dawgsgirl
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 9, 2003
- Messages
- 1,743
Hello--I am a Disney addict. My addiction is relatively new--it has only been going on about a year. I came upon this addiction late in life--I am now 50 years young. My first trip to the World was in Sept 2003, with a return trip in May 2004. I traveled with my cousin and her 8-year-old daughter on these 2 trips. I was not satisfied. I needed MORE. So, I planned a solo trip to try and quench my addiction. I had a ball, but my addiction is far from satisfied.
I left for WDW on Saturday, Sept 18 and the 7-hour drive went fairly well. Check-in at POFQ was a breeze and Bell Services was fabulous. You would not believe all the junk I brought for this trip. I settled in and took a rest and then took the bus to MK for Spectro and the first of many Mickey Bars. Ah, that Disney magic was wonderful.
Sunday, Sept 19
Early wake-up call from Mickey. But what is this??? My right arm will not move and it HURTS! Hurricane Ivan had come through my hometown on the Thursday before I left. MUCH rain and a leaky basement had rendered my sweeping arm useless. I dont mind telling you that getting ready was a real challenge. Ever tried to put on a T-shirt when you cant move your arm? Somehow, I was at the MK when the gates opened at 8:00am. I had a wonderful morning and yes--I did ride Dumbo. Rode the boat over to Ft Wilderness and had a leisurely lunch at Trails End. Then back to POFQ and took a nap. I grew very fond of my afternoon naps during the week. My arm was still useless and I was popping Advils all day. After my refreshing nap I was off to MGM. Took in a few things and stayed around for Fantasmic. Had a Mickey Bar for supper while I waited on the show. All in all, a good day with the Mouse.
Monday, Sept 20
Yet another Mickey call to start the day. My arm was only slightly better. Still popping Advils. Off to Epcot for opening. Spent the morning in Future World. Discovered the fountain and really enjoyed watching the show. This was the day I finally realized I could do whatever I wanted to do!! TOTAL FREEDOM!! Back to POFQ for my power nap. Then, I actually was able to find my car and took a trip to the Disney outlet store. Back to POFQ and took the boat to DTD. Had supper at Wolfgang Pucks Express and did some shopping. Discovered that DTD is a great place to people watch! My arm seems to be in a recovery mode and is finally feeling better. What a fabulous way to spend a Monday!
Tuesday, Sept 21
I am starting to really like these Mickey wake up calls. What a wonderful morning! My arm had miraculously healed overnight. Disney Magic! Spent a very laid back and relaxing morning at AK. Hung around the entrance plaza and watched Wes Palm entertain the crowds. I was able to pick out the guy doing the talking. He was pretty good and looked exactly like a tourist. Then took the tip from the Dis and entered the park through the Rainforest Gift Shop. I was the only one around! Headed to Africa along with everyone else and picked up a Fastpass for the Safari Ride. I then proceeded to the Pangani Trail. There was nobody there but me! The CMs were really nice and I learned quite a bit. It seemed I had the jungle all to myself. When I returned for my Fastpass Safari ride, there was no line and I walked right on. I took in a few more things and returned to POFQ for my nap. Then to MK for the evening. I met a friend from work and her husband for supper at the LTT. We hung around and watched Spectro from FL. I also met a few Dissers. What a treat! HI--if any of you are reading this. Then watched Wishes from in front of Crystal Palace. Returned to POFQ really tired, but deliriously happy to be knee deep in the Magic!
Wednesday, Sept 22
GOOD MORNING MICKEY! Arrived at MGM at opening and spent the day there. I had not spent much time in this park. Very enjoyable day. I had lunch at the Sci-Fi and this was a good choice for a meal alone. Everyone just watches the screen while they eat. The food was nothing to write home about, but the chocolate milkshake was tasty and the place was just plain cute. Hung around for the parade and then headed back to POFQ. WHEW--was I tired. This old lady NEEDS her afternoon naps. Washed a few clothes and found the hot tub. This was just what the doctor ordered. The hot water soothed my aching muscles and refreshed my soul. To bed very early. The Mouse does tend to be a tiring vacation!
