Ridin’ Solo – ‘Une Personne S’il Vous Plait’ **COMPLETED (Plus Lunch At Walt's)**

[Linda67]

Lovely pics from WDS. Looks like the weather was very nice too.

Thanks
The weather was wonderful. I had travelled dressed for arctic conditions and the sun was blazing down

 

[Mum to Belle]

I love that you were escorted to your room by a Chipmunk!!! Disney magic at it's best! DLH looks fab, I really want to stay there!

 

[Disneyfanswicklow]

Another fabulous day and such wonderful photos! Can't wait to read more!

 

[Linda67]

I love that you were escorted to your room by a Chipmunk!!! Disney magic at it's best! DLH looks fab, I really want to stay there!

If only he was the human type of 'Chipmunk'

Another fabulous day and such wonderful photos! Can't wait to read more!

Thanks, it was a great day

 

[Linda67]

Having such a short walk from the parks to the hotel really made staying at DLH an absolute pleasure. I freshened up and checked out the rest of the room (love that you get a robe and slippers!) before heading down to the Fantasia Bar for a pre-dinner drink

Now I have to say this is a great bar, I loved it and found it very difficult to not just spend the next two days sitting in here

There was a pianist playing in the lobby just outside the entrance to the bar and this is where most people were sitting having pre-dinner drinks ahead of their reservations at California Grill and Inventions

Inside the bar itself, which is open to the lobby, there is a selection of comfortable chairs and sofas as well as high stools at the bar itself. The décor is delightful with just enough ‘Disney’ to keep it interesting without it loosing that feeling of a sophisticated adult space

I found myself a cosy little table and began to survey the all-important cocktail menu. I decided on a ‘Glow-Tini’ something I had tried before in WDW and enjoyed very much. The waiter was absolutely charming and I never felt odd sitting on my own and after taking my order he quickly returned with some nuts and delicious tortilla chips.

My cocktail arrived shortly afterwards

Oooh, I enjoyed every sip of this

It has to be said that this is not a cheap place to enjoy an adult beverage but if you want to treat yourself (and you should!) this really is a wonderful place to spend some time

I had taken a book down to the bar just in case I felt I needed to be doing something but I so enjoyed people watching I really didn’t need it

There was a lovely little French boy sitting with his family nearby who seemed to be totally fascinated by the fact that my drink was ‘glowing’.

Every so often he would sneak up beside me with his dummy in his mouth and just stare, wide eyed at the glow cube. When I had finished my drink I asked the family if it was OK for him to have it and they seemed delighted with this.

The little boy looked soooooooooooo happy when I handed it to him

By this point I was getting really hungry as I hadn’t really had much since breakfast at St Pancras. I popped back to my room to grab my coat and headed outside towards Disney Village

I had already decided where I wanted to eat

There was a fairly large queue just inside the door but the staff were very efficient and handed everyone in the queue a menu whilst checking how many were in each party

I was taken to my table after about a 10 minute wait and was surprised to see I was given a really nice booth table even though I was on my own

I have a bit of a ‘thing’ about booths ………… I love them

Whenever me and DH are in the US we always make a bee-line for anywhere that has booths, we even through about putting one in our kitchen at home.

I sent DH a text to tell him I missed him and I wished he was sitting with me

So onto the food (and drink )

A waiter was soon roller-skating towards me and took my drink order which I am happy to report was another cocktail creation – ‘Champs Tequilla’

This was a tasty mix of Tequila, Apple Juice, Crème Du Coconut and Grenadine

Oh yes, I was here to eat as well wasn’t I??

I ordered Annette’s ‘The Green Piece’ Veggie Burger

Rather than a usual veggie burger, this was actually a Spanish style tortilla, topped with avocado, Mozzarella, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes and ‘Annette’s Special Sauce’

It usually comes with fries but I switch them for a side salad instead

This burger was absolutely delicious and a great vegetarian option (one of only two veggie options on the menu) and I would order it again in a heartbeat

As tempting as the ice-cream creations looked I was too full to try one so I settled my bill before heading out for a quick look around the shops and a gentle stroll back to the hotel

I tried out my new gorilla-pod tripod for a solo shot!

