Trip Report My 3 day Solo trip and MagicBand experience.

I usually stay at All-Star Sports, but when I was booking my room Pop Century said it was trying out the new MagicBand. So Pop Century it was. I booked ten days out from August 7th, 8th and 9th. Being so close to the arrival date the MagicBand would be waiting for me at the hotel, instead of being mailed out.
I picked the color green.

Solo cast is me:

I am an annual pass holder and live just 4hours from Disney so I go every couple of months for a few days. Most of the time it's solo. I like that because I can do what I want, when I want, etc. etc. I enjoy it.

I was able to link my annual pass to the MagicBand along with 3 fast pass selections per day and a dining reservation. It was simple. I took a pic of my fast pass times as a reminder since the wifi is so sporadic in the parks.

I got to Pop around 2pm on Wednesday. The check in lines were horrible. Super long. Except for those who had checked in online. That was me and I strongly encourage you to do that. Only 3 people in that line and I was in and out in less than 5 minutes.

My band was waiting for me

It was personalized

It is fully adjustable, was very comfortable and my wrist never got hot or sweaty from it.

So off to find my room. I did 90s section. The complex is huge and this section was great because it is just a quick walk thru the parking lot to the bus stops.

Found it

The band is also your room key. Just tap it to the door receiver and like magic it unlocks. This was my home for the next couple of days.

More to follow. I have taken a lot of pics because I have always wanted to write a trip report, especially for the solo travelers. I will show you can have just as much fun. Hopefully the pics will post in this report.

 

[englanddg]

Was there a cost for that thing or was it "built in" to your package? What happens if you lose it? Is there a fee for replacing it?

The first band is included free, and you may customize it.

If you lose the band you get one replacement for free. You do not get to choose the color...they issue you the gray band.

If you lose THAT band then it is a $50 charge to get a new one.

 

[DisSplash]

I am so looking forward to the Ear

The first band is included free, and you may customize it.

If you lose the band you get one replacement for free. You do not get to choose the color...they issue you the gray band.

If you lose THAT band then it is a $50 charge to get a new one.

So, in other words, if you lose your first band, you're gonna feel like a schmuck walking around with a bland gray one? (Since everyone will know you can't keep track of things?) Not sure if I like the "color-coding." Why wouldn't they just replace it with what you had?

 

[DisSplash]

I am so looking forward to the Early of Sandwich!! We saw that place the last time we were in DTD in 2011, but did not check it out. Then I saw a segment on CBS This Morning about the company a month afterward. I was really regretting that we did not try it out, and so EoS has been on my "to-do" list sine we planned our up-coming trip. And thanks for the tip about 15% off for AAA members! Every little bit of savings helps!

 

[englanddg]

I am so looking forward to the Ear


So, in other words, if you lose your first band, you're gonna feel like a schmuck walking around with a bland gray one? (Since everyone will know you can't keep track of things?) Not sure if I like the "color-coding." Why wouldn't they just replace it with what you had?

Well, gray is also a color option for customization...and I have spotted a few people sporting it. Most likely though, these families didn't customize their bands online. Gray is just the "default" color.

Also, the custom bands aren't just linked, they are actually customized with your name ( which you can choose...for my band it says englanddg, and the kid's band says kk )...

I would imagine replacement bands are not like that.

 

[Tater tot]

Passed by Dumbo. There was minimal lines for that. Usually it is lined up.

Stopped and watched for a few minutes kids giving their passengers whiplash. Sometimes I will grab a coke and sit and watch for awhile. It's so fun watching the kids try and drive and their reactions are priceless.

Tomorrow land was crowded.

Made it. You really don't need a fast pass for this but I made it one of my selections anyways.

It was nice to get out of the heat and to sit down. The show was funny.

After exiting I heard a bunch of music so I wandered over and the dance party was in full force. Chip, Dale and Stitch were getting their groove on. Who cares if you can't dance. It's a good time just to act silly and nobody cares.

Worked up a sweat with that one. Time to head to Haunted Mansion. This was on the way. I love topiaries.

Haunted Mansion is my favorite ride in the Kingdom. My jaw dropped when I saw the crazy line and 40 minute wait. Now here is the awesomeness of fast pass+. I signed onto the mobile app. I had a fast pass for Thunder Mountain for later on. I selected to change that to the Mansion. It confirmed my new selection and viola....it said I had now had a 60 minute window to do the ride. So I bypassed the line, tapped my band and heard..thank you Brian. Walked right on. LOVE the band and easy way to make fast pass changes.

I could do this ride several times a day. I always see something that I haven't seen before.

 

[Tater tot]

Look for the pet cemetery upon exiting.

