"My 40th Birthday Do Over" PTR May 2009 - ** Updated 4/1/09 with Itinerary **

[ckdsnynt]

Just found this thread! Love your report and all the comments! I am also staying (oops, with family ) at POFQ in May). have never stayed at FQ but have stayed at Riverside many times and loved it.
Look forward to reading more.

 

[APB513]

Hey everybody! Sorry for the delay in posting to this thread. Things have been MAJOR crazy around here

Let me give you a peek into my world…I’m a single mom of two teenage sons (ages 20 and 15). I work full time (I have a daily 90 minute round trip commute ). I am also in school pursuing my Master’s in Hotel and Restaurant Management.

Work is starting to pick up. It gets busy every year around this time. One year I worked 50 hours straight – and I work a desk job . This year I’m praying that I will be able to go home every night. The project I am working on is due April 13th – pray for me

Then I have had several papers and projects due for school. Most of them are done but I still have two 20 page papers with Powerpoint presentations that are due within the next three weeks…and I haven’t even started either one of them

My only sanity is this trip. It’s the one thing that keeps me going. When I need a break from all of the madness, I start working on the plans for my trip.

One of the first things I thought about was how would I feel eating alone. I have traveled alone before and I have eaten alone. So I didn’t think it would be a big deal. But the more I thought about it, I wondered if I would feel out of place eating alone at Disney. So I checked some threads on the DIS and was happy to read reports from other solo travelers. Everyone seemed to agree that if you were going to dine solo, WDW was the place to do it! No one seemed to feel out of place. So that confirmed it for me!

The next thing I had to figure out is where I was going to eat. I toyed with the idea of not doing any TS meals. I love to be in the park from rope drop to close and sometimes sitting down to eat takes up too much time. But then I remembered that I had plenty of time to see and do what I wanted to. I also remembered that part of my goal for this trip was to slow down and really enjoy WDW. What better way to do that than to try some new restaurants!

So I figured out which parks I would be visiting on each day (which was no easy task considering that May hours were only released 90 days out ) . Once I did that, I looked at which restaurants I would visit each day. There were so many to choose from. But there were two things I had to do – have breakfast on my birthday at Crystal Palace and dine using the Fantasmic! Package. I had to make sure I saw Fantasmic this trip. And since it is only being offered twice, I figured the Fantasmic! Package was the way to go.

Up next - Part 5 - The ADR Shuffle

 

[karajeboo]

Good for you! Glad you're back and posting and all I can say about your schedule is WOW!

You might want to check with others on the Fantasmic package - I've talked to a lot of people who feel it really is a waste, and I for one have never had a problem getting a seat for the show. So you might want to think about that one....

As for dining alone, I agree that WDW would be the best place. Plus, you won't feel alone because you'll have so much to watch - kids, characters, cute Italian servers at Tutto Italia! Plus, if you're like me, I scroll through all my photos when I sit down in a restaurant.

I will give you my top restaurants at Disney, just for ha ha's. We love love loved Tutto Italia at Epcot, and Le Cellier, too. We did NOT like Coral Reef (tried it twice, both times the service and food were subpar), and our favorite CS at Epcot are Tangierine Cafe in Morocco, Cantina de San Angel in Mexico and the fish n chips (Yorkshire County?) place in UK. At MK, I haven't found a TS that I like yet, but we do like Pecos Bill for lunch, and Cosmic Rays. At DHS we enjoy Mama Melrose, but the atmosphere at Sci Fi would be PERFECT for you dining alone - you can enjoy your meal and watch the movies! At AK, we haven't eaten at any TS but love Flame Tree BBQ for CS.

Are you going to be at the big meet in Epcot in May? I thought you were but now I can't remember....

 

[APB513]

Good for you! Glad you're back and posting and all I can say about your schedule is WOW!

You might want to check with others on the Fantasmic package - I've talked to a lot of people who feel it really is a waste, and I for one have never had a problem getting a seat for the show. So you might want to think about that one....

As for dining alone, I agree that WDW would be the best place. Plus, you won't feel alone because you'll have so much to watch - kids, characters, cute Italian servers at Tutto Italia! Plus, if you're like me, I scroll through all my photos when I sit down in a restaurant.

