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

[DisneyKid4Life]

I HOPE THIS KEY WORKS BECAUSE WOAH, THERE ARE 2 NEW CASTLES… TWO!!!
Day 3 – April 29, 2013 Part 5


Just a quick note to say that STACEY IS CURRENTLY IN WDW FILMING NEW MUST DOS!!!!!!!! and might I add…

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!

I now return you to your regularly scheduled Trip Report.





I exited out of Magic Kingdom and on to my next destination.

No, I would not need the Monorail for this trip, but I still had to take a pic of the Monorail wait time board just because.

No, my destination would require a boat equipped with some slightly different safety instructions.

I was delighted to find there would be no babies allowed on board, so this should be a very relaxing trip.

Now if they would institute this on planes in the seats around me… then we’d be on to something.

Where was I going you ask?

As previously mentioned, one of my goals on this trip was to visit a few resorts.

This boat was taking me to the never before seen by me Wilderness Lodge.

On the ride over I snapped a few photos as a few raindrops began to fall.
I figured I would grab some more on the return, so I didn’t take a huge amount.

As the rain started, I overheard a young boy ask his parents, "Do you think it's raining at Epcot?"

Inside I had a chuckle, but in reality, there was a very good change that it wasn't.
In fact, there was an equally good chance that it was raining on Main Street and perfectly sunny in the Hub.

Florida weather.

Before long, we arrived.

I wanted to wait around to see if this would erupt, but since I didn’t know when it would, I carried on.

I don’t know why, but waterfalls are just inherently beautiful.

Seriously, go to your sink and fill a glass with water, and then slowly pour it out and then tell me that you don’t get all emotional.

Of course if you were to try the same experiment with some liquor, you'd be downright inconsolable...

But I digress...

KETCHUP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wilderness Lodge reminded me a great deal of The Grand Californian in DLR.

I became completely enamoured with all the different welcome mats at the resorts.

I posted on Twitter:
"Coming to Wilderness Lodge, not a good idea. OMG it's gorgeous."

And it is just that... GORGEOUS.

I made my way back to the boat launch where I found out that because of lightning in the area, all boats were docked.

So I was forced to settle for the bus, which quickly reminded me why I prefer to drive, as I was forced to play my most hated game,

"How many people can they squeeze onto this Disney bus?”

The answer, I found out, was... A CRAP LOAD!!!

I find it so oddly comical that you have the value resorts with their orderly bus queue lines, and then you have the Deluxes with their free for all.

Perhaps the assumption is that Deluxe clientele is more “refined” and not in need of such structure?

Thankfully the drive back to Magic Kingdom is a short one, so in little time I was back outside the gates of the Most Magical Place on Earth.

I did not go inside, however, since I decided that I wasn't quite done with my resort hopping just yet...

Plus, there was something else I always wanted to do.



CONTINUED NEXT POST
​

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Day 3 – April 29, 2013 Part 5 Cont.


My next stop would involve the Monorail for I was off to the Poly to look around a bit, grab some eats, and maybe... just maybe... settle in on the beach for some fireworks.

I arrived at the Poly in short order.

Unfortunately, darkness had fallen, so my photos weren’t the best.
It was still extremely beautiful though.

Then I got the hungries, so I went in search of some simple grub, spotting this in the process.

How cool is that... Seriously!!??

I settled on a simple burger/fries combo, which was really good.

After refilling, I ventured outside as it was about a half hour to Wishes.

So I headed to the beach to wait.

I posted on Facebook:
"Sitting at the Poly... On the beach... Waiting for Wishes. A trip of firsts."

Others joined me in the wait, but I certainly wouldn't call it crowded by any means.

Then about 10 minutes to showtime... A few raindrops... Followed by a few more.

A few people ran for cover, but not me by God. I wasn't missing this.
A little rain ain't no big deal.

That is until the sky opened and the downpour began.
Yeah, I went for cover now too.

Then the thunder and lightning hit... Right before showtime.
This was not the fireworks display I had hoped for.

It was intense.

I hoped beyond hope that the storm would pass, so I decided to wait it out under shelter.
Honestly, there was no way to go anywhere anyway as the storm was raging.

Finally, after about 20 minutes, the rain let up enough that I could venture out without getting completely drenched.

I waited along the beach, along with a few others, hoping that Wishes would begin.

Unlike being in MK, there was no announcement or anything to indicate what was going on.

I waited another 10 minutes, when I realized there would be no Wishes tonight.
In less than a half hour, the park would be closed.

Since the Poly is so close to the TTC, I decided it wasn't worth taking the Monorail that short distance, so I decided to walk the 5 or so minutes it took to reach the TTC.

I was about half way there when I heard a rumble.
Had the thunder returned?

No, what I was hearing, I quickly realized, was the sound of fireworks filling the air.

I posted on Facebook:
"Soooooo, figured Wishes was cancelled due to weather, so walked over to the TTC only to see the fireworks going on.
Sigh... My Life."

