Glendamax Report: "Oh why did I go SOLO"?

[thptrek]

45 min wait for Ellen's Energy Adventure? Wow that amazes me. I loved your last TR.

 

[luvmyboys]

Great start Glenda! I love your writing style-- you cracked me up with the Ben Gay is your bestest friend comment! (where oh where is the tag fairy for that one??)

Can't wait for more... You may very well make or break my decision to go solo! Can ya handle that kind of pressure?

 

[DisneyObsession]

I am sooo glad you have another TR!!! Your's was the very first TR I read over a year ago and it got me hooked to the DIS!!! Now I'm on everyday!!! Thanks!!! I can't wait to read more!!!

Still Day One!
When we got to the bus, it wasn't full, and we were able to get seats. When we got back to the resort, I took another shower, put Dreamgirls in the DVD and put Ben Gay with vanishing scent on my feet . . . Ahhhhh!

Final Thoughts on Day One:
It was a great day, but learned the hard way NOT to use up sooooo much energy so early in my trip. Take it slow, and try to pace yourself! Also, Ben Gay is my bestest friend!

Didn't know about the Ben Gay for your feet! What a great idea!! I put it on my list of things to buy for Disney! Thanks!!!

 

[scrap4u]

Hey Glenda! So glad to see you have a report started. It's great so far. I told my DH that I was pretty sure you would do another report. Can't wait to hear more!

 

[Mickeefan]

Glenda:

I was like you about going solo to Disney. I'm not much for doing things solo at home, like eating out or going to movies. Anyway, we went as a family in early January and I stayed 2 nights after the rest of the family left to see if I could do a solo trip. Well, I LOVED it. I loved it so much that I booked a solo trip for early May and then another one for August. I love going solo. I can do what I want, when I want. I can eat where I want whenever I want. I tend not to do any table service meals as a solo, although I've done one each on both of my solo trips. I went to Boma in August and I can't wait to go back! What a great place. I'm always thinking about my next trip and have booked a week for next September (sort of hoping for free dining). I suppose, if I have to, I'll go solo again!

I'm enjoying reading your trip report and look forward to more!

 

[daisax]

Okay, I'm intrigued by the odor-less Ben Gay on the feet thing. I usually bring some peppermint lotion, but the benefits are more from the massage and some slight sensation of coolness plus the great smell than any real pain relief.

Does the Ben Gay actually seem to give real relief to the feet? If so, I'll definitely invest and my feet will thank you!

 

[Laura1776]

I love your trip report! My solo trip is in two weeks. Maybe I'll write a trip report too.

 

[puggymom]

Jumping on board, I love to read solo trippies. I love to travel solo to the World, love the freedom it offers

Need to go catch up now!

 

[IMN2DSNY]

Hey Glenda, I just left on Friday. I sure didn't plan very well. Apparently there were all kinds of DISers there at the same time I was. If I had known you were there, we could have hung out. I had a great time! I hope you do too.

I wish I could come back and join ya!

 

[EpcotLove]

Day 2

On our way to Mission Space, we noticed alot of media. The astronaunts from the last mission were at EPCOT for a press conference. Fee REALLY enjoyed MS. We did the less intense version, but I told her that she should try the other side if she wanted to, but she declined.

Now here's what got on my nerves about MS: they blast cold air at your forehead during the whole ride. Maybe that's to keep people from passing out? Later when I rode it again, I put a baseball hat on to block some of the air. It was really uncomfortable comming out of 95+ temps, into a small space with cold air blasting on you!

You were scared of Tower of Terror, but you wanted to do the HARD version of mission space??? That ride is a million times scarier!!! I rode Mission Space before it had the easy version, and I thought I was going to die it was so bad to me. It wasn't my claustraphobia, but the way your face felt on it (all pushed back), and how your head feels like you had 100 mojitos in 2 minutes! Very hardcore ride, the hard version.

- then Soaring. Fee liked it much better this time! OH and since I had on sandals, I got to ride bare foot! Ahhhh!!!!

More to come . . .

Soarin' barefoot is absolute heaven!

I am really enjoying your trip report. Don't tell them about the crazy short blonde girl you met

 

[Glendamax]

Day 2 cont.
Mon. 9/10

After Fee's successful ride on Soaring, we did Living With the Land boat ride. I hadnt done this since I was about 13, and it was about an hour wait for it back then. This time, I really enjoyed it. It was interesting with out being boring. I will do this again next year, if I get to go back.

