Sorry, boys...this time Mama's going SOLO! October 2016 PTR *NEW 7/8 Double Digit Dance!*

[hokieinpa]

If you keep on believing,
the dream that you wish will come true.

​

Welcome! This is my 4th PTR for my 4th trip to Walt Disney World but this one will be completely different from the rest. That's because unlike previous trips, I'll be a party of ONE!



That's right...Mama's going to Disney solo this time!

I'm not sure this will actually seem real until I'm on the plane flying to Orlando. And maybe not even then. I think when I finally pass under the train station, turn the corner, and see the castle for the first time I'll really believe that I have a whole week for just me, myself, and I!



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This trip came about when I was talking to my mom one evening and telling her that while I love, love, LOVE our family trips, I wished I could have time to really explore each park and see the things that might not interest the boys.

She came back with the offer that she would take a week off of work and come up to help Jim with the boys so I could the once in a lifetime (or at least the next 5 years) chance to explore Walt Disney World solo.

So pretty much I have the best mom ever!!



The planning for this trip has been so different from our family trips but still just as fun! So thanks for following along! [/URL]

 

[BlvInMagic]

Joining-in! Wow... so cool! This is on my bucket list too .... good for you Can't wait to hear about all of your plans.

 

[kastoney]

Well I may have been 4 months late to the last one, but officially checking in 2nd for this one. Can't wait to see what a mama is gonna do on her own ; )

 

[hokieinpa]

Joining-in! Wow... so cool! This is on my bucket list too .... good for you Can't wait to hear about all of your plans.

Thanks for following along! I'm so excited and I still can't believe it's actually happening!

Well I may have been 4 months late to the last one, but officially checking in 2nd for this one. Can't wait to see what a mama is gonna do on her own ; )

Glad you're here! And the answer is eat all the food and drink all the happy drinks!

 

[missangelalexis]

Joining in! So so so excited for you!! That is very generous of your mom, but you definitely deserve this

Can't wait to hear what's in store!

 

[VACamm]

This sounds amaaaazing! I'm following !

 

[SnowWhiteOz]

Can't wait to hear all about your solo trip - that's the only way I travel!

 

[ToyStory90]

Excited to hear your plans! I do a (kind of) solo trip once a year. I visit my friends who live in Orlando and we all stay on property but while they work during the day im on my own. It's so fun to be able to do what I want. Single rider lines, picking where I want to eat, not having to stick to someone else's plans...its awesome. Ill be doing a trip like that again end of October this year. Maybe you will find some awesome solo stuff to do before i get there so ill get some new ideas from you!

 

[Dugette]

That's right...Mama's going to Disney solo this time!

I'm not sure this will actually seem real until I'm on the plane flying to Orlando. And maybe not even then. I think when I finally pass under the train station, turn the corner, and see the castle for the first time I'll really believe that I have a whole week for just me, myself, and I!

Sounds great to me! As you know, Dug and I give each other some solo evenings, but a whole week sounds amazing! You'll love being able to focus on whatever you want and not having to attend to three little people frequently requesting things from you.

She came back with the offer that she would take a week off of work and come up to help Jim with the boys so I could the once in a lifetime (or at least the next 5 years) chance to explore Walt Disney World solo.

So pretty much I have the best mom ever!!

That is a pretty awesome offer! Yay for a great mom!

 

[missjackiemcg]

How exciting!! A glorious solo week in the happiest place in the whole wide world?!!? I am super jealous Can't wait to see what adventures you're able to take without your little fellas in tow.

 

[Elevationist]

That's right...Mama's going to Disney solo this time!

YAAAAAAAAAY!!!!!

The planning for this trip has been so different from our family trips but still just as fun! So thanks for following along!

I'm so excited for this PTR! You know how much I love solo trips!

 

[MissMaryQC]

Following along! be back soon to comment!

 

[tortilla24]

What an awesome mom you have! I just read your current TR and can't wait to join in here!

 

[MissMaryQC]

This trip is gonna be amazing!! I can't wait to see what you do, where you eat!! Aaaahhhhh! I'm so psyched for you!

Your mom is so awesome for gifting you this!

 

[hokieinpa]

Joining in! So so so excited for you!! That is very generous of your mom, but you definitely deserve this

Can't wait to hear what's in store!

I'm so excited! I think I don't really believe it's happening yet. I think it will seem real when I step on the plane? Or see the castle? And yes, my mom is amazing and I'm so thankful!

This sounds amaaaazing! I'm following !

Right?? I can't even describe how excited I am! Thanks for following along!

Can't wait to hear all about your solo trip - that's the only way I travel!

I need to get caught up on your PTR for some pro solo traveler tips!

