The Kids are Going to Mexico So I'm Going to WDW (Solo)!! (4/2/11 - 4/8/11)

[DisDreamz]

Yes, you read that right. My kids went to Mexico without me so I decided to take a solo trip to WDW.

What really happened is my EX begged me to let him take the kids for Spring Break again and I decided what the heck. He was originally going to take them to Hawaii, but given his last minute personality Hawaii was a no go so he took them on a cruise to Mexico (they're not spoiled, huh ).

Normally this would have me sitting at home watching tv or even better cleaning out their rooms but I wasn't doing that this year--I went ahead and booked a 4 night trip to the World staying at Pop with my (soon to be purchased) AP discount. Thanks to Southwest having some pretty good fare that turned into a 6 night trip with the first two nights spent off site.

So onto the trip...

Cast:
Me, Myself, and I

This is the only picture of me taken the whole trip. I prefer to be on the other side of the camera, but I figure I needed proof that I was there. I apologize in advance for the quality of some of the pictures, I used my iphone went I didn't want to lug out the big boy and there's no amount of PhotoShop that can improve them.

Pre-Trip Itinerary:
April 2
Fly into MCO at 11:45pm
Check into Orlando Vista Hotel
SLEEP

April 3
EPCOT
Breakfast - Kouzzina
Lunch - Via Napoli or Coral Reef
Dinner - Yachtsman Steakhouse

April 4
HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS
Lunch - Brown Derby
Dinner - Flying Fish

April 5
EPCOT EMH
MAGIC KINGDOM
Breakfast - Kouzzina or Grand Floridian Cafe
Lunch - The Wave
Dinner - Jiko

April 6
ANIMAL KINGDOM EMH
Breakfast - Boma
HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS
Dinner - Artist Point

April 7
ANIMAL KINGDOM
Lunch - Tusker House
EPCOT
Dinner - Le Cellier

April 8
DOWNTOWN DISNEY? RESORT HOPPING?
Lunch - Sanaa
Depart MCO 4:40pm arrive 9:55pm

So how did it go, did I stick to the itinerary? Did I even make it there...

 

[francis6306]

Sounds like a yummy trip! You have some good ressies on there!

 

[nellyru]

Good for you!

I hope it was a really great trip.

My dream is to do this someday as well..... and I suppose with on with just me and my hubby as well!!

Looking forward to the TR!!

 

[Dizneydaz]

Good for you! I'm on board.

 

[let'sgo]

Good for you! I'm so glad to hear that you didn't stay home and clean. Hope you had a wonderful trip, and can't wait to read more.

 

[DisDreamz]

Thanks for reading everyone! I actually kept notes on my iphone this time and now that I've figured out photobucket it should be easier.

Saturday - April 2
The trip got off on a really rough start. My 12pm flight out of BUR was cancelled. I headed to the airport early hoping they could get me on another flight (online the best they were offering was a Sunday at 1:20 p.m. departure). I showed up at the airport at 9am and they found me a 10am flight through Vegas but I was now flying standby and I had parked in the short term parking thinking I'd either go home or have time to re-park! (I've never driven myself to this airport to BUR--I usually fly out of LAX--so wasn't even sure where the long term parking was when I got there). Unfortunately there were only 2 seats available and a father/son were ahead of me on the standby list.

So I waited for the next flight at 2:50 p.m. which was then delayed until 3:30 p.m. Once everyone boarded I went up to the counter and found that somehow my name wasn't on the standby list (we had been told our name would roll over from the first list to the second, but that didn't happen). Finally I insisted that I needed a guaranteed flight. They found a flight but it meant changing planes in Vegas and then having a 4 hour middle of the night layover in St. Louis! I decided to take it.

The flight to Vegas wasn't too bad although I was in a middle seat and the large lady next to me had gas. Oh and a celebrity citing, Nancy O'Dell was on the plane with her family (why would you willingly fly Southwest if you could afford not to?!). The flight from Vegas to St. Louis had been delayed but was also pretty good. I lucked out and got an aisle seat this time.

Sunday - April 3
When I arrived in St. Louis the place was dead! I couldn't sleep unfortunately but the time passed quick enough especially once Dunkin Donuts opened at 5am and I had a breakfast sandwich and a scalding (my tongue was still raw hours later from the one sip I took) cup of hot chocolate. I got on the plane and once again found an aisle seat this time next to a father and son who were heading for a cruise with the rest of their family!

