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

[ILuvCrush]

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

Thank you!! And Welcome!

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.

Thank You!!! Can you believe I actually considered not taking my camera at all??? I have a tendancy to view my vacations thru a lens, and not really "experience" them. LOL!!
My DH and kids groan when the camera comes out... if I kept stopping the car with them in it...DH would have probably drove off without me

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

Welcome aboard VanniGirl!!! I suprised myself by going thru with it!! I considered cancelling it almost on a daily basis for the month before I left

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....

I would have loved to have gone with a friend but no one would go!!!! I don't actually live in Amish country, but we have lots of Amish in our area. Amish country out near Lancaster is gorgeous and I highly recommend a visit!!!

 

[MEK]

Welcome back Paula!

I'm so glad you had a nice trip and I can't wait to hear more. I know what you mean about solo trips - that feeling that it was good, but it isn't something you would do again real soon. That's how I felt when I got home. I would solo again, but probably only if the rest of my trip party canceled at the last minute. I would like my next few trips to be with my family.

 

[ILuvCrush]

Welcome back Paula!

I'm so glad you had a nice trip and I can't wait to hear more. I know what you mean about solo trips - that feeling that it was good, but it isn't something you would do again real soon. That's how I felt when I got home. I would solo again, but probably only if the rest of my trip party canceled at the last minute. I would like my next few trips to be with my family.

You said it!!! That's exactly how I feel

 

[ilovemickeymost]

found it. Now can't wait to read it.

 

[ILuvCrush]

Well I'm antsy to get this TR really rolling!! I'm amazed how many of you already stopped by!! I know when I go back to work tomarrow it going to slow me down, so here we go!!

I did not sleep well...AT ALL!!! The bed was comfy, but I woke up off and on all night long. I actually was awake and out of bed at 3:45, 10 min before alarm #1 was going to go off At least I had gone to bed at 9pm, so I did get some rest during that time!!

Unfortunately, I woke up with a sore throat and a stuffy head Yuck! I had a little stuffiness all weekend, its something I deal with on a regular basis. So fortunately I had a nice supply of Sudafed (the good kind, not the PE crap they sell OTC now). I made sure I got my "monthly alotment" that the feds allow us to buy from the pharmacist before I left, since I knew that I wouldn't be able to get to a pharmacy to buy some if I needed it. The sore throat, however, was all new. I really hoped that it wouldn't stick around long!! So I popped a couple Sudafed and a couple Motrin, got myself all prettied up and headed to the front desk to catch my shuttle.

Here's my purdy self portrait before leaving the room

HeHeHe I really thought that would be my only pic of myself all week!!

Southwest check-in was a breeze...can't believe I was so worried about it!! I've always had "real" tickets from a travel agent, so I kept thinking this online check-in and printout thing wasn't going to work Well call me kooky...it worked like a charm! The plane was very nice. I flew AirTran in Feb...that plane actually had window panels that were separated from the walls so you could see the stuffings underneath So I was nervous about trying another "value airline". My concerns were totally for not. Thank goodness!! The flight itself was only half full, so I ended up with all 3 seats to myself talk about luxury! The flight was very uneventful, we actually landed about 5min early and I was off the plane on my way to ME by 9:05!!

As I headed for ME..I kept thinking I was forgetting something
OH Yeah!!! Everybody else

ME check in only had about 3 people ahead of me. So I was set and getting comfy in my seat by 9:25! I guess someone on the bus had a service dog, because the CM asked if I had any allergies or a problem with having a dog on the bus. I said it was no problem, but I never saw or heard the pooch...I assume it was crated underneath.

I looked out the window and the sky was blue and the sun was shining.... maybe the weather report was wrong after all

ME driver Julio took us away from the airport at 9:30...boy was I ahead of schedule!! I didn't expect to get to ASMu til 11 or 11:30..... I wonder if my room will be ready this early probably not, it is a holiday weekend after all!! So I relaxed, sat back and watched my little Mickey movie!!

Surprise Surprise!!! My room WAS ready Check-in was very quick and easy. I requested a room near the front of the resort. I had told the CM on the phone at reservations that since I was travelling alone, I'd prefer to be closer to the main building, not a preferred room, parking lot view would be fine. Well, my request was not met. The CM checking me in told me that the ENTIRE Calypso bldgs (including the backs) were preferred...huh?? I wouldn't pay extra to be on the BACKside! Then he told me that the Jazz building was just for families because thats where the suites are. Hmmmm sounded a little odd to me, based on what I knew, but I didn't make a big deal out of it. I was glad that I had a room ready this early. The room that I was given was all the way back in the Country Fair section I really don't think that they could have put me any farther away if I had wanted them to

On my way to my room, I stopped in Maestro Mickey's Store. It was HOT and I had on long sleeves. So I bought a cute little Minnie Mouse t-shirt and a couple trick-or-treat bags for DDs

Yep it's cute.... but DON'T get too attatched!!!

