Holiday Season Solo Trip - Monday, November 27 - Saturday, December 2, 2006. Port Orleans, French Quarter. Trip complete on one post.
Cast of Characters: Just me. A solo trip for this 73 year old man (retired Kentucky high school teacher with 30 years of fun with my wonderful students. I moved to Florida several years ago), a veteran with some experience walking the parks of Walt Disney World, usually with my wife of 51 years, sometimes with some of my five children, sometimes with some of my 11 grandchildren, and last summer with a couple of my 11 great grandchildren. But this time its just me, and Im looking forward to seeing The Mouse as a solo traveler.
MONDAY MORNING, November 27, 2006: I left Tallahassee at 8:00 am, beginning this years visit to WDW, driving I-10, I-75, the Florida Turnpike, US-27, and US 192, arriving at Port Orleanss French Quarter at 12:45 pm. My only stop along the way was to gas up the Okhahumpka (hows that for a name?) Service Center on the Turnpike. Total distance: about 260 miles. Time it took me to drive it: almost five hours. Much of the drive was made in the rain, and I never get in a hurry when Im on vacation. I've visited this resort often enough that the security guards at the entrance recognized my name, I deposited my luggage with the bell hop, and parked the car, which would not be moved until the end of my trip. (Once at WDW I'm finished driving until it's time to go home.)
After a short wait at the registration counter, I was checked in by cast member (CM Andy), who seemed to be a bit new at his job, and not yet exhibiting any signs of the vaunted Disney Magic. He was polite, but not intuitive, and did not seem to be as friendly or amicable as most Disney employees. He gave me a temporary room key card, explaining that the system for setting up room cards was out of order, and that I would need to come by the registration desk later in the evening to get my room key card. He had written the numbers 4022" on the card, and indicated that it would open my room door, but would not work for charging anything to my account. I made four requests when I made my reservation in May (non smoking, king bed, building five or two, and a river view), and three of them were honored..I did not get the river view, but instead had a corner room in building two overlooking the kiddy pool. It was a great room, and I enjoyed hearing the kids yelling and laughing as I drifted off to sleep at about 11:00 most nights.
My next stop was at the Guest Services Desk, where the nice CM there printed out a list of my meal reservations, and gave me my tickets for the two Christmas Parties I planned to attend.. When she saw my room key card, with the number 4022" she seemed surprised, and said she had never seen a room number like that at the French Quarter. She took the card to a manager, who explained that my room number was actually 2240" (which translates to mean Building two, second floor, room number 40), and that Andy should have explained this to me. The numbers were jumbled to keep anyone else from knowing my room number. Strange, I thought. But I was soon into my room, unpacked, and on my way to Epcot for the evening.
MONDAY. EVENING: Leaving my room at 2:45, it took an hour to get to Epcot, as there was a very long wait for the bus. I was afraid that WDW had cut down on busses to save fuel, and that bus waits would be longer during the entire week; but this was not the case as the busses were always timely going and coming, and only this initial trip was overlong. By 4:00 I was on the Figment ride, following which I attempted to see the Honey, I Shrunk the Audience show. But the pre-show had just began, and the CM at the entrance would not admit anyone after the show started. I explained that I had seen the pre-show many times, and really didnt need to see it from the beginning again, but he said he was not allowed to admit anyone after the pre-show began. I would have to wait about 27 minutes if I wanted to see the 3-D movie. Im off to a great start I mused, first Andy, then a late bus, and now a CM who would not bend a rule, and was obviously on some kind of a power trip.
I strolled up to Canada, saw the O Canada! film, and spent the rest of the time at the British Pub with some really nice local folks who were personal friends with the bartender (CM Carl) . Hey! Who can resist free beer? This enjoyable interlude got me to my 6:30 dinner reservation time at the Le Cellier Steakhouse. Things were looking up. This was my first visit to Le Cellier, but it wont be my last. I would rate this restaurant among the very best at WDW. Ambiance, service (CM: Renata), and great food. Who could ask for anything more? I had the Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup and the 7 oz Filet Mignon. Both outstanding.
