The "Solo is a Verb" WDW TR: Who knew DIVAS could represent like this...6/7 UPDATE!

[Revelation]

enjoying your trip report...awaiting your update for the keys tour...since we went around the same time I like to see what I should have done differently it's giving me Ideas what to do for my Sept solo trip

 

[HMin]

I'm really enjoying your solo trip reports, great job!! Wish I had discovered these boards sooner, as I was also on a solo trip May 3rd-6th and we may have crossed paths at some point or other during our visits. I did DTD mostly that Tuesday, but then popped over to Epcot to ride Soarin' and Living with the Land (my fav). And while it seems some members were at Jellyrolls on Tuesday night, I was at ESPN Club having fun picking on Celtics fans (GO HEAT!!).

I also did the Behind the Seeds tour and really enjoyed it, didn't get to taste anything they grew, but did spot Epcot spelled out and played with some plant at the beginning that closed up whenever it was touched. Also found the hydro gardening part very interesting and was the main reason I took the tour (last year I purchased a book on it but the year was hectic and didn't get a chance with my Mom's sudden passing).

Congrats on your weight loss, and my thoughts are with you regarding your Dad, I went through several years of being a caregiver to mine when he was diagnosed with AZ. It is not an easy journey.

Oh, and you WILL make another solo trip, I made my first one the same week in May 2010.

 

[LaLalovesWDW]

My thoughts go out to your and your family during this hard time, so sorry to hear that your father is not doing well.

Thank you so much. Still no news, so I suppose that is good.

As I read the whole report so far we have even more in common Libra here as well and am thinking we are very close in age love your trip report so far looking forward to the rest.

uh oh... have I finally met my universal twin?? Thanks for continuing to read. Im trying to keep everyone entertained... lol.

I'm finally caught up....darn work gets in the way of my DIS time!! LOL

I'm even more excited about the behind the seeds tour now that I have read your report on it! We will definitely aim to do that next trip...
Can't wait to hear about the Keys to the Kindgom tour as well.

I don't drink much as well...that drink would have knocked me out for the day! LOL

How is your dad????? thinking of you...

I know all about the "work getting involved with DIS time" issues... how inconsiderate of these employers! I deal with the same thing. The Seeds tour was definitely more interesting than I thought. The "Keys" tour (Im writing about it now) probably won't be as intersting. We could barely take pics, but will try my best with it.

That drink was really good, but was totally unprepared for the 1-2 punch it caught me with.

No change or news on my Dad, so we are just in waiting mode right now. Thanks much for the thoughts!

enjoying your trip report...awaiting your update for the keys tour...since we went around the same time I like to see what I should have done differently it's giving me Ideas what to do for my Sept solo trip

Rev, thank you but the great thing about going solo is that whatever you do, or did, is a perfect plan. My next trip (also in Sept) I will not plan as many organized activities... lol.

I'm really enjoying your solo trip reports, great job!! Wish I had discovered these boards sooner, as I was also on a solo trip May 3rd-6th and we may have crossed paths at some point or other during our visits. I did DTD mostly that Tuesday, but then popped over to Epcot to ride Soarin' and Living with the Land (my fav). And while it seems some members were at Jellyrolls on Tuesday night, I was at ESPN Club having fun picking on Celtics fans (GO HEAT!!).

I also did the Behind the Seeds tour and really enjoyed it, didn't get to taste anything they grew, but did spot Epcot spelled out and played with some plant at the beginning that closed up whenever it was touched. Also found the hydro gardening part very interesting and was the main reason I took the tour (last year I purchased a book on it but the year was hectic and didn't get a chance with my Mom's sudden passing).

Congrats on your weight loss, and my thoughts are with you regarding your Dad, I went through several years of being a caregiver to mine when he was diagnosed with AZ. It is not an easy journey.

Oh, and you WILL make another solo trip, I made my first one the same week in May 2010.

Thanks hon! Yes, Im sure we crossed paths at some point. I came across another solo TR and a pic he took of a CM watering plants, is the same exact one I took on the same day! I had to look at his other pics to see if I was in any of them.

