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My families next trip is going to be a band trip for my high school freshman so my "wish" list and my "get to do" list probably will not mesh well since i plan on being in whatever park the band is in that day. (Yes they get to march down Main street AND perform on thanksgiving day at HS)
1.take a resort day: go see what all the other resorts have to offer other and just hang out to relax.
2.try a dole whip. I've been three times and have never had one.
3.Get autographs. I usually see the lines and think it is silly to get an autograph but I realize when I get home I wish I had those autographs and pictures.
4, Pay for memory maker before we go. I always try to be cheap but I always end up wanting the pictures that Disney takes for us. One year I even lost our SD card so all of our pictures were gone.
5. Go through World showcase and see as much as possible. The first time DH and I went we didn't realize what WS was so we skipped it entirely. The next time we only ate in france.. Now I realize there is sooooooooo much more to see and do.
6. Try not to be on a schedule. I realize dining reservations are the exception here but I need to relax and go with the flow. I need to realize "I;m at Disney and it is vacation so it is OK if not everything happens at a certain time or certain date"
What I love about other Disney Addicts, as I consider myself one too, that I learn so much of what I missed from their own Disney trips. For instance the place that Her Dotness absolutely LOVES, the caramel place in Germany. (I never remember the correct name). I always buy a bag of the caramel popcorn for my Mom. I found out as I was giving it to her from my last trip which was May 2014, that she loves this. Why didn't I get her the BIG bag? Silly me!
Plus the fact I love reading other DA missed opportunities because either they are new to me or Yes, I had not done them either!
I did do a Trip Report when I came back this past May. At the end I posted a Disney learn and what I had planned for my next trip.
Here it is: It is rather long, but I am hoping others will learn as I have learned from them too!
Things I learned while on my Disney Vacation- 2014
I have been thinking about this list for awhile and realized some things. Since I have taken 2 Solo trips, I thought about what the differences they are to each other.
My August 2013 trip was all about the rides. I did have some reservations for dinners, but my main focus was the rides. My May 2014 trip was all about Food. I learned a great deal from my 1st trip- to make sure I had a sit-down meal every night, except for one. With the exception of Grand Floridian Café, all the places I did eat were new to me! I did do more rides at Magic Kingdom, but saw 2 “new” films at Epcot.
I think the problem was time! So with the planning of my next trip, I will eat an early lunch but push back the dinner time to past 6pm. This way it allows me to be hungry and get to where I need to be. I was also thinking maybe only having sit-down dinners and counter-service lunches for my next trip.
Here is what I learned on my 2nd Solo Trip to Disney:
1. I like the idea of taking a box of cereal, instead of 5 little individual bowls. So if I wanted a little more than I could.
2. If staying at the Caribbean, Jamaica is normally the 1st stop coming back from a park; but if you get on at Port Royal (Food Court) that is the last stop. This is why I loved walking to the Food Court Bus Stop in the morning! (Plus the view was beautiful!)
3. Since I can’t get a Chocolate Croissant I can go to Whole Foods, because theirs is a good replacement!
4. I was disappointed that I didn’t do more rides at Epcot. What was my problem because I was at Epcot three times?
5. Next time take advantage of the pool, and go in the morning. Stretch my muscles and get them ready for another long day of walking. I wanted to do this after being there for 2 days, but just didn’t.
6. I again brought an empty water bottle and just kept filling this up when needed. I saved $2.50 every time! Plus the water fountain at Casey’s is VERY cold!
7. Grand Floridian Café is off my list. I have been there 2 times, and the last time wasn’t the best time.
8. Do not listen to my last list: Go to a park even on the arrival day!
9. A personal note to myself: Make sure I get my hair colored and cut prior to going to Disney! I felt like I looked better in my pictures! LOL!
10. I need to try more snacks. I stayed with my favorites. The cotton candy at Magic Kingdom tastes the best! I bought both flavors; Pink and Blue. Next time stop staring at the Cake Pops and buy some! Even the apples looked yummy. Indulge a little!
11. Plan on taking 2 pieces of luggage, this was not planned and I am so glad it worked out for me! (More places to pack extra gifts).
12. My room at the Caribbean had 2 double beds (I guess) but it was funny, one was hard and the other was softer. So I slept in the one that was softer! I am glad I had a choice!
13. Mousekeeping: When I walked into my room for the 1st time it was so welcoming. There was a towel Mickey icon on the bed. But that was it for the rest of my trip. In fact I noticed the first 2 days; my cell charger was taken out of the top plug and put in the bottom plug. The next day it was lying on the floor next to the plug. On the 3rd night I made a mess with crumbs, thinking she would vacuum the next day… she didn’t. The 4th day my charger was left alone, still in the top plug. I brought 2 stuffed animals (Little Mikey and Bullseye) from home and they sat in the same position every night I came back. I tipped every morning $3.00 but when she didn’t vacuum I didn’t leave the $3.00. I normally have better service as far as keeping the room clean and I am not a sloppy resort guest either. I guess I got stuck with the lazy maid!
