The Very Serious Matter of a Top Secret Solo Trip!!

[Hisgirl]

I am sufficiently down from my Disney 'high' and ready to relay what happened when I finally decided to treat 'me' to a special solo trip. It was a hard decision to make, especially since we are all going down Jan. 31st for a huge whole family trip for a week.

And my disney annual pass is still warm from my late October trip taking Mama and Daddy. I mean, it's not like I haven't seen Mickey in a while, right? Right?

But....gosh darn it....it seems I never stay long enough to get that itch properly scratched! I get home, and not two days go by before I thinking I wish we'd stayed longer.

I'm just old enough, that I'm thinking how life isn't a dress rehearsal and it's time I check off the thing I've always wanted to do.

BUT...I had to keep my trip a bit under wraps. Mama and Daddy would have kittens if they thought I was off gallivanting by myself without my husband to 'protect me', and my friend was recovering from a massive stroke....surely this looks selfish in light of what she is dealing with! Lot of drama in the lives of friends and family so no facebook pictures this time. This was for me, at this very special time.

And going to Disney, totally alone, with no agenda (fast passes yes (!), good lord, do you think I'm crazy?!), eating what I want and staying where I want (THREE RESORTS in THREE days!!) has been on my to-do list for quite some time.....SO.....it was TIME!

Here is my Trip Report with pictures of the food I ate and the places I went and all the unusual things I tried to do to make this trip unlike any other Disney trip.

 

[Hisgirl]

The goal of this trip was to do all the things I wanted to do whether it made sense or not. To try things out, eat interesting foods at whatever time, and to visit how ever many resorts I wanted to visit. To do the rides I normally ignore and to actually meet with Mickey, finally, after all this time!

I found a ticket on Delta for a good price and I used 10,000 miles to bring the price down $100. After checking rental car prices, (what in the sam hill is going on with rental cars in orlando??), I decided I would take the Magical Express for the first time!

I made some fast pass selections, adding space mountain just because I don't remember the last time I road it and I wanted to be able to say, "THIS is the last time I'm riding this insanely crazy ride!"

I found a room at Wilderness Lodge on Cheaptickets using a 20% off coupon for around $195 total and then I rented points for a night at Bay Lake towers and a night at Beach Club Villas. Those nights cost around $200 each give or take a little.

The college national championship game was Monday night, so I made a reservation at ESPN club for the game. Got a few dinner reservations too. Things were coming together, BUT...I realized my first idea of going down without an agenda seems hardly feasible when so many reservations are needed, but at least the thought was good.

I packed my awesome Disney suitcase and after checking the weather, rolled up lots of cotton layers, a sweatshirt and a vest, hat and gloves. Yikes! That polar express coming into Georgia was rolling on into Florida. I added a pair of sketcher sandels at the last second...and SO glad I did!

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Since my trip was right after the new years week, I was hoping most of the crowds would be clearing out that weekend! The last two times we went (october and april of last year, it was kind of crowded and I was ready for a slow day, please Lord!)

The flight was easy and noneventful, and before I knew it, I was heading towards the Magical express signs. Boy, that's a bit of a looong walk, but there it is! The Mickey poles where I can do the little Magic Band 'kiss' and get in line!

But....alas, my mickey head didn't care for the mickey head on the pole and they had to find my ressie. But in line I go and before I know it, I'm on the ME bus!

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Off we go and a lot sooner than I expected, we were dropped off at Wilderness Lodge.

I walked into this beautiful place and just loved the turquoise inlay, the carved animals on every post, and did I mention it was 10 A.M.? I walked right up and asked if my room was ready and they said, "Yes!". I was in my room lickity split!

My first impressions of WL were that the main investment is in the lobby and pool area. The rooms weren't near as nice as the rooms at the Grand Floridian. I felt they were smaller and plainer than I was expecting, but hey, I'm here and the lodge is beautiful!

