Marcia's Solo Trip to Pop, Apr-May 08, lots of pics! *updated 7/3 day 8*

[marsh0013]

Sat, May 3, Day 4, Part 2

After lunch, the only thing I really had left to do was use up my FP for Expedition Everest. I had already decided I wouldn't make the Nemo show. I was okay with that, as I've seen it before. And I didn't feel like getting soaked, so Kali was out. Still never have ridden that one. Maybe in August...

Anyway, so I got to go on Everest 2 times, since I had the 2 FastPasses. First redneck shot

Second time around, I asked if I could sit front row. Actually, I probably sat front row for most of the times I used FP. But this time, I was brave enough to take out my camera and snap away at the top!

The view up there is incredible! It really is high up there. I decided it was time to take a break. Since I had a late dinner planned, this late break worked out very well. I ended up leaving around 3:40, and I somehow managed to miss 2 buses while I was walking over to the bus stop. I saw the first one pull away from afar, then another pulled up right after it and left before I could get there! So I knew I was in for a bit of a wait. Another bus finally came, and I made it back to Pop to take a nap from 4:30-6:30. When I awoke, I took a shower, as I was feeling kind of sticky after being in AK all day.

Since I had ressies at Whispering Canyon Cafe at 8:40, I had plenty of time to get there. So I got on the line for the MK bus, which arrived at 7pm. There, I met a DISer Mary-in-OH. So hi Mary if you're reading! I arrived at the MK at 7:20, and went straight to a boat to the Wilderness Lodge. I took some pics on the trip over.

It was a very pleasant, and quick, trip over. I decided to push my luck and check in for dinner early, at 7:50pm. Well, I didn't get seated until my ADR time of 8:40 anyway. So I spent those 50 minutes in a comfy chair in the Lodge, drifting in and out of sleepiness. My view

Once I was done with dinner, my mission was to catch Spectromagic. It would be the only time this trip that I had a chance to see it, so I was really counting on it. Easy peasy. I was on a boat at 10 and to the MK by 10:15pm. We got to watch the fireworks on the way over, it was really cool. The boat driver even slowed down so we could watch. I should have taken pictures, but I didn't.

Anyway, so I got into the MK, and staked out a spot right in front of the Confectionery, so I could see the parade as it came around the circle. I took a couple of pics of the crowd leaving as I sat there.

I loved watching all the people leave! Less to be in my way for the parade! It ended up being a perfect spot. I am sorry to say that I didn't take any pictures. I just wanted to enjoy the parade, and not focus on getting good shots. So that's what I did . And it was wonderful! I love Spectro

Since I was sitting right at the beginning of the parade, it was really easy getting out once it was over, too. So I beat the crowd to the bus stop, caught the first Pop bus, and was in bed before I knew it.

Sorry this was such a short update, I will try to do another one tonight if I can!

up next: much excitement at MGM (and no, i don't care what it's supposed to be called )

 

[marsh0013]

I am lovin' your trip report! I'm looking forward to some solo park visits this July while my daughter is attending a program nearby.

I've never tried a Dole Whip. Should be just the thing to help beat the heat!

i'm glad you're enjoying it! you will have an awesome time solo, it's so much fun! and definitely try a dole whip in the heat, so good!

Still with you Marsh.....Enjoying both your TR and Dining Report Thanks for sharing

thanks so much, glad you're enjoying

 

[englishrose47]

Great another update !!

 

[marsh0013]

Sun, May 4, Day 5, Part 1

(So I'm sitting here watching Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals, and it's in OT, so I'm awake...so here comes your promised update!)

So today was my MGM day. Wanna know how close MGM is to Pop? Real close! I was at the bus stop by 7:40, a bus came at 7:50, and I was at the MGM turnstiles at 8am! Um right, way too early, once again! Great timing Marcia! Heh, well, I was the first one at the turnstiles.

So I hung out for a while. A very long while. Then other people started showing up. Yay, I'm not alone anymore! Didn't talk to anybody this morning, though. Just the CM's who took my picture above. So they finally let us in the turnstiles and up to the rope. I took this on my way to the rope

Then it was time for the opening show. They had picked a couple to open the park, they were a few turnstiles down from me. They were so excited, it was cute!

Once they let us go, my first stop was Tower of Terror, to pick up a Fastpass, and then ride. This is another park I do differently when I'm with others - I would have FP'd Rock'n'Rollercoaster and ridden, but that's what the single rider line is for! Anyway, so I got my FP, then went on ToT standby. Know the spot where you can choose left or right? Everybody goes right! Wanna see evidence?

