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

[Quacktatty]

I just saw that you had started a pre trip report - where have I been? I'm so excited for you about your trip. I'll be there on my 2nd solo trip not too long after you.

I have to ask - did your big casino win come at Twin River? The Irish Pub and the Helen of Troy slot machine make me think so. That's my casino too, my mom and I go usually 4 or 5 times a year. Most of the time I walk out with less than I brought, but I always have a great time.

 

[MomofCKJ]

Yes it hurt, but it was not constant and I could talk through it the whole time.

Good to know. I am not good with pain. I want a really small one. I have a Mickey head charm on an anklet that I want to use. One artist we showed it to said it would only take 15 minutes which I thought I could handle.

I finished it a couple of weeks ago. Good - but a tough read. I decided I needed a break from her books for a while! I just finished Wicked - that was good!

I am really into it right now and it is very sad. I love how her books though make you think on issues from different angles and sides. She is a great writer.

I have read a couple of Jodi Piccoult's books: Vanishing Acts and My Sister's Keeper. They always suck me in and I can't put them down until they are finished. Is 19 Minutes just as good?

I loved My Sister's Keeper and in Maine read The Tenth Circle. This one so far is just as good. My friend keeps telling me to get The Pact next.

Happy Independance Day

Thank you and hope you enjoyed yours as well!

I just saw that you had started a pre trip report - where have I been? I'm so excited for you about your trip. I'll be there on my 2nd solo trip not too long after you.

I have to ask - did your big casino win come at Twin River? The Irish Pub and the Helen of Troy slot machine make me think so. That's my casino too, my mom and I go usually 4 or 5 times a year. Most of the time I walk out with less than I brought, but I always have a great time.

Welcome back! Your 2nd solo trip, nice! Please feel free to add some of your favorite things to do while at Disney solo and I'll add them to my list!
And ding,ding,ding you are right! Twin River! The pub is Fado I believe and we were somewhere on the upper floor. I am so tempted to sneak back down there with a few bucks and see if I can find the luck again!

Allyson

 

[MomofCKJ]

This is certainly the trip of changes for me. Egads! I have NEVER been like this. So last time I told you about the resort change. Well there's more folks! More changes than Cher makes in her umpteenth farewell tour. (I saw her farewell tour show twice actually and man, many costume changes!).

So I am thinking about how nice it is that Grumpy and the kids will be going to Maine. MIL just announced that instead of us splitting the cost with her she is paying for the whole thing. "Money is not as important as making memories" was what she said and in her always generous spirit she decided to pay for the whole rental fee. She is so thoughtful like that all the time. So anyway I am thinking of how now when I am gone they won't be moping around thinking how unfair life is that Mom is in Disney and they are not. No, now they will be enjoying their favorite beach, drinking Raspberry Lime Rickey's from the throwback soda fountain and taking walks to collect shells. Life will be good and that reduces my guilt in a big way.

So I had orginally bought a late flight on Thursday so that I would be home most of the day. I was flying out around 6pm with a stopover and getting to Orlando just before 10pm. Well why should I do that now? The guilt is gone. They'll be packing for their own trip. They won't care if I sneak out early. And here is why I have a new love of my life in the airline industry. Southwest. Gosh they make it so easy to make changes. So I looked and lo and behold if I leave earlier in the day I can:

• Fly a nonstop flight
• Arrive at 3pm and have all evening
• Get $3.50 back in credits!

How can one beat that? So I am taking the noonish flight which means leaving my house around 9:30 or so. Grumpy didn't mind and so I now have an extra night in the World!

Which leads me to the dilemma I mentioned. I have a college friend, a very dear friend from my wild and crazy days who lives in Tampa. I haven't seen her in 4 years or so and have not been the greatest keeper in toucher. With our family trip in December 2006 I told her I was going to Orlando but since it was the kid's first trip and their gift I didn't really have time in our schedule to get together. Which was true, every moment was pretty much planned. And I didn't want to take my kids away from their vacation to meet up with one of Mom's old pals. So for this past March trip it would have been the same thing so I didn't even tell her we would be in the area.

So this trip I pondered about what to do. I really would love to see her, we share a lot of special past memories. We were in each other's weddings and she means a lot to me. I just have a hard time when I am on vacation sort of sharing my time or taking my time away from what I want to do. Call me a spoiled only child, call me selfish, what have you. It is what it is. But I would like to see her and this seems the trip to do it.

So with this new addition of Thursday night I thought that could be perfect. I don't have any ADRs that night or other plans. It is bonus time I just got. So I just emailed her and she wrote back that she absolutely wants to come out. I suggested Thursday night for dinner at Downtown Disney. That would really be ideal. She is checking her calendar. She says they have an AP so could come to a park and a night would be better since her dd is in school. I sent her my itinerary and really Thursday night would be best or Sunday afternoon I suggested. A few hours Sunday afternoon, maybe an early dinner, I think that could work. I don't want to spend a full day in the park with anyone really. It kind of defeats the purpose of going solo I think. I hope she understands. I really hope Thursday night will work for her. It would be nice to see her again.

