Going solo at Walt Disney World! Yes....it is fun! (Day 1)

My solo trip to Walt Disney World began on Wednesday May 1, and concluded on Tuesday May 7, 2013.  I stayed at the new Art of Animation Resort, which was very, very large.  Almost too big for me.  I stayed in the Little Mermaid section, which is the furthest away from everything there.  To get to my room from the lobby was like walking 2 football fields to get there.  The family suites, on the other hand were nice and close to the lobby, dining and the buses. 

I arrived at Orlando International Airport around 11:50am, and made my way to the Disney's Magical Express buses in record time.

 I was taken to my resort, and was actually able to check into my room as soon as I got there.  I found my way to my room with no trouble, except that I felt like I was walking forever.  The fact that it was raining did not help matters any. 

My room was adorable!  The large icons along the way to the room were impressive, and the theme of the room was perfection.  From the carpets to the pictures on the wall, even the shower curtain was totally "under the sea." 

After I got myself settled, I waited for a bit hoping that my luggage would arrive as I wanted to change my shoes.  I think I will never learn the lesson to wear the shoes I want to wear to the park for my travel shoes as well.  (I will get to that mistake a little later.)  I finally got tired of waiting around as I wanted the "magic" to begin, so I left and headed for Magic Kingdom.  It is always the first place I visit when I get to my "happy place." 

I headed first for the PhotoPass location to get my card for my package that I had purchased.  I got my card for scanning and it was on a cord that I could wear around my neck, so I would not lose it.  As I was traveling alone, I really had no one to take pictures of me, so this PhotoPass+ package was a great investment for me.  Professional pictures of me all around the parks, certain attraction photos and some dining locations were included.  If you order the package at least 14 days in advance, you get a pretty hefty discount.  You can get more details at https://www.disneyphotopass.com . 

Funny thing, the minute I walked out of Town Square Theatre, and onto the street....the band was greeting me!  Wow, what a welcome home!!

After that, I went straight to Pirates of the Caribbean, as it is a tradition for me to always go there first thing.

  The bad news.......it was down!  I have never had that happen at Pirates before.  I stood there, just looking, with what I am sure was a very pathetic face.... as the young cast member said, "check back with us a bit later."  REALLY?  So, I headed for my other tradition, Jungle Cruise.  That was running, and I only had to wait about 8 minutes to ride.  With the weather going south, there were not a ton of people milling about. 

Yes....the infamous Back Side of Water!

Next I went back to Pirates, still down.  I was not in the mood  to do Splash Mountain, or Big Thunder Mountain, so I headed to Country Bear Jamboree.  This attraction was down for refurbishment last October when my husband and I were there, so I really enjoyed seeing the show. 

 I just love Big Al!!!












After the show, I walked over to Haunted Mansion.  This attraction never gets old to me.  I love it, and always have.  The new interactive queue area is great, but I passed on it this time as I wanted to get in quicker.  Again, on this attraction I only waited about 5 minutes. 

I took a stroll over to New Fantasyland, as I had dinner reservations at the new Be Our Guest Restaurant. I was lucky enough to get a reservation as soon as I booked my trip, and that was less than the 180 day out rule.  Maybe since I was alone, it was easier.  Not sure.

 

Anyway, it was a beautiful place, and delicious food.  I had a glass of wine (Oh....I know Walt is not happy....but I did it anyway).  It had been a long day, and after all, I was on this trip celebrating my birthday, so I think I deserved it!  I had sauteed shrimp and scallops that were served in a square puff pastry.  It was very good.  For dessert I had a Passion Fruit Cream Puff.  That was also delicious.  And, since it was my birthday I got to try "the grey stuff"!  And it was also delicious!  After dinner, I got to have my picture taken with Beast.  How exciting!! 

I walked around the New Fantasyland area for a bit, and as it was raining a bit more, I headed for the Enchanted Tales With Belle attraction.  That was inside, so I figured I might as well stay dry!  As this is an interactive area, people get to play parts in putting on a show for Belle to surprise her.  I was chosen to play Philippe the horse (I do a good horse whinny!)  It was so cute, and so fun.  Those who played parts got a special picture with Belle, and also a bookmark from her. 

After I left Belle, I walked over to The Voyage of the Little Mermaid.  Oh, I love this attraction!  As a matter of fact, I went right back on again, as there was no waiting.  The first time through I was not taking flash pictures but saw others doing it, so when I got off the ride I asked a cast member if I could use the flash and they said "sure you can!"  and offered to let me right back on the ride.  How nice!

I then walked over to Gaston's Tavern and had a LaFou's Brew.  Very yummy.....but I got brain freeze!  Wow, it is cold!!!!

Back into the regular Fantasyland area I hit Peter Pan's Flight, and then on to It's a Small World.

 After that I made my way back over to the "Partners" statue, and even though it was raining some, I took pictures of all the little animated characters statues around the circle.  I love them!!

My last stop of the evening was Tomorrowland.

 First, Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin.  I was not in top form, and only scored 55,000 points.  I have done better before.   Then on to Carousel of Progress.  In my humble opinion, this attraction needs a major refurbishment.  The seats and the carpet are a mess, and the current day scene at the end needs to be updated. 

Right when I came out of Carousel, the Wishes fireworks show was just starting.  Always beautiful, and the music always makes me sing right along. 

Good night Magic Kingdom!












Tired and a bit wet,  (and with 2 blisters on my feet already....from wearing the wrong shoes!!),I took my bus back to my resort and got a good nights sleep.  It was back to Magic Kingdom for a full day on Wednesday.  Day 2 coming soon!!!