That plant (Mimosa pudica) or the "sensitive plant" was really cool! Did your guide shake the tree?? oh boy the poor thing looked like it was about to commit suicide after that! LOL... we had a joke that it probably needed some medication after that.

Thank you about my weight loss and my Dad... Yes and Yes about the solo trips... I am going this Sept, and also next year, 1st week of May (DISDiva week). Bringing DD again this December for her 6th birthday... can't wait!

 

[karice2]

Hey Lala, just got a chance to check the board. So sorry to hear about your Dad. You and he are in my thoughts and prayers.

The Blood Orange margarita was strong. So glad I was walking back to my resort. Love your TR. I want to write one too about the NE Diva's take Disney but work is in overdrive right now.

I learned something new about you today. Music Performance, so awesome. I am in awe. I didn't forget your other pic, just trying to get everything loaded to new laptop.


Can't wait for the V&A TR. Everything was the best thing I put in my mouth.


Kim

 

[onelilspark]

Well, I just got word from my stepmother that my Dad has taken a turn for the worst and is in the hospital, but unresponsive.

Sending good thoughts & pixie dust your way

 

[HMin]

Thanks hon! Yes, Im sure we crossed paths at some point. I came across another solo TR and a pic he took of a CM watering plants, is the same exact one I took on the same day! I had to look at his other pics to see if I was in any of them.

That plant (Mimosa pudica) or the "sensitive plant" was really cool! Did your guide shake the tree?? oh boy the poor thing looked like it was about to commit suicide after that! LOL... we had a joke that it probably needed some medication after that.

Thank you about my weight loss and my Dad... Yes and Yes about the solo trips... I am going this Sept, and also next year, 1st week of May (DISDiva week). Bringing DD again this December for her 6th birthday... can't wait!

Hey, at least you have pictures that include yourself, I have NOT ONE pic of me my last two trips! As for the plant, I couldn't remember the name (which is oh so easy when you remind me). I guess if your guide shook the tree, I won't get mine in trouble for saying it..ah, that poor plant!

Lastly, it looks like I've attended the last two DISDiva weeks on my own without even knowing it!

 

[LaLalovesWDW]

Hey Lala, just got a chance to check the board. So sorry to hear about your Dad. You and he are in my thoughts and prayers.

The Blood Orange margarita was strong. So glad I was walking back to my resort. Love your TR. I want to write one too about the NE Diva's take Disney but work is in overdrive right now.

I learned something new about you today. Music Performance, so awesome. I am in awe. I didn't forget your other pic, just trying to get everything loaded to new laptop.


Can't wait for the V&A TR. Everything was the best thing I put in my mouth.


Kim

Hey miss ma'am! Take your time on the pics... I am still catching up myself. Im trying to get this next report post out, but its always something...

Sending good thoughts & pixie dust your way

Thanks so much!

Hey, at least you have pictures that include yourself, I have NOT ONE pic of me my last two trips! As for the plant, I couldn't remember the name (which is oh so easy when you remind me). I guess if your guide shook the tree, I won't get mine in trouble for saying it..ah, that poor plant!

Lastly, it looks like I've attended the last two DISDiva weeks on my own without even knowing it!

oh oops, was I not supposed to say she shook it?? Well, I just made that up about DISDiva week... but Im hoping it will catch on! That is a great time of year to go to Disney.

 

[LaLalovesWDW]

"Keys to the Kingdom" Tour

May 4, 2011

I could barely rest the night before. In addition to still being a tipsy and thoroughly entertained by the festivities during our Diva's night out, I was also a little giddy with anticipation of my tour which would begin at 8:30am. I tried my best to rest and woke around 6am, to get myself ready. I had another delectable breakfast courtesy of Chez Lala (2 bananas, some grapes, and a yogurt), while enjoying another morning with my breathtaking view from my balcony...

