I'm going to find adventure in the evening air! An August '18 solo trip report! New PTR link 01/04

[Terra Nova guy]

Toy Story Land was so pretty at night......

It looks wonderful at night. I'm so disappointed my family didn't get around to seeing it lit up. Hopefully next time!

Oh my gosh, this was so fun!! It is an awesome coaster and I can't wait to ride it again.

It was so much fun. I don't want to say it's taken over BTMRR as my favourite ride, but it comes pretty close.

 

[juuuliebeth]

I had pretty much the exact same meal at HBD, without the cocktail. Restraining myself from eating the entire basket of rolls was near impossible. I loved the salad, and I topped it off with some shrimp. Wouldn't hesitate to go back on my next time in Hollywood Studios.

 

[PrincessP]

It was so much fun. I don't want to say it's taken over BTMRR as my favourite ride, but it comes pretty close.

I agree with Terra Nova. SDD may just be edging ahead of my favorite coaster...BTMRR. So fun! I rode it once with FP in daylight, then at end of the night on my solo trip last month. Can’t wait for my kids and hubby to ride it.

Looooove that Minnie dress. It was perfect for you! So sweet.

HBD sounds yummy. I have never tried it, but your review makes me want to do so.

 

[suse66]

It was so much fun. I don't want to say it's taken over BTMRR as my favourite ride, but it comes pretty close.

It is a close tie for me BTMRR and definitely prefer it to SDMT.

I had pretty much the exact same meal at HBD, without the cocktail. Restraining myself from eating the entire basket of rolls was near impossible. I loved the salad, and I topped it off with some shrimp. Wouldn't hesitate to go back on my next time in Hollywood Studios.

That salad is so delicious!! I managed to leave one roll in the basket and was proud of restraint...lol! They are beyond yummy!

I agree with Terra Nova. SDD may just be edging ahead of my favorite coaster...BTMRR. So fun! I rode it once with FP in daylight, then at end of the night on my solo trip last month. Can’t wait for my kids and hubby to ride it.

Looooove that Minnie dress. It was perfect for you! So sweet.

HBD sounds yummy. I have never tried it, but your review makes me want to do so.

So looking forward to riding SDD with my DH in July! It really is a great ride.

Thanks for the compliment on my dress, I really lucked out finding it online.

Definitely give HBD a try. That was my second meal there and it did not disappoint.

 

[thumper*]

Loving the dress. What online store did you get it at?

 

[suse66]

Loving the dress. What online store did you get it at?

Thank you! It was one of the Chinese dress companies....either Rosegal or Aliexpress. I googled red polka dot dress and it popped up. I had to shrink it a bit as it was a little big (I ordered a size up as I know those companies can run small with their sizing). It worked out perfectly and was only $25 CDN!

 

[suse66]

A poolside morning and a magical evening!
​

After a busy and late evening, I decided to sleep in and relax this morning. I headed over to the Kona coffee bar in hopes of finding a cheese danish. Sadly, they only had blueberry so I settled for that, grabbed a banana and headed down to Captain Cooks to fill my mug up with coffee. I enjoyed my breakfast while taking in the view on my patio.

Next up was a stroll through the grounds as I decided which pool to hang out at. It was pretty crowded already at the Lava Pool so I thought I'd head over to the Oasis pool instead. Soon I was settled in a comfy lounger under a shady umbrella and took in this gorgeous view.

I brought along some roasted almonds and dried fruit to snack on and filled my mug with my iced tea/lemonade combo. I enjoyed chatting to a couple of the young CM lifeguards about the college program and generally wiling away the next few hours reading and splashing around in the pool. It was such a relaxing morning! I was beginning to feel ready for lunch and had thought I might check out Gasparilla Grill. I was craving greens so decided to go for the make your own salad bar. This was terrific....tons of fresh greens, tomatoes, mushrooms, green peas, peppers, chickpeas, cucumber and feta. Yum!!

I poked around the Grand for a little bit then strolled back along the beach path to the Poly. I looked around Moana Mercantile and did a little pin trading before heading back to my room for a nap. Feeling refreshed, I showered and changed to get ready for my evening at Magic Kingdom! It had cooled down a bit after a crazy afternoon thunderstorm so I actually grabbed a sweater which felt so weird for August in Florida!

All ready for a fun evening!! As yummy as my salad was, I was feeling ready for a little snack for I headed to Aloha Isle for my favourite snack! Perfect as always, especially when you can enjoy it watching the Tiki room show.

I had managed to snag FPs for Splash, Big Thunder and HM this evening. My first ride was Splash abd I almost thought we were going to be evacuated off the ride as we were stuck for over 20 minutes! Luckily we managed to get going again and I managed to only get soaked on one side. Usually I am absolutely drenched on this ride!