The plane actually arrived early at 10am and I made my way down to locate my bag which had arrived the day before. Then I trudged to the Budget rental counter where the agent gave me grief for not buying the insurance but did upgrade me to a better car (a Dodge Caliber instead of a Ford Focus--doesn't seem like much of a difference but having driven the Focus on our last trip I can attest to it being a HUGE upgrade and if I had the kids I wouldn't even have considered the Focus in the first place)! One small problem though, when I went to pick up my car someone else was driving it away! They found me another quickly and then I was on my way to the hotel.

When I arrived at the Orlando Vista Hotel I found that none of the rooms were ready (not surprising since it wasn't even noon yet and check out was at 11) so I went to Downtown Disney. I walked around a bit, bought my Annual Pass, and then went searching for lunch. I was going to eat at Earl of Sandwich, but it was PACKED so went to Wolfgang Puck Express instead and ordered the BBQ Chicken Pizza.

The pizza was good but way too big for one person.

After finishing lunch I walked around the stores some more and then headed back to the hotel to see if they had a room ready yet. Unfortunately no king beds were available still (it was 3pm!) so I downgraded to 2 queens (for the same price as the king!) so I could get a room immediately. Afterall it was only one night and I hadn't slept in over 24 hours. The room was really nice and I'd consider staying there again with the kids!

After taking a perfect two hour nap, I got up and showered--boy that felt great--and walked around the area a bit before leaving for my 7:35 p.m. ADRs. I wandered around looking for the Character Warehouse (I thought I had remembered one at Crossroads and the internet said there was one also) but couldn't find it so ended up at the place next to the hotel that had Disney shirts for sale. I found some shirts for our June trip and then went back to the room to freshen up for dinner.

I drove to the Yacht Club and wandered around the gorgeous grounds.

I checked into Yachtsman Steakhouse about 20 minutes early and was seated 5 minutes after my ADR. I had a two top half booth in the middle of the dining room and Oscar from El Salvador was my server. I ordered the escargot which was fatty tasting with lots of grit, although the garlic butter was good with a bread roll.

For the main course I had the Wild Atlantic Cod with Lobster Risotto, Top Neck Clams, Delta Asparagus, and Sherry Lobster Pan Sauce.

The lobster risotto was good although a bit chewy (maybe a bit overcooked). The clams were really chewy and gritty so I ended up eating around them. The highlight was the cod which was nice and light and the asparagus which was delicious. It was a nice dinner though I'm not sure I'll come back.

FWIW I started out taking pictures of the receipts and then promptly forgot.

After dinner I walked around the grounds some more--the Yacht Club has amazing grounds, especially at night.

I went back to the hotel and was asleep by 10!

 

[francis6306]

I think the Yacht Club looks amazing... I want to see it in person on my next trip! the food looks amazing! I would like to stay at one of those resorts, because of the sand pool they have. I think my DD would love it.

 

[DisDreamz]

April 4

Woke up a little late today--none of the alarms I set worked! Checked out of the hotel and headed to Hollywood Studios.

I missed rope drop but I was in the bag line by 9. The plan was to head to Toy Story first but somehow I got lost and ended up at Rock N Rollercoaster so decided to ride that first. The single rider line was super fast and I was on in 5 minutes. I ran over to Toy Story Mania and grabbed a fast pass for later then headed for the Great Movie Ride. I was annoyed by the old people in front of me who were confused and SLOW. I ended up in the middle car of the cowboy side. The guide was a young girl with glasses (didn't catch her name) and was definitely not the best I've had--she should stick to traditional rides!

Walked around watching a few streetmosphere characters including Evie and her best friend Mimi and Jack Diamond and then hit my Brown Derby ADR really early.

A mom and daughter opened the restaurant with a photo shoot and announcement--my youngest daughter would love doing that! I was seated at a two top table on the top tier and my server was Christine from Orlando. I of course ordered the Cobb Salad which was okay but a bit overdressed.

I decided to forego dessert and head for the standby line at Toy Story.

The line wasn't too long but I did have a couple cut in front of me (they jumped the rope) and then proceeded to wave their entire group of 12 in front of everyone else. So annoying! Plus they kept stopping to take pictures. I got it back though by going in front of them as a single rider. The ride was fun but I found my aim wasn't as good as at Disneyland.

