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

[Glendamax]

Day 4
Wed. 9/12

Wednesday morning I woke up early, swallowed, and wanted to CRY! I felt BAD! I mean, stay home from school, and sit on my Mother's lap while she rocks me BAD! I wanted to cry But this was supposed to be a major "Big Girl" day. The day that I was to have breakfast at a sit-down restaurant TOTALLY alone. What helped me to get out of bed, was that the reservation was at BOMA! Yes folks, the place I dream about all - year - long!

It was 7am, but my reservation wasn't until 9am. So I called down to find out if I could get in earlier - I did, 8:15. I got up, showered, and had tea with Airborne and Cough Drops in it. It was like drinking a big hug

When I arrived at Boma, they sat me in the back by the windows. This was comforting because at least I didnt have to have a smile on my face, or attempt to look normal..

I make my way to the buffet - I've never eaten breakfast here before, so I dont know what they have to offer. I see something brown - looks like bread - and the sign says "french toast". Hey, it's Boma, it CAN'T be bad. I get some other traditional breakfast items and trek all the way to the back to my table. After ONE bite of the brown thick "french toast" with what might be raisons, I have decided that I WILL be eating there tomorrow! Thank you Mommy for the breakfast money!

While I'm eating, I'm trying to decide what I have energy enough for to do. I can't stay in the room! I've been waiting for this trip for a YEAR, and I HAVE to go SOMEWHERE! While I'm eating and thinking, I notice a couple walking up to me. The woman IMMEDIATELY looked familiar, but I have to consider the fact that not only am I sick, but I've already taken Airborne, 2 cough drops, 800mg Ibuprophren, and I'm on my 3rd cup of tea. When they get to my table, she tells me that she's DISer Scrap4U!
Last year she spotted my decorated window at Port Orleans, and left a Lime Mickey on my door with her name on it! Now finally, I get to see her in person! We hug and say our hellos. Isnt it funny how with some people you automatically feel comfortable? The whole time we were talking, I was eating. I didnt even give a second thought about it. Of course, they had real plans, and had to leave. It was GREAT seeing them. I wish we had more time together.

After they left, I had a little boost of energy, and decided to go exactly where I wanted to go. EPCOT's World Showcase. And I believed that I would be able to do it without passing out! On the way out, I made a reservation for the next morning at 8am!

As I'm walking to the shuttle stop, I'm praying for some strength: Jesus please, you know I've been waiting all year for this, PLEASE help me to make it! As soon as you exit AKL, on the left is the smoking section. As soon as just a whiff hits me, my throat feels awful. So I try to hold my breath as I walk pass. I make it, and realize that breakfast has helped me, cuz I can swallow without wanting Mommy!


Since it was still early, I decided to do some of my favorites in Future World again: everything except Ellen's Energy. (Sorry Ellen, I LOVE you, but 45mins is too long to be in the AC with a sore throat.)

After I did Test Track, I ran into my friend Kim. Now I have to stop here and tell you a Leeeetle bit about Kim. I've known her since I was about 10. And we got to go to WDW together in 2002. It was THE BEST TRIP EVER!!!!! Since then, she's had 2 more kids, and we havent been back together since. So this was a BIG DEAL that she was going to be there the SAME time.
What would seem to be the running trend, they were just getting there, and were about to do, what I'd already done.

We parted ways, and I headed to WORLD SHOWCASE!!!!! WOO-HOO!!!
Last year I missed this because it POURED the day we were supposed to go.

I started at MEXICO! I love this place!

​

The refurbished boat ride is ok, but I do miss some things from the original: the guy doing the dance to the gods when you first enter, the part where the merchants run from screen to screen selling you stuff, and the video of the clif divers.

After the boat ride, I bought a BUNCH of stuff! This is why I love this place. It looks really cool, and you can great non-Mickey souveniers that do NOT cost alot, that you WILL use in your real-life.

Here's some of the things I bought:

I bought this lion to remember my bravery and courage for going on a solo trip! I got it in green to match my bedroom!

