The "I've Waited Forever to Go Solo" Mom's Leaving Everyone Behind Trip! Updt 3/11

[PISCESANGEL]

Will I need to physically check out Sunday morning and check back in? Will I have to switch rooms? My TA told me that they try to not have that happen (switching rooms) but I won't know till I am there. I hope not. I have an early early morning Sunday and really don't want to have to go to the desk to figure this out even earlier.

Allyson

I have experienced a similar situation a couple of trips back when we decided to add on an extra night. I was so worried we would have to move all of our stuff and we were only needing that 1 extra night. They told us that they were very full but they could keep us in the same room! I would just say that since you already have the reservation for the following days it shouldn't be any problem. I will understand if you are mad at me if I'm wrong, but I feel pretty good about this one.


As for your story of how this came about, winning the money at the casino, I was so happy for you! If that isn't fate shining down on you, I don't know what is!! Good for you for taking that $$$ and doing something you've always wanted to do. I think you are really going to enjoy All-Star Music. We liked it so well the first time we stayed there that we booked it again as you know this past April. We only decided to do Pop for our upcoming trip to switch it up a bit, but I know we'll go back to Music!

Looking forward to hearing more. This pre-trippie stuff is fun. You're definitely inspiring me to think of doing my own!

 

[Becky521]

Solo trip, huh? But all of us are already along for the ride!
Good for you going on a solo trip. I could never do that. I had a day off on a Monday a while ago and DH said "but I will be working". Uh-huh. "DD14 will be in school". Uh-huh. "so you will be home alone". UH-HUH!! I declared it a "no housework day". I read a book, watched some TV and by 2:00 was talking to DD20 on instant message and watching out the window for Jourdan to get home. I just wouldn't know what to do with myself for 5 nights alone.
You were looking for suggestions. One thing I had on my last list and have it again on the next one is to ride the Main Street Trolley in MK. I get there and get so excited I forget to ride. It's one of those things though that make WDW what it is.

 

[MomofCKJ]

I hope that the Placement gods are smiling on you! I'll be interested to hear about ASMu. We've considered it before because of the family suites, but I've heard such conflicting things about bus service, etc.

I've never had an interest in staying at any of the All Stars but it was all they had left for a Value for Free Dining for my dates. But the pics look cute and I've read it is the quieter of the bunch. You know travelling alone the things like busses and such don't bother me so much. It is just me! I don't have to worry about little people or grouchy husbands thinking the buses take so long or they have to stand. It is just me!

We stayed at Music this past Jan, in the Jazz buildings. It was a great location, close to everything! I'm sure esp if you let them know you are alone and want something close to the main building you will be fine!

Good point, if I don't get something I'm comfortable with I'll be sure to ask at the desk.

I can't wait to hear how you like All Star Music -- the only value we have stayed at is Pop so I am curious about the others.

I love Pop, I would have stayed there if they had anything open!

I'm hooked! I'm glad you finally get your solo trip! Can't wait for more.

Glad you are here!

Yes I used gold fellows from the budget board, I was thinking I would only get maybe $75 , my hubbie was thinking it was a scam and wouldn't get anything.. You should have seen the look on his face when I told him I was getting $600...He then was like do you have any more?? Nope that was the stash..

It must make it all seem more real now that you have the package and hotel booked! Lucky duck for free ddp

NICE! That Budget Board is a wealth of tips! That is how I found out about Expo TV last year and they paid for my March trip. I've made $2500+ with them. Would never have heard of them if it weren't for the BB! Nice score on the gold for you!

Yay! I love reading your updates!! I think you will get your requests, especially since you are traveling alone! I want to tell DH to let me come keep you company!

I hope so! And how fun would a DIS Mom's Getaway be someday? Heck we all post on the same trippies, we all practically know each other right? I'd sign up for it!

Very cool! DH and I stayed at ASMu in 2000 (before kids - well, mostly before, I had one on the way!) in the Jazz building. It was very nice and very quiet. I have stayed at all of the All Stars (Sports for just one night this past December) and I think Music is the best "adult" value and the quietest. Great choice! And free dining - yay!

Nice and quiet, that is good to hear! I would like that! Can't beat free food!

I have experienced a similar situation a couple of trips back when we decided to add on an extra night. I was so worried we would have to move all of our stuff and we were only needing that 1 extra night. They told us that they were very full but they could keep us in the same room! I would just say that since you already have the reservation for the following days it shouldn't be any problem. I will understand if you are mad at me if I'm wrong, but I feel pretty good about this one.


