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

[lovewdw2]

Hello Everyone! I just got back from another Solo trip, but this time it was for my Birthday! I have been to Disney 20 plus times and out of all those times not once have I ever gone for my Birthday! So, since I was turning 49 I thought why not?! Next year is a BIG number…but still thinking about that and where to go…. Might have to take 2 trips next year, but that is a different trip and a different trip report!

So anyway this Birthday Trip was Phenomenal and I definitely out did my 1st Solo trip back in August of 2013. I stayed at a different resort and ate at “new” places, and did some “new” things. I am still recovering from being on vacation, tired and brain is still in Disney. I met some really great people, don’t know their names, but just to past the time away!

Here is some pertinent information:

Dates: May 21st to May 26th
Flight: Southwest: Left on May 21st at 7am (Phila.)
Southwest: Left on May 26th at 10am (Orlando)

Resort: Caribbean Beach
Tickets: Park Hopper for 5 days.
Dining: No Dining Plan


I am going to start my Trip Report the day before, May 20th.

Tuesday, May 20th:

I got up as usual because I still had to go to work. I got my son, Ryan up for school. We chatted while waiting for the bus, going over plans for tonight. I went to work as usual. I had been counting down the days prior, but it being a day away, I wasn’t more excited. It was a weird feeling; maybe I knew however I still had a lot on my brain to get there. I came home from work, started dinner and we had Raviolis and meatballs with sauce. I wanted to cook one last meal. I had packed Ryan clothes on Monday night including his weekend bag for his father’s place. I had started packing for me a week before, so I wouldn’t be in a panic mode. I did do my last load of laundry on that Monday night.

So after dinner took Ryan’s bags and him to my Parents’ house. He would be staying with them. My Mom would be taking him to school Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. I had brought his breakfast items and his lunches. (He didn’t want to buy for the 3 days). Ryan would be staying in my old room! Of course it is a lot nicer, lol! I got him settled and left to go home. When I got home I started really packing to make sure I had everything on my list. I then realized that not everything would fit in my new suitcase! I still had 2 pool towels, 2 pairs of sneakers, 1 pair of sandals to pack. So I decided to take a smaller suitcase with me. Because I knew if I crammed everything in the one suitcase, and then adding the things I bought at Disney, it would be more than 50 pounds. Of course my brain started to think, how would I manage to carry them? I figured I would manage….

I wanted to be in bed by 9pm since I was getting up at 3:40am. But of course that did not happen! I was exhausted but didn’t get to bed until around closer to 11pm. I knew I would be tired and I knew I had to squeeze a nap in somewhere!

[lovewdw2]

Wednesday-May 21st: Time to go to Disney! Happy Birthday to me!

The alarm woke me up, and I swear it felt like I just fell asleep! I got up and took a shower (hoping it would wake me up)…which it did. Threw in the last few things I needed and zipped everything up. I had my back pack ready with all things I needed: Cash, tip money, driver’s license, passport, 2 bank credit cards, meal money and my boarding pass- which I printed the morning before and got Section A- which I NEVER get! It was dark when I went to get into my car.

I think I was running 10 minutes behind, got to my parents’ house. My Mom was waiting outside for me. I put the 2 suitcases into her trunk, got in her car and away we went. We made good time I think got to the airport a little after 5:30am. It was a little lighter by the time we did get to the airport. I wasn’t so anxious like the last time, because I was able to eat my breakfast and getting out of the car either. I hugged my Mom and she wished me a Happy Birthday- gave me a present with an envelope and said open this later. I did the curbside pick up, because I just didn’t want to stand in a line. I turned to wave to my Mom and I was walking into the airport, headed to security. It was a long line, but it moved pretty fast. The nice thing was I did not have to take my shoes off! I bought a bottle of water and 2 magazines, sat down and waited to be called. When I got on the plane I sat in row 15 and sat near the window, because I figured that way I could get a good nap without being interrupted. The plane was not full, because a man sat on the aisle seat. I made conversation with him and his wife, who was sitting across from him. During the conversation (and people were getting settled) a little girl started screaming. I thought it would stop but it didn’t. She started to scream about not staying on the plane, that she didn’t want to be on the plane, on and on. It was quite annoying. SW asked them to get off the plane. A woman had told me she had noticed the family in the airport and the girl was acting up then too. I would say she was either 3 or 4 years old. The woman said she was sitting near them and had heard the parents saying to their daughter, “we are going to Disney”. The little girl replied, “I don’t want to go to Disney!” The father told his wife to go without him and the wife didn’t want to go! So much for parenting this little girl, because she got her way! There was a suggestion that maybe the parents could drug her… because the alternative was to drive? My kids NEVER acted like that! In fact they were the complete opposite!

