The Single Girl's Guide to Doing WDW Solo - A Sept. 2014 Trip Report (COMPLETED)

[Elevationist]

pictures fixed and I LOVE the photopass pictures. They are all great, but especially love the Olaf ones.

Yay, glad they can be seen now! I kinda giggle at the Olaf ones too, especially the one where I was told to "act like you're cold, like you're freezing!" So silly.

Just wanted to say hi; I do solo trips myself and love them, so I'm in for yours.

I'm so glad I didn't run into those photographers on the solo part of my recent trip. All of them were always so nice to me, even though I was alone - I had more problems when it was me and my mom, it seemed like they didn't want to take our pictures almost. I still got some great shots!

What is UP with some of the Photograhers acting like that?! I've resolved that next year, I will be more diligent about making notes about the name, time, and location when I have a CM who treats me badly.

 

[Wood Nymph]

And not far away was Wandering Oaken's, so I took a look around in there. There snow play area was SO cute, lots of kids playing in there! Nobody ice skating though! That was a bummer, I was hoping to watch!

But my GOD, did it feel good in here! Sooooo chilly! I loved it!

Before leaving, I did get this photo, which I just love!

That is a really cute picture. We went in Wandering Oaken's, too. It was great to just hang around there, getting cooled off. There were ice skaters there, including to CM's who were skating around. A CM took a nice picture of us with out Olaf on a stick.

Moved from there right along to my FP+ for Star Tours! This is the first time I've done it since it was refurbed in 2011. OMG I LOVED IT. I mean, I always liked it, but now I LOVE it! Such a great upgrade!

I haven't done this ride in ages. I've been avoiding it because of motion sickness. Is it still as bad as it used to be?

Then it was off to take my ride on the Great Movie Ride! I do love this one. I hope they never tear it down. But good lord, do I ever wish they would update it with a few more current and relevant films. It really needs it, it's so dated!

I would love to see a new film clip, too.

Why, head back to her room for a nap and to get rested up for Epcot EMH that night, of course!

We were at Epcot that night, too! I can't wait to hear what you did that night. It was a nice evening, as far as I remember.

 

[Elevationist]

I haven't done this ride in ages. I've been avoiding it because of motion sickness. Is it still as bad as it used to be?

Sadly, I can't be of help. The only things that make me sick are things that spin. So no Orange Mission Space, no tea Cups, No Primeval Whirl. But forward-motion, like rollercoasters, or simulators that jostle you around, like Star Tours, those don't bother me in the least.

 

[Chicago Mo]

Great update! Love all the pictures!

another great time you had in my 2nd favorite park of all time!!! I LOVE HS!!!

you did all the great rides too! and YES starring rolls is the BEST! the food is the best! more NUMS!

 

[cinderkelly]

The ToT video is way cool! So neat that they do that! We didn't get to spend much time at HS. The morning we went the rain was coming down in buckets and it put a bit of a damper on things. We rode TSMM 2x and my older kids rode RNR and ToT while we had a cinnamon roll = yum! So we were only there about 3 hrs but hopped to Epcot and it was beautiful!

Isn't it amazing how the memory fades so fast? Don't like it

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Wow really?? Already day 5?? I think you're churning pretty darn good.

Aww yay for making friends on the bus. This is a much overlooked part of a Disney vacation.

Haha, I think 3/4 of RnRC are pretty much screamin'. So you are in the majority.

Overall a pretty subdued ToT crowd, but I LOVE the addition of the ride video. I may have to get a Memory Maker next time.

Ha yup, Starring Rolls is no longer a well kept secret, but cupcake for breakfast is not only ok, it's pretty much mandatory.

 

[SarahDisney]

Subbing! I love reading about solo trips. You've written a lot so far, so I have a lot of comments:

From the first few posts I thought you were interesting and knew this would be a fun TR (seriously ... the Carlton dance), but you hooked me with the fridge picture ... I'm addicted to the bottled Starbucks Frappuccinos (seriously, I have a case of 12 in basement, and would drink them every day if I wasn't trying to cut down on my sugar intake).