As for your story of how this came about, winning the money at the casino, I was so happy for you! If that isn't fate shining down on you, I don't know what is!! Good for you for taking that $$$ and doing something you've always wanted to do. I think you are really going to enjoy All-Star Music. We liked it so well the first time we stayed there that we booked it again as you know this past April. We only decided to do Pop for our upcoming trip to switch it up a bit, but I know we'll go back to Music!

Looking forward to hearing more. This pre-trippie stuff is fun. You're definitely inspiring me to think of doing my own!

Hint Hint, you can start a PTR you know! Our trips are only 3 months away! And thanks for sharing your story on the split ressie. I'm not going to worry myself over it and hopefully it will be a non issue!

Solo trip, huh? But all of us are already along for the ride!
Good for you going on a solo trip. I could never do that. I had a day off on a Monday a while ago and DH said "but I will be working". Uh-huh. "DD14 will be in school". Uh-huh. "so you will be home alone". UH-HUH!! I declared it a "no housework day". I read a book, watched some TV and by 2:00 was talking to DD20 on instant message and watching out the window for Jourdan to get home. I just wouldn't know what to do with myself for 5 nights alone.
You were looking for suggestions. One thing I had on my last list and have it again on the next one is to ride the Main Street Trolley in MK. I get there and get so excited I forget to ride. It's one of those things though that make WDW what it is.

Hey Becky, glad you found me! I love seeing old familiar faces! I think being an only child is a part of why I don't mind, and actually like, my alone time. I love my friends, I have the best circle of friends, and DH and I love spending time with them and entertaining. We love spending time with the kids too. But I also crave time to myself. I still am a wee bit nervous about this trip but honestly as time goes by that fades and I'm more excited! I do know it isn't for everyone though! And thank you for that tip! I do want to make a list of things and try to do them while I am there! I have never ridden the trolley either and that would be a fun thing to do!

Allyson

 

[MomofCKJ]

So if you read my March trippie I just got my Photopass Disc from that trip. I was a part of a Photopass Share so it took some time. Here are just a few favorites from that. I really love love love the HSM Mini Photo Shoot one of the photogs did with the kids at DHS. The close up is my favorite shot.

That is Bashful, Belle and Goofy for any new friends!

Here are me and the kids at DHS:

Meeting Dopey:

At the P&PP:

And meeting Captain Jack, the kids and I plus Grammy:

Okay, back to our regularly scheduled pre trippie.....

Allyson

 

[4boysrus]

love the pictures!! thanks for sharing.

so, did you like the photopass share? I saw something about it the other day, but I wasn't sure. so, tell me all about your experience.

 

[CJsMom]

Great pictures!!

 

[MomofCKJ]

Okay so I needed to figure out how to get there right. I usually fly Delta. Not for any really special reason, it just has always worked out that way. They seem to have non stop flights at times I like out of Boston which is where we usually fly out of. However Delta is not without its share of headaches.

They change their flight times. Constantly. And even if they move it by a minute, they take your seat assignment and POOF! it is gone. And often you can't just go online and make a new one. No, no that would be too easy. You have to call and then either they put you in a new seat or they hit some magic button enabling you to now choose a seat online. Until the next time they go through the whole procedure again. It is a pain and when I book with them my routine becomes checking my flight and seats online every Sunday night. Because for some reason Sunday seems to be a day they like to mess with things and the small fact that they never email you when they mess with things. So if you don't check, you have no idea.

But aside from that usually things are fine and so I just tend to book them. I like preassigned seats when I am flying with the kids. Grumpy has his FF with Delta and so most of his work trips are on them.

However for this trip I am not doing the usual splurge of the limo ride to the airport. So that means I was not too interested in driving myself to Boston to fly out. Boston is not my favorite place to drive. It can be crazy and nutty and busy and to a not so aggresive driver like me, quite scary! So I do avoid it at all costs.

Hartford is only an hour from us. Hmmmm. I did fly out of there once. I checked it out and the non stop Deltas were just not at times I liked. What to do. Well, Southwest flies out of Hartford. I did some checking and well they had some non stops. At good times. And good prices. Should I book? I have read a lot about Southwest here on the DIS. They seem to have a lot of fans. I have never looked into them because the unassigned seat thing, well it makes me nervous with regards to travelling with kids. I always was afraid of not getting seats together. But this time it is just me. I really don't care too much where I sit. This could work.

So I did it, I booked Southwest. Yes a Southwest Virgin I am! And I got 2 nonstops and it only cost me a total of $212 round trip. If I can keep it just around $200 I call it a good thing.

