A Farewell to Illuminations - A Swift September Solo

[Gerweniel]

Reading back through my Disboards history I discovered my last trip reports were written in 2007! In case you are interested:

https://www.disboards.com/threads/mistakes-made-lessons-learned-chapter-5-finale.1514769/
https://www.disboards.com/threads/disneys-magic-fulfilled-its-promise--a-report-of-a-wonderful-journey-update-1-10.1664010/

Although I have returned to Disney several times since then, I haven’t felt inclined to write a trip report, so I hope you indulge me on this brief, but magic-filled retelling of my amazing three-night soiree.

Bit of a back story. I read on some Disney fan site in March or April 2019 of Disney’s announcement that they were:
A) ending Illuminations and
B) going to change Spaceship Earth.

Please understand I am an EPCOT purist. I was talking to CM’s faces on TV screens to make restaurant reservations at Communicore. I rode Spaceship Earth when Walter Cronkite was the narrator, we rode and sang along with the REAL Dreamfinder! When the Universe of Energy was changed to Ellen’s Energy Adventure I gristled a bit. HOWEVER, I do understand change and for many of the attractions I appreciate the updates.

BUT, ending Illuminations made me very melancholy. It was a nighttime show that my boys and I always watched together, and I treasure those memories. My sons now live relatively far away and we can’t do our Disney trips as we once did. I felt very drawn to see the fireworks and hear Night Fire Dance one more time. My boyfriend is not a WDW fan, and had no interest in traveling, but puts up with my flights of fancy. So the seed of a solo trip plan began.

Sounds pretty easy right? – quick Epcot trip....well, not so much! I live in Upstate NY so flights are involved also I was in the middle of organizing a fabulous two week road trip out west in July that would require a lot of budgeting and expenditures. Even a three nighter to Disney as a solo is not inexpensive. Not to sound like a snob, but I will only stay at a Disney hotel when I am there and I get the dining plan. That is the way I roll -especially travelling solo.

So, here comes creative financing 101. I read about an online weight loss site that you make a bet that you’d lose a certain amount of weight in a specific amount of time. I researched it, seemed legit and signed up. I made a wager that would cover about 80% of my trip if I lost 40 pounds. If I lost the weight – the trip was on!

I lost the weight, got paid and paid off the trip!!! Now let the fun begin! Thanks for bearing with me thus far!

 

[Gerweniel]

All Star Movies was my hotel of choice. Never having stayed there, I had researched and knew the rooms were newly refurbished. My plans were to spend most of my time in Epcot, Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom (I had never been to Pandora). I knew Galaxy’s Edge was opening just prior to my arrival and figured I’d never get over to the Studios as I didn’t want to deal with crowds.
One day reading the blogs I saw that Oga’s Cantina was opening for ADRs. Amazingly, I was able to get a spot on my arrival day @ 2:10PM.
My early morning flight arrived to a spectacular day in Orlando. There is so much freedom when traveling alone – I am able to observe and enjoy things and maneuver a lot easier! Magical Express was flawless and soon I was on my way.
10 minutes prior to arrival to the ASMov I received a text that my room was ready and I was able to literally bypass check-in, walk to the pool bar and get my customary vacation day margarita!
The themeing of the All Star Movies is so much fun!

 

[Gerweniel]

After I unpacked and settled in my spotless refurbished room (my opinion on that later), I made my way to the World Premier Food Court for my refillable mug and to eat lunch. I originally booked the Disney Dining Plan, but later upped it to the Deluxe Plan – as the Epcot Food and Wine Festival was just starting and there are a lot of new restaurants I wanted to try. I should have listened to my fellow DISers cautioning me on the volume of food!
Now, I’m one of those Disney restaurant menu stalkers, meal planners and food porn photographers. Perhaps it was because I was coming off 6+ months of dieting, but I researched every meal, every entrée at every venue I was planning on visiting. One of them being my first meal of the trip courtesy of the Roxy’s Secret Menu!
Now, even at noon, the food court was practically empty, so I strolled up to the Roxy and asked for “the secret menu”. The CM brought me a steel attaché type case and opened it up to revel old school View Masters!
You read the “secret menu” items via scrolling through the View Master – but I knew already what I wanted. The Cinnamon Roll Bacon Cheeseburger.
To say it was filling is an absolute understatement, however it was decadently delicious. The sweetness and the savoriness was epic. The CM that took my order also prepared it for me and she was a delight – Excellent CM#1. Let me say the majority of the CMs I encountered on this trip were great.