I love how much pixie dust you got at check in! It's so great when a Disney Cast Member goes above and beyond to help you and then you get something extra for the inconvenience!

When I did Enchanted Tales with Belle, people who were not in the show went up at the end to get pictures ... it was all little kids, so I didn't do it, but my sister is trying to force/convince me to do it on our next trip. So maybe if you don't get picked next time you can ask a cast member if you can go up at the end.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE the face painting you got for MNSSHP - it's so Halloween & it matched your outfit!

I haven't been to Diagon Alley yet, but when I went to Hogsmeade a few years ago, I was blown away by how much it felt like I was in the movies/books. I'm glad to hear you had the same experience with Diagon Alley.
And - OMG for pouring the ice cream into the butterbeer! I hope it was as amazing as it sounds!
I think part of the reason why Hogsmeade seemed crowded may be that it's not as well built - I haven't been to Diagon Alley so I can't compare, but I do remember Hogsmeade being not-so-roomy in general. And I'm glad you did the castle even though you couldn't do the ride - I rushed through it on the line for the ride and didn't really pay much attention and I really regretted it because it was so amazingly done. I guess I'll have to go back and do just the tour next time I'm at Universal.

I'm glad your first time getting the ECV on the bus was with a driver who could help you! I'm sure that after a few trips you'll be an expert at getting it on the bus & maneuvering it into the spot. I use a lot of public buses at home, and between here and Disney, I'm always so impressed at how people can get them on the bus ... comes with practice, I'm guessing.
We love using FP+ at Epcot Character Spot - there is sometimes a small wait, and you often have to wait between characters, but it's an easy way to see the characters.

So far it looks like you had a great trip! And I love the pictures ... I'm glad you got some good ones even though not all the photographer were so great.

I'm looking forward to reading more!

 

[Elevationist]

Great update! Love all the pictures!

another great time you had in my 2nd favorite park of all time!!! I LOVE HS!!!

you did all the great rides too! and YES starring rolls is the BEST! the food is the best! more NUMS!

Thanks, Mo! It was totally a great morning.

The ToT video is way cool! So neat that they do that! We didn't get to spend much time at HS. The morning we went the rain was coming down in buckets and it put a bit of a damper on things. We rode TSMM 2x and my older kids rode RNR and ToT while we had a cinnamon roll = yum! So we were only there about 3 hrs but hopped to Epcot and it was beautiful!

Isn't it amazing how the memory fades so fast? Don't like it

I love my ToT video!! It's brief, yes, but it's still just so fun!

My Animal Kingdom day was kinda like that, with the rain. It's the one and only day of my trip that I wasn't able to do everything I had wanted to do.

Yes, it's getting harder and harder to remember things! I see trip reports where people are still working on updates, like, 6 months or more later, and I'm just like... HOW?!?! I've been home for barely over 2 weeks and I'm struggling with details!

Wow really?? Already day 5?? I think you're churning pretty darn good.

Aww yay for making friends on the bus. This is a much overlooked part of a Disney vacation.

Haha, I think 3/4 of RnRC are pretty much screamin'. So you are in the majority.

Overall a pretty subdued ToT crowd, but I LOVE the addition of the ride video. I may have to get a Memory Maker next time.

Ha yup, Starring Rolls is no longer a well kept secret, but cupcake for breakfast is not only ok, it's pretty much mandatory.

I'm pretty shy, so it usually takes people reaching out to me for me to make friends on busses and stuff. It was nice, though! Made the ride go by faster!

I looooove Memory Maker! Now that I've used it, I can't imagine NOT having it! I got so many amazing photos, and the videos were just such a super fun bonus!

Subbing! I love reading about solo trips. You've written a lot so far, so I have a lot of comments:

From the first few posts I thought you were interesting and knew this would be a fun TR (seriously ... the Carlton dance), but you hooked me with the fridge picture ... I'm addicted to the bottled Starbucks Frappuccinos (seriously, I have a case of 12 in basement, and would drink them every day if I wasn't trying to cut down on my sugar intake).

