Mom needed a break...no laundry, no hubby, no kids...sorta!! A SOLO TR..updated 11/15

[ILuvCrush]

Hi all you happy DIS peoples!!!! And Welcome to my Solo TR!!
If you followed my PTR... you'll already be aware that I am not funny, or interesting, or have great writing skills either!! But I did get to go to WDW ALL BY MY OWN SELF!!!!

Here's me....

A little background info regarding this adventure:
I'm 35...today, actually, it's my birthday!!
I've been married to DH Tom for just shy of 14yrs. We got married while I was still in college.... yeah, a little young, but there was a good reason. Kyle.
DS(13) was born very shortly after the wedding, and for those family members who did the math, no DS was not born 3 months too early

So I lived with my Mama growing up, went to college and lived with a room mate, got married while still in college and lived with DH ever since. So long story short (too late!) I've never been by myself for more than an afternoon!! I know that sounds wierd, but I never had the post school single apartment or anything.

Since getting married, DH and I added 2 beautiful DDs (10 and 7) to the family, 3 cats (Rex, Zoey & Tigger) and a dog (Buddy)

Here's all of us, well, sans the critters:

Anyhoo... about this trip.
I wanted to go on a vacation... WDW was at the top of my list. Myself and DDs were there in Feb, but I wanted to go again. I wanted to take the girls (DS is NOT into WDW.... ) But unfortunately DH didn't think the girls should miss school for another trip. So eventually I got him on board with me going as a SOLO trip!! He thought I was a little nuts, but was very supportive. He even bought me a MNSSHP ticket when I couldn't decide if I should go or not!!

I booked my trip for October 13-18 so I'd be home on my Bday (the 19th) in July and my dear friends here on the DIS helped me plan my trip.

Here's my planned itinerary for the trip.... it didn't turn out this way, but I think it's fun to see how far the trip diverged from the plan....don't you???

OK:
Sunday.... head to Pittsburgh to stay at Four Points, my park and fly hotel.

Monday.... 7am flight via Southwest direct to MCO. Arrive at 9:10 catch ME to ASMu. Go to DTD for a while. Dinner at O'Hana's. MNSSHP

Tuesday.... Epcot ride Soarin and go to F&W, eat my way around the world, shop a lot, and see all 4 of the countries films

Wednesday..... KTTK tour, dinner at Tony's, AK EMH

Thursday.... HS all day. Toy Story Mania and Fantasmic were must do's

Friday.... AK in am MK in pm

Saturday.... ME pick up at 8, flight to PGH via Southwest at 11:15, hopefully get home by 6pm ish

Just to give you an idea... a teaser if you will.... I enjoyed my solo trip. I don't think you can go to WDW and NOT enjoy yourself. However, I don't know if I'd be willing to go solo again.

I did learn that I can certainly rely on myself, and the real source of my stress during vacations with the family, is from worrying about everyone else. Are they OK? Are they having fun? Do they need something? and so on. I didn't even realize it until I went on this trip and discovered that even though I was flying an airline I've never used, from PGH where I never fly, and stayed at a resort I've never stayed in... NOT ONE TIME did I ever feel stressed about getting where I was going, dealing with security, anything!! I also discovered that I'm more shy and self concious than I realized I was...I'll explain that more later. So I certainly learned something new about myself.

I hope that you come along for the trip!!


Here's some handy links!!
Mom Needs a Break..So I'm Going Alone!PTR

1. On my way on Disney EVE!!!!
2. Once upon a time...Day 1, part 1
3. Once upon a time...Day 1, part 2
4. Once upon a time....Day 1, part 3
5. Party like a Pumpkin!!.... MNSSHP Day 1, part 4
6. Party like a Pumpkin!!....MNSSHP Day 1, part 5
7. Party like a Pumpkin!!....MNSSHP Day 1, part 6
8. Around the World in 6 hours!...Day 2, part 1

