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

[not_Joanna_eggs]

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!

Yeah, I'm hoping to take full FP advantage! Normally, I don't carry my phone while in the parks, but I think it will be a must-have item this time! I have a feeling Angry Birds will be my best friend.

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Yay you're going back to Disney!!!!! And a solo trip, how cool is that? I vote for either Epcot (since we all know I could pretty much set up camp under Spaceship Earth and LIVE there) or park hopper (I've never been to WDW without one). Since you wanted to take pics at MK, and enjoy AK, I think it makes sense for you to be able to bounce around between parks. But that's just me!

 

[not_Joanna_eggs]

Yay you're going back to Disney!!!!! And a solo trip, how cool is that? I vote for either Epcot (since we all know I could pretty much set up camp under Spaceship Earth and LIVE there) or park hopper (I've never been to WDW without one). Since you wanted to take pics at MK, and enjoy AK, I think it makes sense for you to be able to bounce around between parks. But that's just me!

I'm getting crazy excited. It's so funny - normally when I take trips I tell the people on DIS and they're all excited for me and in the real world, I get the "really - again?" look. But so far everyone has been really excited for me because this is such a HUGE step for me

And we totally think alike - because that was my thought like word for word!

 

[not_Joanna_eggs]

I was whining to DH that I wanted to park hop, but that it would be $150, and I didn't want to spend that so close to our Alaska trip and he kind of blinked at me and said "why don't you just use the gift card?" I honestly had NO idea what he was talking about. Thought maybe he'd been sniffing too many engine fumes or something. So I went upstairs and found my "Disney Wallet" which is the little wallet I keep all of our Disney stuff in, and Lo and behold there was a gift card in there. I still had no recollection of where this came from or anything, so I went online and checked the balance - $250. So then it all came back to me. Chris's Grandma had sent us a Disney gift card for Christmas, but it didn't get to us in time before we left, so we didn't use it on that trip. So into the Disney wallet (and apparently TOTALLY out of my mind) it went. Since we don't know when we'll be back (read DH still isn't keen on going back yet) - it's ALL mine to spend! Park Hopper here I come! WoooooooooooHoooooooo!

I was so happy I totally did a little Molly Ringwald-esq dance. Then DH really looked at me like I'd lost all my crackers. But who cares. I'm going to Disney world, and I can have a park hopper and not feel guilty! Thanks Grandma!

Soooo.....

Here's the plan so far

Friday

Arrive late - taking a flight after work so I'll get in to MCO around 11.

Check into my spacious and lonely 1 br villa and saw some serious logs - I have a big day ahead of me.

Saturday

I'm hoping to squeeze in all 4 parks - this might be super ambitious, but this is the plan as it stands.

DHS (8 - 11)
AK (11:30 - 2)
MK (2:30 - 6)
Epcot (6:30 - 8:30)
WISHES from Poly beach @ 10 (if WDW info's hours are correct)
DTD to catch the bus

Since I'm trying to squeeze in all 4 parks, and I'm a solo-traveling newbie I think I'll stick to CS restaurants - I'm thinking Starring Rolls, Resturant-a-Sauras (because I can't ever get DH to go there and the theming is supposed to be fantastic and then somewhere in the WS for dinner.

Sunday

Try to sleep in (though this is usually physically impossible for me at Disney) wander around the resort maybe try the resort TS for breakfast?? and take some more pictures and then catch the ME.

yep. I'm getting tired just looking at that plan. But I'm usually the one that can go, and DH needs a nap, and I won't be tied to his schedule - so I think for me it's doable. We'll see. I'm going to try to just go where the wind takes me.

Yeeee. 19 more days!

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Yay for the gift card!!!!! I think your plan sounds awesome, and I bet 4 parks in 1 day will be easily achieved. Really, I've done 3 in one day without even thinking about it too much (morning 1 place, afternoon another, then evening somewhere else). I enjoyed La Cantina de San Angel in Mexico, that could be a good dinner option. But if you go too close to Illuminations, the crowds will be vicious!

Another option is Boulangerie Patisserie. And then you can have an awesome dessert. And that's an important consideration. La Cantina has ice pops and churros, I know that, but those are no French pastries!

 

[tksbaskets]

Soooo.....

Here's the plan so far

Friday

Arrive late - taking a flight after work so I'll get in to MCO around 11.

Check into my spacious and lonely 1 br villa and saw some serious logs - I have a big day ahead of me.

Saturday

I'm hoping to squeeze in all 4 parks - this might be super ambitious, but this is the plan as it stands.

