A Girl's First Solo Trip - August 2018 *updated 10/9 x2 and COMPLETED!*

I agree!! Moana is my absolute favorite! Back to your dress at Epcot, the color really works on you, don’t hate it, haha!

Moana is now my second favorite Disney movie, which is pretty impressive on their part, I think.

Hmmm, maybe I'll give the dress another shot. I didn't Marie Kondo it!


You did so well with picking up same day FPs!

One of my few skills :rotfl:

Same.........I adore it!

Disney really did such an exceptional job. Hope the Star Wars rides live up to that quality.

Beautiful!

Aw thank you!


There's something about not having any vehicle in front of you - such a unique car!

You look lovely. Such a nice photo!

Aw thanks again! Commenting on all the pictures I didn't care for of myself! :lovestruc

That sandwich looks amazing!

It truly was, I would happily eat that over and over.

I like to do that too.

It's so smart, and that leaves more room for snacking! I like diversity in my Disney food.

It is so fun!

Gotta love that Epcot feel.


That was nothing compared to what happened later in the trip.... spoiler alert!

Too bad....not a great experience!

Yeah, definitely bad show. Disney should take some time to care for that attraction.

Sunshine Seasons is always a solid choice!

It used to be for me!

RIP fish tacos.... :(

But not any longer.

Good strategy!

I think the CMs working there get it a lot.

No shade in Epcot!

I never thought about it, but you're right, there really isn't!

As a Canadian, I find the Canadiaan pavilion embarassing. It does not represent our country well at all!

I'm sure it doesn't help that Canada itself is massive and incredibly diverse.


Always tasty!

Mexico is always fun!

It is! And indoors and cool!

Buses in heat = no fun!

I should have taken a Minnie Van!

Love your pictures!!

Thank you, I just love HEA so much.

Very cool!

I'd like to see what someone with a professional camera could get!

Sounds like a nice time touring the rest of WS!

Pretty pics as you got to MK!!

Aww how cool seeing a shooting star! I have never seen one before!

Great HEA pics! And very cool shot of Tink before she flew!

Nice, but very hot!

Thank you!

Wow, you've never seen a shooting star?! They're pretty cool, I hope you get to see one someday.

Thanks, I love taking pictures of HEA. And it was fun to get an idea of where Tink flies from!


I agree - they really need some sort of attraction, either ride or show or something. I strongly feel every pavilion should have something special, besides food and merch!

I agree with that. Italy has some wonderful landscapes to work with, it would lend itself well to a film or attraction.

OOOH! I need to try this! Yum!

You won't regret it, it's so tasty!
 
August 4th - Disney After Hours, part 1!




After Happily Ever After finished I texted Samira and we made plans to meet up at PeopleMover. I apparently did not take a single picture on PeopleMover, which is very unlike me. Hmmm.
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Next we jumped on the Teacups, a classic!
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After Teacups we rode Haunted Mansion. By this time After Hours had officially started, so we kicked it off right with some Mickey shaped treats!
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We ate the treats in the little courtyard area, and Will was a very good Instagram Boyfriend!
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Some more fireworks were going off for whatever the projection show is called.
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Next we jumped on Pooh - the ride, not the character! It’s going to seem like I was just inhaling treats, but there was really 30 minutes between the first Mickey sandwich and this next Mickey bar!
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Then we went Under the Sea with Ariel. I LOVED riding alone because I could sing as loud as I wanted to without disturbing the person next to me. Highly recommended.
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Then we decided to meet the mermaid herself. I found it a bit awkward, but I always find princess meets a bit awkward. I think we talked about walking around and tired feet. Ariel and her obsession with feet!
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It was time for Storybook Circus next. I love visiting this section of the park during less crowded times because the rides aren't really worth huge waits, but they're so cute I do like to experience them.
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First up was Dumbo!
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They’re so cute it hurts!
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Spinner rides are pretty simple, but there’s something classic about them.
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I’m a huge fan of the Barnstormer, especially at night, especially with no wait so that’s what I made us do next.
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We took the back walkway to Tomorrowland for a ride through Space. Will and I did Avengers poses (I’m Scarlet Witch). Apparently I learned that the tracks are the same, but mirror images, which feels like a lie to me. I guess CMs know what they’re talking about though.
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That was the end of our time in Tomorrowland. We stopped for some PP pictures in the hub. I’m AWKWARD.
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Up Next:
finishing up After Hours!
 
