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

[DisneyKid4Life]

Your plans sound like a lot of fun!!

Never been to AKL? You simply must check it out! The resort is beautiful. Especially when they put up their decorations. The lobby is spectacular. And be sure to head to the ends of the Zebra and Kudu trail and go out on the staircases to check out the animals there as well as Arusha Rock.

Enjoy your parade taping days. Wonder whose photos you will have to share with us upon your return.

Thank you. I really hope it all works as planned... or at least close.

I know right??!! I only really started doing any resort hopping this trip and I just didn't make it to AKL. So this is why it's at the the top this time.

Thanks. I hope it's not too crazy! I am hoping to have a lot of cross TR photos.

Hi Rob, first of all congrats on 1000 posts that's awesome. I knew orange would win...I just had a feeling. Your trip sounds awesome, so many plans. I can't wait to read all about it. Sooo your are actually in the MB testing phase...I am not sure how I would feel about that. It's looks like you have your plans all ready though, so it's just up to disney to get it right.

Thank you so much Nikia. I owe it all to you guys. If you don't comment, that doesn't happen. It has very little to do with me.

The votes for orange just came in a flood.

I definitely do have a lot of plans and I'm sure changes will happen, but it's nice to at least have an outline if nothing else.

Yeah, I'm still a little uneasy about MyMagic+, but I will keep an open mind about it.

YAY!!! Congrats on 1000+!!!!!!!!!!

Thank YOU SO MUCH Tracy. It's really all because of readers like yourself and I am so very grateful for that.

YAY 1000 posts! That's exciting!

You picked some excellent choices for FP+ We also picked Fantasmic! so I'm interested to see how it works. Hopefully I can provide you with some intel since I'll be there shortly before you!

I am very excited for the Jingle Cruise!! We only have one day at MK (I know. That's what happens when you only have three full park days) but that is definitely a priority.

I'm glad you're going to SeaWorld! If we were going for a longer trip I'd definitely go. So many fun things going on.

YES ENCHANTED TALES! One of my very favorite things about Disney!

THANK YOU Courtney!!! Again, it's all you guys!!

Thank you and YES PLEASE!!! I'm keeping it for now, but if the policy doesn't change, it just seems like a waste. I can't imagine people will be happy if they don't change it.

Totally. I love Jungle Cruise anyway, but just to finally have a Christmas overlay on a classic in WDW is pretty exciting.

I am too, and with all the amazing Christmas stuff, I'm very excited... particularly since it will all be new to me.

THIS I am really looking forward to. I'm so glad I'm getting to finally see it.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

First off - congrats on your 1,000th post - hopefully you will get some thread of the month love next :

Your plans sound great and highlight, to me, the potential positive side to FP+

BTW - when we were there ~3 weeks ago, they definitely had a FP seating area for Fantasmic! - perhaps that has changed though

And I am sure you heard they are doing Glow With the Show for Osbourne Lights which I bet will be amazing

 

[amberg93]

I've had a great time reading along with this for the past couple of days. You made me laugh a lot.

As for the FP+ for Fantasmic, we used it just because we don't like lining up early. If you don't mind it, then you might re-consider but we found it very useful to get there later and still be able to find a seat. But that's up to you.

Also, you might consider getting a FP+ for Wishes. We had one and it was simply amazing. You get to sit on the grass in front of the Rose Garden and everyone just sits together and enjoys the show. It's not a perfect view, but it's still amazing and different and just a great experience.

 

[JessM]

Yay for December plans! You are almost under 30days! So exciting! I am already counting down the days I can't wait! I need Disney like now haha!

 

[IheartDDuck]

Yay on reaching 1,000 posts! That's awesome.

Nice getting the email to test MyMagic+. I'm hoping we get one too, but we will have to see. :good vibes

Plans definitely all sound great.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

First off - congrats on your 1,000th post - hopefully you will get some thread of the month love next :

Your plans sound great and highlight, to me, the potential positive side to FP+

BTW - when we were there ~3 weeks ago, they definitely had a FP seating area for Fantasmic! - perhaps that has changed though

And I am sure you heard they are doing Glow With the Show for Osbourne Lights which I bet will be amazing

Thanks Phil!!! It means a great deal to me and it's all because of all of you. Haha, yeah, THAT I don't see happening.