2 bracelets and a ring. They look soooo good on!

I've always wanted a Nativity scene. They came in 3 different colors. I bought this color, because it matches the shelves in the living room, and wouldnt look weird being out all year long. OH! What's funny is, after I took the pieces out, I thought I had 2 extra "people" and I couldn't figure out who they were. Any guesses . . . . It took me over a day to realize they were MARY AND JOESEPH! ​

(Note: I took more video than pics, so please let me know how to post the videos throughout my report. Is it the same process as posting pics? Lemme know!)

Comming up, more of the World Showcase!

 

[Glendamax]

Day 4 cont.
Wed. 9/12

After leaving Mexico, I make yet another little video, then head to Norway!!! Woo- Hoo! I'm a Viking! I'm a Viking! I love the boat ride, but the polar bears freak me out!

When exiting into the shop, I did wish that I had someone to take a silly pic of me like I did last year . . .

Finally, I remembered that DISers love school bread! I finally got it!

It was really good! It does have some custard in the middle - which I'm not a fan of - but it was GOOD! When I saw how big it was, I go a carry-out container, because I didnt think I would finish it. But of course, I did. I ate at the table and chairs they have set up in the SHADE, and listened to their band paly. Very relaxing. Once again, I have video of the band, but no pics. (sorry)

Then it was onto China! They had soooo many things I wish I could buy, but I knew I wasn't going to ship all that stuf, nor buy another suitcase. They had some really cute dolls. Insted of buying one, I took a pic!

Next was Germany. By this time, I wished a Taxi would drive up to me and take me back to my resort. On the other hand, I was thinking, "But Glenda, you're half way there, keep going". Then I looked to my right and saw the boat taxi. Thank you Jesus! I'm out!!!! Rant Alert! Why isnt there transportation from World Showcase to the FRONT of Future World! Even if you get on the boat shuttle, you STILL have to walk ALL THE WAY THROUGH Future World to get to the exit!!!!

After FINALLY getting to the bus stop for AKL, I cant believe I actually considered doing ALL of World Showcase. There's no one else at the stop. Oh no, this is a bad sign, did I just miss the bus? I spread my bright orange Kingsdominion rain poncho on the ground and sit down. In the middle of the parking lot are cabs, but I'm toooo tired to walk over to find out how much it costs to get HOME! So I tried to use my mind to will a driver to come over to ask if I need a ride. But it doesn't work. Oh well.

When the bus finally came, there was only one family in line behind me. I then realize that trying to get up off the ground WON'T be pretty! SO WHAT!!!! I roll over, get on all fours, then stand up! I then get on yet another ARTIC bus! Not only is the bus FREEZING, but the air is BLOWING!!! I want my Mommy! At this point I realize that I will probably need an electric scooter to get me to my room, because my joints will be frozen in place.

I get back to the room around 2:30 and find this on my bed . . .

You see, the woman who braids my hair, gave an apple pie- scented candle a while ago as part of a house warming gift to me. I saved it, and burned it everyday while I was in the room. So I guess it smelled very good in there.

Now this was the part of the day I'd been looking forward to for MONTHS. Extra Evening Magic Hours at Animal Kingdom. Finally I would be able to walk through the park and see everything. Insted of going through it as if I'm doing a fire drill since this park is AFRICA HOT!!!!

By the time I took off my clothes, and was about to take my mid-day shower, I felt BAD! I was tired and my throat hurt. I had no more table service meals left, and the counter service place at AKL - Mara - was lacking. What should I do? Hmmmm . . . . Well my Mother did give me some extra cash . . . . I think I'll call Boma!!!
After 2 phone calls, I find out that they are not taking reservations, only walk-ups, and they open at 4:30pm. I look at the clock and realize that there is no way I can force myself to be at AK by 5pm and walk around for 3hours. So I call DISer Eeyore's Tiara - who was also going to AK - to cancel Oh well, there goes months of planning down the drain.

After managing to shower and change, I get to Boma at 4:30pm, only to find that it's a MAD HOUSE! There are people and kids EVERYWHERE!!!! Oh Lord, I think I see Pop Tarts and a bottle of water in my future!

