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

[kaffinito]

HM in the morning

Heads at HM

Ring in the pavement. Since there was such an outcry over the removal of the old "ring" they put in a "real" ring.

Tom Sawyers in the morning

In the Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Room in the Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Room, all the birds sing words and the flowers croon....

And "you're welcome" for putting the song in your heads

AMC!

Morning at the Plaza

 

[hstrickland]

I haven't read the above post, yet...just wanted to comment on V&As....After reading your review, I'm more excited than ever. DH has been wanting to do this for a very long time. It will be great, also, to experience this with my parents. The food looks wonderful!!! When DH gets home from work, he will definitely want to read this report. Glad you mentioned the dessert. How many choices did you get for that course? Just a couple? Love that you gave your rose to a lil' princess...how sweet!! And one more question...when did they contact you to ask about 'likes' and 'dislikes'?

 

[KatMark]

I LOVE EMH's in the a.m. (even better than the evening ones). Mark and I can do all of Fantasyland and parts of either Tomorrowland or Frontierland before the "regular" people come strolling in right after 9 a.m.

I love your photos; and what a great tote bag too!

 

[kaffinito]

I haven't read the above post, yet...just wanted to comment on V&As....After reading your review, I'm more excited than ever. DH has been wanting to do this for a very long time. It will be great, also, to experience this with my parents. The food looks wonderful!!! When DH gets home from work, he will definitely want to read this report. Glad you mentioned the dessert. How many choices did you get for that course? Just a couple? Love that you gave your rose to a lil' princess...how sweet!! And one more question...when did they contact you to ask about 'likes' and 'dislikes'?

I had five choices for dessert, and picked the Souffle. They have a list of the desserts on the V&A website.

They will call you 7 days before your ADR. So if you're in WDW before your date they will call you when you're on your trip.

 

[kaffinito]

I LOVE EMH's in the a.m. (even better than the evening ones). Mark and I can do all of Fantasyland and parts of either Tomorrowland or Frontierland before the "regular" people come strolling in right after 9 a.m.

I love your photos; and what a great tote bag too!

Thanks! I liked it a lot too - but I really didn't need another tote bag.

I enjoyed morning EMH immensely, maybe even more than nighttime EMH hours. Everything is so fresh and new - and empty.

 

[kaffinito]

Well it was a darned good thing that I did head back to POR when I did, because there was nothing but trouble for me that morning. It was a long wait for a bus back to POR. I got to the bus stop at 9:29, and waited until 9:45 before hopping a bus to POFQ so I could walk back to POR.

The POFQ bus driver offered to take me to POR but it was so arctic cold on the bus that I just wanted to walk and get warm. I also had to pee, and the cold on the bus wasn’t helping matters any.

Met a lovely fellow outside of POFQ – that’s Arneil in the hat.

For those that care, the DSA outside of Sassagoula Floatworks is gone. They’ve also moved the DSA by the pool so you can’t sit at a table anymore and smoke. Some enterprising ladies simply moved one of the tables.

Well I walked back to POR, it took a little over 7 minutes to get to the front of POR. My phone died just as I got there. Probably because I took over a hundred pics and videos on it that morning.

I did online airline check in, then was told that the Front Desk would print off my Magical Express documents and call Magical Express for me to arrange my pick up time.

Well Mary at the Front Desk said that they don’t do any of those things, and that I would have to call Magical Express myself. She also said that they don’t print off confirmations for the passengers, and will not assist in any way with Magical Express. At first she pointed me to a pay phone, then to the House phone in the lobby to call DME.

While I was on the phone with an irate lady from DME (apparently the Front Desk is supposed to assist with DME) the line for check in grew out the door.

Finally after 15 minutes of holding, and by this time it was past 11:00, I went to the Concierge Desk and asked nicely to have my documents printed out. Got my DME letter printed off, was apologized to a lot, and went to pick up my backpack and my change of clothes. Looked all over for a place to charge my cell, and couldn’t find one anywhere, so I gave up and relaxed by building 18’s pool. Then went to get my luggage at 1:00 for my 2:00 pick up.

Well I happened to mention my phone situation to the Bell Services gang, and they put my phone on a charger for me before I left. DME came in a Cruise Line bus, I got my phone and charger back from Bell services, and of course I tipped the guys, and left on DME.

I cried at the end of the video on the DME bus – it meant that I was going back to MI and leaving the magic behind me.

Of course DHDH was at the wrong terminal to pick me up – he insisted that he was supposed to be at the Arrival terminal, even though I kept explaining to him that I would be at the AirTran terminal. He finally arrived, and we headed off to home.

Conclusions.

Always bring a spare cell phone battery.

For a solo trip, value works better than mod for me. I did the same things at both resorts, but paid more money for it at the mod. I'm still a little cheesed that I spent an extra $110 a night for a hot tub that I couldn't use due to the number of kids in it, and a food court that wasn't as good as the one at Sports.

