SOLO: A Chunkymonkey Story - June 2018! NEW 8/23 Last SOLO Moments THE END - Final VLOG posted!

[natebenma]

Oh, wow! Your experience with the Happily Ever After dessert party was AWESOME! I love that it was not crowded at all for you and there were so many yummy offerings. I especially love hearing that had POG juice and some savory items like eggrolls.

Your pictures on the way out of the castle are just spectacular.

on a bus waiting just to bring you back to your room. NICE!

 

[chunkymonkey]

June 11th: Doing Nothing is Exhausting

I woke up a little later than planned because of my late night at the HEA dessert party and spending time strolling through an almost empty Main St. I ate my leftover eggrolls for breakfast. Gotta love the microwave in the DVC room! I got ready and packed up the rest of my stuff.

It's funny how things work out because today was the first day that I actually saw the main grounds of my resort, Saratoga Springs, even though I had already been here for two nights. Since I was walking to and from Disney Springs most of the time, I bypassed the main house and just went straight to my room. Today though, was check out day (boo) and I had to store my luggage at Bell Services so I left my room and stepped outside with my luggage.

I had no idea where to go.

I figured I'd just wing it since I found my way here in the dark, so I should be able to find my way in daylight right?
I kinda knew the direction the buses drove to get out of the complex so I just started walking that way. There were really no distinct signs to "Carriage House" but there were other signs for Spa, and Turf Club so I knew I had to be somewhat going in the right direction. It was a little confusing and I crossed several parking lots and followed the path then came upon the DVC sign and so I knew I was almost there.

Winging it again...

Here's where we came last December and purchased our DVC membership!

Finally after about a 10 minute walk I arrived here:

The above is The Artist's Palette, which is the quick service/shop area of Saratoga Springs.
I did not head inside though, instead I found my way to the front where Bell Services was. I didn't even visit the interior main lobby. I just saw this:

Once I dropped my bags off I headed across the street to wait for the bus to MK. This stop is the last stop, or one of the last stops before exiting the resort so by the time the bus gets to you, it can be pretty crowded already. The wait was longer than I expected and of course the bus was crowded, but me being solo I just kinda wedged myself in somewhere, and was the last one to fit on the bus. #soloforthewin

Here was the view behind the bus stop: Looks like a country club or some sort of corporate campus.

Funny thing happened: I had a coworker who was in the same bus but in the back! She was there with her family and she saw me from the back but wasn't sure it was me. And the bus was too crowded and she didn't want to yell out my name. I told her she should have! When we got to MK since I was the last one on, I was the first one off so she didn't have a chance to catch up to me. I only found out we were in Disney at the same time when she got back to the office a few days later and asked me: "Was that YOU on the bus from SS to MK wearing a purple dress?" LOL

So exiting out at MK...since the bus took so long and I got up a little later than expected I missed my first FP for BTMRR. I was unfazed. That seems to be the theme of this trip...I missed my FP and I don't care! Usually I'd be in a panic and try to make a new one on the app but this weekend was crowded and there was literally nothing available that I wanted to do until later in the day. So I just made it to my second FP which was Haunted Mansion.

I missed my FP+ but I don't look worried!
Since this was my only time visiting MK during the day I had to commemorate with a series of solo pics with my castle.

I caught a bit of the castle show...I forget what it's called...Friendship Faire? I've always watched in passing but never stopped to watch as it's always been too hot.

I made it on HM, and after that, I decided that since I had such an exhausting morning that I needed a break.
I went to Cheshire Cafe and got something that I've always wanted to try:

The Cheshire Cat Tail!

I also got an iced coffee. I saw that they were giving the Mickey straws out to those who were ordering kids meals, but since I am a big kid I asked if I could get the Mickey straw too and the CM only happily indulged me.

I was a happy camper!

So the surprising thing about the cat tail...it was served warm! I thought it would be cold like a supermarket pastry, but the fact that it was warm made it 10x better than I expected it to be! It was everything that I had hoped for: flaky, chocolate-y, and just the right amount of sweet from the icing. I am now a big fan of the Cheshire cat tail!