I stand in line anyway. After all, I am shower fresh, and I did walk all the way from my room! I look with pleading eyes to the young woman behind the desk. SHE GAVE ME THE RESTAURANT LIGHT UP VIBRATING SAUCER THINGY!!!!! I'M IN!!!!!

The food was GA - RATE!!! While I was filling my plate of foods I dont recognize but knew would be good, the Asain chef from last year recognized me, came towards me and said "Thanks for joining us again". WOW!!!!! He might as well have been Bob Barker saying "Come on down"!!!! I was sooooo excited he remembered me. (see last year's report at Boma)

After that wonderful meal, the day still wasnt over. It was still a bit early. I still feel bad - do I go out again, or stay in?

 

[mamaprincess]

Hey Glenda!

You are on top of your TR game! Thanks for the frequent updates!

You can upload video that you have stored on your pc to photobucket and share in a similar manner to sharing photos. You know this computer that my hubby decided to put up has nothing on it so I can't run through the steps with you but I remember it being very easy. If you can't figure it out when you're at photobucket, someone in here will elaborate.

Our family dreams of Boma all year long too! My hubby loves that "brown stuff"!

 

[Glendamax]

Still Day 4
Wed. 9/12

I leave Boma like a young woman from a wonderful yet unexpected date with Seal When I get back to my room, I call my friend Kim, who tried to call me while I was at dinner. She and the kids are going to Magic Kingdom for Wishes, and can pick me up in their car. I start to have a pow-wow with Gmax, Glendamax, and Glenda:

1. We feel soooo bad. Let's stay in, peep at the animals on the Savanah, and watch one of the DVDs we bought.

2. MAYBE you can still make it to AK! After all, you'll have someone to ride Everest with. Just ride that and come back to the room.

3. Tonight will be the ONLY time you will be able to spend some time with Kim and kids. AND it's WISHES!!! Good Greif, it's takes NO energy to WATCH Wishes!!! AND you wont have to be on the ARTIC shuttle bus!

Hmmmm . . . I think I'll go see Wishes. Seems like the least stressful of the 3.

We got to MK about 8pm. Since we still had some time, and it was dark, I take Kim's oldest daughter -12 - over to ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. I told her that it's a TOTALLY different ride at night.

When the train started up the first hill in almost total darkness, Kim's daughter was like "WHOAAA", and had a nervous laugh. I said, "See, I told ya"! Needless to say, the ride was great! I screamed the whole time! It was awesome! For those of you who haven't done it at night, it's great because you can't really see the track, so you're really surprised with every turn and dip.

Afterwards, I wanted to take her over to Pirates, but I didnt want to cut it too close, and have to speed walk back to Kim.

On our way back, I saw a good viewing spot in front of Crystal Palace. Which was not far from where DISer "Lifelong Dreamer" Leesa and her family watched Wishes back in July. So we head over to get Kim to our new-found better spot!

What I failed to mention, was that shortly after we entered the park, it started drizzling. Yes. And it had cooled off. Yes. I was M i s e r a b l e. I regreted my decision, and thought the pow wow with Glendamax, Gmax and Glenda had gone badly. So while we were waiting and waiting for Wishes to start, it starting raining just a bit harder. I had on all my gear: baseball cap, rain poncho, and mini umbrella.

I look at my watch. It's about 9:01. Oh no, I've done all of this for nothing. I could be back in my room watching the movie "Something New" with Sanaa Lathan and Simon Barker, pretending I'm in love too.

Then comes an announcement: "Due to circumstances beyond our control . . . " (at this point I go deaf, which is what I usually do when I'm stressed out) . . . Wishes will begin shortly". Of course this is not a direct quote, since Kim had to relay the last part of the announcement to me. I must've looked like I was going to have a stroke, because Kim was talking to me a really gentle way like nurses do right before they do something unplesant to you.

