You're Here BY YOURSELF? A Solo TR COMPLETED!

[eandesmom]

I'm all caught up! I can't believe you went from an empty bus to 140 minute TT wait times!

I'm exhausted reading your TR, no wonder you had migraines and a sore ankle but oh my goodness have you seen a lot!

 

[creativeamanda]

nice pics of WL!! When we were there in Dec, we didnt' see any groups singing! I figured we'd see some since we had a rental car and went out the front door to get the car but I guess we just missed them and missed the singing times! That group looked very nice!

They were--that was one of the real nice things about Disney's resorts during that time of year--there was so much detail to everything!

Beautiful pictures around Beach Club and Wilderness Lodge! Did you enjoy your dinner?

Dinner was awesome!

I'm all caught up! I can't believe you went from an empty bus to 140 minute TT wait times!

I'm exhausted reading your TR, no wonder you had migraines and a sore ankle but oh my goodness have you seen a lot!

I know--I can't believe how the day turned out. Closer and closer to lunch it all became unreal.

I was able to do a lot--it certainly was not as relaxing as I should have let it be.

 

[creativeamanda]

As I left the Wilderness Lodge and that beautiful tree and lobby, I walked slowly to the bus stop. Now, we know that the night before, I battled a migraine. I thankfully, stalled it early and was able to get through the day. Unfortunately, though, that headache made it difficult for me to enjoy what should ahve been my last few minutes at Magic Kingdom. One of the best things about a solo vacation is that you can change your plans in a moment's notice.

That's exactly what I did.

When I hopped on the bus from Wilderness Lodge, I had no plans to go back to Hollywood Studios or Epcot, or to transfer onto another bus to Port Orleans-Riverside.

My plan was a simple one--I was going back to. . .

I had to. I just had to. I couldn't let my last memory of Magic Kingdom be marred by an unpleasant night.

Of course, the first thing I did after looking at the castle was go to. . .

I was secretly praying for a non flash photographer and that is thankfully what I got.

Then, it was so late in the evening, I went straight over to the castle. Remember, this is the day before Christmas eve. I would say crowds were at the highest level I've ever seen. I just call it a vacation with 1000s of my most like minded friends, lol.

I walked through Tomorrowland and around Fantasyland.

I then went back around to the front of the castle area. I really was just there for the atmosphere and to have a better departure than the night before. I caught Spectromagic from kind of afar, but it was as beautiful as I remember.

And of course, Holiday Wishes.

It was a fabulous way to end my trip and I am so glad I did it. I knew I had some wrapping up loose ends in the morning, but my last view of Disney parks?

Well, a picture, as they say, is worth a thousand words.

Coming up--my last morning and leaving for home.

 

[LegoMom3]

Rats....I hate "The End."


But still looking forward to one more installment! Do you have more pictures?!? Love pictures....

You know, one week from right now I should be all checked into POFQ, hopefully in my room, and soon to be on my way to Epcot....

No Christmas decorations there of course, but I expect the F & G Festival to be spectacular!!

.

 

[creativeamanda]

Rats....I hate "The End."


But still looking forward to one more installment! Do you have more pictures?!? Love pictures....

You know, one week from right now I should be all checked into POFQ, hopefully in my room, and soon to be on my way to Epcot....

No Christmas decorations there of course, but I expect the F & G Festival to be spectacular!!

.

YOU, of all people, will love the next installment. I plan to get it out this weekend--I wanted to give you the chance to comment on it before the mods close it, lol.

 

[LegoMom3]

YOU, of all people, will love the next installment. I plan to get it out this weekend--I wanted to give you the chance to comment on it before the mods close it, lol.

.

 

[TarzansKat]

Not fond of the end either, but proud that you went on Pirates on last time.

It's only fitting that should be the last ride of every trip, don't you think?

 

[creativeamanda]

.

Uploading the pictures as we speak.

Not fond of the end either, but proud that you went on Pirates on last time.

It's only fitting that should be the last ride of every trip, don't you think?

And I can't ride it now without thinking of you, Kat. Really. I can't.

 

[creativeamanda]

SInce I was a child, Christmas eve has always been my favorite day of the year. Waking up with all of the anticipation of the next day's activities, candlelight Christmas services, and the magic of that night for myself and other Christians. Christmas eve was always a much anticipated day and evening. Until December 24, 2009.