Also first for me was using the resorts bus system. I stood by the curb waiting to be picked up, and slowly began to realize how HOT it was. I began shifting from foot to foot and wishing I weren't wearing sneakers and socks. My DIL said, on the phone, GO PUT YOUR SANDELS ON RIGHT NOW WHILE YOU CAN...so I ran back and changed. Sketchers Rasta Reggae and GREAT to tour the parks! So glad I switched to sandels. It got over 80 that day and was hot and humid!

Off to Magic Kingdom!

I had lunch reservations at BOG.

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I loved the art work in the BOG!

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The Magic band was not working with the check in gal so she had to call the IT guy. I asked if I could change my soup only choice to something heartier and he said sure. They also said I could choose from the children's menu when I asked about the mashed sweet potatoes. I don't eat that much food at once and the portions seemed huge. I had the child's braised pork and was full after cleaning my plate! And it was very cheap too...around 8-9 dollars.

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After lunch, I walked around the inside and enjoyed the paintings and the snow out the windows and the ceiling. Very beautiful!

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Next: Do you want my illegally obtained fast pass? Please? Anybody?

 

[Hisgirl]

After exiting the Be Our Guest, I walked out into the daylight and was stunned at the MASS of humanity (all speaking Portuguese!) Just look at the strollers from the folks in line!

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I kid you not when I say the entire day....I only heard two families speaking English! It was fascinating! And a bit frustrating, as I like to strike up conversations with strangers.

The crowds were just about insane...probably not truly 'Disney insane' cause I know that is beyond crazy, but I couldn't maneuver through the area without bumping into folks.

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I rode Peter Pan and really enjoyed this most favorite ride especially since it had been closed down in October. I think the theming, details and creativity of the ride itself is top notch. I wish the newer little mermaid ride created the same wonderfulness in my heart, but DH and I both still prefer Peter Pan.

I had brought my Canon Rebel and tried out some composition pics, and also tried to play with my settings, but realized it's still AT time.

Don't you just wish you could go to the top of this room?

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As I moved with the masses towards Frontierland, I looked up and saw the airplane that does church in the sky. The wind was whipping (bringing in the arctic polar freeze your tail off express apparently) and the letters were getting blown away as soon as they were poofed into the sky.

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oh!! And did I mention that the CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS WERE STILL UP!!?

This was a dream come true!! Yay! Double Yay!

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Next, I headed over to Thunder Mountain (those of you who struggle with the initials representing rides, even THOUGH, you keep a cheat sheet right next to your computer (!) will notice I am spelling out most rides for your benefit!)

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Since I was alone, I wondered if the CMs would place me in a car, at times, with strangers. Nope. I rode alone all day! AND! I got in the FIRST CAR! And let me say....the ride was much rougher in the first car! Not sure why, but good grief, I was thrown all over the place and made a note that my step daughter, with the broken tail bone, needs to avoid this particular ride come February. But fun was had!



As I exited, I spied the fast passes at Splash mountain. Today was the last day since it's due for an overhaul. I had my fast passes all chosen, but wondered if I could pull a paper fast pass.



I knew it was 'cheating'. I had my three. It wasn't fair to those without the nifty magic band.

But....my curiosity got the better of me.

I looked to the left, looked to the right....waited till the CM by the machine was talking to someone, and I pulled a paper fast pass!

UGH...I felt instantly guilty!

I stood and watched splash mountain folks getting SOAKED to the skin and decided I really didn't want to get wet. And besides, if I give away my fast pass, I will be instantly redeemed from the self condemnation I was under and could go eat an ice cream.

SO...I commenced trying to give away my fast pass.

"Excuse me...could you use a fast pass to Splash mountain?"

"não, obrigado"



Again, "não, obrigado", then "o que você está dizendo para mim" and again, and again and again.....

Not only did no one want the fast pass....no one knew what on earth I was saying to them!

I decided to give up and go spend time doing some new and fun things!

