A Solo Flower and Garden Trip: 5/2 to 5/7 @ POFQ - Updated 7/5

[Quacktatty]

I skimmed through the first part of your TR. I am too tired to read in detail tonight, but I have to tell you that I love solo TRs. Solo trips are so great because the freedom is almost overwhelming.

I love all the pictures you got in Buzz Lightyear and you score was amazing. Great job!

OK - back to read!

Welcome! Solo trips certainly are the best! People think I'm nuts, but I love it.

If you like that Buzz score, just wait - it gets better!

Sleeper cell of solos - that's us!
Um, I am obviously out of the loop, or just really bad, about the Toy Story eggs???

Each scene has some extras that you can unlock - some can be accomplished alone, but most need two people to do it right/easily.

The first scene I've never figured out.
In the Alien scene if you get all of the aliens on the rocket, a space monster thing will pop up with bonus targets in it's mouth.
In the Bo-Peep scene, there are two clouds on either side of the screen with 5 balloons. If you pop the last balloon on both sides within a certain amount of time of each other, a bunch of bonus balloons will rain down. I've been able to get this one by myself.

There's a secret in the army men scene too, but I don't know what makes it pop up.

Google "Toy Story Mania" Easter Eggs or Secrets and I'm sure there is a sight out there with all the details explained much better than I was able to do.

 

[Quacktatty]

Sunset Boulevard was calling my name - I hadn't yet made my way over to Tower of Terror or Rock 'n' Roller Coaster That needed to be resolved immediately!

Thanks to the single rider line I usually approach TOT and RNRC by getting a FP for TOT and then using the single rider line for RNRC. This works especially well in quiet times because I can get multiple fastpasses for TOT in a relatively short amount of time.

I got my FP for TOT, then went over to RNRC where I walked into an empty Single Rider Line queue. Okay, so there were maybe 2 or 3 people ahead of me, but it's awesome! The one downside is that unlike Test Track, you have to watch the Preshow. This was not always the case, but after the latest major refurb, this is the new procedure. I always stand right next to the door and know exactly when it's going to open which gives me about a 10 second lead on everybody else. Not much of a difference I guess, but what can I say, I like to be first!

My first ride was with a family of three, dad, older teen son and younger daughter. The little girl seemed to be doing well, looking forward to the ride, etc. But take a look at her face in the ride photo

Needless to say after looking at that picture, she came off the ride crying her eyes out. Her dad got a big kick out of the photo though. I don't think she'll be riding again anytime soon

I got right back in line and was on again quickly.

I still had a little time to kill before my TOT fastpass was mature, so I decided to see Beauty and the Beast. I made it into the theater just as the show was starting - yay for no waiting. This is only my second time seeing it. I usually don't take the time for shows, I should do it more often.

After Beauty and the Beast, it was over to TOT to get another Fastto use my fastpass. The drops were so awesome! The guy next to me even made a comment about it because it really was just so much fun. Unexpected and seemed longer than usual.

I had to wait just a little bit longer to use my TOT fastpass so it was back to RNRC for a couple more rides. Then back to TOT.

The girl sitting next to me for this ride didn't speak English very well and was VERY nervous about riding. She asked if I had ridden before and if it was scary. I did my good deed for the day and talked her through each part of the ride. She did well, but I don't know if she'll be jumping at the chance to ride again anytime soon!

I decided to go see the 4:00 showing of American Idol. I don't know why, but I really like this attraction. I honestly never watch American Idol and am not all that into music, but I think this is fun.

The warm up host, Mark, is a pretty funny guy and has a great job. I think they should let him host the whole show though.

Words from Ryan Seacrest

The show host - good at his job, but I still like Mark better

The contestants - I liked the guy on the left the best, but the girl in the middle ended up winning. I didn't think she was very good, but everybody else seemed to quite a bit...oh well.

After the show, I had a Toy Story Mania fastpass to use! I think this is the first time I have ridden 4 times in a day without really waiting in much of a line.

I was pretty satisfied with my score and even took some time near the end for a photo shoot.

I had a 5ish ADR for Brown Derby where I had a pretty good dinner. I don't think I'll go back to this restaurant as it's pretty expensive for not beyond impressive food, but I was glad that I took the time.

I liked the caricatures that covered the walls...fun to look at all the pictures even if I didn't recognize a lot of the names!

 

[KatMark]

I found your trip report while reading MEK's (Mary Ellen's) and I'm subscribing. Now to go back and read.

