Trip Report Springin' Into WDW Solo! March 2016

I just got back from my second solo trip a couple weeks ago. I was there from March 19-24. It was a fabulous trip.

A little back story, I'm a teacher and my husband is a pastor, and since this year's Spring Break fell during Holy Week there wasn't anyway he could come with me. So I decided to travel solo again, first solo trip was last March. I want to be home for Easter so my plan was just for a Saturday-Thursday trip, in the end I wish I had spent the whole week there, but I always want more time in WDW.

Before I move on to the report here a couple links to the other two trip reports I've done recently and ever.....
http://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/...ts-wdw-november-2015-lots-of-pictures.907613/
http://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/back-to-disneyland-ringin-in-2016.909039/

So Saturday March 19th came and my husband drove me to the airport early for my 8 am flight. I had been wide awake since 1:30am, I was so excited I just couldn't sleep. The flight was pushed back an hour because of supposedly icy roads. The pilot told us the flight crew was delayed because of icy roads; I didn't quite buy that story as even though it had been lightly snowing the roads weren't bad at all. My flight was on Spirit so I was a little nervous as I had heard bad things about them, but I had a big seat in the first row and my flight, even though delayed, was very nice.

Okay, finally in Orlando and I made my way to the Magical Express. It seems as if delay was the theme of the day, we were on the bus ready to go and then we were delayed because the driver got sick. Luckily it wasn't a long delay, 5 minutes later a new driver was there and we were on our way.

And it was raining so it put a bit of a damper on arrival! Sorry for the pun, nothing could dampen my excitement!

My resort this time was the All Star Sports, mostly because it was the cheapest. To be honest for years, I have avoided the All Stars like the plague, but I stayed at the Movies last year and enjoyed it and my stay at the Sports was enjoyable too. I have a stay booked for the Music in June, so I hope my luck holds out!

My room at the Sports, a little sparse in decoration. But it was clean, very close to the bus stop, and the bed was comfortable.

I had done online check in and I got a text about 10 minutest after leaving the airport that my room was ready. I really like just being able to go to my room.

 

[Cesar R M]

So I went to explore the Pangani Trail. Up until a few year ago I had never done the trail, I balked at the idea of more walking. But I now love the trail in Africa and Asia. I find that they are gorgeously themed and provide a relaxing journey with some great animal views. If you have never done them you really should.

On the Pangani Trail, I found this beautiful flower.
View attachment 137670

And waterfall
View attachment 137671

The hippos were in good view too.
View attachment 137672

And the gorillas were pretty active too.
View attachment 137673
Once I was done with the trail I still had about 10 minutes to wait until Harambe Market to open. I found a sunny spot and relaxed.
I ended up getting the curry battered sausage. It was good. It needed a little more spice, a little more zip, the mustard provided that though. It came with a chilled tomato salad with black eyed peas and a carrot slaw. Both were good, I wasn't expecting them to be. I'm not a big fan of raw carrot so I didn't eat a lot of the slaw.
View attachment 137674

View attachment 137675

I wandered back to Asia, and to be honest I was still hungry. So I stopped at the Yak and Yeti and got a side dish of fried rice. It was delicious and for $3.99 a real bargain. The Yak and Yeti has a nice seating area and after the rice I was stuffed.
View attachment 137676

View attachment 137677

I decided to jungle trek it on the Maharajah Jungle Trek, I was hoping the tiger would be active and it was. I really don't like bats at all so I walked VERY swiftly through that area (that is the only flaw of this trek). Although there were some nice carvings on the door leading into their enclosure and this was as close I wanted to be to observing the bats.
View attachment 137678

One of the tigers was active so that was nice to see. I usually see them sleeping.
View attachment 137679

sooo envious!!

Of all my visits.. I never caught the hippos or the tigers.. they always hide! D:

 

[Figgy1]

sooo envious!!

Of all my visits.. I never caught the hippos or the tigers.. they always hide! D:

Now you have a reason to go back!

