Oct 2005 Trip Report

[luvpooh]

thanks for the update! I've added Mama Melrose to the list of new restaurants at WDW that I want to try (we are seriously stuck in a rut with where we go there!)

 

[disneyfav4ever]

thanks for the update! I've added Mama Melrose to the list of new restaurants at WDW that I want to try (we are seriously stuck in a rut with where we go there!)

It is a good restaurant. Very good for MGM, where I'm usually dissapointed with the food, ecept at Brown Derby.

 

[disneyfav4ever]

Day 8 - Night - MGM

I finished dinner a little after 5:00, and even though I still intended to go to Fantasmic early for a good sear, the earliest time available to go to the theater for Fantasmic was 6:00, so I had a good hour to kill.

I decided to see Muppets 4-D, which I had seen on previous trips. I like it, but there are some parts I don't really care for. I've never been a huge fan of the Muppets, though I did really like the Muppet Babies cartoon when I was little. But, there are some good jokes, and funny parts in the show I do enjoy, so it was worth seeing.

After that, I headed to the package pick-up service to get the books I had purchased earlier, and headed to Fantasmic. It is a really long walk, or else it just seems long, from the dinner package entrance to the theater. At least I was able to walk off all of that food.

I had about an hour to wait before the show, so I was glad I had picked up my books first, since then I had something to read. (I was never actually bored my whole trip, but there were times, mainly when waiting, that I wish I had someone to talk to, but that void was usually filled by other guests or CM's.) This was actually the only time the whole trip I actually had time to read besides on the plane. So I managed to skim through the Desperate Housewives and Lost books, and look at lots of pictures of pins in the guide. I'd reccomend the DH and Lost books to fans of the show, but the pin book was $30+, and not worth it, all the same, and more up-to-date information is available online. (I'd recommend the Pin Pics website for anyone interested in pins.)

Unlike a week before, Fantasmic was shown all the way through this time. I had forgotten how great the finale was, with Jafar, the Snake, and Maleficent, and the dragon. This may be my favorite night show, though it has a tough time beating out Wishes. Though I never got around to seeing Wishes, since every night I spent in MK was for MNSSHP, so I did get to see Hallo Wishes a couple times, which I may even like better then Wishes.

Anyway, after Fantasmic, I headed back to AS Music. Knowing I would not be returning to MGM again this trip, and knowing I only had two days left, made me a little upset. My vacation was coming to an end.

Day 9 - Morning

I was able to sleep in, by my Disney-sleep in standards that is, this morning until abouit 8:00. Every other day, I had been rushing to get to the parks at opening, but I had an ADR at 9:30, so wasn't going to head to a park until after breakfast.

I was able to get to the Grand Floridian by 9:00. It is really a nice resort, and very beautiful, and while I wouldn't mind staying there, I'd prefer staying at Wilderness, Poly, or AK Lodge, since I prefer the theming at those places. The GF is just a little too fancy and expensive for my taste. But it is a nice resort, and I'll probably end up eating there at least once every trip.

Since I still had half an hour before my ADR, I do what I always do with extra time at any hotel I'm in, I head to the gift shop. So, even before I had had breakfast, I was able to spend a bunch of my money on pins.

Day 9 - 1900 Park Fare

I had been looking foward to this meal, since I hadn't done a character meal for a few days. I had done CP on day three, Akershus on day four, and CRT on day five, so I had had those three right in a row, and then there had been a lull of meals with no characters. Which, hadn't been bad, I had seen plenty of characters in the parks, and it's not like I hadn't eaten.

After checking in, I was able to have my picture taken with Mary Poppins in her nanny outfit, (she had her Jolly Holiday outfit on at CRT,) so that was a new picture for me.

When I sat down, I had a while to wait before my server came over. It wasn't very long, about ten minutes, but, compared to the other restaurants, where I think the longest I waited was about two minutes it was long. Also, it wasn't that busy. There were a good amount of people there, but, from what I could tell, my waiter only had three, maybe four tables.

He brought over a pitcher of juice, and a pitcher of coffee, and well this is what happened.

Him (Impaitently) - "Would you like some coffee?"
Me - "Oh, no thank you, I don't drink coffee."
Him (Smartly) - "Well do you drink juice."

That being said he poured me a glass of juice, and then walked off, before I had a chance to order a mimosa. I was on vacation, and had never had one before, so I just wanted it for the fun of it.

