Mom needs a Break... so I'm going ALONE! PTR *NOW W/ PICS!*

[ILuvCrush]

MissJ!

So since your son backed out of the Disney trip for his 13th birthday, are you taking him somewhere else? You must be very patient because if I had a son who ruined a planned vacation, I would have went off the deep end. On the otherhand, at least you get to enjoy a trip where it is all about you.

It's funny you should ask!! Although DS couldn't care less that he wasn't going on vacation...DH was a bit bummed...and had a week and a half vacation. So we packed up and went to Washington DC for a 5 day weekend. The girls had a good time... DH and DS fought the whole time
I was stuck in the middle. By the 2nd day I was ready to head home My lesson I learned on my 2nd extremely stressful BIG family vacation was.......

Plan a vacation where the party poopers can sulk by themselves and those of us who LOVE to vacay can have fun!! ......hence the Beach plan for next year... Get a house on beach...DH can enjoy a tv and frosy adult beverage...DS can burn his eyes out playing video games, and me and DDs can go have some fun!

So DS did not get a replacement trip...nor does he want one BTW...I asked because I talk tough, but I'm really a pushover

 

[ILuvCrush]

I think if you're not going to indulge in a delux hotel room, you should absolutely have a spa day at the GF so we can all live vicariously through you!

I thought about that right away when I booked it!!! I've never done the spa thing before. But as I checked out the prices...$70 for a facial... I think I could come up with other ways to spend it
Since I've never done it at least i don't know what I'm missing!!!

I found you on another TR and glad I did. I totally am jealous that you get to go alone. I'm not sure I would do it, I thought about it this year, but didn't. You should TOTALLY do MNSSHP! DH and I went by ourselves last year and LOVED it!!!! The parade and fireworks are AMAZING! DO IT DO IT DO IT

yay another reader!!! I'm so glad yu stopped on over! I'm REALLY leaning toward that MNSSHP. I love the parades and fireworks. If they're anything like the P&PP you're right...it would be worth the cost of admission!!!

How come you nixed your idea of going solo??

We ate at Tony's in January and loved it. We loved it so much that we are eating there again in September. I had the Chicken parm. and it was excellent. We had creme brulee for dessert and it was the best dessert ever. I almost ordered a second one.

I do think you should do the MNSSHP. The parade alone is worth the price of the ticket. If you are into characters, it is really neat to see them all dressed up in costume. If you are brave enough to go to WDW alone, why not at the MNSSHP

Mmmmm Creme brulee..... I'm glad the Chix parm is good...that 's what got me onto the idea of going for sure this time!! I love good tiramasu...but if the creme brulee is that good.....
Well there's no one there to look at me funny...maybe I'll have 2 desserts...one before dinner and 1 after!!!

good point about the party...you're right, why should I let being by myself stop me from going???

 

[lmillercrew]

One of the main reasons I nixed it was money. I didn't plan far enough in advance to save and didn't think I'd have enough time to come up with the money. I tried to get my sister-in-law to go with me so we could split the cost of the room. Then it would've only been $1000 for my expenses including the ticket. But she couldn't go, and them my sister wouldn't go without her kids. So, no go this year. It's probably better anyway. We took our kids to Mexico this year instead of Disney. Planning a trip next year. I do need a fix though.
Totally rambled, sorry. My son is 14 and I totally know the drama you're going through.

 

[ILuvCrush]

To my suprise I had an envelope in the mail today... with a Lake Buena Vista
cancel on the stamp...what could that be????


A MNSSHP TICKET!!!

It's for 10/13...my first day

I guess I don't need to debate anymore...turns out DH was tired of me arguing with myself over it and just bought it for me

Isn't he the BEST!!!!!


How come the ticket isn't haloweeny? You'd think with the millions of dollars in technology the Mouse has they could make up some "specialty pictures" for on the tixs...don't you think???

OH well...now I just need to decide on a costume. I'm more of a halloween shirt from target kinda costume girl...but I think I'll have to try and find these really awesome jack-o-mickey ears that i found a pic of on allearsnet

check em out...aren't they ADORABLE!!!

Now that I've figured out the pic posting thing..I'll have to add some in my "reserved spot" of the characters in my house!!

 

[kathleen27]

That's great that you are going on a solo trip!
I would love to go on a solo trip one day- to Flower & Garden Fest!!!
I would break it to my husband the same way. I want to go somewhere warm, see some gardens.
Then when he got used to the idea, tell him it would be at Disney.

My kids are the opposite of yours. My DS12 Loves Disney and vacations anywhere, but my DD10 took a pass on another trip so soon. She thinks Disney & vacations in general are just ok.


