maine_jennifer
<font color=0033ff>Loves to sing "Old MacDonald Ha
- Joined
- Oct 1, 2002
- Messages
- 1,503
Background information: My name is Jennifer, Im single and I'm 27 years old! I took my first trip to WDW in February of this year with friends. In January 2004 Ill be taking my parents for their first trip, but after I got back in February, I couldnt wait to that long to go again. With Pams help at The Magic For Less, I squeezed in a short, solo trip. My first solo vacation ever! Hopefully Ill post a trip report day each day and if you have any questions or comments feel free to e-mail me.
Day 1 - Friday Its here its finally here!!!
08/29/03
Plan of the day: Work until 14:30. Call Delta at 13:15 to possibly change to the next earlier flight. TiffanyTowncar pick up at MCO, grocery stop then on to Coronado Springs. Either Pleasure Island, Downtown Disney and a movie, or swimming before late night lights out.
What actually happened: Being at work minutes before vacation makes the day go by SO SLOW! I was supposed to call at 13:15 to see if I could pay a bit more and be confirmed on the earlier flight. So, I pick up the phone and guess what I get the hiccups!!!!! Grrrr. After controlled breathing, drinking from the wrong side of a glass and putting sugar on my tongue, the hiccups go away and I can finally make the call. After a few minutes while the reservationist looks it up, I hear the golden words, they do have room, would you like to procede? Yur darn toontin' I'm ready ta proceded! Get me on that plane!!!! I'm so excited they have room. Yippeeeeeee they have room!!!! (See how excited I was??) Next I went online, checked in and printed out my boarding passes. Called TiffanyTowncar to confirm my early arrival. Then went to gloat at one of my co-workers desk. She's not going until December. HA HA!!
Anyway, its 14:30 were out the door. Mom drops me off at the airport at 14:45 and since I have no luggage to check, I go straight to gate security and done within 15 minutes. That's wonderful, but now what do I do for the next hour!
We board on-time, and the flight is no where near full. Out of 50 seats, only about 12-15 were full. The Delta/Comair flight from Boston to Portland is a short one. Total flight time is 22 minutes.
Boston proves to be a nightmare! To get to the gate for the Delta/Song flight to Orlando, I have to walk to the center of the terminal, grab dinner to go, wait to go through security, again, and head to my next gate WAY DOWN THE END OF THE HALL. I was supposed to have 2 hours or so between flight, but by time I got to the gate, it was only 40 minutes. I eat my icky Burger King meal and get the weirdest looks from this one family. The parents are speaking French, but all the children are speaking English. Weird! Then, I had to use the restroom. I dont like to use the lav on the plane and as I had been drinking water all day and had a three hour flight ahead of me, I figured I had better make a stop. And what do I find in the ladies room??? Automatic toiletseat covers. Press the green button or wave your hand in front of the button on the wall and the plastic toiletseat cover rotates the used part off and the new part on. Weird!! Then I notice the little plane I just got off from is only a few hundred yards away. The gate I got off from is right next door but I had to walk all around the mulberry bush to get here. Grrrrr.
Anyway, the Song flight went well. The one flight attendant was making the spiel about cell-phones and whatever but was very laid back about it. She called them evil and was more than a little sarcastic. As it turns out, all Song flight attendants are very laid back. Normal flight attendants take their job seriously and, forgive me, act like they have a post shoved up their bum.
Our flight down the coast ended up being mostly over lightening storms. It sure is amazing seeing them from the other side. I love flying at night! Then seeing the effects of light pollution around the different cities. Really amazing stuff!
The descent into Orlando was not a pleasant one. It just about made my left ear explode!!! The one lady behind me, the one who had a few too many Song Sunrises, was being very vocal about her ear problems. No one traveling with her was being very sympathetic, but I sure was. After we landed, I turned around and told her I had the same problem. She said she mentioned it to one of the flight attendants but they told her that if it was really all that bad, shed be rolling around on the floor. I told her if I had been able to get to the floor I would have!! As I look back on it, the flight was quite comical sitting in front of them.
I get off the plane, hop the first ride in Florida the airport monorail - and head to baggage claim to meet my driver from TiffanyTowncar. Polite guy. This was my first interaction with the first of many people who I think didnt know how to react to a solo traveler. The ride was very quiet and he either forgot the grocery stop or didnt know about it. I didn't mention it because by then, I just wanted to get to my room and relax. Apparently he didnt know about my DDL discount either, but again, I was too tired to argue about it.
I arrived at Coronado Springs around 23:15 or so. At check-in, I was disappointed to learn I had a room in the exact opposite place of my request. I requested Cabanas 9B, but ended up with Ranchos 6A. Oh well I was at WDW!!! I learned before I left that the Tom Joyner Family Reunion was going on and that everyone was staying there. My good room probably went to one of them.
Well, it was dark and not having a clue where I was going, I went to Bell Services and with CM Johns help, I arrived in my room at 23:30. After a quick call home and unpacking a whole two things, I decide to dump everything on the bed, call that unpacking, and head for the pool. WOW what a pool! After about a half an hour swim and 15 minutes in the Jacuzzi, it was back to the room and lights out at 00:45.
High Point: Flying over lightening storm
Low Point: Having to go through security a second time in Boston
Weird Point: Automatic toiletseat cover
*****
Day 2 - Saturday - 08/30/03
Plan for the Day: Early Entry to Disney-MGM Studios. Magic Kingdom for Spectromagic at 11pm. Pleasure Island.
What Actually Happened: I set the alarm for 06:50 and like "clockwork" it went off at 06:50. Suddenly I felt like abandoning my plans and sleeping in, but NO Walt Disney World was waiting for me!!
I left my room at 07:45 and just as I get out in front of my building, the Disney-MGM Bus goes by. Well, since they say busses are around 20 minutes apart, I decide to walk up to the Cabanas bus stop. Than, just as I get around the corner, I remembered I had forgotten something in my room. Back to the room I go. As I pass the bus stop, another Disney-MGM bus goes by within less than 10 minutes. Grrrr.
Finally I boarded the bus at 08:15 and the excitement of my vacation actually being here is way to much for me to contain. I start humming. If you know me, you know this is a big thing.
No, I havent eaten breakfast because some rides, especially spinny and simulator rides, make me wicked nauseous! At Disney-MGM there are no lines letting anyone in so I have no clue which line is the Early Entry line for resort guests. Thanks to directions from a great CM with a very big mouth, I get in the right line and am on my way!
Immediately I head for Tower of Terror to get a FastPass, just in case I like it and want to come back or in case the standby line gets too long.
My first choice, however, is Rock and Roller Coaster. I had never been on a upside down roller coaster before and I was about 10% nervous (like 10% real juice), but was determined to go on it. Once in by the limo's, it's apparent that I will be sitting with another single person. Thankfully, she speaks first and explains that she and her family had done these a day or so before, but her family decided to go on the tamer rides this morning. Since she really wanted to do these again she left them and Im glad she did. It was nice to have someone to talk with first thing on my trip. Made it easier to talk to people the rest of the time.
Well, I knew from other Trip Reports that this starts out fast, but I still wasnt prepared for the real thing. I was breathless for the first few seconds. It was just like totally tubular dude!! I really wish I had gone on it again!! After the ride, everyone gathered around the monitors to look for their picture, but I had no time for that I had a certain number of rides to get in before I got hungry.
Tower of Terror is up next and guess who ends up with me again the same lady from Rock and Roller Coaster! She says her husband was VERY VERY sick on this the day before. I explain to her my nausea problem and she says the Tea Cups hate her but she has no problem with this. Well, with no breakfast and Bonine working its way through my system, I blindly go in.
The preshow, which is hardly talked about, was cool. I had see the movie in preparing for my vacation, so I kind of knew the background anyway. As we are dealt our spots in line by the CM, I decide to let her go first and be the last in line. Stupid me doesnt realize that last in line means youre the on the aisle with a itty bitty place to hold on! As I sit down, I dutifully buckle my seatbelt and patiently wait for some other kind of restraint device to come down, or something to happen. I look at my neighbor and remark this is all - VERY - OPEN -. She laughs and says, isnt it great! Uuuuuhhhhhmmmm .OK?
So, Im sitting on the aisle, nothing in front of me to hold on to and only two rather small handles at the base of my seat. And this is supposed to be fun? Well yeah!! This ride was so wicked awesome!!! Once again, I wish I had gone again, but Star Tours, the last of my breakfast free rides, was waiting.
Star Tours the most dreaded of scheduled rides for the day. I am just miserable on simulator rides. They make me so queasy!! The standby line was only 5 minutes. I actually wish it had been longer as I like to look at what's in the queues to keep [people occupied, but with people waiting behind me, I felt rushed to make it to the main event. In line, I get talking with the couple behind me. The nice woman reassures me that if I could handle Back to the Future at Universal, I could make it through this. She also apologized in advance for acting like a kid once she gets inside. I tell her not to worry, thats why were all here! Well, this was pretty cool and yes, I still felt a little nauseous. However, it wasnt that bad, so I would go on this again, but definitely not after eating. In fact this is the only one of my 3 early morning, must do before breakfast rides that I would ever have to do before breakfast again. The other two I felt are safe enough to go anytime.
Up next, Muppet Theater. Loved the part in the preshow where Sam Eagle introduces Mickey Mouse!!! LOL After Muppet Theater, I sat on a bench outside the exit and ate my tiny package of crackers that I had brought, you know, "just in case". Well, it turns out that was my breakfast. Trying to find my next attraction, I got lost for a bit, but soon found Snow White, Dopey, Aladdin & The Genie, and some Pooh characters.
After getting a picture of Snow White for my niece, I wander around a bit more and head over to Sounds Dangerous.
*[Its about this point that I realize I HATE humidity. I love HEAT but hate HUMIDITY. It also turns out that Im a sweater. No, not the nice warm fuzzy kind you wrap around you in the winter (though if there are any nice single men, I am currently taking applications) but the sweater like Oh my, are you OK? You know the kind. You see them in line, beat red and sweating. What an icky thing to find out on vacation, but at least it complimented my new hair style by keeping it wavy.]*
Anyway, Sounds Dangerous was pretty cool. Was expecting something different, but I enjoyed it anyway. Of course I did, it was in the air conditioning for more than 5 minutes. It was WONDERFUL!! LOL
I head over for the Great Movie Ride next. Again, LOVE that air conditioning. In fact, thats my main goal for the rest of my vacation. What can I do next that has air conditioning? As Im waiting in line, a woman and her three children duck under the ropes in the back and proceed straight down to the front of the line. The doors were open letting the group before me in and the CM asked the lady woman and her kids to step back. He had to do this like 3 or 4 times. Of course, they didnt. They just stood there, obviously cutting in front of me, trying to force their way in. How rude! The CM inside finally closed the doors and one of the kids almost got a door in the face. Good, I thought, thatll teach ya!!
The ride itself was pretty cool. Loved the Wizard of Oz set and there was one other set I really liked, but I cant remember what it was. Grrrr. I sat in the second row, but I would have liked to sit further back, I think. I like to be able to observe things and that wasn't really possible up front. Ill have to try it next time I go.
A glance at my watch and its 11:45 - great, time for lunch! Seems like Ive been waiting my whole life to go to the Sci-Fi Dine In, even though I only learned about it last year.