After that I wandered through a few stores, bought a nerd Minnie vinylmation and then used my fast pass to ride Toy Story again before leaving the park.

I exited the park and then went searching for the car which I just could not find. Thankfully I had taken a picture of a nearby sign but for the future I need to take a picture of the row number.

Katy from China checked me in at Pop Century and gave me the key to my room in the 80s section. Bummer! At least parking shouldn't be a problem like it was when we stayed in the 50s.

After unpacking I went to check out the outlet stores in the area. I scored some pins for the kids to trade with, a new sweatshirt for me (unfortunately I tried it on when I got home and I know why it was $8, it might fit my 9yo in the neck and waist although it'll reach her feet), and some tshirts for the kids. Unfortunately, I had no idea how far the International Drive outlet was so ran out of time to freshen up before dinner.

I arrived at the Boardwalk Resort at 6:40pm and checked into Flying Fish.

Minutes later I was seated at a great two top table tucked away near the window. My server was Chris from New York. I quickly ordered the soup of the day--Aged Sherry-laced She Crab Crema--and Fresh Mozzarella di Bufala.

The soup was perfect, sweet with a hint of spice thanks to the strips of red bell pepper. Unfortunately the bread they brought out was too bitter to be good for dipping, that didn't keep me from eating every drop of soup though . The salad however was perfect. The tomatoes were ripe and delicious and the cheese had pieces of what I think may have been rock salt on it plus the petite basil added to the meal. The only downside of ordering the soup and salad was that they weren't filling so I ordered the creme brulee as a dessert.

The creme brulee was good, but the best part was the amazing almond bark triangle that I would have loved buckets more of plus a piece of white chocolate covered biscotti with sweet fruit pieces in it.

After dinner I walked around the Boardwalk a little and then headed to Epcot via the International Gateway.

I wandered World Showcase stopping occasionally to take pictures of the beautiful surroundings and watched some of Illuminations before going back to the Boardwalk to get my car.

I located the car quickly (the Mickey antenna ball I brought from home was perfect for picking out which silver car was mine) and drove back to Pop. Time for bed!

 

[DisDreamz]

April 5

The plan today was to get up early and head to Epcot for Extra Magic Hours however when the alarm went off I realized I'd rather sleep than ride Test Track. I finally got up at 7:30 and was out the door by 8. I parked at the TTC and took the Tronorail to Epcot where I found the lines for Test Track and Soarin' were too long for my 9:30 breakfast ADRs so I walked through Epcot to the Boardwalk. I showed up at Kouzzina 20 minutes early but was seated almost immediately which was fortunate because at that moment the sky opened up and it started pouring!

Breakfast was really good. I was seated at a two top table with a perfect view of the open kitchen. At first I thought my server, Hannah from Georgia, was a little too attentive (before I got my food she probably came by 3 times asking if everything was okay which I will admit was annoying since I was trying to read my Kindle) however once I ran out of water I realized that was no longer the case! I ordered the Kouzzina stack which was sweet potato hash topped with a poached egg and an artichoke dip and served with olive bread. The artichoke dip didn't really go with the eggs and hash but was great on the bread. I'd come back here, but I don't think it's my kids type of place so it'll be awhile before I can go back.

After breakfast I stopped in a store and bought a Disney umbrella (I brought an umbrella from home, but forgot it in the room!!) and then crossed through Epcot to the Magic Kingdom monorail. In the Magic Kingdom, I headed straight for Pirates of the Caribbean which is much darker than Disneyland's and Johnny Depp looks positively hispanic (it doesn't look as much like him like the one in DL?!). Then I went over to Jungle Cruise where Ben lead us on our journey--for me, a journey to a wet rear. From there I grabbed a Fast Pass for Peter Pan and then went on Small World before finally ending up at Haunted Mansion.

I was getting hungry so decided to hit my Wave ADRs a little early. I was seated in a two top half booth in the middle of a bunch of families. Ashley from Michigan took my order of the grilled chicken breast sandwich.

The food came quickly and the sandwich didn't even need the chicken which I found after the chicken fell out of the sandwich! It was delicious anyway though.

After lunch I caught a bus to Hollywood Studios and tracked down the Writers Stop where they were having a book signing of one of our favorite young adult authors--Ripley Pearson of Kingdom Keepers. The wait to get the book signed wasn't too bad and I happily carried it back to the bus to Magic Kingdom.

