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

[DisneyKid4Life]

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

Why thank you kind sir!

Bahaha, nice. I never made that connection. Well done! No vomit to speak of...

Haha, I never heard that term before... but I like it.

Yeah I figured, just nip it in the bud right off the top. Seriously though, what a gorgeous resort.

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!

It really is a great spot. Any place that puts you over everyone is so helpful.
You know, I have watched from England once before from the seating area of the Yorkshire Fish & Chips Shop. We just parked ourselves along the wall that's there with our food and had a great view.
Also, the England/France bridge is an awesome spot as well. Actually one the best. I imagine it fills early though, but wow, would you ever be close the the exit.

Haha, it actually wasn't all that bad. I think it was more that it seemed so bizarre to me.

Thanks so much!

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?

Haha, I actually not sure. I've heard rumours that "The King" isn't always offered. I had actually gotten the last one that day, and to be honest, I don't remember seeing it again after that. But the Tie-Dye Cheesecake usually is always available and it is SOOOO GOOOD!. I imagine the other resorts may have some resort specific treats as well.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

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

Another great option! Thanks for sharing Teresa.

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.

Thanks Sarah! It's a gorgeous resort for sure. It really amazed me even more considering it's so tailored to conventions.

I loved these backdrops and I really wished they used them in the regular Spot. I think they are back to the cartoony backdrops now. I just thought these ones represented Epcot so nicely.

It's so strange. Apparently candied bacon is all the rage now. Who would have guessed? Honestly, it wasn't THAT bad.

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.

It's a super spot Annie, and often doesn't fill up quickly. I like the spot right at the top of the stairs on the left side if your facing the water.

I was REALLY impressed with this resort. This was actually the first Moderate resort that I've seen. So pretty.

Haha, I know right!? Who knew candied bacon was a thing?

Once she started leaving stuff, I did start to tip a couple bucks a day. I usually left a little note thanking her too.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

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!!!

Haha, you were actually the person I was most thinking about when I wrote that. I was actually going to lie and say that I went to the show but didn't take any pictures.

I know most people probably don't even notice the statues, but it's just a crime to remove them. So sad. Hopefully they'll find a new home. Might I suggest MY home!?

I still can't believe I was able to do Everest 11 times. Now I want to do it 107!

They were crazy!!

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!

Aww thanks Brenda. But don't worry, I love flattery It was my pleasure to share. I just wanted to give a sense of how awesome that duet would have been!
OK, first, I LOVED that ode to Laverne and Shirley. That was AWESOME!!! Seriously, so much fun! You two are seriously like sisters.
Now then, since I can't tell her because it's a secret... WOW, that second video was just lovely. You need to make her try out for American Idol. I'm serious! I will fly down just for that!

Coronado is stunning. Just beautiful.

Bahahaha. Nice job. I figured the hint might be way too vague.

I know, me too!!! I honestly have no idea how that happened. I've never seen that happen before.

You just can't NOT meet them. You just can't. Sadly, the character sport only features a fab 3 now as Donald and Goofy have moved on.
Haha, I just had to get pic with the sign and the "Traditional" Minnie. Everybody in the line just loved it. Next trip there will be a "Hi Brenda" sign... I promise. :yes::

Haha, yeah, I gotta represent. You know, I've never had a funnel cake... ever...

Yup, a seriously awesome combo. Apparently candied bacon is a popular thing. In all fairness, it wasn't all that bad. It just seemed so weird for a cupcake.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

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!

It is so pretty Jennifer. I was blown away. I think it's the cheapest of the moderates too.

Oh yeah for sure. I would never take a break if I can help it. I'll rest when I'm home.

It's really a great view, and one that is usually available. I think a lot of people are nervous to hang on the stairs thinking they'll get moved away. So far I haven't had that happen. Plus, it's close to the World Showcase exit (relatively), so a bit quicker exit out.

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!!

Before this trip, one of my main goals was to see some of the resorts. I'm so glad I did. They're just so amazing. It was too bad there was no Frump around, haha.