Excited to hear your plans! I do a (kind of) solo trip once a year. I visit my friends who live in Orlando and we all stay on property but while they work during the day im on my own. It's so fun to be able to do what I want. Single rider lines, picking where I want to eat, not having to stick to someone else's plans...its awesome. Ill be doing a trip like that again end of October this year. Maybe you will find some awesome solo stuff to do before i get there so ill get some new ideas from you!

That sounds like a fun trip! Vacation for you all week and time with your friends on the weekend!

And it all seems a little surreal still to me. I can eat wherever I want, do whatever I want...so very, very excited!!

Sounds great to me! As you know, Dug and I give each other some solo evenings, but a whole week sounds amazing! You'll love being able to focus on whatever you want and not having to attend to three little people frequently requesting things from you.

I'm not sure I believe the whole thing is real yet! A whole week by myself? I'm torn between thinking about how much I will miss the boys and being ridiculously excited!

That is a pretty awesome offer! Yay for a great mom!

She is pretty amazing!

How exciting!! A glorious solo week in the happiest place in the whole wide world?!!? I am super jealous Can't wait to see what adventures you're able to take without your little fellas in tow.

Yay! And I'm so torn between thinking I will be missing the boys like crazy and being so uncontrollably excited that I don't know what to do with myself! And my plan is to eat, drink, and do all the things that just aren't possible with 3 boys around! So excited!!

YAAAAAAAAAY!!!!!

I'm so excited for this PTR! You know how much I love solo trips!

You are the solo trip princess! My wish list of things to eat and drink and see is getting quite long now!!

What an awesome mom you have! I just read your current TR and can't wait to join in here!

Thanks for following along! I'm super excited and so very thankful that my mom is making it all possible!

This trip is gonna be amazing!! I can't wait to see what you do, where you eat!! Aaaahhhhh! I'm so psyched for you!

Your mom is so awesome for gifting you this!

I can't even begin to describe how excited I am!! A whole week to do, see, eat, and drink whatever I want. It still seems too good to be true at this point!

And my mom is pretty amazing!

 

[ashw100]

You're going to have such a fun time, can't wait to hear your plans.

 

[hokieinpa]

*******************************************
9 days until ADRs
129 days until FP+
189 days until Disney!
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Thanks to everyone for following along!

I strangely feel like this trip both requires less and more planning all at the same time. I think it will take far less planning since I don't have to take naps, bathroom breaks, picky eating requirements, etc. into account. I can eat, drink, see, and do whatever I want (sorry, just going to let that one sink in for a moment...) We don't have to rush to Hollywood Studios for JTA. I don't have to account for Rider Swap.

And at the same time, I have spent quite a bit of time planning this trip since it is so open. Any restaurant, any attraction, any show I want to see...I can do it. So I've spent many hours pouring over restaurant reviews and menus!

First things first...my resort for this trip. I was very back and forth. Rent DVC points at an Epcot or Monorail resort? Split stay? Moderate? Value?

For now, I've settled on the very budget friendly Pop Century. With the AP discount I'm expecting for the fall, this is a very affordable option! This gives me quite a big budget for food, drink and extras. That's pretty appealing!

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With that being said, if a good discount comes out I'm not above switching to another resort, even if it's just for a few nights!

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So for now, I'm booked for 7 nights in a Standard Room at Pop Century. I'm thinking I like the 50s section for the proximity to the bus and food court plus I've heard it's relatively calm.

But now, onto the part of this trip I have dreamed the most about...

The Food.

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I really try my best, but having 3 boys with less than adventurous palettes makes it difficult to explore all of the deliciousness that Disney has to offer. So this trip is the perfect chance to try some of the restaurants that I've been dreaming about!

My first night will be at MK. I'm still not 100% sure what I'll get this night but I know it will be QS of some kind.

I might hit up Pecos Bills since I haven't eaten there since the menu switched over. I think I'll try the Chicken Burrito.

https://flic.kr/p/Cq32it
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[URL='https://flic.kr/p/Cq32it']
And of course, go crazy at the toppings bar!

But if the Golden Oak Outpost is open and serving BLT Waffle Fries, I'll head there instead. These look amazing! But right now, I'm having trouble telling if they are still on the menu.

https://flic.kr/p/Cq32it
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And my final option is trying the Pot Roast Mac & Cheese at Friar's Nook. This looks so yummy. I think @Elevationist tried this in December.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/G5uXeo]​

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[URL='https://flic.kr/p/Cq32it']
And of course, a Dole Whip will round out the night nicely! That sounds like the perfect treat to have while enjoy MSEP or Wishes SOLO!

https://flic.kr/p/Cq32it
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[URL='https://flic.kr/p/Cq32it']
Next up will be breakfast at Kona Cafe! I've been dreaming about this Tonga Toast since I first read about it, so that's a must try for me.

https://flic.kr/p/Cq32it
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[URL='https://flic.kr/p/Cq32it']
And I think I'll splurge on the French Press Pot.

https://flic.kr/p/Cq32it
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[URL='https://flic.kr/p/Cq32it']Later, I'll head over to Hollywood Studios with my eye on dinner at Hollywood Brown Derby (with a Fantasmic Dining Package, I think).