Paula

 

[ILuvCrush]

I made my way to my room....it was a bit of a walk, but not too bad. I took some pictures along the way. The resort was rather pretty, actually. The values always come off as a bit garish to me, I suppose it's the big icons. I found the theming at ASMu far more enjoyable than ASSports and even POP. I liked POP, but I think ASMu is prettier.

Some outside resort photos:

I was in room 6448. It was a ground floor room, which was very nice, no steps! I opened the door and was very pleased with how fresh and clean the room was!! I took a few photos before I bounced on the bed and got all my stuff scattered about:

I even got a towel mickey on the bed... Woo Hoo!!! This is why I come back to WDW... the little magical things, that you never quite know what or when you'll find!

Well I tried on my new shirt...whew...I couldn't wait to get out of my sweatshirt!! Awwwww nuts!! The darned thing didn't fit!!!! It waas one of those "ladies" style tops that are more fitted with the tighter sleeves and hip area. I bought an extra large, but it was still too clingy for my taste. I like a little room, thank-you! And this 'XL' fit me like a medium!!

So I returned it.

They let me keep the Trick or Treat bags (they were $5 with purchase) which was quite swell of them

After returning the Mini Minnie top... I kept on going right out the door to the DTD bus stop. I hoped it wasn't forshadowing of my bus experiences to come...but it took forever to get to DTD... half as long as it took to get to WDW from PA!!! I waited 40min for the bus... then about 30min til the bus got to DTD!!! Shoot my whole plane trip was only 2 hrs!!!

DTD was pretty busy. I guess cause people were off work, but didn't want to pay for park passes for the day... it seemed like a good number of locals. Weren't wearing the Goofy Hats and Mickey Ears ...you know, standard WDW dress code.

First stop, the Christmas Store...always nice stuff, didn't buy anything. I really want a Mickey Nutcracker... but I can't seem to part with the necessary $300 or so! From there I went to Mickey Mart. I bought name badge holders for me and my Mama for work, a Mickey icon for my car, and a Darth Vader Goofy for DH.

Then I wandered into Disney Tails, right next door....but no pet stuff It was all clothes, mostly baby and toddler stuff. Wierd.
next stop was Pin Traders where I picked up the first of several pins. I got another 2008 pin, a 2008 w/ tink (because mama asked me to get her one), a passholders pin, 2 lanyards, and a Peter Pan fast pass pin that was a $1

Next stop... World of Disney Store!!!

There is just SO MUCH STUFF in there!!!! I browsed around a bit and picked up a couple shirts, a pirate halloween one for DH and a Donald Duck one for DS thats funny and suit him to a 'T'!! I bought a pair of Mickey earrings for me, that I wanted in Feb, but didn't buy. I also bought necklaces for DDs. The one for Ellie is an N... her real name is Noelle, but we call her Ellie

After looking around and shopping for about an hour and a half... I was getting bored...and restless....and HOT...and tired.... and hungry.....and my head and throat were really driving me to distraction. It's a good thing I DIDN'T go to Mall of America!!! I'd have gone crazy with all that shopping!!

I checked as I wandered back to the busses with my booty...but the DVC guy was busy. I figured I'd have to try and meet up with him later. I only waited about 6 min for the bus back to ASMu, and was back at 2pm. I was really hungry. All I had today was a Coke and a Nutrigrain Bar for Breakfast. I needed to eat.... the problem was it was already 2:00 and I had a ressie for O'Hana's at 5:05!!!

What should I do

Paula

 

[OneTreeHillAddict]

Disney all by yourself...sounds like a good time. I'm in!

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

 

[If U Had Wings]

Enjoying your report so far. Can't wait to hear more about how everything went!

 

[Diamondintheruff]

I bought a pair of Mickey earrings for me, that I wanted in Feb, but didn't buy

Very cute. There's a necklace I haven't bought twice now but is at the top of my list for the next trip.

I found the theming at ASMu far more enjoyable than ASSports and even POP.

Me too

What should I do

Still kind of wierd only having to worry about what you think huh?