I love how much pixie dust you got at check in! It's so great when a Disney Cast Member goes above and beyond to help you and then you get something extra for the inconvenience!

When I did Enchanted Tales with Belle, people who were not in the show went up at the end to get pictures ... it was all little kids, so I didn't do it, but my sister is trying to force/convince me to do it on our next trip. So maybe if you don't get picked next time you can ask a cast member if you can go up at the end.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE the face painting you got for MNSSHP - it's so Halloween & it matched your outfit!

I haven't been to Diagon Alley yet, but when I went to Hogsmeade a few years ago, I was blown away by how much it felt like I was in the movies/books. I'm glad to hear you had the same experience with Diagon Alley.
And - OMG for pouring the ice cream into the butterbeer! I hope it was as amazing as it sounds!
I think part of the reason why Hogsmeade seemed crowded may be that it's not as well built - I haven't been to Diagon Alley so I can't compare, but I do remember Hogsmeade being not-so-roomy in general. And I'm glad you did the castle even though you couldn't do the ride - I rushed through it on the line for the ride and didn't really pay much attention and I really regretted it because it was so amazingly done. I guess I'll have to go back and do just the tour next time I'm at Universal.

I'm glad your first time getting the ECV on the bus was with a driver who could help you! I'm sure that after a few trips you'll be an expert at getting it on the bus & maneuvering it into the spot. I use a lot of public buses at home, and between here and Disney, I'm always so impressed at how people can get them on the bus ... comes with practice, I'm guessing.
We love using FP+ at Epcot Character Spot - there is sometimes a small wait, and you often have to wait between characters, but it's an easy way to see the characters.

So far it looks like you had a great trip! And I love the pictures ... I'm glad you got some good ones even though not all the photographer were so great.

I'm looking forward to reading more!

Hahaha, I'm an iced coffee/iced latte addict. Bottled Starbucks fraps are a VERY close second. I have a couple of boxes of the Light Vanilla ones in my fridge, I start every morning with one!

I didn't think to ask if I could get a photo. I watched, and she just did photos with the "performers" then said good bye. I'm definitely going to try my luck when I'm back next December. I loves her!

Oh, I'm SUCH a sucker for Disney face painting. And I noticed that for every 100 or kids that have it, you might see ONE adult. I had big plans to do it EVERY DAY of my trip, but it didn't turn out that way. I made a purchase later in the week that made be rethink it. (Ooooh, foreshadowing!)

Diagon Alley is UH-MAY-ZING. Seriously. You HAVE to go! And make a Butterbeer Butterbeer Float while you're there!

I really liked the Epcot character spot. It was lovely to photos with Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy in their "classic" outfits. Loved it!

 

[Guatemommy]

Love your worting style, Billie! Hopped here after finding your dining review and def subbing!

I use an ECV at WDW as I have beaten a lot of medical stuff in my life that has left many 'scars' on my body and DH feels it is necessary or I would otherwise not enjoy our vaca. Take this to mean if I am hurtin and not happy neither is he or DD . It's nobody's business why you have an ECV and WDW makes it so easy so I am glad you got over the bus fear in a hurry and enjoyed your trip! Maybe one day i will go solo!

 

[Elevationist]

Love your worting style, Billie! Hopped here after finding your dining review and def subbing!

I use an ECV at WDW as I have beaten a lot of medical stuff in my life that has left many 'scars' on my body and DH feels it is necessary or I would otherwise not enjoy our vaca. Take this to mean if I am hurtin and not happy neither is he or DD . It's nobody's business why you have an ECV and WDW makes it so easy so I am glad you got over the bus fear in a hurry and enjoyed your trip! Maybe one day i will go solo!

YAY! Welcome! The comments seem to be dwindling here, so I'm excited to get some new readers! Thanks for joining in!

You should TOTALLY do a solo trip if you can! I LOVED it! I was very nervous about it during the planning, especially since I rely so heavily on the ECV. But honestly, things couldn't have gone any more smoother than they did! My aunt & uncle are joining me on next year's trip, so I won't be solo for the next one. But I think the next one after that I would make a solo trip, even if people try to tag along, just because I had such a great time alone on this one!!

