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

[DisneyJo]

Great flight price, I just looked at our August flights and due to fuel costs etc they've gone up by $400 each Am I glad I booked months ago

 

[kimwim8]

Hi Allyson!

My votes are for 50's PT Cafe at the bar. I really think that would be a lot of fun, and an easy way to make conversation, if you so choose.

As for World Showcase, what about France or Italy? France would be great, to people watch as they are walking thru WS, and Italy is EXCELLENT food! Just my two cents, to throw some more options out there.

We ate at Cape May Cafe and loved it. So I'd vote for that when meeting your friend. Then maybe you can walk around the boardwalk area afterwards.

I'm really enjoying this report and being "involved" in the planning process too.

 

[MomofCKJ]

. On the other hand, Marrakesh is one of the places I most want to try -- have you ever had baklava before? That is one of their desserts, and one of my absolute favorites.

Everything I hear about Kona is fabulous!

So, there are my opinions.

My Mom's side is Armenian and a lot of the foods they make are quite similar to Marrakesh, including Baklava. So part of me does like it and part of me thinks it won't be as good as Mom's. Tempting though.... stay tuned!

Oh my gosh, I read this and had to re-read it - I am so flattered!

Ok, now on with the show...you asked for our opinions, so here goes...

Saturday, I have always wanted to try the Cape May Buffet, and I can never seem to talk my fam into going as they really don't care for buffets but will put up with it if it's name is BOMA or it's in a park. I think I would go there if for nothing else, for the OREO BON BONS - yummy!


Tuesday, I am SO happy you are going to Kona, but now I hope it can live up to the hype for you! The food really is divine, and I think you will find the atmosphere light and cheerful. Kind of like a coffee shop...

Good point, Oreo Bon Bons, those sound like something I must try!

Your ADRs sound good to me. Kona is on my next time list, but for breakfast.

Yes the Tonga Toast sounds delish!

I am in the same boat. I am thinking of doing a dinner for myself solo, and I'm not sure where to go...

Cape May was great, we just went there this past trip. I really liked it.

I love the idea of 50's at the bar! I haven't eaten there since our honeymoon in '05.

The bar is sounding better and better to me!

I'm planning on doing the Tune In Lounge myself so I suppose I'm a bit biased. Since the bar doesn't need an ADR I'd suggest keeping your MM ADR for now and if you decide you're not feeling it then cancel.

I have also heard great things about Morocco. And you could always pop over to France for dessert!

Good idea on the keeping of the MM but trying the Tune In, I like it!

And yes, France is so close and crepes sound good to me! Or Creme Brulee!

Well, I see you are one step closer to a free TV! Way to go Celtics!

I would probably also vote for Marrakesh over San Angel, although I have not eaten at either. I'm thinking of adding PT Cafe to our ADR list, I think my mom would get a kick out of it. The bar does sound like fun, if it were me I'd take it over MM's. Decisions, decisions!

Yes only 4 wins away from a free TV! Thanks for your opinion, Marrakesh is getting a lot of nods!

Saturday:
Cape May Buffet could be good as well - it's one I always want to try but never actually get a reservation for.

Have you ever eaten at Fresh at the Dolphin? I guess it's not on the DP, but it seems like you're planning this Saturday dinner as an extra??
Sunday:
50's Primetime would probably be more fun and a unique dining experience at the bar or otherwise.
Monday: Marrakesh is really a great experience, though. Gorgeous in there. Loved the couscous. I don't think I had dessert when I ate lunch there with my then 2 year old, many moons ago. I hear you on the dessert - no chocolate! - but maybe you'd be pleasantly surprised?

Tuesday: Hold firm on Kona. I have only had breakfast there one time, but it's a neat spot and good food and I'd definitely go back. I bet you'll really enjoy that one.

Are you having fun yet? I, for one, am really enjoying your planning process.

Thank you for all your thoughts! I do appreciate them! I had not considered the Swolphin restaurants at all. Glad to hear the good stuff on Marrakesh! And Kona is a definate, I'm not messing with that one!

Saturday: We have eaten twice at Beaches and Cream and once at Cape May. The whole family LOVED B&C. They have the most awesome onion rings!!! Everyone except me loved Cape May. The food was really good, I'm just not a huge buffet person.

