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

[jpmandan]

That was a cool trip.

 

[podsnel]

So, soooo cool you did this! We had the same deal here in NJ out of Newark Liberty....and if I hadn't JUST gotten back from WDW the week before, I would have been on the DME with ya! Someday, I'll be on that $10 plane!!

 

[mdsouth]

I am thrilled that you got such a deal and went for it!

I am enjoying your TR. Thanks so much for sharing your story with us.

I would love to do what you did. I think it would be great to be able to just have one day to enjoy Disney on my own in a leisurely manner.

From your pictures, it looks like it wasn't too crowded when you went. What day were you actually there?

 

[MagiKitty]

I was there this past Tuesday. It wasn't crowded at all. The only time I saw major lines was for the character pictures. But I think that was because there weren't as many characters out as I have seen in the past. The longest line I saw was for Soarin'---they had given out all the FastPasses for the day, but the wait time was about an hour.

 

[mdsouth]

I must have been great visiting at a time when the crowds are low. I went with my family last summer - the week leading up to July 4th. It is probably one of the busiest times of the year.

I would love to go at a different time of the year, but being a teacher, I have to plan for the summer. I have only been to WDW four times in my life. We went in 2009 and 2005. The other two times were before I had kids, once with just my DH and once as a teenager. I guess that is why your adventure appeals to me - spur of the moment and cheap too!

 

[MagiKitty]

I actually haven't been there during the summer. Yes, its largely because of crowds, but also its the HEAT! Even this past week, mid-80s sounds heavenly, but boy was I sweating! Last year we went at the end of September, and it was just sweltering hot. Made it really difficult to enjoy.

Our favorite time of year to go though is FREE DINING. If they offer it again during the December holiday season---our second fave time to go--then we may consider another visit.

Otherwise, we'd like to head over to see Harry Potter land. We also really like Sea World, so it'll all depend on how the finances are going....its always about the budget!

 

[donaldtutter]

Great trip report!! Awesome that you were able to get the $10 flights. I tried but they were sold out by the time I found out. I definitely would have gone, but will live vicariously through your TR.

 

[skysmom99]

Lovin' reading about your WDW quickie. Can't wait to read the rest!

 

[ranthony]

Good for you! All your bargain hunting paid off BIG TIME!

 

[MagiKitty]

I emerged from the American Experience refreshed and patriotic, ready to take on the rest of the world (showcase).

My next stop was Italy, where I ran into these two....

Now, maybe it was the rum, but why are Lady and the Tramp in Italy? Is it that infamous spaghetti scene? Didn't the story take place in London with JimDear and Darling? Do I have to watch the video again? Where was Pinocchio and Gepetto?

I contemplated getting a refresher at the wine bar, but decided against it. They're doing some sort of renovation on the piazza. I stopped to browse the insanely expensive Murano glass and to choke on the cloud of Prada perfume that everyone seemed to be sampling. But it did smell nice, just overwhelming.

Between Italy and Germany is the model train display. Strangely, its paired with a designated smoking area, or at least some people mistook it for one. Now, I'm a girl and never really understood the fascination with trains, but it was really cute. I just imagined Barbie and Ken on the Orient Express and giggled.

Again, the alcohol tried to call me, this time for a stein of German beer. Everyone else looked like they were enjoying it so much. The scent of beer and a pretzel was tempting, as was the thought of German chocolate cake, which I could not find. I did round the bend and found Snow White in both real life and botanicum

Real Life Snow White was done for the afternoon, leaving many little princesses disappointed along with their disgruntled parents.

Next stop: China and its Temple of Heaven. I love this structure. Along the path, they had the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac in botanical:

I was just in time to run inside the Hall of Prayer and catch Reflections of China. I had a few minutes to spare to visit with the Tomb Warriors whom I hope to visit in real life one day...

Now, I totally understand how cool the 360* theater is and I enjoy the movie. But there was this lady a few feet in front of me taking pictures of the movie! Did she really think it was going to come out on film? And didn't you think that the flashing was going to really, really annoy someone (like me)? But I controlled myself and tried to enjoy the movies as much as possible. It was only 14 minutes out of my day anyway...

