My Annual Solo Birthday Trip TR October 2019 - Finished 3/1/20

Canadian Harmony

DIS Veteran
Joined
Jan 23, 2015
I'm finally getting a bit of time to start this report! I've been pretty busy all fall with returning to work after taking a year off for education, finishing a few more courses, rehearsing for another musical, getting a new position at work... All this to say that I FINALLY have time to re-live this year's trip.

This year, someone from a Facebook group joined me. Mel is from near Montreal and so hasn't ever gone to DLR before. This was a good introduction for her to the other park. We would share things and then go off on our own ways. It was a great trip for us both. Please let me know if you can't see photos.

So, day 1 was arrival and the Oogie Boogie Bash. Mel didn't join me for that, but we did get tickets and passes together. She went right to DLR and I went left.

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I was dressing up as Merida, hence the bow and arrow earrings.

Once inside DCA with my new FlexPass, I received my OBB ticket and headed to the right for the wristband.

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And then into the first bathroom for a quick change.

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I had to stop for a photo with the HH, of course.

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I had an early dinner reservation at WCT for the parade seating. I was also rather hungry, so I was happy to sit and eat.

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I enjoyed the salad, osso bucco and the special dessert.

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I began wandering treat trails after dinner. First I went to the one beside the airplane but I had to pass GRR first. I love how they decorate the parks.

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Maleficent asked me if I was ready to join the dark side. I asked if there were cookies. She said, "No sweets".

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Next was The Evil Queen's treat trail. I really enjoyed these interactions and thought it was a great idea. She noticed my earrings and appreciated the silent and deadly nature of my weapon of choice.

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I went to the photo area and I was very excited to meet these characters as I had followed along here and online, so I knew I'd get to meet obscure characters!

First up was the Queen of Hearts. I we curtsied to each other and I asked her how she rode horses in that giant skirt. She signaled that she didn't.

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We curtsied again and off I went.

Next was Frollo. I asked him how he rode in his dress...er... robe. He signaled that he rode in carriages. Well, that makes sense.

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Last was Shan Yu. I told him he was the only one dressesd to ride horses. He dropped my book once he'd finished signing. I said, "Aren't you sorry you did that?" He shook his head no. I replied, "Of course you're not, you're bad." He nodded.

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Then it was parade time. I was a little disappointed that the 'special' area was just a roped-off area in front of WCT. Not really worth the price and so next year, I'll know better. My feet were killing me by this time, but I wasn't quick enough to get a piece of the wall to sit on so I kind of perched on the fence beside it. The view wasn't spectacular but it was good enough if I wasn't going to take photos. Which I did, but some creative cropping removed the majority of balloons, heads, and other people's phones from the shots. I absolutely love the HH's horse and can't get over how well trained he is.

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Few of my photos turned out well from the parade, but here's a couple of the better ones.

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Side note: I'm pretty excited for Marvel Land too!

I love how the park is dressed in purple and orange lights over Halloween Time.

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The majority of people headed over to see Villainous at WOC, but I wanted to meet more characters, so I didn't - I turned right at Ariel's instead and after seeing the characters were the same as before, I headed over to Oogie Boogie's treat trail on the other side of DCA.

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Then a quick tour through the Shadow Man's trail. I did not go to the Mad Hatter's.

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Instead, I went back to see if the characters had changed out, but first I saw a sign that made my heart smile.

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And then someone who made all of me smile.

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Sweetest guy ever. I'm sure he deals with flustered people all the time, and he does it so gracefully. Perfect Loki. *sigh* He's so dreamy.

I noticed Dopey and Snow White were meeting at the fountain so I hopped into line. I looked at Carthay and they had projections going.

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And then they switched out to Pinocchio and the Blue Fairy!! WOW! So amazing! She was beautiful and Pinocchio was so sweet.

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I made it to the meet & greet over behind GRR and met the Big Bad Wolf.

"Do I call you Mr. Wolf?" No. "Mr. Big?" No. "Mr. Bad?" YES!

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The remaining two characters I'd already met, so I headed off for another HH photo, but in the dark this time, and with a magic shot.

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Back to the characters and I told the Wolf he could get a job blowing out birthday candles for old people. The PP Photog told me to make a scary face. I said the one that scares the kids the most is this one.