Im a big, BIG sci-fi fan, so it seemed only natural that I had to try this place out. I posted a review of the place yesterday, but I will say, bigger people should be cautious of the cars. My tum tum just squeezed into the car. If they take you to a car and you think you wont fit, politely ask to wait for a table. But other than that, I LOVED THIS PLACE and I will definitely do it again.
When I went to WDW for the first time in February, the friend I went with said that she was going to see me cry at least one during our vacation. We had this ongoing the year before that any mention of Mickey or the Castle or even Florida, would make us say Oh, I think I'm gonna cry. Well, it didnt happen in February, but it happened this time.
After lunch, I headed over to One Mans Dream. I love inspiration and creativity and imagination. I guess that's why I find Walt Disney World so amazing. Walt Disney was full of those things, so even though I was saving the tours and exhibits for next January, I decided just HAD to go check out One Mans Dream. I stopped and looked at everything and was very much into the life of Walt Disney. I was inspired and taken in to it all. Then I came to the picture of the globe with Mickey ears and face crying and read the caption about how the animator had been talking with Walt Disney one day and when Walt left, he said goodbye. The animator remarked that Walt never said goodbye, just see ya later or something along those lines - Walt died the next day. That was it. I lost it. Tears started rolling down my cheeks and I couldnt tell you if anyone was around. I quickly regained my composure and went on to the next thing. Roy Disney giving a speech at the opening of Walt Disney World. He mentioned Walts dream and something to the effect that although Walt never got to see Walt Disney World oh, here I go again. I sure was glad I brought my tissues!! The show was great and I'm so thankful I did.
Well, after I left there, it was 13:30 so I decided to hop on the bus back to Coronado Springs for a swim and a nap. When I got back to the room, housekeeping still had not been there. The housekeeping cart was just around the corner, so I figured that since I arrived late, I was last on their list. Quickly, I get changed and go hang out at the pool for about an hour. Back to the room and still no housekeeping. I decide to head to the gift shop to get some bug spray ($7.25) and a gallon of water ($2.50). Its about 15:45 now and when I get back to my room still no housekeeping. I lay down for a nap and 10 minutes later, finally, housekeeping is knocking on my door. I let her in and make a run down to the vending machines. When I get back, she was just leaving and hadnt taken her tip because the envelope said Mousekeeping. She was worried about getting fired from her job for taking something that wasnt meant for her. I assured her it was just a play on words and she accepted the money, hesitantly. I lay back down for a much shorter than anticipated nap and about 10 minutes later, its the housekeeping manager calling to make sure my room was serviced and that I was satisfied. I felt like flying off the handle, but
told him everything was fine and yes I was satisfied. Ok, now its nap time. I was planning on getting up at 17:00 thats only 45 minutes away. Just time for a quick nap. I'm glad that didn't happen every day!
Well, half an hour later, no sleep, but rested and cooled down, I make a quick call to my niece which turns out I had to describe my WHOLE day and every single ride to her. Guess I won't be calling her again. Four year olds are so inquisitive!
17:15 I grab the bus to the Magic Kingdom for dinner, some rides while everyones at the parade/fireworks and then Spectromagic at 23:00. Weird point of the day - a woman plucking her whiskers with a pair of tweezers on the bus to the Magic Kingdom.
My plan was Cosmic Rays for dinner. As I walk down Main Street, I feel the air conditioning blowing from one of the shops so I decide to go in and look around. Who greets me at the door, but a pile of Pal Mickeys. At the start of my trip, I was still undecided whether or not I was going to purchase one, but the air conditioning changed my mind for me. Don't ask
me, that's just the way it happened. The CM looked at me weird when I asked to buy extra batteries, but maybe his mommy hadnt bought him one yet.
One of my nephews tells the same type of jokes as Pal Mickey, so finally, I have new jokes to tell him. In fact, most jokes I heard at Walt Disney World were of the corny, Pal Mickey variety. The best one comes on my last day there. You'll have to wait for Trip Report - Day 5 to hear it!
A walk through Tomorrowland and I end up going on my first ride on the Tomorrowland Transit Authority. Nice relaxing ride and a great way for kids to see the insides of Buzz Lightyear and Space Mountain.
18:30 I make it to Cosmic Rays for dinner. Again, there's a post out there somewhere with my most recent review. A woman was pulling apart two tables and offered me one down by Sonny Eclipse. We had a nice little chat. Turns out she recently moved to Florida from Michigan and was taking her daughter and granddaughter for a special day at WDW.
After dinner, I went on Snow Whites Scary Adventures. Boy did they get that name right! Every single scary scene from that movie was in there. For little kids who have a tendency to get nightmares from TV, this had way too many scary parts and not enough nice parts.
After that I did its a small world. It still amazes me when adults and older children get what it's a small world is saying. When you enter the last scenes and everyone is dressed in their original costumes but in white, it dawns on them that it is a small world and the whole ride just suddenly makes sense. I love that feeling!
Splash Mountain was next. So, I was in line to sit by myself on the next boat, but the guy in the waiting boat was split up from his family who were in the seats ahead of him. He said I could join him, but I would be getting the wet seat. I was sweating so much it didn't matter that I was going to get wet. The seat where you get splashed at the start from the logs coming down through the briar patch. The seat closest to the waterfalls where you stop to wait before you get out. The wet seat. How nice of him! Still, I didnt mind and had lots of fun. He was a nice guy and even held out his hand for me to get safely out of the log. Some people at WDW are extra nice to be around, so are totally opposite. This guy fell in to the first category.
Its 21:25 and I am so beat. My feet are killing me! I think I'm dehydrating, but I can't stand the water to keep drinking enough of it. I cant get to the point where I think I can't stand up any longer, but soon realized that the early Spectromagic is starting.
I had found a great place near the front, but one little girl pushed her way in. Well, the CM told the not so little mommy that she couldnt stand in the walkway and that she had to either join her child or move. That's right folks, she didnt move. Now, it was WAY to humid and I was WAY to tired to put up with it, so I walked around and found a couple places along the way to catch glimpses of Spectromagic. Not too long into it, I decided the heck with it and went on a ride on the monorail. That's right air conditioning!
After I got off, I decided I better go get in line for the bus since I knew there would be mad rush coming soon. Well, apparently I hadnt missed the mad rush. It took a VERY LONG TIME to get back to Coronado Springs. One bus came and filled up a family of cutters and pushers kept me from getting on. The next bus that came and dropped off people from Coronado Springs, didn't pick us up but went to pick up at the All Stars, which was SO crowded!! Finally, the Coronado Springs bus arrived and I was on my way back for swimming and sleeping. Guess that means no Pleasure Island tonight.
After lots of swimming, and unpacking properly, lights were out at 00:30.
High Point Sci-Fi Dine In; One Man's Dream
Low Point Line for the bus back; sore feet
Weird Point Call from housekeeping; Whisker plucker on the bus
*****
Day 3 - Sunday - 08/31/03
I learned from yesterday that 06:50 was NOT early enough to get ready for the day, so this morning, I get up at 06:25. It's just plain -nasty- to have to wake up that early, but Ive got a busy day ahead of me.
This time, I catch the 07:30 bus to Magic Kingdom. I am going to be there on time and in line before they start letting the resort guests in early. Of course, my feet are telling me it has to be a short day, but for now, I just ignore them.
Once through the gate, I head down Main Street and through the Castle to Fantasyland. I could never get tired of walking through the castle. My favorite character is Tinker Bell and since I didnt get a chance on my last trip, the only thing on my mind was to get a FastPass for Peter Pans Flight. After that, I thought I was going to head straight to Tomorrowland, but got side tracked by the Winnie the Pooh ride. Very cute and I cant wait to take my mom on that in January Pooh is her favorite character.
From there I went to Space Mountain and this time, I got to enjoy the queue area. Boy, it sure is a LONG walk just to get to the front of the line!! It seems like I gave another CM the opportunity to deal with a solo visitor for the first time. The CM behind me said to get the last seat in the first vehicle. Since there was no one there and I wouldnt be sitting on anyones lap, I start to get in. The CM on the other side gets a nervous look on her face and says I have to wait for my party. I said, Im just one today. She got a little stern looking and said, JUST WAIT! please. OK Ok lady, this isnt rocket science! I finally get in and even though I knew what to expect, the ride was a blast!
Tomorrowland always gets me confused, so after exiting Space Mountain and a few minutes of turning around in circles try to get my bearings, I find the entrance to Buzz Lightyear and head in. Again, this was a repeat ride for me. I tried using both guns at once, but soon gave up and just concentrated on one. I still havent found the secret, but I did SO much better this time, I was pleased with my score.
My friend told me that I had to do Alien Encounter in February. I did and I thought it was so very lame. You have to understand that I read/watch a lot of science fiction, so it was really nothing new to me. This time, I decide to just go with the flow, not think about it, and allow myself to get scared. Well, it didnt work. I caught myself several times during the show, laughing. Now, the people sitting around me may have been the cause of my laughter, but I wont say anything in case any of them are reading this.
After walking through the Gift Shop [I love how a lot of the rides exit into a gift shop!], I check my FastPass time for Peter Pans Flight. Its not until 09:45 to 10:45 so I head over to Adventureland.
Before I left Maine, I went online to get the showtimes for the movie Pirates of the Caribbean that was playing at the AMC Theater in Downtown Disney. So, since the movie would soon be in my future, my first stop in Adventureland was the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. I figured if Im gonna see the movie,
I gotta ride the ride first! There were more skeletons and dark parts than I remember from February, but thats fine with me. A great ride, yet again. Disney doesnt disappoint even with the older attractions!
When I was in second grade, I saw a filmstrip on Walt Disney World and the two things I remember were Country Bear Jamboree and Peter Pans Flight. Ever since then, Ive always thought then when I get to go, those are two things that I HAVE to do. Well, Country Bear Jamboree didnt start for another 12 minutes, so I head back to Adventureland.
Last year, I bought the Theme Park Sing-A-Long CD and had the words memorized to a couple of songs in the The Enchanted Tiki Room. Well, in February, my Tiki Room experience was a bit tarnished as it was Under New Management and the songs I had learned werent part of the show anymore. Since it was only 5 minutes until the next show, I decided to give it another try. It was cute and I would definitely do it again. I just feel sad that I missed the original. Next time though, I will sit in the back, just to the right of the exit. From where I sat, I felt like I was missing something.
Finally, its time to use my FastPass for Peter Pans Flight!! Since Peter Pan is one of my favorite movies, this ride could not have disappointed me. It was absolutely wonderful!!! No wonder why there are always such long lines!
Its now 11:00 and Im feeling a bit hungry, yes I skipped breakfast again, so I hop on the EPCOT Monorail and decided to go to Morocco for lunch. Well, the line to get through security was long very long! It was at least a 10 minute wait, something my feet were protesting every second. I get through the gate and immediately I'm lost. EPCOT on the ground does not look like EPCOT on the map.
I see that there is a boat landing ahead and one at Morocco, so my feet force me in that direction. Theres no one waiting at the dock Im at, so I walk to the other one where a couple was waiting. As I get there, I watch the boat pull up to the dock I was at about 5 minutes ago. Theres another reason for my feet to call stupid.
