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

[BridgetR3]

Whew, I found your TR a couple of hours ago now and sat down to start it. I have finished reading the entire thing!! Love love love it so far and can't wait to hear more!

Memorable moment to add to your Wishes moment - On our first ever trip with DS4, he was on the second evening at Disney after having watched Wishes the first night and now in the middle of Illuminations, he jumped up and screamed, "I LOVE DISNEY!" at the top of his lungs in the middle of the performance. I promptly burst into tears. Yes, that's the magic of it all. That's why we keep going back.

 

[11point5]

Yay orange won!! That was gonna be my vote too but it took me too long to catch up on updates, oops.
I have some insight into the people doing standby instead of fastpass! I know because this happened to me on my last trip, traveling with someone who didn't want to ride Soarin' (I know...crazy right?) Well, it was our last day of the trip and I had never had a chance to ride (FPs were always all gone by the time we got to Epcot, or they just weren't convenient for our ADRs, and the last time I was at the World was before Soarin' existed) SO I was determined to try it out, but of course the FP time was like 7pm or something and our flight was leaving at 6pm, so FP was not an option. I tried looking especially friendly and puppy-doggish, in case some kind strangers felt like bestowing upon me an earlier FP, but it didn't work unfortunately. ALAS - I was forced to wait in the 65min standby line! But the chance to experience Soarin' was definitely worth it! I just should have made time for it earlier in the trip.
So there you have it! Everyone you see in a stupidly-long standby line is only doing that because the FP return time would make them miss their flights home

 

[Viva Las Disney]

But I like to do my own thing... and I'm poor... so I decided to start my own Showcase adventure I like to call…


“CM’s AROUND THE WORLD ™”


Where the goal is to get a photo with one or more Cast Members from each country of the World Showcase.

It also provides the perfect excuse to get a photo with some attractive ladies from all over the world…

But, since I have never heard of it personally… I’m taking full credit for inventing it.

Rob, you seriously crack me up and I'm totally going to steal this idea from you!

 

[JessM]

Yay for getting your Magicband ordered! I also made the same POP request you did we may be neighbors. The 50's is the only section I haven't stayed in yet and the lake view are seriously the best, especially in the early morning!

I love the idea of CMs around the world. Very creative and perfect for a solo trip!

I've been quite partial to fall and Christmas trips but I will admit I want to go see the Flower and Garden and Festival someday! Especially the Peter Pan toparies he's my FAVORITE!

 

[missangelalexis]

Ah I love seeing pictures of the topiary in Epcot! One day I will make it there for F&G!!

And I love your idea of CMs around the world, super fun!!

 

[Sundancer UK]

Hello there from jolly ol' England *waves* I hope you waved across the pond when you were in my bit!

CMs around the world is TOTALLY a good - no great - idea. I need to do this next time, I'm sure it will drive my husband insane, but never mind!

Er... Yeah... Will drop that cheque in the post... Sure...

Love the view from the bridge, I need to get that shot too. We had a coupley romantic picture taken when we were in Epcot, but it was only when we got our PP pictures that I realised it looks like the Eiffel Tower is coming out of my husband's head!

 

[Sundancer UK]

PS - that topiary of Peter Pan? Absolutely AMAZING.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Yay, Orange! Either colour (I really mean color) would have been nice. (See, I'm writing Canadian just for you eh!)

I guessed it!! I believe CM Around The World will catch on like wild fire and you will have CMs now with queues so guests can pose with them - the ordinary folk of WS you might say. And those royalty cheques, or checks as we call them, will be rolling in so you will definitely be taking more Dis trips! Win win!

Was that a new costume for the England CM? I don't recall seeing that pretty dress before. And she is adorable and posed like a princess for you.

Mary did have a look. Hmmmm.... maybe she needs a spoonful of sugar to make the medicine go down??

So backing up a bit..... love the topiaries -- especially Peter Pan. And of course Hook guards the restrooms, scaring the pee out of kids so bad placement if you ask me.

Looking forward to the other nine CMs. I'm glad you didn't decide to go with the washrooms around the world poses. Definitely not as charming!