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Then I had REAL fun. I put on a thick Scottish accent and said to the Sherriff, "Ignore the crown. I am a penniless Scottish lass. I have no money for you!"

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He didn't believe me. I told him he should give ME his money so I could distribute it to the Scottish people who had been run off their land.

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He did not.

Then I saw Prince John. I had seen someone in this costume earlier and told him to find this photo op. I told PJ, "You need to leave my country!" He signaled that it was his country. "No, it's not! Now get out!" Mine. "How's your mother?" Instant thumb sucking and ear tugging ensued. This was awesome.

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I was very tired by this time. Though I wasn't affected by a time change, my feet were killing me and I was tired after traveling all day. Tomorrow - DLR!
 
Day 2 - DLR & SW:GE!

What a beautiful morning!

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Mel got us a spot right at the front of the line - seeing an empty park is so awesome.

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Mel headed off to ride rides and I stopped for photos on my way to Jolly Holiday for my favourite breakfast.

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I was bounding as Merida today, in case you couldn't tell. A lovely Diva made my ears for me and I brought them back for another trip. So. Comfy.

I went to the Hub and grabbed a couple photos too.

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That Abuelita is just the best.

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We grabbed a HM FP for 8:30 and headed in. Mel had never done this version, and insisted the Ghost Host doesn't say anything about lowering the bar. But he does. And she insisted it didn't. But it does. So I had to record it (a couple days later) to prove it. At any rate, she loved the overlay.

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I swung back through to the Castle to get another shot or two.

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It was now time for our Walk in Walt's Footsteps Tour. Mel and I were really looking forward to this.I have made it an annual tradition to do a tour - last year was the Railway Tour (super awesome), so this year was WiWF. Next year will probably be the Happiest Haunts Tour. At any rate, we showed up and were given a choice of lunches to decide on. Our guide was Maddie and she was excellent.

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We went all over the place, and then took the train to Tomorrowland, then walked some more, including the Opera House. I loved the Haunted Mansion stuff! Then the grand finale - Walt's apartment!

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The living room is very "victorian' whereas the bathroom (an afterthought apparently) is very 50's. It was really neat to get a lot of cool information on the apartment. The sofa I'm standing in front of is a hide-a-bed, and was Walt's. Where the photographer is standing, is in front of Lillian's hide-a-bed.

After a refreshing salad for lunch, Mel went to DCA and I headed to Galaxy's Edge. It was smokin' hot out, so I bought a pair of sunnies, a Hei Hei hat, and a new Pandora charm (the Haunted Mansion 50th). Ready to go to a new world, I headed into Batuu.

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I was so excited. The scale of the place blew me away.

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And then the Falcon. I adore this hunk o' junk.

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This ship on top of Cargo Bay 7 blew my mind.

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The stand-by line was at 85 minutes. My feet said, "no way!", so I went into the single rider line.

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Engineer. Okay, let's give it a shot.

Let the Wookie win.

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Usual attention to detail we've come to love.

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After successfully completing our mission, I went to the Cargo Bay for a bite to eat.

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The Tip-Yip Salad was really good. The curry surprised me, but I quite enjoyed it!

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And of course, the Batuu Bon was super yummy!

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I went to Dok Andar's and it was really well themed.

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I grabbed a holicron and a cyber crystal - I had the cast member chose one for me. I got purple.

On my way for a second ride on Smuggler's Run, I got some photos by the Falcon.

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And once again, I was an engineer. Next time I'll go through the long way and try to be a pilot or gunner.

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Honda wasn't impressed with our efforts this time.

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I had some time to kill before my drink reservation at Oga's, so I wandered over to see Chewie at the Launch Bay.

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Best hugs in the galaxy.

cont'd next post
 
Day 2 continued.

I grabbed a couple shoulder Porgs in the gift shop by Star Tours (because they were all gone in Batuu) and wandered back to Galaxy's Edge through Frontier Land.

I wanted a trip on BTMRR, so I saw the Halloween Tree all lit up first.

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Took a spin, then headed to GE again for my reservation. I love how they made Batuu look lived-in and old.

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Even with Hidden Mickeys!

This is where my evening took a turn to the crummy side.