So, I hop on the Friendship Ferry and the Boat Captain says were on our way to Germany. The couple asks if we'll be docking at Morocco. No, that dock is closed for refurbishment. It will probably switch next month. Well, I cant wait for next month. My stomach is saying feed me, my body is saying find air conditioning and my feet are saying PLEASE no more walking. I get out the map and look to see what will make everyone happy. One word - Italy.
As I walk over, there is hardly anyone about. Kind of like an old western where a stranger rides into town and all the town folk disappear. I kept expecting a tumbleweed to blow past me. I head to Italy in search of LOriginale Alfredo blah blah blah. Although I gave a review of Alfredos, Im going to go into a bit more detail here. It was one of the few awkward experiences and I feel its my duty to share it.
I go to the podium and tell them party of 1 for lunch please They ask for my last name and say itll be about 5 minutes. Well, it was about 2 minutes and my server did not pronounce my name correctly, at all. HENRY. Guess thats very hard to say in Italian. So, my party of 1 strolls into the very quiet, and in my opinion, fancy, dining room. I figure, I can do fancy with the best of them so lets get on with the show. And boy did it feel like a show.
My server was very nice. It was like they forgot to go over the chapter of solo travelers in the CM handbook or something. To start with, he recommended some bottles wine. Hello party of 1 here!!! He gives some menu suggestions and takes my drink order, a diet coke. Again, a slightly strange look or maybe it was me being dehydrated. (Side note I ordered diet coke everywhere thinking Id be saving a few calories that I could spend on dessert. Didnt happen. Every dessert I thought about, I was too hot or tired to get it. Major bummer!!!) I didnt have to take too long a look at the menu, I knew what I wanted. Fettuccine Alfredo.
Well, he returns with bread telling me to dump olive oil on my plate and add salt and pepper. That, I knew, but I was expecting some better seasonings than salt and pepper. Oopss . . .guess thats not being fancy of me. Well, he took my order, asked me if that was all (yeah Im big, but I dont eat a whole cow at every meal dude!) and left me to stare at the wall. Or to be stared at was more like it. Since it was slow at the time, all the servers stood about the perimeter of the room and while they probably werent really staring at me, it sure felt like it.
I get out my PDA and start jotting some notes down for my trip report. Not even 5 minutes after he took my order, I hear Mam (Hey - Do I look that old? I dont think so!!! Sorry think fancy thoughts, think fancy thoughts, think fancy thoughts). I look over my shoulder and theres my lunch. It was nice and hot, very tasty, but just not yummy enough for me to feel good about spending $15 on it. My server came to check on me once during the meal and replaced my diet coke when I was only about half way through with it. Nice service, but he seemed a bit uncomfortable with a party of 1. I will never go there alone again.
Well, my trip into EPCOT today was only for lunch. Actually, my feet decided that about halfway through the Fettuccine Alfredo. They were actually saying "I told you so - you should have walked more at home" but we can talk about that later. So, I grab the Friendship Ferry back. When I got to Spaceship Earth (the big golf ball for those not in the know), it started pouring. I was so hot and sweaty I didnt care. It felt great. Got in line for a bus back to Coronado Springs at 13:30 and once again, it time for a good swim and a nap. This time, I actually did get some much needed sleep.
At 17:00 I decide out of the blue to grab a bus to Downtown Disney for dinner and catch the earlier movie. The bus stops at the Marketplace, and me, not realizing they stop at Pleasure Island/Westside, too, get off and walk over. A double check of the movie time and I head to Wolfgang Pucks Café for dinner. I knew they had something I'd like and also, it was the closest places with air conditioning. I really needed to cool off. I go up to the podium and say party of 1 for dinner. I received a much better reception and much more comfortable service. They know how to handle solo diners. Check out my review for more information.
After my meal, I had a cup of coffee and took in the scenery, then quickly paid my bill and headed to AMC Theater for the 19:15 showing of Pirates of the Caribbean. I was very disappointed to see that they did not have any Goobers, a favorite of mine at the movies, so I settle for a soda and a bag of peanut MnMs. Theyre just not the same, but they were good enough. I wont go into movie details, however, I LOVED THIS MOVIE!!!! I cant wait to see it again and you can be assured that the DVD will be a early Christmas present to myself. Actually, Im hoping to go see it before it disappears from the theaters, too.
After the movie got out, I did a bit of shopping. Actually, I would have loved to do more shopping, but I was getting a bit tired and my feet had finally won their argument. At 22:40 I grab the bus back to Coronado Springs, with lights out at 23:50.
High Point Peter Pans Flight; Pirates of the Caribbean Movie
Low Point Line to get in EPCOT; sore feet
Weird Point lunch; an overheard conversation walking through the marketplace. A man says to wife that's because your not that refined lady I am
*****
Day 4 - Monday - 09/01/03
Plan for the Day EPCOT & Off Kilter; Priority Seating for Dinner at the Yachtsmans Steakhouse; IllumiNations Cruise with some DISers; Pleasure Island
What Actually Happened: Since I knew I was going to be out late tonight, I decided to sleep in and hang around the resort until lunch time. 09:00 I wake up, watch some cartoons (YES, I still watch cartoons and Im proud of it!), and do some shopping at Panchitos the resort gift shop. Panchitos is a nice little shop and I actually did quite a bit of my souvenir shopping here. I debate renting a bike to take my purchases back to my room, but since La Marina isnt open yet, I walk.
At 11:00 I grab the bus to EPCOT. The line is non-existent this time. Yiippeee!!! I knew the times that Off Kilter would be performing in Canada, so I head in that direction first. The line to Spaceship Earth is long, very long, so I keep going towards Imagination to do a few things before the first Off Kilter show.
My first stop is Journey Into Imagination. Gotta love that Figment! I remember hearing a different song though on web radio to Journey Into Imagination again, a mild disappointment, but theres so much to do after the ride I can deal with it. I walk through the gift shop, grab a Figment pin for my visor and head straight to Honey I Shrunk the Kids. Nice show, I wont give anything away, but a few of the special effects didnt work where I was sitting. I couldnt figure why people were screaming until the guy next to me told me what was supposed to be happening. (Ding dong Light Bulb Now I Get It!!)
I get outside and look around, look at my map and decide its VERY sunny out today. No big deal, its Florida, its supposed to be sunny. I start walking towards the Land Pavilion to wait a minute where are my sunglasses???? For the past two days, Ive been cramming them into my fanny pack whenever I've gone inside. Since todays weather said rain in the afternoon (just like every afternoon this week) and this time, I would be out and about in the afternoon, and wasn't planning on returning to my room, I crammed my windbreaker into my fanny pack. No room for the sunglasses this time. So, exactly what did I do with them? I still dont know. Only thing I can think of is that after Honey I Shrunk the Audience I through them in the goggle collection bin on my way out. Bummer, but my feet tell me to keep going rather than walk all the way back there. Ok feet, you win.
At the Land, I hit Food Rocks, another change in show and minor disappointment. It was still a great show and reminded me for some reason of being at the old Chuck E. Cheeses. Well at 13:00 the feet win another argument. I was hoping to squeeze in a light lunch at the Rose & Crown Pub in the United Kingdom but I put Off Kilter off until later and eat at Sunshine Food Fair instead. Just as Im sitting down to eat, I notice that Living with the Land has a FastPass return time of 45 minutes. Wow, if I had known that before I started eating, I could have walked right on after lunch. Oh well. Lunch is tolerable and when finished, my feet beg me to grab the FastPass for Living with the Land head to Circle of Life. I like the educational show type of thing, and Circle of Life is no different. I would definitely see it again. Only 10 more minutes until the FastPass return time. Yes, even though standby is only 15 minutes, I sit by the front door. Actually, it was a nice rest and I had some entertainment watching a CM trying to fix the automatic doors. They weren't closing all the way and he thought he could fix it by opening them and then banging on them. Eventually he gets them fixed how I dont know he must be related to the Fonz - so I head to Living with the Land and have an awesome time. Its amazing the things they do and again this will definitely be a ride I take my mother on.
Its about this time that I start think of canceling the PS for Yachtsman Steakhouse and go to Rose & Crown for dinner. Might be nice, then I can just walk down to the Boardwalk to meet up for the IllumiNations Cruise. This requires more thinking.
I make my way back towards Spaceship Earth. No line at all now, so I hop on and have an awesome ride. It's got more futurey, spacey things, so Im happy. From there, I head through MouseGears and grab a new pair of sunglasses. I couldn't survive any longer without a pair. I know I could have gone back and asked if they found them, or gone to Guest Services, but my feet said No Way! Notice how much I listen to my feet? That's a very important lesson for all of you!
From here, I notice that Universe of Energy is a 45 minutes ride. Ahhhh . . . another way to be entertained, relax and cool off at the same time. I enter and all the seats along the walls are taken. I'm not standing until the next show starts, about 12 minutes, so I lay down in the middle of the floor. A minute or so later, I hear about 20 sighs. A quick look around and I see everyone that was standing doing the same. Hey, Im more than a pretty face guys! I'm pretty smart too! Great ride, the Dinosaur part wasn't as scary as I imagined. Again, next time, I think I would sit in the back. It might have a better view.
I head over to the Making of Me to find out exactly how sensitive a show it is. The young boy in front of me, probably about 9 years old, kept telling his grandmother that this was going to be gross and she said no, its just like what you watch on the Discovery Channel. I thought it was tastefully well done. So, if you prepare your children, I think its a great show to take them to. By the way, the kid did ok, but he forced his grandmother to hurry out as soon as it was over. He didn't want anyone to see him in there. Body Wars was totally out. I was going to try it, make it a before breakfast/lunch ride, but the lady at Star Tours the first day said it made her wicked sick, so I didnt want to try it. I was even going to try Mission Space. That is like my dream ride, but my nervousness over getting sick won out over my courage on this trip. Maybe next time. I was thinking about going to Cranium Command but MouseGears was beckoning me back to do more shopping. This time, the need to shop always outwins the need to sit and relax my sore feet. After much shopping, I decide to take my packages back to Coronado Springs at 16:50.
Its now 17:30 and my PS at the Yachtsman was for 17:30, so Im not going to make that. After a brief stop at the room, I grab the first bus that comes by Magic Kingdom. The driver reminds us that they close at 19:00 tonight. Thats fine with me because Im only gonna grab dinner. I grab a bite at Caseys Corner. Yes, there's a review posted about this place, too. Though I'm dying for some air conditioning, I sit out on the patio and throughout my meal a duck kept staring at me. It was kind of funny, but rather disturbing too. From there, I walk back down Main Street and decide I have enough time for a grand circle tour around the Magic Kingdom on the Walt Disney World Railroad. Well, actually, two grand circle tours.
At 18:55, I get in line for the bus to Boardwalk. At 20:15, Im supposed to meet up with some DISers for the IllumiNations Cruise. Needless to say I have some time on my hands, but thats ok, I walk around, hit the candy store, relax and people watch. We had no real place to meet, so I keep my eyes open and eventually spot a bunch of people gathering near the dock. I figure thats them, introduce myself and ya know what? It is them. Im telling ya, my brain was working overtime this vacation that's scary!
We have a wonderful time together and I discourage everyone from taking an Illumination Cruise at the end of January. There's not reason you should bother wasting your money on it. (Actually, itll just be easier for me to get reservations if you dont try.) Our Boat Captain Jeff was great! Lots of those corny jokes I love, (yes folks, tomorrow night, youll get to hear the joke of all jokes and my favorite one near the end of my Day 5 report). A great night, but again, I dont encourage anyone going at the end of January. Its not worth it.
