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

[marDgreen88]

OH, beautiful Splash! I love how many pictures you took of that gem of a ride! (And I NEVER see pictures from the very top of the big hill! Awesome!)

Certain characters tend to be priorities for me too! What did you and Ariel talk about? You look like you were enjoying that conversation, hahahah.

 

[haley'smom44]

I loved the frozen butterbeer and I am so excited try Lefrou's brew in October. I hope I like it! Enjoying your report!

 

[MrsB1228]

Whew, I'm finally all caught up after falling wa-a-a-y behind! Loving your TR so much and your sense of humour has me LOL. Please keep the updates comin'!

 

[Happy Duck]

Splash Mountain is always awesome, but it is even more awesome when it is on a "Free" fastpass!!! I'm going to check on the tops of the machine's much more carefully!

I feel like I barely spent any time in New Fantasyland in April. We didn't even go into the tavern! It's basically a crime. Not only do I love apple juice, but it has the same effect on me that caffeine has on normal people. Yay for healthy-ish late EMH energy!

I'm actually watching Beauty and the Beast at this moment so it's so cool to see the similarities. Imagineers are amazing!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Great update and just an observation but you seemed to enjoy your time with the red headed princes....

Thank you so much!

Haha, yeah I can't deny it... I was a little bit taken with Ariel. I think it was the fin... Don't tell Stacey!!

OH, beautiful Splash! I love how many pictures you took of that gem of a ride! (And I NEVER see pictures from the very top of the big hill! Awesome!)

Certain characters tend to be priorities for me too! What did you and Ariel talk about? You look like you were enjoying that conversation, hahahah.

I just LOVE Splash, like EVERYTHING about it. It's just... perfect.

Oh man Marissa, this one was a TOP priority. Meeting Ariel is great and all, but I'd only met her in the dress. She's the Little Mermaid... she needs to be in fin.
Hahaha, I wish I could remember what we talked about, but I was definitely enjoying it, whatever it was.
I think I was a bit surprised that she actually took some time to engage as opposed to just shoot the picture and NEXT. She was incredibly sweet.

I loved the frozen butterbeer and I am so excited try Lefrou's brew in October. I hope I like it! Enjoying your report!

Hi Shannon . LeFou's Brew is wonderful! If you like apple juice, then I'm sure you will like this. It's delightful!!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Whew, I'm finally all caught up after falling wa-a-a-y behind! Loving your TR so much and your sense of humour has me LOL. Please keep the updates comin'!

I'm so glad you were able to catch up Carol. Thank you sooooo much for your kind words. I truly appreciate it!

Splash Mountain is always awesome, but it is even more awesome when it is on a "Free" fastpass!!! I'm going to check on the tops of the machine's much more carefully!

I feel like I barely spent any time in New Fantasyland in April. We didn't even go into the tavern! It's basically a crime. Not only do I love apple juice, but it has the same effect on me that caffeine has on normal people. Yay for healthy-ish late EMH energy!

I'm actually watching Beauty and the Beast at this moment so it's so cool to see the similarities. Imagineers are amazing!

Oh I so agree Lauren! And you're right... even better with a free pass. It was actually just sitting in the dispenser.

Haha, you'll have to remedy that next month. If you like apple juice that much, you're gonna die with a LeFou's Brew.

Nobody touches Disney when it comes to immersion and details. Nobody!!!!

 

[librarygeek]

Okay, I'm excited to be following along with another solo trip report!

Thanks for sharing your pics of AoA. My husband and I are doing an anniversary photo shoot there next month, but we've never actually been there. So even though I've seen most of it in pictures, it was great to see a whole bunch of shots of the resort in one place!

Congrats on your Annual Pass!! I just got mine for the first time in February. I have to say though, it's quite an incentive to plan another trip when you know you don't have to pay for tickets - I bought it because I knew I was going down 3 times in the year, but now it's 5 times!! It's easy to convince myself lol!

Characterpalooza! I still haven't found it in person. I didn't realize it sometimes happens outside too. And your Fantasmic experience sounds incredible. I would love to attend a show like that!

Oh my gosh, I love all of your Everest pictures! 7 times in a row, that's incredible haha. On my solo trip I did it 2 or 3 times and would've done more but then for some reason they closed the single rider line Plus the day I was there the ride kept closing due to rain/storms. I haven't been brave enough to have my camera out on the ride - I'm so afraid I'd drop it, even with the wrist strap! But after seeing your photos I may have to try it on a future trip, because they look awesome.

Fantastic shots on the safari - especially of the giraffes and elephants! I adore the animals - I think after my last trip I decided that with the safari and Everest, AK might be my favorite park!

That lizard on Daisy's nose must live there or something, because I have a picture of pretty much the same exact thing! Come to think of it, it was on my April trip so probably not long before you were there. Probably the same little lizard. I have a pic of it in my April TR too!

I might have to check out your Illuminations viewing spot next time. It looks like you have a pretty great view there!

I have always wanted to do the Keys to the Kingdom tour. Hopefully someday!

Your TR so far is fantastic. I am eagerly awaiting more!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Okay, I'm excited to be following along with another solo trip report!

Thanks for sharing your pics of AoA. My husband and I are doing an anniversary photo shoot there next month, but we've never actually been there. So even though I've seen most of it in pictures, it was great to see a whole bunch of shots of the resort in one place!

Congrats on your Annual Pass!! I just got mine for the first time in February. I have to say though, it's quite an incentive to plan another trip when you know you don't have to pay for tickets - I bought it because I knew I was going down 3 times in the year, but now it's 5 times!! It's easy to convince myself lol!

Characterpalooza! I still haven't found it in person. I didn't realize it sometimes happens outside too. And your Fantasmic experience sounds incredible. I would love to attend a show like that!

Oh my gosh, I love all of your Everest pictures! 7 times in a row, that's incredible haha. On my solo trip I did it 2 or 3 times and would've done more but then for some reason they closed the single rider line Plus the day I was there the ride kept closing due to rain/storms. I haven't been brave enough to have my camera out on the ride - I'm so afraid I'd drop it, even with the wrist strap! But after seeing your photos I may have to try it on a future trip, because they look awesome.

Fantastic shots on the safari - especially of the giraffes and elephants! I adore the animals - I think after my last trip I decided that with the safari and Everest, AK might be my favorite park!

That lizard on Daisy's nose must live there or something, because I have a picture of pretty much the same exact thing! Come to think of it, it was on my April trip so probably not long before you were there. Probably the same little lizard. I have a pic of it in my April TR too!

I might have to check out your Illuminations viewing spot next time. It looks like you have a pretty great view there!

I have always wanted to do the Keys to the Kingdom tour. Hopefully someday!

Your TR so far is fantastic. I am eagerly awaiting more!

Becky. I'm so glad you decided to stop by. And with lots of comments... I love it!!!!!!!!!

You're so welcome. Oh my goodness, that's so great. I can't wait to see them. Trust me when I tell you that seeing photos will in no way diminish how great it looks when you see it in person. It's really something.

Yay ANNUAL PASS!!!. Hehe, the enticement of multiple trips may have played a factor in that purchase... other than the flat out coolness of it of course.
Five times... NICE!!!! I'm hopefully working on number 2 for either Sept/October or December. I figure even with just one more trip I'll be ahead.

This was the first time I saw it outside so it was a total surprise. Having already checked into the animation building I assumed I'd missed it, so to come across it like I did was just... Magical.
Oh God Becky I almost don't want to watch it again just because this one was so special. Of course I will though.

It was so much fun too. I just love that ride, everything about it.
Ugh, I would never have been able to though if they'd closed the single rider. That's sucks. Closing it to storms I get though.
You know the ride is so smooth that it's actually pretty easy to hold the camera. Just make sure to wrap the strap tight and you'll be fine. There are so many great photo ops on that ride. Thank you so much for the kind words.

I... LOVE... GIRAFFES!!!!! Just love them. I hope to hear of some giraffe sightings on your TR from your room. AK is certainly an underappreciated park. It has sooooo much to offer. I agree completely. Magic Kingdom is still my top though.

Of wow, that's so funny. I bet it's the same one. Back in October me and a friend stayed offsite in a condo and every night the same little guy was in the exact same spot beside our door when we came home.
And OMG, I just went and looked at your picture. That is seriously too funny and really amazing too.

It's a really good view. There' not much in the way of obstructions, plus you're elevated.

