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

[wdwgirl03]

Oh, I love that second castle picture from Dream Along With Mickey!

hahaha, the water thing. I love overhearing dumb comments like that. I realize not everyone is as obsessed as people like us, but that is still hilarious.

Aww, that CM with the Mickey glove and tons of buttons is so cute! I love Disney. 30 days until I get to go back!

Can't wait to hear about the resort hopping. Always a fun thing to do!

 

[emmysmommy]

Rob, you and the gentleman in the red shirt coordinated your hand signals quite well on Splash! You were in the back of the log again... you know that's where they seat all the trouble makers!

So glad that I have you to explain the little details... I didn't get the peg leg thing from the photo. That is brilliant! The mermaid skeleton, a little creepy I admit. Makes me wonder how she ended up in that boat, on land, with pirates. Hmmm.... Maybe she didn't listen to her father like one of those other mermaids.

I love your castle reflecting a castle photo! Lovely! Speaking of great photos... that is a great shot right before you took the plunge on Splash with the Castle and CR/BLT in the distance. The last few times I have been on Splash I've been in the front so I had to put my camera away because I knew I was going to get wet! Both times we rode last year it was raining, er rather POURING when we went down the flume so I was double soaked.

Great update! I wonder what resort you will see next.

 

[11point5]

Hahaha I love your ride photo from Splash!! Half the people in your log look legitimately terrified, and then I love how the guy beside you is like "THIS RIDE ROCKS!!! TWO ENTHUSIASTIC THUMBS UP!!" and you're like "eeeehhhh...i'll give it half a thumb.."
Can't wait to see more resort hopping pictures!! Maybe some monorail resorts?

 

[peachmermaid]

Ah, stupid tourists. At least use your map to find out the names of the rides. Come on now. They never cease to amuse me and make me feel smart though. Great picture, as always! Cute hub pictures too! Those statues are so adorable. And no, you can never have too many castle pictures! Great picture with reflection too! I love when a great castle shot pops up.

I haven't noticed the mermaid effect on pirates. I've seen the skeleton, which creeps me out too, but otherwise...maybe I don't realize it because I didn't see the 4th film? I've never seen that footprint and peg leg print while exiting! That is my new goal! So awesome. Maybe George tried to escape?

That CM with all the pins is awesome. Can I be her? I'd love to just stand in a doorway, littered with pins and waving to people with a mickey glove.

 

[teekathepony]

Cool character spotting! I bet those handlers are really used to having their pictures taken!
The water thing? Really? Not even an effort there, lets face it.
Love your on ride photos from the water thing
You must tell me, where are the POTC mermaids? I keep hearing all about them but not where to find them. Or is that the deal? If you see them, don't spoil it for anyone else? Only the worthy can see them? Lmao
That mermaid skeleton is pretty creepy anyway, I can see how it would be really bad after meeting Ariel!
Beautiful castle shot! I love that spot too. I also love showing people good picture spots... Although I admit to being guilty of once pointing my camera at absolutely nothing just to see if people would stop to see what I was seeing. They did.
Also love the statues around the hub. <3 they're so cute!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[katiee37]

Just now starting to read your TR! I love all of your ride photos! Can't wait to read more!

 

[marDgreen88]

I love catching parts of Dream Along with Mickey. That show just doesn't get old! (For me, at least.)

Once again, great pictures from Splash! I especially love the one on top of the drop where you can see Bay Lake Tower.

Oooh, resort hopping, one of my favorite Disney past times! Can't wait to see where ya went!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

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

Thank you so much Teresa! Not too bad for a point and click.

I actually saw them a few times. They do a little Hoe Down type thing out in front of The Country Bear Jamboree. I'll have more on that later... sort of.

Haha yeah pour 'ol Big All could stand to lose a few. But then he'd just be Little Al.

It absolutely is. It's the little things that make that place oh so special.

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

Yupper! To be honest, I've ridden very few rides stand by unless it's a particularly slow day, or it's at opening. 20 minutes is my limit as well.

Yeah, I knew about it beforehand so I knew to look for it (yet still missed it first time through). It's not much really. Oh I agree the skeleton is cool... It just felt so weird after having just met Ariel.

Ha, nice one!!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Oh, I love that second castle picture from Dream Along With Mickey!

hahaha, the water thing. I love overhearing dumb comments like that. I realize not everyone is as obsessed as people like us, but that is still hilarious.

Aww, that CM with the Mickey glove and tons of buttons is so cute! I love Disney. 30 days until I get to go back!

