SOLO: A Chunkymonkey Story - June 2018! NEW 8/23 Last SOLO Moments THE END - Final VLOG posted!

[pkondz]

I had some practice during my solo trip to Disneyland in May so I didn't do too badly considering I didn't have Steve to help me get the secret screens or anything. My personal favorite game is the ring toss. I am really good at those. I am pretty bad at the bullseyes at the end, LOL.

I think your score is better than mine, though.

I was best in vehicle! #GoMe #Solo

woot!

My sister has been looking for a pair of rose gold Mickey stud earrings. I couldn't find any at DHS but i found some which were silver, and gold, just not rose gold. I tried to find them in the Shop Parks app but to no avail.

Nice looking, though.

Also I found this shirt funny. Whenever we come back from Disney my dad always tells us: "No more Fantasy for you, it's back to Reality!"

Perfect!

Since I didn't get pictures of Star Wars characters I decided to change my shirt.

Ah. Putting it aside for me. Thoughtful.

I had never been inside of Mama Melrose before, but it was exactly like I pictured it to be: old school Italian but with a hint of Hollywood!

I've never been... but now I'm thinking I should.

I like the twinkling lights! It's like someone forgot to take down the Christmas decorations and just left them up. Forever.

The ears were made from LED wire which is so bendy that I had to keep manipulating them to keep them in symmetric circles, oftentimes I was not too successful and they just look egg-shaped.

So... perfect for Easter, then.

Yum this was as good as it looked!!

It looks amazing!

On the way I passed the soon-to-be skyliner station:

Interesting. No, really.

And all you had to do was turn on the TV! It's literally the first channel that comes on.

Good to know!

I guess it's settled. We can never ride Star Tours together. #RebelSpyRivals

Yep. Just one of those things that can never occur simultaneously.

Good idea!! Adult tantrums seem to be more common at Disney than child tantrums!

Unfortunately... this is all too true.

The pretzel is a Bavarian Pretzels with cheese fondue and spicy mustard.

OMG. WANT!!!

 

[Lesley Wake]

Finally got to catch up on this one too!

The next day I woke up around 8am which was much earlier than I expected considering I got in so late the night before, I didn't even set an alarm, haha. Anyways, the excitement of Disney awaited and there was no way I was going back to sleep.

Doesn't that always happen! It's not as pronounced for me because of the time change, but still - I want to get up and get going!

I was Star Wars themed for the first half of the day.

Super cute shirt!

Soon, card in hand, I went to scan my band for the first time this year!

I'm an Annual Passholder again!

Isn't that always the best feeling!

I brought my Marvel Day at Sea popcorn bucket from my Disney cruise. They explicitly told me that it does not expire and is valid at any Disney park. I used it in Nov and in Dec last year so let's see if it's still valid this year. I brought it to the kiosk near the Chinese Theater and yes, it is valid! The CM even complimented me on the bucket!

Nice! So how long should you be able to use it?

#its5oclocksomewhere

You look so cute in that photo! Love the beachy waves in your hair!

Yum this was as good as it looked!! The mac and cheese was creamy and delicious was a subtle cheese flavor, not that sharp overpowering cheese. The steak was nicely charred with a great crust, plus that balsamic shallot butter and red wine sauce was the perfect complements. The steak was also cooked a nice medium rare, and was tender. It's not like a super-fancy steak but it was a solid hunk of meat. I really enjoyed this entree and I ate the whole thing!! Wow was I so full after!

I've heard good things about Mama Melrose. I think I'll try to get a Fantasmic package there in February.

I really wish that damn Express Bus Transport was still around because park-hopping the regular way is pretty dismal. The friendship boats were not running this weekend because of some construction or maintenance etc. so there were buses instead. I had to walk way into the parking lot of DHS to grab the bus to Epcot and of course it was packed.

