Marcia's Solo November Trip to Pop, lots of pics. updated 1/11 day5 pt2, pg 4

[jmskinner]

yeah, and we're just gonna miss each other when we go back in march! such a shame! and yeah, i know, i should work there too!

I think you may have me confused with someone else. I don't have plans for a March trip, but I only live an hour or so away and would love to have someone to go with. My DH and DS don't ever want to go. I'm in the wrong family!!!

No Davey Jones! That is the coolest part of the ride.

Can't believe you lucked out on your FP's like that. That never happens to me. I always take pics in IASW. I'm sure I haven't been on it as much as you, but still like to take pics. Actually, I just like to take pics.

Looking forward to more, I love your TR's also!

 

[marsh0013]

I love your trip reports! Can't wait to hear the rest

thanks a bunch!

Enjoying your TR. I am going solo in March. This will be my first time solo.

awesome...when in march are you going? and where are you staying? i'll be at pop from march 4-11, can't wait!

I love your trippies! I think your writing style is so much fun It's getting me excited for our trip in Feb.

thanks so much, that means a lot!

I think you may have me confused with someone else. I don't have plans for a March trip, but I only live an hour or so away and would love to have someone to go with. My DH and DS don't ever want to go. I'm in the wrong family!!!

No Davey Jones! That is the coolest part of the ride.

Can't believe you lucked out on your FP's like that. That never happens to me. I always take pics in IASW. I'm sure I haven't been on it as much as you, but still like to take pics. Actually, I just like to take pics.

Looking forward to more, I love your TR's also!

oh yeah, i meant me and that disser i ran into at MGM, me and her will be at WDW in march, and miss each other! but yeah, seriously, if you want, feel free to come join me when i'm there march 4-11!

and yeah, i just love taking pics! i can't help myself! and thanks for the compliments!!!

 

[marsh0013]

i just realized that i have been labelling all the days wrong!! haha, day 1 was a tues, not a wed! i'm just so used to always starting on wed....i'm gonna go back and fix that!

 

[marsh0013]

Thurs, Nov 13, Day 3, Part 1

Another morning, another rope drop! And where was I headed today?

Yup, Epcot. And here I am, waiting for the bus

Got to the bus stop at 7:50, bus came 5 minutes later, and I arrived at Epcot at 8:10am. Plenty of time for the 9am rope drop! Most people were all lining up at about 3 turnstiles, so I asked if the other ones would be open too, and yes, of course they would. So I got first in line for my turnstile. People, don't be sheep! Ask!

Then we were let through the turnstiles at 8:45, as usual. And as usual, I just scanned my barcode, since I knew running it through wouldn't work. Aaaanyway, I decided to make the executive decision to go to the far right, the Innoventions entrance toward the Land. I was right up against the rope, and we had a really fun CM asking us trivia and stuff. Here she is trying to get Donald's attention to come say hi to us folks not with the main crowd

So did he come over? Why, yes he did! Hi Donald!

Bye Donald!

Before I knew it, it was time to speed walk over to the Land to hit Soarin. Big help of being solo...you don't have to worry about anyone keeping up with you! I was right in the front, first down the stairs, first to the FastPass machine, and then right on over to ride. I just happened to be there perfect timing to sit front and center on my first ride! Awesome, couldn't ask for more!

After my Soarin flight, I killed some time until my FP window by going on Living with the Land. I really do enjoy this ride. Like Small World, this one I always take pictures on too! Although, I didn't take as many as usual.

Then my FP window was up, so I got another one for Soarin, then took another flight on Soarin with my first FP. I could have asked to wait for front row, but I was trying to get to the 10:20 Turtle Talk, so I raised my hand when they asked for a single. No need to wait, I can sit somewhere other than the front once in a while!

After Soarin, I went over to the Seas, and I got there around 10:10, and was tempted to ride Nemo, but when I saw the line, I was glad I didn't. Just went straight in and got into the 10:20 show easily. I love this show, so adorably cute, and the kids had some good interaction, which is really what makes the show.

Once I got out of there, I spotted a Photopass guy, so I got my picture taken. He also took some with my camera. Here's my favorite bad picture

Aaaaah, the sun! The sun is blinding me! LOL! I also grabbed a pic of the big golf ball from over there before heading over to the other side.

