Life is either a Daring Adventure or nothing at all... 1st ever Solo trip Dec 2024 Trip Report COMPLETED 01/19/25

[DenaRox]

The Adventure I Chose:​

* I’m lazy so copy /paste from PTR *

Who --> So who am I? My name is Dena. I am a Canadian Disney lover who lurks a lot but I’m getting better at posting



1993 - first Disney trip, a family adventure to WDW.
--> the saddest Disney free 20 years of my life lol
2013 - Walt Disney World. My daughter's 1st Disney trip.
2014 - We visited Disneyland For the 1st time (Trip Report HERE)
2015 - We visited Disneyland again. (Trip Report HERE)
2016 - We broadened our adventuring and headed to Tokyo Disney.

—> Then life hit. As it usually does. No Disney trips for us.

2023, I spent my 50th b-day in Tokyo Disney
and that brings us to today
2024 - my first solo trip to WDW.

What & Why --> I have been planning a trip to WDW for a bit now but it was never meant to be a solo trip. Life happened - as it does, and now I’ll be an unaccompanied adult!
Actually it was a 2 part decision. (1) My daughter, my best travel buddy is all Disney'd out. (2) My furbaby, Juggie JuggerBuggers, has diabetes and needs daily insulin shots. So, my DD is staying home caring for her FurBrother & i'm going to step out of my comfort zone and go solo

When --> November 30 to December 7 2024!

Where --> A split stay between Allstar Music & Pop Century

Table of Contents:​

The little Pre Trip Report
Saturday November 30 - Let the fun begin... Travel Day
Sunday December 01 - Epcot
Monday December 02 - Hollywood Studios
Monday December 02 - Jollywood Nights
Tuesday December 03 - Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
Wednesday December 04 - 4 Parks 1 Day
Thursday December 05 - Animal Kingdom
Friday December 06 - Last Park Day
Saturday December 07 - Good Bye Disney & Final Thoughts

 

[DenaRox]

Saturday November 30 2024 - Let the good times begin​

* Just a quick note that this Trip Report will probably be in both present and past tense as that is how I blogged throughout the trip. *​

7:30 flight means up, ready and out of the house by 5:30. Yuck! Of course I had a horrible sleep, I always do the night before a flight. Why does my brain have to run through every single possible worst case scenario that could happen?? I must have only got 3 hours max. And that’s being generous. This will be a long and tiring day.

Sitting here at the airport and I’m Feeling ᴖ̈ and emotional. Zero excitement about this trip. Not regret just lack of woo hoo!. I know this is the result of complete and total exhaustion but it is so not the way I wanted this trip to start. Also my allergies are acting up and only one eye is swollen and red. How weird.



The plane is taxiing And about to take off. Maybe time for a quick zzzz.
Or not lol. I’m In Calgary now, it’s 10:15 and the flight is delayed waiting on a bunch of people. I’ve never understood why sometimes they will hold a plane and other times they leave them behind. Mysteries of air travel I suppose. Finally in air. Exit row is great. So much room to stretch out.
Flights over 2.5 hours require exit row for sure. Currently we are flying over South Dakota, had a coffee and a ham cheese croissant and now I’m even more tired. Shouldn’t the coffee perk me up???

Now we’re flying over Nebraska. How’s that for detailed reporting lol. Slept for a little bit and that helped the time go by a lot faster. We actually made good time and got in to Orlando early but then we were stuck on the runway for an hour.



Finally we were allowed to get off the plane but there was a delay with luggage belt. Finally I got my suitcase, hopped on the mears bus and I’m off to Pop Century.
The bus was ummm, fun haha. I get rowdy kids but parents who let their kids misbehave cause they can’t be bothered to parent….not cool!

Made it to check in counter. Kind of had a cry sesh because I was way to tired to even think straight and then went and dropped everything off at the room.