Next: I don't care if the bakery smells are fake...I still want to wear it as a cologne

 

[DVCmom4]

LUCKY YOU!!! I have dreamed of running away and not answering to any or keeping track of everyone!!!! Hope you have a truly MAGICAL time!! I'll be reading along!

 

[Hisgirl]

I wandered through the crowds, just meandering as much as one can do in crowded MK, and headed towards the castle mainstage where a show was going on.

I stopped on the bridge and pondered that if I were a bird, migrating, I would want to live right here, in the Magic Kingdom, just by this bridge in the shadow of Cinderella's castle.The only down side would be that pesky soot and ash from the fireworks, but I'm pretty sure birds have eyelids...at least I think they do. And ears...wait........just where are bird ears? But I digress.... ok, back to the bridge...

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During the show, when the princes were twirling the princesses around, Mickey asked Minnie to dance and she responded, "but I'm not a princess!" Mickey told her, "But you've always been a princess to me!"

I may have gotten a little teary eyed right then. Maybe.

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I finally pushed and shoved...I mean, gently wandered...over to the ice cream store and ordered a nice chocolate mint cone. I found a chair and enjoyed watching the afternoon pseudo parade go by. It wasn't a parade, but people were lining up to watch and there was piped in singing and people on tall stilts and dancing and whatnots. It was good ice cream entertainment.

I honestly wish I had never read that they pipe in fake bakery smells from under the bakery. I recall taking a deep breath last year and thinking it was heaven....pure heaven. One doesn't like to think their pure heaven dreams are all fake and made up. I like to keep the mystery and magic ....well, mystery and magic.

Next: I'm on Fire! I'm on Fire! It's the girl with the Flash!

 

[wiigirl]

Following along!

 

[Hisgirl]

After ice cream (and by the way, I just realized that bridge picture shows about 16 people walking around the park but I swear, there were at least 99 other people times a thousand in addition to those 16), I decided to take my time and visit most all of the stores.

I recalled back in 1972, the year after Disney opened, visiting the shops and really taking my time. I was an eleven year old girl back then and I especially loved the magic shop! I remember buying a fake cast that brought me great fun over the years as a teen.

"I'm so sorry dear boyfriend, but I'm not going to be able to go out tonight, I've had a dreadful incident with my arm. It was a tank...that's right...a runaway army tank, um... right after church...."

Anyway, I miss that old magic shop and it seems there was also this really cool old theater showing old Mickey movies. I looked for it now but couldn't find anything resembling this.

One of my favorite (and shockingly so!) attractions which I feel SHOULD BE IN EACH AND EVERY PARK is the One Man's Dream in Hollywood Studios . (Are you appreciating the spelled out words? You're welcome. ) This attraction struck a chord with each and every one of us that day.

It's the heart beat of the whole themepark.

If you haven't seen it. Go. Right this minute. Pack a bag, go see One Man's Dream, and report back to me on how awesome and amazing you think it is and then regret all the times you missed sharing this amazing story with the other guests with you. Honestly, I wanted to stand outside and tell all the other guests (in Portuguese, of course) to 'Please, go inside....breathe deep and soak in the PULSE of this place!'

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So, here I was in the Magic Kingdom, and there was no true place of honor for Walt, a place we could sit and soak in his wonderfulness and genius and watch the magic of the early movies. Gosh, I wish we could watch Horace Horsecollar and Mickey plow a field together while in the shadow of the castle!
I'm talking the old cartoons, in black and white even...the ones that started this whole wonderful place.

I slowly strolled through the glass shop and LOVED seeing the beautiful art of the glass blower. My goodness! He is so talented! Turning and twirling the hot liquid glass, all vibrant with colors...oranges and greens and molten blues. I was taking pictures with my flash, but stopped just short of taking his photo.

I could just seen the flash blinding him and causing a third degree burn, so I limited my pictures to figurines in the far corners.

