

I thought maybe she slipped, but I couldn't tell for certain. She was laying at an odd angle and was just far enough away that I couldn't see her very well in the dark - the only reason I saw her at all was because those guys had the flashlight in her face! But she walked off on her own; she didn't need the stretcher they brought. However, if they brought a stretcher in the first place they must have thought it was pretty serious!

The next day would get interesting - because I checked out at 11 but didn't need to be at the airport for my flight until 6. There was also a snowstorm going on in Chicago, my destination airport. I've been putting off writing about this day specifically because it is so dramatic. But I'll have to go into it soon enough; it's all that's left! :(

204charity

02-28-2012, 02:03 PM

I gotta say that reading about how badly your legs hurt is making MINE hurt! Do you always have problems with them, or was this just from walking in bad shoes? Poor girl.....I feel bad for you. :(

ZehnJahren

02-28-2012, 04:58 PM

I gotta say that reading about how badly your legs hurt is making MINE hurt! Do you always have problems with them, or was this just from walking in bad shoes? Poor girl.....I feel bad for you. :(

Honestly, I'm not 100% sure what happened. All I can figure is that I walked too much in bad shoes, and since I was traveling with only a carry on I didn't have room to pack other options. Once I got home and off my feet for a few days, I was back to perfect; it was REALLY BAD while there, though, and the next day was the pinnacle of frustration.

ZehnJahren

02-28-2012, 05:26 PM

I woke up early the next morning, even though I hadn't set my alarm. I looked at the clock, but made myself stay in bed another full hour - finally, I rolled out of bed at 10 a.m. and got my stuff together.

My legs felt like broken toothpicks; my lower legs actually felt like they were broken, and I thought if I had been staying tonight as well I would have had to rent an ECV. As it was, my flight left MCO at 8 p.m.

I had been checking Chicago weather; it wasn't looking good, as a snowstorm was moving in and supposed to be sticking around for the day. Ice was expected at night - and I was landing at 10 p.m. But what could I do? It was time to get the day started, come what may.

First, though< I wanted some pictures of the curtains in my room.

These were very unique, and I really enjoyed them.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-20_09-54-43_685.jpg

Simba:

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-20_09-54-56_448.jpg

What's this monkey's name?:

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-20_09-55-26_206.jpg

Our good friend Timon:

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-20_09-55-35_517.jpg

At about 10:30, I left my tip for Mousekeeping and gingerly made my way out of the room.

I had decided to go to MK today, since I had skipped it due to Obama's visit the day before. I got in the car:

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-20_10-47-04_389.jpg

and headed for the TTC. Much busier today than the other days this week, that's for sure! I took a picture of where my car was parked, but it wasn't the best picture:

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-20_11-01-04_982.jpg

I was so close to the tram, I glanced up and saw a general idea of where I was parked but couldn't bear the idea of waiting for the next tram, so I forgot about the picture and got my butt to the tram.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-20_11-06-46_842.jpg

It dropped me off near the front, and I hobbled my way towards the transportation waiting nearby to whisk me to MK.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-20_11-07-29_479.jpg

I was shocked to see that the monorail was PACKED. The line weaved in and out of stanchions set up specifically for the overflow, and I couldn't bring myself to get in line. Too many people. So I headed for the ferry.

The ferry was crowded as well, but I thought they'd disperse better. And, there was a ship just arriving! I got into the masses, but right as I was getting on the boat, I freaked out. The pain in my legs, fatigue from running non-stop through multiple theme parks each day, and general nervousness that I deal with in some crowds accumulated in one big "NO WAY" and I backed off the boat and up the ramp.

Ok, what now? I couldn't get on the monorail or the ferry at TTC. My legs were beat, but when there are no choices, I can hang in there with the best of them - and this was my LAST DAY. So what's a girl to do?

Stupidly ignoring all the stories I've read about how large the Poly is, I decided I'd go over and get on the monorail there - it should have less of a line, right? RIGHT?

I hobbled over.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-20_11-19-56_163.jpg

I'm not 100% sure why I didn't go in here, but I had the idea that I needed to turn right and head more towards the interior of the resort. Looking back, that was ridiculous and I'm sure I was just delirious at this point.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-20_11-24-48_364.jpg

I walked so far I almost just sat down in the middle of the walkway to take a break. Though gorgeous, all the walking was killing me at this point. I felt a few tears slip out when I saw the "monorail" sign; I was starting to think that this was going to be a very long and difficult day.

But at this point, I had no idea exactly how bad it could get.

204charity

02-28-2012, 07:51 PM

Awwww....you poor girl. (((hugs))) This was probably one of the moments you wished you WEREN'T solo!