The reason being was that this year, Christmas eve was not the beginning, but the end.

We alsways say how sad the last day is. I really have to say, no last day was as sad as this one. Here I was with my trip being over and knowing I was 8 hours away from my favorite people in the world.

I was awakened this morning by the sound of the castmembers putting the final bill on the door. I refer to it as my "nasty-gram". It tells me to get out. They don't care where I go, just that I go.

I packed my 2008 Ford Focus up and walked around the building for a few last pictures of POFQ.

Then decided on breakfast. I initially had reservations at Kona Cafe, but to be honest, I did not feel like going all the way over there that morning. I wanted to get to my family. And thinking of my family made me think of a better place to end my trip than the POLY. . .

Our home. When we are at Disney, we stay here. Initially we stayed here because it was the least expensive option for a family of five. Now we stay here because it is home. When I think of my kids and Disney, I think of Port Orleans-Riverside. Certainly in the future, I want to go to a monorail resort, but for now I'm content to stay at our original home.

Coming towards the main building

The Christmas tree just inside

It was actually one of my favorites.

The lobby was all decorated for Christmas

I walked through the gift shop, which I feel is one of the better resort gift shops. I certainly prefer Fultons to Jackson Square at POFQ.

Then I went to Riverside Mill for breakfast.

My view from my table--it was still early--around 7:30--and not too many people were around, so I got a great table.

As I walked away from breakfast, I saw Mickey in the lobby at the tree.

I went out one of the side doors to take some pictures of the resort.

I really love this resort and am so glad to return there this month.

As I got back in the building, Mickey had been replaced by Goofy.

With one last look and a tear in my eye, I returned to the parking lot intime to see this coming up.

It took every once of strength I had not to jump on that bus. Especially since I was leaving with one day of park tickets remaining.

I hopped back in the car, letting my willpower win, and left the site.

The resort signs as I left:

And as I left, I felt I left a part of myself behind. I was glad to be coming home, but as always, my own little piece of heaven on earth was gone. At least for a little while.

 

[LegoMom3]

Not fond of the end either, but proud that you went on Pirates on last time.

It's only fitting that should be the last ride of every trip, don't you think?

The last two things I am going to do on my upcoming trip: Ride the Haunted Mansion, and lean forward at the ballroom scene......Then hop over to Pirates and take that last ride..... You have no idea how much I will be thinking of you on this trip.

...
I was awakened this morning by the sound of the castmembers putting the final bill on the door. I refer to it as my "nasty-gram". It tells me to get out. They don't care where I go, just that I go.

I packed my 2008 Ford Focus up and walked around the building for a few last pictures of POFQ.

Dude......I have no words......

.

 

[creativeamanda]

The last two things I am going to do on my upcoming trip: Ride the Haunted Mansion, and lean forward at the ballroom scene......Then hop over to Pirates and take that last ride..... You have no idea how much I will be thinking of you on this trip.

You are not the only Babnana buddy who will be thinking of TK on this coming trip. I think we all will be.

Again, TK, you are in our heartfelt prayers and thoughts.

If they could only think of some way to make this part of the trip more magical, lol.

Dude......I have no words......

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They are pretty, and I know you, of all people would appreciate. Which is why I wanted to make sure you saw this before your trip.

 

[TarzansKat]

And I can't ride it now without thinking of you, Kat. Really. I can't.

I know I've been successful in conveying my obsession when I'm so embedded into your pysche that you think pirates = Kat.

The last two things I am going to do on my upcoming trip: Ride the Haunted Mansion, and lean forward at the ballroom scene......Then hop over to Pirates and take that last ride..... You have no idea how much I will be thinking of you on this trip.

You honor me.

You really do.

I think you'll actually be the first of my friends to go since my mom has passed. I don't want to start the waterworks here, but the last ride she and I went on together was Pirates. I'll never be able to ride it without thinking of that time she and I got stuck at the end and got to listen to all of Jack's discourse. Too funny.

Don't mean to hijack, Amanda. You and LegoMom are bringing back fond memories.

You are not the only Babnana buddy who will be thinking of TK on this coming trip. I think we all will be.

Again, TK, you are in our heartfelt prayers and thoughts.