Thank you and quite true. The ability to make late reservations gives you the opportunity to go to a different park to start OR just play around knowing you're covered (in theory).

Yes I believe that's the case. It was only a week or so ago that they started "experimenting" which I've read has not gone over well. Hopefully they'll chance it back. All the other nighttime entertainment has reserved areas, so this one should too.

That one really would be cool. Of course the level of enjoyment will completely be driven by how many people actually buy the hats. Well, I'll probably have one anyway. Everyone can look at me.

I've had a great time reading along with this for the past couple of days. You made me laugh a lot.

As for the FP+ for Fantasmic, we used it just because we don't like lining up early. If you don't mind it, then you might re-consider but we found it very useful to get there later and still be able to find a seat. But that's up to you.

Also, you might consider getting a FP+ for Wishes. We had one and it was simply amazing. You get to sit on the grass in front of the Rose Garden and everyone just sits together and enjoys the show. It's not a perfect view, but it's still amazing and different and just a great experience.

Hi Amber and And thank you so much. I'm so glad to hear that.

Thanks for the info. I think my keeping it will solely depend on if they bring back the reserved section.

Oh I know that would be so cool and so relaxing. Right now they haven't released any FP+ for Wishes or MSEP for December. In fact they only just released them for November. My biggest problem here is the inability to book FP for more than one park. Right now my Wishes days have FP+ for a different park for the early part of the day. I still may switch if/when the parade/fireworks become available though. It's definitely in my thoughts.

Yay for December plans! You are almost under 30days! So exciting! I am already counting down the days I can't wait! I need Disney like now haha!

Haha, YAY!!!! I know I just started my normal Facebook countdown since I'm exactly a month away. Lets get this November thing over with!

Yay on reaching 1,000 posts! That's awesome.

Nice getting the email to test MyMagic+. I'm hoping we get one too, but we will have to see. :good vibes

Plans definitely all sound great.

Thanks Danielle, I really really appreciate that. Obviously it was all due to you guys which is why I wanted to highlight it. I am so very grateful to everyone.

Haha, totally. Of course getting it BEFORE I had already done everything would have been nice, but...

Thank you! I so hope I can get it all in.

 

[khertz]

Just got all caught up! I love your CM's around the world idea. Maybe someone else has done it, yes, but you are the only one I have ready about so that makes it a super unique idea in my book! And I am totally the opposite of you, for some reason we almost always start our tour of WS to the left in Mexico, although for the past couple of trips we have gone to the right so we could get to France to meet Belle quicker when WS opens. But if we are just going to wander with nothing in particular in mind, we head to the left.

Your December trip plans look AMAZING! I'm so jealous!! I have been craving another Christmas trip. I think the Christmas overlay for Jungle Cruise sounds adorable! I can't wait to see your pics of that.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Just got all caught up! I love your CM's around the world idea. Maybe someone else has done it, yes, but you are the only one I have ready about so that makes it a super unique idea in my book! And I am totally the opposite of you, for some reason we almost always start our tour of WS to the left in Mexico, although for the past couple of trips we have gone to the right so we could get to France to meet Belle quicker when WS opens. But if we are just going to wander with nothing in particular in mind, we head to the left.

Your December trip plans look AMAZING! I'm so jealous!! I have been craving another Christmas trip. I think the Christmas overlay for Jungle Cruise sounds adorable! I can't wait to see your pics of that.

Ahh thank you!! It's so much fun and I have officially taken credit for it.

Haha, I guess everyone has there normal pattern for traversing WS. I do plan to try to go left though, just for something different.

Thank you!!! On paper it seems really ambitious and tiring, but No SLEEPING!!! I'm not sure what to expect with the Jungle Cruise, but it does look cute so I had to make sure to see it.

 

[danimaroo]

Rob, forgive me for being such a terrible DIS friend lately. I feel terrible for just totally disappearing from commenting on your TR. No excuses, but I'm here!

I can't believe that downpour, but going on the PeopleMover was brilliant! It always amazes me how the rain clears out the parks though, I love it!

The characters with their little umbrellas? ADORABLE.

