Run for the Fireworks - Solo Trip

[CarolA]

This trip had an interesting start.

Originally two of my friends were going to Disney for July 4th. I said NO! It is too crowded and too hot. One week prior to trip, Friend 1 backs out on Friend 2. Friend 2 talks me into this. I got a free ticket on Southwest. I also changed the reservations for one night at BWV (Studio) using my points and 2 nights at Dolphin using the Expedia rate.

The 3rd of July (the day we are leaving) Friend 2 calls at 7 am. Her son is in the hospital (he was suppose to be with his dad) and she can't go. (UPDATE! Son was released that night and is fine. He just had a small accident with his bike!) Anyway, I decide that since my DVC points and the Expedia room are not refundable, I will just go anyway.

My SW plane landed at 2:45 and I was in my Hertz rental car by 3 pm. Went to Premier outlets to the Disney Store. No purchases. Stopped at the new Publix and bought beer, cokes and a few other supplies. Off to Boardwalk.

I checked in and hiked to Epcot where I bought at Premium Annual Pass. Went back to hotel and packed up to go to Blizzard Beach. It was fairly empty and I the tube rides and toboggan rides. Rode the little creek around.

Back to room, got cleaned up and headed to EPCOT at 7 pm. Wandered around until about 8:30 when I staked out a spot for Illuminations. After Illuminations I headed back to the hotel.

 

[CarolA]

I got up this morning and went to the BW Healthclub to work out. Nice health club. I had breakfast in my room.

Now what to do! I packed up, loaded my luggage in the car and went to Epcot. I saw the first showing of the American show being done at the Gardens Theater. Great show. They started by having the Fife and Drum players process in and they played the theme songs from all the service branches while the veterans stood. The Voices of Liberty and American Vybe also performed. Very patrotic and a good way to start the 4th.

I went back to the Boardwalk, picked up my car and drove to the Dolphin where I checked in. I went to Tubbi's for lunch (salad) and then headed to the pool. As soon as I got there it started to rain!!! So I went to my room and took a nap!

After my nap, it was around 3 so I decided to go to Animal Kingdom for a few minutes. Did the Safari twice. I love this ride, but the second time I considered throwing the passangers behind me out to the crocs! They kept standing up, yelling at the animals, yelling at the guide etc... The guide spent more time telling them to sit down then she did spotting animals.

I went back to the Boardwalk, parked and headed to Epcot. Boy was it crowded. I went to China and got the kids egg roll and rice dinner which I carried to Norway to find a place to eat.

I then meandered out of the park, and took the monorail to the TTC. I walked over to the Poly and scouted the place. I got a fancy red, white and blue drink from the bar and found a place on the beach down near the TTC. It was about 8 when I got settled so I just watched people and enjoyed my drink until 9 when the Fireworks went off! Great Fireworks!!!! We could not hear the sound, but it was still wonderful. Now I hoofed it quickly to the Monorail and went to Epcot. BOY IT IS REALLY CROWDED NOW.

I remembered that England had set up extra beer outposts so I headed that way where I found a short line for a beer. Beer in hand I wandered to the back of the park where I walked between Italy and Japan looking for my best view. I figured I did not have to see the globe since I had seen illuminations the night before I was just looking for the firework view. I decided on Japan! Once again the fireworks were GREAT!!!!

I sat on a bench and watched people go home for over 30 minutes after the fireworks. It was still very crowded when I finally left. I got back to the Dolphin after 11 and crashed.

 

[Annie&Hallie'sMom]

Sounds like a great time! How nice to be on your own, doing what YOU want to do!