The Most Magical Birthday Vacation Ever- 2nd Solo Trip of 2014 - Page 3 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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Just got all caught up! You had some great "birthday" meals and I haven't eaten at any of those places so now I'm intrigued and want to try them! That chocolate birthday dessert looked yummy
I woke up without the alarm again! I knew that I needed to be early because it was a Saturday and it will get crowded. My first fast pass was at 9:45am at Haunted Mansion. I hustled a little quicker than the last 2 mornings, but I was at Magic Kingdom at 9am. I walked down Main Street and it was crowded, but not a lot of people. I decided to go towards the left of the castle, Adventureland. I did however want to go a different way, but I had that fast pass at HM and did not want to walk way over from Tomorrowland. Anyway I decide to climb the many stairs in the Tree House, since it has been a few years since I climbed them. It was nice and I forgot how nice the scenery is and what you can see from the top. I took a few pictures. It wasn’t as many stairs as I remember. In fact there weren’t many people around either. I thought most were at DHS, because Star Wars Weekend. Good for me anyway! Then I realized that it was slightly past 9:45am and started walking towards HM. Took the scenic walkway, by the water and all of sudden I smelled a familiar scent. Gardenias! I thought they were only at the Polynesian, but not true. Smelling those flowers always triggers memories of when I was a little girl and we were staying at the Polynesian! Yes took pictures of them too.
I get to the Haunted Mansion and there is not a line in sight. Plus I forgot that I had a fast pass, but went through the line and saw the extras, which I wished they had this set-up when my boys were little. Anyway get to the “front door” and waited. I noticed to my left there were a group of people dressed up and had tags around their necks. I asked the older gentleman who they were. He answered that they are new employees for working in the parks. I wondered how many people would make it through the program. I thought the ones that were dressed very nicely might make it better than the ones that were dressed very casual! Enjoyed the ride as always! I got over to Peter Pan at 10:50am or at least within the time frame. Of course it had a very long line with a long wait too. Why is this ride ALWAYS crowded? But it was very sweet to walk right past all those people and be on the ride. Sorry! I walked over to It’s a Small World and rode that and Mickey’s Philharmagic too. The song DID NOT stay in my head! LOL So I got out of the ride and decided to keep riding, so I walked up through the new part of Fantasyland and got on Ariel, again no line. When I was about to get on the ride 2 of the trainees went ahead of me, and I had to walk back to get on a shell. That is when I thought these 2 were only here for the rides and not for the training! I walked out of the exit and walked back towards Peter Pan. That is when I noticed this group of people standing around the Mines Train. I knew it wasn’t going to open until May 28th and today it was May 24th; so why all these people? I asked the 4 cast members standing together and one told me that they were doing a soft opening, but there are no fast passes. I asked him the difference from this ride to Thunder Railroad Mountain, he replied, it was much smoother. It was still a rollercoaster! I was contemplating because I hadn’t read anything of how tame it would be. So a family came out of the exit and I asked them some questions. They were very nice and helpful. They said there were turns and dips, but they liked it better than Thunder Railroad. I asked if it took them a long time to get on and they said no, it took less than what the sign had said! They also said it was a smoother ride too. So I looked at the time it was 11:05am or something close to it, because I was thinking that I had about an hour until my lunch time which was 11:55am. The sign said 60 minutes and I decided right there I would give it a try. I ended up talking to the 2 young college graduates in front of me. They had graduated from Colorado and were taking a vacation before starting new jobs. Yeah I talked to them a lot, lol! The line moved fast and I was surprised. By the time I got to the trains, it had taken me 23.27 minutes! WOW! So much for the 60 minute wait! I ended up sitting next to a Father and he wasn’t quite sure about it either. His 2 older kids were sitting in front of us. Well the ride went pretty good, and yes it was smoother. Dips and turns and lost my stomach on one of the drops, and the father next to me was complaining too. When it stopped he said he was done with these crazy rides! I agreed with him. It was funny! I was VERY glad that I was able to get on this new ride even before it actually opened. I never get to do stuff like that!
