What's a Football Widow to Do?

[jsmla]

Okay, I didn't exactly pick the greatest time of year to get married. Our anniversary is January 3. The problem with this is that I'm married to one of the world's greatest football nuts. If you know anything at all about football you have to know that January 3 is not exactly an ideal time to plan non-pigskin related activities.

We're going to WDW this January for our 27th anniversary. After 26 anniversaries marred by one stupid football game or another I decided to move our dates ahead a bit so we're actually arriving on the 5th. I was told, in no uncertain terms, that all college football crud would be safely over by that time. So far, so good.

That was way back in May. This past week-end an unbelievably strange set of coincidences landed DH's team in the BCS National Championship game. This means that pretty much from the middle of the morning until late in the evening of January 7 he'll be glued to the TV. I'm not holding out much hope for the 6th either since I'm pretty sure ESPN will be airing extensive pre-game crud.

So, what would you do with a full day at WDW all on your lonesome? We'll hit AK's morning EMH and have a 10:45 am ADR at Boma. (He'd cut up rough about this except for the fact that AK is his favorite park and Boma his favorite brekkie.) After that I'm on my own unless I want to spend the day cooped up with a crazy man in our tiny room at ASMu. (And on that subject I'd like to apologize in advance to anyone staying there on January 7, 2008 for any profanity they may be exposed to between 8 and 11 pm. He's not usually like that.)

Jennifer

 

[Straughn]

MY DH was a man who thought Disney World was a golf resort. If he visited one park during our semi-annual trips there, that was a lot. I have spent oh, so many days by myself in the parks. I really enjoy it and will be there on a solo trip at the same time as you. Pick your favorite park and spend the day there. You can ride an attraction as many times as you want without anyone saying "not again, please, not again" or "you want to do what?" You can eat whatever you want, wherever you want, whenever you want. You can spend lots of time looking at the small details that you never had time to notice before because you were with someone. Don't worry about being by yourself. It is easy to strike up conversations while waiting in line. I like eating my lunch alone-its a good time to recharge and decide what I want to do afterwards. You are on your own schedule and can do it your way without anyone else having an opinion. It is great.

 

[tednvon]

Could not agree more...During the 3 months we spend near Disney, I will often just go over by myself. AK is incredible place to just wander and really check out the details. I will spend an hour just glued to the great Apes. There are two separate areas, one with just males and the other with females. The guides will explain all the "family" goings on, and why certain males are separated, jealousy...it is really fun.
Also, going to and from Rafiki's has lots of places to stop, listen, learn.

At Epcot, I really enjoy just walking once or twice around World Showcase for the exercise and people watching. Stop at the American Pavillion and spend an hour there to hear differents sets from the singers and then go the Great American Adventure production and sit right in the front row where you can see so much detail on the animatronic characters...Movie part is a little loud, but sitting that close shows amazing detail.....Same for Hall of Presidents and Carousel of Progress at MK...sit right down front so you can see the detail....WOW.

Not sure if you are a drinker, but a Marguarita from outdoor bar to carry around (after the excercise walk, of course!) is really fine!
I have had some very good solo meals...would recommend outdoors on Boardwalk at Great River Brewing, join a group at Japan in Epcot for Teppanyaki (sp) cook at your table lunch or dinner, or a nice quiet dinner or lunch at the Grand Floridian Cafe.

I enjoy football, too, but all the pregame hype is redundant. I totally understand making time for the big game in the evening, but I do not understand dumping your family on vacation for all the pregame nonsense.

YOU have a great time alone...it is an amazing way to see Disney.

Grandpa Ted

 

[chyam]

Oh Jennifer,
I would have gladly met up with you again for the day but as of right now I am scheduled to work on the 6th and 7th! I was hoping you were coming back down as you have in the past.......I have always enjoyed spending the day with you! If anything changes let me know......Cheryl

 

[debbiepump]

My dh pulls the same stuff! I just go to Epcot and shop to my heart's content, and everyone's happy! I actually enjoy my time alone shopping and just kicking back and my husband is as happy as a football being able to enjoy himself. Makes like happier for all of us. My daughter actually works for the Fiesta Bowl in Az and also is involved in Spring Training in Az. I've learned to go with the flow concerning his sports.

 

[IndyPirate]

I hear ya! My husband and I also got married on January 3, and we also live in Baton Rouge. Anyway, if I were you I'd enjoy a day to myself doing everything I wanted (basically riding as many rides as possible!). He likes to keep a slower pace, while I like to cram in as much fun as I can! Have fun!