 

[MEK]

Paula -

I tend to agree with you that AsMu is a bit nicer/cuter/relaxed/smaller than POP. I like POP, but there is something about AsMu that really appeals to me. Sorry you got stuck in Country Fair. That's the only section of the resort that I wasn't crazy about. I hope you got to visit the other All Stars, since I thought they were both really cute, too.

I love all your purchases - so cute, especially the T shirts! Sorry you didn't visit DVC yet - I hope you did during your trip. I am really trying to convert you to a DVC'r!

OK - and I am going to take a guess here - did you cancel your Ohana ADR???? I know you were kinda up in the air about this ADR. I bet you started to think - hmmmmm - maybe I should wait until I can go with the rest of the family. Please don't leave me in suspense too long - I need to know!

Looking forward to more

 

[ILuvCrush]

Paula -

I tend to agree with you that AsMu is a bit nicer/cuter/relaxed/smaller than POP. I like POP, but there is something about AsMu that really appeals to me. Sorry you got stuck in Country Fair. That's the only section of the resort that I wasn't crazy about. I hope you got to visit the other All Stars, since I thought they were both really cute, too.

I've stayed at Sports before...wasn't real impressed. I didn't take the time to wander over to Movies though.

I love all your purchases - so cute, especially the T shirts! Sorry you didn't visit DVC yet - I hope you did during your trip. I am really trying to convert you to a DVC'r!

I was hoping to visit them while at DTD... but the week is still young

OK - and I am going to take a guess here - did you cancel your Ohana ADR???? I know you were kinda up in the air about this ADR. I bet you started to think - hmmmmm - maybe I should wait until I can go with the rest of the family. Please don't leave me in suspense too long - I need to know!

HeHeHe!!! I'll let you know today.....

 

[ILuvCrush]

OK. So I'm now back at ASMu. I noticed on the ride back that the darker clouds were starting to roll in Hmmmmm darned weather channel, they may be right yet!!

I headed to the food court to get a little something. I wanted some actual real food...not a "sweet". My head was feeling very spinny from my sinus congestion and I had a headache. Hopefully a little something solid in my belly will help. I scouted around the food court to see what my options were. Everything seemed too 'meal-like'. I noticed a girl preparing a personal pizza. It wasn't much bigger than the palm of her hand, so I thought that would be perfect!! $6 for a mini pizza sounded like a lot, but I wasn't thinking too straight by now. I figured it would be a good snack, but wouldn't ruin my appitite for O'Hanas. I stepped up and ordered my pizza. The CM said they needed to make more and it would be a few minutes. No Problem. He gave me a slip to pay, and a beeper to know when it was ready. I took the slip and my refillable mug to the register and paid. I filled up with some Cherry Coke and found a seat near the pizza pick-up window, to await my mini-pie. While sipping my Coke, I happened to look out the window. It was pouring!! You'd have thought someone was dumping buckets off the roof!! Today was the only day I had worried about rain.... tonite was the MNSSHP and I was afraid of stuff being cancelled if it rained too much

Well nothing I could do but sit there and watch it fall... and wait for my pizza, and wait, and wait, I thought CS was 'fast food', and wait some more. Finally after 20min, my pager went off. Finally!! I popped up to the window and the CM asked if she could help me.... "ummmm you gave me a pager til my little pizza was done...it went off....can I have my little pizza now????"

"No one paged you...." "Ummmm it's blinking....see!!!"

Well, must have been a glitch, because even though I know it does not take 1/2 hr for a pizza to cook....mine was still not ready. The CM told me to give it another 5 min. So I refilled my mug and waited some more.

About 10 min later I got my pizza.... It was about 10" big!! The one I saw them cooking earlier, was apparently the kids pizza, not the individual What kind of goof am I??? Well the pizza was OK, It was very greasy. It was similar to the kind you get at Pizzafari, but Pizzafari's is much better tasting and aren't nearly as greasy as this one was. By the time I was done it was 10min til 3pm!!! I had to catch the bus to MK to get to O'Hana's by 4!

The rain had slowed to barely a sprinkle as I made my way back to my room. I really hoped my luggage would be there. It's been about 5+ hours.

Yippee!!!! I opened the door and there sat my wonderful luggage, full of summer clothes...not sweatshirts..LOL!!! Besides my luggage I found this on the table..............

Hmmmm...I've never been to DisneyLand before.... OoooOooo maybe its a special promotion!!! Or a dream!!! Or the free DVC membership I was hoping to win!!!!

