Solo Trip - Next Week!

[ZehnJahren]

I'm going on my first-ever solo trip next week (I was just at WDW in October with my mom for four nights). I was super-lucky to rent points VERY last minute, and am staying at AKL - never stayed there before. I got a good deal on airfare, and the weather's been mild enough up here in the north that I felt comfortable trying to fly out. Getting back in may be another story.

This will be my first trip since I was a little girl that I will have a car on property as well. I have an AP, so I don't have to worry about parking fees; I will probably not take Disney's transportation to any parks.

This trip was just planned yesterday, so I have NO plans at all. So far, I'm going to go to AK's EMH next Wednesday and that's all I know for sure.

Any tips for a solo traveler with a car? Anything you would suggest I do when it's just me? Anyone know if GPS works well in the World, or if I should rely on signs to get me around?

Also, is it ok to go to the resorts for a quick lunch (I was thinking about the Contempo Cafe at Contemporary, as we liked it when we stayed there in October), or will they tell me I can't park there? Still a little confused on that one. I also thought maybe I'd go to the BW/BC and see exactly how long the walk is to HS and EP, to decide if that's where DBF and I will stay in September. Will the guards let me park at BW or BC to do this, or no?

Looking forward to it!

 

[Wasre]

I'm going on my first-ever solo trip next week (I was just at WDW in October with my mom for four nights). I was super-lucky to rent points VERY last minute, and am staying at AKL - never stayed there before. I got a good deal on airfare, and the weather's been mild enough up here in the north that I felt comfortable trying to fly out. Getting back in may be another story.

This will be my first trip since I was a little girl that I will have a car on property as well. I have an AP, so I don't have to worry about parking fees; I will probably not take Disney's transportation to any parks.

This trip was just planned yesterday, so I have NO plans at all. So far, I'm going to go to AK's EMH next Wednesday and that's all I know for sure.

Any tips for a solo traveler with a car? Anything you would suggest I do when it's just me? Anyone know if GPS works well in the World, or if I should rely on signs to get me around?

Also, is it ok to go to the resorts for a quick lunch (I was thinking about the Contempo Cafe at Contemporary, as we liked it when we stayed there in October), or will they tell me I can't park there? Still a little confused on that one. I also thought maybe I'd go to the BW/BC and see exactly how long the walk is to HS and EP, to decide if that's where DBF and I will stay in September. Will the guards let me park at BW or BC to do this, or no?

Looking forward to it!

As far as going to a resort for lunch, it shouldn't be a problem. Just make sure you have your Room Key handy. All they really look for is that you're a resort guest. Even if you were staying off-site all you'd have to say is you're going there for a meal. From what I've been told by others the only thing they're really trying to discourage is locals parking at the resorts to avoid paying for parking. If you're staying on property, you'll also get a parking pass at check-in as well. So with that and your AP you should be good to go.

I know that one of my local freinds' GPS seemed to work okay. I've heard stories from others that some GPS units might have a problem due to some kind of centralized address system. I'd say use the GPS but also keep your eyes out for the signs.

The walk to Epcot from BW and BC isn't bad. Maybe 5 minutes if you take it slow. The walk to DHS is a bit longer. I walked it with friends in November at a nice leisurely pace in about 15 minutes.

What are your exact dates as there will be several people there around the same time. I arrive Sunday the 22nd myself and also am staying at AKL in Kidanni Village DVC Studio. Check out the thread http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2707708 "How many days till you're back in the magic?"

Have a fun trip!

 

[DFD]

I'm going on my first-ever solo trip next week (I was just at WDW in October with my mom for four nights). I was super-lucky to rent points VERY last minute, and am staying at AKL - never stayed there before. I got a good deal on airfare, and the weather's been mild enough up here in the north that I felt comfortable trying to fly out. Getting back in may be another story.

This will be my first trip since I was a little girl that I will have a car on property as well. I have an AP, so I don't have to worry about parking fees; I will probably not take Disney's transportation to any parks.

This trip was just planned yesterday, so I have NO plans at all. So far, I'm going to go to AK's EMH next Wednesday and that's all I know for sure.

Any tips for a solo traveler with a car? Anything you would suggest I do when it's just me? Anyone know if GPS works well in the World, or if I should rely on signs to get me around?

Also, is it ok to go to the resorts for a quick lunch (I was thinking about the Contempo Cafe at Contemporary, as we liked it when we stayed there in October), or will they tell me I can't park there? Still a little confused on that one. I also thought maybe I'd go to the BW/BC and see exactly how long the walk is to HS and EP, to decide if that's where DBF and I will stay in September. Will the guards let me park at BW or BC to do this, or no?

Looking forward to it!

No need to worry about parking fees anyway since you are staying onsite... they will ask you on front desk if you have a car and will give those paper thingie to put on your dash board...

Love Mara... the quick service at AKL - Jambo! And yes!!! CR /Contempo has yummy offerings for a quick service flat breads and yummy sandwiches!!!

The Purple Signs are wonderfull at the World.. never had the need to get the GPS out when I drive

BW/BC ... I guess if you tell them you have ADRs for the restaurant it will be OK to park there... or you can valet

Car's perfect but going to AK... I usually take the bus since it is only a 4 minute ride but then again that is just me

All in all this is wonderful and I am so jealous... wish I can say I am going enxt week also Have a great time for all of us!!!

 

[ZehnJahren]

Thanks for the replies; I like to get input!!