I tried to wait around for the Chinese acrobats--has ANYONE ever seen them? I guess I'll have to try to see them again another time....

 

[MagiKitty]

Coming out of Reflections of China, I looked for Mulan--really, I was having no luck running into any characters, and contemplated getting a pearl milk tea (or how you West Coasters call Boba). But then I remembered that I was mere feet away from the deliciousness of the schoolbread in Norway. I wondered how that creamy custard would get along with the alcohol from the beverage in Morocco, but that was like an hour ago, right?

Just in case, I decided to brave the Maelstrom. Although the posted wait was 45 minutes, it really was closer to 20 by the time I ran into the cutie running the ride. I gestured with my finger (no, now that one! You dirty things!) and he told me to go sit in Row 3. By myself. There was plenty of room for someone else to join me, but I set sail in my row alone.

I really enjoy Maelstrom and I even decided to hit the movie afterward. Those seats are much more comfy than they look. The movie itself needs to be updated though, the models are so 80s! Tricky Disney spills us out of the movie into the gift shop, and after dodging children in Viking hats bearing swords, past the new cloud of perfume I emerged into the afternoon sunshine with one goal in mind: snack.

Lots of people are confused by Norwegian fare I guess. I kept following people who would enter the snack shop, then turn around and leave. It must give the CMs a complex. But I knew what I wanted: schoolbread and a bottle of water--must stay hydrated, you know!

My picture came out blurry. I think I was shaking from excitement. All that custardy goodness with a coconut kick! Yum! Its a brilliant creation, something that I'll have to try to recreate in my home kitchen. It was just a delicious as I remembered! I wasn't even annoyed at the Kim Possible spies running around me. I was happy. (by the way, I asked the CM if they really have schoolbread on the way to school, he said no, its more of a special day treat)

Snack and beverage: free (4.65 before gift card)

 

[mdsouth]

You do have to wonder about people sometimes. Like you, I can't imagine the lady's pictures of the film turning out. Plus, the fact that she was being so annoying. You had a fantastic attitude about it.

You are right, Lady and the Tramp was set in London. Disney must have been really stretching when they placed them in Italy. Disney needs to find a good story that is set in Italy.

 

[MagiKitty]

Thank you! I thought that Lady et al were in London! When I was little I had the book/record set (am I dating myself!). I could swear there were pictures of the London skyline in there...

 

[shannon006]

I am so loving this! I just found it today and have read all the posts. You are so awesome. As a 40 something mother of 6, I would love to do this. Thanks for sharing your fun with all of us

 

[serene56]

COuld you describe school bread--- is it a bread or a doughnut?

 

[MagiKitty]

Shannon, you are my hero! Six kids?! Sounds like you do need a getaway vacation, even for one day!

serene56...the bread in schoolbread isn't nearly as sweet as a doughnut. It has the consistency of a roll, but just a bit sweeter. Have you ever had Hawaiian bread? Its similar to that...The custard in the middle tastes like a buttery vanilla, and the topping is toasted coconut. Its served cold but the bread isn't tough or hard. Its heavenly.

 

[serene56]

Its a definite on one of my snack credits. Dinner is at 4:30 at LeCellier-Hope it doesnt ruin the dinner. LOL)

how will it hold up if I got it for the next morning?

 

[MagiKitty]

ooh, it would be so good for breakfast! I guess it would depend on how hot the day is and what time of day you pick it up. If you pick it up before you go to LeCellier (which I'm so jealous you have a ressie for!), maybe they can ice it for you?

When is your trip?

 

[D&DDisney]

Still reading...and loving the food porn too.
Did you pay cash for any meal??

 

[hsembrick]

Since the beginning of this trip report I have been searching the NET trying to find a deal like this!!! I still have 4 months until our next trip and I can't wait!!!!

I guess I will just have to wait and keep reading your posts, which I love by the way!!!