Sunday: The only TS place I've eaten here is 50's PTC. We loved it, but I don't know that I'd want to eat there alone. I didn't know about the bar option, though...

Monday: We only did CS in World Showcase and did Coral Reef for TS. That was hands down the BEST meal we ate in the World!!! But since you want World Showcase, hmmmm... Marrakesh sounds really good...

So many decisions, so little time to eat!!! I'm sure whatever you decide will work out great!

Denise

I love Coral Reef too! We ate there the last 2 trips so I didn't want to revisit this time. The food has been great there though and I love the atmosphere!

I don't really have any suggestions but I just have to comment about making ADRs so far in advance. In my family I am the one who is teased for being Disney obsessed. They laugh that I am on the boards daily (no more than an hour usually) but last night it was DH (aka Mr. OCD) who said we have to have a plan on what ADRs we want in December - we can call June 23rd. I reminded him we did this over Christmas ( a year before our trip) and his answer was "Yes, but we have to have a back up plan in case we can't get something!" So yea, we all play the ADR game.

That is too funny! Always good to have a Plan B I suppose! Your ADR date is coming up soon!

Hi Allyson! I'm Julia

I love your PTR, I'm all caught up, and I'm coming with! (figuratively, of course )

Love it!

Welcome Julia! Happy you are here!

Great flight price, I just looked at our August flights and due to fuel costs etc they've gone up by $400 each Am I glad I booked months ago

YIKES! Yes good thing! That is a huge jump! I just bought our tickets for January from Hartford to Orlando to Nassau to Hartford. That was a tough one to swallow, $538 each! Glad I didn't wait any longer!

Hi Allyson!

My votes are for 50's PT Cafe at the bar. I really think that would be a lot of fun, and an easy way to make conversation, if you so choose.

As for World Showcase, what about France or Italy? France would be great, to people watch as they are walking thru WS, and Italy is EXCELLENT food! Just my two cents, to throw some more options out there.

We ate at Cape May Cafe and loved it. So I'd vote for that when meeting your friend. Then maybe you can walk around the boardwalk area afterwards.

I'm really enjoying this report and being "involved" in the planning process too.

You know I hadn't given France much thought. Is it too romantic in atmosphere? When I think France I think tres romantique! Glad you liked Cape May. That was my thought too, that we could hang out a bit and she wouldn't need to get a park ticket or anything. I do want to scoot back to Epcot in time for Illuminations though! And I love having this whole group of consultants helping me plan this trip! It is fun!


Allyson

 

[miceli20]

Hey girl, I totally understand the need for a solo trip. I love going with the family, although I have had two mommy trips with just me and bff. They were excellent. I am an only child as well and understand wanting to be alone, I have the same yearning to have down time or alone time. So go have fun enjoy every minute you have. You will love Kona!

 

[MomofCKJ]

So I had me a date with 1-407-WDW-DINE today. They picked up right away, I think they were waiting for me. My CM, I can't recall her name, but she sounded Fairy Godmotherish--very sweet and kind and eager to help me. I like that!

So I am normally not a big ADR shuffler. I kind of make my plan and as far as the dining goes I usually stick with it. Partly because that is just how I do it and partly because it isn't always easy to change around ressies for groups of 5 or 6. But this time I am one. And I am learning it is quite easy to change an ADR for one. I do like that!

So I called today and asked for....
.
.
.
.
.
.
Cape May Cafe for dinner on Saturday! Thank you to all the Cape May fans and to PiscesAngel (shouting out to you again!) for bringing to my attention Oreo Bon Bons! Your recommendations sold me on trying it. And believe it or not I do live in New England but don't very often eat clams. Even though I like them. So it will still be a treat! Then I figure my friend and I can walk around the Boardwalk. Question, will she be able to park at the Boardwalk? She is driving obviously since she lives in the Orlando area and is not going to be going to Epcot with me or anything.

So next I asked about....
.
.

.
.
.
.
.
.
Restaurant Marrakesh! And of course they have room for one! So I booked it and cancelled the San Angel Inn. I figured it truly is a place my family would never want to go and that is what I want a lot of this trip to be. I love the feel of the Pavilion and I love that several of you had good things to say about it. And I love the notion of hitting up France for some good dessert afterwards! So to Morocco it is!

