A Salute to Food & Wine but Mostly Wine..12/21 FINAL THOUGHTS...a Solo Trip Adventure

[2xcited2sleep]

My solo trip pledge
I will not allow any self consciousness to keep me from doing something I want to do.
I will be adventurous in my food eating and will try something(s) I have never tried before. escargot? lamb? ???
I will relax and forget about work. I will not check my blackberry compulsively. If it rings while on POC or IASM I will throw it overboard. Seriously. No, really. That’s how fed up I am with work.
I will take pictures with some characters.
I will allow myself to go with the flow and do whatever I feel like…no matter what “the plan” says.
I will try to spread the magic to other guests.
I will take time to notice the details.
I will take LOTS of pictures.
I will stand up for myself and ask for what I want – whether that means the front row in Soarin (with my shoes off, of course!) or front row in POC or whatever I want it to mean!
I will jump on the bed. Why? b/c that seems like the thing to do.
I will think of my new DIS family often—as I look at light fixtures, resort options, candy counters, characters, souvenirs for purchase, bus service and various guests wearing god knows what. I’ll capture it all for your enjoyment!

 

[*KeepMovingForward*]

I think I am entering the what the heck am I thinking phase of the trip. I'm worried that it won't live up to the hype. Afterall I've been planning this thing since January!! I'm worried that it's weird that I'm going by myself. I'm worried that I'll miss being there w/ friends (although at this point I have a few meets scheduled so hopefully it will be a good blend). I'm worried that I'll gain 25 lbs at F&W! Yes, Paula, I'm worried about getting a picture of the headless horseman. I'm worried about whether I made the right ADR choices. I'm worried about whether I'll get to ride TSM. I'm worried about the weather. I'm worried/upset that I haven't had time to do a special iron-on shirt for MNSSHP.

If it makes you feel better...I never got to make my shirts-but I did have the shirts and transfer paper around, just never could seem to find the time.

I got myself a new camera...was armed with a ringside seat for MNSSHP, the headless horseman came, I clicked...oh no...I hit the off button...not the take a picture button! I survived, but the horror of that mistake still haunts me.

ADR's...is there really any way of knowing if they were right? My trip is over and I still question if I could have done better. Should I have let my DD drag me to Chef Mickey's? Not exactly a culinary delight, but I reliquished a night of dining for the sake of being a good mom. On the other hand, I'm still not sure Tutto Italia lived up to my expectations. Other people tell me it did, but I'm not so sure. Artist Point...should have booked TWO nights of dining there. The list of doubts are endless.

TSM...oh girl...get there early! We arrived at the FP machine one day at 10am only to get a FP for 6:05-7:05pm. Lesson learned...we got there for rope drop later in the week...got FP for 10am, which was much easier to swallow. Get ready for the stampede of the bulls though all the way to TSM. Just follow the herd.

The weather...we had rain, and rain and oh, did I mention...RAIN? For 10 days essentially? Have poncho will travel. Awesome thing is that it (the rain, not the poncho) clears a park really well. I resigned myself to a rather stylish slicked back bun and at times a hat when nothing else could hide the sacrilege that happened to my hair...but all told, I'd do it again.

I even went so far as to dig my video camera out for use on this trip (it has not seen the light of day in several years). Well...all prepped, batteries charged, new tapes...guess what? It malfunctioned and bit the dust 5 minutes after its first use. Murphy's Law followed me down to Florida.

In the end, what I'm trying to say is this...your normal...I had those very same thoughts. I still question my Disney planning skills and this was like...well over trip 100 for me. I survived not having my very cool and witty personalized t-shirts for the first time, my recorder biting the dust, NOT getting the headless horseman picture this year (first time its happened to me), having some less than stellar meals and some very awesome ones, missing TSM on the first shot, but learning my lesson and getting on the second time around and then my favorite-being drowned that a sewer rat in the rain and guess what...I'd do it all again because it was FAB-U-LOUS! Oh...and those Grand Marnier slushies in France DO help to take the edge off you know. Have one for me!