 

[Elevationist]

DAY 5 - Part 2
Sept. 24th, 2014 - Wednesday
Epcot (Chapter 3)

Hi, readers! I love you guys!

I think when I left ya'll last, I had carried my sleepy butt back to Pop Century for a mid-day nap. When my alarm got me up and told me it was time to go have more fun and food, I headed back out to the bus stops and was on my way back to Epcot for a little more time in my favorite park!

Somehow I managed to not hit ANY PhotoPass photographers on this night. I was pretty disappointed in myself when I came to this realization!

So for this update, you'll have to settle for animated gifs, food porn, blurry fireworks, and late night scenery photos! Sorry!

I rolled off the bus and was happy to see that sky was pretty clear this evening! I started making my way through the gate and into the park when I looked down at the power bar on my ECV... It was down to only about 1/th of a charge. What the...? I had it plugged in while I was napping so this wouldn't happen!

I pondered my options. Leaving it at the ECV rental location to charge wasn't an option, as my ADR was too far to walk there, then back again to get my ECV back. So I decided to take my chances on finding a plug somewhere in the building with the restaurant.

Well, I got a little ECV pixie dust here, if such a thing exists, because as soon as I rolled through the double doors of the Land, right there on the left wall was exactly what I was looking for! And this is an area where a lot of people leave their ECVs, so it worked out perfectly! I parked next to it and got it all hooked up, and said a little prayer that by the end of dinner, it would have enough juice to get me through the night.

Dinner time, woo!!!

I was off to the Garden Grill for dinner. I'd eaten here once, years ago, and really enjoyed it. I hadn't been back in some time, though. Now, as a side note, I had nearly changed my mind and cancelled the ADR for this trip. I was getting very nervous about trying to do a character meal solo, and not having any photos to show for it. But thanks to the encouragement I received here on the Dis, and Gretchen's (Bellebookworm9) Solo Trip Reports and Dining Report where she did Garden Grill herself, I decided to stick with it and hope for the best.

I'm really glad that I did! My host lead me to my table on the upper tier, and he was super duper nice. My server came around, I think her name was Rachel, was just as sweet and lovely as couple be. I explained that I didn't have anybody to take photos of me with the characters, she said she would be happy to help. HOORAY!

The food was every bit as delicious as I remembered it being. Here's some teasers for you!

If you want more Garden Grill food porn and more details, feel free to visit my Dining Report HERE!

And then of course, the characters!!!

Mickey was up first, YAY! And I was able to quickly locate my waitress nearby to help me with the photo op!

Shortly after Chip came to visit me! This time I didn't see any restaurant staff free to take our picture, and I was starting to get a little frustrated and feeling like maybe this was a bad idea. But then I heard somebody at the table behind me volunteer. I turned and looked, and it was a young couple and their little girl, all of whom I recognized as the family sitting across from me on the bus here from Pop Century! I thanked him profusely. And for the rest of my character photos, either he or his wife took them. Such a nice couple!!

Next up was Pluto!

And finally, Dale! This one alone made coming here worth it. He was WONDERFUL! He was just tickled to death by my face paint, and kept hugging me over and over and over! I think you can even tell in the photo how sweet and affectionate he was...

Yep. I love me some Dale.

So feeling happy and full of food and hugs, I finished up and headed back out. Found my ECV still plugged in where I left it, with almost a full charge! Hooray!

It was just barely after 8pm, so I went off in search of my viewing spot for Illuminations. Just as I approached the first boat dock, I saw an area roped off for Wheelchairs and ECVs that still had a good bit of room in it, so I headed over and a nice CM let me scoot on in. It was a different vantage point for me, but free of tree and other obstructions, so I was pretty excited! I spent the time chatting with the folks around me (a family also from South Carolina on my right, a guy with a camera on a tri-pod attempting to make a time-lapse video of the show on my left).

Finally it was time, hooray! I tried to snap some photos this time, but my little Samsung Galaxy S3's camera really isn't meant for that sort of thing. So here's the best of them!

