I can't wait any longer! ~UPDATE 5/25 I'm back!

[Tracy161]

Tracy, I am here. I'm looking forward to getting to know you as well. I'll be back to catch up.

Welcome, Kathy! So excited to see you here!

 

[ThistleMae]

First of All....I love your obsession with Disney! Some of my co-workers and "family" don't understand the attraction. I think they feel Disney is for Children. They couldn't be more wrong...now could they! There is something for everyone at Disney...and the happiness and joy of people having fun is contagious! Yeah...there may be a few grumps here and there but moreover....everyone is so happy to be in this magical place. I have to thank you for your post, especially because you are a solo traveler. My last trip...I took my granddaughter (18) and her boyfriend, so I was alone most of the days except for evening meals. I enjoyed every day, going where I wanted, when I wanted, shopping in the stores as long as I wanted.... I talked to people in lines and those sitting near me at the restaurants. I never felt alone. But....I pondered what it would be like to eat dinner alone? That was the biggest question for me in thinking about traveling to Disney ALONE! I think I would enjoy just checking in with someone at the end of everyday...but...I will try it alone someday...so I can go on more trips to Disney. This year I'm going with a new friend...and he has never been! So I'm his tour guide. It's fun to plan, choose restaurants etc. He's going to love it...I hope! So...again thank you for being a young, brave woman, who isn't afraid to go have fun by yourself! You go girl...I'll be keeping an eye on your posts! My vacation is in November!

 

[teekathepony]

Hi Tracy! I'm joining in!

Here's my favourites:

Favorite park(s) Epcot, but sometimes Magic Kingdom slides to the top
Favorite ride(s) Rock n' Rollercoaster and Haunted Mansion
Favorite character(s) Belle here too! Also Mickey.
Favorite Disney restaurant(s) Hmm I have so many. Boma might just be #1.

 

[Tracy161]

First of All....I love your obsession with Disney! Some of my co-workers and "family" don't understand the attraction. I think they feel Disney is for Children. They couldn't be more wrong...now could they! There is something for everyone at Disney...and the happiness and joy of people having fun is contagious! Yeah...there may be a few grumps here and there but moreover....everyone is so happy to be in this magical place. I have to thank you for your post, especially because you are a solo traveler. My last trip...I took my granddaughter (18) and her boyfriend, so I was alone most of the days except for evening meals. I enjoyed every day, going where I wanted, when I wanted, shopping in the stores as long as I wanted.... I talked to people in lines and those sitting near me at the restaurants. I never felt alone. But....I pondered what it would be like to eat dinner alone? That was the biggest question for me in thinking about traveling to Disney ALONE! I think I would enjoy just checking in with someone at the end of everyday...but...I will try it alone someday...so I can go on more trips to Disney. This year I'm going with a new friend...and he has never been! So I'm his tour guide. It's fun to plan, choose restaurants etc. He's going to love it...I hope! So...again thank you for being a young, brave woman, who isn't afraid to go have fun by yourself! You go girl...I'll be keeping an eye on your posts! My vacation is in November!

Hello ThistleMae and a big to you!!! Awww, thanks, your message really means a lot to me. I truly do have a Disney obsession and I can absolutely relate to family, friends, and co-workers just not getting it. In fact, I haven't mentioned that I'm going to Disney to my co-workers at all... at this point, they just think I'm strange anyway (you should see my office, it's completely decked out with Disney!). Don't get me wrong, they love me and embrace my craziness, but it's just not worth going into the whole "Oh my gosh, you're going again?! Don't you know there are other places in this world?!" The truth is, Disney is just my happy place, plain and simple. If being there and looking forward to being there makes my life that much better, why would I go anywhere else?!

I'm so excited for you to travel down with a Disney newbie in November! It's so magical to see Disney through the eyes of someone who has never been. And please, please don't let solo traveling stop you from getting down there more often... I'm absolutely being honest when I say that some of my most amazing times at Disney have been alone. It's not to say I don't love striking up a conversation in line, or sharing a tearful moment at Wishes with a perfect stranger, it's just that there is SO much freedom when you're solo! And the CMs often engage you more as well. As for eating alone, I drag along a book (but it rarely leaves my bag). I enjoy people watching, chatting with fellow Disney lovers, and just generally taking a break from my crazy park pace. But sometimes the security of just knowing I have a book to occupy me is enough to remove a little worry.