I opened it up and this is what I found..... drumroll please!!

How cool is that!!! I was like a little kid... I as so excited!! I got a personal autographed photo of Mickey, some stickers, and a couple postcards!! I'm going to frame the photo and hang it in my craft/scrapbooking room!!

It was 3:30.... I was totally NOT hungry now. The sore throat from earlier felt more like a full blown cold now... and it was raining again. So I cancelled my O'Hana ressie. I really wanted to try it... but I just couldn't justify spending $30-40 for a dinner when I wasn't hungry, and honestly, my sense of taste was sorta off too. I also figured at least this way I can get to the party earlier

Well...the best laid plans and all that....

I took a shower and washed off the travel stink. I then laid down on the bed to watch Stacy for a half hour. I fell asleep!! I didn't sleep too long, fortunately someone/thing banged around outside my door right before 6 and woke me up I can't believe I didn't set my clock...just in case!! I got up, got dressed for the party, and headed to the bus stop. I actually felt better, since I slept a little and was excited to go trick or treating. It was cloudy still outside, but I had a couple ponchos in my bag.

By the time I got to the bus it was sprinkling again, then it started raining, then it stopped....darned weather can't make up its mind!!! Finally we saw this.... and I took it as a "SIGN"!!!

The bus was crowded with party goers... I sat with a very nice Canadian family and we chatted the whole way. Their 13ish DD was dressed as Alice and looked splendid! They were very excited to go th the party too. On the way, the rain started pouring down in buckets again, and we all fretted about it together!! I was thinking at this point, it would have been better to have waited til I got down here to buy a ticket for the party, based on the weather... but oh well...too late!!

We got to MK around 6:30. The rain had let up again. I couldn't decide if I should drag out a poncho or not. The rain was really off and on. So I ducked into the Emporium. I wandered up thru towards Caseys. I eventually decided to buy an umbrella, because if it wasn't raining all the time, I didn't want to mess with the poncho. I scooted off toward Fantasyland to see if I could hop on anything before the party started. It was still raining.... Booooo!! It looks empty, but everyone was crowded in the shops!

I saw Pooh only had a 5min wait, so I hopped in line. Pooh is cute but not my favorite ride, and certainly not what I ever expected would be my FIRST ride on the trip!!! The ride was cute. My only problem was the couple who sat in front of me in our honeypot kept whispering, snickering, and stole a couple glances behind them (just me there). It gave me a bit of a complex. I'm sure they were probably being flirty with each other and were worried I'd overhear, but I still felt like I was being made fun of for being by myself

When I got off Pooh... the rain had stopped, for good this time YAY!! I just knew if I forked over the 10 bucks for an umbrella the rain would stop!!

It was 10min til 7.... time to get the PARTY STARTED!!! WOOHOOO!!

Paula

 

[tiggerbell]

I Can't wait to start reading this one - I have a semi-solo trip planned for December (meals and sharing room with DD and her friends, but park days alone) that I'm using as a springboard for a REAL solo trip in May!

I'm nervous! But it looks like you'll have some great insights for me!

 

[ILuvCrush]

I Can't wait to start reading this one - I have a semi-solo trip planned for December (meals and sharing room with DD and her friends, but park days alone) that I'm using as a springboard for a REAL solo trip in May!

I'm nervous! But it looks like you'll have some great insights for me!

Hi Tiggerbell!!! Thanks for posting! I hope that you have a great December trip. I think a combo of solo and company would be great!! I did have some times when I felt a bit lonely. If it was only a day or 2 it wouldn't have been a problem, but then again, by the time I had really go into the swing of the solo thing...I was half way thru my week!!!

Paula

 

[MEK]

So you did skip Ohana's! I thought so - but now you have something to look forward to when you visit with your family!

I can't wait to hear about the party! That is one party I really want to attend. I hope it stops raining so you can enjoy your evening.

Hey - I like your special delivery!

 

[mickeysmyboy]

That rainbow is beautiful!! Total Disney Magic!!!

 

[ILuvCrush]

I headed off around the front of Cindy's castle on my way to Adventureland. I wanted to see Tarzan! It was 6:57 when I found the meet and greet line, and only about 1/2 dozen peeps were there. So I hopped in line! When we were let into the meet and greet area, there were 3 character spots. The first was Rafiki.... creepy little monkey! Next was Baloo. Last was Jane with Turk.... no Tarzan, darn!