Now your pledge, I love it! I had to tell DH that if he took just ONE business call I would take his phone from him and promptly stomp on it...its a magic killer. Hmmmm...amazing, that little sucker didn't ring the whole time.

I really am so looking forward to hearing about your adventures!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

If it makes you feel better...I never got to make my shirts-but I did have the shirts and transfer paper around, just never could seem to find the time.

I got myself a new camera...was armed with a ringside seat for MNSSHP, the headless horseman came, I clicked...oh no...I hit the off button...not the take a picture button! I survived, but the horror of that mistake still haunts me.

ADR's...is there really any way of knowing if they were right? My trip is over and I still question if I could have done better. Should I have let my DD drag me to Chef Mickey's? Not exactly a culinary delight, but I reliquished a night of dining for the sake of being a good mom. On the other hand, I'm still not sure Tutto Italia lived up to my expectations. Other people tell me it did, but I'm not so sure. Artist Point...should have booked TWO nights of dining there. The list of doubts are endless.

TSM...oh girl...get there early! We arrived at the FP machine one day at 10am only to get a FP for 6:05-7:05pm. Lesson learned...we got there for rope drop later in the week...got FP for 10am, which was much easier to swallow. Get ready for the stampede of the bulls though all the way to TSM. Just follow the herd.

The weather...we had rain, and rain and oh, did I mention...RAIN? For 10 days essentially? Have poncho will travel. Awesome thing is that it (the rain, not the poncho) clears a park really well. I resigned myself to a rather stylish slicked back bun and at times a hat when nothing else could hide the sacrilege that happened to my hair...but all told, I'd do it again.

I even went so far as to dig my video camera out for use on this trip (it has not seen the light of day in several years). Well...all prepped, batteries charged, new tapes...guess what? It malfunctioned and bit the dust 5 minutes after its first use. Murphy's Law followed me down to Florida.

In the end, what I'm trying to say is this...your normal...I had those very same thoughts. I still question my Disney planning skills and this was like...well over trip 100 for me. I survived not having my very cool and witty personalized t-shirts for the first time, my recorder biting the dust, NOT getting the headless horseman picture this year (first time its happened to me), having some less than stellar meals and some very awesome ones, missing TSM on the first shot, but learning my lesson and getting on the second time around and then my favorite-being drowned that a sewer rat in the rain and guess what...I'd do it all again because it was FAB-U-LOUS! Oh...and those Grand Marnier slushies in France DO help to take the edge off you know. Have one for me!

Now your pledge, I love it! I had to tell DH that if he took just ONE business call I would take his phone from him and promptly stomp on it...its a magic killer. Hmmmm...amazing, that little sucker didn't ring the whole time.

I really am so looking forward to hearing about your adventures!

That makes me feel SO much better. Thanks!! Above all I will remember that the grand marnier slushie solves all problems. I can't wait to tell you about my trip!!

 

[Donald is #1]

My solo trip pledge
I will not allow any self consciousness to keep me from doing something I want to do.
I will be adventurous in my food eating and will try something(s) I have never tried before. escargot? lamb? ???
I will relax and forget about work. I will not check my blackberry compulsively. If it rings while on POC or IASM I will throw it overboard. Seriously. No, really. That’s how fed up I am with work.
I will take pictures with some characters.
I will allow myself to go with the flow and do whatever I feel like…no matter what “the plan” says.
I will try to spread the magic to other guests.
I will take time to notice the details.
I will take LOTS of pictures.
I will stand up for myself and ask for what I want – whether that means the front row in Soarin (with my shoes off, of course!) or front row in POC or whatever I want it to mean!
I will jump on the bed. Why? b/c that seems like the thing to do.
I will think of my new DIS family often—as I look at light fixtures, resort options, candy counters, characters, souvenirs for purchase, bus service and various guests wearing god knows what. I’ll capture it all for your enjoyment!

