First Solo Trip Complete

[ExpatDisneyLover]

Another lovely day, shame about your migraine

Thanks! I had a great time anyway - hopefully won't be repeating that afternoon! The rest of the trip was very magical!

 

[ExpatDisneyLover]

Today I decided to sleep in if I wanted and forget about breakfast but of course since I had gone to bed very early I was up well before my 7:00am breakfast time! Happily I had a great night's sleep and felt like a new woman!

After the previous day, I decided to take things more slowly today. My main goal was to stroll leisurely and soak in the magic so that is what I did. And my body appreciated it! I spent a lot of time noticing the details and didn't focus too much on running from attraction to attraction. I really loved all the gorgeous detailing of Main Street USA and the Discovery and Liberty Arcades - truly lovely! I think DLRP is a perfect Disney Park for this activity - the size makes "commando" Park going unnecessary and I enjoyed all the attractions I wanted and more!

At 10:00am when the park opened to the general public I went by the Annual Passport Office in Discoveryland. I had done some research and had decided to go ahead and get an annual pass for future visits. So when I went into the office it was practically empty of customers - the CMs were very helpful and I purchased an annual pass in about 5 minutes!! So if you don't want to wait - and you are in the Park for EMH this is a great way to get an annual pass without it cutting too much into your day!

I also enjoyed my favorites once again!

I lived in Hawaii for 3 years so really loved seeing the hula dancers!

Peter Pan!!

Pirates of the Caribbean!!! I give this one AAAA+++++!! Plus there was hardly any wait!

Then over to Frontierland to take in Phantom Manor - I missed this the day before! Of course had to do Big Thunder Mountain RR again too - the ONLY roller coaster I did this day!And I just rode once!

Looking a little "post-migrainy" there!

I was really wanting some healthy food for lunch today after feeling so off the day before. Now I am from Texas and I really love a good taco salad and this is not what I would describe as a taco salad at all. However - it was wonderfully fresh, tasted great and I thoroughly enjoyed it! If you are expecting a taco salad though be for warned - it is a great salad though if you want some fresh veggies. I think the name of the counter service was El Fuento.

I even had time today to visit the Studios - take in Tower of Terror (oh yes I did this one too post migraine - only once), the Stars and Cars Parade and Lights, Motors, Action before coming back to DL to get a free hot chocolate and sit down in the Castle Theater to wait for the parade to start. Even though I was standing in front of the stage for the Stars and Cars Parade it was difficult to see so I don't have great photos. I loved being able to sit on an actual bench for the Once Upon a Dream Parade! I took a final ride on the train for the Grand Circle Tour before popping into the Disneyland Hotel for a peek and back home to the Santa Fe! A REALLY GREAT DAY!

 

[ExpatDisneyLover]

Some more photos - all the lovely Disney details!

Casey at bat??

A hot dog at Casey's

Little note - of course it was crowded at Casey's but there was extra seating for Casey's in the Liberty Arcade - this was a very restful, gorgeous location to sit an enjoy a bite to eat! Only one question - where is the mustard???

The train station -

Peter Pan -

Main Street USA -
Liberty Aracade -

A Castle Shot!

Day 4 - Departure Day -

After a great night's sleep and good breakfast at the Santa Fe I was left to decide whether or not I should go to EMH at DL Park. I was to catch the 10:55am VEA shuttle from my hotel to the airport. Well, I decided to go ahead and go for it and I am glad I did! I had plenty of time to try to improve my score on Buzz, hit Peter Pan and stroll through Main Street USA once more before heading back to the hotel. My shuttle was on time and just an hour later at the airport. I thought it very fitting that it started to rain as I was leaving DL Park! We had had really gorgeous weather!!

So after a long day of travel (Istanbul airport was a bit chaotic) - I arrived home 11:00pm - and slept like a baby!

So now I just have to decide when to return!

 

[ExpatDisneyLover]

In Summary:

Things I LOVED!

I loved being able to walk to the Parks/Village - everything was near and it was very easy to jump from park to park without difficulty. I found the walk back to the hotel very relaxing as well. I only took the bus in the morning.

I loved the smell at the Sequoia Lodge - redwoods?

Disney imagineering really excels at DLRP - DL especially is very beautiful - the details are worth exploring. I would like a book that describes all the little treasures - does anybody know of one??

Transportation - both the Disney buses and the VEA shuttle were great!



Things I did not enjoy:

I really did not like the prebooked breakfast times. I prefer a more relaxed approach to my schedule and having to fit into the appointed time was stressful. I am thinking a hotel without this would suit me better.

Space Mountain - of course this is just a personal thing - I am sure it is a favorite attraction of many - but "Space" and I just don't see eye to eye!

Meals - I still haven't quite figured this out but I found it difficult to find good meals. I think I may need to do the vouchers next time but because I wanted to play it by ear and not make reservations I found it difficult to get quality meals on a whim.

All in all - a super trip and now I am just trying trying to decide when to go next! I am thinking to try the Magic Circus in June on my way back to Texas for the summer!

 

[Ms Poppins]

That was lovely Jill - sounds like you had a great time

Space mountain was the same for me too - I have always gone on this, but our last visit, last June, my head was thomping for hours and I too, spent the whole ride trying to keep my head still - I won't waste time on it again.

I love all the detailing too - i've recently found out there is a fabulous book called From Sketch to Reality - many on here have it. I've found out that it is out of print though, and the only copies are mostly to be found at DLP or via the author for quite a high price. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that there will be a copy in October for my soon to be booked trip.

Now if that's not a reason for you to return in June, then I don't know what is

 

[ExpatDisneyLover]

That was lovely Jill - sounds like you had a great time

Space mountain was the same for me too - I have always gone on this, but our last visit, last June, my head was thomping for hours and I too, spent the whole ride trying to keep my head still - I won't waste time on it again.

I love all the detailing too - i've recently found out there is a fabulous book called From Sketch to Reality - many on here have it. I've found out that it is out of print though, and the only copies are mostly to be found at DLP or via the author for quite a high price. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that there will be a copy in October for my soon to be booked trip.

Now if that's not a reason for you to return in June, then I don't know what is

Thanks Julie - it is a comfort to know I am not the only one who isn't so enthusiastic about Space Mountain - I got off the ride thinking "Man, I must be getting old!"

I'm really glad to know there is a book out there too - hope we can find some copies! Wonder if they will reprint - wouldn't that be nice! Enjoy your October trip!!

 

[ExpatDisneyLover]

Thought I'd do a little investigating about the book - It looks like there is the French version on Amazon used starting at $1,500!

Really hope the Disers can find their copies!!

 

[DLPdaft]

Wow your pictures are fabulous .

I really enjoyed reading your trip report - and the Magic Circus is a great hotel .

 

[ExpatDisneyLover]

I've gone ahead and booked the Magic Circus for two nights in June! I am looking forward to trying out this hotel. All the Disney hotels were way beyond my means for June and I think I may appreciate a little tlc at the Magic Circus. Plus I've got to break in my annual pass!

 

[Mum to Belle]

Sounds like you had a great trip! (Shame about the space migraine!)

Loved reading your TR and seeing your photos - you really captured the Disney details! Thank you for sharing!

Woohoo - next trip booked already!!