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

[mickeysmyboy]

Great update!! Congrats on DVC!!! I'm sooo jealous!!! I've been working on convincing DH we need to buy in! He even suggested we take the tour in March!

 

[ILuvCrush]

I actually did see it, so I swore myself to secrecy until you revealed the big news!
250 points is great! 200 is a bit small and I have been searching for 50 -70 point resales. But then I keep thinking that in a few years 200 should be just fine. My DH did say something the other night about buying while the resale prices are low, so you never know! Anyway - we just booked AKLvillas for early June and I am very excited to stay in the new Kidani village. I'll be sure to take lots of pics!

p.s. we just got home from soccer and ds's team made it to the semi-finals. Very exciting since they were ranked 10 and the other team was ranked 2.

Way to go on the Soccer-Semis!!! Thats exciting We were at DD(7) Ist Gymnastics meet of the season this weekend... she did good... qualified to sectionals already (which is still 5 months away!!!) So no P&PP for me this year!!

DH and I went back and forth between 200 and 250... that's why it took so long to get our paperwork started!! After hearing so many owners say they 'shoulda' got more points... we figured the cost wasn't THAT much more to add them on now, so lets just do it!! (besides...it'll give me more flexability to book another solo )

What a great solo trip. I'd love to go solo, I also married while in college and have never lived alone, and it would be really nice to be at WDW and not have to think of anyone else or what they may or may not want to do, but to have it be All. About. Me. Congrats on DVC! Looking forward to the rest of your TR.

Thanks for joining in on my little TR! I think that doing this solo was a very good thing for me!! The more I look back on it and weigh the benefits of having done it to the cons... I really think that moms should take some time away, regardless of where they go

Great update!! Congrats on DVC!!! I'm sooo jealous!!! I've been working on convincing DH we need to buy in! He even suggested we take the tour in March!

Thanks!! I'm very excited! Hopefully there won't be any problems I always worry until it's 'in the books' so to speak that something will go awry!! Definately do the tour, at least. They were super nice... and it is a nice break (with free refreshments/drinks beforehand and Icce Cream after... the kiddos will be happy )

 

[jenjolt]

WOW!! What a great update Paula!!! You did take some amazing photos at AK!!! They were beautiful!!!

Congrats on buying into DVC...its something I would love to do but only if I could find a way to convince NDH its worth the investment LOL!

 

[MomofCKJ]

Okay I just sat and read and caught up with the whole thing!

1. Great pictures! You got some wonderful shots! You are right, AK is a photographers dream! So many wonderful things there and you can get some really exotic looking pictures.

2. Glad you enjoyed KTTK too! It is a fun tour and neat to see things you don't normally see.

3.You got a lot accomplished on your trip! I had things that even being alone I just couldn't get to. Sounds like you did a lot on your list, the movies, WS, etc. And Everest 7 times in a row, you rock girl! I think my brain would be sore from the shaking that many times in a row but how fun!

I'm happy to read another Mom who had a great solo trip! There are certainly moments where you miss your peeps but I think it is just a cool thing, for those that are interested in doing it, to actually go and do. Empowering in a way.

And what dates in August might you be there? I read where you booked BB but can't recall which update it is in? If you do go, and 2excited, I'm going to be there in August too! Belle (DD 11) and I are going for her 12th birthday. We haven't booked yet but are looking at somewhere around August 20-25ish.

Congrats on buying DVC!

Allyson

 

[Diamondintheruff]

I'm so thrilled for you about buying into the DVC!

The note from housekeeping is so sweet. I've never heard of them leaving notes before.

 

[ILuvCrush]

Okay I just sat and read and caught up with the whole thing!

1. Great pictures! You got some wonderful shots! You are right, AK is a photographers dream! So many wonderful things there and you can get some really exotic looking pictures.