Sadly, I've seen some photos of the newly re-opened character spot, and it looks like the backgrounds are still the cartoony ones.

Bahaha, yeah it was definitely calorie packed, that's for sure. But since calories don't exist in WDW, all is well.

 

[bstarprincess37]

Beautiful pictures of CSR. I stayed there for my first on site trip to Disney and thought it was beautiful. This time around we are trying out POR, I actually contemplated changing our reservation to Pop because of your TR and well, to try out that good looking cupcake...

 

[teekathepony]

We looked at/considered strongly Coronado but I have to admit, the giant size scared me a little! It does look awfully beautiful though. I need to resort wander some day!
This upcoming trip I WILL do the character meets in Epcot. Fab 5 are freaking fantastic! (See what I did there? ) Love all your PP Pics with them!
I always watch IllumiNations from Canada too! Down by the fence though, but your spot at the top of the stairs is very intriguing. Assuming you're not in it in November, I might just give it a try.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Beautiful pictures of CSR. I stayed there for my first on site trip to Disney and thought it was beautiful. This time around we are trying out POR, I actually contemplated changing our reservation to Pop because of your TR and well, to try out that good looking cupcake...

I was totally blown away by Coronado. Simply stunning. It's sooooo big though, but I've heard it's not that bad getting around.

Haha, those cupcakes are pretty popular. You could always pop by POP just to grab a cupcake.

We looked at/considered strongly Coronado but I have to admit, the giant size scared me a little! It does look awfully beautiful though. I need to resort wander some day!
This upcoming trip I WILL do the character meets in Epcot. Fab 5 are freaking fantastic! (See what I did there? ) Love all your PP Pics with them!
I always watch IllumiNations from Canada too! Down by the fence though, but your spot at the top of the stairs is very intriguing. Assuming you're not in it in November, I might just give it a try.

I was close to booking it myself, but in hindsight I'm glad I didn't. Since I'm not one to hang at the resort a lot, it was just so big that I'd never get to really enjoy it. Oh my it was beautiful though and definitely worth a visit.

Oh yeah, you definitely need to do that. Sadly, it looks like it's down to a fab 3 now though. It was for me, but I thought maybe just because it was a temp location. But my understanding is it's just Mickey, Minnie, and Pluto going forward. It's still good for only one line though.

Haha, I like the fence too. That's where we watched last October. But I do like the stairs since the fence area fills much quicker. Ha, I don't "think" I'll be using it in November, so by all means you are free to do so. Of course you never know...

Since we're on the subject, I'll share a little story with you since it's something you would get. A few years back our group was camped on the stairs when one of my friends blurted out something about the skydiver who landed on Citadel Hill years ago before the fireworks. He was asking me if I remembered that. Suddenly some guy just down from us replied "I do!". Initially I thought he was just being a dink, but it turned out he and his group were from Halifax. Such a small world.

 

[Happy Duck]

Also, the England/France bridge is an awesome spot as well. Actually one the best. I imagine it fills early though, but wow, would you ever be close the the exit.

Great idea as well! I'll be there for 2 weeks so I'll probably end up seeing it from multiple locations.

 

[marDgreen88]

I told you I was trying to get caught up so I could join in on this report and gosh darnit, I finally did it! Took me long enough. I have to say, I'm absolutely loving it! I love all your future wife Stacey quotes, and your ride pictures are awesome. Can't wait for more!

 

[teekathepony]

Since we're on the subject, I'll share a little story with you since it's something you would get. A few years back our group was camped on the stairs when one of my friends blurted out something about the skydiver who landed on Citadel Hill years ago before the fireworks. He was asking me if I remembered that. Suddenly some guy just down from us replied "I do!". Initially I thought he was just being a dink, but it turned out he and his group were from Halifax. Such a small world.

