Trip of Firsts Dec 10-13, 2010 Solo Trip, Pop Century

Day 2 Dec 11 Continued

I took the monorail from the Grand Floridian back to the Magic Kingdom. I rode the Haunted Mansion. The park was getting crowded and the line was 30 minutes. I exited at 1:20 PM and went to Tomorrowland.

I rode the TTA which actually had a line. I got out at 1:46 pm and went to ride CoP. The theater was 80% full and I sat in the front row. Got out of the CoP at 2:12 and headed for Monsters Inc Laugh Floor. I know that this attraction isn't very popular and it definitely doesn't fit into the Future theme. It still makes me laugh though.

I entered Adventureland and got in line for Aloha Isle. I eat Dole Whips at DL frequently, so my special MK treat is the citurs swirl.



The line for Jungle Cruise said 60 minutes, but I assumed it would be less than that. I took my swirl and stood in line.

The line actually was an hour, but I love this ride. The animals were out, the jokes were cheesy and a good time was had by all.



I went to the Country Bear Jamboree and there was a huge line. I waited for quite some time and the theater was completely packed. The sound system seemed fine to me and people were clappin' and stompin' along.

myhappyplace said:

What an excellent report! Looking forward to taking a solo trip someday

Can't wait for more!

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Thank you!

Hi There,

Loving the TR. It's funny how many of us were in Epcot that day. The 10th was our second day. We started off shopping at the Orlando Premium Outlets, and were in Epcot by about 1 PM. We ate at R&C Pub, then toured around the WS until about 3 pm or so. We didn't find it that cold, we were wearing light coats, and IIRC I took mine off about the time we made it Germany. Even managed the hot tub at the BC that afternoon.
Now the day before was a lot cooler, had a touque on for Illuminations

LeafsFanNL said:

Hi There,

Loving the TR. It's funny how many of us were in Epcot that day. The 10th was our second day. We started off shopping at the Orlando Premium Outlets, and were in Epcot by about 1 PM. We ate at R&C Pub, then toured around the WS until about 3 pm or so. We didn't find it that cold, we were wearing light coats, and IIRC I took mine off about the time we made it Germany. Even managed the hot tub at the BC that afternoon.
Now the day before was a lot cooler, had a touque on for Illuminations

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I'm such a wuss, LeafsFanNL. I am from California and I didn't bring warm enough clothes. I was wearing flip flops and a sweatshirt. I think it is so cool that we all might have crossed paths at some point that day.

Day 2 Dec 11 2010 Continued
After seeing the crowds at CBJ, I decided that it was almost time to leave the MK. Since it was open until 1 am, I decided to come back later that night. Before I left, I visited the Hall of Presidents.
This is such an amazing attraction. I am surprised that it isn’t more popular. I took a snap of the Presidential Seal. I started tearing up as soon as the show started and tears rolled down my cheeks until the end. I have never made it through the montage at the end with dry eyes. I left the building at 5:15 PM.

I wanted to see the Castle lighting ceremony before I left. There was a parade going on, so I hovered near Main St until it was over. As night fell, I found a spot in front of the castle. The area around the hub and Main St was crowded, but not packed.
The lighting ceremony began at 6:15. The Fab Four came out and talked about decorating the castle for the holidays. They discussed different ways of decorating it. Then the Fairy Godmother came out and said that they should ask Cinderella since it was her castle.

Cinderella and the Prince come out and they looked amazing. Cinderella said that she wished the castle could sparkle like her beloved glass slipper. Fairy Godmother said that she didn’t have enough power by herself. She asked the crowd to say the magic words with her.

As everyone recited Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo, sections of the castle began to light up. After 30 seconds or so, the whole thing was lit. Pictures can never do this justice.
I was filming the lighting on my cell phone and looking at the castle through my little screen. When I lowered my phone, I gasped. It was truly a sight to behold. People around me were crying and hugging. I must admit, I had a lump in my throat as well.

I am not a big fan of Wishes and I have seen the Electrical Parade recently at DCA, so I left the MK and went back to Pop. My phone was once again low on batteries after a day on entering times into the ‘Lines’ App. I got on the bus at 6:41 PM and I was back at Pop at 6:57 PM.

