April 3 – May 4 (Solo Trip @ Pop) About This Page:

[tio marco]

<font color="blue">Party: </font> Me (Mark) and occasionally, Chris
<font color="blue">Arrival Date: </font> Sunday, April 30
<font color="blue"> Departure Date: </font>Thursday, May 4
<font color="blue"> Lodging: </font> Pop Century Resort


This was my first solo trip to WDW. Well…mostly solo, that is. A friend from Miami, Chris, recently relocated to Orlando and met me each afternoon.

Instead of writing the never-ending essay, I’m just going to hit bullet points.

1. Solo trips are definitely different. Not bad, just different. The “oooh…look at that” factor is no longer there….Since the DS and I travel a lot together I always had a list of things to tell her about each time I talked to her since she wasn’t there. Also....i didn't carry a camera. That's right -- not one single picture was taken. And this is from the person who just finished the second scrapbook from the Holiday Trip. Actually, it was kind of liberating.

2. Expedition Everest: If it had to rate this ride I would give it an 8 out of 10. The queue theming is superior. Even the hour wait on Sunday wasn’t an issue because there was so much to see while waiting in line. The mountain is impressive and so is the landscaping (it’s different at ground level and on the mountain itself. It even gets colder as you ascend the mountain). The ride itself does lots of new stuff: switches tracks, runs backwards, and a good portion is in the dark. Even though the yeti is awesome looking, it seemed like the ride is missing that one twist/turn/plunge to make it truly spectacular.

3. Dole Whips: I finally got to experience these – OH MY GOSH!!! The pineapple float (pineapple soft serve ice cream served in a glass of pineapple juice) was unbelievable….I can’t believe I’m 42 years old, have been to WDW multiple times and just tried these (due to the numerous recommendations from fellow Passporters). YUM!! These are definitely worth scheduling a trip to MK for!!!

4. Around the World at Epcot: I was finally able to schedule this tour and cannot recommend it enough. This was absolutely the highlight of the trip. This is sooooo much fun!!! FYI – they’ve added a third daily tour to accommodate more guests.

5. Soarin’: Wow….this thing is awesome. Definitely a do-not-miss!

6. Hollywood Brown Derby: Wow....I thought the food at Le Cellier was the best at WDW. The service, presentation and food are simply spectacular here. Well worth the two meal plan credits.

Guess what? The DS wants to go in September!!! Wheeeeeee....

[TroianRae]

Sounds great!!

Just curious, what section did you get at Pop Century??

[tio marco]

I was in Building 2, in the 50s section facing the pool. Thought pool noise would be a problem, being on the ground floor, but it was no issue.

[SHEANA1226]

Sounds like you had a great trip! I can't wait to hear about the September trip!

[piratelady]

Sounds like so much fun! None of us have ever tried the Dole Whips either. Most of the family gets Mickey ears and I always get the strawberry bar. Dole Whips are on my must do list in 28 days!!! We also have never done Sorin'. Can't wait!
Glad you had fun!
Necie

[DrDolphin]

Sounds like you had a great time!!

[MickeyMAC]

Glad you had a great time. I totally agree Soarin' is an absolute to not miss ride. Thanks for the rating of Brown Derby, I'm trying that for the first time in August when my daughter and I go.

[LeapDayBaby]

Great report, Mark! I am definitely going to have to find me a Dole Whip in August [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img]

- Laurie [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[iamgrumpy]

Glad you had a great time!

[Colexis Mom]

Glad you had a great time [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/thanx.gif[/img]

[jimmymac]

Traveling solo is the best way to see the park imho. Glad you enjoyed it

[angiek1024]

Sounds like a great time! Thanks for sharing with us! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[debsta922]

Sounds like a great trip!

[PrincessSharon]

Sounds like you had fun, Mark. Thanks for sharing!

[Minnie Lor]

Your trip sounds like it was stressfree. Thanks for posting!