“IF THIS IS A DREAM, I DON’T WANT TO WAKE UP!” – POP! Goes The Solo Trip **THE END**

[DisneyKid4Life]

I had a lot of catching up to do but I am so thoroughly entertained with your TR that it was a treat!!!!

Isn't the Finding Nemo show awesome! And not just because of the bubbles!!

Thanks for sharing that Fantasmic finale video. You could definitely tell the level of excitement!

Glad you endorse Pizzafari! Is that considered "real" pizza? But because you would never lead me wrong I'm going to take your word for it. At least the family nearby provided entertainment. I've only entertained folks during dinner by jumping on a booth to avoid a rat but that's another story well documented in one of my TR/DRs!

There's no hate here from me for not seeing FOTLK since it meant a visit to a Yeti. Photo #11 was the best yet!!! There must be some type of pin from Disney for that. (I'm in complete agreement with you about a prospective Avatar land - think again Disney!)

You get the citizenship award for most AWESOME park guest for offering to give your spot in line to the duo for Pocahontas!

Bahaha, OMG Brenda, that made me laugh. That hadn't occurred to me the way it was written. So funny.

Oh man that gif just slays me. I just had to find a place to use it, and this just worked. I had to make the best of a bad situation. Unfortunately the magic wand just made me go away.

Oh it so would have been epic I assure you. Here's a sample just for you. Well it's not Sonny and Cher, but Clapton is good too... right!?
Tears in Heaven

Aww, as always, Thank You Brenda!

Nemo really was awesome, but I sure did love the bubbles.

Thanks. I just wanted to give a little sample about what I was talking about. The crowd, especially the group in front of me, were just so excited. So great.

Haha, I know, it was such a rousing endorsement too. And no, I would NEVER steer you wrong.

Thank you fpr saying that. I so hated skipping that show since it is so unbelievably good. But I just HAD to get to 10. I just had to. Or 11 as it turned out. You know, I SHOULD get a pin. Although I'm sure many have accomplished this feat.
I really hate to pass judgement on something that hasn't even started being built yet, but I just really want Disney to focus on their own stuff. They have such a HUGE library of things they just don't need to go outside the family.
We go to Disney for Disney, not Avatar. Just sayin'.

Awwwwwww thank you!! I like to think most of us would have done the same thing. It's such an honour to just be nominated.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

I totally at that those tips by Sparkle. I soo needed that laugh. It baffles me that signs like that are needed...kind of like how there are certain products that are self explanatory as to what they are yet they still list what's in them...like, say a bag of carrots. It actually lists the ingredients as...carrots. Who knew

Anyway, I also never made the connection between Cher and Pocahontas before, but man, can I ever see it now

Also, I absolutely hate it when people are like that (referring to the people in the second Poca line-up) I don't understand what makes them feel that way or what makes it okay in their minds to feel/act that way. It's pretty shameful really Especially at Disney. Everyone is there to have a good time, everyone has saved up and worked hard to get the money to be there, so everyone is equally entitled to wait in the long line-ups to meet characters or go on certain rides, that's just how it works. Maybe they were staying at a deluxe resort and thought that they were more privileged because of it? Who knows but it is sad

I much prefer Pizzafari over Pizza Planet, which is still cool and holds a special place in my heart, but I find that the pizza at Pizzafari is less greasy some how. They also have really good breakfasts that you should try out next time Also, if you haven't been to the Flame Tree BBQ, you NEED to go next time...like, it's a must-do. I've only eaten there twice, but it's not disappointed either time - the only downside is eating outside, but the food is worth it.

Lastly, that Cheetah picture was drool-worthy. I've never been able to see it that close before, it's usually more like what you got during your previous trip.

Oh god that just cracked me up. It was just the most bizarrely funny thing. I think that they were just "tips" made it so much funnier. Somebody actually sat down and wrote these. I just love dumb things like that.

I know, me neither. Now I can't get past it!! Darn that guy!

It was quite sad. I sort of felt sorry for them in a strange way because they will just never understand the joys in the little things.

Interesting comparison to Pizza Planet which I have never gotten to eat at. This was actually my very first Disney pizza ever. It definitely wasn't greasy at all. I have eaten at Flame Tree, and I love it. One of the best CS restaurants around without a doubt. But yeah, the seating's not the best. I remember eating there once and there was no plce to sit at all. We ended up trying to balance on a little ledge. The food was still good though.

