Adventure Is Out There! 1st time Solo PTR! ~ Dusting off these PTR cobwebs 8/8!

[disney-inspired]

I'm very happy to welcome you to this very special pre-trip report. I'm taking my own 'Spirit of Adventure' and heading to sunny Florida for my first solo trip to Walt Disney World!

So, pack your bags and get ready!


ADVENTURERS:

Cristabel, 23, just graduated from college (insert angels singing here) and this is my first time flying transcontinental by myself. I love Disney. Plain and simple. I love everything about it and it's one of the few things on this physical world that I'm passionate about, aside from family.

DESTINATION:

My first solo trip to Walt Disney World.
FREE DINING! I sprung for upgrading to the regular DDP because well, I like food. But then again, who doesn't?

WHEN:
September 6th - 11th

SETTING UP CAMP:
Pop Century

WHY:
I had wanted to go to Walt Disney World my entire life. Finally my wish came true when my dad took our family in 2006 for my high school graduation. I've been dying to get back ever since and now that I graduated college, I have the time and money! (okay, maybe not money but I managed somehow

 

[KuyaJeff]

Wow, this sounds exciting! I took a trip solo to Disney World and had an almost identical experience to yours(a stay at Pop Century with Free Dining...and upgrading to the regular dining plan). I thought as a first trip ever to WDW that it would be overwhelming, but being in such a friendly place...it seems like everyone is there to help it seem not as awkward as possible. I look forward to seeing what you have planned and if I can help in any way, don't hesitate to ask! I know you'll definitely have a blast!

 

[disney-inspired]

I'm going to keep this as a place to update my plans whenever I make changes, so this will probably change A LOT
​

Key:
Green - Iffy, not sure if I'll keep it in the plan
Pink - DEFINITELY going to happen

I've made some changes to my touring plans because of that still, small voice that says to me, "it's just a little more money..."

I'm upgrading my MYW tickets to 6 day, parkhoppers! Ultimate freedom for touring, still taking advantage of evening EMH since I'm a night owl.

I also have more TS meals than credits but I don't mind paying OOP for a few.

New and improved weekly touring plan:

9/6, Thursday ~ Arrival (MK EMH 7am - 8am)
7:30AM - Arrive at MCO
8:30AM - Check-in at Pop Century
Grab the first bus to the Magic Kingdom!

6:25PM - 'Ohana
Wishes!

9/7, Friday ~ Epcot (EMH 9pm - 12pm)
7:3oAM be at the bus stop
1:30PM - Le Cellier
Midday nap or swim?
9PM - Illuminations

9/8, Saturday ~ Animal Kingdom
7AMish - Be at the bus stop

8:05AM - Donald's Safari Breakfast (OOP)
​

Bus to Epcot
6:10PM - Le Chefs De France
Boat to BWI, transfer boat to DHS
8:30PM - Fantasmic!

9/9, Sunday ~ ? (MK EMH 9pm - 12am)
6:50pm - Teppan Edo

9/10, Monday ~ DHS / AK (maybe) (DHS EMH 9pm - 12am)
7:30AMish Be at the bus stop
1:15PM - Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater (OOP)
Hop over to AK?
Come back for EMH
Fantasmic?

9/11, Tuesday ~ Departure Day
EP/MK
DTD
4pm - Magical Express pick-up​

 

[disney-inspired]

How this adventure came to be:

Let's travel back to March 2012. I was at my apartment, surfing the web as usual. I had been to NYC in January and I was reminiscing about what a great trip it had been and how I really need to book more vacations.

Have you seen the Bing commercial about search overload and how how people associated what seemed like random works together?

Well when I think of vacation, I think fun. Disney. Disneyland. Disney World.
BINGO.

At this time I had a steady job with at least 30 hours a week. There would be no problem saving for the trip. So that puts the whole "you don't have money" issue to bed with my parents.

I had saved a paycheck in my purse that week and after the idea of taking a vacation popped into my head for the 4749083 time, I knew I had to price out a trip and see if I could afford it. I opened up the WDW section and lo and behold I see it.

"FREE DINING WATCH"

Hmm, that looks enticing. I opened the thread and read a post that the free dining had been announced for Disney Visa cardholders the week before and that they were expecting it to be open to the general public soon.