I should probably mention that Illuminations is hands-down my favorite night-time show at Disney World. It has a special place in my heart. The first time I ever saw it was on the final night of my trip in January 2000. It was so just stunningly gorgeous, I found myself in tears as I watched. It was that moment that it clicked for me... I got it. I finally understood. I felt the MAGIC. And I fell hopelessly in love with Walt Disney World.

(Continued in next post!)

 

[Elevationist]

DAY 5 - Part 3
Sept. 24th, 2014 - Wednesday
Epcot (Chapter 4) and Pop Century Explorin'

(This post is pretty much all photos...)

Once Illuminations ended, I hung back and let the crowds dissipate a little before moving on. It was EMH now, but I'd already managed to ride everything I wanted to the day before. So instead, I just leisurely took my time through World Showcase, soaking up the atmosphere and snapping photos.

Around 10:15pm, I found myself wondering if I had time for one last ride on Soarin'. Back to the Land I went, and sure enough, only a 30 minute wait now! I'm so glad I rode again, because this time I got the BEST spot ever... Top Row, Center Section. YESSS! I also made sure to kick my shoes off this time, so I could enjoy it more.

After my Soarin' flight, I smiles and blew a kiss to Epcot, and told it good night and good bye for this trip.

Upon arrival back at Pop Century, I decided I wasn't quite ready for bed yet, and set off in search of ADVENTURE! And by adventure, I mean wandering around the resort, taking photos of the different sections lit up at night.

I was able to get everything except for Lady & the Tramp in the 50s section... Turns out they're actually not very well lit at night.

And before I forget... On my one my trips past the Hippy Dippy Pool, I met this adorable little bun-bun!

Bye, little bun-bun! Be safe!

Finally, past midnight, I decided to declare it bed-time. I headed to my room, got the ECV all plugged up in a different outlet, and settled in for some more glorious sleep after another wonderful Disney day!

 

[cinderkelly]

I thought your fireworks photos were pretty darn good! I'm also amazed your face paint stayed on during your nap! I would look like I lost a wrestling match with a blue cupcake after a nap nice!

 

[Elevationist]

I thought your fireworks photos were pretty darn good! I'm also amazed your face paint stayed on during your nap! I would look like I lost a wrestling match with a blue cupcake after a nap nice!

It got rained on too! That Disney face paint is pretty resilient. It comes off easily with soap and water, but nothing else seems to phase it too much!

Also: Mmmmm. Cupcakes.

 

[Wood Nymph]

Sept 24th was our arrival day. We were in Epcot that night at the first concert. It was a beautiful night and the weather was great. We were really glad not to have any rain.

That was nice of the family sitting next to you to take pictures at the Garden Grill. I always appreciate it when people offer to take a picture of my husband and I. We usually end up with plenty of pictures with just one of us in them.

I love your night time pictures at Pop are really cool. I never realized that there were staircases hidden in some of those huge sculptures.

 

[Chicago Mo]

What a great Night you had!!! then being able to explore the resort!!! FANTASTIC!

I have never sat and watched illuminations.. I have no idea why..

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

So glad you decided to keep this ADR Billie. I've never done a character meal, or any sit down meal for that matter in Disney, but if was was going to do one , it would be a character meal. Of course I love the fact that your server helped with getting some character photos, as I would expect she would. But best of all is when fellow guests volunteer for this. Love that they did this for you. See what happens when you make friends on the bus.

It looks like you had a really nice spot for Illuminations. And I totally get what you're saying about that special place in your heart. For me, it's Wishes, but the feelings are exactly the same.

This was my last night in Disney this trip partly spent at Epcot in the afternoon, but MK that night. And after all the rain and crap, it really was a beautiful night.

 

[KatMark]

Hi, Billie (catching up again).

I'm glad you found a spot to park your ECV.

And also happy that you enjoyed your dinner. We ate there last December and were not fans, but the character interaction could NOT be beat. We saw Pluto, Chip and Dale twice each...and Chip and Dale sat in the booth with us and colored with the girls (our friend that I take our "girls" trip with and her daughters met us down there in December).