I headed over to BTMRR next and enjoyed a wild ride through the wilderness. This is still my top Disney coaster...I just love it! By now, I was hungry and decided to check out Pecos Bills for the first time. I went for the chicken tacos x2 with one spicy cauliflower taco. This was a huge portion and of course I loaded up at the toppings bar. I managed 1 full taco and ate the middle of the other one. You could easily split this meal between two people.

It was almost 8:00 at this time so I decided to pop into the Country Bears Jamboree before staking out a spot for HEA! I always enjoy this Disney classic. Happily Ever After was beautiful as always. I watched from the side of the castle, not far from the bridge to Liberty Square. As I turned to go back towards Liberty Square after the show, the castle was lit up beautifully. I just love it!

I had a plan in mind so I walked quickly back to the Tangled area for a lantern photo! It was only about a 30 minute wait and I was very happy to have this opportunity. After my photo I headed to Haunted Mansion and strolled through the park, just enjoying the beautiful evening.

Now it was time to head to the launch back to the Poly for a good night's sleep after another perfect Disney day!

Food totals today:
Kona coffee bar ~ blueberry danish and banana $6.16
Gasparilla's ~ Make your own salad bar $12.77
Aloha Isle ~ Dole Whip $4.79
Pecos Bills ~ Taco three ways $11.71
Total: $35.43
Savings vs using DDP: $75.49 - $35.43 = $40.06

 

[disneyAndi14]

How was the cauliflower taco, I want to try this. I have heard good things!

I love your lantern photo! Looks like a nice evening in MK

 

[PrincessP]

Your view from the Oasis pool looks like a dream! Were you asking about the college program b/c one of your kiddos might be interested one day or just curious?

My DD and I got stuck on splash once. Evacuated behind the scenes. We did get a fast pass from it.

Sounds like another fabulous day for sure. The lantern photo is fantastic! And the castle pic, too. Great day of savings by not doing the dining plan! Wow! Thanks again for sharing.

 

[kastoney]

Looks like the perfect place to spend the day to me!

I was craving greens so decided to go for the make your own salad bar. This was terrific....tons of fresh greens, tomatoes, mushrooms, green peas, peppers, chickpeas, cucumber and feta. Yum!!

I had no idea they had a make your own salad bar. Sans the mushrooms of course this looks great. Most Disney salads seem to be iceberg lettuce, which I loathe, so good to see the had a nice spring mix.

Yum! That is a lot of food though. Definitely something Casey and I could share. How was the cauliflower one?

 

[Steppesister]

It was a gorgeous morning and I really enjoyed relaxing with my coffee and taking in the view. Soon enough, the launch pulled in and I was the only passenger! I had my own private ride over the Seven Seas Lagoon.....it was magical!

Absolutely wonderful way to spend a Disney morning!!

You're so gosh-darned cute!

After finishing up my snack, I strolled over to IASW and enjoyed a ride through the countries and did a little Hidden Mickey hunting. My FPs were for tonight at HS so I was looking for the walk on experiences this morning. I decided to visit my favourite Haunts and checked out some of the goodies at Memento Mori. I wanted to see the Dapper Dans and knew they were performing next at 11:10. I headed over to Main Street and staked out a perfect spot to watch them. They never disappoint!

I love this kind of slow stroll!!

As I was waiting for the bus I met a wonderful family from Manitoba dressed as Canadians for the MNSSHP!

Ummm, how does one dress up "Canadian"? No, like for real... ?

Waking up an hour later I felt refreshed and ready to chill a little on my patio with a nice glass of wine.

Puuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuurfect!!!!

Next up was my much anticipated dinner at Hollywood Brown Derby. It was 35 minutes after my ADR time before I was seated which I was not pleased about. I wished I had have just gone for the lounge instead but the weather is too unpredictable in August to chance it. I had a lovely server but my table was right in the middle of the big room. I kind of felt like a specimen on display, lol! Oh well, on to the food!

One of my very favorite places on Earth!

A little bit of pixie dust to end the evening!

WOOT!!!

Soon I was settled in a comfy lounger under a shady umbrella and took in this gorgeous view.

What a view. Ummm, I think we'd tour together really well.

I headed over to BTMRR next and enjoyed a wild ride through the wilderness. This is still my top Disney coaster...I just love it!

Mine too!!

I went for the chicken tacos x2 with one spicy cauliflower taco. This was a huge portion and of course I loaded up at the toppings bar. I managed 1 full taco and ate the middle of the other one. You could easily split this meal between two people.

This is excellent information! Planning a trip with my kiddos next Sept, and I can see us splitting this for sure!

 

[suse66]

How was the cauliflower taco, I want to try this. I have heard good things!