That's awesome! I love small world stories, especially in disney, and especially when its nova scotians, it somehow seems extra ironic.
The first time we ate at le cellier, our server (a newf) found out we were capers so she ran to get another server who was also from cape Breton. Turns out she and I graduated together, and she worked at the same place and same time DH and I met on our first job! Then later in the year my mil and fil ate there and she was their server too! She told them about how she met a couple from cape Breton on their honeymoon and mil said "oh that was my son!" Hahaha

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[cathy jane]

I have enjoyed reading your posts. I am kinda new to DIS but not too new. I just read and don't usually post. I too am from Nova Scotia. My next trip is in November. Hopefully I will survive the wait. The DIs board keeps me in the magic

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Great idea as well! I'll be there for 2 weeks so I'll probably end up seeing it from multiple locations.

Ooohhh, You can try ALL the spots and report back which are best!

I told you I was trying to get caught up so I could join in on this report and gosh darnit, I finally did it! Took me long enough. I have to say, I'm absolutely loving it! I love all your future wife Stacey quotes, and your ride pictures are awesome. Can't wait for more!

YAY Marissa!! Thanks so much for stopping by. I'm so happy you were able to get caught up and I'm also delighted you're here. I tried to go slow just for you.

Thank you so much for saying that. I love your TR too. And, oh my little Stacey. Yeah, I'm kinda infatuated a little.

Thank you so much for reading!

That's awesome! I love small world stories, especially in disney, and especially when its nova scotians, it somehow seems extra ironic.
The first time we ate at le cellier, our server (a newf) found out we were capers so she ran to get another server who was also from cape Breton. Turns out she and I graduated together, and she worked at the same place and same time DH and I met on our first job! Then later in the year my mil and fil ate there and she was their server too! She told them about how she met a couple from cape Breton on their honeymoon and mil said "oh that was my son!" Hahaha

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

Haha, I thought you'd get a kick out of that.

Wow, I love your story. Seriously, you actually graduated together. That's so cool.
ssst:, don't tell anyone we're taking over).

I have enjoyed reading your posts. I am kinda new to DIS but not too new. I just read and don't usually post. I too am from Nova Scotia. My next trip is in November. Hopefully I will survive the wait. The DIs board keeps me in the magic

Hi Cathy! It's a pleasure to another fellow Scotian here. I used to be just a reader myself. You'll be shocked how quickly November will get here. The DIS is really the best place to be to carry you through!

Thanks so much for reading!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

I HOPE THIS KEY WORKS BECAUSE WOAH, THERE ARE 2 NEW CASTLES… TWO!!!
Day 3 – April 29, 2013 Part 1


I jumped out of bed extra early with a little extra spring in my step this morning.

There may have been a spectacular back flip involved that would have easily scored an 8.5 from the French judge...

...Or at least from an Epcot France pavilion CM.

Magic Kingdom does that to me anyway, but on this particular day I would also be the recipient of a little something extra…

A KEY TO THE KINGDOM.

On Facebook:
"OMG!!! Keys to the Kingdom tour soon! So excited! Off to the Magic Kingdom."

It was a slight bit premature though as first I needed nourishment.

So a quick run over to the food court netted me my morning coffee and this.

I love me some waffles so I was especially eager to have a POP waffle to start my morning.
It was so yummy!

Soon after I was off and driving towards this.

Before the trip I knew I would use the car in most cases, but also knew that for Magic Kingdom, usually the bus is best since you bypass the TTC.

Unfortunately, bypassing the TTC also means bypassing the Monorail which also means bypassing
”Por Favor Manténgase Alejado de las Puertas”,
And I was having none of that!

So the car it was.

Arriving so early meant another parking spot way up front, so the walk into the TTC was quick and painless.

As you can see, it was very quiet this early in the morning.

Now, the only thing that could possibly screw up my plans at this point was if the Monorail was somehow broken down or something.

But what are the odds of that happening????

Well, if you guessed “Pretty good actually!”, then circle gets the square.

So, there would be no early morning Monorail for me and most disappointing, no one would be keeping me clear of the doors.

Heartbroken, I made my way to option 2 which thankfully was standing by.

