Stupid Florence

[Nickarooney]

I'm coming here to whine...

I had to cancel my original 50th birthday plans in Feb. because my mother ended up seriously ill in the hospital days before I was supposed to leave.

Huge plans - GCH, best friend of decades flying in, Napa Rose chef's counter, etc. etc. etc.

Okay, life goes on, priorities straight, reschedule for April. Mother's health declines early spring, decide to put off Birthday 2.0 until we know she is stable and healthy.

Looks for silver lining - could go for Halloween...I looooove Halloween.

Leaving tomorrow morning (spending a couple of days popping around LA before heading to GCH). Have every reservation I could want - scheduled everything 2 months ago - Napa Rose, BB Fantasmic! dinner, PtN package at Carthay, Plaza Inn breakfast, Lamplight Lounge, Storytellers last morning sendoff. Saturday through next Thursday is lined up to be an amazing vacation with the bonus of going to my first Halloween party!

Plot twist: My best friend lives in Charleston, SC. She in all likelihood won't be able to make it. Stupid Florence.

(Yes, I absolutely know we are talking about a severe, severe hurricane and I am by no means equating this disappointment to what people on the east coast are facing. The two aren't even on the same planet. I'm just bummed.)

It's really too late now to try and change my travel plans again.

So, if you see a middle-aged woman next week in a 50th birthday shirt all by herself, be extra nice and generous with the birthday shoutouts

For anyone who enjoys going to the parks solo, hit me up with your favorite activities!

(And anyone with family and friends in the affected areas have all of the good thoughts and energy we can give. We lived in Charleston for a decade, and while a truly beautiful place these catastrophic storms are hell to deal with even if you evacuate.)

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Giant hugs to you! And make sure to get a birthday button and wear it prominently every day you are in the parks! After all this, you deserve all the birthday wishes you can get. Good thoughts going out to your best friend, too. Hang in there -- deep breaths. You have all your special reservations lined up, your party ticket (that's going to be FUN!), and your shows. Make sure to document everything so that you can share it with your friend through photos. Have fun choosing a just right gift for her. Maybe get some autographs for her, too? You're going to have a really good time and gather up enough pixie dust to share when you get back home. Glad you were able to unburden a bit here.

 

[Erin M]

I'm so sorry. I know it's hard when big exciting plans like this get shifted, especially for such a special occasion. If I was in the parks I'd buy you a dole whip for your birthday.

Hope the storm leaves your friend alone too.

 

[Nickarooney]

Added bonus: Single riders line for realsies

 

[Erin M]

Added bonus: Single riders line for realsies

YAAAASSS! You'll probably be able to ride RSR like 5 times in a row before you head over to Splash for a few rounds. Take the poncho!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Added bonus: Single riders line for realsies

Combine that with MP (which, by the way, comes free with your MHP ticket -- good for the early entry hours since FP isn't used during the party) and you're just going to rock the parks!

 

[Karin1984]

Maybe I'm not understanding it, but you leave tomorrow, first a few days in LA before getting to Disney? Then there is still a chance that she might be able to get a later flight and join you for the Disney part. 'A couple of days' is long time in hurricane terms. Of course provided that her home and all survives the hurricane, but I think it's too early to say that you will be alone next week.

 

[Nickarooney]

Maybe I'm not understanding it, but you leave tomorrow, first a few days in LA before getting to Disney? Then there is still a chance that she might be able to get a later flight and join you for the Disney part. 'A couple of days' is long time in hurricane terms. Of course provided that her home and all survives the hurricane, but I think it's too early to say that you will be alone next week.

She's not supposed to be flying out until Sunday. It's the turn of Florence that now has it stalling over Charleston that has changed everything - and unfortunately all the models seem to be in agreement, boo. Keeping our fingers crossed that things work out for her to come, even if delayed. But they are closing the airport today for the remainder of the week at least, and when those flights have to be absorbed once the airport opens again getting out in a timely manner is tough. (And don't think that I wasn't playing the cards that if I posted on here how bad it was going to be that it would really work out and make this post irrelevant - ha!)

 

[Jaina]

Ugh, I’m so sorry! That is super frustrating. I’m hoping it won’t be nearly as bad as they’re predicting, but it’s okay to be disheartened that your plans are getting messed up, especially when it’s for the third time!

 

[Nickarooney]

Thanks everyone, I just needed kind ears to listen to my angst

And we are all hoping if she won't turn away and go back out to sea, that Florence turns out to be much weaker and less of an event than predicted.

 

[RainyDayPixie]

That is such a huge bummer. I'm so sorry!