I will give you my top restaurants at Disney, just for ha ha's. We love love loved Tutto Italia at Epcot, and Le Cellier, too. We did NOT like Coral Reef (tried it twice, both times the service and food were subpar), and our favorite CS at Epcot are Tangierine Cafe in Morocco, Cantina de San Angel in Mexico and the fish n chips (Yorkshire County?) place in UK. At MK, I haven't found a TS that I like yet, but we do like Pecos Bill for lunch, and Cosmic Rays. At DHS we enjoy Mama Melrose, but the atmosphere at Sci Fi would be PERFECT for you dining alone - you can enjoy your meal and watch the movies! At AK, we haven't eaten at any TS but love Flame Tree BBQ for CS.

Are you going to be at the big meet in Epcot in May? I thought you were but now I can't remember....

Hey Kara -

Welcome back!!!

I know what you mean about the Fantasmic package. I've done it before and we really didn't need it. What I did like about it was we had a separate entrance but I understand that they no longer do that

I figure I won't have trouble getting a seat since it's just me but I wanted to try one of the Fantasmic package restaurants anyway so I figured I would get the package just to be on the safe side.

I had to chuckle when I looked at your restaurant recommendations because I will be eating at quite a few of the restaurants that you liked. Great minds do think alike

Yes, I will be joining the May Meet in EPCOT. Stayed tuned , I'll be posting my itinerary in just a few.

 

[APB513]

Well, I thought I better post this now while I have a few minutes

In 42 days, I will be in WDW!!!

I paid off my balance last week

And I completed my itinerary!!

I am very happy with my itinerary. I have tweaked and changed my ADRs so many times over the past month! But I think I finally have it just right.

And thanks to the DIS, I will be meeting some DISers to tour the parks, share some meals and even try the new Kim Possible World Showcase Adventures!

Here it is! The moment you have all been waiting for - My itinerary:

Tuesday, May 12th – My Arrival day
(I’m trying to go stand by on an earlier flight so that I can get in early enough to visit a park before dinner)

Check in at the fabulous Port Orleans French Quarter

Disney's Hollywood Studios

Animal Kingdom Villas
Sanaa* – Dinner (with Aubriee)
Port Orleans Riverside
Carriage Ride* – POR – I figured this would be a great way to see the resort!

Wednesday, May 13th – My 41st birthday
I can not tell you how excited I am to be spending my birthday in the MK!!! It’s my favoriest park I am also excited because I will be spending the day with my new DISer friends!

Magic Kingdom
Crystal Palace* - Birthday breakfast
(with Pennconn, Doc2, ClareH37, ttester9612, croach, Aubriee and her mom)

EPCOT
Le Cellier* - Birthday dinner
(with Pennconn, Doc2, ttester9612, Anna77, jewjubean, Aubriee and her mom)

Jellyrolls* – This will be my first time at Jellyrolls and from what I understand, I am in for a real treat. I will be going with my Le Cellier dinner buddies. I also hope to meet Jadedbeauty14304 and DisneyDreams21 since they plan on being at JR that night too!

This is going to be my BESTEST birthday so far!!!

Thursday, May 14th
Animal Kingdom/Disney's Hollywood Studios
Flame Tree BBQ – Lunch (the last time we ate there, a lizard dropped down from the ceiling onto our table!! Let’s hope he’s moved on )

Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Brown Derby* - Dinner - Fantasmic! package

Friday, May 15th
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Rosie’s All American Café* – Lunch

Polynesian
Kona* – Pre Monorail Crawl Dinner (meet LOTS of DISers!!)

Tambu Lounge* – Monorail Crawl (with LOTS of DISers!!)