DHS (8 - 11)
AK (11:30 - 2)
MK (2:30 - 6)
Epcot (6:30 - 8:30)
WISHES from Poly beach @ 10 (if WDW info's hours are correct)
DTD to catch the bus

Since I'm trying to squeeze in all 4 parks, and I'm a solo-traveling newbie I think I'll stick to CS restaurants - I'm thinking Starring Rolls, Resturant-a-Sauras (because I can't ever get DH to go there and the theming is supposed to be fantastic and then somewhere in the WS for dinner.

Sunday

Try to sleep in (though this is usually physically impossible for me at Disney) wander around the resort maybe try the resort TS for breakfast?? and take some more pictures and then catch the ME.

yep. I'm getting tired just looking at that plan. But I'm usually the one that can go, and DH needs a nap, and I won't be tied to his schedule - so I think for me it's doable. We'll see. I'm going to try to just go where the wind takes me.

Yeeee. 19 more days!

You may be a might ambitious hopping to four parks in one day I can appreciate wanting to get the most out of a park hopper pass.

My two cents worth is pick your two favorite parks for the start and end of your day and if the middle parks work out it's a bonus. Don't forget you'll have to figure in time for the leisurely bus ride from one park to the other (usually through the TTC or going to a resort and then getting a bus to the next park)

I'm sure these are all factors you've thought of.

You sure won't have any time to be lonely and it will probably be a riot to see if you can make it all!

Those 19 days will fly right by.

 

[portobello_rd]

so awesome! im so glad your going again so soon because with a lack of your trip reports i might miss you. hahaha

 

[Caretames1]

1 day, Hmmm it' sounds reasonable. I'd stick with CS too. It's going to be an exciting day. I bet you sleep very well after all that!

 

[not_Joanna_eggs]

Yay for the gift card!!!!! I think your plan sounds awesome, and I bet 4 parks in 1 day will be easily achieved. Really, I've done 3 in one day without even thinking about it too much (morning 1 place, afternoon another, then evening somewhere else). I enjoyed La Cantina de San Angel in Mexico, that could be a good dinner option. But if you go too close to Illuminations, the crowds will be vicious!

Another option is Boulangerie Patisserie. And then you can have an awesome dessert. And that's an important consideration. La Cantina has ice pops and churros, I know that, but those are no French pastries!

Good to know about the Cantina. Thanks for the tip! That was one of the places on my list, but I haven't read too much about it. The Patisserie is definitely on the the dessert list. Last time we had actual food from there it was okay. Not anything to write home about (unlike the desserts of course)

You may be a might ambitious hopping to four parks in one day I can appreciate wanting to get the most out of a park hopper pass.

My two cents worth is pick your two favorite parks for the start and end of your day and if the middle parks work out it's a bonus. Don't forget you'll have to figure in time for the leisurely bus ride from one park to the other (usually through the TTC or going to a resort and then getting a bus to the next park)

I'm sure these are all factors you've thought of.

You sure won't have any time to be lonely and it will probably be a riot to see if you can make it all!

Those 19 days will fly right by.

Yeah, DHS is my "throw away" park in case I get caught up somewhere. I love the rides, but it's not a really photogenic park and that's my mission.

I'll admit, Grad Nights is totally putting a huge wrench in my plans. I could pass for 17 - right Or I was trying to figure out how I could get into the party for the Everest Challenge which is also that night. Man, I wish I was a good event crasher! But I have about as much chance as passing as a runner as I do as 17

so awesome! im so glad your going again so soon because with a lack of your trip reports i might miss you. hahaha

Wouldn't want that. My goal is to be around so much you're sick of me Hmm.... maybe that isn't the best plan

1 day, Hmmm it' sounds reasonable. I'd stick with CS too. It's going to be an exciting day. I bet you sleep very well after all that!

I've got to say, only on the DIS would that plan soun remotely reasonable. Everyone else thinks I'm all sorts of crazy - which in their defense, I am. And sleep well in my big comfy 1 bedroom villa all by my lonesome, indeed I will

 

[norybell]

I was whining to DH that I wanted to park hop, but that it would be $150, and I didn't want to spend that so close to our Alaska trip and he kind of blinked at me and said "why don't you just use the gift card?" I honestly had NO idea what he was talking about. Thought maybe he'd been sniffing too many engine fumes or something. So I went upstairs and found my "Disney Wallet" which is the little wallet I keep all of our Disney stuff in, and Lo and behold there was a gift card in there. I still had no recollection of where this came from or anything, so I went online and checked the balance - $250. So then it all came back to me. Chris's Grandma had sent us a Disney gift card for Christmas, but it didn't get to us in time before we left, so we didn't use it on that trip. So into the Disney wallet (and apparently TOTALLY out of my mind) it went. Since we don't know when we'll be back (read DH still isn't keen on going back yet) - it's ALL mine to spend! Park Hopper here I come! WoooooooooooHoooooooo!