Now you are getting into the mindset!


By the way, all your concerns were the same ones that I had on my first solo trip. I had an awesome time on that trip and this year, I have been looking forward to my solo trip all year!

My solo trip pledge
I will relax and forget about work. I will not check my blackberry compulsively. If it rings while on POC or IASM I will throw it overboard. Seriously. No, really. That’s how fed up I am with work.

Let me know how this works out. I may need to do it during one of my up-coming trips.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Yes, it is perfectly normal to feel as you do! And I am not just pretending!

I love your solo trip pledge! I think it is just lovely! I especially like the jumping on the bed one!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Now you are getting into the mindset!


By the way, all your concerns were the same ones that I had on my first solo trip. I had an awesome time on that trip and this year, I have been looking forward to my solo trip all year!





Let me know how this works out. I may need to do it during one of my up-coming trips.

Thanks! Always good to know you're (relatively) normal! I really may "lose" my blackberry on this trip though. I'm sure they have found much crazier things dredging the water in POC, IASM, Jungle Cruise etc.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Yes, it is perfectly normal to feel as you do! And I am not just pretending!

I love your solo trip pledge! I think it is just lovely! I especially like the jumping on the bed one!

Thank you!

As far as jumping on the bed I can't claim credit... I think that was either Allyson or Quacktatty who originally included it. And with my luck I'll get a concussion knocking my head on the ceiling. But hey, I'll be in Disney... in just 2 1/2 days!!!!

 

[Donald is #1]

My solo trip pledge
I will not allow any self consciousness to keep me from doing something I want to do.
I will be adventurous in my food eating and will try something(s) I have never tried before. escargot? lamb? ???
I will relax and forget about work. I will not check my blackberry compulsively. If it rings while on POC or IASM I will throw it overboard. Seriously. No, really. That’s how fed up I am with work.
I will take pictures with some characters.
I will allow myself to go with the flow and do whatever I feel like…no matter what “the plan” says.
I will try to spread the magic to other guests.
I will take time to notice the details.
I will take LOTS of pictures.
I will stand up for myself and ask for what I want – whether that means the front row in Soarin (with my shoes off, of course!) or front row in POC or whatever I want it to mean!
I will jump on the bed. Why? b/c that seems like the thing to do.
I will think of my new DIS family often—as I look at light fixtures, resort options, candy counters, characters, souvenirs for purchase, bus service and various guests wearing god knows what. I’ll capture it all for your enjoyment!

I just thought of one more to add:

I will stop and have a Photopass Photographer take my picture whenever I want with both their camera and my camera.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I just thought of one more to add:

I will stop and have a Photopass Photographer take my picture whenever I want with both their camera and my camera.

Good one! Totally adding that!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Does any of this make sense??? Can you relate?? Pretend you do even if you don't so I can feel normal!

You are totally normal! Everyone can relate. And you will be in WDW, it's near impossible to have a bad trip.

I will be adventurous in my food eating and will try something(s) I have never tried before. escargot? lamb? ???

Lamb is DELISH! I love, love, love it. Escargot is on my list of things to try as well.

I will stand up for myself and ask for what I want – whether that means the front row in Soarin (with my shoes off, of course!) or front row in POC or whatever I want it to mean!

Darn right!!! Keep that attitude!

I will jump on the bed. Why? b/c that seems like the thing to do.

And you are in WDW. You are allowed to be a kid! Matter of a fact you are encouraged to be child-like. That includes jumping on beds, meeting characters, and wearing Mickey ears!


As for the gaining weight at the F&WF, if it happens, it will all be worth it! (At least that's what I keep telling myself...!)

 

[Charleston Princess]

I just can't believe that you are going to be at Disney in just two days! Where did the time go???

