A Salute to Food & Wine but Mostly Wine..12/21 FINAL THOUGHTS...a Solo Trip Adventure
- Thread starter 2xcited2sleep
- Start date
Lady Lallie
DIS Legend
- Joined
- Apr 7, 2008
- Messages
- 18,540
LL is short for Lady Lallie.... she posts here too
LL has a thing for light fixtures at WDW!! They are very pretty.
She even started a thread... for light fixture pics
AWorld of Lights:Light Fixtures at WDW
You should check her out... she's alot of fun
Well as Paula said, LL is Lady Lallie one of the many new friends I've made here on the DIS. She also recently took a trip (you should check out her TR) and discovered a love of light fixtures. And as she's been sharing her pictures I've become more and more intrigued. Something I've never noticed before at Disney and they are so detailed, matching perfectly whatever the area is. They could have thrown up regular lights but they don't , they pay attention and that's reason # 999 why I love Disney.
Awwww. Thanks ladies!! I feel so loved!! Totally made my Monday at work.
I'm LL, the one obsessed with Lights.
2xcited2sleep
DIS Legend
- Joined
- Jan 5, 2008
- Messages
- 11,305
That's so nice. Thank you!
And no apologies necessary!! You'll have to tell me your secret to reading while on the treadmill. I'd get distracted and fall off! 
nts4wdw
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 10, 2007
- Messages
- 2,523
That's so nice. Thank you!
I'll have to send you a picture of the rig Chuck set up for me! I can't post, but I can read!! I haven't fallen yet. Gotta get in shape for December.
- Joined
- Mar 30, 2007
- Messages
- 5,083
I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one that has the computer on their treadmill. Makes me feel normal!
nts4wdw
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 10, 2007
- Messages
- 2,523
I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one that has the computer on their treadmill. Makes me feel normal!
I'm glad I'm not the only one either!!
2xcited2sleep
DIS Legend
- Joined
- Jan 5, 2008
- Messages
- 11,305
I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one that has the computer on their treadmill. Makes me feel normal!
You both have to share your set-ups. My goodness! If I could spend even a portion of my DIS time exercising I'd be skinny minnie!!
Awwww. Thanks ladies!! I feel so loved!! Totally made my Monday at work.
I'm LL, the one obsessed with Lights.
Too bad you can't adjust your name to another LL...
Lady Lights
Light Lady
Lallie Lights....
we could come up with more
Lady Lallie
DIS Legend
- Joined
- Apr 7, 2008
- Messages
- 18,540
Someone else came up with Lady Lampy too, I can't remember who.Too bad you can't adjust your name to another LL...
Lady Lights
Light Lady
Lallie Lights....
we could come up with more
What's funny is that my real life initials are LL now that I am married to Marc. I have L's all over the place in my life.
kschafer
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jan 26, 2008
- Messages
- 4,216
I just found your TR when your title caught my attention on the TR board. I dream of a trip for F&W and I LOVE that you started your trip with a glass of champage!!
I have just jumped around your pre-TR and have read your fist couple posts of the trip, I'm in it for the long haul now!! I love that the guy at B&C said only you was enough, how great!
I have just jumped around your pre-TR and have read your fist couple posts of the trip, I'm in it for the long haul now!! I love that the guy at B&C said only you was enough, how great!
2xcited2sleep
DIS Legend
- Joined
- Jan 5, 2008
- Messages
- 11,305
: So glad to have you climbing on board! I cannot recommend F&W highly enough!
2xcited2sleep
DIS Legend
- Joined
- Jan 5, 2008
- Messages
- 11,305
We interrupt this election day to bring you the next installment in this TR. 
So Im here Im finally here. The Magic Kingdom!! First things are first:
20 min posted wait but off I go. It was a walk-on! The CM seats me by myself in the last row of a boat. As we plunge into darkness and head for the big drop I think about those other solo travelers who got entire BOATS to themselves. Ill tell you what. I couldnt do it. No way. No how. Even by myself in the row, with a whole boat of passengers in front of me I got a little nervous.
It passed quickly but nonetheless I couldnt be in there all by myself. 