2. Glad you enjoyed KTTK too! It is a fun tour and neat to see things you don't normally see.

3.You got a lot accomplished on your trip! I had things that even being alone I just couldn't get to. Sounds like you did a lot on your list, the movies, WS, etc. And Everest 7 times in a row, you rock girl! I think my brain would be sore from the shaking that many times in a row but how fun!

I'm happy to read another Mom who had a great solo trip! There are certainly moments where you miss your peeps but I think it is just a cool thing, for those that are interested in doing it, to actually go and do. Empowering in a way.

And what dates in August might you be there? I read where you booked BB but can't recall which update it is in? If you do go, and 2excited, I'm going to be there in August too! Belle (DD 11) and I are going for her 12th birthday. We haven't booked yet but are looking at somewhere around August 20-25ish.

Congrats on buying DVC!

Allyson

Thanks I owe it all to you... ya know!!

I did get alot done... even with having 2 shortened days!! I was suprised at how much more quickly you get around without a group in tow!

Right now BB is booked for August 21-27 at WL.... But it is subject to change, since there's no kids involved now... I bounced it off 2xcited to bump it into Sept (less crowds and less hurricaines ) still at WL. But we'll have to see what 2xcited and I can work out vacay coordination wise.

 

[ILuvCrush]

I made it to Epcot about 4:00. I made a bee-line stright for Soarin'!!! I was bummed that I missed it on Tuesday. I love this ride, but I'm terribly afraid of heights. So I feel 'safe' when I ride it... I use the kids seat belt
So all excited I get to the Land pavillion... and WHAT!!! There's no FP left for the day!!!! I can't use my magic FP!!

Since I was already at the Land Paviillion, I figured I should do SOMETHING!! So I walked onto Living with the Land. Yeah, I'm a geek...I really like LwtL. It was neat seeing how different the greenhouses were compared to February. The crops had changed, lots of seedlings and no pumpkins.

After my ride was over, I decided that since I was unexpectedly back in Epcot... I could go try out Yorkshire County Fish Shoppe! It was on my list of things I wanted to try...it always smells so yummy! I snapped a couple pics en route....

Along the way, I got to catch most of an Off Kilter set

After a rather lengthy wait, I got my fish and chips. Not much in the basket for $8. I took it back to find a piece of curb to watch the Beetles. The chips were really yummy.. the fish, not so much. The batter was still really squishy and slimy underneath ...yuck! So I didn't like it...or eat it!!

While eating (or not eating) I made the final decision to skip Fantasmic. I was only a boat ride away and had been toying with the idea of heading that direction. But I wanted my night to last as long as possible... so I chose to go to MK instead. Even though I knew it would have been much closer to go to the Yacht Club and catch a bus to MK... I hadn't ridden the Monorail once all week. So I headed back to the front of the park. I popped into MouseGear along the way to look around. Yay! I FINALLY found a T-Shirt I liked! I also picked up a couple resort pins (POR and POP) that I had forgotten to buy on previous stays at those resorts. I caught a ride on Monorail Black to the TTC and then the Ferry to MK...just for kicks!

I entered MK with a smile and a sore toe. I kept the smile and stuck a bandaid on the toe. It didn't seem to help, but I went on anyway!

I made my way to Fantasyland and saw Snow White had a 15 min wait.. not bad, but I figures I'd check out the reat of FL and come back. Next stop Peter Pan. FP was still available for 10:15-11... so I stuck in my Magic Card and Voila! A FP with a return time of 7:12-8:12!! And on I went. PP is a most enjoyable ride, one I really like... but I don't think I could wait 60min in line like other people do!!

When I returned from Neverland, I went thru the gateway into Liberty Square and took another ride thru the Haunted Mansion... still can't find that hidden Mickey in the graveyard I did take in more details this time and noticed some of the individual wedding gifts this time... so cool!

 

[ILuvCrush]

Help me out friends!!!

The next photo contest topic is AK!! Which of the photos that I posted should I enter??? I also have these Faves (they're from my Feb trip)

I'm thinking either the "moon over Everest" one or the DeVine one... but I'd like some opinions!!