The group of DISers were wonderful, too. We had a lot of fun and I was a bit disappointed that I didnt get to spend more time with them. They invited me to join everyone back at their room at Old Key West, but I sadly decline - Pleasure Island, here I come.
21:30 I hop on the Downtown Disney bus and Im minutes away from Pleasure Island. This time, the bus is packed tighter than a can of sardines. And this time, I remember to get off at the second stop. As soon as I get off the bus, the shopping bug beats up my partying bug and once again, I find myself in stores, drooling on the merchandise and loving every minute of it. Eventually, I pull myself away long enough to to go to Gihardellis. Its been over a whole week since Ive had an ice cream soda, but sadly, this one is less than perfect. Oh well, at least its ice cream.
A stop in the Christmas shop to get some things personalized before I head back could have been dangerous, but I limit myself to the back area where they personalize everything and struck up a conversation with one of the CM's. She has the best job. Working for Disney in a Christmas store. That is my dream retirement job folks!!! Actually, it's my dream job, but it probably won't happen until I retire. Anyway, I say goodbye to Downtown Disney for this trip and head back to Coronado Springs. After getting back to my room, I decide I dont have enough energy to swim, so its a bit of TV and lights out at 00:00. Yes folks, that is a real time! Its called zero hundred hours or "midnight".
High Point IllumiNations Cruise
Low Point Missing Off Kilter; losing my sunglasses
Weird Point Walking by Pleasure Island. That was one of my BIG must dos and here I was foregoing it for shopping.
*****
Day 5 - Tuesday - 09/02/03
The alarm goes off at 07:30 and I wakeup to the realization that today is my last day at the parks. I quickly get ready and run to the bus stop to catch the 08:15 bus to Animal Kingdom. Theres not much here that I didnt get to do in February, so I had a leisurely morning ahead of me.
The first stop is Asia to do the Kilimanjaro Safaris and the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail. The Safaris was great and I caught a glimpse of the new baby elephant. A picture would have been nice too, but the kid sitting next to me just had to stand up. Grrrr. As we did a lot of this in February, I walk quickly through the Exploration Trail to the underwater hippo viewing area. The water was a bit too cloudy so I skipped waiting to get near the front and finished the Trail quickly.
From there, I grabbed some fruit at a cart for breakfast (This is the one and only morning I actually ate breakfast), and made me way to Asia. This is something we didnt do in February. Between Africa and Asia, I notice a boat tied up to a dock that looks like itd be used for tours or something. Someone had mentioned it before, but the walk was roped off and there were no CMs around to ask them about it, so I went on my way. Hopefully, theyll open it up for a tour or something. I think that would be great.
Theres a little time still before Flights of Wonder, so I head to the Maharajah Jungle Trek. A lot of the animals werent that visible, but it was still a nice walk, and I'm sure it's great when the animals are more active. I was sort of apprehensive about the bat house, but once in there, it wasnt bad at all. For me, it was worse walking through the aviary. I was so afraid of getting pooped on! On my way to Flights of Wonder, I stop by a cart. It's strange seeing hawaiian skirts and leis on sale, but I stop in and buy a flowery hair tie for my niece.
Flights of Wonder was a great show and while my feet werent as sore today, they were appreciative of the rest. During the show, they kept asking for children to volunteer to help, but there were only maybe two or three of them in the audience. I guess everyone was back to school. One boy, probably about 7 or 8, ended up being the volunteer for just about everything.
For lunch today, I had already decided to go Flame Tree BBQ, so at 11:00, I stop in for a bite. My review was posted last week. There was nothing exceptional about this place, except, please, PLEASE, dont feed the birds! Since I was eating alone, I ate quickly as I was fearful that one of the birds begging for scraps would end up sitting on the chair across from me and share my lunch.
After lunch, I go to Its Tough To Be A Bug. Again, no real line to speak of, but I tried to walk slowly through the line to get a look at all the animals carved into the Tree of Life. Some people behind me didn't want to cut in front of me, even when I told them to go ahead. The show was great, but the 3D effects werent that effective on me. I dont know if its because theyre animated or what, but I found the Muppet Vision 3D show to have better effects. After its over, I decide theres nothing else pressing for me to do, so I grab the 12:00 bus to the Ticket and Transportation Center.
Ive always taken the Monorail to the Magic Kingdom, so this time, I decide to use the Ferry. It was a nice ride and I actually now prefer the Ferry to the Monorail. From Main Street, I went for another grand circle tour around the Magic Kingdom on the Walt Disney World Railroad, then stayed on for a bit longer and got off at Frontierland. I wanted to try to get in to Country Bear Jamboree, since I didnt get a chance to the other day.
Needless to say, with only a 10 minute standby wait for Splash Mountain, I went on that first. I get my own seat this time. There were two men behind me who brought a little girl along, too. She must have been about 4 or 5. Throughout the whole ride you could tell she loved it. She was so excited, but after the last drop, she was crying that she hated that ride and never wanted to go on it again.
From there, I head over to Country Bear Jamboree and decide to wait the 12 minutes until the next show. The wait for the show was crowded! We were packed in there like a bunch of sardines. The couple next to me just let their children run around bumping into me and other people and never said a word. Usually, I can be patient, but a couple of times, they ran into me so hard, I fell into the person next to me. Finally, I bent over and politely said to them that it wasnt nice to run into people like that and maybe they should go behind mommy and daddy before I told on them. I guess theyve never been spoken to by a stranger because they hid behind mommy and daddy and I didnt hear a peep out of them the rest of the time we were waiting.
The Country Bear Jamboree show was the same as always, but the audience was much better. They really enjoyed themselves. Everyone was clapping and singing along. It makes a difference when people just allow themselves to have a good time and not worry about what other people are thinking. Some people would have been annoyed, but I thought it was great!
From there, I decided to ride Pirates of the Caribbean one more time. I felt it was my duty after seeing the movie the other night. When I got there, Rusty Cutlass was performing outside the front of the attraction. I only caught the last few minutes of their show, but still it was great! They were performing again in a half an hour, so I made a note to come back for it. The ride was same as always, and even though the boat was packed full, I got my own seat, this time in the back. When I saw the movie, I only remembered a scene or two from the ride. This time on the ride, I could pick out more.
I walk through Adventureland and head to Aloha Isle for a Dole Whip. Im not a big pineapple fan, but was determined to try the ever famous Pineapple Dole Whip. Its funny, I did just about every ride I had wanted to do, and never chickened out, but now, I chicken out over pineapple and get a plain chocolate instead. Well, maybe next time Ill try the Pineapple.
I take my chocolate soft serve back to a bench near the Pirates of the Caribbean ride and peoplewatch until Rusty Cutlass comes back out. The two times I saw them, they always picked a spot in the shade and encouraged everyone to get out of the sun. I got to see the whole show this time and if youre going in the next few weeks or so, and while these pirates werent nearly as nice to look at as Mr. Depp and Mr. Bloom, make sure you get to see them! During one of the songs, each Pirate of Rusty Cutlass took turns telling jokes. And here it is folks, as promised, my favorite corny joke of my whole trip:
Q: How much does a pirate pay for corn?
A: A buck an ear! (LOL - I laugh every time I think of it!)
Anyway, after the show, I head back to Main Street and decide I just cant leave without one more ride on the Walt Disney World Railroad, okay two more rides. As I walk out, I turn around and take one final look. The Magic Kingdom will always be my favorite and it will always be the toughest to walk away from.
At 15:45 I head back on the bus to Coronado Springs Resort. There are only two of us on the bus, so the driver asks us which stop, we both said El Centro. I was going to the business center to check in for my flight the next day and print out my boarding pass. I walk all the way down to the business center, but when I get there, the sign says that its closed, Monday to Thursday. I was so annoyed that the CM didnt tell me that when I inquired about it at check in. Grrrr. When I got back to my room, I had planned on packing up most of my stuff, but since it was only 17:00, I decided that could wait. Quickly, I changed and headed down to the pool for some relaxation, swimming and dinner.
Around 19:30, I take one last look around the pool and head back to my room. I pack everything up and decide it was a good thing that I didnt get to check-in online since my bag was so heavy, I didnt want to have to carry it through the Boston Airport. The car service was picking me up at 05:30 so lights out at 21:30 tonight.
High Point Rusty Cutlass, very relaxing time at the uncrowded swimming pool
Low Point Realizing that it was my final trip on the WDW RR until January
Weird Point There was really no weird point today, just a nice day in the parks.
Day 6 - Wednesday - 09/03/03
I wake up at 03:00. My wakeup call isnt until 04:30 so I toss and turn until 04:00. I get up and start getting ready to leave. That is a miserable feeling knowing youre getting ready to leave Walt Disney World. At 04:30 I get my wakeup call and its Mickey! I know several people try their whole vacation to get a Mickey wakeup call and I feel special getting one the only time I used it. Well, Mickey waking you up is a good thing, but its still a bad thing to have to leave.
Check out is a little slow. I had paid my room about a month ahead of time and had a balance of about $6 or $7. I made only two phone calls, so the balance was about +$5 & change. Apparently, they dont get that very often, so it took them about 15 minutes to work out what to do. They gave me the balance in cash and I was on my way. The car service arrived on time, but the guy didnt bother helping with my luggage this time, or even getting out of his car. When we arrived at the airport, he grabbed my one bag from the back seat and put it on the curb, I guess he felt that was enough to entitle him to a tip. I only tipped him half of what I was going to and made my way to the check-in. I was all checked in and on my way to the gate within 15 minutes. I grabbed some breakfast and settled down to read my magazine. The flights back were uneventful and I was back to work by 12:30.
Traveling Solo Summary: Traveling solo was wonderful and I would encourage anyone toying with the idea to try it, at least once! Be a confident traveler, stay on property, use the bus transportation, and remember that you are just as important as every other guest. Make the CMs realize that as soon as they meet you, you may be traveling solo, but youre still on vacation and deserve the best! When you get to the parks, if there is something you want to do - do it! - even if it means being the only person standing in line. Once people see someone else there, they will join you. When youre in line for an attraction, talk to people. If youre shy, just ask if theyve been on it before and what they think of it. When a CM asks How many, be proud and say One! Youre a party of one and there is nothing wrong with that. A party of one can have as much fun, even more, than a party of four or five. Eat at sit down restaurants and strike up a conversation with your server. Ask for their recommendations. If the people at the next table catch your eye, say hello and ask them a question, any question. What did you do today? Where are you from? Anything. The key to conversation is to get the other person/people to talk about themselves. If youre not an outgoing person, bring a book, but you need to realize that once you stick your nose in the book, youve cut everyone off who may have spoken to you. People are less likely to interrupt a person reading than they are a person who's just taking in the scenery. And since youre staring at a book, you have no opportunities to reach out to others. I think if I had brought a book with me, I would have missed a lot! Now, dont get me wrong, I am a big advocate of reading. My nieces and nephews get books from me for Christmas and birthdays. Just save the books for your hotel room, or relaxing by the pool. People aren't going to gawk at you or point and laugh. (This goes for those people who know one size doesn't fit all, too.) People are more interested in what's happening to them than to stare and giggle at you. Remember, you may be traveling solo, but you're at Walt Disney World, you are never alone!
