It's a Grown up girls trip!!.....Wait a tic...It's a SOLO girl trip!!!

[Ravensorrow]

Eeeeeep! I’m going back to Disney! Must keep calm!


Ok. That’s out of the way! Whew. Let me introduce the cast.


ME! I'm Holly....41 year old mom of 3. (That cute guy is mine too )

Yup. You heard it. I’m going on a SOLO trip!!!!! I’ve never been on a solo trip to Disney before so I’m super excited. What? You couldn’t tell already?


My first trip to The World was in 2007. I was 31 years old and took my mom and my girls who were then 11 and 2. My DH HATES anything Disney, *GASP* so we left him far behind. My mom has since passed…so I’m so happy I got to have this memory.

It was love at first Castle! I knew it was probably just going to be a once in a lifetime trip…but I had that urge…ya know?




Lots of crazy happened after that trip.

My beautiful boy was born in 2010 and it just never seemed like the right time to go back. Then we got his diagnosis. Autism. Which felt like it should have been the end of the world at the time…..Little did we know that it was only the beginning of “A Whole New World” (see what I did there? ) Therapies and Doctor appts. And fights with the schools, meltdowns, and breakthroughs, and laughter, and challenges, and LOTS OF LOVE!!! He has a ton of sensory issues which have so far made a theme park of this magnitude out of the question for him L He LOVES MICKEY like no tomorrow though….so I’m definitely raising him right We just decided to wait until he gets older to take him, when he can better manage his triggers. Why put him through agony for our little bit (ok….lot) of fun.

In the meantime, through all of this, my beautiful little 2 year old has grown up into this adorable preteen. And she’s a champ. But so much of my attention goes to her brother, that she can feel pretty left out. Unfortunately that is how life is when there is a special needs child in the home. So in 2013, I surprised her with her very own Mommy/Daughter trip to Disney for her 9th birthday. THAT was a fun trip!!!

Now how did I get a solo trip this year, you ask? Well….it wasn’t supposed to be one. My best friend and I had planned a girls only Adult trip for our 40th birthdays. Then we moved it back a year because Life. Then she ended up having to cancel altogether.

My hubby travels about 42 weeks a year so I don’t get much in the way of ME time. My son has this wonderful trait of *NOT SLEEPING* ever. About 3 hours a night. I have an autoimmune disease called Hashimotos Thyroiditus, so it really can wear on me after a while. Sleep deprivation and autoimmune diseases are not recommended. Just saying. Plus, I haven’t had a vacation in several years. So I really was looking forward to this trip and so bummed that we weren’t going.




Our trip was supposed to be April 23 – 30th. We were going to stay in the Royal Rooms at POR. I had ADRs made for every night. Our park plans were all written up. Fast passes were scheduled….then POOF…..cancelled. L All of that hard work, out the window.




So my DH told me to just go anyway!!! HOORAY!


What???!!!


BUT…..He had a major client project (that he’s been on for almost a year) coming to fruition the week we were supposed to leave. Could I maybe move my trip back a week?


For a week at Disney by MYSELF? Oh yeah!


So I called the folks on the Reservation line and jacked up the entire trip! The girl answered the phone and I said…we’re about to go crazy and rip this whole trip apart!


So I dropped my BFF off the trip.

I changed the dates….and ADDED a day….because I could! I’m now going April 30 – May 8.

I changed resorts. I’m now staying at POP….because I saved a ton of money and won’t be there anyway. Although I totally splurged for a preferred room.

Dropped the regular dining plan for the quick service one…because I don’t like the sit downs anyway. I got parks to see!

Cancelled all of my ADRs. EXCEPT for a lunch ressie at BOG. Can’t skip that one.


THEN I hopped on Travelocity and got some reasonably (*coughcough*) priced airline tickets. We were going to drive down from Cincinnati….pshaw…I’d rather fly anyway.

Called and booked my Magical Express.

Paid off my trip!


And then….changed my Lime Green Magic Band for Purple…because YAY purple!


And now….I have 50 whole days to WAIT!!!! Ugh.

 

[Victoriasmom98]

So hi me (you never did tell us your name) but I know from Facebook (Real April/May) that you are Holly!!! I'm Ann and I would love to follow along!! Your trip is sooo close. Mine is right behind you with 63 days to go. I have a PTR, too which you can find at http://www.disboards.com/threads/lo...sney-05-2016-ptr.3472919/page-6#post-55333102 (if I could figure out how to make that link, I would be happy.....oh well) if you are interested. Wow....a solo trip! Lucky for me I still have my partner in crime -- my 18 year old daughter Victoria!!! Can't wait to read along!!! Oh, look at that.....it is a Link!!! yahoo!!!!

