I'm going to find adventure in the evening air! An August '18 solo trip report! New PTR link 01/04

Ah, so beautiful there at night, you know I love it :love: And I too have always wanted to try dessert over at the Contempo Cafe but then forget when we're there! I need to write down these things because I also forgot to try something at AK last month and I don't want to forget next month. There's just too much to eat in Disney lol
It was absolutely gorgeous, Ariane! WL is totally my DH's dream resort so I think we will stay for the first five nights of our anniversary trip. Then we are looking at switching over to Animal Kingdom Lodge or Yacht Club. I loved Contempo Cafe! I really need to get back there in December to try the vegetarian flatbread or the artisinal mac'n'cheese. Both look great!

When you are in AK, be sure to try the Malva Cake sundae....so, so good!
 
love your solo report. Did the rooms at the Poly feel old and tired? What other deluxe hotels do u like staying at? Are you worried that your air BnB will be a letdown after finishing a trip at the Poly?
 
It's a characterpalooza kind of morning
I woke up this morning refreshed and well rested after my lovely resort day the day before. I grabbed a protein bar and some dried fruit for a quick breakfast before getting dressed. I was on a mission this morning as it was EMH at MK and I wanted to take full advantage of it. I filled my water bottle and got coffee at Captain Cooks and was soon on my way over to the boat dock to wait for the launch. It was a gorgeous morning and I really enjoyed relaxing with my coffee and taking in the view. Soon enough, the launch pulled in and I was the only passenger! I had my own private ride over the Seven Seas Lagoon.....it was magical!
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Upon arriving at the Magic Kingdom, I noticed it was only a 10 minute posted wait to see Mickey! Perfect! I hopped in line and was soon enjoying 1:1 time with the Main Mouse!
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It was such a beautiful morning. I strolled up Main Street towards Fantasyland and couldn't resit stopping for a castle shot. I love the super cute magic shot they did!
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As I turned right towards the side of the castle, I loved how the sun was reflecting off the castle and the water. So pretty!
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It was almost time for Pete's Silly Sideshow to open up and I headed there excited to see some of my favourite characters in their circus gear. This was such a fun M&G!
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I was starting to feel a little peckish so decided to head in search of the Cheshire Cat Cafe as I had been dying to try the Cheshire Cat tail. This is basically a rectangular chocolate croissant with icing but it was warm, flaky and
chocolaty....what more could I want??? Besides, it was delicious and paired perfectly with an iced coffee.
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Continued in next post.....
 
Amazing news that you have another trip coming up. Disney at Christmas is pure magic. Be sure to spend some time in MGM. It's my absolute favorite for the holidays.

You have me so excited to try Geyser Point at our May girls trip. Its been way too long since we've been to WL and I can't wait to experience it. Sounds like an awesome crab cake too. If you ever find yourself in DC I may be biased but Jason hands down make the best crab cakes ever!

Looks like you had a great morning in MK. Love your dress BTW!
 


A magical MK morning continued

After finishing up my snack, I strolled over to IASW and enjoyed a ride through the countries and did a little Hidden Mickey hunting. My FPs were for tonight at HS so I was looking for the walk on experiences this morning. I decided to visit my favourite Haunts and checked out some of the goodies at Memento Mori. I wanted to see the Dapper Dans and knew they were performing next at 11:10. I headed over to Main Street and staked out a perfect spot to watch them. They never disappoint!
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I was on the hunt for a gift for my lovely husband and popped into the Emporium to have a look around. He is a huge Tiki room fan so I knew this classic Tiki shirt would be perfect for him.
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As I was exiting the Emporium, I was lucky to see the Move it, Shake it party just starting. I found a spot in the shade and enjoyed taking in the show. I am so happy I got to see it as it is leaving soon.
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It was time for me to head out of the Magic Kingdom as I had plans for lunch at Beaches and Cream! I was so looking forward to this meal as Beaches and Cream has always been a family favourite. I arrived a little early for my 1 pm reservation but was able to be seated right away. Thankfully they were able to seat me as the heavens opened and there was a torrential downpour. Even though it was hot and humid I had one thing on my mind....the grilled cheese and tomato bisque! The bisque was absolutely delicious... creamy and rich. The grilled cheese was sublime; perfectly toasted, buttery, cheesy goodness. I loved every bite!
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Even though I was pretty full, I couldn't pass on ice cream. I went for a double scoop (chocolate and vanilla) sundae with hot fudge sauce. I think I managed 1/2 of this before I gave up in defeat. It was so good but very, very, rich.
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I was perfectly full and happy with my meal. It was still pouring rain so I decided to take a look around Beach Club and Yacht Club. I wanted a couple of resort pins and thought I would try my hand
at a little pin trading as well. I was happy with my new pins!
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It was time to head back to the Poly now so I hopped a bus for the Magic Kingdom. As I was waiting for the bus I met a wonderful family from Manitoba dressed as Canadians for the MNSSHP! We had a great chat and the time on the bus ride went by quickly. I then hopped on the launch back to the Poly as I was ready for a nap before heading out for my plans at Hollywood Studios that evening!
 