At about the time we were suppose to take off at 7am, the flight attendant tells us that there is a problem with hydraulics and SW was going to fix it, but she did not know how much time it would take. Great!

So at 8am the plane took off! However prior to that we all had to get off the plane and sit at the gate again. About 15 minutes later SW asked us to get into the sections again, and this time we only had our identifications but no boarding passes. Got on the new plane and it had Wifi (WooHoo) and I again went to Row 15 and there was the same family I had chatted with on the 1st plane. (I am glad we switched planes, because I did feel a little uneasy about SW fixing the problem.) The plane took off and I closed the window and took my much-needed nap. The plane landed at 10:30am an hour past the original time. (I ended up getting hungry on the plane; ate the crackers I brought from home. I also ate the snacks they gave out on the plane too.) When I woke up I felt so much better, so much more awake. Then I heard babies and kids crying- had enough of that and put my ipod on and listened to my music, read my 2 magazines.

Had no problem finding my suitcases at baggage claim, but remembered I was in Section A and had to travel with my 2 suitcases to Section B to catch the Disney Magical Express. Got in the resort line and waited. Yes I had my Blue Magic Band on.

While I was waiting in line and for awhile I was the only one in line. I saw a huge group of kids and they were headed to All Star Sports Whew! Did not want to be hanging around that resort! So soon a family of 2 girls and a Mom and a Dad came to join me in line. I started chatting with them. I found out that the Dad proposed to the Mom in Disney, at Cinderella’s Castle. The girls had never been to Disney. They were quite excited! LOL! Apparently the Dad was the planner, which surprised me. He did recommend the filet at California Grill, said it was “fork-tendered”. He also was calling the monorail “the tram”! I bit my tongue, ha ha! Then he told me that he didn’t read the fine print about the yellow tags; and packed the swim suits in the suitcases, so now they all had to buy new ones, since they were going to the water park! Oops!

It seemed to take awhile for me to get on the DME bus, not sure why. Finally we got on and the Caribbean Beach would be the first stop! WooHoo! Another present for me! At that time my family was texting me; like my sister, my Dad, and I was texting my oldest son. He was of course making fun of me, hilarious! FINALLY I get off the bus. I gave the bus driver $3.00 as his tip. I walked in to get my room information. I had forgotten what it looked like inside, and the windows that were at the top of the ceiling were all open. It felt very Caribbean…. While I was giving the girl my information, I noticed there was a huge clock and it read 12:30pm! Wow it had taken me 2 hours from the time the plane landed to getting here. I was super glad that I had cancelled that Tea Time; otherwise I would be wondering what to do for 2 hours.

I had to get someone to take me to my room, because I had 2 suitcases with me. I was in the Jamaica section, which I had requested BUT Disney gave me an upgrade, a Water view and bonus I also got a pool view! At first I had said I wanted a corner and she was trying to find one. I realized that I would lose the room that would be close to the Food Court, so I told her I am happy with what I had gotten. The man (I don’t think I can use the word- Bell Hop) put me in a van and I expected something a lot smaller, but it was nice. He walked me to my room, which was on the 2nd floor. He brought my bags into the room and I tipped him $3.00. The room was VERY nice. It had been redone too. The landscape was the Best! My room had 2 double beds, which is what I wanted, however one bed was hard and the other was softer. So I slept on the softer one, and that was closest to the door. I did not unpack because I wanted to get to Epcot. I first called my Mom but I had to leave a voice mail and then had a conversation with my Dad! He wished me a “Happy Birthday”. I changed my pants to shorts, folded up my pants and a blouse, and stuffed them into a recloseable bag, for my dinner. Took out my new backpack and put all the things I would need for a day in 2 parks, plus dinner. I left the room and started taking pictures along the way. I did find a better way to get to the bridge, which I knew I would.