My flight in lands in Orlando at 2:40 on Saturday. I thought about Magical Express for about a minute or two. You see, I've never used it. I prefer a towncar, a specific company that the DIS will no longer let me name. But I like them alot, they have been great, clean, ontime, and friendly. The main reasons I prefer to spend the money instead of taking the free bus ride are:

1. I am vehemently opposed to leaving for Orlando Airport 3 hours in advance. Way too early in my humble opinion. I want every last minute of the magic that I can get. Which means not leaving 3 hours before my flight.

2. I do like the grocery stop to pick up a few little things for the room.

3. I like to pamper myself a little and after getting off a crowded plane I kind of like having my own private set of wheels waiting to whisk me off to my hotel, not having to wait for my bus to fill, not having to wait for other hotels to let off. Call me spoiled that way but I prefer to start my vacations that way.

But I will say I did consider it for this trip. I figured why not try it, I'm alone, does it really matter? Well it kind of does I guess because I booked my they shall not be named Towncar company and they are set to pick me up that afternoon!

Coming home my flight is at 9:30am on Wednesday so they will pick me up around 7:45 instead off the not so Magical Express hour of 6:30. Little more time to sleep and enjoy a final breakfast. I don't particularly care for such an early flight but my kids start school the next day so I wanted to be home by the afternoon.

So there you have the travel plans, Southwest and a lovely towncar.

Okay, so we've got the hotel, we've got tickets, we've got transportation. Seems to me if you have free dining you need some food right? RIGHT!

Next up, ADRs!

Allyson

 

[kimwim8]

Allyson, I am just loving this!!

 

[dddisrunner]

I am a fan of SW! It will be great especially traveling without the kiddos! LOVE your photopass pictures! My fave is the POTC one and the fountain HSM one of the kids! I HATE the 3 hr. ME pick up We had to be up at 5:45am on our trip for a 6:30 pick up for a 9:30 flight!

 

[Charleston Princess]

What great photos!!! I think the close-up is my favorite!

 

[javamom]

Yay, Allyson, for a solo trip. Just getting subbed, and off to read the rest.

Shhhh, I may be takingmy first solo trip the Fall, too!

 

[PISCESANGEL]

Those are some really great shots of all of you!

I just love hearing all of the details of your planning. A town car is the way to go for sure!!

 

[stagemomx3]

I'm a big fan of the Towncar mode of transportation too.

 

[praisehisname]

I found your pre-trippie through LaLa's report, and I love it so far! You are doing what I want to do some day...go by myself! Hubby and I are going without the kids next year for my 40th, so that is part-way to my goal...

Looking forward to hearing more!

Denise

 

[retiredkid]

Great update and photos, Allyson. The photopass pics are great. Your little Goofy is a little bit of the ham, isn't he? I love his expressions. Particularly the ones in front of the Sorcerer's hat and in front of the castle. Too cute!!
Good for you!, booking the towncar service. You deserve it!!
I am just lovin' this pre trippie.

 

[corinnak]

We, too, have experienced the "joy" that is flying Delta. I hope you enjoy Southwest - I've never flown them either, not that I wouldn't, but they don't go here, for some reason.

I'm one of the weird ones who finds the 3 hours prior to departure to be good and helpful - I have waited in a long line at Air Tran in Orlando too many times now. I thought I would hate it, too, but from the first time, I actually have thought "It's so nice not to stress and rush through the airport." To each her own, though, and I don't begrudge you your extra hour of sleep, magic or WDW breakfast. I'm considering using a towncar for transportation to and from our upcoming cruise, though. Too bad your beloved company is a ******* swear word now. OK - I confess, I didn't even type in a bad word - just a bunch of *** for effect.

Can't wait to hear about your dining plans next! You're right - free dining calls for food and reservations too! It's going to be so awesome - I can't wait to hear what you've got lined up.

 

[ampc3]

Love the family photos.. super cute.. I joined a photoshare for our trip, hope it all works out... How long did it take you to finally get your disk??

Can't wait to hear about your ADRS!!!

 

[CJsMom]

I'm a big Southwest fan - and I LOVE not having to drive into Boston! I'm glad you are pampering yourself a bit with the towncar. Can't wait to hear about your ADR's!

 

[MomofCKJ]

love the pictures!! thanks for sharing.

so, did you like the photopass share? I saw something about it the other day, but I wasn't sure. so, tell me all about your experience.

