Surviving Solo - My first solo trip to the World and first Trip Report!

[Belle2007]

Sounds interesting to go solo! My DH loves it when I let him run around the park by himself.

looking forward to hearing about MK!

 

[norybell]

The horseback riding looks fun! I think this is the first time I've ever seen pictures of it. I must admit, though, that the idea of having to wear a helmet on a horseback ride bothers me a little. A bike ride, I understand. But how often do people fall off horses onto their heads? I dunno, maybe it happens more often than I think. All I know is I've never had to wear a helmet on any other tourist-horseback-riding thing!

Disney is the perfect place to try a solo vacation first. You feel so safe there that I have not been worried about my safety at all so far.

I totally agree with this!

 

[jenseib]

Great update. The horseback riding does look fun. What is the age on that? (how young can one be?) and how much does it cost?

 

[PhoenixStrength]

Sounds interesting to go solo! My DH loves it when I let him run around the park by himself.

looking forward to hearing about MK!

It is definitely a different experience to do Disney solo, since I have been 3 other times with family. I think it is good for everyone's sanity to just get out by yourself for at least a bit during a vacation!

The horseback riding looks fun! I think this is the first time I've ever seen pictures of it. I must admit, though, that the idea of having to wear a helmet on a horseback ride bothers me a little. A bike ride, I understand. But how often do people fall off horses onto their heads? I dunno, maybe it happens more often than I think. All I know is I've never had to wear a helmet on any other tourist-horseback-riding thing!

It was a ton of fun!! You are not required to wear a helmet, it is only an option and is suggested. They suggest it because there is quite a bit of wildlife on the trail, and even though the horses are used to it, they can still get spooked if something runs out quickly. You do have to sign a release before you start, and there is a paragraph about whether or not you are going to wear the helmet. I will say there were 3 of us on the trail (besides the guides) and two of the horses got spooked by things. Now, neither of us got close to falling off, but it happened. I don't know what spooked the front horse, I just saw it go quickly to the side. My horse got spooked by, of all things, a large leaf blowing in front of it! And this is a horse used in weddings and park parades because he is so calm and not easily startled. He started trotting to the side for a few seconds but I quickly got him under control. So, it would be completely your choice whether or not to wear a helmet on the ride!

Great update. The horseback riding does look fun. What is the age on that? (how young can one be?) and how much does it cost?

The minimum age for the horseback riding trail is 9. They do have pony rides on the other side of Fort Wilderness for those 8 and under. It is about 45-60 minutes long, and costs $46 per person. I don't know the price for the pony rides, or the other options (carriage rides, Hay rides).

 

[pookersmom]

A solo trip -- how fun! Enjoying your TR.

My husband, son and I love road trips and drive everywhere too. So much cheaper. Of course, our drives to WDW are a smidge longer than yours was since we live in Colorado. But that's why they invented Starbucks and Cracker Barrel.

 

[Snickals]

I am loving your updates and photos so far

 

[PhoenixStrength]

A solo trip -- how fun! Enjoying your TR.

My husband, son and I love road trips and drive everywhere too. So much cheaper. Of course, our drives to WDW are a smidge longer than yours was since we live in Colorado. But that's why they invented Starbucks and Cracker Barrel.

Thanks, I am so glad you are enjoying my TR!!! I really do love driving and road trips. It is definitely cheaper, and I enjoy the scenery along the way. Your drive is definitely longer than mine though! I was on a road trip from MD to Utah and back with my family several years ago, and we did go through Colorado on the way back, so I can somewhat appreciate that drive!

I am loving your updates and photos so far

Thanks! I hope you have a great time on your upcoming trip.

 

[PhoenixStrength]

Hello again everyone! So, last entry I was going to bed after spending the day Horseback riding at Fort Wilderness and shopping at Downtown Disney in the rain! The next morning, Friday, I woke up early and got a shower and breakfast quickly. I was out of the hotel by 7:45am. I wanted to get going early so I could get to Magic Kingdom with plenty of time to spare before the Opening Ceremony. I was extremely excited since this would be my first day at any of the parks. Thankfully my hotel is only 7 miles from the Disney World exit, so I was quickly on World Drive, and then after just a few more minutes I saw this:

It was only a few minutes after 8am by then, so I got a very close parking spot. I quickly walked over to the Ticket and Transportation Center. Once there, I rode the Monorail. The Express was not running yet, so I had to take the Resort Monorail. I did get a few pictures of the MK resorts during the ride.

I was soon at the Main gates. I went through the bag check and ticket stiles. I found a good spot to watch the Opening Ceremony and took a couple of pictures while waiting.

As you can see, they had already gotten the Christmas Decorations up, even though the first MVMCP was not until Monday. I only had to wait about 10 minutes before the Fire Chief came out and started the Opening Ceremonies. The train soon arrived with many characters, including Aladdin, Jasmine, Mary Poppins, Pluto, Chip, Dale, White Rabbit, Donald, Daisy, Stitch, Snow White, and, of course, Mickey! Here is Mickey (and a few friends) officially opening Magic Kingdom.

