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

[ToyStory90]

Rent DVC points at an Epcot or Monorail resort? Split stay? Moderate? Value?

I like staying in different hotels so a solo trip makes that easier. You can have bell services transfer your luggage for you.

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.

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.

I've never been a fan of Pecos but that burrito looks so good I need to try it.

The pot roast mac & cheese is fantastic! SUPER filling though.

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.

I havent tried tonga toast and plan to this trip. I didnt know it was different prices! thank you!

 

[kittylady1972]

Just came across this PTR...Solo trips are really NICE! I did one a few years ago and never regretted it. My kids are older but I just wanted to be able to explore the parks at my pace, not have to hit EVERY ride, stop and just take in atmosphere and street performances at each of the parks without anybody complaining. Even took a nice afternoon nap on a bench in EPCOT one day!

Your food choices sound wonderful as well. I can only really speak to the Cobb Salad at Brown Derby and say that it is fabulous! Oh and the Tonga Toast and Dole Whips are also great. And yes as somebody already pointed out, you can get the Tonga Toast at Capt Cooks for Quick Service. We've done that before and it worked out great.

I don't think I've tried any of the other items but they sound good. During my solo trip I actually had two dinners off property with two friends so it was a chance to catch up with two people who lived in the Florida area. We ended up at Boston Lobster Feast one night (all you can eat seafood...YUM) and then another night at the Columbia Restaurant in celebration where I had the 1905 Salad, also a MUST try sometime. Both meals were great.

Can't wait to hear more about your fun plan!

 

[missangelalexis]

I like your idea of staying at a value and budgeting more for food/drink/etc. Plus being solo, you can try ANY restaurant you want without having to take into account everyone else!

So far your food plans sound great!

 

[Elevationist]

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

The Food.

The MOST IMPORTANT PART of a Disney vacation!

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.

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Wow. That actually looks crazy tasty!

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.

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I sure did! And it was huge... HUGELY DELICIOUS. Also, it looks like this now:

And I think I'll splurge on the French Press Pot.

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Totally worthy splurge! This coffee is soooo gooood!

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

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Me too! (I'm doing the HBD Fantasmic package, also!)

Mmmm. I can't wait to try this!

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!

FOOD FOOD FOOD!

 

[MissMaryQC]

So much yes!!!

We are our hearts out in September, maybe a little too much, but I have no regrets!

Brown Derby with the Fantasmic! Dinner package was my favorite meal! BoG dinner was a close second. The food at BD was so surprisingly delicious; I had a snapper and lobster special that was incredible. The added bonus of arriving at Fantasmic! about 10 minutes before showtime, grabbing a snack and great seats made the whole experience for me.

I agree, stick with Pop. Without the kids you likely won't be in your room atll that much, why not spend that extra money of food and drinks?!

I'm so psyched for you!!

 

[SnowWhiteOz]

9For 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 forgot to mention - I had a night booked at Pop for my next trip but managed to get a moderate for an even lower price using a certain TA who offers agency deals. Happy to PM you the details if you want further information.

 

[hokieinpa]

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

Oh boo! I feel like I'm missing everyone by a hair on all of my trips lately!

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

I am still going back and forth and might spring for a night or two at a monorail or Epcot resort in the end. But I also like being able to spend whatever I want while in the parks!

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!)

That sounds like the perfect spot! I have Touring Plans so I'm going to check out the room finder and see what I can figure out. We stayed in a Preferred Pool View room last trip while I liked being so close, the noise level was higher than I would have liked.

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

This is what I'm thinking as well. The menu online only shows plain waffle fries.

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.

I did see that it's available at Captain Cooks as well. I may have it there but I like that pretty pink strawberry sauce!!

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.

Exactly right. Maybe a break or two and one sleep in day but other than that I'll be in the parks. So cheap and good bus service area all I need - Pop is perfect!

I had these once and enjoyed them.

They look so good but I'm thinking they are off the menu now.

Mmmm, can't go wrong there.

It's one of the dishes I've been wanting to try since I first started planning our Disney trips!

Love this too!

It's such a classic thing now! I think I'll be stuffed with all of the food included in the package but I'm not going to pass up my chance to try everything!!

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

That's my plan! I have a whole Disney "wish list" that I'll be working on checking off!

I like staying in different hotels so a solo trip makes that easier. You can have bell services transfer your luggage for you.

I might do a split stay. I want a chance to experience as many resorts as I can and it might be even easier solo with just my stuff to worry about!