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It was busy, of course. I was alone, and the rules were simple: stay where you're put (no wandering around), 2 drink maximum, and 45 minute time limit. The host wanted to put me at the bar, but my feet were killing me. She asked around and she managed to get me sat at the table right by the door with a wonderful group of people who were already there.

I was given a menu to peruse.

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I settled on an Outer Rim.

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It went down really quickly - it was delicious and I asked the server for another drink. He said I was on a time limit and had to wait. Uh... ok...

He gave the other people their bills, they paid and left. In a few minutes, another group of younglings (29-30) arrived and joined my table. When the server came back I asked for another drink, but he said I was over my time and had to leave.

Then this 'conversation' ensued:

Me: No, no, I wasn't with the other group. I'm on my own. I'm still owned another drink.
Him: No, you're over your time now.
Me: No, I'm not. I was sat at five to 7, it's just going on 7:30. I'm owed at least another 10 minutes. And another drink.
Him: You already had two.
Me: No I didn't. I've had one. You wouldn't serve me earlier. You told me I had to wait...
Him: You were with the other group.
Me: No. I wasn't. I'm on my own. I told you that.
Him: You're over your time.
Me: No. I'm. Not. I'm owed another drink and the longer you argue with me, the longer I'm going to stay until I get it.
Him: I'll give you credit.
Me: I don't want credit. I want a drink.

This went on for another 2-3 minutes, and finally he got credit cards from the other group and took my drink order (a Dagobah Slug Slinger). He came back with my drink and my bill after serving the group their food.

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As I went to pay my bill I noticed only one drink was on it. So this leads me to wonder: did the server comp a drink, or was my original one paid for by the first group? I was mortified that that may have happened.

i left. I was having a great time until this whole conversation happened. It definitely put a damper on the evening. I got turned around and left through the opposite way I wanted to (I wanted one last ride on BTMRR but came out by Haunted Mansion). But saw an awesome x-wing.

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I walked back, slowly, to the hotel. Tomorrow was breakfast with Donald and a day at DCA.
 


Day 3 - Breakfast and DCA.

This morning was my DCA day, and I had breakfast with Donald booked at the PPH Grill. But I did have time at first, to go along the Pier to check things out. I got there just after rope drop and wandered along the Pier.

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I ran into a PP+ Photographer and she took a whack of photos! It was tons of fun.

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It was also "natural hair day" because our hair dryer broke in the hotel room.

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Then it was time to see Sully. I had not met him yet so I was very excited to finally see the big lug.

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Smarty pants.

Then I waited for Bo Peep and walked with her and was first in line to visit. So awesome!

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I cut through the GCH to get to PPH and of course, couldn't pass this year's exquisite treat sculpture without some photos.

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Finally, PPH. The lobby was decorated so cool

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I waited just a little bit and then was shown in to see Donald.

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Then I was shown to my table and grabbed a plate of delicious food. My first guest was Daisy.

The hard part of a solo trip is not being able to take good selfies.

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Or maybe cuz I'm old? No, it's because I was alone.

Then was Lifeguard Minnie.

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Finally the whole reason I was there - to see Stitch! He loved my dress and my shoes (Stitch converse).

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I changed out of my dress and into a Captain Marvel t-shirt, then wandered back to DCA through GCH, put my bag into a locker, and made it back to the Incredicoaster for a morning shake-up.

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Today was more of a character chase than a ride day, so first was Black Panther. Iw as very excited to meet him!

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He was smooth as silk and wonderful kind.

I was too overwhelmed to even do the Wakanda salute.

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I had a bit of time to wait until Capt Marvel arrived, so I went somewhere cool. The weather was approaching the 100 degree mark and I was definitely NOT used to it!

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After a successful drawing of the Mayor from NBC, I visited with a queen and her sister, and got a warm hug.

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Then more fun on the way to Capt Marvel's meeting place.

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First up, a different Captain - America first. He was so sweet and very personable with everyone he met. I was a little aflutter, I admit.

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cont'd next entry.
 


Cont'd from prior post.

Next was Spidey. I said, "Oh, you're in your 'casual' suit." He laughed so hard. We had a talk about high electrical bills due to Iron Suits and then we did our pose, which he complimented me on.

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Finally, was Captain Marvel! She was so great! She was late because of her Flerken. Then we had a great conversation about our respective Flerkens and their eating habits. So sweet.

