Magical May Solo Adventures, updated 2/8

[Saphire5742]

“Do you want to see my pictures?

I’d like to share them all with youuuu

I have over two thousand of them,

Mostly at Disney World

And some at Universaaaaaaal.

I was on a Magical Adventure,

And now I’m back

So I could share it all with youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu.

Do you want to see my pictures?”


Still here?????

Originally that was supposed to be an audio clip, but I could not figure out how to upload/share it here so consider yourselves saved from my atrocious singing.

If you’re still here, WELCOME! So happy to have you here and share my MAGICAL ADVENTURES with you!

I made up the above song in the shower the day after I arrived back from my trip and proceeded to serenade the various members of my family.

Which inevitably ended precisely like Anna’s version.

“Ok, bye….”


My mom though is a real trooper. She sat through it all (in 3 separate sessions).

I'm not kidding about those pictures. I do really have over 2,000 that I photographed. And then there are the over 500 photopass pictures. I just wanted to capture as much as I could, you know for the memories. And while I won’t share them ALL (that would just be excessive), this trip report will be photo heavy. Consider yourselves warned.

Now that that’s out of the way, you must be wondering who I am (unless you followed me here from my PTR).


This is me:


My name is Odelia (pronounced Oh-dell-ya). But you may call me Princess Odelia (or Sparkle, whatever suits your fancy). Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. Living in Israel for the past 9.5 years. 34 years old.

Overall Disney World trips: 4 (7 months, 8 years, 16 years, and this past May).

I love Disney and while my memories of my previous trips years ago are rather fuzzy, I was definitely sprinkled with some pixie dust, and what I mostly remember is the overall sense of wonderment and magic. Which is really what it is all about after all.

Anyway, so it’s been my dream of visiting again, and this past month I finally did it! I took advantage of the fact that I was in school last year and therefore didn’t have a proper vacation to ask for a full 3 weeks off. This would allow me time with my family in NY while sandwiching a Disney trip in the middle of it.

It was absolutely MAGICAL and WONDERFUL and FUN I am so very happy that this dream finally came true!

I chose a solo trip because I wanted to experience it MY WAY, with no consideration to anyone else. I do a lot on my own anyway so this was really an extension of that.

I was there from May 8-16 and stayed at Art of Animation.

I did plenty planning beforehand, but I was also flexible to any changes that might occur during. There were things that happened out of my original intended order and some things that I didn’t end up doing, and that’s ok! Plus it means another trip sometime in the future, but most definitely not 18 years this time!

In terms of crowds, I would say it was on the moderate side. Plenty of people but still plenty of space around.

Weather: On the bright side it did not rain. On the flip side of that it was HOT. Around 90 degrees every day. I can’t even count the number of ice waters I drank (thanks Disboards for the heads up). That was the only damper for me at times. I have no idea how people tour the parks in July and August. And while the weather is similar where I live, I don’t walk around all day from morning to night in my normal daily existence. I’m telling you next time I will be traveling in the fall.

Now that we got those preliminary messages out of the way, it’s time to embark on that Magical Adventure!
And away we go!

Next up: Arrival Day!!!!!!!​

 

[Saphire5742]

Table of Contents:

May 8 - Arrival day (next post)

May 9 - Magic Kingdom
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3

May 10 - Epcot
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6

May 11- Universal Studios
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5

May 12- Hollywood Studios
Part 1
Part 2

May 13- Animal Kingdom
Part 1

 

[Saphire5742]

May 8, 2016- Arrival Day!!!!!!!!!!!!


Woke up at 6:35 am super dee duper excited to embark on my MAGICAL ADVENTURE! I can’t believe the day is finally here!

Showered and got myself ready.

Suitcase all packed from last night.

Princess Disney nails? Check!





(After looking through countless Disney nail art designs and not anything that spoke to me, I came up with this design executed by a talented manicurist my sister goes to. Aren't they just perfect?)

Magic Band? Check!






(if the images seem a little blurry it's the camera focus, not the collage itself)

Green magic band decorated with a collage of some of my floral photography in honor of Flower and Garden Festival. It was a custom decal ordered on magicyourband.com. I ordered an extra preprinted decal in case my photo collage didn’t come out to my liking. Turns out I didn’t need it. I like that they send two of each that you order, especially since the first one I tried to affix wasn’t going well. Second time adhered much better (with a little help from some alcohol rubbed on the magic band before and my mom).

Mom made me two egg sandwiches (with homemade focaccia- yum!) to eat at the airport.

