The "You Have No Business Going to WDW Right Now" Pre-TR **TR LINK p.2**

[Wonders10]

Hi everyone! Welcome to my latest trip report! A little bit about me…I’m Shannon, a 31 year old speech-language pathologist currently working in a SNF (skilled nursing facility). I live in the semi- small coastal town of Stuart, Florida, about 2 hours south of Disney.

This trip started way back in September. Technically, I could say it actually started in March of last year. The March trip found me in a very sad mood most of the time for stupid things that I let get to me. It wasn’t the happiest of trips (not the worst either) but I remember being very ready to go home and had no desire to return anytime soon. As a side note, we stayed at the Beach Club on that trip.

However, around July or August the bug started to bite again and I booked a solo trip for September. A friend of mine lives in Orlando and was going to be spending a lot of time with me at the parks, plus I really don’t mind doing Disney solo sometimes. The trip started out well enough, but then the friend and I got in an argument and the trip again didn’t go as planned, things like him inviting a friend I never met to stay in our hotel that I was paying really good money for; boycotting any of the things I wanted to do. I had bought an annual pass and only went to 1 park the entire weekend I was there! I left Orlando annoyed with my friend ( I use that word loosely since we still have not spoken) and done with Disney. I stayed at the Yacht Club this time. I was beginning to think the Epcot resorts were cursed for me. Links for both trip reports are in my signature if you want to go back and read.

Anyway, as I said I’m working at a SNF and have been there almost a year after working in the school system for 3 years. I have also been missing “home” a lot. “Home” being further south, the Ft. Lauderdale area. So a couple months ago I made the decision to move back home and I luckily already have a job lined up. I’m moving June 9, because, well that is when my lease is up! My other big news is that I’m leaving for a 12-nt Mediterranean Cruise on June 14 out of Barcelona with my mom, brother, DSIL, niece and nephew to celebrate my mom’s upcoming retirement. She’s very graciously footing most of the bill but we are all responsible for airfare, tours, souvenirs, etc. Oh and that new job I have lined up? Probably won’t be starting that until the new school year starts although I am hoping/planning on working part time here and there at a few facilities. So for at least a month, I won’t really be getting paid. At least not what I’m used to getting, you know?

So with all that going on, the desire to just get away and soak up some of that Disney magic really started hitting me. I really really wanted a re-do on my Disney Disasters of 2011. I had an AP that was burning a hole in my pocket and a need to just get away. Its hard for me to get time off work and my schedule is all over the place, plus many of my upcoming weekends are already booked with something or other. So I didn’t have many choices.

I looked through the remaining weekends and April 27-29 seemed to work though. That’s less than 2 weeks from now by the way. Talk about spur of the moment. I wanted a value but nothing was available so I had to “settle” for a new Royal Room at Port Orleans Riverside. I LOVE POR and I could care less what room I had there, but I am curious to check out the new rooms. The plan as it stands right now is to leave after work on Friday and hope and pray I do not have tons of patients to see that day and can get out at a reasonable hour (3 at the latest). The time I arrive at the resort will determine what I will do the rest of the evening. The next day, I may split my time between Epcot and MK since Epcot is my favorite park but I’m also really itching for some classic Disney magic. Sunday I’m heading back, but I think I will sort of sleep in and spend some time at Downtown Disney before driving home. I also put in for Monday off. Yes, I know that means I could stay an extra night, but the Monday off is more for me to have time to do all the annoying weekend errands I can’t do if I’m out of town.

So basically, you might be seeing why I really have no business taking a mini-vacation right at this moment in time. But I’ve rationalized the cost and other than the hotel, I probably won’t be spending anymore than I would on a typical weekend with eating out and I’m really not a big souvenir shopper. Plus, I’ve already done some packing and still have lots of weekends left to get the rest of it done before the big move and the big vacation.

So, that’s it for now. I will update again with some pictures, but I have to go see what ones I have available. I really don’t have many recent photos! Thanks for reading and I hope you stick with me!

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

I'm here!!!! Let me know if you would like to meet up that weekend!! I would LOVE to check out your princess room! I'm hoping to score one in June when my parents are here but far there aren't any showing up with my friend's CM discount so we have CSR booked for now. I agree with going to WDW and putting your pass to good use!!