14. Getting a Birthday button every day of my trip: Many cast members wished me a happy birthday even guests I did not know wished me one too. That is one of the perks! : ) I am not used to that kind of attention. I did feel funny about wearing the button even after my birthday- but a cast member said I shouldn’t because I was here celebrating it. Believe me I didn’t wear the button to get free anything including free dessert. I have never gone to Disney on my birthday!
15. I learned from my last trip; I wore sneakers only and wore my sandals only when I got back from a park or to the pool. My feet never were sore or tired and I wore my Sketchers!
16. Magic Band: It was fun to pick out the color and what to name it, but it was very uncomfortable to wear. I tried wearing it loosely, but that bothered me. Then I tried wearing it snug, but then my arm got sweaty. Most times I put it in a recloseable sandwich bag and it was in my backpack for when I needed it, like getting in my room. The Magic Band had to touch it physically, not scan as I thought it was going to do. I did miss the key card though. However it was nice to have my park tickets and fast passes on the same band. High tech for Disney!
17. Using the My Disney Experience was very easy to use on my iphone. In fact I even went on it to change my fast passes, easy as pie! Then it was very helpful when I was in Epcot and I could see how long the wait for the rides were too! Also checked out the Dining to see what places I could eat on that Saturday and that was the night I had decided to eat from the food court. There were plenty of places available, but I just didn’t feel like “traveling” to get there. I would highly recommend that application! It was free too!
I am in the stages of planning my next Birthday Disney Vacation. May of 2015 I am turning a BIG number, but I am still playing around the dates and where to stay, and where to eat.
It seems like every time I go to Disney as a solo trip I learn so much more!
Here are my tentative plans for May 2015 Big Birthday Vacation:
1. Thinking of staying at Pop Century because I have never stayed there and plus I want to save a bit so I can spend it for my trip. (Actually thinking about CBR again!)
2. I am looking at leaving on a Tuesday and coming back on a Sunday. I was not too crazy about coming back on Memorial Day, because to me it was a wasted day because I was still in Disney, but my flight was pretty early. This way if I come back on a late flight on Sunday I have Memorial Day off completely, and plus I still have some hours at Disney! (Leaving on a Tuesday and coming back on Sunday, late I hope.)
3. Seriously thinking about doing a counter-service for lunches and sit down for dinners. (Yes)
4. New places except Fulton’s because I am leaning towards that place for my Birthday dinner. They have the best seafood, shrimp, and crab! (Yes)
5. I am kicking around the idea of going on a Dining Plan, but it would depend on the price. (I am not doing this, I will be able to save more by NOT being on a meal plan!)
6. I am thinking about putting the yellow tags on my luggage. (I haven’t done this in a very long time.) Then I could just check in and catch a bus to go to a park!
7. I am hoping to include a meal at Be Our Guest. I am leaning towards lunch than dinner at this point. (Not sure if I want to do this)
8. I am hoping to include another dinner at the Turf Club @ Saratoga Springs. It was one of the best dinners I had for my Birthday vacation! (Maybe the last night)
9. I am thinking of going to the Campfire at Fort Wilderness and the horseback riding. (Horseback riding definitely)
So with any trip to Disney I expect I will be changing my mind quite frequently. However I will be making the Fulton’s reservation right at the 180 day mark.
I will most definitely be trying new things at Disney!
And as a Disney Addict I already have a schedule that I am tweaking.....
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Kate in PA All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them- Walt Disney
3.Get autographs. I usually see the lines and think it is silly to get an autograph but I realize when I get home I wish I had those autographs and pictures.
Gotta tell ya I had SUCH fun getting autographs this last trip! As with meet & greets, I once thought doing this was a little kid thing but then decided not to be an old stick and just TRY IT. After all, isn't one of the best things about Disney having permission to indulge our inner little kid? I think so. (Said the woman who strangely wore a Maleficent hat with Stitch paws a time or two ) Couldn't believe how fun it was to get the different autographs, especially the Princess ones which often had some little individual touch.
But, my "should have" is CHECK THE TOTE before leaving room to be sure book and pen are in it! I really REALLY wanted the Wicked Stepmother's and Stepsisters' autographs at 1900 Park Fare and discovered I'd stooopidly left my autograph book in the room. Still kicking myself as meeting them was such a hoot, and I bet they gave wild autographs.
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4, Pay for memory maker before we go. I always try to be cheap but I always end up wanting the pictures that Disney takes for us.
This is a must for us as we just don't want to mess with DIY picture-taking except for a few iPhone photos. The Disney photographers do a much better job than we could AND they have Magic Shots which are SUCH fun.
