Solo Christmas Trip! About This Page:

[Glendamax]

This report was originally posted on another site. Therefore the screen names aren't from this site.

Cast: Me! Glendamax went Solo again! :banana:
Resort: Animal Kingdom Villas - Studio Savannah View
Dates: Tues. December 11th - Sat. December 15th 2007

Prologue
In 2006, I saw a show on the Travel channel about Christmas in the Disney Parks with Samantha Brown (love her! love her!). At the time I saw the show, I had a trip booked for September, and did not have enough vacation days left to go in December. Plus, at my job, we have to sign up for our vacation days the year before, so the weeks that were available were taken.

Fast forward to March. I "met" MamaPrincess. She is a DVC owner, and was able to explain how it works. After NUMEROUS PM's, I called and signed up for DVC! In April I scheduled 2 trips: one in September, and the other in December. Finally, I would get to see Disney with Christmas decorations IN PERSON!!! I was soooo excited!

My friend Kim, who is the only real-life Disney friend I have, was going with me, but had to cancel.

This was really sad since we hadn't been on a Disney trip together since 2002. But as always, I think: Maybe next year!

After going to the crowd level site and making an itinerary, I went over to the Adults and Solo Travelers Board to see if anyone was going when I was. Fortunantly, there were many, and some PM'd me to let me know they would be there at the same time too. So now I had an itinerary, ADR's and a few DISmeets! Let's Go!!!


Getting There

Finally the day was here! I was going to Disney World! But why is it that I'm so stressed out before a trip, and wish I had MORE time to get ready? And, my left knee that I dislocated years ago, was swelling up! :headache: So I was half-limping through the house trying to get ready to go the airport. My girl Kim was taking me! She got to my house and had to wait 20mins for me to get ready (I HATE making people wait).

Once again I flew down on Southwest. I don't like their boarding procedure, but it's affordable, and being 6 Feet tall, I can fit in their seats (Unlike AirTran)

The day before I got my boarding pass online, and felt so good that I got A 21. Before we boarded, they announced that there were only 26 people on the flight. Oh well, I guess it was good practice!
Fortunantly, I did get the exit row seat, that has no seat in front of it. Thank God! When they passed out drinks, I got water, and put Airborne in it. I was determined to NOT get sick again this year!
It was a good flight. One of the male flight attendants gave me a December Vogue!!! Score!!! And we even landed about 15mins early! WOO-HOO!!! Finally, I'm in Orlando!

Unlike in September, the Magical Express counter was EMPTY! I have to say that I'm still disappointed that the Disney folks dont greet you when you get off the plane anymore, to tell where to go. I guess since that's what happend the very first time I used ME, I expect it everytime I get off the plane. Oh Well. I got on the ME bus about 4pm (holding my HUGE winter coat), the outside was decorated with Crush on it! I sat in the front seat while the bus waited for others to load. As soon as I sat down I saw: Gratuity Permitted for your driver Rafael Diaz. Let the vacation begin! (Oh Carp! Do I have any ones?)

When the bus pulled off at 4:19pm, we were told that it was making 3 stops: Pop Century, Coronado Springs, then my home, Animal Kingdom!

We pulled up to Animal Kingdom Lodge about 5:05pm. (So if you're keeping track, that means I was on the bus about an hour!)

Finally I stepped off the bus with my coat in my arms, into the warm humid Orlando air!!! YES!!! I walked through the doors of AKL and nearly fainted! I was finally here! And the tree was awesome! Just like I'd seen on TV.

When I checked in, I remembered to mention AGAIN that I needed a room as close to the lobby as possible. The CM said that she saw it mentioned, and that the room was closer in. She also told me that if I didnt like it, to come back to the desk. (WOW, I really am in Disney World!)

After getting my welcome home packet and room key, I looked at the tree. Then I walked right up to it. My eyes started to water. I couldnt believe I was here!

Now it was time to see where the room was. I walked down the long hall to the elevator, got off on the Fifth floor. I walked straight, and the room was the first one on the right. It was alot better.

The room was exactly the same, except the room was flipped: insted of the bed being on the left, it was on the right.