On your MK day, we did HS and AK. We heard that the crowds at MK were mad, due to the MVMCP on the 9th and 10th. It was nuts when we entered at about 8:30 pm. I actually swam that afternoon.

At Pop, I picked up dinner at the food court. I got veggie lasagna with garlic bread, side salad and tie dye cheesecake. The lasagna was fine and the salad and garlic bread were great. The tie dye cheesecake wasn't really to my taste. I'm not sure why people rave about it.
I relaxed in my room for a bit, and then got on a bus to EPCOT at 8:55. I couldn't pass up another chance to see Illuminations, my favorite nighttime show. I got a Fiesta Maragarita from the stand in Mexico and enjoyed the show.
I wandered around the World Showcase for a bit after the show.






I then took the monorail to MK. I love this mode of transport. The monorail in either direction gives amazing views of Epcot and MK.
I arrived in MK at 10:50. Crowds were low and it was time to enjoy some attractions.
I finally got a chance to ride Winnie the Pooh. It had 70 minute waits all day, but now it was down to 20. I love the way the outside looks, and I think the queue additions are great. I still don't understand how it works exactly, but the kids were having fun. Most that I saw were unsupervised though.
The honey walls were my favorite. I wiped away all the honey and found some cute sketches underneath.



I love this ride and it was endearing as usual. I rode Snow White again after this one since it was close by. I still can't believe that my favorite ride will be gone soon.



Although I prefer DL's version of Pirates, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to ride a classic.


I left Pirates at 11:56 pm and walked past Splash Mountain. No one was riding it in the bitter cold. I considered it, but couldn't bear the thought of getting wet in 19 degree weather.

I rode Big Thunder instead. Although it was freezing, the ride was lots of fun. I left Big Thunder at 12:15 am.

Since Toontown will be razed soon, I took one last trip through it. I rode Barnstormer


I spent some time just wandering around Toontown. I realized that I had one last chance to ride Snow White, so I hurried over there. I was the only one riding and I savored every moment. When the characters waved to me at the end, I sadly waved back.



I got off at 12:52 am. I walked through the castle and took a few more pictures of it.



The castle lights went off at 1 am for the kiss goodnight. If you haven't seen it yet, stay til closing one night and enjoy it. Hearing the characters makes you feel like part of the family.

I took the bus back to Pop at 1:18am. Instead of the regular bus, there was a large tour bus that picked us up. I went back to my room and promptly fell asleep.

Day 3 Dec 12, 2010

I planned to get up early and visit Animal Kingdom. I was too tired though and I ended up sleeping in till 10:30. It is the weekend after all.

This was my last day at WDW, so I started off at Epcot. I got on the bus at 11:35 am and arrived at 11:51 am.
Normally, I am not a seafood fan, but once a year or so, I try it again to make sure I don't like it. This year, I tired the Fish and Chips at the UK pavillion. It always looks so yummy. I tried it, but it turns out I still don't like fish. Oh well, I had an extra QS point anyway because I have an ADR at Artist's Point for dinner.
It was starting to rain, so I went over to the Universe of Energy. The ride is so long that a lot of times the rain is over when you come out.


It was still raining when I got out at 1:18 pm, so I dipped into Innoventions.
First I played 'Where's the Fire'. I love this game and our team won!


I also watched Storm Struck and helped to build a more secure house. I am grateful to live in a place without hurricanes/tornadoes because that storm did some serious damage.
I was still hungry, so I went to China to pick up some more food.
I got the Orange Chicken and Strawberry Red Bean ice cream. The portions were huge and the rain stopped while I was eating.


I saw the Holiday presentation in Norway next.



This was the funniest of all of the ones I saw. The crowd enjoyed and the kids in the audience got to participate too.
Next I went to see the presentation in Mexico. This one was as touching as the one in Italy, and once again I had tears in my eyes.




That show was over at 3:35 pm and it was almost time for me to leave Epcot. I rode Journey into Imagination one more time since there was no wait.
I took the monorail from Epcot and arrived at the MK at 5:15 pm. From there, I took a boat to the Wilderness Lodge and arrived at 5:38 pm. Just in time for my dinner at Artist's Point.