I walked around for a bit but it was very crowded. I decided that I must have another snack. Since it was the Incredible Tomorrowland Expo it was only fitting that I get something from the special menu, and to keep up with the all-carb menu I've had that day, I settled for an Elastigirl pretzel mask!

It was very good! It too was served warm, and it had a really nice chewy texture. There is black salt on it which looks different although didn't taste any different to me. Two very stretchy thumbs up from me!

I made my way over to Adventureland for my only DISmeet of the trip...with @Monykalyn!!
See? I spoke the truth when I told my family I was meeting a friend in Disney World!

She was just about to ride PoTC and my FP window was just about to open. So we agreed to meet in the dump shop of PoTC.

While waiting I admired a few things.

I sent this picture to Steve, LOL. Told him he better behave while in California.

I noticed some of the candelabra decor:

And this cute little bowl which I think would be cute to keep rings and jewelry in. Pirate jewelry, of course.

Soon enough I spotted @Monykalyn coming out of the ride with her DH!

We spent a lot of time talking...it's as if we'd known each other for a long time! And we have, but online, LOL!
She is really the sweetest and must bubbly person!

So nice being able to meet you in person Monica! See you in May!!

After we parted ways, I jumped on the FP line, which actually looked really long! Standby was around 45-50 minutes I think, but luckily the FP line moved pretty quickly even though it was probably one of the longest FP lines I've had to wait on for PoTC.

I think the reason was also that everyone wanted to get a look at the new redhead scene.

OK it really wasn't that big a deal.

If they didn't create such hype around it and just changed it overnight without telling anyone I might have given it a second look, that's all.
I think you notice more because of the audio in the scene that they had changed as well.

I'll still take the redhead though!

Coming up...last solo moments at Disney...
​

 

[natebenma]

Not a bad final morning so far, although missing BTMRR is sad. But if you're ok with it, I'm ok!

That is funny that there was someone on the bus from home who knew you, but couldn't connect due to the very crowded bus.

Very cute pictures with your castle.

I like the way the straw is framing the words in this picture. This would be a super cute shot with a castle necklace.

Great choice of snacks. The Cheshire cat tail totally coordinated with your dress. The pretzel mask is also very clever.

So glad you had a DIS meet with monakaylan.

 

[Tracy161]

Dole whip machines should be on every floor of every resort. I don't understand how this isn't a reality right now.

It confuses me, too

Tracy this would be sooo perfect for you! I think you would really enjoy this and also the moments of being alone around the castle at night, and watching the Kiss Goodnight!

Yes!!! I couldn't agree more

but me being solo I just kinda wedged myself in somewhere, and was the last one to fit on the bus. #soloforthewin

There really are benefits to being solo, right?! I can't tell you the number of times they've let me onto a bus as the last person just because I'm solo, too.

"Was that YOU on the bus from SS to MK wearing a purple dress?" LOL

No way!? It really is a small world after all, huh?

I went to Cheshire Cafe and got something that I've always wanted to try:

The Cheshire Cat Tail!

Yes! I've never had this either but it's always something I want to try. Looked amazing and good to know it's actually served hot - who knew?!

See? I spoke the truth when I told my family I was meeting a friend in Disney World!

That's so funny because I constantly tell coworkers who just don't get it "oh, I'm traveling with friends to Disney" because... I am!

See you in May!!

Yay! Every time I think about it, or see it mentioned in a TR, I get so excited!!!

 

[SaraSpringsIsHome]

I ate my leftover eggrolls for breakfast. Gotta love the microwave in the DVC room!

HEA leftovers and DVC: what a lovely morning duo!

Was that YOU on the bus from SS to MK wearing a purple dress?" LOL

Too funny!!!

That seems to be the theme of this trip...I missed my FP and I don't care!

What a freeing feeling. #soloforthewin

So the surprising thing about the cat tail...it was served warm!

Yum!