I had not scheduled anything this day other than the tour, and our DISDiva Dinner at Victoria and Albert tonight. I am so glad that I had not planned a full day at the park because, truthfully, I was exhausted already. I definitely overscheduled myself this week and tried to do too much in a short amount of time. And as these thoughts ran through my head, during my 15 minute drive to MK, I freaked out that I still had the Wild Africa Trek tomorrow... oh boy. Hopefully I survive. Then I freaked out some more when I remembered that this tour is almost 6 hours long...

Sometimes I forget that I am almost 40 years old, and not Jillian Michaels... For some reason, when it comes to anything Disney, I feel like Im invincible...that is, until my knees start screaming at me.

Yes, folks these are the crazy things I think about when I drive...

Ok, I pull into my AAA Diamond parking spot, and walk down to the entrance. There is already a growing crowd getting ready for the 9am rope drop. I asked a smiling CM where do we go for the "Keys" tour, and she escorted me down to the turnstiles on the far left.

Another CM checked off my name and I proceeded in with the others who were rushing to their character breakfasts, or other tours.... wow, never been in here when it looked like this before

I had to actually stand there for a few minutes, and absorb a sight that I would probably never experience again...

I made my way over to City Hall, where I was greeted by a couple of friendly CMs who got me signed in, gave me my headset, and asked me to order my lunch... "Order my lunch?" I ask... I was surprised because I don't remember reading that lunch was included. I had even threw some "Chez Lala to Go" in my Tink backpack just in case I felt like I was going to pass out before the end. Ok, that was great to know... I ordered the Fish/Chicken combo basket and an unsweetened Iced Tea...

I gathered in the garden area with the other tour goers, as we waited on our guide. Aaron (our tour guide) arrived... "Oh, he's cute..." I thought.

He introduced himself and basically gave us his 10-year history with Disney and yes, he was more than qualified to give us a tour on Disney. He has worked in just about every facet of Disney, across the world. Disneyland, and back again... and now working in Guest Relations, dealing with VIP guests, and giving tours. I felt very lucky that he was our guide.
We were on our way.

Another disclaimer here - I will probably be very vague throughout my reporting of the tour, and focus more on my experience than what I learned or was told. There was a lot of the tour that we could not take pictures, so there aren't many. Also, I don't want to give it all away for those who want to experience it themselves and surely don't want any "Execs" contacting me about anything... lol

We started out on Main Street, where he gave us a bit of the history as to why Magic Kingdom was built the way it was. Its actually a pretty interesting story, and he did say that one of the motivations was because the guests visiting Disneyland would be stressed out when they reached the top of a rollercoaster, see the highway traffic, and immediate leave the park afterwards... Since I had already did my "secret window" visit to Hollywood Studios which included the "One Man's Dream" attraction, just made me more in awe of the psychology, philosophy, and spatial awareness that was taken into consideration when they were carefully desiging Magic Kingdom. We walked down a still, minimally occupied Main Street and we learned about the forced prospective in the construction on the buildings of Main Street, Cinderella's Castle, and other buildings all across Magic Kingdom. Many of us know about the forced prospective concept. We see it all the time in movies, art exhibits, etc, buy Disney does it best.

I have always loved all the little fictious businesses and names that we've all seen around Main Street, and on my Sunday visit, I made sure to hit all the little side streets to really take the time to observe each one. I'm so glad I did because we spent a while learning some really great facts about these "businesses" and names on the buildings.

Not too long before we left Main Street area, we heard the countdown to rope drop... I snapped a picture of Main Street just before the Fireworks

About 30 seconds later, we heard cheering, fireworks... amd I moved out of the way for the stampede...

Wow, people with strollers move fast!

We continued our tour, making our way to Adventureland. We learned about Dole Whip, the construction of some of the attractions and buildings, more fum facts about forced prospective, and about the 4 keys of Disney. Of course, I forget them all, but the two I remember were Safety and Show.

Why did these stand out to me?