Thanks!!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

No FP's at Soarin?!? That stinks. Glad you got to see Off Kilter! Sounds like a good call heading over to MK. I know what you mean about wanting to make it last as long as possible!

Re: photo contest. Yikes. Your photos are so good it's tough. I like the moon over Everest and Devine very much. There's also a gorilla photo I like a lot - he's sitting at the top of a waterfall. I also like the baby giraffe pics. Ugh. I'm no help!

 

[Tatania]

Help me out friends!!!

The next photo contest topic is AK!! Which of the photos that I posted should I enter??? I also have these Faves (they're from my Feb trip)

I'm thinking either the "moon over Everest" one or the DeVine one... but I'd like some opinions!!

Thanks!!

The Moon over Everest and DeVine are both awesome but for some reason my heart melts over the giraffe looking out from behind the post. His expression is SO cute and the composition and color are really eye-catching. I'll make sure to give youa vote no matter what picture you enter

 

[pjv]

Thanks, I really enjoyed reading about your trip I loved your pictures,especially the Gorilla ones, I have never seen a Gorilla there with a blanket! You take a nice picture too, smiling away!


Glad you had a great time.

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

Paula,

I think you should enter "moon over Everest." I love that one!

Sophia

 

[princess&her4princes]

Before I forget, I love the pic of the baby giraffe peaking out from behind the pole, too. It's TOO cute and unique,too! Okay now....

Great update, Paula! You got some great pics of Epcot, different ones, too. That stinks about no FP for Soarin'! I still haven't been on that ride, but the kids seat belts don't sound like a bad idea, hoping to check it out in just a few weeks, now. Bummer about the fish n' chips...sounds gross and I don't blame you one bit for not eating it!!!

Your roundabout way to MK sounded great and relaxing. Glad you got to check out a few of the favorites while there and found a tshirt you liked. You'll have to post a pic for us!!!

Looking forward to the next update...

 

[julezdisney]

Hi Paula!

I LOVE your report! I'm subbing and taking my time- I just found ya so I've only finished Day 1.

I dream of going solo one day.... I'm a natural loner so I think I'd do great! I totally understand about getting sad during the parade though. I went to Disneyland w/just DD in '06 and spent the whole time wishing DH and DS were there!

 

[MEK]

Help me out friends!!!

The next photo contest topic is AK!! Which of the photos that I posted should I enter??? I also have these Faves (they're from my Feb trip)

I'm thinking either the "moon over Everest" one or the DeVine one... but I'd like some opinions!!

Thanks!!

I like the moon over Everest, too. But, heck - they're all good!

250 points was smart. Your kids are young and you will appreciate the 2BR's because of the room and the ability for your kids to bring a friend if you desire. I recommend the "bringing of friends" when the kids get older and get into their teenage hormones and sleep-wake cycles.

 

[ilovemickeymost]

I think you should use one of the gorillas from part 1. I really like the 1sst one, but the other gorilla's butt is in the pic. My fav is the one of the gorilla & his blanket. It is so unique.

 

[ILuvCrush]

Since you all seem to like the gorillas so much I uploaded a few more gorilla pics... I took so many, I would have posted these ones before, but I sorta lost track of what I had!!

I think I posted this one already... but I like how the 'temple' shape matches the mountain in the background... very neat!!

Paula

 

[faerieprincess]

i have to agree - the baby giraffe peeking out from behind the tree!!


GReat updates Paula, your pictures as ever make me absolutely green with envy

 

[arielrocks]

Just wanted to stop off and say that I am LOVING your TR!!!!

And your photos were so lovely that I ordered myslef a Sony Alpha 200 DLSR Today too!!!! so thanks for sharing your pics!

 

[pjv]

Thanks for more pic's of the Gorilla's, love them.

I am going to disney this week and my fav is the gorilla's, I always take pic's of them, They don't look anything like yours! I Am taking my new Canon Rebel, wish me luck