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

[DisneyKid4Life]

Yay for booking a Christmas trip! I had a feeling you were going to crack soon and book one Disney at Christmas time is just too hard to pass up!

So jealous you will be there for your Birthday! My Mom's is actually the day before yours so we are normally down there for hers and I'm always jealous. I'm sorry your parents can't join you but I hope you have another magical solo trip!

I'll be staying at POP too while you are there, hopefully I'll see you around!

Bahaha, yeah, it was only a matter of time. It really is a great time to be there. I've done it as a kid, but only once as an adult, and it's been 4 years, so time to do it again.

Ah I know, I'm really looking forward to ticking this one off the bucket list. Haha, but yay for Mom's Birthday. I was sad they couldn't go too. I so wanted to give a little back since they were the ones who started me on this Disney obsession.

That would be so awesome Jess. I will definitely keep an eye out for sure!! I would love to meet you, even if just for a few minutes.

Long time lurker and I have to say, I love your TR so far. Also, I love the fact that you are also Canadian (as am I) and have your birthday 5 days before mine!

Thank you soooo much Laura!! I'm so glad you came out of lurker-dom (if that is indeed a word). Yay for Canada, lol. There are definitely a lot of us on the board.

Ah, another December birthday. That's awesome.

Yay for another Disney trip!!! Oh man, you are making me want a Christmas trip SO BAD! Very exciting that you will be there on your birthday. With mine in the middle of June, that's just not something I really want to do at all. I'm content with being there for DS's birthday in October when the weather is cooler!

How amazing that you were invited to be part of another DISer's Illuminations Cruis!!! Like you said on my PTR about our BOG dinner, gotta love that DIS magic.

I requested you on FB so I can follow your trip

Aww thanks!!! I am really looking forward to seeing all the Xmas decorations again. This time I can really take the time to look at everything. Haha, yeah, thankfully my Bday falls during what had traditionally been a slow time. It's not quite as slow as it once was, but still one of the better periods. Ahhh you're getting so close to your trip!

Totally and a very similar thing. It real is amazing, isn't it?

Yay and I totally accepted! I really hope Wi-Fi works better than before. But then again, I found it much better in April than last October, so maybe it's been getting progressively better.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

So, I just found your trip report today and read the whole thing while my daughters were napping. ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!

I totally agree with what you said about the DIS. Most people join just to get some tips, ask questions, etc and then end up making some wonderful friendships.

That's so exciting that you booked a Christmas trip! That's our favorite time to visit Disney World... everything is just extra magical during that time of year isn't it? And not to mention, Dec 4th is a special day in this household, too -- it's our anniversary! So, yay for Dec 4th! You'll have so much fun being there on your birthday!

Aww, thank you so very very much Lauren, and a very heartfelt to you.

It honestly did really surprise me with the friendships I've made. And it's so extra great to have that big common Disney obsession.

Thank you!! It's been a few years since I've seen all the Christmas magic. I do have to admit to really digging the Halloween stuff last year. But there is something extra magical about Christmas in Disney.

YAY for December 4th!!! Thank you so much for reading.

Just saw that you have a Christmas trip in the works! So excited for you. Doing Disney World at Christmas is definitely on my bucket list! And you get to do the Illuminations cruise! I'm already looking forward to the TR!

I do indeed and thank you!! I'll tell you, nobody does Christmas like Disney, that's for sure.
I am super excited for that cruise. I really hope this trip will bring about the material for the best TR yet!

Going again.... that's when we'll be there too..

Ahh Yes indeed!! That's awesome. If you see me, please say hello!!!!

Had a lazy day here today, just doing a bit of and adding a post to my own TR when I decided to cruise around the site a bit. Well, I found yours and am glad I did. I had a wonderful afternoon read and am now all caught up. You have made me laugh out loud and tear up all in one short afternoon!!! Great report. Can't wait to hear about the rest of your stay. And I noticed you will be on vacation during the same time the Podcast crew will be having their Podcast party at the Studios. There will be a lot of Disers there that evening. It is the 6th of Dec. I believe. They will be closing off Pixar Place and having the run of TSM! Maybe something you would like to check out!

Thanks again for the great read.

I'm so glad you found it too!!
Aww, thank you. Tears, smiles, and laughter are what it's all about. Thank you so much for your lovely comments.

I did see that they were doing the party at Pixar Place on the 6th. Honestly, I really did think about it, but I just have a hard time justifying $60 for just Pixar Place. I'm sure it will be amazing though, and it would be awesome to meet the crew. I love those guys.

Thank you so much for reading!

 

[lauren_elizabeth]

Aww, thank you so very very much Lauren, and a very heartfelt to you.

It honestly did really surprise me with the friendships I've made. And it's so extra great to have that big common Disney obsession.

Thank you!! It's been a few years since I've seen all the Christmas magic. I do have to admit to really digging the Halloween stuff last year. But there is something extra magical about Christmas in Disney.

YAY for December 4th!!! Thank you so much for reading.