I left Mama Melrose alone. I think my plan will be to go to the Tune In Lounge, see if I can sit and eat there and then call over and cancel the MM one. I'll just sort of play it by ear but I think that is my plan. I don't want to get an ADR for 50s if I go the bar is where I want to be I think.

I wasn't touching Kona, nope, I'm going there! I did however add one more. What is it you say?
.
.

.
.
.
.
.
Tusker House Breakfast! Yes a character breakfast! That is not my main reason for wanting it though. I really love doing one early breakfast on a trip and getting to be one of the first ones in a park. So I have an 8:05am which is perfect. A buffet works for me, I can eat and then be ready to hit that EE Single Rider Line! If I get a few pics with a character or two even better! I'll just pay OOP for this one. Again, not a big deal when you are talking about just one person. Nice!

So there we are, for now! I *think* they'll stay the same. The only one that I could still be swayed on I guess is Marrakesh. At the moment I'm all for it but not as set in stone as Kona.

I decided for Counter Service I really want to try the Anandapur (I am butchering this I am sure) in AK. I wanted to this past trip but was vetoed by little people wanting pizza. This time I am trying it. The Mango Mini Pie is calling my name.

Two things, we are watching Untraceable right now with Diane Lane. Creepy, creepy movie. I don't like it at all. Too grisly and icky for me. Definately not a feel good movie.

Second any David Cook fans out there? I love me some David Cook. Bashful and Belle and I loved watching AI this season. So I got tickets for us to go to the AI show in August. And I got great, great seats! We'll be in section 110, 6rows up right next to the side stage:

I think we'll be close enough to see the twinkle in David Cook's eye. Should be a real treat!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend kiddos! Next up, compiling my list of Things I've Always Wanted To Do At Disney World And Will This Trip!

Allyson

 

[kathleen27]

Love the photopass pictures!

I fly Southwest and love it. We fly out of TF Green and SW has several direct flights to Orlando at good times and with reasonable prices. Its so much easier to fly out of the small airports. I refuse to drive to or in Boston , though I will ride with others. On my own, I take the train.

I have never been to any of the restauraunts you're thinking of but I'd love to try Kona!
50s PT sounds good too.

 

[kathleen27]

I decided for Counter Service I really want to try the Anandapur (I am butchering this I am sure) in AK. I wanted to this past trip but was vetoed by little people wanting pizza. This time I am trying it. The Mango Mini Pie is calling my name.

Same thing happened to me.
I wanted Flame Tree, my little people wanted the pizza too.

Tusker house sounds great.

 

[KatGarcia]

awesome seats for the AI show!

Tusker house was a great breakfast!!!! The food was really yummy!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Great seats for the AI show! You will have a blast being that close, I am sure!

Hurray for Tusker House breakfast! We are eating there in June -- it's one of the ones I most look forward to trying.

 

[corinnak]

Allyson,
You sound a lot more excited about this batch of ADR's, which is what's really important, and great to hear.

Oh, regarding parking at Boardwalk to eat at Cape May - that probably won't fly - but if she has your ADR number, I bet she could park at the Beach Club/Yacht Club.

Oh, keep the Marrakesh - there is live entertainment. GREAT for dining alone! And dessert in France, I'm not sure how you can beat that.

I had the same experience booking ADR's when I went with just a 2 year old that one time - it was literally 2 weeks before the trip that we decided to go (joining in on a friend's trip) and I was really pleased at how generally easy it was to get a table for 2, pretty much wherever and whenever I wanted. Also nice how relatively little you pay for 1 adult and a free toddler - makes doing an OOP completely doable. Great choice adding that before-park-openining ADR. You reminded me to do that for our trip in November. I'd better get on the horn about that TODAY! Thanks for thinking of that one while I still have half a chance at getting it! (Cause it's all about ME on your pre-tripie. )

What is it about those kids and the Pizzafari? My kids have the same preference.