I love your lantern photo! Looks like a nice evening in MK

Thanks! It was a great evening! The cauliflower taco was yummy. It was breaded with a spice rub that had a little kick to it. Very good!

Your view from the Oasis pool looks like a dream! Were you asking about the college program b/c one of your kiddos might be interested one day or just curious?

The Oasis pool is so relaxing!! I want them to do DCP....they just roll their eyes at me and think I am overly Disney obsessed!

Sounds like another fabulous day for sure. The lantern photo is fantastic! And the castle pic, too. Great day of savings by not doing the dining plan! Wow! Thanks again for sharing.

Thank you! The savings this day were more comparable to the QSDP as I didn't have any TS booked today. As well, I had purchased some wine at the French pavilion in Epcot so enjoyed that on my patio rather than getting drinks at one of the lounges. I really like the flexibility of OOP as I usually have water with my meals and don't want dessert every day.

Looks like the perfect place to spend the day to me!

Me too!

I had no idea they had a make your own salad bar. Sans the mushrooms of course this looks great. Most Disney salads seem to be iceberg lettuce, which I loathe, so good to see the had a nice spring mix.

They actually had three different types of greens you could select. There was steak as well as chicken if you wanted either of those on top.

Yum! That is a lot of food though. Definitely something Casey and I could share. How was the cauliflower one?

The cauliflower was great! Lightly breaded with a spice rub that had a bit of heat. You and Casey could easily split this.

Absolutely wonderful way to spend a Disney morning!!

Nothing better!

You're so gosh-darned cute!

You're so sweet!

Ummm, how does one dress up "Canadian"? No, like for real... ?

The Dad in the party had a red T with a Maple Leaf design as well as a cowboy hat, the Mom had a plaid shirt, the kids had Canada T shirts with plaid shirts tied around their waists. It was very cute!

One of my very favorite places on Earth!

Mine too!

What a view. Ummm, I think we'd tour together really well.

Great minds think alike!

This is excellent information! Planning a trip with my kiddos next Sept, and I can see us splitting this for sure!

It is a huge portion and really tasty!

 

[Jenny Sanders]

I love your lantern pic, so cute!

 

[suse66]

I love your lantern pic, so cute!

Thank you! I just informed my DH we will be doing this for shot for our anniversary pics in July and he rolled his eyes...lol!

 

[Terra Nova guy]

I headed over to BTMRR next and enjoyed a wild ride through the wilderness. This is still my top Disney coaster...I just love it!

I my favourite ride too! It may not be the most exciting coaster, but the whole package with the great theming really sells it for me.

I had a plan in mind so I walked quickly back to the Tangled area for a lantern photo! It was only about a 30 minute wait and I was very happy to have this opportunity.

Great picture. My family wanted to do this on our trip, but every time we walked past the line looked very long (we guessed an hour) but maybe it wouldn't have been that bad.

 

[Steppesister]

The Dad in the party had a red T with a Maple Leaf design as well as a cowboy hat, the Mom had a plaid shirt, the kids had Canada T shirts with plaid shirts tied around their waists. It was very cute!

Awww, that's super clever! I likey!

Great minds think alike!

Indeed!!!

 

[ariane37]

I want to do the lantern pic but the line is always SO long when we're there I doubt it'll be different over Thanksgiving lol and I doubt my boys would do it! Your picture came out great

want them to do DCP....they just roll their eyes at me and think I am overly Disney obsessed!

OMG wouldn't you love that??? I can only dream, I think even if one of my boys WAS interested in the DCP he'd purposely NOT do it because I'd drive him crazy with my giddiness!

 

[suse66]

Great picture. My family wanted to do this on our trip, but every time we walked past the line looked very long (we guessed an hour) but maybe it wouldn't have been that bad.

Thanks! I was so happy to finally get this shot. Now to convince my DH we need one of the two of us on our anniversary trip!

I want to do the lantern pic but the line is always SO long when we're there I doubt it'll be different over Thanksgiving lol and I doubt my boys would do it! Your picture came out great


OMG wouldn't you love that??? I can only dream, I think even if one of my boys WAS interested in the DCP he'd purposely NOT do it because I'd drive him crazy with my giddiness!

Thanks! My boys would NEVER do it either and I may have to bribe Bill to get him to line up for it next July. DCP is definitely my dream for them, not theirs but a mother can always hope, right??? I would be SO excited if they ever decided to go for it!

 

[MinnieWebster]

I love your lantern pic! I'm going to try to convince DH that we need to get it next year. Maybe since my parents are going with us and I know my mom would love this pic too, she can help me convince the guys

 

[thumper*]

I enjoyed my breakfast while taking in the view on my patio.

I love hanging out on the balcony at our Disney resort.

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Lol the guys face in the very front.

Sounds like it was a nice slow paced relaxing day