I've never been a fan of Pecos but that burrito looks so good I need to try it.

It was an easy choice when it was burgers but now the new menu sounds even more interesting! Plus the toppings bar is a huge plus since you can add all kinds of yummy stuff!

The pot roast mac & cheese is fantastic! SUPER filling though.

It sounds so amazing! If I miss it this day, I hope I can try it again another time during the trip!

I havent tried tonga toast and plan to this trip. I didnt know it was different prices! thank you!

I love that they have a counter service option too!

Just came across this PTR...Solo trips are really NICE! I did one a few years ago and never regretted it. My kids are older but I just wanted to be able to explore the parks at my pace, not have to hit EVERY ride, stop and just take in atmosphere and street performances at each of the parks without anybody complaining. Even took a nice afternoon nap on a bench in EPCOT one day!

This is my plan exactly! I have a long "Disney to do list" with all of the things I want to see and explore at my own leisure. We're always so busy on our trips to make sure we do everyone's favorite thing. This will finally be all my favorite things! And that nap sounds amazing!

Your food choices sound wonderful as well. I can only really speak to the Cobb Salad at Brown Derby and say that it is fabulous! Oh and the Tonga Toast and Dole Whips are also great. And yes as somebody already pointed out, you can get the Tonga Toast at Capt Cooks for Quick Service. We've done that before and it worked out great.

I'm so excited to try so many things I've been reading about on TRs and the Disney Food Blog! And I think I'm going to stick with Kona just for the pretty pink strawberry sauce, as silly as that is!

I don't think I've tried any of the other items but they sound good. During my solo trip I actually had two dinners off property with two friends so it was a chance to catch up with two people who lived in the Florida area. We ended up at Boston Lobster Feast one night (all you can eat seafood...YUM) and then another night at the Columbia Restaurant in celebration where I had the 1905 Salad, also a MUST try sometime. Both meals were great.

Both of those sound amazing! I know Orlando has some great restaurants. We keep talking about staying offsite one time so I'll have to keep those in mind!

Can't wait to hear more about your fun plan!

Thanks for following along!

 

[hokieinpa]

I like your idea of staying at a value and budgeting more for food/drink/etc. Plus being solo, you can try ANY restaurant you want without having to take into account everyone else!

So far your food plans sound great!

I think it's the best option since I'll really only be in the room to sleep and maybe take a break one or two days.

And I'm so excited to eat when and where I want! It's going to be so different from my other trips!

The MOST IMPORTANT PART of a Disney vacation!

This is why we get each other.

Wow. That actually looks crazy tasty!

And add on those toppings?? Unlimited gucamole? Yes, please!

I sure did! And it was huge... HUGELY DELICIOUS. Also, it looks like this now:

YUM! So it's even bigger now??? It looks like perfection in a bowl!

Totally worthy splurge! This coffee is soooo gooood!

I do love coffee so I've been ready to try this from the moment I read about it!

Me too! (I'm doing the HBD Fantasmic package, also!)

I'm excited for the food and the package! We're doing the H&V Fantasmic package in May but I'm much more excited about the food prospects at HBD!

Mmmm. I can't wait to try this!

All of the desserts at HBD look amazing!

FOOD FOOD FOOD!

So much yes!!!

Right? I'm so excited!!

We are our hearts out in September, maybe a little too much, but I have no regrets!

I think it's just so hard to focus on really enjoying a meal with kids around. They tend to take our attention away and I'm always trying to finish before they get bored. But with adult only trips it's nice to really relax and enjoy food!

Brown Derby with the Fantasmic! Dinner package was my favorite meal! BoG dinner was a close second. The food at BD was so surprisingly delicious; I had a snapper and lobster special that was incredible. The added bonus of arriving at Fantasmic! about 10 minutes before showtime, grabbing a snack and great seats made the whole experience for me.

That's so good to hear! We're doing a Fantasmic package with H&V in May so I'm not too excited about the food then. But I'm really looking forward to Fantasmic with no line!

I agree, stick with Pop. Without the kids you likely won't be in your room atll that much, why not spend that extra money of food and drinks?!

I'm pretty settled on Pop. Especially with an AP discount, it makes it so much easier to spend whatever I want on meals!

I'm so psyched for you!!

Thank you!

 

[missjackiemcg]

Yum Yum Yum!!! Should not have read this post when I skipped breakfast this morning!!!!!!! Your plans sound delightful! I love the idea of being able to park and restaurant-hop to your heart's content. Rider swap?! Who needs it? Not this girl!!