Speaking of your shirt, and I'm sure you've seen it already, but obviously you NEED to go on IASW and wear the one that Disney now sells, saying "I conquered It's a Small World". You would totally deserve that t-shirt!

That BTMRR CM sounds so nice!! I love meeting friendly CMs who love to talk. It always makes me happy!

I ran into the same thing when asking CMs about the Kiss Goodnight!! It was weird, a lot of them had no idea what I was talking about... and it's also shown at such random times! When I get to it in my TR, I'll talk about how we didn't see it one night, even though we were in the park until 12:30am, and it closed at 11! it was weird...

I am SO with you on the Innoventions loop!! I LOVE IT SO MUCH! It's just Epcot to me... and right now, I really miss it. Wah.

Hahahhaa, I think that Buzz looks like he has an afro while pulling a Spock.

I love Peach, too! I have a stuffed animal Peach sitting on my desk here at work. It's quite adorable.

I've never understood why people wait in the long lines for 70 minutes. I mean, unless you have a VERY specific reason (like when we waited 50 mins. for Expedition Everest and FPs were gone so we could ride it at night), I don't understand why you wouldn't grab a FP. I think some people just don't use their brains... OR when there is a 45 minute wait, but the FP return time is literally 40 minutes later. That one blows my mind!

YESSS YOU CALLED HIM PUDDY, TOO! I don't feel too old here on the DIS now when I refer to him as Puddy, hahahaha. I feel like a lot DIS people have no idea who Puddy is.

Your birthday trip is going to be AMAZING! I'm so excited for you! There is nothing that beats Christmas time in the parks, seriously. I can't wait to be in Disneyland and see everything decorated and all of the snow... The parks are just perfect!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Rob, forgive me for being such a terrible DIS friend lately. I feel terrible for just totally disappearing from commenting on your TR. No excuses, but I'm here!

I can't believe that downpour, but going on the PeopleMover was brilliant! It always amazes me how the rain clears out the parks though, I love it!

The characters with their little umbrellas? ADORABLE.

Speaking of your shirt, and I'm sure you've seen it already, but obviously you NEED to go on IASW and wear the one that Disney now sells, saying "I conquered It's a Small World". You would totally deserve that t-shirt!

That BTMRR CM sounds so nice!! I love meeting friendly CMs who love to talk. It always makes me happy!

I ran into the same thing when asking CMs about the Kiss Goodnight!! It was weird, a lot of them had no idea what I was talking about... and it's also shown at such random times! When I get to it in my TR, I'll talk about how we didn't see it one night, even though we were in the park until 12:30am, and it closed at 11! it was weird...

I am SO with you on the Innoventions loop!! I LOVE IT SO MUCH! It's just Epcot to me... and right now, I really miss it. Wah.

Hahahhaa, I think that Buzz looks like he has an afro while pulling a Spock.

I love Peach, too! I have a stuffed animal Peach sitting on my desk here at work. It's quite adorable.

I've never understood why people wait in the long lines for 70 minutes. I mean, unless you have a VERY specific reason (like when we waited 50 mins. for Expedition Everest and FPs were gone so we could ride it at night), I don't understand why you wouldn't grab a FP. I think some people just don't use their brains... OR when there is a 45 minute wait, but the FP return time is literally 40 minutes later. That one blows my mind!

YESSS YOU CALLED HIM PUDDY, TOO! I don't feel too old here on the DIS now when I refer to him as Puddy, hahahaha. I feel like a lot DIS people have no idea who Puddy is.

Your birthday trip is going to be AMAZING! I'm so excited for you! There is nothing that beats Christmas time in the parks, seriously. I can't wait to be in Disneyland and see everything decorated and all of the snow... The parks are just perfect!

Aww Dani that's ok! You totally make it up to me by sharing your wonderful TR... with all those random candid photos you know I love!

Ahh me too. Everyone else is made of sugar I guess. The Peoplemover's kind of a blast in the rain too.

OMG I know. I LOVED that!

Haha I have seen it. I'm not sure I'm ok with the word "conquered" though since the ride being conquered is essentially a bunch of kids. I am glad Disney has finally done something like that though.

She was a total doll and very chatty which I loved. Even though working at Disney wasn't her "passion", she was still fantastic!