Im trying to remember what I did next. Darn having no trip journal! I know I checked out el Pirata y el Pericho to see if per chance it might be open this trip but no, not serving. Maybe in December.
I stopped over at Aloha Isle for a Dole Whip float and sat on one of the benches just watching the folks go by.
I think I just moseyed around through Frontierland, Liberty Square and into Fantasyland. Just taking in the sights. Popped into a few stores. Bought a souvenir:
I also checked out Toon Town for my first time EVER.
For whatever reason, it was madness over there so I told myself Id come back. As cute as their little houses were, I wasnt waiting in line for them. And to tell the truth, I think Minnie left something in her fridge too long b/c it was smelly in there!!
I looped around to the hub and now that the parade wasnt going on I was able to check out the special Halloween statues.
Oh yes, I did run into the happy couple on my way there:
I love this view of the castle. I know I was very young and my memory is very hazy but I do remember riding the swan boats with my grandfather.
So at this point I need to head out so I can monorail myself back to Epcot to ride Soarin and catch my dinner ADR at Tutto Italia.
Isnt this cute on your way out?
Back to Epcot I go. Still not raining. YET. I head back to Beach Club to rest a bit and change for dinner. I knew there was a lot of walking but sheesh! I am sore!! On day 1- yikes. This could be a problem. But no time to think about that. I head back to the room. Purchase a mug of caffeinated goodness and go up to my room to collapse briefly.
So Im here Im finally here. The Magic Kingdom!! First things are first:
20 min posted wait but off I go. It was a walk-on! The CM seats me by myself in the last row of a boat. As we plunge into darkness and head for the big drop I think about those other solo travelers who got entire BOATS to themselves. Ill tell you what. I couldnt do it. No way. No how. Even by myself in the row, with a whole boat of passengers in front of me I got a little nervous.
It passed quickly but nonetheless I couldnt be in there all by myself. Im trying to remember what I did next. Darn having no trip journal! I know I checked out el Pirata y el Pericho to see if per chance it might be open this trip but no, not serving. Maybe in December.
I stopped over at Aloha Isle for a Dole Whip float and sat on one of the benches just watching the folks go by.
I think I just moseyed around through Frontierland, Liberty Square and into Fantasyland. Just taking in the sights. Popped into a few stores. Bought a souvenir:
I also checked out Toon Town for my first time EVER.
For whatever reason, it was madness over there so I told myself Id come back. As cute as their little houses were, I wasnt waiting in line for them. And to tell the truth, I think Minnie left something in her fridge too long b/c it was smelly in there!!
I looped around to the hub and now that the parade wasnt going on I was able to check out the special Halloween statues.
Oh yes, I did run into the happy couple on my way there:
I love this view of the castle. I know I was very young and my memory is very hazy but I do remember riding the swan boats with my grandfather.
So at this point I need to head out so I can monorail myself back to Epcot to ride Soarin and catch my dinner ADR at Tutto Italia.
Isnt this cute on your way out?
Back to Epcot I go. Still not raining. YET. I head back to Beach Club to rest a bit and change for dinner. I knew there was a lot of walking but sheesh! I am sore!! On day 1- yikes. This could be a problem. But no time to think about that. I head back to the room. Purchase a mug of caffeinated goodness and go up to my room to collapse briefly.
2xcited2sleep
DIS Legend
- Joined
- Jan 5, 2008
- Messages
- 11,305
Break over. Time to motivate. I still have Soarin to ride and then dinner at Tutto. Off I go. On my way out, they were setting this up on the beach:
Doesnt that just look divine? I never saw what type of event it was but Im guessing a wedding party or something. Im sure it was beautiful once the sun went down with candles on the table and the Boardwalk lights twinkling across the lake/bay/body of water. Sigh. That goes on the someday maybe if I had a million dollars list.
Off I head toward Soarin. Time is getting short. Please let there not be a big line. As I approach the Fast Pass entrance there is a lot of confusion. The CM was being VERY strict. He was turning even people who had 5-10 min til their window away. And there was a guy in front of me trying to be all slick and showing the CM his fast pass while holding his thumb over the date DENIED! Not sure if this is a new approach or specific to that CM? In I went only to encounter a BIG line. UGH.
