The Most Magical Birthday Vacation Ever- 2nd Solo Trip of 2014 About This Page:

[lovewdw2]

I am so Sorry.... last week was horrific at work..and this week I played catch-up!

I am not sure how I lasted anyway... but you know on my 1st Solo Trip I had said to no to go to a park on the day I arrive- however I will not listen to that advice again! I forgot that my Vacation starts as soon as I decide where to go- meaning what park!

Keep reading I hope to have all the days ready for all of you to read it... or to experience Disney in my eyes. Thank you for all the kind words!

And Yes I will be putting a list of the things I learned from this trip too!

[lovewdw2]

[lovewdw2]

Thursday, May 22nd: Animal Kingdom

I set the alarm in case I slept past 8am, but I woke up about 7am. I called my mom because I wanted to Ryan before he got to school. But somehow that didn’t happen. I would try tomorrow. I felt rested and got ready to go to Animal Kingdom. I ate the cereal I brought, took a shower, got dressed and watched Law & Order too! My plan was to leave at 8:30am but that didn’t work. Instead I left about 20 minutes later. Another beautiful day here in Disney, no humidity and a slight breeze too! I am definitely loving this month here in Disney! I took more pictures again while on my way to the bus. I saw a Bird’s of Paradise but it was white with blue. I have never seen that color before! The ones I have seen are orange with black. So I saw turtles and Big Fish in the lake that surrounds the food court and pool. I get inside the food court and I check again the Grab & Go, this time I see the Chocolate Croissants that I absolutely loved back in August! However I was not hungry and I was on my way to AK. So I knew at least they still made them. I went on my way to the bus stop. It took awhile for a AK bus to come, but I am on vacation!

My 1st fast pass of the day was the Kilimanjaro Safari at 9:50am. So I got my map and started hiking to Africa. This time it wasn’t so hot and Thank God for that! By the time I got to the Safari it was almost 10:45am, the hour was almost up. However the fast pass had a line- Can you believe that? So I got in it. There was a family of four ahead of me, they were from London. (loved their accents) As they got up to use their fast passes with their magic bands, they were told they were an hour early. Damn! I swiped mine it turned green. I walked past the VERY long line and ended up right near the part where you get on the trucks. Having a Fast pass is not too bad! I sat with 2 other people and this time I was sitting on the outside. The ride was pretty good and different each time I have gone. When I got off I looked at my phone and saw it was almost 11:30am lunch. I figured out where I needed to be and started walking. I got there in plenty of time and still had to wait. She called my name and she asked me: Steps or elevator? I said you choose. (I wish I had chosen the elevator). She chose the stairs as I was going up, my right knee started to hurt. I was not sure why, but at that point I wished I had chosen the elevator. It was hurting enough that I was struggling to lift my knee to walk up the steps. It was weird and wasn’t hurting prior. Anyway I sat at a table for 2 and looked at African art; I guess that is what it was.

I looked at the menu and I was surprised to see there were a lot of choices. But when my server, Hector came I ordered a non-alcoholic Pina Colada. It was so refreshing and then I ordered the Sweet and Sour Pork which had onions, green papers, and pineapple. Plus there was jasmine rice too. It was very good and I felt so much better after I ate. I did take 2 naproxen thinking that would help. Actually it didn’t do anything which I thought was strange. After lunch I decided to walk to the Exit, but first I wanted to check out EE. I stood there and watched the train go up and then down. It still didn’t appeal to me, but I did enjoy watching plus I spoke to a young woman who was from Canada. Her friends were on the ride, but she didn’t think she would like it. She was saying she was not a roller-coaster person. Me neither! I continued on my way, and noticed people going into the theater to see Nemo the Musical. I decided to see what it was all about. Of course it was a short version of the movie, but it was pretty good. While I was watching I realized that I felt like this movie has been played a lot. I felt like enough is enough. I did enjoy the music; however they didn’t have the scene of the seagulls. I thought that was weird. I think there are movies I really like and seeing them or hearing the music, but then there are movies like Nemo that one time is enough for me. Anyway…