OK, that actually makes me feel a bit better. I know it absolutely exists, but maybe sometimes it just doesn't happen. So strange though.

YAY!!!! It's the best, it really is. OMG!! Aww but I'm sorry you miss it so. Hopefully Disneyland will make it all better IN 9 DAYS!

Hehe, TOTALLY!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh God REALLY??!! Peach just makes me smile.

Seriously! There are rare occasions that I would do that, and your Everest example is the perfect example of that. Honestly, despite Disney's best intentions, most people just have no clue. Especially those staying off site. They don't have the benefit of Stacey (which is a crime in and of itself) and do very little research, so they're just clueless I think.

OMG Seinfeld is classic television. I don't care how old you are, people need to be aware of Seinfeld and Puddy. I just love Patrick so much (in a very manly way of course).

Aww thank you Dani! Things are slowly coming together. I just hope it all goes at least close to plan.

OK so now that you're caught up I can go ahead and post another update!!!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

SPHERES, FLOWERS, AND GARDENS… AND A CM IN EVERY PORT!
Day 6 – May 2, 2013 Part 4



Just some quick housekeeping before we get started for those keeping score.

Since posting the last update I did some minor FP+ tweaking in an attempt to align with Brenda where possible.
There are no park changes or anything, but, just so everything is up to date, the updated times are:

December 7:
** Everest 12:00-1:00
** FOTLK 2:05-2:25
** Dinosaur 4:00-5:00

December 9:
** TSMM 2:10-3:10,
** Tower 4:50-5:50
** Fantasmic! 5:55-6:15

December 11:
** Soarin' 9:05-10:05
** The Seas 11:00-12:00
** Maelstrom 2:00-3:00


***********************************************


When I left off, I had just started my quest to complete my CM’s Around The World ™ Adventure.

After complete success in England and France, I left the Chunnel and headed to the next country in the Showcase… Morocco.

I completely admit that I was a little distracted from my mission for just a second…

But I refocused and continued on.

I highly recommend taking a look in through the Morocco area, particularly in the back. Do not just look around the front area and think you’re done.

It is seriously mega cool, unique, and beautiful.

After looking around inside the shops for a bit at all the beautiful Moroccan items on display, I finally found what I was looking for.

THREE DOWN… EIGHT TO GO!

Moving right along, the next country to visit was Japan, home of the Bonsai…

… And big-*** goldfish.

I so wish I was able to bring plants home with me, because I would for sure be big pimpin’ a bonsai in my home right now.

That and one of the mini Palm Trees I’ve seen for sale.

I have no doubt the Palm Tree and Bonzai would be BFF’s right from the start.

I moved along into what I think might be the most talked about store in the entire Showcase.

It’s huge. Like World of Disney huge. OK maybe not quite that huge, but it’s still pretty darn massive,

Plus it contains the extremely popular and entertaining Pick A Pearl.

I’ve never done Pick A Pearl, but I do often take some time to watch.

It really is endlessly entertaining, and the CM doing the “show” is always extremely funny and personable.

And you get to learn a bit of Japanese in the process.

But of course, I wasn’t interested in Pearls, unless Pearl is a new Japanese name.

Thankfully, I ran into this lovely CM in a traditional Japanese kimono and was able to snag a fellow guest to take the photo.

The Japanese CM’s, in my experience, seem to be among the friendliest of all, and that’s saying something as I find the World Showcase CM’s to be wonderful in general.

In the relatively short time I was in there, I must have been welcomed to Japan at least 20 times!!!

And before I forget…

FOUR DOWN… SEVEN TO GO!

I continued on and was soon arriving in the Good ‘ol USA, my host nation, friend, and neighbor to the South.

How Disney managed to take a character so cuddly and adorable AND who smells like strawberries and make him the villain I will never know.

I know that Walt was a HUGE patriot and I really believe he would be proud of this area.

I noticed some character training going on, but the only unusual one was Max.

I wanted to rush down for a photo (which I do regret not doing), but I was on a mission.

It was in one of the shops here that I struck up a conversation with a CM who had commented on my shirt.

We probably talked for a good 20 minutes which, as you are probably now aware, is pretty normal for me.

I just love talking with CM’s, especially when they are just so darn nice.