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By this time, Mel had met up with me and she took photos of my meet that the PP+ Photog didn't get. So sweet. We headed off for a ride on Racers in the Single Rider Line and after winning our race, I headed to Carthay for my belated dinner reservation.

After a swing in to see a cute little mummy.

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A little wait in the lounge downstairs.

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Then a quick ride up in the elevator. I was seated on the left side of the dining room this time and settled in for a nice dinner. First - a Poison Apple Martini. It was DELICIOUS! It is a 'gateway' martini.

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Then I ordered the Filet Mignon.

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The decorations were awesome - understated but very striking.

Dessert?

(sorry it's sideways)

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Don't mind it if do! Apple Tart, please!

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And they comped it! How sweet of them!

I had another drink, but it was a daiquiri, and not nearly as good as that martini was.

The lights were so beautiful.

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My feet hurt, so I headed back to the hotel for a snooze. Tomorrow - DLR!
 
Day 4 - DLR DAY Redux!

Today was all about rides and characters and photos... not necessarily in that order!

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My hoodie was to come in very handy today.

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I was bounding as Maleficent: Raven earrings, feathers on my leggings, and a Torrid Maleficent shirt.

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Stay, Zero!

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First ride - my fave - BTMRR!
Then as there was NO lineup at Pirates, I walked on almost immediately.

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It's a little fuzzy, but I love this wee new octopus.

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Our boat was stopped here for a bit. Finally, photos without fuzz.

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Then I went over to Jungle Cruise.

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Awesome as usual. And then I waited for a couple minutes for Mel to get off her ride. I hadn't seen the new HideAway yet, so I snapped a photo there while I waited.

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Even the exit is funny.
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At 11, we made our Haunted Mansion FP.

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This is my wreath on my front door from mid-October until January.

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We wandered down the back alley and I bought two new Pandora charms.

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Of course, I had to take a photo of the door.

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One day... one day...

Just around noon we took a spin on Indy. Super fun as usual.

Then we headed to Tomorrowland and did Star Tours.

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I took a photo specifically because we learned on our WIWFT this guy was originally a goose from a different, older attraction but the feet were same!

We grabbed a bite at the Tomorrowland Terrace - burger was great! I got a blood orange slushy and the Darth By Chocolate dessert. I couldn't even eat ALL of it - and I'm a chocolate lover. Mel did eat all of hers though. She's my hero.

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Then we took a ride around on the monorail.

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We had a FP for Buzz, which turned into an Anytime FP... but then by the time we got back, we were allowed back on Buzz.

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Mel went off to enjoy DCA, so I hung out for characters.

First was Aladdin.

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On my way over to see the Princesses, I ran into Maleficent on her way elsewhere. She appreciated my bounding and told me she'd see me when she returned and expected a full report of my shenanigans.

But first, I met some pretty ladies.

Cinderella was first.

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Then Ariel.

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And finally Jasmine.

But on my way to wait for Maleficent, I ran into Geppetto!! I'd never seen him before, so I was pretty stoked to get his autograph!

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As I waited in the cool tunnel under the castle, Peter came by I convinced him to take a funny selfie.

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And then Geppetto came back again and he gave me a hug and we took a photo.

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Finally Maleficent arrived. I was third to meet her. She remembered me! She asked me for an update. I told her silly things like I made Peter Pan stick his tongue out and gave people the wrong directions (I totally didn't). She liked my efforts. Then I asked her if she'd sign my book. She said, "I could give your book some power..." I said, "You don't have to sign YOUR name..." She laughed at that.

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cont'd next post
 
from prior post...

Then we took some photos.

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So. Awesome.

I wandered around and found a PP+ Photog at the giant teacup. He was so funny and took great photos. He saw I was an AP and gave me a bit of 'tude, but he soon corrected himself and was super nice afterward.

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And gave me a magic shot too!

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Off I went to BMTRR and got the best seat for the ride - right at the back!

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On my way to the Tropical Hide Away I met the Shadow Man.

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In the corner of the restaurant I found a cute nod to the prior owner.

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I ordered a bao and a dessert and sat down for a bite.

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Not really my favourite, gotta admit.

It was getting on so I wandered over to Tomorrowland for check in for my evening event.