I zoomed over to the Disney World website and BEHOLD there it was under special offers.

They opened it to the general public THAT DAY!
I booked it faster than you could say Zip-a-dee-doo-dah

And then I kinda freaked out.

I mean, WHAT DID I JUST DO?!
I just made a grown up decision. So I was a little scared but mostly excited. This would be a great adventure and I wasn't going to let a little fear make me back out.

 

[disney-inspired]

So where was I?
Oh yes, I was freaking out.
I mean wouldn't you freak out just a little bit if you just committed to your first week long SOLO vacation that's ACROSS THE COUNTRY?
I was pulling a Rapunzel for sure. (Remember when she gets out of the tower for the first time? )

Now, to share the news with my family

I expected a bigger reaction from my parents but they were supportive and happy for me. I think they were more "yeah, sure. right, mhmm." then anything. Oh well, if they don't believe me that's not my problem. It was going to happen!

Now, when my non-immediate family (don't like the word extended, it's my aunts, uncles and grandparents and we are all really close) found out, well that's a different story.
EVERYONE AND THEIR MOTHER kept asking, "You're going alone?!" "Ay, mija noooo." "But that's so sad!" (mija is Spanish slang for 'mi hija' or 'my daughter' but it's also used as a term of endearment for nieces and granddaughters)




I was to say the least. It didn't phase me, slightly annoyed me? Yes. But these people weren't "my people". Disney people.

I'm a very independent person. That doesn't mean I'm anti-social, I've just learned to be confident on my own.

It seems only DISers can grasp that a solo trip to the World can and will be an amazing experience.

Sure, sometimes I freak out when I let it really sink in but I shake myself out of it because it's going to be awweeesoooooome.

that's all for this post.

UP NEXT:
You want HOW MUCH for an airplane ticket?!
aka Cristabel searches for a good deal

 

[disney-inspired]

I knew airfare would be a pain the butt.
I was getting a stellar deal for a 5 night, 6 day stay at a value resort with 5 day MYW ticket and FREE dining. This is why I always explain to people who have expressed interest in going to WDW but don't because of the cost. The hotel, tickets and food can be pretty reasonable if you do your research and plan ahead. But now I'm preaching to choir, right guys?
Anyway, airfare from CA to FL is not cheap. The first quotes I received were WAY to expensive.

Quick shout out to Kayak.com, seriously one of the best places to find the best priced airfare.

I set up an alert that would send me a weekly e-mail notice to let me know whether my desired flight dates & times went down, stayed the same, or went up in price. Now I know many people use travel agencies but that's just not for me. I'm not type A about anything but travel planning. I love it, I find it a lot of fun and get excited when I find great deals. It's one of the reason I majored in Communication with a focus in entertainment.

About two weeks after I booked my vacation package, I got an alert for a red-eye direct flight arriving in Orlando SUPER early on my check-in date.

I absolutely hate wasting a whole day flying. It just puts me in a very blah mood; kinda messes with my mojo. The first time I was able to take a red-eye was in January, when I went to NYC for a weekend with friends. It wasn't the best flying experience (couldn't catch one Z!) but it was great knowing I had a whole day in the city when I got off the plane.

The price was the lowest I'd seen and I'd be flying with Delta. I've flown with them before and it's better than Virgin Airlines, that's for sure. Aside from their pimp status interior purple lights, it is very lacking.


So I booked it and paid in cash. I was determined not to accrue any debt paying for this trip.

Lemme just tell you, SUCH A GOOD DECISION!
Now the same flight is now $500 BEFORE taxes
I even got to choose my seat, aisle seat all the way.

Apparently aisle seats are normally not a good choice because people want to get in and out but considering this is a red-eye, I don't anticipate too many issues. I need my space, and easy access to get up and use the restroom if need.

Oh and FYI: 76 DAYS LEFT!

UP NEXT: ADRs and the 180-Day Mark Lookout

 

[QueenDoOver]

Yeah Cristabel! How fun. Congratulations on your graduation. I think you will have a wonderful time. I took myself on a vaction after I graduated too. A month backpacking in Europe. I seriously got some flack on that one too! You will indeed have a wonderful time. Can't wait to read all about it.