I went into a few shops to shop, but didn’t see anything really. So I headed towards the exit but I knew I wanted to visit the gift shop of the Rainforest Café. I did walk around but I did not see anything. I did take some photos of the waterfall. So I left to go and catch the bus back to Caribbean Beach. Of course the first stop was Jamaica and this time I got off. Got to my room and I did not get lost! My room was welcoming and cool. I left the ceiling fan on. I had thought I would go to the pool, but I was too tired and just wanted a nap! So I pulled the curtains, put the TV on Law & Order, and set the alarm on in case I overslept. Found one of my pool towels to use as a cover, because I didn’t want to get under the covers. My dinner at Tokyo Dining was at 6:30pm.
I think I woke up around 4pm and felt more awake then before. I woke up on my own without the alarm. I got ready to leave to go to Epcot. It was still very nice and sunny outside. I walked to the Food Court and walked to the Port Royal Bus Stop. Boarded the Epcot bus and headed to the World Showcase to get to Japan by 6:30pm. I wasn’t exactly starving but I could eat or at least eat something light. I get to Japan early; in fact the drums were being played. I sat down to wait a bit. Then I hear a conversation between a Japanese cast member and a man. He was asking about the young woman who makes candy. I remember her because when I came to Epcot with my boys, we were always mesmerized by her art! I also knew that her making candy was a tradition, and she was trained by her grandfather. Also there were very few who were trained to do the candy. So I overhear this conversation… apparently the young woman retired! I didn’t know you could do that, since she was one of the last that was trained. I thought how sad, that the kids that come today will never get to see her make candy animals. But then again I thought my kids were privilege to have seen that as I was too! Now it is a lost art!

I checked in and told to go inside. I took those steps, and this time my knee didn’t hurt as much. I don’t think it was the medication, maybe since I got off my knee and rested. So I get into the restaurant and it is quite crowded. I felt like I picked a good place to eat dinner! I checked in and they gave me one of those red alarms. I stood the whole time, because there were a bunch of kids (high school) sitting and waiting. The dining room is not big like Teppan Edo. Finally my red thingy went off and I was headed to the table, a table for four. I sat facing the restaurant. There was a family of three to my right, and past them I could see Epcot. I also checked out what they were eating too. The server came and I ordered an iced tea. I was pleasantly surprised that the menu had many choices. I ended up getting a garden salad with the Ginger dressing (which I LOVE) and tempura Chicken and Shrimp. The salad was so good; however it had way too much dressing on it. I had wished I had asked for it to be on the side. Then my dinner came and it looked so interesting. The chicken and shrimp where leaning together with 2 green beans tempura too. Behind it was a tempura onion, a zucchini, and at first I thought it was a carrot. But as I was trying it I realized it was a sweet potato. I thought how could Disney get a carrot that big...ha ha! On my tray I also had a noodle salad, a very small portion of cucumbers in vinegar and beef rice. The tempura was very good, the chicken and shrimp. I also had a dipping sauce, which just added to the yummiest dinner. The green beans were interesting; I only ate ½ of the onion and sweet potato and didn’t touch the zucchini. The noodle salad was good, ate the cucumbers (not as tangy as you would think) and the beef rice was not what I expected, but I ate some. I was quite full. While I was waiting for my server a couple was now sitting to my right. They had ordered sushi and I was checking that out. I am not a sushi lover,
but I like watching people eat it. Anyway then their dinner came and it was tempura too. Then my server came and she brought her friends- sang Happy Birthday in Japanese! LOVED it! I didn’t even get that on my actual Birthday! But the cake she brought was vanilla cake with layers of vanilla icing, with a thin top layer of chocolate icing. YUM! I was quite full before the cake, so to be polite I ate about ½. Got my check and gave her a $9.00 tip, it was more than the 18%. As I was walking to the door I stopped and talked to the manager. He was a sweet man and told me that there were 130 people that were in the restaurant. I asked if he spoke Japanese and he did. In fact he told me that he speaks Japanese more than English. When he tells people that he works in a Japanese restaurant they don’t believe him. He did not look Japanese at all… taller than me and had more weight on him than I do. He was quite pleasant to talk too and I told him I thoroughly enjoyed my 1st visit. We shook hands and then I left. I walked around instead of going down the stairs. I saw where my table was and took a picture of Epcot. I headed to see the rest of the countries. I took some lovely pictures of the roses in America Adventure. I had intended to stay and watch the fireworks at Epcot, but it was then I decided that I was not interested. So I decided to go to the Beach Club- see the resort that I had stayed with the kids back in 2008. Plus I wanted to see if I could find that wallet that Philmore loved, because it just had broken. I knew I would have to go the Yacht Club. The walk from Epcot to the Beach wasn’t long and as soon as I saw it, it brought all the memories back. I swear that resort has some really good scent in the lobby. I went into the Gift shop and I surprisingly saw that they had more hot food options than before. I walked to the Yacht and I found the wallet! I bought it! Then I was thinking how could I get back to my resort without walking through Epcot. Of course there is not a bus that goes to Epcot, but I could take the boat to DHS. So I headed down to the marina. I was sitting but a few minutes later the boat pulled up and the cast member said that they could not go to DHS, because of some bridge problem. Really??? So Yep...I was walking back to Epcot to get on the bus back to my resort! As I was walking back, I see the fireworks started! Great! However I did get to see some of them as I walked past the countries. The word “tsunami” came into my brain- Yes I had to get to the bus stop before the tsunami of people came from the fireworks! I walked pretty fast and got there. So I did get to see some of Illuminations! I got back to my room, and collapsed! I got ready for bed and enjoyed my evening.

