The 5 trips of My "Disney Free Year" - A Mermaid, A Buzz, A Boat and A Steak - 7/8

[not_Joanna_eggs]

Parting is such sweet sorrow But I feel you have something fun still to come

So, yeah, when's the next trip

Carey

True, true...lots more still to come.

And okay already... twist my arm why don't you. I'll spill my next trip news in the next post...

 

[not_Joanna_eggs]

Remember my bold statements about no Disney in 2011?

Did anyone actually believe me??

Sadly, I think DH did. When I broached the subject of a trip this summer or fall, he kind of brushed me off and said he wanted to go somewhere else. So, we booked a trip to Alaska for the end of May. So okay, that kind of ate up all of our travel funds for the year...

But, I'm still sitting here dreams of tonga toast and monorails swirling in my head. Just one little trip couldn't hurt - right?

Plus we still have 2 days left on our no-expire passes - so it could still be affordable even with the other trip... (Wow, typing this out makes me seem like a junkie - just one more hit. I just need a little Mickey. But I can quit any time. I swear. Ohh Tinkerbell, come here baby...)

So I bring it up to DH, and he's actually listening this time... But I can tell he's not that interested, and I've been at Disney with him when he's not that interested (September anyone??) and it's fun for anyone.

So, I started considering a solo trip - just to get my fix in. But I think that I'm not quite ready for such a big leap into independence.

So I was starting to think that this might actually end up being a Disney-Free year. The horror!

So then a few months ago my friend started complaining that her son really wanted to go to Disney, but she hates Disney. Not the concept of Disney, but she hates crowds and rides and masses of Children.

Yes, I had to swat through how a Disney hater could have slipped through the resume process to become my friend.... but then my brain started working. What if I go with them? Then I could take her son to the parks and she could chill in the hotel room, or whatever she wants to do.

Hmmm....

So I proposed my idea to her, and though she was initially hesitant, the tag-team of me and her son wore her down. And so now we're ON!

So, my next trip will be Labor Day weekend.

It will be a completely different experience for me - traveling with a 9 year old. No afternoons spent in the Tequila bar or staying out until 2 am, and I'm pretty sure there's a character breakfast or two in my future. But it's still Disney, and there's so much stuff I want to do that I'm embarrassed to do without a kid

So, I'm in full planning mode again - right where I should be

 

[not_Joanna_eggs]

First, let me just share a couple pictures that I got after the appropriate part in the TR, but well just need to be shared…

OMG – DH can smile for a picture. I should get this one framed!

At the time of the trip, Panic worked for the cosmetic company. And they have a contest for the best travel picture with their products. She was the winner the year before, so we tried our hand at getting her a repeat victory. So I give you – cosmetics around the World.

You were getting sick of the lip gloss weren’t you …

Okay, so that wasn't as exciting as I promised, but there is more to come....

 

[yourMaire83]

I just found your TR... and I don't even know where to start. I guess I should just start with the flattery... you crack me up! And, it seems like y'all tour the parks and enjoy each other the way my family and I do. So, I am happy to be stalking your trip on the Dis. I'm still only on Day 2, but here's some of my observations...

It never occurred to any of us that the room wouldn’t be ready. So we ended up with 2 frozen pizzas, and nowhere to go.

It was raining, so we didn’t want to go outside, and all of the public areas were taken. So we ended up in a hallway having a nutritious lunch of cheetos and potato chips.

How classy are we?

I’m sure we looked really pathetic sitting in the hallway stuffing our faces, but we were so hungry we didn’t care.

LOL, y'all are my type of folks!

This is why I love Disney – all the little details. The “flowers” outside Nemo look like coral!

YES, I love this, too!

Queenie and Grumpy have never seen Finding Nemo, so the story line was a bit lost on them, but the effects are still cool.

My brother's hasn't seen it either, and he had a different perspective of the ride. I should really make him watch it and then ride again.

Because we’re all like 12, we spent the rest of the vacation saying “Dude” as much as possible. Even my parents!

Y'all crack me up.