After looking around the room, I said a quick prayer of thanks, then decided what I would do next: get something quick to eat in the room, or go to Boma!

[Glendamax]

Arrival Day Cont.
I sat down on the bed and tried to decied if I was more tired or hungry. . . Well, the hunger won. Even though my reservation was about 45mins away, I decided to go down anyway to see if they could take me.

Well folks, that place was a ZOO!!! It took almost 15mins in line just to check in. I overheard a man behind me telling a couple that it's been like that all week at all the restaurants. I started to get out of line, but thought I'd try. They gave me a buzzer thingie, and I waded through the crowd to wait. There was no where to sit, so I hung out by the pay phones. There were so many people, it was hectic, kids were crying, and people were anxious. So I made my way to the desk, and told one of the girls to take my name off the list. When I handed her the buzzer, it started to go off. She said "OH! Your table is ready"! WHATTT!!! I said, "Well I'll take it"!

As she was walking me to a table, she noticed that I was alone and asked if she could join me, and I said SURE! Believe me, looking at that crowd, I knew she had no time for a break anytime soon!

To start, I had a salad with apples in it, and their pasta salad. LOVED THEM BOTH. (klofan, I know you disagree ) Once again this year, I asked for the peanut rice . . . they served it the NIGHT BEFORE!!!!! I struck out again!
I ate sooo much food, and they had my favorite dessert: upside down pineapple cheesecake with a white chocolate crust! WHEW!!!! Worth the wait!!!
As I sat there inbetween plates of food (ahhh . . .PLATES of food), I tried to understand why I didnt feel uneasy. I mean I actually sat there and just looked around. The only thing I could come up with, was that I felt as though I was home. And as I looked around, no one noticed that I was alone, they were too busy eating, talking or laughing.

After Boma, I went back to my room - my bags were there - I unpacked, and ironed an outfit for the next day (shorts? really?). Before going to sleep. I popped in the movie "Daddy's Little Girls" starring SEXY Idris Alba, and was sleep by 8:30!

Final Thoughts on my Arrival Day

One thing I would do differently, is not focus on what's not done before my trip. Insted think about the fun I'm going to have, and how many people would DIE to be me!

I'm glad that I didnt take a bunch of pics my first day. Yes, it would've been better for this installment, but it felt good just to be in the moment.
___________________
Thanks for anyone who's read this so far! Hopefully I'll be able to share with you all the fun, sights and sounds of my first Disney Holiday Trip!!!!
See ya!

[Glendamax]

B]Day One - Wed. 12/12/07[/b]
Wednesday morning I was awakened by the Disney wake up call that I hoped they'd changed. (can you tell I don't like Stitch?) Even though I went to sleep early the night before, I tossed and turned alot, and had those stupid dreams that I'm at Disney World but it looks totally different, and stupid things happen! (yes, brace yourself for tons of run-on sentences) So by the time I woke up, I really needed to go BACK to sleep! HA!

After I swung my legs over the side of the bed and remembered where I was, I called "MainStMandy" to see if she was still available to meet me at Magic Kingdom!!!:banana: And she was!!! This was the first trip in awhile that the crowd level chart enabled me to visit MK on my first day!

I took a long wonderful shower, and had breakfast in my room: oatmeal, a banana, tea w/airborne in it, and a Pop Tart. I'm soooo glad I figured out to put the bananas in a Glad container to keep them from getting crushed in my suitcase! So this trip, I had fresh (cheap) fruit from home everyday!

I got to MK at 8:50am, and the rope drop was ending! I REALLY wanted to see it, but oh well. . . I had bigger concerns: I was about to meet up with someone whom I'd only chatted with a few times on the DIS. Here's what I was thinking: What if she is crazy, weird, or mad that I can't ride Space or Splash Mountain. Well, all that started to fade as I walked under the train station, and saw Amanda's friendly face.

Amanda and I agreed to meet by the Goofy sitting on the bench in front of Tony's. She was there waiting for me. As soon as I saw her, I knew I was in for a great time - she gave me a big smile and wave as if we were meeting again for the hundreth time! We didnt even do any chit chat - after all, we were old friends! Insted, we gawked at the tree and main street!