I was thinking ahead to every scenario and if Friday night was a good time for her to come out that is my Kona night and I would be VERY sad to give that up. I thought maybe I'd call the Dining Line tonight and see if I could get Kona for Thursday night. Then once I knew her plans I could cancel the one I wouldn't need. I just have been looking forward to Kona alot and don't want to have to cancel it.

Decisions, decisions....

The kids gave me their orders for gifts:

Goofy would like a Fat Pooh
Bashful would like a Fat Eeyore or Pooh or Mickey or any other stuffed animal (she is a stuffed animal addict)
Belle would like a Fat Pooh AND a sweatshirt (always pushing that envelope and asking for more!)

Grumpy said to please, please, please not bring anything back for him. He's so anti-Mouse.

I'm 6.5 weeks away, I think I can start to think about packing. That is what will be coming up next!


Allyson

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Awesome changes! I'm so excited for you. Sounds like the stars are aligning just right for a great trip. Can't believe you're even getting a credit to boot on the airfare... $4 but still!! That's half a margarita in Mexico or a Grand Marnier slushie in France...

LOVE that the kids have already put in their orders. When would you like my list? I'm going to have to check out these "fat" stuffed animals... I'm out of the loop and don't know about this phenomenon!

As for the college friend that is a tough one. And I would not call you selfish at all. Think you are approaching it the right way with the "bonus" time on Thursday. Hopefully that will work with her calendar. Safeguarding Kona with a 2nd ADR sounds like a good idea. No compromises on that -- you're looking forward to it too much! In fact, maybe you should go twice!!

6.5 weeks... so jealous. I'm almost in double digits.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Hurray for the flight change!!! That rocks!!!

Cracks me up that your kids already gave you their lists -- Chelsea bought the fat Minnie on this past trip.

I hope everything works out with meeting up with your friend!

 

[KatGarcia]

Great changes! Its always awesome to have a guilt free vacation with MORE time!

I also have an old friend in Tampa, who will be spending the first day with me. I totally get the whole thing about just wanting solo time. We are doing 1900 Park Fare and then her and her hubby and daughter are driving home so I cna go into the MK and watch me some fireworks!

 

[MomofCKJ]

Quacktatty!

Hey I just looked up your solo report from January 2007. I was post #3 on it! I was posting how I would love to do a solo trip someday! It made me laugh, I have wanted this for so long!

I finished reading it all just now. Great report! I love reading other solo trip reports. I absolutely love your solo trip pledge. I think I have to steal the idea and make one for myself!

Allyson

 

[Quacktatty]

Hey thanks for reading my trip report Allyson! I've got another one coming up too (shameless plug )

I looooooved going Solo and really can't imagine doing WDW any other way. It's really made me a fearless traveler. I went to Washington, DC with my mom and step-father a few weeks ago and it was so painful to always be having to wait for people and make sure everybody is happy, blah blah blah. I had one afternoon to myself where I did a Segway tour of the District and it was so wonderful!

I really like doing tours when I'm solo - I've got three coming up this trip. I think you said you are doing KTTK right? That one was great. Plus if you have an early tour before the park opens you'll get some time between check in and the start of the tour to get some really good pictures.

The best thing of all is riding ONLY what you want. Last trip I rode Buzz Lightyear like 15 times in a row trying to get a really good score. I don't know anybody that would have put up with that if I had a traveling companion!

Anyway, you are going to have a blast.

 

[javamom]

Allyson, my solo trip might actually happen. Not sure yet, but it looks like it might happen this September! Yay, me!

 

[jcc0621]

Hi Allyson. I saw you over on the FOcker PTR so I thought I'd drop in and say hi!


I am sitting here giggling because you DH sounds ALOT like my DH. Anti-Mouse I would love to take asolo trip with out DH and DS (4) and we are actually trying to make it happen in 09 with DH's blessing

We, as you kow, are there at the same time you are, and are staying at POP. Actually a couple of us are staying at POP. We have a smallish meet on the 24th at Petals at about 3opm so if you are around make sure to stop by and say hello.

 

[stagemomx3]

That's a nice change, and it sounds like the kids will be having a great time on their own vacation.

 

[DisneyJo]

Great flight changes and how nice you'll be able to meet your old friend.