As always, Sunshine Seasons was a winner for us. I just hate how wild it gets. If only it wasn’t adjacent to Soarin’

Yes, agreed. Do you remember when it was a HUGE foodcourt (before Soarin')?

Wasn't that just the wildest ride ever?

The look on your father's face made me almost choke on my drink just now.
I also LOVE the fake fireworks! I miss the old song they used to have when it was more "Mexican It's a Small World" but the fake fireworks, sooo magical for me!

We hopped onto a friendship boat and headed towards our destination.

Do you have to be friendly on a friendship boat?

Um…No, don’t be stupid

LOL

It was feeding time, for the giraffes, and there was one giraffe that apparently had been sick for the last two weeks, and this was the first day he had been out in a while. He was so excited he was chasing the truck – I mean RUNNING – it was so funny. This giant giraffe and he was acting like a little puppy!

After we got bored with the giraffes, we broke out Epic Mickey and played for a while. A nice afternoon break.

Too cute!

Also, I love Epic Mickey!!

 

[yourMaire83]

I'm back. I live in Utah, near the ski resorts, and it is not a very nice day out right now. So, I popped some popcorn WhirleyPop style and am settling down to enjoy more of you TR . And, to check prices for flights to Orlando. If they're under $300pp, I can convince DH to take me. Yesterday, the dates I want were right around 320 . I also made a Kool-Aid, the champagne of sugary drinks...

Soon, we were back on the bus headed back to Epcot. I haven’t seen these lighted sidewalk pieces before. They’re awesome.

Next, we were finally able to cash in those FPs for a flight on Soarin’. You know there was no way I’d be standing in that 120 minute line!

Even with a FP – the line is still BORING

Seriously Soarin' get an exciting line!

Soarin’ impressed both Queenie and Grumpy – which is quite a feat. Though this is the first time I’ve been on it and people didn’t clap when it was done.

After Soarin, I suggested we go to Greg’s favorite…

Capitan EO! He looked at me like I had suggested we launch a campaign against sunshine and fluffy bunnies. Um. NO! So we just wandered around.

Yes! I become a toddler when the sidewalk does this... and for some reason, I have only noticed it on my way out the park.

Your dad cracks me up... he looks so serious!

And, how can one not love Captain EO... that song is so freaking catchy!

I love your red jacket! Perfectly Christmasy. And your sister looks like she's wearing very Disney-appropriate colors. Sorry to hear about your fall.

Ok, the next part, with the photos of the food at Les Chefs... had me on the edge of my seat. I wasn't impressed with this place, and I wanted to see what you thought of it. When DH and I went for our Anniversary, I was disappointed that they didn't acknowledge that we were celebrating. We spend 7 days in Disney and this was the ONLY reservation that I put on the ressie that we were celebrating. We were also wearing Anniversary pins. I might go back, but I would only get the following: escargots, soup (French onion or lobster bisque are very good here), and creme brulee. No entrees!

After we finally could leave, Epcot was closed, and so we made our way to the front of the park.

My mom was worried we’d be swept from the park and forced onto the “naughty” bus. Apparently this happened to us once in the 90s, and she forever lives in fear of the naughty bus. LOL

 

[Princess_K]

Yay for another disney trip! It may be a totally different experience, but it will be fun. I bet you'll turn your friend into a Disney fan after all

 

[tksbaskets]

Remember my bold statements about no Disney in 2011?

Did anyone actually believe me??

Sadly, I think DH did. When I broached the subject of a trip this summer or fall, he kind of brushed me off and said he wanted to go somewhere else. So, we booked a trip to Alaska for the end of May. So okay, that kind of ate up all of our travel funds for the year...

But, I'm still sitting here dreams of tonga toast and monorails swirling in my head. Just one little trip couldn't hurt - right?

Plus we still have 2 days left on our no-expire passes - so it could still be affordable even with the other trip... (Wow, typing this out makes me seem like a junkie - just one more hit. I just need a little Mickey. But I can quit any time. I swear. Ohh Tinkerbell, come here baby...)