After dinner I ambled down to The Land Building, and rode Soarin twice, since there was a very short queue at the time, and finished my evening with a ride on Spaceship Earth. Not wanting to experience another long wait for a bus, and a bit tired after a long day, I took a cab back to the French Quarter. (Ten bucks, including tip. A bargain methinks.) Shower and bed, lulled to sleep by the kids in the pool. LOL
TUESDAY: After a breakfast stop at the food court, it was time for a bus ride to the Magic Kingdom. I scheduled my trip for the week after Thanksgiving to avoid crowds, and I planned my days to avoid Extra Magic Hours, as well as using the advice in the Unofficial Guide. It worked to perfection. Very light crowds. During the day I experienced Peter Pans Flight (twice), Haunted Mansion (twice), Mickeys PhilharMagic, Transit Authority (twice), Carousel of Progress, Country Bears, Hall of Presidents, Liberty Square Riverboat, Snow White, Winnie the Pooh, Stitchs Great Escape, Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean (three times), Tiki Birds, and the WDW Railroad. I also enjoyed my meal reservations, having lunch at the Liberty Tree Tavern (New England Clam Chowder and Pot Roast.) Good meal and good service (CM Amy); and dinner at Tonys Town Square Restaurant where I was seated on the porch which is a great spot to do some people watching (Spaghetti of course.) Again excellent service (CM Kimberly). After dinner I got my wristband for the Christmas Party, but didnt stay long because of the rain that started at about 7:00 pm. After enjoying the party for a while, I caught the bus at about 9:00 and returned to the French Quarter.
Looking at the attractions I enjoyed during this trip one might get the idea that I was rushing around, touring Commando Style. Nothing could be further from the truth. I never walked fast and often sat on a bench somewhere and watched the people hurrying by. But the moderate crowds allowed me to add attractions that I would have otherwise missed. It was an excellent visit to WDW all the way, and one that I hope I can duplicate perhaps next year. Timing is everything.
WEDNESDAY: I was at the gate for the opening of Epcot on this day, and found that there was a very light crowd until about noon. It rained off and on all day, but it was not cold. I made good use of one of the thin rain ponchos I had purchased for a buck at a Dollar Store. (They fit nicely in one of the pockets of my cargo shorts dont you know?) Experienced Soarin (three times), Living With the Land, the new clammobile ride with Nemo (twice), which I found to be very well done and a great addition to the Living Seas (now renamed The Seas with Nemo & Friends), Turtle Talk With Crush (awesome, dude!), walked around the aquarium, marveled at the sea gulls outside (Mine! Mine! Mine!), and had lunch at the Coral Reef (one of my long time favorites), again with excellent service (CM Leah), and very good menu choices (Lobster Soup and Mahi Mahi). Ellens Energy Adventure, Test Track, again visited the Imagination Building, rode the Figment attraction (which is underrated in my opinion), and was admitted this time to see Honey, I Shrunk the Audience. Guess I got lucky and arrived at a good time. Took the boat ride across the lake to the World Showcase, strolled around enjoying Off Kilter, MoRockin and the drummers at Japan, had a beer at the American Adventure - outside where I could hear the Christmas Processional going on (over 300 students involved in this particular presentation), and had dinner at the San Angel Inn, again with good service (CM Jorge Nava, who recommended Bohemia Beer - very good) and my favorite at this eatery, Filete Motuleno. River of Time, Maelstrom (twice), and a beer at the Cantina de San Angel. After IllumiNations it was time to catch a taxi back to the resort for the evening. Rain, but light crowds in general, and another excellent day.
THURSDAY:. Up at 7:00, after breakfast catch bus to the Disney-MGM Studios in time for park opening at 9:00 am. No rain; nice and warm all day, very light crowds. Did my favorite - The Great Movie Ride (three times during the day), Indiana Jones Show, Muppet Vision 3-D, the Backlot Tour, Journey Into Narnia (new to me and havent seen the movie either, but it looked to me to be straight out of Tolkien - interesting and well done), One Mans Dream, Voyage of The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Tower of Terror. Enjoyed lunch at the Flatbread Grill (aka Terrace Grill) Chicken Caesar Wrap pretty good with a Mick Ultra dont you know?, and dinner at the Brown Derby (another of my favorites) with first-class service (CM Janet) another Mick Ultra, this time with the Filet Mignon. Super good. Then it was time to see the Osborne Family Christmas Lights. Awesome Dude! Stopped at the Prop Shop and picked up the free lithograph given to annual pass holders just before leaving the park at closing. Bus to the French Quarter, where I spent some time at the Scat Cat Club enjoying the music of Elliot Dyson. Once again, shower time and bed time to the sounds of the kids in the pool. LOL
Someone once asked me if I worried about possibly getting sick while visiting WDW. So far I havent had any problems in this regard. But I would advise the reader to always wash hands just before sitting down to eat a meal anywhere, avoid touching anything you dont have to touch during the day, such as railings and the like, and wash hands first thing every time you enter your room at the resort. (It is my personal habit to shower just before going to bed, rather than when getting up in the morning; dont know if that makes much difference or not, but it seems to be wise to me.)