 

[Quacktatty]

I found your trip report while reading MEK's (Mary Ellen's) and I'm subscribing. Now to go back and read.

Thanks for joining me!!

 

[Quacktatty]

My dinner was over and I wanted to see the AIE finale, but I had some time to kill so I made my way over to the Backlot Tour. I give the Backlot Tour a lot of grief, but it is a relaxing ride ultimately. I think the first part could be eliminated and they could just have the queue be that walkthrough part that leads to the trams, but I guess they do it they way it's done because they like to stagger the groups.

There were maybe 20 people who watched the first section and maybe 30 or so total on the trams. I took the opportunity to take lots of pictures without any people in them!

My cat sleeps like this sometimes

No dancing on the Backlot Tour (don't worry, I don't think anybody likes it THAT much)

Naked topiaries...you can see the dressed up ones in my Epcot photos

My favorite part

The backside of water...oh wait, wrong attraction

The Streets of America...I NEVER go down these unless I'm lost

After that, it was time to head over to the American Idol Finale. There wasn't a big crowd so I grabbed a seat over to the side of the waiting area and waited for the doors to open. The warm up guy, Mark, was out there keeping people entertained.

The doors opened and I was able to grab and mostly empty row for myself. A few came later, but it was a pretty empty show.

There were 6 contestants preforming and 3 out of the 6 were pretty terrible. I'm really not sure how they made it to the finale. The other 3 were decent, but 2 were the obvious finalists. One was the girl from the show that I saw earlier in the day, her finale song choice was MUCH better than her previous one. The other was a 17 year old kid who was at DHS that day with his band and choir. He got a HUGE crowd following and I thought he was a shoe in for sure.

Big bad "Simon" judge - I think his name was Greg

When all was said and done, the girl won, she probably was the better singer, but I liked the kid...he had a good personality.

After the show it was back to the resort where I went to the food court to get some beignets and then did a little packing. The next day was my last day.

 

[ClareH37]

Loving your report - I went on my first solo trip in May too and loved it, I now know the attraction of going solo, and have booked my second solo for next year

 

[__disneygirl]

Hey! I love reading solo reports! Solo TRs are what inspired me to go on my solo trip in 2008, which I now affectionately refer to as "The Solo Mess" LOL! Usually on our WDW trips, you have to drag me kicking and screaming out of there so much so that there are claw marks down Main Street... but on my Solo trip I was more like thankful that I gotten to go, but thankful to be returning home. EVERYTHING reminded me of my family and I just got SO lonely! It was so conflicting cause I was so HAPPY to be at WDW but missing everyone SO much! Do you find that happens to you or do you have just as much fun alone? Just wondering!

 

[MEK]

Hey - I just caught up and I love this TR. It's great! You just whirled through your HS day. You got so much down. That's what happens when you are a sleeper solo traveler! I remember when I went solo and even a cast member was like - "what, you are here by yourself. that's pretty brave!"

 

[Quacktatty]

Loving your report - I went on my first solo trip in May too and loved it, I now know the attraction of going solo, and have booked my second solo for next year

It's the best, right? I'd have a hard time traveling to WDW any other way! I'm also thinking about branching out to do some other solo traveling next year.

Hey! I love reading solo reports! Solo TRs are what inspired me to go on my solo trip in 2008, which I now affectionately refer to as "The Solo Mess" LOL! Usually on our WDW trips, you have to drag me kicking and screaming out of there so much so that there are claw marks down Main Street... but on my Solo trip I was more like thankful that I gotten to go, but thankful to be returning home. EVERYTHING reminded me of my family and I just got SO lonely! It was so conflicting cause I was so HAPPY to be at WDW but missing everyone SO much! Do you find that happens to you or do you have just as much fun alone? Just wondering!

Aww...too bad you didn't have a good trip. I'm alone all the time, except for my cats, so it doesn't phase me. I have bad days, everybody does, but I'm so used to being alone that I don't even think of it as unusual - although LOTS of people do.

Hey - I just caught up and I love this TR. It's great! You just whirled through your HS day. You got so much down. That's what happens when you are a sleeper solo traveler! I remember when I went solo and even a cast member was like - "what, you are here by yourself. that's pretty brave!"

DHS seems to be the easiest solo park - lots of shows, the RNRC single rider line, it seems to make for easy touring. I've had comments from CMs in the past, but this trip wasn't bad for that. I did get a lot of "Just 1?" but to be honest, when I get to the loading section of a ride I often say, "just 1". Mostly what happens is that I get automatically grouped with the people ahead of me in the queue, and sometimes I don't fight that misconception haha.