9. Around the World in 6 hours!...Day 2, part 2
10. Around the World in 6 hours! Day 2, part 3
11. Around the World in 6 hours! Day 2, part 4
12. Paging Mary Poppins! Kids on line 1!...Day 3, part 1
13. Paging Mary Poppins! Kids on line 1!...Day 3, part 2
14. I am the Keyholder of the Kingdom!...Day 3, part 3
15. Now I get the title of this TR!!!... Day 3, part 4
16. Day 3...Finally a Conclusion!!!....Day 3, part 5
17. Not an update...update!!...photopass and scrapbooks
18. Toy Story Maniacs!!....Day 4, part 1
19. Oops! I'm Technologically Challanged!...Day 4, part 2
20. Monsters, Mayhem, and Grouchy People!!...Day 4, part 3
21. Last Day!! make it Count!!...Day 5, part 1
22. Walk with the Animals, Talk with the Animals....!!!....Day 5, part 2
23. The Imagineers didn't plan for THIS!!!...Day 5, part 3
24. Animal Crackers in my Soup!!!... Day 5, part 4
25. I'm a Wanderer... I Wander Round and Round and Round!... Day 5, part 5
26. All Good Things Must Come to an End!!!....Day 5, part 6
27. It's a Wrap!! Some final thoughts..the CONS of SOLO tripping!!
28. It's a Wrap!! Some final thoughts..the PROS of SOLO tripping!


Paula

 

[Diamondintheruff]

Good for you.

I can't wait to hear all about it.

Yes, it is fun to hear the how and why the original plans didn't happen.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I'm here! First of all, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! This was apparently a day for DIS'ers as I was just on another DIS'ers TR and it is her b-day too!

Your title is intriguing with the "sorta." Interesting.

I forgot you did the KTTK tour. Can't wait to hear about that... and everything else about your trip.

 

[MMmomto5]

Hi Paula! Happy Birthday! I only posted once on your PTR, but I followed along in all your planning and I can't wait to hear all about your trip. I'm leaving tomorrow morning for my first solo trip and I am a nervous wreck. So, I am glad that you at least had a nice time. I'm wondering if you have any last minute tips for me?

 

[ILuvCrush]

Well my plan was on Disney Eve to leave home around 2pm for Four Points Pittsburgh Airport for my park and fly reservation. I like to fly out REALLY early, and since the closest airport to me is a good 2 &1/2 hours drive, I usually go a day early and do a park and fly deal. Less stress and since my car can stay at the hotel, it makes it pretty cheap because otherwise I'd have to pay for airport parking


I Found Four Points at www.parkandfly.com a site I've used before. it's pretty handy. I had a bunch of last minute things to do before I left. I needed to check in for tomarrow's flight, run to Walmart, make a tri-fold display for my Mama who had a presentation to do and i said I'd help, Drop off said presentation board, pick up DDs now completed halloween costumes from my grandma's house, and finish packing

I managed to get it all done and was on my way to Pittsburgh by 3pm. DD(7) cried when I left...which just about did me in right there.

The Drive to Pittsburgh was beautiful!! Autumn is my absolute favorite time of the year! I love the smells and the colors. It was sunny and warm for my drive and I stopped to take some pictures along the way. The trees were pretty close to PGH too, but unfortunately, it was much harder to find overlooks and other places to pull off and take pictures.

I had a slow start because I got behind a "Sunday Driver"

Here's some more pictures from my drive....

I got stuck in a construction area so it took about 3hrs to get to my hotel. I was starved... but there was nothing anywhere near the hotel. So I ordered a burger and fries from room service. That was nice. I don't usually order room service, b/c it's so expensive. But since it was just me, $16 for a burger didn't seem so bad!!!

I signed on my computer and DISsed a bit and checked my email. I watched a little TV. I didn't want to oversleep and miss my flight. The shuttle was taking me to the airport at 5am. So I called for a wake up at 4am, I set the clock in the room for 4:05, AND I set my cell phone clock for 3:55!!! No WAY I was missing my date with Mickey!!

I called home before I went to sleep. Allison was still fussing about me leaving For the 10th time over the last 12 hours, I seriously thought maybe I should just go home where I belong, and stop being so selfish. DH conviced me that the separation was good for me AND for DD. We'll both learn how to deal with being by ourselves I HOPED he was right!!!!!


Paula

 

[ILuvCrush]

Good for you.

I can't wait to hear all about it.

Yes, it is fun to hear the how and why the original plans didn't happen.

Welcome Welcome!!!! You're #1!

I'm here! First of all, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! This was apparently a day for DIS'ers as I was just on another DIS'ers TR and it is her b-day too!