 

[betty rose]

I just got back from my second solo trip a couple weeks ago. I was there from March 19-24. It was a fabulous trip.

A little back story, I'm a teacher and my husband is a pastor, and since this year's Spring Break fell during Holy Week there wasn't anyway he could come with me. So I decided to travel solo again, first solo trip was last March. I want to be home for Easter so my plan was just for a Saturday-Thursday trip, in the end I wish I had spent the whole week there, but I always want more time in WDW.

Before I move on to the report here a couple links to the other two trip reports I've done recently and ever.....
http://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/...ts-wdw-november-2015-lots-of-pictures.907613/
http://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/back-to-disneyland-ringin-in-2016.909039/

So Saturday March 19th came and my husband drove me to the airport early for my 8 am flight. I had been wide awake since 1:30am, I was so excited I just couldn't sleep. The flight was pushed back an hour because of supposedly icy roads. The pilot told us the flight crew was delayed because of icy roads; I didn't quite buy that story as even though it had been lightly snowing the roads weren't bad at all. My flight was on Spirit so I was a little nervous as I had heard bad things about them, but I had a big seat in the first row and my flight, even though delayed, was very nice.

Okay, finally in Orlando and I made my way to the Magical Express. It seems as if delay was the theme of the day, we were on the bus ready to go and then we were delayed because the driver got sick. Luckily it wasn't a long delay, 5 minutes later a new driver was there and we were on our way.

View attachment 136815

View attachment 136817

And it was raining so it put a bit of a damper on arrival! Sorry for the pun, nothing could dampen my excitement!
View attachment 136818

My resort this time was the All Star Sports, mostly because it was the cheapest. To be honest for years, I have avoided the All Stars like the plague, but I stayed at the Movies last year and enjoyed it and my stay at the Sports was enjoyable too. I have a stay booked for the Music in June, so I hope my luck holds out!
View attachment 136819

My room at the Sports, a little sparse in decoration. But it was clean, very close to the bus stop, and the bed was comfortable.
View attachment 136820

View attachment 136821

View attachment 136822

I had done online check in and I got a text about 10 minutest after leaving the airport that my room was ready. I really like just being able to go to my room.

Very nice room, I like the colors. Whee....a nice trip for me too! thanks for posting.

 

[betty rose]

After I checked out my room, and unpacked the small bag I had with me, I was off to the parks. Off to Hollywood Studios.Once there I had some time before my first fast pass (Tower, TOy Story, and Star Tours), so I decided I hadn't had much for lunch (just a sandwich I had brought from home on the plane), so I stopped at Starring Rolls. I got a cupcake there and I was still hungry and I wanted an adult beverage so I walked next door to the Brown Derby Lounge. Luckily it wasn't raining anymore.

View attachment 136823

View attachment 136824

I got the St. Patty's cupcake, chocolate with a nice light mint frosting. The hat was made out of white chocolate. I don't care for white chocolate, so after the one bite of that I discarded it.
View attachment 136825
Great pictures. I'll be following along.

View attachment 136826

I got a mojito and the derby sliders. The derby sliders are delicious! The one on the left is duck confit with crispy leeks and a cole slaw (and I normally hate cole slaw), and on the right is a a waygu beef, with gouda, bacon, aoli (of some sort), tomato, and avacado). It came with a nice amount of homemade chips. Really it was heavenly!
View attachment 136827

I still had time before my first fast pass so I killed some time wandering on Sunset Blvd, and caught a showing of the Beauty and the Beast stage show. I hadn't seen it in awhile and it was really well done. (More of those pictures tomorrow...)
View attachment 136828

View attachment 136829



View attachment 136830
Alright, I'm out for the night. I'll be back with more of day one tomorrow....

 

[betty rose]

The dining alone thing isn't that bad for me, I thought it would be a little awkward but it wasn't too bad. I people watched a lot of the time or updated my trip journal on my phone.

Good ideas for dining alone. In the old times, I brought a book and read!

 

[betty rose]

Well Starring Rolls closes early you know. (It isn't the first time I've ordered/eaten dessert first. But, shhhh, don't tell anyone...).