Everyone rushed to Rafiki or to Jane.... poor Baloo was all alone So I figured I should cheer him up, so he wouldn't feel unwanted The CM was very sweet and gladly took a photo of us. Baloo was very fun!

Next I stopped to see Jane, since now there was nobody with her and Turk. Again the CM was very helpful and took a pic. I asked if Tarzan would be out soon and she told me 7:30 or so.

After my character fix... I strolled on over to Pirates. I walked right on. I was going to sit in the front, but a family with a 4yo or so little boy, lined up behind me and were going to wait for the next boat to sit in front.

I gave them my spot and I moved back.... it was still just me and them in the boat. I really didn't relish riding thru it alone.... pretty creepy!! The family was really nice and thanked me several times...the little boy seemed to enjoy the ride too Pirates was great. Usually I just watch "my side" but since no one was in the row with me... I could easily see both. After Pirates I trick-or-Treated at the adventureland spot. I felt a little silly but I just sorta went along like I was trying to keep up with the tweenagers running ahead of me

Next... off to BTMRR! A favorite...walked right on, trains were going out partially filled. It was a lot of fun, especially since I am usually worried about DD(7) falling out...so I'm typically distracted!! By that point it was about 7:30...so I made my way back to see if Tarzan was out yet... He WAS!! The line was too long for me to wait though! I snapped a pic from the side and kept on going

My throat was bugging me pretty good, and I had started a cough now too So I figured that this would be a good time to get that Dole Whip I've never tried that EVERYONE just raves about!!! It was good...not like I'm going to have dreams about it good or anything, but I did enjoy it!! next time I think I'll try the Float. I took my Whip and wandered out into Frontierland. I stopped and picked up my MNSSHP pin......

Then found a spot to watch the parade and finish Mr Dole Whip. I should have waited for the second parade, but by the time I decided this... the prade route reminded me of a mosh-pit There was no going anywhere!! So I stayed put. A nice couple with a double wide stoller asked if they could squeeze in, since there was room for the stroller, I said sure. The parents were very polite and grateful and stood behind the stroller and didn't try to block me very nice of them. The parade was GREAT. One of the best I've seen, actually. Everyone was clapping along with the music and having a good time. I got some decent pics, but I was on the wrong side of the street, so the lights on the shops messed some up. I really liked how there were quite a few "odd" characters that you just don't see... like Pain and Panic from Hercules, Kanga and Roo, and the Hyenas from the Lion King!!

The parade REALLY made me miss the Kids!! The Girls and DH would have LOVED it... I really wish they could have seen it with me I was sorta bummed at this point, but I figured if I just went and did something, maybe it would help. So I headed to HM. It too was practically a walk on. They closed the door with just one family in front of me. I really love the enhancements they did to this ride!! The staircase room is very cool and the new Bride additions are awesome. The storyline is much easier to follow now. I had read the Secrets of the HM blog on all ears, so I tried to find some of the things it had mentioned. Very cool... and it took my mind off of my guilt about leaving the family behind!

I wandered around and took in the sights for a while. Some of the costumes that people wore...especially the adults were fantastic!! My favorite was not so much the costumes, but the whole circumstance...... A whole family was dressed up as cavepeople. Pretty simple costumes, but what killed me was that they were all walking around gnawing on those BIG TURKEY LEGS!!! I found it hysterical! Another moment where I didn't like being alone... because it was definately a "did you SEE that" moment to be shared

Eventually I worked my way around to the front of the castle, to get a spot for Hallowishes. I was really excited about it. I love Wishes and the fireworks at the P&PP just blew me away.... so I couldn't wait to see these!!

 

[ILuvCrush]

Oops!! Quick interjection.... because I know how STRESSED Christine is about getting a pic of the headless horseman.....

The street was still wet, he didn't ride

That's another reason why in hindsight, I should have waited for the 2nd parade. I don't know if he ran in that one or not, but when I saw how wet the street was 1/2 hr before the first one I was sure he wasn't going to ride then.

Oh well... another excuse to go back!!

 

[ILuvCrush]

So you did skip Ohana's! I thought so - but now you have something to look forward to when you visit with your family!

I can't wait to hear about the party! That is one party I really want to attend. I hope it stops raining so you can enjoy your evening.

Hey - I like your special delivery!

You were right!! But at least I didn't skip it due to my guilty conscience

Thanks!! I'm not sure why I got it.... maybe my friend who's DD I ordered the pumpkin basket had something to do with it......or then again, maybe I just got lucky