Can't wait to hear about the resort hopping. Always a fun thing to do!

Aw thanks Sarah. Just good timing on my part.

I always get a kick out of people at WDW. If noting else, they can be as entertaining as Disney itself. That one REALLY made me laugh though.

Aww Yeah, she was adorable. There's just nothing like Disney CM's. Gahhhh, 30 days!!!

It definitely is, and something so new to me.

Rob, you and the gentleman in the red shirt coordinated your hand signals quite well on Splash! You were in the back of the log again... you know that's where they seat all the trouble makers!

So glad that I have you to explain the little details... I didn't get the peg leg thing from the photo. That is brilliant! The mermaid skeleton, a little creepy I admit. Makes me wonder how she ended up in that boat, on land, with pirates. Hmmm.... Maybe she didn't listen to her father like one of those other mermaids.

I love your castle reflecting a castle photo! Lovely! Speaking of great photos... that is a great shot right before you took the plunge on Splash with the Castle and CR/BLT in the distance. The last few times I have been on Splash I've been in the front so I had to put my camera away because I knew I was going to get wet! Both times we rode last year it was raining, er rather POURING when we went down the flume so I was double soaked.

Great update! I wonder what resort you will see next.

Haha, yeah I'd like to say we planned it that way... but I can't. I was starting to wonder about that. I think I was in the back every single time. Now I know why.

Just one of those little subtle amazing wonderful things. Brilliant. Just another little thing that makes Disney... Disney. Haha, yeah, I was more creeped out having just met Ariel.

Thanks bunches Brenda. I love that shot as well. And even more so watching all the people notice me taking the shot who then promptly took a similar shot right after.
That splash shot is one of those quickies. It's particularly tough since you're coming from a very dark lift, so it's tough to get the camera into the light and have it adjust in time for the shot to come out.

Hmmmm... and the mystery builds.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Hahaha I love your ride photo from Splash!! Half the people in your log look legitimately terrified, and then I love how the guy beside you is like "THIS RIDE ROCKS!!! TWO ENTHUSIASTIC THUMBS UP!!" and you're like "eeeehhhh...i'll give it half a thumb.."
Can't wait to see more resort hopping pictures!! Maybe some monorail resorts?

Bahaha, I think what happened there for me was I had just taken a photo right before the drop, so I dropped my right arm to protect the camera. But I still had to do something... thus the one handed thumbs up.

Oooh the suspense. I will not confirm nor deny the location.

Ah, stupid tourists. At least use your map to find out the names of the rides. Come on now. They never cease to amuse me and make me feel smart though. Great picture, as always! Cute hub pictures too! Those statues are so adorable. And no, you can never have too many castle pictures! Great picture with reflection too! I love when a great castle shot pops up.

I haven't noticed the mermaid effect on pirates. I've seen the skeleton, which creeps me out too, but otherwise...maybe I don't realize it because I didn't see the 4th film? I've never seen that footprint and peg leg print while exiting! That is my new goal! So awesome. Maybe George tried to escape?

That CM with all the pins is awesome. Can I be her? I'd love to just stand in a doorway, littered with pins and waving to people with a mickey glove.

Teehee, I know right??!! Dummies. I have a real pet peeve when it comes to ride names generally, but "The Water Thing?". Unforgivable.

The mermaid effect is really a non starter in my opinion and was only added last October I think. Even knowing it was there, I had still missed it. Second time through I asked the CM loading the boats it's exact location (it's right after the mist curtain and right before the skeletons). You can hear the mermaid's singing, then to me it's more of a lighting effect in the water. It's supposed to be a mermaid swimming, but it's really brief.

I LOVE the peg leg. Just one of those subtle Disney things.

Haha, me too Jennifer. It seems like the best job ever.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Cool character spotting! I bet those handlers are really used to having their pictures taken!
The water thing? Really? Not even an effort there, lets face it.
Love your on ride photos from the water thing
You must tell me, where are the POTC mermaids? I keep hearing all about them but not where to find them. Or is that the deal? If you see them, don't spoil it for anyone else? Only the worthy can see them? Lmao
That mermaid skeleton is pretty creepy anyway, I can see how it would be really bad after meeting Ariel!
Beautiful castle shot! I love that spot too. I also love showing people good picture spots... Although I admit to being guilty of once pointing my camera at absolutely nothing just to see if people would stop to see what I was seeing. They did.
Also love the statues around the hub. <3 they're so cute!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

Ha, yeah no doubt there. That last one though was like right in her face.

Oy, just no imagination at all.

