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

[jmskinner]

Great update! I can't believe all of those fastpasses.

I think I have the exact same shots of Fantasmic, I never get good ones either.

 

[hlrababy]

HI! I just joined in and I am enjoying your report!

 

[All7OfUs]

We've wanted to try 50's for a long time too; now we know who to request Loving your TR so far, and can't wait for more! Keep it comin'!!

 

[Shell54]

Great update, Iam all caught up with your reports. Fantasmic is a must do for us next month..the benefits of solo travel are getting a seat at the last moment I won't count on DH and I being that lucky, I guess we'll get there early

 

[marsh0013]

Great update! I can't believe all of those fastpasses.

I think I have the exact same shots of Fantasmic, I never get good ones either.

yeah, go the week-ish before thanksgiving...no fastpasses needed! ok, well, for soarin and toy story, but not really anything else! haha, and yeah, i just keep taking those horrible shots, hoping that someday something will turn out ok!

HI! I just joined in and I am enjoying your report!

welcome, glad you're enjoying!

We've wanted to try 50's for a long time too; now we know who to request Loving your TR so far, and can't wait for more! Keep it comin'!!

oh yes, richard is so awesome. but he doesn't work all the time. ie, i hadn't seen him for over a year!!! so i guess it involves a bit of luck.

Great update, Iam all caught up with your reports. Fantasmic is a must do for us next month..the benefits of solo travel are getting a seat at the last moment I won't count on DH and I being that lucky, I guess we'll get there early

yay, glad you're all caught up! and yes, i do love those solo traveler benefits! for 2 people, still shouldn't be too bad. just get there a bit early, don't cut it as close as i did with 5 minutes

next installment coming up!

 

[marsh0013]

Sat, Nov 15, Day 5, Part 1

This day was set to be my AK day. I was going to spend all day at AK then go to Boma for dinner. Let's see how that plan holds up!

I got to the bus stop this morning at 7:50, and a bus must have come right away, as I have in my notes that I was at Animal Kingdom by 8am. Holy early Batman! Oh well, they had a photopass photographer hanging around, so I got some pics.

Then I went ahead and got on line (er, or started my own line as I was the only one there!) at the turnstiles. Look, no people! Oh okay, there are a couple people, they are going to breakfast at Tusker House.

We were let through the turnstiles around 8:45 and then made our way to the Oasis to watch the opening show. Tip board before and after the little girl uncovered it.

Got a pic of the Tree of Life

Then came the truck with Minnie, Goofy, and Pluto. It was all decked out for the holidays already.

Here was my view right before rope drop

And then we were off and NOT running. They do the whole "cast member rope" thing here, thank goodness. So of course, my first stop was Everest. Well, I got a Fast Pass first, then went right on. Front row baby!

And of course you know I have my redneck shot

Since I had already ridden the Safari on my first day in the World, I decided I didn't need to ride it again. So I headed over to Dinosaur instead. Think I know where they take the picture??? Maybe....

Then I made my way back to Everest, which still didn't have a line, so I rode it standby. Redneck shot!

Fast Pass window was up, so I got another FP, then rode with my first FP. Confused yet??? I try! One more redneck...ooh, I'm scared!

I knew Divine was scheduled to be out at 10am (yes it was just about then by now). So I went over to her area, and saw her handler, but wasn't sure she was out. So I asked him, and he said she was...oh there she is!

So gorgeous

I hung around for a while, but then decided to make my way to Camp Minnie Mickey for the Lion King show, which was starting at 10:30. I got there in plenty of time, they were still demonstrating the hand jive. I was in the lion section. Raaaaaar!

Love this show. I usually see it a few times (at least twice) each trip, but this time I only saw it once. No problem, I'll be back! Here are a few shots

At this point, there was really nothing else in AK I felt like doing, plus the lure of Off Kilter at Epcot was just too much to bare! So, well, I gave in to that lure! I was at the bus stop by 11:15 and was walking into Epcot by 11:45. Since I had planned on eating counter service at AK, I needed plans for lunch. So I called up Disney Dining and nabbed an ADR for Rose & Crown for 12:20pm. Perfect!