Well, he had only gone to the next table, so when he started to walk past me again, I was able to get his attention, and order it. He asked me if that was all, and I said yes, so he went back to the kitchen and I headed to the buffet.

I had taken a good five minutes to get my food, so I figured my drink would be there by the time I got back to my table, I mean, how long does it take to mix juice and champagne together?

Well, no drink, and it was like another five minutes after that until my waiter came over again. He didn't have my drink, because he needed to see my ID. Now, I was only 21 then, and am used to getting carded, it doesn't bother me at all. However, I didn't like the fact that this was 10+ minutes after I had ordered my drink, and I was just now being asked.

So I got out my ID, even though I almost said forget it, just because I was tired of waiting, but thought I would look like I was underage, so I handed him my ID.

Now, him taking the ten minutes to ask for my ID was one thing, an annoyence, but after getting my ID, he took it back into the kitchen with him. Now, that just got me worried, that he would misplace it or something, so I had a mental panic attack wondering if my ID would be okay.

About another ten minutes later, I had almost finished with my first plate of food, when he finally brought out my mimosa, and my ID, (what a relief.) So it had taken almost half an hour from when I had first ordered my mimosa to actually getting it.

It has never, at any restaurant I've been to, taken me that long to get a drink.

So, in short, my waiter here was horrible. And it didn't seem like this was just an off day to him. I work in customer service, and there's a difference between rude people and people who are just having off days. This guy had annoyed me, worried me, and had been condescending to me. And almost had made me cry, but I made myself hold off the tears. This was also a day DBF was supposed to have been with me, and I really wanted him there then, because, if anyone upsets me, he's sure to take care of it. I just didn't want to have to deal with that, especially since it was one of my last days. Obviously, this guy didn't get a tip. Well, I take that back, he did get a tip, in the total amount of $1, which I always do when I have bad service, I usually leave 30%, so he would've gotten around $10 if he hadn't been so rude. But I leave a dollar, so that the server knows it wasn't an oversight if there was no tip.

So anyway, enough about my horrible server, the food, was good, but I preferred CP breakfast. On my first plate of food, I had a pecan sticky bun that was very good, and probably my favorite part of all the food. I had a cheese blintz, which was okay, but I've had better. And, I also had some bacon and sausage, which were good. I love bacon, but rarely have it, so any chance for it at buffets I take.

On my second plate of food, which I got after being delivered my mimosa, was a ham, cheddar, pepper, and onion omelette. It was okay. I also had some potatoes, which were good, and some bread pudding with strawberry sauce that was good. The only thing was the strawberry sauce got on parts of my omelette, so I wasn't able to eat some of that. I'm not picky by any means, but F.Y.I. strawberries and eggs - don't mix.

As far as my mimosa was. It was fine, I wasn't impressed with it, though my mood might have put a downer on it for me. There was champagne in it, but it tasted mainly, just like orange juice. And at $8, and all the hassle I went through to get it, I should of just stuck with orange juice.

The one thing that probably did keep me from crying was the characters. The character interaction here was awesome, and even though I already had all of their, Alice, Mad Hatter, Pooh, and Tigger's, autographs, they were still very sociable.

There was a nice lady at the next table who took my picture for me. As I was sitting down after having my picture taken with Pooh, he pulled my chair out for me. So, I had better service from Pooh then from my server. He was so sweet. Also, the Mad Hatter, sat down across from me, and said it was shame I hadn't ordered tea, otherwise he would've joined me.

I'd probably eat here again, since the food wasn't bad, and the characters were great, and there's a slim to none chance I'd end up with that server again. If I did try here again though, it would probably be for dinner for since I still need Prince Charming, or on a weekend, so I could see Bert.

 

[disneyfav4ever]

Day 9 - Morning - Epcot

I was almost relieved when I left the GF, I just didn't want to be stuck at that table any longer. When I get upset, I tend cry easily, and unlike usual, I didn't have DBF or anyone to vent to. (I depend on DBF a lot.) On the monorail, I again almost went into one of my crying spells. (And I hadn't had one all trip.) But I pulled myself together thinking that my day could only get better, so I cheered up.

I was originally thinking of going to MK for a few hours, since I was right on the monorail, but actually went to the Contemporary first, to check another ones of my obsessions, the pressed pennies. (Also gets kind of expensive.) Somehow over the course of the trip I was able to get all six of the Happiest Celebration on Earth princess quarters, and I found those machines by dumb luck. Actually, speaking of dumb luck, I was cleaning my room a few days ago, and found my Meeko pressed penny from my 1999 trip, so that has been added to my pressed penny book, and I thought that was long gone.