I looked at my phone and noticed it was getting to the time to my lunch at the Plaza. I walked towards it. I get to the podium and apologize for the lateness, but I was told I was early! It was getting hot and a little more humid today. I was seated in a room that was to the left of the dining room. It was a table of four and I sat in the booth part. I ordered a hamburger with fries but no roll. Yes I ordered a Coke because I needed some caffeine and sugar. There was a family to my right. The menu is limited and not too many choices, but I was hungry for a burger. Then the “Mayor” came around and talked. I was just glad to get out the heat for a bit. Then a family was seated to my left. My food came and it was really good! I had 2 slices of tomatoes and some lettuce which I turned into a salad with my cheddar cheese burger with grilled onions. I have learned to do without the roll! The French fries were good or maybe it has been awhile since I had some good fries. I even dipped them in ketchup, which normally I don’t like, but added some change. I was too full for any ice cream. The burger was $14.99- OUCH! But it was pretty good and my server was pretty good too. I gave her more than a 20% tip.
I came out of the restaurant and I was pretty full so I decided to walk through the rose garden. Then I headed towards Buzz, since my fast pass was going to expire. I was still able to get on. You know after I got off it wasn’t as fun as Toy Story. I had decided that until Disney did an upgrade to Buzz that I would forgo it and just go on Toy Story! Then I headed to Carousel of Progress (for my Dad). I wanted to go on the People Mover, but I noticed it was shut down, but when I was done with Carousel it was working again. I did notice the huge line for it too. I decided I would go another day. I really wanted to go on Tom Sawyer’s Island, but it was getting late and it was so darn hot and humid! So I headed over to the Liberty Belle. I first decided to get something cool, a slushy. I couldn’t make up my mind whether I wanted a cherry or a coke, so the woman mixed it up for me. Who does that? I took a picture of it! It definitely cooled me down as I sat and waited for the Big Boat. I always enjoy this ride, and I know it seems like a waste of time, but it isn’t. I remember taking my boys back in 2002 and they liked it too. A little calm for the day! When we came back, the parade was about to start. So I thought I should see it since it was new. I ended up watching the parade from where the Gardenias are, what a nice way to enjoy the breeze among my favorites! The parade was good, but I am not a parade person especially in Disney. I did like the parade in Epcot, tapestries of dreams or something; I don’t remember the name exactly. After the parade I decided to ride the train, so I got on in Frontierland, by Splash Mountain. I didn’t make the train but then there was a slight wait, so people were getting off and that is when they decided to let the rest of us get on. I got a bench to myself. Then there was message that the train was having difficulties and it will take some time to fix it. So I decided to get off the train. I wasn’t sure how long I would have to wait. I walked back down the stairs and decided to leave. I was getting tired. I did do some shopping before leaving. I finally bought the cotton candy; and I feel it tastes better in Magic Kingdom, than any other park. I know I am weird! I decided to go back to the room and relax. I forgot that the CB resort’s bus pick up at Magic Kingdom was a long hike.
So again the bus stopped at Jamaica on the first stop! It was way after 2pm when I did return, but I did ask for him and a young woman went to find him, his name was Tom. I am waiting and I see him walking towards me. He said he would be right back. He comes out with a white box, I peer inside and not only do I see 2 but I see a total of 3 Chocolate Croissants!! I said I would be willing to pay for the 3 but he says the 3rd is free! I told him that these are my absolute favorite and he says let me go get Cindy she is the baker. WOW! Cindy comes out and I express my Love for them and she gives me a hug! I felt so VERY SPECIAL! They were VERY good, and I ate one each night. Who does that? Who goes out of their way to make sure that 3 extra croissants are made for a guest? I carried them as if they were jewels! (The 3rd one I even ate at the airport the morning I was leaving Disney!) I got back to my room, drop them off and go back to get dinner, since I did not have a dinner reservation.
So before I review my dinner for Saturday night I will tell you what I got. I get back to the food court and for the life of me I can’t decide. (In fact when I got back to my room with the croissant I used my phone and the Disney App. to find a reservation within the hour, for whatever was available. Nothing really that grabbed me.) I knew what my dessert would be, lol! HA! So I picked this jerk chicken with cheddar cheese and a Caesar salad with chicken. For the most part it was good, but I did not eat the chicken from the salad. The jerk chicken wasn’t the most exciting either. It was okay, but I learned from this! I even pulled the table over so I could watch TV and relax. I did a lot of rides at Magic Kingdom! I thought about going swimming but I didn’t feel like putting my suit on and walking to the pool; even though the “quiet” pool was right outside my door. I went to bed earlier that night.