It was just wonderful being there! It was even more beautiful than I imagined.

After going down Main Street, we headed to the right. Yes DISers, I know we were supposed to go left, but I HAVE to go to Tomorrow Land and Fantasy Land first! In short, we rode everything except Space Mountain (yeah), Splash Mountain, and Jungle Cruise.

Amanda score doubled mine on Buzz! I was ashamed! I just knew I would do better!
We had to go on the People Mover!! Like September, the crowds were really low.

We made our way over to Fantasy Land, where the crowds and waits were low as well . . .

While on Small World, I took some video. Well Amanda said that a Lady behind us kept saying, "No flash photography, No flash photography". I am soooo glad - no, SHE should be sooo glad that I didnt hear her! Hello?!!! I'm recording VIDEO!!! No flash needed!

Then we made our way over to the Haunted Mansion. I told Amanda that I didn't know where my head was, but I kept forgetting about the rides! I was so caught up in seeing all the Christmas stuff, that I forgot to look forward to my favorites!

As you all may remember, I got stuck on Haunted Mansion in September in the grave yard scene, and had to walk out of it :sad2: I was really hoping that I wouldn't jinx it this time! I was so glad that I remembered to hang around in the stretching room after most of the people left. There are some audio special effects :rolleyes1
Since Amanda used to work at MK, she was able to give cool tidbits during the ride. I wished we'd gotten on it a second time - but I was starving! I did not want to eat before Thunder Mountain Railroad!

We made our way over to Thunder Mountain - which was great as always - then finally LUNCH!!!! We ate at Pecos Bill. This was my first time. Amanda said that they used to have sauteed mushrooms and cheese sauce in the fixings bar. So glad I'd never been there before, or I would've been disappointed!

It was really crowded in there, but Amanda kept walking to a section a bit further away, and it was empty, AND they had chairs with backs. In the other section, there were just stools.

Afterwards, we rode Pirates! I love this ride, and the not-so-scary drop! While riding, I could hear someone's alarm going off on their watch. Even though it was a bit annoying, I figured they were probably fumbling to try to stop, so I just stuck it out. Then one of the ladies in front of us had the nerve to look back as if it was one of us! Amanda then says, "Glenda is that your watch"? I look down, and IT IS!!!!! :lmao: You see, for my vacations, I never wear my good watch (nor my good jewerly). I buy a cheap water proof watch from Target or Walmart. I had NO IDEA that the watch even had an alarm, nor how to stop it! I just started pushing a bunch of buttons untill it stopped! Then later when Amanda asked what time it was, the watch was in Military time! HA!

Then it was time to have a Dole Whip! Now being the big roller that I am, I insisted that I pay for them, especially since this was Amanda's bday trip. Guess what . . . I couldnt find my wallet in that bag! I'm thinking, great, now she thinks I'm just pulling one over on her! HA! Till finally, I found my wallet! Whew!
We sat in the spot I did last year, beside the stand, and across from "the smokers den". (Hey MaddieMouse from September!) While enjoying our treat, Amanda couldn't belive it was so early and we were done. Hmmm . . . . So what should we do next? It's not even 1pm yet . . .

[Glendamax]

Day One cont.
With one damp sleeve, and humiliation in tow, Amanda and I got on the monorail to the Grand Floridian. While approaching The Contemporary Resort, we saw the "mystery contruction zone".



When we stepped off the monorail, and into the Grand Floridian, we were in total awe of the Tree!

Amanda even took a pic of the tree and texted to her Mom!

After being blown-away, we made our way downstairs to see the ginger bread house. As we approached it, we were surprised at the aroma! It smelled soooooo good!
Now don't beat me up, but I must say, that I was surprised that it wasnt bigger. To me, it looked larger on the Travel Channel. BUT! It was still impressive, and I loved all the little details . . .

After looking around a bit more, it was time for Amanda and I to split up :guilty: I had to go back to the room to freshen up for dinner, and Amanda needed a mid-day nap. We said our goodbyes on Monorail since my stop was first.

