Celebrating the BIG 50 at WDW!!

[DixieDisneyLvr]

Hello Everyone! Well I have been lurking around these boards for about three years now, but this is my first post! Wanna say thanks to ALL for the great information available here. This will be our fourth trip in three years, my DH and I will be in WDW for a week, arriving on Sept. 13. My DH has a conference at Coronado Springs the 17-19 but we are coming down early to have a few days before his meetings start. We will start off the trip at the Hilton in Downtown Disney and then move over to CSR on the 16th. It was just by pure luck that my birthday happened to coincide with our trip, YAY! We are thinking of going to Universal this trip, but haven't decided yet, is it worth it to use a Disney day at Universal?

We are from Opelika, Alabama, has anyone else even heard of it? Any suggestions on something really awesome to celebrate the BIG day at Disney?? Also any ideas for something fun to do while he's at the conference? We have purchased 7 day passes, but it seems like it would be weird to try and go to the parks alone. I've spent the last two trips while he was in the conference at Downtown Disney, which was great but ready to try something new. Guess I could just relax by the pool, huh? Any ideas or suggestions would be very much appreciated!!

Thanks!

 

[LaNina72]

Welcome to the Boards !

I celebrated the big 30 at WDW and we did a really nice dinner at Artist's Point. And it was very quiet and 'mantic.

Never did Disney solo... but I don't see why not. I've got a girlfriend who goes every year solo and she has a great time. Gets to do what she wants to do and when she wants to do it. And if you want to be "social" there are plenty of places to sit or even stand in line and strike up a conversation.

Gee... maybe I will have to try a trip solo someday...

Wishing you a very Happy Birthday and a wonderful trip!

 

[wilde_oscar]

for me, everyday in the parks is my birthday, if you want something special try Figaro Fries and a dole whip.

 

[orlandomom]

Happy almost Birthday
Just so happens I started my 50th birthday celebration this past Saturday at MK
My family surprised me with KTTK tour at rope drop! After lunch with the tour and a little shopping on Main Street, we proceeded on the boat to Poly for cocktails and sushi then off to clean up and over to CR for dinner and fireworks at Calif Grill complete with a Mickey b-day cake
We all had a fantastic, yet long day
I have also done WDW sorta solo when I tagged along with a friend who also had a conference. I so enjoyed going and doing what ever I wanted when I wanted, and lounging by the pool is amazing when you don 't have to worry about young'ns

So enjoy yourself!!

just me

 

[onehotdisneymama]

Happy Almost Birthday to You... Doing Disney solo is not weird and it is doable. Try going to Epcot and explore the shops in the World Showcase. Check into doing some of the backstage tours offered. These are fun Make sure to get your birthday button at Guest Services. I just loved having people wish me a happy birthday throughout the day. What ever you decide to do, best wishes and enjoy. (By the way I do know where Opelika is. We lived in Dothan for awhile years ago.) Coronado Springs is a great resort to stay, been there quite a bit.

 

[DixieDisneyLvr]

Thanks to all of you for the early birthday wishes and encouragement!! Maybe I will be brave and venture out on my own and see how it goes, I can always go back to CSR if I don't like it. Don't most of the rides have a single rider line? I could do the water rides and coasters as my DH won't go on those.

LaNina72, have never heard of Artist's Point, where is that located? Happy Birthday orlandomom ! And the dole whip, been wanting to try that cause I've read so much about it, but I haven't been able to find a stand that was open in October when we've gone that last two years. I will keep looking, it's it only available at MK? Figaro Fries, not sure what those are but will look for them too.

Thanks again for the warm welcome!!

 

[LaNina72]

Artist's Point is a great restaurant located in the Wilderness Lodge. Has very earthy food with deep, rich flavors, which my hubby and I love. Cedar plank salmon, Buffalo Steaks, and creative desserts.
(Check the menu here: http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?Restaurant.ID=15)

We find it to be much quieter then the Whispering Canyon Cafe (also located in WL) plus I find it to be one of the easier hotels to get to that is not on the monorail.

Granted I haven't been there in a while, I hear they now have a great cheese platter for appetizer.

I also like the idea of taking a tour... Keys to the Kingdom is one we will be doing on our next trip.

And please, please, please don't forget to get your "Happy Birthday" button. It is nice to have people wish you "Happy Birthday" all day... or all vacation depending on how long you decide to wear it.

Enjoy!!!

 

[DixieDisneyLvr]

Thank you LaNina 72! I just checked the link for Artist's Point, it looks lovely and the food sounds wonderful! Will have to check out the pics of food over on the food porn thread! We have eaten at the Whispering Canyon Cafe, which was fun and the food was great, but I want something a little quieter for this occasion. I was even toying with the idea of trying to get into the California Grill to watch the Wishes fireworks, I haven't been able to talk my DH into staying to watch that yet, and I really wanna see it. I just don't know if at this late date we could get reservations or not. Will probably call tomorrow and see if anything is available. We also toyed with going to the Hoop Dee Doo, sounds really fun. Since my DH didn't know for sure he was going to the conference until about a month ago, we haven't had a lot of time to think about it and plan.

Haven't heard about Keys to the Kingdom either, will have to look that one up. So much to learn! Oh and I don't know about the birthday button! I'm on the shy side and don't know if I like the idea of getting a lot of attention ....hmmm, we'll see.

If we go to the Point, I'll be sure to post a report!

Thanks again for your help and kind wishes!

 

[LaNina72]

Oh-h-hhh being at the Cali Grill for the Fireworks would be a good thing too!! Whatever you decide I'm sure you will have a magical trip. And an even more magical birthday! And please get the button... I'm on the shy side.. but it was great watching the parade and having the characters wish me a "Happy Birthday". Just made me smile. And if you find it too much, take it off and you will have a beautiful keepsake.

As for dinner because you would be eating at a much later time (to be able to see the fireworks) you might have a chance. I would suggest keep calling as people are firming up their ADR's the closer to their travel date. I keep calling to try and get an earlier ADR for Le Cellier, currently it is at 8:00... but I'll keep trying even that day.

And please post a report on your dining experience... I'm hooked on food porn. Heading over there shortly.