I had to take a picture of how packed HS was getting and was thrilled I was leaving .

At that point I was getting tired so decided to just head back to Pop for a nap. After a short nap and shower I headed to Jiko early. The waiting area was packed but they seated me quickly. My server, Shellie from Orlando, was very perky. I didn't know what to order so went with the disboard favorite--filet mignon. It came with fingerling potatoes and green beans and was delicious. I also ordered the creme brulee which was the best I've ever had!

After dinner and walking around the hotel a bit I headed to the parking lot and could swear I saw my youngest dd's school principal with his family. From there I headed back to Magic Kingdom to ride some more rides. I started with Space Mountain which could give anyone whiplash then the Peoplemover for a break then to Peter Pan to use the fast pass I got earlier. I hadn't been on Peter Pan in years and had forgotten how fun it was. Around that time Wishes started so I took that opportunity to hit Big Thunder Mountain (yeah, I'm one of those who'd rather hit the rides than watch parades or fireworks) which was a walk on.

I headed towards the exit stopping to see the new show The Magic, the Memories, and You (I think that's what it's called?). The line for the express monorail was huge so I jumped on the resort monorail and was back in the car within 20 minutes (would have been quicker if I hadn't detoured through the Sleepy parking area to get to Minnie where I parked). At the end of the day my body was exhausted. I had not felt that tired in years!

 

[DisDreamz]

April 6

The day started bright and early with my making it to Animal Kingdom Extra Magic Hours. Unfortunately I didn't get there early enough to beat the crowds and with my 9:30 Boma reservations that meant only one ride--Expedition Everest which was just as great as I remembered. I knew I didn't have time to go on the Safari so I just walked around the park, watching the monkeys, getting to see the lemurs being fed and looking at all the hidden animals in the Tree of Life.

I left Animal Kingdom and headed for Boma, checked in a few minutes early and was quickly seated at a two top booth near the buffet. My server was Nilda from Orlando and she was good at keeping my drink filled and the plates cleaned off. The food was okay, but except for the scrambled eggs with goat cheese and chives it wasn't anything I'd eat again. I got so desperate I ate a plain bagel!

Quinoa - pretty bland and not what I was expecting.

From top: french toast (good), jambalaya I think (okay), potatoes (boring), white cornmeal (disgusting), sausage with cornbread I think (okay), scrambled eggs (delicious!)

Bagel (good but boring), Blueberry Scone (dry), Banana Bread (okay)

After breakfast I made it to Epcot by 11 and decided to follow a touring plan which sent me to Soarin' for a fast pass and then on Living with the Land. From there I jumped on Journey into Imagination which has always been closed when we've visited. Then it was time to work around World Showcase starting with Mexico. Around 1pm I started to get hungry so I went straight from Japan to Morocco to the Tangerine Cafe where I had an amazing lamb pita wrap. The lamb melted in my mouth although the onions were a bit overpowering.

After lunch I was looking for something sweet so headed back to Germany and Karamel Kuche where I had the caramel marshmallow roll. I wandered around a few more countries but in Japan my free started to protest--LOUDLY! I took that as a sign that I should head back to the room. I spent a few minutes listening to Off Kilter in Canada and then caught a tram back to the car. I got back to the room and attempted to read for awhile but it was futile. I took and 2 hour nap then got ready for dinner.

With some time before my ADR I read a good portion of my book and then left for dinner. I arrived at Wilderness Lodge, checked in at Artist Point, and was quickly seated at a two top both with Luanne from Pennsylvania as my server. I ordered the mushroom soup which was just as perfect as everyone said. The menu had changed recently and most of the other items recommended appeared to be gone so I ordered the Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Brussel Sprouts and the sweetest mushrooms.

It wasn't the best thing I'd ever eaten but was okay. I also went ahead and ordered the strawberry and cream which was a huge strawberry (that I didn't touch) with some somewhat dry pound cake and panacotta plus a cookie that was light and crispy.

The meal ended with a cute little 9 year old girl at the next table be chosen as artist of the day and getting to paint a plate that was put on display. I'll definitely be bringing the kids here.

 

[jpmandan]

I'm in.

 

[DisDreamz]

April 7

I actually woke up with the alarm this morning and made it to Animal Kingdom for rope drop! Since I had ridden Everest the day before I skipped it and went straight for the Safari. Our guide was Mallory and she was friendly. The safari was interesting even though I was seated on the right (most of the animals are on the left). We did get stuck a couple times thanks to a wayward rhino.