Saturday, May 16th
EPCOT/Magic Kingdom
Cantina De San Angel* - Lunch

Magic Kingdom
Pecos Bill – Dinner

Spectromagic*/Dole Whip DISers Meet – I’ve never seen Spectro before so I’m excited to see it with some DISers! (with colinsdad, englishrose47, ckdsnynt, MaryAz, Lifelong Dreamer, bound2travel and PrincessBrideJo)

Sunday, May 17th
EPCOT
Yorkshire Country Fish Shop – Lunch
Sunshine Seasons* – Dinner

DISers May Mammoth Meet – At last count, there will be over 50 DISers in attendance!!! We will be meeting at the France pavilion at 3:00 pm

Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure* – This is going to be so much fun!!! There will be four teams of DISers doing this challenge. And to make it a little more interesting, we will also be drinking around the world .

The group includes: jadedbeauty14304, DisneyDreams21, nurse.darcy, Bloodhound, Matterhorn, Sand2270, watank, Dismem98, Floydian, BuenaVista, MOREMICKEYFORME, Carrieannw, and PirateMel

Monday, May 18th - spending my last full day in my happy place
Magic Kingdom
Casey’s Corner* - Lunch

Contemporary
The Wave* - Dinner

Tuesday, May 19th – Departure day

Saratoga Springs Spa* – Hot Stone Adirondack Massage

Artist’s Pallette* - Lunch

* - First time

I am soooo excited because this trip is filled with so many firsts -

- First solo trip
- First birthday spent at WDW (but hopefully, not my last)
- First time staying at POFQ
- First time dining at most of the restaurants on my list
- First time seeing Spectro
- First time meeting DISers!!!

As you can see, thanks to the DIS, my solo trip isn't very "solo" at all

OK, tell me whatcha think

 

[karajeboo]

I think that all looks FANdamnTASTIC!!!!! AND it looks like I'll be seeing you at the meet in Epcot!!!! I'll be the one double fisting the slushies from France!

 

[APB513]

I think that all looks FANdamnTASTIC!!!!! AND it looks like I'll be seeing you at the meet in Epcot!!!! I'll be the one double fisting the slushies from France!

Thanks

Looking forward to seeing at the meet! I can't wait to try the slushie

 

[MaryAz]

Glad you are back posting-that is a busy life! Great plans and ressies. Excited to see we will see you at both meets!!

 

[APB513]

Glad you are back posting-that is a busy life! Great plans and ressies. Excited to see we will see you at both meets!!

Thanks, Mary. Looking forward to meeting you too!

 

[bettyann29]

woohoo.. now you're down to 41 days!

Your plans look great!! Great food choices too.. Boy this really is a trip of firsts for you, but sounds like you will have a BAAALAST!

 

[APB513]

woohoo.. now you're down to 41 days!

Your plans look great!! Great food choices too.. Boy this really is a trip of firsts for you, but sounds like you will have a BAAALAST!

Hey Betty Ann -

Thanks! I am looking forward to this trip for so many reasons.

Wow, your trip is just around the corner. Have you started packing yet?

 

[bettyann29]

Hey Betty Ann -

Thanks! I am looking forward to this trip for so many reasons.

Wow, your trip is just around the corner. Have you started packing yet?

I bet you are!!! Yep.. mine is 2 weeks from tomorrow.. I cant wait!! I have some things packed but plan on getting it all together this weekend since next weekend is Easter and the grandbabies come over next weekend so things will be a little more hectic than they will this weekend. and besides I dont think I can wait much longer..

 

[APB513]

I got my Magical Express voucher and luggage tag today

I had a crappy day today so coming home and seeing that envelope really made my day!!!

 

[bettyann29]

I got my Magical Express voucher and luggage tag today

I had a crappy day today so coming home and seeing that envelope really made my day!!!

Lucky lucky you!!! I keep hoping that I will get mine soon.. I have 2 weeks to go and nothing yet.. but I check that mailbox faithfully every day with hopes raised and fingers crossed and nothing.. I certainly dont run that fast to get my bills out of it..

Today feels like my lucky day too!

 

[APB513]

Lucky lucky you!!! I keep hoping that I will get mine soon.. I have 2 weeks to go and nothing yet.. but I check that mailbox faithfully every day with hopes raised and fingers crossed and nothing.. I certainly dont run that fast to get my bills out of it..

Today feels like my lucky day too!

I hope today is the day

 

[Colette]

Hi Angela,
I just had to reply because almost a year and a half ago, I spent my Birthday(Dec 13) at DisneyWorld, without my 20 year old son(who's lost the magic), stayed at the POFQ for the first time(it was awesome) and had my Birthday dinner at Le Cellier, with some fellow Diser's, followed by Illuminations and Soarin and it was my best Birthday ever. Rich and Vanessa were two of the people I met there and them, plus Kat(who won't be there this time) joined me on a cruise in January, so you will love meeting them, as well as everyone else and it will be a great Birthday Celebration. I Parasailed the morning of my birthday-because it was on my "bucket list" and it was a wonderful experience. I'm scarde of heights, so decided I would be brave enough to try it at Disney because I always feel safe there. So, I'm enjoying reading your reports and I keep up with the up coming trip, on the boards, so have a wonderful time. Colette

 

[APB513]

Hi Angela,
I just had to reply because almost a year and a half ago, I spent my Birthday(Dec 13) at DisneyWorld, without my 20 year old son(who's lost the magic), stayed at the POFQ for the first time(it was awesome) and had my Birthday dinner at Le Cellier, with some fellow Diser's, followed by Illuminations and Soarin and it was my best Birthday ever. Rich and Vanessa were two of the people I met there and them, plus Kat(who won't be there this time) joined me on a cruise in January, so you will love meeting them, as well as everyone else and it will be a great Birthday Celebration. I Parasailed the morning of my birthday-because it was on my "bucket list" and it was a wonderful experience. I'm scarde of heights, so decided I would be brave enough to try it at Disney because I always feel safe there. So, I'm enjoying reading your reports and I keep up with the up coming trip, on the boards, so have a wonderful time. Colette

Hi Collette -

Thanks for stopping by!

Wow!! It is a Small World after all! That is so funny how similar our trips are. I'm glad to hear that you had such a great time during your birthday trip.

I had always wanted to stay at POFQ but every time I checked, there was no availability. I happen to see that Vanessa posted that she was able to change her ressies from ASMo to POFQ. Since she was going the same time as I was, I called to see if there was any availability and there was So I switched ressies and I couldn't be happier

I hadn't thought about parasailing. It is something I have wanted to try but I am also apprehensive about. And I agree, I would feel safer doing it at Disney. Maybe I will add that to my itinerary for next year's trip. I am hoping to make this an annual event.


Stay tuned for more!

 

[sand2270]

Great report, I am excited to meet you and can't wait for all the fun in May!!

 

[SoloFriendly]

Now to answer your last question, “Why are you going solo?” I’ll tell you why – because I’m tired of doing things other people want to do – namely my children!! I am a single mom to two great sons – ages 20 and 15! They both love Disney (Momma raised them right!). The problem is that my oldest likes to sleep in (what and miss rope drop ). And then most times, neither of them likes to do the “corny attractions” – Hall of Presidents, One Man’s Dream, Country Bear Jamboree, World Showcase and parades. I usually have to drag them to these things (which usually means I don’t enjoy them) or they complain so much that I usually give in and do what they want.

But not this time!!! Momma is going to do what Momma likes!!! I’m going to every rope drop, I’m going to greet characters, I’m going to watch parades and fireworks sitting down instead of trying to steal a glance as I am walking by!!! I’m going to…OK, so I can’t go to the Hall of Presidents because it’s closed but I’m going to the Tiki Room and Country Bear Jamboree. And I am going to tour EVERY country in EPCOT!!!

Good for you, Angela! I love what you've written here--it's a great example of why traveling solo is so wonderful. No more having to cave in to what other people want to do--you get to do it your way! You're going to have a great time! Although, yeah, for a solo trip, you're not spending much time alone are you? I am actually coming home from my solo trip on the 12th as you are arriving for yours. I'm sorry I won't be able to join you and the rest of the DISers for your group culinary adventures on your birthday.

And thanks for that video, that was hilarious!

 

[APB513]

Great report, I am excited to meet you and can't wait for all the fun in May!!

Thanks Amy! I can't wait to meet you too!

If past trips are any indication, I'll be the first aid station in you and Andrea's room