Took a tiny breather and then hopped an uber to target to get snacks, breakfasts and some things we don’t have in Canada. Spent way too much as one from Canada does when they go to Target, then hopped an Uber back to the room. Walked about a bit checking the resort out as this is also my first POP stay. I love it here



10:30PM and I’m headed to my room to relax and zzz,
Tomorrow I’ll be headed to Epcot!!!! Let’s hope all the planning pays off and it’s a great day!!

 

[footballmouse]

I did my first solo trip this past January. It was supposed to be down and back on the same day but b/c of flight delays and cancellations that didn't happen. I was excited to be going but nervous to be by myself. It wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. I'd actually do it again, only this time arrive early and spend the day at the resort and the next day do the park and fly home that night.
Can't wait to read more about the trip.

 

[DenaRox]

I did my first solo trip this past January. It was supposed to be down and back on the same day but b/c of flight delays and cancellations that didn't happen. I was excited to be going but nervous to be by myself. It wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. I'd actually do it again, only this time arrive early and spend the day at the resort and the next day do the park and fly home that night.

I too was nervous and excited. I’ve travelled solo to go to concerts in another city but never out of country and for a whole week. It was quite a liberating experience.

Can't wait to read more about the trip.

Thanks for following along, I appreciate it

 

[DLo]

Following along . Looking forward to reading more

 

[Sajchinook2015]

Following as I wish I as brave enough to do solo travels.

 

[DenaRox]

Following along . Looking forward to reading more

Thanks for the follow, I’m going to try to post a day each day… try lol

Following as I wish I as brave enough to do solo travels.

Thanks for following ◡̈ This was my first solo Disney but spoiler alert… It won’t be my last ◡̈

 

[DenaRox]

Sunday December 01 - Epcot day. ​

EE: 8:30-9
Woke up and barfed my guts out - I didn’t realize just how much of a ball of anxiety I was. 1000% nerves. Took a moment to pull myself together then got ready. Headed to the skyliner by 6:50.


There was a little line but not bad at all. It was definitely cold out and of course in my rush of anxiety and nerves I rushed out without my sweater. I debated going back for it but decided to just suck it up.


Thank goodness for setting alarms because I totally forgot about the Guardians of the Galaxy cosmic remind virtual queue. Ended up with Group 99. Estimated wait time 465 min lol but Yay I get to ride twice since I had already purchased the LLSP.

The Skyliner started running at 7:20. I am scared of heights so I was a tiny bit worried I’d freak out but it was a quick and lovely ride.


I shared a gondola with a super nice family that were so welcoming and fun. They made my first skyliner experience the best!! I had brought a bag of my Disney collectable extras to pixie dust so let the girls pick one. One girl chose an Ana Tsum Tsum and the other chose a Nemo Nano Pod. Their joy was contagious!

Got through security without any issues. Lined up just before the bridge where they checked to be sure you are eligible for Early Entry. Eventually we were allowed to move forward, those going to France were then stopped on the bridge at the entrance to France while the people going towards Canada went off in that direction. Not going to lie, I would say 90% turned for France.

The sun is up now and it’s still quite chilly just standing around waiting. People watching while lined up is always a joy. Seriously people are fascinating in the very best way.

We were then escorted to right before the entrance to Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure to wait the remaining 5 min. It ended up being a 10 minute wait as it was 5 or so minutes late starting. Not a big deal though as I was through the ride by 8:45.
Really really fun ride. Sadly I was stuck riding with two very very sick people in the row in front of me. They spent the whole ride coughing and I spent the whole ride leaned as far away from them as I could get. What can you do when grown adults refuse to cover their coughs.

After Remy, I walked over to ride Frozen Ever After. I got in line a little after 9 and there was already a 40min wait posted.

At least the ride line inside was toasty warm. I got to the front of the line and the ride broke down We were not stuck on the ride and not stuck in the squishy line crowd of people. It was kind of the perfect spot to be if one has to be stuck lol.