What a relaxing and delicious morning at the MK

 

[amalone1013]

*adds cheshire cat tail to list of breakfast options in MK*
I'm trying to convince Zack that even though we love the nutella waffle at Sleepy Hollow, we need to try a cinnamon roll

What are the odds to end up on the same bus as your coworker? Disney Magic, I tell you!

Your castle pics are great!

I want to get a mickey straw on our trip now.

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

What a crazy coincidence with your coworker on the bus!

The chesire tail looks good, I am sad I missed it on my trip!

 

[juuuliebeth]

I'm planning on trying the cat tail for breakfast one of my MK mornings. I keep hearing wonderful things about it, so hopefully it's worth skipping the cinnamon roll at Gaston's Tavern.

 

[missangelalexis]

What a great go with the flow morning! I like your choice of snacks

Glad you could have a DISmeet too!

 

[pkondz]

Gotta love the microwave in the DVC room!

Very nice.
I don't know how many times, I've been asked by a server "Would you like that boxed up?" and I've replied "It was delicious, but... I don't have a microwave, so no."

It's funny how things work out because today was the first day that I actually saw the main grounds of my resort, Saratoga Springs, even though I had already been here for two nights.

I had no idea where to go.

I just saw this:

What does the plaque say?

but me being solo I just kinda wedged myself in somewhere, and was the last one to fit on the bus. #soloforthewin

Fringe benefit.

Here was the view behind the bus stop: Looks like a country club or some sort of corporate campus.

Pretty.

Funny thing happened: I had a coworker who was in the same bus but in the back! She was there with her family and she saw me from the back but wasn't sure it was me. And the bus was too crowded and she didn't want to yell out my name.

Too bad you didn't see her... or she didn't yell.

I missed my first FP for BTMRR. I was unfazed.

Unfazed....

That seems to be the theme of this trip...I missed my FP and I don't care!

Actually... good for you.

The Cheshire Cat Tail!

I've heard of that! (Probably from you)

So the surprising thing about the cat tail...it was served warm!

ooohhh... now I really want to try that.

It was everything that I had hoped for: flaky, chocolate-y, and just the right amount of sweet from the icing. I am now a big fan of the Cheshire cat tail!

oooohhh.... now I really, really want to try that.

I settled for an Elastigirl pretzel mask!

Yum! pkondz loves anything pretzel.

See? I spoke the truth when I told my family I was meeting a friend in Disney World!

I sent this picture to Steve, LOL. Told him he better behave while in California.

I Googled, since I'd heard that before (in Monty Python, actually... not Disney... well, that too.)
No one knows where it came from.

And this cute little bowl which I think would be cute to keep rings and jewelry in. Pirate jewelry, of course.

Of course.

We spent a lot of time talking...it's as if we'd known each other for a long time! And we have, but online, LOL!

I just wrote a very similar thing on my TR.
Gotta love DISers.

If they didn't create such hype around it and just changed it overnight without telling anyone I might have given it a second look, that's all.
I think you notice more because of the audio in the scene that they had changed as well.

Hmmm... I don't know. I think if they'd changed it without saying anything, you might have had a revolt on your hands.

 

[Steppesister]

Your dessert party looked amaaaaaaaing. WOWZA!! So many options. Sadly, I'd eat a couple and be full so it'd never be worth the price to me .... EXCEPT for the empty park and feel of it all. I love that they have savory items and fruit too and that... THAT might just sell me for it. I can see myself actually spring(roll) ing for this someday. Hmm....

I wasn't too sure what the Cheshire Tail was although I've heard of it before. Now that you say it is warm, I'm 1000% more likely to try it!! Yum! Although, given the choice, I'd take a Gaston cinnamon roll too.

Very nice.
I don't know how many times, I've been asked by a server "Would you like that boxed up?" and I've replied "It was delicious, but... I don't have a microwave, so no."

All the food courts have them, so you could warm things up there if you're trying to save a bit of $$. I'm usually ready to move on to the next food ADR or whatever and forget I have leftovers if I take them.