 

[HiHoOffWeGo]

Checked the other day and this thread would not come up but today wala!
After reading your thread of the misfortune and Buying the pass I was affraid it would go to wast. But not!

I could not believe someone would show you such disrespect and take advantage of you. Lesson learned I guess.

When I saw your post in POR I said YES. Way to go girl! I look forward to the rest of the story and this time I expect a happy ending. Oh! And pictures too!

 

[Wonders10]

I'm here!!!! Let me know if you would like to meet up that weekend!! I would LOVE to check out your princess room! I'm hoping to score one in June when my parents are here but far there aren't any showing up with my friend's CM discount so we have CSR booked for now. I agree with going to WDW and putting your pass to good use!!

Welcome! I'll let you know about meeting up. POR has always been one of my most favorite resorts, even over a lot of the deluxe resorts I've stayed at. Not quite sure what it is that I love so much, although I do have a love for all things "southern". Now that I have finally officially decided that I'm doing this, I'm getting really excited! Thanks for reading!

Checked the other day and this thread would not come up but today wala!
After reading your thread of the misfortune and Buying the pass I was affraid it would go to wast. But not!

I could not believe someone would show you such disrespect and take advantage of you. Lesson learned I guess.

When I saw your post in POR I said YES. Way to go girl! I look forward to the rest of the story and this time I expect a happy ending. Oh! And pictures too!

Welcome! Yes, I accidently deleted part of the link when I was adding it to my signature. All fixed now though! I'm actually really hurt by what he did to me and I've let him do it to me before. We've known each other for 10 years so you think he'd know me a little bit, but guess not. We have made up before so maybe our time will come again but I'm not reaching out to him. I don't feel like I did anything wrong.

I really wanted to feel like I was getting some use out of that AP and right now, I also really just want to get away and leave the rest of the world behind. I'm hoping to maybe get 1 or 2 other short trips in over the summer before my pass expires in September. Thanks for reading!

 

[Wonders10]

Well, I did actually find a couple pictures of me that I don’t mind posting for all the world to see.

Here I am just a couple weeks ago. I had been growing my hair out and finally it was long enough to cut and donate to “Locks of Love”, a charity based in South Florida that makes wigs for (mostly) children with cancer and alopecia. I had tried once before and my hair just stopped growing but this time I must have taken much better care of it because I cut off 13 inches!

And here I am again with favorite little boy, Winston the goldendoodle. I’m surprised I haven’t mentioned him yet since he is usually all I talk about. Here we are in Fort Lauderdale, along the Las Olas River:

So as I mentioned in one of my replies above, I’m now really excited to be getting away to what is usually my happy place. Luckily I only have 8 days (not counting today) until I leave! 7 if you don’t count the day I actually leave, but since I’m working that day, I’m counting it. The trip is obviously short so there isn’t much planning involved but I do like to have some sort of a plan. I’ve already been planning my outfits, which included a trip to Target after work today to pick up a couple cute tank tops that were on sale.

I’m really not planning on getting to the resort that early on Friday so I’m going to just plan on a swim, dinner at the food court, a walk around the resort and early to bed. If I happen to get in a lot earlier than planned, I’ll wing it.

Saturday, I do have a bit of a dilemma if you can call it that. I want to do both MK and Epcot and since I have an AP, why not? The problem lies in that Epcot has evening EMH that day which I really don’t plan on partaking in but it will probably increase the crowd levels. I was thinking of getting to MK at rope drop, doing my fave rides and browsing the shops and having an early lunch at a still to be determined restaurant. Then depending on how I’m feeling, a quick dip in the pool back at POR before heading over to Epcot for the rest of the day/evening with dinner at another to be determined restaurant. As far as rides, I won’t be heartbroken if Soarin FP are gone and TT is closed anyway (not that I care about riding it) so the lines for the others should be fine. And I don’t mind the crowds if I’m just walking and shopping. Think that is a good order? Or should I do it in reverse?