 

[Lady Lallie]

My solo trip pledge
I will not allow any self consciousness to keep me from doing something I want to do.
I will be adventurous in my food eating and will try something(s) I have never tried before. escargot? lamb? ???
I will relax and forget about work. I will not check my blackberry compulsively. If it rings while on POC or IASM I will throw it overboard. Seriously. No, really. That’s how fed up I am with work.
I will take pictures with some characters.
I will allow myself to go with the flow and do whatever I feel like…no matter what “the plan” says.
I will try to spread the magic to other guests.
I will take time to notice the details.
I will take LOTS of pictures.
I will stand up for myself and ask for what I want – whether that means the front row in Soarin (with my shoes off, of course!) or front row in POC or whatever I want it to mean!
I will jump on the bed. Why? b/c that seems like the thing to do.
I will think of my new DIS family often—as I look at light fixtures, resort options, candy counters, characters, souvenirs for purchase, bus service and various guests wearing god knows what. I’ll capture it all for your enjoyment!

Your trip pledge brought tears to my eyes. I think you are right on with your pledge was well.

I do have to say though that I missed the headless horseman too, my pics came out so blurry. FYI, use the auto setting instead of the sports/action setting on the camera. D'oh!

I especially love the last part about your new DIS family. I thought of everyone often while on my trip, it makes you feel like you are there with everyone.

 

[askelton]

You're going to have a fabulous time and the weather has been amazing! No humidity! Of course that will change in 2 days but it may change back. Stick to your solo pledge. You've got it down!

 

[If U Had Wings]

I don't know how I've missed your trip report for this long, but I'm glad I found it before you actually left for your trip. Can't wait to hear all about your solo trip. I'll be wanting some good ideas for my solo trip next December!

I'm from CT too, south central area.

I wanted to multiquote, but was too lazy. So just a few thoughts.

I can't wait to hear about the BC Villas. How wonderful for a solo trip! I love that your planning lots of time to use the great pool there. Are you staying in a studio? My dream is a BWI villa for a solo trip. One of these days I'll get there.

Can't wait to hear about your solo meals. It's the one area I'm a bit antsy on for my trip. At first I wasn't going to plan any TS meals, but now I'm thinking there are quite a few I want to eat at, and why shouldn't I get to eat at California Grill if I want to?

I wouldn't stress too much if you don't go to the MK your first day. I haven't done it first the past few trips and I was fine. It's wonderfully special whenever you get there.

I ate at the Mexican restaurant last year and really liked it. I was nervous after reading so many dis reports on it, but both me and my friend really liked it. My one piece of advice would be to know the menu before hand, as it's so dark in there you can't read the menu well at all.

Love the drink plans too! Although I think it may be a good think your staying at a resort so close to World Showcase!

I love the pics of OKWV. It's one of the resorts I really hope to visit one day. It looks so relaxing there. I'm always thinking if I get a chance to buy into DVC I'd be torn between that one and BWV.

Have a wonderful time on your trip! It's just right around the corner.

 

[ILuvCrush]

2 more days!!!!

I love your pledge!! I wish I would have done that!!

It took me a couple days to get past my "self consciousness" but once I did I had a lot more fun

It took a bit to figure out and accept, that no one really cared what I was doing, they're doing their own thing!! I wish I could have gotten my head around that fact quicker!! Next Time

Paula

 

[nts4wdw]

Love your pledge! I always do trip resolutions, but like New Year's resolutions, it's hard to keep them.
I hope you have an awesome and wonderful time!!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

you are in WDW. You are allowed to be a kid! Matter of a fact you are encouraged to be child-like. That includes jumping on beds, meeting characters, and wearing Mickey ears

Speaking of Mickey ears I have seen some pictures on other TRs of some cute ears with candy corn on them for Halloween. I think I may need them...

I just can't believe that you are going to be at Disney in just two days! Where did the time go???

I know! Where did it go?? And I haven't packed. A. Single. Thing.

Your trip pledge brought tears to my eyes. I think you are right on with your pledge was well.