FRIDAY MORNING: Again a nice warm day with no rain. I was at the gate for the opening of the Animal Kingdom, where I had a reservation for a performance of Finding Nemo - The Musical at 10:00 for annual pass holders. Exceptional show, and Id recommend it to anyone visiting WDW. The reader might want to sit in the upper section, close to the walkway as some of the action takes place up there. (I wonder how long it will take Disney to get this show on Broadway.) Rode Expedition Everest with a 10 minute wait in the single rider line, one of several advantages to going on a solo trip, Flights of Wonder, Maharajah Jungle Trek, Its Tough to be a Bug!. Lunch at Pizzafari, normally a good place for a quick bite, but not this time. I ordered a cheese pizza and a beer. The keg blew while the CM was trying to pour the beer, and it took quite a while for them to get a new keg online. By the time I got my beer and sat down to eat, the pizza was cold and they had not cut it into slices, so it was difficult to eat.(Washed hands both before and after this meal. LOL). My plans for this years visit to the Animal Kingdom completed, I caught the bus back to the French Quarter, and took a break in my room.
FRIDAY EVENING: About 5:00 I took the bus back to the Magic Kingdom, where I had a second ticket for the Christmas Party. This time, with no rain, I saw Mickeys Twas the Night Before Christmas show, which I thought was very well done. (Jingle Bells had to be my favorite number.) Having dinner at Cosmic Rays was fun because of the kids dancing to the live Christmas music in front of the stage, I repeated several of my favorite attractions (including two more trips on the Transit Authority), enjoyed the fireworks, and thought the Cookies and Hot Coco at the Crystal Palace were very good. I also enjoyed both of the firework displays that evening, but thought the roping off of Fantasyland unnecessary because of possible fire hazzard. The crowds for this party were much larger than for the party on Tuesday, but still very enjoyable.
All in all I think the Christmas parties are nice, but if I go to another one next year, Ill be sure to schedule it in the middle of the week.
SATURDAY MORNING: All that was left to do was packing, having breakfast, and driving back home to Tallahassee. At this time Im thinking Ill probably do it all again during the second week of December, 2007; and perhaps stay at the Contemporary, which I have also enjoyed in the past, but the French Quarter sure is nice too.
Cast of Characters: Just me. A solo trip for this 73 year old man (retired Kentucky high school teacher with 30 years of fun with my wonderful students. I moved to Florida several years ago), a veteran with some experience walking the parks of Walt Disney World, usually with my wife of 51 years, sometimes with some of my five children, sometimes with some of my 11 grandchildren, and last summer with a couple of my 11 great grandchildren. But this time its just me, and Im looking forward to seeing The Mouse as a solo traveler.
MONDAY MORNING, November 27, 2006: I left Tallahassee at 8:00 am, beginning this years visit to WDW, driving I-10, I-75, the Florida Turnpike, US-27, and US 192, arriving at Port Orleanss French Quarter at 12:45 pm. My only stop along the way was to gas up the Okhahumpka (hows that for a name?) Service Center on the Turnpike. Total distance: about 260 miles. Time it took me to drive it: almost five hours. Much of the drive was made in the rain, and I never get in a hurry when Im on vacation. I've visited this resort often enough that the security guards at the entrance recognized my name, I deposited my luggage with the bell hop, and parked the car, which would not be moved until the end of my trip. (Once at WDW I'm finished driving until it's time to go home.)
After a short wait at the registration counter, I was checked in by cast member (CM Andy), who seemed to be a bit new at his job, and not yet exhibiting any signs of the vaunted Disney Magic. He was polite, but not intuitive, and did not seem to be as friendly or amicable as most Disney employees. He gave me a temporary room key card, explaining that the system for setting up room cards was out of order, and that I would need to come by the registration desk later in the evening to get my room key card. He had written the numbers 4022" on the card, and indicated that it would open my room door, but would not work for charging anything to my account. I made four requests when I made my reservation in May (non smoking, king bed, building five or two, and a river view), and three of them were honored..I did not get the river view, but instead had a corner room in building two overlooking the kiddy pool. It was a great room, and I enjoyed hearing the kids yelling and laughing as I drifted off to sleep at about 11:00 most nights.