One thing I have always appreciated about Disneyworld is the amount of energy they place on making sure their guests and cast members are kept safe. I know they aren't perfect and things have happened in the past, but to really see the effort and energy is just amazing from the backend. They serve thousands and thousands of guests a day, with thousands behind the scenes, and if they come away with a mishap here or there, that is still an attribute to the success

And Show... well, that speaks for itself. Nobody does a show quite like Disney. Never have. Never will.

So after a couple of hours, we took a bathroom break. I took a moment to snap a pic of our tour guide and some of the other tour goer's

We rode a ride and he gave us some fun "secrets" about it, and then made our way through a backstage area to view how some things are done with processing trash (fun), and also how the parade floats are navigated and stored. Of course, we couldn't take any pictures of the backstage area.

We came back to the main park area, through frontierland and finally it was time for lunch. Our guide is amazing! He not only was knowledgeable, but very entertaining. I couldn't believe that it was almost 1pm.

We were treated to lunch at Columbia Harbour House by our "lunchtime" CM. of course, Aaron had to take a much-needed break also so he handed us over to another CM (who I found out also did the Keys tour) for our lunch. We had assigned seating, and I was pleasantly surprised to be seated with two other Soloists. One of the guys I was seated with was also from NJ, so we ended up chatting more than with the other fellow.

Before eating, the CM brough our attention to our name placegtags on the table and told us to open it for our "Key". Very nice!

After lunch, I was basically done... I wanted to lay down and have a geriatric moment... BUT, it was time to get through the last hour of the tour.

Luckily, Aaron realized that most of us were suffering from the 'itis at the moment and after a brief conversation on Hidden Mickies, we went on another ride. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

We toured some more; learning details upon details about architecture, design, and how moods are set within each land. Wow, I am just totally blown away.

Finally, we made our way back to the Main Street area, had our final bathroom break before heading down to the underground area of the park. That was very interesting to see how things work on the "1st floor" of Magic Kingdom. There really isn't much I can say except that much of the last hour of the tour was a blur... I was dog tired, but thoroughly content with all I learned and saw.

As 2:30 starts to roll around, I head over to Main Street Bakery and get a 1/2 sandwich and red velvet cupcake. Yummy! I listened the little marching jazz band do their thing on Main Street before heading back to get some rest and get myself together for dinner at V&A with the Divas....

NEXT

 

[onelilspark]

I read this and then went and looked up the price for the tour and to see if I had time to do it on my solo trip in September...I do. I'm tempted.

You're a bad influence...

 

[disneyfav4ever]

I can't wait to read your report! Your daughter is adorable, and you look great! Congrats on the weight loss!

I go to Disney solo myself all the time, and plan on doing some of the tours the next time I go, so look foward to hearing about those.

 

[tinkgurl]

I really want to do the Keys to the Kingdom Tour sometime, and this update just made me more excited to try it!

I had to laugh at the pic of the Rope Drop people coming in. You're right, those people with strollers can go fast! Some people get crazy during Rope Drop!

 

[LaLalovesWDW]

I read this and then went and looked up the price for the tour and to see if I had time to do it on my solo trip in September...I do. I'm tempted.

You're a bad influence...

You won't regret it... well, that is unless you really don't want to know. Im kinda torn now because when I go to MK it will still be magical, but kinda "well Toto pulled the curtain back, but still can enjoy myself" type magic.... I try sometimes to be a bad influence, but only if it brings about good results.

I can't wait to read your report! Your daughter is adorable, and you look great! Congrats on the weight loss!

I go to Disney solo myself all the time, and plan on doing some of the tours the next time I go, so look foward to hearing about those.

and glad you are on board. thanks so much for the compliments, although I think I gained 5 lbs since being back from Disney... lol. The tours were great. I have one more to report on tomorrow.

I really want to do the Keys to the Kingdom Tour sometime, and this update just made me more excited to try it!

I had to laugh at the pic of the Rope Drop people coming in. You're right, those people with strollers can go fast! Some people get crazy during Rope Drop!

