Tuffcookie's "Minnie" solo trip August 10-12

[Tuffcookie]

I love it when a plan comes together! Those free air fare vouchers were burning a hole in my pocket and when I heard the All Stars could be had for $49 a night, I couldn't help myself Youngest DS was to be with his dad during the month of August so I decided I would do my first solo trip to the world!

I left Akron-Canton airport at 6:00 AM on Fri., the 10th. By 9:30 I was in Orlando! It took an hour to get my luggage and take the Mears shuttle to the ASMu. Once at the ASMu, there was another 1 hour wait for check-in and then another 1 hour wait in line for guest services to book the Fantasmik dinner pkg. Finally, around 12:30 that was all done. My room was not ready yet so I fished my bathing suit out of the suitcase, ate lunch, and headed to the pool until my room was ready. The water was perfect. Not too cold. It helped ease the stress of the time from landing in Orlando till all the waiting in lines to get everything handled. Finally, around 2:00 my room was ready! I was in the Calpyso Bld., facing the pool, ground floor, non-smoking. It was everything I had asked for. (It pays to get to your resort early!) I swam until about 4:00 and then I went to my room and got ready to go to the Poly. I had made PSs for dinner at Ohana's for 8:30 PM so I could watch the fireworks over the MK. I brought a long, tropic looking, casual dress for dinner. I had decided since I was by myself, I had the time to spend on myself this time, so I was dressing for dinner! I took the bus to Epcot and from there I hitched the monorail to the Poly. The Poly is such a beautiful resort!!! I took a lot of pictures and took a lot of notes because I'm hoping to stay there next year if there is a resonable discount available. (Well, reasonable for the Poly ) I bought refillable mugs while at the Poly. I am planning on wrapping one for DS for a Christmas present. Dinner at Ohana's was wonderful! I would eat there again! About the time of my PS a big storm blew over so, alas, no fireworks. But the storm was so awesome, and I was in a really great place to watch that! After dinner I made my way back to the ASMu and turned in for the night. Tomorrow I am going to open MGM! Hope you enjoy my pictures of the Poly!

TC

 

[Saffron]

Great trip report TuffCookie and great pictures! Solo trips always sound like so much fun! I can't wait to read the rest of your reports! Sounds like a wonderful trip so far!

 

[Boots]

Thanks for the pictures! DH wants to stay at the Poly next time we go. Your report was super too.

 

[Krissalee]

Good for you!!! I think everyone needs to pamper themselves from time to time!!!!

Krissalee

 

[nutz4dzny]

What a wonderful start to a solo trip! Your dress matches the Poly perfectly! Thanks for sharing.

 

[FairyGodfriend]

Thanks Tuffcookie for the "solo" trip report and pictures! I would love to go solo to WDW, it would be so neat to see all the sights that are impossible with a tried kiddo in tow. I love the dress you wore to dinner...but who took the picture ?

 

[Tuffcookie]

I asked a lot of CMs to take my pictures!

TC

 

[kathymc]

oh how I love picture posts - how neat to be able to do a solo trip - sounds like fun!

 

[Saffron]

If you have the time, could you please give us a little detail about the dinner you had at Ohana? Did you sit with others, and what did you have to eat? What did you have to drink and what did you have for dessert?

Thank you!

 

[Tuffcookie]

Well, as the hostess explains as you're being seated, O'hana means "family" and that is what you are when you are there. After being seated I was brought a platter of appetizers. There is a lazy susan in the middle of the table that the appetizer plate is placed on. Let's see, there were chicken wings, shrimp and chicken wontons, steamed vegetables, some sort of rice dish, a salad mix, and several dipping sauces. This, in itself, was wonderful! Then after you stuff yourself with this they bring these huge skewers of shrimp, turkey, pork, and sirloin to your table. You just tell them how much of each you want and then they come back to your table periodically to see if you want more. After this the dessert is brought. It is pineapple with a caramel dipping sauce. It was absolute heaven! I am really looking forward to eating here again next year. I'm hoping oldest DS and his wife will join youngest DS and me so it can truly be an "O'hana" (family) experience! I did not feel the least bit uncomfortable dining alone!

TC

 

[Saffron]

Wow! That sounds so good! I would be happy with just the appetizers! I've read so many different reviews but no one ever get into detail. Thank you! Mmmm, pineapple and caramel sauce sounds so good! I'm glad you had a wonderful time and felt comfortable. I hope everyone gets to go with you next year! That would be great!

 

[#1 Disney Fan]

Nice photos, TC! Thanks for posting, it sounds like you had fun.