I love all your character greets and your dress is so MK!

The meal at B&C looks so yummy! I love a good grilled cheese and tomato soup.

It is always fun visiting with strangers at WDW, most are so nice! Some you wonder why they are there, lol!

Solo time does look nice!
 
Oooo. I wanted to try that Cheshire Cat tail on my recent solo trip, but most of my “want to tries” were sweet treats so I couldn’t try them all. That is one I am saving for a future solo adventure.

Love your sundress....such a Poly and Adventureland feel to it! Great character photos....and I have never seen that magic shot. Love it!

Did your hubby like the Tiki shirt?

Can’t wait to hear about HS next.

You asked me about offsite stays. Note: We always drive to parks even when we stay on site so it isn’t as much of a culture shock to us to stay offsite. Not sure any of these options would work for one of your solo trips, but...

I have stayed at 2 different Windsor Hills 3 bed/3 bath townhome rentals (found on vrbo) with my family of 4. Enjoyed both stays....a bed/bath for each child. So nice to not share a bathroom now that they are older (DS15 & DD13). Our last 5 night trip at Poly was $2700, whereas a 12 night stay was only $1600 at WH. Vacay was more than twice as long for just over half the price. Very convenient drive to Disney.

We stayed at Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in 2014. Its pool may have been even better than Poly pool to my kids! Similar theming. Sleeping accommodations not as nice as Poly, though. But it was suuuuper close to MK. And we could see both Epcot fireworks and MK fireworks from our room balcony! Probably DHS, too, but I don’t think they had fireworks at that time. I know we could see swan/dolphin and Mt Everest and Tower of Terror from our balcony.

On my recent (first ever) solo adventure in September I had 3 FREE nights at Florida Hotel. My hubby travels to Orlando for work about once a month and stays there. He had earned 3 free nights that I could use. It is 30 min away from Disney, but I didn’t mind the drive.....free accommodations.

I looked into air bnb after you mentioned your deal....I am afraid I would chicken out, too....would need a first hand account if traveling solo. So many of the small one rooms are attached to main house or they’re in an apartment complex. Would be leary if traveling without my husband. Sounds like you found a great replacement, though. I know you must be so excited.
 


When you are in AK, be sure to try the Malva Cake sundae....so, so good!
Ricky had this back in March and loved it! I was eating a different snack at the time but might try this next month :thumbsup2

I love the super cute magic shot they did!
Cute! I've never seen this one

You have me so excited to try Geyser Point at our May girls trip.
:worship: :yay:

The bisque was absolutely delicious... creamy and rich. The grilled cheese was sublime; perfectly toasted, buttery, cheesy goodness. I loved every bite!
My favorite meal there, I love it! This makes me sad we aren't eating there next month but OMG, so many places to eat, you just can't fit them all in to one trip :(
 
love your solo report. Did the rooms at the Poly feel old and tired? What other deluxe hotels do u like staying at? Are you worried that your air BnB will be a letdown after finishing a trip at the Poly?
Thank you for joining in! My room at the Poly was lovely and very clean. I had no issues with it at all. I also really love Yacht Club and AKL. I actually cancelled my Air BnB as I was feeling a bit nervous about going back to the house late at night on my own. I went for one of the Good Neighbour hotels near AK instead.

Amazing news that you have another trip coming up. Disney at Christmas is pure magic. Be sure to spend some time in MGM. It's my absolute favorite for the holidays.

You have me so excited to try Geyser Point at our May girls trip. Its been way too long since we've been to WL and I can't wait to experience it. Sounds like an awesome crab cake too. If you ever find yourself in DC I may be biased but Jason hands down make the best crab cakes ever!