Once I was inside I took a couple more pictures of the Christmas decorations.

And, of course, a picture of Cinderella's Castle!

I went straight to Tomorrowland to ride some of my favorite rides, along with a few dozen of my new closest friends. I went right to Space Mountain and got a Fastpass for later, and then jumped into line. Thankfully the line was still very short and I was able to walk right onto my rocket. I did get a couple of pictures as I was quickly walking in.

And I took a picture of the robot working the console as I got off my flight.

My next ride was Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin. The park was still pretty empty so I was able to just walk right on it too. I only got a few pictures on the outside since I was walking right through the line.

I didn't get a picture of my score this time, but I know it was in the 100,000 range. Not the best, but I ride it because it is fun, not for the glory! Since I had gotten an early Fastpass I was already able to get another. I got one to come back on Buzz Lightyear later. My next ride was for the only ride in Magic Kingdom that I have never been on before, Astro Orbiter. I think I have never been on it before since I have always come with family, and both of my sisters and my mother are afraid of heights. One of my sisters loves thrill rides even though she hates heights, but never considered Astro Oribiter worth the fear. And my father and I just skipped it so they wouldn't all be waiting for us for what is basically Dumbo up higher. Since I was alone this time though, and it was still so slow in Tomorrowland, I went ahead and rode it.

That second picture was taken from my rocket car. The ride was nice, but I couldn't get any good pictures due to the speed of the turning car, and the bars that are everywhere blocking the views. I was glad I rode it though. My next stop was the Peoplemover. I am so glad they changed the name back to that. Though, technically the name is now Tomorrow Transit Authority Peoplemover. But on the sign, you can see that Peoplemover is the most prominent thing. It is nice to see that Disney does sometimes listen to us and make easy changes that make guests happy!

When I got off Stitch was greeting right beside the exit. I took a picture of him and then went on my way.

My next stop was Monsters Inc Laugh Floor. I really enjoy this attraction. I love that each show is unique and while the humor is mostly puns, I always laugh. I took a few pictures while waiting to be let in the main holding area.

And Lisa, I took a few pictures for you to show to John

I hope he enjoys them!

I will continue this in the next post since I have reached my image limit for this one!

 

[PhoenixStrength]

My next stop was Tomorrowland Speedway. I actually went back and forth on this ride. I wasn't sure I wanted to ride it since it had a 20 minute wait and it is kind of boring. In the end I figured since I was making good time (it was still only a little bit after 10 by then and I had done 5 attractions already) and it has nice scenery, so I would do it.

The line actually only took about 15 minutes. I was actually pretty lucky this trip as almost every ride I did at each park took less time than the posted time. I was also happy as, for the first time ever riding this ride, no one bumped into me! I have ALWAYS would up with some obnoxious kid or clueless adult behind me that rams into me at the end of the ride! This time I did have a young kid driving behind me, but they were very respectful and kept back when we got to the end of the ride. Definitely improved the ride!

I decided to head to Fantasyland next. It was a bit odd to see all the walls up, even though I had seen other guests' pictures of it. I did like the "Dream Builders" quotes every few feet that had quotes from Walt Disney. Here are a few of my favorites.

As I walked toward Dumbo I passed The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, which was closed for renovations, as well as Mad Tea Party, which was getting a new roof. They had moved Winnie the Pooh's tree from Pooh's Playful Spot, which was permanently closed due to the expansion, to in front of the ride. Over the walls you could see it where they are putting it.

Further down the wall they had descriptions and paintings of the confirmed attractions that will be in the new expansion. They are the Beauty and the Beast themed restaurant, Be Our Guest, and Enchanted Tales with Belle. I'm guessing the latter will be an updated version of Storytime with Belle, which was closed down to add Tangled's character spot with Rapunzel and Flynn Rider. Here are some pictures of the previews and descriptions of the new attractions.

My next ride was Dumbo the Flying Elephant. I have not gotten on this since my very first visit when I was 13.

In all honestly the main reason I decided to get on it this time was to be able to see over the walls at the new construction going on. The line was the longest so far but not too bad. I waited about 20 minutes and then got to pick my elephant. I picked the green one, since it is my favorite color I managed to get a couple of good pictures of the construction going on for Fantasy Forest.

When I got off the ride it was a little after 11am and I was starting to get hungry. I decided to go right next door to Pinocchio's Village House for a CS lunch.

It was still pretty empty inside since it was early. I got in line and ordered the Chicken Parmesan and a drink. I didn't notice until I got up to get my food that the CM had rang me up for Chicken Nuggests instead. I spoke to him and he got the servers to give me the Chicken Parmesan instead. I tried to pay the difference, since the Parm is over a dollar more, but he refused since it was his mistake. This would not be my first time getting a good deal for my food! I was able to get a table by the windows overlooking the start of It's a Small World. Here is a picture of my lunch before I dived in.

