First Trip to DL - solo (COMPLETE) new link p.43

[Pinkocto]

I did this on my solo day and did not find it difficult to operate at all. It was just great fun.

Corinna

I will definitely try the ride next time then. I was worried I'd be out there stuck.

 

[Pinkocto]

I want to say the smell on Heimlich's train is cookies? Just went and checked on Google. Animal Crackers and Watermelon! Never paid much attention to the Watermelon, because I never smelled that. Maybe it's because the cookies smell way better!

Another detail Disney doesn't have to include. I just love stuff like that!

Eww about the grump on PotC.

I know, it was so weird. How can you possibly be in a bad mood surrounded by such awesomeness?

I'm so glad you stayed and stuck it out for WoC. I love that show so much. It probably would have been such a different experience from the viewing veranda. But it would be cool to see it from there someday!

I'm glad I stayed too. I didn't want to explain when I saw you that I still hadn't seen WoC it was a beautiful show, I was singing along and dancing with the music. Hopefully I didn't bother anybody

 

[Pinkocto]

My ABD is the Backstage Magic trip. I've heard lots of good things about it and am debating about doing a Trip Report for it to help people get a better sense of ABD.

Oh yes, a TR would be great!

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Crocs are great aren't they! Do you use them in your medical job? I have the medical grade ones as I don't want the holes in them because of my low immunity. No nasty things getting in my feet by the pool! Plus they are reinforced more than sandals I think. In case of needles etc. people do leave them on beaches etc!

 

[Pinkocto]

Crocs are great aren't they! Do you use them in your medical job? I have the medical grade ones as I don't want the holes in them because of my low immunity. No nasty things getting in my feet by the pool! Plus they are reinforced more than sandals I think. In case of needles etc. people do leave them on beaches etc!

Needles on the beach!

I do wear them to work, surprisingly very supportive all day long on concrete floors.

I'm not crazy about the ones with holes either, I didn't try crocs for years because I didn't like the look of the first ones. I'm so glad I gave them a try.

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Needles on the beach! I do wear them to work, surprisingly very supportive all day long on concrete floors. I'm not crazy about the ones with holes either, I didn't try crocs for years because I didn't like the look of the first ones. I'm so glad I gave them a try.

yes me too. Jo says I was Croc prejudice lol. Then I put them on my feet. Boy oh boy (Donald Duck voice ) was I wrong!

 

[Pinkocto]

Day 5 of vacation:

As the trend of sleeping in continued I managed to wake up at 9:20 today. Each day was later and later… My big plan for the day was getting together with Alicia and her DH for lunch in DTD. I thought about going to a park before meeting them but then I started watching Once Upon a Time and didn’t get anywhere.

We had been texting back and forth, and when they parked I headed out to find them. Turns out we walked right past each other because she texted me that they were at the restaurant and I was quite a bit past it. I had gotten distracted by some phone cases at a little stand and I think that must have been where we passed each other.

I took this behind the stand; I loved the look of the palm trees



A little history with Alicia, she is the reason I started posting in the Dis. Got me out of the lurkdom closet if you will. I had been reading one of her TRs and her pictures started not appearing because of too many views. She asked everyone who was lurking to please post, nobody was going to bite. I started posting that day and am so glad I did. We met last December when we were both at WDW, it was just for a few minutes, but it was so nice to see her in person. Being my first Dis meet I was a teensy bit worried it would be awkward, but it was like we had known each other forever, so comfortable. Today was the same way. We chatted for a good three hours, about trips, old movies, 80s toys, I had so much fun.

We ate at Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen. Alison gave it good reviews, and Alicia and her DH hadn’t eaten there before either.



Everything was delicious, we had calamari



And fried artichokes for appetizers



We almost split the fried green tomato sandwich, but when we asked the waitress she made it sound smaller than it was. We both only ate half so it would have been perfect if we had shared. Alicia, I’m embarrassed to say I did not eat my leftovers later.



I had been looking forward to a coconut cream pie they had on the online menu, but it was no longer offered. We ended up sharing the beignets



They were pretty good but a little dry. We asked the waitress if they had any jelly we could dip them in. I think she brought us some raspberry stuff but it didn’t help. I really didn’t want the meal to end, I was having such fun with them both. So when they said they were going to the candy shop I asked if it was ok if I tagged along.