 

[ShhhQ]

YEAH!!!! This is getting good!

I thought about going solo, the time at Disney wouldn't bug me at all... but really did want someone to travel there with.... (specially since I am driving).. However, the times that I took off by myself at Disney have truly been the best times I had... no waiting on another person... can ride whatever ya want, when ya want... tons of freedom!!

 

[monkey30]

Following along!!

 

[carrie6466]

I'm in!

 

[KeroKero]

Your writing style is fantastic - very interesting read thus far. Anticipating the rest!

 

[Natalie's Mommy]

very exciting! i should start a pre-trip report....but i STILL have not figured out how to post pics on the DIS and that would be a problem

 

[princess_ariel_85]

Wonderful read so far! So exciting to be going solo. I wouldn't even dare lol. x

 

[LisaCat]

Now, when my other family found out, well that's a different story.
EVERYONE AND THEIR MOTHER kept asking, "You're going alone?!"
"But that's so sad!"

to say the least

I'm a very independent person. That doesn't mean I don't like to hang out with people because I certainly do but I have no problems doing my own thing either.

It seems only DISers can grasp that a solo trip to the World can and will be an amazing experience.

Sure, sometimes I freak out when I let it really sink in but I shake myself out of it because it's going to be awweeesoooooome.

that's all for this post.

UP NEXT:
You want HOW MUCH for an airplane ticket?!
aka Cristabel searches for a good deal

Woo hoo! Congrats on your trip from one solo WDW tripper to another! I'm just following you by almost 3 months LOL!

 

[disney-inspired]

Yeah Cristabel! How fun. Congratulations on your graduation. I think you will have a wonderful time. I took myself on a vaction after I graduated too. A month backpacking in Europe. I seriously got some flack on that one too! You will indeed have a wonderful time. Can't wait to read all about it.

Hi Tracey!
Wow, I don't know if I could do out of the country as a first solo trip but what an amazing vacation!

YEAH!!!! This is getting good!

I thought about going solo, the time at Disney wouldn't bug me at all... but really did want someone to travel there with.... (specially since I am driving).. However, the times that I took off by myself at Disney have truly been the best times I had... no waiting on another person... can ride whatever ya want, when ya want... tons of freedom!!

Ooo, driving would be kind of hard because you'd like someone to talk to you keep you awake or possibly switch off the driving, right? I

Following along!!

Yay!

I'm in!

Hooray!

Your writing style is fantastic - very interesting read thus far. Anticipating the rest!

Aw, thanks

very exciting! i should start a pre-trip report....but i STILL have not figured out how to post pics on the DIS and that would be a problem

It really is SUPER easy. If you create an account with tinypic.com (free!) you upload your photos and afterward they generate a few different types of codes to post it online.
You just copy the "img code for forums and message boards" and paste it into your post

Wonderful read so far! So exciting to be going solo. I wouldn't even dare lol. x

Originally, I didn't think I could even do Disneyland solo but once I moved down to Orange County and got my pass, it was such a thrilling experience and it is so nice to go after work and just chill. I get to decide where to eat, what rides I want to do (if any) and when I want to leave. Also it's WAY easier getting that last spot on the tram before it pulls out.

Woo hoo! Congrats on your trip from one solo WDW tripper to another! I'm just following you by almost 3 months LOL!

Hi Lisa!

Glad to see you here. Woo hoo for another solo traveler

 

[disney-inspired]

Alrighty, so I booked my trip on March 5th. As soon as I did, I knew I had to find out when my 180 day mark was because I knew that ADRs were very important if I wanted to eat anywhere fancy schmancy or very good.

[A little back story: I booked our first trip in 2006 down to a T. I did all the research, I picked which moderate we stayed at (with family's input of course!), and booked all the ADRs (thanks to the DIS!). Lemme tell ya, my family was SO thankful that I planned at least one sit down meal each each day and they didn't have to even think about it. We were happy with all of our TS meals and were so full. That's when they included the appetizer in the meals.]

Now, back to the future!: My ADR 180 day mark was MARCH 10TH!

I had to plan my ADRs within 4 days!