That's right! I got my OWN elevator!!! I thought that was the coolest thing ever! I love that pic of me on an empty elevator, and now that I think about it, I wish I would have bought it. Because it's just that awesome!

Alright, with ToT out of the way, it was time to go on RnR...4 times! Single rider line is my best friend! Let me bore you with my red neck shots! I did try to do a different "pose" each time though

So there you have it, 4 trips on RnR. By that time, my FP window was up, so I got a FP for RnR, even though I don't think I ever used it . So then I went and used my FP for ToT. By now, there were other people to share the elevator with me.

It was about 10:30 by now, and I knew that Beauty and the Beast was at 10:45, so I made my way into the theatre. Unfortunately, Four For a Dollar are off on Sundays, so there was no pre-show entertainment. Oh well! Just another reason to see the show when I return again! The show was great, as usual. I love to "sing" along under my breathe. I'm a dork I know! But I really like this show, I see it at least once per trip.

I guess I was making up for all the walking the other days, because I just stayed in the same general area all morning at MGM! After B&B, I went on RnR single rider line again.

And at some point, either before or after RnR, I got another FP for ToT. Phew, MGM has lots of abbreviations, eh?

I had an ADR at 50's Prime Time Cafe for 12:30, but at this point it was 11:35, and I was ready to take a break. So I walked on over to the PTC and checked in, knowing I would probably have to wait, but being okay with that, as I could always waste some time at my favorite bar! But they seated me right away, at 11:40. Awesome! But they also told me my favorite waiter wasn't working. Boo! They even checked for me over the next couple days if he'd be in, so I could pick up a different ADR, but no such luck. Major bummer. Ah well, once again...just another reason to return.

So I had a wonderful lunch at one of my favorite places, then I decided to head back to the hotel for a rest. But not before picking up a FastPass for Star Tours. Figured it was better to be safe than sorry, as this line can be unpredictable.

Now holding 2 FP (1 for ToT, 1 for Star Tours), I was satisfied, and made my way to the bus stop. And what did I see just a couple minutes later, but my bus!

Yay! I was really ready to take a nap, and that I did, from 1:30-4pm. A nice long one, and definitely needed. Especially because I planned on doing EMH this evening at Magic Kingdom! More on that later!

Nicely refreshed, I was back to MGM at 4:35pm. I went to check out the Voyage of the Little Mermaid, but the show had just gone in, and I didn't feel like waiting for the next one. No biggie. Then I walked along the back where the Toy Story ride was, and I saw people going in! I was like, what's going on??? I was informed by a CM standing there (in below pics), that it was a CM testing weekend, and that the AP preview weekend was next weekend...when I would already by home. Boo once again! So I sadly took a couple pics and walked away.

Then I went over to the Great Movie Ride, which didn't have a line, so I went for it. I refuse to wait on a line for this ride, as I did it in November w/my best friend, it's just not worth it for me. I've been there, done that. I'd rather spend my time on RnR single rider . But anyway, yeah, no line, so it was good. Then I used my FP for Star Tours.

After that, I was getting ready to wind down. So where did I turn, but my favorite bar, the Tune In Lounge! On my way out from lunch earlier, I had stopped by to tell David that I would be back later. And of course, I had to keep my promise. As you will see, it's a darn good thing I did!

So I ordered a Picnic Punch, this time, making sure to get the glow cube.

I was hanging out, talking with David, loving life. David told me about how he had gone on the new Toy Story ride with his son and his son's friends the day before, and that it was awesome. I told him how I'd been over there and they told me it was CM's weekend. He commiserated with me, what a bummer that I wouldn't be able to go on. So I finished my first drink, and ordered something that's not on the menu, but that they had when I was there last summer, appropriately called a Summer Splash.

And here's David, doing his job

He's awesome, stop by and say hi!

This is where it gets good!!!! (going to cut to another post, as I think I'm over images again!)

 

[marsh0013]

So as I was sipping my second drink, a woman came in and started talking to David. Just so happens that she's a CM, she works in DTD, and she's here to take a peak at the new Toy Story Ride. Can you see where this is going??? Her name was Cindy. She was alone, and David suggested that she take me along with her!!! Each CM was allowed to bring in 3 people. Holy luck!!! I was freaking out! Before I knew it, I had my drink in a to-go cup, and David sent me on my merry way, and told me to just come pick up my tab later. David rules! Cindy rules! CM's rule!

So Cindy walked over with me, and we got through and saw that it was a 90 minute wait. She said that once we got through, she'd leave me on my own, as I only needed her to get through the check point. Okay, cool, I don't mind riding by myself. Found out there was a single rider line, but that they closed it because the line was as long as the standby line! Now, this 90 minute line meant that there was no way I was going to get to my dinner ADR at Flying Fish, which I think was for around 8pm.

