Solo TR – You’re staying where? First Solo Trip to the World.

[KCSherri]

I ALSO have a DHDH, so I understand what you're dealing with! Do we have a support group online for us suffering spouses??!!

I took my first solo trip to WDW last November - for about 5 days - and it was awesome.

As you said, didn't have to worry about making the kids happy, keeping DHDH entertained and happy - it was so....relaxing. And so much freedom.

I loved it - so much now, that I am booking a 2nd annual solo trip this coming November - in time for the F&W Festival.

Because, hey? When Mama's happy...everyone's happy!

 

[kaffinito]

I ALSO have a DHDH, so I understand what you're dealing with! Do we have a support group online for us suffering spouses??!!

I took my first solo trip to WDW last November - for about 5 days - and it was awesome.

As you said, didn't have to worry about making the kids happy, keeping DHDH entertained and happy - it was so....relaxing. And so much freedom.

I loved it - so much now, that I am booking a 2nd annual solo trip this coming November - in time for the F&W Festival.

Because, hey? When Mama's happy...everyone's happy!

Now that is a great idea! Are the Christmas decorations up around the time of the end of F&W?

I wouldn't mind giving that kind of solo trip a try at all....

I think there should be a support group online for spouses of DHDH's and the DHDW's. There might be a lot of traffic on a thread like that.

 

[heaven2dc]

What a great view of Illuminations! and great pic of you too! You photograph wonderfully (I, on the other hand, don't at all no matter what anyone says )

Love your TR! You really got a lot in on your first night at MK.

 

[stepdisney]

What a cool dinner watching Illuminations! I am homesick for my Disney World and I am so glad that you have pictures. It makes me feel better. I am glad that you liked AsSp, even with the pool issues. I have read reports of rowdy sports players or cheer leaders. Can't wait to read more.

 

[ClareH37]

Now that is a great idea! Are the Christmas decorations up around the time of the end of F&W?

That's why I've booked my next solo trip for that time the end of the F&W, a MVMCP party (or two) and the Christmas decorations - although I don't think they are up in the resorts then.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Day 1

Arrived at resort at 10:00 pm. Check in was very easy.



I did online check in so that took a lot of the wait out, but there was no line anyway. Received room 6412 in the preferred section, ground floor, king room. About as far away from a DSA as I could get, but the parking lot was close so I smoked there a lot.



Threw my stuff in the room then left for MK at 10:15 pm. I was totally geeked about getting to go to MK for evening EMH – it’s my favorite time to go!

Did photos pass – I prepaid for a photo pass CD

I rode, in this order:
AMC
JC
POTC
HM
Iasw
Swsa
Philharmagic
Tcups
Speedway
Astro

I was starving and everything was closed so had a Dole whip with vanilla –yum Hated it with pineapple ice cream, but love it with vanilla.

I had a very magical night in the park – it was lovely being there again with very low crowds, and getting to walk on all of the rides I wanted to go on.

Tried out the new interactive queue at HM, and thought it was great! It was very well done, but the line does not wiggle through it yet, just goes past it so if you want to explore the section you have to leave the line and then get back into it. I hope they change that around a bit.

The new and improved hitchhiking ghosts were simply awesome! They are well worth multiple rides to experience all three of them. And that’s all I’ll say for the people who are leaving soon and don’t want spoilers.



Don't read the next paragraph if you don't want to know....




But for those of you that want to know – the ghost I had switched heads with me, so my head was on the ghosts body and vice versa – it was really well done!




Well I got back to the resort by 3:30 and was in bed by 4 am.

Phew, I'm plum tired reading that! 0400? You had your days and nights mixed-up Seriously, what a great start to a great trip.

Day 2 April 18th

Was supposed to go to AK this day, but was too tired out from the flight and the long night at MK, so swam in the pool and took a long nap instead.

I had no coffee since I can no longer drink the resort coffee. Now I’m a coffee-holic, and adore my coffee, and a lot of it. I’ve recently gone from a regular coffee maker with Folgers in it to grinding my own beans and using a Cuisinart single serve coffee maker. So the coffee at the food court is now undrinkable, which makes me sad.