 

[Ellester]

.
Cape May Cafe for dinner on Saturday! Thank you to all the Cape May fans and to PiscesAngel (shouting out to you again!) for bringing to my attention Oreo Bon Bons! Your recommendations sold me on trying it. And believe it or not I do live in New England but don't very often eat clams. Even though I like them. So it will still be a treat! Then I figure my friend and I can walk around the Boardwalk. Question, will she be able to park at the Boardwalk? She is driving obviously since she lives in the Orlando area and is not going to be going to Epcot with me or anything.

I think you'll really like Cape May. The Oreo bon bons are quite good as well, be sure you save room! Your friend will be able to park at the Beach Club by giving your name and saying you have an ADR. We were staying off property when we ate there and parked without a problem. We also spent quite a bit of time walking around the Boardwalk afterwards, even watching Illuminations from there with out moving the car. Your dining plan looks great, it's making me hungry!

 

[dddisrunner]

OOOOH Allyson do Marrakesh! I LOVE it there! Don't worry about dessert, that's what snack credits are for You don't have to feel bad about it either cause your dining is FREE! Kona is AWESOME too, you will LOVE it!

 

[PISCESANGEL]

Thanks for the shout out (again!)

It sounds like you've got some really great ADRs - I can't wait to hear more about Marrakesh because I've always wanted to try it! And I am so happy for you getting the 8:05am Tusker House ADR - that rocks!

Not to mention the seats for David Cook! That will be so much fun!!

Thanks for sharing all of your plans. This is almost like watching the behind-the-scenes making of a movie, I can't wait to see how it turns out!

 

[CJsMom]

Phew! I had to catch up - as I was in Baltimore over the weekend watching Manny Ramirez hit his 500th!!

Your ADR's sound great. We had a good meal at MM last December. I'd say it's a little better than Olive Garden but nothing like you get in the North End. It's not dark and not particularly romantic so I don't think you'd feel uncomfortable.


I liked your idea of munching your way around World Showcase - but the CS's you are picking sound good too. And I love that you are doing a character breakfast at AK!

Great seats for AI - I'm a big Cook fan! Did you see his Disney commercial?
http://www.disneyworld.com/idol

 

[MomofCKJ]

Love the photopass pictures!

I fly Southwest and love it. We fly out of TF Green and SW has several direct flights to Orlando at good times and with reasonable prices. Its so much easier to fly out of the small airports. I refuse to drive to or in Boston , though I will ride with others. On my own, I take the train.

I have never been to any of the restauraunts you're thinking of but I'd love to try Kona!
50s PT sounds good too.

Oh good, another thumbs up for SW! Yes driving in Boston is right up there with getting a root canal for me!

Same thing happened to me.
I wanted Flame Tree, my little people wanted the pizza too.

Tusker house sounds great.

It is a revolt and their battle cry is "PIZZA!"

awesome seats for the AI show!

Tusker house was a great breakfast!!!! The food was really yummy!

Oh good, I can't wait to try it!

Great seats for the AI show! You will have a blast being that close, I am sure!

Hurray for Tusker House breakfast! We are eating there in June -- it's one of the ones I most look forward to trying.

Oh we will love it I'm sure. It is Bashful's first real concert though and I've tried telling her how loud it is but I still worry (she isn't a huge fan of really loud). I think I might bring ear plugs for her to cut the sound a smidge.
And I can't wait to read your Tusker House review when you return!

Allyson,
You sound a lot more excited about this batch of ADR's, which is what's really important, and great to hear.

Oh, regarding parking at Boardwalk to eat at Cape May - that probably won't fly - but if she has your ADR number, I bet she could park at the Beach Club/Yacht Club.

Oh, keep the Marrakesh - there is live entertainment. GREAT for dining alone! And dessert in France, I'm not sure how you can beat that.

I had the same experience booking ADR's when I went with just a 2 year old that one time - it was literally 2 weeks before the trip that we decided to go (joining in on a friend's trip) and I was really pleased at how generally easy it was to get a table for 2, pretty much wherever and whenever I wanted. Also nice how relatively little you pay for 1 adult and a free toddler - makes doing an OOP completely doable. Great choice adding that before-park-openining ADR. You reminded me to do that for our trip in November. I'd better get on the horn about that TODAY! Thanks for thinking of that one while I still have half a chance at getting it! (Cause it's all about ME on your pre-tripie. )

What is it about those kids and the Pizzafari? My kids have the same preference.