 

[Ravensorrow]

So hi me (you never did tell us your name) but I know from Facebook (Real April/May) that you are Holly!!! I'm Ann and I would love to follow along!! Your trip is sooo close. Mine is right behind you with 63 days to go. I have a PTR, too which you can find at http://www.disboards.com/threads/lo...sney-05-2016-ptr.3472919/page-6#post-55333102 (if I could figure out how to make that link, I would be happy.....oh well) if you are interested. Wow....a solo trip! Lucky for me I still have my partner in crime -- my 18 year old daughter Victoria!!! Can't wait to read along!!! Oh, look at that.....it is a Link!!! yahoo!!!!

Haha! Yup...I'm Holly. I sometimes forget the anonymity of da interwebs. I'll go check yours out!

 

[samsteele]

Enjoy your trip! Sounds like it is definitely well deserved. I love the POP and feel the same way about mods. I'm never at the resort enough to actually get my money out of all the extra amenities so no point in me paying for something I won't use. Plus, POP has the best busing system in WDW. AoA is just across the bridge and if that bus shows up first at the end of a long day at a park, just get on it and make the quick walk over the bridge to the POP. Definitely check out the POP resort thread here on the Boards. Lots of great info. There are lots of great, unique CS options. Smart to keep BOG lunch. Do check out Wolfgang Puck Express at DIS Springs for incredible CS eats. Its an excellent value on the CS plan. Have fun! Let me know if you want a list of some great, unique CS spots to nosh at. However, sounds like you are already a savvy DIS vet so you prob have all your favs already mapped out.

 

[Ravensorrow]

Enjoy your trip! Sounds like it is definitely well deserved. I love the POP and feel the same way about mods. I'm never at the resort enough to actually get my money out of all the extra amenities so no point in me paying for something I won't use. Plus, POP has the best busing system in WDW. AoA is just across the bridge and if that bus shows up first at the end of a long day at a park, just get on it and make the quick walk over the bridge to the POP. Definitely check out the POP resort thread here on the Boards. Lots of great info. There are lots of great, unique CS options. Smart to keep BOG lunch. Do check out Wolfgang Puck Express at DIS Springs for incredible CS eats. Its an excellent value on the CS plan. Have fun! Let me know if you want a list of some great, unique CS spots to nosh at. However, sounds like you are already a savvy DIS vet so you prob have all your favs already mapped out.

I LOVE the bacon wrapped meatloaf at WPX! It's definitely on my list...as is a lobster roll from Columbia Harbor House. Beyond that...I'm stumped. I've always done regular dining plan and we've turned counter service into snacks, mostly. So I'd love some CS input. I'm looking for unique...not humdrum hamburgers or chicken fingers. And Casey's Corner doesn't really interest me (*gasp* I know!).

 

[samsteele]

Food is really subjective but here are my favs . . . hopefully others will also chime in:
AK: Flametree BBQ (ribs are too die for . . . walk all the way down the path to the Water Pavilion for views of the new Rivers of Light setting & Everest). I wasn't that impressed with Harambe Market because of the poor seating & no shade. However, they do serve one of the Epcot Club Cool sodas there (Bibo?) and that was fun. Consider an OOP lunch at Sanaa at nearby Kidani Village and just order the Bread Service. Interesting & different.
Epcot: Sunshine Seasons offers great lunch & dinner choices. I like the Rotisserie Chicken but instead of the usual rice & beans sides, I politely ask to sub the mashed potatos. The Key Lime Pie is killer for dessert. Tangierine Cafe is an incredible value on the QS DP. I usually go for the Lamb & Chicken combo. Baklava is the only dessert choice. Cantina de San Angel has a tasty Polo Cascabel (chicken). I usually ask for the spicy sauce on the side to just dip.
Hollywood Studios: this one is harder. Starring Rolls has tasty, huge & fresh sandwiches. Their cupcakes (including the butterfinger) are incredible. Your other decent option is to go for the classic Turkey Leg at Rosies or take the boat to the Boardwalk Area & check out the Boardwalk Bakery.
MK: BOG lunch is an event & the pulled pork is tasty. Columbia Harbour House is always wonderful. I love the lobster roll but the fried shrimp entree is also tasty. Their seasonal crumble for dessert is good. Head upstairs with your tray for a quieter meal and try to get a window seat to people watch. Remember: their bathroom upstairs is actually in Fantasyland. Strange but true. The newly revamped menu at Pecos Bill is very good. The entree when you get it at the counter looks nasty. I usually get the chicken fajita. But the fixins bar is incredible & makes the meal. Their guac is very good. Go early before the fixins' bar gets nasty & ravaged by guests.