So I bring it up to DH, and he's actually listening this time... But I can tell he's not that interested, and I've been at Disney with him when he's not that interested (September anyone??) and it's fun for anyone.

So, I started considering a solo trip - just to get my fix in. But I think that I'm not quite ready for such a big leap into independence.

So I was starting to think that this might actually end up being a Disney-Free year. The horror!

So then a few months ago my friend started complaining that her son really wanted to go to Disney, but she hates Disney. Not the concept of Disney, but she hates crowds and rides and masses of Children.

Yes, I had to swat through how a Disney hater could have slipped through the resume process to become my friend.... but then my brain started working. What if I go with them? Then I could take her son to the parks and she could chill in the hotel room, or whatever she wants to do.

Hmmm....

So I proposed my idea to her, and though she was initially hesitant, the tag-team of me and her son wore her down. And so now we're ON!

So, my next trip will be Labor Day weekend.

It will be a completely different experience for me - traveling with a 9 year old. No afternoons spent in the Tequila bar or staying out until 2 am, and I'm pretty sure there's a character breakfast or two in my future. But it's still Disney, and there's so much stuff I want to do that I'm embarrassed to do without a kid

So, I'm in full planning mode again - right where I should be

GOOD WORK!! Those kids are good excuses to get pictures with the characters LOL about your lack of resume checks. Half my family wouldn't pass

Glad you have something to plan for. We are doing a Disney Cruise to Alaska in July so we have a little more Disney this year too!

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Yay for another trip in the works!!! It's sad not having ADR's and plans to think about, isn't it?

(There will be an accompanying TR, I hope?)

 

[Caretames1]

Oh so jealous! ALASKA! I want to go sooo bad. I'm hoping, fingers crossed that I can convince DH to do an Alaskan Disney cruise for our 25th wedding anniversary ( in only 11 years ) I want to see a TR on your trip!

Woot Woot, Disney in Sept! I think going with the friend and child will be a whole new way to see Disney.

 

[not_Joanna_eggs]

I just found your TR... and I don't even know where to start. I guess I should just start with the flattery... you crack me up! And, it seems like y'all tour the parks and enjoy each other the way my family and I do. So, I am happy to be stalking your trip on the Dis. I'm still only on Day 2, but here's some of my observations...


LOL, y'all are my type of folks!


YES, I love this, too!


My brother's hasn't seen it either, and he had a different perspective of the ride. I should really make him watch it and then ride again.


Y'all crack me up.


Yes, agreed. Do you remember when it was a HUGE foodcourt (before Soarin')?


The look on your father's face made me almost choke on my drink just now.
I also LOVE the fake fireworks! I miss the old song they used to have when it was more "Mexican It's a Small World" but the fake fireworks, sooo magical for me!


LOL


Too cute!

Also, I love Epic Mickey!!

Um... You're late...

I don't remember the food court in the Land - I just remember the awesomeness that was Food Rocks. I loved me some Chubby Cheddar!

Epic Mickey is so addicting. I keep starting over and playing it!

I'm back. I live in Utah, near the ski resorts, and it is not a very nice day out right now. So, I popped some popcorn WhirleyPop style and am settling down to enjoy more of you TR . And, to check prices for flights to Orlando. If they're under $300pp, I can convince DH to take me. Yesterday, the dates I want were right around 320 . I also made a Kool-Aid, the champagne of sugary drinks...



Yes! I become a toddler when the sidewalk does this... and for some reason, I have only noticed it on my way out the park.

Your dad cracks me up... he looks so serious!

And, how can one not love Captain EO... that song is so freaking catchy!



I love your red jacket! Perfectly Christmasy. And your sister looks like she's wearing very Disney-appropriate colors. Sorry to hear about your fall.

Ok, the next part, with the photos of the food at Les Chefs... had me on the edge of my seat. I wasn't impressed with this place, and I wanted to see what you thought of it. When DH and I went for our Anniversary, I was disappointed that they didn't acknowledge that we were celebrating. We spend 7 days in Disney and this was the ONLY reservation that I put on the ressie that we were celebrating. We were also wearing Anniversary pins. I might go back, but I would only get the following: escargots, soup (French onion or lobster bisque are very good here), and creme brulee. No entrees!