Argh! I know! I planned everything in September around that express bus only for them to cancel it before we got there! I think the boats weren't running because they were doing maintenance on one of the bridges, so there wouldn't have been enough clearance to go under it.

Look at that line! But the nice thing was that the bus was THERE WAITING when I arrived and I was able to get on, like literally the last person they would allow on the bus. Thank you Bus Gods!

Wow! Such awesome luck!

 

[chunkymonkey]

Thank you for writing and sharing. I love your trip reports and always learn something!

Thank you so much for reading! I'm happy to share the magic!

Ahh! Yep, then I'm really bad at that. I've never cleared a board!

LOL we googled it and tried our best, that's why we love this ride so much...always something to strive for!

Thanks for letting me know the time frame! I will adjust accordingly. We're hoping to do the Jingle Bell Jingle Bam party if it happens, so a late lunch/early dinner would be perfect.

Yes! Although you will be full after Mama Melrose if you each get an entree. There are also some savory items at the Jingle Bell Jingle Bam party from what I remember. They had spinach dip, as well as meatballs which were yummy!

Glad you enjoyed MM we love it and your entree is what I always get love it

I loved it! I was surprised at how good it was. Can't wait to eat it again!

Dont remind me about the beauty of the Express Bus
I do find myself using Lyft more when I need to get somewhere quicker or we’re just too tired to stand and wait
Just the regular ones the Minnie Vans are cute for the novelty but not worth 20.00 a trip

RIP Express Bus!
Yeah I've taken a lot more Uber at Disney than I do on a regular basis at home!
I've yet to take the Minnie Van but totally can think of better ways to spend 20 bucks!

What a fun day. Mama Melrose is a family favorite for us, and it is the first restaurant booked for our next trip. Can't wait to return.
Love those ears...too cute!

Thank you! I'm so glad I finally tried Mama Melrose. Can't wait until Sept when I can have that steak again!

You are making me want my own solo trip.

I think that is a very good idea

Thanks for the Mama Melrose review, we are having a lunch there in August after an early morning at DHS!

Yay! That is so exciting. I don't know why MM was not big on my radar, I guess I just thought it was like regular italian food which we are surrounded with here in NYC but that steak dish is reason to come back. It was delicious!!

I love your ears, so cute!

Thank you!! I got them on Etsy!

I never was able to try the Express buses, we park hopped a lot in April and we were overall pretty lucky with our buses, thank goodness.

That's great. I was quite lucky on this solo trip but I've had some bus mishaps too. I just love hopping via Express bus, it was a luxury I'd gladly pay for if they offered it again.

I have viewed your vlogs on Instagram, fun!

Thank you! Haha I was somehow a little shy to post them at first but in the end I didn't really care, the more videos the better. LOL

Mama Melrose looks really good! And that is a super solid score on Toy Story Mania Solo! Excited for the EPCOT afternoon

It was a great meal! I highly recommend it now that I've eaten there!

Thanks! I've gotten a lot of practice over the years

As if your ears couldn't get any cuter- they light up! Omg love them!

Glad you enjoyed your meal at Mama Melrose!

Thank you! They were an Etsy find.
Mama Melrose was really good! I was surprised and I'm glad to be going back there again in Sept!

OMG!!! This is so cool!! I had no idea this was even a thing!! Awesome!

Haha, that's what happens when you husband is so competitive he has to google how to get a high score on Toy Story Mania.

These are awesome!! Home-made? Or bought on property

Etsy! I am sadly so not creative with stuff like that but thankfully there are others that are. I just searched for LED Mickey Ears and these just popped up!

 

[Steppesister]

Hey Lady!

All caught up and loved your last 2 chapters. What a nice way to spend my evening... lost in all things Disney. Your night at POP looked really nice- LOVE the refurbed room! You packed a lot in during your DHS morning and that steak! THAT STEAK!! I've got Baseline in my docket too and can't wait to try the pretzel there. By the time I go, TSland will be open (was today) and that will draw the crowds away from my beloved ToT.