9:35 & the ride is moving again! Such a cute ride. I enjoyed it but I did not know it would be a water ride that you get a bit wet on so that was a surprise. lol


The wait times were low so I made a last minute decision to ride mission space.. ORANGE. I’ve only ever rode green before so this will either be the best decision or the worst decision that I make today, we shall see. ( It was so fun!!!! Did not get nauseous but very dizzy when it was done so walking off the ride was entertaining).


Next up, Time for my LLSP for Guardians of the Galaxy; Cosmic Rewind. All I can say is Amazing!!!! Best ride at Disney!!! So good. I got Conga. Can’t wait to ride again for VQ.



Pitstop to use the bathroom then grabbed some popcorn and had a sit down to do some more people watching. Got into the soarin’ line, posted 35 min it’s 11:25 so we shall see. 11:55 still in line but close. Ooohhh lucky me. They called for single riders. Got to jump remainder of line and am in row one. Woot woot to the top cart & front row. Excellent as always but I just have to say no orange grove is a big bummer ˙◠˙

Took another washroom break and then I hopped in line for living with the land seeing as it’s right there and was only a 20 min wait posted wait. It was a nice and informative slow ride. I got the whole row to myself again so that was lovely. The Christmas overlay was super cute too.



Walked over to journey into the imagination with Figment. That is one ride I’ve never been on before so I figured this was a good time to check that off my list. It was only a 10 min wait. Got to ride alone again, Woot woot. Cute but for me it’s definitely a one and done.

Wandered about just taking it all in, people watching, and having a grand time. I especially enjoyed spending some time in Journey of water; inspired by moana


So lovely. Would be an amazing area on a hot day.

I noticed that the Cosmic Rewind VQ was down so I decided this would be a good time to head back to the resort for a little bit. Surprisingly the feet are feeling good, it’s the ankle that hurts. Another bonus , got the skyliner to myself ◡̈

In my room I just chilled. Did a video chat with my child (and kitty) when I noticed that the VQ was running again and my estimated time was going to be soon. I headed back to Epcot and went straight to Guardians to check in to my VQ. I was in the line for 15 min and then it broke down again. All the people around me decided to wait it out and I had nothing to do but kill time until my Space220 reservation, so I hunkered down too. Dumb choice. Waited almost an hour in the line just to have them call it and kick us all out. We did get a free lightning lane to use today but I doubt Guardians will be back up again.

Headed to Space220 Lounge for my reservation. The whole theme is really cool. I Was unfortunately sat at the bar but I was starving and thankfully even in the lounge you can order off the restaurant menu so I chose:

Centauri Caesar Salad​

Romaine Lettuce, Classic Caesar Dressing, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Toasted Garlic Crouton Crumble
*** just a basic Caesar Salad. Nothing to write home about ***

To drink I decided I wanted to try the

Shuttle Crew​

Kettle one peach and orange blossom vodka, vanilla, tangerine, Redbull and Tang foam.
*** Quite tasty ***

NARO-1 PORK CHOP​

Korean Bourbon-Glazed Pork Chop, Blue Cheese Smashed Potato, Chili-Garlic Broccolini
*** Oh My, this meal was so delicious!!! ***



And for dessert I just had to try the

COSMIC CHEESECAKE​

Chocolate Cheesecake, Chocolate Crumbs, Raspberry Gel, Chocolate Dome
*** This was as tasty as it was fun to eat ***



Guardians did not open so I rode Ratatouille on the way out. Really is a great ride but I stand by the fact that Guardians is the best. Back to hotel to pack as I switch over to AllStar Music tomorrow. I’m really going to miss POP, I kinda love this resort. Before I went to bed I went and dropped my luggage off to be transferred to ASMu tomorrow so I can sleep in a tiny bit longer and just go straight to Hollywood Studios in the morning. I had packed a bag with my Jollywood outfit and all the stuff I will need to get ready in the morning and plan to store in a locker. After dropping off the luggage I decided to take a stroll about just to enjoy my last night at POP.