But this was an opportunity I was not going to miss! So I called up Disney Dining while waiting in line, only to find out they had nothing later available. I figured I'd chance it, and just show up late. Worst come to worst, I'd pick up counter service somewhere. I didn't care! I was going to ride Toy Story Mania!!!

So I was in line, alone, and there was another girl a bit behind me, and she was like "Are you alone? Me too!!" So we became fast friends. And the people behind me told us that she should just come and stand up by me, that way we could ride together. Awesome! I did tell her I wasn't a CM though, and we just pretended like we didn't know that . She was so awesome, her name was Sarah, and she was doing the College Program, as a lifeguard at Blizzard Beach. Oh I think and hope it was Blizzard Beach, that part I did not write down! We talked for the whole wait time, which actually ended up being only 57 minutes...much better than 90! But more than I will ever stand in again! For this, it was worth it though.

Here's some pics from the queue...which I found out later I shouldn't have taken...oh well!

It was so well themed! It made you feel like a toy in Andy's room! And Mr. Potatohead, just awesome! I had no idea what to expect, but this went way beyond my expectations. Like I said before, I was chatting with Sarah the whole time, so the wait flew by. And the ride itself was so cool! I'm sure you've read plenty about it by now, so I won't bore you. But it really is as awesome as they say. I can't wait to do it again w/my family in August!

Here's me and Sarah after we got off the ride, giddy much??

Sarah told me she would walk back with me to the 50's. But on the way, she wanted to get a pretzel and water. Since I had snack credits up the wazoo (remember, 2 a day on the deluxe plan!), I gladly insisted that she let me take care of them for her! Just a little bit of me paying it back to the awesome CM's! We had a heck of a time finding a pretzel though! Everything seemed to be closed, as it was 7:30 now, and the park closed at 8pm. Eventually, we did find it for her, though.

When we arrived at the 50's, we said our goodbyes, but we exchanged info, so we could keep in touch. She went on her way, and I went in to take care of my tab. I walked in and David told me it had already been taken care of! What???!! Amazing woman that she is, Cindy already paid for my drinks. And yay, she was still there eating! So I went over and gave her the biggest hug and had David take our picture.

I can't tell you how lucky I felt. Today was the most amazing day, I had gotten so lucky, I just was amazed at the generosity and kindness shown to me by everyone I came in contact with. CM's, all of you, are absolutely amazing. And I doubt you hear it enough! This wasn't an "official dream", but it sure was my dream come true

So I was on a crazy happy high. I couldn't wipe the smile off my face! Now, it was time to head over to the Boardwalk, to see if Flying Fish could fit me in. And yes, I did walk. There was a boat there loading, but I wanted to be in control of how long it took me. And I don't mind that walk. Remember me, the crazy walking all over girl . Oh, and before I left, I changed into the skirt I had with me (since FF has a dress code...although, they probably would have accepted me in shorts anyway, but I wanted to be proper).

I'm pretty sure I got to Flying Fish somewhere around 8:15/8:30ish. I told them I knew I was late, and I apologized. They told me I could wait a while for a table, or I could sit right away at the bar. I went for the bar! I still had the MK EMH I wanted to get to, so the sooner the better.

This meal was absolutely amazing. Please do read about it in my Dining Report if you haven't already!

That's where I'm going to stop for now. Oh, and the game is still on! But I'm going to go watch it on the couch.

next up: evening EMH @ MK

 

[disneyhockeymad]

wow your day sounds fantastic, those CM's are amazing!! Yay for you getting to ride TSM and yay for getting your bill paid by Cindy, and yay for you getting to eat at the flying fish despite being late!
Definately a day to remember! :

 

[MomofCKJ]

What great installments Marcia! I love love love your report! Because of you I am going to try eating at the Tune In Lounge on my solo trip, something I had not thought of! And TSM looks so fun! I can't wait to try it out!

Allyson

 

[FBandA]

I am loving your reports, some day I think I would like to do a Solo trip, I had a girls weekend trip one time and I went off to AK by myself to do EE right after it opened, I meet up with my friends for lunch they said I can't sit still, and would take bets on how long I could sit. I am always rushing people around when I go. I would love to know how many steps you made each day. On one of our trips I had over 28,000 steps on my ped. DH and DS had chaffing.

My question is what kind of camera do you have? Your pictures are very good.

 

[Disney Brat]

I love the installments!! That was so awesome of the CM's!!! Can't wait to hear about EMH's at MK!!