Hey Tinks! I really hope you get to do it.. it was much fun. Definitely try for one that starts before rope drop so you can see those stroller runners in action... it was fun to see everyone running to their favorite part of the park.

 

[Revelation]

thanks for the info on keys tour...I going to do it my next trip. now just the decision do I go with that or the big one backstage magic its twice as long. thanks again love your pics and report

 

[puffinp51]

I am SO enjoying your report and can't wait to hear more. The tour sounds like a really great adventure. I remember taking one many years ago (40+ years) at Disneyland - I got to 'steer' the steamboat - but would never have thought to do one now. Think you've convinced me Thank you! Looking forward to your next report.

M.K.

 

[Pryncesa]

Hi there! Just found your TR, and I'm really enjoying it. Waiting for the next update.

 

[LaLalovesWDW]

I am SO enjoying your report and can't wait to hear more. The tour sounds like a really great adventure. I remember taking one many years ago (40+ years) at Disneyland - I got to 'steer' the steamboat - but would never have thought to do one now. Think you've convinced me Thank you! Looking forward to your next report.

M.K.

thanks so much for enjoying my report. Wow, you got to steer the boat?? Wow! Im jealous... ok hopefully everyone is still around.. I have totally slacked on getting my last two days posted.

Hi there! Just found your TR, and I'm really enjoying it. Waiting for the next update.

Hey girl and thanks for joining.. I am so sorry I kept everyone waiting! Here I go...

 

[LaLalovesWDW]

Thanks for being so patient! It's been so busy and life has been crazy, and without totally depressing everyone with life issues, here with go with the continuation of my May solo trip...
============

Day 4, Part II

After returning back to my room from MK, I rested for a little while, and then enjoyed a wonderful, cool bubble bath, with some peppermint soap that I had brought with me. It was actually just what I needed after a the long tour on such a warm day.

Around 4pm, I began to get ready for dinner. I don't remember ever in my life having dinner at 5:15pm, so this was going to be a new experience for me. I didn't eat too much throughout the day and had decided to save my red velvet cupcake for the next day, so actually I was pretty hungry.

I slipped into my dress and sling back heels, and made my way over to the Grand Floridian Resort. When I arrived, I decided to do valet parking because (1) my shoes had a definitely expiration date and having to walk too far in them would only expedite that process... and (2) I figured that if we were Diva enough to do V&A, we were diva enough to valet. The great thing is that because we were having dinner there, they actually validated our valet tickets, so that was a nice perk.

As I began to walk in, I met up with NJDiva (who was stunning, by the way) and the beautiful Karice2 was already inside waiting on us. The three of us, in all of our Divalocity walked around aimlessly looking for the entrance to V&A.... after a few minutes, there we were...

Wow, it was stunning and intimate when we walked in. The elegance is unmatched and I definitely understand why this is a 4-star restaurant. The Harpist on our right was effortless playing some lovely tunes from our favorite Disney movies while we smiled and enjoyed the atmosphere.

After a few moments, our "Victoria" and "Albert" kindly greeted us, introduced us to our personalized menus and brought us our water.

Please keep in mind that my menu is actually vegetarian, so you may not necessarily enjoy the dishes that I had but I thoroughly enjoyed everything on my plate. My diet is about 80% vegetarian on a normal day, but 100% vegetarian when I don't recognized the other offerings on the menu, so there you have it... now, on to the courses...

Again, forgive my naivete however, I am not that well-versed with food, nor did I take notes as I had for most of my trip, so my memory is faiing in my old age and may not recall everything that I enjoyed. In between a few of the courses "Albert" brought out selections of fresh-baked breads with different types of butters. I was in heaven.

COURSE 1
Amuse-Bouche - This was a little quartet of delights. The other two ladies had different selections than I, but my selection includeded a deviled quail egg, a bite of tuna, a cheese/cracker something or another, and a season-fried tomato bite...

COURSE 2
Carpaccio of Roasted Beets with Petite Bibb Lettuce and Sherry Vinaigrette - oh my goodness, I don't even like beets yet I ate every morsel off of my plate.