Now it's time for Sunshine Seasons! Woo-Hoo!!! Fee had a super-duper sandwich that looked delicious, and I had the salmon with veggies, and Butterfinger Cheesecake! It was really good.

We then looked around MouseGears - my favorite shop next to World of Disney. At this point, Fee was determined to get one of those small tiaras that the little girls have on their buns high on top of their heads. She found it, and looked so good in it, that I wanted one. But as you've seen, I have braids, and I was not trying to use 2000 bobby pins to achieve the Princess look!

Of course by now it was hot! We went back to the room to rest and refresh! After yet another change of clothes, we were off to meet Eeyore's Tiara and family for dinner at Kona in the Poly.

(Sorry ET, looks like this is the only pic I took of you that night.)
​

We got there about 4:45 so we could look around. When ET and fam met us, they all had on Purple and Lavendar. ET made the girls' dresses, and her neices blouses. The dresses had Mickeys in them, and a beautiful bow in the back.

They made the Leis with glow necklaces. They were really nice. They gave one to Fee and I. We took a pic together with them on, but Fee did not want her pic posted. If I find one of me alone with it on, I'll insert it later. I was soooo glad that they had one for us, cuz I really wanted one! Plus it GLOWED! I love all things glowy!

The meal at Kona was just ok for me. Maybe I shouldve ordered something else. I had the crab cakes for the appetizer. They were good. For the main meal, I had shrimp and scalops. But the scalops tasted really fishy. ET's Mom (who I thought was her friend or sister) had the chicken, which was REALLY good. I remembered from (I think) Michelle's report to have the Lapu drink. But it was $12, and I didnt want to spend that much on one drink. So I ordered something else. Sorry I cant think of the name, but it was good.

Dinner ran late, and this was Fee's last night. So we paid for out food early, said our goodbyes, and dashed over to Magic Kingdom before it closed at 9pm. This would be Fee's only chance to see it.

We hopped on the Monorail after dinner. The whole time I was feeling like I was trying to beat the clock, and making a short list of what I thought Fee HAD to ride. As we were about to get off, the lady next to me said "I thought I recognized you, you're on the boards". I wish I could remember her screen name, but I didnt write it down. I was soooo busy trying to get to MK, that I forgot. So if you're out there, Hello Monorail DISer!!!

Magic Kingdom closed at 9pm, we got there a little after 7. We went to the right through Tomorrow Land. As we passed different attractions, I gave her a short run down of what they were. We went to Buzz. Now remember how you can stear the car? Well Miss Fee caught on, but kept stearing us AWAY from the targets!!!! Our scores were AWFUL! If we ever get to ride that again together, I'm banning her from that stick!

When we exited Buzz, it was POURING!!!!! I mean, streams running through the park, you cant hardly see, people standing around in clumps kind of rain. I was sooooo sad!!! I really wanted this night to be a nice ending to Fee's short trip.

So I kicked into gear, and told her to lets get out our rain gear. She then told me that it would be ok if I wanted to leave. I said no, lets suit up. I'm sooo glad that Fee listened to me and bought the rain gear. A lady near her, who was stuck in the store said "you bought that with you? Smart!" Of course I felt proud to be a DISer!

Fee was stunned that we were going to keep going! I figured out exactly where we were, and heading out. In the pouring rain, Fee was yelling "I cant believe we are still functioning"!!! And she kept laughing.

We headed over to Space Mountain so SHE could ride. This was the first time I'd been inside the ride. I watched her climb in the car, and with her stuff in tow, went to meet her on the other side. She loved it! She said that she could see why I wouldnt like it - too much for me!

Next, Fantasy Land! At this point, the front of my Capris were so wet, that they were sticking to my legs! We got on Snow White, and Small World, then ran over to Pirates. All the while, it's still POURING!!!!!

On Pirates, when we got to the hill, Fee goes "what is this? what is this ride?", looking very alarmed. When we got to the bottom, she said, "I should've know it wouldn't be bad since you're on it". See? She learns very quickly!

Now it was time to go. It was STILL raining, and it was almost 9pm. At least Fee got to ride some classics. As the bus was pulling off, Wishes was starting.

Final Thoughts:
We had a great day. It was nice to be with someone seeing everything for the first time. She'd been to MK as a child, but didnt really remember it. I was just sorry that we didnt have more time at MK, and that it POURED!

That day, Fee surprised me with Mickey stud earrings. They are really cute, and I received many complements on them!

When Fee got home, she called and said that she had a great time, and was sad to be home. She really enjoyed meeting ET and her family. I hope that she'll get to go back again one day soon!