It’s very difficult to type on a cell phone while on TTC

It’s better to do a mix of early morning and some evening EMH. My schedule is still screwed up from staying up until 3:00 am most nights and then waking up at the crack of 10:00 am

It’s better to over pack than to leave room in the luggage to bring stuff home. Because I wasn’t buying stuff, I came home with over a hundred bucks.

You can never pack too many BandAids

Ditto for underwear.

The new refillable mugs are cute, but it’s tough to find one with a blue top.

I won't bother cleaning the house before I leave next time. I had the house sparkly clean before I left, and when I came home it looked like a mud cyclone had hit it. There was mud in every room of the house, and even on the stairs and on the bathroom floor. The sink was piled high with dishes, and the fridge and freezer were empty. So next time I leave I’m not going to even bother with cleaning.

I am definitely going solo again. I didn’t have any trouble eating by myself, or wandering around by myself. I think it helps that I’m a smoker, since the people in the DSA’s tend to be a friendly bunch, and I always got in some interesting conversations there.

Since I was a “single” I could get on rides faster, and was seated earlier when I got to my ADR’s ahead of schedule. I could also move a lot faster through the parks, and didn’t have to adjust my schedule to fit someone else’s. Heck, I had no schedule – for the most part.

It was a very enjoyable experience, and I’m looking forward to doing it again. I don’t know if I’ll go during F&W, but I might during Christmas time to see the Osborne lights again.

So thanks for reading!

 

[hstrickland]

It's over! I have really enjoyed following along and love looking at the pics! Great job!!

We like to get in the park early, too. Usually, though, I will make an ADR for 8am...then, I can get in, take tons of pics of an empty park, eat before the park opens, and be in line for rope drop all before 9am! Sounds exhausting, doesn't it?!

I found it interesting that you like the values over the mods...and still really like the deluxes. So many that stay deluxe have a hard time staying value (including myself) and vice versa. I think WDW has done a great job of providing so many resort options...there's something for everyone! Where do you plan on staying on your next trip?? Did you say that already...can't remember?

 

[pas130]

Your morning at MK looks so peaceful. I've enjoyed every bit of your TR. Sorry the check-out didn't go so smooth.

Note to self: BandAids and underwear!

And all my VB is eBay! And I burn, but never tan-even with the Spanish blood in me. My kids all tan, and so does DH

 

[summerlady]

I just discovered your trip report this morning and read every page. Love your report and your wonderful photos, thanks so much. Glad you had such a great trip! I'd LOVE a solo trip, esp. since my next one includes a whole bunch of relatives. Maybe next time.....

No more DSA near the food court or pool at POFQ....ouch. Those were among my faves. I'm sure the non-smokers will appreciate, but I'm not happy about it.

 

[kaffinito]

I just discovered your trip report this morning and read every page. Love your report and your wonderful photos, thanks so much. Glad you had such a great trip! I'd LOVE a solo trip, esp. since my next one includes a whole bunch of relatives. Maybe next time.....

No more DSA near the food court or pool at POFQ....ouch. Those were among my faves. I'm sure the non-smokers will appreciate, but I'm not happy about it.

Well the one by the pool is now up by the bar. When I stayed there last it was closer to the pool so we had smoking tables. That way smokers with kids could still see there kids in the pool.

Its the one by the food court that kills me - it wasn't in a high traffic area.

And I highly recommend a solo trip over one with relatives!

 

[KatMark]

Karen, thanks for sharing your trip with us...I enjoyed reading it. I like your list of conclusions too.

 

[kaffinito]

It's over! I have really enjoyed following along and love looking at the pics! Great job!!

Thanks!

We like to get in the park early, too. Usually, though, I will make an ADR for 8am...then, I can get in, take tons of pics of an empty park, eat before the park opens, and be in line for rope drop all before 9am! Sounds exhausting, doesn't it?!

Yes it does! It sounds like fun too though I can't do that with the boys though - they like to sleep in too much.

I found it interesting that you like the values over the mods...and still really like the deluxes. So many that stay deluxe have a hard time staying value (including myself) and vice versa. I think WDW has done a great job of providing so many resort options...there's something for everyone! Where do you plan on staying on your next trip?? Did you say that already...can't remember?

I just feel that for the price and the amenities, the value is a better deal for me. My number one priority at any resort is a good food court. I can get the same "stuff" from the value as I can at the mod. I can get a luggage cart from Luggage Assistance and move the luggage myself saving a tip, or I can call them to my room to pick it up.

The values are great.

Now next trip I can't resort switch. I'm having my long delayed trip to OKW on points, and then three days at AKL CL for DS18's 19th birthday. It will be trip number 5 to AKL, and I'm looking forward to it a lot. Zebra Domes

Your morning at MK looks so peaceful. I've enjoyed every bit of your TR. Sorry the check-out didn't go so smooth.

Note to self: BandAids and underwear!

And all my VB is eBay! And I burn, but never tan-even with the Spanish blood in me. My kids all tan, and so does DH

I never seem to pack enough of either!

Very very smart buying them off of eBay. The prices on VB bags are just ridiculous.