So I stand in line for what feels like forever fidgeting. Wondering if theyd ever really give an ADR away or deny me if I showed up late. People watching and marveling at the parents who let their kids climb on the rails no matter how many announcements are made to not do that.
When finally, to what do my wondering eyes do appear but a cast member looking for a single rider! Well thats me! So she opens the chain and I hop right to the front of the line in front of at least ~75 people! That in and of itself had me dancing but then she gave me my seat assignment. FRONT ROW, BABY!!!!! Flip flops off.
It was AWESOME, as always.
I sprint out and head toward WS. I made it into WS, headed left toward Mexico and before I even got that far, by the Christmas shop it started to POUR!!!
OK. No big deal. It held out all day, which I appreciated and after all Im heading to dinner so it can rain all it wants. I take a minute to pull out my umbrella and continue on my way. Ive mentioned the planning/lack of planning before but I was AMAZED at the people in a panic over the rain and totally unprepared. Hello, people?! Been forecasted for a week. Has looked like it would rain all day.
So I slogged my way over to Tutto Italia. It was dark at this point but these pictures seem to fit here:
There were what seemed like dozens of people huddling under the entrance and I was pleased that I had a bonfide reason to go in. There was hardly anyone in the actual waiting area. The CMs at the desk were very nice and checked me in. Not an eye blink over being by myself. The table was ready!
The dining room was very busy. I was at a table for two (obviously there arent any tables built for one!) against the right hand wall as you walk in. Now for those of you who have been there you know that they have packed the absolute maximum number of tables in that room as is humanly possible. The tables on either side of mine are occupied and I have to excuse myself, turn sideways and scoot myself into the banquette (cuz Im not going to sit w/ my back to the room!) Maybe Im imagining it but it felt like maybe both parties were wondering what was up with the solo girl. I mean I was ~8 inches away from each of them so I think they had to notice!
As I said it was busy so it took a bit for my waiter to come over. Paolo I forget what part of Italy he was from. He told me I just forgot. He asked, just you? Apparently Kens you are enough all by yourself philosophy has not been widely communicated. But seriously, I dont think Paolo meant it that way at all. I would have (and did) say the same thing.
I ordered up an Italian margarita (lemoncello, grappa and margherita mix) and sat back to peruse the menu. As Im looking around the room, I see a familiar face. At first I cant place him and I think, ugh, someone from work thats just great. But then it comes to me! At the next table over (not immediately next to me but across the aisle) is Lance Bass of NSync and Dancing with the Stars fame! Hes with his dancing partner, one of those MK guides in her plaid vest and two other women. They look to be having a great time. Hes drinking a martini of some sort dark liquid, maybe chocolate or pomegranate? I know you were wondering!
I was looking around to see if anyone else was seeing what I saw! Doesnt anyone else care? ARGH! I need to tell someone about this. I email a few friends but no one was checking email at that point. And I cant DIS from my blackberry.
Finally I hear the couple next to me plotting how she can take a photo of her husband and position Lance in the background. We chatted a little about this. The husband was laughing b/c the entire restaurant was pretty much oblivious other than the 30-something women who had grown up in the boy-band age.
So I didnt get a picture. Sorry! But you can check out some photos that were posted on their day in the MK here.
Ok. Excitement over. It doesnt take much, folks; it doesnt take much. The Italian margarita by the way is good. Its a frozen drink, which I wasnt expecting but still very good. They also sell it at the regular kiosk in the Italy pavilion something to keep in mind for a hot day. On to the food. I was not especially hungry after my cheeseburger splurge and dolewhip snack but I forced myself.
I ordered:
I believe Ive already confessed but Ill reiterate that Im not a food porn star. I thought about it but was feeling particularly self conscious here with the tables so close together. But I can tell you that both were delicious! Truly delicious. The salad was very refreshing w/ the citrus vinaigrette and the pasta was perfection just the right amounts of cheese, basil and tomatoes. YUM-O!
I was beyond stuffed. Couldnt even think about dessert. Of course now that Im back I think I should have ordered it to go but that didnt occur to me at the time. Doh!! Ill remember next time.