After leaving the Contemporary I went to the TTC and decided to go to Epcot, since I did have a late lunch ADR at 2:30.

After getting to Epcot I headed to the Characters on Holiday bus location by Showcase Lagoon to see if there were any new characters. And there was Meeko! Who I had really wanted to see, ever since my first trip in 1998. Let me tell you, that washed away any bad feelings I had about that morning. There was no one else around Meeko, so I had him all to myself. Usually, I just want a picture and autograph, but this is Meeko we're talking about. I was like such a little kid. I ran up to him, and told him he was my favorite character, and that I had been looking for him all week. Well, he seemed very pleased about that, but then looked at my pins, and got "mad" that I didn't have a Meeko one. I told Meeko I had been looking for one, but that there were none to be found, and the CM with him backed me up on this. That was a great moment. And, of course right after that, I called my dad, only person I could reach, who happened to be with a client, but got an earful about Meeko.

 

[disneyfav4ever]

Day 9 - Afternoon - Epcot

There was a cooking demonstration scheduled for 12:30, and since I had a couple of hours before my ADR, I figured why not. The chef for this demonstration was Keegan Gerhard who has appeared on the Food Network, so I was glad I got to the Odysey building early. The only way to guarantee getting into the demos and tastings is to get their early enough, since it's first come, first serve.

The same couple I had met the day before at the sweet wines tasting were in line right ahead of me again, so I chatted with them again. Can anyone say it's a small world?

The demo itself, while again, not very informative educational-wise, was still very entertaining. And again, I'm trained in culinary arts, and realized that I have more food and cooking knowledge then the general population. This was proved when someone in the audience asked what creme friech was.

Anyway, the cooking demonstrations are well worth going to anyway. Gerhard had made up an apple tartin, with caramel ice cream. It was very good. Gerhard himself was very funny, and very Disney. When he walked in front of the podium, he was wearing Mickey shoes, and was telling stories about meeting Mickey Mouse.

After the demo I tried two more items from the food booths, the chicken and peach salsa wrap from the tortilla booth, which was good, and the potato and leek soup from the Ireland booth, which was very good.

I wandered around China, Norway, and Mexico until it was close to my ADR time, and then headed back over to Future World.

Day 9 - Coral Reef

I arrived at the restaurant early, but it wasn't crowded, it was after 2:00 though, but apparently it's never that crowded at lunch, the hostess told me, dinner was another story.

I'd read several mixed reviews about Coral Reef. Most of them were either very good, or very bad. It didn't seem that any were inbetween, and that it was extremely hit or miss here.

I started with the lobster soup which had brandy added to it, I'm used to sherry in seafood bisques, but this was good neitherless. Although, it was very creamy, almost too creamy, and very rich, so I wasn't able to eat it all. I was actually dipping my bread into it, and it was very good that way. Also, the butter here is molded to look like a shell. I just love little details like that.

I then had the crab cake which is served with corn salsa and sour cream-chive sauce. It was good, but a little dark on the edges, so I was afraid it might taste burnt, not the case, it was actually a little on the cool side. Go figure. The corn and sauce were very good with it though.

By this time the server had noticed me taking pictures of my food, and asked me about it. I explained to him about the DIS Boards, and that we all like to look at food here. He was suprised to find out that there were a whole bunch of people that take pictures of there food, and seemed pleased that I thought this food was worthy of pictures. (I didn't tell him I took pictures of everything I had eaten,) but the presentations at Coral Reef were some of the better ones.

That brings me to dessert. After seeing pictures of it, and never reading a bad review, I had decided that I just had to have the chocolate wave, which is a dark chocolate cake with a chocolate-Grand Marnier center, white chocolate ice cream, and a tulie-butter fish-shaped cookie, plated to look liek the Living Seas pavillion. You know how some things look really good, but the taste is just kind of blah? That is not the case with this, it tastes just as good, if not better, then it looks. And is a chocolate lovers, (like me,) dream. As good as this was, it's hard for me to give it best dessert of the trip, as the quality was tied with several others, but the plate presentation, (very important to me,) made it the best.

Day 9 - Afternoon - Downtown Disney

After lunch, I headed to Downtown Disney to check on the pins there, and buy some candy at Goofy's Candy Co, that I wanted to take home with me, since I wanted to spend my last day completely in the parks.

The pin store in DTD is probably the biggest one in Disney, and I bought a few pins, as well as a album, and more Mickey backs there. (There's another $50.)