The side for the Chicken Parmesan is Orzo pasta with a chunky tomato sauce. Both it and the Chicken Parmesan were delicious. To be honest, it was easily the best food I had at any of the parks. None of the food I had was bad, but this was definitely above the rest. To be fair, I only ate at CS restaurants. I ate all the orzo and chicken right down and enjoyed every bite of it.

I'm going to stop for now. I might be on later today to respond to posts and/or post another entry.

 

[mickeyfreak13]

Truly enjoying the TR. The pictures are exactly what WDW junkie needs for his more that a year away jones.

Thank You ,Thank You

 

[nutz2notz]

I am enjoying your trip report so much. I love all your pictures.

I will be going on my first solo trip in March and reading your solo report is very helpful as I make my plans.

Thanks for sharing.

 

[jenseib]

Loving your report so far. You got so much done that morning. Keep it coming!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Girl, you've gotten so much done in so little time. I laughed outloud at the Roz pictures.....John said thank you! You remembered his not-so-secret crush on her.

When you get back, you should post your Fantasyland pictures on the boards. There's an entire thread dedicated to how things are going with the construction.

The chicken parm looks really good. Might have to try that next trip.

 

[IheartDDuck]

I'm joining your trip report. A solo trip is something that I really want to do in the future, so I enjoy reading trip reports about it.

I remember doing the horseback riding at Fort Wilderness. I was 12 years old when we did it, and the thing that stuck out most in my head was the trail guide trying to mess around with me by telling me that my horse's name was Dr. Doom because when people rode him, they would mysteriously disappear in the woods!

 

[longing2Batdisney]

Looks like a great day so far in magic Kingdom! love how you are just walking right on everything...thanks! for thinking to ride Dumbo to get some shots of the new construction... enjoying traveling with you!

 

[PhoenixStrength]

Truly enjoying the TR. The pictures are exactly what WDW junkie needs for his more that a year away jones.

Thank You ,Thank You

I am so glad you are enjoying it! I know what it is like to be waiting a while between visits. My last visit before this one was over 2 years ago, and now I am not sure when my next one will be. I will start planning for that soon. Hope you enjoy the rest!

I am enjoying your trip report so much. I love all your pictures.

I will be going on my first solo trip in March and reading your solo report is very helpful as I make my plans.

Thanks for sharing.

Thanks! I love taking pictures I actually took 300-400 pictures per day. I'm obviously just putting the best up on here.

Good luck with your first solo trip. I had a wonderful time! If you have any questions while planning please feel free to ask.

Loving your report so far. You got so much done that morning. Keep it coming!

I was actually surprised by how quickly I was able to get on most rides. I did get a little longer wait times in the afternoon for a few rides, but never more than 30 minutes all day.

Girl, you've gotten so much done in so little time. I laughed outloud at the Roz pictures.....John said thank you! You remembered his not-so-secret crush on her.

When you get back, you should post your Fantasyland pictures on the boards. There's an entire thread dedicated to how things are going with the construction.

The chicken parm looks really good. Might have to try that next trip.

I will say that being alone really helped me to go faster. I didn't have to wait for anyone else before I could keep going. Tell John he is very welcome for the pictures. I just remembered his crush while waiting in line and thought I'd take a few pics to help him get by until May

I got back last night. I know which board you are talking about and I will be posting those pics on it tomorrow. The chicken parm is delicious! I was a little concerned about the quality of the chicken, or the orzo being hard, but I had it twice while there and it was excellent both times.

I'm joining your trip report. A solo trip is something that I really want to do in the future, so I enjoy reading trip reports about it.

I remember doing the horseback riding at Fort Wilderness. I was 12 years old when we did it, and the thing that stuck out most in my head was the trail guide trying to mess around with me by telling me that my horse's name was Dr. Doom because when people rode him, they would mysteriously disappear in the woods!

I am so glad you are joining my trip report! I hope you enjoy the entries.

That is an awful trick to pull on a 12 year old! I actually didn't understand what the guide said his name was at first, but thankfully they all have a dog tag on their saddle with their name on it. I have a picture of Ditto's name tag actually.

Looks like a great day so far in magic Kingdom! love how you are just walking right on everything...thanks! for thinking to ride Dumbo to get some shots of the new construction... enjoying traveling with you!

It was a great day. I was shocked at how easily I was able to get rides done. You are welcome for the pictures too! It was nice to see how the progress is going.

 

[PhoenixStrength]

I didn't forget about my TR! I have just been swamped at work catching up and will be this week too. However, I hope to get an entry up this afternoon or tomorrow at the latest!

 

[mickeystoontown]

I didn't forget about my TR! I have just been swamped at work catching up and will be this week too. However, I hope to get an entry up this afternoon or tomorrow at the latest!

I know exactly how you feel! We'll be here when you get a chance to update.

 

[mickeyfreak13]

No worries..we are patient.

 

[lynn71092]

Joining in.
Loving the pictures.
I have also done a solo and loved it!