My next stop was at the Guest Services Desk, where the nice CM there printed out a list of my meal reservations, and gave me my tickets for the two Christmas Parties I planned to attend.. When she saw my room key card, with the number 4022" she seemed surprised, and said she had never seen a room number like that at the French Quarter. She took the card to a manager, who explained that my room number was actually 2240" (which translates to mean Building two, second floor, room number 40), and that Andy should have explained this to me. The numbers were jumbled to keep anyone else from knowing my room number. Strange, I thought. But I was soon into my room, unpacked, and on my way to Epcot for the evening.
MONDAY. EVENING: Leaving my room at 2:45, it took an hour to get to Epcot, as there was a very long wait for the bus. I was afraid that WDW had cut down on busses to save fuel, and that bus waits would be longer during the entire week; but this was not the case as the busses were always timely going and coming, and only this initial trip was overlong. By 4:00 I was on the Figment ride, following which I attempted to see the Honey, I Shrunk the Audience show. But the pre-show had just began, and the CM at the entrance would not admit anyone after the show started. I explained that I had seen the pre-show many times, and really didnt need to see it from the beginning again, but he said he was not allowed to admit anyone after the pre-show began. I would have to wait about 27 minutes if I wanted to see the 3-D movie. Im off to a great start I mused, first Andy, then a late bus, and now a CM who would not bend a rule, and was obviously on some kind of a power trip.
I strolled up to Canada, saw the O Canada! film, and spent the rest of the time at the British Pub with some really nice local folks who were personal friends with the bartender (CM Carl) . Hey! Who can resist free beer? This enjoyable interlude got me to my 6:30 dinner reservation time at the Le Cellier Steakhouse. Things were looking up. This was my first visit to Le Cellier, but it wont be my last. I would rate this restaurant among the very best at WDW. Ambiance, service (CM: Renata), and great food. Who could ask for anything more? I had the Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup and the 7 oz Filet Mignon. Both outstanding.
After dinner I ambled down to The Land Building, and rode Soarin twice, since there was a very short queue at the time, and finished my evening with a ride on Spaceship Earth. Not wanting to experience another long wait for a bus, and a bit tired after a long day, I took a cab back to the French Quarter. (Ten bucks, including tip. A bargain methinks.) Shower and bed, lulled to sleep by the kids in the pool. LOL
TUESDAY: After a breakfast stop at the food court, it was time for a bus ride to the Magic Kingdom. I scheduled my trip for the week after Thanksgiving to avoid crowds, and I planned my days to avoid Extra Magic Hours, as well as using the advice in the Unofficial Guide. It worked to perfection. Very light crowds. During the day I experienced Peter Pans Flight (twice), Haunted Mansion (twice), Mickeys PhilharMagic, Transit Authority (twice), Carousel of Progress, Country Bears, Hall of Presidents, Liberty Square Riverboat, Snow White, Winnie the Pooh, Stitchs Great Escape, Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean (three times), Tiki Birds, and the WDW Railroad. I also enjoyed my meal reservations, having lunch at the Liberty Tree Tavern (New England Clam Chowder and Pot Roast.) Good meal and good service (CM Amy); and dinner at Tonys Town Square Restaurant where I was seated on the porch which is a great spot to do some people watching (Spaghetti of course.) Again excellent service (CM Kimberly). After dinner I got my wristband for the Christmas Party, but didnt stay long because of the rain that started at about 7:00 pm. After enjoying the party for a while, I caught the bus at about 9:00 and returned to the French Quarter.
Looking at the attractions I enjoyed during this trip one might get the idea that I was rushing around, touring Commando Style. Nothing could be further from the truth. I never walked fast and often sat on a bench somewhere and watched the people hurrying by. But the moderate crowds allowed me to add attractions that I would have otherwise missed. It was an excellent visit to WDW all the way, and one that I hope I can duplicate perhaps next year. Timing is everything.
WEDNESDAY: I was at the gate for the opening of Epcot on this day, and found that there was a very light crowd until about noon. It rained off and on all day, but it was not cold. I made good use of one of the thin rain ponchos I had purchased for a buck at a Dollar Store. (They fit nicely in one of the pockets of my cargo shorts dont you know?) Experienced Soarin (three times), Living With the Land, the new clammobile ride with Nemo (twice), which I found to be very well done and a great addition to the Living Seas (now renamed The Seas with Nemo & Friends), Turtle Talk With Crush (awesome, dude!), walked around the aquarium, marveled at the sea gulls outside (Mine! Mine! Mine!), and had lunch at the Coral Reef (one of my long time favorites), again with excellent service (CM Leah), and very good menu choices (Lobster Soup and Mahi Mahi). Ellens Energy Adventure, Test Track, again visited the Imagination Building, rode the Figment attraction (which is underrated in my opinion), and was admitted this time to see Honey, I Shrunk the Audience. Guess I got lucky and arrived at a good time. Took the boat ride across the lake to the World Showcase, strolled around enjoying Off Kilter, MoRockin and the drummers at Japan, had a beer at the American Adventure - outside where I could hear the Christmas Processional going on (over 300 students involved in this particular presentation), and had dinner at the San Angel Inn, again with good service (CM Jorge Nava, who recommended Bohemia Beer - very good) and my favorite at this eatery, Filete Motuleno. River of Time, Maelstrom (twice), and a beer at the Cantina de San Angel. After IllumiNations it was time to catch a taxi back to the resort for the evening. Rain, but light crowds in general, and another excellent day.