Thank you muchly!

They are located right after the mist screen and right before the skeletons. It's basically just a projection in the water (apparently on either side, but I only saw on the left). It only lasts a second, and just keeps cycling like that. It's supposed to be a mermaid swimming, but I found it really hard to make out.

It was really due to having JUST met Ariel that I found it so creepy I think.

It's a fantastic spot, particularly when the water is still like that.
Bahahaha... people are so stupid and entertaining.

This was the first time I took pics of them. I figured since I was alone I wouldn't be holding anybody up, so a perfect time.

Just now starting to read your TR! I love all of your ride photos! Can't wait to read more!

Katie. Thank you ever so much!! I'm incredibly delighted you're here and really hope you enjoy!

I love catching parts of Dream Along with Mickey. That show just doesn't get old! (For me, at least.)

Once again, great pictures from Splash! I especially love the one on top of the drop where you can see Bay Lake Tower.

Oooh, resort hopping, one of my favorite Disney past times! Can't wait to see where ya went!

No it does not Marissa. I wholeheartedly agree. It was too bad it was the end (but good timing for fireworks), but I figured I would have many more opportunities to see it. Such a good show.

EEEEE, I've been trying for that shot forever!!! Thank God I finally got it. I tended to just blast away with the photos. I figure if the photo sucks, it can be deleted.

Hehe, it may be somewhere unexpected...

 

[maryj11]

I love the picture of the castle with it's reflection in the water

 

[katt789]

Awesoem fast pass luck!! Yay!

Man, no dancing on any of these rides, Disney is such sticklers for the rules!

You didn’t miss much mermaid wise, there’s just a skelton at the beginning, I thought it would be something cool, but nooooo

Nice splash pictures!! Man, I WILL take more pictures on rides this time around!!

So excited for the mine train! It’s gonna be greeeeaaattt
Uhm, I would like a lefou’s brew right meow please…darn you for tempting me…

I have to agree I really love the way they’ve done the grotto with only really one at a time greeting, it makes it more special, and you don’t really have the pressure to finish up everything super fast!

AHAHAHAH #DYING best ever.

Yay ariel!!

Nice splash picture, the kid infront of you looks like he’s falling to his death!

Yay!

 

[jash08]

Just found your trip report and I am joining in!

I have never been to Disney solo before. Sounds like it would definitely be interesting, but awesome to do whatever you want!

 

[khertz]

Ahh, the B'rer characters!!! I would LOVE to see them in the parks (aside from walking in the AK parade). The Water Thing (which I'm TOTALLY going to call it now! ) is my most favorite ride ever! What were they all out for?

The kid in the second row of your Splash picture looks like he's having the time of his LIFE.

The side view photo of the Castle is probably my most favorite vantage point. I can't even tell you how many pictures we have from that angle!

The mermaid skeleton is so creepy in a cool way. I love how they have found a way to incorporate the Pirates movies without changing the look, feel, and nostalgia of the original attraction.

 

[Cira]

JDUB, I am unable to find any links on yOUtUBe for the industry pipes, behind the scenes, as per below. Would you kindly provide one? Look forward to it. Thanks in advance.

Awesome update Rob! I've always wanted to do this tour but would be frowned upon leaving my 3 kids in our room for 5+ hrs. Maybe when I'm there in Feb for my work conference.
I've YouTube different WDW behind the scene clips and seen the industry pipes for the trash etc. Very good use so visitors don't see the "smelly" magic.
I'm guessing hallways are larger than the one in Austin Powers and you didn't see any stuck sideways.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

I love the picture of the castle with it's reflection in the water

Thank you so much Mary!! I was super happy with that one myself.

Awesoem fast pass luck!! Yay!

Man, no dancing on any of these rides, Disney is such sticklers for the rules!

You didn’t miss much mermaid wise, there’s just a skelton at the beginning, I thought it would be something cool, but nooooo

Nice splash pictures!! Man, I WILL take more pictures on rides this time around!!

So excited for the mine train! It’s gonna be greeeeaaattt
Uhm, I would like a lefou’s brew right meow please…darn you for tempting me…

I have to agree I really love the way they’ve done the grotto with only really one at a time greeting, it makes it more special, and you don’t really have the pressure to finish up everything super fast!

AHAHAHAH #DYING best ever.

Yay ariel!!

Nice splash picture, the kid infront of you looks like he’s falling to his death!

Yay!

I'd never gotten a freebie like that before. Thankfully I noticed it before putting in my ticket. Of course then the worst case was I'd have 2 for Splash for the same time. Not that bad actually, haha.

