No Time to Say "Hello, Goodbye!" - First Solo Trip...planned in 5 days!

[aacvacation]

Hellllloooooo DisBoards!

I'm very excited as this is my first PTR here on this wonderful forum, as well as my very first solo trip to Walt Disney World!!! Though...don't get too excited, because the truth of the matter is: this is going to be the world's shortest report, seeing as I am going there in FIVE days!

Now, now...I know what all of you planners are thinking... Is this girl really that new???
I KNOW that trips are to be properly planned MANY many months in advance, and normally, mine are too! But this one....well, it all was decided in one day! And that day was today! (Well...yesterday. I just haven't been able to sleep due to all of of my excitement!!!)

Without any further ado, allow me to introduce myself, and explain how this trip came to be...
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[aacvacation]

WHO?

Hello! My name is Alexis! I am 19 years old and currently (emphasis on currently) living in the state North Carolina...*crickets.*
Yeah, I'm not that crazy about it either. In fact I was born in Florida before my family relocated here. Fortunately the rest of our relatives are smarter than we, and are still there; so I visit often. But it just isn't the same!
I am a longtime fan of all things Disney! My parents on the other hand...well, they were generous enough to provide me with the movies and toys. But we didn't live in Florida anymore, so I never experienced the parks as a child. (Our annual theme park trip was always to Universal Orlando; my second love.) Fast forward to my freshman year of high school, and I took my first trip to WDW! It seriously changed my life. I have been back three times since then, and I have also traveled to Disneyland.

A list of my favorites...

Princess: Belle (I want to be her!)
Prince: Does Gaston count????
Movie: Beauty and the Beast (are you noticing a trend?)
Park: Although I absolutely adore NF at MK... Epcot is my all-time favorite! Probably because I've never been out of the country
Ride: Mission: Space!
Restaurant: Akershus Royal Banquet Hall (I go every trip!)

WHY?
My life has been...somewhat difficult as of late. This is probably more info than the Dis cares to know, but I was in a long term and very committed relationship that unexpectedly fell to pieces. After that happened, it became more apparent than ever that I have no reason to stay here in NC.
For almost two years now, I have been very dedicated to the idea of one day moving to Celebration, Florida. But I've never had a chance to visit there myself. After talking with my parents (and narrowly avoiding leasing a new apartment here) we agreed that it might be time to start working on making that move. Originally all three of us were going to head South for Easter. But work mumbo jumbo got in the way, and I wasn't going to spend Easter without them, so it was decided that I would drive to Florida after the holiday.
Now...like with most Disney fans, you know it's sort of impossible to get that close to the World and not stop in. I was excited by the prospect of getting to visit Disney World again...especially since I had just been in February. (That's right, two months ago.) But that was just it, I had been in February. And what was then the most wonderful trip I had ever taken (boyfriend, mom, myself) was now a very harsh reality. I'd made the mistake of sharing my safe place. And to be honest, it felt kind of tainted.
But Disney is my thing. And I wasn't about to let anything spoil it. So what did I do? I booked a trip there!

WHEN?
Tuesday April 22nd at 7 am I will depart, driving all the way to Orlando. (Just over 9 hours.) And return sometime on Monday the 28th.

WHERE?
Tuesday will be spent at my Aunt and Uncle's condo in Daytona Beach. (I'll actually be crashing with them for several nights )
Wednesday and Thursday will be WDW days, I'll be spending two nights at the All Star Movies Resort with Deluxe Dining (two firsts for me!!!)
Friday I will be touring around Celebration, and hope to meet with an agent from Celebration Rental Group who will show me six or seven listings I have been eyeing for a while. I'll spend Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights at my Aunt and Uncle's condo, most likely going back and forth between Daytona and Celebration on those days. (Definitely on Sunday, as I plan to go to mass at the church in Celebration!) ​

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[aacvacation]

I'm sure there is one thing sticking out up there...DELUXE DINING! And I'm sure all of you who have done it before think I'm cuckoo. But I LOVE food. It's something I am super, super passionate about; so I did the regular DP for the first time in February, and I realized why everyone has been raving about Disney food for all these years! I believe that the DP encourages me to go to places I really want to try, but normally wouldn't justify eating at based on price. Somehow it makes it easier when you just pay ahead. And for any skeptics: I did ALL the math (down to the things I will order), added the tax, and will be saving $70 on the DDP.
I'm definitely splurging on food, but I am going on vacation!