It was a GREAT first day. I couldnt believe that I'd already had so much fun, on the first half of my first day. Hopefully it was just a sign of more fun to come. After all, they say that getting pooped on by a bird is good luck . . . we'll see!

[Glendamax]

Day One - Part Two

After leaving the Grand Floridian, I noticed that I had a missed call from PoohBear! I met her in September at the Tower of Terror Meet, and had only found out days before my trip that she was already in Disney World! When I got her on the phone, she was at the Lodge, but was about to leave. Fortunantly I caught her at the shuttle stop. As I was getting off the bus, she was approaching the stop to go to MGM. It was great seeing her again!

While in my room, she called back to let me know that her dinners reservation was delayed, and to meet up with her when I got to MGM.

Now this is my least favorite park, but the tree made me really excited about going in!

MGM - or should I say: Disney's Hollywood Studios looked REALLY festive! I really enjoyed the decorations.

I called PoohBear, and she told me to meet her at Star Tours.

I hadn't been on this in awhile because I thought it was dated. So I was curious to see if I would enjoy it more this time around with Pooh! She is really funny! I looked around a bit . . . and there she was!


As we were getting on, her boyfriend said, "So you mean you actually came back to Disney World after they made you get on Tower of Terror"! :lmao: (see September's report for details and the video)
After riding, I realized why I skip it - it does need to be updated. It was fun riding it with them though.

They had a little time on their hands, so they walked me over to meet some DISers for dinner at 50's PrimeTime. Now you would think that after how well Amanda and I hit it off that morning, that I would be more at ease about meeting more DISers. But nope!

As we were walking over, she asked me who I was meeting. My mind went totally blank. I had no idea who I was meeting! So then she asked what they looked like. I HAD NO IDEA!!!! This was worse than the nightmare where you show up for the first day of school naked! :scared: She just looked at me and laughed. When we got there a woman said, "Glendamax"? Whew! What a relief!

It was Colette! It was all starting to come back to me now: this is the Lady who's celebrating a bday! Even though she and "Aubrie" looked friendly, I know I looked at PoohBear with pleading eyes: "Please don't LEAVE me"! I don't think my brain waves were strong enough though, because she just gave me a smile, and a hug, then left. Man, this was first day of kindergaten all over again!

Everyone wasn't there yet. There was some guy that was missing.

Would these people from DISboards be nice too?

[Glendamax]

Day One, Part Two cont.

On Wednesday Dec. 12th around 4pm, my PoohBear (and her BF) had just left me with DISstrangers, in front of Primetime Cafe.
I was then approached by "DisneyFan63" - Jim. He scared me at first, because I didnt notice him, and he walked right up to me very fast, and started talking! Jim (while walking up to me), "Hi Glendamax, I bet you had NO idea who I was when I called you on your phone at the airport"! Me, trying not to look startled and dumb: "Yes, I did Jim, your number came up on my phone". From there, Jim talked non-stop, to me, the one who is always nervous around people and always trying to play it off!

Somewhere during our conversation, I was able to meet "Aubrie", and properly introduce myself to Colette. I was told that the guy who was missing was Rich (yes, I didnt know who that was either, but pretended - he's "PennConn") So we waited around for Rich, and by the time he walked up, I'd found out his screen name.

Now, I know all of us has done this, made a picture of someone in our heads based on a person's screen name, and the content of their posts. Well I thought PennConn was a big man in his late 40's with a wife and kids. WRONG! Here comes this cool-looking dude in his late 30's about my height. At first site, I knew we would hit it off!

So now our Motley crew was assembled, all except Kat 3668. (If you weren't the one missing, let me know) Which leads me to another aside: why is it that phone calls are frequently missed in WDW? She called at least 4 times, and the call was either cut off, or went straight to Colette's voice mail. Her phone was ON and in her HAND and we still couldn't get her calls. Come to find out, she was outside of the restaurant after we went in, and couldnt find us.

As we were waiting for our table, (and wondering where Kat was), I looked around a bit. And sorry DISers I did not think to take pics! I was so mesmerized by the decor. It was just like being in someone's house in the 70's who never updated from the 50's! It was funny seeing the wooden spoon and fork on the wall! I SOOOO want to get a pair just to see people's reactions when they walk into my kitchen!