Off to bed, tomorrow will be a busy, busy, long day at HS and then Jollywood Nights. Zzz

 

[HappyGal]

Thank goodness you were able to ride Guardians at least once! And I a agree, best ride at Disney!

That Shuttle Crew drink has piqued my interest, might have to go to Space 220 lounge.

 

[Stacybaeasm]

I love solo trips!!! Sorry your nerves got the better of you on day 1. Looking forward to hearing about the rest of your trip.

 

[HolRae]

I didn’t know you could drop your luggage off the night before. That could be very helpful for my February trip. Enjoying your report. Thanks for sharing.

 

[DenaRox]

Thank goodness you were able to ride Guardians at least once! And I a agree, best ride at Disney!

That Shuttle Crew drink has piqued my interest, might have to go to Space 220 lounge.

My biggest fear was not getting a VQ, which is why I purchased the LLSP. I am thankful I got to ride it at least seeing as the next few days of my trip it was down 90% of time and they were refunding LLSP purchases in advance. I would have been so bummed if I didn’t get to ride it.
It was tasty, I wanted to try all the specialty drinks but held back at just one Next time I’m at WDW I’ll probably get a reservation to the lounge again but just to focus on drinks

I love solo trips!!! Sorry your nerves got the better of you on day 1. Looking forward to hearing about the rest of your trip.

Thank you for following along. I was a little embarrassed thinking that nobody would care to read
I am now a fan of the solo trip. I learned some lessons that I will not repeat the next time I go solo but I’m positive this will not be my last solo adventure.

I didn’t know you could drop your luggage off the night before. That could be very helpful for my February trip. Enjoying your report. Thanks for sharing.

I’m so glad my trip report was helpful Luggage transfer was one of the first things I asked about when I arrived. I really wasn’t looking forward to how early I would have to get up if I did indeed have to drop off morning of. Thanks for reading, it is appreciated ◡̈

 

[DenaRox]

Monday December 02:​

Finally had a great sleep. All that walking the day before really conked me out. I didn’t get up until 10. Packed up the bit of remaining stuff, got ready & headed to the skyliner. I got another gondola to myself so I made sure to leave behind some pixie dust for the next riders (Tsum Tsum packs this time). As I was getting off the CM looked thinking I forgot something, then realized what I was doing and smiled and gave me a thumbs up ◡̈


As soon as I got into Hollywood studios i went and checked the two bags I had in a locker. It cost $12 but it’s yours for the whole day which is a great deal in my opinion.

My first LLMP ride of the day was Toy Story Mania. It’s a fun little ride that I’ve rode before and always enjoy even though I am terrible at it



Then I went over to Slinky Dog Dash as I had overlapping rides. This was my first time on this ride and I really enjoyed it. It was a great kids coaster. The whole theme of it was super cute.



Next I went to go ride star tours, a classic great Star Wars ride. I noticed lines to meet Vader and Chewy were short so I just had to get that done. I hopped in line and first met Vader. Awesome interaction. He highly approved of my attire it was so fun but i was disappointed with The terrible photos I hate the photo machines and miss actual photographers. Sadly this was the best pic of the bunch ˙◠˙




The line for chewy was fairly short and I could fit it in before next Lightning lane so hopped in that line too. Got in a chewy snuggle but again photos were crap. Like the one where he gave me a big hug is missing and the others I’m mid movement so they suck. This is the only one where my eyes are open and I’m not mid motion ˙◠˙



Next I quickly zipped in and met BB8 because the line was posted 10 min. It was a cute interaction where the CM just took photos with your own phone.


I headed to Galaxy’s edge next. Wandered about taking it all in before my LL for the Millennium Falcon ride. The CM’s are just so nice and when he saw me playing with the Dejarik board he offered to take a pics . we laughed and joked about how Chewy wasn’t allowed to play anymore because he’s a sore loser and always cheats.


