Christmas Solo Adventure - Day Seven! (Now it's time to say goodbye...)

[crcormier]

The dreaded morning has arrived. Woken by Mickey one last time, (at least it's a good way to wake up,) I pulled myself out of bed with sadness in my heart and a heaviness to my soul. Seven days and six nights and now I must return home.

After slogging through packing, with even Krissa's bubbly banter unable to lift me from the sadness of going home, I was packed. The walk to the gallows surrounding me the luggage was delivered to the car. Checked out, though I had no charges so I didn't really have to. I just prefer to do it so they know they can start on the room and maybe someone else can get home sooner.

I stopped in the gift shop for one last temptation to add to my credit card bill. This consisted of a Cinderella's Castle antenna topper and a postcard for my niece. Back in the car, I filled the postcard out from Mickey and pals and signed it Mickey Mouse. My last stop would be at the Animal Kingdom to try and pick up a copy of one of the photos for my grandmother that my sister liked. (After review I agreed.) In the parking lot, I walked over to the entrance and my spirits were starting to rise. I dropped off the postcard at Guest Relations, so it would have a Mickey Mouse postmark, and went into the camera center. It turns out that the PhotoPass photos are only available in the park for three days, but online for thirty, so it will have to wait until I get home. Since it was only ten past nine, and my flight wasn't until 1PM, I had a few minutes to get in the park.

I decided to take another trip through Dinosaur, and yes, I was jumping and ducking and on the edge of my seat once again. That Darn Carnotaurus! (Wasn't Haley Mills in that? And Christina Ricci? Oh wait, she was in the remake.) My hapiness was back in full swing now, and I ran over to Camp Minnie Mickey, since I had never seen it. The characters weren't out yet, but I did get my picture taken with Stitch, that little bugger.

Now I was ready to head to the airport with a smile on my face. A stop at the Waffle House (or the Awful House, as cast members call it,) some fresh cholesterol in my arteries, and I got back to EZ-Rental. This was a bit chaotic, they're a small place, so if you use them, be prepared to wait longer than you might at a bigger chain. If you can afford the patience and time to wait an extra half hour to an hour, then you can save $30 or more with them, otherwise, pay for the peace of mind.

Back at the airport, and checked in. Flight home was quick (half an hour faster than scheduled) and back in cold Massachusetts and to my other home. I'm glad to be back with the holidays next weekend, and my wallet is thankful as well, but I'm sure I'll return soon.

So reader, thanks for coming with me on my first solo adventure. I hope you've enjoyed my tales. I will leave you with the top ten things we can take away from my trip:

10. Annual Passes offer great freedom.
9. Florida can get very cold in the winter, so always pack for all contingencies.
8. Jellyrolls is not just a piano bar, it is what the theme to Cheers is all about. (Sorry if that’s stuck in your head for the rest of the day.)
7. I have no idea how to spell Krissa’s name.
6. When confronted with the darkness, always bring a cup that glows in the dark.
5. Home can be in more than one place.
4. Getting into the hotseat can be easy if you know how; winning the cruise, not so much.
3. Splash Mountain is best served at room temperature.
2. Being solo is not something to fear, it is something to make you fearless.

And of course…

1. It was all started by a mouse.

Thanks everyone!

 

[Valentine]

Thanks for all of your reports!! It's nice to read about another solo loving disney addict! Sounds like you had a great time.. It's inspiring me to go check out Jet Blue's prices for after the new year!! hmmmm???

Happy Holidays!

Kathy

 

[TLinden16]

Great report, Craig! You keep as busy down there as I do. I reallly need to get my trip report posted soon (I have about five of my eight days done already).

Karen

 

[rasnlms]

Great Report ! Thanks for sharing!!

 

[Annie&Hallie'sMom]

Well I stayed for the whole "ride" (losers quit trip reports in the middle -- fools don't know what they are missing) and enjoyed it all (even though I was jealous!). Loved your top ten countdown ending...

 

[lucky978]

I, too, stayed with you throughout all your trip reports. Can I get a "what what"!!!

BTW- your last link (photo's) isn't working.

Thanks for writing!

 

[crcormier]

What, what! Glad y'all enjoyed, I enjoyed writing them.

I know the photo link isn't working, though it's written correctly, I may just have to take it off, I can't figure out why it doesn't work.

 

[shatzjsl]

Thanks for the reports! I enjoyed reading them. I hope to take a solo trip some day when the kid is grown.

 

[PrincessCandaceMarie]

You totally rock! Thanks for sharing your trip, I especially enjoyed today and I agree with you....home is more than one place and how cool is it to be called by name? And the hot seat, heck, I'm with you 100% on that, and that rocks! Thanks for making me smile this morning......

 

[Blueeyes101817]

awesome report! i read the whole thing too i may be going to disney myself next december and wasnt sure,,but you seemed to have fun!!
did ya like POR by the way? im staying there in january

 

[crcormier]

I loved POR, it was a beautiful room and resort area, though with the trip to St. Pete's I didn't really have a long enough time there to do much other than sleep. No meals or trips on the river or pools. Would definitely be willing to stay there again though.

 

[Bibbidy Bobbidy Boo]

Loved your report- I'd love to try Disney solo myself sometime! There's still so many things I haven't seen/done since the rest of the family members aren't interested. Glad you had a wonderful time.

 

[pam66]

I loved reading all your reports to the end and I am your sister no less!
I love your new picture with Donald Duck! I'll keep an eye out for the postcard from Mickey!

 

[stink]

Loved your trip report ! Great to see someone solo and having a great time !!

 

[WDW Poly Princess]

Thanks for the great report!

 

[hockey mom]

Great trip reports. Really liked the blue Disney Christmas sweater is some of your pictures. Has Jelly rolls sent out a missing persons report yet?

BTW I do have 2 Canadian, Disney loving, single daughters. Just have to wait a few years though or else it will involve the police.

 

[Princess Michelle]

Thanks for the very entertaining trip report! It's nice to see another Donald lover!

 

[crcormier]

BTW I do have 2 Canadian, Disney loving, single daughters. Just have to wait a few years though or else it will involve the police.

Thanks for making me laugh on my first day back to work!

 

[bride03]

I was seeing if you were on AIM, but you weren't. I was going to chat with you about the weather because I will be there in a couple of weeks and wanted to know how the weather was. I see you said that you could see your breath???? WOW

 

[4DisneyfansinNC]

Great trip reports! I enjoyed reading them. Sounds like you had a great time! Next trip, I'm definately checking out jellyrolls!