At Goofy's Candy Co. I planned on just getting a sampler box of fudge, but there was buckets of caramel corn coated in chocolate and marshmallows that I just couldn't resist. That was in addition to, not in lieu of, the fudge. Now, the pieces of fudge were around $3 each, but, if you bought six pieces, you got 30% off, so of course, I got the six piece deal. I got a piece each of; pumpkin, peanut butter, cookies and cream, apple-cinnamon, butterfinger, and caramel. I really liked the pumpkin, apple, and peanut butter ones. And realized awhile later that I had gotten none with chocolate in, (white chocolate is not chocolate to me,) and considered getting another box the next day for chocolate ones, but that never happened.

Day 9 - Earl of Sandwhich

I haven't been giving CS locations their own headings, but being as this was my only non-TS dinner, I feel it's deserving.

I had the best sandwich ever here, and for only $5, it was probably the best deal I had all week. There was also free refills on soda, so I was able to refill mine before leaving.

I had the beef and blue, which is roast beef, blue cheese, lettuce, and tomato. There was lots of beef in it, as well as cheese. I know some places that will put in a small amount of meat, and then use lettuce as a filler to make it look bigger. Not the case here, there was loads of meat, and very filling. The bread was yummy as well. So Earl, is on my list for all future DTD visits.

 

[Azure]

I really enjoyed reading your report! Thanks for taking the time to post your magical vacation!

 

[disneyfav4ever]

Day 9 - Night

After spending the rest of the afternoon shopping, I headed back to AS Music a little after 7:00. It was Wednesday, and there was a new episode of Lost on tonight, a Hurley episode, and he's one of my favorite characters, so I just had to watch that. And it really did count as Disney, since Disney owns ABC, so I was surronded by Disney all week.

Day 10 - Morning - Epcot

Day ten a.k.a. my last day, though I didn't fly back until the next day, this was my last day in the parks. I only had one ADR today, since I wanted to spend as much time in the parks as possible, and that wasn't until 5:30, so I decided to spend the day in Epcot, and then I had MNSSHP that night.

I made it to Epcot about a half-hour before park opening, and was one of the first ones in line at the ticket machine, with an older couple, and a family of four, the two kids were about ten years old, who, I found out, were from near my town. The CM at the gate talked to us about Epcot; that Soarin had a 95% approval rating from guests - the highest of any Disney attraction, and that Le Cellier was the highest rated restaurant by guests in WDW.

At opening I headed straight for the Soarin FP machines, and got a FP with a return time about half an hour later. I then immediatly got in the stand-by line, and only had a ten minute wait.

I was glad, after exiting the ride, that I had gotten the FP first, since then the return time was over an hour away. So for all of you who want FP for Soarin get there as soon as possible, every day the FP's were gone around noon, and the stand-by line would get up to two hours.

I still had about fifteen minutes before my FP time, so, not wanting to leave the Land, went to Sunshine Seasons for a snack. I had a chocolate crossiant, it was good, but not as good as the pastries at Fountainview Cafe.

I then used my Soarin FP, so within the first hour of opening, I had managed to ride Soarin twice, and get myself my breakfast.

I then stopped by Spaceship Earth where the Characters on Holiday bus was. Meeko was greeting again, and I'm pretty sure he remembered me from the day before, because he gave me a big hug. I guess I left quite an impression on him! I also realized that you can be ignorant of Disney characters, but still have a good time. There was a father ahead of me in line, (the Spaceship Earth bus greeting spot was always more crowded then the one by the lagoon,) with his two kids, who, not wanting to stand in the huge line for Mickey, had seen, and I quote, "A friendly looking racoon, let's see him instead." I laughed at this, he wasn't being mean or anything, he just had no idea who Meeko was, and had wanted to avoid standing in a long line. I talked with him for a few minutes, telling him that the racoon's name was Meeko, and that he was from Pocahontas a.k.a. the Indian movie.

I then saw the, I want to say Kristos, not sure if that's right though, perform by Innoventions. What talented acrobats!

I then headed into World Showcase, which is where I spent the next four hours, trying as many items at the Food and Wine Festival booths as I could manage.

I started with the south-western turkey cobb wrap at the tortilla stand. I had chosen the other wrap the day before, thinking that would of been more to my liking, and while that had been good, this one was excellant! As a matter of fact, (I had bought the Food and Wine Festival cookbook earlier,) I had this for lunch yesterday, and have had it several times since I've been home.