 

[Ravensorrow]

Food is really subjective but here are my favs . . . hopefully others will also chime in:
AK: Flametree BBQ (ribs are too die for . . . walk all the way down the path to the Water Pavilion for views of the new Rivers of Light setting & Everest). I wasn't that impressed with Harambe Market because of the poor seating & no shade. However, they do serve one of the Epcot Club Cool sodas there (Bibo?) and that was fun. Consider an OOP lunch at Sanaa at nearby Kidani Village and just order the Bread Service. Interesting & different.
Epcot: Sunshine Seasons offers great lunch & dinner choices. I like the Rotisserie Chicken but instead of the usual rice & beans sides, I politely ask to sub the mashed potatos. The Key Lime Pie is killer for dessert. Tangierine Cafe is an incredible value on the QS DP. I usually go for the Lamb & Chicken combo. Baklava is the only dessert choice. Cantina de San Angel has a tasty Polo Cascabel (chicken). I usually ask for the spicy sauce on the side to just dip.
Hollywood Studios: this one is harder. Starring Rolls has tasty, huge & fresh sandwiches. Their cupcakes (including the butterfinger) are incredible. Your other decent option is to go for the classic Turkey Leg at Rosies or take the boat to the Boardwalk Area & check out the Boardwalk Bakery.
MK: BOG lunch is an event & the pulled pork is tasty. Columbia Harbour House is always wonderful. I love the lobster roll but the fried shrimp entree is also tasty. Their seasonal crumble for dessert is good. Head upstairs with your tray for a quieter meal and try to get a window seat to people watch. Remember: their bathroom upstairs is actually in Fantasyland. Strange but true. The newly revamped menu at Pecos Bill is very good. The entree when you get it at the counter looks nasty. I usually get the chicken fajita. But the fixins bar is incredible & makes the meal. Their guac is very good. Go early before the fixins' bar gets nasty & ravaged by guests.

All very good sounding options. I was reading that Flametree might be included in the ROL dining option. Crossing my fingers. I'm sooooo looking forward to Animal Kingdom after dark. !!!!!

 

[Ensusieasm]

I LOVE the bacon wrapped meatloaf at WPX! It's definitely on my list...as is a lobster roll from Columbia Harbor House. Beyond that...I'm stumped. I've always done regular dining plan and we've turned counter service into snacks, mostly. So I'd love some CS input. I'm looking for unique...not humdrum hamburgers or chicken fingers. And Casey's Corner doesn't really interest me (*gasp* I know!).

Another idea for counter service is to try and get a BOG breakfast ADR for a time before MK opens. It can be anytime from 8 until 8:55. Be sure to get it on a day when the park opens at 9 without an early extra magic hour. You will get into MK at 7:45 and walk down an empty beautiful Main Street taking photos along the way, leisurely taking it all in. No matter what time pre park opening BOG ADR you have, you can get in to BOG when it opens at 8. Pre order your food to get in the speedy line. After breakfast you can get a couple rides on 7DMT before the park even opens!
Also, at HS Staring Rolls is a great counter service for breakfast and lunch. They have great sandwiches and an amazing fresh fruit tart. Enjoy your trip. I always tack on 2 or three solo days to my family and friend trips, and it is an enjoyable experience!

 

[Disneylvr]

Hello from another autism mom! My daughter with autism is about to turn 13. We have been able to take her to WDW since she was 13 months old but our days have to be planned very carefully with lots of breaks and certain attractions and restaurants avoided. A couple of weeks ago I found a really low airfare to MCO for a long weekend over Mother's Day. I mentioned it to my husband and he said, "go, have a good time!" I don't get a week but I will be there from May 6-10 with 3 days (hopper) in the parks. I too will be at POP. My main goal is to see as much of the Flower and Garden festival as possible and to enjoy some much needed ME time. I will be following your report!

 

[Ravensorrow]

Hello from another autism mom! My daughter with autism is about to turn 13. We have been able to take her to WDW since she was 13 months old but our days have to be planned very carefully with lots of breaks and certain attractions and restaurants avoided. A couple of weeks ago I found a really low airfare to MCO for a long weekend over Mother's Day. I mentioned it to my husband and he said, "go, have a good time!" I don't get a week but I will be there from May 6-10 with 3 days (hopper) in the parks. I too will be at POP. My main goal is to see as much of the Flower and Garden festival as possible and to enjoy some much needed ME time. I will be following your report!