Off to the airport at around 7:30/45 to allow for any traffic and long security lines (I had received an e-mail a few days prior to allow at least 2 hours because of long security lines). No traffic so took less than 30 minutes. And security was pretty quick too at that time. Bought myself a drink, some mini muffins, and sat down leisurely to eat my breakfast. Then I strolled around the shops before heading to the gate for my 10:45 flight. There was a little bit of a boarding delay and I was starting to wonder if that was going to be a theme this trip. For those who read my PTR, you know that I also had a delay from Israel to NY (you can read about my NY time before this trip in my PTR this here post (flight) and here (NY time))although this one was only a half hour.

While on the plane I listened to some Disney music of course. We landed on time at around 1:30ish. Got my bag from baggage claim and proceeded to the Magical Express! Seeing that bus finally cemented the fact that I was finally there and doing this. I could not take the wide smile off my face.

All aboard!


Seemed like no time at all and I was seeing this:


(and yes, I did tear up a little)

And this:



Checked in at around 3pm, right on schedule. At one point the CM checking me in said something about waiting for the computer…, and I was all like “I’M JUST SO EXCITED TO BE HERE, IT’S BEEN 18 YEARS, HAKUNA MATATA”!


I happily made my way to my room, eyes sparkling with amazement and joy, still with that big grin on my face. I squealed silently to myself a few times as well. I didn’t end up getting my room request (an Ursula view, I even looked up the room numbers and everything), but that was ok. I was given a room in the Ursula building, 3rd floor, with this view:


(but as it turned out most of the time my curtains were drawn anyway so it didn’t much matter).

I loved the Mickey greeting on the bed. Such a nice touch. After hanging my clothes and taking some room pics it was time to explore the resort.


First order of business-


Yep, that’s right, a pic with my favorite Disney villain. Actually ‘Poor Unfortunate Soul’ is one of my favorite Disney songs. I just love singing along to it. And if I could pull off a killer Ursula costume, I so would dress up as her one year.


Speaking of, the day before I was at my sister’s house and her princess 5 yr old wanted to watch Little Mermaid. Well when that song came on I was doing my whole Ursula thing and my niece was more than a little annoyed and looked at me like I was crazy.

Continued following post...

​

 

[Saphire5742]

Some more pics from around the resort:



















I loved all the larger than life icons. And the background songs that matched. And the themed drawings/paintings on the walls.

(when one of my nephews, 12 yrs old, who has been to Disney a few times saw my pics of the resort he was all like "that's so cool! why couldn't we stay there instead of the ugly and stupid Grand Floridian?". But of course my sister booked that because of its proximity to MK.)


After exploring 3 of the 4 AoA sections, I found myself on the bridge to POP

so I made my way over and took some more pics:
(continued following post)​

 

[Saphire5742]

.

At some point I found myself getting hot so I stopped by the Petals Pool Bar and ordered something particularly tropical:


Lava smoothie - frozen pina colada with raspberry puree.
Cold, sweet, and refreshing. Mmmmmm! Now I really feel like I’m on vacation. Especially after the cold and rainy weather back in NY.


And then I look at my watch and oh my! It’s 5:15 and I need to get ready for dinner tonight, so I rushed back to my room. And where was I headed you might ask? I was planning on treating myself and starting my magication in style at Victoria and Albert’s! Got myself showered again and all dressed up and out the door. I admit I did feel a little awkward in the beginning walking to the front of the resort all glammed up as I was. I even heard a “Ka-Chang” as someone walked past. But then I reminded myself where I was going and held up my head high and proud.

Stepping into the Grand Floridian I was feeling rather posh and elegant. The band was playing some wonderful jazz as I made my way to the restaurant. Had a most lovely time. If you are interested you can read all about it in my DR here.


It was nice and cool outside when I finally emerged. I really needed the fresh air after all that. Rode a cab back to AoA, organized my things for the next day, and snuggled off to sleep in my clam shell.


Goodnight!


Next up: The Magic Kingdom​

 

[Dentam]

Yay, excited to read all about your trip! That lava smoothie looks SO GOOD!!

Bummer that it was so hot for you - we went in Sept last year and it was pretty toasty too but never in the 90's. I don't think I could handle that!

Glad you had a great time and can't wait to see all your pics!

 

[Saphire5742]

Yay, excited to read all about your trip! That lava smoothie looks SO GOOD!!

Bummer that it was so hot for you - we went in Sept last year and it was pretty toasty too but never in the 90's. I don't think I could handle that!

Glad you had a great time and can't wait to see all your pics!

Yay! First reply! Welcome and happy to have you here.

That lava smoothie certainly hit the spot.

And while it was hot, that didn't stop me from being out all day! Although I don't think I could do that again.