The wayward Rhino!

After the safari I went to Dinoland but ended up skipping Triceratops Spin (too much like Dumbo) and Dinosaur and after looking in a few of the stores I headed back to Africa and walked through the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail looking at all the animals and running into Devine.

Then I took the Wildlife Express Train to Rafiki's Planet Watch and then hit my Tusker House reservation.

I was served by Christal from Orlando. Lunch was pretty good, I especially enjoyed the curry chicken and the cornbread.

 

[let'sgo]

I am really enjoying your report and especially the pictures. When you went to Yachtsman's Steak House did they serve the sourdough rolls? I had those several years ago and they were so good. If they still serve them, I'm thinking about going back there on the next trip.

I'm not much of a breakfast person, but I did want to try Boma. Now I think I will cancel it--I'll just go for dinner and not breakfast.

Can't wait to read and see more!

 

[DisDreamz]

When you went to Yachtsman's Steak House did they serve the sourdough rolls? I had those several years ago and they were so good. If they still serve them, I'm thinking about going back there on the next trip.

They definitely still had the rolls which is what I dipped the garlic butter in. So yummy!

Boma's probably great for people staying at AKL who want a traditional breakfast. They did have an omelet station but I was looking for something different (I'm not much of a breakfast eater myself). Next time I'm going to try Grand Floridian Cafe. I had it on the list, but because of losing a day I didn't end up getting there.

 

[BookTrout]

Well, you certainly had a bit of a rocky start to your solo vacation but, fortunately it's turning out great! I love all the food porn; your phone camera takes wonderful pics.
Sharon

 

[francis6306]

OMG! Loving all the food pictures! You are certainly adding more options to my next trip!!!

 

[RobDIS]

Wow, you have some great photos! Your shots on the safari are much better than the ones I got. Can I steal them?

 

[elbodans]

i am loving this TR! first, good for you for going to disney! take that, kids! ha! i went solo at the beginning of march, and it was GREAT--clearly you are having a fantastic time as well. you manage to fit so much into each day--i'm impressed! you also have my taste in restaurants--table service all the way! (though that pita from tangerine cafe looked good, too!)

i ate at artist point in march, and yes, the menu was totally different--i like your selections better! i guess that just gives me a reason to go back!!!

 

[DisDreamz]

Thanks for reading everyone! Obviously my trip was all about the food . My daughter even asked if I went on any rides and I had to admit that I didn't go on many.

April 7 (cont.)

After lunch I went back to Pop and freshened up before heading to Epcot. I hopped on Spaceship Earth and then the single rider at Test Track before heading to World Showcase, stopping to admire the flowers and topiaries of the Flower & Garden Festival.

On the way I ran into Bambi's Butterfly House which was nice (although I much preferred the butterfly pavilion at the Natural History Museum).

I also saw this really amazing sand sculpture.

I made my way through Canada and stopped in shops in each country ending back in Morocco. I wandered around even more before checking to see if I could eat early--no go! As much as I love LeCellier, I think the popularity of the place is effecting service. I know I was early for my ADR but there is a nice way to say they can't seat me before my ADR and there is a rude way and they were definitely going with the latter. It was also annoying to see people appear to just walk up and get an ADR (maybe I'm wrong and they didn't just walk up but there were quite a few people who walked back from O'Canada, looked at the menu, ask their companions what do you think about eating here?, and get a table not long after (they didn't appear the type to make ADRs 180 days out!).

So I wandered around some more taking the boat from Italy to Mexico and then went back and checked in at LeCellier 45 minutes early. I sat down exactly 1 minute before my ADR time!

My waiter was Mo from Montana? (or maybe Montreal but he certainly didn't look or sound Canadian). The filet was amazing as usual and worth the price increase plus Mo brought me lots of pretzel bread (I even took a few pieces to go!).

After dinner I made my way back to France and bought a chocolate mousse and a lemon tart (no pictures unfortunately) which I had as midnight snacks (really just bites of both)--neither was exciting. I ran over to Downtown Disney to pick up some last minute souvenirs at World of Disney and then came back to the room and crashed.

 

[nellyru]

I'm really impressed with the photos your iphone takes!!
One more reason why I can't wait to be able to fit the extra data plan price into our budget!!!