On this trip I wanted to continue to try new places, but add in a favorite or two. However, I honestly do not believe I am ready to revisit any of the places I dined at with my ex in February.
[For reference, that eliminates: Akershus (my tradtion ), The Wave, Via Napoli, Starring Rolls Cafe, and Tony's Town Square.]

The meals I had originally planned for (when purchasing my vacation package) are:

Day 1 - Epcot
Lunch - Chefs De France
Dinner - Coral Reef

Day 2 - Magic Kingdom
Breakfast - The Crystal Palace (early!!)
Lunch - Be Our Guest
Dinner - Cinderella's Royal Table (even I am rolling my eyes at myself, CRT 5 days in advance??? )

So far I am experiencing...well about as much difficulty as you would expect.
(And yes, before you ask, I have been up all night trying to get dining reservations. Getting coffee and preparing to call once WDW DINE is open for business.... *knuckle crack.*)

SO FAR...here is what I have secured in ADRs:

Day 1 - Epcot
Lunch - Chefs de France - 1:50
Dinner - Coral Reef - 8:05*

Day 2 - Magic Kingdom
Breakfast - The Crystal Palace - 9:45*
Breakfast - Kona Cafe - 7:30*
Lunch - Be Our Guest - FP+ 1:40
Dinner - ???

* - Reservations with asterisks denote current reservations that I hope to alter.

On Thursday, or Day 2, Magic Kingdom has an EMH in the morning...meaning the 'early' breakfast and first experience of being in the park before opening is not going to happen on this trip. Sort of a let down. But even then, I STILL want an early start, and some good food! 9:45 at CP is entirely too late, so I looked up another place that I'm curious about. That being Kona! Clearly it is much earlier, but can I get earlier than that?? I'm certainly going to try...especially since it isn't in the resort, so I would be traveling back to the Magic Kingdom...
And also, regarding Coral Reef, I am looking for a 7:30 reservation. I have NEVER seen Illuminations, always missed it, and for some pretty hysterical (although they were downright horrific in the moment) reasons. Remind me to share them some time. Basically, I'd like a reservation where I'm less likely to miss the show.

So I have a question for anyone who might be reading along: What's the EARLIEST breakfast reservation you've secured? If you show up early, will they seat you earlier? And also...while I'm at it, what are some other suggestions for breakfast? What about dinner in the Magic Kingdom? Thanks!​

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[Tracy161]

Hi. Alexis! Happy to be your first subscriber I'm so happy that you decided to go on this trip, Disney is truly the happy place of everyone on here and what better place to start a new chapter on your life! I'm sorry to hear that things have been rough for you, I hope this is the start of something wonderful!!! And.... FIVE DAYS away?!?! Yay!!!

 

[aacvacation]

Hi. Alexis! Happy to be your first subscriber I'm so happy that you decided to go on this trip, Disney is truly the happy place of everyone on here and what better place to start a new chapter on your life! I'm sorry to hear that things have been rough for you, I hope this is the start of something wonderful!!! And.... FIVE DAYS away?!?! Yay!!!

Thanks so much for following along, Tracy. Now I'm finally talking to someone Beyond that, thank you for your encouraging words. It's sad, knowing that this trip will be bittersweet. But I really want to power through that and quickly make new memories! I want to live there, and WORK at Disney! This has always been my goal, nothing is holding me back, and I don't want to be sad anymore. My prince will find me yet....and in the meantime I'll be with Gaston at his Tavern

 

[Tracy161]

You've got the absolute right attitude! I'm excited to follow along with your trip AND hopefully you're soon-to-be life at Disney!!!