We had a really great conversation talking about working at Disney and how many people work there seasonally.

Basically, she was really encouraging me to consider doing just that.

She must have somehow gotten the impression that I like it there for some reason.

As for my mission, there was a slight problem… She was from originally from Mexico (as noted on her name tag), and I required USA.

See, she wouldn’t fulfill my Mexican requirement as she wasn’t IN Mexico, and she wouldn’t fulfill my USA requirement because she wasn’t originally American.

The rules are indeed very strict my friends.

Luckily, there was another CM working who was from Seattle, so all was good and she was incredibly nice as well.

Even more exciting… This, it turned out, was her very first week working in Disney.

I call the following photo “North America”; USA, Canada, and Mexico.

They were both wonderful and I truly loved meeting and talking with them both, and…

FIVE DOWN… SIX TO GO!

The next county of the Showcase was Italy, which is yet another HIGHLY photogenic pavilion.

I tried to get a little artsy here, given that I was in Italy and it seemed like the thing to do.

One day I will eat here. This is one of those places that seems to get universally good reviews.

But it was in the shops that I finally met the lovely Manuella and Elena,

Which brings the count past the half-way mark to…

SIX DOWN… FIVE TO GO!


TO BE CONTINUED…

​

 

[emmysmommy]

I spy the man videoing the belly dancing lady. I'm sure a little souvenir from his trip.

The Moroccan pavilion is so beautiful and the smell of incense is nice. We love the Marrakesh restaurant which is tucked back in there as well.

You've "trademarked" your CM Around the World tour!! It will be all the rage soon!

I loved your 'North America' photo caption! So perfect. Definitely you are off to a great start with your CM around the world pose. I do see an interesting trend - you are selecting female CMs to pose with.

And thanks for being so flexible with your plans in 30 days!!!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

I can see why you got distracted in Morocco ... those weird violins that don't really have a body always catch my attention

"Big-*** Goldfish" - one of the lesser known Ska bands from the 90's

Ah the good old U.S. of A. ... a.k.a. Canada's beard

solid work on your mission - and I appreciate that you are a stickler for the rules

 

[courtneybelle]

HA I don't think Stacey will be too happy when she sees that picture from Morocco. In fact it's probably a good idea to let her skip these updates.

at the "big a** goldfish." You're too much!

My sister and I did Pick a Pearl years ago. It was amazing, and very entertaining to watch!

Now, why would that CM think you like Disney enough to work there seasonally? Could've fooled me. Seriously though that's pretty much THE DREAM. You'd be a great cast member, you've already proven you like talking to new people!

I think that Lady topiary is my favorite!

ROB. GO TO VIA NAPOLI. My review of it is forthcoming but basically, I didn't think it would be good as the hype...IT WAS BETTER.

 

[peachmermaid]

You got sidetracked by Selena then? Nice.

That cast member from Morocco has the best hair ever!! Ok, she's tied with that Italian girl too. I must learn their secrets! Annnyway....

Seriously, Japan is the best. I recently discovered my love for that store & I could seriously spend a whole bunch of time there just browsing (which would become spending too much money). I'm with you, cast members there are some of the best. I love how they bow after you buy something. It's just so polite! I so want to be there now!

Yes, meeting & hanging out with people who get your disney love is so nice. I wish I could hang out with you guys in December!! At least there are the upcoming TRs, right?

 

[IheartDDuck]

Morocco is by far my favorite pavilion at Epcot. It's amazing to explore, you are absolutely right.

Mitsukoshi just happens to be my favorite store on WDW property, next to TrenD. I can always find myself something there and spend a massive amount of time just wandering around.

I agree with you about the Japanese CM's. I love eating at the restaurants because they're just so awesome.

 

[Viva Las Disney]

I love that you've trademarked CM's around the world. It's only a matter of time before it becomes so popular Disney has no choice but to offer you a lifetime pass to all the parks and properties for your permission to use it.

I don't know how set in stone your rules are but after viewing your USA, Canada, Mexico picture I think you should give some thought to adding bonus point categories, the ultimate being getting all 11 nations represented in one picture.

What's with Japans big-*** fish and little-*** trees?