[lovewdw2]

May 21st: Epcot

The weather that day was Beautiful. If you can believe there wasn’t any humidity! There was a breeze too and a full sun too. I couldn’t believe some of the changes; the last time I was there was back in 2005. They expanded the pool which is good, since this resort is BIG! I stopped at the Food Court to buy some fruit. Walked out to Bus stop and sat down and waited for the Epcot Bus. I think it was about 1pm and my dinner reservation wasn’t until 5:45pm. As I was sitting on the bench I had some time to explore Epcot. I was amazed how cool it was and was Happy that it was not humid like in August. Finally the bus came, but I enjoy the buses because I don’t have to drive! (I looked at the soda machine- the price for a 20 oz. was now $3.00! Ouch- I remembered when it was $2.50.)

Once I got to Epcot I headed straight to France; was dying to try the new ice cream place! OOH it was Fabulous! I of course got 2 scoops! Chocolate and Caramel…Oh-my-God! The caramel tasted almost like a toffee, but it was soo Good! I even sat in France and ate it. Plus as I was paying the young man behind the register saw my Birthday button (which I had gotten from Registration) and he said “Happy Birthday” in French! I asked him to say it again- but then he wrote it for me! It was so sweet! After I was done, I decided to sit and watch the France movie (I had never done that). I learned a lot. Then wandered into the shops and found the Christian Dior shop! That is where I met Ana! She was not French but she knew her Dior perfume. She must have sprayed at least 4 different Dior perfumes, but she said it doesn’t matter, they all blend together. She was right! Out of the 4 I really liked one of them. I liked her right away, she asked questions but she was NOT pushy at all! I sure smelled good! (I did come back, but that is a different day!) I didn’t go on any rides, which is the strange part. I decided to leave Epcot around 4:30pm and I took the monorail this time. (When I visit Disney I try to use all forms of transportation). Riding the monorail brings my childhood memories back- especially the Spanish words, which my Dad loves. (He isn’t Spanish..lol)

I get to the Contemporary in plenty of time, go to the bathroom and change my clothes. I go to the 2nd floor and check in. I tell the man I have never eaten here and he said that not only does the restaurant have good food, it also has good service. (did he jinx me?) Took the elevator up, and was greeted and showed me to my table. Not at all what I expected, it was small. Like only half the building was being used. It was noisy and a good crowd of people at 5:45pm. My table was closer to the wall, but I could see Cinderella’s Castle. I sat in between a Father & Daughter and a couple. The waiter’s name was Tommy and he started to talk about the sushi, which I don’t like, and I did tell him that I am a not a sushi person. He then tells me his 2 favorite meals; the Bison and some other thing that I knew I wouldn’t be eating. I just met this guy, why would I care what his favorites are? I picked the Caesar salad and the Filet which were the Best! First Tommy brings the salad; after he leaves I realize that I didn’t have a fork. I had dropped it as I was sitting down at the table. He knew I dropped it and said he would get me a new one. I had to wave him down. I saved some of my salad to eat with my dinner, and my dinner came with someone else delivering it. The filet was sitting in risotto, corn and this orange sauce. It was very good. However about ¾ through my filet, Tommy comes by to ask me how it was. Really? He didn’t come to ask me about my salad. I felt ignored. I felt like since I was only one person, he didn’t have the time to spend with me. However the couple to my left had the BEST server, her name was Ellen. I really liked her- because she much more into her dining guests. She was more of a real person, than Tommy! I started chatting with the couple too. The wife even took my picture! I actually like it too. Anyway Tommy shows up and asks if I want dessert, I said no. I was thinking ice cream in Magic Kingdom! He leaves and comes back with a Crème Brule- free! With a little sign made out of chocolate that said “Happy Birthday”. He told me this. The couple next to me told Ellen to surprise them with dessert because the wife couldn’t make up her mind. Ellen brought this Fabulous chocolate dessert. It was so nicely decorated for 2 people! I only ate about half, because I knew it was not healthy for me and I was pretty full. He brings the check. A few tables down to my left I see this server with 2 desserts and each had a candle lit for the couple- how sweet! Why Tommy couldn’t have gone the extra mile for me? So I pay the check with a $100.00 bill. I tell him I do need change back. He comes back and explains to me that he changed the $100 bill; he didn’t deduct the check from the $100. I thought that was strange. He wasn’t going to get a great tip anyway. The total was $72.00 and I gave him a $10.00 tip. (I am an ex-waitress so I know good service). After dinner I went outside and took several pictures! The view was Magnificent! Plus I called my Mom and had a nice conversation I even spoke to Ryan too!