I also had the pollo (chicken) and chorizo (Mexican spicy sausage) quesadilla at the Mexico stand. It was also very good. I then had the flouless chocolate cake with Irish whiskey sauce, and a sampling of O'Mara's Irish cream, While I liked the cake, even though it was more like a brownie then a cake, I didn't care for the O'Mara's.

After those few samples, I rode Maelstrom, which I've always enjoyed, and had been meaning to ride all trip, but didn't get around to until then. Unknown to me, this is the last time I went on a ride for the remainder of the trip. So, anyone who thinks Disney is just an amusment park, though I doubt any of those people would be reading my trip report, should no that it is possible to go to Disney, and ride no rides what-so-ever, just take in the shows and such, and still have a great time. Though I wouldn't reccomend not trying most rides, unless there's things such as health boundaries. (Which now applies to DBF, so if he ever comes to Disney with me, we'll be skipping all the thrill rides.)

After that, I was in China, and had wanted to see if Mushu was doing meets and greets since I still had to see him. Well, the same CM, who was out with Mulan then, recognized me from a few days before, when she had been out with the Genie, Jasmine, and Aladdin, and told me Mushu would be switching off with Mulan in about half an hour.

So I continued my World Showcase sampling tour, next up was the lamb berdie, which is lamb and pumpkin stew with rice, and was at the South African booth. It was very good, and was made with two of my favorite foods, which are usually not that common. I always love anything with pumpkin, but aside from pie, it's rarely on any menus, and even with the pie, that's usually only around during the holidays.

I then had an Australian beef skewer at the Australian booth. It was good, and not over-cooked, which, pleasantly, was never the case with anything I ate all trip.

I then back-tracked back to China to see if Mushu was out yet. Well, it turned out it was going to be a little longer until Mushu was out - but he would be out.

So instead of walking away from China again, I had the chicken sha cha, and I bowl of ginger ice cream from the China booth. The chicken was good, but nothing special, but the ice cream was excellant with bits of crystallized ginger in it.

Then it was time to see Mushu, and while waiting to see him, the CM asked me who I still needed, and me, being my organized self, pulled out my little notebook that had a list of characters I still needed. (Some people must have thought I was crazy.) Well, the CM looked at it, and told me that most of the villians who I needed would be at MNSSHP, luckily I had my ticket for that night, as well as Abu.

I then continued my way around World Showcase, not stopping until I was in Italy, where I stopped to try a glass of champagne. I debated getting the Rosa Regale again, since I had liked it so much before, but opted to try the Iron Horse Fairy Tale Cuvee, since I liked the name of it. (Amazing what I base my decisions on sometimes.) It was okay, but nothing compared to the Rosa Regale, at least I know for my next Food and Wine Festival to stock up on the Rosa Regale.

I then stopped at the hops and barley booth, even though I rarely drink beer, and tried the chocolate cream stout cake, which was good, and not at all beer-tasting, even though it had Samuel Adam's in it. The CM at the booth commented on me taking a picture of it, saying that the day before someone had been videotaping it. (I'm not sure how you can videotape food, but apparently it's possible.) Though that's a bit too much, even for me, and I'm going to start a photo album of food, so that the pictures aren't just in my camera for all of eternity.

I then stopped at the U.S.A. booth and tried the cheddar crab cake with cranberry relish. I liked the crab cake, but the relish was just okay. I also stopped at the pin cart in America and added to my collection.

My next stop was Morocco, where I saw Jasmine again, and since there wasn't a long wait, and she's my favorite princess, I had my picture taken with her again.

Also when I was in Morocco, I tried the pistachio baklava, it was good, but didn't have a very strong pistachio flavor like the creme brulee did at Jiko.

I then headed to France, where Aurora was all by herself aside from her CM, so I stopped to have my picture taken with her again. She was very pleasant, and since there was no one, and I mean no one around, talked to her and the CM for a few minutes. Though that was an actual conversation about World Showcase. When I had seen Aurora at Toontown before, she had talked about Prince Phillip, and that was way earlier in the trip, so I was still getting used to characters at that time, but this conversation came so easily, maybe because it was easier to talk about the park.

 

[disneyfav4ever]

Day 10 - Afternoon

After seeing Aurora I walked through the UK and Canada, and made my way back through Future World. I decided to go back to my room and drop off the things I had bought, which were a mug, several pins, and a cd, since I didn't want to be stuck carrying them around all night. (Mental note to self - from now on use the package pick-up service.)