Looks like you had a great morning in MK. Love your dress BTW!
I think I may do HS as my first park now... I am so excited to see the parks all done up! You will love Geyser Point, so great! We love DC, haven't been since 2014 but one of our twins will be there as part of the Canadian Contingent for World Scout Jamboree. Then they are off to the Scout camp in West Virginia.

I have never met a crab cake I didn't love..... so yummy!

I love all your character greets and your dress is so MK!

The meal at B&C looks so yummy! I love a good grilled cheese and tomato soup.

It is always fun visiting with strangers at WDW, most are so nice! Some you wonder why they are there, lol!

Solo time does look nice!
Solo time is super fun! The character M&G's are a ball. Thanks for the compliments on my dress, it is what I wear for my Tiki room bound. Yes, I love a great grilled cheese and it did not disappoint!

My favorite meal there, I love it! This makes me sad we aren't eating there next month but OMG, so many places to eat, you just can't fit them all in to one trip :(
So good but it is impossible to do everything!

I wish I was joining you all next May but we have New York for March Break and our anniversary trip in the summer. Plus with Jack in university there is never enough $$$$$.
 
I was starting to feel a little peckish so decided to head in search of the Cheshire Cat Cafe as I had been dying to try the Cheshire Cat tail.
Looks good. I had been hoping to try it on my trip but never got around to it. Always too full of all the other food!

As I was waiting for the bus I met a wonderful family from Manitoba dressed as Canadians for the MNSSHP!
Haha. That would have been fun to see!

one of our twins will be there as part of the Canadian Contingent for World Scout Jamboree.
Awesome! I actually did that myself, I was lucky to have gone to the 1988 World Scout Jamboree just outside Sydney, Australia. What an amazing trip that was!
 
Your pics are adorable!!! I LOVE the Magic Shot on Main Street!!!!
Thank you so much! It was such a fun morning filled with things I would never get to do with three teenagers in tow!

Looks good. I had been hoping to try it on my trip but never got around to it. Always too full of all the other food!


Haha. That would have been fun to see!


Awesome! I actually did that myself, I was lucky to have gone to the 1988 World Scout Jamboree just outside Sydney, Australia. What an amazing trip that was!
That's the struggle with the DP....too much food! Paying OOP gives great flexibility to eat how, when and where you want. The Manitoba family were awesome!

Wow! Going to Australia would be an incredible experience! Was there a big contingent on that trip? Jamie will be part of a group of about 150 Canadian youth from all across the country. I am so excited for him, I think it'll be amazing!

I really want to try Geyser Peak soemtime

Looks good.

Cute M&G's. Love me some Beaches and Cream.
You will love Geyser Pointe! Awesome food and atmosphere!

I looked into air bnb after you mentioned your deal....I am afraid I would chicken out, too....would need a first hand account if traveling solo. So many of the small one rooms are attached to main house or they’re in an apartment complex. Would be leary if traveling without my husband. Sounds like you found a great replacement, though. I know you must be so excited.
I am the exact same as you....just started feeling nervous about going back late at night on my own. If I was with my DH I would feel much more comfortable. I am beyond excited for this trip.....Disney at Christmas has been a dream for a long time. :)

Oooo. I wanted to try that Cheshire Cat tail on my recent solo trip, but most of my “want to tries” were sweet treats so I couldn’t try them all. That is one I am saving for a future solo adventure.

Love your sundress....such a Poly and Adventureland feel to it! Great character photos....and I have never seen that magic shot. Love it!

Did your hubby like the Tiki shirt?
I know! I never have enough room for all the goodies I want to try! Usually I am craving salad after a few days at Disney, lol!

Thanks for the compliment on my dress! When I saw it, it felt very "Tiki room" with the flowers and birds. I love the Tiki room so this felt like a great way to pay homage to one of my favourite Disney experiences.

Yes, my DH loved the shirt! :)
 
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Was there a big contingent on that trip? Jamie will be part of a group of about 150 Canadian youth from all across the country. I am so excited for him, I think it'll be amazing!
I think the entire Canadian contingent was 500 or 600 back then (exciting trip and more Scouts in those days so more interest). It was big enough that we never really got together as a group, just met Canadians randomly (with the same uniform). I was part of a troop of about 40 made up of Scouts from Newfoundland and New Brunswick, so we got to know all them a little better.
Honestly, it was one of the best experiences of my life. I hope he enjoys it.
 
