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

[Pinkocto]

Day 4 continued:

I left off with me heading back to the resort with the idea of relaxing by the pool for a little bit after enjoying a fun morning at DCA. When I got up to the room to change I had the excellent idea of doing a load of laundry since I wouldn’t be going anywhere for a while. So I got everything together and headed down to the laundry room.

Some pictures for anybody interested









Then out to the pool where it was PACKED! Practically every lounger was taken with either a body or personal belongings. I found a couple that weren’t taken that were unfortunately right in the sun. I grabbed a few towels because the loungers themselves were very very hot. I settled in to relax and catch up in the journal. When I got hot enough I jumped in the pool for a few minutes and then back to the lounger again. After a little while I went to check on my laundry. After putting everything in the dryer I decided to head to EoS for a sandwich. The dryer was going to be 30 minutes anyway so why not grab some lunch while waiting.

Again there was nobody in line and this time I ordered a caprese



I took my time and watched the world go by. The sandwich was delicious as usual and when I finished I headed back to collect my laundry. I should have put it in two dryers because things were still damp. I started the dryer again and went out to sit by the grills. Apparently I hadn’t eaten the whole cookie from Ghirardelli earlier and finished it while waiting for the laundry. I contemplated my next plan of action. Looking at the DCA map there was nothing I needed to do except WoC so my plan was to head over to DL. I went to check on the laundry again, it was all dry so I folded it, took it up to the room, and headed out to DL around 5:00.





I headed right to Indiana Jones but it was a 30 minute wait so I grabbed a FP. I didn’t even think about single rider.

My window wasn’t too far in the future



I explored Tarzan’s Treehouse, which I enjoyed much more than the Swiss Family Treehouse in WDW

















After my treehouse adventure I saw that Pirates was a 5 minute wait so jumped in there. It was more like 15 but that was ok.





I had to share a row and the girl did not look happy. It always boggles my mind when I see grumpy people at Disney…



I contemplated going to Critter Country to see Pooh again but instead I headed over to FL and to Alice in Wonderland. It had a posted wait of 20 minutes, but the line was huge so I headed over to Pinocchio which was a walk on.



My window had just opened for Indy so I headed over there, only to find out the ride had just gone down.



They said I could still use my FP for any time that evening. I sat down on a railing to decide what to do next.

I forgot to mention it was Dapper Day and there were tons of people dressed to the nines. Everybody looked fabulous!

 

[Pinkocto]

I decided to head back to Alice, I really wanted to ride that again. It was in my favor that the parade was going on, it was only a 10-15 minute wait at this time. I had a vehicle to myself so tried to grab a few pictures.













She always scares me!



You go outside for a short time, can you see the little shoes on top of the mushroom?







He is outside of the ride



I just started walking, with no real purpose, and stumbled upon Pixie Hollow. I wanted to check it out so headed in. It’s a cute area that is probably a fairy meet and greet area in the day time.





Looks like I got distracted by pretty lights



Cute fairy houses













I think it was around 7:30 at that point so I headed over to DCA. WoC started at 8:00, or so I thought, and I wanted to get over there. I contemplated going to check on Indy, but I wanted to get over to WoC.

I saw the main mouse on my way



I found a bench near Ariel and waited until 8:00. I was getting a little thirsty so abandoned my bench in search of a beverage. I remembered a lemon lime smoothie that was on my list at Rita’s Blenders. It wasn’t too far away so I headed over there.

It was delicious!



At 8:00 they started letting people in the FP areas but the show didn’t start. I quickly found out that the Friday schedule was different than the rest of the week’s schedule and the show started at 9:00 not 8:00. I seriously thought about leaving. My feet hurt and I was pretty tired. I forced myself to stay, and found another bench where caught up a little on the Dis. I’m glad I stayed because the show was beautiful. I probably could have enjoyed it just as much from the viewing area at the resort but there was no way to know that. I’ll definitely remember that for next time.

I made my way back to the resort very very slowly with the main thought of relaxing on a pool lounger. I collapsed on the first one I came to. It was 9:37 when I got to the pool, and I thought I‘d just relax for a few minutes, and then head up to the room to grab my book. The pool area is so peaceful at night. My plan was short lived because they booted everybody out at 10:00. I have NEVER heard of a pool closing that early. I was quite annoyed, and actually wrote about my displeasure on my comment card at the end of my stay.

Up to the room at 10:10 where I put bandaids and bag balm on my poor blistered feet. Sadly my poor shoe decision on that first park day affected the rest of my trip. I was asleep by 11:15, no show tonight, I was just too tired.

 

[Pinkocto]

Heimlich's Chew Chew is still one of Chloe's favorites and we ride it almost every trip. I love the smells and his accent of. Bug'sLand is just so clever. Disney nailed it, every detail is darling. If you ever get the chance to visit during the winter holidays DO IT! It's so cute with the Christmas lights and decorations. So much fun.