If you made it this far, thanks for reading! I'm very open to any critques and Id be happy to answer any specific questions privately. Just e-mail me.
Day 1 - Friday Its here its finally here!!!
08/29/03
Plan of the day: Work until 14:30. Call Delta at 13:15 to possibly change to the next earlier flight. TiffanyTowncar pick up at MCO, grocery stop then on to Coronado Springs. Either Pleasure Island, Downtown Disney and a movie, or swimming before late night lights out.
What actually happened: Being at work minutes before vacation makes the day go by SO SLOW! I was supposed to call at 13:15 to see if I could pay a bit more and be confirmed on the earlier flight. So, I pick up the phone and guess what I get the hiccups!!!!! Grrrr. After controlled breathing, drinking from the wrong side of a glass and putting sugar on my tongue, the hiccups go away and I can finally make the call. After a few minutes while the reservationist looks it up, I hear the golden words, they do have room, would you like to procede? Yur darn toontin' I'm ready ta proceded! Get me on that plane!!!! I'm so excited they have room. Yippeeeeeee they have room!!!! (See how excited I was??) Next I went online, checked in and printed out my boarding passes. Called TiffanyTowncar to confirm my early arrival. Then went to gloat at one of my co-workers desk. She's not going until December. HA HA!!
Anyway, its 14:30 were out the door. Mom drops me off at the airport at 14:45 and since I have no luggage to check, I go straight to gate security and done within 15 minutes. That's wonderful, but now what do I do for the next hour!
We board on-time, and the flight is no where near full. Out of 50 seats, only about 12-15 were full. The Delta/Comair flight from Boston to Portland is a short one. Total flight time is 22 minutes.
Boston proves to be a nightmare! To get to the gate for the Delta/Song flight to Orlando, I have to walk to the center of the terminal, grab dinner to go, wait to go through security, again, and head to my next gate WAY DOWN THE END OF THE HALL. I was supposed to have 2 hours or so between flight, but by time I got to the gate, it was only 40 minutes. I eat my icky Burger King meal and get the weirdest looks from this one family. The parents are speaking French, but all the children are speaking English. Weird! Then, I had to use the restroom. I dont like to use the lav on the plane and as I had been drinking water all day and had a three hour flight ahead of me, I figured I had better make a stop. And what do I find in the ladies room??? Automatic toiletseat covers. Press the green button or wave your hand in front of the button on the wall and the plastic toiletseat cover rotates the used part off and the new part on. Weird!! Then I notice the little plane I just got off from is only a few hundred yards away. The gate I got off from is right next door but I had to walk all around the mulberry bush to get here. Grrrrr.
Anyway, the Song flight went well. The one flight attendant was making the spiel about cell-phones and whatever but was very laid back about it. She called them evil and was more than a little sarcastic. As it turns out, all Song flight attendants are very laid back. Normal flight attendants take their job seriously and, forgive me, act like they have a post shoved up their bum.
Our flight down the coast ended up being mostly over lightening storms. It sure is amazing seeing them from the other side. I love flying at night! Then seeing the effects of light pollution around the different cities. Really amazing stuff!
The descent into Orlando was not a pleasant one. It just about made my left ear explode!!! The one lady behind me, the one who had a few too many Song Sunrises, was being very vocal about her ear problems. No one traveling with her was being very sympathetic, but I sure was. After we landed, I turned around and told her I had the same problem. She said she mentioned it to one of the flight attendants but they told her that if it was really all that bad, shed be rolling around on the floor. I told her if I had been able to get to the floor I would have!! As I look back on it, the flight was quite comical sitting in front of them.
I get off the plane, hop the first ride in Florida the airport monorail - and head to baggage claim to meet my driver from TiffanyTowncar. Polite guy. This was my first interaction with the first of many people who I think didnt know how to react to a solo traveler. The ride was very quiet and he either forgot the grocery stop or didnt know about it. I didn't mention it because by then, I just wanted to get to my room and relax. Apparently he didnt know about my DDL discount either, but again, I was too tired to argue about it.
I arrived at Coronado Springs around 23:15 or so. At check-in, I was disappointed to learn I had a room in the exact opposite place of my request. I requested Cabanas 9B, but ended up with Ranchos 6A. Oh well I was at WDW!!! I learned before I left that the Tom Joyner Family Reunion was going on and that everyone was staying there. My good room probably went to one of them.
Well, it was dark and not having a clue where I was going, I went to Bell Services and with CM Johns help, I arrived in my room at 23:30. After a quick call home and unpacking a whole two things, I decide to dump everything on the bed, call that unpacking, and head for the pool. WOW what a pool! After about a half an hour swim and 15 minutes in the Jacuzzi, it was back to the room and lights out at 00:45.
High Point: Flying over lightening storm
Low Point: Having to go through security a second time in Boston
Weird Point: Automatic toiletseat cover
*****
Day 2 - Saturday - 08/30/03
Plan for the Day: Early Entry to Disney-MGM Studios. Magic Kingdom for Spectromagic at 11pm. Pleasure Island.
What Actually Happened: I set the alarm for 06:50 and like "clockwork" it went off at 06:50. Suddenly I felt like abandoning my plans and sleeping in, but NO Walt Disney World was waiting for me!!
I left my room at 07:45 and just as I get out in front of my building, the Disney-MGM Bus goes by. Well, since they say busses are around 20 minutes apart, I decide to walk up to the Cabanas bus stop. Than, just as I get around the corner, I remembered I had forgotten something in my room. Back to the room I go. As I pass the bus stop, another Disney-MGM bus goes by within less than 10 minutes. Grrrr.
Finally I boarded the bus at 08:15 and the excitement of my vacation actually being here is way to much for me to contain. I start humming. If you know me, you know this is a big thing.
No, I havent eaten breakfast because some rides, especially spinny and simulator rides, make me wicked nauseous! At Disney-MGM there are no lines letting anyone in so I have no clue which line is the Early Entry line for resort guests. Thanks to directions from a great CM with a very big mouth, I get in the right line and am on my way!
Immediately I head for Tower of Terror to get a FastPass, just in case I like it and want to come back or in case the standby line gets too long.
My first choice, however, is Rock and Roller Coaster. I had never been on a upside down roller coaster before and I was about 10% nervous (like 10% real juice), but was determined to go on it. Once in by the limo's, it's apparent that I will be sitting with another single person. Thankfully, she speaks first and explains that she and her family had done these a day or so before, but her family decided to go on the tamer rides this morning. Since she really wanted to do these again she left them and Im glad she did. It was nice to have someone to talk with first thing on my trip. Made it easier to talk to people the rest of the time.
Well, I knew from other Trip Reports that this starts out fast, but I still wasnt prepared for the real thing. I was breathless for the first few seconds. It was just like totally tubular dude!! I really wish I had gone on it again!! After the ride, everyone gathered around the monitors to look for their picture, but I had no time for that I had a certain number of rides to get in before I got hungry.
Tower of Terror is up next and guess who ends up with me again the same lady from Rock and Roller Coaster! She says her husband was VERY VERY sick on this the day before. I explain to her my nausea problem and she says the Tea Cups hate her but she has no problem with this. Well, with no breakfast and Bonine working its way through my system, I blindly go in.
The preshow, which is hardly talked about, was cool. I had see the movie in preparing for my vacation, so I kind of knew the background anyway. As we are dealt our spots in line by the CM, I decide to let her go first and be the last in line. Stupid me doesnt realize that last in line means youre the on the aisle with a itty bitty place to hold on! As I sit down, I dutifully buckle my seatbelt and patiently wait for some other kind of restraint device to come down, or something to happen. I look at my neighbor and remark this is all - VERY - OPEN -. She laughs and says, isnt it great! Uuuuuhhhhhmmmm .OK?
So, Im sitting on the aisle, nothing in front of me to hold on to and only two rather small handles at the base of my seat. And this is supposed to be fun? Well yeah!! This ride was so wicked awesome!!! Once again, I wish I had gone again, but Star Tours, the last of my breakfast free rides, was waiting.
Star Tours the most dreaded of scheduled rides for the day. I am just miserable on simulator rides. They make me so queasy!! The standby line was only 5 minutes. I actually wish it had been longer as I like to look at what's in the queues to keep [people occupied, but with people waiting behind me, I felt rushed to make it to the main event. In line, I get talking with the couple behind me. The nice woman reassures me that if I could handle Back to the Future at Universal, I could make it through this. She also apologized in advance for acting like a kid once she gets inside. I tell her not to worry, thats why were all here! Well, this was pretty cool and yes, I still felt a little nauseous. However, it wasnt that bad, so I would go on this again, but definitely not after eating. In fact this is the only one of my 3 early morning, must do before breakfast rides that I would ever have to do before breakfast again. The other two I felt are safe enough to go anytime.
Up next, Muppet Theater. Loved the part in the preshow where Sam Eagle introduces Mickey Mouse!!! LOL After Muppet Theater, I sat on a bench outside the exit and ate my tiny package of crackers that I had brought, you know, "just in case". Well, it turns out that was my breakfast. Trying to find my next attraction, I got lost for a bit, but soon found Snow White, Dopey, Aladdin & The Genie, and some Pooh characters.
After getting a picture of Snow White for my niece, I wander around a bit more and head over to Sounds Dangerous.
*[Its about this point that I realize I HATE humidity. I love HEAT but hate HUMIDITY. It also turns out that Im a sweater. No, not the nice warm fuzzy kind you wrap around you in the winter (though if there are any nice single men, I am currently taking applications) but the sweater like Oh my, are you OK? You know the kind. You see them in line, beat red and sweating. What an icky thing to find out on vacation, but at least it complimented my new hair style by keeping it wavy.]*
Anyway, Sounds Dangerous was pretty cool. Was expecting something different, but I enjoyed it anyway. Of course I did, it was in the air conditioning for more than 5 minutes. It was WONDERFUL!! LOL
I head over for the Great Movie Ride next. Again, LOVE that air conditioning. In fact, thats my main goal for the rest of my vacation. What can I do next that has air conditioning? As Im waiting in line, a woman and her three children duck under the ropes in the back and proceed straight down to the front of the line. The doors were open letting the group before me in and the CM asked the lady woman and her kids to step back. He had to do this like 3 or 4 times. Of course, they didnt. They just stood there, obviously cutting in front of me, trying to force their way in. How rude! The CM inside finally closed the doors and one of the kids almost got a door in the face. Good, I thought, thatll teach ya!!
The ride itself was pretty cool. Loved the Wizard of Oz set and there was one other set I really liked, but I cant remember what it was. Grrrr. I sat in the second row, but I would have liked to sit further back, I think. I like to be able to observe things and that wasn't really possible up front. Ill have to try it next time I go.
A glance at my watch and its 11:45 - great, time for lunch! Seems like Ive been waiting my whole life to go to the Sci-Fi Dine In, even though I only learned about it last year.
Im a big, BIG sci-fi fan, so it seemed only natural that I had to try this place out. I posted a review of the place yesterday, but I will say, bigger people should be cautious of the cars. My tum tum just squeezed into the car. If they take you to a car and you think you wont fit, politely ask to wait for a table. But other than that, I LOVED THIS PLACE and I will definitely do it again.