 

[aacvacation]

I don't have much of an update...but all of my plans are confirmed with my Aunt and Uncle! In fact my cousin Karli contacted me and told me that she is having an engagement party on Saturday, and wanted to know if it would be possible for me to come down and join everyone!! Well, you bet I'll be there! Now I'm even more excited. I'm so close with her, and have helped plan several parts of her wedding (from afar), but haven't even met her fiance yet!

On top of that, my Aunt and Uncle are very excited that I am looking at apartments in Celebration. They are a bit on the wild side, and have done a lot of different things in their lifetime. (From managing professional athletes finances, to breeding world class race horses.) Their current 'profession' (more like obsession) is interior design. Of course I would never be able to afford to 'hire' them, but they are INSISTENT that they go and look at the apartments too. So...in an effort to keep my own schedule for Friday intact, they will probably be returning with me on Sunday. ...IF I even get to see the apartments in question! I'm getting a little upset because the lady from Celebration Rental Group has NOT called me back!!?? Might have to surprise them Friday...

What else?

Oh yes, I just scored an ADR at Coral Reef at 7:45! Only 15 Minutes earlier than the last...but hey, that 15 minutes is the difference between seeing Illuminations or not! I couldn't be happier!
Edit: And now I just got a breakfast reservation at Crystal Palace at 9:25am. Still not ideal...but earlier is always better!​

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[emmysmommy]

Hi Alexis! How awesome that you are following your dreams (and Dis craving) to WDW! And leaving so soon! We arrive on the 28th when you are leaving.

Sounds like a well deserved trip and I hope you have a ton of fun and accomplish all that you have on your list. Happy apartment hunting!

 

[aacvacation]

Hi Alexis! How awesome that you are following your dreams (and Dis craving) to WDW! And leaving so soon! We arrive on the 28th when you are leaving.

Sounds like a well deserved trip and I hope you have a ton of fun and accomplish all that you have on your list. Happy apartment hunting!

Hello! And darn! If there is anyone I would have loved to run into it would have been you and your daughter! (Who I believe is pretty much the same age as me, right?) Classic timing on my part. Well I hope you girls have a blast!!! Can't wait to hear how your trip goes! Thanks for stopping in and all the well wishes. They are do not go under appreciated.

 

[Tracy161]

Yay for the earlier Coral Reef res! I haven't been to that restaurant yet myself so I'm excited to hear about your experience. ahhh... I have a list a mile long of restaurants I want it get to!

 

[aacvacation]

This trip report is missing a very crucial element, that being FUN. And what is more fun than PICTURES?

Allow me to wow you with amateur, android quality images and stereotypical filters!

Excited to break this bad boy in...

...and the finished product!

Don't be fooled by this beautiful and simple photograph of one single piece of luggage. Although it is the only Disney one I own...it is not the only one 'll be taking.

In fact, I need to take this moment to tell you: I am infamous for always over packing. MY current guess for what should be a less-than-week-long trip...5 bags. (Purse included...but I have a BIG purse.) Though, to be fair I have only PLANNED to be gone for that long, realistically, there is no where that I must be. Who knows how long this trip will take? Gotta be prepared, right? ....Or at least let me tell myself that!

Now back to promised photos....

Fresh french manicure! (A little too short...but better luck next time.)

Actually...that's all I've got for right now.
But to keep you entertained, I have decided to humor myself and keep count of just how many articles of clothing I am taking for, again I remind you, a 5 day trip. (Not counting travel days.)

Tops - 13
Shorts - 10
Pants -
Skirts- 1
Dresses - 7
Jackets - 2

I am seriously questioning my sanity.​

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[aacvacation]

Yay for the earlier Coral Reef res! I haven't been to that restaurant yet myself so I'm excited to hear about your experience. ahhh... I have a list a mile long of restaurants I want it get to!

I know, I am very excited! And I have not been either. In fact, the only planned meal that I have, that I have experienced before, is Be Our Guest. The rest are all new!