 

[Saphire5742]

 

[SarahDisney]

More flight delays ... yuck. At least this time it wasn't too bad and you still landed on time!

I love all of your Art of Animation & Pop Century pictures. Those are probably my two favorite Disney resorts - they're so much fun with the giant icons and all the awesome little touches!

I'm off to your dining report to stare at picture of what I assume was amazing food at V&A ... and I'm looking forward to reading about the rest of the trip!

 

[SnowWhiteOz]

I'm here! Love all the pics - I stayed at Pop on my last/first trip and the over the top theming of it and AoA definitely puts you in the Disney mood straight away.

 

[missangelalexis]

Following along!! Sounds like the trip was off to a great start. I love all your resort pics, great way to get you in the Disney spirit!

 

[GaRain]

Ready to follow along - love solo trips!

 

[Saphire5742]

More flight delays ... yuck. At least this time it wasn't too bad and you still landed on time!

. Glad to have you on board.

Yeah, that first delay was a major one. And it did turn into a theme this trip. All 4 flights were delayed, although not as bad as that first one.

I love all of your Art of Animation & Pop Century pictures. Those are probably my two favorite Disney resorts - they're so much fun with the giant icons and all the awesome little touches!

Yes, exactly! That's the reason I booked there.

I'm here! Love all the pics - I stayed at Pop on my last/first trip and the over the top theming of it and AoA definitely puts you in the Disney mood straight away.

. Nice to have you here.
I definitely loved those giant icons greeting me as I came and went from the resort.

Following along!! Sounds like the trip was off to a great start. I love all your resort pics, great way to get you in the Disney spirit!

! AoA is awesome at getting you into the Disney spirit. Loved it

Ready to follow along - love solo trips!

. I am so glad I did this solo. I could never enjoy it the way I did if there was anyone else with me

 

[Elevationist]

And while I won’t share them ALL (that would just be excessive), this trip report will be photo heavy. Consider yourselves warned.

Oh, thank God. Gimme pics. Walls of text are the stuff of nightmares!

This is me:

HEY GORGEOUS!

I chose a solo trip because I wanted to experience it MY WAY, with no consideration to anyone else. I do a lot on my own anyway so this was really an extension of that.

#sololife #noyoucantcome #idowhatiwant

Seemed like no time at all and I was seeing this:

(and yes, I did tear up a little)

Pretty sure anybody with a soul tears up at this.

At one point the CM checking me in said something about waiting for the computer…, and I was all like “I’M JUST SO EXCITED TO BE HERE, IT’S BEEN 18 YEARS, HAKUNA MATATA”!

Bahaha! You are so funny! HAKUNA MATATA!

Looka you, bein' all sassy! Also, I LOVE your shirt!

Dude, your selfie skills are on point!

he was all like "that's so cool! why couldn't we stay there instead of the ugly and stupid Grand Floridian?".

BAHAHAHAA! "The ugly and stupid Grand Floridian!" That's AWESOME.

Lava smoothie - frozen pina colada with raspberry puree.
Cold, sweet, and refreshing. Mmmmmm! Now I really feel like I’m on vacation. Especially after the cold and rainy weather back in NY.

Yep, drinking has begun, you're officially on vacation!

I admit I did feel a little awkward in the beginning walking to the front of the resort all glammed up as I was. I even heard a “Ka-Chang” as someone walked past. But then I reminded myself where I was going and held up my head high and proud.

WHAT! Oh, shut the front door. Don't you EVER feel awkward for looking amazing, I don't care where you are! You're AWESOME!

Stepping into the Grand Floridian I was feeling rather posh and elegant. The band was playing some wonderful jazz as I made my way to the restaurant. Had a most lovely time. If you are interested you can read all about it in my DR here.

I am interested, I did read about it, and it was GLORIOUS!

I love this shot! How lovely!

 

[Saphire5742]

HEY GORGEOUS!

And HELLO to you too. So excited to have you here!

#sololife #noyoucantcome #idowhatiwant

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!

Looka you, bein' all sassy! Also, I LOVE your shirt!

Just channeling my inner Ursula! And of course I had to wear that shirt for my first Disney day.

Dude, your selfie skills are on point!

Thank you, but for every good one there were a few that got deleted. Having almost no room on my phone these were taken the old fashioned way on my camera. I'm surprised I had any decent ones.

WHAT! Oh, shut the front door. Don't you EVER feel awkward for looking amazing, I don't care where you are! You're AWESOME!

Awww, thanks.

 

[Sarahh1027]

Why yes, I would LOVE to see your pictures!!!
What a magical start to your vaca!
I was at AoA that day too! But checking out the next day..booo! (which you probably already knew!)
LOVE the pic of you smiling at Squirt!
Well I'm headed to check out your dining report- yay!