When I went to WDW for the first time in February, the friend I went with said that she was going to see me cry at least one during our vacation. We had this ongoing the year before that any mention of Mickey or the Castle or even Florida, would make us say Oh, I think I'm gonna cry. Well, it didnt happen in February, but it happened this time.
After lunch, I headed over to One Mans Dream. I love inspiration and creativity and imagination. I guess that's why I find Walt Disney World so amazing. Walt Disney was full of those things, so even though I was saving the tours and exhibits for next January, I decided just HAD to go check out One Mans Dream. I stopped and looked at everything and was very much into the life of Walt Disney. I was inspired and taken in to it all. Then I came to the picture of the globe with Mickey ears and face crying and read the caption about how the animator had been talking with Walt Disney one day and when Walt left, he said goodbye. The animator remarked that Walt never said goodbye, just see ya later or something along those lines - Walt died the next day. That was it. I lost it. Tears started rolling down my cheeks and I couldnt tell you if anyone was around. I quickly regained my composure and went on to the next thing. Roy Disney giving a speech at the opening of Walt Disney World. He mentioned Walts dream and something to the effect that although Walt never got to see Walt Disney World oh, here I go again. I sure was glad I brought my tissues!! The show was great and I'm so thankful I did.
Well, after I left there, it was 13:30 so I decided to hop on the bus back to Coronado Springs for a swim and a nap. When I got back to the room, housekeeping still had not been there. The housekeeping cart was just around the corner, so I figured that since I arrived late, I was last on their list. Quickly, I get changed and go hang out at the pool for about an hour. Back to the room and still no housekeeping. I decide to head to the gift shop to get some bug spray ($7.25) and a gallon of water ($2.50). Its about 15:45 now and when I get back to my room still no housekeeping. I lay down for a nap and 10 minutes later, finally, housekeeping is knocking on my door. I let her in and make a run down to the vending machines. When I get back, she was just leaving and hadnt taken her tip because the envelope said Mousekeeping. She was worried about getting fired from her job for taking something that wasnt meant for her. I assured her it was just a play on words and she accepted the money, hesitantly. I lay back down for a much shorter than anticipated nap and about 10 minutes later, its the housekeeping manager calling to make sure my room was serviced and that I was satisfied. I felt like flying off the handle, but
told him everything was fine and yes I was satisfied. Ok, now its nap time. I was planning on getting up at 17:00 thats only 45 minutes away. Just time for a quick nap. I'm glad that didn't happen every day!
Well, half an hour later, no sleep, but rested and cooled down, I make a quick call to my niece which turns out I had to describe my WHOLE day and every single ride to her. Guess I won't be calling her again. Four year olds are so inquisitive!
17:15 I grab the bus to the Magic Kingdom for dinner, some rides while everyones at the parade/fireworks and then Spectromagic at 23:00. Weird point of the day - a woman plucking her whiskers with a pair of tweezers on the bus to the Magic Kingdom.
My plan was Cosmic Rays for dinner. As I walk down Main Street, I feel the air conditioning blowing from one of the shops so I decide to go in and look around. Who greets me at the door, but a pile of Pal Mickeys. At the start of my trip, I was still undecided whether or not I was going to purchase one, but the air conditioning changed my mind for me. Don't ask
me, that's just the way it happened. The CM looked at me weird when I asked to buy extra batteries, but maybe his mommy hadnt bought him one yet.
One of my nephews tells the same type of jokes as Pal Mickey, so finally, I have new jokes to tell him. In fact, most jokes I heard at Walt Disney World were of the corny, Pal Mickey variety. The best one comes on my last day there. You'll have to wait for Trip Report - Day 5 to hear it!A walk through Tomorrowland and I end up going on my first ride on the Tomorrowland Transit Authority. Nice relaxing ride and a great way for kids to see the insides of Buzz Lightyear and Space Mountain.
18:30 I make it to Cosmic Rays for dinner. Again, there's a post out there somewhere with my most recent review. A woman was pulling apart two tables and offered me one down by Sonny Eclipse. We had a nice little chat. Turns out she recently moved to Florida from Michigan and was taking her daughter and granddaughter for a special day at WDW.
After dinner, I went on Snow Whites Scary Adventures. Boy did they get that name right! Every single scary scene from that movie was in there. For little kids who have a tendency to get nightmares from TV, this had way too many scary parts and not enough nice parts.
After that I did its a small world. It still amazes me when adults and older children get what it's a small world is saying. When you enter the last scenes and everyone is dressed in their original costumes but in white, it dawns on them that it is a small world and the whole ride just suddenly makes sense. I love that feeling!
Splash Mountain was next. So, I was in line to sit by myself on the next boat, but the guy in the waiting boat was split up from his family who were in the seats ahead of him. He said I could join him, but I would be getting the wet seat. I was sweating so much it didn't matter that I was going to get wet. The seat where you get splashed at the start from the logs coming down through the briar patch. The seat closest to the waterfalls where you stop to wait before you get out. The wet seat. How nice of him! Still, I didnt mind and had lots of fun. He was a nice guy and even held out his hand for me to get safely out of the log. Some people at WDW are extra nice to be around, so are totally opposite. This guy fell in to the first category.
Its 21:25 and I am so beat. My feet are killing me! I think I'm dehydrating, but I can't stand the water to keep drinking enough of it. I cant get to the point where I think I can't stand up any longer, but soon realized that the early Spectromagic is starting.
I had found a great place near the front, but one little girl pushed her way in. Well, the CM told the not so little mommy that she couldnt stand in the walkway and that she had to either join her child or move. That's right folks, she didnt move. Now, it was WAY to humid and I was WAY to tired to put up with it, so I walked around and found a couple places along the way to catch glimpses of Spectromagic. Not too long into it, I decided the heck with it and went on a ride on the monorail. That's right air conditioning!
After I got off, I decided I better go get in line for the bus since I knew there would be mad rush coming soon. Well, apparently I hadnt missed the mad rush. It took a VERY LONG TIME to get back to Coronado Springs. One bus came and filled up a family of cutters and pushers kept me from getting on. The next bus that came and dropped off people from Coronado Springs, didn't pick us up but went to pick up at the All Stars, which was SO crowded!! Finally, the Coronado Springs bus arrived and I was on my way back for swimming and sleeping. Guess that means no Pleasure Island tonight.
After lots of swimming, and unpacking properly, lights were out at 00:30.
High Point Sci-Fi Dine In; One Man's Dream
Low Point Line for the bus back; sore feet
Weird Point Call from housekeeping; Whisker plucker on the bus
*****
Day 3 - Sunday - 08/31/03
I learned from yesterday that 06:50 was NOT early enough to get ready for the day, so this morning, I get up at 06:25. It's just plain -nasty- to have to wake up that early, but Ive got a busy day ahead of me.
This time, I catch the 07:30 bus to Magic Kingdom. I am going to be there on time and in line before they start letting the resort guests in early. Of course, my feet are telling me it has to be a short day, but for now, I just ignore them.
Once through the gate, I head down Main Street and through the Castle to Fantasyland. I could never get tired of walking through the castle. My favorite character is Tinker Bell and since I didnt get a chance on my last trip, the only thing on my mind was to get a FastPass for Peter Pans Flight. After that, I thought I was going to head straight to Tomorrowland, but got side tracked by the Winnie the Pooh ride. Very cute and I cant wait to take my mom on that in January Pooh is her favorite character.
From there I went to Space Mountain and this time, I got to enjoy the queue area. Boy, it sure is a LONG walk just to get to the front of the line!! It seems like I gave another CM the opportunity to deal with a solo visitor for the first time. The CM behind me said to get the last seat in the first vehicle. Since there was no one there and I wouldnt be sitting on anyones lap, I start to get in. The CM on the other side gets a nervous look on her face and says I have to wait for my party. I said, Im just one today. She got a little stern looking and said, JUST WAIT! please. OK Ok lady, this isnt rocket science! I finally get in and even though I knew what to expect, the ride was a blast!
Tomorrowland always gets me confused, so after exiting Space Mountain and a few minutes of turning around in circles try to get my bearings, I find the entrance to Buzz Lightyear and head in. Again, this was a repeat ride for me. I tried using both guns at once, but soon gave up and just concentrated on one. I still havent found the secret, but I did SO much better this time, I was pleased with my score.
My friend told me that I had to do Alien Encounter in February. I did and I thought it was so very lame. You have to understand that I read/watch a lot of science fiction, so it was really nothing new to me. This time, I decide to just go with the flow, not think about it, and allow myself to get scared. Well, it didnt work. I caught myself several times during the show, laughing. Now, the people sitting around me may have been the cause of my laughter, but I wont say anything in case any of them are reading this.
After walking through the Gift Shop [I love how a lot of the rides exit into a gift shop!
], I check my FastPass time for Peter Pans Flight. Its not until 09:45 to 10:45 so I head over to Adventureland.Before I left Maine, I went online to get the showtimes for the movie Pirates of the Caribbean that was playing at the AMC Theater in Downtown Disney. So, since the movie would soon be in my future, my first stop in Adventureland was the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. I figured if Im gonna see the movie,
I gotta ride the ride first! There were more skeletons and dark parts than I remember from February, but thats fine with me. A great ride, yet again. Disney doesnt disappoint even with the older attractions!
When I was in second grade, I saw a filmstrip on Walt Disney World and the two things I remember were Country Bear Jamboree and Peter Pans Flight. Ever since then, Ive always thought then when I get to go, those are two things that I HAVE to do. Well, Country Bear Jamboree didnt start for another 12 minutes, so I head back to Adventureland.
Last year, I bought the Theme Park Sing-A-Long CD and had the words memorized to a couple of songs in the The Enchanted Tiki Room. Well, in February, my Tiki Room experience was a bit tarnished as it was Under New Management and the songs I had learned werent part of the show anymore. Since it was only 5 minutes until the next show, I decided to give it another try. It was cute and I would definitely do it again. I just feel sad that I missed the original. Next time though, I will sit in the back, just to the right of the exit. From where I sat, I felt like I was missing something.
Finally, its time to use my FastPass for Peter Pans Flight!! Since Peter Pan is one of my favorite movies, this ride could not have disappointed me. It was absolutely wonderful!!! No wonder why there are always such long lines!
Its now 11:00 and Im feeling a bit hungry, yes I skipped breakfast again, so I hop on the EPCOT Monorail and decided to go to Morocco for lunch. Well, the line to get through security was long very long! It was at least a 10 minute wait, something my feet were protesting every second. I get through the gate and immediately I'm lost. EPCOT on the ground does not look like EPCOT on the map.
I see that there is a boat landing ahead and one at Morocco, so my feet force me in that direction. Theres no one waiting at the dock Im at, so I walk to the other one where a couple was waiting. As I get there, I watch the boat pull up to the dock I was at about 5 minutes ago. Theres another reason for my feet to call stupid.
So, I hop on the Friendship Ferry and the Boat Captain says were on our way to Germany. The couple asks if we'll be docking at Morocco. No, that dock is closed for refurbishment. It will probably switch next month. Well, I cant wait for next month. My stomach is saying feed me, my body is saying find air conditioning and my feet are saying PLEASE no more walking. I get out the map and look to see what will make everyone happy. One word - Italy.
As I walk over, there is hardly anyone about. Kind of like an old western where a stranger rides into town and all the town folk disappear. I kept expecting a tumbleweed to blow past me. I head to Italy in search of LOriginale Alfredo blah blah blah. Although I gave a review of Alfredos, Im going to go into a bit more detail here. It was one of the few awkward experiences and I feel its my duty to share it.