I know, most of the time I never even see the Cheetahs. To see one actually out like that was so exciting. :hype

 

[Teresa Pitman]

If you want to ride Soarin' more times in a row, go to Disneyland - they have a single rider line!

TP

 

[Tracy161]

Hahahaha. Hahhaah. HAHAHHAHAHA! Oh my gosh, your ride photos are always amazing! The last one - with the lady next to you sporting the exact opposite expression - was of course my fave!

Wow, what's with some people?! That family sounded rude and obnoxious - what a way to spend your time at the happiest place on earth! I would have done the same thing - glad their moods didn't rub off on you. One time in the cattle line... er, BTMRR, some woman kept pushing my sister. It was so aggravating! Like, do you really think you're going to get there any faster but pushing through the line like a bratty 5 year old?! The woman was at least in her late 40s.

Yay, way to make the day for the two waiting to see Poca though! It's the Disney magic from fellow guests - not just CMs - that always makes Disney even more special.

 

[Viva Las Disney]

Just found your TR and I'm loving it. I'm making my first trip to DW in Dec and since I'm going solo I'm a little apprehensive about certain aspects of DW without kids. As a solo adult I hadn't planned on spending any time meeting characters but it looks like you're having such a good time with them I'll have to build some time into my schedule. Your report has alleviated a lot of my insecurities about solo travel and I can't wait to read and see more.

Subscribed and looking forward to the rest of your report.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

If you want to ride Soarin' more times in a row, go to Disneyland - they have a single rider line!

TP

Oh wow you're right Teresa. Thanks for the reminder. Just another reason to get back to D-Land some day!

Hahahaha. Hahhaah. HAHAHHAHAHA! Oh my gosh, your ride photos are always amazing! The last one - with the lady next to you sporting the exact opposite expression - was of course my fave!

Wow, what's with some people?! That family sounded rude and obnoxious - what a way to spend your time at the happiest place on earth! I would have done the same thing - glad their moods didn't rub off on you. One time in the cattle line... er, BTMRR, some woman kept pushing my sister. It was so aggravating! Like, do you really think you're going to get there any faster but pushing through the line like a bratty 5 year old?! The woman was at least in her late 40s.

Yay, way to make the day for the two waiting to see Poca though! It's the Disney magic from fellow guests - not just CMs - that always makes Disney even more special.

Haha, thanks Tracy. That one cracked me up too. You'd almost think it was planned. Nah just kidding, it wasn't planned

I know right!? I don't get it either. I guess, just like anywhere, some people just will never be happy or aren't happy unless someone else is miserable. No way was I going to let it ruin my day.
I don't get the line pushing either. What don't people get that no matter how much you push, there are still the same amount of people in front!?
It would be funny if it wasn't so annoying.

Couldn't agree more Tracy. It felt awesome to do it. The vast majority of people at Disney are wonderful.

Just found your TR and I'm loving it. I'm making my first trip to DW in Dec and since I'm going solo I'm a little apprehensive about certain aspects of DW without kids. As a solo adult I hadn't planned on spending any time meeting characters but it looks like you're having such a good time with them I'll have to build some time into my schedule. Your report has alleviated a lot of my insecurities about solo travel and I can't wait to read and see more.

Subscribed and looking forward to the rest of your report.

Thanks so much and .

I am SOOOO happy to hear you say that. I too was apprehensive of solo travel, but after reading some reports on these boards I decided to just go for it, and I'm so glad I did. It was one of the best trips ever (and the best is yet to come).

If you normally like meeting characters, definitely do it. They are so great and welcoming. All the attendants and photographers were great too. They never made me feel weird being alone.

Thanks so much for reading! It makes me feel really great to hear that my TR helped a bit with your apprehension.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

"I'M NOT AFRAID OF A ROLLERCOASTER THAT GOES BACKWARDS!"
Day 2 April 28, 2013 Part 5


I have never really spent much time visiting any of the Disney resorts.
I've been to the Contemporary many times beginning as a child, but the others were more or less mysteries to me.

So I had set aside some time today to do just that.

I would even use the Disney Transportation System to do it since it would be less of a hassle.

I knew that CSR and AKL were the nearest to AK, so I figured I would just go to whichever one had a bus show up first, since the stops are next to one another.
I had initially planned on exploring both today, but the day had kind of gotten away from me, so I settled for just one.

The first bus to arrive was...

So I was off to Coronado Springs, which incidentally, I had been really close to booking as the price wasnt a huge amount more than POP.