I am glad my school is going to the national championship game, though.
Geaux Tigers!

 

[jsmla]

Well, DH spent all last night watching the pre-pre-bowl hoopla. I'm thinking about parking him at ESPN Club and visiting Epcot since that's my favorite park. Do you think ESPN will be a zoo?

Jennifer

 

[carlyle688]

I live in Orlando and when we first got our APs, I had to wait until my husband was off, wasn't too tired, was in the mood, didn't have anything else better to do - - - Well, one day when he was at work, I decided to just go out there alone. It was weird at first, but now I actually prefer it. If I were you, I would deposit the husband at ESPN and go over to Epcot. If you go, make sure you check out Off Kilter in Canada. They are truly awesome.

ESPN will probably be a zoo if something big is going on - it seems to be crowded every time I walk by.

 

[tednvon]

Hi, folks at ESPN are usually pretty friendly and if "his team" is playing he will have plenty of fellow fans to scmooze with. He will have no trouble finding a single stool at the bar or a bunch of fans at a round table with extra chairs ready for a person cheering for the old alma mater....enjoy..Ted

 

[jsmla]

That's what I'm hoping for Ted. Scott can be a little "enthusiastic" for want of a better word when it comes to LSU. If the atmosphere is rowdy he'll fit right in. In the meantime I'll just get me a Grand Marnier slushie (maybe a Mango Margarita too!) and wander around the World Showcase. If anyone happens to see a slightly tipsy middle aged woman wandering around Epcot that evening feel free to say hi. I'll be a bit lonely.

Jennifer

 

[tednvon]

Hi Jennifer, sounds like a plan...cannot say enough about the Grand Marnier Slush...I love em...the reason I voted for the Mexico Marguarita was the fact that it is about 3 times as big as the slush...sounds like a guy thing, huh?

You may have noticed I am from Iowa and we met some of the nicest folks from LSU after the game in Orlando two years ago where Iowa won on the last second long long pass play...was about our last claim to football fame!!

Remember that front row seat at the American Pavillion....so neat to see those lifelike characters that close!
Also a new movie at Canada that I will catch after we get there late this month...and rumors of a soft opening of new Spaceship Earth soon.

enjoy...Ted

 

[jsmla]

Ted,

That didn't happen to be the Citrus Bowl did it? We were in Disney for that game. I dumped Scott for Mickey then too. I came back to the room too early and caught the last minute or so. Mucho screaming and cursing at the TV. He pouted for about three days after that one. No offense to whoever is playing in this one but I hope LSU wins. Scott is too miserable to stand when they don't.

Small world, but my SIL is from Iowa City. Her dad is a professor at the university.

Jennifer

 

[tednvon]

Small World indeed...Great town, Iowa City, and yes it was the Capital One Citrus Bowl!
I have been the Orthopedics Dept for many years...I'll bet your SIL's family enjoy Iowa City also...
Again...have a great time...Ted

 

[zima-cheryl]

Asides from the parks did you think about booking yourself some spa time? Nice massage, facial, pedicure? AAahhhh...

 

[wdwtheplacetobe]

Devil's advocate---can ya'll TAPE the game and watch it when you get home???

If he will be insufferable if you do this, then by all means...hit the parks solo.

Maybe do a tour, if you think you will be uncomfortable solo.

Even the TS restaurants are do-able solo. The CM will chat or leave you alone pretty much as you wish. It is a great opportunity to meet lots of interesting people.

When I first purchased DVC, I ended up going around with another DVC'er that I met on the bus. He was waiting for his wife to get out of a conference and I was waiting for my friend to arrive in Disney.

In any case...have a Magical visit!

 

[lsutigger2]

Another suggestion is to do one of the tours in one of the parks. We have done several and they are great!! I have spent many days in the park being a golf widow and I love it.

Me, I'd be watching the game with my DH. Baton Rouge is my home and LSU Tigers are my team!! Here's to hoping that your DH is in a really good mood at the end of the game.


GEAUX TIGERS !!!

 

[kimis]

Well our anniversary is in August but we celebrate it in Feb at DW because it is "value season". LOL We have been married 33 years in 2008 and we spend every superbowl in our resort room. I usually do laundry during the game but this year I may go shopping. I could use the peace and quiet while I am looking for goodies for my grandkids (the big kids too LOL). By the way we stay at POR---any one staying there also?