I do have to say though that I missed the headless horseman too, my pics came out so blurry. FYI, use the auto setting instead of the sports/action setting on the camera. D'oh!

I especially love the last part about your new DIS family. I thought of everyone often while on my trip, it makes you feel like you are there with everyone.

Good tip on the sports action setting. I still haven't figured out the camera but will study the instructions on the plane. And I figure I can always "borrow" your pictures if mine don't come out!

You're going to have a fabulous time and the weather has been amazing! No humidity! Of course that will change in 2 days but it may change back. Stick to your solo pledge. You've got it down!

Thanks! Your assignment is to maintain the good weather forecast. Got it?

I don't know how I've missed your trip report for this long, but I'm glad I found it before you actually left for your trip. Can't wait to hear all about your solo trip. I'll be wanting some good ideas for my solo trip next December!

I'm from CT too, south central area.

I wanted to multiquote, but was too lazy. So just a few thoughts.

I can't wait to hear about the BC Villas. How wonderful for a solo trip! I love that your planning lots of time to use the great pool there. Are you staying in a studio? My dream is a BWI villa for a solo trip. One of these days I'll get there.

Can't wait to hear about your solo meals. It's the one area I'm a bit antsy on for my trip. At first I wasn't going to plan any TS meals, but now I'm thinking there are quite a few I want to eat at, and why shouldn't I get to eat at California Grill if I want to?

I wouldn't stress too much if you don't go to the MK your first day. I haven't done it first the past few trips and I was fine. It's wonderfully special whenever you get there.

I ate at the Mexican restaurant last year and really liked it. I was nervous after reading so many dis reports on it, but both me and my friend really liked it. My one piece of advice would be to know the menu before hand, as it's so dark in there you can't read the menu well at all.

Love the drink plans too! Although I think it may be a good think your staying at a resort so close to World Showcase!

I love the pics of OKWV. It's one of the resorts I really hope to visit one day. It looks so relaxing there. I'm always thinking if I get a chance to buy into DVC I'd be torn between that one and BWV.

Have a wonderful time on your trip! It's just right around the corner.

Welcome! Another Nutmegger (why is CT the nutmeg state? ) Yes, staying in a studio at BCV. I'll take lots of pictures for you. I am nervous about the solo TS meals too but like you I keep coming back to why shouldn't I if that's what I want to do?? We'll see how it goes! Definitely chose BCV for it's "stumble back to the room after F&W" value!

2 more days!!!!

I love your pledge!! I wish I would have done that!!

It took me a couple days to get past my "self consciousness" but once I did I had a lot more fun

It took a bit to figure out and accept, that no one really cared what I was doing, they're doing their own thing!! I wish I could have gotten my head around that fact quicker!! Next Time

Paula

You're thinking about next time. That's good!

Love your pledge! I always do trip resolutions, but like New Year's resolutions, it's hard to keep them.
I hope you have an awesome and wonderful time!!

Thanks. I do NY's resolutions too but rarely keep them. Hopefully I do better with these. I shouldn't admit this but somehow their being about WDW makes them more sacred.

 

[brookelizabeth]

Speaking of Mickey ears I have seen some pictures on other TRs of some cute ears with candy corn on them for Halloween. I think I may need them...

I haven't seen pics of them! They sound very cute, and very necessary!

You haven't packed a thing??? We are still 18 days out and DH and I have been saying for days we need to get the suitcases out!

You are going to have an AWESOME TIME. Don't worry, don't be scared, have fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (and get packing! )

 

[ILuvCrush]

HI Christine!!!!!

May I be the 1st to say....

YOU"RE LEAVING TOMARROW!!!!!! GET OFF THESE BOARDS AND GO PACK!!!!!



I hope you have an awesome trip.... and I will totally understand that in the rush of last minute preparations, that you 'forgot' that blackberry on the kitchen table

Paula

 

[Charleston Princess]

One Day, Christine! One Day until a Magical Vacation!