Trip Report Forget about your worries and your strife. 🌞 Live trip report.

Quick recap of my pre-trip report to refresh memories or as just as catchup.
I (Mimi) am going on a solo trip to Disney World, 14 glorious days at AKL to do what I want, when I want.:joyfull:

This morning I woke up excited and ready to go, I threw the last things into my suitcase, double checked everything and happily went out in the rain to catch the bus to the train station. I gave myself plenty of time to get to the airport incase of delays etc. but luckily everything went smoothly and I arrived at the airport with plenty of time to share.
I looked around the shops a bit and took some photos to kill the time.
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These cups in a cafe don't spin but are cute none the less.
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Finally it was time to board my first flight.
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This add made me smile as it was spot on.:)

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The flight from Amsterdam to London was only 50 minutes and kind of boring except for the 2 Dutch ladies sitting in the row behind me. They were very unhappy that none of the flight attendants spoke Dutch,keep in mind that this was a British Airways flight, and complained loudly that it shouldn't be allowed for airlines to fly out of Amsterdam without at least one Dutch speaking crew member and the ladies refused to speak English to the crew. I didn't understand their logical at all and was happy the crew members didn't understand what they were saying. I was tempted to turn around to point out their stupidity but refrained. 🙊

Soon enough we landed safely at Gatwick, my hotel was easy to find and the check in staff were friendly and professional. My room is as expected, small and modern.
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The shower is right in front of the toilet without a barrier:hilarious: not the best layout but fine for just a night.
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No view as my room doesn't have a window.
Now I am just watching some TV, wishing it was tomorrow.:)
 

Go.Nijntje

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Going back to this morning, I woke up with the biggest smile on my face. I hadn't slept well but who cares.
I watched the sun rise above the savanna.
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It was too cold to sit outside so I enjoyed my coffee on the sofa, the chairs on the balcony were making a beautiful pattern on the sliding doors.
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After coffee it was time to head out, only one park will do for my first day. A Magic Kingdom bus was just pulling out of the bus stop as I was walking up so I had to wait 22 minutes for the next one. It was - 1 Celsius or 30 Fahrenheit so it was not he most comfortable wait. Clearly a lot of people hadn't checked the weather because they were not dressed for the cold and bitterly complaining.
 

Go.Nijntje

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
After a 24 minute ride (info for you @Songbird76) we arrived and I skipped through bag check and up Main Street.
The Welcome show was just starting but I didn't want to run to see it. I'll watch it some other day. I just stood and watched the castle for a bit. After that it was time for Starbucks, it was busy but I was in and out in 12 minutes.
I walked past a lonely photopass photographer. We had a nice chat about my name which he read of my cup.
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I strolled underneath the castle and just let it sink in I was really here.
I slowly made my way over to my traditional first ride, Haunted Mansion. It was a walk on but I chatted with the CM awhile so I could finish my coffee.
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A great Mansion but I am not ready to become a permanent resident.
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After a large coffee it was time to visit the most talked about bathroom on property.
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21stamps

Well-Known Member
After a 24 minute ride (info for you @Songbird76) we arrived and I skipped through bag check and up Main Street.
The Welcome show was just starting but I didn't want to run to see it. I'll watch it some other day. I just stood and watched the castle for a bit. After that it was time for Starbucks, it was busy but I was in and out in 12 minutes.
I walked past a lonely photopass photographer. We had a nice chat about my name which he read of my cup.
View attachment 257290

I strolled underneath the castle and just let it sink in I was really here.
I slowly made my way over to my traditional first ride, Haunted Mansion. It was a walk on but I chatted with the CM awhile so I could finish my coffee. View attachment 257291

A great Mansion but I am not ready to become a permanent resident.
View attachment 257292

After a large coffee it was time to visit the most talked about bathroom on property.
View attachment 257293

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I probably the only person on here who has never been inside that restroom.lol

Crowds look great! Hope that continues for the rest of your trip!
 

amjt660

Well-Known Member
I can see that you are an expert at solo travel

(talking to photographers and CM at HM)

Disney parks worldwide truly bring total strangers together in a positive setting that allows you to lower your guard and just talk to other people about common interests.

Of course, as you probably already guessed I have never had a problem with doing this.
My DDs just say " Dad's making new friends again"

Max
 

Go.Nijntje

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
So happy to hear that you finally made it through customs. I would have been freaking out--glad it all got resolved.
Looking forward to following along!
So glad you made it! Can't wait to follow along
OMG I would literally have freaked out if that would have happened to me!
I also checked online before I went as my passport was due to expire and saw it only had to be valid for the duration of stay. - my passport caused issues with online check in and then I was chosen for every check at the airport but thankfully no issues at MCO

Anyway all that is behind you - soak up that Disney magic - looking forward to seeing what’s in store today.
Oh my gosh I would have freaked out too! I just got back from NYC and i find the US immigration officers SO scary! I always feel like I’ve done something bad even though I haven’t :facepalm:
I hope you have an amazing time & I’ll be following along, green with envy :grumpy:
Room looks gorgeous and can’t wait to read more :)
My goodness. What a scary event at customs. My heart would have been beating so loud others could have probably heard it. I would have gone into full panic anxiety mode. :eek::eek::eek:Thank goodness you were ok and even had a backup plan. Your hotel room looks lovely. Seems you could have squeezed of few of your closest Disney friends into your room as stowaways.;)
Thanks every one. It sure was a stressful hour or so at immigration and all for nothing since thankfully they let me.:D
 

Go.Nijntje

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Ahhhh I am so happy you arrived safely and your room looks gorgeous!! What a great place to relax!!! One day I will stay at Animal Kingdom lodge.. it’s the first thing on my disney bucket list! Stay warm, I’ll bring the sun with me tomorrow!!! :(
I think AKL is my all time favorite resort, even freezing my buns of at the bus stop this morning I loved listening to the African music being played.
Have a safe trip tomorrow.:)
 

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