Right, so on to the other side. The wait for Mission: Space was only like 20 minutes, but I didn't feel like waiting on that, so I FP'd it instead. With my trusty FP in hand, I went over to ride Test Track single rider line style. Single rider lines, oh how I love you!

Now, the next thing I wanted to do was head to the bakery in Norway. In the past, they haven't opened until 11:30, so I was taking my time getting there. I walked back through the middle and got some pictures along the way

And then I went through Mexico

Passing by the lovely Margarita Stand

Then, well, I hit Norway, because that's what comes after Mexico, of course!

If you're reading my food report, you know what happened next. And well, I know this isn't a food report, but I just need to share my excitement here too! See, I have always wanted to try School Bread. But I hate coconut. Like, really really hate it with a passion. The taste and texture, just can't handle it. So. When I was in Epcot with my mom in August of 2007, we stopped in and asked if they could make it without the coconut. The CM assured us it wouldn't be a problem. The only problem was, we had just come from a meal, so we were not hungry. No worries, we could always come back!

Well, we did go back. On that trip. And I went back on many trips following. As recently as my trip in August 2008. (yeah, i tried again Aug 2007, Sept 2007, Nov 2007, May 2008, and Aug 2008) Each and every time, they looked at me like I was crazy for requesting such a thing. Oh no, we can't do that!

So, this time, I went in figuring I'd just get the sweet pretzel, but figured, well, it wouldn't hurt to ask. So I asked. And the sweet CM went into the back for a few minutes, came out, and she told me they could do it!!!! I was over the moon! This had just been such a conquest, just the fact that they were going to do it for me, I was overwhelmed! Took a little while, but I got it! And to top it off, I enjoyed it!

So yeah, my day, my trip, was pretty much made! I felt like I was the luckiest girl on the planet! Seriously, I guess it doesn't take much, LOL!

Phew, okay, so after enjoying my breakfast, since I was in Norway anyway, I went on Maelstrom, since there was no line. Yay trolls and Vikings. Good times. Since that was taken care of, I headed back to Future World to use up my remaining Soarin FP. Oh yes, my window was up again, so I got another Soarin FP before riding. So yeah, rode Soarin. It was just after 12, and I was ready to go take a nap! On my way out, I took some fancy pics of the golf ball

Check out that gorgeous blue sky! With those nice puffy cumulus clouds! Aw yeah, loving this weather!

Anyway, got to the bus stop at 12:30, but came a couple minutes later, and I was back at Pop in my bed by 1pm. Ah, sleep


next up: afternoon and evening in Epcot

 

[cypresstxmouse]

When I read you were going in March, I got excited, since we will be there in March as well.....

However, we will not get there until the 15th.....


Maybe we will see you in October for MNSSHP!

DH DW DD 11 DS 7


Love your reports and pics!
Your pics look like mine..

 

[maxie]

Enjoying the TR!

 

[txmomto1]

subscribing. i love your reports!

 

[marsh0013]

When I read you were going in March, I got excited, since we will be there in March as well.....

However, we will not get there until the 15th.....


Maybe we will see you in October for MNSSHP!

DH DW DD 11 DS 7


Love your reports and pics!
Your pics look like mine..

ooh october...i'm thinking i'll have to take another trip before my ap expires on nov 11....so quite possibly! i may succumb to september instead though, but late sept so i can hit the mnsshp!

Enjoying the TR!

thanks for joining in!

subscribing. i love your reports!

thank you, hope you enjoy!

 

[noahdove]

I'm in

 

[marsh0013]

Thurs, Nov 13, Day 3, Part 2

I only took a quick nap this day, as I had plans to hit Off Kilter as much as I possibly could! So I slept from 1 to 2:30 and was at the bus stop by 2:45. As I walked out the door toward the bus stop, I watched an Epcot bus pull away. Shoot! Bad timing! Oh well, gave me a chance to take another pic of where I was going

Bus came 20 minutes later (just like the schedule says it should ), and I was off. I was a bit worried I wouldn't make the 3:30 show of Off Kilter, but the bus dropped me off at 3:15, and I booked it to Canada, just in time for the show! Perfect! Now, I saw Off Kilter many many times this day, so here's just one picture

These guys are so much fun. They made a joke about 80's music, and started the Safety Dance as a joke...and then made good on it at a later show...and I got it on video! Haha, good times.

Anyway, after the 3:30 show, there wasn't another until 5:30, so I took my time to wander around. To France. To get a Grey Goose Slushie. My fav!