I did like it. There were 5 or 6 people in ours so I only had to send $20 to a complete stranger so I was comfy with that. She was very organized and sent us all the info and the dates we had to load our pics by. It just took a while to actually get the disc. I travelled in mid March, our last traveller was early April, we had to have our pics loaded by I think it was like April 10th and I just got my disc last week. I'd probably do it again though. It is quite a deal, I had like 100 pictures or so for just the $20.

Great pictures!!

Thank you!

Allyson, I am just loving this!!

Thanks and I'm glad I have readers!

I am a fan of SW! It will be great especially traveling without the kiddos! LOVE your photopass pictures! My fave is the POTC one and the fountain HSM one of the kids! I HATE the 3 hr. ME pick up We had to be up at 5:45am on our trip for a 6:30 pick up for a 9:30 flight!

Ugh 5:45am? No one should be up that early. Before 6am to me is just cruel. Glad to hear from a SW fan!

What great photos!!! I think the close-up is my favorite!

Mine too, I think I need to print and frame it. I admit, I am SO BAD at actually printing pics and doing anything with them. I love digital but I really never get around to actually getting prints made.

Yay, Allyson, for a solo trip. Just getting subbed, and off to read the rest.

Shhhh, I may be takingmy first solo trip the Fall, too!

Ooooh you are? Do share some details!

Those are some really great shots of all of you!

I just love hearing all of the details of your planning. A town car is the way to go for sure!!

Thanks and yes I think so too, on the town car!

I'm a big fan of the Towncar mode of transportation too.

I think you might have even used the same Thou Shalt Not Be Named company on your last trip!

I found your pre-trippie through LaLa's report, and I love it so far! You are doing what I want to do some day...go by myself! Hubby and I are going without the kids next year for my 40th, so that is part-way to my goal...

Looking forward to hearing more!

Denise

Hi! And thanks for coming over! The more the merrier! Hey my 40th is next year too! I think your trip with DH sounds really nice! I am going with just my DH (and our best friends) in January.

Great update and photos, Allyson. The photopass pics are great. Your little Goofy is a little bit of the ham, isn't he? I love his expressions. Particularly the ones in front of the Sorcerer's hat and in front of the castle. Too cute!!
Good for you!, booking the towncar service. You deserve it!!
I am just lovin' this pre trippie.

That is an understatement. He is a total ham. I just know there is some sort of career in the public eye for him in the future, I can just feel it! LOL!

We, too, have experienced the "joy" that is flying Delta. I hope you enjoy Southwest - I've never flown them either, not that I wouldn't, but they don't go here, for some reason.

I'm one of the weird ones who finds the 3 hours prior to departure to be good and helpful - I have waited in a long line at Air Tran in Orlando too many times now. I thought I would hate it, too, but from the first time, I actually have thought "It's so nice not to stress and rush through the airport." To each her own, though, and I don't begrudge you your extra hour of sleep, magic or WDW breakfast. I'm considering using a towncar for transportation to and from our upcoming cruise, though. Too bad your beloved company is a ******* swear word now. OK - I confess, I didn't even type in a bad word - just a bunch of *** for effect.

Can't wait to hear about your dining plans next! You're right - free dining calls for food and reservations too! It's going to be so awesome - I can't wait to hear what you've got lined up.

Oh do try out the towncar, it is quite nice! And I can see your point on getting there early. I guess I just like livin' on the edge! LOL!

Love the family photos.. super cute.. I joined a photoshare for our trip, hope it all works out... How long did it take you to finally get your disk??

Can't wait to hear about your ADRS!!!

My trip was mid March and I just got my disc last week. In my group the last traveller was early April. It took a little longer than I had hoped however it really was a fantastic deal. I got about 100 pics and only paid $20.

I'm a big Southwest fan - and I LOVE not having to drive into Boston! I'm glad you are pampering yourself a bit with the towncar. Can't wait to hear about your ADR's!

Oh good, another SW fan! Do they serve snacks on board or sell food? And yes YOU know what I mean about Boston being a MA gal too! Do you usually fly out of TF Green?

Allyson

 

[CJsMom]

Oh good, another SW fan! Do they serve snacks on board or sell food? And yes YOU know what I mean about Boston being a MA gal too! Do you usually fly out of TF Green?

Allyson

I have flown out of TF Green to Atlanta and out of Manchester to Orlando. Both experiences were wonderful compared to flying out of Logan! Smaller airports, easy to find your way around and park, not too crowded, etc. I'd be interested to hear how Harford is.

We did get snacks on board - cereal bars on the morning flight and crackers on the evening flight. They also had water, soda and juice. I don't think they have food or drinks for sale.