So I hung around the pool, and wandered around the resort. I ended up having lunch at the food court - my dinner ARD wasn't until 8:00pm. I had the chicken Caesar salad for lunch and it was yummy!

Then got ready for dinner at Bistro de Paris. I was going to wear a dress I brought with me, but thought I looked too fat in it so I settled for a nice top and took off for EPCOT.

Only took ten minutes for a bus, and the bus stopped at all three All Stars but it didn’t take very long to get to EPCOT.

I entered EPCOT by the main gates, stopped by Club Cool for some of my beloved Beverly, and headed towards WS. I wandered around looking for a DSA before dinner, and didn’t find one, so I snuck off in a corner to have one. Then I went off to Bistro.

My fantasy for Bistro was a table by the window so I could watch Illuminations.

Well, I got my table, and settled in for a wonderful meal.


I pre budgeted for the dinners so I would have enough cash on me, so I was well prepared.


The Amuse buche was a wonderful creamy asparagus soup with bacon.


I started with “Warm Goat Cheese - with basil and sundried tomatoes in a crisp shell, baby mixed greens, balsamic vinaigrette $12.00”

and had the “Pork Tenderloin - stuffed with mushrooms, truffles pasta gratin, morel sauce $33.00” for my main course.


I really didn’t like the au gratin part of the meal, it was a penne pasta and they had taken the truffles out of the au gratin. It was like smelly mac n cheese, and not a very good accompaniment to the pork.

Just before dessert Illuminations started.



I had a wonderful view of the fireworks, and thoroughly enjoyed watching them from my window seat. It was a very special dinner.

I finished up with the Vanilla Créme Brulée – dessert which consisted of “caramelized rice pudding, and Upside down caramel cream, Créme Brulée ice cream” It was good, but prefer the crème brulee at the Wishes Dessert Party.



The service was good, I ordered a 4 cup French Press, and it was just right after caffeine-less day. The park was closed after Illuminations so I left.

The next day was check out day, so I packed my back pack with swim stuff and got the room ready for check out. Then I wandered over to Music to check it out.

Music doesn’t have as many trees or as much landscaping as AsSpo, and looked a little barren. There is a lot more landscaping at Sports! It also seems a lot bigger than AsSpo. Their main pool was empty, while the one at AsSpo was still going strong. The piano pool had some people in it though.

All in all, I didn’t care for the looks of Music, and was glad that I had chosen AsSpo. I really liked it there, and the food court has the best chicken Caesar salad on property. It’s even better than the one at Poly, and I didn’t even have to argue to get some extra salad dressing.

Room and resort description: In the king room there is a removable shower nozzle, and hand rails in bathroom but has a bathtub. There is a Flat screen tv, and a safe big enough to hold an iPad. Nice comfy bed with overstuffed pillows and a cheap bedspread. No dust or dirt anywhere, and the room looked new.

The bus service was great. 10 minute wait for EPCOT, shared buses going to EPCOT, and to MK, but no shared buses during peak hours or going home. Only had to share during slower times. Since the All Stars are right in a row, it didn’t take long at all. 5 minute wait for MK and no other stops. No shared buses at pick up at the parks. Lots of charter buses and cruise line buses being used for Spring Break crowds.

The pool was insanely crowded at night with all of the kids, a group of twenty got kicked out my last night for being too rowdy.
The pool stays open until 12:00 with a life guard, but kids and adults were still swimming until 3:00 am.

All in all I give Sports a

Qu'est-ce qu'un grand dîner

You look so different from the pumpkin photo you posted on the RC thread. That is a great photo of you, Karen. I'm looking forward to Day Three

 

[hstrickland]

Finally caught up! I have always wanted to try the Bistro, but we always do the Dxdp, and that particular restaurant is not on there...maybe one day. What a great view you had!! Don't you just love trying new places?! We have several new ones for our next trip. Can't wait to read your review of V&As...only 1 month and we will finally be there!

 

[kaffinito]

What a great view of Illuminations! and great pic of you too! You photograph wonderfully (I, on the other hand, don't at all no matter what anyone says )

Love your TR! You really got a lot in on your first night at MK.