That would work well for diabetic's. If we have dessert, it's first just a bite or two then one to the meat and veggies, and one more bite of dessert.

 

[betty rose]

I just use the zoom that is in my camera. In the B&B show I was sitting fairly close to the back. I have to be careful though when I used the zoom if I go to far it just looks grainy. I also have to be careful to hold the camera steady, the slightest shake seems to make it blurry, if it my blood sugar gets low (which often happens at WDW with all the walking) then I shake and sometimes it isn't noticeable to me but apparently the camera picks it up.



Happy Birthday in advance! I hope you enjoy your solo trip. One of my goals for this solo trip (besides relaxing and having fun) was to slow down and take in the details. There really is a lot to see at Disney and some of the best stuff isn't attractions.

We are older and diabetic, so we do that more and more, we have found that at our age ( late 60's) it's the best kind of trip. I'm so glad that you found this style so much earlier than we did. I'm loving your trip report!

 

[betty rose]

Day 2 started early, it was EMH at Hollywood Studios. I headed to the food court for a little breakfast and coffee. I was staying in the Touchdown section of the All Star Sports so since there weren't many people around (it was 6:30am) I was able to get a couple good shots until the rain started.
View attachment 137200
View attachment 137201

And here is a selfie of me, that is the problem of traveling alone...selfie pictures.
View attachment 137202

View attachment 137203

The food court area was cute, I liked the sport pictures of Mickey and the gang.
View attachment 137204
And now a picture you will all be jealous of...my biscuits and gravy for breakfast. I always think they are going to tast better than they do. It was something to fill me up though. The coffee was actually pretty good, but it was really hot. It didn't really cool down until right before I got on the bus. But drinking my coffee on the bus was a nice way to start a Disney day.

View attachment 137205

A last look at the food court before heading out for the bus, luckily the rain had stopped....for now.
View attachment 137206

View attachment 137207

I really like Joffery's coffee. So much better than the last coffee vendor. Those biscuits and gravy look really good, I'm sorry they aren't as promised. Were they bland? Or not seasoned properly?

 

[betty rose]

Thank you for getting a pic of the Earful Tower. I'm going to miss seeing it on the way in

Me too. Sometimes the changes are hard to take in.

 

[betty rose]

It was EMH at Hollywood Studios so that is where I started the day! I was able to fit in a Toy Story and drop in a few time at the Tower of Terror before official park opening.

It was EMH at Hollywood Studios so that is where I started the day! I was able to fit in a Toy Story and drop in a few times (3) at the Tower of Terror, a Star Tours before official park opening.

View attachment 137208

It was a little rainy now and the "rush" to Toy Story wasn't too bad, but when I got off the ride the return time was already at 45 minutes.
View attachment 137209

View attachment 137210

Surprise, surprise I was the winner!
View attachment 137211

View attachment 137212

Time for Tower!
View attachment 137213

View attachment 137216

View attachment 137214

View attachment 137215

Thanks for the pictures. That is only recently my favorite ride in Hollywood Studios. I didn't know what I was missing all these years. Yes, I was a chicken before I tried it. Hubby is still a chicken and takes that way out!

 

[betty rose]

Back to day two...Once I left the Studios I went back to the Sports to meet my Dad. He lives about an hour away from WDW so we met up for lunch. He doesn't like to drive long distances but he felt comfortable driving to the Sports (my sister convinced him it was an easy drive from his house). I let him pick a restaurant and he picked Captain's Grille at the Yacht Club.