I'm thinking next December will either be DL or AKV CL. I have yet to decide which one. It will greatly depend on if I have a new job by then. I hope to have one by next summer though.

I can't get enough of the Disney details. Everything is so well done, and where they don't have to have anything, there's even more details. I love it! One of the reasons I can't get enough of Disney.

I still haven't been to Ghiradelli at either DCA or WDW.

Oh my, you absolutely must! I had a strawberry shake the last day that was out of this world delicious. Not to mention the cookies!

I love the GCV pool. The slide is pretty fun too. We have spent many a relaxing afternoon there. Now I want chicken nachos from Whotewater Snacks and a Mai Tai. I swear it must be a Pavlovian response because every time I see GCV pool pics I want WWS.

I want to get back there so badly! None of the WDW resorts have the same feeling as the GC. Nachos? I didnt see nachos. and I wanted to try the pizza but never got to that either.

Monsters Inc. is such a cute ride, so well themed. We loved both movies. We saw Monsters U twice in the theaters. Rarely will I see something twice in the theater.

I really regret not seeing it in the theaters. I have it pre-ordered with Amazon but still waiting. Absolutely loved the ride.

No action on Mickey's Funwheel? The first we went on it it felt like we were swung all over. I haven't done a swinging car since.

That's exactly what I wanted, to be swung all over! There were two swings that we all thought were pretty good, but nothing else.

Great update Pam.

Thank you

 

[PrincessInOz]

Love the shots you got of Alice. I missed out on that ride this time.

There is nothing that says Laundry Drinks Needed like doing laundry. A nice long, cool drink with a mini umbrella and cherry on top.

WoC is a good show, isn't it?

 

[Pinkocto]

Love the shots you got of Alice. I missed out on that ride this time.

You're sweet to say that, they're nothing compared to your Pooh shots. I figured I'd try for some. I love that ride.

There is nothing that says Laundry Drinks Needed like doing laundry. A nice long, cool drink with a mini umbrella and cherry on top.

You're right, I should have gotten something while at the pool.

WoC is a good show, isn't it?

It is, I was pleasantly surprised.

 

[franandaj]

That's a nice relaxing afternoon, glad you got the laundry taken care of. You really need to see WoC for the first time from the viewing area. The water projections can't be seen from the viewing area, the angle is all wrong. I'm glad you stuck around and waited.

 

[dolphingirl47]

I am all caught up again. You managed to get a lot done that day. What a shame that you did not manage to do Golden Zephyr and Luigi's Flying Tires. I love those rides. That Cheese Dog looks amazing. I think I have to try this next time. I have never been brave enough to try the swinging cars on Mickey's Fun Wheels. The stationary ones freak me out quite enough. I am glad that you managed to watch World of Color. I love this show.

Corinna

 

[tstidm1]

I want to do Mickey's Fun wheel at DCA. I've never done a Ferris Wheel before (too open for my tastes), so that's something I want to try out there. DL really seems to be an awesome place to visit.

 

[John's Mom]

Pam, great updates and great pictures--especially the DL attractions.

That cheddar cheese dog looks so tasty.

 

[Pinkocto]

That's a nice relaxing afternoon, glad you got the laundry taken care of. You really need to see WoC for the first time from the viewing area. The water projections can't be seen from the viewing area, the angle is all wrong. I'm glad you stuck around and waited.

It was a great day, I'm really glad I stopped to enjoy the pool for a little while. I hate laundry to pile up, it was nice to have the drawers full again.

I'm glad I waited for WoC too. I knew Fantasmic had two showings but I didn't even think about WoC changing the times. It was a beautiful show.

 

[Pinkocto]

I am all caught up again. You managed to get a lot done that day. What a shame that you did not manage to do Golden Zephyr and Luigi's Flying Tires. I love those rides. That Cheese Dog looks amazing. I think I have to try this next time. I have never been brave enough to try the swinging cars on Mickey's Fun Wheels. The stationary ones freak me out quite enough. I am glad that you managed to watch World of Color. I love this show.

Corinna

Everything I've heard about Luigi's ride sounded like it is hard to operate. I didn't want to struggle on my own. I would have liked to try the Golden Zephyr though, more things for the list.

The cheese dog is definitely worth trying, very delicious.

The swinging cars weren't bad to me, I kept expecting more and left disappointed. I know a lot of people on here don't like them though.

WoC was great, very glad I saw it. I kept wanting to see it from the observation deck that you mentioned but I was always too tired.

 

[Pinkocto]

I want to do Mickey's Fun wheel at DCA. I've never done a Ferris Wheel before (too open for my tastes), so that's something I want to try out there. DL really seems to be an awesome place to visit.

I'm so glad I got out to CA, DL is such a magical place, even more so than MK IMHO. I'll definitely be going again.