That's our big debate right now for next year... do I book late September for my son's 7th birthday with the Fall decorations/MNSSHP or do I do early December for our favorite Christmas decorations/MVMCP?! Ahhh decisions!

 

[geckodani]

Yay! A Christmas trip AND an Illuminations cruise?!?! Too cool! I'm so happy for you Rob, and I can't wait to hear all about it!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

That's our big debate right now for next year... do I book late September for my son's 7th birthday with the Fall decorations/MNSSHP or do I do early December for our favorite Christmas decorations/MVMCP?! Ahhh decisions!

I know it's really tough as both are fantastic! As much as I love MVMCP, I do think I like MNSSHP a bit more. Boo To You parade is just amazing.

One thing I've considered before (and may well do some day) is doing both, though it is tough to pull off. For instance the last MNSSHP this year is November 1 and the first Xmas party in November 8. So only a week apart, making is totally doable.

It sounds like you've done Xmas before, but if you haven't done Halloween, that would get my vote. It really needs to seen. It's amazing.

Yay! A Christmas trip AND an Illuminations cruise?!?! Too cool! I'm so happy for you Rob, and I can't wait to hear all about it!

Thanks Dani!! I sure am excited for that cruise I must say.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

"I’M GONNA RIDE THAT PUPPY... AND I’M GONNA GET WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET!"
Day 5 – May 1, 2013 Part 7



Before we get started, I just wanted to send out a great big HAPPY 42nd BIRTHDAY to...

MAGIC KINGDOM AND WALT DISNEY WORLD!

After Move It Shake It Celebrate It caused me to move it and shake it,

And, oh yes indeed… Celebrate It,

I moved back into Tomorrowland.

Even though I’m not a huge fan, I jumped into Buzz to see if I could somehow recreate the magic from before…

Ummmmm… I could not.

I guess I just didn’t heed the advice I had learned before about “Aiming being the system”.

And yes, I absolutely had to pay a little homage to Breaking Bad, because it’s simply one of the best shows ever made… ever.

And I totally worship at the shrine of Vince Gilligan.

This text isn’t all in purple by accident.

Also, Aaron Paul was totally on the Price is Right… Seriously…

That’s not related to anything, I just thought it was cool bit of trivia.

Anyway, I don’t recall what my Buzz score was, but since I was in no hurry to capture it on film,

I’d say it’s a good bet that it wasn’t particularly brag-worthy or anywhere near Heisenberg level excellence.

The rain had started up again as I exited, so I ran for cover in the form of

There’s any number of reasons why riding on the TTA is great choice.

One is obvious… It’s flat out AWESOME.

Also, there’s rarely a line unless a load of other things are shut down, it’s ridiculously relaxing, the views are stupendous, and oh yeah…

IT’S AWESOME!!!!!!

First and foremost, here’s a safety check.

My guess in the next photo is somebody either disobeyed the No Dancing rule and got a little jiggy,

Or somebody grabbed a random child by the hand who did not want to be grabbed.

Any other reasons for the condition of that seat, I DO NOT want to know about.

On my journey around Tomorrowland, the rain only got harder and harder, and by the time I was finished, was in a full on downpour.

So, I just stayed on and went around the loop again because the CM's will totally let you do that.

I figured I would just keep on looping until the rain let up.

You can actually see the rain intensify over the course of my journeys…

Thankfully, the rain did indeed slow down a bit after my second round, so I finally elected to de-board.

Despite the lesser rain falling, it still didn’t prevent me from walking into what I believe may have been Bay Lake, completely drenching my feet in the process.

I was concerned, as I can handle being wet, but wet feet can definitely cause issues.

That’s the thing about Florida rain.

The downpours get so intense that the water on the ground just doesn’t have enough time to drain.

Since it was still raining a bit, I figured it would be a good time to get some supper, and since Cosmic Rays was the closest,

I hopped a bus to the ABC Commissary at DHS.



Kidding... I went to Cosmic Rays.

I ordered up a burger and fries

And took a seat to enjoy my meal accompanied by some wonderful entertainment courtesy of Sonny Eclipse.

Where else but Disney can you eat while being serenaded by a wise-cracking animatronic alien?

From my table I spotted these guys heading outside and quickly grabbed some pics since I thought it was ridiculously cute.

CONTINUED NEXT POST
​

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Day 5 – May 1, 2013 Part 7 Cont.



After supper I headed back outside where I ended up watching some more characters playing in the rain.

I honestly just could not get over how simply adorable it was to watch these guys walking around with their umbrellas.

They had guests to make magic with, and no way was a little rain going to stop them.

I posted on Facebook:
"Disney in the rain is still better than anywhere else. Just sayin’"

From here I moved on to

And spotted a Hidden Mickey.

At least I think it’s a hidden Mickey.

Again, because of the weather, there was absolutely no line for

So, having never ridden, I figured this was an excellent time.

Yes it is stupid short, but it’s pretty cute and a great intro to coasters for the little ones...

And I guess for any big ones who don't like coasters.

After exiting the Barnstormer, I headed into Pete's Silly Sideshow.