As I walked the rest of the way to the car, I was able to see the ending of Wishes.

I was certainly disappointed, but I wasn't about to let it get to me.
Tomorrow was another day.

I quickly added and then crossed off “See Wishes from the MK parking lot” to my mental bucket list, and then headed back to POP

And was greeted by a few new friends who helped make the end of this night much happier.

One new friend in the window on your left... (the other was from before)

And 2 more friends by the TV inside.

I even took a moment to snap a pic of the carpet because... Hidden Mickey's.

And one final pic of a newly purchased Mickey treat for later enjoyment...

Then I checked in with the bride to be on the TV before calling it a night.



UP NEXT… THE MOST EMOTIONAL, MEMORABLE, UNBELIEVEABLY WONDERFUL,
PERFECTLY MAGICAL MOMENT IN TIME... EVER!
​

 

[pwdebbie]

I've heard that Wishes from the TTC is one of the best spots to view them, better than the Poly beach. It's on my bucket list and might just have to wait for a solo trip, if that ever happens.

Love the little washcloth animals! Very cute.

Can't wait to read what's next.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

sorry you didn't get to see Wishes from the Poly beach. That is one of our favorite viewing spots (even better with an adult beverage - something you can't do inside MK ... well, I guess you could try to sneak something into the park or out of BOG)

We have a Kona Cafe ADR for arrival night mostly so we can watch (Hallo)Wishes after

 

[teekathepony]

Just a quick note to say that STACEY IS CURRENTLY IN WDW FILMING NEW MUST DOS!!!!!!!! and might I add…

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!

Really?! Cool! I can't wait to see it in November (assuming and hoping it's on by then!)

I have also never seen the Wilderness Lodge, some day I'm going to get over there. It looks absolutely gorgeous!

"How many people can they squeeze onto this Disney bus?”

The answer, I found out, was... A CRAP LOAD!!!

I find it so oddly comical that you have the value resorts with their orderly bus queue lines, and then you have the Deluxes with their free for all.

Gotta be honest... I'm not looking forward to the free-for-all style bus line at AKL. I like Pop's clearly marked do-not-pass-me, no cuts no buts no coconuts bus line. No matter how "refined" they think I am, I want me some clearly defined lines.

I said a nice loud "Oh no!" with regards to your missing Wishes from the Poly beach. I would have left too though. But you've got a great attitude about it, putting it quickly on your to-do list!

 

[Viva Las Disney]

We have a Kona Cafe ADR for arrival night mostly so we can watch (Hallo)Wishes after

I have the same plan with a Kona Café ADR in December on a MVMCP night... leave MK around 6, eat at 7:15, explore resorts, and then watch holiday wishes from the beach.

 

[JulieODC]

I'm really enjoying your TR! Bummer about the Wishes fireworks --- but I loved your WL pics, it is a gorgeous resort!

 

[jash08]

I just looked at my husband and said Stacy is filming a new must dos. No explanation, but of course he knew exactly what I was talking about and replies, "OMG, we gotta watch that when we go back in January!"

 

[Jennifer84]

I have never seen pictures of WL. Beautiful!!

That totally stinks that you missed getting to watch Wishes from the poly beach!! That's on my "must do" list for our first trip.

 

[11point5]

I just looked at my husband and said Stacy is filming a new must dos. No explanation, but of course he knew exactly what I was talking about and replies, "OMG, we gotta watch that when we go back in January!"

You have a fabulous husband!!!

 

[11point5]

Dear Rob,
I got so excited when I saw that the first pic of this update was of the monorail station ("I knew it I knew it! Time to check out the monorail resorts!"), but then once I started reading the words I realized you were going to WL instead (my #1 dream resort!), and THEN you threw a curveball and went to Poly after all! Way to keep me on my toes hahah

On my last trip, I dragged DBF to check out Wilderness Lodge one evening and we were both in AWE the whole time - that place is MAGNIFICENT!! We were gaping at every detail in the lobby and I was taking some pictures when suddenly a security guard (?) came up to us and omg I had a panic attack thinking he was going to ask to see our room keys and kick us out when he realized we were just lowly All-Star guests....but he just wanted to show us the cool fireplace and then offered to take our picture!! We felt like such sneaky fugitives. I can't wait to be a few thousand dollars richer so I can afford to stay there legit one day!!

That's so cool about Stacey, how did you find out??

Your fireworks pictures turned out really well even though they weren't taken from the Poly beach unfortunately. At least you got to sit in that nice sand for a few minutes before the storm started! And it actually looks kinda cool to view Wishes from the parking lot!

 

[librarygeek]

Splash is another one that I'm too nervous to bring my camera on! Dropping it aside, I wouldn't want it to get wet! Your pictures are great though!

That one shot of the castle with the reflection in the water is just stunning. Really nice job.

I am also not really impressed by the mermaids in Pirates of the Caribbean. Half the time the effect isn't working, and even when it is I don't think I would notice it if I didn't know to look for it.