Bahahaha, OMG that made me laugh Brenda. I don't even know which is which anymore. I'm always getting spell corrected.

Ha, yup sure did!! OMG, that would be amazing!! Queue lines for the unsung heroes of World Showcase. Hmmm, I guess I will have to come up with some amount for the licensing fee.

You know I'm not sure. I had heard about some uniform changes in the Showcase and perhaps this was one of them. It's definitely different than the photo I got in 2011. She was very sweet and I really loved that she showed off her pretty dress.

I think she was just upset that I wasn't stopping.

Haha I noticed that too with the restroom sign. That Peter Pan one though was just brilliant. Whoever thought that up needs a nice big bonus.

Yay!!! Yeah, that probably wouldn't be as appealing.

Love the CM's around the world idea. I will send you a check once I complete my tour around in Jan.

Beautiful pics of all the topiaries/flowers, that Peter Pan is awesome.

We always start World Showcase in Canada as well, although that is because my mom always wants to go there first. She is Canadian, born and mostly raised. So she loves to go there and take lots of pictures and watch the show, etc.

Looking forward to hearing all your plans and fast pass choices for your Birthday/Christmas adventure.

Thanks so much!! I hope you do it and enjoy it as much as I do.

Thank you! That Peter Pan is beyond awesome. Genius really.

Ah, so you really start there on purpose. I just seem unable to "go left". I always "go right" at the mall too. I do have to say that it is a stunning looking area, so it's not like starting there is a bad thing.

Yay. Hopefully I can put together a quick summary/overview this week.

Love the CM around the world photo plan....but I have one question! Did this plan come about after you left our home and native land?? Didn't see you with another canuck...I even looked twice

Ok, not sure if the Peter Pan topiary wasn't there last year when Shan and I were at F & G or if I was in too big of a hurray to get to France for my GGS...but I love it!!

Can't wait for the next update! Great beginning to your adventure of the day in Epcot!

Thanks Jacquie. It really is a fun activity. Ahh, yes good catch. I did indeed decide to do it again after leaving Canada. Ironically, it was the exact same situation last time I did it. Don't worry though, (in my best Terminator voice)... I'll be back!

This was the first time I've seen it, so I do think it's new. Of course GGS is CRITICALLY important as I now know.

YAY thank you!! More CM's to come!!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Hooray for orange Magic Bands! Hahaha my colour for the win! So exciting that you got your online check in all done and FP+ too. I found the MDE website worked really well. It seems there are lots of different opinions on it!

I can only go right in WS too. Call it Canadian magnetism.

I love, love, love the CMs Around The World segment. DH was sitting and reading with me and when you stopped at 2/11 he said "Aww that's it??" hahaha Great enthusiasm so far from your international CMs.

Some day I really want to see the Flower & Garden Festival, it's so gorgeous!

YAY Orange!! Yeah, I really found the site to be very slow. Not difficult necessarily, just slow. I did hear of a lot of issues over the weekend though. The funniest thing to me though was after customizing my Magic Band, selecting FP+ for all my days, AND checking in to the resort... after all that I got my invitation email inviting me to try out MyMagic+. Good timing there Disney.

Bahaha, so glad I'm not alone Wendy.

Awww YAY!!! Haha, yeah I couldn't do it all in a single update. It has to be spread out. But I agree, it was definitely off to a great start.

It really needs to be seen. Epcot looks so weird to me when it's not going on.

I love the idea of CM's around the world!!!

I might have to play that next time I do Epcot.

Aww Thank You so much, and yes, absolutely do it on your next visit. It's a great way to tour the Showcase.

I'm so glad that your December trip is coming together so nicely!

I hope you can bear left one day...trust me, it's pretty nice. That way you end your visit with "going home". But, I do love the Canada pavilion. It's so beautiful. I just love looking at the garden & the hubs LOVES Marty.

Also, I LOVE that idea, taking pics with cast members from their home country pavilion! I'm totally going to do that! I will feel super shy but I think it's too good to pass up. It's like a passport! I love free things in wdw and an excuse to have my husband take pictures of me with cute foreign boys. Such a good idea, Rob! Thanks for sharing!