This gave me enough time to hit up Soarin for a Fast Pass before lunch. So I went to the Land and the machines were not scanning. The CM's were just passing out the FP's. She asked me how many in my party and I told her it was just me. So she gave me one. And I oh so politely asked if I could have another, seeing as I could have lied and told her 4 or more if I wanted to, so she obliged me with another. Sweet! Thanks CM!

So I went on over to World Showcase and checked into R&C at noon. Had a decent lunch. Not as good as previous trips, but I blame it on myself. See food report for more details.

After that, I spent my afternoon in Epcot. Which you can read about in my next installment.

next up: afternoon in Epcot, and will I make it to Boma???

 

[NMW]

We love your report we are subscribing

 

[If U Had Wings]

Loving your solo trip report!

I can't belive how cool it must have been to have Space Mountain all to yourself.

 

[shane&jakesmom]

I have not posted anything but have been keeping up with both your reports, I enjoy reading them. You have inspired me to go do a rope drop.

 

[twinmom]

Thanks for taking the time to write this trip report. You are giving me hope. I am going solo, in 2 1/2 weeks and staying at Pop for the first time. This will be the first time I have not used a rental car. Your report is making me realize I can park hop and get around without losing lots of time.

Thanks again.

 

[jmskinner]

I spent five days at WDW the week after Christmas. We drove over and didn't get there until almost noon each day and I just had to tell you that we only got FP's for 3 rides the whole time. By the time we got there, the FP's were all for after 8:00 and we didn't plan on staying that late. I kept thinking of you and all those unused FP's you had.

Looking forward to more of your TR!

 

[Shell54]

Great update. Love all the Christmas trees shots. I got to go at Christmas next year if I ever get a code. Looking forward to more

 

[marsh0013]

We love your report we are subscribing

thanks! and welcome!

Loving your solo trip report!

I can't belive how cool it must have been to have Space Mountain all to yourself.

oh man, it was unbelievable! i was in heaven!!!

I have not posted anything but have been keeping up with both your reports, I enjoy reading them. You have inspired me to go do a rope drop.

thanks, and def try to make it for rope drop! sooooo worth it!

Thanks for taking the time to write this trip report. You are giving me hope. I am going solo, in 2 1/2 weeks and staying at Pop for the first time. This will be the first time I have not used a rental car. Your report is making me realize I can park hop and get around without losing lots of time.

Thanks again.

excellent, i hope you have a wonderful time! glad to help give you hope, i'm sure you will have a blast, i *always* do!!

I spent five days at WDW the week after Christmas. We drove over and didn't get there until almost noon each day and I just had to tell you that we only got FP's for 3 rides the whole time. By the time we got there, the FP's were all for after 8:00 and we didn't plan on staying that late. I kept thinking of you and all those unused FP's you had.

Looking forward to more of your TR!

haha, yeah, well, i got all those unused FP's early in the day, and during a much slower time than you went! so yeah, go early, and go when it's less crowded. early is more important, as far as i'm concerned though. but you gotta do what works for you. just my opinion

Great update. Love all the Christmas trees shots. I got to go at Christmas next year if I ever get a code. Looking forward to more

thanks, i really like going that time of year, even if christmas was still over a month away. it made me feel in the spirit. it's the best of both worlds...low crowds and christmas-type stuff. although, you don't get full on christmas stuff til closer. like this year, i didn't get to see the osborne lights at MGM. oh well, there will be more opportunities!

 

[marsh0013]

Sat, Nov 15, Day 5, Part 2

So when I last left you (oh man, so so long ago! so sorry for the delay!!), I was just finishing up a nice lunch at the Rose & Crown. Once I finished up, my plan was just to kill some time around World Showcase before Off Kilter played their first show at 2:30.