The good news is I quite like the ferry, as it really is a beautiful and relaxing arrival to the most magical of places.
Plus, I had Monorail voice guy on my phone, so that was an adequate substitute for the time being.

The ride over was as pleasant and lovely as you would expect.

The resort Monorail was in working order, which I had considered, but I wanted to get to the other side ASAP.

I must have taken 10 pictures of this flag trying to get one that wasn’t folded over by the wind.
I enjoyed the challenge.
Long live digital photography!!

The new bus stops under construction.

Finally I arrived at my destination.

Since I had a tour booked, I was allowed to bypass all the riff raff and ne’er-do-wells and enter directly into Magic Kingdom.

So long losers!!

After checking in for the tour, and getting a very enthusiastic high five from the CM checking me in due to my home made “No Dancing” T-Shirt,
I grabbed my complimentary coffee and headed down a practically barren Main Street USA.

I couldn’t resist getting a castle photo without having to throw elbows for a spot.

CONTINUED NEXT POST
​

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Day 3 – April 29, 2013 Part 1 Cont.


It was getting close to tour time,

So I headed back towards the front,

Just in time to catch the back side of… the end of the Good Morning show.

And then watch all that riff raff flow into the now open Magic Kingdom.

Then it occurred to me that the characters had to go somewhere, so I rushed over to watch them descend the stairs.

I mean, when else do you get the opportunity to see Pluto escorting Snow White?

The tour would be starting shortly so I decided to make a pit stop beforehand since I didn’t know when I would get a chance later.

I just couldn’t help but take a walk down Main Street again, electing to use the facilities beside the Tomorrowland Terrace so I could do just that.

Upon my exit, something on the wall caught my eye, so I spun back around to investigate.
It took me a few moments to reconcile what I was looking at.

Why would they be selling tampons in the men’s ro…


OH CRAP… LADIES WASHROOM!!!!


Thankfully nobody noticed my faux pas, so I made a quick retreat and raced back down Main Street where I would begin my Tour and would, in the not too distant future, find myself on the first floor of Magic Kingdom…

THE UTILIDORS!



TO BE CONTINUED…
​

 

[It'sWDW4me]

Bummer about the monorail being down... seriously, what ARE the odds?

Glad to see that you escaped the riff raff and their nefarious plots of tripping you before you got through the gates. How many evil eyes did you have to dodge?

Seeing Main St (and WOW... EMPTY!!!) still just takes my breath away and makes me smile.

And now that you have seen the "secret" vending machines in the ladies room, I do believe that you either need to convert or be put to death.... sorry.

 

[singsweetnightingale]

I'm really enjoying your TR! I'm planning a solo trip for next summer and it's just making me all the more excited

 

[emmysmommy]

You're killin' me with hilarity here!! Ladies restroom! Did you think it odd that there were no urinals? Perhaps in MK the gents prefer private quarters? Thank goodness no ladies were present.. could have been awkward.

Now I've forgotten all that I was going to comment on other than I still must take the ferry somewhere! After 7 WDW trips, I still have never stepped foot on the ferryboat.

I am definitely looking forward to hearing about your KTTK tour since Em and I have that booked for August.

Now I remembered something.... Complimentary coffee?? Do tell... is it included in the tour?

Love the shirt!

 

[peachmermaid]

That waffle looks super yummy. I want one! Alas, I will have to wait for September.

I love getting in early! Main Street with no people, seeing the castle in all it's glory...perfection. I can't wait to hear about the tour!!

Oops about the bathroom. At least you didn't bump into anyone. Could have had a duckie moment like pretty in pink. Hey, why do girls get candy machines in here?!

 

[wiigirl]

Awesome pics!

 

[blancah76]

Ok seriously loved this last post. LOL for real tampons
I loved that you posted pics of the TTC, you don't see too many of those and I found myself just staring at them for a while.
The ferry really is a nice way to get to MK, it forces you to just relax for a few minutes and take everything in.
Excited to read about your experience with the Keys tour.