Just so happened that Serveur Amusant was performing at 4, so I hung around for the end of the show. These guys are amazing acrobats, but it's a show I've seen many many times, and didn't feel the need to see the whole thing again.

After that, I stopped for a snack and another drink in Morocco. I already lamented about this in my food report, but they changed the Moroccan Cocktail! Shock and horror! It used to be over ice, fruit juices and alcohol, and came in a souvenir cup. Now it looks like this, and barely has any alcohol in it

I tossed it after a few sips. Then I continued along the lake, taking a couple pictures along the way. The big ball and the tree in America

Then I made my way to Italy, where I knew I could get a suitable replacement drink...the Italian Margherita!!! My second favorite drink in Epcot.

Nice and tangy and not too sweet. And not too "cold" if that makes sense. I found the Moroccan drink too cold, but this one was more melty if you can follow me. No worries if you can't, I know I often don't make too much sense!

I knew Miyuki had a show going on soon, so I went back to Japan to catch that. I was right up at the rope, but alas, I was not picked. That's okay, maybe I'd get picked another time....maybe . Miyuki is amazing. Here she is making a flamingo

By the time she was done, it was time to head back to Canada for Off Kilter. But not without a stop along the way to the Rose and Crown Pub for a Welsh Dragon to sip during the show

And then I rocked out to Off Kilter at their 5:30 show. Love them!

Once the show was over, I decided to give Miyuki another try. She had a show at 6:15, so I had time to walk leisurely and take a few night shots (yes, it was getting dark by then) on the way.

And then Miyuki time! She picked two kids as her first two creations, and then....she picked me! Yay! I asked for a blue elephant, and she happily made me one

As soon as my candy was finished drying, I rushed out of there, because Off Kilter was playing again at 6:30. Made it just as they started the first song. Phew, good timing once again! Yeah, I know, a lot of running around this day. But well, I tend to do that Didn't get a seat this time, but no biggie!

So since the next show was at 7:30, I just decided to stay put and grab a seat. Time to rest my feet! While I was waiting for the show, I met a couple of CM's who told me they come all the time to see Off Kilter. So we chatted for a bit, and that made the time fly. Before I knew it, the band was back and playing again! This show, they did a Barenaked Ladies Medley, and it was so awesome!

I had originally planned to meet some Dissers around the Japan area at 7:45ish before my dinner at Tokyo Dining, but I was just so into Off Kilter that I couldn't pull myself away! I thought this was going to be the last time this trip that I would see them, so I didn't want to leave.

Anyway, so after their last show, I booked it over to Japan, since my ADR was for 7:55. I checked in around 8:10, and was seated not much later. Good meal as usual. Although, I was just a bit disappointed that I didn't get a window seat, as I told them I didn't mind waiting, since I wanted a good view of Illuminations. Oh well. No biggie. Plus, I didn't know it at this point, but I got to watch Illuminations later in the week anyway.

After a nice dinner, I got to the bus stop around 10 and a bus came right away. Went back to the room, put the pictures on the computer, and hit the pillow.

next up: an exciting start to the am @MK

 

[jessily]

mmmmm I love the grey goose slush I tried the Italian Margarita on my last trip as well. I can't help but think it was made differently when I got it as it was so sickeningly sweet I couldn't finish it. and I usually love sweets! After your review, maybe I'll have to give it another try.

 

[ididitrn]

I always enjoy your reports as you really know how to have a good time. Even on your solo trips you have a great time!

 

[KatGarcia]

Ok I found you..... and as usual you are cranking this TR out like a mad woman!

So whats in the punch drink you get from PTC??? And my new fav from the UK is a welsh dragon..YUMMY!

 

[marsh0013]

I'm in

welcome! sorry i didn't see you before the last update! we must have posted at the same time!

mmmmm I love the grey goose slush I tried the Italian Margarita on my last trip as well. I can't help but think it was made differently when I got it as it was so sickeningly sweet I couldn't finish it. and I usually love sweets! After your review, maybe I'll have to give it another try.

sweet, huh? hmm, i thought it was tart. maybe they did make it different. i dunno, maybe i have weird taste buds and messed up sweet and tart, not sure!

I always enjoy your reports as you really know how to have a good time. Even on your solo trips you have a great time!

thanks, i really do have a blast!

Ok I found you..... and as usual you are cranking this TR out like a mad woman!

