Monday, December 28, 2015

My First Solo Trip to Walt Disney World: The Plans

By Nick


Due to the health issues of our aging (14, going on 15) dog Shnelly, and her long time sitter not being able to sit for us any longer, having become too busy in her personal life, my wife and I have decided it in her best interest to not introduce someone else into her care, which has the unfortunate side effect in the inability of us to vacation together.


For this reason I'll be going to Walt Disney World alone this coming Friday. This trip was planned at 11 months out, as we are DVC members, before we knew we wouldn't be taking it together. I had renewed my Annual Pass back in January of 2015 in advance of my trip in May with 2 buddies to Star Wars Weekends.
So, as I already have the room booked and passes paid for, I decided I'd take this trip solo.

A few things have changed from our original plans due to this being a solo trip.

One is where I'll be staying. I'd originally booked us at one of our home resorts, and my wife's favorite, Disney's Boardwalk Villas. At the 7 month mark, I was able to change this to a stay at the new Polynesian Villas in a standard view studio! I have wanted to stay at the Poly FOREVER! My wife would have been happy to stay there, but would have preferred the Boardwalk! I know, right?


I had also made several Advanced Dining Reservations (ADRs) in the anticipation we'd be going together, and will be cancelling several of these. I'll instead be focusing on the lounges that we may not normally visit as my wife doesn't really drink. I do on occasion enjoy an adult beverage however, and I'm going to do the Resort Loop Pub Crawl.
I'm especially excited to check out Trader Sam's Grog Grotto at the Polynesian.

Another place I am excited to experience is Jock Lindsay's Hangar Bar in Disney Springs. Something else I'm looking forward to trying is a meal at the AMC Dine-In Theater also at Disney Springs.

I've made an outline based on ADRs I did keep, and FastPasses I've made. I have included a lot of free time to explore the Polynesian, enjoy the pool if weather permits, and to experience Disney Springs. And alcoholic beverages.

Friday, January 1st: Arrive early. Lunch at Trader Sam's. Swim? See the torch lighting ceremony and then head to the Magic Kingdom for the evening. FPs

Saturday, the 2nd: Breakfast at Kona (Tonga Toast!). Epcot in the morning where I have FPs. Disney's Hollywood Studios in the evening too see the new Star Wars offerings. At the suggestion of my Disney Exchange co-host Dave Hodges I'm going to try the ribs at Fairfax Fair. And then there is Symphony In The Stars: A Galactic Spectacular, which is amazing!

Sunday, the 3rd: sleep in. Spend some relaxing time at the resort before going to DHS where I have FPs. Why DHS 2 evenings in a row? This is the last night of The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. Ever!


Monday, the 4th: Animal Kingdom in the morning, Extra Magic Hours and FastPasses. I look forward to visit Harambe Market. Going to Disney Springs in the Evening, possibly to see Star Wars, The Force Awakens at the AMC theater and have dinner there. May stop into Jock Lindsay's as well.

Tuesday, the 5th: Be Our Guest at the MK for breakfast. I need to try it out to write a blog post! FPs there. Lunch at the new Jungle Navigation Co., Ltd. Skipper Canteen. Resort Loop pub crawl that evening.

Wednesday, the 6th:  Relax in the morning and go to Disney Springs in the late morning/ early afternoon. Maybe try to get into the newly opened Morimoto's for sushi and have a cocktail at Jock's. Epcot in the evening. FPs

Thursday, the 7th: Magic Kingdom where I have FPs. Fly home.

I hope to see friends that work at Walt Disney World as well as other friends on Facebook. If you are reading this and will be there at the same time, please drop me a line!


I'll be sharing photos and updates here on The Disney Musings Blog, our Facebook page, Twitter and Instagram, as well as The Disney Exchange Podcast Facebook page.

1 comment:

  1. I am really looking forward to hearing all about this trip, once you actually take it!

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for your feedback. Comments will appear pending moderation.