LOVING the trip report and pics!!! :sohappy:Can't wait to be back down there again in 42 days.

Ya got me hooked.... keep it coming. I wish I was at WDW right now!

Mikester71 said:

LOVING the trip report and pics!!! :sohappy:Can't wait to be back down there again in 42 days.

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Thanks! I see that it has been two year since your last trip. I can't wait to hear about your next trip!

powlessfamily4 said:

Ya got me hooked.... keep it coming. I wish I was at WDW right now!

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I know the feeling. I have been missing it like crazy lately. I have been watching videos and listening to music from the parks all week!

Day 3 Dec 12, 2010 Continued

Before exiting Epcot, I stopped at listened to Off Kilter. They always give a great performance.


I also stopped at the Caramel Shop in Germany





I used my snack point to get a dark chocolate/caramel covered strawberry. It was yummy goodness.

I arrived at the Wilderness Lodge at 5:38 pm. My ADR for Artist's Point was at 5:40 pm! I checked in at the restaurant and it was still fairly empty. I was given a lovely table for two by a window.
I was so excited to order the Mac and Cheese I had heard so much about. When I opened the menu it looked different from the ones I had seen online. There were no side dishes. When my server arrived, he informed me that the menu had changed recently and they no longer offered any of the dishes I had planned to order.
This super planner was stumped! I was so sure of what I was going to order that I didn't know what to do. I got a glass of cabernet while I perused the menu. Finally I settled on the
Smokey Portobello Soup with Roasted Shiitakes and Chive Oil and
Mixed Green Salad with roasted pears, and champagne Vinaigrette, black Diamond Cheddar and candied Hazelnuts.

For those who never eat at Signature restaurants, it truly is a different level of service. My server asked if I would like the soup or salad first. He never brought one dish while I was still eating the first. He didn't let a finished dish linger either. Great service.
The Smokey Portobello Soup


The food was fantastic, the service was great and it was nice to sit and relax for a bit. The desserts didn't appeal to me, so I paid my bill and left. With tip, it came to $43.01.

The Wilderness Lodge had a beautiful and unique Christmas tree.

Here are some of my favorite ornaments.

Glad to hear you had a lovely solo trip! I especially liked hearing about the storytellers, I've never seen them!

I'm loving your trip report, thanks for sharing! The funny part was, we were in Epcot on the 10th too, I was with my daughter's 6th grade class on a field trip, we were the large group of kids eating lunch...lol!

TakeMeThere81 said:

Glad to hear you had a lovely solo trip! I especially liked hearing about the storytellers, I've never seen them!

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They were amazing. It seems like a small thing, but I loved them.

corey154 said:

I'm loving your trip report, thanks for sharing! The funny part was, we were in Epcot on the 10th too, I was with my daughter's 6th grade class on a field trip, we were the large group of kids eating lunch...lol!

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That's so funny! I hope you guys enjoyed your trip too!

Day 3 Dec 12, 2010 Continued

After dinner I took the boat to the MK at 7:20 pm. I took the boat to the TTC from there and fondly watched the beautiful castle grow smaller in the distance.
I took the monorail into Epcot from the TTC. I arrived at 8:15 pm. I love the ride and seeing the park from that vantage.

I rode Spaceship Earth one last time and walked through the park. I said a sad goodbye to my favorite park and I exited the International Gateway to take the boat to DHS. DHS had evening EMH that night and I was looking forward to seeing the Osborne lights for the first time.
I took the boat and it passed by my beloved Beach Club hotel. I didn't have the heart to go in when I wasn't staying there. I will definitely stay there on my next trip.
I arrived at DHS at 9:50 pm. Most of my body was already numb from the cold, but I was excited to see the lights.
There were decorations.


The lights in the hat were moving too!




First I rode Tower of Terror, and then I rode the Great Movie Ride. I am all about the audio animatronics, so the Great Movie Ride is heaven for me.

From there I walked over to see the Lights.

No words or photos could do it justice. The lights cover a huge area of the park and they are spectacular. I am so glad I saw them in person.

The flames danced in the fireplace and looked so inviting in the cold weather.