It was 9pm when I got back to the room so I decided to go and check out the pool as it didn’t close until 10pm.

Unsurprisingly there was no-one else down there so it was wonderful to have the place to myself and I thoroughly enjoyed the 30 minutes or so I spent swimming around.

The pool area and changing rooms are really nice and spotlessly clean. I even had time for a quick steam and sauna and it was a wonderful way to end to the day

At a little after 10pm I headed back to my room (via a quick look in the hotel shop) and collapsed into bed with my book ...... Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Coming Up Next ……………….. Where Is Everyone??? …………….. A Solo Trip (Literally) To Disneyland Park

 

[Kazzabelle]

What a lovely TR, I love the fact you are making the most of every moment of your trip alone doing what you want, when you want. one day i would love to do this.
What a lovely thought giving the little boy your glowing ice cube, I bet he was so chuffed and thought it was a magic ice cube.

 

[disney_princess_85]

Lovely update! I had a feeling that Café Fantasia would be your new 'happy place'. It's so nice in there.

 

[Linda67]

After a really good night’s sleep, I caught up with the BBC News and got myself showered and ready for the day ahead.

I was keen to make the most of Extra Magic Hours so I headed down to Inventions for Breakfast just before opening time (7.30am)

I had read on the boards whilst researching this trip that you are allocated a time slot for breakfast when you check in to the hotel but I was told that I could take breakfast at any time between 7.30am and 11am. I’m not sure if this is always the cast with DLH or if it was just because it was so quite

I was taken through as soon as the restaurant opening and seated at a lovely table right next to the window. What a wonderful view to have whilst eating breakfast, you could see the castle which was all lit up as it was still quite dark

I soon had a hot cup of coffee in my hand thanks to a very smiley waitress and went to check out the buffet.

As well as all of the fruit, cereals and yogurt selections, there is a whole section of cold meats and cheeses, a pastry and bread section (croissants, pain au chocolate, muffins, Danish pastries, breads for toasting) and finally all of the hot breakfast items such as, bacon, eggs, sausage, beans)

I really wasn’t expecting such a great line up of hot and cold food and everything was hot and fresh and certainly hadn’t been sitting under heat lamps for ages

As soon as I spotted the pancakes that was it!! I tried to show a little self-control and took just one, grabbing a small jar of maple syrup and headed back to my table. Oh wow this was delicious so I was quickly back for seconds

Next up I grabbed some fresh fruit salad (Pineapple, Melon, Grapes, and Orange) and some yogurt

All in all a delicious start to the day and you can easily fill up with just about every breakfast item you can think of.

As I left the restaurant Geppetto was waiting outside the door so I said ‘bonjour’ and headed towards the park

 

[Linda67]

What a lovely TR, I love the fact you are making the most of every moment of your trip alone doing what you want, when you want. one day i would love to do this.
What a lovely thought giving the little boy your glowing ice cube, I bet he was so chuffed and thought it was a magic ice cube.

Thanks for your lovely comments
It was a great moment with the little boy, he looked like I had given him the best thing ever

Lovely update! I had a feeling that Café Fantasia would be your new 'happy place'. It's so nice in there.

I am beginning to get a reputation - just wait until you see my evening on day two

Just posted day two, part one by the way (just above this reply)

 

[dizneeat]

Hi Linda!

Just wanted to sign on here before we go to WDW on Saturday! I am still at work, so I can't really read it all now, but your room looks wonderful and I just love all the photos!

Going back to read it all tonight!

 

[Linda67]

Hi Linda!

Just wanted to sign on here before we go to WDW on Saturday! I am still at work, so I can't really read it all now, but your room looks wonderful and I just love all the photos!

Going back to read it all tonight!

Oh Karin, I am sooooo jealous you are heading out on Saturday

I hope you and Tom have a wonderful time, can't wait to read all about it

 

[loladelorean]

Loving your trip report! I must admit I had never considered a solo trip, but who knows, maybe one day....you make it look so idyllic
Can't wait for the rest! Oh, and I had that same cocktail at Annette's I think, yummy!

 

[DLPdaft]

I've read this all at once so far, loving loving loving it !