They bought me this little beauty



I saved it for later, it was a salty pretzel, with caramel, covered in chocolate. It is now on my list of favorite Disney treats, it was SO GOOD!

I might have become a stalker after the candy shop. I was really having such a good time I didn’t want to leave. Alicia, I’m sorry if I was too much. I walked them to the parking lot where we said our goodbyes. I know I said this already, but my time with Alicia and Alison were really the best parts of this vacation.

I almost went to DL after lunch but I found myself heading back to the room. Not sure if I wanted to grab a soda or what but I ended up watching Once Upon a Time again for a few hours. It was really nice to relax in the room, I probably didn’t do enough of that this trip. I forced myself out of the room at 6:30, there were rides to ride! I was heading to DL but I decided to use the DCA entrance from the resort. I figured the bag check would be shorter and it might have been a little shorter of a walk. So, into DCA, out the front entrance a few minutes later, across the courtyard, and inside DL, I loved it.

The parade was going on



So I walked through some of the shops.

I stopped inside the theater. I had found out from Alicia it was actually something to go into.





Each time I had passed this previously the lady was in shadows, I assumed it was a live CM…



It was cute inside, I watched Steamboat Willie for a few minutes and then headed out



My destination was ToonTown, I wanted some pictures in the daylight. I was trying to get around the parade so went through Tomorrowland.

Sorry Star Tours, I didn’t visit you this trip



I loved this touch at Nemo



Looks like everybody was watching the parade



I actually couldn’t get to ToonTown, the parade route was blocking it. So I was ‘forced’ to watch some of it. It turned out to be a cute parade, what I saw anyway.



















Loved the penguins on the float

 

[Pinkocto]

Even though the park closed at 11:00 ToonTown closed at 8:30 because of the fireworks.




Oh no, I was already losing the light













This is inside the post office







Each of the post boxes make noises







This was a cute shop where I picked up some gifts and got the promotional DL towel.

 

[Pinkocto]

I thought this was so cute!



I think this says ‘If they can’t fix it, we won’t’ HA!











On the front of Donald’s boat












Minnie’s House



I want to know where this door goes, it obviously opens.



It’s quite a bit smaller than the one that was at WDW but still very cute. I kept trying to get pictures with no people but finally gave up.





Random people, sorry, they wouldn’t move and my patience was running low.



This woman has certainly made herself comfortable…





After getting all my pictures I wanted one more ride on Roger Rabbit. I did miss Mickey’s House, he was doing some home repairs. And I didn’t do Gadget’s roller coaster, the line was enormous. Two things I’ll have to do next time.



The other day with Alison we had our human FP so didn’t go through the queue. This just might be the best queue ever!!!

 

[Pinkocto]

Babies aren’t supposed to smoke cigars…



Just in case you wanted to create some mayhem



I will have to try the portable hole excuse next time



We actually got stuck waiting in line for about 20 minutes. They said they had no idea when it would be up and running and we should come back later. Well, ToonTown was closing very shortly and I didn’t think I’d make it back before going home so I stuck it out. I’m glad I did, I absolutely loved this ride.

And with that I bid my adieu to ToonTown. I thought it was absolutely fabulous, the details were amazing.



I headed to Alice but saw in the distance the line was outside of the queue area so headed to Snow White instead.

Monstro managed to be even scarier at night



Walking up to Snow White I saw this creepy detail. I waited until she appeared again to try and grab a picture. I don’t think I had the big camera since a lot of the pictures this evening were not the best.



It was about a 10 minute wait and I enjoyed it just as much as the first time. I really think the DL rides are longer than the WDW rides.

I was getting a bit hungry and a remembered the cheddar cheese garlic twist at Maurice’s Treats on my list so I headed to Fantasy Faire.

I thought this statue was so pretty.





Now everyone, this just might be my favorite snack of the trip. They even toast it fresh for you, it was so delicious!



I found a bench and enjoyed my treat while listening to swing dancing at the Royal Theater. Young and old were present and everyone looked to be having a fabulous time.



I noticed some service dogs in training across from me. There were two puppies and a full grown dog as well. You could tell the full grown one was fully trained, she just relaxed the whole time, the puppies moved around constantly.