Thank you so much. Your kindness, as well as all my close DIS friends, has been overwhelming, and sometimes, that is the only thing that keeps me going. Knowing that so many people, some of whom I've never met, are pulling for me and my whole family is one of the most touching aspects of humanity and I feel blessed by it.

I'm sorry to see the end of this trip, and believe me, I know how hard it was not to jump on that Magic Kingdom bus. That would have been too much tempation for me!

 

[creativeamanda]

I know I've been successful in conveying my obsession when I'm so embedded into your pysche that you think pirates = Kat.

That you have, my dear. That you have.

You honor me.

You really do.

I think you'll actually be the first of my friends to go since my mom has passed. I don't want to start the waterworks here, but the last ride she and I went on together was Pirates. I'll never be able to ride it without thinking of that time she and I got stuck at the end and got to listen to all of Jack's discourse. Too funny.

Don't mean to hijack, Amanda. You and LegoMom are bringing back fond memories.

No worries, hon. You telling us that is helpful. When I'm there, I'll think of you and your mom and say a little prayer.

Thank you so much. Your kindness, as well as all my close DIS friends, has been overwhelming, and sometimes, that is the only thing that keeps me going. Knowing that so many people, some of whom I've never met, are pulling for me and my whole family is one of the most touching aspects of humanity and I feel blessed by it.

I'm sorry to see the end of this trip, and believe me, I know how hard it was not to jump on that Magic Kingdom bus. That would have been too much tempation for me!

You, my dear, are a very special person. I can tell even though we have never met. Someday we will. Until then, when I think of you, I'll think of pirates, a Honda CR-V, and a little man with the best hair ever.

It was difficult not to jump on the MK bus and just go for another Pirates ride. I didn't, because I had three little ones who wanted me home. And you know what? I wanted to be home. And at Disney. Both at the same time.

 

[TarzansKat]

That you have, my dear. That you have.

When I'm there, I'll think of you and your mom and say a little prayer.

Thank you.

You, my dear, are a very special person.

I can tell even though we have never met.

A situation which must be remedied.

Someday we will. Until then, when I think of you, I'll think of pirates, a Honda CR-V, and a little man with the best hair ever.

It was difficult not to jump on the MK bus and just go for another Pirates ride. I didn't, because I had three little ones who wanted me home. And you know what? I wanted to be home. And at Disney. Both at the same time.

And that's the kicker. Wanting to both stay and go. I know the lure of the kiddos would have gotten me, too.

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

very nice ending!!! Just think now you get to go back soon, how lucky are you!!!

 

[disneyshakeygirl]

I sniffled at the end. I hate when trips to WDW end! I leave in 18 days and am staying at POFQ. I will think of you while I'm staying there!

 

[creativeamanda]

And that's the kicker. Wanting to both stay and go. I know the lure of the kiddos would have gotten me, too.

That's the only thing that sent me home that morning. I missed them.

very nice ending!!! Just think now you get to go back soon, how lucky are you!!!

I know! It's too bad we aren't planning together again, though.

I sniffled at the end. I hate when trips to WDW end! I leave in 18 days and am staying at POFQ. I will think of you while I'm staying there!

Think of me and have a beignet for me! POFQ is great--IMO a hidden gem at DIsney that goes under the radar to people who aren't there a lot.

When the trip report ends, it seems like the whole trip is over again. It's sad, but true.

 

[MyMuse]

Thank you for a great trip report.

I totally started tearing up at your final post! Now, I want to hug you.

Your pics are heartwarming! I loved POR ones (I stayed there for my D23 weekend) and the last ones with Wishes with full castle and fireworks shot. Nice!!!

 

[creativeamanda]

Thank you for a great trip report.

I totally started tearing up at your final post! Now, I want to hug you.

Your pics are heartwarming! I loved POR ones (I stayed there for my D23 weekend) and the last ones with Wishes with full castle and fireworks shot. Nice!!!

It's unbelievable how much that trip meant to me. I am so glad I did it and would drop everything to do it again.

POR is like home to me now, and I'm excited about returning there this month!

 

[hucifer]

Amanda, I really enjoyed your solo report! I know I've said it before, but you take beautiful pictures, and you really captured the essence of WDW at Christmastime. I still cannot get over how breathtaking the castle is all lit up like that.

I was ready to leave WDW on my last day of being solo. I missed my family way too much to enjoy it anymore.