Thank you but I seriously don't think I photograph at all well. (At least I hope that's not how I really look! )

And I did try to maximize my time at MK that night - I really wanted to hit all the "must do's" on my list that first night. I was so exhausted the next day.

What a cool dinner watching Illuminations! I am homesick for my Disney World and I am so glad that you have pictures. It makes me feel better. I am glad that you liked AsSp, even with the pool issues. I have read reports of rowdy sports players or cheer leaders. Can't wait to read more.

It really wasn't bad at all - I saw far worse behavior at POP while I was there.

I have lots of pics so get ready!

That's why I've booked my next solo trip for that time the end of the F&W, a MVMCP party (or two) and the Christmas decorations - although I don't think they are up in the resorts then.

Hee hee hee (that's an evil laugh BTW) I think I might "have" to go to WDW at the end of November so I don't "lose" my DVC points...

Hee hee hee

If DHDH ever figures out how DVC works I'm in Big Trouble!

Phew, I'm plum tired reading that! 0400? You had your days and nights mixed-up Seriously, what a great start to a great trip.

Qu'est-ce qu'un grand dîner

You look so different from the pumpkin photo you posted on the RC thread. That is a great photo of you, Karen. I'm looking forward to Day Three

Glad you're having fun reading. The food was just right this trip.

Finally caught up! I have always wanted to try the Bistro, but we always do the Dxdp, and that particular restaurant is not on there...maybe one day. What a great view you had!! Don't you just love trying new places?! We have several new ones for our next trip. Can't wait to read your review of V&As...only 1 month and we will finally be there!

Well, Bistro does take 2 credits... Worth it IMO. I took DHDH there on the DDP and he loved it.

It really is worth a visit - I do like the food but now V&A's has totally ruined me for regular restaurants.

 

[kaffinito]

Day 3 April 19th

Check out of AsSpo day and check into POR day.

I was actually sad to be checking out of AsSpo. I really liked the service and the whole resort. Bell Services (called Luggage Assistance there) was there within 10 minutes to get my bags. The bellman filled out a transfer ticket, and I was told that my luggage would be at POR by 3:00 pm.

I went to the front to catch a bus to DTD. Miracle of miracles it only took 10 minutes to get picked up for DTD but then it took 20 minutes to get to TL. Then another 5-10 minutes to go to DTD Marketplace, but I wanted the PI stop. I got off at the PI stop then walked to Hess gas station for smokes. Walked back to DTD, bought an unfortunate dress at TrendD, then got on the boat to POR.

Now when I say “an unfortunate dress” I mean a “rather unfortunate dress”. The sales clerk very helpfully suggested that I wear the dress with spandex tights or leggings.

The Unfortunate Dress

The boat service from DTD to POR was not great. The boat arrived at DTD but we still had to wait for another 15 minutes to board a second boat that arrived. Then we waited 10 minutes on the boat to leave for POR. Bummer really. It took 45 minutes of waiting to leave for POR then another 20 minutes or so to get to POR. That is way too long IMO. I’ve never had a longer boat ride than a bus ride from DTD.

Rant coming…

And for the smokers, I did not see a single DSA in the Marketplace area. I looked all over the place too. They are still showing DSA’s all over the place on the maps, but not an ashtray was to be found.

I hope they don’t take away all the smoking areas at DTD like they’ve done in the parks – the more difficult they make it for smokers, the more people will ignore the rules about smoking.

Ok rant over...

Check in at POR was easy. Was helped by Aimee from Winter Springs FL. I was all checked in and ready to go by 1:15. I was told my room wasn’t ready (Boo!) but as I walked away from the desk received a text saying my room was ready and the room number 1418 (Yeah!)

The room was a two double bed room with a trundle. Kind of odd, but it was ok. I used one of the beds for luggage since there wasn’t a luggage rack in the room.

There was a nicer hairdryer than the one at AsSpo, an iron, and an ironing board, as well as a coffee maker. I had Starbucks Via packed in my Owners Locker, so was able to use that for some good drinkable in room coffee. I highly recommend this course of action – it beats the crap out of the coffee at Riverside Mill. Although I must say the coffee at the Mill was better than the coffee at AsSpo.