Good point on the Boardwalk/BC thing! LOL!

DId you make your ADRs yet? Did you? Did you huh? Get on the horn girl!

I think you'll really like Cape May. The Oreo bon bons are quite good as well, be sure you save room! Your friend will be able to park at the Beach Club by giving your name and saying you have an ADR. We were staying off property when we ate there and parked without a problem. We also spent quite a bit of time walking around the Boardwalk afterwards, even watching Illuminations from there with out moving the car. Your dining plan looks great, it's making me hungry!

They sound really good! And I will be sure that I give my friend the ADR number in case she needs it. Good tip on seeing Illuminations from there! I definately want to see it. Maybe she'll want to stick around and we can watch from there.

OOOOH Allyson do Marrakesh! I LOVE it there! Don't worry about dessert, that's what snack credits are for You don't have to feel bad about it either cause your dining is FREE! Kona is AWESOME too, you will LOVE it!

A Marrakesh lover! Yea! Any recommendations for a fave dish?

Thanks for the shout out (again!)

It sounds like you've got some really great ADRs - I can't wait to hear more about Marrakesh because I've always wanted to try it! And I am so happy for you getting the 8:05am Tusker House ADR - that rocks!

Not to mention the seats for David Cook! That will be so much fun!!

Thanks for sharing all of your plans. This is almost like watching the behind-the-scenes making of a movie, I can't wait to see how it turns out!

It is fun to have you all along for the ride. Really! I don't have anyone else to talk about this with. I mean Grumpy, well he really doesn't care, and my kids don't know. I have told only one friend because she loves me and would support me in whatever wacky thing I decided to do. Any other friends and family I just feel like they would look at me like I was a loon. As a Mom, esp as a Mom, it is hard to tell someone "I'm going to Disney World alone". They don't get it. I think only a true DISer would understand! So thank you all for listening to me ramble and helping me make decisions!

Phew! I had to catch up - as I was in Baltimore over the weekend watching Manny Ramirez hit his 500th!!

Your ADR's sound great. We had a good meal at MM last December. I'd say it's a little better than Olive Garden but nothing like you get in the North End. It's not dark and not particularly romantic so I don't think you'd feel uncomfortable.


I liked your idea of munching your way around World Showcase - but the CS's you are picking sound good too. And I love that you are doing a character breakfast at AK!

Great seats for AI - I'm a big Cook fan! Did you see his Disney commercial?
http://www.disneyworld.com/idol

Whoo Hoo lucky you at the Sox game! That is cool that you were there for Manny's big day!

So many places to eat, so little time!

And another Cook fan, I knew I liked you! I did see his commercial, isn't he just so cute? I downloaded This Is The Time from iTunes and it has become my running theme song. Such a great song to run to when you are just feeling like you can't push it anymore, it inspires you to keep moving!

Allyson

 

[MomofCKJ]

Before I discuss what to do at the MK I have to tell you something. I learned something new today, right here on the DIS. Now I consider myself a pretty knowledgable Disney girl. I read a lot of books (just finished Realityland--LOVED IT), watch all the requisite Travel Channel shows (over and over) and log many,many hours here on the DIS. I feel like I know my stuff. Well I had no idea the restaurant Tokyo Dining even existed. I knew of Teppan Edo but never, ever have I heard of the other one. *GASP* How did I miss this? I really like Japanese food but the idea of sitting with strangers at a cooking table turned me off so I dismissed dining in Japan. However dining at my own table, well that changes everything. Now it will be the battle of Morocco vs Japan. I may need a few days to figure this one out!

Where did I learn of this place you wonder? Well let me tell you. There is this Dining Trippie that I am loving right now. Here is the link:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1820513

Marcia went solo AND on the Deluxe Dining Plan! She has loads and loads Food Porn if that is your thing and great writing. Check it out! And no she is not paying me to push her Trippie. She doesn't even know me, I'm just a fan of her report!

So my topic tonight.....what to do at the Magic Kingdom.

Here is the scoop peeps, I want to make the most of this Solo Adventure. I want to not only see the things I want to see and do the things I want to do but I want to have new experiences that perhaps I've never had the opportunity or time or ability to do.