I think is was 8:30 and wanted to see the Electrical Parade. So headed back towards Main Street. Stopped in some shops. This was cool. Watched the guy make glass blown ornaments.

It was funny. He was too busy talking and the bulb fell right off and shattered. He was fun to watch. This is what the final product looked lime.

Over to the Confectionary. The ladies were busy making cavities. I bet they are the dentists best friend.

The hat shop.

The Emporium. I love retro stuff. These are so neat.

My favorite place to watch the parade is in front of the barber shop. Usually not that crowded and good views. Plus when it's over, it's easier to make you way to the exit.

I was dog tired after the parade and decided to head back to the room. I was lucky and didn't have to wait long for the bus back to Pop. One was pulling up as I walked up.

Tomorrow is Epcot and Friday is Animal Kingdom with character lunch at Tusker House. Yessss. A solo traveller can do sit down restaurants and have just as much fun.

 

[fractal]

Thanks for sharing! love hearing about the magic band - both good and bad.

 

[Tater tot]

Day 2: Epcot

Got some good rest and made it over to Epcot right before opening. The lines were backed up past the ticket counters.

Took about ten minutes to make it thru which really wasn't that bad. It was like a stampede. People running to get fast passes for Soarin and Test Track. But not me, I had them already scheduled beforehand. Another plus for fast pass+. I didn't have to deal with all the chaos.

There was no line at spaceship earth since people were racing to get fast passes. Usually I do this ride in late evenings for shorter wait times. But not today.

I think this is just a very relaxing ride.

Off to Test Track. This is perfect for solo because of the single rider line. I usually do that instead. But today I had a fast pass.

I got picked for the time estimator.

Your Band allows you to design your own car. Just tap it to the kiosk and design away. Here's my bad boy.

Tap your Band again before you enter the car to activate your design. I am laughing hysterically in this pic because the lady in the back row was screaming bloody murder the whole time. Her first time on the ride and I think her kids told her it was a slow moving ride.

I do prefer the old version of this ride. It had more character. The new design is just ho hum to me,

 

[afar28]

Loving the report so far! It's interesting hearing about the magic band

 

[Tater tot]

Off to Mission Space.

I hadn't rode this in awhile.

It was a fun ride. You do feel like you are in outer space with zero gravity.

Passed by Ellen's ride. It's too outdated and boring for me. So kept on walking.

Going to Mars made me thirsty. It's caffeine time.

Sat and watched these guy play on trash cans. Hadn't seen them before. It was very entertaining.

I'm all perked up now with my caffeine high, it was time to head over to Soarin. I did all my fast passes back to back in the morning because I like to spend the rest of the day in World Showcase.

It's rare to see Captain Hook out. And no line. What a nice little surprise.

I always enjoy Soarin. I hear they are coming out with a new video next year. I think it would be neat if they incorporate 3or4 different videos so there would be a variety to the ride each time.

Next was Living with the Land. Love going thru the greenhouse section and see where stuff comes from.

 

[Tater tot]

The greenhouse..

The character spot was on the way to World showcase and it had only a 10 minute wait. How lucky is that.

The one and only Mickey.

Pluto
.

The charming MIss Minnie.

When Mickey wasn't looking, I stole a kiss.

Done with Future World for now. Off to travel the world. Fasten your seat belt boys and girls and enjoy the ride. First stop. Canada

Love the gardens. Very peaceful.

 

[Tater tot]

I usually spend a fair amount of time in just a couple of countries each visit. This time it was England, France and Japan.

England.

By this time I was getting hungry and it was hot in the sun. Some fish and cups sounded like it would hit the spot.

You don't get a lot, just 2 fillet pieces and some fries, but it is satisfying.

I love mine almost water logged with malt vinegar and dipped in tarter sauce. I found a nice shaded table in front of the pub and enjoyed some downtime.

Since I love to sit and people watch. I have noticed a trend. In the mornings the kids are usually the one throwing temper tantrums, but in the afternoon it is quite amusing watching adults do the same thing. I think it must be the heat and a little tiredness. Some adults need a time out. I sat and watched a wife loudly scold her husband because he realized he had left the cell phone back at the hotel. Boy, she was just going on and on. She told him to stay here with the kid while she went back to the hotel to retrieve it, since she was more responsible than he.

I felt bad for the guy so I invited him and his son over to share my table. I bought dad a beer to calm his nerves and the kid a soda. I try to make my own magic in the parks too. I left before she returned. I did pass him later that evening in the park and he smiled and nodded thanks again.

Off to France.

I think this is the prettiest country.

My sweet tooth was kicking in so I headed toward the back to find the bakery. I keep forgetting this little gem is back there.