So whats in the punch drink you get from PTC??? And my new fav from the UK is a welsh dragon..YUMMY!

ooh, it's called grandma's picnic punch! Grandma concocted a wonderful drink for the family picnic with vodka, peach schnapps, creme de cassis, pink lemonade and pineapple juice. it is so so good! although, i've been tending to drink long beach iced teas since i've been home, thanks to david!


next update coming up!

 

[marsh0013]

Fri, Nov 14, Day 4, Part 1

So it was another early morning for me, and I was headed to the Magic Kingdom. No shot at the bus stop of the sign though, since I walked out the door at 7:42 (haha, yes, I have the exact time written down!), and there was a bus sitting there. So I ran over and made it on. I was at the MK by 8am, and I was ready to go! Got a few pics before being let in

And some pixie dust to throw at opening!

Once we were let through, I went straight over to Tomorrowland, via the Noodle Station way. And I was the first one to go that way...hmm...

So one of the CM's came over and started talking to me. His name was Carlos. He asked me where the rest of my group was, and I told him I was alone. Ha! He was a bit surprised. Then he asked me where I was headed first. I told him, Space Mountain, of course! Well, then he asked me how I'd like to be the first one to ride of the day. OMG!!!!!!!!!! Of course I would love that!!!! So he had me come under the rope and walked me through Tomorrowland. Check it out!

When Carlos noticed me taking pics, he asked if I'd like one of me. Of course, thank you!!!

Wow, I felt like the luckiest girl in the world! I told Carlos I would like to get a FP first, but he said not to worry, and he gave me a rider switch pass instead. Awesome! So once I got to the entrance, he sent me on my way. I giggled my entire way through the tunnel! And it was empty!

The CM's made a big deal about me, saying congrats and all that good stuff. I asked if I could sit in the front...of course I could! Look, no one behind me!!

And of course, seeing me take pics, the CM asked if I'd like one of me. Why thank you yes!

Oh man, so I went off on my way, and seriously giggled the entire trip! What an amazing thing to have happen to me! I was so pumped, and so thankful! I just couldn't believe it!

So I was on an amazing high, and I decided to make my way over to Fantasyland. Since I hadn't needed to use my ticket to get a FP for Space, I went straight to Peter Pan and got a FP for that instead. It was so dead I couldn't believe it! So I headed over to Dumbo and was on before I knew it. Really couldn't believe my luck!

And a view of the castle

After that, there was still no line for Peter Pan, so I took a ride through there. How could I resist?!?! Ah, I was walking on air! So next, I headed to Frontierland. First up, Splash Mountain. Again, no line. Here's my redneck shot!

I barely got wet. I was pretty happy about that, even though it would have dried pretty quickly. But it wasn't hot hot hot, so I didn't mind being dry. Next up, Big Thunder Mountain. Once again, with no line.

Would you like to guess what time it was by now? Seriously. I almost don't believe it myself, but my notes tell me that I got in line at the Main Street Bakery at 10:20. Yes, you got that right. All that done, and back to the Bakery within just over an hour! Amazing. Even more amazing...the line at the MSB. The longest line I waited in all day! 20 minutes! But hey, I got my French Toast Loaf, so I was thrilled! It's just kinda funny that I refuse to wait that long for a ride, but for food, bring it on! Priorities...

So after I filled my tummy with French Toast Loaf goodness, I went back over to Tomorrowland. Still no line for Space Mountain! So for some reason, I felt the need to get a FP, it's just ingrained in my head. When window is open, get FP. No deviation! Haha, even on a day where it was obviously not necessary, I just cannot get it through my thick head! Anyway, so yeah, no line, I rode Space twice. Then I headed over to Buzz which also had no wait. Red neck shot, of course!

Oh, and at this point, I realized I wouldn't need to use my rider switch pass at all, but I took a pic of it just in case (again, crazy mind I have!)

So now, I have it as a souvenir. Nice. At this point, I decided I was done in the MK. I know, no Pirates, no Haunted Mansion, but hey, I had been there and would be back, so I wasn't worried about it. At 11:40am, I was walking out the gates and got a bus a few minutes later. Back to Pop for my daily nap, of course! Hit the pillow at 12:15, and got a nice little sleep.

next up: afternoon/evening @MGM

 

[KatGarcia]

How awesome that you got to be the first rider on Space!!!!!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Loving your TR, as usual! You always seem to have such a great time and you convey it perfectly through your TR and pictures. Just the dose of Disney I need!