Our waitress was supposed to be our relative who is home from college for the holidays, and now thinks she is better than us because she is getting an EDUCATION. And she doesnt have to do anything for us, because she is getting an EDUCATION . . .

She threw the napkins at us, threw down the tableware and made us set the table ourselves, because she is getting an EDUCATION at COLLEGE, and does not have to do any of this! She even had a little girl at the next table serve us our drinks while she sat at another table talking to people! She had SOOOO much energy! I don't know how she could do that for an ENTIRE shift!

We all ended up ordering the fried chicken. It was just ok to me. But it was a LARGE portion! The mash potatoes and greens were GREAT!

When we left the restaurant and everyone was trying to check their messages, we found out once again, that the lost DISer called again! Rich (who revealed at dinner that he is Gay), called his Mother. While he was on the phone with her, I said, "Tell your Mother that we're going steady". He says, "Mom, Glenda and I are going steady, she's converted me . . . No Mom, I'm not going to tell her that, that isnt nice". Well of couse we all wanted to know what she said. Later Rich told us that his mother's response was "GREAT"!!!! HA!!!!! So after that, I declared that Rich was my boyfriend!

After dinner we headed to Fantasmic. I hadn't been in a few years, and was looking forward to it. We got there about 40mins early and it was packed! WE ended up sitting to the far left. I had to go to the bathroom SO BADLY, but was trying to be a bit calm since I knew we had to find seats first. When we found them, I was going to politely dip out and find the restroom, that was until Colette goes (at us finding the seats) "Good, I gotta go PEE"!!!!! We all just looked a bit shocked and then laughed! Cause she said it loud enough for other people to hear! :lmao: Little did she know, I probably had to go worse than she did!!!!

When we came back and was waiting for the show, I pulled out my glow-in-the-dark bracelets. I had enough for everyone! Whew! I guess everyone, no matter how old, still likes stuff that Glow!!!

The show was great of course! But it took us FOREVER to get out of there! The crowd was HUGE!

We then headed over to Osbourne Family Lights!!!!

[Glendamax]

Day One - Part Two
After we FINALLY got out of Fantasmic, out fast-talking Texan "Aubrie", led us over to Osbourne Family Lights!

Now let me tell you, I was excited about this, but I had NO IDEA what I was about to see. On the way over, Aubrie told us how a Halloween decoration - a purple cat - had gotten mixed up in the Orbourne's Christmas decorations. So every year, they put it in a different place, and you have to find it. Aubrie had alot of fun facts about the lights, but still, I wasnt prepared.
Now I must admit, that I was SHOCKED at the amount of people! But it wasnt bad! People weren't really walking around at that point, they were all just standing and looking up with their mouths hanging wide open! It was awesome!

During the show, a little announcement would come on, everyone would stop and stare, and the dancing lights would start. They'd play a loud fast-paced Christmas song, and the lights would move with the music. Then after the song was over, they'd play a sweet slower-paced Christmas song, you'd hear a hiss . . . you'd look up to see what the sound is . . . SNOW!!!!! Yes folks, it would start to snow!!! It was beautiful!

[Glendamax]

The End of Day One . . .

Now before we got to the Lights, we'd lost Jim. So it was just the four of us. Well after we'd walked around and took a bunch of pictures, they were ready to go. However, I needed a minute to let all of this soak in. So I said goodbye to the Ladies and my EX, and hung around. I just stood in different spots and just stared. It was trully an experience. To think just the day before I was at work, then in an airport, and TIRED! And now, I was seeing one of the most SPECTACULAR sights ever!

Finally my feet and legs let me know that it was time to go. So I made my way out of MGM - I mean, Disney's Hollywood Studios. On my way out, I looked through some of the shops. To me, MGM has the best sit-down restaurants, and the best shops. I was sorry that I was too tired to really look through them, but at least I did a drive-by!

The wait at the bus stop was LONG!!!!!! Since I'd purchased a calendar (on sale for 4.99), I sat it on the ground and sat down on it! It seems like this park has the longest lines at the stops, and the longest waits! So I sat down immediately. I wish I'd timed it, but I can tell you that it took a while before the bus came, and when it did, it had to load wheel chairs first.