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I love Mickey and Minnie and several of the gang, and while my favorite Christmas ornament is a sparkley Tinkerbell, I do have to admit she's a bit of pill. I mean, she isn't really very kind to Wendy and I just don't think we would be friends in real life. She'd be all sparkly and putting the moves on my husband, so yeah, I think I'll stick to Mickey and Minnie and a few others for my favs. ( I realize that comment would cause my non-Disney friends to stop and think...and re-evaluate their opinion of me...but I know you understand )

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Next up: Wait...where are your microphones? Is this all fake?? I don't want to know!

 

[Hisgirl]

I wandered the shops, hoping to find a tee-shirt I liked. I love my Disney shirts and wear them for years and years. I even had an original ringer Mickey tee from 1972 but it got lost a few years back. I looked around and poked and peeked in all the stores, but the only thing I bought was a replacement men's original Mickey Mouse watch. I love my Mickey watch and have been wearing one off and on literally for about 45 years.

Spent some time on Main street appreciating the decorations. They truly were over the top and stunning.

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Near the huge Christmas tree, I noticed a long line for folks to meet a character.

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I wanted to meet a character. I truly did....I just didn't want to stand in line. So that meant one thing....

I would be using a Fast Pass to meet Mickey. That's right. I was going to meet the Big Cheese. The Mouse with the Mostest. Mr. Big.

But it would have to wait till day after tomorrow cause I was going to Epcot in the a.m.

I rounded the corner and came upon these guys just singing their hearts out.

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Or at least it seemed they were singing. I kept looking to see where the sound was coming from, as it sounded amplified but I saw no mics or speakers. Ah, the magic of Disney....

More decorations..

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Next: Ah...the best ride in the parks!

 

[Hisgirl]

I was tired. I'd gotten up at 5 a.m. to get to the airport, so it was time to call it a day. I'd had a good meal, ridden a few things and just wandered, which was what I wanted to do.

Now it was time to really check out The Wilderness Lodge.

I wanted to ride the boat back to the Lodge, so I leapt aboard just as they were about to pull out. Wow! What a beautiful ride! There was a gentle Florida breeze blowing (saying, 'Remember what I feel like cause my north pole cousin is knock knock knocking on the door!') and we rode past the forests and beaches and resorts and finally pulled up the the Lodge. This was definitely a great way to transport back to the room!

I wandered past the pool and took some pics of the flowers. Then I ventured indoors to see some sites before dinner. The dinner for which I had no reservations....again, winging it isn't as easy as I thought.

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I thought the exterior was very similar to Animal Kingdom lodge, then found out the same architect designed both lodges.

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So many neat little details. Disney really is about the details, isn't it?

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I started noticing all the great nooks and crannies scattered around the lodge. And some had fireplaces! After dinner, I was definitely going to settle in with my Ipad and read one of the great books I got on sale, called 'Wild' by Cheryl Strayed.

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I went to my room and checked with My Disney Experience and found I couldn't log in to check on dinner reservations. This seemed to be the theme of my trip. Reality was great, but online was just not cutting it. Again and again, I tried to use this site, and kept encountering errors.

The desk folks said the restaurant there, Whispering Canyon Cafe, might seat me, so off I went. The website says it's a 'Rootin Tootin Good Time...with Antics' I was tired. I didn't want to be cajoled into hopping around the cafe on a stick horse hollering "WHERE'S THE KETCHUP?!", so I went, with a little hesitancy. I was pleasantly pleased!

Wonderful dinner here! I had:
Organic Mixed Greens Salad
with Washington State Apples, Candied Pecans, Rogue Blue Cheese, and Apple Cider Vinaigrette
6.49
and...

Smoked Chicken Quesadilla
with Roasted Vegetables, Smoked Jack Cheese, Arugula with Moonshine Dressing, fresh Salsa, and Cilantro Sour Cream
9.99

As you can see, the prices weren't bad at all. Here's a pic but the fork was quicker than the flash for the most part.

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I had read enough about this place to know there was something mysterious, wild and rowdy that happened when you asked for ketchup. I knew everyone says, "Ask for Ketchup!" "Make sure you ask for Ketchup!" But honestly, I just wanted to eat in peace and read my facebook pages and maybe facetime with my husband.