Oh! And the monkey's name is "Rafiki"!! :)

wakica

02-28-2012, 09:04 PM

oh man! I'm in sympathy pain for you!!!!! I'm SO sorry you had to run into these issues :(

ZehnJahren

02-28-2012, 09:43 PM

Awwww....you poor girl. (((hugs))) This was probably one of the moments you wished you WEREN'T solo!

Oh! And the monkey's name is "Rafiki"!! :)

Thank you! I KNEW Rafiki, it just went right out of my head!

Don't feel too sorry for me; I was at WDW!

oh man! I'm in sympathy pain for you!!!!! I'm SO sorry you had to run into these issues :(

It's funny to me now - it was funny to me then! I just couldn't believe I would be in so much pain; I like to run and have never ever ever had pain like this in my legs. I knew it was from the shoes and walking, so I just sucked it up for the limited time I was there. Had I been there for longer, I would have taken a rest day after day one, because that's where I did the damage!

But truly, though I'm complaining in my TR I really still did whatever I wanted - just slower! Honestly, I'm just telling the story of my trip and the leg pain was a big part of it - but to me it was a wonderful trip regardless.

teekathepony

02-29-2012, 09:17 AM

Oh my gosh what a sin, your poor legs! Thank goodness you saw the monorail sign when you did!

ZehnJahren

02-29-2012, 08:24 PM

Sorry I haven't commented in awhile, but I wanted to let you know that I am still around. I am just loving your TR, it is getting me so excited for my solo trip that is a week from tomarrow.:banana::banana::banana:

I am so sorry to hear about your shins and hope that they feel better for your last day at MK.:thumbsup2

Any advice for my upcoming solo trip?

I missed your comment! It was at the bottom of a page and my next update went to the next page so I missed it.

Thank you for the comment; no worries on not commenting much! I lurk on about 40 TRs, so I understand! :laughing:

As for advice? All I can really say is have fun! Everyone's so different; just enjoy your time and do whatever you want, and don't be sorry that you're alone. I feel like I got a lot of perks on my own, and met some very interesting people, and I loved being able to take my time whenever I wanted to.

marDgreen88

03-03-2012, 02:33 PM

ZehnJahren

03-03-2012, 04:33 PM

Those curtains are fantastic! Everything about AKL just looks amazing to me. And I'm sure someone has already told you but, RAFIKI!

Aw, last day. :( Well I hope your trip through the Polynesian to get to the monorail was a success. :thumbsup2

I'm so glad you commented, i've been falling behind because I've been trying to put a budget together to possibly take my little niece and two nephews with me in August!! I've gotten a lot of great suggestions over in the budget board but it's been taking up a lot of my time! Anyway, my sister has agreed to let me take them if I can work out a budget that would work.

I'm going to update either today or tomorrow, and then I can tell you how my trip to the Poly ended up.

Merida

03-06-2012, 10:22 PM

No, we didn't discuss it - I lived in Bonn and went to Uni Bonn while there. I loved it, and can't wait to go back. My German friend and I are currently "collecting" food to send to the other person - I've got Oreo No-Bake cheesecake and Oreo pudding, twinkies, and pop tarts for her. For me, she's getting my favorite Blut-orang Ritter Sport and my beloved Brause-baerchen. I can't wait!!

I miss the bread! My host mother would go down and get fresh bread and (full fat awesomeness) butter every morning for breakfast and I would eat pretty much all of it. And Turkish food and the ice cream (coughspaghettieiscough)! Soooo good. Definitely don't miss the weird yogurt-y milk though! :rotfl:

Egh, they'll never go back. It takes them a month to make a minor change; it would take a year to refurb back to the "good" ride. :)

Yeah, it's a pipe dream, but it's still a fun one! They seem to be bringing back a lot of ~retro merchandise, so I guess everyone's realizing it's super popular. They certainly had a better font choice then! :rolleyes1 I love reading the Disney history blogs (like Imagineering Disney) because it's so interesting to see how things (like El Rio del Tiempo) have evolved over the years.

I'm sorry your legs were hurting so much! I get jealous of everyone who wears flip flops in the park because I just can't! I mean, I won't need paramedics (poor lady!), but it definitely wouldn't be pretty.

I love the curtains in AKL. They're so adorable. And what I think of vacation curtains (maybe because they're so light and flowy? We always had the really thick curtains at home because of winters and nothing like the AKL curtains).

The Poly is very lovely but I've heard it's really confusing to get around. Everything just kind of looks the same with all the plants!

wakica

03-07-2012, 11:25 AM

That's exciting that you might be able to take your nieces with you!!! Is their mom willing to chip in a bit to help out with the added costs??