 

[hokieinpa]

Yum Yum Yum!!! Should not have read this post when I skipped breakfast this morning!!!!!!! Your plans sound delightful! I love the idea of being able to park and restaurant-hop to your heart's content. Rider swap?! Who needs it? Not this girl!!

Yes, Disney dining research is a bad idea when you're hungry! And I can't even describe how excited I am to have as much time to do whatever, whenever I want! Eat, drink, rest, ride, show...it's all up to me!

 

[SnowWhiteOz]

I am still going back and forth and might spring for a night or two at a monorail or Epcot resort in the end. But I also like being able to spend whatever I want while in the parks!

I think it would be great to be at an Epcot resort for a night or two - especially during food and wine because you can stumble straight back into your room after sampling all the booths!

That sounds like the perfect spot! I have Touring Plans so I'm going to check out the room finder and see what I can figure out. We stayed in a Preferred Pool View room last trip while I liked being so close, the noise level was higher than I would have liked.

It's one of my favourite things about Touring Plans - I think I've looked at every possible room at my resort to see which one I'd love to stay in.

I did see that it's available at Captain Cooks as well. I may have it there but I like that pretty pink strawberry sauce!!

 

[hokieinpa]

I think it would be great to be at an Epcot resort for a night or two - especially during food and wine because you can stumble straight back into your room after sampling all the booths!

Yes! A morning strolling the World Showcase, a swim in Stormalong Bay, and then heading right back over for Food & Wine sounds just about perfect!

It's one of my favourite things about Touring Plans - I think I've looked at every possible room at my resort to see which one I'd love to stay in.

I just subscribed this year when they had a coupon code and I've played with the touring plans but I honestly like my own better. But the room finder is really nice! I love that they have room view pictures embedded sometimes as well!

 

[Disneylvr]

FOLLOWING! I am taking my first solo in about 3 weeks. Mine is just a quick 4-nights/3 park days trip but I will make the most of it! I am also staying at POP since I won't be in the room much.

 

[hokieinpa]

FOLLOWING! I am taking my first solo in about 3 weeks. Mine is just a quick 4-nights/3 park days trip but I will make the most of it! I am also staying at POP since I won't be in the room much.

Exciting!!

Pop seems like the most reasonable choice for me. I think it's a nice resort and the bus service is good.

I hope you have a great solo trip! I would love to hear all about it. I'm torn between thinking I'll miss my kids like crazy and being excited to have as much time to do whatever I want!

 

[KathyM2]

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

I seriously can't imagine how awesome it would be to plan a trip where you only have to consider what YOU want to do!!! And if you get there and don't feel like doing what you planned? That's ok too!!! How wonderful. The freedom!!

But if the Golden Oak Outpost is open and serving BLT Waffle Fries,

I really wanted to try this on my last trip but it wasn't open. I hope it works for you because it looks so good!

 

[hokieinpa]

I seriously can't imagine how awesome it would be to plan a trip where you only have to consider what YOU want to do!!! And if you get there and don't feel like doing what you planned? That's ok too!!! How wonderful. The freedom!!

It sounds way too amazing to me to seem real! I make ADRs in just 2 days and I can't believe it's really happening!!

I really wanted to try this on my last trip but it wasn't open. I hope it works for you because it looks so good!

Sadly, I think the consensus is these are no longer served. I'm sad because they look amazing!

 

[hokieinpa]

*******************************************
1 days until ADRs
121 days until FP+
181 days until Disney!
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ADR day is TOMORROW!

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I think after I make all of my ADRs it will finally feel real. Even though I already have my room booked, it still doesn't feel like it's really going to happen. That I'm going to go to Disney solo! I'm not sure when it will really sink in but maybe tomorrow?

So with that...it's time for more FOOD!

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We're starting off with the day that I'm going to try the "4 parks, 1 day" challenge. This is something I won't be able to attempt as a family for several years so I'm going to give it a shot now. My "rules" for the challenge will be that I must visit all 4 parks. And in each park, I will need to experience 1 attraction (show or ride) and have 1 snack or drink that is unique to that park. I'm also going to get a PhotoPass shot in front of the landmark at each park. And lastly, I'm going to stipulate that I need to use all 3 forms of Disney transportation - bus, boat, monorail.

So, to start off my day I'll be heading to Animal Kingdom for a few hours. I think my unique snack here will be an Elephant Ear Pastry.