As I was walking to the elevators to go down, I saw the manager. I went up and told him exactly what happened and how Tommy treated me. He seemed surprise. He apologized and gave me his business card. Next time I am to come to Disney I should email him. I even spoke highly about Ellen! I need to keep her name, so the next time I come I will ask for her!

I get on the elevator to go down and decide to not change again. I get on the escalator to get to the monorail, to go to Magic Kingdom instead. I wanted to stop and see the other resorts, but I really wanted to go to MK and I knew I would have time later in the week to check out the other resorts.

[lovewdw2]

Magic Kingdom: May 21st

I get through security with the magic band, walk underneath the train, and it feels like I am at “home”. I see the Cinderella’s Castle as the sun is setting. It is crowded but I knew the people were there for the parade and fireworks. I walked towards the Confectionary- I just had to see what was going on and what colors were the cotton candy was. Pink and Blue, I will buy that later, didn’t have any room. I noticed the apples, fudge, cake pops and the krispies! They now were selling them in bags, in the shape of balls; even ones drizzled with chocolate! It smelled so divine! I contemplated on buying one of the cake pops shaped as a Mickey head; it was colored either pink or blue. They looked yummy; but I wasn’t sure if I wanted to take it home or eat it in my room later. I walked out. I had 3 fast passes but I didn’t use them. I ended up going towards Adventure land and jumped on the Pirates of the Caribbean.
Duh I have a fast pass for this ride for Saturday, but went on it anyway! It was a very short line. Came out and walked towards Fantasyland. Just at the beginning I decided to sit and rest my weary bones, I was tired. I checked my phone and saw that my oldest son had called me. I called him back and we had such a nice conversation. I caught up with him and he wished me a Happy Birthday! (He is taking summer classes at UPitt). It was getting darker and I couldn’t believe here I was in Magic Kingdom on my official Birthday and talking to my oldest son. We said our Goodbyes and I put my phone away. A woman was sitting next to me, not close. I guess I started the conversation, but not thinking she was going to talk my ear off, which she did! I think in the next 15 to 20 minutes I knew her whole life! No she did not ask questions about me, I put information in between her conversations…! She did introduce me to her 2 daughters when they came back. Then I left and went to find a good place to watch the fireworks. I walked out of Tomorrowland and could not a find the “legal” spot to stand without a cast member saying, “need to stand within the white lines”. Then I thought I found one, but could only see the fireworks through a tree. No where I found was a good viewing spot. Then I figured out it wasn’t meant to be. I turned and started walking towards the exit. A lot of other people were doing the same thing as I was, and at one point I did turn around to see what I was missing, but it really wasn’t that great. I was disappointed with the new show with the castle and the fireworks. I really liked last year’s show, when the screens changed on the castle. I thought that was Amazing. As I was walking on the sidewalk there were loud voices coming from the “show” but to me that was all it was loud. It wasn’t what I thought it would be. Maybe if I had stayed I might have seen something better. Plus it was an extra LONG day for me anyway. Then I decided to get to the bus as quickly as possible, so I could get back before everyone else!