Is your ABD for CA?

I work in Baltimore, always fun to see fellow Marylanders on here

 

[Pinkocto]

Pam, great updates and great pictures--especially the DL attractions.

That cheddar cheese dog looks so tasty.

Hi Kathy thanks so much!

It was a tasty treat that's for sure. I should have gotten some mustard but I was just too lazy.

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Great updates! Just catching up. What a joy! I didn't realise there was another entrance to the park I guess for folks staying at the hotel? How njce!

Jumping jellyfish looks so much fun! I can't wait to try that ride. Mental note re Goofy's sky school! More like Goofy's barf school lol.

Wow re that cheese dog. Looks really nice. I would seriously have difficulty keeping my hands off that. I love cheese but can't eat it! It seems like DL and WDW offer many vegetarian options for you? I hope so anyway.

Ohhh that cookie. Now we are talking! Millie's put to shame lol.

I love the look of Carsland. That tractor ride how fun! In a way it's nice the different options between DL and WDW I think they should keep that. You don't want them to mirror each other, they should offer unique experiences. I hear they are builiding a Carsland in WDW. Maybe they should build something else imao. I love the Indian Jones ride! I thought that was the biz!

Really enjoying once upon a time and the second series has just started on our satellite channel so we are recording that to enjoy when we finish the dvd of the first season!

 

[Pinkocto]

Great updates! Just catching up. What a joy! I didn't realise there was another entrance to the park I guess for folks staying at the hotel? How njce!

Except for park opening when the line is huge the hotel entrance was fabulous.

Jumping jellyfish looks so much fun! I can't wait to try that ride. Mental note re Goofy's sky school! More like Goofy's barf school lol.

Some people enjoy Goofy's ride but I'm definitely not one of them, it was horrible. Jumpin Jellyfish was nice but much too short.

Wow re that cheese dog. Looks really nice. I would seriously have difficulty keeping my hands off that. I love cheese but can't eat it! It seems like DL and WDW offer many vegetarian options for you? I hope so anyway.

Lots of veggie options at the parks. I eat fish too so also have that option, but will usually just get something veggie. I'm sorry you can't eat cheese

Ohhh that cookie. Now we are talking! Millie's put to shame lol.

Oh my goodness, you must try those cookies! But Millie's are thin and gooey, these are big and sugary. Both amazing for different reasons.

I love the look of Carsland. That tractor ride how fun! In a way it's nice the different options between DL and WDW I think they should keep that. You don't want them to mirror each other, they should offer unique experiences. I hear they are builiding a Carsland in WDW. Maybe they should build something else imao. I love the Indian Jones ride! I thought that was the biz!

Absolutely, they should be different. No fun if they all had the same rides. Hmmm, I hope they don't put a Carsland in WDW.

Really enjoying once upon a time and the second series has just started on our satellite channel so we are recording that to enjoy when we finish the dvd of the first season!

Excellent! You'll be glad you have the second season, it leaves at a horrible cliffhanger.

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Ohhh cliffhanger is that where you are now with Once? End of Season 2 or have you seen more?

In The second park CA is this the same size as MK? Is it to the left or right of MK? I am trying to picture it! I still can't get over how cute FL is in DL. Such detail. More of a Germanic Grimm fairytale feel from your great photos.

How long did it take your poor feet to recover? What is your shoe choice? I do sketchers.

 

[dolphingirl47]

Everything I've heard about Luigi's ride sounded like it is hard to operate. I didn't want to struggle on my own. I would have liked to try the Golden Zephyr though, more things for the list.

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

Corinna

 

[Leshaface]

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!


Eww about the grump on PotC.

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!

 

[tstidm1]

I'm so glad I got out to CA, DL is such a magical place, even more so than MK IMHO. I'll definitely be going again.

Is your ABD for CA?

I work in Baltimore, always fun to see fellow Marylanders on here

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.

 

[Pinkocto]

Ohhh cliffhanger is that where you are now with Once? End of Season 2 or have you seen more?

There's a big cliffhanger at the end of both seasons. I have not seen any of season 3, not enough hours in the day. It usually happens that I just wait until the box set comes out.

In The second park CA is this the same size as MK? Is it to the left or right of MK? I am trying to picture it! I still can't get over how cute FL is in DL. Such detail. More of a Germanic Grimm fairytale feel from your great photos.

The two parks are directly across from each other. Within a few minutes walk you can be in the other one. It is very convenient and wonderful I agree about FL, I totally fell in love with it.

How long did it take your poor feet to recover? What is your shoe choice? I do sketchers.

I was wearing crocs which usually I do very well with in the parks, like walking on clouds. The problem with this pair is that they weren't sandals so they chafed in the heat. I had huge blisters on my toes and the back of my heels were rubbed raw. It took a few weeks to fully recover. Sorry for the visual.