Yo ho Yo ho a solo trip for me

[Shawn d]

Hi Everybody. I know I promised to a TR right after my trip in May, but work and going back to school kind of threw that idea out of the way.One of the resolutions I made this year (of a millions dreams. Pardon the pun ) was to complete the TR.

Come and join me


The cast:

Me (Shawn), 26 years old at the time, have gone to WDW twice before (once in Apr/May, once at Christmas). Both times at POR

The time: May 23 - 30

Lodging: at the POP Century

Flying: Northwest via Minneapolis to MCO


8 day, 7 nights at POP Century (50s Building)
Scored super deal with Northwest
Began Planning for trip Began planning this mid January 2007
Special Plans: First time going solo

Behind the journey:

Well, I guyes it was around January when I started thinking about where I wanted to go for vacation. I searched high and low to search for the perfect place to go? I was going to go by myself, and I never took a solo trip outside of Canada before. I wanted a place that was exciting, warm and mind blowing. I narrowed the list to a group of 3. My first option was to go to Las Vegas. While there was certainly a lot to in Vegas, I looked at the price tag that would come with all of the shows and other expenses that might pop up. My next option was New York City. I have never been to NYC, and I would still like to go in the future. I have made the joke to others that with Disney, it is chaos at times, but it seems like it was "organized" chaos. With New York , going at it solo would certainly be very scary for me.. part of the reason I also didn't choose New York was that I wanted to go to a Yankees game and actually witness the atmosphere. Sadly, single tickets were not on sale, and the price range for the trip in general was too high for me.

That led me to my choice of WDW. One day, as I was browsing the internet for flight deals, I saw a magical deal. My home to orlando, through Minneapolis for $450 Canadian return, before taxes(This was when the dollar was at 75 cents American) for exactly the time I was looking to go down. After rubbing my eyes, i looked at it again. Nope , it was $450. I phoned Northwest to see whether it was a glitch. Nope it was real, and it "wasn't a seat sale". huh?? Excuse me. At that price, to not perk my ears up would be criminal

Next i looked at Disney's package deals. When I went in the past with my parents, we took the Park Hopper with the Water Parks/PI. This time, I looked at that, plus the dining plan. The dining plan, what was that I wondered? The more i read on that, the more I was enticed. Thanks to my friends on disboards, and other boards, I made my choices for ADRs. In no particular order, I settled on CRT, Le Cellier, Ohana. Wolfgang Puck, Planet Hollywood, and 50's Primetime. I really questioned going to CRT, as did others around me, but when I looked at the menus beforehand, I was enticed, and who knows, maybe a little magic would come my way

When I talked to the travel agent, she smiled and her jaw fell when i told her about the price. Next, I asked her about adding on the dining plan. She never took it but was curious to hear from travellers so she could recommend it or not. I told her i would assist in her inquiry. When she punched the information, I told her i wanted a value resort, preferably Pop, since I was going solo. She broke into a huge grin. When I asked her why, she said she could get everything for me, AND she was able to lower the price another $100. Heck, could I lose?

Or could I?

Next: Day 1

 

[Shawn d]

Bags were packed, money and passport stowed away. Everything seemed to be fine. However, trips and I seem to be cursed as the week ofthe trip got underway, I was not feeling so well. Not to worry, right, just have toast, some ginger ale everything should be fine. But as Borat would say, "NOT!!". Not to mention the fabulous check in time of 4 AM!! Ugh, I am an early riser, and even that is too early for me. With everything packed I was feeling excited. In all the excitement literally 5 minutes before I walk out the door, my nerves get the better of me, and I have to get a new shirt . Not how I wanted to start my trip. And were off

The sky outside was dark and the weather was cold. I tried to rest as my ride drove to the airport. Just keep thinking "It'll be warm, you will be over this cold and your nerves should settle down. I printed the boarding passes beforehand , so all I had to do was check my luggage and go through security and it would be smooth sailing.

Well security had a different plan. No sooner do I walk thru the scanner when i get beeped. With nothing metallic on me...argh!!! I explain my grief of the morning to the security officer and he smiled and nodded at my predicament and I moved on.