I have done 2 solo trips and I loved them! Being able to do whatever you want is priceless. Sometimes I just sat on a bench and watched the magic around me.

I hope you still have a great trip and your friend magically makes it! Happy belated birthday.

 

[Nickarooney]

That is such a huge bummer. I'm so sorry!

I have done 2 solo trips and I loved them! Being able to do whatever you want is priceless. Sometimes I just sat on a bench and watched the magic around me.

I hope you still have a great trip and your friend magically makes it! Happy belated birthday.

That's what I love to hear! I have read several accounts here by people who truly enjoy (and sometimes prefer) solo Disney. Even if it was not the original intent of this trip, I plan on finding out how to be one of those if it works out that way!

 

[otten]

Aww I'm sorry. It's totally okay to be disappointed.

My husband and younger daughter are in NC right now visiting my MIL. My family apparently have a knack for finding hurricanes when we travel. I had Matthew when I went to WDW with my oldest and now he's in the path of Florence.

I think you can have a great solo trip. I really want to do one sometime.

 

[Twinkletoesjohnson]

While it totally sucks that your plans have been blown up, the good news is that a solo birthday trip to Disneyland can be a blast! I just spent my 54th doing just that and it was one of my best trips ever. Definitely get a birthday pin-it made me feel special when other park guests told me “Happy Birthday!” Keep your reservations and enjoy every minute of them.

A great solo activity for me is the Animation Academy. You can enjoy this class as much, if not more, when you’re alone (no one to laugh at your drawing, for instance ).

Take advantage of single rider when you can - terrific perk for a solo tripper.

Finally, for me, the absolute best part of a solo trip to Disneyland is doing whatever, whenever you want! You’re completely in your own agenda. No waiting for someone else to do their hair, or go to the bathroom etc.

While I will take any Disneyland trip I can get, I actually prefer going alone. (Don’t tell my family!)

 

[Pamela M]

I went solo for my 46th birthday this past May. I recommend doing a tour if you've never done one. Also the BEST thing about going solo is you can do WHATEVER you want. You'll find you can do things faster with one person. I would also recommend getting Maxpass 1 day just to use for photopass. I got some really cute photos from photopass.

 

[Erin M]

Great point about the tour! I've always wanted to the Walk in Walt's footsteps but no one on my trips is ever interested!

 

[Jnjtrio]

We will be arriving on Sunday leaving on Friday for our Anniversary. Totally understand about the hurricane portion, my family have evacuated from Wilmington. I will spend my vacation worrying about their homes and if they will even be able to get home from the flooding.

Hope your friend is able to join you. If you see a couple in bright blue anniversary shirts on Tuesday that is us. If you could use a friend to do a ride with during the week let me know, will have maxpass.

 

[Nickarooney]

Aww I'm sorry. It's totally okay to be disappointed.

My husband and younger daughter are in NC right now visiting my MIL. My family apparently have a knack for finding hurricanes when we travel. I had Matthew when I went to WDW with my oldest and now he's in the path of Florence.

I think you can have a great solo trip. I really want to do one sometime.

Oh my goodness, you guys need to find a new talent other than hurricane whisperer Hope all is well with your husband's family and he and your daughter are safe, warm and dry.

 

[Nickarooney]

While it totally sucks that your plans have been blown up, the good news is that a solo birthday trip to Disneyland can be a blast! I just spent my 54th doing just that and it was one of my best trips ever. Definitely get a birthday pin-it made me feel special when other park guests told me “Happy Birthday!” Keep your reservations and enjoy every minute of them.

A great solo activity for me is the Animation Academy. You can enjoy this class as much, if not more, when you’re alone (no one to laugh at your drawing, for instance ).

Take advantage of single rider when you can - terrific perk for a solo tripper.

Finally, for me, the absolute best part of a solo trip to Disneyland is doing whatever, whenever you want! You’re completely in your own agenda. No waiting for someone else to do their hair, or go to the bathroom etc.

While I will take any Disneyland trip I can get, I actually prefer going alone. (Don’t tell my family!)

Oh, Animation Academy - great idea, thank you! Love that you love your alone time at Disney!

 

[Nickarooney]

I went solo for my 46th birthday this past May. I recommend doing a tour if you've never done one. Also the BEST thing about going solo is you can do WHATEVER you want. You'll find you can do things faster with one person. I would also recommend getting Maxpass 1 day just to use for photopass. I got some really cute photos from photopass.

I've got Maxpass for the entire time I am there...and, yes, cute photos are a must! And had not thought about a tour - great idea for my Plan B agenda!