 

[momtoBrandon&Jacob]

OMG Marsh, I am LOVING your TR for a couple reasons - first off, we were there the same exact dates as you (stayed at POFQ). Also, we were in the same parks on the same days as you as well. We did the P&PP on 5/2 and our parade spot was right by Peco's Bill as well. I believe we were in front on the candy store with the statue of the Indian. I was actually looking for my family in the background of your pictures. We did the TGM thing and used his best days charts. Worth every penny!

Wasn't that the best time to go? No waits for anything and the weather was unbelievable!!

 

[donaldtutter]

The CM's were so awesome to you. There is nothing like Disney Magic!!

 

[englishrose47]

Loved the pix ,I can't wait to ride Toy Story next year!! I really want to do another solo trip! I am thinking of 1 family next May and maybe a November solo trip for me but I wont make that decision yet!!

 

[gbpackfan9]

What a great day you had. TSM, FF, tab paid by CM. We can't wait to see TSM on our October trip. We've looked at the menu for FF a number to times, but never went there.

We've made the walk from DHS to the Boardwalk a couple of times. It's a nice walk and sometimes quicker than waiting for the boat.

By the way, did you make it until the end of the hockey game????

 

[Figment's Friend]

I love how many times you did Rock 'n Rollercoaster, that ride is SO much fun! AWESOME about Toy Story Mania! CM's really are amazing, not just the big things but the little things. Your pics of the queue are great, I can't wait to ride this in December! Can't wait for your next update!

 

[KatGarcia]

I'm all caught up with your TR too! You sure do pack a lot into a day girl! Great reporting tho!!!!

 

[emmababy]

subbing

 

[marsh0013]

wow your day sounds fantastic, those CM's are amazing!! Yay for you getting to ride TSM and yay for getting your bill paid by Cindy, and yay for you getting to eat at the flying fish despite being late!
Definately a day to remember! :

it sure was

What great installments Marcia! I love love love your report! Because of you I am going to try eating at the Tune In Lounge on my solo trip, something I had not thought of! And TSM looks so fun! I can't wait to try it out!

Allyson

thanks so much! and i highly recommend you eat there!

I am loving your reports, some day I think I would like to do a Solo trip, I had a girls weekend trip one time and I went off to AK by myself to do EE right after it opened, I meet up with my friends for lunch they said I can't sit still, and would take bets on how long I could sit. I am always rushing people around when I go. I would love to know how many steps you made each day. On one of our trips I had over 28,000 steps on my ped. DH and DS had chaffing.

My question is what kind of camera do you have? Your pictures are very good.

thanks so much! my camera is a kodak easyshare C613. i just got it before this trip off amazon, it was something like $80 but that included a 2G memory card, and then i got $30 off for signing up for their credit card! what a steal!

I love the installments!! That was so awesome of the CM's!!! Can't wait to hear about EMH's at MK!!

thanks, they really are the best!

OMG Marsh, I am LOVING your TR for a couple reasons - first off, we were there the same exact dates as you (stayed at POFQ). Also, we were in the same parks on the same days as you as well. We did the P&PP on 5/2 and our parade spot was right by Peco's Bill as well. I believe we were in front on the candy store with the statue of the Indian. I was actually looking for my family in the background of your pictures. We did the TGM thing and used his best days charts. Worth every penny!

Wasn't that the best time to go? No waits for anything and the weather was unbelievable!!

that's so funny! yup, you got it, i'm a TGM girl! although, when i go in august, i ignore the recommendation to avoid the AM EMH park. i just love that extra time before it gets too hot!

The CM's were so awesome to you. There is nothing like Disney Magic!!

you got that right!

Loved the pix ,I can't wait to ride Toy Story next year!! I really want to do another solo trip! I am thinking of 1 family next May and maybe a November solo trip for me but I wont make that decision yet!!

thanks! solo is surely the way to go, but family trips can be fun too

What a great day you had. TSM, FF, tab paid by CM. We can't wait to see TSM on our October trip. We've looked at the menu for FF a number to times, but never went there.

We've made the walk from DHS to the Boardwalk a couple of times. It's a nice walk and sometimes quicker than waiting for the boat.

By the way, did you make it until the end of the hockey game????

yeah, i don't mind walking. and yes, i did make it to the end of the game! i was hoping it would go the other direction, though, and am glad they pulled it off last night.