Finally Wishes starts. I get out the camera and record the first few minutes. Of course by the end of the show, I feel like all my wishes will come true too. Like maybe Seal or Simon Barker will be waiting for me in my room with a jar of Vicks and a mug of tea.

By the time Kim drops me off at the resort, I want to die. I am fussing at myself for going out again. But really, who knew that watching fireworks would be work.

Back in the room, I have more tea with Airborne in it, and go to sleep.

Final Thoughts:

I ended up pushing myself because after all, I'd been waiting ALL YEAR. I should've stayed in my room.

I'm really thankful for DISers like scrap4u and others who came up to me. Those encounters really made my trip!

Even if you dont have a reservation where you want to eat, try anyway!

 

[cherokeemamma]

Hey Glenda,
I am feeling so bad, so sad for you. Isn't it awful when we work and save our money and then plan and plan and look forward to something and then get sick and can't enjoy it like we want. I hate it when that happens.

I am so sorry you were sick. I really think you did the right thing by going and trying to enjoy yourself. I know I would have pushed myself because...It's Disney!!! We have a saying around our house that we will rest when we are dead.
Your illness encourages me to get lots of rest and take vitamins before our trip. Did you find the airborne worked? Are you suppose to take it prior to getting sick? Or at the first signs of a cold? I have never taken it.

Glad to hear the BOMA offers a great breakfast.
How was the view of Wishes from CP?
Love the pictures and I can't wait to see your video.
BTW, I love all of the items you purchased in Mexico...especially the nativity. Very pretty.
I cannot believe all the Dissers you met! What fun!

So, Glenda...how are you feeling today? Much better I hope!

TTFN
Darlene

 

[Glendamax]

Day 5
Thurs 9/13

This morning I woke up feeling ROUGH again, but the promise of more Boma kept me going. This time, they seated me in the first row of tables by the buffet. The chairs were high-backed, and you really couldnt see the people at the next table well. GREAT!

I got the brown "french toast" again. I'm drinking tea, and juice, and feel like carp, yes, carp. While I was eating, I look to my right. Can it be? Naw . . . they don't really exist . . . I mean, that would be like seeing a Unicorn! I look again . . . it's a nice looking Black man in his late 30's early 40's eating alone. Oh no, the medicine is making me woooseeeee. LIZABETH . . . I'm comming home!!!!!

After I get my second dish, the apparition comes over to my table. He's talking to me (wake up Glenda wake up). He has a pleasant smile on his face, and apologizes for interrupting me. He says that he was given a TinkerBell pin, and was given an extra one to give to someone special, so he chose me.
Here's me----->

Then I manage, "Oh thank you, no you're not interupting me". He goes on to tell me to NOT trade it, because it's not sold in the stores. He said that if I did wear it, CMs would notice it. (WOW) I thank him, and he sits back down. After he goes away, I could hear a bunch of you from the boards yelling at me: Get it together girl!!!! Talk to him!!!! Say Something!!! If you dont swallow for the rest of the day, it wont hurt and you'll feel better! But of course, I'm sure my voice is deeper than Bea Arthur's, and if I did talk more, he'd think I was a cross-dresser with braids.

After he finishes his meal, he starts talking to the wait staff by name, saying goodbye. They're saying how good it was to see him again, etc. Then he says how he's about to go to the airport to get back to New York, and that he'll be back in February. (Hmmmm can I come back in Feb.?) Then he comes over to me - his name is Larry - and says that he hopes that I enjoy the rest of my trip. I say thank you, and that I hope he has a safe trip home. Then he leaves. Yes. He left. That's the end of the story.

I kept thinking if I would've done something different if I were in my right mind. But no. There was nothing else I could do.

Bye Larry.

 

[Glendamax]

Did you find the airborne worked? Are you suppose to take it prior to getting sick? Or at the first signs of a cold? I have never taken it.

You're supposed to take it at the first signs of a cold. I DO think that it helped to hold it off a bit till I got home. The morning after I got home, I felt like a truck had ran over me.

How was the view of Wishes from CP?

So, Glenda...how are you feeling today? Much better I hope!
TTFN
Darlene

The view was really good. It was over by those white tables, and the red and white stripped chairs.