Hope to see you on the Saturday

 

[CJsMom]

Changes sound great! About meeting your friend - I was just talking with a couple of friends last night who are going to Disney in November (not together - their trips are a couple of weeks apart) about this same topic. One of them has a friend who lives about an hour away from Orlando, and the other has a friend who lives here in MA and has invited herself and her family along on their trip! They were both talking about how they didn't want to share their trip time with the friends. So I think your feelings are not uncommon. Neither of my friends are Disney-fanatics (in fact I am planning itineraries for both of them) but their feeling is that they are paying a lot of money for the trip, they want to squeeze in as much as possible, and it's going to be hard enough to do that with their own families to please, never mind someone else's. I've heard of many people going on Disney trips with friends or extended family and having a great time - but it's definitely a challenge to make everyone happy and get to do everything you want to do. IMHO - I especially wouldn't want to share much of my solo trip time with anyone - like you said, it defeats the purpose of going solo!

 

[dddisrunner]

You gotta love more Disney time I hope your plans w/ your friend work out the way you want.

 

[PISCESANGEL]

Hey Allyson!

Just checking in and getting all caught up...

Sounds like your changes are good ones, and it's really all about what works for you so YAY! It's going to be here before you know it!!

Also, tattoos do hurt a bit, but I am a wimp in a BIG way, and I made it through 30 minutes with no problem. Like Michelle said, I was able to carry on a conversation still so... I hope you get to do it some day!

 

[disney-inspired]

I'm so jealous that you are going to WDW and solo to boot! I have only been once in 2006 with my family (and would gladly go with them again). It's so close you must be so excited!

 

[MomofCKJ]

Awesome changes! I'm so excited for you. Sounds like the stars are aligning just right for a great trip. Can't believe you're even getting a credit to boot on the airfare... $4 but still!! That's half a margarita in Mexico or a Grand Marnier slushie in France...

LOVE that the kids have already put in their orders. When would you like my list? I'm going to have to check out these "fat" stuffed animals... I'm out of the loop and don't know about this phenomenon!

As for the college friend that is a tough one. And I would not call you selfish at all. Think you are approaching it the right way with the "bonus" time on Thursday. Hopefully that will work with her calendar. Safeguarding Kona with a 2nd ADR sounds like a good idea. No compromises on that -- you're looking forward to it too much! In fact, maybe you should go twice!!

6.5 weeks... so jealous. I'm almost in double digits.

I like your thinking on the $4 buys a drink! It so does! Or at least half a drink right?
I'll have to find a picture of the Fat animals I am talking about! That is just what we call them, no idea what Disney likes to call them! LOL!
6 weeks from tomorrow! Yours will be here soon too, where is your Pre Trippie? Hmmmmmm?

Hurray for the flight change!!! That rocks!!!

Cracks me up that your kids already gave you their lists -- Chelsea bought the fat Minnie on this past trip.

I hope everything works out with meeting up with your friend!

The Fat animals are just really so cute! And yes gosh Southwest makes it so easy to change things. I really like that!

Great changes! Its always awesome to have a guilt free vacation with MORE time!

I also have an old friend in Tampa, who will be spending the first day with me. I totally get the whole thing about just wanting solo time. We are doing 1900 Park Fare and then her and her hubby and daughter are driving home so I cna go into the MK and watch me some fireworks!

Yes you do get it! As much as you want to see your pals you want to do your own thing which is the reason to go solo in the first place! LOL!

Hey thanks for reading my trip report Allyson! I've got another one coming up too (shameless plug )

I looooooved going Solo and really can't imagine doing WDW any other way. It's really made me a fearless traveler. I went to Washington, DC with my mom and step-father a few weeks ago and it was so painful to always be having to wait for people and make sure everybody is happy, blah blah blah. I had one afternoon to myself where I did a Segway tour of the District and it was so wonderful!

I really like doing tours when I'm solo - I've got three coming up this trip. I think you said you are doing KTTK right? That one was great. Plus if you have an early tour before the park opens you'll get some time between check in and the start of the tour to get some really good pictures.

The best thing of all is riding ONLY what you want. Last trip I rode Buzz Lightyear like 15 times in a row trying to get a really good score. I don't know anybody that would have put up with that if I had a traveling companion!

Anyway, you are going to have a blast.

15 times on Buzz! That is great, doing just what you want! As time goes by I am more and more excited about just that. Just doing what I want to do! I feel like a little kid at Christmas, just so excited! And I have the early KTTK! I can't wait!

Allyson, my solo trip might actually happen. Not sure yet, but it looks like it might happen this September! Yay, me!

Details details! When are you going? Where are you staying? How exciting for you! Yeah!

Hi Allyson. I saw you over on the FOcker PTR so I thought I'd drop in and say hi!


I am sitting here giggling because you DH sounds ALOT like my DH. Anti-Mouse I would love to take asolo trip with out DH and DS (4) and we are actually trying to make it happen in 09 with DH's blessing

We, as you kow, are there at the same time you are, and are staying at POP. Actually a couple of us are staying at POP. We have a smallish meet on the 24th at Petals at about 3opm so if you are around make sure to stop by and say hello.