 

[chunkymonkey]

Mama Melrose is one of our family favorites. Your ears are too cute!!! I need to invest in some more ears. I only have Disney Parks ones.

I was really surprised by how much I liked Mama Melrose. It's all because of that steak dish, really.
Thanks! I found them on Etsy. They weren't too expensive at all. I may buy the version with the pink bow now.

YUM! Mama Melrose looked really good...
Ok, let me share something...When I stayed at SSR last June, Ash and I got sooooooo lost trying to find our room after some shopping in DS. It was dark out, and the maps are not very well lighted, and we had to ask a lifeguard who was done with his shift to help us out...And, we walked and walked and walked...Sigh.

It was a delicious meal!
Hahaha you basically had the same evening as me...I got really lost too.

Joining in!

I love your ears! So neat that they light up.

Your dinner at Mama Melrose looks delicious; I'm now wishing I had kept that reservation.

Thank you!!

The ears are from Etsy, and I loved that they light up!

It was never really on my radar before but once I heard about this steak I knew I had to try it and now I want to eat there on every trip!

I really enjoy reading your trip reports! Can't wait to hear more about your solo trip

Thank you so much for joining!

agree a million times! Of all the upcharges Disney does I would have gladly paid more for this to keep it around!

MM looks yummy! I always forget that place in DHS!

Side note- Booked Pop preferred for August today. And trying to figure out a way to get one day at F&W if I can in September...

It was the best money I ever paid to Disney willingly, LOL

MM was great! My food was delicious!

Ooooh nice! labor day weekend?

Yum, Mama Melrose looks like it was a fabulous choice! Love how they decorated/designed that restaurant.

I checked out the drinks menu for Narcoossee's and yes, there are a couple of Skywalker wines on there (rose Pinot noir I believe by glass and bottle). So then I attempted to see if dh would agree to change our dinner ressie on our last night from Sanaa to Narcoossee's but he didn't bite (said it wasn't worth the switch just for the wine). Ah well, I tried

I was so surprised at how much I enjoyed the food. Now I'm excited I have more places to eat in DHS.

Cool, thank you! We don't have plans to visit the GF on this trip but maybe if I can swing another solo trip or perhaps during our January trip when we're at the Poly. That would work out well.

Now I want to try Mama Melrose! Your meal looked delicious!!

It was great! That steak was awesome!

I think your score is better than mine, though.

We can settle it by going on at the same time.
Since we obviously can't ride Star Tours together.

Ah. Putting it aside for me. Thoughtful.

Freshly laundered too!

I've never been... but now I'm thinking I should.

You should!!

So... perfect for Easter, then.

Yes, although the bow should be more pastel colored.

Yep. Just one of those things that can never occur simultaneously.

It will be the end of the world when we find ourselves on Star Tours together!

Unfortunately... this is all too true.

I've definitely seen more adult tantrums!!

Doesn't that always happen! It's not as pronounced for me because of the time change, but still - I want to get up and get going!

It's always the first few days, and then the last few I'm like

Super cute shirt!

Thank you!

Isn't that always the best feeling!

It is!

Nice! So how long should you be able to use it?

I hope for as long as the bucket is still intact! LOL I'm going to milk it for all that its worth. Disney takes all my money, so I can probably just take some popcorn from them, which barely costs them anything to produce, haha.

You look so cute in that photo! Love the beachy waves in your hair!

Thank you! It was the last of the good hair moments.

I've heard good things about Mama Melrose. I think I'll try to get a Fantasmic package there in February.

That's a good idea! You totally should I was thinking of doing that but wasn't sure what evening we'd be watching Fantasmic but I totally want to do that.

Argh! I know! I planned everything in September around that express bus only for them to cancel it before we got there! I think the boats weren't running because they were doing maintenance on one of the bridges, so there wouldn't have been enough clearance to go under it.