Oh how wonderful! I'd love to meet up! Are you by yourself too?

 

[Ravensorrow]

Another idea for counter service is to try and get a BOG breakfast ADR for a time before MK opens. It can be anytime from 8 until 8:55. Be sure to get it on a day when the park opens at 9 without an early extra magic hour. You will get into MK at 7:45 and walk down an empty beautiful Main Street taking photos along the way, leisurely taking it all in. No matter what time pre park opening BOG ADR you have, you can get in to BOG when it opens at 8. Pre order your food to get in the speedy line. After breakfast you can get a couple rides on 7DMT before the park even opens!
Also, at HS Staring Rolls is a great counter service for breakfast and lunch. They have great sandwiches and an amazing fresh fruit tart. Enjoy your trip. I always tack on 2 or three solo days to my family and friend trips, and it is an enjoyable experience!

Ooh nice. I haven't heard great things about BOG breakfast though. Is it worth it just to stroll through an empty MK and a few rides on 7DMT?

 

[Disneylvr]

Oh how wonderful! I'd love to meet up! Are you by yourself too?

Yes, I will be solo.

 

[Dug720]

Ooh nice. I haven't heard great things about BOG breakfast though. Is it worth it just to stroll through an empty MK and a few rides on 7DMT?

Have you seen the new ridiculous prices?? Not that much cheaper than the AYCE Character Meal at CP! Insanity!

 

[Dug720]

Sounds like an awesome trip you've got planned!! I teach 1st and 2nd graders with autism in a self-contained 6:1:1 class, so I get needing a break! I'm going solo mid-August to celebrate my 45th birthday!

 

[Ensusieasm]

Ooh nice. I haven't heard great things about BOG breakfast though. Is it worth it just to stroll through an empty MK and a few rides on 7DMT?

I think it's worth it to see an empty MK. It's a magical novelty to me. You can order a kids breakfast for 14 bucks that also includes a pastry platter with tiny muffins, croissants, and danish. Also a fresh fruit cup and a drink are included. So I think it's worth it. But you should be out at your resort bus stop at 645 am. I'm an early bird so for me it's easy. But if you like to sleep in, that would be the only reason not to do it.

 

[Disneylvr]

I think it's worth it to see an empty MK. It's a magical novelty to me. You can order a kids breakfast for 14 bucks that also includes a pastry platter with tiny muffins, croissants, and danish. Also a fresh fruit cup and a drink are included. So I think it's worth it. But you should be out at your resort bus stop at 645 am. I'm an early bird so for me it's easy. But if you like to sleep in, that would be the only reason not to do it.

An empty MK is wonderful but I personally would hate to miss the MK opening show at the entrance. There is something so magical about starting the day with it. "Good morning, good morning......" But if you have more than one MK morning planned, this is a great idea for you OP! Sadly, I don't.

 

[Ravensorrow]

Yes, I will be solo.

That's great! I've never been solo before and I'm really looking forward to it! I'm not even feeling guilty about leaving the kiddos behind. We are planning to do another trip with them in a few years anyway.

 

[Ravensorrow]

Have you seen the new ridiculous prices?? Not that much cheaper than the AYCE Character Meal at CP! Insanity!

Yes, and they don't have a great selection for the nutty price. I just can't justify it at all. It would probably be different if I were going to be with people to show off the novelty of the empty park...but that's not a huge deal to me.

 

[Ravensorrow]

Sounds like an awesome trip you've got planned!! I teach 1st and 2nd graders with autism in a self-contained 6:1:1 class, so I get needing a break! I'm going solo mid-August to celebrate my 45th birthday!

Aren't they the most awesome kids though! I learn something new everyday from my differently thinking son! He reads and writes at a high school level and has 3rd grade math skills. He has a photographic memory and can reprogram anything electronic he can get his hands on...so he keeps me on my toes. Did I mention he's only 5? LOL! Happy Soloing!!

 

[Ravensorrow]

I think it's worth it to see an empty MK. It's a magical novelty to me. You can order a kids breakfast for 14 bucks that also includes a pastry platter with tiny muffins, croissants, and danish. Also a fresh fruit cup and a drink are included. So I think it's worth it. But you should be out at your resort bus stop at 645 am. I'm an early bird so for me it's easy. But if you like to sleep in, that would be the only reason not to do it.

I'm an early bird, but not that early....I'll probably just make it to the rope drop show!