I am an Italian margariata convert thanks to you!

Would you believe I still haven't seen Off Kilter or tried the Grey Goose slushie (only the Grand Marnier)?? Thank goodness there is always next time!!

 

[jlcd]

Joining in. Looking forward to reading more about your trip!

 

[marsh0013]

How awesome that you got to be the first rider on Space!!!!!

yeah it was so amazing! i really couldn't believe it!!!

Loving your TR, as usual! You always seem to have such a great time and you convey it perfectly through your TR and pictures. Just the dose of Disney I need!

I am an Italian margariata convert thanks to you!

Would you believe I still haven't seen Off Kilter or tried the Grey Goose slushie (only the Grand Marnier)?? Thank goodness there is always next time!!

thanks! i'm glad you enjoy it! no off kilter!?!? definitely check them out next time!!!

Joining in. Looking forward to reading more about your trip!

thanks and welcome! more coming soon!

 

[marsh0013]

Fri, Nov 14, Day 4, Part 2

After my nap, I was on my way to MGM for the evening. I had an ADR sometime before 5 at 50's PTC, where I would get to see my server Richard! I was way psyched for that. Plus, then I was planning on seeing Fantasmic!. Since it was Friday, David was off, so I wouldn't get to see him. But I was pumped for my dinner and Fantasmic!

Anyway, so I set the wake-up call for 2:45pm, and I was at the bus stop by 3pm, and I was lucky enough that a bus was there right away. So yeah, no picture of the bus MGM (er, Disney Hollywood Studios) sign. Whatever, I hate that name anyway, LOL! Once I arrived, I went straight to Tower of Terror to get a FP, then went on my way to Rock'n'Rollercoaster on the singles line. There was so wait whatsoever, so I went on twice. So here are two redneck shots!

Afterwards, I got some Photopass pics taken, and the photographer took one with my camera as well

Then I went over to the Tower of Terror

I would have used my FP, but there was no line, so that was pointless. Oh but don't worry, I'm not complaining!! Haha, no way! This no line thing was absolutely fine with me! Here's my redneck shot, please note how empty the car is!

I hadn't ridden Star Tours yet, er, at least I think I hadn't, so I headed over to that side of the park and walked right on. Yeah, loving that no line thing. And this is a nostalgic favorite of mine. Can't resist it!

So once I got out of there, I made my way over to the 50's. I knew I might have to wait a while, since I wanted a particular server. So I made my way over

I checked in at 4:30, requested Richard, and they told me I might have to wait up to an hour. That was fine with me. I was going to wait as long as necessary, since Richard was the reason I was here! So I headed over to the bar, where Mario was working. He knows me too, not as well as David of course, but well enough. Anyway, so I ordered a Grandma's Picnic Punch and before I even got it, they were calling me to dinner. So much for an hour wait!

Anyway, dinner was wonderful. I had a blast with Richard and all of his other diners. Really a true blast! I called my mom because she was there when I first met Richard. We went back three times in that one trip just to see him. So he came by while I was on the phone and talked to her for a bit. Here he is asking her what the heck she's doing in NJ instead of FL

Oh, so remember how I can't resist getting Fast Passes? And also remember how there were no lines? Yeah, check out the motherload! These are from a few days, but yeah, you get the idea!

Here's Richard with a couple of his other tables, and another Cousin.

And me and Richard

He's the best! So I was seated around 4:40, and I finally left around 6:50. Don't worry, I *wanted* to be there that long! I was just having too much fun! So Fantasmic! was at 7pm, but I didn't have a problem finding a seat. I wouldn't recommend doing this with a large party, but for one person, it was absolutely not a problem.

So Fantasmic! started pretty much right when I sat down. Perfect timing. As usual, I took lots of pics, and as usual, they all came out pretty poorly. My Fantasmic! pics never come out well. Oh well, here's a few anyway

As soon as it was over, I busted out of there. I was at the bus stop at 7:33, and a bus came about 5 minutes later. Got back to Pop around 7:50, and it was drizzling a little bit, so I stopped by Petals. They had the TVs on, and I remembered that the shuttle was launching this evening. So apparently, some people around me saw it, but I somehow missed it. I saw the replay on the TV. Oh well. So I sat at Petals for a while, then gave up on the rain stopping, and ran to my room. Went to bed shortly afterward.

next up: morning @Animal Kingdom