Yeah, Disney and their rules. Of course, they don't tend to enforce them all that hard.

Yeah, I was less than impressed myself. If you look really close you can kind of make out the mermaid swimming, but I can't say I was overly impressed. Honestly if I didn't know about it in advance, I'm sure I would have missed it. The skeleton's kind of cool and creepy at the same time.

Thanks and definitely do that.

I think so too. I think it's going to be much more than a Big Thunder clone. Granted, I'm not expecting the biggest high speed thrill ride ever, but that's not Disney's thing anyway. Disney tells stories, and I think this one will not disappoint.

Oh God, I know, I want a Brew TOOOOOOOOOO.

Totally. It was a really good idea on Disney's part. Particularly as an adult, to have a little privacy made it much easier to interact.

I'd heard some not enjoy their meet with this particular Ariel, but I really found her delightful and sweet.

Ahhh, I have the best Splash picture still to come. At least it is my favorite.

Just found your trip report and I am joining in!

I have never been to Disney solo before. Sounds like it would definitely be interesting, but awesome to do whatever you want!

Thanks so very much for joining in!!!

Solo is different to be sure, but it really is a great and enjoyable experience that I highly recommend.

Ahh, the B'rer characters!!! I would LOVE to see them in the parks (aside from walking in the AK parade). The Water Thing (which I'm TOTALLY going to call it now! ) is my most favorite ride ever! What were they all out for?

The kid in the second row of your Splash picture looks like he's having the time of his LIFE.

The side view photo of the Castle is probably my most favorite vantage point. I can't even tell you how many pictures we have from that angle!

The mermaid skeleton is so creepy in a cool way. I love how they have found a way to incorporate the Pirates movies without changing the look, feel, and nostalgia of the original attraction.

It was so cool to see them like that. I NEED a picture with Big Al. They do a Hoe Down out in front of the Country Bear Jamboree a few times daily. I'm not sure if there's photo ops or not though.
I still can't get over "The Water Thing". They weren't even trying.

Haha, I know. Just too excited.

It really is beautiful. I had been waiting for a calm day to get that reflection. So pretty.

Absolutely agree. It still does "feel" the same as when I was a kid. I only wish I hadn't just met Ariel before seeing the skeleton. It made me sad.

 

[rachel09985]

I love your day at MK so far!! Walking in on an empty main street and that awesome keys to the kingdom tour! You did a great job retelling it! I would have loved to see the MSEP floats charging! Too funny!

that is funny about trying to get the flag not folded by taking a lot of pics. I just did that twice on my past trip. It is like an obsession to get the flag perfectly straight!

My perfect day- two times on splash mountain. I love that ride!! Your seat mate was funny on the 2nd time!

 

[rachel09985]

How sweet that you gave your spot away for Poca

Your first Expedition Everest picture is hilarious and it isn't because of you this time!

That guy in the yellow shirt next to you and the little girl in the pink shirt look absolutely TERRIFIED!!!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

I love your day at MK so far!! Walking in on an empty main street and that awesome keys to the kingdom tour! You did a great job retelling it! I would have loved to see the MSEP floats charging! Too funny!

that is funny about trying to get the flag not folded by taking a lot of pics. I just did that twice on my past trip. It is like an obsession to get the flag perfectly straight!

My perfect day- two times on splash mountain. I love that ride!! Your seat mate was funny on the 2nd time!

Thanks so much Rachel. It was my very first "early entry" as I've never had a morning ADR, so it was a wonderful experience to have the park so empty. Just a beautiful morning.
The Keys tour is so great. Haha, the floats were so weird to see all unlit, but so beautiful at the same time.

OMG, it was too ridiculous. I just thought the flag looked really cool and I swear I tool 15 pictures before I got even one usable one. Gotta love digital photography and the ability to delete!

Oh me too. Last October my friend and I only got to ride it once (first thing in the morning) as it was down every other time throughout the whole trip. I was not going to miss out this time.
I don't think people realize how long that ride actually is. It's like a 10 minute ride. There's just nothing like it.

How sweet that you gave your spot away for Poca

Your first Expedition Everest picture is hilarious and it isn't because of you this time!

That guy in the yellow shirt next to you and the little girl in the pink shirt look absolutely TERRIFIED!!!

Thanks Rachel. It was really an easy decision honestly. Plus I rewarded myself with 4 rides on Everest.

Bahahaha, thanks!! Oh God I know. I thought he was funny, but the little girl is absolutely priceless.