I'm going to start with the classic Cobb Salad.

https://flic.kr/p/Cq32it
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[URL='https://flic.kr/p/Cq32it']
Next up, I'm pretty sure the Charred Filet of Beef is calling my name.

https://flic.kr/p/Cq32it
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[URL='https://flic.kr/p/Cq32it']
And last, I'll finish up with the dessert trio with the classic Grapefruit Cake, Banana Toffee Cake, and Double Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee!

https://flic.kr/p/Cq32it


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[url=https://flic.kr/p/FYCk3m][url=https://flic.kr/p/G7MYyR]
[URL='https://flic.kr/p/Cq32it']
My next ADR will bring me back the Magic Kingdom and to my first meal at Be Our Guest. I'm thinking of lunch and the Croque Monsiuer.

https://flic.kr/p/Cq32it
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[URL='https://flic.kr/p/Cq32it']
And for dessert, I've got to try the grey stuff (it's delicious!) so I'll get the Master's Cupcake.

https://flic.kr/p/Cq32it
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[URL='https://flic.kr/p/Cq32it']
When I hop over to Animal Kingdom, I'm hoping to try out Tiffin's with a Rivers of Light dining package. Hopefully they will be released this summer so I can get that booked. The menu preview I read looks very good!


I'll leave off there for now. More plans to come! My ADR date is getting very close and there is still more food to drool over!

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[hokieinpa]

You're going to have such a fun time, can't wait to hear your plans.

Thanks! I'm so excited and I don't think it really seems like it's going to happen. I'll have to pick up some "no kids" tips from you after your trip!

 

[SnowWhiteOz]

*******************************************
9 days until ADRs
129 days until FP+
189 days until Disney!
*******************************************

I just did some quick maths - I think our trips just miss each other - I would have loved to do a dismeet if we were there at the same time

First things first...my resort for this trip. I was very back and forth. Rent DVC points at an Epcot or Monorail resort? Split stay? Moderate? Value?

For now, I've settled on the very budget friendly Pop Century. With the AP discount I'm expecting for the fall, this is a very affordable option! This gives me quite a big budget for food, drink and extras. That's pretty appealing!

I did Pop last time for the exact same reason - more money for food and souvenirs!

So for now, I'm booked for 7 nights in a Standard Room at Pop Century. I'm thinking I like the 50s section for the proximity to the bus and food court plus I've heard it's relatively calm.

https://flic.kr/p/Cq32it

I stayed building 2 which is the 50s section - 3rd floor room room 2326 and it was a great location. It was quiet but not far from the food court or bus stop. Plus you could see the fireworks from DHS from the external walkway (there are some rooms where you can actually see from the room!)
https://flic.kr/p/Cq32it

But if the Golden Oak Outpost is open and serving BLT Waffle Fries, I'll head there instead. These look amazing! But right now, I'm having trouble telling if they are still on the menu.

https://flic.kr/p/Cq32it

Last I heard they only have plain waffle fries - none of the delicious topped ones any more (I loved the cheese and gravy ones)

Next up will be breakfast at Kona Cafe! I've been dreaming about this Tonga Toast since I first read about it, so that's a must try for me.

https://flic.kr/p/Cq32it

This is on my must do list too - I don't know if you know but it is a lot cheaper at the QS location Captain Cooks - the only thing you miss out on is the strawberry sauce.

 

[Dugette]

For now, I've settled on the very budget friendly Pop Century. With the AP discount I'm expecting for the fall, this is a very affordable option! This gives me quite a big budget for food, drink and extras. That's pretty appealing!

Yep, those are all reasons we love Pop Century! Plus, I'm guessing you won't be spending a ton of time in your room on a solo trip - you can be anywhere you want to be.

But if the Golden Oak Outpost is open and serving BLT Waffle Fries, I'll head there instead. These look amazing! But right now, I'm having trouble telling if they are still on the menu.

I had these once and enjoyed them.

Next up will be breakfast at Kona Cafe! I've been dreaming about this Tonga Toast since I first read about it, so that's a must try for me.

Mmmm, can't go wrong there.

I'm going to start with the classic Cobb Salad.

Love this too!

I hope you get to try lots of things that are hard to get to with the family.