I won't add a lot of commentary as I think the photos speak for themselves.
This place is STUNNING with a capital GORGEOUS.

But, it is HUGE and really spread out. At least that's how it came across to me.
I mean, I think there are like 4-5 bus stops just at this resort alone.
This would certainly be a wonderful place to stay if you planned a lot of resort time.

And for anyone wondering, there were no Frump sightings on this particular exploration.

Without further adieu, I give you a brief sampling of Coronado Springs Resort.

Simply stunning all the way around.

After making my rounds, I got back on the next bus back to AK, passing Blizzard Beach on the way

CONTINUED NEXT POST
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[DisneyKid4Life]

Day 2 April 28, 2013 Part 5 Cont.


It was about 6:45 when I arrived back at Animal Kingdom, so I jumped in the car and sped off to my nighttime destination.

I'll give you a hint... EPCOT...

But that's the only hint I'm giving you.

I posted on Facebook:
"I thought it would be good to get back to the resort, rest a bit after Animal Kingdom. Then I came to my senses and came to Epcot for Illuminations... Because I can"

Since it was later in the day, and because I knew Soarin' and Test Track were out of the question, I gave myself permission to ride "Spaceship Earth Presented By Siemens."

This ride is so relaxing, particularly on the way back down.

On my walk to World Showcase, I stopped and got a photo in front of the Fountain of Nations,

Otherwise known as the

BEST FOUNTAIN ANYWHERE EVER,

Something I had surprisingly never done before.

From here, I somehow accidentally found myself in front of the temporary Character Spot, as the normal location was under reburb.

There was virtually no line, so it seemed like the thing to do.
After I was done there was a huge line formed, so my timing was perfect.

I actually like the backdrops here better than the real Character Spot.

Obviously I do enjoy meeting characters and it's always a great experience.
But there's just something about meeting members of the Fab Five that always seems extra special to me.

I don't care how old I am or how old I get;
I will never tire of getting a warm hug from any character ever, especially The Boss.

Ahhh, I love that Mouse.


CONTINUED NEXT POST
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[DisneyKid4Life]

Day 2 – April 28, 2013 Part 5 Cont.


Finally I made it to World Showcase.

I grabbed a soft serve before setting up shop at the top of the stairs in Canada to wait for Illuminations to begin.

This has become my go to spot.
It’s a pretty unobstructed view, plus it puts you above the people in front of you.

And soon… It started.

Illuminations just never ceases to leave me speechless; It's such an uplifting message too.

The park was now closed, so I, like everyone else, headed out.

It was a quick drive back to POP where I, once again, filled up my refillable mug at the food court and purchased a treat to have while checking in on the fiancée back in the room.

I was welcomed back to my room by this little guy in my window…

Yes, I am aware that I am indeed a grown male adult, and yet, yes, I was crazy excited by that little guy’s presence.

Like, you have no idea.

One of the things I was most hoping for by staying on-site was one of these little Mouse-keeping gifts.
Of course, being a solo adult, I didn’t really expect it.

This was very my first Mouse-keeping present EVER, so I may have resembled the following when I got safely inside the room…

My treat of choice tonight was “THE KING” cupcake, another POP exclusive desert in memory of Elvis.

What’s in “THE KING” you ask?

Chocolate Cupcake, Banana Custard Filling, Peanut Butter Frosting, Chocolate Drizzle, and…
Candied Bacon
Yup, Candied Bacon.

It was interesting, and mostly very good and really moist.
The peanut butter frosting was amazing.

But I have to say, I could probably do without having candied bacon in my deserts going forward.
Nonetheless, I still thought it was a yummy way to end the day.



UP NEXT… I HOPE THIS KEY WORKS BECAUSE WOAH, THERE ARE 2 NEW CASTLES… TWO!!!
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[TheMaxRebo]

Another great set of updates - happy to log-in and see more to read

How very Spinal Tap of you to go on Everest 11 times .... hopefully there was no need to dust for vomit at any point during this trop

Oh, and people like in the group behind you in line to me PocaCher, we refer to them as "Special Snowflakes"

Way to get out ahead of the "Frump sighting" question that you knew would come

 

[Happy Duck]

That is a fantastic place for Illuminations! I'll definitely have to remember that! Do you know if there are any good places in England? We'll be staying at the Yacht Club and it would be great to have a viewing spot with easy access to international gateway.

And I agree with you about the candied bacon. I've never had it, and probably never will, but I think I'm okay with that.

