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.

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!

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...

And my view when landing in Orlando. It was rainy. Oh well at least it wasn't snow!

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.

I might be a little excited. Actually I just did the crazy eyes because it makes Brad laugh.

Soon we were boarding...

And soon I was home!

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

So many great photos!! Loved the parade pictures and the Christmas Wishes pictures, too. You have some good viewing spots. What a fun TR!! Thanks!

Thanks Minnie!

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

Catching up - love the projections and Christmas decor at DHS!

Thanks for joining in!

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

I totally read this wrong at first glance. I thought "The reindeer did WHAT right in front of you???"

Then I saw it was two p's, not two o's.

Haha! That made me laugh now too!

 

[amjt660]

Great report Amy
Thanks for sharing

Looking forward to the next one

Max

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

Great report Amy
Thanks for sharing

Looking forward to the next one

Max

Hey I still have a couple more days to share. Thanks though, it's fun to have you following the report. When I am done with this one you will have to wait until March for my next one. I think it is 96 days away.

 

[amjt660]

Hey I still have a couple more days to share. Thanks though, it's fun to have you following the report. When I am done with this one you will have to wait until March for my next one. I think it is 96 days away.

Sorry
My bad
When I read "Amy's Christmas party coming to a close" I thought you were wrapping up

So for me the next two days are like:

Bonus !
Gravy !
Icing on the the cake !


Max

 

[Gurt]

Christmas party looks amazing

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

Christmas party looks amazing

I really like the Christmas party and the one time I went the the Halloween party too. I think they are worth the extra cost because I enjoy seeing the special shows, parades and fireworks. The treats are a nice bonus too. Perhaps if I had to pay for more than 1-2 people I might think differently.

 

[Zipadeelady]

I totally read this wrong at first glance. I thought "The reindeer did WHAT right in front of you???"

Then I saw it was two p's, not two o's.

I did the same thing!! I had to go back and reread it!

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

Sorry it has taken me awhile to update, it was a super busy week for me. Anyway, on to the next day. This morning I did the Extra Magic Hours at Animal Kingdom.

I had a fast pass for Flights of Passage later in the morning and I didn't feel like doing the River Journey, so my plan was to head to Expedition Everest. While in line for the bus, on the bus, waiting in line to enter the park, and on the way into the park I heard people making the same comment, "Well we know where everyone is going first...(flights of passage)." and I kept thinking nope, not me!

And I think not doing the rush to Pandora was an excellent move...
Here is the bus line at the Sports after I got done with breakfast and I was out there at about 6:50am and a full bus had finished loading when I got in line.

Entering the park, look at all those people pouring to the left.

So I was not going to Pandora right away, so I took my time and enjoyed some picture taking in front of the tree of life. A manager was around and she took my picture and some time to chat with me a little about my trip so far and just general things. That was nice. Then I joined about 20 people at the rope to go to Everest, it was a pleasant walk with them to the mountain.

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

Once the park officially opened for EMH I set off with the teeny crowd to Everest. Since it was like me and 20 other people, I took my time and took some pictures along the way. My pictures here are a little out of order, but you all are smart you'll get it.

I thought this looked a little dreamy.

Once I got to Everest the cast members hadn't let people start entering the queue yet. So now I was especially glad I just took my time getting there.

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

My name "magically" appeared on one of the posters in the queue. I was pretty excited about this actually.

I ended up riding Everest about 4 times back to back. Another guest had the same plan as me and actually said to one of the cast members, "Pandora was the best thing that ever happened to Everest!". I was going to go a 5th time but the first FOP crowd was making its way over to Everest by now and I decided to move on to Dinoland. Plus I had a fast pass for Everest later.

Triceratop Spin was a walk on literally. Walked through the line and onto a dino. I know that the Dinoland area is pretty tacky but part of me likes it anyway. So I enjoyed a flight in my dino.

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

I was going to ride Primeval Whirl since it was a walk on, and then I remembered I don't like that ride. It is a little painful as it whips me around and I always regret riding it. So I moved on to Dinosaur. Indy at Disneyland is so much better, but I still enjoy this one. It was the first time in quite awhile I actually watched all of the pre-show, usually they have taken us out of there before it fully ended.

Hello Dr. Seeker. I felt bad for the little girl (about 5-6 years old) in my row, she was excited to go on and by the end she was in full tears. And she was not happy with her parents.

For the rest of the day I had the phrase, "That's not our dino," in my head.

Sorry my pictures are a little out of order again. Sorry.

I decided to take some pictures of Pandora while I waited for my fast pass safari time. I was going to do Tough to be a Bug but the wait time said 40 minutes! Looks like it might be a little crowded in Pandora.