I love whimsical Disney experiences like this! The secret menu did not disappoint.

After trying to finish that big meal, I looked at My Disney Experience app to see that a bus to Disney Studios was imminent. I had an appointment to meet some off-world rogues at Oga’s in Batuu at 2:10pm and I feared that the crowds entering Galaxy’s Edge were going to make it a stressful trip......that was not to be.
I went to the bus stop to find this:



The bus to the Studios was not my only private bus ride this trip! The driver was fabulous, and we struck up a lively conversation. He spoke to me about all the changes and exciting new attractions that were in the works. Excellent CM encounter #2.

 

[Tigger's ally]

signing on. We seem to have the same memories as Mrs. Ally and I have raised our daughter and twin sons with Illuminations over the years. We got to see it for the last time in May and as a grown man, it was very tough. Will always love that show. Looking forward to your thoughts on the last viewing. Good start to the trip. Not a sweet eater at all, so that burger wouldn't do me any good but it does look just exactly like the name sounds.

 

[Gerweniel]

Thanks for reading! I have to say that Illuminations has always been our favorite. When my sons were young it was always a special treat to have a wonderful dinner experience like Teppanyaki -(now Teppan Edo) or Coral Reef and then watch the show. We'd linger after the crowd and stroll toward the exit listening to the music and watching the lights in the sidewalks. Many, many special memories.

 

[Gerweniel]

After my personal bus ride, I made my way to the Studio’s entrance and proceeded through the bag check line and into the park in less than five minutes. The MDE app said the wait for Galaxy’s Edge was 40 minutes, which I thought was amazingly reasonable, but I didn’t have time at that point to venture to the ride.

One thing I do every Disney trip is to put away my car keys as soon as I’m on the plane and leave the driving to Disney. This allows me to completely enjoy the many conveyances at WDW and enjoy the many different adult beverages on property without worry. One place I heard great things about was the Baseline Taphouse, so on my way to Batuu, I stopped there for a Ballast Point Black Marlin Porter.


The venue was a great way to get out of the heat and get off my feet! It is also a super place to relax and people watch the many Star Wars fans in various types of costumes.

My ADR time at Oga’s was near and I made my way to Black Spire Outpost. Oga's was a lot of fun, noisy and boisterous – just like a good cantina should be! I was seated with a wonderful family and we chatted quite a bit over our beverages. They told me that the Millennium Falcon was well worth the wait BUT there was a single rider line that was very short! So I made my way to the attraction. Boy was I glad I did! I rode it twice, met some awesome fellow-single riders and had a “blast”! Parents be aware that Oga's is a bar. It is fantastically themed, and they have awesome non-alcoholic drinks for the kiddos but it is loud and may not be the best child friendly choice. I found the entire experience, the imagineering, the detail to be outstanding. I loved it! I also purchased the much-TSA-maligned Coke & Sprite bottles and made it home to talk about it!


My FastPass times at Epcot were rapidly approaching and I had to leave Black Spire Outpost to catch the Friendship boat to Epcot. The whole point of the trip was to watch Illuminations one last time and ride Spaceship Earth before the next edition. It didn’t hurt the F&W Festival was happening as well. I had a FP for Soarin’ (which I had never seen since it was changed) and I enjoyed it very much. Next was SSE which is and will always be my favorite attraction. I then rode standby with no wait for Test Track, sat and watched a country band for a little while and then meandered over to World Showcase.


My ADR was at Spice Road Table for 9:10 PM. I arrived and was greeted by the happiest and enthusiastic CMs! Excellent CM encounter #3. The restaurant is beautiful and I was seated in a great spot outside on the patio to watch Illuminations. I knew I wanted to order the hummus fries for sure and the red wine flight, but asked for recommendations for the main course. I decided on the lamb chops rare. It was an outstanding meal. Spice Road Table did not disappoint.