So I settled the bill with my doesnt-feel-like-money KTTW card and headed out. Still raining! No big deal. Im tired and Ill just head out. So I pop in and out of shops making my way toward France and the international gateway.
By the time I get to France it is 5 min before Illuminations (love how they start the reminders 30 min out! By the time theyre done Im like start the show already!) and the rain has stopped. So, I grab a glass of champagne and head onto the bridge to catch some Illuminations and be ready for a quick dash through the International gateway.
One picture. Not very good from my point and shoot.
Illuminations ends. I love it as much as ever. And the crowd surges over the bridge toward the exits. And then an amazing, happy thing happens. The majority of them go right toward England and a relatively small group of us turn left and head through the gateway. Im home in 5 minutes and ready to crash.
Have I mentioned how much walking there was? And how out of shape I apparently am? It is the end of day 1/arrival day and Im sore! Rut-roh.
Doesnt that just look divine? I never saw what type of event it was but Im guessing a wedding party or something. Im sure it was beautiful once the sun went down with candles on the table and the Boardwalk lights twinkling across the lake/bay/body of water. Sigh. That goes on the someday maybe if I had a million dollars list.
Off I head toward Soarin. Time is getting short. Please let there not be a big line. As I approach the Fast Pass entrance there is a lot of confusion. The CM was being VERY strict. He was turning even people who had 5-10 min til their window away. And there was a guy in front of me trying to be all slick and showing the CM his fast pass while holding his thumb over the date DENIED! Not sure if this is a new approach or specific to that CM? In I went only to encounter a BIG line. UGH.
So I stand in line for what feels like forever fidgeting. Wondering if theyd ever really give an ADR away or deny me if I showed up late. People watching and marveling at the parents who let their kids climb on the rails no matter how many announcements are made to not do that.
When finally, to what do my wondering eyes do appear but a cast member looking for a single rider! Well thats me! So she opens the chain and I hop right to the front of the line in front of at least ~75 people! That in and of itself had me dancing but then she gave me my seat assignment. FRONT ROW, BABY!!!!! Flip flops off.
It was AWESOME, as always.
I sprint out and head toward WS. I made it into WS, headed left toward Mexico and before I even got that far, by the Christmas shop it started to POUR!!!
OK. No big deal. It held out all day, which I appreciated and after all Im heading to dinner so it can rain all it wants. I take a minute to pull out my umbrella and continue on my way. Ive mentioned the planning/lack of planning before but I was AMAZED at the people in a panic over the rain and totally unprepared. Hello, people?! Been forecasted for a week. Has looked like it would rain all day.So I slogged my way over to Tutto Italia. It was dark at this point but these pictures seem to fit here:
There were what seemed like dozens of people huddling under the entrance and I was pleased that I had a bonfide reason to go in. There was hardly anyone in the actual waiting area. The CMs at the desk were very nice and checked me in. Not an eye blink over being by myself. The table was ready!
The dining room was very busy. I was at a table for two (obviously there arent any tables built for one!) against the right hand wall as you walk in. Now for those of you who have been there you know that they have packed the absolute maximum number of tables in that room as is humanly possible. The tables on either side of mine are occupied and I have to excuse myself, turn sideways and scoot myself into the banquette (cuz Im not going to sit w/ my back to the room!) Maybe Im imagining it but it felt like maybe both parties were wondering what was up with the solo girl. I mean I was ~8 inches away from each of them so I think they had to notice!
As I said it was busy so it took a bit for my waiter to come over. Paolo I forget what part of Italy he was from. He told me I just forgot. He asked, just you? Apparently Kens you are enough all by yourself philosophy has not been widely communicated.
But seriously, I dont think Paolo meant it that way at all. I would have (and did) say the same thing. I ordered up an Italian margarita (lemoncello, grappa and margherita mix) and sat back to peruse the menu. As Im looking around the room, I see a familiar face. At first I cant place him and I think, ugh, someone from work thats just great. But then it comes to me! At the next table over (not immediately next to me but across the aisle) is Lance Bass of NSync and Dancing with the Stars fame! Hes with his dancing partner, one of those MK guides in her plaid vest and two other women. They look to be having a great time. Hes drinking a martini of some sort dark liquid, maybe chocolate or pomegranate? I know you were wondering!