So I made my way to France, where of course I picked up a Grey Goose Slush. Sorry, didn't take a picture this time, but well, there are plenty of them in this report to go around! Ah yes, and on my way over, there was a Photopass Photographer on the bridge, so I got my picture taken. It was a bit windy, lol!

Anyway, after getting my drink, I noticed that Belle and Beast were out and the line didn't look too bad, so I got on the end of it. While I was waiting...I noticed something. Over at the boat dock, there was the Dream Team, and they were giving something away. Oh man, I didn't want to chance it by going over there, thinking I'd probably miss both the dream and the meet and greet, so I just stayed in line for the meet. I figured they were giving away the extra night time Dream Hour (I had seen some people wearing these earlier), and since I had plans to eat dinner at Boma, I figured I wouldn't want that dream anyway. Keep reading

So it was my turn to meet Belle and Beast, and they were lovely

I noticed the Dream Team walking away after I met those two, and I said I knew they had already given out something, and they were done, but could they just tell me what it had been? Well, the girl confirmed that it was the Dream Hour, where the park would stay open an extra hour that evening for the winners. So I wasn't too upset about not getting it.

After that, I stopped by Morocco, where Jasmine and Alladin were out. Their line was even shorter, so that was a no brainer

I found another Photopass Photographer, and got some pictures

And then...I was walking by the boat dock...and there was a CM there encouraging people to go down. Telling them, you don't have to get on the boat, you can just turn around and come back. And I saw the Dream Team down there. So, I figured, may as well go get dreamed! Haha, most people were just walking away! Ended up being the same Dream Team members, and the girl who gave me my Dream (which btw, was the Dream Hour again), she remembered me asking her just earlier, and said she was glad I got it this time.

So I was pretty pumped. I mean, originally, I had figured I wouldn't want the hour, since like I said, I had a dinner at Boma planned. But I couldn't resist that Dream! Originally, I figured I'd go over to Boma, have dinner, then come back for the Dream Hour.

Anyway, after winning, I was just so thrilled, and then it was time to see Off Kilter. They rocked my socks, as usual

Then I headed back to the pub to grab a drink. Welsh Dragon, please! Again, no pic this time, but again, you've seen a few anyway! Then I went and caught some of the 3pm British Invasion show

And then I went back to Canada for the 3:30 Off Kilter show. Love them!

After that, the next Off Kilter show wasn't until 5:30, so I had some time to work with. At this point, I had decided that there was no way I was going to go to dinner at Boma. So I called and canceled. I figured it really just made more sense to not leave Epcot. So since I had those 2 FP for Soarin, I walked back to the Land, and went ahead and used them. Front row both times! Woo hoo! Then I took a whirl on Spaceship Earth, since I don't think I'd done it yet this trip.

Then it was nearing Off Kilter time, so I made another stop to the pub, where I got yet another Welsh Dragon. Oh, in case you haven't been reading my food report, I know this seems like a lot of drinks in one day, but really, they were not hitting me whatsoever! I drank all day and felt nothing. I swear they don't make those drinks very strong. Because, as I mentioned in my food report, after just 2-3 drinks with David at the Tune In, I was set! Haha. He makes my drinks strong!

Anywho, so yes, 5:30 Off Kilter show. It was getting kinda dark by this point.

Then it was back to the UK for the British Invasion at 6pm. Yes, I pretty much just went back and forth between the two, and it was awesome! Love love love this aspect of solo trips! I do what I want!!! Okay, so after the show, I went back to the pub. I was kinda annoyed at not feeling anything from the alcohol, so I decided I would do a shot to help me along. Now, I have a couple friends from home that I sometimes do Jameson shots with, so I ordered a shot of Jameson and a Welsh Dragon. These shots tell it all. There was a nice couple who notice me taking the first pic, and they took the rest for me!

Ah, yes, my classic "Jameson face". I *hate* that stuff! But it usually does the job. Heh, still didn't really feel it, but oh well. I had some more Off Kilter to see! By now, we are up to the 6:30 show.