So please feel free to post what YOU would like to do if you were taking a solo trip. You might have this great idea of something I hadn't thought of that I would like to do. My goal is to make a list for each park and perhaps make some super cute binder like Charleston Princess and put them in there. Maybe laminate them and cross things off with a marker as I do them, gosh am I getting too geeky? Anyway bring on your "What I would do if I were going to the Magic Kingdom alone" ideas!

What do I have so far?

*Keys to the Kingdom---booked! This was a must must do for me. My family would never do a tour and I really, really want to do one. This is 5 hours long and gets great reviews. You go behind the scenes a bit and see the Utilitors and ride a few rides. You get earpieces to hear the Tour Guide and have lunch at CHH. I have heard it is wonderful. I already booked for 8:30am on the 24th. If you book with a Disney Visa you get 20% off making it $48.

*Ride the Trolley--Becky commented on this a few pages back. You know, I never have ridden the trolley. And I want to! So I will!

*See the Roy/Minnie statue and the Walt/Mickey statues up close. Nope, I never have.

*Go to the Hall of Presidents, just because I haven't been since I was like, well a very long time ago.

*Get some sort of treat at the Main Street Bakery and sit and eat it and watch the people go by. Can *never* do this with the kids. They are all about the rides and stopping to people watch, not going to happen. And eating a delicious treat is much more treat-ish when you aren't involved in squabbles over who knocked over whos drink or whose cupcake has more sprinkles or why is it so hot or why can't we go doooooooo something. You get my drift?

Of course I must ride my favorites which would be, like almost everything. Splash is my numero uno. I love love love it. But will I love this one alone? I don't know. This might be one of those rides you need your peeps on. Or not. I guess time will tell! And Pirates and Haunted Mansion.

So how about you, lay it on me, your MK Must Dos if you were flying solo!

Allyson

 

[KatGarcia]

LOVED the keys to the kingdom tour! it was a fabulous experience! I also love riding the trains all the way around and just watching people while riding!

So far so good!

I am excited to ride BTMRR @ Night!

 

[MomofCKJ]

Crisis!!

I thought my kids went back to school August 28th which is why my trip has me home the 27th. Well today I emailed the principal just for kicks. They start back the 27th!!!! AUUUUGGGHHHH! I have to be back for the first day,I have to! If not who knows what Grumpy will have them wearing!

I just emailed my lovely TA Jessica to see if she can move my dates to August 22-26 instead. I might just bag the Free Dining, I'd only get it 2 nights and it might just not be worth it. I have a PIN code for the other nights. Oh leave it to me to have some drama! And this means my ADR, my ADR at Kona, would be GONE! I need to see if I can do it a different night.

I checked Southwest and I can move my flights for just another $15 thank goodness!

Never a dull moment!

Allyson

AACCKKKKK!

 

[PISCESANGEL]

Crisis!!

I thought my kids went back to school August 28th which is why my trip has me home the 27th. Well today I emailed the principal just for kicks. They start back the 27th!!!! AUUUUGGGHHHH! I have to be back for the first day,I have to! If not who knows what Grumpy will have them wearing!

I just emailed my lovely TA Jessica to see if she can move my dates to August 22-26 instead. I might just bag the Free Dining, I'd only get it 2 nights and it might just not be worth it. I have a PIN code for the other nights. Oh leave it to me to have some drama! And this means my ADR, my ADR at Kona, would be GONE! I need to see if I can do it a different night.

I checked Southwest and I can move my flights for just another $15 thank goodness!

Never a dull moment!

Allyson

AACCKKKKK!

Oh my gosh! That is a crisis!! I hope you can get everything moved okay. Don't worry about Kona though because I don't think it is one of those that is too terribly hard to book. Good luck!!

(and naturally, let us know what you come up with... )

 

[dddisrunner]

YIKES! Now that makes for a little drama huh!

Let's see alone in the MK....

Definitely watch WISHES! I still haven't done this.

See the show in front of the castle- never done this

Shop on Main St. in each store- again never have.

Ride TTA by myself

ride SM, BTMRR, HM, Splash and It's a Small world

get a treat at Main St. bakery

wait in toontown to see princesses- with all boys, I NEVER get to do that!

there ya go! Good luck with switching everything around!