Once I was on the plane to Minneapolis, I nodded off and tried to get some shut eye. Once I arrived in Minnapolis, I grabbed something small to eat at Mickey D's (I know not the best place to grab a meal when nerves are shot and getting over a cold) and went to grab some Tums. Normally Tums would probably help me, but the fruit flavored ones I grabbed at home did not help one bit, so I grabbed a pack at the airport.

On the flight from Minneapolis to Orlando I met a very beautiful woman sitting next to me. We talked about where I was going to, and i told her. She smiled and said she was there recently. She noticed that my bookmark from the city library was the same as her middle name, and I gave her the bookmark, which she thanked me for.

Finally, I had arrived at the House of the Mouse. I booked a room at the Pop Century at the 50s segment. So I was a little more than surprised when i checked in to learn i was placed in the 90s segment.at the furtherest possible location from the main check in and buses. Not good. So, after a little discussion withee check in lady, I get my original location, but would this be a good thing?

The first time I came to Disney World, when my parents and I went into our original hotel room at the POR, the carpets were SOAKING wet with cleaning solution and the receiver phone literally came off the phone, it would not stay connected. After I change to a better location, things seemed to calm down. Fast forward to my experience at the POP. No, the phones cord was intact, but I smelt a tinge of chlorine in the air. No big deal, I thought, the staff must have just been in here. I took my shoes off because I wanted to relax a little. Squish... Hmm a little dampness. nothing to get excited over. Squish squish squish. Ok, now I am more than a little disturbed. Finally I make my way close to the bathroom. Right at the door, there is a huge SOAKING 5 X 7 patch. Dear God please tell me thats not what I think it is. As I bend down, I can't smell anything foul, but I am in a very foul mood. At once, I dial the Front Desk and explain what the situation is. They "promise to send somebody ASAP" and I wait in my room. After 20 minutes of no answer, I calmly explain to them that I am going from my dinner ADR at PLanet Hollywood, and I expect this to be resolved when I get back.

Dinner at Planet Hollywood

Lesson #1: Never overindulge on an uneasy stomach
Lesson #2: The Dining Plan really has a LOT of Food
Lesson #3: See Lessons 1 & 2

Eating at Planet Hollywood was a tradition of the first night arriving in WDW the past 2 times. LOL. Looking back on it I have to laugh as I certainly didn't expect the amount of food that the dining plan would present. For my drink, I had a Sprite ($2.50?), and I started off with the Texas Tostadas($8.45). These were really enjoyable, and I did finish them all. Next came the entree of the BBQ Ribs($22.95). Again, these were excellent and as the meal went on my stomach was settling to normal. I ate most of the ribs , but didn't want to take any back to the hotel in case I moved to a new room. Finally the dessert was the banana split creme brulee($7.95), which was ok, but not something to write home about. When the Bill arrived , I smiled and put it on the DDP. Overall, while not disappointing, Planet Hollywood was adequate. On my way back to the hotel, I decided to stop by Goofy's Sweet shop and grab a rice krispie mickey. Loaded it up and used a Snack Credit. it looked so good that I kept it until I got back home.

When i arrived back at the hotel, the front desk assured me that everything was fine and I nodded and headed to my room. When I walked in , the floor was noticably drier. When I checked by the bathroom I cautiously stepped on the area. Sure enough...SQUISH. Enraged, I phoned the front desk. The woman on the other end apologized. At this point, I wanted a preferred location, or even to go to a new hotel in WDW. She said that someone would be sent over immediately. Again, I waited in my hotel room. This time, someone actually did show up. Sadly, they were not the sharpest knife in the drawer. I told them where the soaking area was and they smiled and said that was not their area to fix. I left the room furious and went to get some of my shopping done at DTD. After this was done, I came back and decided to try and sleep it off, hoping that it would be fixed. As a result I had to miss the night show at MK, Epcot, or MGM

Coming up: Day 2 MK (Princesses, Pirates, and Panic, Oh My!!)

 

[Shawn d]

The next morning I set my alarm and wake up call extra early so that I could make my way to MK, and get there early. I grabbed a paper and asked the front deskif they could please, PLEASE fix the soaking area in the carpet before I got back. "yep yep yep no problem". I sighed and caught the bus.