I highly recommend the tour even if you know every detail. To actually see backstage (and below stage as it were) is beyond exciting.

Thank you VERY much Becky. I truly appreciate it!!!

 

[katt789]

Man, fell so far behind with all the summer shenanigans I’ve been getting up to! Welp, here I go, good thing I haven’t put on make up, I’m probs gonna cry during these updates!

BRB DYYYYYIIINNNNNGGGG
BACKSTAAAAAGGGGGEEEEEEEE

That key is awesome!!

Man, I don’t have a lot to say about those updates but that was wonderful and I’m super glad you got to experience it and that I decided to book it for Sept! ACK!

 

[Tracy161]

OHMYGOSH! That shirt!!!!!! You are brilliant! And yay for the extra great interactions with CMs as a result.

Great pics with The mermaid herself! One of those moments, right?

 

[petals]

Great update. I miss the Magic Kingdom so much.

 

[teekathepony]

Tammy! Bahahaha I had a good belly laugh over that. Nice one!
Hooray for double fast passes!
So true about space ride photos. Mine from last year is just me looking down at my camera, checking my picture I just took. Whoops!
I'm literally too tired to say Splash Fastpass. I keep tripping over it!
I'm going to have to get DH to try Lefou's brew, he loves apple juice!
So glad you gt to meet Ariel in her fin finally!
I almost spit out my coffee at the “Wait… Am I at Universal??” line! Omg I would have loved to see the CM react to that!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Man, fell so far behind with all the summer shenanigans I’ve been getting up to! Welp, here I go, good thing I haven’t put on make up, I’m probs gonna cry during these updates!

BRB DYYYYYIIINNNNNGGGG
BACKSTAAAAAGGGGGEEEEEEEE

That key is awesome!!

Man, I don’t have a lot to say about those updates but that was wonderful and I’m super glad you got to experience it and that I decided to book it for Sept! ACK!

Summer Shenanigans are a good thing.

AHHHHHH I Know!!!!!! I'm so glad you're doing it too. It was all I could do not to run around hysterically when I entered into the Utilidors. No lie. No magic lost... Only enhanced.

I can't wait to hear your take on it in only a few months.

OHMYGOSH! That shirt!!!!!! You are brilliant! And yay for the extra great interactions with CMs as a result.

Great pics with The mermaid herself! One of those moments, right?

AWWW thank you Tracy. It seems only the CM's really got it. Must not have been many Disers around.

Oh Totally! There's no comparison with Ariel in fin vs. without.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Great update. I miss the Magic Kingdom so much.

Thank you so much. Magic Kingdom is so great and I miss it too!!

Tammy! Bahahaha I had a good belly laugh over that. Nice one!
Hooray for double fast passes!
So true about space ride photos. Mine from last year is just me looking down at my camera, checking my picture I just took. Whoops!
I'm literally too tired to say Splash Fastpass. I keep tripping over it!
I'm going to have to get DH to try Lefou's brew, he loves apple juice!
So glad you gt to meet Ariel in her fin finally!
I almost spit out my coffee at the “Wait… Am I at Universal??” line! Omg I would have loved to see the CM react to that!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

Hehe, you can thank Brenda for sending that to me.

Ahhhh it was so awesome. And for virtually the same time too.

Haha, that's my normal "pose" if I'm not paying attention.

I know right??!! I started saying it as I was writing it and realized I couldn't.

Ooh then I think he'll love it. It is so good. SO GOOD!!!!

I was so happy to FINALLY get the meet in Wendy, especially after my stupidity last October.

Oh man it was so precious. She was totally playing along with my shirt and then...

 

[Bree89]

I just finished reading this all in one sitting and I just have to say that I am LOVING your TR so far! Reading this has made me so excited for our trip next year(one of our resort choices is the POP and it looks so cool from the photos you took!) It looks like you had a blast and the ride photos are so funny! Especially the everest ones! I can't wait to hear more about your adventure!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

I just finished reading this all in one sitting and I just have to say that I am LOVING your TR so far! Reading this has made me so excited for our trip next year(one of our resort choices is the POP and it looks so cool from the photos you took!) It looks like you had a blast and the ride photos are so funny! Especially the everest ones! I can't wait to hear more about your adventure!