Once at the Yacht Club we were early for our lunch ADR so I got us a couple of beers from the Crew's Cup and we sat in some rocking chairs overlooking the pool.
View attachment 137334

The lunch at Captain's Grille was really great. The food was awesome, our server Jeff was one of the best I've ever had, and we had a nice view of the pool area. The last time I'd been to Captain's Grille was for dinner in 2009, and I enjoyed it then. Actually the last time I was there was with my dad, mom, and husband. Maybe that is why Dad picked the restaurant.
Dad and I shared the tomato soup.
View attachment 137325

I had a steak sandwich, and it had a shallot mayonnaise on it that was good. I got extra to dip my fries in (sorry no pictures of it).
View attachment 137326

So after a long but enjoyable lunch Dad headed home and I headed to Disney Springs. I hadn't been there in a couple of trips and I was eager to see the changes.
View attachment 137327

I stopped in to see some Disney art at the Art of Disney. I thought the figment and the Mickey and Minnie (Mary and Burt) picture were wonderful but too expensive.
View attachment 137328

View attachment 137329

I liked the new display at the Coop for the TAG stuff was cool.
View attachment 137330

View attachment 137331

Then a few views of Disney Springs.
View attachment 137332
View attachment 137333

Wonderful pictures, I want to fully explore the new Disney Springs as well. I'm waiting for Blaze, the new pizza restaurant, where you can pick your own ingredients. I can't have dairy, so a pizza made to order sounds so good.

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

Thank you again for all the wonderful pictures. BTW Sports looks like so much fun, that I'm now torn between there and SOG for my dh' and my just us trip

Sports and actually all the All Stars I've stayed at have a fun atmosphere. I used to avoid staying at them because I heard lots of horror stories, but I've had two great stays. And for the money and amount of time I spend at the resort it is perfect.

Every time I go to F&G, I have to go see the butterfly house, too. There's just something so unique and fun about seeing so many butterflies. It's an uplifiting experience!

I agree butterflies are so pretty and fun to see.

sooo envious!

Of all my visits.. I never caught the hippos or the tigers.. they always hide! D:

Hopefully, you'll get them next time. They usually hide on me too.

I really like Joffery's coffee. So much better than the last coffee vendor. Those biscuits and gravy look really good, I'm sorry they aren't as promised. Were they bland? Or not seasoned properly?

I might order some Joffery's coffee, but there are so many varieties online I don't know which to get. The biscuits and and gravy were bland. The biscuits are always pretty dry too, and by the time I check out it is cold and my butter doesn't melt. I have given the Disney biscuits a couple shots now and I'm just going to have to remember that no matter how good it looks it isn't worth it.

 

[betty rose]

It is!



Sorry Figgy, I can't remember how much it was. I think you deserve a splurge though!



I'm not the biggest Star Wars fan either, but I like the Jawas walking around. It is a nice touch, the Launch Bay in Disneyland didn't have them. I was going to give my candy to a kid so they could trade but by the time I dug out my candy out of my purse there weren't any kids left in the area.



Thanks for joining my trip report! I'm glad that you are enjoying it.

I'm on late, but this is the best stress reliever. I love your perspective of how Disney is changing. I will go with a more positive attitude, due to your trip report. Now, I can't wait to see the new things!

 

[betty rose]

Then since the Peoplemover was still down, I decided to enjoy the Carousel of Progress.

View attachment 137460

View attachment 137461

View attachment 137462

View attachment 137463

View attachment 137464

After that I was going to ride the train but the station in Fantasyland/Storybook Circus was packed. So I moseyed...
View attachment 137465

View attachment 137466


View attachment 137467

View attachment 137468

And I ended up on the Liberty Belle.
View attachment 137469

Great pictures, I'm having a fun trip from my chair. Thanks so much for doing this report.

 

[betty rose]

I enjoyed my time on the Liberty Belle. As we passed Frontierland, I was slightly confused for a second and I wondered where New Orleans Square was. Maybe I've spent too much time in Disneyland. LOL!

View attachment 137470
I spent some time in here while I waited for us to get moving. View attachment 137471

View attachment 137472

View attachment 137473

View attachment 137474

View attachment 137475

View attachment 137476


After the Liberty Belle, I used my Big Thunder Mountain fast pass. It IS the Wildest Ride in the Wilderness! It was such a ride, that I worked up an appetite. I was headed for Cosmic Ray's but as I passed the Friar's Nook I heard some mac and cheese calling my name. So I got the BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese (without the coleslaw). I love the buttered bread crumbs on top. And I was able to get a table with a castle view! Sorry Sonny Eclipse, maybe I'll visit next time for dinner.
View attachment 137477

why was I born unable to digest dairy? I had cheese before I knew better, and it' s so delicious. Now I just get to smell hubby's mac and cheese entree's. I'm so envious!