Elephant-Ears-Kusafiri-Bakery by Jamie Winfield, on Flickr​

This seems like my only "unique" snack option at AK for breakfast. I'll see what else Kusafiri Bakery has to offer that morning. I'm not a big fan of eggs so that breakfast wrap is not an option. So I'll go with this pastry which looks pretty yummy!

Next up, I'm actually going to take a quick break from the parks and head over to Animal Kingdom Lodge for lunch at Sanaa!

I'll get an ADR for the first available time and ask for a window seat to enjoy the gorgeous view. I'm starting with the Naan service, of course!

AKL_sanaa_breadservice1_glover by Jamie Winfield, on Flickr​

This looks amazing. And I'm pretty sure I'll be full after this so I'm going to get another appetizer to go along with it to round out my meal. I'm thinking either the salad trio or the samosas.

sanaa-salad-sampler by Jamie Winfield, on Flickr​

august28download-314 by Jamie Winfield, on Flickr​

With a full belly, I'll take a bus over to Hollywood Studios for a bit. My snack of choice here will be the Carrot Cake Cookie.

carrotcakecookie by Jamie Winfield, on Flickr​

Even with the closing of the Writer's Stop, I've heard this is still available at Sweet Spells Bakery. And it looks AMAZING!

Next I'll take the Friendship Boat over to Epcot. This should be a long ride but a nice way to relax between parks.

Epcot will be an easy place to find a unique snack. I'm sure I'll sample some more F&W goodies but I also have my eye on one of these treats...or maybe all 3?

First up in France is the Croque Glace from L'Artisan des Glaces....seriously how amazing does this sound? I remember @Dugette got one and it was hard to eat but really yummy!

Brioche-Ice-Cream-Sandwich-with-Sorbets by Jamie Winfield, on Flickr​

Karamell-Kuche will be a stop at some point for something ooey and gooey and delicious, like this sea salt caramel!

seasaltcaramel by Jamie Winfield, on Flickr​

And finally, a new treat for me - School Bread in Norway!

Norway-School-Bread by Jamie Winfield, on Flickr​

I've never had this before and it really sounds good. Plus it feels like one of those Disney snacks that you just have to try at least once!

And wrapping up my 4 parks, 1 day challenge will be a night at MK. I'm thinking either Corn Dog Nuggets from Casey's Corner.

Caseys-Corner-Corn-Dog-Nuggets by Jamie Winfield, on Flickr​

Or even a Fruit and Chocolate Spread Waffle from Sleepy Hollow?

Nutella-Waffle by Jamie Winfield, on Flickr​

Or both? Why not?

Next will be my MNSSHP night, which will call for sleeping in and then heading over to the Poly for lunch at Captain Cook's. I'm having trouble deciding between the Thai Coconut Meatballs

captain-cooks-coconut-curry-meatballs-3-600x448 by Jamie Winfield, on Flickr​

Or the Pulled Pork Nachos.

pork-nachos-disney-captain-cooks-640x457 by Jamie Winfield, on Flickr​

Any opinions?

Whatever the decision, a Dole Whip will be on the table for dessert!

dole-whip-2 by Jamie Winfield, on Flickr​

Or better yet, out on the beach!

For the last 1.5 days of my trip, I don't have any ADRs planned and will probably just grab whatever quick service meals or snacks that strike my fancy. I'm am thinking of booking a late ADR at Beaches & Cream to enjoy this little bit of heaven.

No-Way-Jose by Jamie Winfield, on Flickr​

The No Way Jose. Peanut Butter and Chocolate perfection. All for ME!

But other than that, I think I'll be happy snacking and enjoying F&W goodies!


Ok...ADRs in the morning. It's happening!

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Thanks for following along!

 

[missangelalexis]

Best of luck on getting your ADRs! The rest of your food plans sound great. I love that you're going to do 4 parks in one day!!

 

[KathyM2]

So fun!! Have fun booking ADR's and dreaming about all that food!!

 

[rdkeim]

The pictures of all the snacks are making me miss DW! On my March trip with my sister, I made a point of going to the Writer's Stop since I heard it was closing. Of course I got a carrot cookie - it was huge! Took me 3 sittings to eat the whole thing. I kept it in the room frig. So good! Also got a School Bread - got it "to go" and had it for breakfast the next morning. Yum! By Disney standards, thought the price was very reasonable. Also I had to indulge with a sea salt caramel - expensive but worth it! Looking forward to see what ADR's you decide on