Glad that your DH bought you the MNSSHP ticket! That must have been a great surprise to receive in the mail!!!
It would have been nice to have a Halloween theme on the tickets.

 

[ILuvCrush]

Well now that DH has helped me figure out not only IF I'm going to MNSSHP but also WHEN...It's time to form a rough itinerary... So I could make a couple ADRs...which I've already done earlier today

Monday: Arrive at MCO 9:10ish...hop on ME hopefully get to ASMu and checked in by 11am. With any luck my room will be ready.

I'm considering having a quick bite at ASMu foodcourt then shooting over to DTD for a couple hours. Head back to resort around 2ish.

I made a ressie for OHANA for 5:05...I've never eaten there, but it sounds neat. I thought I check it out since its gotten good reviews and see if I think the chitlins would like it on our trip next year

Then to the MNSSHP!!! Yay!!

I know it probably seems like alot on arrival day after travelling...but in the past I've always been so psyched up when I get there, that I never FEEL tired...even at wee hours when i should be sleeping!

TUESDAY: I'm thinking Epcot today. The only ride I really want to do is Soarin...the rest don't matter (in future world at least) either way. So I figure if I sleep in too late for rope drop after my late night monday..it won't be too bad.
I REALLY want to spend most of my Epcot time in World Showcase. I have never seen ANY of the films..so I want to see them all! I made no ADRs for Epcot, because I'd like to graze my way around the lake. And I want to so some SERIOUS shopping!! I think I'd like to look for a teabox in GB for my DMIL
she loves tea..and since I'm fer fav DIL (well only DIL...LOL!) I think I should find one for her! My DD(9) Loves anything to do with france/paris...so I hope to find something special for her in France!!
If I get too tired... I don't even care if I miss Illuminations
I know it sounds like blasphemy..but I honestly can take or leave that show!

OK post is getting long...I'll continue with the next one

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Your plans sound AWESOME!! Lots I wanted to comment on and now am forgetting. In random order:

KTTK tour... I would so love to do that someday.

What is up with DS? Going to WDW is a waste of his life?? Yikes! Good thing your DD gets it. We can work on your DS.

O'Hana for dinner sounds yummy. Will you stick around to watch Wishes from the beach and/or the electric water pagent?

Grazing around World Showcase and serious shopping...

MNNSHP... I hadn't seen those ears... too cute!

 

[ILuvCrush]

ok where was I???
Oh yes...

WEDNESDAY: KTTK tour at 8:30...I'm really excited about this one!! I have a 5:15 ressie for Tonys for a little Chicken parm and at this point maybe no appy, but 2 desserts! Then I think i'll head over to AK for evening EMH. I love EE, Dinosaur, and FOTLK and they're all available on EMH nites. If I can get them in then I can concentrate on the critters in the am of my REAL AK day! I originally thought I'd stay at MK all day, but with the tour and being there Mon nite... I'll need a little change of pace.

THURSDAY: DHS day... definately want to try and hit rope drop. I do want to do RRC but i'm passing on ToT. My little one (7) LOVES ToT and we do it multiple times on her trips. She's too little for RRC (tiny little thing <50lbs!)
So while older DD gets to do RRC I take Little one on ToT. If I'm Lucky i get 1 RRC ride/trip. Last time my Dmom took her on b/c she was terrified of ToT!!!
How she can love RRC and be afraid of ToT is beyond me but I digress...as usual!
I have a lot I want to accomplish here. I definately want to see the parade, One man's Dream and Animation thingy... i've never done any of them, so they are on my definate list. Also (if he's still there) I intend to stalk pPrince Caspian for a photo... he's so cute, Susan was crazy to not pick HIM over ENGLAND!!! Yeesh! I also plan to SHOP!! DH has a thing for Hades,,I know that they have villains shops at DS so it might be my best bet to find something for him he likes there
Fantasmic is my ALL TIME FAV NITE TIME SPECTACULAR!!! so it is a definate too.

FRIDAY: Real AK day... I have a 7:55 bfst ADR for Boma...I love AKL! I plan to take a taxi over by 7am so I can have a cup of java and watch the critters for a bit before bfst! Then off to AK.

Assuming I accomplish what I set out to do Weds nite at EMH... I figure I'll head straight to the Safari. Get a FP, then get in line. If I'm there at RD i think i should be able to do standby for 1st ride then do it again w/ FP. I want to do the animal trails too in the am when hopefully the critters are more active. After that I'm winging it. I do want to shop some. DD9 saw a tshirt on our last trip that she still laments not getting...something like "back off my boyfriend is a YETI" with the "cute" yeti on it. I'm gonna look for that. I think I may go talk to the DVC guy by pizzafari, and take the tour. i'm pretty sure I'm buying in come late spring after the heating oil is done for the year.
Hopefully I'll have time (since I'm heading out so early in the am) to go back to ASMu, pick up any straggling deliveries, and pack for trip home on Sat
then I want to finish my vacay at MK, to see Spectro and Wishes. MK is open til 11 that nite, so I won't have to say goodnite to my happy place any earlier than necessary!