I was so happy I totally did a little Molly Ringwald-esq dance. Then DH really looked at me like I'd lost all my crackers. But who cares. I'm going to Disney world, and I can have a park hopper and not feel guilty! Thanks Grandma!

Soooo.....

Here's the plan so far

Friday

Arrive late - taking a flight after work so I'll get in to MCO around 11.

Check into my spacious and lonely 1 br villa and saw some serious logs - I have a big day ahead of me.

Saturday

I'm hoping to squeeze in all 4 parks - this might be super ambitious, but this is the plan as it stands.

DHS (8 - 11)
AK (11:30 - 2)
MK (2:30 - 6)
Epcot (6:30 - 8:30)
WISHES from Poly beach @ 10 (if WDW info's hours are correct)
DTD to catch the bus

Since I'm trying to squeeze in all 4 parks, and I'm a solo-traveling newbie I think I'll stick to CS restaurants - I'm thinking Starring Rolls, Resturant-a-Sauras (because I can't ever get DH to go there and the theming is supposed to be fantastic and then somewhere in the WS for dinner.

Sunday

Try to sleep in (though this is usually physically impossible for me at Disney) wander around the resort maybe try the resort TS for breakfast?? and take some more pictures and then catch the ME.

yep. I'm getting tired just looking at that plan. But I'm usually the one that can go, and DH needs a nap, and I won't be tied to his schedule - so I think for me it's doable. We'll see. I'm going to try to just go where the wind takes me.

Yeeee. 19 more days!

I am so happy to hear about the gift card! Cuz I have to say, it's hard for me to imagine a solo trip without park hopping. One of the nicest things about being solo is the ability to just leave and go somewhere else the second you feel like it!

Re: eating...maybe this is weird, and maybe it's just me. But it turns out I find eating solo much more comfortable at TS spots than at CS ones. I didn't expect that -- my first trip I only made a few TS ADRs, and figured I'd prefer CS. But CS places are so bustling, they actually make me feel weirder for being on my own. If that makes any sense? Whereas at a more peaceful TS place, it seems totally natural to take out a book (or a trip notebook, or a camera, or whatever), and relax for a half hour. And the feeling of an actual little break also makes it much easier to go-go-go all day.

Of course, your mileage may vary! I just share because I wasn't expecting it to be true in my case, yet it was. Now I make a TS reservation for lunch & dinner, and then I cancel some of them on the fly if I'm not in the mood for a meal. It's just nice to have the option, even if I don't use it.

The most comfortable solo dining restaurant (at least of the ones I've tried) is by far the Brown Derby. Also any restaurant with a bar is awesome for solo dining...you can chat with the bartender and any other people sitting nearby if you feel like it, and they'll often slip you a free appetizer or glass of wine!

 

[not_Joanna_eggs]

Thanks for the tips Nory! The TS thing totally makes sense to me. I will have to look into that!

So.... This is how I roll

It started with an innocent phone call to Panic just to let her know I was going. I was pretty sure she wouldn't be able to come, since we're going to Alaska 2 weeks later, and May is a busy time at work for her.

As I expected, she said she'd love to go, but didn't think it would work.

Okay, no biggie. I wasn't holding my breath anyway.

So I was talking to Queenie, who commented that my dad was going to be out of town for work that weekend. So I told her that she was more than welcome to come. She quickly declined, but then moments later looked at me with a twinkle in her eye. A twinkle I've seen before - on this very trip. She just had one thing to say... Black Raspberry Sherbet!

I burst out laughing and replied "Yep, and we could get a Kona Kone too"

She was laughing, but then I looked at her more closely, she was seriously considering it. Cool.

She was on the fence too though.

Okay, whatever, I was planning on going by myself anyway. I'm not concerned, if she wants to come, cool. If she doesn't, whatever.

Meanwhile, Panic's Annual Pass is burning a Cleveland-sized hole in her pocket. I'm pretty sure it started talking to her in a Gollum-esqe voice "take me to my precious" "Must has my precious"

Because she called me last night asking about my plans. Still defeated that she couldn't get out of working extra hours, so she couldn't go. But she wanted it. Bad.