COURSE 3
Vegetable Ratatouille in Calamarata Pasta

Posting of this picture reminded me of something... if you look in the background you will catch a glimpse of my iced tea. This was THE best iced tea I ever had in my life. No joke.

I don't recall exactly when it happened, but at some point in the middle of our courses, we conversed about how refined our "Victoria" and "Albert" were. They were extremely knowledgeable about out dishes and were able to answer any questions we had about the foods. In addition, their presentation skills were really impressive. So, nosey us... asked "Victoria" about how they were able to get "role" in this restaurant and she told us that there were a lot of extra training and exams that they had that to endure to be able to place there, and that it wasn't just based on senority (which I assume is usually how its done). That was really interesting to learn.

COURSE 4
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Tortellini- I love this soup, but of course, V&A took it to a new level. The little spoon on the side had a pumpking seed oil that the Chef somehow made into a powder and when you put it in the soup, it turns back to an oil and just added an extraordinary flavor level to the entire dish. I swear the bowl looked fresh out of the dishwasher when I got done with it.

MORE...

 

[LaLalovesWDW]

COURSE 5
Sake-Soy-marinated Alaskan King Salmon with Bok Choy and Soy Beans - Although my menu stated that I was to have a Red Cabbage Tart with some other healthy food stuff around it, "Victoria" suggested that I may like the Salmon if I wanted something a little more substantial. I absolutely love Salmon so I jumped at the change. I think I shed a tear after my first bite. It was THAT good...

After laughing it up and totally enjoying the company of my fellow divas, I couldn't believe the time... it was almost 8pm. Wow, this was the absolute longest dinner ever, but it felt like just a moment of time. I am very much enjoying myself.

COURSE 6
Colston Bassett Stilton, Southern Belle Chèvre,
Gouda Reypenaer V.S.O.P., and Chaource Rouzaire- I absolutely love cheese so I thought that I would really enjoy this as a prelude to dessert. It was ok... I didn't enjoy it as much as I think I would have enjoyed the White Chocolate Gelato...

COURSE 7 (DESSERT!)
Tanzanie Chocolate Pyramid with a Champagne-Chambord Truffle - by the time it became time to pick a dessert, my Libra antennas were all over the place. We had six desserts to choose from and I wanted every single one. Chocolate won me over and since I had never had African chocolate before, I went with this dish. Wow, it was heaven. And yes, I ate every single one of those chocolate dots off of that plate.

"Celebes" Coffee, Tea, and Friandises - This was nice. As we would down from a wonderful dinner, Karice2 and I wanted coffee while NJDiva enjoyed tea. When "Albert" came out to get the coffee going, my eyes popped when I saw how he got this operation going. As we began to take pictures, he looked over and said "This is the most photographed coffee pot in the world." After the delight of watching this scientific method of brewing coffee, we enjoyed some of the best coffee and homemade treats ever...

After our well-deserved Diva night out, it was almost 9pm and the other ladies wanted to get to MK for fireworks and Lala wanted to head back to Kidani to relax out at the fire pit, so our wonderful photographer "Albert" took a few pictures of us before we headed out...

LEFT to RIGHT: Karice2 NJDiva LaLaLovesWDW​

As we parted ways that night and I headed back to Kidani, it was a bittersweet moment for me. I had a FANTASTIC day and week and reflected on all of the people I had met, food I had ate, yet tomorrow would be my last full day at Disney... and first agenda item - Wild Africa Trek. I couldn't wait!

Day 5

 

[onelilspark]

Mmmm, it all looks so good!

I went to V&A's when I was 13 for Father's Day with my parents. I haven't been back yet, but it's on our "must do" list!

 

[tinkgurl]

A peppermint bath sure sounds nice after a day at one of the parks!

I hear ya about the shoes. And you're right! Heck, you're doing V&A, so why not valet as well?!

I love how all 3 of you matched! Did you plan that?

I think I drooled through the meal part of the update.