Of course Caribbean Beach was ALL the way down, and over! I think it was #27, I just know it was the second to last number! To think I had just gotten here at 12:30pm! The bus came and I noticed the clock it was 10:30pm. Of course the 1st stop was Jamaica! I did not get off because I needed milk for breakfast, so I got off at Port Royal (Food Court). I went and checked out the Grab & Go, and there wasn’t much left. Plus I wasn’t looking for a snack. I looked around for bowls, but couldn’t find them. I asked this cast member- I explained what I needed it for and she said she would be right back. She came out with 4 small bowls; actually they were cups, like putting ice cream in, which I said they would work. I grabbed one spoon. I went into the gift shop and saw that they had a lot to check out, which I would later on. I found a quart of milk and a small bottle of chocolate milk. I walked back to the room and it was so pleasant of a walk even at night. Got to my room used my magic band and the lock opened.
It wasn’t until I put my backpack on the table, that I realized how exhausted I was. I put the milks away, and it was very nice to have a refrigerator this time. (August trip I didn’t have one- because they were switching them out.) I was Grateful! I charged my cell and camera; and started taking things out of my suitcase, unpacking! I only did a little, and then got ready for bed. It was probably after 11:30pm that I drifted off to sleep.

The next day I am headed to Animal Kingdom and Epcot!

I hope you enjoy the 1st part of my trip report! I will post soon! Thank you!

[Cam22]

Excellent birthday with lots of Disney fun!

[mcneal]

What a great birthday! I can only imagine just how tired you were...that was a very long, busy day after a short night of sleep. Looking forward to more.......

[Colexis Mom]

Great start!!

[lfredsbo]

Great start! Sorry your server was less than par

[OhToodles!]

A long day, but a good day to be in Disney. Sorry your server wasn't more attentive.

[CinderAbby]

Okay, now that I actually have some time, here I am to add my two cents.

No matter how many times we say "I want to be in bed by x time, it never happens." I'll be the same way when it comes to our vacation in August.

I'm sorry to hear about the plane delay but I too would have been more comfortable on a new plane. How great you got a nap in too.

You got to the resort and left all the unpacking until later in favor of going to a park? Lucky you. I tried that a couple of years with Lenny and Abby and it ended with disastrous results. I don't even suggest it any more.

Epcot sound very relaxed for you - and what better way to start a vacation. Especially the ice cream part (who doesn't love ice cream?). I am sorry to hear your dinner wasn't as relaxing as Epcot though. At least the inattentive server isn't the norm for Disney but it's still a shame when it happens.

Once at the MK, I'm sorry to hear you couldn't find a decent spot for the fireworks. Hopefully you were able to see them at some point in time on your vacation. I can't tell you the last time we saw them. Abby seems to prefer being far, far away from the parks and fireworks (remember she freaked out on me last year just at the thought of Illuminations starting while we were still there?)

What a long day - I'm tired just thinking about it but hopefully you'll come back soon with your next installment. I can't wait to read it.

[phiedragon]

How cool to be in the parks on your actual birthday! Sounds like a pretty good start even if there were a few snags in the day. I look forward to reading about your day at AK and Epcot.

[disneydreamer33]

How great to spend your actual birthday in Disney!!!
Sorry it started with a plane delay, but I would rather have that and a safe plane.
What a great start at Epcot!
Sorry Tommy was not what he should have been. Glad you had some nice diners next to you! Glad you let the manager know.
MK sounded nice to end your evening. I don't know how you made it that long!

[xwewhisper]

So sorry about the server, we've always had outstanding service at Cali Grill! But how great to get to be in the bubble on your birthday! Can't wait to hear more

[wmanderson]

The first day of an adventure is sometimes the longest... But how glorious to spend it at Disney!! I am very excited to be reading your adventure!

Plane changes can be tedious, but at least we know you were safe.

Ice Cream in France RULES!!! You give the best suggestions!

I am sorry your server was sub-par. It does happen, even at Disney. But I'm glad the meal was good, and you had a good time with the other server.

I am happy that it was a good birthday. Can't wait to hear more!

[travismom]

What a great start!!
Sorry about your plane delay. Anything keeping me from my Happy Place is not good!!
I've never eaten at Cali Grill, but we are going in November. I'll be sure to ask for Ellen!
I remember my first day on my solo trip. It was my first solo trip, so I didn't know what to expect. I remember getting back to my room feeling totally exhausted on that first night!!
Can't wait for more!!!