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

It is too bad that it had to rain pretty much the whole time you were at the MK with Fee but it sounds like you both had a really great time and got to hit some of the must-do's of the park.

 

[Glendamax]

Day 3
Tues. 9/11
First REAL Solo Day!

The phone rang about 6am - the UNwake up call - and we were out of the room by 7:15. After leaving the lobby, Fee walked towards the parking lot, and I to the shuttle stop. I was sad to see her go.

When I got on the bus, I did feel a bit strange because no one talked to me. Oh well, it was still better than being home! When I stepped off the bus at MK, I did start to second guess myself. But, as I was walking quickly to the gates, I thought "Wait, slow down Glenda, you can walk as slow as you want to!" After that, I was trully ok!

Today, I was on my way to meet DISer PaulaSB at Crystal Palace in Magic Kingdom for breakfast at 8am. I was really excited about this meal, because I'd never been in the park before it openned.

When I got to the gates, I was surprised to see that there were alot of people there for breakfast too.

Insted of heading straight for CP, I took a few pics . . .

When I got to Crystal Palace (CP), I didnt see Paula, but I checked in, because there were ALOT of people out there. After about 15mins, they called me. I told them to be on the look out for her.

After getting my first plate of food, Paula showed up! Now let me pause here and answer the question everyone asks - did you feel weird being at a character breakfast alone? No. I was hungry, and just glad to be there. My waiter even took a pic with my camera of me and one of the characters. So if you have to go solo, and would like to eat here, do it.

Paula and I had a good time chatting. So strange that neither of us thought to take a picture! The food was just ok. At least they still had the puffed french toast. It was in the kids section. Next time, CP wont be a must do.

After breakfast, we parted ways. I rode the People Mover (yes I know that's the old name) in Tomorrow Land.

The place was EMPTY! I took some video while on the ride, of the empty park.



This was the first time I was the ONLY person on it! It was pretty cool until it went inside in the dark, especially the the part with Space Mountain. It felt a little spooky!



While walking through Tomorrow Land, I saw this man hole with Mickey in the middle.

Afterwards, I rode Peter Pan, Pooh (which I think is so cute when it bounces), and I watched Mickey's Philharmagic - where I ran into Paula again! And yet again, we didnt take any pics!

Look at the waits I had to endure!

​

After Fantasy Land, I rode Thunder Mountain and Pirates!

Now it was time for a treat! Dole Whip Float!

(Yes, I took this myself!)

Since this area wasnt crowded, and I was solo, I decided I wanted to stay awhile. So I got comfy, and even asked someone to take my pic!

And while this nice Lady was taking my pic, I noticed someone over her shoulder . . .

I think you can see their reflection in the window . . .

Hmmmm . . . .

 

[Glendamax]

I'm glad your back giving us this semi-solo TR. Are you a DVC owner that you stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge?

Yes! I just signed up in March!

Glenda, you are hilarious! I always find it so funny when I read a report and it reads exactly the way I think. I'm still laughing at some of your reflections..straight comedy. Cant wait for the rest of your report.

Glad it seems funny, as I'm blowing my nose and coughing while writing this!

Hey, I saw you! If you were at Epcot on Wednesday of your trip then it was you.

Oh no! Sorry we missed each other. I did the same thing last year. I saw a DISer, thought I would run into them again, but never did!

Ok - Ive gotta run again - will respond to everyone else later! Thanks sooooooo much for reading everyone!!!! Please pray that this cold ends soon!

 

[Glendamax]

Hey! I'm jumpin on board too! Day one and on page 3, you are a popular girl.
I just wanted to share the fact that I am also six foot tall and completely understand the flight situation. Can't wait to hear more

Isnt it a trip! I wish I could fly Airtran since you can book them straight through Disney, and you check your lugguage at your Disney Resort! But there's no way I'm sitting in one of those seats again!

Oh, Glenda, I looked for you and looked for you! We had 5529, but checked out Sunday Morning!

Nobody's getting their villa's til 4 pm or later. I had a few comments on that - if you'd had a regular hotel room, you could have got in at noon or thereabouts.

All studio villa's have paper and plastic because there's no dishwasher. I was surprised to see they had china cups.

Man! So you were across the hall from me!

So we get plastics because of no dishwasher? Oh well, at least I'll know the next time. It would be nice if they brought you more after you've used them though. I actually rinsed out one of the paper bowls!

Loner Weirdo, party of one....checking in here.

I can't believe how fast the replies have been coming in so far! I'm enjoying
your report, and I'm doing the "solo-ish" thing in a few weeks. I'd like to
think I'm having "special guest appearances" when people come stay with me
part of the time.