This is about where the volume of food started to hit me.

Then Illuminations began. I gave up trying to photograph it and decided to actually watch it instead. I am a sentimental person and it was a very teary time. Memories of past trips and so many fun times. I have high hopes that the next show at Epcot will be as heartfelt and enduring as Illuminations and bring as many wonderful memories to the next generation of visitors. I think that was the message of Illuminations after all - storytelling, family and community.

 

[Tigger's ally]

Thanks for reading! I have to say that Illuminations has always been our favorite. When my sons were young it was always a special treat to have a wonderful dinner experience like Teppanyaki -(now Teppan Edo) or Coral Reef and then watch the show. We'd linger after the crowd and stroll toward the exit listening to the music and watching the lights in the sidewalks. Many, many special memories.

Can't count how many times our family has sat outside on the back porch of the Rose & Crown for a wonderful meal and show.

 

[Gerweniel]

After Illuminations ended, I walked toward the Friendship boat as I decided in my sentimental and mellow frame of mind I didn't want to deal with buses. So I got off at the Yacht and Beach Club, strolled around there for a bit and then took a Lyft back to my hotel.
Love Epcot without crowds:


Next morning, I got ready for a fully pre-planned Magic Kingdom day. While walking and dilly-dallying to the bus I discovered some fun little touches of Disney magic. I was staying in the Love Bug section and they have the imprints of tools in the cement. Makes me smile.
It's the little things as well as the huge things at Disney that make it so wonderful!

The wait for the bus was about 15 minutes. I haven't mentioned the heat, but it was going to be a factor later in my little trip. It was about 95-97 degrees and full sun while I was waiting - at 8:00 am. My one complaint about Value Resorts is the lack of covered waiting areas for park buses.

But I think the heat was a factor to me arriving the Magic Kingdom to find this!


Back in the days of Pleasure Island, I was a huge Adventurers Club patron and fan. Kungaloosh! It was unfortunate they closed the club. It was the most unique and fun night club experience I have ever had. Not only that, the lore and the relics and the history just seemed to be abandoned. When I found out there was a new restaurant in the MK called the Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen that had some references to the Adventurers Club I had to make an ADR. I had one at 11:30 that morning, but first to a very non-crowded Adventureland and some fun!

Me in my Adventurers Club shirt!


Not a fan of the some of the changes in POC. Big Thunder Mountain was a hoot!



I have to give a huge shout out to the CMs at the Skipper Canteen. They noticed my shirt and just gave me the VIP treatment. I was given a tour of all the rooms which are fabulously themed. They showed me relics from the Adventurers Club, all the references to the S.E.A (Society of Explorers and Adventurers) and they let me explore and wander in the restaurant. Excellent CM Experience # 4,5 & 6.
This place is gorgeous, fun, delicious and the very best of Disney Imagineering and theming. I can't say enough about the place. Even if you are not familiar with the lore, the decorations are amazing to look at. Read the titles of the books in the library (think punny and campy Jungle Cruise)! What an absolute delight! If you are even remotely a Jungle Cruise/Adventurers Club fan, this place is a total gem.


And I haven't even gotten to the food yet!

 

[Gerweniel]

Once I was seated the menu was explained to me. I ordered the S.E.A (see explanation above) Shu Mai, served in a steam basket.


Absolutely fabulous.

I had the Kungaloosh Ale of course and then my server told me the whole fried fish was a yellow tail snapper which sealed that deal! I'm sure not everyone is comfortable with a whole fish, but this was outstanding. Yes you do have to grapple with it a little bit, but the fish was perfectly cooked, not-fishy, fabulous.


I had the Kungaloosh (of course) dessert and it was also a perfect way to end lunch. It was a dense chocolate cake with a caramelized banana and cashew ice cream..omg..



It was such a good meal I thought about rebooking for dinner, but alas, I had an encounter with an Evil Queen to look forward to!!!!