I am sorry my font is tiny and then it gets bigger along the way. I wanted it tiny so I could fit my trip report in...but hopefully you won't need a magnifying glass to read it!

I will post pictures after too.

Thanks for reading along.... next is DHS!

[lovewdw2]

[lovewdw2]

Friday, May 23rd: Hollywood Studios

This time I got up again at 7am, actually that is the time I woke up. I called my mom and did speak to Ryan this time! I told him to have a good weekend with his father and that I would see him on Monday. I had to get going because my 1st fast pass was at 10:05am. I took a shower, got dressed and ate my cereal. I again walked to the Food Court and to the bus stop. I so enjoyed the landscape in getting to the bus stop. It was all so beautiful. Of course this was Star Wars Weekend and I wanted to get an early start before the big crowds started. I did and had a hard time trying to find the Muppets. I swear every time I come to this park I always get confused and lost. I had a map too. Finally I found the Muppets but I am too early, so I take a few pictures of the fountain, Miss Piggy. Then I see the tattoo stand. I go over and start looking. Yep I got one or two. At first I was looking for Bullseye, they didn’t have him. So I saw a Tiki Mickey and a Tiki Donald, I couldn’t decide. So I sat down and the woman asked me which one, I said I couldn’t decide. She said she would give me both because it was my birthday, but I told her I was willing to pay for both. They were $6.00 each. She wanted to give to do it for me. That was so sweet! I noticed on her arm that she had a henna and I asked about it, since I knew very little about it. They are not permanent but I actually liked them. She told me that I had to pay inside the gift shop, which I did. I had a nice conversation with the cast member. When I came back to the woman, I had to give her the receipt, but I gave her a tip too! At that time I could go inside to the Muppets, and I did. I love that show. I forgot how funny it was. After I was done I walked back the way I came, but on the other side of the wall that separated the Muppets, was the Streets of America. That is when this truck pulls up and opens up to a live band! Pretty Good I would say! I was tapping my foot and moving to the music, but without them seeing because I didn’t want to be pulled up. I did take some video too. Their band name was Mulch Sweat n Shears! I was entertained! I walked over to pay homage to One Man’s Dream! I took a bunch of pictures with me and Walt! I walked through but didn’t stay for the movie, because my next fast pass for Toy Story had started at 11:40am. I walked over and hit my magic band and got onto the ride pretty darn quick. My score wasn’t that great but I thoroughly enjoyed it! I wanted to go on it again but I did not want to wait 120 minutes! I did see a line for Darth Vader. I stood and watched him, pretty cool. I wanted to hang around but there really wasn’t anything I had wanted to do. So I decide to ride the Great Movie Ride, but then I realize my stomach was growling. I could have stayed in line, rode it and then went and got something to eat. But I decided I wanted shrimp! Plus my Dad had said before I left try to go to Fulton’s. Of course that is how the word shrimp was in my head. Plus it was past 12:30pm but then I realized that there weren’t any buses that go from DHS to Downtown Disney. It had something to do with parking. I don’t know, but I got on the Coronado Springs bus, got off there, and waited for a DTD bus. It didn’t take too long, but I sure was starving. I got to DTD and immediately walked to Fulton’s. I walked in and I asked that I was here for lunch. They seated me in the bar area which was not crowded. Jackie was my server and she was so nice! The menu was limited but when she came back I asked her about the shrimp cocktail. It only had 5, but she asked how many did I want. I said 10. I also ordered a Sunset Punch- which was very good and refreshing (non-alcohol). She brought the bowl filled with ice with the shrimp laying on it and said there were 15! WOW! I peeled all of them and then ate them. She was supposed to bring bread too, but I was glad that she didn’t. She felt bad, but I told her it was a good thing. She brought wet towels so I could “wash” my hands. The she brought a piece of birthday cake, free of course! It was all chocolate with