Today is ok I guess. I'm blowing my nose alot, and dont feel like being around nor talking to any people! Thanks for asking!

 

[mlill]

Awwww..... I'm so sorry that you got sick on your trip! Larry was so sweet to give you a TinkerBell pin! Who knows, maybe you'll run into him again someday in WDW?

I'm really enjoying your TR! If you want to add video to it, you could upload some to YouTube and then link to it. It works pretty good for me.

I can't wait to read more!
-Michelle

 

[LurrrvtheDuck]

Yay!! I'm here Glenda (thanks for the PM).

Hey, I offered to go with you.

Going back to read now...

 

[Nurse_Mommy4]

I must've looked like I was going to have a stroke, because Kim was talking to me a really gentle way like nurses do right before they do something unplesant to you.

Why whatever do you mean? (insert evil laugh)

 

[betsywdw]

Awww Glenda, I'm so sorry to hear you got sick I swear there is nothing worse than the feeling of swallowing and having a sore throat. I was supposed to meet one of my good friends during our Feb trip. The chances of us both being at WDW at the same time are so rare and she ended up getting really sick and basically stayed in her room at the BWV almost the entire trip

I'm going again in February, do want me to find Larry at Boma get the ball rolling for you???

 

[scottny]

Sorry to hear you were sick. Sounds like you did a lot even with a sore throat. Glad you liked Boma, that is one of my adr's next year and I am looking forward to it.
As for Larry, you need to just go up to people and start talking. If he came over to you I am sure he would have liked you to go and talk to him. Too bad it was his last night.

 

[fakereadhed]

Where did you get the cute pink Minnie and Mickey T?

Love your solo trip report! Anxiously waiting to hear the rest...

 

[PrincessV]

GMAX!!!!! You've been busy!

This TR's so many kinds of funny, I can't even begin to quote. Except for this:

LIZABETH . . . I'm comming home!!!!!

whihc has me

You know, for a "solo" trip, you've done a LOT of socializing! how many DIS sightings are we up to now? 6? 8? Amazing - you are a pro!

I'm so sorry you got sick.... in DISNEY Here's hoping you feel better after a good night's sleep


And. Gmax?

Welcome Home!

 

[mamaprincess]

Giirrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll!!!!!
(and yes, my neck is rolling) You know mama is mad at you about Larry! I don't care if you had to call an interpreter, you know good and well you were suppose to get his number! I don't care if you had to write notes on a paper napkin to have a conversation with him that would lead to future conversations at the very least. He was FEELING YOU, he was at WDW all by himself and he plans on doing it again!!! He was handsome and showering you with gifts!!! Come on baby!

Mama is mad!!!

So what you need to do is find whomever he was talking to at Boma and ask them to give him a special pin to give to Larry (that you will bring on your next trip just for him) with a note of thanks that may just so happen to have your number on it.

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Hey GMax, That is too bad you were starting to feel so sick but that is great that you were still able to get out there and have a good time.

I think it is so great how you got to see so many DISer's and how they all recognized you!

That encounter in Boma is like something you see in a movie or read in a book. Maybe you are fated and will meet again at Boma on your next trip. You will spot each other across the room and instantly recognize each other. One of you will work up the courage to approach the other and everything will go from there.

 

[mla1977]

Hi Glenda! I remember when you were planning your trip and still debating about going solo. I was one of the ones encouraging you to do it. I'm sorry you got sick while you were there. My throat is soar just thinking about it (or maybe it is really getting sore and I need to start worrying... I think there is some OJ in the fridge).

 

[Glendamax]

Day 5 cont.
Thurs. 9/13

My breakfast at Boma was finished, and Larry had said his goodbyes to the staff (who is that man, and what does he do?). I still had some juice left, so I got it to go.

As you exit AKL's lobby to go to the shuttle stops, there is a smoking area. During the week, I'd paracticed holding my breath as I walk past so my throat wouldn't feel any worse. This morning I did the same.