Yeah so many people didn't get to try the buses which is probably a good thing as then you become spoiled and start cursing Disney transport after that, LOL.

Wow! Such awesome luck!

Despite my cursing Disney transport, amazingly I had some great bus mojo on this trip.

Hey Lady!

All caught up and loved your last 2 chapters. What a nice way to spend my evening... lost in all things Disney. Your night at POP looked really nice- LOVE the refurbed room! You packed a lot in during your DHS morning and that steak! THAT STEAK!! I've got Baseline in my docket too and can't wait to try the pretzel there. By the time I go, TSland will be open (was today) and that will draw the crowds away from my beloved ToT.

Hey there!
I read over on your TR...it sounds like you are going through some difficult times. Hugs . Hope things are looking up for you and I'm glad the DISBoards is providing you with some much needed Disney immersion LOL.
MM was delicious! I was really surprised. Baseline is a nice little escape it's not very big but there are some counter seats inside as well as outdoor seating.
I saw the lines for TSland! CRAZY! But so excited to see it first hand in Sept!
And now RnRC is tier two as well so I can finally ride it more often woohoo!

 

[Jenny Sanders]

Hahaha you basically had the same evening as me...I got really lost too

I can't wait to compare stories...By the time Ash and I got to our room, I was so frustrated!!!!

 

[pkondz]

We can settle it by going on at the same time.
Since we obviously can't ride Star Tours together.

A compromise!

Freshly laundered too!

Now you're just going above and beyond.

It will be the end of the world when we find ourselves on Star Tours together!

Nah. Some kid will get picked instead.
Some rotten, undeserving kid.

 

[chunkymonkey]

I can't wait to compare stories...By the time Ash and I got to our room, I was so frustrated!!!!

OMG same here, I tried to make the best of it...I had to walk back through Disney Springs to get to Congress Park as I had no idea how to go the other way. The map they have online is very poor. They need to have more signs! Yes, I was so tired when I got to my room and I still had to wait for them to deliver my bag. Argh.

A compromise!

Yes! We can still be friends.

Now you're just going above and beyond.

Sometimes I am too nice...

Nah. Some kid will get picked instead.
Some rotten, undeserving kid.

Yes, of course it will be.

 

[Jenny Sanders]

OMG same here, I tried to make the best of it...I had to walk back through Disney Springs to get to Congress Park as I had no idea how to go the other way. The map they have online is very poor. They need to have more signs! Yes, I was so tired when I got to my room and I still had to wait for them to deliver my bag. Argh.

We were in the Carousel section (farthest from everything). Ash and I stayed in DS much longer than anticipated and then took a boat back to SSR, where they dropped us off by the Turf Club restaurant (and it was pitch black out). Well, we had NO idea how to get back to our room, so we decided to wait for an internal bus. Bad idea...After 30 minutes of waiting, we thought we would just brave it and walk back. I mean, how long and difficult could it really be????? VERY!!!!

 

[Monykalyn]

Ooooh nice! labor day weekend?

I wish! Hoping to go for quick trip to use our HHN tickets we got with Universal AP-would have to be 2nd or 3rd long weekend in September -work/band/HHn schedule is deciding factor. But since flight prices right now with frontier are <$100 RT if we fly out on a Wednesday...well-there is a MNSSHP on that friday, and that would still leave a Thursday for F&W with the last days of our NE tickets before we move over to (hopefully) Sapphire Falls.

The January stay at Poly your first DVC stay as owners there?

 

[chunkymonkey]

We were in the Carousel section (farthest from everything). Ash and I stayed in DS much longer than anticipated and then took a boat back to SSR, where they dropped us off by the Turf Club restaurant (and it was pitch black out). Well, we had NO idea how to get back to our room, so we decided to wait for an internal bus. Bad idea...After 30 minutes of waiting, we thought we would just brave it and walk back. I mean, how long and difficult could it really be????? VERY!!!!