Bugs, why did it have to be bugs

As I waited for the bus there was an enormous amount of those little insects that are always fly around. Finally the bus arrived and we were off to the Magic Kingdom. I have to say this, I am an adult male but believe me, when I saw the castle again, believe me, I just become a big kid at heart. First stop was Tomorrowland where I vowed to conquer Space Mountain yet again. Just as the ride was about to start, I heard a small "SNAP" and felt something hit my arm. I looked down and naturally my bad luck continued. The watch snapped in two. it wasn't a expensive watch but i muttered curses as I held onto the pieces and the rail. After Space Mountain, was in need of my spirits being lifted, so I wento Buzz lightyear. Didn't score very well, but got a few chuckles when I "inadvertently" shot the riders around me *and scored points*. After I stepped out of Buzz, I decided to get my laugh on with Stitch and the monsters Inc . After a good laugh with the "churros guy". i went out and examined my watch. noe, the pin was gone which meant replacing it was needed. I went to the main store on Main street and noticed the deal they had on "get a limited edition lithograph (POTC 3) and a watch. What the heck I thought. The lithograph was really nice and the watch was adequate. With a new watch on, I decided to head to the new POTC

Sigh, the Dole Whip stand is still not open...c'mon, hungry people are lining, ok, so just me, but still, open you crazy fools open!! I had to settle for a Mickey Bar with my snack credit

The weather is really warm as I duck into the POTC building..ahh, the cool air feels really nice. I get in the boat, and were off!! I have to say it is very cool seeing all of the new changes with Barbossa, Davey Jones, and Jack Sparrow updated with the movie. As I am leaving, somebody reminds me that the new pins come out the next day. I am a bit of a pin nut. First time I went, I collected pins from the major rides, ToT, Mission Space. etc., plus one from each of the four parks. i mentally jot it down and grab a FASTpass to Big Thunder and make a U turn to Splash Mountain. After getting soaking wet, and loving it, I decide to go to head back to Big Thunder. While waiting in the FASTpass line I met a family from England and we talk about life on the other side of the pond. I was there in 1998, and I am really hoping to go back there ASAP. After having a blast and conquering the triple mountains, I make my way to Peco Bill's. I went in and decided to have the BBQ Pork Sandwich($7.59), a sprite(2.39) and a PB Chocolate Mousse(3.59). The meal was ok, but I think the crowd and the heat made me lose my appetite a bit.

As I made my way to Liberty town, i passed by a vendor with those little water fans. Was it really worth it, but one of the spritzers caught my eye. Hmm, pump and spray...what the heck, i handed the clerk and tested it out...It was refreshing!!!! Sadly, I lost it later that night oh well, grin and bear it I then made a sprint to Hall of Presidents before walking over to the Haunted Mansion. I took a lot of pictures in MK as I did for the entire trip (only about 1500 Most were doubles and triples ) The grave stones were classic as well as the parts at the exit. From there, I made my way to PhilharMagic which as always was a blast and I decided to go to Snow White, which I hadn't gone to before.

With a few hours to go till my meal at CRT, I turned towards Mickey's Toontown. I will say this, as an adult, I saw a lot of adults with no kids wanting to go thru the area. This really surprised me. As I made my way through Mickey and Minnies Houses, snapping up pictures(why, oh why didn't I buy a camcorder. Oh, thats right, use it once and forget about it..sigh). I saw the Judge's Tent. Holy cripes, the line was long..But I wanted to get some pictures of me and Mickey..did I mention I was a big kid at heart. Once I made my way through, it was nearly time for my ADR at CRT

Most people would say prior to the trip, "Shawn, you're an adult male. why oh why are you going to CRT for a meal, particularly solo". Well, like I said before, when I saw the menu options, I was blown away by how "adult" the CRT meal really was. As I walked into the castle, I took pictures of all the murals,, nooks and crannies of the Castle. As we waited, a beautiful figure came down the stairs. it was Cinderella.

I blushed. Mentally my mind was going into "word salad" mode. wow oh wow she was beautiful. When my name got called, i kind of hopped up and asked the photographer if he could take a picture with my camera as wellHe obliged, and I felt like a prince as he snapped the picture.