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August 4th - Disney After Hours, part 2!






After some PhotoPass pictures I got my third treat of the night, a frozen banana. This picture cracks me up. I didn’t even know I could make this face.
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We stopped in Adventureland to ride some Magic Carpets. The camel wasn’t spitting, and that’s half the appeal of the ride! It’s so fun to dodge the water! Carpets were looking pretty shabby in general, they could probably use a good refurb. This is my favorite of the spinners. I used to ride it all the time during my College Program.
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Big Thunder was our next ride of the night. Always better at night!
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Splash Mountain, my favorite, rounded out the mountains!
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Samira and Will said goodbye, while I stayed for another ride on a completely empty log. That was kind of eerie but also pretty cool.
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When my second ride was completed the park was officially closed. There’s nothing better than an empty Magic Kingdom.
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On my way out I was able to grab two more waters from an open stand. I tried to exit through the castle, but was prevented from going to Fantasyland. I did catch a bit of the kiss goodnight from the side.
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The PhotoPass lines were really long in the hub on and on Main Street so here’s a selfie instead.
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I noticed this PhotoPass CM who was really dedicated to getting that shot.
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I walked slowly out of the park, taking in all the details, really enjoying the specialness of Magic Kingdom at night. It never fails to make me feel a little bit emotional if I take the time to savor it.
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These vignettes in the store windows are so cute.
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I can’t decide which exposure I like better, so here’s both.
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They had rearranged the bus stops, so Pop ended up being a little closer, but still far away. And it didn’t matter because Art of Animation came first again. Overall it was a great night and I would recommend Disney After Hours to anyone, especially at Magic Kingdom. Compared to the After Hours I had attended in March I would say the crowd levels were just as low, which makes it a breeze to get on rides. The treats are a nice little bonus! So far, my experience with After Hours has been consistently positive. The next night I had the Passholder event at Magic Kingdom so I was looking forward to comparing and contrasting between the two events.

Once I got home to Pop Century I pretty much went straight to sleep!





Up next:
More Magic Kingdom, if you can believe it!
 
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I'd like to see what someone with a professional camera could get!
What kind of camera are you using?
Next we jumped on the Teacups, a classic!
Oh! Ican't do that one at all!
Next we jumped on Pooh - the ride, not the character! It’s going to seem like I was just inhaling treats, but there was really 30 minutes between the first Mickey sandwich and this next Mickey bar!
Yum, yum!
Then we went Under the Sea with Ariel. I LOVED riding alone because I could sing as loud as I wanted to without disturbing the person next to me. Highly recommended.
I love that ride yet strangely never rode it once on our trip!

We took the back walkway to Tomorrowland for a ride through Space. Will and I did Avengers poses (I’m Scarlet Witch). Apparently I learned that the tracks are the same, but mirror images, which feels like a lie to me. I guess CMs know what they’re talking about though.
Great pose!
That was the end of our time in Tomorrowland. We stopped for some PP pictures in the hub. I’m AWKWARD.
You are not! The one with your hand on your hip is super cute!
Samira and Will said goodbye, while I stayed for another ride on a completely empty log. That was kind of eerie but also pretty cool.
Love it! You are the poncho queen, lol!
On my way out I was able to grab two more waters from an open stand. I tried to exit through the castle, but was prevented from going to Fantasyland. I did catch a bit of the kiss goodnight from the side.
My favourite!
They had rearranged the bus stops, so Pop ended up being a little closer, but still far away. And it didn’t matter because Art of Animation came first again. Overall it was a great night and I would recommend Disney After Hours to anyone, especially at Magic Kingdom. Compared to the After Hours I had attended in March I would say the crowd levels were just as low, which makes it a breeze to get on rides. The treats are a nice little bonus! So far, my experience with After Hours has been consistently positive. The next night I had the Passholder event at Magic Kingdom so I was looking forward to comparing and contrasting between the two events.
Lucky you! Two after hours events in a row!
 


I agree! We have done 3 after hours at MK and all had very low crowds!

I hope they don’t increase the price to a cost that would be to much for us, Disney does seem to do this!

I spent time wandering MS in January while Andi and D rode Pirates and it was so fun with such low crowds!
 
I love, love, love nighttime at Magic Kingdom! Extra Magic Hours are even better. On one trip I was so tried in line, I leaned forward to rest my head on the backpack of the person in front of me, not realizing it was a stranger. Whoops.
 


Lovely photos of Epcot countries...you’ll have to let me know what you make of Germany. I’ve never been.