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We were allowed to run over and grab a bite to bring up with us, so I bought another yummy burger and brought it to my seat. With this event, you chose your table when you sign in. Then you wait until you're allowed back. Once up the ramp, you grab a tray of treats and a drink, then find your table.

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My table was right at the front of the railing and I had a great view of the Matterhorn and the dance party ongoing in the Tomorrowland area.

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While waiting for the fireworks to start, Minnie popped by for a visit.

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Totally awesome.

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I took a bajillion photos of the fireworks but here's a good one to show.

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On my way out, I stopped for more photos, of course. Main street was amazing.

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Lineups were long, but totally worth it.

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Tomorrow was my last day, but I had made a breakfast date with Mickey!
 
Day 5 - Final half day

This morning was my last day at the parks until October 2020. (That may change because I'm trying to get the family there in March now) As you can see, I was a sad panda.

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Quite a lip there... guess I know where the kids get it from.

Once again, I made someone angry by snapping a quick selfie with the statue. Seems to be a tradition now.

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I had a breakfast date with Mickey at Storyteller's so I decided to hit DCA before breakfast.I made it to rope drop where we all stood around ain waited. Last year, the wind had kicked up but this year was heat. It was soooo hot! I wore my fuzzy Disney Spirit Jersey that I had picked up the night before. Had I realized the Christmas clothes dropped that morning, I would have wandered through Elias and Co to pick up some plaid, but I didn't know this.

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So... DCA... first up - Incredicoaster to get the blood pumping!

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Then Guardians, as I hadn't had a chance to ride it yet.

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I'm a huge Marvel fan so I was happy to see these artefacts which I had missed before.

I got the front row this time. So awesome.

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I was hoping for Racers too but didn't have time. I hobbled (super sore feet!) over to GCH and Story Teller's for my breakfast. I was seated just as the characters left my table area, so I got a yummy made-to-order omelette from the chef and some fruit and sat down to enjoy my breakfast.

First character who visited was Chip.

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And a few minutes later I was surprised by his buddy, Dale.

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Selfies are hard.

Minnie swung through to say hello and give me a hug.

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And then I discovered a secret. If you want to see characters who haven't come by... just sit there. Don't move. Turns out, the handler will come by to make sure you're okay. I said, I haven't seen Pluto or Mickey yet. Well, didn't that handler get Pluto over to see me in record time?

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And she took photos for me too!

Then it was time for another dance off, dance in, and Mickey came by finally (after another quick snuggle from Dale).

Not only did I get a nice hug and some photos, but the handler took a quick 15 second video too!

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As I finally left with my daily amount of hugs I realized I would need another suitcase. Turns out I had enough money left on my last gift card to get myself a snazzy new suitcase from the GCH's shop. I love it! It expands AND comes with its own built-in lock. It's larger than my usual 'big' suitcase, is a hardcore, and has cute designs all over it. Love. It.

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I had a nice conversation with some Australians in the lobby while waiting for my shuttle. I arrived on time and caught my plane back to Vancouver, then to the Island.

Went from nearly 100 degree heat down to half that by the end of the day. And rain. Ick.

So that was my latest trip. Good things: Meeting Mel and having a lot of fun with her, finding a new nutcracker for my collection, fabulous meal in Carthay, meeting rare characters at the OBB and throughout the parks.
Not so good things: Drinks in Oga's, getting the same spot in Smuggler's Run.

Things I'm looking forward to doing again include the Happiest Haunts tour, finding the Little Man's door, riding RotR in SW:GE, riding Star Tours with the new scenes, seeing the new Marvel land area... I could go on.

Thanks for following along. I hope you enjoyed my photos and my report.
 
Thanks for sharing! We are going in September for our first trip to DL. I am a WDW vet, have been there many times but I am really looking forward to seeing DL and DCA. When do they decorate for Halloween? We will be there sometime around the 26th of September. Haven't made ressies yet, our dates are still flexible at this point, they just have to fall over the 26th because I have tickets to a concert at the Wiltern in LA that night to see the band a-ha :love: ("Take on Me") I went to see them in Paris in November too, and went to DL in Paris for a few days, that was really nice (but cold). I would love to see all the Disney parks someday.

Is that Oogie Boogie Bash the same idea as the Not So Scary Halloween party in WDW? Or do they have one in DL too?
 

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