chocolate icing, with chocolate and vanilla shavings, with whipped cream at the bottom. Also it had a raspberry trim to it too. The words “Happy Birthday” were written in chocolate on the outside of the plate. I took a picture of it. I had NO room for it, but I did somehow eat ½ of it. I had Jackie give me a small container. She was so sweet that I gave her a 20% tip. Plus it was the best $20.00 meal I have had in a very long time! (I just counted the shrimp it was 18 and not 15!) I left very full, but very content too. I walked to check out the gift store at Ragland Road. Then walked back to do a little shopping. My dinner was at 5:25pm at the Turf Club at Saratoga Springs. I was hoping that my stomach would digest quickly so I would be hungry for dinner. I started walking back to the bus stop because I did not want to be late for dinner. I figured if I got there early I could walk around and check out the resort. That did not happen. In fact I had waited a good 20 to 25 minutes for even a bus to come to DTD. Two other women were waiting as well. I got to talk to them too. It was nice. All three of us got on the bus that is when the shift had changed. It took the new driver 15 minutes to check and get himself adjusted. But at one point he wasn’t doing anything! I guess he was wasting some time, but my dinner time was fast approaching and I knew that I was going to be late. Also the bus was supposed to stop at the Water Park BEFORE going to Saratoga Springs! Somehow the bus did not do that- one of the women said he must have read my mind! LOL! When I got off the bus I had no idea which way to go. I had to ask a guest and she pointed the way. I walked past the pool, big. I finally got to the Turf Club and I was late! I think I got there at 5:40pm but I explained that the bus was late and they weren’t worried. One of the girls asked me did I want to eat outside or in. I chose outside and it was warm but it wasn’t uncomfortable. Plus I was the only one eating outside. All the tables outside were made out of iron, no tablecloth either. It was inviting and comfortable. Plus my view was the water through the trees. My server was Ron and he was very sweet. The menu had many choices and I was going to have a non-alcohol drink but he talked me out the ones that were listed. So I got a Coke instead! I haven’t had a soda in months, but that was the best Coke I have had in a very long time, it was sweet too. I ordered the Caesar Salad and the Pasta Chicken. He brought bread too. I am not sure where I found the room to eat dinner, but I did. The Caesar salad was really good! It was big so I ate the rest with my dinner. The pasta was fettuccine with a light and clear garlic sauce with chicken and veggies; a few mushrooms that I took out of the bowl. Overall it was probably one of the best meals I have had on this vacation! No dessert either. I ended up giving Ron a tip of 20%, he deserved it. By the time I left there were 2 more tables. One family had just flown in from England and all 3 kids were pretty exhausted. The mom told me that they were still on their time, which was 6 hours ahead of us- 12:15am! No wonder they were so tired! I left and went to check out the gift shop, not much. I took some pictures and headed to the bus stop. While I was waiting I talked to a woman who lived about an hour away but was here with her daughter and grandson who was 10. Then I was talking to 2 teenagers and they were headed to Magic Kingdom, because it was open 24 hours. Not me I was heading to Epcot so I could catch a resort bus, which I did. I went to the Food Court and picked out something for snack, a chocolate cupcake and a sugar cookie. Of course I was hoping to see some chocolate croissant left, but they were nowhere in sight. That is when I walked up to the manager and asked about them and to make sure they were still making them. He said they start making them in the morning and whatever is made is how many get bought. He saw my birthday button and said that he would write himself a note and would put it on his desk for tomorrow. He asked how many did I want and I said one but I quickly changed my mind (not to go to all that trouble for one) and replied 2. He said his shift started at 2pm and to find him when I came back. I said I would try to come back earlier, but he interrupted me and said to enjoy my day and when I came back to ask for him.