Wilderness Lodge and the Poly are two that I got to see for the first time in February. The Wilderness Lodge I didn't really get to explore, since I was with friends and they didn't really want to linger, but the Poly was even more beautiful than I'd imagined!

Boo to rainy Wishes I would've assumed it was cancelled too and left. Terrible timing for that rain! I hope you got to see it from a better spot later in the trip!

And you've left us on quite a cliffhanger too! The most perfectly magical moment? I'm intrigued!

 

[ThePin Princess]

Finally all caught up! You are quite hilarious. I love the "add and crossing off from the mental bucket list."

 

[orangecats2]

Nice TR!

I could not stop laughing about your "See Wishes from parking lot" comment.

 

[wdwgirl03]

I saw that Stacey was just filming new segments! I wonder when they'll be on resort TV. I wouldn't mind seeing some new Stacey in August...otherwise, hopefully by December!

AHHH those Wilderness Lodge pictures! Awesome! Isn't it an amazing resort?! My dad, sister, and I ate at WCC a couple years ago and I fell in love with it. I knew then that it had to be the next DVC resort I stayed at! Thinking a visit there must happen on one of these trips...maybe December because the decorations are awesome there.

Yum, another cupcake!

 

[JDUB]

That darn FL weather and downpour rain.... We had planned to watch Hallowishes from Poly after our Ohana dinner last year. But exact same thing happened to us - down poured all night and Hallowishes was cancelled. So I couldn't even cross off "watch wishes from Poly parking lot". Your bucket list keeps growing!

 

[Happy Duck]

The Wilderness Lodge looks awesome! We came soooooo close to staying there. It was between there and Yacht/Beach Club. Stormalong Bay won.

Doesn't the rain know that you had a plan??? Well, at least you realized your lifetime goal of watching fireworks from the parking lot! We're actually planning on watching Wishes from that beach one night. Hoping for no rain!

 

[jash08]

You have a fabulous husband!!!

I completely agree. We got married at the Boardwalk 5 years ago and IT WAS HIS IDEA!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

I've heard that Wishes from the TTC is one of the best spots to view them, better than the Poly beach. It's on my bucket list and might just have to wait for a solo trip, if that ever happens.

Love the little washcloth animals! Very cute.

Can't wait to read what's next.

I can definitely see it being a pretty good spot in places. I think the appeal of the Poly is you can still see the castle.

Oh me too. I was so touched that my Mousekeeper did that.

sorry you didn't get to see Wishes from the Poly beach. That is one of our favorite viewing spots (even better with an adult beverage - something you can't do inside MK ... well, I guess you could try to sneak something into the park or out of BOG)

We have a Kona Cafe ADR for arrival night mostly so we can watch (Hallo)Wishes after

It was definitely disappointing, but nothing I couldn't handle, haha. I will do that one day.

I have the same plan with a Kona Café ADR in December on a MVMCP night... leave MK around 6, eat at 7:15, explore resorts, and then watch holiday wishes from the beach.

Ooh that sounds fantastic!

Really?! Cool! I can't wait to see it in November (assuming and hoping it's on by then!)

I have also never seen the Wilderness Lodge, some day I'm going to get over there. It looks absolutely gorgeous!

Gotta be honest... I'm not looking forward to the free-for-all style bus line at AKL. I like Pop's clearly marked do-not-pass-me, no cuts no buts no coconuts bus line. No matter how "refined" they think I am, I want me some clearly defined lines.

I said a nice loud "Oh no!" with regards to your missing Wishes from the Poly beach. I would have left too though. But you've got a great attitude about it, putting it quickly on your to-do list!

Yes indeedy! I'm not sure when it will be added, but it looks like she was filming pretty much everywhere, so it's sure to be great.

Wendy, it was beautiful.

Yeah, it's weird. I guess the trade off is the Deluxes have some shelter and seats for waiting, but when the bus pulls up, there's no order at all. Then again, the values have so many rooms thus so many people it would be chaos if they didn't have a queue.

Haha, yeah it was a bit disappointing since I was reallty looking forward to it. And to come so close. But not the end of the world by any means.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

I'm really enjoying your TR! Bummer about the Wishes fireworks --- but I loved your WL pics, it is a gorgeous resort!

Thank you so much Julie! It was a shame to miss them, but don't worry, I'll make up for it!

I just looked at my husband and said Stacy is filming a new must dos. No explanation, but of course he knew exactly what I was talking about and replies, "OMG, we gotta watch that when we go back in January!"

BAHAHA, Stacey needs no explanation. That's awesome! I'm really excited to see all the new stuff.

I have never seen pictures of WL. Beautiful!!

That totally stinks that you missed getting to watch Wishes from the poly beach!! That's on my "must do" list for our first trip.

It's a gorgeous resort Jennifer.

It was definitely a shame as this was a perfect opportunity, but I will do it one day!!!