Weido #2 here! I hope you get some guest appearances too! Too bad I can't be one of them.

I'm so glad I found your report! I love reading about DW trips from your point of view!

LOVE your avatar!

45 min wait for Ellen's Energy Adventure? Wow that amazes me. I loved your last TR.

I'm sorry - the wait wasnt 45mins, the attraction from start to finish is 45 mins. Since we had little time, we skipped it.

 

[Glendamax]

Great start Glenda! I love your writing style-- you cracked me up with the Ben Gay is your bestest friend comment! (where oh where is the tag fairy for that one??)

Can't wait for more... You may very well make or break my decision to go solo! Can ya handle that kind of pressure?

Oh I can handle the pressure! Remember, I'm armed with Ben Gay!!!!!

I am sooo glad you have another TR!!! Your's was the very first TR I read over a year ago and it got me hooked to the DIS!!! Now I'm on everyday!!! Thanks!!! I can't wait to read more!!!
Didn't know about the Ben Gay for your feet! What a great idea!! I put it on my list of things to buy for Disney! Thanks!!!

Awwww . . . . I was the first! Hey DIS! Do I get a special pin or something!
And yes, do put Mr. Ben on your list!

Hey Glenda! So glad to see you have a report started. It's great so far. I told my DH that I was pretty sure you would do another report. Can't wait to hear more!

Hey!!!!!! Stick around, you know someone who'll be comming around one morning in my report

 

[Glendamax]

Glenda:

I was like you about going solo to Disney. I'm not much for doing things solo at home, like eating out or going to movies. Anyway, we went as a family in early January and I stayed 2 nights after the rest of the family left to see if I could do a solo trip. Well, I LOVED it. I loved it so much that I booked a solo trip for early May and then another one for August. I love going solo. I can do what I want, when I want. I can eat where I want whenever I want. I tend not to do any table service meals as a solo, although I've done one each on both of my solo trips. I went to Boma in August and I can't wait to go back! What a great place. I'm always thinking about my next trip and have booked a week for next September (sort of hoping for free dining). I suppose, if I have to, I'll go solo again!

I'm enjoying reading your trip report and look forward to more!

Thanks for stopping by! I learned very quickly why people go solo! Who knows, maybe next year we'll see each other - that is, if I decide to face the heat of September again!

Does the Ben Gay actually seem to give real relief to the feet? If so, I'll definitely invest and my feet will thank you!

I have peppermint lotion also. I suggest that you try them both. I like how both feels actually. The Ben Gay does give some relief.

I love your trip report! My solo trip is in two weeks. Maybe I'll write a trip report too.

You should. I think it would encourage more people like me to go for it!

Hey Glenda, I just left on Friday. I sure didn't plan very well. Apparently there were all kinds of DISers there at the same time I was. If I had known you were there, we could have hung out. I had a great time! I hope you do too.

I wish I could come back and join ya!

Man! We left on the same day! Next time, do look over the boards a bit more before you leave.

You were scared of Tower of Terror, but you wanted to do the HARD version of mission space??? That ride is a million times scarier!!!

No --- look at the pic again. I did the LESS intense version. I got sick on the other version a few years ago.

Soarin' barefoot is absolute heaven!

I am really enjoying your trip report. Don't tell them about the crazy short blonde girl you met

Yes! barefoot IS the way to go!!!!

Don't worry, I wont even mention that crazy chick!

 

[Lauralee131]

Woooo Hooooo!! G-Max is BACK!!

Sounds awesome so far and I'm glad I'm in on this one early! I've been thinking about a solo trip so I'm really interested to see how yours plays out.

Congrats on your DVC purchase by the way!!

And I can't figure out who's behind the lady taking the picture... Cliffhanger????

 

[cherokeemamma]

Hi Glenda,

WOW!!! You are doing a great job on the TR. Can't believe you have so much done already. Looks like the first part of your trip was great...even with the rain.

Well, I finally got home Monday around 4 pm. We were very, very tired. My DD's teacher had already called my house . DD missed the first day of standardized testing. I guess that puts me officially on the "bad mother list".

Did you like CP's breakfast? I have only eaten there once for breakfast and we loved it. It looks like there were low crowds that morning at MK!!! I thought it was much more crowded this year...didn't you?

I'll be checking in later. Have a great day.

TTFN
Darlene

 

[Lan]

How is the cold? I hope you are feeling better.

I had forgotten that ET had a different hair color.