 

[Tater tot]

They had a nice selection of both savory and sweet.

But I was craving chocolate and this caught my eye.

I think I will take that one and found a table in the corner. My oh my was it good. Not overly rich, but it sure took care of my chocolate craving.

Inside look.

I was a happy camper after that. I went and looked around the gift shops. I spotted this in the shade and it was calling my name.

Wifi had a strong signal so sat for quite awhile playing on my iPad and resting my feet.
Then it was time to continue my journey and headed out of France.

I will write more in a couple days. Have some long work hours coming up.

 

[mklively]

Love the report so far! The bands seem really cool, thank you for telling us about your experience with yours. Looking forward to the rest.

 

[tare]

The first band is included free, and you may customize it.

If you lose the band you get one replacement for free. You do not get to choose the color...they issue you the gray band.

If you lose THAT band then it is a $50 charge to get a new one.

That's good info to know. Thx.

 

[MinnieM123]

Enjoying your photos and your observations while you're on vacation. I thought it was so nice that you invited the gentleman and his son over to your table to cheer them up, after the disagreement the husband and wife had. Your gesture did not go unnoticed by them, and they will always remember how kind you were.

 

[tare]

Day 2: Epcot

Got some good rest and made it over to Epcot right before opening. The lines were backed up past the ticket counters.
View attachment 29474

Took about ten minutes to make it thru which really wasn't that bad. It was like a stampede. People running to get fast passes for Soarin and Test Track. But not me, I had them already scheduled beforehand. Another plus for fast pass+. I didn't have to deal with all the chaos.

View attachment 29475

View attachment 29476

There was no line at spaceship earth since people were racing to get fast passes. Usually I do this ride in late evenings for shorter wait times. But not today.
View attachment 29477

View attachment 29478

I think this is just a very relaxing ride.
View attachment 29479

Off to Test Track. This is perfect for solo because of the single rider line. I usually do that instead. But today I had a fast pass.View attachment 29480

I got picked for the time estimator.
View attachment 29481


Your Band allows you to design your own car. Just tap it to the kiosk and design away. Here's my bad boy.

View attachment 29482


Tap your Band again before you enter the car to activate your design. I am laughing hysterically in this pic because the lady in the back row was screaming bloody murder the whole time. Her first time on the ride and I think her kids told her it was a slow moving ride.
View attachment 29483

I do prefer the old version of this ride. It had more character. The new design is just ho hum to me,

The new test track is to much of a tron theme for me. But the lap is still awesome.

 

[Tater tot]

Next was Japan. I hadn't explored this area for awhile and there is a lot to see and take in.

The drummers were about to perform so found a nice shady spot to watch. They really get into their performance.

This was next to them. So pretty and just peaceful to watch.

It was like they were swimming in slow motion.

I lucked out because the candy maker lady was setting up to work her magic. She is very hard for me to understand what she was saying. Everyone was oooohing and aahhhhhing over her creations, including me.
She was making a flamingo in this picture.

It was getting too hot outside so I went indoors to cool off and look around. I must have spent 30 minutes watching people pick their oyster for a pearl. I love it because it only takes about 10 seconds to open the oyster and find the pearl. But it is so entertaining because the clerk makes such a show out of it. She gets everyone excited beforehand and afterwards. At least 5 minutes worth.

It's clever marketing. So many people stop to see what all the fuss is and some ended up wanting a find a pearl too.

I like looking at all the different food products. I wasn't brave enough to try these. Most of them i couldn't read what it was. But I saw the word seaweed and shrimp a lot. Eeewwwww.

 

[Tater tot]

I was cooled down so headed on my way. These ladies were just finishing up their performance in Italy. I hadn't seen their show before. I will have to catch the full one next time.

I was getting thirsty and found the drink kiosk in China.

This sounded very interesting. Tipsy Duck. A bourbon concoction. Well, I'm game for that.

Let me tell you, this sweet lady was very very liberal with the whiskey. She kept pouring and pouring.

Quack quack.

It was really good. Not overly sweet, but just right.

Drink in hand I was smelling something good and it was the caramel shop. I must go in and have a look.

That's all I could do is look. I had a crown done a few days prior so no caramel for me today.

So I walked thru the gift shop area and spotted this. At first, I thought the whiskey drink was playing tricks on my eyes. I had to take a second look. Yes. Read that amount. $ 37,500. I told the clerk I would take 2 please. She really wasn't amused.

Warning. The tipsy duck does just that. Makes you tipsy. So I walked past these miniature villages and found a nice shaded area and sat for awhile until things stopped spinning.

 

[A073692]

Really enjoyed your reports