I go to the podium and tell them party of 1 for lunch please They ask for my last name and say itll be about 5 minutes. Well, it was about 2 minutes and my server did not pronounce my name correctly, at all. HENRY. Guess thats very hard to say in Italian. So, my party of 1 strolls into the very quiet, and in my opinion, fancy, dining room. I figure, I can do fancy with the best of them so lets get on with the show. And boy did it feel like a show.
My server was very nice. It was like they forgot to go over the chapter of solo travelers in the CM handbook or something. To start with, he recommended some bottles wine. Hello party of 1 here!!! He gives some menu suggestions and takes my drink order, a diet coke. Again, a slightly strange look or maybe it was me being dehydrated. (Side note I ordered diet coke everywhere thinking Id be saving a few calories that I could spend on dessert. Didnt happen. Every dessert I thought about, I was too hot or tired to get it. Major bummer!!!) I didnt have to take too long a look at the menu, I knew what I wanted. Fettuccine Alfredo.
Well, he returns with bread telling me to dump olive oil on my plate and add salt and pepper. That, I knew, but I was expecting some better seasonings than salt and pepper. Oopss . . .guess thats not being fancy of me. Well, he took my order, asked me if that was all (yeah Im big, but I dont eat a whole cow at every meal dude!) and left me to stare at the wall. Or to be stared at was more like it. Since it was slow at the time, all the servers stood about the perimeter of the room and while they probably werent really staring at me, it sure felt like it.
I get out my PDA and start jotting some notes down for my trip report. Not even 5 minutes after he took my order, I hear Mam (Hey - Do I look that old? I dont think so!!! Sorry think fancy thoughts, think fancy thoughts, think fancy thoughts). I look over my shoulder and theres my lunch. It was nice and hot, very tasty, but just not yummy enough for me to feel good about spending $15 on it. My server came to check on me once during the meal and replaced my diet coke when I was only about half way through with it. Nice service, but he seemed a bit uncomfortable with a party of 1. I will never go there alone again.
Well, my trip into EPCOT today was only for lunch. Actually, my feet decided that about halfway through the Fettuccine Alfredo. They were actually saying "I told you so - you should have walked more at home" but we can talk about that later. So, I grab the Friendship Ferry back. When I got to Spaceship Earth (the big golf ball for those not in the know), it started pouring. I was so hot and sweaty I didnt care. It felt great. Got in line for a bus back to Coronado Springs at 13:30 and once again, it time for a good swim and a nap. This time, I actually did get some much needed sleep.
At 17:00 I decide out of the blue to grab a bus to Downtown Disney for dinner and catch the earlier movie. The bus stops at the Marketplace, and me, not realizing they stop at Pleasure Island/Westside, too, get off and walk over. A double check of the movie time and I head to Wolfgang Pucks Café for dinner. I knew they had something I'd like and also, it was the closest places with air conditioning. I really needed to cool off. I go up to the podium and say party of 1 for dinner. I received a much better reception and much more comfortable service. They know how to handle solo diners. Check out my review for more information.
After my meal, I had a cup of coffee and took in the scenery, then quickly paid my bill and headed to AMC Theater for the 19:15 showing of Pirates of the Caribbean. I was very disappointed to see that they did not have any Goobers, a favorite of mine at the movies, so I settle for a soda and a bag of peanut MnMs. Theyre just not the same, but they were good enough. I wont go into movie details, however, I LOVED THIS MOVIE!!!! I cant wait to see it again and you can be assured that the DVD will be a early Christmas present to myself. Actually, Im hoping to go see it before it disappears from the theaters, too.
After the movie got out, I did a bit of shopping. Actually, I would have loved to do more shopping, but I was getting a bit tired and my feet had finally won their argument. At 22:40 I grab the bus back to Coronado Springs, with lights out at 23:50.
High Point Peter Pans Flight; Pirates of the Caribbean Movie
Low Point Line to get in EPCOT; sore feet
Weird Point lunch; an overheard conversation walking through the marketplace. A man says to wife that's because your not that refined lady I am
*****
Day 4 - Monday - 09/01/03
Plan for the Day EPCOT & Off Kilter; Priority Seating for Dinner at the Yachtsmans Steakhouse; IllumiNations Cruise with some DISers; Pleasure Island
What Actually Happened: Since I knew I was going to be out late tonight, I decided to sleep in and hang around the resort until lunch time. 09:00 I wake up, watch some cartoons (YES, I still watch cartoons and Im proud of it!), and do some shopping at Panchitos the resort gift shop. Panchitos is a nice little shop and I actually did quite a bit of my souvenir shopping here. I debate renting a bike to take my purchases back to my room, but since La Marina isnt open yet, I walk.
At 11:00 I grab the bus to EPCOT. The line is non-existent this time. Yiippeee!!! I knew the times that Off Kilter would be performing in Canada, so I head in that direction first. The line to Spaceship Earth is long, very long, so I keep going towards Imagination to do a few things before the first Off Kilter show.
My first stop is Journey Into Imagination. Gotta love that Figment! I remember hearing a different song though on web radio to Journey Into Imagination again, a mild disappointment, but theres so much to do after the ride I can deal with it. I walk through the gift shop, grab a Figment pin for my visor and head straight to Honey I Shrunk the Kids. Nice show, I wont give anything away, but a few of the special effects didnt work where I was sitting. I couldnt figure why people were screaming until the guy next to me told me what was supposed to be happening. (Ding dong Light Bulb Now I Get It!!)
I get outside and look around, look at my map and decide its VERY sunny out today. No big deal, its Florida, its supposed to be sunny. I start walking towards the Land Pavilion to wait a minute where are my sunglasses???? For the past two days, Ive been cramming them into my fanny pack whenever I've gone inside. Since todays weather said rain in the afternoon (just like every afternoon this week) and this time, I would be out and about in the afternoon, and wasn't planning on returning to my room, I crammed my windbreaker into my fanny pack. No room for the sunglasses this time. So, exactly what did I do with them? I still dont know. Only thing I can think of is that after Honey I Shrunk the Audience I through them in the goggle collection bin on my way out. Bummer, but my feet tell me to keep going rather than walk all the way back there. Ok feet, you win.
At the Land, I hit Food Rocks, another change in show and minor disappointment. It was still a great show and reminded me for some reason of being at the old Chuck E. Cheeses. Well at 13:00 the feet win another argument. I was hoping to squeeze in a light lunch at the Rose & Crown Pub in the United Kingdom but I put Off Kilter off until later and eat at Sunshine Food Fair instead. Just as Im sitting down to eat, I notice that Living with the Land has a FastPass return time of 45 minutes. Wow, if I had known that before I started eating, I could have walked right on after lunch. Oh well. Lunch is tolerable and when finished, my feet beg me to grab the FastPass for Living with the Land head to Circle of Life. I like the educational show type of thing, and Circle of Life is no different. I would definitely see it again. Only 10 more minutes until the FastPass return time. Yes, even though standby is only 15 minutes, I sit by the front door. Actually, it was a nice rest and I had some entertainment watching a CM trying to fix the automatic doors. They weren't closing all the way and he thought he could fix it by opening them and then banging on them. Eventually he gets them fixed how I dont know he must be related to the Fonz - so I head to Living with the Land and have an awesome time. Its amazing the things they do and again this will definitely be a ride I take my mother on.
Its about this time that I start think of canceling the PS for Yachtsman Steakhouse and go to Rose & Crown for dinner. Might be nice, then I can just walk down to the Boardwalk to meet up for the IllumiNations Cruise. This requires more thinking.
I make my way back towards Spaceship Earth. No line at all now, so I hop on and have an awesome ride. It's got more futurey, spacey things, so Im happy. From there, I head through MouseGears and grab a new pair of sunglasses. I couldn't survive any longer without a pair. I know I could have gone back and asked if they found them, or gone to Guest Services, but my feet said No Way! Notice how much I listen to my feet? That's a very important lesson for all of you!
From here, I notice that Universe of Energy is a 45 minutes ride. Ahhhh . . . another way to be entertained, relax and cool off at the same time. I enter and all the seats along the walls are taken. I'm not standing until the next show starts, about 12 minutes, so I lay down in the middle of the floor. A minute or so later, I hear about 20 sighs. A quick look around and I see everyone that was standing doing the same. Hey, Im more than a pretty face guys! I'm pretty smart too! Great ride, the Dinosaur part wasn't as scary as I imagined. Again, next time, I think I would sit in the back. It might have a better view.
I head over to the Making of Me to find out exactly how sensitive a show it is. The young boy in front of me, probably about 9 years old, kept telling his grandmother that this was going to be gross and she said no, its just like what you watch on the Discovery Channel. I thought it was tastefully well done. So, if you prepare your children, I think its a great show to take them to. By the way, the kid did ok, but he forced his grandmother to hurry out as soon as it was over. He didn't want anyone to see him in there. Body Wars was totally out. I was going to try it, make it a before breakfast/lunch ride, but the lady at Star Tours the first day said it made her wicked sick, so I didnt want to try it. I was even going to try Mission Space. That is like my dream ride, but my nervousness over getting sick won out over my courage on this trip. Maybe next time. I was thinking about going to Cranium Command but MouseGears was beckoning me back to do more shopping. This time, the need to shop always outwins the need to sit and relax my sore feet. After much shopping, I decide to take my packages back to Coronado Springs at 16:50.
Its now 17:30 and my PS at the Yachtsman was for 17:30, so Im not going to make that. After a brief stop at the room, I grab the first bus that comes by Magic Kingdom. The driver reminds us that they close at 19:00 tonight. Thats fine with me because Im only gonna grab dinner. I grab a bite at Caseys Corner. Yes, there's a review posted about this place, too. Though I'm dying for some air conditioning, I sit out on the patio and throughout my meal a duck kept staring at me. It was kind of funny, but rather disturbing too. From there, I walk back down Main Street and decide I have enough time for a grand circle tour around the Magic Kingdom on the Walt Disney World Railroad. Well, actually, two grand circle tours.
At 18:55, I get in line for the bus to Boardwalk. At 20:15, Im supposed to meet up with some DISers for the IllumiNations Cruise. Needless to say I have some time on my hands, but thats ok, I walk around, hit the candy store, relax and people watch. We had no real place to meet, so I keep my eyes open and eventually spot a bunch of people gathering near the dock. I figure thats them, introduce myself and ya know what? It is them. Im telling ya, my brain was working overtime this vacation that's scary!
We have a wonderful time together and I discourage everyone from taking an Illumination Cruise at the end of January. There's not reason you should bother wasting your money on it. (Actually, itll just be easier for me to get reservations if you dont try.) Our Boat Captain Jeff was great! Lots of those corny jokes I love, (yes folks, tomorrow night, youll get to hear the joke of all jokes and my favorite one near the end of my Day 5 report). A great night, but again, I dont encourage anyone going at the end of January. Its not worth it.