The next day I spent a long time searching allearsnet.com, checking all the menus. I did enjoy the Coral Reef restaurant but I wanted to try all new things this time around. Especially since there are a lot of options for good food.

So I woke up at 4am on March 10th because I was told that you could book your ADRs online at 7am EST. I tried and it didn't "find" my reservation.
I went back to sleep and woke up at 5am to call in my ADRs. I got all of them except 'Ohana. I was so bummed about that but I got everything else I wanted.

Two nights ago I went onto the WDW website just to see if maybe, by a slim chance, there was a cancellation for 'Ohana. First sprinkle of pixie dust and I'm not even at WDW, there was an opening for a party of 2 at 9:30pm and no opening for a party of 1. Oh well, I'm booking! So I got 'Ohana and I'm just going to call in and change it to a party of one.

Haha, take that dining reservation system!

So my ADRS are:
Le Cellier
Yak & Yeti
'Ohana
Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater (a repeat but it's so good!)
Cape May Cafe

I also have the Plaza Restaurant but I'm wondering if I really want to do two days at MK. I might consider changing it if I decide not to go to MK on my first night. I have a perfect time slot though, right before fireworks and I heard you can see them from there.

If you have any ideas on what to do on my extra day, please share! I already have one day at each park scheduled. I don't have plans for any water parks because if you've been to one water park, you've been to them all. I'm okay with just using the hippy dippy pool.

UP NEXT: When and Where?! AKA Creating an Itinerary

 

[disney-inspired]

My trip is pretty much all booked but now I have to figure which attractions I definitely want to see on this trip. That's gonna be a tough one!

I'm so close to paying off my balance, only $275 left!

After I pay that off, I'll be saving for new clothes, spending money, and travel stuff. I might even be a big girl and buy my own luggage for the trip. I found a 28' spinner for $70 at TJ Maxx and it's REAL pretty and SO easy to move. I used my parents standard two wheel luggage for my trip to NYC and while going down the subway stairs, it got caught which caused me to trip and sprain my ankle. It was horrible; NOT the souvenir you want to bring home

I'm also seriously researching what type of footwear to bring with me.

So far, I'm sold on tevas mush sandals to switch off throughout the day.

I have heard they are the most squishiest, comfortable sandals to wear around the parks. My friend swears by them for hiking (maybe not the flip flop style though) so why not WDW?

I would love some Nike Frees but they are out of my poor college kid price range. Bummer!

To help me plan my touring, I requested the 2012 Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World from my library. It arrived on Saturday so I'm picking it up tomorrow. I've checked it out before but now I know what I'm looking for

74 DAYS LEFT

​

 

[Leasha_Loves_Disney]

Hey there, just wanted to let you know I am reading along with you!!! I love that you spur of the moment just booked it, I did that with my past two trips and it just makes them SO MUCH MORE EXCITING!!! I can't wait to read more about your plans as the progress. ​

 

[disney-inspired]

Hey there, just wanted to let you know I am reading along with you!!! I love that you spur of the moment just booked it, I did that with my past two trips and it just makes them SO MUCH MORE EXCITING!!! I can't wait to read more about your plans as the progress. ​

Yay you made it over!

I just read your ticker, YOU ARE STAYING AT THE POLY IN 3 MONTHS?

Super excited!

 

[disney-inspired]

Thanks to my new friend Alicia (Leasha Loves Disney), who doesn't know we're friends because we haven't met yet but I am reading her trip reports (click the link to find her latest TR, it's great!) which sorta makes us friends...somehow , I found out you can trade Vinylmation in the parks!

I bought a few vinylmation a loooong time ago and I don't care for some of them. I am giving one or two to a friend's daughter, I just have to decide which ones a) I'm giving away b) trading c) keeping

Oh and don't mind my totally awesome Chip coin bank in the back that I found at a Goodwill store last year. I was so psyched because I LOVE Chip and finding any characters besides Belle is pretty hard. Even the beast is hard to find and he's a main character! I'd be so happy if I found a Lumiere or Cogsworth. For some reason I usually love "supporting" characters. For example, my favorite Disney character of all time is probably Gus Gus. He is just so me!

Up Next: Itineraries were made to be changed! AKA I'm pretty indecisive at times...