Mmmm Whirly Pop and Kool Aid! You're my type of people!

Ohhh I hope you found cheap flights are are Disney bound!

The other day, I was doing the dishes and humming to myself "we are hear to change the world" DH just looked at me and walked out of the room exasperated

Hehe, funny you should mention my jacket. I wore it because it was red, but I was putting it away, and I noticed that the pattern is SO Hidden Mickeys!

We were so disappointed in Bistro de Paris.

Yay for another disney trip! It may be a totally different experience, but it will be fun. I bet you'll turn your friend into a Disney fan after all

Well, the plans have changed a little bit...see the next post.

GOOD WORK!! Those kids are good excuses to get pictures with the characters LOL about your lack of resume checks. Half my family wouldn't pass

Glad you have something to plan for. We are doing a Disney Cruise to Alaska in July so we have a little more Disney this year too!

I was so excited to go with a kid - but now it looks like it's not going to happen right away. See next post.

Ohh. I so wish we were doing a Disney Cruise. I couldn't get the fam to go with that... so we're doing Celebrity instead. But I'm so excited about it anyway - we're a month away!

Yay for another trip in the works!!! It's sad not having ADR's and plans to think about, isn't it?

(There will be an accompanying TR, I hope?)

It so is. See next post for new next trip details

Oh so jealous! ALASKA! I want to go sooo bad. I'm hoping, fingers crossed that I can convince DH to do an Alaskan Disney cruise for our 25th wedding anniversary ( in only 11 years ) I want to see a TR on your trip!

Woot Woot, Disney in Sept! I think going with the friend and child will be a whole new way to see Disney.

Good luck. I wish we were doing a Disney Cruise. I so so wish! And hopefully you don't have to wait 11 years!

I am in the process of working on blog for all my TRs past present and future. So, I'll keep you all posted once I get it up and running.

 

[not_Joanna_eggs]

Okay, sorry I've been MIA lately. Life's been crazy busy - so here's what's been going on. Told in my babbly joanna style...

I'm so devastated. A few days ago, My friend called and told me that her sister is having a baby (not why I'm devastated) but she's due in October, and my friend is her support system, so she doesn't want to go to Disney this year, because she can't not be there when the baby's born.

I suggested July, but she's worried about the heat. And she didn't seem receptive to it, so I gave up. The trip isn't off - just postponed for now...So now we're thinking January.

I'm so bummed I have no words.

So then I was racking my brain for ANYONE that would want to go with me. Panic, my aunt, the mailman. Anyone.

I was so depressed, I felt the need to indulge in a little retail therapy and invested in a Super Zoom camera for our trip to Alaska in May. I'm not sure I'm ready for a DSLR quite yet, so I thought this would be a good middle step. So I've been playing with that, and I was thinking, it would be good to test it out somewhere before we go to Alaska. Somewhere I feel comfortable, but not stupid with a camera around my neck.

Anyone know a place like that?

So before I truly understood what I was doing I was about to click "buy" on a flight to Orlando in a couple weeks.

Am I really doing this?

Am I really booking a trip by myself. Just to take pictures? Without telling my husband.

Really?

Well I think I must have eaten my wheaties that day, cuz I did it!

Yep. I said it. And posted it on the internet. I am not ashamed. I am going to Disney!

So I told DH, and he looked at me like I was totally nuts. I told him I booked Southwest, so I could change it and use the $ to visit panic another time if he really didn't want me to go. He was like "why can't you go somewhere reasonable - like the Dells"

Defeated, I looked into a trip to the Dells (which is a Wisconsin tourist trap about midway up the state and about 2 hrs away from my house for those of you who aren't from WI). It takes about a tank and a half of gas to get up there ($100) and add the hotel room ($154). Wait? This is more reasonable? Hold the phone. My plane ticket was cheaper, and I'd be using DVC points - you know that we are paying for anyway.