It was super dark at night and I also had no idea where I was going. I walked into a building thinking it was mine and luckily it was, but I had to walk all the way to the front to figure out the room numbers. This is probably the worst resort to get lost in because it's so big and everything is so far away. LOL. It was definitely...and adventure!

I wish! Hoping to go for quick trip to use our HHN tickets we got with Universal AP-would have to be 2nd or 3rd long weekend in September -work/band/HHn schedule is deciding factor. But since flight prices right now with frontier are <$100 RT if we fly out on a Wednesday...well-there is a MNSSHP on that friday, and that would still leave a Thursday for F&W with the last days of our NE tickets before we move over to (hopefully) Sapphire Falls.

The January stay at Poly your first DVC stay as owners there?

Ah ok. Sounds good! I really wanted to go back for some of the Food and Wine events but I realize that a lot of them are sold out now so it's not really worth it.
Yup our January stay is our first as DVC owners!!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I’ve never been to Mama Melrose so thanks for the peek inside! Did I see a bar in one of the pictures? I never hear that mentioned. Glad you had such a nice meal and will return. I’ll have to give it a try. Although between Toy Story and Star Wars it may be a few years before I dare go near the park! Ugh on the bus situation. I’m not excited at all about the gondolas.

 

[alizas3figs]

My dream is to do a solo trip but I don’t think my hubby will go for it I love that steak at Mama Melrose. It’s one of our favorite meals! Looking forward to reading more about your trip!

 

[Steppesister]

I read over on your TR...it sounds like you are going through some difficult times. Hugs . Hope things are looking up for you and I'm glad the DISBoards is providing you with some much needed Disney immersion LOL.

Yes, things are.... hard right now. Taking one day at a time is simply the best I can do.

MM was delicious! I was really surprised. Baseline is a nice little escape it's not very big but there are some counter seats inside as well as outdoor seating.

Yeah, I have no idea what to expect there, but happy to try it out!

I saw the lines for TSland! CRAZY! But so excited to see it first hand in Sept!
And now RnRC is tier two as well so I can finally ride it more often woohoo!

I've been watching alll of the opening day stuff and it looks nustso. I'm hoping by the end of Sept it'll be less so. But if not, heck more ToT time for me!!!! WOOT!

 

[kateandy08096]

Love the TR so far. I did the same exact thing over Memorial weekend. I booked a super last minute trip. It was my first ever solo trip also. Like booked on a Monday day and flew out on a Thursday. I just came back from 2 weeks in April and regretted not buying the Disney Dooney weekender tote so I decided since my family was driving me insane I needed a break. Lol we are DVC and AP also so last minute was able to snag a studio at Saratoga. My 1st room was totally disgusting and dirty so they moved me to another dirty studio. I'm not pickey by any means BUT "used woman's products" in the closet when I go to use the safe set me over the edge so I was moved to a 2 bedroom at one of my home resorts OKW.
Can t wait to read more

 

[Tracy161]

Also I found this shirt funny. Whenever we come back from Disney my dad always tells us: "No more Fantasy for you, it's back to Reality!"

I'd much rather just live in Fantasy/Fantasyland all the time instead

I realized since it was so dark inside that I could turn on the LED lights on my ears!

Yay! How cute!!!

Your lunch at MM looked so good! I forfeited my first-time visit there last August for other plans, but I really do want to check this place out. I love the atmosphere!

 

[condorthb]

enjoying the report.

 

[amalone1013]

I have a random question since you had mentioned dying your hair... Facebook always tells me you are one of my friends who likes Madison Reed, so I was curious if you had tried it?

 

[chunkymonkey]

I’ve never been to Mama Melrose so thanks for the peek inside! Did I see a bar in one of the pictures? I never hear that mentioned. Glad you had such a nice meal and will return. I’ll have to give it a try. Although between Toy Story and Star Wars it may be a few years before I dare go near the park! Ugh on the bus situation. I’m not excited at all about the gondolas.