Thanks Jennifer. MyMagic+ does add a lot to the pre-planning stage.

It will happen, I just have to be thinking. When I'm on auto-pilot, I just naturally go to the right. But you're correct, the Canada pavilion is stunning and "Marty" IS a national treasure.

Aww thank you. Definitely do it and I like that passport comparison. And you really can't beat the price. Hmmm, yeah I suppose it works with male CM's too, though I really can't confirm that.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Well I'm two updates behind because of a super busy week, but I'm going to say get an orange band. That's my vote.

I seriously freaked out about the talking Mickey! I've seen the videos throughout the testing period way before, and I'm definitely going in January.

I have never understood the Land situation either. And that hill feels like it's the steepest mountain on the planet and that you'll never make it to the top.

Got to admit, I totally walk past the people waiting in a standby line with a grin on my face when I have a fastpass. See, I am also five.

Patrick Warburton is Kronk. No one else to me. I crack up every time I watch the video, because I envision "Yzma, put your hands in the air!"

Um, I am curious about what you are thinking will surpass drink around the world. But then again, I am a Drunk Little Cucumber, remember?

CM's around the world is a great idea. How about a spin on things:

CM's around the world while drinking around the world? That might make for some very very very interesting pictures.

Haha, well that makes it 9-3 Orange. So I guess it's good I got Orange.

OMG me tooooooo! I've seriously dreamed of this forever and I can't wait to see him in person. I may cry. I've also heard that with the Magic Bands, he may eventually talk to you by name!!!!

Right??!! I often feel the need for safety harnesses and other climbing gear just in case.

Ha, oh yes, as do I!!

Yup, I get that. For me he's Johnny Johnson from NewsRadio or Joe Swanson from Family Guy. "Let's DO THIS!!!!"

Hehe, indeed you are Danielle!!

OK, true story. First, I have absolutely thought about combining the two adventures. It would be especially useful to the more shy person to have the "liquid courage" to get the photos. But I also wondered who might mention it in a comment and the first person I thought of was you. Thanks for making my prediction come true!! And oh yes, the photos would just keep getting better and better.

Great start to your CMs Around The World effort ... best of luck! Though, noticed you didn't get Canada yet - hit it up to complete the loop?

Love the Peter Pan Topiary ... wish they kept that up after the festival ended

Thanks Phil!!! Yeah, I always seem to get the urge AFTER leaving Canada, so I will indeed rotate back around to pick that up. That is of course if I am able to complete my mission.

I think they should keep it as well. It's quite genius!

Whew, I found your TR a couple of hours ago now and sat down to start it. I have finished reading the entire thing!! Love love love it so far and can't wait to hear more!

Memorable moment to add to your Wishes moment - On our first ever trip with DS4, he was on the second evening at Disney after having watched Wishes the first night and now in the middle of Illuminations, he jumped up and screamed, "I LOVE DISNEY!" at the top of his lungs in the middle of the performance. I promptly burst into tears. Yes, that's the magic of it all. That's why we keep going back.

WOW, now that is impressive Bridget!! I am so pleased you did and Thank you SO VERY MUCH!!!

Awwww I love that story!!! What a great moment to have, My God. That really is what it's all about. I feel sad for people who don't get to experience what it really is. Thank you so much for sharing that.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Yay orange won!! That was gonna be my vote too but it took me too long to catch up on updates, oops.
I have some insight into the people doing standby instead of fastpass! I know because this happened to me on my last trip, traveling with someone who didn't want to ride Soarin' (I know...crazy right?) Well, it was our last day of the trip and I had never had a chance to ride (FPs were always all gone by the time we got to Epcot, or they just weren't convenient for our ADRs, and the last time I was at the World was before Soarin' existed) SO I was determined to try it out, but of course the FP time was like 7pm or something and our flight was leaving at 6pm, so FP was not an option. I tried looking especially friendly and puppy-doggish, in case some kind strangers felt like bestowing upon me an earlier FP, but it didn't work unfortunately. ALAS - I was forced to wait in the 65min standby line! But the chance to experience Soarin' was definitely worth it! I just should have made time for it earlier in the trip.
So there you have it! Everyone you see in a stupidly-long standby line is only doing that because the FP return time would make them miss their flights home

Hehe, well I'll add your vote in anyway Suzi just because which brings it to 10-3.