I am so excited to do my first Dining Review, because I just LOVE food, and eat all different kinds. But I don't think I am getting too adventurous on this trip, because I mainly picked based on some great looking dishes I had been eyeing for a while. So they are probably pretty basic.

Also nervous about doing a review because I plan to pig out on this trip... I will have to expose myself! You are going to be sitting at your computer going, "She ate ALL of that?? "
And I'm going to be like, "You bet I did "

What are some of the others on your list?

 

[emmysmommy]

I don't think for a woman there's such a thing as "over-packed" it's just being prepared. You have a good excuse with the unknown length of your trip.

BTW, I'm a huge Kona breakfast fan! I don't think you can go wrong with that ADR. I'I just looked on the DisBoards restaurant site with the menus and it looks like they open at 7:30am so you have the earliest reservation that they offer.

We'll see if I can get around to doing a Trip Report for this next adventure. I still have my December trip report that needs to get kicked-off. Don't be surprised if you see a big guy for this next trip and not Em! She's sitting this one out since she's finishing school so my hubby will accompany me on this play date. We'll have our next girl trip in July.

 

[LaLalovesWDW]

Hi Alexis!!! Congrats on planning your first solo trip in record time! I'm about to embark on my 2nd solo trip next week. I arrive the day you leave!

I'm sorry to read about your relationship that took a turn so fast, but you are young, beautiful and best of all, you LOVE DISNEY!!! Girl, please.... his loss!! Plus the best way to get over someone, is to hang out with the Mouse. I remember when I ended an engagement many years ago (I think I was in college with Jesus at the time), I got over it by forcing my friends to go to Disney with me... lolol. Best forced fun. Ever! So.... definitely enjoy your time, your ADRs and just prepare for great things to come into your life as you you prepare to (fingers crossed) move to Celebration!!!

Enjoying your report!!

 

[ljcrochet]

Sounds fun.
Have you tried to get the reservations for 2, sometimes that opens up more than just for one person.

 

[aacvacation]

WOW! If you post pictures, they shall come!
Hello everyone, thank you so much for joining me on this (pre) trip! And Happy Easter to all of you!! I hope each one of you has had an amazing day with your family!

I don't think for a woman there's such a thing as "over-packed" it's just being prepared. You have a good excuse with the unknown length of your trip.

BTW, I'm a huge Kona breakfast fan! I don't think you can go wrong with that ADR. I'I just looked on the DisBoards restaurant site with the menus and it looks like they open at 7:30am so you have the earliest reservation that they offer.

We'll see if I can get around to doing a Trip Report for this next adventure. I still have my December trip report that needs to get kicked-off. Don't be surprised if you see a big guy for this next trip and not Em! She's sitting this one out since she's finishing school so my hubby will accompany me on this play date. We'll have our next girl trip in July.

I couldn't agree more! You just never know what you might need! So, in my case, I take my entire wardrobe and enough make up to start a circus!

I know you are the Kona breakfast advocate, you miiiight have been who inspired me to try it.
Honestly, I'm not a big fan of buffets, but the way I see it, then I'm kind of in control of how long I stay there? Plus, I'd really love to meet the Hatter if he is still making appearances. But those Pineapple Macadamia Nut Butter Pancakes are even making my stomach growl now.
I think my best course of action is to plan an itinerary around both ADR's, then pick which one works best for me. (Also thank you for checking on the ADR for me, I really appreciate it. I totally scored!)

Wow, I totally forgot you went in December! For a West Coast girl you sure make it to the other side of the pond quite a bit! I envy you!!! I wish I could just skip over to Anaheim all the time.
Well, all of us will be waiting with bated breath for any and all trip reports you write, because you sure do know how to write 'em!
And WOW! Date trip! Have an amazing time! (Sorry for assuming, whoops on my part ) Are you heading back for another meal at the Hollywood Rat Derby?

Hi Alexis!!! Congrats on planning your first solo trip in record time! I'm about to embark on my 2nd solo trip next week. I arrive the day you leave!