Besides, you can add some great borders to your MM photos. I like to choose one photo from each trip and buy a fridge magnet for some Disney magic every time I open the fridge. (Yes, the photo products are pricey, but the magic I get daily from seeing my fridge magnets or iPhone case is simply priceless.)
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5. Go through World showcase and see as much as possible.
This is my favorite area of Epcot--well, except for Test Track. Purely love TT!
You can honestly spend hours and hours just walking around each country's pavilion and looking through its shops without buying a thing--except caramel goodies in Germany! We love looking in the Japanese department store. So many interesting things for sale there.
And riding the boat across the lagoon or from International Gateway to the Epcot resorts and DHS is relaxing and enjoyable seeing the activity on the Boardwalk. We enjoyed that so much upon trying it that now we do the resorts/DHS boat trip at least once per trip.
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“People say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing every day.” —Winnie-the-Pooh
Last edited by Her Dotness; 01-01-2015 at 04:11 AM..
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Originally Posted by Her Dotness
I really REALLY wanted the Wicked Stepmother's and Stepsisters' autographs at 1900 Park Fare and discovered I'd stooopidly left my autograph book in the room. Still kicking myself as meeting them was such a hoot, and I bet they gave wild autographs.
I know it's far too late now, but....wouldn't they have signed a napkin or something for you?
Had nothing with either of us that could reasonably have been signed. Guess I could have asked for a paper napkin because 1900 PF has ample cloth napkins. Except, neither of us had a pen, and begging that too would have seemed tacky.
The "Disney deities" meant me to go back there--with autograph book and pen, I firmly believe. And we might. Despite average food, it was such fun.
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“People say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing every day.” —Winnie-the-Pooh
That is another ONE I MUST do for my next trip.. get some Autographs!
CinderAbby's trip report- her daughter Abby made me realize that why not could I get an Autograph? They are not just for the kids! Or so I thought!
Need to put that Must-do on my list too!
Her Dotness the last time my sons were at Disney was 2012 and they met both of the Step-sisters. I didn't have them sign anything but they were a HOOT to be with! The pictures and the memories speak a 1000 words to me. I hope you were able to interact with them, because they are Hilarious.... ! LOL
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Kate in PA All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them- Walt Disney
Her Dotness the last time my sons were at Disney was 2012 and they met both of the Step-sisters. I didn't have them sign anything but they were a HOOT to be with! The pictures and the memories speak a 1000 words to me. I hope you were able to interact with them, because they are Hilarious.... ! LOL
Yup, "a hoot"--my description as well.
Oh, you better believe I was going to have fun roleplaying with the Wickeds as much as I can get into that sort of thing. Here's our TR summary of the experience--
The Wickeds were a complete hoot. Drew told the red-haired stepsister that she resembled Jessica Rabbit, a compliment since he thinks Jessica Rabbit pretty hot. She immediately scrunched up her face to appear rabbity with upheld front rabbit paws, screeching to Stepsister Drusilla that Drew thinks she looks like a rabbit and DOES NOT. Too funny! [This was simply hysterical, especially since Drusilla was about 20 feet away. I am not kidding at all that she screeched.]
Drusilla and Stepmom were loads of fun. Of course, I played along like a madwoman, empathizing with them about how undeserving Cinderella was of the Prince when the Wickeds were so much more elegant, lovely and suitable.
WStepmom enthused about liking me immensely when she said with curled lip of Drew that he must be my dreary "Prince Charming."
"Oh my, no!" I speedily replied when she asked if that's why he was with me. I stuck out my hand with its diamond wedding band and replied with a smirk, "He buys me JEWELRY. That's why."
"Well, I DO like how you think," she said.
[Ooopsie! I just found out the name is actually "Drizella" instead of "Drusilla." That's much better, suggesting the word "drizzle" as it does. Well, I learned something today that I'm sure will be immensely useful info. LOL]
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“People say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing every day.” —Winnie-the-Pooh
Last edited by Her Dotness; 01-01-2015 at 04:13 PM..
Okay, I'm getting in on this a bit late, because quite frankly, working two jobs, one in retail at the holidays, has been kicking my rear end and I've been tired, but I resolve to be better on PassPorter!
My list would be...
More Mickey Krispie Treats...there are never enough!
Visit DisneyQuest
Actually BUY an ornament or two at the Downtown Disney Christmas store!
Spend more time at the pool...also never enough!
See Tiana...We just never take the time
See Fantasmic again...It's been a few years
Ride Star Tours as many times as humanly possible. I yearn to be the rebel spy!
Do the Wishes Dessert Party again.
Okay, I'm getting in on this a bit late, because quite frankly, working two jobs, one in retail at the holidays, has been kicking my rear end and I've been tired...