Sunday, I’m going to get up early again and maybe take a walk around the resort (I’m trying to exercise more) before showering and checking out. I will be going to Downtown Disney before going home though and getting my last Disney fix. Not sure if I will have breakfast at POR or wait and eat something at DTD, like at Earl of Sandwich. Thoughts?

So that’s pretty much it. I will be filling in here and there with the rides and things that are must dos for me and other random updates here and there. Thanks for reading! Post if you are a lurker!

 

[HiHoOffWeGo]

EoS is a great choice. Like your plan. Go for it! Sounds like you will enjoy a leisure day and with nothing preconceived there is no let down. Enjoy!

 

[ClareH37]

Sounds like you're going to have an amazing time one of the great things about going solo is doing what you want when you want - I loved doing an hour or 2 in MK, hopping over to Epcot for a stroll around WS, a rest back at my resort, then back to MK just to ride Pirates .... and not having to consider anybody else lol

 

[Wonders10]

EoS is a great choice. Like your plan. Go for it! Sounds like you will enjoy a leisure day and with nothing preconceived there is no let down. Enjoy!

I used to love EoS when we hit DTD but then one opened up in a local mall and it sort of lost its "specialness", but its still yummy!

Sounds like you're going to have an amazing time one of the great things about going solo is doing what you want when you want - I loved doing an hour or 2 in MK, hopping over to Epcot for a stroll around WS, a rest back at my resort, then back to MK just to ride Pirates .... and not having to consider anybody else lol

Welcome! I'm hoping to enjoy myself and I'm hoping it will rejuvenate me for the next couple months of work, packing and moving! I agree, its important to be a little selfish every once in awhile.

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

That's odd they are having Epcot EMH on Saturday, it's usually on Friday!! Your plans sound great to me

 

[Wonders10]

That's odd they are having Epcot EMH on Saturday, it's usually on Friday!! Your plans sound great to me

Hmm, really? Wonder why they changed it. I probably won't be there that late anyway but hope it doesn't affect the crowds too badly.

Hoping to get an update written up tomorrow...dining plans!

 

[blessedmom4]

Shannon, I found you! How is Winston? A new job, a move, a new do and new trip?!!! SO much going on for you, I am excited! Plus your fmaily trip is almost here!! 2012 is YOUR YEAR!!!!

 

[Wonders10]

Shannon, I found you! How is Winston? A new job, a move, a new do and new trip?!!! SO much going on for you, I am excited! Plus your fmaily trip is almost here!! 2012 is YOUR YEAR!!!!

Oh my goodness! Judy! Welcome! So glad you found me. I had been peaking in on your report here and there, but not posting on anything and up until a few weeks ago, really wasn't spending much time on the DIS period. 2012 definitely is a year of change for me and I do hope it is all for the better. I feel like I was just waiting for my life to finally start and now it will really be able to, if that makes sense. And Winston is doing well, thanks for asking!

 

[Wonders10]

Hi everyone! How is everyone’s weekend going? We had some icky, rainy weather here most of the day Saturday and today it finally seems to be clearing up. I spent part of Saturday at Beall’s (it’s a Florida store only I believe) because 1) it was close to the bank and I was getting cash for my trip and 2) they were having a huge sale on everything in the store. I had sort of been in the market for new sneakers since I wear them to work everyday and 1 of the 2 pairs I own I wore to Ireland in 2009! So I think it was time for an upgrade. Luckily I found a pair I liked and got a great deal on them:

Pardon the artsy-ness of the photo, I’ve been playing with Instagram a lot:

Then I did my weekly grocery shopping and came home to tackle laundry and finally stop procrastinating and start packing up my apartment. Here is the aftermath, my poor den. Thank goodness its just me living here and I don’t use this room often.

Then Winston and I took a long walk around our complex and I settled in with some champagne (I hate wine, love champagne) and watched some DVDs. Today will be more of the same – the packing and laundry part anyway, no champagne for me today. So back to the trip report…

Part of any planning process for a visit to Disney is choosing where you are going to eat – no matter how long of a visit it is. I’ve been reading through menus and thinking of restaurants I love and those I’m curious about trying. Typically if I am solo, I stick with counter service meals because they are quick, cheap and I have a complex about eating alone in a restaurant. However I was really wanting to have a nice meal somewhere, a TS meal. So after some kind folks on the restaurants boards posted some words of encouragement I did the unthinkable…I booked not one, but two TS restaurant ADRs!