You know, that does make sense for your situation for sure. I can definitely see that happening for some people. I won't lie, Soarin' is worth the wait, and I have actually stood in that stand-by before I really understood FP. I do love your attempts at scoring some FP's though.

So now we know. All stand-by guests are flying home that day.

Rob, you seriously crack me up and I'm totally going to steal this idea from you!

Bahaha, I absolutely hope you do it and that it brings you heaps upon heaps of joy on your upcoming trip! It is my absolute goal for this to become as popular as all the other World Showcase adventures. Through word of mouth, it will be!!

Yay for getting your Magicband ordered! I also made the same POP request you did we may be neighbors. The 50's is the only section I haven't stayed in yet and the lake view are seriously the best, especially in the early morning!

I love the idea of CMs around the world. Very creative and perfect for a solo trip!

I've been quite partial to fall and Christmas trips but I will admit I want to go see the Flower and Garden and Festival someday! Especially the Peter Pan toparies he's my FAVORITE!

Yay indeed. I'm actually pretty excited about it, but being in Canada, I have to wait until I arrive to actually get it.

Haha, really?? I've only been at POP the one time in the 90's, so I wanted to try the other side. I liked the idea of a lake view, but still pretty close to the parking lot since I'll have a car. I'm not confident of getting the requests though since I won't arrive until late.

It really was Jess. Granted it was challenging not having a photographer on call, but it is a great way to tour solo.

All I can say is if you've never seen Epcot in Flower and Garden, then you've never seen Epcot. It's truly stunning. I've been going in the Spring most of the time, so when I went last October I almost didn't recognize Epcot it looked so different. It's for sure worth seeing.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Ah I love seeing pictures of the topiary in Epcot! One day I will make it there for F&G!!

And I love your idea of CMs around the world, super fun!!

I HIGHLY recommend it Alexis. Beautiful weather and Epcot is just stunning beyond belief.

Aww YAY it really is fun and another thing I highly recommend.

Hello there from jolly ol' England *waves* I hope you waved across the pond when you were in my bit!

CMs around the world is TOTALLY a good - no great - idea. I need to do this next time, I'm sure it will drive my husband insane, but never mind!

Er... Yeah... Will drop that cheque in the post... Sure...

Love the view from the bridge, I need to get that shot too. We had a coupley romantic picture taken when we were in Epcot, but it was only when we got our PP pictures that I realised it looks like the Eiffel Tower is coming out of my husband's head!

Aww Elaine, no lie I was totally thinking of you when I wrote that part.

Thank you so much and it definitely serves on multiple levels, one of which is to drive the person you're with absolutely insane. I really do hope you do it as I want so badly to get this to be a real thing!

Hehe, Hey I have to try and fund these Disney trips somehow.

Yeah, "Eiffel Tower Head" is probably not the best look, so I highly suggest another go. It is a beautiful backdrop.

PS - that topiary of Peter Pan? Absolutely AMAZING.

OMG I know. So cool and oh so clever. It should stay there all year.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Yay indeed. I'm actually pretty excited about it, but being in Canada, I have to wait until I arrive to actually get it.

I gotta wonder, when did Canada become this crazy and dangerous place that we can't risk sending Magic Bands there?

 

[IheartDDuck]

OK, true story. First, I have absolutely thought about combining the two adventures. It would be especially useful to the more shy person to have the "liquid courage" to get the photos. But I also wondered who might mention it in a comment and the first person I thought of was you. Thanks for making my prediction come true!! And oh yes, the photos would just keep getting better and better.

Should I be scared that I'm the person you thought would first come up with that idea?

Oh for goodness sake, who am I kidding. Of course it would be me!