I headed out after listening for a while, I think it was just about 9:00. I wanted to try and ride Indy again. I cut through Frontierland and meandered through some shops.

I wanted this one



And this one



And these two



But they were $30 each and I didn’t feel like spending that much on a t-shirt.

I also noticed this beauty that I had just picked up at the outlet mall for $6.75, they were selling them for $64.95, I felt really good about my purchase.



Off to Indy with no purchases made. Thankfully it was up and running but I think it was a 30 minute wait. For some reason I remembered the single rider from Corinna’s TR. Why didn’t I remember that the other day?...

I was given one of these



And headed in





The details were fabulous





Now I managed to get myself pretty scared this time around. I was on the edge and in the dark areas my imagination went a little wild. The ride was still great though. I walked out with a man and his child who kept telling his dad how scary the ride was and how could the dad have taken him on it. The poor kid was probably 12 and kept going on and on how scary the ride was and that he would never ever ever go on it again! I certainly got a chuckle out of his vehemence.

I wanted to go on Splash Mountain, Alicia had said that it was different than the WDW version and that I needed to try it. Well the first show of Fantasmic was letting out and I had to battle the crowds. It was definitely a struggle to get past them all.

I got to Splash Mountain which was a walk on



My seat was wet and I almost fell while getting on the ride. Thankfully I didn’t because that would have been embarrassing and hurt a lot. The inside was a lot different than WDW’s version, I really liked it. I did not like the seats though.

Then I took a ride on Winnie the Pooh, also a walk on



Then I went to stake out a seat for Fantasmic. As delicious as my garlic cheese twist was, it was not enough to hold me over for the evening. I was in search of some fish and chips, unfortunately the Golden Horseshoe was closed for the evening so I went next door to the Stage Door.



I really should have taken them back, they were quite dry, like they had been sitting for a while. Disappointed in my dinner and quite a bit tired, I decided to head out instead of staying for the show. I really didn’t want to battle similar crowds that I had battled earlier.

I had the thought of cutting through DCA but it had closed at 10:00 and it was currently 10:40. I was very confused to see plenty of people still heading into DL, and even some people purchasing tickets at the ticket booths. The park closed in 20 minutes, why were they buying tickets?

I very very slowly made my way back to my room where I caught up in the journal and went to sleep around midnight. Another fabulous day of vacation.

 

[franandaj]

I know, it was so weird. How can you possibly be in a bad mood surrounded by such awesomeness?

I get out there a lot more often than you. I see it a lot more than you want to know.

A little history with Alicia, she is the reason I started posting in the Dis. Got me out of the lurkdom closet if you will. I had been reading one of her TRs and her pictures started not appearing because of too many views. She asked everyone who was lurking to please post, nobody was going to bite. I started posting that day and am so glad I did. We met last December when we were both at WDW, it was just for a few minutes, but it was so nice to see her in person. Being my first Dis meet I was a teensy bit worried it would be awkward, but it was like we had known each other forever, so comfortable. Today was the same way. We chatted for a good three hours, about trips, old movies, 80s toys, I had so much fun.

I didn't know that! I remember when you started posting on her cruise TR! She always had that problem until she upgraded PB, I never got that many lurkers! I had to upgrade because I had too many pictures, not readers!

It's funny you were very shy back then, and sort of afraid, I'm glad you've come up to full fledged DISdom, now all you need is some tags!

We ate at Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen. Alison gave it good reviews, and Alicia and her DH hadn’t eaten there before either.

You two are so cute!

Everything was delicious, we had calamari

I love the calamari

And fried artichokes for appetizers

Never had that but it looks good!

I had been looking forward to a coconut cream pie they had on the online menu, but it was no longer offered. We ended up sharing the beignets.

They were pretty good but a little dry. We asked the waitress if they had any jelly we could dip them in. I think she brought us some raspberry stuff but it didn’t help.

If you asked me, I would have told you to go with the Chocolate Bread Pudding Souffle! But I've heard the Beignets are usually good.

I know I said this already, but my time with Alicia and Alison were really the best parts of this vacation.

Awwwww!



Looks like you had a great day, so sorry you didn't stay for F! The crowds are nowhere near what they are for the second show, but that's something you can do next time.