I will say this about CRT, they honestly make you feel like noble lord or lady when you sit down to eat. As I sat down I was presented with the menu, and I made my choices. To start with, I ordered a pink lemonade, and ordered the Castle Salad, no bluecheese, and it surprised me how good it was. For the entree, I chose the Prime Rib, which was a little undercooked , but was satisfactory. Finally, for the dessert, I had the poached pear on Angel food with mango sorbet. wowzers. The meal was excellent. As the dessert was being served , the floor show got underway. The crowd got involved, and I snapped up a few pictures. I was seated nexted to the windows facing Fantasyland, and I noticed the rain starting to fall...Nooooo. The day was looking to end so perfectly, and maybe, just maybe I could catch a night show. As the waiter handed me the bill ($37.99), I handed my DDP card. CRT for all its crticism from others would be a meal I will seriously consider coming back to, even with the 2 Table Service credits needed. When I stepped outside, the rain fell harder, and glancing at my light jacket knew I was out of luck. Still, with a picture of Cinderella and I stowed safely away in my backpack, I made my way back to the hotel.

When I stepped back into my room, I saw the light on my phone flashing, meaning I had something at the gift shop. Bugger, I lost it. Still I was hoping that they would have my room # and not create too much of a fuss. Next, I checked the wet area next to the bathroom. Mickey, Donald, and Goofy(this is a family site)!! Nothing was done. This was ridiculous. I put on my heavier coat and made my way to the main building, first to get my package and then to get someone, anyone who could get this looked after.

First stop was the Gift Pick up. I knew i would be raked over the coals for not having my little slip. I calmly explained that I lost it but showed some ID and thought it would just take a little longer than normal. Well, they hemmed and hawed and were adamant and then resorted to saying it wasn't there. Good grief, I got the phone call, so I knew it was there. Then they resorted to the whole "you don't have your slip, you're not getting it". Finally after 20 minutes...they miraculously found my package, but not before lecturing me about remembering my slip. I know they technically were in the right, but after all I was going through with the resort, a little help wan't out of the question.

With packages in hand I went to the front desk in person. No more Mr. Nice guy. I angrily told them that i had a problem with my room and they had not resolved it. They radioed a plumber *what a novel idea* (sarcasm on). Within 5 minutes she would be at the room. I welcomed her in, and explained the situation. After 5 minutes she found the focus of the problem, One of the pipes next to the sink had been leaking incrementally and led to the puddle. She fixed the problem in 15 minutes. I tipped her and thanked her for her help. Well, with the weather tapering off and the hour growing late, I set the alarm early. There was a premiere of some movie starring Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley (whatever could that movie be??) the next day and some kind of mania around some limited edition merchandise. There was also Epcot and a packed day with the granddaddy of the ADRs Le Cellier *cue choir of angels*

Coming up: Day 3 Epcot known as Oh Canada, or There be pirates


I know there are no pics (my PC is acting up with pics) and I do apologize, but I was wondering what you guys think of the TR.

 

[tiggerfan1]

Great trip report so far, Shawn!!! (Since I'm a major POTC fan, I love your title. ) I'm looking forward to hearing about the rest of your trip.

Didn't score very well, but got a few chuckles when I "inadvertently" shot the riders around me *and scored points*.

 

[taysmom]

Thanks for the descriptive details. My dd and I are travelling to WDW this may for the 1st time. Good to know what the weather will be like and food areas. Can't wait to read epcot.

 

[Shawn d]

I awoke very early to make my way to MK to get my hands on some of the POTC pins, I turned on the TV to the info screen. Gack!! MK had the EMH, DEFINITELY didn't prepare for this. I booked my ADRs based on an idea of *insert park on a particular day* So, with a rush out the door, , I made my way to MK.

When the doors opened to MK, I rushed towards the pin shop. My jaw dropped the doors had just opened and the line was nearly outside the door. Are you kidding me? So, I ran inside and made my way to the line. As i waited , I talked to some of the other customers. i couldn't believe the amount that some people would go to to get these pins. There were 3 main pins to collect, On one end of the scale there was a 15 dollar one with Jack and Barbossa, 25 for a large Jack pin, and 125 for the pirate lord set. The pirate lord set was in a beautiful wooden box, but I was also taking my luggage into account. My budget was only for the Jack/barbossa one, but people in front and behind, the sky was the limit. I also grabbed a Goofy 75th Birthday Pin and it was off to Epcot.