First let me share that I’ve decided to do MK in the morning at rope drop and stay through to lunch time. MK is the home of my first ADR, Liberty Tree Tavern. This is one of my favorite TS restaurants and I LOVE the “Colony Salad”. Its filling while not being so heavy like the Pot Roast, which I also love, but its just too heavy for lunch when its 80-something degrees out. Then if I feel like I need a pool break, I’ll take one back at POR. If not its off to Epcot.

Epcot is the home of my 2nd ADR. Originally I had booked Chefs de France for one really big reason. Escargots. I have been craving them and obviously you can’t go through your local drive thru and get escargots so I figured this would give me my fix. However, I looked through the menu again and nothing else really stood out to me, especially considering this would be my dinner. So I checked Disney dining again and took a reservation at La Hacienda de San Angel, which I really enjoyed the last time I ate there. Also, after a bout of food poisoning from Chipotle Mexican Grill in January, I’m finally starting to get my appetite back for Mexican food which had always been one of my favorites! Other than some chips and salsa or a frozen Mexican style lean cuisine, I haven’t eaten any Mexican food.

I made two ADRs because I couldn’t decide between them both and I also figured if I chicken out at lunch time, then I will have a second chance to redeem myself at dinner!

More meal plans…dinner on my arrival night will probably be at the POR food court. If I had to order something now, it’d probably be something from the carving station (turkey, veggie, potatoes and cornbread) since I hate to cook and rarely get a “homestyle” meal like that. I will probably grab something for the next day’s breakfast too, like cereal or a bagel, and eat it in the room while I’m getting ready the next morning. I’m thinking breakfast on Sunday will either be at the food court again or somewhere at DTD. Snacks are another story (yes, I love my food) but I will play that one by ear and see what I’m craving.

A couple days after making these ADRs I had this bright idea to try to add the dining plan onto my reservation since apparently AP holders can do this now, without having to purchase tickets. However, when I called, nothing was available since I would have to cancel my room only and re-book as a package. So no dining plan for me, but I will keep it in mind for my next visit!

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

That's odd that they won't let you add it on?! When you book your room reservation on WDW.com you have the option at the bottom to add any DDP to your reservation which is soooo nice and easy to do!!! I wish that CMs were able to do that with their reservations but it's more complicated and you have to call with a code..pain in the behind!!! I've done the QS with AP Discount room and it's great!!!

I don't think I've ever done a TS meal alone but I'll do QS all the time!!!

 

[Wonders10]

That's odd that they won't let you add it on?! When you book your room reservation on WDW.com you have the option at the bottom to add any DDP to your reservation which is soooo nice and easy to do!!! I wish that CMs were able to do that with their reservations but it's more complicated and you have to call with a code..pain in the behind!!! I've done the QS with AP Discount room and it's great!!!

I don't think I've ever done a TS meal alone but I'll do QS all the time!!!

Think I should call back and try to speak with a different person? I thought you could just add it on and pay the nightly rate for the dining. Can you add it at check-in, do you know?

Everyone, fingers crossed for me please...we have been very slow at work so in addition to taking Monday off I just put in for Friday as well! That would mean I could leave early in the morning and have almost an extra full day at Disney!

 

[Wonders10]

Happy Monday everyone! If you’re working, I hope your work week is off to a good start. My day was good and still managed to get out semi-early.

Speaking of work, I mentioned that we had been slow with not a lot of patients. I had already been approved to have Monday off for my “recovery” day after my trip, but with it being so slow and the other speech therapist having taken off a few days over the past few weeks, I sort of felt it was my turn! So I asked my boss and she approved Friday as well! I’ll still be leaving on Friday, after I drop off Winston, but it will be much earlier than if I was at work. I’ll get almost an extra full day in Disney. Of course this sort of messes with my plans because now I’ll actually have time to hit a park on Friday and still manage to have an early night. I’m thinking I might do Epcot, which will cut down on the time I will need on Saturday especially since I’m expecting bigger crowds that day as well. I’m going to post a final itinerary in the next day or so before I leave!