I chatted with the handler who was more than happy to take my camera and be my personal photographer.

First up was the Great Goofini himself.

My God, he was so much fun and absolutely loved my shirt.

Next up was the Astounding Donaldo, who would not take a picture until I removed the Mickey sticker from my shirt.

There were basically no lines at all, so I looped back around to visit the ladies.

To my surprise, I was immediately greeted by the same handler who just minutes earlier was working the guy’s side.

I really DID have a personal photographer.

Darkness was beginning to fall over Magic Kingdom, which signified that it was time to get ready for my beloved Wishes;

The first since the unbelievably amazing experience just one night prior.



TO BE CONTINUED…
​

 

[courtneybelle]

The PeopleMover is always a good idea.

Wet socks are always the worst!

I love the pictures of the characters playing in the rain! Look at their umbrellas! So precious.

The Barnstormer was my first roller coaster...I hated it and refused to ride any other coaster for the rest of the trip. If only I could tell my young self that one day I would ride Manta...

Donald is too funny!

 

[IheartDDuck]

Nice on the Breaking Bad homage!

Of course the Peoplemover is a great choice! It's incredible. And quite possibly my favorite! Well, after Haunted Mansion.

I was going to say! Hopping a bus I could see. For the ABC Commissary? For shame Rob!

Of course Donald would demand that you remove your Mickey sticker. Because he's awesome!

 

[Strawberry's mom&dad]

Hi Rob. Here at WDW now and as I said on facebook it's my birthday today. An easy way to give Earl of Sandwich another try is to join there club. You get a free brownie for joining and on your birthday the send you a coupon for a free sandwich. Used both today and saved about $8. If they still disappoint you you aren't out much.

 

[annie170]

If you like chicken, you should try the rotisserie chicken at Cosmic Ray's. It's really good!

The characters in the rain photos are great! I don't think I've ever seen anything like that. You're right about Disney in the rain being better than anywhere else!

 

[katt789]

Ah the peoplemover, such a lovely relaxing ride, I’m insanely sad that I somehow didn’t get on it at all this last trip…ah well, next time I’ll make a special extra trip for it to make up for it!

Always a good choice of Cosmic Rays, I will never turn down lunch there!

Awwwee characters with umbrellas/out in the rain are WAY to freaking adorable, and like, Chip and Dale using the same umbrealla?! GET OUT. SO CUTE!

Yay for no lines and awesome characters!!

Also great news about the new trip, how amazing of Brenda to have you as her guest! These Disney friends I tell ya, they’re amazing!! Hope the trip is absolutely fantastic and I can’t wait to hear all about it!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Wait, you had to go an entire day between Wishes viewing? Were you going through withdrawal? Did you seek medical attention? I hope you at least didn't try to dance in your weakened state.

 

[gracer9977]

Great update. Absolutely love the pictures of the characters with the umbrellas in the rain.

Love the peoplemover. Such a relaxing ride. I always think how awesome it would be if that was how we traveled around. Just hop on the people mover and get off when you need to.

That cheeseburger looks so good. We always eat lunch there at least once and that is what I always get. Yum!!

 

[emmysmommy]

Hey Rob! Indeed! Happy Birthday MK!!

I think I know your problem with your Star Cadet rank on Buzz - you need to use both hands! Makes for better aiming I'm sure. Although it is suspicious that the invisible person next to you was a galactic hero. Hmmm...

Where was your rain poncho? (says the mother in me!) That would have been funny if the characters had Mickey umbrellas!! I mean, I have one.

Those characters at Pete's Silly Sideshow look like a lot of fun. I need to put that on a Must Do list since I've never made it further than the new Dumbo.

Ooooohhhhh another round of Wishes coming up!

 

[teekathepony]

Happy birthday, Magic Kingdom!

Ahh yes, I guess your Buzz magic was a one-time deal. At least you have proof from the first time!
I have also waited out the rain on the PeopleMover. It is awesome! That's a lot of rain! Glad it slowed a little for you!
We always end up at Cosmic Rays. I like it there. Lots of seating and of course, Sonny Eclipse.
AWWW! The characters with the umbrellas are way too cute! And fantastic character pics too!

 

[missangelalexis]

The pictures of the characters with the umbrellas are the cutest!!

And I am very sorry you almost drowned in Bay Lake

 

[JessM]

OMGee those characters walking around with their umbrellas are so cute!

Especially Chip and Dale, what nuggets.

There is no system to Buzz I swear just shoot and hope for the best haha.

 

[peachmermaid]

You & I had the same experience on our solo trips! It was raining, so we hopped on the people mover! I broke down and bought a poncho...and then later I got flip flops because wet shoes are no fun, like you said.

The characters & their umbrellas are sooooo cute!! Just like Goofy, to dance in the rain. Chip n dale are just too cute. I love them.

That's adorable that Donald made you remove your mickey sticker before he would take his picture with you. He is one sassy duck & I love it.

 

[cruisingteacher]

I just love the picture with Tigger and his umbrella.... to me that just seems like such a Tigger thing to do, go and play in the rain...