THURSDAY:. Up at 7:00, after breakfast catch bus to the Disney-MGM Studios in time for park opening at 9:00 am. No rain; nice and warm all day, very light crowds. Did my favorite - The Great Movie Ride (three times during the day), Indiana Jones Show, Muppet Vision 3-D, the Backlot Tour, Journey Into Narnia (new to me and havent seen the movie either, but it looked to me to be straight out of Tolkien - interesting and well done), One Mans Dream, Voyage of The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Tower of Terror. Enjoyed lunch at the Flatbread Grill (aka Terrace Grill) Chicken Caesar Wrap pretty good with a Mick Ultra dont you know?, and dinner at the Brown Derby (another of my favorites) with first-class service (CM Janet) another Mick Ultra, this time with the Filet Mignon. Super good. Then it was time to see the Osborne Family Christmas Lights. Awesome Dude! Stopped at the Prop Shop and picked up the free lithograph given to annual pass holders just before leaving the park at closing. Bus to the French Quarter, where I spent some time at the Scat Cat Club enjoying the music of Elliot Dyson. Once again, shower time and bed time to the sounds of the kids in the pool. LOL
Someone once asked me if I worried about possibly getting sick while visiting WDW. So far I havent had any problems in this regard. But I would advise the reader to always wash hands just before sitting down to eat a meal anywhere, avoid touching anything you dont have to touch during the day, such as railings and the like, and wash hands first thing every time you enter your room at the resort. (It is my personal habit to shower just before going to bed, rather than when getting up in the morning; dont know if that makes much difference or not, but it seems to be wise to me.)
FRIDAY MORNING: Again a nice warm day with no rain. I was at the gate for the opening of the Animal Kingdom, where I had a reservation for a performance of Finding Nemo - The Musical at 10:00 for annual pass holders. Exceptional show, and Id recommend it to anyone visiting WDW. The reader might want to sit in the upper section, close to the walkway as some of the action takes place up there. (I wonder how long it will take Disney to get this show on Broadway.) Rode Expedition Everest with a 10 minute wait in the single rider line, one of several advantages to going on a solo trip, Flights of Wonder, Maharajah Jungle Trek, Its Tough to be a Bug!. Lunch at Pizzafari, normally a good place for a quick bite, but not this time. I ordered a cheese pizza and a beer. The keg blew while the CM was trying to pour the beer, and it took quite a while for them to get a new keg online. By the time I got my beer and sat down to eat, the pizza was cold and they had not cut it into slices, so it was difficult to eat.(Washed hands both before and after this meal. LOL). My plans for this years visit to the Animal Kingdom completed, I caught the bus back to the French Quarter, and took a break in my room.
FRIDAY EVENING: About 5:00 I took the bus back to the Magic Kingdom, where I had a second ticket for the Christmas Party. This time, with no rain, I saw Mickeys Twas the Night Before Christmas show, which I thought was very well done. (Jingle Bells had to be my favorite number.) Having dinner at Cosmic Rays was fun because of the kids dancing to the live Christmas music in front of the stage, I repeated several of my favorite attractions (including two more trips on the Transit Authority), enjoyed the fireworks, and thought the Cookies and Hot Coco at the Crystal Palace were very good. I also enjoyed both of the firework displays that evening, but thought the roping off of Fantasyland unnecessary because of possible fire hazzard. The crowds for this party were much larger than for the party on Tuesday, but still very enjoyable.
All in all I think the Christmas parties are nice, but if I go to another one next year, Ill be sure to schedule it in the middle of the week.
SATURDAY MORNING: All that was left to do was packing, having breakfast, and driving back home to Tallahassee. At this time Im thinking Ill probably do it all again during the second week of December, 2007; and perhaps stay at the Contemporary, which I have also enjoyed in the past, but the French Quarter sure is nice too.