 

[Gerweniel]

After that amazing lunch there was a Fastpass for the Mine Train which I enjoyed - especially the really cool video you get on your Photopass account. I was able to visit the Country Bears, Haunted Mansion, It's A Small World, TTA, and then I made it back to my room for a brief rest, get prepared to meet the Evil Queen.

 

[AnnieBearJamboree]

I love reading TR’s from single travelers! It sounds like an awesome trip so far, can’t wait for updates

 

[Gerweniel]

I love reading TR’s from single travelers! It sounds like an awesome trip so far, can’t wait for updates

It was an awesome trip! I genuinely thank you for joining me while I journal these amazing 4 days.

 

[Gerweniel]

Prior to planning this trip, I was off the Disney grid and radio silent for several years due to moving, money, change of jobs, and other such factors. Not that the call of Disney was ever far from my mind, I just had to squelch it a bit. I followed my friends trips, and as fun and magical as they are it's still not my trip - you know what I mean? One of the coolest aspects of any Disney trip - you can customize it anyway you'd like. As the narrator of Illuminations says ". And though each of us has our own individual stories to tell, a true adventure emerges when we bring them all together as one". There are so many things to do and experiences to have, that no trip is the same, no two journeys are alike, but here we are sharing our adventures right here on this board.
I knew my BF would not travel with me to Disney, but the ending of Illuminations was important enough to me for him to understand my desire to travel.

Babbling over!

When I started to research the trip, having been off the radar for so long and not having young kids, I missed the introduction of the Storybook Dining at Artist Point. I know it is a sore subject for many fans of the original restaurant.

Snow White is probably my favorite Disney movie, not for the princess (sorry Snow), but definitely due to the Evil Queen. (I have a soft spot for the villains). She and the Magic Mirror have always enchanted me. Anyway, I watched videos, checked out the menu and was so excited to book the dinner....until I couldn't. It is hugely popular. Also, I had zero flexibility. I could only have a reservation on 9/8. So, as many of you are familiar with, I kept checking, checking, registered with sites that would alert me to cancellations and one lucky day I got a text a that a 7:00 PM ADR opened up. This reservation was more exciting to me than any other. It didn't disappoint.

I hadn't been to Wilderness Lodge since my oldest son's 13th birthday where I embarrassed the heck out of him at the Whispering Canyon Cafe, so I totally forgot how overwhelmingly beautiful the place is- even arriving by resort bus. Making my way through the strollers, families, excited kids and even more excited parents I navigated to the check in podium to discover I was early and they were running late. So, as any respectable solo adult traveler would do, I went to the Territory Lounge to wait my entrance to the Enchanted Forest.

Shortly, I was lead to a very nice table and Dave, my "Forest Guide" gave me the menu and explained the dinner and character experiences. He was FABULOUS. I told him how I loved the Evil Queen and he was as much in character as the others saying I better not tell Snow White or the Dwarfs.


There has been some menu changes, but I enjoyed all the appetizers. I ordered the Evil To the Core cocktail which was awesome!
Like a margarita, slightly hot, with blackberries......YUM.



The theming at this experience is spot on. The cast members are spot on. I had the pork shank and it was fall off the bone, savory excellent.

Then the show began. Snow White, Grumpy and Dopey were SOOOO excellent. They didn't skip a beat dealing with a solo adult female. Grumpy was hysterical. He pointed to the empty seat at my table and I said I was alone. He sat down and refused to leave. So much fun even for this old solo lady! Snow White was beautiful and gracious (she really was outstanding- had the walk and hand movements perfect!) and Dopey was whimsical and adorable. The best was yet to come!


Remember I mentioned my server or "Forest Guide" Dave. He was above and beyond a great guy. We had a few minutes to chat and I said how sentimental I was. He relayed experiences he has had that actually brought tears to my eyes. He gets it. He's a diamond CM. Excellent CM Experience #7. (He gets special accolades!) I actually tweeted about him and hope he gets a the praise and rewards he deserves.

