Welcome to the Cheap Seat...or how I decided to go to Disney in a day for a day.

[MagiKitty]

Thank you so much for the compliment and boost of confidence! I'm glad you're enjoying!

part of me wondered how I could do on a solo trip--I haven't even ventured to the movie theater by myself. I'm not too thrilled eating at a restaurant alone either. But my little trip gave me some confidence that I can do things out of my comfort zone and have a darn fine time doing it....

 

[cyndiloveswalt]

Just joined in and read through your report so far...can't wait to hear the rest! My husband called me that day to tell me about the sale, I think he heard it on the radio, but you couldn't get to Orlando from our area-SOO jealous. Keep it coming, so much fun!!

 

[aggielawyer]

I'm loving your TR. I'm so jealous of your quick getaway--if I tried anything like this my family would think I was insane. They already threaten interventions if I talk about my solo trips too much.

:
part of me wondered how I could do on a solo trip--I haven't even ventured to the movie theater by myself. I'm not too thrilled eating at a restaurant alone either. But my little trip gave me some confidence that I can do things out of my comfort zone and have a darn fine time doing it....

Going to the movies or a restaurant is nothing to flying to FL and going to Epcot alone--you can do anything now!

 

[MagiKitty]

aggielawyer...I feel exactly the same way! Which is what makes it oh so dangerous....how did you decide to start taking solo trips? What's the longest solo trip you've taken.

Flying by myself is old hat to me. My family was always superstitious and we were never allowed to fly together. I actually prefer to fly on my own terms!

 

[loveysbydesign]

Had to pop in and say I am so happy someone benefited from the $10 JB post...if I didn't have 3 kids and a dh who would not let me go without them and I didn't live almost 2 hours away from the nearest JB airport(Newark)I would have been there too!
Thanks so much for sharing your adventure with us jealous dis'ers!

 

[serene56]

Awesome read- makes me wonder if I could do something like that-- solo.

 

[aggielawyer]

aggielawyer...I feel exactly the same way! Which is what makes it oh so dangerous....how did you decide to start taking solo trips? What's the longest solo trip you've taken.

I've traveled solo for work several times, but my first solo vacation was last year to WDW. I was there for 6 days. I've always loved to travel, and I just finally got to a point where I was tired of waiting for other people to want to go. So I booked a trip and didn't tell anyone for a while. I'm going back in December for a solo trip, plus the podcast cruise. That's a total of 12 days right now, but I've been thinking about shortening it to save money and because I do actually need to work some in December. I'm self-employed, so if I don't work I don't get paid. Between vacation and Christmas, January 2011 is going to be a pretty lean month unless I'm really prepared.

I also started my solo travels with WDW because I figured it was a great place to try it out. I've been to Europe before, and am sure I would be fine going back alone, but wanted something a little 'safer' first.

I've had a major case of spring fever, wanting to just drop everything and go somewhere even if it was just for a couple of days, so your trip sounds exactly what I've been dreaming about.

 

[BellaBaby]

I'm in!!

I'm enjoying your writing style and your frugality!!

You've just done something we all here on the Dis would love to do!!
Way to go!!

 

[68wdwmom]

So excited to hear the rest.What a great trip report so far and to do it so cheap.We live in Canada and don't get $10 flights anywhere!!!

 

[frannn]

I had the flights from our NY Jetblue airport ready to be booked for about 41 RT on Mon, plus I have an AP, plus its my birthday this week. But...DH wasn't able to go & we already have a trip booked in Sept. So, I didn't get to go . But, I am thoroughly enjoying your report. Almost like I'm right there with you, ya know?

 

[dellasgirl]

Great report so far--tooo funny about the bus full of kids!
But at least you did get a private bus as a reward!!!!
And lastly I WANT A MAGIC DRAWER THAT PRODUCES VISA GIFT CARDS
all we have are regular drawer full of bills
can't wait to see what the rest of the day brings

 

[jerseygirl81]

I'm enjoying reading your tr, I read the thread the other day about the $10 Jetblue special and I saw that you booked it so I'm glad you posted a tr. By the time I checked the flights there was'nt anything out of stewart. Linda

 

[melk]

I am loving your report! I got the Jetblue email and checked it out but knew I could never do it on such short notice.

You're my hero !

 

[TokyoDina]

Love the trip so far! Some day I'm going to eat at Morocco. But France keeps calling me every time I go!