I'm sorry to read about your relationship that took a turn so fast, but you are young, beautiful and best of all, you LOVE DISNEY!!! Girl, please.... his loss!! Plus the best way to get over someone, is to hang out with the Mouse. I remember when I ended an engagement many years ago (I think I was in college with Jesus at the time), I got over it by forcing my friends to go to Disney with me... lolol. Best forced fun. Ever! So.... definitely enjoy your time, your ADRs and just prepare for great things to come into your life as you you prepare to (fingers crossed) move to Celebration!!!

Enjoying your report!!

Hello LaLa!!! Thank you!! Less time to stress about it all, haha!! Wow, girls trips abound! April 28th sure is a popular date! I will have to pop over to your PTR and catch up with all things LaLa!

Thank you for being so sweet, and funny! You have me rolling over here! I think you're right, if ANYTHING is going to fix this and make it better, I bet Disney is going to do it! (And forcing friends to go to Disney? You and I sound very similar LOL!!)

I plan to have a blast, and won't stop trying until I do! Thank you for the uplifting words, and I'll keep you updated!!!

Sounds fun.
Have you tried to get the reservations for 2, sometimes that opens up more than just for one person.

Fun is definitely the goal!!! And yes, I've been checking all the way up to 6. (Sorry other families, I promise I am calling to change them to 1!!! ) But thank you for the advice! It took my calling them, and Disney themselves telling me, "Yeah the system is flawed." during my trip in February, for me to finally figure it out.

Thanks for reading!

 

[aacvacation]

Just a quick update because today has been hectic!!! Might get around to saying more later, if I don't pass out!

This is me right now:

The more work I do around my house, the more of a mess I end up making. Oh well!

After Church, Brunch, and a quick nap, I have done 5 loads of laundry, caught up on some trip reports I'm following along with on here, looked at some Fast Pass+ options, and planned a tentative itinerary for my first day at Epcot! (I'm not completely clear on rules regarding talking about other Disney-related websites or services, so I'll just keep those specifics to myself )

Question to the general public: What's your opinion on the Anna/Elsa meet and greet? I saw them last time I was there, they were still in Epcot, and the line was 4 hours long. I was disappointed I did not get to meet them, because I was fond of the movie. (Problems with it here and there, but ah well. It's a kids movie ) But when I peeked in, I wasn't overly impressed with either girl. (Appearance or otherwise.) Have any of you met them? Was it worth whatever your wait was? I love character interaction, but only if it is really character interaction!​

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[Tracy161]

Yay! Another proud Disney visa holder! I love your background, I've had my background as the red one with the Mickey head ever since 2007, but yours is my 2nd fave!

Your Mickey head suitcase is amazing!!! I need all my luggage to be like that!

Oh my gosh, please don't think twice about exposing yourself when it comes to food! I literally have a "no rules apply" when it comes to food at Disney! I mean, I try to maintain a reasonable diet at home (emphasis on reasonable... No one can pry my hands away from chocolate no matter where I am!) Buuuut.... When I'm at Disney, I don't hold back! So please, eat and share, I can live vicariously through you!!!

Hmmm... Naming all the restaurants I want to try would be hard as there are SO many! In the past, I've put so much emphasis on cramming as much as possible into my trips that I often end up cutting sit down restaurants off the list in favor of counter service places. I need to try to strike a better balance though because there are just SO many great places to eat at Disney! Probably top on my list would be Le Cellier and 50s Prime Time. Some day soon, hopefully!

Good luck with your preparations tonight! I'll PM ya tomorrow!

 

[aacvacation]

Sorry everyone I have been majorly busy! After I arrive tomorrow, and it is socially acceptable for me to retreat into my own room, I will catch everything up!

UGH I am so excited it's really hard for me to get to sleep, but if I don't sleep, it won't be safe for me to drive. Ugh Alexis get it together!! ​

 

[Tracy161]

Have a safe drive!!! Talk to you once you're in FLORIDA!!!!!!!!!!!!