But even after all this there was the best part. The Evil Queen.
Now, the Evil Queen has an area set away from the tables that she makes appearances at, but before you can be admitted, you get this:



I was able to listen to some of her banter with other guests. This Evil Queen was one of the best characters I have ever seen. She was so in character, incredibly witty, able to deal with all types of guests. She was fantastic. I was awed. She was amazing. I was basically babbling to her. Excellent CM Experience 8, 9, 10! This is a character meal I will do again. Hats off to you all!



Dessert was fun, great presentation and yummy.



The Huntsman's Gift to the Queen I only got on video. It was really unique.
What a great evening. I didn't want to leave.

Alas, I had to go as there were families waiting for my table haha. Time to take the boat back and journey to my room at All Star Movies.

 

[Gerweniel]

One of the coolest and most unique aspects of a WDW vacation as I mentioned before is I don't need to drive and they have many very fun ways to get from place to place. I took the sweet little boat from Wilderness Lodge to Magic Kingdom on a warm star filled night. How often do you get to do this on your commute???


There was a MNSSHP going on when I arrived the MK.


Not a chance I could do it that night. My plans were to be up at 4:45 AM to get over to Extra, Extra Magic Hours at the Studios, then to Boardwalk then Animal Kingdom.
My private coach back to AS Movies. I love this place!


Tomorrow's plans are Galaxy's Edge, Slinky Dog, Bon Voyage Breakfast at Trattoria al Forno and Animal Kingdom with Tiffins dinner.

 

[ThreeMountains]

Great report so far!

 

[Gerweniel]

Great report so far!

Thanks for reading!

 

[WDWNan]

Oh what fun you're having!! Following!

 

[Gerweniel]

Oh what fun you're having!! Following!

Thank you! The trip really was fun and I was able to see and do a lot. More to come!

 

[Gerweniel]

Well after my encounter with the Evil Queen and journeying back to ASMo I was asleep in no time. As mentioned - a quick review of the refurbished rooms at All Star Movies Resort. For the most part, the rooms are wonderful. They removed the carpets as well as the funky bedspreads. They put thought into the sliding doors and other amenities and there is a clean, modern and almost sterile feel - therein lies the problem. The Disney theme is very subdued. They could have added few more Disney movie related features I think. My only real very mild complaint is - the fridge is not a fridge. It is like a wine cooler. No freezer section and does not get drinks cold. The room was a bit hollow sounding, and echoed a bit, I think due to the laminate flooring, but I could not hear neighbors other than the occasional toilet flush. I was on the 3rd floor. I sadly didn't have time to relax at the pool, which is something I enjoy, but next time! All in all I was not disappointed.

My plan for my last full day was to get to Extra-extra magic hours @ Disney Studios to do Galaxy's Edge one more time and ride Slinky Dog for the first time. I was up and out of the door by 5:45 AM to catch the bus to DHS.
I love the theming so much here! The darkness made it creepy!

Arriving by bus to Hollywood Studio I found most of the crowd heading to Galaxy's Edge. My plan was to do Slinky Dog first then head over to Batuu.


I was able to ride Slinky Dog twice with virtually no wait. It was a lot of fun and a really great experience riding with it still being dark outside. It was very hot out and humid, but I expected that, dressed for it and kept hydrated. The heat was a factor later in the day for me.
As an early riser normally, Extra-extra magic hours was perfect for me! Toy Story Mania was a walk on and I made my way over to Galaxy's Edge before sunrise. I rode Millennium Falcon again and then as the sun rose was able to take in more of the area without crowds.



I spent some time wandering around Batuu, then meandered to the Friendship boats for my ride to the Boardwalk and my
Bon Voyage Breakfast at Trattoria al Forno.


I have to stress to anyone that only drives or takes buses to to the Disney venues - STOP! Take the boats or the skiffs or ferry or monorail! So many adventures to be had. Soon the Skyliner will be running!


Try to enjoy the ride, take in the sites and love the moments you have.

 

[Gerweniel]

Next stop Boardwalk, Bon Voyage Breakfast, Elsa, Sanaa, Pandora and Tiffins.
Or..fitting in as much Disney Magic (and food!) as possible in a day.