So I went back to AS Music for about an hour, until it was time to head over to Wilderness Lodge for dinner. I took the bus to the MK, and then waited for the ferry to go over, I had given myself a little over an hour to get to WL from AS Music, but I had just missed the ferry, so I had to wait for the next one, so I was a few minutes late for my ADR.

Day 10 - Artist Point

Being a few minutes late, and really just a few minutes, my ADR was at 5:30, and I was seated by 5:35, wasn't an issue. They had just opened up, so the restaurant was pretty much empty except for a few other tables.

My server was very nice, and didn't have a problem with me ordering two appetizers instead of an entree, (only at Kona did I recieve some resentment over this,) and I choose the venison spring rolls with hot sweet and sour sauce and the duck confit with frisee-anjoy pear salad, apple cider vinaigrette and duck prosciutto.

My server brought out the venison spring rolls first, so that I could eat in courses, even though I had just gotten appetizers. (The server also did this at Coral Reef, but not at Kona.) So I started with that, along with the bread and butter, which was very good here. I'm not sure what kind of butter it was, but it was different then regular - normal butter, but was still very good. The spring rolls were okay, but didn't have a strong venison taste, though I did like the sweet and sour sauce.

The duck confit was good, and it had been a long time since I'd had duck, so that was a treat. The frisee salad with it, was amazing. When the server, who was very attentive, asked me how it was, I think I used the word awesome to describe the dressing, and I don't usually like vinaigrettes.

And as always, I ordered dessert. I only had to glance at the menu to know what I wanted, and that was to make sure it was still on the menu, not that I actually had a decision to make. As much hype as the berry cobbler gets, I had long since decided I wanted the coffee two ways, which was two of my favorite desserts, creme brulee and bread pudding, combined. The mochaccino bread pudding was very good, and also very rich, so I wasn't able to eat it all, there was also caramel sauce on the plate, (another favorite of mine,) so I was in heaven, and the vanilla latte creme brulee was excellant as well, and even though that was almost just as rich as the bread pudding, I was, somehow, able to finish that.

 

[mom2my3kids]

I love reading your reviews. We are going in october, not alone but with my hubby and three children. We are also going to do the MNSSHP, cant wait for the tickets to come out so I can buy them..

 

[disneyfav4ever]

Day 10 - Night - Magic Kingdom - Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party II

After I had finished eating I went to get the ferry back to MK. It seemed like I kept on missing the ferry by a few minutes each way, so by the time I got to MK it was a few minutes after 7:00.

I didn't really have a plan for the night, except I knew that I wanted to see the parade and Hallo Wishes again, so I had an hour before the first parade to do whatever I wanted.

First I went to Adventureland to see if I could find Abu. Well, Jasmine and Aladdin were doing greetings, and I learned from the CM there that they would switch off with Abu and the Genie every half-hour.

I walked into Fantasyland, debating if I wanted to ride anything there. But I saw Snow White and all seven of the dwarfs, so I quickly got in line to get my picture taken with them.

After that I headed back to Adventureland. It was about 8:25, and Aladdin and Jasmine were still out, but there was a considerable line, so I figured if I got in line now, I would be at the front by the time Abu came out. Well, my plan worked, and I was able to see Abu quickly without spending any more time in line.

I was right by the parade route at that point, so I decided to wait and see the 8:00 Boo to You Parade. It was crowded, and I had a less-then-perfect view, but it was all right since I wasn't trying to take any pictures.

After the parade I went back through Adventureland to get to Main Street so I could pick up the special MNSSHP pin of the night. I got side-tracked when I passed Aloha Isle, and decided I just had to try a Dole whip float after reading so much about them here on the DIS boards. I enjoyed it, but think I would prefer it as just the ice cream, since with the juice it was a little too sweet for me.

When I did get to the shops on Main Street, I had intended to just buy the pin for the night, which was a Pooh and Eeyore one. But then, I decided to ask if they had any available from the previous night I had been there, even though I had no idea which pin it was, but I hadn't been collecting pins then, I mean, that had been a whole week ago. But, the nice CM, who wasn't sure which pin it was either, made a phone call, and found out it was the Minnie Mouse one, so I was able to get that one too. (It's amazing how friendly, helpful, and out-going the CM's are here, for the most part anyway.) So I had gotten the two pins, and another dozen different ones. I should face it, I have no control when it comes to pins.

By then, it was time for Hallo Wishes, so I went and got a seat right in front of the castle. At the begining of my trip I wasn't sitting on the ground - I was still to in the "real" world, thinking of germs and dirt. But, I just plopped myself down, knowing I was in for some great fireworks.