I arrived at Epcot a little later than expected, but i quickly made my way to Mission Space..Eep, would my nerves, and more importantly, my stomach handle the G forces. After selecting the Orange Mission (the normal mission I believe)One thing I learnt the first time was not to eat breakfast or anything for that matter until AFTER the big rides. With MK, Space Mountain didn't throw my stomach for a loop(pardon the pun, but Mission Space was a BEAST. Once i strapped in ( I was an Engineer again, curse that Commander spot that eludes me ) I watched as we took off. I punched the buttons and my stomached cringed with the landing. I wonder why it is that up until the last 30 seconds I am fine, and then that bit I am a mess. I never got sick again, but I needed some air. After I got out, I made my way to Test Drive. I looked up at the single line..30 minutes..argh...well, I could grab a FAST pass and try to get in Soarin' but as Ilwould learned, that would be a foolish venture. I waited in line and when we got into the cars, it was refreshing to be indoors where it was cool. It was also a treat to see GMs involvement in their production. We made it to the cars and I have to say that Test Drive is always a treat, gives a fast ride and raises the adrenaline. After the ride I took alook at the new vehicles in GMs lineup. it was interesting to see the hybrids, and SUVs, but I miss the sports cars!!!

From There, it was off to Soarin'. I will say this, after Mission Space, this is quickly becoming a favorite of mine not only in EPCOT, but in all of WDW. The line was getting loner as the day grew on, and due to renos, there was a partition that led to a lot of bottlenecking. As I strapped in, and tucked my bag under my seat. I finally began to relax at Disney. As we were flying over California though, I noticed a small glitch, I couldn't smell the scenery around me. Meh, still the views were amazing, and the ride feels realistic. After Soarin, I had lunch inside the Soarin' building, and I had my first taste of the Chocolate Croissant...heaven!!I decided to take a look at the Flower and Garden Show exhibits before heading to Epcot. When I first entered Epcot, I noticed the amazing Peter pan and Hook on the Pirate ship with the crocodile and Stitch close by.On the Entrance to World Showcase. I spotted Donald, Goofy and Mickey dressed in pirate gear. From thereI grabbed a passport to get stamped and wrote in( I noticed a lot of adults have gone and did this).With not a lot of time to waste. I made my way around the world. At Canada, I watched Off Kilter , who were very good, and I made a point of finding any Saskatchewan workers, and ribbing them about the total lack of Saskatchewan Roughriders merchandise (they said the only sports teams were the Canadian NHL teams) in England, I caught the perfomers, who were hilarious. As I was making way from England toFrance. I was approached by amember of the EPCOT staff.. I'm not sure whether it was an OFFICIAL YOAMD gift, but they gave me a private viewing seat for the Illuminations show on one of the exclusive patios. woo hoo. Soon after, it was time to get to my ADR at Le Cellier

Le Cellier

I sat in the Yukon section , as there were not a whole lot of single seats. I started off with the bread which was delicious, the appetizer was the seared salmon, which was ok, but not great. For my drink, I had a chocolate rasperry shake. Verry good but a little sweet( ironic, as I would choose the maple creme brulee as my dessert. For my entree, I had the filet mignon with yukon potatoes instead of the cream cheese. The steak was a little undercooked but overall very excellent meal. Just for kicks, I took a peek at the bill before handing my dining card. Holy schnikes, it was pricey, but if I did all over again, Iwould go for that again. Looking at the menus now, the took out the creme brulee and the seared salmon for supper. What gives?? After my meal, I was stuffed and ready for Illuminations. Hopping outside in the flowers were tiny (baby?) rabbits, which brought a smile to my face.

With the sun setting I made my way to the exclusive patio. About 15 others were seated down there and one gentleman took offense when I sat down. he claimed the spot was his, so I stood by the railing. When others got up to do the same He got annoyed as it was "blocking his view for the camcorder. Sorry buddy but people wanted to get a good view of the show As always the show was excellent and I had a little trouble hearing with all of the fireworks. After the show, I made my way to the hotel for another long day and another long day to come with MGM

Coming up: Day 4 MGM or "Walk This Way" to Fantasmic