This day I decided to go back to EPCOT to finish off the rest of the countries. I missed out on them all together last year, and was determined to see them all this year.

When I stepped off the bus, I could smell smoke, and my throat started to itch. Oh no! I noticed that it was the Lady a little ahead of me. So I took a lesson from my girl Fee, went into Turbo mode and passed her. As soon as I was inhaling fresh air, I hear "Glenda"? "Glendamax"? When I turn around, I see the lady put out her ciggy, and start laughing. She says, "I'm MaddieMouse"! I crack up. We have been on some of the same threads. I am also laughing knowing that I am going to tell this WHOLE story on the boards. So Maddie, I've told on you! Here's the 2 of us!

She was there with a friend of the family, who took our pic. I even had her take 2, just to make sure it came out ok.

We talked for awhile. And she told her friend how she knows me, and how cool it is to see a DISer in person. Which it is! She seems like so much fun. Too bad we didnt arrange to have a meal together! We soon parted, and I headed into the park.

Since the World Showcase (WS) doesnt open till 11, and it was a little after 9, I got on Test Track and Mission Space again. This time on MS, I had a hat on, and pulled the bill down as low as possible so my forehead wouldnt freeze.
After I rode those 2, there wasnt anything else I wanted to do, so I headed over to the WS.

I got there about 10:15, and sat on a bench near Norway, facing the water and listening to the music. WS has some nice music. I was sooooo tempted to stretch out on the bench and take a nap!

As soon as it openned - they had a rope up - I headed straight for Malestrom in Norway and got the front row!!! I'M KING OF THE WORLLLLLD!!!! The guy behind me teased me, thanking me from saving them from getting wet. It was so cute - little did he know, I'd been on it many times and knew I wouldnt get wet. Poor thing!

After you get off the ride, they make you wait until the movie about Norway is over, so you can walk through or watch it too. Well, when I got off the boat, I went all the way to the right, where there is a white bench against a house or something. Well, while you're sitting there, you can the recording of a casual conversation between a man and I woman, in whatever language they speak in Norway. (yes, it's true, I dont know what the language is. are you going to be ok?) So I took a pic of the bench for my fellow DISers so you can sit there the next time you go.

After Norway, I FOUGHT through the crowds to get to Italy. Here are some pics I took along the way . . .

​

So as you can see, EPCOT's WS was empty. I even took some video showing how empty it was. I promise I'll try to figure out how to get it on here. I also took some fun pics with Spaceship Earth. In one, I'm trying to pluck it!

This one is my "Look where I am!!! I'm not home!!!!"

This is where I'm trying to pluck SE!​

I was cracking up when I took these, because it was soooo empty, that no one noticed what I was trying to do. Even when I narrated a little bit of video, no stares at all! It was a really fun moment!

Even though the American Adventure (or whatever it's called) wasn't showing yet, I went in the lobby to look around and saw a quote which summed up my first solo trip . . .

I enjoyed looking around in Japan. The shops were nice, and the gardens were beautiful.

This is the drain inside the fish pond.​

I made my way on to Morocco . . .

(Oh, if you look closely, you can see the Tinkerbell pin. My shirt is sticking out, that's NOT all me btw)

Here's a closer look at the pin.
​

Bonjour!!! By France, I was WIPED OUT!

At this point, I really wished that Scotty could beam me back to my room. But I remembered that my friend Kim told me that I had to have fish and chips in the UK. So I switched on my reserve energy and walked over to the UK- HEY WAIT!!!!! Maybe I'll see Seal!!!

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Hey GMax,

To post videos all you have to do is load them onto photobucket. They have a special uploader for video and they provide you the link just like with photos so just cut and paste it into your update. That's all you have to do!

 

[LindaBabe]

Oh, Glenna, I'm so sorry you got sick! That's the PITS when you're alone!

On the other hand, I CAN't Believe that you didn't get Larry's number - Could he possibly be a DISer? Or didya chat up the Boma staffer he was talking with?

Too funny that you got that little critter from Barbara - She played with my husband's teddy bear too. What a hoot.