And I am sorry about the "tan". I love getting a little bit of a tan over the summer. That way I don't glow in the dark.

 

[kaffinito]

Karen, thanks for sharing your trip with us...I enjoyed reading it. I like your list of conclusions too.

Thank you! I'm glad you came along for the ride

Do you think you will ever take a solo trip without Mark?

 

[KatMark]

Thank you! I'm glad you came along for the ride

Do you think you will ever take a solo trip without Mark?

Not unless I want a divorce!!! I have a very fun loving, Disney kid that I'm married to and could not go without him.

 

[hstrickland]

Now next trip I can't resort switch. I'm having my long delayed trip to OKW on points, and then three days at AKL CL for DS18's 19th birthday. It will be trip number 5 to AKL, and I'm looking forward to it a lot. Zebra Domes

AKL is on our 'to-do' list, as well as BC. DH said he REALLY wants to try AKL. My concern is transportation...DH doesn't mind the buses at all...I'm not a big fan...silly, I know. We spend so much time at MK because we have smaller children, so the monorail resorts are perfect...for now. Perhaps when the kids are older, I'll venture out

I'll be looking forward to another TR when you return from AKL!!

 

[WDWKOOK]

AKL is on our 'to-do' list, as well as BC. DH said he REALLY wants to try AKL. My concern is transportation...DH doesn't mind the buses at all...I'm not a big fan...silly, I know. We spend so much time at MK because we have smaller children, so the monorail resorts are perfect...for now. Perhaps when the kids are older, I'll venture out

I'll be looking forward to another TR when you return from AKL!!

Because AKL only offers bus transportation and we prefer anything else! And I really wanted to try it out, we only stayed 3 nights of an 11-night split. I thought just 3 nights was perfect. We were able to try all the restaurants and The Mara which were great and enjoy seeing the animals from our balcony.

We did one day at AK, one resort day and one day at TL which we always drive to anyway, so we only took the bus once. And, if you do the Sunrise Safari, you would only have to take the bus back from the AK since the van takes you there in the morning.

 

[sjs314]

I finally got back to your TR and finished reading it. You certainly made going on a solo trip look inviting although I doubt it is in my future. I did in 2006 take a trip with a friend of mine who lives in Fla. I flew down and she drove to WDW and we met up and stayed at AKL. I fell in love with AKL and Bomas. Kidani was not open yet at the time.
I am dragging DH to Bomas during our October trip, since we were suppose to stay at AKL last November but had to cancel the trip.

I just know once he steps foot in the lobby we will be booking a new trip. (evil plan, I know )

I enjoyed all the photos and tales of your daily adventures. Thanks for shareing!

 

[summerlady]

Well the one by the pool is now up by the bar. When I stayed there last it was closer to the pool so we had smoking tables. That way smokers with kids could still see there kids in the pool.

Its the one by the food court that kills me - it wasn't in a high traffic area.

And I highly recommend a solo trip over one with relatives!

When DH and I were there alone a couple of years ago, we met some of the nicest people while we were at the smoking area near the pool. It was nice being able to get a drink, sit at a table, and wait for my laundry to dry. I always feel guilty using the DSA across from the gift shop, wonder why they put it there anyway, because people with kids are always walking past right in front of the benches there. I feel like jumping up and down and pointing to the ashtray on top of the trash can. What I really wish is that they'd ban little kids from the hot tub. </cranky old lady

 

[sjs314]

When DH and I were there alone a couple of years ago, we met some of the nicest people while we were at the smoking area near the pool. It was nice being able to get a drink, sit at a table, and wait for my laundry to dry. I always feel guilty using the DSA across from the gift shop, wonder why they put it there anyway, because people with kids are always walking past right in front of the benches there. I feel like jumping up and down and pointing to the ashtray on top of the trash can. What I really wish is that they'd ban little kids from the hot tub. </cranky old lady

I would vote for that

I quite smoking since, but I found it almost imposible to locate the DSA when I was in Disney in 2009 and still a smoker. The one that baffled me was at OKW right at the entrance where everyone had to pass by to get to their rooms, I felt guilty sitting there smokeing when people with small children walked by.

 

[hstrickland]

Because AKL only offers bus transportation and we prefer anything else! And I really wanted to try it out, we only stayed 3 nights of an 11-night split. I thought just 3 nights was perfect. We were able to try all the restaurants and The Mara which were great and enjoy seeing the animals from our balcony.

We did one day at AK, one resort day and one day at TL which we always drive to anyway, so we only took the bus once. And, if you do the Sunrise Safari, you would only have to take the bus back from the AK since the van takes you there in the morning.

When I "attempt" the Princess Half Marathon in February, AKL is one of the resorts we are considering. We are only going to be there a few nights, so this would work perfect. I probably need to go ahead and book something...that tends to be a busy weekend. I'm like you...not sure if I could do an entire week.

Karen, I want a full report on your AKL trip...give us tons of pics!! Maybe it will convince me on this resort