So when the waitress, and older gal, with a twinkle in her eye, tried to innocently say, "would you like some ketchup?" (blink blink) I just smiled and said, "Thank you...but no."

(However, I took note and made sure the grandsons will be asking for ketchup when we eat here the first week of Feb. )

Even though I was thoroughly pooped and considered changing my plans, I caught the evening bus back to the Kingdom for Wishes. I'd reserved a FP seat and brought a nice plastic bag to sit on in case the ground was wet. (always the Mom) The castle was beautiful!!

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Up next: If those aren't fresh grapes, then what did I just eat??

 

[Hisgirl]

I got up really early this morning, cause I would be transferring to my second resort. Yay! A second resort! And this was one I hadn't even EVER seen from the outside OR inside!

I hurriedly threw my stuff together, and ran down to grab some breakfast at the same place I'd had dinner. Breakfast choices were great and I ended up choosing:

Chicken Apple-Raisin Sausage
4.99

and

Western Omelet
Three-Egg Omelet with Ham, Cheddar, Bell Peppers, and Onions served with Western Home Fries and a Biscuit
11.99

But without the peppers and onions. It was tasty and before I knew it I was full and ready to leave for the bus.

When I walked up to the bus, the driver was doing pushups, inside the bus, against one of the rails. Haha, I congratulated him on being creative!

Now off to Beach Club Villas!

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It has a great pool and wonderful themes!

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Even though I arrived at 9a.m. they checked me into the room. Nine a.m.!

I was still tired and layed down for a bit. After awhile, I got up and headed over to the walkway to Epcot. This was a first for me...walking into Epcot!

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(this picture was actually taken as I walked BACK when the clouds had blown in blustery and cold. The lucky folks who had brought jackets were bundled up!)

Once in Epcot, I wandered around France, quite thrilled the Christmas decorations were still in place. How cool was this ornament?

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I then went to Test Track for a FP. I realized I had wasted a FP cause I could walk on via the singles line. ( Shhhh....don't tell anyone this little secret cause we don't want this line getting crowded!)

I met Chip and Dale!

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Then found myself hungry again! Good grief, I just ate breakfast!

I went to the Land and found some healthy choices.

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But honestly, those grapes....those purples things that look like grapes....I had to spit them out. BLECHT! What ARE those things??

I visited Mary Poppins and told her how much I had enjoyed seeing her twice, yes, twice this past week in the original film and then the film about the film.

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Found this pretty tree that looked like Cousin It from the Addams Family.

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I wandered and watched and observed but didn't really ride much. I considered trying Mission Space but didn't want to ruin the rest of my day in case it upset my tummy, so I decided to head back to the resort and wander around BoardWalk.

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Next: I see London, I see France, I see FSU score a winning touchdown while pulling up my pants!

 

[Hisgirl]

I walked around the Boardwalk, read the menu at the Flying Fish (looks good but expensive!), peeked in the bakery, checked out the ESPN where I a seat reserved for THE GAME tonight. Auburn U vs. Florida State. War Eagle!!

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I checked out the menu and saw several thing that looked good. The only way to guarantee a seat for the big game, was to spend $50 to for food and drink, thus saving a seat. I didn't want to watch the game in my room alone, flailing and leaping and yelling all by myself, so ESPN was the perfect spot for some football!

I was getting hungry again (what the heck? Do I have a tape worm? Am I pregnant?) and headed over to Beaches and Cream. I knew it was tough to gt a seat but they sat me at the counter. I ordered some chili and a grilled cheese. The chili was good but the grilled cheese was an odd mixture of about 5 cheeses, one being all clumpy like cottage cheese. I think they should have left well enough alone and made it like....well, a grilled cheese.

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I saw a couple of boys come in and ask about the kitchen sink ice cream dessert. It reminded me of Farrell's Zoo, in case anyone remembers Farrell's.