 

[chunkymonkey]

I'm here! You are too cute! LOVE the AoA resort! and I DO want to see your pictures!

 

[fallonkendra]

I'm here! That resort looks so adorable, it might need to go on our list for one day...

Can't wait to read all about your trip! I'm going to jump over to your dining report right away and read all about Victoria & Albert's!

 

[Saphire5742]

Why yes, I would LOVE to see your pictures!!!

Hi and welcome! Thank you. At last, an audience who understands! I am so grateful to have found this place.

I'm here! You are too cute! LOVE the AoA resort! and I DO want to see your pictures!

Hello again! And thanks. I totally felt like a kid again at AoA. It was so cool!

I'm here! That resort looks so adorable, it might need to go on our list for one day...

Hello and welcome! AoA is so fun! I loved walking thru as I left in the morning and returned at night.

 

[Saphire5742]

Monday, May 9, 2016

Woke up bright and early. Got ready with some Disney music in the background. Made my way to the bus stop. Waited 10 min for bus, this will be the longest I waited for any mode of transportation. Today I am headed to where else but the MAGIC KINGDOM! Excited to spend my first park day in my most favorite place, Fantasyland! Was there around 15 min or so before the welcome show and got a great spot to watch it from. And then finally the announcement welcoming us all to the Magic Kingdom, the place where dreams come true. OMG, OMG, OMG, this is happening and I’m finally here! I’m tearing up just thinking about it. Started to record but then low battery light on camera started blinking. Oh drats, forgot to recharge the battery the night before. I stopped the recording (but I should have just continued until it died completely, too bad it didn’t occur to me at the time). I did have an extra battery though so at least that. Anyway I can always watch it on youtube. Just then the train pulls up to the station and a whole bunch of characters pour out and welcome us as well. The excitement and anticipation is building up!



Into the Magic Kingdom we go. Walking along Main Street at times I skip, at times clap to myself excitedly, at times squealing while my feet do a little run in place.

And then I see it:




The CASTLE is all its majestic beauty! I stare awed and emotional, tearing up a little.


Getting closer:





First stop: Princess Fairy Tale Hall to meet Rapunzel and Cinderella. I love the large Princess paintings on the wall while waiting in line. And the sparkling glass slipper in the front.

Rapunzel asked if I painted the design on my dress myself. I replied that I am not as talented as her, but she pointed out that she’s had 18 years in the tower to practice. And then I asked her how long it takes to braid her hair. So of course she answered several hours, but most of the time the village girls help out and then it gets done a lot quicker. We posed for our photograph and then I asked a very important question.


You see, I landed in NY on my princess niece R’s 5th birthday. She of course knows all the princesses, though she’s been shy about meeting them, and has all their dresses which she will wear randomly around the house. I originally had an idea to get the princesses to sign a birthday card for her, but my sister suggested I do a video instead. And so I asked every princess if I could record a short birthday video message. They were all gracious and granted my request. The end result was a video with birthday messages for R from 9 Disney Princesses. She loved it!


Cinderella was up next. We talked about how Fairy Godmother put straps on her shoes so she wouldn’t lose any again. I asked after Jaq and Gus. They enjoy scampering around the castle grounds and help her with her hair.






Then it was time to meet Ariel in her Grotto. She noticed my sparkle, both from my tiara and body glitter. I told her that I hail from the kingdom Sparkle (for lack of a better name at the moment, I do have trouble coming up with clever things to say on the spot). She asked if that was on land or under the sea. I replied both and she was amazed to hear that I am both mermaid and human (good thing she didn’t ask why I was not in mermaid form at the moment!). She also noticed the pink/purple in my hair and asked if my fin was the same color and if I dye my hair using ink from a purple squid. And then she asked if I use a dinglehopper to comb my hair but I replied that I don’t comb my hair since it is curly, and she suggested it might be easier to comb in the water. Before we posed for our picture I asked about Sebastian and if he is still putting up concerts. She said yes and invited me to come see one someday but warned me not to be late because Sebastian doesn’t like that.




I love the interaction photos with the characters too!


My meeting with Ariel gave me a longing for the sea so I made my way to my first attraction of the day: Under The Sea!









I absolutely LOVED everything about this ride, from the queue to the actual ride itself. Sitting happily in my clamshell, I felt totally immersed in the world of The Little Mermaid, especially during ‘Under the Sea’, one of my favorite all time Disney songs! So DELIGHTFUL. And of course Ursula singing my other favorite song from the movie. No ride photos though as I prefer to actually enjoy the ride itself to the fullest.
​

Continued next post: