My Solo Trip Jan 31-Feb 5

[Maine-iac]

Day one Jan 31

I did not sleep well the night before but got right up at 3am to get ready and head to the airport (PWM,Portland Maine). However DH was slow moving. We left 30 minutes later than I planned and all the way to the airport I kept watching the time and his speed thinking he could go alittle faster. I had him drop me off and then go park. Got into Delta check in line and when DH walked in he tried to go through the kiosk but it couldn't find my info. I have to say they were trying really hard to keep the line moving along. Finally I check in and head to put my check in luggage through the scanner. Line is not moving, what is the hold up? Finally an employee asks if anyone is leaving on 6:10 flight and I say I am on 5:55 flight so she takes my bag and says she will take care of it and sends me upstairs. Line is long, wrapped around past the restaurant to the top of the stairs. It is 5:30ish and not looking good. A mother and her 3 kids were in front of me in line and the girl was crying because she thought they were gonna miss their flight (also going to WDW but on a different flight) her mom, DH and I assured her it would be ok. The line moves along and once we get to where the line starts winding DH and I say goodbye and he heads home. I get through and get to my gate. They have 3 flights leaving from that gate. One flight had left and one was loading. My flight had not boarded yet as they could not get the ground power going. They had to "jump start" all of the planes that morning due to the cold. We ended up leaving a half hour late. They said that they always leave a half hour buffer for departure time in the winter so we would get in on time, (I had a 2 hour layover so I wasn't concerned). Made it to Cin. and connecting flight was on time. Landed in Orlando right on time.

The plane touched down right about 1pm and I think we must have landed on the runway that is farthest from the terminal because I do not remember ever taking that long to taxi to the gate. Got off at B teminal and went down to the luggage claim level. Hmm where to go? I then saw a DME person and she told me to go down to carousel 24 and take the elevator down. I found the DME counter and went through the line quickly as they must have had 10 CMs working. I saw a long line waiting for the buses but alas it was not the Pop Century line. I walked right through and was directed right onto the bus. The people waiting in the other lines were looking at me like "what the hell..." The ride was nice although they did not show anything on the tv monitor, very quiet. The bus pulls up to Pop one hour after the plane touched down.

I got into line to check in and had almost no wait. CM could not find the refridgerator that was being held for me (fridge swap) so he said he would keep checking and I would come back later. Got 70s building 4th floor preferred room, what I asked for. Room #0456 over looking the playground and parking lot. (right around 90 minutes from plane touch down to getting into my room) As I was looking for my room I got very excited seeing towel animals in the windows 'cause I had never had one before. Got to my room and no towel animal in the window. Open the door and there it is, a dog sitting on the night stand woo hoo my first towel animal. Dropped my luggage and took out the camera and started taking pictures of the dog and the room. The mousekeeper set the other towels in the room up kinda fancy so I took pictures of those too. I settled in alittle bit and decided to put a t-neck on under my t-shirt before heading to AK as there was a strong breeze. It was EMH there tonight. Left the room around 3 and headed for the bus.
To be continued....

 

[Maine-iac]

day one continued....

I arrived at AK, got my wristband and I went directly to Flame Tree BBQ for a BBQ Chicken Salad. I ate my salad while waiting for the parade. I have never seen the parade before so I wanted to see it. I was not impressed with it. I am not a big parade person except for I love Spectro. Before the parade ended I headed over to see Finding Nemo. I did enjoy it. It was different and I believe that the actors are acutually doing the voices and singing. They were very good.

After Nemo it was past closing time and all of the non EMH people were making their way out so I decided to head over to Everest and walked right on. I got to sit in the front with a teenage girl and her parents sat behind us. This girl was fun. She screamed right along with me. After I got off I called DH to talk. I told him it was starting to get dark. He says it isn't dark there yet? It is totally dark here. I told him I might go back and ride Everest again in the dark. I walked around a bit, went into a couple of stores. Then I decided to do ITTBAB and my son is very great, tall, handsome, likes long walks on the beach, candle light dinners ect. This was added to my report when I walked out to the kitchen to see if the sweet and sour meatballs were done.

So anyway it is kinda spooky walking along the path around the tree of life at night. Great show as usual. I enjoyed watching the little boy next to me. Next I decided to go back to Everest. You think it is dark during the day well it is pitch black at night and so much fun. This ride is close to taking over ToT for my favorite ride. Close but not close enough. I started walking out and stopped to take some pictures of Everest as it looks cool at night. I was taking pictures and playing with my settings when someone behind me says that is a good picture, what setting are you using? Well I jumped and dropped my camera. He was very apologetic. I said it is ok. I should have had the strap around my wrist. Well the camera was alittle scratched and the lense would not go in or out. I noticed the lense was alittle cockeyed so I straighted it out and all was ok just alittle dent there. We (he, his wife and I) talked about the settings and they ended up getting some good pictures. I stopped at one more shop on my way out and then headed back to Pop.
I grabbed a bite to eat and bought a mug. Went back to my room called home, took a shower and went to bed. It had been a long day and I should sleep well. Nope didn't happen that way.

 

[newholidayx2]

looking forward to reading more - thanks

 

[Maine-iac]

Thursday Feb.1

A couple of things that I forgot to mention in my last report-

My luggage and my refridgerator were in my room when I returned. Glad they found the fridge. It was about twice the size as the ones that you rent at Pop.

While walking over the bridge at AK going from Discovery Island to Africa, a woman flew past me on my right in an ECV and then a man did the same on my left. They were weaving in and out of people. I am sorry but that is dangerous. If people cannot run in the parks then EVCers should not be able to go faster than a walking pace.

Ok tonight was the P&P party but I decided to go to MK for EMH this morning. This was to be the warmest day of my trip so I wore a tank top and capris. I grabbed my mug and put it in my bag so I could fill it before returning to my room later. I got into line and met Marilyn and Alan, a mother and her adult son from Michigan I think. We chatted and boarded the bus. This is the longest bus ride from Pop. The bus arrived before opening and I stood around for a few minutes then went over to talk to Marilyn and Alan. The song was played to open the park but no train.

I walked with them to Space Mountain and rode it with them. After the ride we separated and I went on Buzz. I suck at this ride. I walked over to the bridge to Adventure Land and sat on a bench to wait for the rope drop. An elderly couple sat next to me and we chatted. They both walked with canes and were there for 2 weeks because it took them that long to get around to see everything. Shortly before the rope drop an EVCer went flying by. SLOW DOWN She needed to be right up front at the rope.

Next I went and got a FP for Splash and went on BTMR. I sat in the very back. That is the best place to sit on BTMR, seems faster there. Next was Pirates. I liked the waterfall. Am I right on this, it is now Capt Bal Bosa on the pirate ship and his voice? Capt. Jack Sparrow looked very real except at the end when he is sitting in the chair with all of his jewels. He didn't look as realistic there. I did some shopping in the POTC store and bought the bandana with goofy ears. DH has always wanted one and I thought I could wear it tonight. Next I went to use my FP at Splash at around 10am. I didn't need it. The ride was a walk on. The 2 logs in front of mine were empty and I was the only one in my log. -------This would be the first of many times that CMs would give me strange looks when I told them I was a party of one ----- Enjoyed the ride and did not get wet and then decided to walk to Fantasy Land. On my way I stumbled upon Woody's Round Up. I had never seen this before and it was cute. They did the Hokey Pokey. I then went on Small World. It seemed much more bright and colorful than I remember. I stopped and looked in a few shops. While walking through the castle I discovered a store in there that sells like paintings and collectibles. I saw alot that I would like to have but did not budget for that stuff. I decided to leave the park and go to Wilderness Lodge to check it out.

Today was a beautiful day. It was sunny, in the 70's and a nice breeze. Perfect. I love this kind of weather. When I got onto the boat the breeze was quite strong. I rode the boat to Wilderness Lodge and I think it is a long ride because of having to stop at Fort Wilderness first. Especially on a cold day or rainy day. So I looked around the resort and decided DH would love it there. It is very beautiful and gives you that cozy/homey feeling. I got a pizza from Roaring Forks and tried to eat it outside but it was just too windy. I then rode the boat back to MK and took the bus back to Pop to get some rest before heading out to the P&P party.

 

[Maine-iac]

Thur Feb 1 continued

I didn't get much of a nap. I awoke to the sound of pouring rain. It probably poured off and on for an hour then cleared up some. I watched the weather channel to see if it was gonna rain tonight and it called for showers. I bummed around a bit in my room and talked to my family on the cell phone. Then I decided to get dressed. It was still warm out so I put on my POTC t-shirt (went without a coat), jeans and my clogs and tried on DH's pirate bandana with goofy ears that I bought. Ugh I look stupid. I will have to buy something else to wear. Walked down to the bus stop and it was sprinkling alittle.

Walked into MK around 5pm for the P&P party and got my wrist band. It wasn't sprinkling anymore. I walked to POTC shop and looked for a hat or something but did not find anything. I ended up getting a light-up princess tiara in another shop and wore it the rest of the night. I headed over to Ray's for a wrap from the salad/sandwich section. It was 6pm and it was already shut down. I ended up getting roasted chicken. As I was eating it I decided it wasn't what I wanted so I would have to get some cinnamon glazed almonds later. I slowly walked around and found a spot for Wishes. Awesome as usual. After wishes I walked over the bridge into Adventure Land and saw a line for Jack Sparrow with only 10-15 people in it so I decided to join the line. I was behind a small group that had some former CMs in it and one of them was currently a CM at Disneyland. I enjoyed listening to their conversations. I wasn't trying to evesdrop but it was impossible not to hear them. The wait was no more than 20 min. The CM playing Jack Sparrow was about as right on as anyone could get in physical appearance, body movements and voice. Wow.

The only rides that I went on were Liberty Boat, Transit Authority and Philharmagic. Love Philharmagic!! The rest of the night was just walking around, getting my treasures and taking in the atmosphere. There were so many people dressed up. Tons of cute little pirtates, princesses and even princeses. All just so cute. I enjoyed the parade (got a good pic of Tinkerbell), Dream Along with Mickey Show in front of the castle and the fireworks were awesome. I also liked the way they silhouetted shapes of stuff like skull and cross bones or a sword onto the walkway along Frontierland and Liberty Square. Low, low crowds during the party.There were breakdancers in Tomorrow Land and Sebastian's Under the Sea Dance Party at Ariel's Groto where some of the fish were dancing with the little ones. Very cute. I didn't see the Eclipes dance parties. I enjoyed being called princess all night.

A tip. I noticed that as the night went on the gold lettering on my treasure bag was wearing off so I asked for another (for my Disney shelf at home). I had to say the magic word, Arrrrgh, to get it. Don't hesitate to ask for an extra bag.

I left before 11:30 and while standing in line for the bus I started talking to a woman and her son. Come to find out they are from Sanford, Maine. They were traveling with her SIL and kids and had got separated from them. SIL had been running them ragged and we decided it was because it was her son's and her first trip to WDW and SIL wanted them to see as much as possible. They were only there 2 days and then leaving for a 7 day Disney Cruise. I told her that I went on a couple of Disney message boards and asked her if SIL did. She said she didn't know but thinks we should meet.( both of us were going to Epcot the next day but I never did see them there)

Went back to Pop and ate left over pizza and talked to the family. Since I did not sleep good the night before I took a Tylenol PM to help me sleep. I watched the news and they were showing that there would be tornado warnings all through the night. I was alittle nervous but was able to fall asleep.

 

[disneylizzy]

Enjoying your report. I'm thinking of a solo trip in April because my ex will have the kids for April vacation. Have you ever done a solo trip before?

 

[Maine-iac]

Enjoying your report. I'm thinking of a solo trip in April because my ex will have the kids for April vacation. Have you ever done a solo trip before?

Read my next report. I start to get lonely during day 3. Do not think I would do a solo trip again. Maybe I would head down by myself for 2 days before the rest of my family shows up. That would be ok.

 

[Maine-iac]

Friday Feb 2

I took a Tylenol PM before I went to bed the night before hoping to get a better nights sleep and made sure that no alarms were set. Well I still woke up alot during the night but was able to fall right back to sleep.

I awoke before 6am to thunder. I only heard 2 rumbles and then nothing. So I put on the news to see whats up. Wow! Tornado warnings were scrolling across the bottom of the tv. Never seen that before. Blizzard warnings yes, tornado warnings no. That made me nervous as there was already reports of possible deaths. I watched for a while and eventually fell asleep.

Woke back up before 9am to the smell of cigarette smoke and kids going in and out of the room next door. Got up and shut the bathroom door hoping to stop the smell but after a little bit of listening to the noise I decided to get up. ( never heard them again so I think they checked out) I took a shower, got ready and went down to put hot water in my oatmeal. Came back up and while I was eating the house keeper came to the door and said she would come back. I said come on in, as soon as I finish eating I am leaving. She was a nice lady. We talked about the tornados as we watched the tv. I finished eating and left.

I arrived in Epcot just before 11am and headed right to Soarin and grabbed a fast pass. I then went to Test Track but it wasn't open so I headed over to Mission Space. I got into the green line. The people in front of me did not speak English and just weren't able to follow directions as to where to stand and such. I had to direct them along. I really liked the take off but then after that it was like Star Tours but I guess thats what you get when you don't want to go on the other side and chance getting sick. I did not feel claustrophobic at all.

Next I walked back to Test Track and it was open. The singles line said 20 min but the CM said that was wrong. So I walked right through the singles line to the turnstile things. Only waited about 5 min. Enjoyed the ride as usual. I don't know why but it feels like you are going faster than you really are when going around the track.

I walked to Soarin just in time for my fast pass. Got the front row. As the ride got going someone started taking pictures and then a female voice came from the heavens and said if the persons taking the pictures continue they will taken off the ride. Thank goodness they stopped and the ride kept going. Love this ride especially from the front row.

Next was Finding Nemo. This was the longest line I encountered during the trip. About 20 minutes. I think that this is a cute ride. I would do it again. I was bummed that Crush was closed so I did not hang out in there long. I walked outside and it was raining lightly (60s, overcast, windy and sprinkly all day so I was glad I had on a t-neck under my t-shirt). But I refused to put on my poncho. I called DH at work so he could here the gulls saying "Mine,mine,mine." Ok he was alittle jealous.

I was getting hungry so I decided to head to World Showcase. I really wanted to eat at Lotus Blossom Cafe but it was closed for rehab so I ate at Cantina de San Angel. While I was eating a seagull came and took a little girl's churro right off the table. The little girl was so upset and crying. Mom told her that she was not going to buy another. After watching the family I decided they were all in the middle of a meltdown. No one seemed happy.

I made sure I went into almost all of the stores as I walked around (something I have never been able to do before) I had wanted to see Miyuki in Japan and Off Kilter in Canada but they were not performing that day. I got a pretzel and watched the Spirit of America Fife and Drum Corp. I wanted to listen to the voices of Liberty but I was getting tired and still had a ways to go. I don't remember which shop it was in but I found something I wanted. It was the Castle made of jewels or something for $33,000.00. I decided I would call DH and later and tell him I wanted it. Yah right! LOL. The last country that I actually adventured into was France. There was this dessert place there called I think Boulangerie Patisserie, that looked soooo good. Everyone seemed to be eating something yummy. I wasn't hungry so I passed. I just walked straight through the rest of the World Show case because I was tired and left the park.

My plan was to return later because it was EMH and I wanted to see Illuminations but once I got back to the room and settled in I just did not feel like going back out. I got supper from the food court and stayed in the room. I watched that show...oh what is it called? The one with Jennifer Love Hewitt. I like that show. I read some and talked to the family on the phone, took a shower and went to bed.

This was the day that I started wishing that I had not come alone. I started getting lonely, wanting someone to share the rides with. I was looking forward to DH's friend and her family coming on Sat.