The group of DISers were wonderful, too. We had a lot of fun and I was a bit disappointed that I didnt get to spend more time with them. They invited me to join everyone back at their room at Old Key West, but I sadly decline - Pleasure Island, here I come.21:30 I hop on the Downtown Disney bus and Im minutes away from Pleasure Island. This time, the bus is packed tighter than a can of sardines. And this time, I remember to get off at the second stop. As soon as I get off the bus, the shopping bug beats up my partying bug and once again, I find myself in stores, drooling on the merchandise and loving every minute of it. Eventually, I pull myself away long enough to to go to Gihardellis. Its been over a whole week since Ive had an ice cream soda, but sadly, this one is less than perfect. Oh well, at least its ice cream.
A stop in the Christmas shop to get some things personalized before I head back could have been dangerous, but I limit myself to the back area where they personalize everything and struck up a conversation with one of the CM's. She has the best job. Working for Disney in a Christmas store. That is my dream retirement job folks!!! Actually, it's my dream job, but it probably won't happen until I retire. Anyway, I say goodbye to Downtown Disney for this trip and head back to Coronado Springs. After getting back to my room, I decide I dont have enough energy to swim, so its a bit of TV and lights out at 00:00. Yes folks, that is a real time! Its called zero hundred hours or "midnight".
High Point IllumiNations Cruise
Low Point Missing Off Kilter; losing my sunglasses
Weird Point Walking by Pleasure Island. That was one of my BIG must dos and here I was foregoing it for shopping.
*****
Day 5 - Tuesday - 09/02/03
The alarm goes off at 07:30 and I wakeup to the realization that today is my last day at the parks. I quickly get ready and run to the bus stop to catch the 08:15 bus to Animal Kingdom. Theres not much here that I didnt get to do in February, so I had a leisurely morning ahead of me.
The first stop is Asia to do the Kilimanjaro Safaris and the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail. The Safaris was great and I caught a glimpse of the new baby elephant. A picture would have been nice too, but the kid sitting next to me just had to stand up. Grrrr. As we did a lot of this in February, I walk quickly through the Exploration Trail to the underwater hippo viewing area. The water was a bit too cloudy so I skipped waiting to get near the front and finished the Trail quickly.
From there, I grabbed some fruit at a cart for breakfast (This is the one and only morning I actually ate breakfast), and made me way to Asia. This is something we didnt do in February. Between Africa and Asia, I notice a boat tied up to a dock that looks like itd be used for tours or something. Someone had mentioned it before, but the walk was roped off and there were no CMs around to ask them about it, so I went on my way. Hopefully, theyll open it up for a tour or something. I think that would be great.
Theres a little time still before Flights of Wonder, so I head to the Maharajah Jungle Trek. A lot of the animals werent that visible, but it was still a nice walk, and I'm sure it's great when the animals are more active. I was sort of apprehensive about the bat house, but once in there, it wasnt bad at all. For me, it was worse walking through the aviary. I was so afraid of getting pooped on! On my way to Flights of Wonder, I stop by a cart. It's strange seeing hawaiian skirts and leis on sale, but I stop in and buy a flowery hair tie for my niece.
Flights of Wonder was a great show and while my feet werent as sore today, they were appreciative of the rest. During the show, they kept asking for children to volunteer to help, but there were only maybe two or three of them in the audience. I guess everyone was back to school. One boy, probably about 7 or 8, ended up being the volunteer for just about everything.
For lunch today, I had already decided to go Flame Tree BBQ, so at 11:00, I stop in for a bite. My review was posted last week. There was nothing exceptional about this place, except, please, PLEASE, dont feed the birds! Since I was eating alone, I ate quickly as I was fearful that one of the birds begging for scraps would end up sitting on the chair across from me and share my lunch.
After lunch, I go to Its Tough To Be A Bug. Again, no real line to speak of, but I tried to walk slowly through the line to get a look at all the animals carved into the Tree of Life. Some people behind me didn't want to cut in front of me, even when I told them to go ahead. The show was great, but the 3D effects werent that effective on me. I dont know if its because theyre animated or what, but I found the Muppet Vision 3D show to have better effects. After its over, I decide theres nothing else pressing for me to do, so I grab the 12:00 bus to the Ticket and Transportation Center.
Ive always taken the Monorail to the Magic Kingdom, so this time, I decide to use the Ferry. It was a nice ride and I actually now prefer the Ferry to the Monorail. From Main Street, I went for another grand circle tour around the Magic Kingdom on the Walt Disney World Railroad, then stayed on for a bit longer and got off at Frontierland. I wanted to try to get in to Country Bear Jamboree, since I didnt get a chance to the other day.
Needless to say, with only a 10 minute standby wait for Splash Mountain, I went on that first. I get my own seat this time. There were two men behind me who brought a little girl along, too. She must have been about 4 or 5. Throughout the whole ride you could tell she loved it. She was so excited, but after the last drop, she was crying that she hated that ride and never wanted to go on it again.
From there, I head over to Country Bear Jamboree and decide to wait the 12 minutes until the next show. The wait for the show was crowded! We were packed in there like a bunch of sardines. The couple next to me just let their children run around bumping into me and other people and never said a word. Usually, I can be patient, but a couple of times, they ran into me so hard, I fell into the person next to me. Finally, I bent over and politely said to them that it wasnt nice to run into people like that and maybe they should go behind mommy and daddy before I told on them. I guess theyve never been spoken to by a stranger because they hid behind mommy and daddy and I didnt hear a peep out of them the rest of the time we were waiting.
The Country Bear Jamboree show was the same as always, but the audience was much better. They really enjoyed themselves. Everyone was clapping and singing along. It makes a difference when people just allow themselves to have a good time and not worry about what other people are thinking. Some people would have been annoyed, but I thought it was great!
From there, I decided to ride Pirates of the Caribbean one more time. I felt it was my duty after seeing the movie the other night. When I got there, Rusty Cutlass was performing outside the front of the attraction. I only caught the last few minutes of their show, but still it was great! They were performing again in a half an hour, so I made a note to come back for it. The ride was same as always, and even though the boat was packed full, I got my own seat, this time in the back. When I saw the movie, I only remembered a scene or two from the ride. This time on the ride, I could pick out more.
I walk through Adventureland and head to Aloha Isle for a Dole Whip. Im not a big pineapple fan, but was determined to try the ever famous Pineapple Dole Whip. Its funny, I did just about every ride I had wanted to do, and never chickened out, but now, I chicken out over pineapple and get a plain chocolate instead. Well, maybe next time Ill try the Pineapple.
I take my chocolate soft serve back to a bench near the Pirates of the Caribbean ride and peoplewatch until Rusty Cutlass comes back out. The two times I saw them, they always picked a spot in the shade and encouraged everyone to get out of the sun. I got to see the whole show this time and if youre going in the next few weeks or so, and while these pirates werent nearly as nice to look at as Mr. Depp and Mr. Bloom, make sure you get to see them! During one of the songs, each Pirate of Rusty Cutlass took turns telling jokes. And here it is folks, as promised, my favorite corny joke of my whole trip:
Q: How much does a pirate pay for corn?
A: A buck an ear! (LOL - I laugh every time I think of it!)
Anyway, after the show, I head back to Main Street and decide I just cant leave without one more ride on the Walt Disney World Railroad, okay two more rides. As I walk out, I turn around and take one final look. The Magic Kingdom will always be my favorite and it will always be the toughest to walk away from.
At 15:45 I head back on the bus to Coronado Springs Resort. There are only two of us on the bus, so the driver asks us which stop, we both said El Centro. I was going to the business center to check in for my flight the next day and print out my boarding pass. I walk all the way down to the business center, but when I get there, the sign says that its closed, Monday to Thursday. I was so annoyed that the CM didnt tell me that when I inquired about it at check in. Grrrr. When I got back to my room, I had planned on packing up most of my stuff, but since it was only 17:00, I decided that could wait. Quickly, I changed and headed down to the pool for some relaxation, swimming and dinner.
Around 19:30, I take one last look around the pool and head back to my room. I pack everything up and decide it was a good thing that I didnt get to check-in online since my bag was so heavy, I didnt want to have to carry it through the Boston Airport. The car service was picking me up at 05:30 so lights out at 21:30 tonight.
High Point Rusty Cutlass, very relaxing time at the uncrowded swimming pool
Low Point Realizing that it was my final trip on the WDW RR until January
Weird Point There was really no weird point today, just a nice day in the parks.
Day 6 - Wednesday - 09/03/03
I wake up at 03:00. My wakeup call isnt until 04:30 so I toss and turn until 04:00. I get up and start getting ready to leave. That is a miserable feeling knowing youre getting ready to leave Walt Disney World. At 04:30 I get my wakeup call and its Mickey! I know several people try their whole vacation to get a Mickey wakeup call and I feel special getting one the only time I used it. Well, Mickey waking you up is a good thing, but its still a bad thing to have to leave.
Check out is a little slow. I had paid my room about a month ahead of time and had a balance of about $6 or $7. I made only two phone calls, so the balance was about +$5 & change. Apparently, they dont get that very often, so it took them about 15 minutes to work out what to do. They gave me the balance in cash and I was on my way. The car service arrived on time, but the guy didnt bother helping with my luggage this time, or even getting out of his car. When we arrived at the airport, he grabbed my one bag from the back seat and put it on the curb, I guess he felt that was enough to entitle him to a tip. I only tipped him half of what I was going to and made my way to the check-in. I was all checked in and on my way to the gate within 15 minutes. I grabbed some breakfast and settled down to read my magazine. The flights back were uneventful and I was back to work by 12:30.
Traveling Solo Summary: Traveling solo was wonderful and I would encourage anyone toying with the idea to try it, at least once! Be a confident traveler, stay on property, use the bus transportation, and remember that you are just as important as every other guest. Make the CMs realize that as soon as they meet you, you may be traveling solo, but youre still on vacation and deserve the best! When you get to the parks, if there is something you want to do - do it! - even if it means being the only person standing in line. Once people see someone else there, they will join you. When youre in line for an attraction, talk to people. If youre shy, just ask if theyve been on it before and what they think of it. When a CM asks How many, be proud and say One! Youre a party of one and there is nothing wrong with that. A party of one can have as much fun, even more, than a party of four or five. Eat at sit down restaurants and strike up a conversation with your server. Ask for their recommendations. If the people at the next table catch your eye, say hello and ask them a question, any question. What did you do today? Where are you from? Anything. The key to conversation is to get the other person/people to talk about themselves. If youre not an outgoing person, bring a book, but you need to realize that once you stick your nose in the book, youve cut everyone off who may have spoken to you. People are less likely to interrupt a person reading than they are a person who's just taking in the scenery. And since youre staring at a book, you have no opportunities to reach out to others. I think if I had brought a book with me, I would have missed a lot! Now, dont get me wrong, I am a big advocate of reading. My nieces and nephews get books from me for Christmas and birthdays. Just save the books for your hotel room, or relaxing by the pool. People aren't going to gawk at you or point and laugh. (This goes for those people who know one size doesn't fit all, too.) People are more interested in what's happening to them than to stare and giggle at you. Remember, you may be traveling solo, but you're at Walt Disney World, you are never alone!
If you made it this far, thanks for reading! I'm very open to any critques and Id be happy to answer any specific questions privately. Just e-mail me.
i went on my 1st solo trip anywhere to wdw in apr/may so was very interested in your report. i stayed at akl and csr, and had a great time too. i was very self-conscious though, especially at the beginning of my trip, but after a few days relaxed and enjoyed myself. i am going on my 2nd solo trip in apr/04 and can hardly wait 