The ride itself was loads of fun. I rode with a family that had ridden many times so they explained it all and told me what to do and we did ok. They all said I was an excellent shooter but I honestly don’t see how one could suck at it, it’s just pushing buttons



I wandered around Galaxy’s Edge for a bit, and just had to try some Blue Milk. It was really tasty, I’m a fan!



It was time to head over to ride Tower of Terror for my next LLMP ride and I really just love that ride. Not gonna lie, I forgot the ride is different here and was a tad freaked out when the whole elevator moved into the hotel



I had decided earlier that when my room was ready at ASMu I would go check in and get my luggage so I could change and get ready in an air conditioned room instead of a park bathroom so I started making my way towards the exit. Ran into a gentleman with impeccable taste in Christmas shirts so we had to get a photo together.



Hopped on the bus at 2:55 and was off to go check in at AllStar Music. Grabbed my luggage, Walked to my room (2nd floor Broadway) and chilled for a bit. Unpacked everything, took a rest then got ready for Jollywood Nights. The bus to Hollywood Studios was late to return or left early, either way I missed it so got on the bus at 5. Brought a bag full of warm stuff and party supplies. Sure happy I got a locker this morning to store it all ◡̈

*** I’ll continue with Jollywood nights another time as it’s almost 1:30am here (I’ve been having sleep issues since getting home ᴖ̈) and have to be up for work in less than 5 hours ***

 

[zanzibar138]

I've just stumbled across your TR. Really enjoying it so far, thanks for posting! I'm no stranger to the solo trip. It can definitely feel a little overwhelming to start with, but I'm glad to see you settled into it and enjoyed it. There are also some wonderful perks to travelling alone!

 

[HappyGal]

Love the pic of you and Chewy! Heck, I love that you’re posting lots of pics! Seems as though you are a planning pro and are having a seemless trip, especially since you moved resorts. Getting a locker for the entire day, genius!

 

[DenaRox]

I've just stumbled across your TR. Really enjoying it so far, thanks for posting! I'm no stranger to the solo trip. It can definitely feel a little overwhelming to start with, but I'm glad to see you settled into it and enjoyed it. There are also some wonderful perks to travelling alone!

Thanks for following along. I appreciate it ◡̈ yes, my trip was definitely overwhelming to start but once I got a good sleep and remembered exactly where I was the rest of it was amazing. I’m not sure if I would be good at solo travel around the world but I will for sure do solo Disney again.

Love the pic of you and Chewy! Heck, I love that you’re posting lots of pics! Seems as though you are a planning pro and are having a seemless trip, especially since you moved resorts. Getting a locker for the entire day, genius!

Thanks I was really disappointed with the quality of both character meet photos but it was still a super enjoyable moment. I am a huge planner and gain so much useful information from here on each trip I go on I didn’t even know about lockers until someone mentioned it here it was well worth the $12 price.

 

[Stacybaeasm]

Great day in Studios!!! I also hate those photo boxes. I really wish they would bring back the photopass folx. I can't wait to hear about Jollywood nights. I did MVMCP for the first time this year.

 

[DenaRox]

Great day in Studios!!! I also hate those photo boxes. I really wish they would bring back the photopass folx. I can't wait to hear about Jollywood nights. I did MVMCP for the first time this year.

It was really ᴖ̈. With Vader the box took 5 photos and only 1 (the one posted) was useable.m, the rest I was moving or eyes closed and with chewy they only took two and missed a bunch or really cute moments like when he gave me heck for my dark side attire, gave me a big hug, and high fived me. A person would have caught all of it.

This year was my first for both parties. I did Jollywood on the 2 and MVMCP on the 3rd. How did you like the Christmas party?

 

[Counting Stars]

Really great trip report and pictures! Thanks for taking the time to share. It sounds like your trip really came together well and you totally nailed it! Plus you and Chewy do make an adorable couple

 

[DenaRox]

Really great trip report and pictures! Thanks for taking the time to share. It sounds like your trip really came together well and you totally nailed it! Plus you and Chewy do make an adorable couple

Thank you so much Hahaha ya, we have the same hair