As always, loving the pictures and humor.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Joining in late to the party! So I'm working my way through your updates but enjoyed what I've read so far. I had to skip to the most recent update as well and LOVE the idea of CMs Around the World!

 

[marDgreen88]

Your trip sounds like it's shaping up really nicely! Christmas at Disney is just the best!! SeaWorld sounds great as well! Ahhhh I can't wait for Frozen! Anna and Elsa will be so fun to meet!

Oh my gosh, don't worry. If I was in the Soarin' line at the same time as you, you wouldn't be the only one laughing! That cracks me up every time too.

I think CM's Around the World is a brilliant idea. Totally doing that next time.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

I spy the man videoing the belly dancing lady. I'm sure a little souvenir from his trip.

The Moroccan pavilion is so beautiful and the smell of incense is nice. We love the Marrakesh restaurant which is tucked back in there as well.

You've "trademarked" your CM Around the World tour!! It will be all the rage soon!

I loved your 'North America' photo caption! So perfect. Definitely you are off to a great start with your CM around the world pose. I do see an interesting trend - you are selecting female CMs to pose with.

And thanks for being so flexible with your plans in 30 days!!!

Hmmmm strange that I never noticed him at all. But now that I look closer, she is clearly not paying him any attention.

It really is. Granted all the pavilions are wonderful, but Morocco has so many hidden treasures that I bet many completely miss.

Hehe, oh yes. I can't risk Disney stealing this from me.

It was such a neat coincidence to have that happen. Just awesome! I would have had no problem with a male CM but for some reason I just never found any...

Goodness that was no big deal at all Brenda. My plans were always pretty wide open, so I'm thrilled to be able to align some times.

I can see why you got distracted in Morocco ... those weird violins that don't really have a body always catch my attention

"Big-*** Goldfish" - one of the lesser known Ska bands from the 90's

Ah the good old U.S. of A. ... a.k.a. Canada's beard

solid work on your mission - and I appreciate that you are a stickler for the rules

Totally!!

I'm only really familiar with No Doubt because... Gwen Stefani.

Oh God that cracked me up Phil. And what a lovely beard it is!

Thank you, and without rules... it's chaos.

HA I don't think Stacey will be too happy when she sees that picture from Morocco. In fact it's probably a good idea to let her skip these updates.

at the "big a** goldfish." You're too much!

My sister and I did Pick a Pearl years ago. It was amazing, and very entertaining to watch!

Now, why would that CM think you like Disney enough to work there seasonally? Could've fooled me. Seriously though that's pretty much THE DREAM. You'd be a great cast member, you've already proven you like talking to new people!

I think that Lady topiary is my favorite!

ROB. GO TO VIA NAPOLI. My review of it is forthcoming but basically, I didn't think it would be good as the hype...IT WAS BETTER.

Oh Stacey's forbidden to read any of this TR. I can't be too careful.



It really is a great experience and the CM's there are always so great.

I know right??!! But that really would be awesome. I wish it was easier but being from Canada there's a lot more to go through. If I was completely financially secure (i.e. I win the lottery), I would do that in a heartbeat.

I like that one too Courtney.

Oh I will for sure at some point. I decided against any ADR's in December since I'm solo, but I will go there some day.

You got sidetracked by Selena then? Nice.

That cast member from Morocco has the best hair ever!! Ok, she's tied with that Italian girl too. I must learn their secrets! Annnyway....

Seriously, Japan is the best. I recently discovered my love for that store & I could seriously spend a whole bunch of time there just browsing (which would become spending too much money). I'm with you, cast members there are some of the best. I love how they bow after you buy something. It's just so polite! I so want to be there now!

Yes, meeting & hanging out with people who get your disney love is so nice. I wish I could hang out with you guys in December!! At least there are the upcoming TRs, right?

Is that her name? See I never knew that.

And lots of it too! Very pretty ladies.

Absolutely Jennifer. That store can really put a dent in your day and your bank account if you let it. So much stuff and all of it very cool. Aren't the CM's there the sweetest things? They constantly bow and say "Welcome to Japan". It's so cute.

So agree with this. That's why I'm so glad I joined Disboards to actually "meet" people who "get it". Yeah, I suspect there may be a TR or two forthcoming.