ZehnJahren

04-15-2012, 11:21 AM

Well I've been terrible at replying, and at finishing this TR.

Why?

Well, I just spent several weeks crunching numbers and gathering information, as I might possibly have taken my two nephews and niece with me to Disney this summer. I had all the permissions from the parents involved and was trying to gather info on taking kids, as well as doing a more budget-minded trip since I'd be paying for it myself.

However, at the last minute and once I had all the prices and such tied down, the father of the oldest nephew said no. That was so sad; I'm still working on getting over it. I had high hopes on taking them; I have a very strong feeling they will never get to go at all - unless, of course, someone wins the lotto. I'll keep my fingers crossed on that one. :(

So now that my focus has changed back to myself going in September, I am going to finish this TR - I WAS on the last day, after all. And I remember it like it was yesterday.......

ZehnJahren

04-15-2012, 11:55 AM

When I left you last, I was hobbling through the Poly, trying desperately to find the monorail.

After how bad this walk was, I made a silent and angry vow to never stay at the Poly. Ever. It's not the Poly's fault; but I was exhausted and knew I had a long long day ahead of me. I was without a hotel room and my legs were like painful dead weights. I was lost in the giant maze of a tropical setting. None of the maps made sense to me. And I focused all of that irritation at the Poly. :crazy2:

I finally found the monorail building. I didn't see any elevators, so I dragged myself up the stairs. When I got to the second floor, I saw a monorail sitting at the station, and no line! But it didn't look like it would be staying there long. I gathered my backbone up and headed for it with a quick limping stride. With no line, I was sitting on the monorail with my feet up on the seat within a few minutes. MK, here I come!

MK, here I am!

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-20_11-37-38_840.jpg

I limped my way inside; I wanted to try and ride Splash, HM, POTC, and the Wedway one more time. Peter Pan or SWSA would be a nice bonus. So off I went.

I saw a nice photo op and took it:

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-20_11-44-29_27.jpg

Then I headed for:

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-20_11-46-54_739.jpg

Wow, there were crowds. Everyone had decided to come to MK this morning, since Obama was at MK yesterday and we had all been advised to avoid the MK. Now I was wishing I had just gone yesterday, as all the lines were long and people were EVERYWHERE. I heard that the lines were nonexistent during Obama's visit; it was my last day and I was wishing I had just made the trek here yesterday.

Everything had a line, and people were EVERYWHERE. I stopped here, and suddenly realized I was in bad trouble. I couldn't imagine walking back to the monorail; I couldn't imagine going any further with the pain I was feeling.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-20_11-51-31_804.jpg

But what can you do? I knew I had to; and I knew I had to try and get on these rides one last time. So I headed for Splash. It had been down EVERY TIME I'd tried to ride it, my entire trip.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-20_11-57-08_933.jpg

Oh man, seriously?

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-20_11-58-11_70.jpg

It's down again! :( Looks like it was not meant to be.

HM had a line weaving out and back to the riverboat. I knew that my feet wouldn't hold me for that long. I decided to move into Fantasyland.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-20_12-07-33_585.jpg

There were still walls up from Obama's visit.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-20_12-07-37_397.jpg

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-20_12-07-44_657.jpg

It was only a little after noon, and my flight wasn't leaving for several hours. I was determined to make it through the day, but as I hobbled towards Tomorrowland I realized: not only was I completely done, but I needed first aid.

I went to First Aid and told the woman there what was going on. She could not have been more unhelpful. She gave me two ibuprofen and one (ONE?!) ice pack, and told me I could sit in the waiting area as long as I wanted. Oh, thanks. It was useless for me to stay in that little room, so I drug myself to a bench outside and people-watched for awhile while I alternated putting the ice pack on my legs, shins, thighs, and feet.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-20_12-24-48_501.jpg

I realized at this point, my trip was over. I could hardly stand; who knew what additional damage I was doing to myself by continuing on this way. It was ridiculous. So I began a slow trek out of the park.

I stopped for a small snack and some water.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-20_12-36-39_458.jpg

Then I slowly left the park and headed to the monorail. I needed to sit down.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-20_13-01-52_332.jpg

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-20_13-03-34_262.jpg

I got back to the TTC.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-20_13-13-31_481.jpg

I got on the tram; I knew I was the first stop, in Aladdin, so I consulted my phone to see where I had parked and hopped off when I saw my lot.

But I couldn't find my car.