It's funny how we all have our favorite nighttime shows at Disney. Illuminations is last on my list, but I can see with it being your first show and it making you fall in love with Disney while it is your favorite.

Awesome pictures as you exited Epcot and love the additional pictures at Pop.

Have a good weekend.

 

[Elevationist]

Sept 24th was our arrival day. We were in Epcot that night at the first concert. It was a beautiful night and the weather was great. We were really glad not to have any rain.

That was nice of the family sitting next to you to take pictures at the Garden Grill. I always appreciate it when people offer to take a picture of my husband and I. We usually end up with plenty of pictures with just one of us in them.

I love your night time pictures at Pop are really cool. I never realized that there were staircases hidden in some of those huge sculptures.

I was really relieved that they offered to help with character photos, as I was far too shy to ask. It worked out surprisingly well, and I was extremely grateful to them! Just as I was thankful for the beautiful weather that night!

What a great Night you had!!! then being able to explore the resort!!! FANTASTIC!

I have never sat and watched illuminations.. I have no idea why..

WHAT! Oh girl, try to catch it on your next trip! It really is beautiful, and far different from any of the other night shows! It may not become your favorite, but it's definitely worth seeing!

So glad you decided to keep this ADR Billie. I've never done a character meal, or any sit down meal for that matter in Disney, but if was was going to do one , it would be a character meal. Of course I love the fact that your server helped with getting some character photos, as I would expect she would. But best of all is when fellow guests volunteer for this. Love that they did this for you. See what happens when you make friends on the bus.

Aw, you're missing out, Rob! Disney restuarants are AMAZING! I happen to recall from reading through your past trip reports that your birthday is VERY close to mine (Dec. 3rd). I think SOMEBODY needs to join me for a character meal next year!

It looks like you had a really nice spot for Illuminations. And I totally get what you're saying about that special place in your heart. For me, it's Wishes, but the feelings are exactly the same.

Aw, you understand! Wishes is a super-close 2nd for me. I'm extremely partial to the castle projection show too, which I saw for the first time on this trip. I cried. Anything that makes me cry goes straight to the top of my list.

This was my last night in Disney this trip partly spent at Epcot in the afternoon, but MK that night. And after all the rain and crap, it really was a beautiful night.

It so was, I was so thankful! Had Illuminations not gone off that night due to rain, I would have been one inconsolable moon-pie! But everything worked out perfectly, and it was definitely a wonderful night.

Hi, Billie (catching up again).

I'm glad you found a spot to park your ECV.

And also happy that you enjoyed your dinner. We ate there last December and were not fans, but the character interaction could NOT be beat. We saw Pluto, Chip and Dale twice each...and Chip and Dale sat in the booth with us and colored with the girls (our friend that I take our "girls" trip with and her daughters met us down there in December).

It's funny how we all have our favorite nighttime shows at Disney. Illuminations is last on my list, but I can see with it being your first show and it making you fall in love with Disney while it is your favorite.

Awesome pictures as you exited Epcot and love the additional pictures at Pop.

Have a good weekend.

Hi, Kathy! I know what you mean, every few days I have to play catch-up with all the reports I follow, too!

I guess I like Garden Grill because I'm a comfort food person, and that's pretty much what they do there. And I like that so much of it is grown or raised right there in the pavilion. (I forgot to mention in my updates that on this trip, I did the Living with the Land boat ride for the first time ever, and it was truly fascinating!) And Dale makes it pretty awesome, too.

I'm pretty partial to Epcot as a whole. I also miss Tapestry of Nations/Dreams horribly, and listen to the music from it often.

Glad you like all the photos! I was feeling particularly shutter-buggy that night!

 

[disneygirlll]

Finished reading through your trip report and thoroughly enjoying it. I love how you had so much fun on your own, I can feel it! (and I appreciate your honesty) Too much to comment on, but, the Mickey ears, face painting, photo pass pictures, that awesome Splash Mountain pic, the gifs, and omg! the incredible food pics. Looking forward to reading about the rest of your trip!

This picture is special to me…..I was sound asleep three doors down from the extreme left of this jukebox when you took this picture.