While in line, I started chatting with a couple behind me. We even ended up sitting together on the bus. When we got to the Lodge, we all ended up going in the gift shop. The man asked about the tag on my back pack. I told him that it was from DISboards. He said, "I thought you looked familiar, I go to that site too". I thought that was so funny after we'd been talking to each other all that time. Well, at least I was friendly, and represented the DIS well! They even asked me about DVC, and I told them about my experiece so far.
After we parted, I walked through the lobby to look at the beautiful sights, before going to my room .

Final Thoughts on Day One

I TRULLY felt blessed on that day. I thanked God that He allowed me to go on that trip, even though I had no one to go with, and that I had so much company. The day started off with Amanda - who has a sense of humor like mine, then PoohBear who I'd just found out was there, and finally with the DIScrew at MGM. It was a GREAT day, and I don't think I would've changed a thing!

Edited to add: I was overdressed at MGM (and for the rest for the trip really). I couldn't believe how warm it stayed at night during my trip. I wish I had the courage to wear shorts and short sleeves at night too.

[ilovedisney0_0]

Glendamax, you are amazing!! I am so of your courage to go alone. If I was brave enough, I think I would definitely go by myself! Nobody I know in real life loves Disney as much as me. I truly think I could spend 2 months there and not get bored. I loved your videos!! The Osborne Lights look just amazing. And the CROWDS (or lack thereof!!!) I think you must've picked the best time of year to go! Can't wait to read more, more, more!

Merry Christmas!!

[Jookiba]

Sounds like a fantastic first day! Thanks for sharing the great pictures with us too!!

I am blessed to say me and my kiddos are headed there next week.....and I simply cannot wait!!

Please hurry back with more!

[DrDolphin]

Wonderful start!! Love the video and photos. Can't wait to read more.

[Glendamax]

Merry Christmas everybody! Thanks for reading!

I had to delete my pics because they are too big/over the pixel limit for this site. If I made them smaller - which there are a ton of them - it would take a long time, and it would mess up the report on the site I originally posted it on. So I will continue to post here, just minus the pics, but will include the video - I THINK the video is still allowed. If not, mods please let me know.

Thanks!

[jpod523]

great first day!! i remember seeing you once when i was roaming around the DIS boards. i vaugely remember reading about the ToT trip! haha! it is a small world, after all. can't wait to read more!!

[Glendamax]

Day 2 - Thursday, 12/13/07
Thursday morning I woke up to yet another wake-up call at 7am. I guess I was hoping that Disney would rotate the recordings and that maybe I would NOT get Stitch. No such luck . . .

Well, this was a day that I was really looking forward to, because it was my EPCOT day!!!! WOO-HOO!!! Next to Magic Kingdom, this is my favorite park! I just love the "futuristic" music they pump in to get you all excited to go from one attraction to the next!


On my way into the park, the crowd seemed a bit much! I was starting to think that maybe I'd read the crowd level chart wrong. There were groups of high school kids there with flag-holding leaders! OH NO! But being the DISer I am, I decided that surely, they wouldn't have the same touring plan I did, so everything would be cool. So I focused on the Christmas decorations after finally making through security, and placing my index-finger on the germ infested scanner to get into the park.

Forgetting to pick up a park map, I just headed to the right of Spaceship to-bad-it's-closed Earth, and waited for the rope drop. Again I started to worry when I saw the crowd.

So now I'm thinking, great, this is gonna be disaster! OH well, time to get ready for the mad rush to Soarin! I couldnt believe that at start, they had a 20min wait on the board!

When I finally got in The Land, I couldn't believe the crowd headed for Soarin! What was even MORE unbelievable, was that I saw some people head into the Circle of Life FIRST! WHAAAAAT?

Of course Soaring was great. And just for all of you I timed it: 15mins from the line, till leaving the ride. Not bad! Afterwards I got a Fast Pass, and headed out to the Nemo ride in the Living Seas . . .