Thursday, Sept 23
Got up before my Mickey call. It is looking very likely that Hurricane Jeanne will be heading toward the Mouse. OH NOOOOO! Got to MK for the 8:00 opening and did a few things. Had a Dole Whip for lunch. Those things could be very addicting! After a while, I headed back to POFQ for my afternoon siesta. I then headed for Epcot and spent the rest of the day and evening in the WS and stayed for Illuminations. While I took in the WS, I was walking along eating a Mickey Bar and the thing just fell off the stick. It fell right on top of my shoes. What a mess! I had an enjoyable evening hanging around and watching the entertainment. Back to POFQ and the Weather Channel. Go away Jeanne!!
Friday, Sept 24
Another wake-up to Mickey. The Weather Channel did not have encouraging news. Arrived at Epcot and took a ride on the monorail to the TTC and back to Epcot. Then I had a late breakfast at the Electric Umbrella. I ate outside and took in a few shows of the fountain. I could watch that thing all day. Headed over to the WS to hit a couple of things I missed before. That place is dead in the morning! Back to POFQ for my nap. I am really going to miss this little afternoon rest. I then met up again with my friend from work and her husband for supper at OHanas. Great supper and a castle view! After stuffing myself, I waddled on over to the MK and savored the atmosphere on Main Street. Watched Wishes one last time and headed back to POFQ. The Weather Channel was not participating in the Magic!
Hurricane Jeanne forced me to cut my trip a day short and I left for home on Saturday, Sept 25. I was NOT a happy camper.
My big surprise this trip was the crowds. I was in the World this time last year and there were not near as many people. But, crowds are relative. It was crowded for September. It was not near as crowded as my trip the last week in May. I talked with a lot of folks that had postponed trips due to the numerous hurricanes.
This trip definitely pushed me beyond my comfort zone. But what a wonderful experience it was! The freedom to do what I wanted, when I wanted. After a day or two I was hooked! Would I want to go every time by myself? NO. Do I want to go again alone? YES. It was a liberating experience at the happiest place on earth!
I left for WDW on Saturday, Sept 18 and the 7-hour drive went fairly well. Check-in at POFQ was a breeze and Bell Services was fabulous. You would not believe all the junk I brought for this trip. I settled in and took a rest and then took the bus to MK for Spectro and the first of many Mickey Bars. Ah, that Disney magic was wonderful.
Sunday, Sept 19
Early wake-up call from Mickey. But what is this??? My right arm will not move and it HURTS! Hurricane Ivan had come through my hometown on the Thursday before I left. MUCH rain and a leaky basement had rendered my sweeping arm useless. I dont mind telling you that getting ready was a real challenge. Ever tried to put on a T-shirt when you cant move your arm? Somehow, I was at the MK when the gates opened at 8:00am. I had a wonderful morning and yes--I did ride Dumbo. Rode the boat over to Ft Wilderness and had a leisurely lunch at Trails End. Then back to POFQ and took a nap. I grew very fond of my afternoon naps during the week. My arm was still useless and I was popping Advils all day. After my refreshing nap I was off to MGM. Took in a few things and stayed around for Fantasmic. Had a Mickey Bar for supper while I waited on the show. All in all, a good day with the Mouse.
Monday, Sept 20
Yet another Mickey call to start the day. My arm was only slightly better. Still popping Advils. Off to Epcot for opening. Spent the morning in Future World. Discovered the fountain and really enjoyed watching the show. This was the day I finally realized I could do whatever I wanted to do!! TOTAL FREEDOM!! Back to POFQ for my power nap. Then, I actually was able to find my car and took a trip to the Disney outlet store. Back to POFQ and took the boat to DTD. Had supper at Wolfgang Pucks Express and did some shopping. Discovered that DTD is a great place to people watch! My arm seems to be in a recovery mode and is finally feeling better. What a fabulous way to spend a Monday!