Who knows, maybe when you come back we can go to the show together! I'm not exactly sure how it will work out if you come during the Expo, but you'll need to plan a very loooooong California trip! There is SO much to do!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Great update. Seems like you covered a lot of ground today.

Love the picture of you and Alicia. The food at Ralph Brennan's looks yummy. I just had lunch and you've succeeded in making me hungry again. I want some of that chocolate covered pretzel stick.

There's so much to do and see at a Disney park, isn't there?

 

[Pinkocto]

I get out there a lot more often than you. I see it a lot more than you want to know.

That's very sad it's one thing when kids are tired and whiney, it's another when it's an adult...

I didn't know that! I remember when you started posting on her cruise TR! She always had that problem until she upgraded PB, I never got that many lurkers! I had to upgrade because I had too many pictures, not readers!

That's right, it was her Dream TR, I wanted to see the pictures from Remy. You get tons of readers, what're you talking about!

It's funny you were very shy back then, and sort of afraid, I'm glad you've come up to full fledged DISdom, now all you need is some tags!

I was, I really was. On one hand very excited, and the other very shy.

I DO need some tags!

You two are so cute!

I love the calamari

That was so good.

Never had that but it looks good!

I would definitely get them again

If you asked me, I would have told you to go with the Chocolate Bread Pudding Souffle! But I've heard the Beignets are usually good.

The waitress asked us about it but I'm not crazy about the chocolate soufflé at Palo so didn't think I'd like the one here.

Awwwww!

The only problem was I would have loved even more time to enjoy. I think we should all go on a cruise sometime if we could make it work, that would be such fun!

Looks like you had a great day, so sorry you didn't stay for F! The crowds are nowhere near what they are for the second show, but that's something you can do next time.

I should have stayed, at the moment I was not that excited about it.

Who knows, maybe when you come back we can go to the show together! I'm not exactly sure how it will work out if you come during the Expo, but you'll need to plan a very loooooong California trip! There is SO much to do!

I'm almost thinking I should make the Expo it's own mini trip. Because when I start thinking about two weeks and all I want to do that's not enough time that would be great if you went with me

 

[Pinkocto]

Great update. Seems like you covered a lot of ground today.

Even though I got a late start I managed to do a lot that evening, I was happy that I was still finding new things after 4 days in the parks.

Love the picture of you and Alicia. The food at Ralph Brennan's looks yummy. I just had lunch and you've succeeded in making me hungry again. I want some of that chocolate covered pretzel stick.

Definitely try Ralph Brennan's in the future, everything was super tasty. I can't wait to have another of those pretzel sticks!

There's so much to do and see at a Disney park, isn't there?

I really loved finding the swing dancing.

 

[tksbaskets]

I'm late to the party but really am enjoying your trip report.

TK

 

[Pinkocto]

I'm late to the party but really am enjoying your trip report.

TK

Welcome! And thanks so much

 

[PrincessInOz]

Even though I got a late start I managed to do a lot that evening, I was happy that I was still finding new things after 4 days in the parks.




Definitely try Ralph Brennan's in the future, everything was super tasty. I can't wait to have another of those pretzel sticks!



I really loved finding the swing dancing.

DH and I used to do a little ballroom dancing when we were a lot younger.....well....we learnt the steps enough to coordinate our movements. I wish we had more time at DL to find the swing dancing. Would have been nice to see if we can still remember the steps.

 

[mvf-m11c]

I am also following along your trip report and I'm enjoying it as well.

 

[rentayenta]

This could be one of my favorite updates. The spot where you got caught in Fantasyland is one of my favorite areas. There is nothing like the lamp posts turning on when it hits dusk.

I'm sorry your fish n chips from the Stage Door were dry. We really like those and their chicken strips too.

Your meet looks great. We had a nice meal at Ralph Brennen's a few years ago. Looks like we may need to go back. Love any sort of artichoke.

 

[Pinkocto]

DH and I used to do a little ballroom dancing when we were a lot younger.....well....we learnt the steps enough to coordinate our movements. I wish we had more time at DL to find the swing dancing. Would have been nice to see if we can still remember the steps.

I'm thinking it's only on Saturday night that they do the dancing. I mentioned it when I saw Alison and Fran the next day and Fran said that they've been doing that for many many years. Some people get APs so they can do date night swing dancing. I think that is so cute!