 

[mommy2ash]

what a great trip report. i am loving your pics. it is my goal to stay at least once in the dlh

 

[Linda67]

It was around 7.55am when I arrived at the hotel guest’s entrance to the park and a quick look round made me realise I was the only person there.

I chatted to the cast member manning the gate who told me that they would be opening up any minute now.

I kept expecting other guests to appear but as the gates opened at 8am I walked into a totally empty Disneyland Park

As I walked down Main Street I still kept checking behind my but there wasn’t a soul to be seen

The first human being I spotted was a maintenance worker and he kindly took a photo for me

I decided that I would head to Fantasyland first and try some of the rides that I never do when I am in WDW

First up Dumbo

Yep, I was still on my own

Next up was The Carousel which I also had completely to myself

Then it was off to the tea cups

‘Is this place actually open?’

Time for a boat ride

OK so now I am beginning to think that even the dolls on Small World are looking at me funny ‘why are you here? where is everyone else? it’s a small world after all …. La, la la’

So I knew that Peter Pan would be closed for a re-furb so I headed off towards Discoveryland

Hoorah, there are some actual real people who aren’t getting paid to be here

First stop Buzz

Loved this and actually preferred it to the WDW version

Next it was time for my Mission To Space

Again, I loved this. It was very different to the last time I had visited DLP and I thought the new special effects were a great addition. I seem to remember it being really rough last time and banging my head around but it seemed much smoother to me

I even jumped on Orbitron as there was no line

There was still half an hour or so before rope drop and I wanted to stay near Discoveryland and ride Star Tours at the 10am opening so I headed back towards Main Street and the Cable Car Bakery for a cappuccino …………………….. that’s when I first set eyes on a Mickey Brioche …………… and it was love at first site

OK, so it is a well-known fact that anything shaped like Mickey instantly tastes better but this lovely little bundle of carbohydrates took this statement to a whole other level!!

Oh boy, these are soooooooooooooooo good

When I finally stopped trying to pick up every single crumb from the paper I headed back to Discoveryland and readied myself for a flight to Endor

I was first in line (now there’s a surprise) and a 10am on the dot we were taken through for boarding.

It was a fun ride as always but it’s definitely ready for an update. By the time I go to WDW in May the new version will be open so I am looking forward to that

Oh and how cool is this?

Right, looking at that Mickey Brioche photo has made me need an urgent sugar fix

Next Up – My Lunch Date With Jack

 

[mamaboogie]

Linda!

Glad to see you are keeping up the cocktail addiction! I will keep up the tradition when I go on Tuesday next week!

I can't believe how empty it was! How bizarre and how cool! (We are determind to get into the park for 8am now - although I can't believe it will be so empty during half term!)

Can't wait to hear more!

 

[Linda67]

Loving your trip report! I must admit I had never considered a solo trip, but who knows, maybe one day....you make it look so idyllic
Can't wait for the rest! Oh, and I had that same cocktail at Annette's I think, yummy!

Glad you are enjoying my ramblings and yes, it was idyllic

I've read this all at once so far, loving loving loving it !

Welcome and thanks for reading

what a great trip report. i am loving your pics. it is my goal to stay at least once in the dlh

DHL is just lovely so I really hope you get to stay there one day

Linda!

Glad to see you are keeping up the cocktail addiction! I will keep up the tradition when I go on Tuesday next week!

I can't believe how empty it was! How bizarre and how cool! (We are determind to get into the park for 8am now - although I can't believe it will be so empty during half term!)

Can't wait to hear more!

Hello there long time no speak
You have to check out my next couple of posts, we are talking cocktail over-drive and I insist you try them all when you go next week

 

[J Marley]

Wow I love it that you had the park to yourself.The photos of Main Street empty look incredible

 

[mamaboogie]

Hello there long time no speak
You have to check out my next couple of posts, we are talking cocktail over-drive and I insist you try them all when you go next week

I'll get my notebook out!

The cocktail budget is ready and waiting - especially as we are going without the children!

 

[stargatebarbie]

wow all those rides on your own its like my bestest dream ever ever amazing i work at a school so its always busy when we go