 

[courtneybelle]

It also took us way too long to set up our FP+ times... I really don't like MDE, but if that's my biggest complaint then Disney still rules at 99% of things it does.

I LOVE topiaries. We used to go during our April vacation and I just loved F&G.

I love the CMs around the world idea! If I did it, though, I would definitely do selfies. They're my thing.

Also, love that you say "cheque." So much classier than "check" as us Americans call it.

Mary is not having any of your nonsense

I definitely tried to zoom in on the CM's pins to see if I would trade. Pin trading addict problems

 

[Tracy161]

"CMs around the world?!" Now that's a challenge that I'm up for - as is my wallet! What a fabulous idea, Rob!!! And, though I'm sure it's been done, I've never heard of it either. I'm anxious to see if you did it... but I lean towards YES!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

I gotta wonder, when did Canada become this crazy and dangerous place that we can't risk sending Magic Bands there?

Aw man, you don't know that half of it. When I bought my long searched 2013 Snow Globe from Disneystore online, the shipping cost more than the Snow Globe. I was all excited for the "free shipping" promotion, but then found out it only applied to the US. Of course I ended up buying more stuff since the shipping would be the same anyway. Hmmm, maybe that was the intention? The truth is, Disney just doesn't want to pay to ship the bands to Canada.

Should I be scared that I'm the person you thought would first come up with that idea?

Oh for goodness sake, who am I kidding. Of course it would be me!

Bahahaha, nah, just something about Drunk Cucumbers!!

It also took us way too long to set up our FP+ times... I really don't like MDE, but if that's my biggest complaint then Disney still rules at 99% of things it does.

I LOVE topiaries. We used to go during our April vacation and I just loved F&G.

I love the CMs around the world idea! If I did it, though, I would definitely do selfies. They're my thing.

Also, love that you say "cheque." So much classier than "check" as us Americans call it.

Mary is not having any of your nonsense

I definitely tried to zoom in on the CM's pins to see if I would trade. Pin trading addict problems

OK, so it's not just me. Phew. I just think the system isn't up to the demand yet. Hopefully it will all get better in time.

Oh me toooooo!!!! Honestly, one of my most vivid memories as a child visiting Disney was the various character topiaries around. It was one of those things that let me know I was "home".

Ah thank you. I suppose the rules could be amended to include selfies... Maybe...

Haha, for some reason I just always thought "cheque" was the universal spelling. Until Word constantly tried to spell check me!! I also get confused by "color" and "colour".

I know right??!! Not happy!

Hehe, I have to level with you Courtney. I'm not even a collector, but whenever I have a photo with a CM wearing pins... I do the exact same thing. Also, some female CM's wear their pins in such a way that it's, shall we say, awkward to view in person, lol.

"CMs around the world?!" Now that's a challenge that I'm up for - as is my wallet! What a fabulous idea, Rob!!! And, though I'm sure it's been done, I've never heard of it either. I'm anxious to see if you did it... but I lean towards YES!

Excellent Tracy!! This must become a real Disney thing with T-Shirts and everything!! And yup, the price is right too.
While I'm sure people have gotten photos of or with individual Showcase CM's before, I do wonder if anyone has actually made a tour of it to get one at EVERY pavilion. I will say that none of the CM's I spoke to had heard of it, so that's a good sign I think.

 

[Pimama]

Oh the web of TRs are trapping me! I jumped over here from Dani's (I think) and after thoroughly enjoying your trip thus far, I need to go check out emmysmommy.

Thanks for sharing your enthusiasm and love of Disney, it's contagious!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Oh the web of TRs are trapping me! I jumped over here from Dani's (I think) and after thoroughly enjoying your trip thus far, I need to go check out emmysmommy.

Thanks for sharing your enthusiasm and love of Disney, it's contagious!

Haha, they are addictive aren't they?? Well regardless of how you got here, I am very pleased to you!!! And the 2 TR's you mentioned are truly top notch as well.

Believe me it's my pleasure, and thank you SO MUCH!

 

[katt789]

Awesoem update! Yay for cm's from all the countries!! I will have to do that next time, although I'mma break a rule and make them selfies! Lol