Thanks again for stopping by! I hope this PTR and pending TR push you towards a future solo trip someday

Hi Tracy! I'm joining in!

Here's my favourites:

Favorite park(s) Epcot, but sometimes Magic Kingdom slides to the top
Favorite ride(s) Rock n' Rollercoaster and Haunted Mansion
Favorite character(s) Belle here too! Also Mickey.
Favorite Disney restaurant(s) Hmm I have so many. Boma might just be #1.

Wendy! So happy to see you here!!! And thanks for playing your own favorites game! I enjoy your TRs SO much... thanks for giving me many hours of Disney fixes over the years! I've never been to Boma but it's really a place I need to try soon. I go back and forth about making ADRs on my solo trips. I haven't made any yet, but that may change soon. Stay tuned!

 

[Tracy161]

Happy Valentine's Day!!!


I hope you all are having a lovely Valentine's Day. Whether you have a special someone or you're single like me, I know we all share one true love:
DISNEY!!!

I thought I'd take a moment to talk about my "unique" WDW loves - the things that I love that aren't exactly your typical run of the mill Disney loves:

1) Disney "smells"

Disney water, for one. I can't explain my obsession with this smell, but I can't get enough. Pirates, Splash, iasw, Jungle Cruise, Gran Fiesta Tour, Living with the Land, it doesn't matter, they all seem to have this common, wonderful smell that instantly tells you "I'm here".

Also, Sunshine Seasons - the second I go into the Land pavilion, this deliciously unique smell just captures me. I crave this smell all the time.

Soarin - enough said.

2) Disney area music loops

I absolutely love the loops. I'm sure many of you know about this, but if you don't (and are equally obsessed), check out Live 365 for area loops - I really get transported each and every time

3) The CMs

The level of friendliness and service you typically receive at Disney is simply unmatched.

I would love to know what "unique" Disney loves you all have!
​

 

[Gracefulskinny]

I have to agree on the service! Even the CMs at the local stores are above the rest! Just a few weeks ago I was in one trying to grab a few Valentine trinkets for Little Miss and when the one at the check out counter saw I was trying to hide the purchases from Little Miss she subtly went on her walkie talkie and called another CM over to distract DD while I was checking out. The one who was called over swooped in almost magically and read DD a book that she had been looking at and had DD fully engaged the whole time. I walked out wishing I had got their names so that I could complement them.

As for Disney World it self, there is just a certain "feel" about POR that stepping on to the grounds is just like being magically transported into the Disney Bubble. The boat to DTD from there as well is quite nice.

 

[disneyseniors]

Hi Tracey, Happy Valentines Day too I am joining in to, and love to hear about your trip in May! I have been thinking about end of April, May type of trip and will be interested in your take on a Spring trip to WDW. We usually go in the fall, November or December and love it. I also love October with the Halloween decorations. I have never traveled solo, esp not to Disney. I am kind of introverted and not sure how I would handle being on my own, so can't wait to hear how your trip goes. I'm amazed at the number of times you have been there alone. Anyway, thanks for the great posts so far....can't wait for more

 

[Tracy161]

I have to agree on the service! Even the CMs at the local stores are above the rest! Just a few weeks ago I was in one trying to grab a few Valentine trinkets for Little Miss and when the one at the check out counter saw I was trying to hide the purchases from Little Miss she subtly went on her walkie talkie and called another CM over to distract DD while I was checking out. The one who was called over swooped in almost magically and read DD a book that she had been looking at and had DD fully engaged the whole time. I walked out wishing I had got their names so that I could complement them.

As for Disney World it self, there is just a certain "feel" about POR that stepping on to the grounds is just like being magically transported into the Disney Bubble. The boat to DTD from there as well is quite nice.

Wow! That is amazing - I love your story about trying to get Valentine's Day trinkets for Little Miss - they really are so in tune with the needs of guests. How did Little Miss like her Valentine's Day gifts? Perhaps I'll see an update on your PTR soon about that? Ahhh, I agree about POR - that was actually the first on property resort I ever stayed at! So it'll always be near and dear to my heart for that reason alone!