I think this ride is really cute. I was fully prepared not to like the first time I rode it in September, because many DISers didn't. But I liked it. When you're in the queue (thanks to my British friends for that term), look up at the ceiling for a hidden Mickey. It'll be on the left, while the school of fish are on the right putting on a little show!

After I finally found Nemo, I headed over to Mission Space . .

[Glendamax]

Day 2 cont.
I was a bit hesitant about getting on Mission Space because of the air they blast in your face. But, I got on it anyway and just pulled my hat on low over my face.

Having no desire to lose my breakfast that I'd eaten in my room, I rode the tame side. While in line I heard a lady (in line for the spinning version) telling someone to pay no attention to the warnings, because Disney is just required to post them and that the ride is no big deal. I was really hoping that she and her crew had eaten a BIG breakfast that morning!

After a successful landing, I headed to Test Track!!! I remembered to go in the single-riders line. It led me to the left, and past a work bench with a hidden Mickey on it.

I always giggle on this ride because the brake test, and the German blocks makes this a "sports-bra needed" ride!

After Test Track, I then headed over to Imagination.

Afterwards, I noticed that "Honey I Shrunk the Audience" was about to start, so I headed in. I forgot that I HATED standing in the slanted wait area where they show you the Kodak commercials. Maybe I'll skip this the next few times.
Next it was time to head back to The Land to ride Soarin with my fast pass, and to eat at Sunshine Seasons.

In the 80's, the balloons were a bit different and moved up and down. I miss that!
For lunch I had a Turkey sandwhich with munster cheese, chips, a salad, water WITH AIRBORNE, and butterfinger cheesecake. Everything was very good.

After lunch, I wanted to go in my favorite EPCOT store - Mouse Gears!
While there, I bought a shirt, and headgear for the Christmas Party the next night (stay tuned . . .) I was angry that the shirt was about $35, but I had to admit that it is something that I would wear in my "real" life so I got it. AND, I couldnt believe that it was big enough for me - a 1X? WOW? Well, in Disney, a 1X is like a large/extra large in the real world.

When I was heading towards the exit (boy, was I tired), I noticed that there was a door cut into the partition around Spaceship Earth. There were people going in. Hmmm . . . so I walked up to the door, and right past the CM as if I was SUPPOSED to be going in too. I didnt pause to ask any questions . . . this could be my chance . . . I got in! They were letting people ride it!

It was just ok. I didnt like that on the whole backwards part, that there is nothing to look at, just stars. It's then that they ask you questions on the touch screens.
I was disappointed that they removed the scene with the boy in America, talking to a girl in Asia on a video screen. I thought it was cool. Oh well . . .

So I guess I'd give it a B-. Afterall, when they are doing work on an attraction, you're expecting it to be even better than before. Oh well. . .

On the way to the shuttle buses, I was happy that I'd gotten to ride SSE, and everything I wanted, but I was BEAT. It was 1pm, and the DVC (Disney's Timeshare) Mixer was at 3pm. How in the world would I do it?!

Hopefully the prices wont get much higher too soon! Families (and solos like me) need a break!

When I got to the stop, I started chatting with a young couple. After getting on the bus, the woman informed me that they were headed to Boma for lunch before going to Magic Kingdom for the Christmas party. Lunch? I informed her that they don't serve lunch. (OMG he's gonna kill me - she mouthed) I told them not to worry, to have lunch at AKL's counter service place, hang out in the lobby, then go to the party. OR go to MK, and eat there so they'll aready be at the party.

After arriving at the Lodge, they decided to go in. The guy asked my last name, because I looked like someone in his family. I wasn't. Then he asked where I was from. When I told him, he said that his Godfather used to go to a church in Baltimore - Beth-el Temple. I told him that I knew it, because our church used to visit theirs. Well, come to find out, he knew my church and had been there many times for concerts. So we started talking about the concerts we used to have, and people who were headliners there before they became famous. It was really cool! (It's a small world after all . . .) We parted ways, and I went to my room.
MamaPrincess called me to give her the scoop on my day, before I rested, showered and changed. Now, would I be able to make it to the DVC mixer? I REALLY wanted to go . .