Wow Bree, that's a lot of reading. Thank you so much!!! I very excited you're here.

POP is so much fun!! I think you'd really love it.

Thank you so very much for your kind words. I did have a blast and can't wait to share some more.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

I HOPE THIS KEY WORKS BECAUSE WOAH, THERE ARE 2 NEW CASTLES… TWO!!!
Day 3 – April 29, 2013 Part 4


After an AMAZING encounter with a finned princess,
Who incidentally was a song that made me wanna roll my windows down... and cruise...

I didn't have anything else planned other than making my way back, AGAIN, to the other side to enjoy my second Splash Fastpass.

Thankfully, I snapped some photos along the way.
Otherwise this would have been a pretty boring journey for everyone.

Lovely topiaries...

I caught the tail end of Dream Along with Mickey!

Then continued on towards Frontierland.

On route I came across these guys, some of whom I would be seeing again shortly...

Apologies to the young lady for basically sticking a camera right in her face, but OH MAN I simply adore Big Al!

I don't know why, but to me it looked like he was taking his pulse, perhaps as part of a new exercise regimen...

Or was simply flashing a sign for Brer Bear to steal second.

I would have stayed, but I had a Fastpass to use, and I figured I would see them later.

One of the benefits of flying solo are the things you overhear that you might otherwise miss.

On my way to Splash I overheard,

"What area are you going to?"

The answer,

"The Water Thing!"

Ahhhhhh I love stupid people.

Well, it was off to the "Water Thing" for me too.

After this I posted to Facebook
"I am just going to say it... Splash Mountain is a mouse-ter-piece."




CONTINUED NEXT POST
​

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Day 3 – April 29, 2013 Part 4 Cont.


I had one more thing I wanted to do before leaving for a bit, and that was to see those mysterious new Mermaids on Pirates.

Apparently I was on a Mermaid kick today.

So needless to say, this is where I went.

I successfully saw them though I have no photo.
To be honest, the effect really didn’t impress me all that much.

I did get a photo directly afterwards of the new mermaid skeleton however,
Which REALLY creeped me out having just had a wonderful meet with the lovely Ariel.

When the voyage was over I made my way up the ramp.
I know I've mentioned my love for Disney Details before, and here is yet another example.

A Peg Leg.

Ah those genius Imagineers.

With that, I ventured back towards Main Street, pausing to get what has become my favourite spot for castle photos.

At night the reflection in the water is breathtaking, but I've never captured the reflection in the daytime...

Until Now.

Whenever I stop to take photos off the beaten trail so to speak, I always enjoy waiting around a bit to watch how others “suddenly” notice the wonderful photo opportunity they otherwise would walk right by.

What can I say… it amuses me. I'm easily entertained.

One of the other things I love is the statues in the hub, so I went around and captured each one.

Gotta get a castle shot in here too... Can't have too many of those...

Of course Mickey is included as part of the amazing Partners statue, so he's not included here.
All of these statues were created by the brilliant Blaine Gibson mentioned on the Keys tour.

Then it was off to the exit, snapping a pic of a friendly CM along the way since I love happy, waving, button overloaded, Mickey-handed Disney CM's.

I posted on Facebook:
"Have I ever mentioned I Love This Place. If not I LOVE THIS PLACE!"

Now I had some more resort hopping to do.



TO BE CONTINUED…
​

 

[Teresa Pitman]

I love your photos! The castle and its reflection is just stunning, and the Splash Mountain ones are amazing!

Also, I don't ever think I've seen the Bear Jamboree guys walking around like that before. Maybe I've just had bad timing. Very cool. And an exercise routine might not be a bad idea for Big Al.

It is the details that make Disney, isn't it? There's always some small thing that I haven't noticed before that adds a little magic to my trip.

TP

 

[Happy Duck]

And that 50 minute wait is why I always FP Splash! I don't think I have EVER ridden in the stand-by line when it was longer than 20 minutes or so. Who knows what will happen in the future....dun dun duuuuuun.

New mermaid effect? To be honest, I don't recall anything special or overly new...maybe I was just excited to finally be on Pirates? I have to say though, I found that mermaid skeleton more cool than creepy. I'm one of those people that's like...Cool! I get to see the insides!

My favorite statue is (not surprisingly) DONALD! He's such a Happy Duck