It's more like counter-seating as opposed to a bar I think, although I'm sure you can maybe just grab drinks there if it's not crowded.
I really enjoyed my meal. The steak dish is really what drew me to it as most other things on the menu looked like pretty standard Italian fare but I really loved my dish!
Haha TS Land and SW Land may be the draw but maybe that will leave every other ride in the park empty...LOL.
I'm intrigued by the Gondolas, if it works well I'd be excited to stay at a Gondola resort! But I dont' know how big they are and if they are very slow. Must be nice views though!

My dream is to do a solo trip but I don’t think my hubby will go for it I love that steak at Mama Melrose. It’s one of our favorite meals! Looking forward to reading more about your trip!

Haha you just have to take the reigns and go! Even if it is last minute, like I did, still so much to do even though I didn't really get that any FP+ for my favorite rides - 7DMT or FoP
I really enjoyed MM. I also really enjoyed my first solo Table Service at WDW!

Yes, things are.... hard right now. Taking one day at a time is simply the best I can do.

Hang in there and we are here for you.

Yeah, I have no idea what to expect there, but happy to try it out!

After a few drinks it could be the best place ever!!

I've been watching alll of the opening day stuff and it looks nustso. I'm hoping by the end of Sept it'll be less so. But if not, heck more ToT time for me!!!! WOOT!

I hope so! My FP+ day opened up a few days ago and I got Slinky Dog and multiple rides on RnRC!

Love the TR so far. I did the same exact thing over Memorial weekend. I booked a super last minute trip. It was my first ever solo trip also. Like booked on a Monday day and flew out on a Thursday. I just came back from 2 weeks in April and regretted not buying the Disney Dooney weekender tote so I decided since my family was driving me insane I needed a break. Lol we are DVC and AP also so last minute was able to snag a studio at Saratoga. My 1st room was totally disgusting and dirty so they moved me to another dirty studio. I'm not pickey by any means BUT "used woman's products" in the closet when I go to use the safe set me over the edge so I was moved to a 2 bedroom at one of my home resorts OKW.
Can t wait to read more

Oh so fun! That is so funny you went down to get a Disney handbag, hahaha, that is a good enough reason for me! I hope to do more of these trips in the future...i.e. if I find good airfare for a weekend trip, why not? LOL. Lucky you were able to get a room at SS on such short notice! But boo on it being dirty! What is up with that?!? But nice you got a 2-bedroom in the end. I'd love to stay at OKW too, it looks so pretty. The thing about DVC I notice is that it fills up so quickly. It's so hard to find the last minute rooms!

I'd much rather just live in Fantasy/Fantasyland all the time instead

SAME! I only live in a Fantasyland. I think that's why everyone says I have my head in the clouds all the time.

Yay! How cute!!!

Your lunch at MM looked so good! I forfeited my first-time visit there last August for other plans, but I really do want to check this place out. I love the atmosphere!

Thanks! I really enjoyed MM! Looking forward to eating there again in less than 60 days! Woohoo!

enjoying the report.

Thank you!!

I have a random question since you had mentioned dying your hair... Facebook always tells me you are one of my friends who likes Madison Reed, so I was curious if you had tried it?

I have not tried it but I see it all the time on FB too. I don't actually have grey hair (well, ok I found one the other day that was pure white!) but I color my hair for fun. From what I found out on their website is that their hair color doesn't really lighten hair, so it'll be good for when I want to go back darker. They do have a salon in NYC though so maybe I will pay them a visit. Let me know if you do try it though!

 

[Steppesister]

Hang in there and we are here for you.

After a few drinks it could be the best place ever!!

Well, you certainly do have a point there.

I hope so! My FP+ day opened up a few days ago and I got Slinky Dog and multiple rides on RnRC!

That's encouraging. Mine's coming up soon-ish and I hope to get at least one ride on it!