The DSA in the back of the main building is gone, now there is just one by the corner of Riverside Mill and the one outside of Fulton’s. The one outside of Fulton’s should be gone soon – it’s right in front of the doors, and I know the smoking Nazis will remove it so that there is no place in front of POR to smoke.

Can you tell I’m getting a little testy about the lack of smoking areas?
I wandered to the food court and ended up getting the kids Turkey Pinwheel sandwich, a perennial favorite of ours. I went to eat it by the quiet pool, and had a lovely afternoon of getting a little burnt.

Part II - EPCOT - later

 

[ali92579]

You are really inspiring and helping to convince me to book my solo Disney trip. I have been considering it for a long time and just haven't been able of getting over the guilt of going with out my daughter. She is only 3 and half and i know will have no clue when I go, that I went with out her, but....I will know.
Everytime I go with my DHDH, I think to myself..."Why did you bring him with you?" I would have so much fun being able to take my time walking around the parks at MY pace and MY speed and shopping at the stores I want to go to and eating at the places I want to eat at. I have very picky, picky, picky eaters in my family. We always have to eat at places my family likes rather than where I would like to try.

 

[kaffinito]

You are really inspiring and helping to convince me to book my solo Disney trip. I have been considering it for a long time and just haven't been able of getting over the guilt of going with out my daughter. She is only 3 and half and i know will have no clue when I go, that I went with out her, but....I will know.
Everytime I go with my DHDH, I think to myself..."Why did you bring him with you?" I would have so much fun being able to take my time walking around the parks at MY pace and MY speed and shopping at the stores I want to go to and eating at the places I want to eat at. I have very picky, picky, picky eaters in my family. We always have to eat at places my family likes rather than where I would like to try.

I know how you feel. I missed my DS10 - John while I was there because there are so many things that we do together. He did know that I was going, but since he was at his Dads it wasn't so bad for him.

I will go with both my kids in August though.

A solo trip, even a short one, is very freeing. You do get to eat where you want, shop where you want, and sleep as much as you want. I really enjoyed getting to go solo, and definitely will do it again.

 

[hstrickland]

....Well, Bistro does take 2 credits... Worth it IMO. I took DHDH there on the DDP and he loved it.

It really is worth a visit - I do like the food but now V&A's has totally ruined me for regular restaurants.

Ok...help me! DH and I would LOVE to try the Bistro, but I'm not finding it on any dining plans...not even the Premium and Platinum. I found Chefs de France, which we did last year, but no Bistro

Love the pics of POR. This is one of the mods that our family of 5 could stay...have considered it, but wasn't sure about room size and transportation. The grounds look beautiful!

 

[pas130]

YAY! Again welcome home. I am REALLY enjoying your TR so far. DH also has to be drugged before flying. We haven't flown in a few years, so he's already freaking out. And so am I, because it means I'm in charge of 6-5 children plus DH But I keep saying it's better than the 19 hour drive.....You looked fantastic in that picture and that view of Illuminations from your dinner table-LOVE IT

And I quit smoking 7 years ago, but I totally agree with the lack of DSAs will make people break the rules. And a coffee free day

Enjoying the pics, keep them coming . BTW the dress is fine without leggings.

 

[kaffinito]

Ok...help me! DH and I would LOVE to try the Bistro, but I'm not finding it on any dining plans...not even the Premium and Platinum. I found Chefs de France, which we did last year, but no Bistro

Love the pics of POR. This is one of the mods that our family of 5 could stay...have considered it, but wasn't sure about room size and transportation. The grounds look beautiful!

Weird? It was on there? I know I used the DDP with it... Maybe I'll call and check on that one.

POR will be fine with your family size IMO. I've found it to be roomy with the kids, and can imagine putting two more people in there and still having room. The trundle bed makes a difference, and there is room for an air mattress. But if it were me, I'd get the family suite at AsMu instead just for the extra bathroom.

