Here is is, that day that I dreaded since last Wednesday when I arrived at Walt Disney World, home.....my "happy place." Time to leave. Of course I am looking forward to going home to see my wonderful husband, who allows me to indulge in my passion for Disney. I have missed him a great deal. He left on a fishing trip several days before I left on my trip, so it's been eleven days since we have seen each other. We have basically not been apart for more than a day or two since we started dating in July of 2006. Even though I am pretty independent, and I had a GREAT time on this trip, I would much rather have him with me to share in my experiences and excitement!
I had bell services come and help me with my bags to take them to the airline check-in area at the resort. This is such a convenient service that they are now offering. We walked down and I gave the young man a generous tip to show my appreciation for his assistance. As I had two suite cases, I really needed the help.
After getting done with that around 9:30, I headed over to the bus area to catch the transportation to Downtown Disney. I had yet to make it there with the cruddy weather earlier in the trip. I wanted to do some shopping, and also do something else that I had my mind set on.
I first went to Goofy's Candy Company as this was the first location on my list. I got an apple made for us to split when I got home. It was fun picking all the ingredients I wanted to have on it!
My ingredients list:
The making of my treat!
The finished product!
Here are some of the other yummy things they had in the case!
My next stop was the World of Disney store.
I spent some hard earned money here!! But, I had to pick up some things for friends that I wanted to shop for.
Love these Princesses outside the store!
After shopping at this location, I then headed to BASIN. I have never been in here before, and I love, love, love, bath and body stuff, so this really did have my name written all over it! I bought three bath-bombs, and three bars of Mickey sliced soap. I wanted to spend more time here, but I needed to get on to my next destination!
I could have bought every one of these! It was hard to make up my mind in a short time!
All three I got were awesome! And, I love the little surprises I found in the middle!
Next stop......was the challenge I set for myself back several months ago. I got an offer from Groupon for a coupon for $10.00 for Characters in Flight......and I (being the fear of falling person that I am,) set a personal goal for myself on this trip like I did with Wild Africa Trek back in October. I am proud to say, that I once again overcame my fears, and I did it!!
It was a very breezy day, so the height limit for the balloon was 300 feet, instead of the highest amount of 400 feet. That's ok.......
After coming down, I checked my watch. I had about 45 minutes before I had to go catch the bus back to the resort. I was getting hungry as I had not eaten yet. I made my way over the Wetzel's Pretzels and had a cinnamon/sugar pretzel! Oh, it was heavenly!!
Pure yummyness!!!
When I got on the bus to head back to the resort, there were only a few people on it. There was a driver switch, and after he went over his check-list we took off. The first stop being Typhoon Lagoon. One of the ladies on the bus told the driver she needed to use the rest room, so as we sat at the water park, she went got off the bus, and said she would be as quick as possible. Well, we waited, and waited, and waited. I am at this point starting to get a little nervous. I don't really want to leave, however I don't want to miss my Magical Express bus either. So, I looked, and the woman is not even in a bathroom yet. She was still waiting outside. This is going on over 10 minutes already. I was talking to the couple next to me, and I said, "Wow...I can't believe this......I have to catch my Magical Express bus!" They said, "tell the driver, as we really need to get back to the resort as we have plans with others." So, I asked him if it was possible to leave, and that she could catch the next bus. Her friend said she would get off the bus as well and they would wait. The driver apologized, and we went on our way. As I watched the two ladies as we drove away, they were still standing at the front bathroom waiting to get in.
I arrived back at the resort with about 35 minutes to spare. Phew. So, instead of just standing around I went over to the Cars and Nemo areas of the resort to take some pictures. Here they are for you to see.
First the Cars,Radiator Springs section.
Such awesome icons!!
Next, we come to The Finding Nemo section! such beautiful detail here as well!
At this point, I only had about 15 minutes to wait, so I headed to the Magical Express pick-up area. This sad wave of emotions came over me as I walked up, and there was a bus sitting there. They said I could board if I wanted to, and rather than stand there for another 15 minutes, I took the opportunity for my departure, stage left. No sense in dwelling on the inevitable.
Once again, tears welled in my eyes, as I left what was my home for the last 7 days. even though I was not totally enthralled with the resort due to its massive size, all of the attention to detail, and the beauty of it was amazing.
The dreaded bus ride.............
After I got to the airport, I had about an hour and a half to kill. I got something to eat, and read my book.
I had a great boarding pass, A-20! When we got on the plane, I said to myself....."this is a brand new plane!"...and after asking the flight attendant, I was correct. It was a brand new 737, first flight was just April 16th! Everything in it was so nice!
Watching the outside activity waiting to leave.
Well, there you have it folks. The end of my first solo trip to Walt Disney World. I hope you enjoyed the "virtual trip" as much as I enjoyed sharing it with you. I know we won't be going back for a couple years. Having the house sided, and doing a few other things around here to get ready to sell in a few years, and relocate. I will be starting my "secret Disney cash stash" shortly! Hoping I can save up enough for a 2015 trip.
Stay tuned to the blog for great information, guest authors and some reviews from me on some different Disney experiences.