After Hallo Wishes, there was a Villians Mix and Mingle, so I was able to meet Maleficent. The villians are only out for a short amount of time so she was the only one I was able to see.

It was close to the second parade by then, and since I was right where the parade would go by I was able to get a better viewing spot for this one.

After the parade there was another Villians Mix and Mingle, and this time I was able to see two, Frollo, and the Snow Queen.

I was tired by then, and even though I was upset at the fact that I knew I wouldn't be coming back to the parks for at least a year, I somehow managed to go back to AS Music.

Departure Day - Morning

I hadn't done any packing at all. For some reason I always wait until right before I leave to do my packing when I go home, packing to go to Disney is another story, since I'm usually packed a week before my trip. Though it is easier to pack going back since I was just able to dump in my clothes without folding them, they were going to be washed as soon as I got home anyway, so who cares about wrinkles now.

About mid-way through my packing I went down to the food court, and refilled my mug and got some chocolate chip pancakes. The pancakes were really good, and I was actually suprised at the quality of them.

Packing my carry-on was more difficult then packing my suitcase. I needed to get more in my carry-on then I had originally brought so there wasn't a lot of space. I don't like packing stuff I don't want to lose in my suitcase, but I opted to put my pin album with all my pins in my suitcase, as well as all my clothes, and the bucket of caramel corn I had bought at DTD. The pins were the only thing I was really worried about.

Since I had all of my clothes in my suitcase that made a little more room in my carry-on since I had some clothes in that coming down. The thing I was probably most worried about was my wine glass from Party for the Senses, up till now it had been on the table in my room. I ended up putting it in a plastic bag at the top of my carry-on hoping for the best.

Well, everything was ready by 10:30, except that some guy came pounding on my door around 10:00 wondering why I wasn't out of my room yet, even though I didn't have to be out until 11:00.

Departure Day - Afternoon

DME wasn't picking me up until 1:00, my flight wasn't scheduled until 3:30, so I had plenty of time. And I still had my mug with me, so I was able to drink as much diet Coke as I wanted.

The ride to the airport was uneventful, and wasn't nearly as exciting as driving into Disney World. In fact, I down-right dislike driving away from Disney World.

At the airport I checked in, and then headed to the food court for something for lunch. I got a pizza roll from an Italian place there, and then headed to my gate around 2:30, an hour before my scheduled departure time.

Notice how I keep saying scheduled departure time. My flight was supposed to be at 3:30, but due to some kind of air traffic control, it was pushed back to 5:30.

They were offering upgrades to first class seats for $100, and I considered it for the fun of it, but decided how much difference could it make, so didn't. I was sorry I didn't. I was sitting in front of two badly behaved children, about ten years old, so old enough to know better, who were kicking the seat backs, and talking very loudly, almost screaming. Their parents were trying to get them to calm down, and threatning them with the "no more vacation," routine. So aside from already being depressed that I had to leave Disney and come back to the "real" world, I got to do it with that hassle.

 

[disneyfav4ever]

My Final Thoughts

I will always want to go solo from now on. Maybe I'd consider a trip with DBF, and I do want to have my wedding there, so DBF and I, (who will sooner or later propose,) will eventually take a trip together then at least, and of course after that, with our children. But I did love going solo, and have my trip planned, and booked for Dec, and hopefully they'll offer free dining again in 2007, for my Oct trip. I was suprised when I read this morning that they're having it this year, so I'll keep my fingers crossed and hope for pixie dust next year.

The advantages of going solo definatly out-weighed the disadvantages. I was able to eat where I wanted, where as whenever I went with my family it was usually all CS meals, with the exception of one or two TS meals for the duration of the trip. And, as you can tell, I did mainly TS meals, with several CS snacks.

I was able to see as many characters as I wanted without anyone making fun of me, or saying I'm too old, or why do I want to wait in line for people dressed up in a mouse/mermaid/racoon costume. I don't care, as far as I'm concerned, when I'm at Disney they are real. I ended up seeing 76 different characters, many of whom I got autographs from - Prince Charming, the dwarfs, the prince from Beauty and the Beast, etc. didn't sign.

I was also able to ride whatever I wanted when I wanted to, but that was always less of an issue on family trips then the characters or meals were, though I was almost always the only one who wanted to see all of the parades.