Tuesday, Sept 21
I am starting to really like these Mickey wake up calls. What a wonderful morning! My arm had miraculously healed overnight. Disney Magic! Spent a very laid back and relaxing morning at AK. Hung around the entrance plaza and watched Wes Palm entertain the crowds. I was able to pick out the guy doing the talking. He was pretty good and looked exactly like a tourist. Then took the tip from the Dis and entered the park through the Rainforest Gift Shop. I was the only one around! Headed to Africa along with everyone else and picked up a Fastpass for the Safari Ride. I then proceeded to the Pangani Trail. There was nobody there but me! The CMs were really nice and I learned quite a bit. It seemed I had the jungle all to myself. When I returned for my Fastpass Safari ride, there was no line and I walked right on. I took in a few more things and returned to POFQ for my nap. Then to MK for the evening. I met a friend from work and her husband for supper at the LTT. We hung around and watched Spectro from FL. I also met a few Dissers. What a treat! HI--if any of you are reading this. Then watched Wishes from in front of Crystal Palace. Returned to POFQ really tired, but deliriously happy to be knee deep in the Magic!
Wednesday, Sept 22
GOOD MORNING MICKEY! Arrived at MGM at opening and spent the day there. I had not spent much time in this park. Very enjoyable day. I had lunch at the Sci-Fi and this was a good choice for a meal alone. Everyone just watches the screen while they eat. The food was nothing to write home about, but the chocolate milkshake was tasty and the place was just plain cute. Hung around for the parade and then headed back to POFQ. WHEW--was I tired. This old lady NEEDS her afternoon naps. Washed a few clothes and found the hot tub. This was just what the doctor ordered. The hot water soothed my aching muscles and refreshed my soul. To bed very early. The Mouse does tend to be a tiring vacation!
Thursday, Sept 23
Got up before my Mickey call. It is looking very likely that Hurricane Jeanne will be heading toward the Mouse. OH NOOOOO! Got to MK for the 8:00 opening and did a few things. Had a Dole Whip for lunch. Those things could be very addicting! After a while, I headed back to POFQ for my afternoon siesta. I then headed for Epcot and spent the rest of the day and evening in the WS and stayed for Illuminations. While I took in the WS, I was walking along eating a Mickey Bar and the thing just fell off the stick. It fell right on top of my shoes. What a mess! I had an enjoyable evening hanging around and watching the entertainment. Back to POFQ and the Weather Channel. Go away Jeanne!!
Friday, Sept 24
Another wake-up to Mickey. The Weather Channel did not have encouraging news. Arrived at Epcot and took a ride on the monorail to the TTC and back to Epcot. Then I had a late breakfast at the Electric Umbrella. I ate outside and took in a few shows of the fountain. I could watch that thing all day. Headed over to the WS to hit a couple of things I missed before. That place is dead in the morning! Back to POFQ for my nap. I am really going to miss this little afternoon rest. I then met up again with my friend from work and her husband for supper at OHanas. Great supper and a castle view! After stuffing myself, I waddled on over to the MK and savored the atmosphere on Main Street. Watched Wishes one last time and headed back to POFQ. The Weather Channel was not participating in the Magic!
Hurricane Jeanne forced me to cut my trip a day short and I left for home on Saturday, Sept 25. I was NOT a happy camper.
My big surprise this trip was the crowds. I was in the World this time last year and there were not near as many people. But, crowds are relative. It was crowded for September. It was not near as crowded as my trip the last week in May. I talked with a lot of folks that had postponed trips due to the numerous hurricanes.
This trip definitely pushed me beyond my comfort zone. But what a wonderful experience it was! The freedom to do what I wanted, when I wanted. After a day or two I was hooked! Would I want to go every time by myself? NO. Do I want to go again alone? YES. It was a liberating experience at the happiest place on earth!
Must admit, after two days of being relatively quiet while feeling amazing emotions at DL, I was ready to go home and talk, talk, talk, 