I was looking around to see if anyone else was seeing what I saw! Doesnt anyone else care? ARGH! I need to tell someone about this. I email a few friends but no one was checking email at that point. And I cant DIS from my blackberry.
Finally I hear the couple next to me plotting how she can take a photo of her husband and position Lance in the background. We chatted a little about this. The husband was laughing b/c the entire restaurant was pretty much oblivious other than the 30-something women who had grown up in the boy-band age.So I didnt get a picture. Sorry! But you can check out some photos that were posted on their day in the MK here.
Ok. Excitement over. It doesnt take much, folks; it doesnt take much. The Italian margarita by the way is good. Its a frozen drink, which I wasnt expecting but still very good. They also sell it at the regular kiosk in the Italy pavilion something to keep in mind for a hot day. On to the food. I was not especially hungry after my cheeseburger splurge and dolewhip snack but I forced myself.
I ordered:
Insalata Mista - arugula, radicchio, and endive, citrus vinaigrette $12
Penne Caprese with crushed tomatoes, mozzarella cheese and basil $24
Penne Caprese with crushed tomatoes, mozzarella cheese and basil $24
I believe Ive already confessed but Ill reiterate that Im not a food porn star. I thought about it but was feeling particularly self conscious here with the tables so close together. But I can tell you that both were delicious! Truly delicious. The salad was very refreshing w/ the citrus vinaigrette and the pasta was perfection just the right amounts of cheese, basil and tomatoes. YUM-O!
I was beyond stuffed. Couldnt even think about dessert. Of course now that Im back I think I should have ordered it to go but that didnt occur to me at the time. Doh!!
Ill remember next time.So I settled the bill with my doesnt-feel-like-money KTTW card and headed out. Still raining! No big deal. Im tired and Ill just head out. So I pop in and out of shops making my way toward France and the international gateway.
By the time I get to France it is 5 min before Illuminations (love how they start the reminders 30 min out! By the time theyre done Im like start the show already!) and the rain has stopped. So, I grab a glass of champagne and head onto the bridge to catch some Illuminations and be ready for a quick dash through the International gateway.
One picture. Not very good from my point and shoot.
Illuminations ends. I love it as much as ever. And the crowd surges over the bridge toward the exits. And then an amazing, happy thing happens. The majority of them go right toward England and a relatively small group of us turn left and head through the gateway. Im home in 5 minutes and ready to crash.
Have I mentioned how much walking there was? And how out of shape I apparently am? It is the end of day 1/arrival day and Im sore! Rut-roh.
Wow... what an an awesome day!!! I know what you mean about being sore...lots of walking there... and it seemed like even more by myself than it usually is!!!
Too bad you didn't snag the stealthy lance Bass photo... maybe you should have offered to take a pic for the lady you were plotting with... so they could have stood up, and you could have 'missed them'
I'm glad that I wasn't the only one who felt a little wierd about taking food porn pics by myself
Paula
Too bad you didn't snag the stealthy lance Bass photo... maybe you should have offered to take a pic for the lady you were plotting with... so they could have stood up, and you could have 'missed them'
I'm glad that I wasn't the only one who felt a little wierd about taking food porn pics by myself
Paula
Lady Lallie
DIS Legend
- Joined
- Apr 7, 2008
- Messages
- 18,540
What a great day! I am so jealous about the 5 minute walk, it's very very tempting.
Too funny about Lance Bass! I once met Corky from Life Goes On, that was my brush with fame.
I really can't wait to hear more.
Too funny about Lance Bass! I once met Corky from Life Goes On, that was my brush with fame.
I really can't wait to hear more.
2xcited2sleep
DIS Legend
- Joined
- Jan 5, 2008
- Messages
- 11,305
Wow... what an an awesome day!!! I know what you mean about being sore...lots of walking there... and it seemed like even more by myself than it usually is!!!