 

[pkondz]

All the food courts have them, so you could warm things up there if you're trying to save a bit of $$. I'm usually ready to move on to the next food ADR or whatever and forget I have leftovers if I take them.

Ah! Didn't occur to me. Thanks!

 

[franandaj]

After the fireworks, and the lights came back on, I darted through the masses exiting the park (because the park was very soon closing so no one was heading to any rides), over to the Tomorrowland Terrace dessert area. The CMs there looked at my band, and waved me in. I was greeted with this sight:

How awesome! I can see how the after fireworks party would be more appealing than before. It's nice that they had savory stuff too. I can only eat so many sweets or my blood sugar goes through the roof!

Thankfully the rain was short-lived and it ended maybe 20 minutes after it started.

That worked out great for you!

So um, by the time the night was over I may have had 5 plates of food...

I don't know how you can eat that much!

I took some egg rolls and a few bottles of water back with me because the CMs were practically begging me to take more food. Sure twist my arm even more.

Breakfast of champions!

I had the castle in the palm of my hand!

Cute!

When I got to the bus stop for Saratoga Springs, there was a bus right there waiting.
It was like it was meant to be. I'm not kidding. This never happens and so I had to commemorate with a picture. As proof of course.

That never happens for me.

 

[franandaj]

It's funny how things work out because today was the first day that I actually saw the main grounds of my resort, Saratoga Springs, even though I had already been here for two nights. Since I was walking to and from Disney Springs most of the time, I bypassed the main house and just went straight to my room.

I know the feeling. When we've stayed at SSR we have mostly avoided the Carraige house, unless we had issues. And as you know this last trip we definitely had issues.

This stop is the last stop, or one of the last stops before exiting the resort so by the time the bus gets to you, it can be pretty crowded already.

If you do stay there again, it's a short walk to the Grandstand where you catch the first bus stop.

I only found out we were in Disney at the same time when she got back to the office a few days later and asked me: "Was that YOU on the bus from SS to MK wearing a purple dress?" LOL

Small world huh?

So exiting out at MK...since the bus took so long and I got up a little later than expected I missed my first FP for BTMRR.

I often have that problem as well. 1st FP is often a throw away since Fran doesn't share my urgency to get to the parks.

I went to Cheshire Cafe and got something that I've always wanted to try:

The Cheshire Cat Tail!

Now that's interesting, we have a Cheshire Cat Tail at DL, but it's nothing like that. It's a marshmallow stick, dipped in caramel, and then covered in purple sugar, and drizzled with pink icing. If that one like a chocolate croissant?

Soon enough I spotted @Monykalyn coming out of the ride with her DH!

Nice. DISmeet finally!

OK it really wasn't that big a deal.

If they didn't create such hype around it and just changed it overnight without telling anyone I might have given it a second look, that's all.

I dunno I think it was. Not only did she "switch sides", but they made her "angry" and not beautiful anymore.

 

[cadien]

Yay! I've been venturing over here from the cruise board because we've added a WDW stay to our February cruise (first time there ever!) and it's so nice to see a familiar 'face.' Entertaining and informative as ever. And of course now I'm starving.

 

[Monykalyn]

The Dismeet was sooo fun! As I recall I told my family I'd catch up with them later because we kept chatting LOL! Yes planning May. Just have to break it gently to the hubby

Saratoga Springs is so pretty. I really like the Grandstand building we were in, but OMG was that sofa bed awful.

 

[annie170]

What a crazy coincidence that your coworker was on the same bus! What are the odds?

MK looks quite crowded that day. Were wait times high on attractions?

That Cheshire cat tail looks delicious. I've got to remember to try that in December.

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

Saratoga Springs sounds HUGE!

We liked the Cheshire Cat's Tail too!

 

[tiggerpals]

I think for sure the before dessert party had more kids, I don't think I saw any young kids at all at the after party. Maybe some teenagers. But if you do get a chance to, I really recommend it just for the nice exclusive feeling that you're enjoying MK a little longer than anyone else...