Having worked at Waldenbooks and then Borders for nearly ten years total, I can sure relate to being that tired. I was too wiped out to care about putting up any Christmas stuff at all most of those years even though I love doing that.
Sure was glad to get out of retail and be eager to get all Christmasy again, that's for sure.
Yup, you're definitely excused, with sincerest sympathy.
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“People say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing every day.” —Winnie-the-Pooh
I too worked a full time job and a second job in retail! I am so glad that the Christmas season is over because I barely thought or even planned for my trip. I think it had been since Thanksgiving that the idea of going to Disney was even there!
I so get it too, joelsmom and HerDotness!
But joelsmom, I can definitely relate to your #3- buy an ornament in the Christmas store! I plan on doing that! And YES spend more time at the pool!
It is amazing what you learn from your last trips! Ugh!
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Kate in PA All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them- Walt Disney
We just booked trip # 5 for this April. Our anniversary is in April and this will be the third time we'll be there for our anniversary. Guess you could say we are in a rut! But the hubby was the one that suggested the trip this time, not me. After our last trip, which did not go well because dh was in the midst of a flare-up of his autoimmune disorder, I said I'd never go to WDW again with him. Who wants to spend that kind of money to sit in a hotel room?
First trip was for 8 nights in Oct. 2007 (my birthday). It was too short. We decided to add a day or two, so I called our TA and asked her to do that. She called back later and said no rooms were available. Now that I know better -- I should never have called the TA, I should have just gone to the front desk myself. I am sure that there were rooms available in early October. Lesson learned -- Don't be too dependent on the TA.
Second trip (April 2009) was for 11 nights -- perfect! Used a TA again (different one) but felt like it sort of put me in bondage. Make sense to any one? Lesson learned -- I don't need a TA.
Third trip, Nov. 2010, was a "last minute" trip (as in, started planning just 2 1/2 months ahead of time). My mil lived with us for eight months before she died here. She kept saying, "When I'm gone, I want you to go to Disney World." She kept wanting assurance from me that we would go. The nurses said she was lingering due to unfinished business, so on the morning of Aug. 19, I bought tickets (knowing that they would be good until we used them) and told her that I had purchased the tickets for WDW. She smiled, nodded her head, and an hour later she died. Two weeks passed before I was able to bring myself to tell dh that I had Disney tickets! Right away he said to book a trip, so without a TA this time, I booked our trip, got every ADR we wanted, and, except for weather (three days of rain, three days of cold wind, then four beautiful days), it was a perfect trip. Lesson learned -- You don't have to have months and months and months to plan. You can get all the ADRs you want even if you didn't book them at the 180-day mark.
Fourth trip was planned for April 2012 (35th anniversary). That trip was cancelled due to our dog's health and rescheduled for April 2013. I wanted to cancel that trip also because of the dog, but we ended up putting her to sleep the week before we left. Putting her to sleep was inevitable, but dh's grief over losing her plus the flare up of his disease made this trip less than thrilling. Lesson learned -- Be sure family members are in good health. By booking room-only, I can cancel within a week of our trip.
Fifth trip is just a little over 100 days away. I just booked the trip. In talking about our plans, I think we may skip Park Hopper passes. We are also not planning an ADR every day. When I went through the list and thought about which meals are really worth the money, most of them don't make the cut. We drive, so we can pack plenty of food. And this way, we are free to graze around the F&GF without worrying that we are going to ruin lunch or dinner. I am also hoping to visit the Disney Wilderness Preserve one day. So, changes for this trip: Fewer ADRs (so far, just three for ten days however I may be adding in a breakfast). Skip Park Hoppers. Explore beyond WDW.
This is good, because I'm just getting started on planning our next trip to WDW in December. Listing the 'Should haves' will come in really useful for making up the 'Must do' list!
1) Should have stayed longer. We thought that a week in Orlando would be more than enough - I only bought 4-day passes! We extended those by a day - but at the end of the week (well, 6 days with travelling), we felt like we'd only just got started.
2) Should have eaten more Dole Whips.
3) Should have had more down time. We found ourselves transformed from a fairly laid-back family into hard-core Disney Park fans - there from rope drop to the fireworks! Day after Day! By the end of the week, we were pretty exhausted . . .
4) Should have been more disciplined about eating. On quite a few evenings we got so carried away with making the most of the short lines, we forgot about dinner, only to realise once we got to the car park, that we were starving and exhausted and that there was nowhere open to pick up some food on the way back to the villa!
5) Should have eaten more Dole Whips
6) Should have bought more souvenirs. I got some silicon trivets and a photo mug of the family on Splash Mountain and I smile every time I use them.
7) Should have spent more time at the International Showcase.
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) Couldn't believe how fun it was to get the different autographs, especially the Princess ones which often had some little individual touch.
We love looking in the Japanese department store. So many interesting things for sale there.
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