Only 3 more days of work!

 

[HiHoOffWeGo]

Now don't boil over. So much time and so much to do! I can not wait for the itinerary so enough is enough. GET TO IT!!!!!!!!

 

[Wonders10]

Now don't boil over. So much time and so much to do! I can not wait for the itinerary so enough is enough. GET TO IT!!!!!!!!

I know it seems silly to get so excited over barely 2 1/2 days in Disney, but I'll take any escape I can get! Plus, I look at it this way...I'm actually getting paid to go to Disney on Friday!

Itinerary is pretty much set (for now) and typed up so I will update soon!

 

[Wonders10]

I did my online check-in! Since I have a river view booked and only have a choice of 2 bldgs, I’m not picky about where my room is so I figured I’d save some time and get it out of the way. Especially since I’ve read they are doing refurbishing in the lobby area and check-ins seem to be taking longer. Plus I’m hoping it will give me a better chance of having my room ready when I arrive.

So here is my final itinerary. Well, as final as it will be until I get there and throw it out the window (it’s been known to happen)

Thursday 4/26
Tonight I’ll finish up my packing and get Winston’s things together (food and toys) and try to make it an early night as usual, but I have a feeling knowing that I’m off for 4 days and going to WDW will make it hard to sleep!

Friday 4/27
I’ll wake up around 6 or 6:30. That’s actually sleeping in for me on a workday. After showering and getting beautiful, I’ll pack the last of my toiletries, load up the car and drop Winston off at his home away from home. I’m guessing it will be around 8 at this point. After a wet kiss and a furry hug, I will be off! I’m tempted to stop at McDonalds for a coffee (their iced mochas are way better and way cheaper than Starbucks IMO) before heading north on the Florida Turnpike! In a couple hours I should be driving under those beautiful Disney arches and on my way to POR. I’ll check in and *cross your fingers* my room will be ready. If not, I’ll just grab my swimsuit and things from my bag and change because my first order of business is some pool time! Not sure if I’ll do the quiet or main pool…maybe main so I’m closer to some drinks (strawberry daiquiri anyone?) and the food court for a bite to eat. Once I’ve had my fill of the sun, my room should be ready if it wasn’t earlier and I’m going to change for an afternoon/evening at Epcot! Then back to POR for an early night so I can wake up for MK rope drop!

**Honestly, my plans for this day have changed about 5 times. First, I was going to head straight to Epcot after checking in, then swim and to bed. Then I thought no I’ll go swimming and go to DTD. Then I thought no I’ll go to Epcot and then DTD. So to be honest, I really cannot guarantee I’m going to stick to this plan. Who knows…I may check in and say…I want to go to Animal Kingdom! That is the beauty of the last minute solo trip.**

Lunch/Dinner Plans – I’ve been tempted after reading a couple threads on the restaurant boards to snack my way around the world. Egg rolls in China, pretzel in Germany, etc. I definitely would not eat something in every country but maybe 3 stops? It’s an idea…

If you have suggestions for more savory snacks as opposed to the sweet stuff, feel free to share!

Saturday 4/28
The plan today is to make rope drop at MK. I’m thinking I’ll get up at 6am so I can shower, do my hair, and eat a quick breakfast in the room. After my LTT lunch, I’ll either head to Epcot or take a pool break. If I do take a pool break, I’ll get cleaned up after and head back to Epcot for the rest of the evening. I’m not planning on staying for evening EMH but they are being held tonight.

Lunch Plans – ADR at Liberty Tree Tavern

Dinner Plans – ADR at La Hacienda

Sunday 4/29
A sad day indeed. My mini-vacation has come to an end but I will get one more dose of Disney by visiting DTD for some last minute shopping before heading home. Once home, it’ll be back to reality. But I’m grateful I am/was even able to squeeze this trip in and I have an amazing vacation coming up in about 6 weeks!

 

[HiHoOffWeGo]

Silly girl! ENJOY!