The I am jamming everything into my first solo trip that I can PTR About This Page:

[mavisdavis]

Howdy all!

I've been surfing the Pass Porter boards for a while now, but this is my first pre-trip report!

Characters: Just me! I made some plans for both my husband and I to visit for Christmas, but DH decided to stay home BUT I decided to press on and give going it alone a try for the first time! I travel for business a lot to NYC, LA…and usually alone. So I’m not really intimidated as much as not sure if it’s going to be fun or sad? I’m going to try to stay very busy so that I don’t have a chance to get lonely.

Setting: POP - my very first time not staying at Ft. Wilderness in the 30 years I’ve been going to WDW…I know! CRAZY! I hear I should request a top level room? Any suggestions with regards to lake views (is it worth asking for?) What’s the best stuff to eat in the food court, I heard about tie-dye cheesecake already YUM.
I wanted to have a Christmas trip, but didn’t want to be there for the actual holiday…one because I want to be with my family on the real holiday and two I don’t want to deal with the crowds. I remember spending HOURS in line on Christmas Day when I was a kid and I can’t do that anymore. : So I am going to go 12/14-12/18, when my workload is light (I am self-employed) and hopefully the crowds are also.

Plot: This is also my first time flying to Orlando – I have always driven! But I figured on my own the flight was easier. Plus I got a little extra time to enjoy.

Monday night I am hoping to get to MK in time for the Spectromagic parade! I haven’t seen this parade since it was the Main Street Electrical Parade…I know bad right? I went through a phase where I skipped parades and fireworks in favor of space mountain. This time I am excited to see it. I have an ADR at Liberty Tree Tavern for late dinner (9pm) I have eaten there but it was ages ago so I am looking forward to it. In my heart of hearts I wanted to try The Crystal Palace or Tony’s Town Square but I had to take what I could get…I didn’t book early enough.

Tuesday - I am a breakfast person, so I am having real breakfast every day. I have an ADR for Boma at AKL since I am heading over to the Animal Kingdom on this day. I only got to see half of the attractions at AK when my husband and I went last October during the Food and Wine Fest…we were tired and it was hot. So I am excited to finish the park…this will only be my second time at this park. I do have a lunch ressie at Tusker House because I thought it would be nice to get reserved seating for Nemo. But I was thinking that the food will be too same same and also the meals too close together for me to really enjoy. So I will probably eliminate one or the other. I am planning to spend the evening at DTD…considering picking up a last minute obstructed view ticket for CDS, or checking out the new hot air balloon ride thing “Characters in Flight.” If I eat here, I am going to wing it a little…I do have a ressie for Raglan Road to fall back on because I figured it would be easy to blend in as a solo traveler. But I am also interested in all the newness down there that’s replaced the clubs at Pleasure Island so I am keeping an open mind. I read most places have an “eat in” bar and that works well for me.

Wednesday – I have ANOTHER breakfast ressie (self-proclaimed breakfast junkie) and I am checking out Kouzzina by Cat Cora at the Boardwalk. The menu looks delish. I’ll hang out at the Boardwalk for a bit, and then hit the world showcase when it opens…I am an Epcot pro, so I really just want to relax, hang out, eat and drink everything in sight, etc. I am not planning to ride anything in future world, but the test track single rider line may beckon me. I do however have firm plans for the Candlelight Processional, with a dinner package at Chefs de France where I have been carefully instructed not to order the lobster lest they take my firstborn as penance – I guess it aint part of the deal. The nice thing about the package is that I additionally get Illuminations reserved viewing area – a special treat that I have never enjoyed – so I will let you know how that goes. I also greedily have a reservation at Marrakesh. I just want the chicken bastilla and that’s all I am eating (paying OOP) I can’t help myself. I can’t get it anywhere else besides Epcot except at the Moon of Tunis in West Hollywood, and I won’t be there anytime soon. SO I am pigging out. I am probably heading back to the Boardwalk or over to the karaoke bar at the Dolphin to check out some nightlife afters.

Thursday – I have yet more breakfast – at the Wave this time - and a spa appointment at the Grand Floridian! Heading to Hollywood Studios for the afternoon mainly to see Fantasmic FINALLY – another one of those things you skip as a teenager and in your 20’s when you want to concentrate on rides. I tried to get an ADR with a Fantasmic package but no dice…so it will be the hour long wait in line for me. I have also never seen the American Idol thing…but I don’t know if I would enjoy it since I don’t watch the show…any thoughts? I’m the kind of gal that would rather watch the Muppet Movie or Star Tours ten times in a row. Also skipping any and all unrecognizable characters such as HS Musical thingys and Playhouse Disney whatevers. I am 32 and have no kids, who are these people? Indiana Jones here I come. I was thinking I’d try to beat the system and eat at the Tune In Lounge for lunch? Seems like it’s a doable plan. I did manage an ADR for the Sci Fi Diner for dinner right at closing time, so depending on whether or not I am hungry I will use it or skip.

Friday – check out day - I couldn’t get an ADR for Kona on any morning, which is fine because all of my dining credits will be long gone at this point. So I have a contingency plan for my Tonga Toast fix, which is to go get it at Captain Cook’s instead. Then I am heading over to MK for my last ¾ day. I have a Keys to the Kindgom tour booked! Afters I will do as many rides as I can, and then head for home (boooo!)

OK that’s the plan for now, wish me luck it’s jammed packed…but on purpose really. This way I have no time to get lonely. And I also need to keep moving if I plan to burn off all these calories.

[chezp]

Great start!

[Colexis Mom]

Great plans! Have a great time!

[mavisdavis]

Thank you!!! I am excited!!

[KMB733]

Great Start!!! Your plans look great!, And your not the only breakfast junkie around! I would eat breakfast food morning, noon and night, I it!

[mavisdavis]

Originally Posted by KMB733

I would eat breakfast food morning, noon and night, I it!

Amen sister!

I am excited to try Kouzzina and The Wave. The breakfast menus look so good!!

[Ceara's mawmaw]

Great PTR......we went last year the week that you are going and the crowds were very managable. Have a blast and don't forget to share reviews of your ADRs....

[Sandra Bostwick]

Great plans! I am so jealous!

[lazanya]

Great start! Your plans look great!

[Luvsun]

Your plans look great!
Going solo is fun! I am sure you will have a wonderful time!

[Mauimouse]

Sounds like you are going to have a fantastic time.

[mavisdavis]

i finally got all of my paperwork in the mail!!

now i just have t hope my new 2010 PassPorter shows up in time...cross your fingers for me!!

[chezp]

Congrats on the paperwork! on the PassPorter!

[Colexis Mom]

Congrats on the Disney mail!

[islandgirl]

Great start....have an awesome time!