My Super Solo Trip - COMPLETED!! - UPDATED 3/2 About This Page:

[JenS]

Who: Me (Jen)

When: September 5 – 9, 2007

Where: Pop Century Resort

Why: Celebrating my Birthday!

I was not going to write a trip report but now I find myself reminiscing about my trip so decided to go ahead and write this so I can relive it. I hope it will inspire others to try a Solo trip!

My hubby and I had planned to visit Walt Disney World together in October but due to unforeseen circumstances our trip had to be put on hold. After wiping away my tears, I put away my Passporter, cancelled our room reservations at Pop Century and tucked the Disney gift cards away in the safe. I was disappointed, but tried to put it behind me.

Then, on Saturday, August 11th, my husband surprised me with an early Birthday present - a Solo trip to Walt Disney World! I had been talking about taking one for years, but never saw it through. Well, that was about to change.

The next few weeks were spent planning and day dreaming about my trip. I was excited of course, but also apprehensive. I had all sorts of unanswered questions running through my head:

What if I am the only person on the Magical Express Bus? (Since I would be arriving after midnight I thought I might be alone, and that would be awkward)

What if it storms (I hate thunder and lightening) or worse, there is a hurricane?

Will I look ‘odd’ eating alone?

There were others as well, but I am sure you get the point.

My Special Plans:

Behind the Seeds Tour at Epcot
Afternoon Tea at the Grand Floridian
Pin Trading

Departure Day:

I put in a full, but fun day at work. In honor of my birthday, the department provided birthday treats during our staff meeting and then my boss took me out to Red Lobster for lunch. It was a great way to start my birthday celebration!

My hubby picked me up from work around 3:30 and drove me the 1½ hours to the airport. Since I had a late flight, we had time to stop at Pei Wei Asian Diner for dinner. From here it was a quick drive to the airport.

I did have one small suitcase to check and after visiting the self check-in kiosk, I was on my way through security in no time. I had about an hour to kill before my 7:30 flight, but I made my way to the gate anyway. On the way I stopped for a bag of peanut M&Ms to enjoy during the flight.

While waiting to board I wrote in my journal and made a few last minute phone calls to family and friends. Before long it was time to board. During the flight I wrote in my journal some more, read a magazine and played countless hands of solitaire on my palm pilot. I enjoyed a Pepsi and M&Ms during the beverage service portion of the flight. We had a very uneventful flight and landed right on time.

I had studied the airport map so had no problem finding my way to baggage claim then to the Magical Express desk. It was just after midnight so I said ‘Good Morning’ to the lady working behind the check in desk – it made her smile!

My first apprehension was put to rest when I boarded the bus and found that I definitely was not the only passenger. We were on our way in no time. It sure is nice that Pop Century is the first stop. I was so excited as we entered Disney property! I was the only one to exit at Pop Century, as the rest of the lucky passengers were on their way to Animal Kingdom Lodge.

There was no one else in line to check in so I received quick, personal attention from the Cast Member. As I was checking in I also received a ‘Magical Moment’ card signed by Mickey and the Gang wishing me a Happy Birthday.

I then made the short walk to my room on the 4th floor, building 1 in the 50’s section. I reserved a ‘preferred’ room for this trip so I would have easy access to the All Things Pop food court and the bus stops. My room was in a perfect location.

I changed into my pjs, laid my clothes and pin lanyard out for tomorrow and was all tucked away in my room by 1:17 a.m. I did take a few minutes to check the weather channel (looks great for the next few days) and look over my resort packet before lights out.

Coming up next: My first day

[tammyd_rn]

Great start. Looking to hear how the rest of the story goes.

[iamgrumpy]

That is so nice of your DH to send you on a Solo trip to cheer you up!

Great Start Can't wait to hear more about it!

[travismom]

Great start, Jen!! Can't wait to read about your first day!!

[pparm]

Sounds like a great start. Can't wait to read more!

Paula

[Colexis Mom]

Great start More please

[MickeyMAC]

Great start!!!! I'm glad your writing a trip report.

[bgdiznee]

Great start! I've thought about solo trips to WDW. My DH does travel for his job and since I work prn, it could happen one day. I think that the only place I would feel comfortable alone would be Disney.

[DyanKJ130]

Great start! Can't wait to hear more

[Annabel]

Great start Aren't solo trips awesome? I went alone in 2004 and had a great time.

[coffeechef]

Great start... can't wait to hear more. Looking forward to your experience with Grang FLoridian Tea.

[Jookiba]

Thank you SO MUCH!! I have been waiting for solo trip TR's because I finally decided to take the plunge and do one myself!! It will be modified since I'm meeting up with some other Passporters there, but I will have days and meals by myself too-and wonder if it'll be awkward and/or lonely without my kids there.

I hope you hurry back with more!

[wayneava81]

I've also been waiting for a solo TR. I will be going on my first solo trip in November. Eagerly waiting the rest of your report!

[TheThomasFam]

Can't wait to read more of your solo trip to WDW.

[KandJluvdisney]

sounds like a great start
can't wait to read all about it and if you liked the solo part
hurry back with more