So upon hearing this, Queenie's interest was renewed. (Makes me feel REAL special But she does see me every day and Panic only once every 4 months or so)

So then they both declared that if the other one went, they'd go.

Oh good gravy. I knew how this would go. Neither of them would be able to pull the trigger, they'd get my hopes up and drive me crazy and neither of them would end up going.

So again, I wasn't holding my breath.

Then, at about 3:00 today I get a call from Panic. I could hear her Annual Pass in the background "I wants it....I needs it....precious" She talked to someone at work, and they told her taking off an hour early wouldn't be a big deal. I could feel her will power being crushed. After a little deliberation, and checking of schedules...

She's in!



So now we're just waiting for Queenie. I honestly don't think she'll come, but she's done crazier things in her day.

I'm very excited that Panic is coming, but I'm kind of disappointed that I won't be doing a solo trip. But it was HUGE personal progress that I was even considering it. And... now that the seed is planted, I am pretty positive that I'll be solo-ing it some time this year.

Yep. I said it. And I am on the Southwest website looking at flights for July. Yep, pretty sure that Gollum voice Panic was hearing was me

If it's just the two of us, I'm not sure my travel/park plan will change in any way. But if Queenie comes too, well that's a whole 'nother story.

But we'll cross that bridge when/if we get to it.

Since it's such a short trip, and since Panic is coming, I will continuing this tread with our new trip too!

 

[tksbaskets]

You crack me up.
"Meanwhile, Panic's Annual Pass is burning a Cleveland-sized hole in her pocket. I'm pretty sure it started talking to her in a Gollum-esqe voice "take me to my precious" "Must has my precious" "



Too cool that your sister and perhaps your mother will be joining you. EXCELLENT! Keep us posted!

 

[norybell]

I've gotta admit: I'm simultaneously happy for you that Panic is going, and sad for you that you won't get to be solo!

 

[Caretames1]

A travel partner! Doesn't mean you have to be glued together all day. On the other hand, a parnter in crime can be lots O' fun!

 

[not_Joanna_eggs]

You crack me up.
"Meanwhile, Panic's Annual Pass is burning a Cleveland-sized hole in her pocket. I'm pretty sure it started talking to her in a Gollum-esqe voice "take me to my precious" "Must has my precious" "



Too cool that your sister and perhaps your mother will be joining you. EXCELLENT! Keep us posted!

I'm excited to see Panic. I see her far too little.

Queenie has decided to pass, which is a bummer, but still good to see Panic!

I've gotta admit: I'm simultaneously happy for you that Panic is going, and sad for you that you won't get to be solo!

I'm right there with you... Don't worry, the wheels are definitely turning more than a little, and I wouldn't be surprised if that changed by the end of this summer.

A travel partner! Doesn't mean you have to be glued together all day. On the other hand, a parnter in crime can be lots O' fun!

I'm very much looking forward to it!

 

[not_Joanna_eggs]

Since we've got a week until our next trip, and I wanted to provide you with a little interlude. But since we're on a message board, a musical interlude is a little hard. I'm singing It's a Great Big Beautiful tomorrow at the tip of my lungs. Can you picture it? No? Don't want to?

Okay, how about a mini-TR interlude?

Joanna and Panic conquer the high seas - in style

In February, Panic, Queenie and I decided to ditch the cold Wisconsin (or New Jersey for Panic) weather and escape to the Caribbean. My mom's Aunt and cousin joined us for a 3-generations girls cruise!

Unfortunately, it wasn't a Disney cruise... but I did have Disney luggage!

Thanks to Grumpy for this awesome birthday gift!!

We got to the airport and took the customary “where did I park” picture.

We flew into Fort Lauderdale and had a pretty uneventful flight. We were right over the wing, and most of the flight I had the window closed.

So about ½ way through the flight, I opened the window up, and was greeted by this (warning Rachel – you may want to avert your eyes!)

The buffalo totally freaked me out, which made the think of RachelNinja, and now I totally understand her fear. Buffalos are just strange – especially in the air.

We met up with Panic in FLL at the Baggage Claim. On a previous trip, we learned the hard way that Fort Lauderdale has multiple domestic terminals, which lead to Panic and I having the following conversation:

I'm at baggage claim 3
Okay, I'm walking to baggage claim 3
I don't see you
Me neither
I'm at the bench by baggage claim 3
No you're not, I'm looking at the bench and you're not there where are you
Baggage claim 3

This went on for about 5 minutes before we figured it out (and that was only because a friendly stranger who was overhearing our conversation let me in on the multiple terminals thing.