Hello! Thanks for coming over! Yes I just posted on your thread that I just might be able to swing by Petals that afternoon. I will be getting back to Pop after my KTTK tour and a little libation might be just the thing I need to cool off! And I hope you get to do your solo trip! It has been so much fun planning mine and I can't wait to actually GO!

That's a nice change, and it sounds like the kids will be having a great time on their own vacation.

The kids will have a ball! They love Maine, it is one of our most favorite places!

Great flight changes and how nice you'll be able to meet your old friend.

Hope to see you on the Saturday

Yes it is all working out! And I am going to look for your group in Epcot! I do think you'll be pretty easy to find being that you have about a gajillion of you! LOL! I assume I'll see lots of Lime Green Mickey Heads on bags and such?

Changes sound great! About meeting your friend - I was just talking with a couple of friends last night who are going to Disney in November (not together - their trips are a couple of weeks apart) about this same topic. One of them has a friend who lives about an hour away from Orlando, and the other has a friend who lives here in MA and has invited herself and her family along on their trip! They were both talking about how they didn't want to share their trip time with the friends. So I think your feelings are not uncommon. Neither of my friends are Disney-fanatics (in fact I am planning itineraries for both of them) but their feeling is that they are paying a lot of money for the trip, they want to squeeze in as much as possible, and it's going to be hard enough to do that with their own families to please, never mind someone else's. I've heard of many people going on Disney trips with friends or extended family and having a great time - but it's definitely a challenge to make everyone happy and get to do everything you want to do. IMHO - I especially wouldn't want to share much of my solo trip time with anyone - like you said, it defeats the purpose of going solo!

You got it! Yes it is just hard because you always, well I always, feel like I have such limited time there that I don't want to share it with anyone else or take away from it to meet someone somewhere.

You gotta love more Disney time I hope your plans w/ your friend work out the way you want.

Thank you! They are falling into place!

Hey Allyson!

Just checking in and getting all caught up...

Sounds like your changes are good ones, and it's really all about what works for you so YAY! It's going to be here before you know it!!

Also, tattoos do hurt a bit, but I am a wimp in a BIG way, and I made it through 30 minutes with no problem. Like Michelle said, I was able to carry on a conversation still so... I hope you get to do it some day!

What is your tattoo of? I really know I'll do it sometime. I wish it had worked out a few weeks ago. I was really feeling up for it at that moment.

I'm so jealous that you are going to WDW and solo to boot! I have only been once in 2006 with my family (and would gladly go with them again). It's so close you must be so excited!

Thanks for posting! Yes I am very excited! It is hard because I don't really talk about it with anyone IRL, just here. The few friends that do know about here just don't really "get" it. They are not "like us" over here at the DIS. And I don't talk about it at home because even though the rest of the family will be having fun in Maine I still don't want to be like rubbing it in or anything. So I have you all to share my excitement with!

Allyson

 

[MomofCKJ]

Well things just worked out really well in the whole "what to do about seeing the old friend" dilemma!

She emailed me and suggested that she comes out, alone, on Monday morning and spends a few hours with me at Epcot! Perfect!

A. I get to see her and spend some time with her.
B. It is a few hours and doesn't alter the plan I already had
C. It is towards the end of my trip and I might be craving a little time with another person at this point! I just might talk her ear off and she'll wonder why she drove an hour for this!

It couldn't have worked out better! I am actually meeting a fellow TGM-er that morning at Rope Drop and we are doing the Soarin' run together and riding together. Then when Stacy (yes her name is Stacy just like that other Stacy we all know and love) arrives she'll call my cell and we'll meet up. She mentioned lunch and I am waiting to hear if she has any WS places she absolutely wouldn't eat at before I call. We might be out of luck as it is Free Dining by that time but maybe there is someplace that has room for 2. If not, we can do CS. Epcot certainly is the place to be if you doing CS!

So now I have Thursday night completely wide open! What should I do? My flight gets in at 3pm so I hope that by 4:30 I am checking into Pop. Is that realistic or wishful thinking?

I think I could be at the bus stop by 5ish. I currently have a 4 day hopper, to add a day is just a few dollars so I am open to that.

I could go to DTD, eat, shop and maybe hit a park late.
I could go to a park.
I could go to the bus stop and be crazy and just get on the first bus that comes.
What a wonderful dillemma!

Next up: Final (?)draft of my itinerary and going to plug in some CS!

Allyson

 

[KatGarcia]

Personally, the first night for me will be seeing the castle. Its a tradition I don't wanna mess with. Even if I get on one ride I'm going to MK. Hopefully catching some Wishes too.

 

[Quacktatty]

My first day is usually Favorites Day. I go to as many parks as I can (I arrive in the AM if possible) and see all my favorite attractions. You could do one park until close and then another after that if there are evening EMH.