YAY! Again welcome home. I am REALLY enjoying your TR so far. DH also has to be drugged before flying. We haven't flown in a few years, so he's already freaking out. And so am I, because it means I'm in charge of 6-5 children plus DH But I keep saying it's better than the 19 hour drive.....You looked fantastic in that picture and that view of Illuminations from your dinner table-LOVE IT

And I quit smoking 7 years ago, but I totally agree with the lack of DSAs will make people break the rules. And a coffee free day

Enjoying the pics, keep them coming . BTW the dress is fine without leggings.

It is so much better than driving, even with the drugs. I would rather fly than drive any day - you get there faster!

I'm glad you liked the dress without the leggings, but I still look kind of in it! I will definitely only be wearing that at WDW for sure.

 

[kaffinito]

Gratuitous POR Pics

My room was at the right.

My first WDW resort room is on the second floor just to the right under the little peak. It was nice to be in the same building again.

Walkway towards building 27.

The path to the left takes you to the food court and the path to the right takes you past building 14 towards building 15 and the parking lot and path to the South Depot.

Building 14

Building 18

 

[kaffinito]

Part 2 of Day 3

EPCOT had evening EMH hours, so I went back to the room to get settled in, called for my luggage, took a quick shower and took off for EPCOT. I did get some sunburn, but not too bad. I packed my H2O sunburn gel, so I didn’t suffer much. Thank you Poly CL!

(Just for Hannah)

I rode Nemo and Friends,

Rode the Land ride,

and had a half chicken dinner at Sunshine Seasons.

Good value for the chicken dinner IMO. It was all very good.

Then I went off to Club Cool for my Beverly fix and OH NO! It closed at 8:00. I was crushed. I love Beverly and would buy it by the gallon if I could get my hands on it.

So my consolation was waiting in line for the EPCOT Character Spot to get my pics with the characters. It was only a half hour wait, since the fireworks were starting at 9:00. I didn’t feel badly about waiting in line for character photos. I was only a single, not a family of 8, and didn’t take much time at all. I refuse to feel badly about getting pictures taken with the characters. I paid my money for park admission the same as families with little kids do. So neh!

Well by the time I left there EMH had started, so I fought my way through the crowds back to WS.

I was on a mission. I was too chicken in past trips to ride Maelstrom again, since I hate down and back rides, but this time came prepared with my trusty Ativan. My mission was to ride Maelstrom and Spaceship Earth without freaking out and making a spectacle of myself.

So I popped an Ativan as I entered WS, and wandered towards Norway. The line was short, and before I knew it I was on the ride. It’s a pretty good ride all in all, and I didn’t freak out once.

Then I went off to Mexico to ride the ride there, but it didn’t feel the same without John riding with me. That’s one of our little things we do together.

So I left and popped a second Ativan while heading to Spaceship Earth. I was still totally freaked out about riding it.

Well I got on the ride and didn’t freak out. I actually really like the ride! And I know that now I’ll be able to ride both rides without having to pop pills.

In August I’ll ride Splash Mountain, Kali, and Dinosaur. I might even try Space Mountain. The more I can do without the Ativan, the better and braver I’ll get.

Once again, leaving EPCOT There were no shared buses. There was a separate one for POFQ and POR.

 

[pas130]

I 'm proud of you, and not in a cheesy or condesending way. It's not easy to conquer your fears...the airplane, the rides. And all on your own. You might think it was the Ativan, but it was all you Karen. The meds just take the edge off. And Port Orleans looks so tranquil from the pictures you took walking around. Keep up the great work

 

[kaffinito]

I 'm proud of you, and not in a cheesy or condesending way. It's not easy to conquer your fears...the airplane, the rides. And all on your own. You might think it was the Ativan, but it was all you Karen. The meds just take the edge off. And Port Orleans looks so tranquil from the pictures you took walking around. Keep up the great work

Thank you I'm working hard on getting over my fears. Eventually I'll get there.

I did enjoy walking around and taking pics of POR. It was nice to go back there - especially since they're going to wreck it during the refurb.

 

[camsmomE]

I know I'm late, but I'm here. Does that count?

 

[kaffinito]

I know I'm late, but I'm here. Does that count?

Better late than never!