Your title is intriguing with the "sorta." Interesting.

I forgot you did the KTTK tour. Can't wait to hear about that... and everything else about your trip.

HeHeHe!! I knew you'd be here quick Christine!!! Well I had to have the title be a little teaser... else every one will blow on by to YOUR TR!!!

Hi Paula! Happy Birthday! I only posted once on your PTR, but I followed along in all your planning and I can't wait to hear all about your trip. I'm leaving tomorrow morning for my first solo trip and I am a nervous wreck. So, I am glad that you at least had a nice time. I'm wondering if you have any last minute tips for me?

Thanks for the happy birthday!!
Best bit of advice.... USE THE SINGLES LINES!!!!! Wow! unbelievable what a difference! Regular line 45min, singles line 5min!! Use them and love them!!
Do some grown up stuff, that the kids squirm about so you can really enjoy it (good example hall of presidents and the WS films). You'll be suprised at how much more walking you'll do by yourself, when you don't need to wait for stragglers or wait in every character line. I bet I walked 2-3 more miles per day alone, than when I'm w/ the family just because nothing took as long to do. Bio break 5min... snack 10-15min....crazy to think how long you wait for everyone else to finish those types of activities! You'll weave in and out and hop in line before the folks with strollers are even getting thru the turnstiles. I never rushed (except a fast walk to TSM, but that's a story in itself!) but I was suprised at how much quicker you move thru the park in general!!

Paula

 

[MMmomto5]

Thanks for the advice Paula. I probably wouldn't have thought of the single rider lines since I'm always with my gang. I love the pics you posted. Every fall I am reminded why I love living in Pa. Can't wait to hear more!

 

[the_princess]

Can't wait to hear more! It's cool that you go by yourself. I went to Thailand by myself and it sure is different (in a lot of good ways) to be on your own.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Beautiful pictures from your drive!!

 

[ILuvCrush]

Thanks for the advice Paula. I probably wouldn't have thought of the single rider lines since I'm always with my gang. I love the pics you posted. Every fall I am reminded why I love living in Pa. Can't wait to hear more!

You and me both

I keep saying that I'd like to move further South, to get away from the western PA winters, but if I ever do, I'll still come back for October!!

The Single rider lines i used were test track, EE, and Rock and roller coaster. They closed the one at TSM, which was too bad!

 

[mickeysmyboy]

Hi Paula! Signing on! I found your PTR last weekend and read my way through it! I can't wait to hear about your trip!

BTW, Happy Birthday!

 

[Stacybaeasm]

I just got back myself! Sorry we weren't able to hook up at either MNSSHP or at DHS. I"m looking forward to hearing about your trip!

 

[ILuvCrush]

I just got back myself! Sorry we weren't able to hook up at either MNSSHP or at DHS. I"m looking forward to hearing about your trip!

Hey Stacy!! I wish we could have too.... I tried to call you, but apparently when I put the # in my cell I reversed 2 numbers
So instead of you, I got a very confused older gentleman!!!

I thought the party was way more packed than I thought it would be!! How about you?

Paula

 

[ILuvCrush]

Hi Paula! Signing on! I found your PTR last weekend and read my way through it! I can't wait to hear about your trip!

BTW, Happy Birthday!

Thank you!!!
I'm happy to have you here!
Paula

 

[ClareH37]

What beautifully stunning scenery during your drive!

Looking forward to reading more.

 

[ILuvCrush]

What beautifully stunning scenery during your drive!

Looking forward to reading more.

Hi Clare!!! Thanks for joining us!

 

[bucky1023]

Can't wait to read more! Hope you have a great day!

 

[Diamondintheruff]

I'm sitting here feeling jealous that you got to stop the car and take pictures without explaining anything to anyone else. You took some great pictures too.

How wonderfully decadant to order room service. Feeling jealous again.

 

[VanniGirl]

I have wanted to take a solo trip - but not sure I have the nerve. I am looking forward to reading more!

 

[mommyintn]

Wow I can't wait to hear all of it! I'm not sure I'd go by myself, I'd have to get a friend to go with me if I was going without DH and kids. The pictures of your drive are beautiful, I think I might want to vacation where you live. I've been wanting to go to Amish country....