I love how many times you did Rock 'n Rollercoaster, that ride is SO much fun! AWESOME about Toy Story Mania! CM's really are amazing, not just the big things but the little things. Your pics of the queue are great, I can't wait to ride this in December! Can't wait for your next update!

yeah i love the single rider line! you will love TSM in Dec

I'm all caught up with your TR too! You sure do pack a lot into a day girl! Great reporting tho!!!!

thank you!

subbing

welcome

 

[marsh0013]

Sun, May 4, Day 5, Part 2

So last I left you, I was finishing up my dinner at Flying Fish. So from there, I walked over to the bus stop at the Boardwalk to catch a bus to the MK. Originally, I had planned on meeting up with some TGMers at the beach at the Poly for Wishes that evening, but dinner ran over, since I was late to begin with. Oh well, maybe next time!

So I didn't have to wait very long for a bus, that was a pleasant surprise. Got my bracelet, and I was walking up Main Street at 11:15pm, just as the Little Mermaid float in Spectro was headed up the street. Since I'd already caught Spectro, I had no reason to stop and watch. I headed straight for Tomorrowland. Space had a bit of a wait, but they had opened up the FP machines, so I nabbed one to use later.

Next, I checked out Buzz, which had no wait whatsoever. So of course, I had to go on!

I don't think I scored very well, but whatever, it was fun! Then I decided I had to go on TTA, since I hadn't been on it yet this trip. Plus, it's a great way to pass the time while waiting for a FP to be valid! After taking a trip around Tomorrowland, it was time for another ride I hadn't been on in forever - Astro Orbiters! Seriously, haven't been on since before 2001. Never thought the wait was worth it. The wait tonight was about 20 minutes, but the time went by pretty quickly, because I met a nice family with two young boys. They actually had more kids, but left them at home and just brought those two! God bless them!

After Astro Orbiter, it was time to use my FP for Space, so that's what I did. Then I crossed over to the other side of the park to hit some rides in Adventureland and Frontierland. From this point on, there were no waits at all. First up, the Jungle Cruise! It's such a different experience at night, I highly recommend it. Then on to a favorite, Pirates of the Caribbean. Aaargh matey! Could have gone on Splash, but I really didn't feel like getting wet at night, so I went on Big Thunder. Another one that's fun in the dark. And of course, sit in the back row for maximum speed

At this point, the park was absolutely empty. It was about 1:30am (EMH went 11pm-2am), and I was on my way to Fantasyland. Peter Pan was a walk-on! That never happens! I had to take a few pics of the queue

And what's the other must see in Fantasyland when there's no lines?? Dumbo of course!!

Almost made me regret waiting 20 minutes for it the other day. Almost . At this point, we had to wait a few minutes before taking off, and I was confused as to what was going on...until I saw the characters! Chip and Dale came and rode with a couple kids!

When I got off the ride, I got a picture with Donald, since there was no one around!

Then I ran over to Pooh to get in a ride on that one. Back over to near Dumbo, and more characters! Now I got to get pictures with Pluto and Goofy! Pluto was so silly, and Goofy had to dance with me

The characters were taking turns riding Dumbo with little kids, it was so cute!

By now it was about 1:55, and I wanted to squeeze in one more ride, so I ran over to Peter Pan, and just made it! Then I went over to Dumbo to see if I could make one more, but no luck, I watched the people on the last ride of the evening. I was hoping to catch Chip and Dale for pics, but once the ride was over, their handler took them right away. Oh well!

I started to make my way toward the Castle to head out, when I heard my name being called by a little voice! It was one of the boys from the family I had met on Astro Orbiter! One by one, the two boys ran up to me, I knelt down as they ran into my arms to give me a hug! It was so sweet, they were so excited to see me again! I found out that the birthday boy had gotten to ride Dumbo with one of the characters, how lucky! So we all walked out together, with the little boys chatting me up big time. Loved them!

Near the flagpole on Main Street, CM's had grabbed a family to help them hold up the See Ya Real Soon sign

On my way to the bus, I got a pic of the topiary Pirate Mickey

I parted ways with the boys' family, as they made their way to the monorail to the TTC to get their car, and I had a bus to catch.

What a day! I can't even begin to describe how I was feeling at the end of this one. Just amazing. I was so overwhelmed by everything that had happened, it was almost as if it had been a dream . I guess that's what you get for going to Disney, though, eh? Dreams and magic, all around. I love this place. And I always will. This is what it's all about

next up: sleeping in? and Epcot

 

[KatGarcia]

Darn right you need to sleep in...that was one looooong day!

 

[Disney Brat]

Sounds like such an awesome time!! How great that the characters came out for some rides and pics!! Hmmm, did you sleep in??? After that late of a night, and all the things you did, you SHOULD, but maybe you were too excited to get to EPCOT....