After lunch number 2 , I wandered through Beach Club and Cape May and finally rested in my room. Around 8 pm, I headed over to ESPN and took my seat next to a really nice FSU family. An Auburn family came in and we had fun talking football tales.

From my seat, I could see FOURTEEN screens!

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I had to eat $50 worth of food, and at the rate I had been going, that was apparently not going to be an issue.

Dinner was a steak and broccoli and mac and cheese.

I normally nix the carbs but kept dipping into the mac and cheese.

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They apparently don't want you to miss a THING, and even put a screen in the potty so you can see the game while you are tee-teeing!

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It was from this vantage point, I sadly watched FSU score the game-changing touch down and my Auburn Tigers had to say adios to the National Championship crystal football. But it was a blast watching the game at ESPN!

Next up: Thar's a Polar Express a-comin'! Heat me up a Cinnamon Roll!

 

[Hisgirl]

WHOA NELLIE, IT'S COLD!!!!


This morning I put on a long sleeve tee, a 3/4 sleeve tee, a sweatshirt and a down vest, gloves and a hat! And I was still freezing!

I headed over to the bus stop and literally froze my patooty off standing there waiting for the bus! BrrrrrWeeee!!!

I was eyeing the other folks, checking for suitable winter wear....did all the Disney guests bring north pole clothes for today?? GoodNESS!

We had to wait a bit for the bus, but finally got on and headed over to Magic Kingdom.

(I just realized I forgot to mention how much I liked my room at the Beach Club! The theming was charming, the room was large and the little touches were very nice quality. I would definitely stay here again!)

Ok...back on the bus. Once at the Magic Kingdom, I got off the bus and inquired about a bus that could take me over to Bay Lake Towers.

I know, I KNOW.....you don't ride a bus to Bay Lake Towers....you WALK! But, have you looked at the distance? Sure...you can SEE it....sure, I could hoof it....but it was about THIRTY TWO DEGREES outside and I hadn't had my first cup of coffee this morning so yes, indeedy, I was hoping there was some other way, haha! (there's a boat too but that would have been way too cold and too far and too long to get my coffee!)

So I walked. And walked. My nose froze off my face and frosty puffs were coming out of my mouths as I hauled my backpack, luggage, camera and north pole outfitted self to Bay Lake Towers. Finally...I was there!

It was early, but again, they checked me right in!

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I headed over the bridge to eat breakfast and catch the monorail.

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Never, have I moaned in pleasure getting a cup of hot coffee in my gloved hand like I did that morning at the Contempory!

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The cinnamon roll was hot, spicey and filled with goodness and I ate the entire thing. (then texted my daughter in a fit of confession saying, "I just ate an entire cinnamon roll and I don't feel guilty one bit".

NOW...onto the Magic Kingdom for Round Two!

Today was going to be the day I did all the things I normally walk past. Try the things I poo-poo, thinking they won't be fun....and experience a Magic Kingdom I've never experienced!

Can you identify the location of this selfie? If you had asked me, I sure wouldn't have known.
Why?

BECAUSE I HAD NEVER RIDDEN THE RIVER BOAT! Oh Em Gee! This is now one of my FAVORITE things! Where's a head smackin' smilie when I need one?!

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I LoVeD the Riverboat! There were scenes set up just for the boat folks! We saw jumping fish! Barking dogs! It was wonderful! I sure hope they open Aunt Polly's back up! And a fort! Who knew! I apparently always took a different path on Tom Sawyer's island and never saw the fort OR the barrel bridge!

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SO happy to see there are undiscovered treasures in the kingdom after all these years!

Well, two hours had passed and it was time to feed me again. So off to Harbour House! I had heard the upstairs was a great place to relax and take in the sites, so I ordered lunch and found a seat next to a window.

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Yes, those are fries....I'm really getting off track from healthy eating, but I'm pretty sure I didn't eat them all. I met a really nice lady who had been a forest park ranger and we had fun talking.