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

So after looking around a little at the topiaries in Future World, I had my fast pass for Spaceship Earth

Then I went into the Land for the Living with the Land boat ride (a must do for me). It was kind of a ghost town in there with Soarin' down.

I was getting a little hungry so I stopped at Sunshine Seasons. I like the chocolate mousse cake, but I had heard good reviews of the warmchocolate peanut butter brownie with caramel sauce. I wish I had gone with the mousse cake. By the time I got to eat the brownie it wasn't that warm anymore (only one cashier and it took the lady in front of me 5 attempts to get her pin correct.). The brownie was also really dry.

 

[betty rose]

This @MinnieM123 , I thought you would appreciate the Minnie statue! I do like the spontaneous nature of the solo trip, although when I travel with my husband he is pretty good about changing the plan up too. We are kind of go with the flow people on vacation. Oh, and the mac and cheese was from the Friar's Nook in Fantasyland (by the carousel), you might want to try it when you go. There is also a pot roast one that is good, but that one definately needs salt and pepper but they don't have any salt and pepper packets there, you need to bring your own (I usually stop at the Village Haus for some salt and pepper before I go to the Friar's Nook).

We love a go with the flow vacation. This fall will be the first time we have ever booked ADR's for hubby and me. When we go with the kids, they book all kinds of things, sometimes we are a no show.

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

I'm on late, but this is the best stress reliever. I love your perspective of how Disney is changing. I will go with a more positive attitude, due to your trip report. Now, I can't wait to see the new things!

why was I born unable to digest dairy? I had cheese before I knew better, and it' s so delicious. Now I just get to smell hubby's mac and cheese entree's. I'm so envious!

I'm glad this is a nice stress reliever for you. I know a lot of people are on a Disney bash kick but I try to look at the positives. I have enough other negatives, Disney NEEDS to be my happy place (that includes this forum).

I do feel bad that you can't have dairy it is so tasty, I couldn't do without. Although, I suppose I could learn to survive. For now I'll eat your share.

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

We love a go with the flow vacation. This fall will be the first time we have ever booked ADR's for hubby and me. When we go with the kids, they book all kinds of things, sometimes we are a no show.

I like to go with the flow a little, but I am also a planner. There are some must do restaurants that we need ADR's for. Hubby is the same as me he can go with the flow but also likes to plan. When we go for 2 weeks this summer we have some days with ADR's and some days with none. We'll see how that goes.

 

[betty rose]

So day three started with a healthy breakfast at the food court. Okay maybe as healthy as a donut. I had a chocolate cupcake with a little caramel and toasted coconut. It was pretty tasty with my coffee.
View attachment 137555

View attachment 137556

I made my way to Animal Kingdom and saw a little of the Pandora construction while waiting to get in.

View attachment 137557

I really like the morning light on the Tree of Life. This turned out a little blurry as I didn't really stop to admire the tree. It was a chilly day today, I think it stayed in the mid 60's most of the day and was super windy. It was in the mid 50's this morning. So Everest was really chilly.
View attachment 137558


View attachment 137559

View attachment 137560
I had a seat in the front. Actually both times I rode on this morning (back to back) I ended up riding with the same girl. She was a blogger and was periscoping the ride. Later I told hubby to check out her scope so he could "ride" with me.
View attachment 137562

Then I headed to the safari, and I think the animals liked the cooler weather because they were really active on this particular safari.
View attachment 137563

View attachment 137564

And the painted dogs. When I rode in November the hyenas were out but I didn't see them this time. I'm wondering if Disney is getting them ready for the sunset/night safaris but that is just a guess.
View attachment 137565

Wow, I've never seen the painted dogs, great picture! I didn't know they had them.