As far as going to a resort for lunch, it shouldn't be a problem. Just make sure you have your Room Key handy. All they really look for is that you're a resort guest.

I know that one of my local freinds' GPS seemed to work okay. I'd say use the GPS but also keep your eyes out for the signs.

The walk to Epcot from BW and BC isn't bad. Maybe 5 minutes if you take it slow. The walk to DHS is a bit longer. I walked it with friends in November at a nice leisurely pace in about 15 minutes.

What are your exact dates as there will be several people there around the same time. I arrive Sunday the 22nd myself and also am staying at AKL in Kidanni Village DVC Studio. Check out the thread http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2707708 "How many days till you're back in the magic?"

Have a fun trip!

Thanks! I'll be there next Tuesday through next Friday, going alone for my first trip as DBF isn't a big fan like I am and we're already going at the end of September. I knew that Epcot was pretty close to BC/YC; we walked there from EP to go to Yachtsman in Nov 2010; I just was wondering the length to HS, and to do something a little different (as though I'm not going to get in enough walking). I'll go check out that thread!

No need to worry about parking fees anyway since you are staying onsite... they will ask you on front desk if you have a car and will give those paper thingie to put on your dash board...

Love Mara... the quick service at AKL - Jambo! And yes!!! CR /Contempo has yummy offerings for a quick service flat breads and yummy sandwiches!!!

The Purple Signs are wonderfull at the World.. never had the need to get the GPS out when I drive

Car's perfect but going to AK... I usually take the bus since it is only a 4 minute ride but then again that is just me

All in all this is wonderful and I am so jealous... wish I can say I am going enxt week also Have a great time for all of us!!!

I didn't even think about them giving me a parking pass. And since I've taken Disney transport for my last visits, I didn't pay too much attention to the signs. I'm glad to know that they're wonderful; that makes me a little less apprehensive in trying to get around!

I've never had a Zebra Dome but I think I may give them a try this trip. I thought one of those flatbreads from CR sounded like a good idea too!

I think I will probably take the bus to AK as well - I hear it is a super-short bus ride. I just hate waiting; but if I remember correctly, the last time I was at AK there were AKL buses CONSTANTLY. It was driving me crazy because we were trying to get to POFQ.

I can't believe I'm going so soon. I started a PTR when I didn't know the dates, and then everything happened YESTERDAY, so it's not much of a PTR. But I hope to do another TR - I guess I'll see how many pics I take and then decide.

 

[DFD]

Thanks! I'll be there next Tuesday through next Friday, going alone for my first trip as DBF isn't a big fan like I am and we're already going at the end of September.



I've never had a Zebra Dome but I think I may give them a try this trip.

I thought one of those flatbreads from CR sounded like a good idea too!

Ohhhh Hope to see you at the end of Sept... will be there Sept. 28... planning a get together right now but waiting for the MNSSHP times and dates..

You can get Zebra Domes by Mara the quick service... and if you have AP make sure when you buy your water and stuff by the marketplace to show it so you get 10% off your merchandise if its Premium you get 20%

CR ... fave is the Tomato and spinach and the marinated beef!!!!!!

 

[ZehnJahren]

Ohhhh Hope to see you at the end of Sept... will be there Sept. 28... planning a get together right now but waiting for the MNSSHP times and dates..

You can get Zebra Domes by Mara the quick service... and if you have AP make sure when you buy your water and stuff by the marketplace to show it so you get 10% off your merchandise if its Premium you get 20%

CR ... fave is the Tomato and spinach and the marinated beef!!!!!!

Ha, we'll be leaving after the ToT race, on the 30th - but you never know who you're gonna see in the World!!

Good advice on the AP discount; I think on arrival night I'm going to run to the super target by AKL and grab a few bottled water and some snacks. I'm doing this trip on a budget, since it was pretty last minute, but I'm sure I have a LITTLE money for some famous zebra domes. And of course, AA jobbed me today by either putting me at the mercy of their computerized seating or making me pay for "premium" seats. I rolled my eyes and plunked down another $28 to make sure I didn't end up in a middle seat.

Ugh, making it to WDW will make it all worthwhile. I'm really looking forward to a nice break from this cold weather and from work, which has been insane!

 

[DFD]

Ha, we'll be leaving after the ToT race, on the 30th - but you never know who you're gonna see in the World!!

Good advice on the AP discount; I think on arrival night I'm going to run to the super target by AKL and grab a few bottled water and some snacks. I'm doing this trip on a budget, since it was pretty last minute, but I'm sure I have a LITTLE money for some famous zebra domes. And of course, AA jobbed me today by either putting me at the mercy of their computerized seating or making me pay for "premium" seats. I rolled my eyes and plunked down another $28 to make sure I didn't end up in a middle seat.

Ugh, making it to WDW will make it all worthwhile. I'm really looking forward to a nice break from this cold weather and from work, which has been insane!

and if you plan to eat at Earl of Sandwich by DTD if you have AAA make sure you show it 15% discount if not AP gets you 10%

 

[LindaBabe]

When you go to BC be sure and stop at Beaches & Cream - THAT's a SUPER place for lunch. Chicken noodle soup and ice cream!

 

[ZehnJahren]

When you go to BC be sure and stop at Beaches & Cream - THAT's a SUPER place for lunch. Chicken noodle soup and ice cream!

Chicken noodle soup and ice cream? That's not all at once, right?