 

[Quacktatty]

I've been locked down in the basement all day working and came upstairs to a wonderful smell outside. It took me right back to the lobby or Animal Kingdom Lodge so I thought I'd write a little bit about my upcoming October trip.

I am coming down to the last few months of my Annual Pass (it expires 4 months from tomorrow actually ) so I wanted to get in one more trip. This trip was booked with the Bounceback code I received in my room during this trip. It was good for 40% off at Deluxe Resorts and I think at the others as well, I don't remember. I booked 7 nights at AKL - Savanna view (OF COURSE!) for October 11-18.

I had already made dining reservations before I booked my room and shortly after getting home I booked my flights on Southwest. I haven't flown Southwest in many years and I'm not particularly fond of not having an assigned seat, but I did the early bird check-in so hopefully it'll be okay.

I did call CRO a few weeks ago to see if I could upgrade to CL for my stay, the difference in price would be less than $200, but there was nothing available with the Bounceback code. I'll give it another try when the AP rates come out, probably at the end of July, and if all else fails I'll ask when I check-in. I won't be disappointed if I don't get it because I do already have a Savanna view room, but I thought it would just be fun to try once.

As for dining - here's what I have thus far. It hasn't changed in a while so unless the menus take a turn for the worse, I think it'll be what I stick with

'Ohana (dinner)
Tony's Town Square (Lunch)
Jiko
Teppan Edo (dinner)
Yak and Yeti (lunch)
Kona Cafe (breakfast)

Tony's, Yak and Yeti and Kona breakfast are all new to me. Kona is an old favorite, but I've only done lunch and dinner. 'Ohana is a restaurant I never thought I'd want to try, but I did and instantly fell in love. This will be my 3rd trip in a row eating there! Jiko is another favorite, I missed it last time, but on my October 2009 trip I ate there twice. Teppan Edo is another one that I love, I've skipped it the last couple trips, but I think it's time to go back again.

I don't have too much else to do at this point, just wait wait wait I guess. I'm already a little sad about the trip though because I know it'll most likely be my last trip until 2012. I plan to do a combined Adventures by Disney/Disneyland/Grandma's House/San Diego visit next year. I haven't been to Disneyland in nearly 20 years and my grandma is itching to have me visit - she lives about 45 minutes from DL.

Oohh...I almost forgot about Food and Wine. This is my real reason for going in October! I had an incredible time last year with the chef demos and can't wait to schedule more. I got to meet Robert Irvine and Andrew Zimmern and eat some pretty good food along the way. I have heard that the schedule for F&W will be released in July sometime with booking to open up on July 20th. I'll be ready!

 

[KatMark]

I'm all caught up. What a great trip report -- and what fun you had -- and so much accomplished.

You will love Yak & Yeti -- we did it two years ago and it was the second best meal of our trip (only after LeCellier). We are trying Kona for breakfast for the first time in September and can't wait (the Big Kahuna is calling my husband's name).

 

[NewCrew42]

I enjoyed reading your report. We are staying at POFQ for the first time in a couple weeks. At first I was disappointed that Pop was booked but after researching POFQ I think we will enjoy it.

I couldn't help but notice your Mensa reference. Both of my kids are "qualified" to be members of Mensa, I just have never pursued it. Are you a member? Do you enjoy it? Could you tell me a little more about it?

Any tips about POFQ would be greatly appreciated!

 

[MEK]

Great plans for October. congrats on the AK reservation! There will be tons of Disers there during that time frame so you should never run out of Dis meets. Lucky You!

 

[Quacktatty]

I'm all caught up. What a great trip report -- and what fun you had -- and so much accomplished.

You will love Yak & Yeti -- we did it two years ago and it was the second best meal of our trip (only after LeCellier). We are trying Kona for breakfast for the first time in September and can't wait (the Big Kahuna is calling my husband's name).

I'm really looking forward to both those ADRs. I want to try the Big Kahuna, but hoping I can substitute blueberry pancakes for french toast (I'm not a planner or anything ) Tonga toast looks intriguing, but in reality I don't like sourdough or cooked bananas...

I enjoyed reading your report. We are staying at POFQ for the first time in a couple weeks. At first I was disappointed that Pop was booked but after researching POFQ I think we will enjoy it.

I couldn't help but notice your Mensa reference. Both of my kids are "qualified" to be members of Mensa, I just have never pursued it. Are you a member? Do you enjoy it? Could you tell me a little more about it?

Any tips about POFQ would be greatly appreciated!