Wowsers on the bus waits and I’m in total agreement...pepperoni on pizza all the way!

Seems like you had fun at after hours and great pics of HEA...seeing a shooting star over the castle seems magical
:goodvibes
 
Samira and Will said goodbye, while I stayed for another ride on a completely empty log. That was kind of eerie but also pretty cool.
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How fun to have Splash to yourself!

I really hope I get to do an After Hours event someday, they look awesome with the low crowds and the treats.
 
What kind of camera are you using?

It's some sort of Canon point and shoot. SX something or other. Plus my iPhone.

Oh! Ican't do that one at all!

Yeah I think the spinning gets to a lot of people! I've been blessed with a stomach of steel haha!

Yum, yum!

Gotta love all those free treats!

I love that ride yet strangely never rode it once on our trip!

isn't it strange how you realize later that you never rode something? That happened on my last trip with Small World!

Great pose!

Scarlet Witch is my favorite!

You are not! The one with your hand on your hip is super cute!

Well thank you! I believe the CM was directing my photos!

Love it! You are the poncho queen, lol!

Haha yes! Always want to ride Splash Mountain, never want to get wet!

My favourite!

So convenient.

Lucky you! Two after hours events in a row!

I really was lucky with how this trip came together!

I agree! We have done 3 after hours at MK and all had very low crowds!

I hope they don’t increase the price to a cost that would be to much for us, Disney does seem to do this!

I spent time wandering MS in January while Andi and D rode Pirates and it was so fun with such low crowds!

that makes me happy to hear! I was worried it might be like the parties where sometimes they're really crowded.

I hope so too! It's already pretty high priced, really. Right now the value is there, but not sure it would be if prices were increased.

It really is so nice to have whole areas of the park to yourself.


I love, love, love nighttime at Magic Kingdom! Extra Magic Hours are even better. On one trip I was so tried in line, I leaned forward to rest my head on the backpack of the person in front of me, not realizing it was a stranger. Whoops.

I agree completely!

Haha, oh goodness!


I LOVE the emptiness of MK DAH!
Any treat shaped like a MICKEY head is bound to be delicious!!!

Me too, it's so great! Really one of Disney's better events.

I agree! Somehow, they just always taste superior to non-Mickey head food.


Lovely photos of Epcot countries...you’ll have to let me know what you make of Germany. I’ve never been.

Wowsers on the bus waits and I’m in total agreement...pepperoni on pizza all the way!

Seems like you had fun at after hours and great pics of HEA...seeing a shooting star over the castle seems magical
:goodvibes

Thank you! I LOVED Germany. Everyone was so nice, and the country is beautiful with great public transportation. Plus we drove some there, and their roads and drivers are so much better than ours. I would love to return someday.

The bus waits were no joke, sometimes. Usually it doesn't bother me too much, though. And yesss, pepperoni lovers unite!

AFter Hours is fantastic, I'd recommend it to anyone. The shooting star was just perfect!


Sounds like such a fun time at After Hours! I absolutely love the photo of you by yourself on Splash!!

Absolutely did! Very glad I purchased the ticket.

Thank you! It was super fun to get to experience that ride by myself.


How fun to have Splash to yourself!

I really hope I get to do an After Hours event someday, they look awesome with the low crowds and the treats.

That was fun! It's a completely different experience by yourself.

I hope you get to experience it, it's truly great. I'd recommend MK over the others, though. Or at least over Animal Kingdom. There's just way more to do!
 
August 5th - Another Magic Kingdom Morning!






After a late night in the Magic Kingdom I woke up at 11:15 to housekeeping incessantly banging on the door for their security check. Just open it! It was just as well, my alarm was set to go off in 15 minutes anyway. Samira then texted me and reminded me that we had made Be Our Guest reservations on this day. There was no way I was going to make the time on my ADR so I called to cancel but the reservation line said I would be fine if I just showed up before lunch ended. I was pretty skeptical, but decided to give it a shot.

I got ready and hopped on a bus to Magic Kingdom! The bus was clearly having some technical difficulties, and even stopped on the side of the road for a couple minutes and shut down.
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I was sure another bus was going to have to pick us up, but the driver actually got it turned back on and we made it to Magic Kingdom.