So what do you all think??? Should I add anything? delete anything? i read on another thread about a counter that you can sit at at 50's dine in... does anyone know if you need ADRs for that? It might be fun. Suggestions VERY appreciated!!

Well GTG my kiddos start back to school in am
I'm WAY more excited than they are...but maybe not as excited as DH is


Paula

 

[ILuvCrush]

O'Hana for dinner sounds yummy. Will you stick around to watch Wishes from the beach and/or the electric water pagent?

I might be over there by then... The park closes at 7 for the party..I'm not even sure if they're planning Wishes that nite
I'll have to double check! i love to eat, but i waste no time at it! I don't get lunch breaks at work, but I work 10hr shifts..so i have the tendancy to inhale my dinner out of habit

So i would think that with a 5:05 ADR, unless service is really slow...I'll be out of there by 6ish. I think I'll take the boat over from the Poly. I've never stayed there and I'd like to check out the pool and beach..to add to my DREAMS!!!

 

[Disney Brat]

Joining in! Great job so far, I would love a solo trip!!! We will be at ASMu just after you!

 

[lmillercrew]

Sounds like you've got it all worked out. I wish my kids started tomorrow. They don't start until Wed, which is quite silly because then they have a 3 day weekend.

 

[ILuvCrush]

Ok I finally added photos!!!!
go back to 1st page..2nd post and let me know what you think!

Doesn't DS look like he's having the TIME OF HIS LIFE!!
That was by far his HAPPY portraits!

 

[ILuvCrush]

Joining in! Great job so far, I would love a solo trip!!! We will be at ASMu just after you!

Hey welcome aboard!!!!

Too bad we're gonna mis each other, but I'll make sure the place is swinging when you get there!!!

 

[lmillercrew]

Aren't you cute! O.K. OT does anyone want a 17 yr old girl? Just kidding, of course, but let me just say that school can't start soon enough

 

[ILuvCrush]

 

[MomofCKJ]

I'm so glad you started a pre trippie and so glad to see another Mom going Solo! You will have a ball!

Your plans look great! I'm glad you decided on the MNSSHP! I think if you missed it you would regret it. I bet its a blast! And the KTTK tour was fantastic! I just did it and had Jackie as our guide. She was wonderful and sweet and full of knowledge! It was 4 hours/45 minutes long and worth every penny! A real highlight!

So excited for you!

Allyson

 

[chrisw127]

Your itinerary sounds great. Going to a special event the first night is a great way to go to a park without having to pay full price. Plus, it's a halloween party! What's not to love?

What a great idea. Still, I can't help but think that by vacation day, you'll be taking at least one kid with you.

 

[ILuvCrush]

I'm so glad you started a pre trippie and so glad to see another Mom going Solo! You will have a ball!

Your plans look great! I'm glad you decided on the MNSSHP! I think if you missed it you would regret it. I bet its a blast! And the KTTK tour was fantastic! I just did it and had Jackie as our guide. She was wonderful and sweet and full of knowledge! It was 4 hours/45 minutes long and worth every penny! A real highlight!

So excited for you!

Allyson

Allyson!!!

I'm So glad you had a great trip!! I'll be following along with your TR!! I'm excited about the MNSSHP.. We started noodling our next "Family" trip and it's leaning toward Thanksgiving week (or maybe vetrans day week) next year...so it'll be too late for the Halloween party then!
BTW..You are one of my biggest inspirations in trying this solo thing!!

Paula

 

[ILuvCrush]

Your itinerary sounds great. Going to a special event the first night is a great way to go to a park without having to pay full price. Plus, it's a halloween party! What's not to love?

What a great idea. Still, I can't help but think that by vacation day, you'll be taking at least one kid with you.

Hi Chris!!! I had a hard time imagining NOT going to MK on the 1st day..but with the short hours due to the party, it hardly seemed worth it. So I think that doing the party that night will be perfect!!

About that taking along a last minute kid....
They'd like that...but I've never (I mean really) spent more than 1 day by myself ever... I'm really looking forward to seeing how I'll handle being my own boss with no responsibility to anyone but me for almost a week!!!
Besides..I originally wanted to take the girls..but DH said NO!!!!

Paula

 

[lmillercrew]

I love that you cracked up at that statement of NOT taking a kid! Stick to your guns sister!!!