I will post pictures for this day!
Next is Epcot and Magic Kingdom before I say Goodbye!
Thanks Everyone for reading my VERY detailed Trip Report!
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Kate in PA All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them- Walt Disney
Great day at MK, and so nice that it wasn't really crowded! How sweet to meet the baker of the chocolate croissants, which looked very delicious by the way!
I'm thoroughly enjoying your trip report. Traveling to Disney to celebrate my birthday is now one of my most favorite luxuries!
It sounds like your thoroughly enjoying yourself. Chocolate croissants - yum. How kind of the manager to treat you to an extra one. You showed great restraint by eating one a day. I would have gobbled them all down so they would be fresh!!
I look forward to reading about the rest of your trip.
What a great day at mk! So glad you were able to get in the soft opening, how cool! Great idea to order the burger without the bun, I'll have to remember that and those croissants wow those look good and that was just such a nice gesture from the manager!
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!
Thanks Kate. At school, I'm a bad example so I wasn't sure what I was here. I'm glad you enjoy my TR's - enough that you want to copy it. I too enjoy the TR's where I feel like I'm there but I can't actually take credit for it. I too was following the lead of other TR's I've read (people like Cheryl and Princess Sharon).
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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!
Sorry. I was afraid of that but sometimes things don't explain well in email as they would in person. I tried to keep it simple but I'm glad you were able to figure something out for the pictures.
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The song DID NOT stay in my head!
Gee, I don't know which way to take it. With the all caps, either the song truly didn't get stuck in your head or it did and you're trying hard to convince us it didn't. Of course you have to admit the best time you've had on Small World was with us last year. This time must have been a let down having to get off after one ride
Come back with more when you can. I can't wait to read the rest of your amazing b-day trip.
I am (having)/did have an AMAZING Birthday Vacation! Sometimes as I look over my photos, I go back with the memories!
Chocolate Croissants, DEFINITELY was a highlight in meeting the baker!
Darlene: you guessed it! I DEFINITELY had a way better time with you, Lenny, and Abby. I mean never in my trips to Disney have I ever rode Small World 4 times in a row! That was Magical because I got to share some of your family time!
But that is probably right only going one time, the song did not stick! And yet there was a not a line either, but there was one when I got off. LOL
Darlene: Don't forget to get a Birthday Button when you go on your Disney Vacation! Even for Abby too!
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Kate in PA All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them- Walt Disney
But that is probably right only going one time, the song did not stick! And yet there was a not a line either, but there was one when I got off. LOL
Don't forget Kate, the CM asked us if we wanted to go again because no one else was waiting for the wheelchair boat. So while going one time is right, I don't consider what we did as wrong since the CM's allowed us to stay on and go several times.
I never thought that! I figured it was more Disney Magic! Plus I loved watching Abby! I knew she liked this ride! Plus I needed some Adult conversation other than listening to me and my thoughts! And the fact it was a lot cooler in there than being out in that August heat! I thoroughly enjoyed my time with you and your Family!
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Kate in PA All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them- Walt Disney
I never thought that! I figured it was more Disney Magic! Plus I loved watching Abby! I knew she liked this ride! Plus I needed some Adult conversation other than listening to me and my thoughts! And the fact it was a lot cooler in there than being out in that August heat! I thoroughly enjoyed my time with you and your Family!
Well if you consider that no one was waiting for that length of time (almost half an hour), yeah that could be considered as magical. Abby absolutely LOVES this ride. We still ride it multiple times when we go and as for the adult conversation, I enjoyed it too. I love Lenny and I love Abby but sometimes you need adult conversation with someone else. I'm so glad we made plans to meet and we stayed together as long as we did. It really was enjoyable. Lenny even thinks to ask about you every so often too. Too bad you won't be going in August again but at least there's email and the boards though for "conversation."
Now onto another subject. Were you trying to distract yourself from finishing this TR and hoping we wouldn't notice? If so, it worked only for so long - I noticed you haven't posted anymore. I'm not so patiently waiting .
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Disney Magic - Oct 2015
Pictures of my Day- May 24th
How sweet to meet the baker of the chocolate croissants, which looked very delicious by the way!
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and those croissants wow those look good and that was just such a nice gesture from the manager! 
- I noticed you haven't posted anymore. I'm not so patiently waiting 
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