I went in the pool; zero entry which I thought was cool. I swam around then got out and went into the hot tub, to loosen my poor joints and muscles. It felt really good. I got out after 15 minutes and started to dry off. That is when I noticed people were leaving, we were being kicked out. I am not sure why but the sun was setting and I hadn’t planned on staying anyway. I got back to my room and realized that I wanted a snack; something chocolate. I ate half the cupcake and it wasn’t good. However I ate ½ of the sugar cookie and that was delicious! Got ready for bed and collapsed!


I see a pattern of me collapsing.... but you know when I got up in the morning I felt rested! Even my feet were not hurting. I didn't have to ice them this trip!



Pictures to follow! Next is Magic Kingdom!

[lovewdw2]

[lovewdw2]

So.... did alot of posting in the last hour!

I just started typing Saturday out- Magic Kingdom! I hope to post that tomorrow night.

Thanks for reading along..... I am sorry it is soo detailed, but my 1st Solo trip report was not detailed at all.

But I learned from reading Darlene's Trip Report- Thanks Darlene!

[Cam22]

You are having such great days to celebrate your birthday. I think it would be cool to hear "Happy Birthday" in Japanese. We only go to see the candy maker once, but I understand things don't last forever. How sweet of the chef to make the chocolate croissants for you.

[phiedragon]

Wow, you are having a lot of birthday fun! And a lot of good birthday food and desserts

I the Tiki Donald!

[CinderAbby]

Originally Posted by lovewdw2

So.... did alot of posting in the last hour!

I just started typing Saturday out- Magic Kingdom! I hope to post that tomorrow night.

Thanks for reading along..... I am sorry it is soo detailed, but my 1st Solo trip report was not detailed at all.

But I learned from reading Darlene's Trip Report- Thanks Darlene!

A couple of great days for you - and how cool to be sung to in Japanese. And all those desserts? It makes me wish I could go to Disney over my birthday (but it's in June and we're always still in school).

I'm enjoying your TR and I can't wait to read more but don't apologize for too many details. I think they're important. Anyone can come along and say I did this or I did that but it's the details that give people a good idea of what goes on. Your bus where they changed shifts for example (we've BTDT as well) - it happens and it's the perfect example of why you should always allow plenty of time for travel (and I don't mean an example for you Kate, I mean one for those reading this).

I'm glad I was an example for your TR (you're welcome) but tell me - was I a good example or a bad example?

[bobr]

Great report! Sounds like a great birthday and a great trip. Sorry to hear the service @ Cali Grill wasn't up to snuff, it's been on my bucket list. CBR sounds like a nice stay. Tokyo Dining is a favorite, I'm a sushi person, and the service has always been very gracious there. Also like Yak & Yeti at AKL, if you missed the mango pie, you need to try it next trip. Looking forward to the rest of your report.

[Nemo125]

Just found this TR! Love reading about all the details!

[disneydreamer33]

Great report and pics. Glad you are having a great time.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[lovewdw2]

Thanks you for all the kind words! Yes this has been incredible Birthday trip! I got to experience things that never thought I could.... well only at Disney!

Yes I am such a detail person.... as you have read!

Darlene you have been a Great example! When I read your trip reports (last Disney trip & the Washington trip) I feel like I am right there too! Which I just adore so why couldn't I "copy" that idea from you? But your right people who read my trip report will get an understanding as how it was for me at Disney. Hopefully they have learned something because I have learned a great deal from you and everyone else on this Wonderful Site!

As far as the pictures.... I got totally lost reading your directions! It wasn't you, it was all me! So hopefully you can see them!

I finished Saturday but I need to post the pictures for that day. I am hoping to be done with Sunday soon. Then Monday will be short and then I promise to post what I learned and what I won't do again! LOL!

Hang in there..Everyone!

[Colexis Mom]

Great updates and pictures!