I usually recieved good, if not great service, with two exceptions, (Kona and 1900 Park Fare.) For the most part I was also seated extremely quickly, since I guess being solo I was easier to seat then a big group. Also, I had a lot of early ADR's when the restaurant was just opening up, so that may have also helped.

Some things that I learned.

1) When I go again during the Food and Wine Festival I'm going to leave a bunch of open space in my plans for Epcot, for wine tastings, cooking demonstrations, and food booth sampling.

2) Little things add up. The pressed pennies, which are only 50 cents each quickly added up to over $30, but that's nothing compared to the $500 I spent on pins - see number three.

3) Pins are overpriced. I'm much better buying them off of E-Bay, which I wasted no time in doing after I got home. I will now limit myself to special or limited editions in the parks, and ones I really really like that I feel I'll die if I don't get.

4) Always ask, and CM's will do whatever they can do to accomodate. I never asked for anything out of reason though. I always asked for a front row seat on Soarin - well worth it, and was always willing to wait until the next ride.

5) Talk to people in line. There are some interesting stories from anyone, especially the CM's, who can give you some really good tips.

6) Who cares how old you are go meet the characters, and interact with them too. Meeko was clearly happy to see me again the second time I saw him. And I think that the characters do have more fun with adults.

 

[disneyfav4ever]

Also, my cat's fine now, she was better when I got back. DBF is also fine now, but he goes to the doctor regularly for tests. And all of my pins and my wine glass made it home safely.

 

[marlynnp]

Loved your report ~ thanks for posting it!

 

[fizz13]

Well it took me some of last night and bits of today when i could fit it in, but I finally got to the end from my last comment. I'll say it again: Solo is clearly the way to go. Sounds like you had the most amazing time and I had tears when you finally got to meet Daisy and Meeko I'll be there around that time for this year so I've had a real education in which food and wine to look for, especially the sweet ones, you're my kind of girl.

Thanks so much for taking me on vaction with you ( well not really, otherwise you wouldn't be solo would you? ) and I hope we can do it again next year,
Claire xx

 

[disneyfav4ever]

Thanks so much for taking me on vaction with you ( well not really, otherwise you wouldn't be solo would you? ) and I hope we can do it again next year,
Claire xx

I'll definatly be writing another report next year, but since my trip isn't until Dec, and then Christmas is a week after I get home, it won't be posted until Jan at the earliest.

Also, I'm in the process of uploading all of my pics. Most of the food ones I already had uploaded for the food pic thread, but the rest I'm still getting on Photo Bucket, so it could take a while until there all posted.

 

[rmom50]

I just enjoyed that SO much. Especially all the restaurant/food reviews. I didn't spend any time or money on food when I was there in October, and Magically .....this year .......they offered me free dining. Now I know all the best places! Can't wait to see your pictures! :

 

[averill94]

Thanks for taking the time to post such an informative report. Learned alot from it! I am not going until OCtober but want to start making notes about what to order where. Sound crazy?
Thank you again

 

[disneyfav4ever]

Thanks for taking the time to post such an informative report. Learned alot from it! I am not going until OCtober but want to start making notes about what to order where. Sound crazy?
Thank you again

If that makes you crazy, then I'm even crazier, becuase I already have a pretty good idea of what I want to order during my Dec trip. (And some people think I'm crazy for having my ADR's planned out already.) I have my heart set on the buffalo steak at Artist Point.

 

[Disnut25]

Great TR, just finished this afternoon. I too have gone to The World solo on several occasions and while it’s always special to share a trip with someone there are definite advantages to going solo, as you have learned. Though I have never gone solo for such a long time. I usually go for 3-4 days at a time so I can go more often. Also, thanks for such a detailed description of your food exploits. I have often wonder if I should trust other peoples food ratings because like art, food can be very subjective and things tend to taste better when you are on vacation. But, your descriptions seem very objective and well thought out, so I think I will try some of your suggestions. BTW, a couple of my fav’s are Flying Fish, char-crust steak, awesome and I think the name is Blue Zoo at the dolphin.

Cheers,
CZ

 

[disneyfav4ever]

Also, thanks for such a detailed description of your food exploits. I have often wonder if I should trust other peoples food ratings because like art, food can be very subjective and things tend to taste better when you are on vacation. But, your descriptions seem very objective and well thought out, so I think I will try some of your suggestions. BTW, a couple of my fav’s are Flying Fish, char-crust steak, awesome and I think the name is Blue Zoo at the dolphin.

That's good to know, I'm planning on trying Blue Zoo and Flying Fish this year.