Next, I watched some great street performances by the Country Bears and watched a Daddy and his little girl dance up a jig. I went in the Country Bears and enjoyed the show, altho it's definitely one for every few years...or more.

Now...onto Dumbo! I have never ridden Dumbo!

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I had a ball and loved how the lever can really get your elephant way up in the air! Woo Hoo!!

Not to mention it gives you a birds-eye view of the Seven Dwarfs roller coaster!

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The colors and detail on this ride are beautiful. This is so iconic and what Disney is all about.

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Next, I moved into Tomorrowland to try some earlier-ignored rides. Some of you on here had mentioned the People Mover...that ride I had always assumed was basically a moving seat....that....moved people. Giving one a chance to put the feet up and check your emails.

First up, was astro obiter.

I stood in line and stood in line. And stood in line some more. It was SO cold! I finally realized this ride can only seat a few people at a time so it takes a while to load. Up, up, up I go.....to look around at the flat rooftops of the neighboring buildings!

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Probably won't be going back on that one as I'm pretty sure I didn't leave anything in the orbitor.

But THEN....(insert Glory (!) music!) The People Mover!

Now THIS is seriously way COOL! I have never been so WRONG in my assessment of a ride!

Please forgive me, People Mover, you are SO MUCH MORE than an email checking place! More than a place to put ones feet up! I LOVED this ride!

After this, I went to the ride that replaced the Alien ride. It was so unmemorable, I have forgotten its name.

And please....don't remind me.

After this travesty, I ventured over to the castle to stand and stare.

I never get to stand and stare because we've always been running and glancing, on our way to Peter Pan.

"Run, RUN!" WAIT. WALK, don't run. But HURRy!"

"But the castle! I want to see the castle!"

Finally! I get to stand and soak in all the details!

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It fits! It fits! Glory!

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I wandered around adventureland and rode the Pirates. I always look up and admire the detail of the pirate's hairy legs. We didn't get stuck like last time (when we had to sing the Yo Ho Yo Ho song over and OVER which, thank the Lord, we had conveniently pulled up the lyrics on our phones for just such a time as THIS ...) but we did get banged up a bit, with the boats ramming us from behind. I wonder how Johnny Depp feels seeing himself on a DISNEY ride, for crying out loud!

And THEN! Another thing I've never seen! The lowering of the flag!

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Folks sang the National Anthem and placed their hands on their hearts (well, the over 40 crowd) and then we sang God bless America. It was wonderful!

Next up: Time to say Goodbye and some FREE MONEY!

 

[Hisgirl]

I forgot to mention earlier three things I did!

Have you ever done the shootin' arcade in Frontiersland?

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This is SO MUCH FUN! I just hope they figure out a way the magic bands can be used to charge the one dollar fee.

When I was in tomorrowland, I rode Space Mountain!

It's been literally YEARS since I dared to ride this monster of a ride. I wanted to push myself and mark it off the list. I wanted to be able to say, "HERE was the last time I was young and daring and foolish and risked life and limb on Space Mountain!" (most likely said while wearing sensible shoes and sipping some kind of laxative tea..but still). THIS was the time! I was feeling young and wild and full of life!

I walked onto space mountain using a fast pass and when I stepped into the rocket, my foot kind of twisted and I almost fell. I recall thinking,"No! Wait! For the love of all things good DON'T GO YET".
I got settled and WHOOOOSHH!! Off we went!

About halfway through this mind numbing, one thousand mile per hour twisting, turning, careening ride....I began to wonder if anyone had ever had an aneurysm mid-ride.

Or maybe just....died.

I was ready to get off but we were only about, I don't know....fifty feet from the start. I had plenty more of this living hell to go through and there was nothing I could do but endure.

I rode, I held on...I prayed. And in the end, I was still alive.

HERE was the last time I rode Space Mountain.



And then I got to meet HIM. The Mouse in the House. The Big Cheese himself.

I have to admit I felt a little goofy! This was talking Mickey and I really didn't know what to expect!