Then it was back to the pub. But just a Welsh Dragon this time. Wow, I really sound like a lush! But really, read my note above about those Epcot drinks not being strong, LOL! Caught a little bit of the 7pm British Invasion show, in their Sgt. Pepper's gear

Then it was back on over to Canada for the last Off Kilter show of the evening, the 7:30 show.

After the musical showings were done for the day, I had to amuse myself until 9:30, when my Dream Hour would begin. So, first I headed to France, where I got some more Photopass pictures.

Love that fountain! It's so pretty! And well, you already think I'm a drunkard, so well, I had yet another Grey Goose slush. And I may have stopped by the Pub again. Oh yes, but at some point I stopped and got food as well, from the Tangeriene Cafe. Again, food report. So it was getting to be Illuminations time, and I wasn't going to watch, since I had seen it from Tokyo Dining earlier in the week, but well, as I was walking around the lake headed toward where we were supposed to meet for the Dream Hour, I decided to plant myself in a not so great view, but still better than nothing, spot.

Once Illuminations was over, it was time to gather up for the Dream Hour!!! But man, everyone was leaving at the same time, and well, hi majorly crowded! I'm not used to that kind of crowd, as I'm usually staying after or gone before. Or something like that! Anyway, I finally made my way over and had to show my pass to get in. They had ropes up and wouldn't let you past the Mousegears area without the pass. Then I was given a pin, and apparently, not many people get them, because for the rest of the week people kept asking me where I got it! And I asked how many people won the Dream Hour, and they told me 1600. And I'm sure not all of them showed. So that was pretty darn cool!

It started just before 9:30, and there was a guy who did an announcement, then Pluto and Goofy came out for a dance party. I snapped a couple pics

and then I headed straight onto Test Track. Where I went in the regular line. Which I haven't been through in literally years! We always have used FP or single rider line. So that was kinda a cool thing for me.

(will continue in next post as am about to hit image limit!)

 

[marsh0013]

Sat, Nov 15, Day 5, Part 2 (cont)

So after riding TT, I went over to the other side of the park, to the Land, which was all lit up at night

Then I got inside, and there was really no line. Awesome! I was sure I would be able to ride at least 3 times before the hour was over. Look, no line!

And look at all those empty "seats" in rows 2&3 (I was in row 1!!!)

Now, for some reason, after taking our places on our little gliders, we stood there. For a long time. I have no idea what was going on, maybe something was up with the ride, but after a while, I realized I'd be lucky if I got to ride it twice. Oh well, I was lucky to be there at all!

So once my first trip was over, I made my way back through again, again with no line. Self portrait, with no line in front of me

Again, empty!

I got to sit in the front and center again, so I was beyond pleased. Once that ride was over, it was just past 10:30, so it was time to make my way out. I just managed to catch the character bus as it was leaving after wishing everyone goodnight

I also got a shot of the golf ball on my way out, how perty!

Then I made my way to the bus stop. They had put a bunch of buses together, like I'm pretty sure mine was Pop, Caribbean Beach, and maybe something else. And we had to wait a while. I mean, there were a max of 1600 people at this extra hour, so it makes sense that they would combine stops. No biggie. I got lucky, and Pop was the first stop. I was so ready for bed! Since I had a late night planned the next day for MVMCP, my plan was to sleep in. And I was thrilled about it!

up next: MK > Epcot > MVMCP (yes, i'm crazy)

 

[ididitrn]

How fun to have the park to yourself along with 1600 of your closest friends!

 

[KatGarcia]

You sure do know how to pack a lot into a day, girl!

 

[If U Had Wings]

What a cool dream! How great to be able to ride Soarin with virtually no wait.

 

[loveminniemouse]

Always love your reports! In fact you convinced me to take my first solo trip this coming March! Can't wait!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Sounds like a great day! I can't believe I still haven't seen Off Kilter! On the must do list for next time!!