Yeah that makes total sense about not as many kids at the after party. Some day! (my parents may or may not be able to actually come with us this trip due to an accident earlier this year so I have a lot of various contingency plans this trip for who the kids will be with!)

I also so love seeing the attitude of your day - do what you want, when you want, not a problem, you're at Disney! And the cat tail looks so good! Gonna have to try that when I'm down there next!

 

[chunkymonkey]

Your pictures on the way out of the castle are just spectacular.

on a bus waiting just to bring you back to your room. NICE!

Thanks! A rare moment in an almost empty park!

Not a bad final morning so far, although missing BTMRR is sad. But if you're ok with it, I'm ok!

I'm ok with it!! It was a strange feeling. I realize that maybe I am not as commando as I think I am. I really am only in commando park mode when I'm with Steve. Haha.

That is funny that there was someone on the bus from home who knew you, but couldn't connect due to the very crowded bus.

What are the chances! We had no idea. We didn't realize we both love Disney. Now I have another Disney friend at work.

Very cute pictures with your castle.

Thank you!

I like the way the straw is framing the words in this picture. This would be a super cute shot with a castle necklace.

I'll try that next time I have a castle necklace on!

Great choice of snacks. The Cheshire cat tail totally coordinated with your dress. The pretzel mask is also very clever.

Yeah I only ate food that I coordinated with that morning,
I liked the pretzel mask a lot, it was tastier than the regular pretzels.

So glad you had a DIS meet with monakaylan.

It was really nice to be able to talk to someone on this trip. I must have been talking so much since I was alone for 3 days and I'm not used to it, hahaha.

It confuses me, too

Yes, why are there not Dole whip machines everywhere? We need to work at Disney parks so we can make things right.

There really are benefits to being solo, right?! I can't tell you the number of times they've let me onto a bus as the last person just because I'm solo, too.

Yes! It's so much fun!! I had a really fun relaxing time!

No way!? It really is a small world after all, huh?

Haha, for sure! Especially in Disney...mostly Frontierland though.

Yes! I've never had this either but it's always something I want to try. Looked amazing and good to know it's actually served hot - who knew?!

I had no idea too! It's great, so yummy and I rarely say that about sweets!

That's so funny because I constantly tell coworkers who just don't get it "oh, I'm traveling with friends to Disney" because... I am!

Right?!? It's just easier and you get the less "judgey" looks.

Yay! Every time I think about it, or see it mentioned in a TR, I get so excited!!!

Me too!! It's gonna be amazing!

HEA leftovers and DVC: what a lovely morning duo!

It certainly started off the morning right!

What a freeing feeling. #soloforthewin

Yes, indeed! It was fun being solo!

Yum!

What a relaxing and delicious morning at the MK

All I did was eat!

*adds cheshire cat tail to list of breakfast options in MK*
I'm trying to convince Zack that even though we love the nutella waffle at Sleepy Hollow, we need to try a cinnamon roll

Sooo many things to eat there...I'm going to shoot for the cat tail and my sister would most likely get the cinnamon roll.

What are the odds to end up on the same bus as your coworker? Disney Magic, I tell you!

It's was amazing how we ended up on the same bus! We had no idea we were both Disney fans.

I want to get a mickey straw on our trip now.

Yes, you need one too!

What a crazy coincidence with your coworker on the bus!

The chesire tail looks good, I am sad I missed it on my trip!

Yes! So funny but so cool I found another Disney friend at work. We seriously had no idea.

It was yummy, you should totally try one!

I'm planning on trying the cat tail for breakfast one of my MK mornings. I keep hearing wonderful things about it, so hopefully it's worth skipping the cinnamon roll at Gaston's Tavern.

It's like a chocolate croissant, so if you like those then you'd love this. It is a hard toss-up between the two. I guess you'll have to see what you're in the mood for! Also Gaston's is good for sharing, whereas I can finish the whole Cat Tail...

What a great go with the flow morning! I like your choice of snacks

Glad you could have a DISmeet too!

Thanks! It totally was a lazy kinda morning just eating and having fun in MK. DISmeets are always the best!