And that $254 was without doing anything, and I have days left on my no-expire pass left - so who's being unreasonable now?

Armed with my totally un-fuzzy math, I basically told DH that it made more sense for me to go to Disney and he could come if he wanted, but I was going.

Wouldn't you know that he ACTUALLY considered going with me! AND...said that he'd go with me in July or September (not both unfortunately, but I'll take what I can get!)

I was really looking forward to going with my friend - but this means I'm going to upgrade my no-expire to an annual pass, so who knows what will happen. Squeeeee!

But now the reality of my co-dependant little self is sinking in. I am going to Disney. Alone. By myself. Just me. But hey, I'm going to Disney. In just a few weeks!

And I do have a purpose. I am on a picture-taking mission extreme! I'll only be there for a weekend, but I am going to make the most of it, and at least I'll be there. (And I'll get to write another TR!)

I'm going. Yep. That's me. Joanna. Big girl pants and all! I'm so excited I could burst!

So... guess you all won't have to wait as long as you thought for another TR from me

 

[Caretames1]

O-M-G-! I am SOOOOOO jealous. I would love to go to Disney alone, just to take pictures, wander aimlessly, and not have to concern yourself with anything but yourself.

I cannot wait to see all of your pictures. Have fun, NO have a BLAST

Carey

 

[Princess_K]

Oh my gosh! That's so exciting! I can't wait to read all about it

 

[norybell]

HOORAY!!!!!!! I'm so happy for you! (and, strangely, a little bit proud) You're going to love being at Disney solo, really you will. Let me know if you need any solo touring tips! Just beware, solo trips are addictive. I think it's become my favorite way to do Disney.

And it's certainly the best place to learn a new camera, with lots of cool things to photograph! And it's much easier to focus on the pics when you're alone...you don't have to feel guilty if you just wanna stand in one spot for ten minutes and wait for a monorail to pass by, or something.

What kind of super zoom did you get? I love my Sony one...am transitioning now to a DSLR, but the super zoom really was the perfect in between step.

 

[not_Joanna_eggs]

O-M-G-! I am SOOOOOO jealous. I would love to go to Disney alone, just to take pictures, wander aimlessly, and not have to concern yourself with anything but yourself.

I cannot wait to see all of your pictures. Have fun, NO have a BLAST

Carey

I'm still sort of freaked out, I just within the last few years have started being okay going to the grocery store myself, so this is a giant leap out of my comfort zone. but I'm hoping I'll get over it and just have a great time. I'm getting excited!

Oh my gosh! That's so exciting! I can't wait to read all about it

Though I feel kind of crazy for going on 2 trips in 2 weeks, but hey, whatcha gonna do?

HOORAY!!!!!!! I'm so happy for you! (and, strangely, a little bit proud) You're going to love being at Disney solo, really you will. Let me know if you need any solo touring tips! Just beware, solo trips are addictive. I think it's become my favorite way to do Disney.

And it's certainly the best place to learn a new camera, with lots of cool things to photograph! And it's much easier to focus on the pics when you're alone...you don't have to feel guilty if you just wanna stand in one spot for ten minutes and wait for a monorail to pass by, or something.

What kind of super zoom did you get? I love my Sony one...am transitioning now to a DSLR, but the super zoom really was the perfect in between step.

I will say you're totally my inspiration. Your TRs sound so fun. If you have any advice, I'm all ears! I'm actually kind of terrified - but I'm hoping that will melt away when I get there. I'm most terrified about eating. I hate eating alone - even at home, I wait until DH comes home around 9 or 10 to eat because I'd rather eat with him. So that will be weird for me, but at least its something that I have to do so I'll have to get over it.

I started getting nervous about testing the camera in Alaska. Plus it was a good excuse to go back to Disney.

I got a Nikon L110. I was looking at the Sony too, but I got a really good deal on the Nikon. I've played around a little bit already, and I'm liking the result - so we'll see. I was toying with jumping to DSLR, but I just wasn't sure going from my tiny canon that it would be worth the big jump quite yet.