Hi Tracey, Happy Valentines Day too I am joining in to, and love to hear about your trip in May! I have been thinking about end of April, May type of trip and will be interested in your take on a Spring trip to WDW. We usually go in the fall, November or December and love it. I also love October with the Halloween decorations. I have never traveled solo, esp not to Disney. I am kind of introverted and not sure how I would handle being on my own, so can't wait to hear how your trip goes. I'm amazed at the number of times you have been there alone. Anyway, thanks for the great posts so far....can't wait for more

Thank you and ! I really love springtime at Disney! And if you've never been to the Flower and Garden Festival - it's really a must. I myself am not overly interested in gardening but they do such a beautiful job of decorating Epcot with all the beautiful topiaries that for that reason alone, it's worth a peak! But I do LOVE fall at Disney, too! I must say it's probably my favorite time to go. And let's not kid ourselves... the crowds are usually amazing that time of year (well, depending on whether you avoid a few weeks here and there of course!). I'm what you might call an introvert in disguise and I've never had any issues with that at Disney. You can put your nose in a book in line or while eating or you can strike up a conversation with someone. Depending on my mood, I'm happy to do either! Follow along though, I may convince you a solo trip is worth a try Thanks again for being here!

 

[wellesleyprincess]

Joining in! I'm planning my second solo trip for October and I think you and Elevationist are rubbing off on me and going to lead to me doing a PTR myself

 

[Elevationist]

Joining in! I'm planning my second solo trip for October and I think you and Elevationist are rubbing off on me and going to lead to me doing a PTR myself

Doooooooooooo eeeeeeeeeeeeeet!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[RunnerMommyof4]

Happy Valentine's Day!!!
View attachment 2653

I hope you all are having a lovely Valentine's Day. Whether you have a special someone or you're single like me, I know we all share one true love:
DISNEY!!!

I thought I'd take a moment to talk about my "unique" WDW loves - the things that I love that aren't exactly your typical run of the mill Disney loves:

1) Disney "smells"

Disney water, for one. I can't explain my obsession with this smell, but I can't get enough. Pirates, Splash, iasw, Jungle Cruise, Gran Fiesta Tour, Living with the Land, it doesn't matter, they all seem to have this common, wonderful smell that instantly tells you "I'm here".

Also, Sunshine Seasons - the second I go into the Land pavilion, this deliciously unique smell just captures me. I crave this smell all the time.

Soarin - enough said.

2) Disney area music loops

I absolutely love the loops. I'm sure many of you know about this, but if you don't (and are equally obsessed), check out Live 365 for area loops - I really get transported each and every time

3) The CMs

The level of friendliness and service you typically receive at Disney is simply unmatched.

I would love to know what "unique" Disney loves you all have!
​

Please remember I'm new lol but I keep reading so much about Sunshine Seasons. What is it and where is it?

 

[Tracy161]

Joining in! I'm planning my second solo trip for October and I think you and Elevationist are rubbing off on me and going to lead to me doing a PTR myself

Welcome!!! So happy to have you! YES, YES, YES!!! I'll echo Billie below: DO IT!!!!!!!! As you can see, I've been a Disboards member since 2006 and this is my FIRST PTR (I'm planning on doing my first TR after this trip). I had hesitated for nearly 10 years but I'm SO happy I took the plunge! Now I'm just asking myself "what the heck took me so long?!"

Doooooooooooo eeeeeeeeeeeeeet!!!!!!!!!!!

Yay!!! Billie! You made it over - happy to see you and !!!

Please remember I'm new lol but I keep reading so much about Sunshine Seasons. What is it and where is it?

Hello again RunnerMommy!!! You may be new but that's the beauty of the boards! By the time you go, you'll already be an expert! Sunshine Seasons is the Quick Service restaurant (a series of separate counters, really, with all different offerings) that's located in the Land pavilion at Epcot (where Soarin' is) - the minute you step into that pavilion, this hard-to-describe smell just takes over you. Honestly, it's just the best. You'll soon see for yourself! And then I want a report back to see if you agree!

 

[Tracy161]

A Confession... Disney style

Hey guys! So I have to confess something to a group of people I know will appreciate and understand this...

Because I need to see as much of this as possible...


...I put $50 into a vacation account yesterday that's not even for my May trip!

Mind you I have nothing in the works for my next trip (the one after this one) but I can't help but think that I really want to try to swing a fall trip soonish... could I pinch some pennies and go again this fall?! I'm not sure but... either way, I have $50 started for a future trip... whenever that might be The motivating force behind this idea (besides the obvious ) is that I still have my $200 voucher from USAir to use before it expires. I can't possibly not put it to good use, right?! ​

 

[KatMark]

Okay...back and caught up. I love your intro, I love your favs and I love your confession.