Great updates!

 

[ktandspen]

We are staying at POR next Nov, our first resort stat, but I am wondering how often I am going to have to visit POP for the epic baked goods! Why does POP have cupcakes etc specifically for their?

 

[Teresa Pitman]

That is a fantastic place for Illuminations! I'll definitely have to remember that! Do you know if there are any good places in England? We'll be staying at the Yacht Club and it would be great to have a viewing spot with easy access to international gateway.

And I agree with you about the candied bacon. I've never had it, and probably never will, but I think I'm okay with that.

Great updates!

My very favourite place to watch Illuminations is from the patio at the Rose and Crown. Make an ADR for around 7:00, let them know when you check in at the podium that you want to eat on the patio and you are willing to wait for a table if necessary, then enjoy a leisurely meal and watch Illuminations over drinks and dessert.

Teresa

 

[wdwgirl03]

Wow, the pictures of Coronado Springs are really nice! I have never stayed there but one time my dad and I ended up on a bus that went there (I can't remember if we were leaving or going to Winter Summerland) and I remember there being a bunch of stops there. I love visiting the resorts so maybe I need to add CSR to my list!

Those retro Epcot backgrounds at the temporary Character Spot are pretty sweet looking.

Well that cupcake sounded good until I read the candied bacon part. LOL. I love bacon but don't think it would be that great on a cupcake.

 

[annie170]

Great location for Illluminations! I'll have to remember that for this Fall.

My first time staying onsite was at All-Star Movies. The Magical Express first stopped at Coronado Springs before the three All-Star Value Resorts. All of us staying in the All-Stars just drooled over the beauty of Coronada Springs.

That cupcake sounded fantastic, until the candied bacon.

Did you tip your mousekeeper daily to get the little surprise? I tip at the end of the trip and I've rarely gotten any surprises.

 

[katt789]

Aw man, no FOTLK?! What? Lawl, those little statues, ah, never thought about them leaving….didn’t realize the whole area would be cut, boourns!

Too bad about Poca!

11 rides, awesome!!


Oh my gosh, the crazy people in Poca's line, I would not have dealt with that, that's crazy!!!

 

[emmysmommy]

Ok, I'm warning you… I'm showering you with completely deserved flattery. You are a man of great talent!! Seriously. Loved the video! Thanks for sharing! You can view my amazing musical ability here…just ignore the fact that we don't know the words, don't have our choreography down, and definitely that we've never had a lesson in our life!!! (shhh don't tell Em that I'm sharing this one.)

Coronado Springs is so pretty.. I've only seen a few photos but yours are gorgeous. A frump sighting definitely crossed my mind.

Just so you know, I totally knew you were headed to Epcot even without your very vague hint.

Whaaaaat?? Totally confused on the two headed Rob Spaceship earth photo? Huh? What's your secret?

Completely agree with you about the Fab 5 is THE CHARACTERS that you HAVE to pose with. Well, that plus they are the pals that include us in their secret play groups in the castle. Totally jealous of this Rachel gal….Just sayin'.

Canada eh for the Illuminations fireworks. I think that makes complete sense. If I were to watch Illuminations from anywhere it would be from America! Yes, because of the funnel cakes!

Wow! That King cupcake and Stacey TV - what a combo! Actually I'm not afraid to try candied bacon, it could be delish!

 

[peachmermaid]

I'm seriously considering staying at Coronado Springs! It looks so pretty!!

Isn't it funny how you plan on taking a break during the day, but then you're like um, yeah I'm not taking a break. I have to use up every moment I have in this magical land!! I'm going to have to try out your spot for Illuminations next time we are there to watch it. Looks like a wonderful view!

 

[khertz]

I love going to visit Disney resorts, so it's cool you took the time to go check out CSR on your visit. It looks like a really pretty resort! Too bad for no Frump sightings though.

I am so with you on the backgrounds at the temp Character Spot greeting area. WAY better than the frenetic jumble of bright colors and weird cartoon characters at the old one. I hope when/if they reopen it, they got rid of those hideous backgrounds!! So distracting!

I think I gained 5 lbs just looking at that cupcake!!

 

[Happy Duck]

My very favourite place to watch Illuminations is from the patio at the Rose and Crown. Make an ADR for around 7:00, let them know when you check in at the podium that you want to eat on the patio and you are willing to wait for a table if necessary, then enjoy a leisurely meal and watch Illuminations over drinks and dessert.

Teresa

Thanks for the tip!!!