POFQ is so great - I like it MUCH more than Pop.

I am in Mensa. I qualified a few years ago. I took the test they offer, mostly because I am a geek and like taking standardized tests. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that they actually were going to let me in!

I don't do too much with the membership, I belong to a message board and that's about it. However, the dues aren't atrocious and if you really wanted to get into it there are local groups all over the place that tend to be pretty active. I always mean to become active, but am kind of shy, so I never go to any of the events. I will one day though. My chapter holds their annual Christmas party in my town, last year I could have walked to it, but I didn't go. It's really whatever you make it to be. Some people are very active and attend everything, others like me aren't too involved. I think that's one of the things I like about it, there isn't a pressure to do anything you don't want to.

Great plans for October. congrats on the AK reservation! There will be tons of Disers there during that time frame so you should never run out of Dis meets. Lucky You!

My one and only DIS meet wasn't the best experience, hopefully if I decide to do another one it'll work out better.

 

[Quacktatty]

Well here it is, the last day of my vacation I decided to end my trip with another visit to MK and then maybe some minigolf in the afternoon. My flight wasn't until 5:30 so I still had a lot of time to spend in the parks.

I missed rope drop by about 2 minutes, but that was okay since the park was not very crowded. In fact, before I even made my way to an attraction I stopped for a bathroom break at the Noodle Station. Clearly in no rush this morning.

The line was Space was still more or less non existent, but I grabbed a FP for later and then hopped in the standby line. It was another good ride and I can't wait to get back in October!

Buzz also had a non existent line too so that was my next stop. I had two things going in my favor for this first ride - the first was that the ride stopped, the second was that I found a new secret target! It's hard to get to when moving, but I had stopped in the PERFECT location and at 100,000 points per target I was able to get 999,999 in the FIRST room!!

Since I had my awesome score, there wasn't much left to do the rest of the ride except take photos. I am glad I got this opportunity as Buzz is one of my all time favorites and I never had taken interior shots until this trip.

The volcano is one of my favorite targets, I think it's worth 25,000

And here is my triumphant ride photo

I took two more rides and although I never repeated the 999,999 score, I held my own!

 

[MEK]

Wow.....Awesome scores! I have no idea what the secret is to getting scores like that. I think Zurg is one of them, but the rest are a mystery. Way to go!

Sorry your one and only Dis meet was not fun. I have enjoyed all mine. It's fun to meet people in person after chatting with them for months on the boards.

 

[Quacktatty]

Wow.....Awesome scores! I have no idea what the secret is to getting scores like that. I think Zurg is one of them, but the rest are a mystery. Way to go!

Sorry your one and only Dis meet was not fun. I have enjoyed all mine. It's fun to meet people in person after chatting with them for months on the boards.

I've been trying to find more and more secrets, it's not my strong point, but I'm always pleased when I find a new target!

 

[Quacktatty]

Following my 3 crazy good Buzz scores and some last day quality time in Tomorrowland I headed to Frontierland via Fantasyland and Liberty Square. It was sweltering on this day, so a ride on Splash Mountain was in order. The line was not long, so I grabbed a fastpass and then got in the standby queue. I had a great ride and didn't get too wet although the jets were on full force this day.

View just before the drop

My next stop was Pirates where I didn't even attempt to take pictures because they NEVER come out. Instead, I just sat back and enjoyed the ride. After POC, I grabbed a Dole Whip Float and walked through the Swiss Family Treehouse. I could tell that May is busier than September or October during this walk. How, you might ask? Well...in September and October it takes the same amount of time to eat a dole whip float as it does to walk through the SWT without rushing either one. On this day, I was done with the Dole Whip Float before I got to the exit - very scientific, huh?

Science experimenting over, it was time to use my Splash fastpass. Another good ride that cooled me down without getting me too soaked. It was about time for me to leave MK so I took the train to Main St.

Fantasyland Expansion - you really can't see much, but I imagine the train riders will get a nice preview in the coming months

A secret Tomorrowland path sign

Once at the Main St. station I grabbed a quick lunch at Casey's and then headed out to the monorail in search of my next destination.

 

[nmoore14]

Great trip report! I travel solo quite a bit, but have not tried a trip report yet. Can't wait for the next update.

 

[Quacktatty]

Great trip report! I travel solo quite a bit, but have not tried a trip report yet. Can't wait for the next update.

You should do it! Which ABD trip are you going on (I noticed your ticker). I'm planning to do Backstage Magic next year and would love to do the South African trip too, but that one will have to wait until I win the lottery