I was already very late for my Be Our Guest ADR, though I had luckily booked separately from Samira and Will.
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On my way to BOG, the marching band came out!
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I followed them the long way to BOG.
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The skies were pretty impressive. Gotta love those summer clouds, even though they can turn on you in a moment!
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I checked in and it was no issue at all that I was an hour late. I found that super surprising, but also useful to know! It wasn’t very busy in there, maybe popularity is waning?
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I picked a table in the ballroom along the wall.
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After having been very disappointed by the turkey sandwich the last time I decided to try something new! It did take almost 20 minutes to get my food, though.
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French Dip Sandwich* - Served on a Baguette with Au Jus and Pommes Frites


This sandwich was actually really good! The meat was tender and went with the airy bread that really soaked up the au jus. Even though I enjoyed the sandwich I’m definitely over Be Our Guest. So what’s good to eat in Magic Kingdom?
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It was a scorcher of a day, and I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do since I had accomplished so much the night before. So I sorta just milled around and then got in line for Gaston’s 2:10 set.
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Gaston was great! Very into himself, but also very suave and charming. Nothing will ever beat my first trip meeting him, though.
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Almost as happy as when I’m meeting Captain America!
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It was then about time for the parade so I scoped out some spots for Samira, Will and myself. Before settling down I did try to use my FP at Peter Pan but the FP line was too long so I wasted the FP and went back out to wait for the parade.
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I grabbed us a spot in Frontierland, and it was so hot standing there that I had to purchase my first water of the trip, which I promptly chugged.
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And here’s us waiting for the parade.
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There was lots of high school marching bands performing before the parade. And then Festival of Fantasy began! Our spot was fun because I had a good line of vision on all the floats as they came out.
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Always nice to see Tiana!
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I’ve got a dream, I’ve got a dream.
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Ariel was all smiles!
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These floats are so vibrant and impressive.
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Merida! Namesake of my cat, who is also a ginger.
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This isn’t a great picture, but this is the “float” they had in place of the recently charred Maleficent.
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It was a great parade, though I didn’t get enough character interactions as I would like!! It was the first time in a while that I’d seen the full choreography, with all the floats (minus Maleficent). Most recent times I’ve seen the parade in rain mode with modified choreography, and without the Pinocchio float. Anyone know why they don’t send it out in the rain?





Up Next: I bail on Magic Kingdom!
 
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How annoying of mousekeeping to bang on the door like that!

That's pretty great that you were still able to go to your BOG ADR!

Love the pics with Gaston!

You really did have an awesome spot to take pics of the parade!!
 
I would have been so irritated with mousekeeping!
Great Festival of Fantasy parade pics.
I love your pics with Gaston! He's always a lot of fun!
 
I'm enjoying your trip report. Great pics of the parade!
We will be going in August, we haven't been since 2011 so Be Our Guest, Gaston, etc. will all be new to us.
 
Hi Kara,

I'm really enjoying your trip report so far, keep up the great work! You took some amazing pictures :)

Can't wait to see how it ends!
 
I’m slowly getting over BOG except I did make a reservation for lunch in January for us!

I watched FoF on our Epic trip and I had such a great spot right on MS, it was so fun so see everything up close!

I love your pictures with Gaston, he asked if I was Andi’s sister, so of course I had to love him, haha!
 
On my way to BOG, the marching band came out!
Love the Main Street Philharmonic!
I checked in and it was no issue at all that I was an hour late. I found that super surprising, but also useful to know! It wasn’t very busy in there, maybe popularity is waning?
We had the same experience at Sanaa....we were 1/2 late with no issues.
This sandwich was actually really good! The meat was tender and went with the airy bread that really soaked up the au jus. Even though I enjoyed the sandwich I’m definitely over Be Our Guest. So what’s good to eat in Magic Kingdom?
Skippers and the Plaza are both good.
Gaston was great! Very into himself, but also very suave and charming. Nothing will ever beat my first trip meeting him, though.
Fun!
There was lots of high school marching bands performing before the parade. And then Festival of Fantasy began! Our spot was fun because I had a good line of vision on all the floats as they came out.
Absolutely gorgeous photos!!
It was a great parade, though I didn’t get enough character interactions as I would like!! It was the first time in a while that I’d seen the full choreography, with all the floats (minus Maleficent). Most recent times I’ve seen the parade in rain mode with modified choreography, and without the Pinocchio float. Anyone know why they don’t send it out in the rain?
Hmmm, no. I wonder why too.
 
Great pictures! May I ask what camera you use? My DSLR is a pain to carry around the park and am looking for an alternative.

Great trip report too!
 

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