But hey, I'm making the giant leap into adult hood taking a solo trip, so who know

 

[tksbaskets]

YEAH!! I took a solo day trip to DL in October. Although I missed my men I felt really comfortable and hey - I was in my HAPPY PLACE

You'll have a RIOT and of course be much more prepared to take quality photos of your trip to Alaska.

 

[wdwgirl03]

LOL, this is so funny you posted about a new trip. I saw your post on Rachel's TR and was wondering if you were going to be going anytime soon since you took all those trips so close together. Turns out you are!

I've always thought going to Disney alone would be fun but I'd be a little worried too. But hey, you are going to WDW! Yay!

 

[not_Joanna_eggs]

YEAH!! I took a solo day trip to DL in October. Although I missed my men I felt really comfortable and hey - I was in my HAPPY PLACE

You'll have a RIOT and of course be much more prepared to take quality photos of your trip to Alaska.

That's what I'm hoping, that the "I'm in my happy place" feeling will overtake the "holy cow, I'm alone" feeling.

I'm getting really excited!

LOL, this is so funny you posted about a new trip. I saw your post on Rachel's TR and was wondering if you were going to be going anytime soon since you took all those trips so close together. Turns out you are!

I've always thought going to Disney alone would be fun but I'd be a little worried too. But hey, you are going to WDW! Yay!

haha. Too funny. This was a way spur-of the minute trip and I am kind of terrified, but like you said, at least I'm going to Disney.

 

[tksbaskets]

That's what I'm hoping, that the "I'm in my happy place" feeling will overtake the "holy cow, I'm alone" feeling.

I'm getting really excited!



haha. Too funny. This was a way spur-of the minute trip and I am kind of terrified, but like you said, at least I'm going to Disney.

I found that good planning and the use of the fastpass (so I wasn't standing in line for a long time by myself) made everything fine. I also had fun picture taking and going to shows my family wouldn't have been excited about.

A fully charged smart phone helped keep me company in line at TSMM too.

Once you see this you'll be fine!

 

[not_Joanna_eggs]

Okay, I promise I'll eventually get back on topic and finish this trip - but I have a few pre-planning freak out things to take care of first.

So... I called member services today, and there was only a 1 bedrooms left at any resort. So I'll be all by myself, in a big giant room. How lonely. But I mean how much time will I really spend there - right?

So then I started looking at upgrading my ticket. Since my AP expired, I have 2 days left on my no-expire MYW base ticket. I thought I would either pay the $50 to upgrade it to a park hopper, or pay a little more and upgrade to an AP... But my research has proven that I missed the window to do that. Apparently even if you have the no-expire you have to upgrade within 14 days. Since we used them in December, I can't upgrade them anymore, I just have to use them as is.

This means I have 2 choices - go to 1 park or pay $150 for an 1 day park hopper.

I'm trying to decide if I can handle doing just one park.

MK is closing at 7 for Grad Nights, but I do want to take pictures at the MK, so then that leaves me with a whole evening that I can't go to a park - which seems like a waste since I really don't need to do any shopping.

So then I could go to Epcot, which is beautiful and I could very much spend a day there. But there aren't really many rides to go on - so I'm worried I might get stir crazy.

AK is my favorite park of course, but it's also the Everest Challenge that night - so it closes at 5.

DHS has many rides to go on, and morning EMH so bonus, but it's really not that pretty and kind of boring to just walk around in.

Basically, I want to go to all of them! But I'm trying to do this trip on the cheep cheep since we'll be going to Alaska 2 weeks later. So while $150 isn't crazy, I kind of think it's a bit more than I want to spend - especially since I am trying to prove to DH that this trip is cheaper than if we went somewhere local.

So.... Which park should I choose? I'm leaning towards Epcot, but I could do MK until 7, then do to monorail loop resorts and have dinner and watch the fireworks from the poly beach... But have I mentioned AK is my favorite? ..$150 you say... maybe i don't have to eat....

I have a fairly early (by my standards) flight home, so I wouldn't go to a park on Sunday. Not worth the ticket.