A Disneybounding night in Hollywood!
After arriving back at the Poly, it was time for a shower, some resort loop music and a nap! Waking up an hour later I felt refreshed and ready to chill a little on my patio with a nice glass of wine. I had found the cutest polka dot dress online and was planning on a Minnie bound for tonight's outfit! Once I was ready I headed out to the bus stop where I waited and waited and waited for my bus to Hollywood Studios. Finally the bus showed up and I was hopeful I would make the tail end of my FP for ToT......thankfully I was winding my way through the spooky corridors of the old hotel with just a few minutes to spare. I always enjoy this ride so much and it did not disappoint.
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Next up was my much anticipated dinner at Hollywood Brown Derby. It was 35 minutes after my ADR time before I was seated which I was not pleased about. I wished I had have just gone for the lounge instead but the weather is too unpredictable in August to chance it. I had a lovely server but my table was right in the middle of the big room. I kind of felt like a specimen on display, lol! Oh well, on to the food!

I started with a cocktail....I think it was the Hollywood Star??? Anyhow, it was ok....a little too sweet for my liking however. Next up were the absolutely delicious warm rolls and sea salt butter. I had to restrain myself from eating ALL of these!
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I am totally in love with the Cobb salad here and went for the entree sized portion. It was perfection!
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I enjoyed my meal here very much and would return again. But now I had a very important FP to get to.....my first ever ride on Slinky Dog Dash! Toy Story Land was so pretty at night......
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Waiting impatiently for my turn......
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Oh my gosh, this was so fun!! It is an awesome coaster and I can't wait to ride it again. I was hoping I would be able to go back after Fantasmic and wait in the stand by line but the lines were insane all night, even during EMH. I stopped by the Star Wars fireworks but was really not impressed with them at all. I was heading for Fantasmic next as I hadn't seen it in a few years. I was really feeling the crowds this evening and my feet were a bit sore so I was happy to have a chance to sit and rest for a little bit.
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I enjoyed the show but I think seeing it twice was enough for me. I've heard the Disneyland version is better so maybe when I finally make it out to California, I will see it there. The crowds were still insane so I gave up on my plans to head back to TSL and instead stopped for a photo in my Minnie dress.
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I made my way out of the very crowded park and luckily a bus driver took pity on the huge group waiting for the Poly bus and took us back to our resort, even though he was supposed to be out of service. A little bit of pixie dust to end the evening!

Today's food totals:
Cheshire Cafe ~ Cheshire cat tail and iced coffee $9.36
Beaches and Cream ~ Grilled cheese and tomato bisque with 2 scoop sundae $21.36
Hollywood Brown Derby ~ Hollywood Star cocktail and Cobb salad $33.46

Total OOP: $64.18

Savings vs using DDP: $75.49 - 64.18 = $11.31

 
What a fun night you had. We've been wanting to get to the HBD lounge but like you didn't think August was the time to give it a whirl. After a very bad experience like 3 years ago Jason won't eat at the restaurant so the lounge is as close as this girl will get.
 
Glad the food was delicious after the long wait.

I agree, SDD is a really fun and smooth coaster, sorry it was so crowded

I love your polka dot dress, very cute picture!
 
Enjoying the report!
Nice to see another Sue that enjoys a solo trip.
The "Minnie" dress is perfect!
::MinnieMo
 
I LOVE the polka dot Minnie dress!!!
Thank you so much! It
is one of my favourites too! :)

What a fun night you had. We've been wanting to get to the HBD lounge but like you didn't think August was the time to give it a whirl. After a very bad experience like 3 years ago Jason won't eat at the restaurant so the lounge is as close as this girl will get.
The lounge might be a good option then. I remember reading about your experience at HBD, no wonder Jason does not want to go back. Yes, it was a super fun night, being in the parks in the evening is always my favourite.

Glad the food was delicious after the long wait.

I agree, SDD is a really fun and smooth coaster, sorry it was so crowded

I love your polka dot dress, very cute picture!
I think it was so crowded because it was MNSSHP at MK that night and EP and AK had both closed by 9 pm. There really was no where else for people to go. Yes, that salad is so, so good! After a few days of Disney food, I am really craving something fresh and light. Thanks for the compliment on my dress, I love it too. :goodvibes

Enjoying the report!
Nice to see another Sue that enjoys a solo trip.
The "Minnie" dress is perfect!
::MinnieMo
:welcome:Glad you stopped by! I do really enjoy my solo time. I have another one coming up in 38 days, just a quick long weekend trip to see all things Christmas. :) Thanks for the compliments on my Minnie dress, it was really fun to wear!
 

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