I entered in and Mickey asked me my name. He began talking about pirates and told a pirate joke. Then we posed as pirates, haha! It was kind of weird and funny and a little more than canned. I almost would have preferred the spontaneous reactions with no voice. But... I got to meet Mr. Mickey Mouse and I was happy to finally say we shook hands.

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I walked through shops again and made my way towards the next meal. Tony's Diner was my choice, as I had never ventured in before.

Seriously, how cute is this restaurant?

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I had the butternut squash soup and it was second only to Panera's.

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I ordered the child's portion of spaghetti and it was more than enough.

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Ever since I had my gall bladder out, I can only eat smaller portions of food. If this was a child's portion, I can't imagine an adult portion!

A very nice dinner indeed!

After dinner, I wandered back out and stood on the street, watching Wishes begin. So beautiful!

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Wow...was it ever hard to take that last step out the turnstile. To walk out. EVEN THOUGH I knew we were coming back in about 3 weeks, it was still hard.

I watched the fireworks from the Contemporary bridge on my way back.

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Such a glorious day!

The next morning, I went to The Wave in the Contemporary and tried the buffet. It was actually reasonably priced, especially once I used the Tables in wonderland card. I got 20% off almost everywhere I ate this trip.

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After breakfast, I caught the Magical Express bus back to MCO and got to laugh out loud at the vintage Mickey cartoons. Then once at the airport, I settled it to wait out my delayed flight.

"Would any passengers be willing to give up their seats for compensations as we have oversold this flight.."



Whaaat?

Free money?? (Laaaaaaaalaaaaaa...angels singing! )

Why yes, I will gladly give you my seat to use and you can book me on the next flight in NINETY MINUTES which I will spend smiling at this $400 check from Delta Air Lines!!

This was a GREAT trip! I missed, for the most part, the bone chilling arctic express that froze Georgia to the bone, and got to do a practice run before the grandsons come down. What a fun, wonderful way to spend time by oneself!

Thanks for reading and I hope you have a magical evening!

 

[Hisgirl]

Updated to add!

You know how on some rides, when you get off ,there's Disney-taken photos waiting for you in the 'lobby'?

Well, the WEIRDIEST thing happened! I was exiting the ride and as I walked past the photos, I saw my picture on the board. It was easy to find because I was riding by myself, and...well, it was me!

I looked at me and turned to walk away, and just as I did, this man, unknown to me, pulled out his phone and placed it right up against my picture and took a pic of ME! What the heck!? A little creepy and I ducked my head and scooted out!

 

[DVCmom4]

WHAT A GRET TRIP!!!!

 

[coolbrook]

I loved reading your trip report! I once got to spend one day in Magic Kingdom by myself while my husband had work meetings. We had left our four kids at home with Grandma. I loved it! Soaking up the atmosphere and talking to strangers, going wherever I wanted, and riding Peter Pan three times in a row at rope drop because its my favorite. I have never tried Space Mountain, so I loved your description. I'm sure I would feel the same way. For me, Big Thunder is living on the edge. Thanks for writing and letting me live through you for the evening.

 

[wishicouldgomoreofte]

I really enjoyed your trip report.
Your pictures are beautiful too.
Have you written other reports?

 

[Hisgirl]

Yes, actually, I did do a small TR for our last spring flower festival trip
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3121480

I took mama and daddy down in October, and while I do have some pretty funny stories to share, I just didn't pull together a TR. I didn't have many pictures, as I ended up with one hand on mama's electric cart most of the time.

So many folks seem to want to take a solo trip, and I would like to say,"Just do it!" If you can... I know the expense is there, but I'm 53 and it's time to do my life list.

Also, thank you for reading.

 

[Nanaji]

Hi there

I am really enjoying your report. You sound just like my thoughts when I am there. I am slightly older but have the same vintage memories. One Man's Dream is a must do! Thanks for sharing.

 

[Credit Man]

Enjoyed your report! Thanks for posting.