 

[marypoppinswannabe]

I would love to be able to do something like this... Unfortunately, Jet Blue does not fly out of any city near me!!!

 

[MagiKitty]

Thank you everyone for your kind words and support. I am enjoying reliving my brief travels.

Ah, the magic drawer. I also have a drawer full of bills, but that's the "bad drawer". The "happy drawer" or the "magic drawer" contains lots of my secrets. Ok, so they're not really secrets at all. I do rebates, mostly from my grocery store, drugstore, or Staples (I have an incomprehensible love of office supplies). I also do LOTS of surveys....most of which have point programs that you can exchange for gift cards. I also benefit from home trials.

Today I checked one of my survey companies and I traded in my points for a $20 American Express gift card. And it will go straight into the magic drawer for future fun!

I'm quick to cash out my points because you just never know when a program will change or if a particular card will no longer be available.

I also do email readers--where you have emails and click through for points. I usually get about 4 or 5 gift cards per year from that, depending on my use. Last year, I was rather late in my holiday shopping, so I did A LOT of online shopping. I got a lot of points for that.

If anyone has any more questions about the magic drawer, just let me know!

 

[MagiKitty]

Warm to the touch from the midday heat, the walls of the souk cast long shadows...the alleys, dark and narrow; unknown spices scented the air...The faint tinkle of running water betrays the fountain in the distance. The intricate delicate beauty of the mosaic overhead in the arched doorway is beautiful, mysterious.

In the distance, an oasis of treats and sweets. Coffee, slushies, sticky baked goods. It is calling me, this refreshment stand. Come...come enjoy the delicacies of Morocco. Find yourself luxuriating in the wonder of our Marrakesh Express. Enjoy the pleasures of an icy alcoholic beverage in a plastic cup.

Disclosure: I'm a terrible drunk. Not the I-get-violent, lets-do-something-crazy kinda drunk. I can't hold my liquor, which means that I am relegated to a few sips of some insanely pastel colored beverage. But years ago, I had the Marrakesh Express with lunch and I've longed for it ever since. With no boyfriend to complain about my drunken dorkiness, I queued up for my one alcoholic indulgence....

Ah, it was even better than I remembered! Cool and icy, it was the perfect antidote the the sun overhead. I could taste the mingling of the rum, orange and pinapple juices, the splash of the dark rum topper. It was lovely, and so was I!

From the oasis, I headed to my right and to Japan. I was still full from Morocco, but boy would a bit of sushi be nice too. I would have to temper my mad greedy stomach. Or at least finish my drink.

I wandered into the Mitsukoshi store to pine for Hello Kitty items. I had never done the Pick-a-Pearl, but I watched others enjoy finding their treasure. I considered buying a fan, but that was out of my planned budget. I wandered to the just discovered art collection.

Thump...thump...thu-thump....no, the castle was now being invaded...it was the taiko drumming starting! I went out to the courtyard to enjoy the show and appreciate the ancient custom.

Marrakesh Express drink: free (7.52 before gift card)

 

[MagiKitty]

Now it may have been the alcohol getting to me, but even after the taiko drums were put away, I could STILL hear the drums....whoa, maybe I should stay away from the drink....

I didn't dump my beverage. I decided to follow the thumping. And I found this!

I wasn't hallucinating. I had stumbled upon a performance of American patriotic songs by these guys...what are they called? I want to call them the Fife and Drum, but isn't that snack bar? Is it always about the snack?

I did stop to admire the topiaries of some of my favorite people:

After their performance, I headed inside to catch the Voices of Liberty, who would be coming out in a few minutes. I walked around the lobby, enjoying the bits of Americana. Finally, the chorale came out. They are really one of my favorite entertainment in EPCOT. These six people have the voices to bring down the house! I don't like how they encourage you to sit on the floor though...some of us can't get up that easily anymore!

I love the American Adventure, and not just because its air-conditioned and the seats are plush. Regardless of how many times I see this show, it still takes my breath away.

 

[mariezp]

You are doing a great job, Kitty! And, you said you didn't have many pictures. Looks like you got just enough to document the occasion and keep us asking for more. I bet you were cute wandering around Epcot tipsy.

 

[MagiKitty]

aww, Marie, thanks! I'm more dorky than cute when tipsy! I like to sway...and I have a goofy grin. All good though!