Here are my favs:

Favorite park(s) Magic Kingdom
Favorite ride(s) Tower of Terror
Favorite character(s) Tigger
Favorite Disney restaurant(s) Crystal Palace for characters; Yachtsman for hubby and I

 

[wellesleyprincess]

I forgot to add my favs
Favorite park: EPCOT
Favorite ride: Space Mountain or Tower of Terror
Favorite character: Alice in Wonderland
Favorite Disney restaurant: 1900 Park Fare, Boma, California Grill, Crystal Palace, Teppan Edo, Rose & Crown, and probably many more that I'm not listing (I'm a vegetarian and have dealt with food allergies and a large part of my love of Disney stems from not having to worry about being able to eat at a restaurant)

 

[Tracy161]

Okay...back and caught up. I love your intro, I love your favs and I love your confession.

Here are my favs:

Favorite park(s) Magic Kingdom
Favorite ride(s) Tower of Terror
Favorite character(s) Tigger
Favorite Disney restaurant(s) Crystal Palace for characters; Yachtsman for hubby and I

Thanks, Kathy! I knew I could count on fellow Dis members to appreciate my confession! I'm really hoping to ride your favorite this trip... I have terrible trouble with motion sickness and have tried various remedies in the past to mixed reviews. However, I LOVE ToT and really hope that I'll brave it again this trip... stay tuned!

I forgot to add my favs
Favorite park: EPCOT
Favorite ride: Space Mountain or Tower of Terror
Favorite character: Alice in Wonderland
Favorite Disney restaurant: 1900 Park Fare, Boma, California Grill, Crystal Palace, Teppan Edo, Rose & Crown, and probably many more that I'm not listing (I'm a vegetarian and have dealt with food allergies and a large part of my love of Disney stems from not having to worry about being able to eat at a restaurant)

I'm glad you remembered! I love knowing what everyone's favorites are! See above response for my feelings about ToT Really hoping this trip is the one that I can find the perfect blend of remedies to let me try it again... without incident But in all honesty, I've never had an "incident", just hours of feeling like I could after...

That's a great list of restaurants! A few of which I've never tried but want to! Thanks for sharing!

 

[teekathepony]

Happy belated valentines day! Love the Disney love post, great idea.
Some of my (unique or otherwise) Disney loves include:
- Also the area music loops. Ironically as I type this, the Tomorrowland loop is playing. My absolute favourite is the Innoventions loop!
- Disney towels. I had one from my very first 1991 trip and it lasted me so long... it was the one little piece of Disney I held on to for all the years I couldn't get back. I have a thing for Disney towels.
- I totally get the water thing! Me too!


As for a fall trip... DO IT! You know, I hear November is a nice time.

 

[disneyseniors]

A Confession... Disney style

Hey guys! So I have to confess something to a group of people I know will appreciate and understand this...

Because I need to see as much of this as possible...
View attachment 70914

...I put $50 into a vacation account yesterday that's not even for my May trip!

Mind you I have nothing in the works for my next trip (the one after this one) but I can't help but think that I really want to try to swing a fall trip soonish... could I pinch some pennies and go again this fall?! I'm not sure but... either way, I have $50 started for a future trip... whenever that might be The motivating force behind this idea (besides the obvious ) is that I still have my $200 voucher from USAir to use before it expires. I can't possibly not put it to good use, right?! ​

Tracey, thank you for the castle picture. You have no idea just how much that lifted my spirits today About the $50.00. That's a great start, and it WILL build up each month. Hope you make it in the fall. We are thinking about the first 2 weeks of November, so, who knows? we just might see you there. My hubby Loves Disney too!

 

[Gracefulskinny]

Yay for saving for future trips!

 

[ElenaJane]

There is nothing more fun to save for than a WDW vacation!! I like to have the future vacation dates mapped out before I finish a WDW vacation. Helps with the Disney Withdrawal Disorder. Fun to think what you could do with that $50! 5 Disney Balloons? A breakfast at Crystal Palace? A MNSSHP ticket?

At work I am asked questions all day long. Your questions are way more fun.

Favorite park - Magic Kingdom
Favorite ride - Haunted Mansion
Favorite character - Goofy and Eeyore
Favorite Disney restaurant - Liberty Tree Tavern