 

[Go.Nijntje]

I love your pictures no matter the order. I can't believe you went on EE 4 times in a row. I have ridden it once in my life and that was enough for me, the going backward bit really makes me feel sick.

 

[Pixieish]

Sorry it has taken me awhile to update, it was a super busy week for me. Anyway, on to the next day. This morning I did the Extra Magic Hours at Animal Kingdom.

I had a fast pass for Flights of Passage later in the morning and I didn't feel like doing the River Journey, so my plan was to head to Expedition Everest. While in line for the bus, on the bus, waiting in line to enter the park, and on the way into the park I heard people making the same comment, "Well we know where everyone is going first...(flights of passage)." and I kept thinking nope, not me!

And I think not doing the rush to Pandora was an excellent move...
Here is the bus line at the Sports after I got done with breakfast and I was out there at about 6:50am and a full bus had finished loading when I got in line.
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Entering the park, look at all those people pouring to the left.
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So I was not going to Pandora right away, so I took my time and enjoyed some picture taking in front of the tree of life. A manager was around and she took my picture and some time to chat with me a little about my trip so far and just general things. That was nice. Then I joined about 20 people at the rope to go to Everest, it was a pleasant walk with them to the mountain.
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You got some wonderful pictures of tree detail!! I'm a woodcarver and I adore that tree - I can't even imagine all the hours of sculpting that went into it.

 

[riverside]

I love your shirt!! Where did you get it?

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

I love your pictures no matter the order. I can't believe you went on EE 4 times in a row. I have ridden it once in my life and that was enough for me, the going backward bit really makes me feel sick.

Thanks for the compliment on the pictures, I try my best some are better than others. I am lucky that I don't get sick on rides, I really believe that if given the chance I could set a Guinness world record for riding the teacups a record amount of times/hours. With that said, Flights of Passage does make me slightly nauseous, and I think that is due to the smells they have on the ride. I am very sensitive to different smells and the ones they use in there smell good at first to me and then all of sudden it is disgusting. Like disgustingly sweet.

You got some wonderful pictures of tree detail!! I'm a woodcarver and I adore that tree - I can't even imagine all the hours of sculpting that went into it.

Thanks. So cool that you are a woodcarver, that is an amazing skill. My dad used to do a lot of woodworking but it wasn't anything I had the patience to learner. What types of things do you make?

I love your shirt!! Where did you get it?

Thanks! The shirt was one of this year's Food and Wine tee shirt designs. I like the logo and the type of fabric they used, it is really soft. I saw some stuff from Food and Wine was on clearance/sale on the Disney Parks app, perhaps it is still in the sale section if you are interested.

 

[riverside]

Thanks for the compliment on the pictures, I try my best some are better than others. I am lucky that I don't get sick on rides, I really believe that if given the chance I could set a Guinness world record for riding the teacups a record amount of times/hours. With that said, Flights of Passage does make me slightly nauseous, and I think that is due to the smells they have on the ride. I am very sensitive to different smells and the ones they use in there smell good at first to me and then all of sudden it is disgusting. Like disgustingly sweet.



Thanks. So cool that you are a woodcarver, that is an amazing skill. My dad used to do a lot of woodworking but it wasn't anything I had the patience to learner. What types of things do you make?



Thanks! The shirt was one of this year's Food and Wine tee shirt designs. I like the logo and the type of fabric they used, it is really soft. I saw some stuff from Food and Wine was on clearance/sale on the Disney Parks app, perhaps it is still in the sale section if you are interested.

Thanks!! I will have to check that out. I was there during Food and Wine and didn't notice it

 

[MinnieM123]

I was going to ride Primeval Whirl since it was a walk on, and then I remembered I don't like that ride. It is a little painful as it whips me around and I always regret riding it.

I had the exact same experience--rode it once and never again. I think I ended up with bruises on my hips from that stupid ride! I think part if the problem is that if there's not enough people on the car to "anchor" each other in, the open seats the make you jolt around too much. It was just another guy and me at the time, and we sat on opposite ends of the car. I ended up hating that ride!

 

[Pixieish]

Thanks. So cool that you are a woodcarver, that is an amazing skill. My dad used to do a lot of woodworking but it wasn't anything I had the patience to learner. What types of things do you make?

Basically anything - sculptures (lots of birds and especially ducks), TONS of signs, fancy canes, key rings, jewelry boxes...if you can think it up, there's a pretty good chance it can be carved. When I was carving for my profession, we did all the signs for the movie the Witches of Eastwick and then when they finished filming, made the sign for The Eastwick Word into a coffee table for the director. My boss was given a copy of the script as a thank you.