I think I wandered up and down those long parking lot lines for about 20 minutes when I realized I was starting to cry. I called DBF, because I needed a familiar voice. But all I did was worry him, since he was back home and I was all alone in a parking lot in Florida. So I hung up with him, made my way to the end of a lane, and sat down in tears.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-20_13-37-33_842.jpg

Fortunately, I documented it all in pictures, so you could share in my misery.

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-20_13-37-57_303.jpg

I couldn't move another inch; I was starting to think my right foot might actually be broken due to the searing pain at every step. I sat and cried, trying to gather my strength to get up and walk ANOTHER lane. I wasn't even embarrassed that I was making a spectacle of myself; I was too tired and aching to care. I was hoping against hope that some Disney employee would come by and see what a mess I was and try to help, but they didn't.

I was just starting to really grit my teeth to stand up again when a man stopped by. He was very concerned and said he'd help me look for my car, but I couldn't stand up. Even with his help, my right foot and leg kept giving out on me. He said he'd go get help and send them back to me, and told me to STAY PUT. He took off at a jog.

Well NOW I was embarrassed. Many families passed by me, looking the other way so they didn't have to help me at all. It was interesting to see them look at me and then quickly look away, up at the sky like there was something very interesting there. I sat and tried to stop crying so that I didn't look like a complete maniac when the CMs showed up to help me.

And here was my lovely view:

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/trtapdisney/Trip%20Report%20Album/Solo%20Trip%20Report/2012-01-20_13-38-01_403.jpg

They finally did arrive. They treated me almost like a child, being very soothing and helpful; it took both of them to get me off the ground, since I couldn't put any weight on my legs and feet at all now. Turns out I was VERY VERY close to my car the whole time; we found it while driving around in their big truck. I kept apologizing; here I was, a grown woman, crying in their magical parking lot.

Once I got in the car, I called DBF and apologized for freaking him out. And then it was time to figure out what I was going to do until my flight took off.

Merida

04-15-2012, 01:45 PM

Merida

04-15-2012, 01:49 PM

Where'sPiglet?

04-15-2012, 02:27 PM

I just read through all your entries! It looks like you were enjoying doing whatever you wanted to do on your solo trip...until your leg pain interfered. How frustrating and disappointing! :(

I am interested to see how the rest of your last day went, especially traveling with your leg and weather issues.

wakica

04-15-2012, 04:46 PM

awe :( I'm so sorry it ended as badly as it did!!! Leg problems can be so aweful!!! I used to get terrible shin splints when I ran but I don't anymore and i SOOO do NOT miss them - they hurt SO MUCH!! and make it almost unbearable to walk :sad:

ZehnJahren

04-15-2012, 04:50 PM

That sucks about your summer trip. Is there any way to take the other two? And maybe take your nephew at a different time?

I'm sorry your last day was so awful - there's a couple TRs that I was reading that were in MK on the same day and everyone says it was so crowded!

Did you ever figure out what was wrong? From my experience with foot/leg injuries (broken feet, tendonitis), most doctors don't really do much, mostly just tell you to RICE. It kind of sucks, but (especially with where I broke my foot), there was nothing that they could do (and it took some time to figure out what was the problem. Honestly, I'm not sure what else the first aid lady could have done, when comparing what my doctors did to what she could do). It is very frustrating, not being able to walk around/get yourself from place-to-place! I'm glad that the parking lot CMs were so helpful. :)

Nah, my sister won't let them go unless all three go at once. She doesn't have custody of the oldest, so I was at the mercy of a man I've only met in person once. I know he knows the oldest has spent a ton of time with me, but maybe he just felt like he didn't know me well enough to let DNephew go to Florida with me. Either way, it's really too bad.

I read several TRs from that time with the same "holycowMK" after Obama left! Ha, should have known it would be crowded after that; just had to try to get in Splash, dang it!

As for my legs and feet, I have NO IDEA. It's been 3 months now and I still have pain in my right foot at the same place if I run too much. I really thought that the First Aid station would at least give me a cool place to put my feet up and ice my shins and feet, and possibly a wheelchair escort out the front gate since I was clearly very hurt, but they were very "ok, well, can't help ya". What did I really expect, though? I had walked in, I guess they expected me to walk out.

I just read through all your entries! It looks like you were enjoying doing whatever you wanted to do on your solo trip...until your leg pain interfered. How frustrating and disappointing! :(

I am interested to see how the rest of your last day went, especially traveling with your leg and weather issues.

Hello! I still had a great trip, but those last few hours were BRUTAL! I know that I made the mistake of too much park hopping, too old shoes, and too much crammed into only a few days - my next trip will be much longer and I'll build in a few rest periods to keep from doing the same thing to myself! I'm planning on 5 nights and 6 days right now, staying at BWV so I can get to Epcot and HS quickly.