Fortunately, this time we were all in the same terminal, and so when we met at baggage claim 3, we actually met up!

Soon we were on our way to Miami to board the Celebrity Century. After a brief run in with a crabby porter (explain to me why I should tip him if I'm carrying my own bag onto the ship - he was like blocking me. Jerk!)

We were on our way. We are high-ish level members with Celebrity, and had received a discount on the room, so we booked the Penthouse suite for the 3 of us.

I'm pretty sure the only hotel room I've been in bigger than this one was the Grand Villa at BLT. At that one wasn't you know - floating on the ocean!

Our butler informed us that this was the smallest penthouse suite in the fleet.

WE looked at the sq. footage when we got home, and it was bigger than Panic's 2 bedroom apartment!

Yep, that’s a hot tub on the balcony. And yes, I did use it!

So after settling in a bit, we set out to explore the ship and nab some grub.

Nab some grub? Really Joanna?

Yeah Really?

We went to the buffet since it was the only thing open and munched!

After the muster drill, we headed out to our balcony to crack open a bottle of champagne and wave Miami goodbye!

Panic and I may or may not have been singing Yo Ho Yo Ho It's a Pirate's Life for me at this point.

I’ve got to say there’s nothing better than sitting on your balcony watching the ocean get bigger and bigger. I think I was born for a life at sea!

At this point our Butler informs us that since we're in the penthouse suite, they were treating us to a dinner in the specialty restaurant. Normally this is a $35 per-person upcharge. The fancy life is gooood!

Queenie was teasing me that I wasn't taking pictures of the food. No I so regret it!

I can't remember exactly what we had, but it was really yummy.

Probably the funniest thing that happened on the trip was on of the waiter was
talking to us, and he smiled and Panic and I knew we'd had him before on another cruise. Queenie had her ipod with her that had a picture of the waiter with Panic! And.... she was wearing the EXACT same outfit. I know we took a picture, but I can’t find it now. Boo!

After the meal, we rolled ourselves out of the restaurant and into the Casino, where Panic and I turned 3 quarters into $150 on a slot machine.

Good night!

The next day we were in Key West, and we set out do some jewelry shopping!

This is our room!

Key West has chickens roaming free which sent us all into a tizzy.

A year or so ago, My mom's cousin's husband was sitting on his deck at home and he noticed this weird creature. He couldn't figure out what it was, since it was dusk, so he was watching it as it came closer and closer and eventually jumped into his lap! It was a Chicken! To this day they have no idea where this thing came from, but he became friends with the chicken, and it would come by every night and he would pet it and feed it hot dog buns. Earning him the nickname Farmer Mike. Since they live in a residential area, and his wife is on the city board, she made him eventually call a chicken rescue place (yep they have those) since it is illegal to have a chicken in their neighborhood. So we took a picture for him to remember his chicken!

 

[not_Joanna_eggs]

Eventually, we were worn out by Key West and needed to refuel. Much better now.

Then we got Bingo feaver

Yay Bingo!

As we left Key West, the seas got really rough.

Odd for the Caribbean, but definitely not the roughest I’ve been in. But even the crew was surprised at the rocky-ness

We hung out the rest of the night and just chillaxed. Hit the Casino and a few shows.

The next day we were in Cozumel. But it was rainy and winy and grose, so we opted to stay in instead.

Quite a lovely day of haging out. Our favorite time of day on a cruise is tea time.

All in all a very awesome little trip.

And now just 5 days until our next trip!

 

[Caretames1]

Your room on board looked amazing! I always thought ship rooms were small.

YAY for Disney in a week!

 

[norybell]

That suite is amazing! I'm with you...I love being on the ocean!

Would you ever go on a Disney cruise?

 

[not_Joanna_eggs]

Your room on board looked amazing! I always thought ship rooms were small.

YAY for Disney in a week!

It was amazing. Usually, the onboard rooms are tiny. Like this

Yes, this is the whole room!

It was so cool!

That suite is amazing! I'm with you...I love being on the ocean!

Would you ever go on a Disney cruise?

Yes, it will be SOO hard to settle into my little inside cabin in a few weeks after that room. But I'll get over it I think if I ever won the lottery, I'd give up my house and just sail around the world forever!

um....Does the (new) doctor like fezes? Of course I'd go on a Disney cruise

We've looked into it a few times, the problem is I get such good deals from Royal Caribbean and Celebrity that it makes it hard to choose Disney. But I'm not even sort of counting it out. I'm sure we'll go on one someday soon!