Trip Report Great Garland! Solo Trip in November...It's Totally Tinsel!

Hello folks! I've been back since November 14th but just now getting around to my report.

Here's the lowdown: I'm Amy and I have taken a couple solo trips to Disney World and Disneyland and have gone many times with my hubs, Brad. This was another solo trip. I usually take my solo trips in the Spring but this year Brad is going to go along on my spring trip. So what's a girl to do with a couple personal days and an annual pass....go solo to Disney.

On Halloween my solo trip was almost derailed...long story short my husband missed the last step to the basement steps and fell onto the concrete floor breaking his right ankle in 2 spots. One of the first things he said to me was, "You are not cancelling your trip because of this." Well, I felt like I probably should cancel if he was having difficulty getting around. Well, things worked out and I was still able to go and he survived my absence. I did make sure his meals were all line up before I left.

So back to the trip....

My dates: November 11 to November 14

Resort: All Start Sports (cheap, clean, on property, and cheap)

Since my flight left Minneapolis early on Saturday morning I decided to spend the night near the airport so I didn't have to worry about driving early that morning. I live about an hour and 15 way from the airport, but I'm a worry wort and would rather not have the hassle on the morning of departure.

So on Friday after work I drove to Minneapolis, actually Bloomington where the Mall of America is. I had dinner at Margaritaville and then relaxed in my hotel room. I got to sleep at a decent time and woke up at 4:15 am feeling rested.

My bacon bbq aioli burger from Margaritaville and an Octoberfest Sam Adams beer.
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So went I left the hotel on Saturday morning for my less than 5 minute drive to the airport there was a coating of snow on the ground and on my car. As I was brushing off my car I looked up and the salt truck was driving past. Now I was really glad I decided to stay close to airport instead of driving this morning. I am a total wimp in winter driving even though I live in Wisconsin. Even on my short drive I took it slow as I could see some spots looked a little dicey.

I made it there fine and once through security I went to get my coffee at Caribou (so much better than Starbuck and it started in Minnesota). I was happy to see the Reindeer blend was out, this blend is great and only out at Christmas!
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Shortly after getting my coffee I spent about 10 minutes at the gate before boarding started. I was flying out on Spirit and had splurged for one of the big front seats (extra room!) so I boarded, settled in, and enjoyed my coffee and a doughnut I had brought from home and put on a podcast.

As I was enjoying my coffee my row-mate arrived and sat down, his daughter, a girl in her early 20's boarded with him and was in the aisle seat next to him. About a minute after he sat down, he turned to me and asked if I would switch spots with his daughter because he wanted to sit next to her. I thought, you are sitting next to her she is just across the aisle from you and it isn't like she is a young kid that needs your assistance. He looked put out by my answer and said, "Well I guess you did pay for your spot." I just nodded and went back to my relaxing. He eventually convinced the person sitting next to his daughter to switch and then he slept most of the flight. Whatever, I guess.

So this was my view leaving Minneapolis...
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And my view when landing in Orlando. It was rainy. Oh well at least it wasn't snow!
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Then I was greeted with the mob at Magical Express. I was lucky and found a line to the far end that only had a couple people in it. And I was through in a couple minutes and then waited about 20 minutes for my bus to load.

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I might be a little excited. Actually I just did the crazy eyes because it makes Brad laugh.
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Soon we were boarding...
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And soon I was home!
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ajrwdwgirl

Premium Member
Original Poster
I was so focused on the toy soldiers I almost missed the reindeer into one literally popped up in front of me.
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Once the parade was over it was time to head quickly down to the castle to watch the Christmas castle show. I heard it while I was eating my hot dog but I hadn't really watched it and it was different than the last time I did the party so I was pretty excited for it.
But first a couple quick pics.
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ajrwdwgirl

Premium Member
Original Poster
Made it to the castle and got a spot near the front on the side area of the castle. Not too bad of a spot.The show was cute, there was a song about texting (to get Donald to show up) that was a bit weird but overall I liked the show.
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I like that Clarabelle was the diva that sang All I Want for Christmas is You.
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Having the 3 Caballeros in the show was a great idea!
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ajrwdwgirl

Premium Member
Original Poster
After the show I wandered around for a bit, rode the peoplemover again, got another sno-cone and some other treats, and looked at the party merchandise.
I didn't buy any of the shirts, but I thought they were all cute.
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I made it around to Liberty Square and found a spot for the parade, it wasn't as good as my spot on Main Street buut it was behind a mom, daughter and grandma, they looked pretty tired so they were actually good to sit behind because they were pretty low key during the whole parade and I didn't even have to stand up.

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ajrwdwgirl

Premium Member
Original Poster
This post is a little out of order. Some of the parade and some stuff before the second parade. My goal for the second was to just enjoy it so I didn't really take good pictures, sorry.
A better santa picture.
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The soldiers had to turn the corner at this vantage point and that was fun to watch their formation as they turned the corner...extra marching!
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From the Cosmic Rays treat location before heading to the second parade.
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After the parade I went to The Tortuga Tavern treat station for the snowman pretzels and another sno-cone.
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Then I decided to end the party with a ride on Big Thunder Mt. I noticed this sign in line and noticed it was a tribute to some Imagineers.
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ajrwdwgirl

Premium Member
Original Poster
Your trip was amazing! Thanks for sharing.

I take a solo trip just about every year. I've been doing that for about the last 10 years.
It is so fun to treat yourself and it so relaxing.

I hope that if our paths cross we can do some rides &/or lunch sometime. :)

Thanks! Let me know if you think our paths would cross, meeting up with a fellow WDWmagic member would be nice.
 

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