Too bad you didn't snag the stealthy lance Bass photo... maybe you should have offered to take a pic for the lady you were plotting with... so they could have stood up, and you could have 'missed them'
I'm glad that I wasn't the only one who felt a little wierd about taking food porn pics by myself
Paula
Thanks! I definitely overdid it on my first day in all of my excitement. Now I know I have to pace myself. Or train as if I were running a marathon beforehand!
Amazing, awesome posts!!! I am very much enjoying your TR.
SO cool about your celebrity sighting. I am only 35, but I would have been one of the ones who would not have known who he was though.
Can't wait for more!
Thanks so much!
I'm glad you are enjoying! You wouldn't know who Lance Bass is?? Just kidding. As I said, it doesn't take much to thrill me but I sure would have preferred a George Clooney or Johnny Depp sighting! Next time...What a great day! I am so jealous about the 5 minute walk, it's very very tempting.
Too funny about Lance Bass! I once met Corky from Life Goes On, that was my brush with fame.
I really can't wait to hear more.
Not to contribute to any resort switching angst but I really don't have enough nice things to say about Beach Club. Particularly if you LOVE Epcot! Not to get ahead of myself but there were nights where I came back pretty tired but still bee-bopped over to World Showcase for a bite to eat, glass of champagne, Illuminations etc. It is AWESOME!!! Seriously, 5 min on foot!
Oh and I used to love Life Goes On!!
brookelizabeth
Jambo Wildbunch Gang
- Joined
- Jul 20, 2006
- Messages
- 11,271
Oh yes, BC is GORGEOUS. And that's the fun of Disney. You never cross everything off the to do list so there is always a reason to go back! Wilderness Lodge is currently topping my "reasons to return" list.So I'm especially looking forward to your TR.
I'm planning on lots and lots and lots of pictures!
Your pictures are just incredible. The one of the Castle and the Monorail ones are my favorites from this installment! I need to head over to the Photography board and get some tips before our trip.
That is so funny about seeing Lance Bass! I probably wouldn't recognize him because I'm "Hollywood Stupid", but <looks both ways>, shhhh...I have a closet love of N*Sync. I even saw them in concert once-it was super fantastic! Hee hee!
If U Had Wings
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- May 24, 2007
- Messages
- 4,223
Great update. The celebrity siting was neat. I've never run into anyone at Disney, but saw Adam Sandler at a restaurant it NYC once, and swore that Sylvester Stallone walked past me once. No George Clooney for me either.
I'm really, really hoping for a good discount code now so I can stay at a nice Epcot resort.
I'm really, really hoping for a good discount code now so I can stay at a nice Epcot resort.
Christine,
I am enjoying your trip report and can't wait to hear the rest.
I live in Fla. about 1 hour away from DW I am going to the F&WF for the first time this weekend.
I too decided that I may as well make it an annual pass (especially since I can go any time I want) but will probably have to go solo more often than not so I have been reading up on solo Disers for tips. Everyone seems to agree that it is both wonderful and weird. Hope it is mostly wonderful
I am enjoying your trip report and can't wait to hear the rest.
I live in Fla. about 1 hour away from DW I am going to the F&WF for the first time this weekend.
I too decided that I may as well make it an annual pass (especially since I can go any time I want) but will probably have to go solo more often than not so I have been reading up on solo Disers for tips. Everyone seems to agree that it is both wonderful and weird. Hope it is mostly wonderful-
New Loungefly Styles to Complete Your Disney Character Look
-
New Imagineer Experience at Walt Disney Family Museum
-
Amazon Joins Disney for NEW Pumpkin Spice Merch on Demand
-
Rides Disney Guests Pretend To Love but Always Seem To Skip
-
Check Out These NEW Disney Princess Mystery Mini Backpack Keychain Charms
-
New Walt Disney Studios Merch Hits the Disney Store
-
Which Dining Rooms are on Each Disney Cruise Ship?
Receive up to $1,000 in Onboard Credit and a Gift Basket!
That’s right — when you book your Disney Cruise with Dreams Unlimited Travel, you’ll receive incredible shipboard credits to spend during your vacation!
CLICK HERE
That’s right — when you book your Disney Cruise with Dreams Unlimited Travel, you’ll receive incredible shipboard credits to spend during your vacation!
CLICK HERE
