My spontaneous against the odds solo trip adventure! - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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But here's a quick recap too:
I just changed careers, and to relax and celebrate a little I wanted to try to hit WDW in my down time inbetween jobs. It was spontaneous and last minute, but at this time of year I figured we could get rooms, etc fairly easily. I was originally supposed to go with my bff Stephanie - she's a singer songwriter I just signed to my indie americana/folk record label. If you want to check her out here she is, she just wrote this cute song for her husband over the weekend YouTube - my old man - stephanie fagan
Sorry this was supposed to be the short version! haha!
So anyway...Steph's a military wife and we were going to head down together to take advantage of the amazing promo WDW has going right now. It was a road trip, no reservations, no plans, totally spontaneous and fun...in theory lol!
Well Steph got sick, and the weather got bad. When she broke the news to me I was heartbroken because I had already emotionally prepared myself to go! (I am sure you guys know what that means lol!)
I thought about it, and I did go alone last year, and I wouldn't mind doing it again...but wasn't sure if DH would go for it or not. It was a wild, unplanned thing, I no longer had the military discount angle to work, and his feelings might be hurt that I wanted to go away without him. He's kind of a Disney downer, but he'd still rather go than be left at home.
He wasn't thrilled when I approached him and wouldn't commit to a firm YES, espeically about me driving down there alone with ice on the roads up here. But I buttered him up in every way I could think of, and he did eventually concede in the 11th hour. Yay!
I already had my bag almost packed, so I was ready to go in a half hour. I hopped onto priceline and got a downtown disney area hotel for $60 a night! The Royal Plaza - normally over $200 a night, so this was a pretty amazing deal! I am sure bad weather cancellations made this possible, but I won't complain. I hopped in the car, and away I went! I got out of town at about 7:30 PM, and was checking in at 2AM...I was tired but the adrenaline kept me alert. I had absolutely NO traffic, so that was a huge help too.
My room was spacious and very comfy! It reminded me of a nice Vegas hotel room - maybe one at the MGM would be a good comparison? Not opulent, but very clean, fresh, new looking - it had a very business hotel feel to it. I travelled for work with my old job a lot, and it was a heck of a lot nicer than what you can get for $60 almost anyplace else I've been!! I swung by the taco bell which has late night drive thru hours, and is super conveniently located just a couple blocks away from the hotel. There's also a 24 hour supermarket! I didn't think I'd be ok with staying off-property, but it turned out to have some nice perks.
I also had a very fortunate turn of events with regards to tickets - my cousin's mother in law works for Disney! So she was able to get me complimentary park hopper passes for THREE days! Yeah! Since it was just me, I didn't feel too bad taking her charity, and it definitely softened my husband up to the trip, being that it would be significantly less expensive with free tickets. I'd never ask again, but in my "darkest hour" I was soooooo incredibly grateful!
More on that tomorrow ngiht - I start my new job tomorrow, so I need to hit the hay now...but I'll report on my free ticket adventure, Sanaa, my visit to AK, and WS tomorrow after work. Wish me luck!
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PassPorter's Free-Book to Walt Disney World It’s hard to believe anything is free at Walt Disney World; but there are actually a number of things you can get or do for little to no cost. This e-book documents over 200 free or cheap tips to do before you go and after you arrive. You could save a considerable amount of money following these tips. Perhaps more importantly; you can discover overlooked attractions and little-known details most people whiz by on their way to spend money. Click here to see free sample pages from the e-book! Get this popular e-book free of extra charges when you join the PassPorter's Club for as little as $4.95. A club pass includes access to all our other e-books; e-worksheets; super-size photos; and more! This e-book is also available for separate purchase in the PassPorter Online Store for just $5.95.
I love your friend’s song (it made me all teary eyed) & her voice is beautiful! I wish she could have joined you, but I am glad you had a nice safe trip to Disney! I have had the free tickets before it sure is nice hu? Your room sounds very nice & that price is great! Have a great first day of work! I am looking forward to reading all about your solo adventure!!
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I had absolutely NO traffic, so that was a huge help too.
I'd never ask again, but in my "darkest hour" I was soooooo incredibly grateful! 
Like
Thank
Pixie Dust
PassPorter Guide Author
with the new job! Looking forward to reading all about your second solo trip!! 
Susan
Deb
I wish she could have joined you, but I am glad you had a nice safe trip to Disney! I have had the free tickets before it sure is nice hu?
I am looking forward to reading all about your solo adventure!! 
for the first day at the new job!
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