When the Going Gets Tough the Tough Go to Disney World. A Jan 2019 Solo PTR Update 11/24

musicalgirl2010

Mouseketeer
Joined
Jun 29, 2012
Hello, everyone out there in pre-trip land! Thanks for joining along! I'm bad at these into things so let's just get to the good stuff, shall we?

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The Details

Who: Just me on my first solo trip!
What: My 5th trip to Disney and the first solo trip to celebrate making it through of 2018. More on that later.
When: January 24-February 2
Where: I'm not sure yet... I'm hoping you can help me figure this one out. :)
Why: My mom was diagnosed with aggressive stage 2 breast cancer last November. She should be done with treatment in May/June but it's been decided that I need some "alone time" when this is over because I've been struggling through this a bit. My mom says I also have more than earned a vacation in the last few months when I bought the trip up to her. I've wanted to go to Disney for the Festival of the Arts. I wasn't going to go for another 10 years but I'm able to make it happen in 2019 so I'm doing it.

The Cast
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This is one of my favorite pictures from my 2017 trip! My name is Sami and I'm addicted to Disney! I've always been a big Disney fan but have really become a big Disney parks Fan in the last 8 years or so. I work for a paper crafting company shipping super awesome products to other cardmakers and stampers like myself! I also enjoy playing The Sims (my little guilty pleasure) and of course Planning Disney Trips! My next career is a Disney Vacation Specialist.

Favorite Character: Mickey Mouse
Favorite Movie: Beauty and the Beast or Tangled
Favorite Princess: Belle
Favorite Song: Belle Fun fact: I work in a small village and sometimes I sing this song in my head when I go to work in the morning :)
Favorite Park: Hard choice between Magic Kingdom and Epcot
Favorite Ride: I'm not a big ride type girl... But I'd have to say probably it's a small world. I have to ride it at least once every time!
Favorite Show: Festival of the Lion King hands down no competition there.
 
What’s done and What’s Not

Trip dates: Done! January 24-February 2

Resort: Done! Port Orleans Riverside

Park Tickets: Done! 9 day Park Hoppers

Dining Plan: Done! I’m splurging and going deluxe!

Memory Maker: Done! I love photo pass photos! And going solo it will be nice to have some non selfie photos!

Trip booked: Done!

Flights: Done!


What happens when: Started

ADR’s: Not ADR date is in July

Fastpasses: Not FP in November

Autograph Book: Started

2017 Scrapbook: Started
 
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Following!!! I used to be the queen of pre trip reports, but alas, I've yet to start one for 2019 yey! :rolleyes1 excited to follow your planning, a solo trip sounds amazing!!!
 


I'm sorry to hear about your momma, I hope she's on the road to recovery now. Following along...can't wait to hear about it!

Dawn
 
Checking in here! I followed your last trip's report with your family and am looking forward to following you again this time on your solo adventure! I have often thought it would be fun be able to plan a trip with just things you really like and not have to work around planning things that others really enjoy but you might not care so much about.

I also want to say, I am sorry to hear about your mother's cancer. Cancer affects the whole family - not just the one diagnosed. So, it sounds like you do need this break.

Looking forward to hearing more of your plans. I would love to go during the same time frame when I expect the crowds will be at some of their lowest all year.
 


I'm sorry to hear about your momma, I hope she's on the road to recovery now. Following along...can't wait to hear about it!

Dawn

Thank you for the wishes. We’re definitely heading in the right direction. I’m going to make mom updates a part of this PTR so watch for the next PTR update!

Checking in here! I followed your last trip's report with your family and am looking forward to following you again this time on your solo adventure! I have often thought it would be fun be able to plan a trip with just things you really like and not have to work around planning things that others really enjoy but you might not care so much about.

I also want to say, I am sorry to hear about your mother's cancer. Cancer affects the whole family - not just the one diagnosed. So, it sounds like you do need this break.

Looking forward to hearing more of your plans. I would love to go during the same time frame when I expect the crowds will be at some of their lowest all year.

Welcome back! So cool to have a repeat visitor! I know I never followed through with a trip report for my 2017 trip but I’ll spend a little time here talking about it! So watch for an update sometime next week hopefully! I’m really looking forward to going solo it’s been a very interesting planning experience so far!
 
It’s Time for an Update! Or Should I Say Updates!

Read that title in your best Stacy voice please. Ok? Thank you! :)

So first off Mom update! Things seem to be heading in the right direction... as of now it seems we’re halfway through chemo. She’s doing good and not feeling to horrible but is loosing her hair. But we expected that and permanent hair loss while it can happen isn’t common with her treatment so her doctor is pretty confident it will come back. I’m being a little stubborn still and refusing to hope too much that this will be over in the next few months but I’m starting to deal with the fact that it might just maybe all be ok....

Now to the Disney Stuff!

Let me tell you I have been busy making the decisions ang getting the planning started over here! So much so I’m not even sure where start! So we might as well start at the beginning.

So I actually ended up already making a packing list...
But Sami? You’re Trip is still so far away
I know... I know but I have many big purchases i need to make this year both trip related and life related so I’m trying to spread them out as much as possible. So February and March quickly became the time of buying all the Disney outfits. But! I’m done clothes shopping for Disney! I bought a very Special dress for a very Special breakfast and 3 new t-shirts so basically all my outfits are set and planned! I want to wait to share them though until I start revealing my plans over the next couple months. I do need to get a few “accessory” type things yet like new shoes and a new bag and a new wallet all upgrades I’ve been needing to make for awhile. I’ve had my current wallet for over 12 years.... so what better excuse to finally follow through! But those purchases will also be spread out over a few months because my budget app already is yelling at me for going over budget in March... ooops...


I also made one really big Disney decision! I think I picked a hotel.... Well actually I picked several... Because I always like to have back ups because you never know. So the list goes something like this.

1. All-star music Broadway section: Right now it sounds like this one is supposed to be under construction when I’m there so even though It’s my number 1 choice I REALLY want Broadway section and know with how my 2018 is going that’s the section they’d start with and it wouldn’t Be available so I’m listing it at number 1 because it’s still the one I want the most but probably won’t actually end up booking.

2. All-Start Movies Preferred Room 101 Dalmatians section. This is the most likely option at this time. I was actually planning on this resort before I found out music had a Broadway section. The only downside is this resort doesn’t typically get discounts but it’s still within my budget. Movies is also supposed to start a refurb any day now that’s supposed to be done by November I’ll be following along closely because if it’s not going to be finished I might start considering option 3. Nothing against all the construction but I did that in 2017 at Wilderness Lodge and while it was only a mild inconvenience it also sort of feels like been there done that.

3. Art of Animation Little Mermaid Room. I’d be lying if I said my heart wasn’t pulling me toward this resort. I’ve been wanting to stay here for awhile and the biggest downsides are again lack of discounts but while still more expensive should just barely squeak in my budget and also distance. I’m planning to be in the parks 80-90% of the day and I don’t know if I want to hike all the way back to the little mermaid rooms at the end of the day. Even though it makes the most sense right now since no one with me this trip has mobility issues I’m not sure 8’: up for it this trip. Plus if I go with more people in the future it makes a Family suite a little more justifiable.

4. Pop Century. It’s never been my favorite resort I’ve never had a real drive to stay there but it’s in my price range and I’m a big Seeyareelsoon fan and they’ve always loved pop and I’ve heard good things so I’m willing to give it a go. I’d probably be aiming for a preferred room in the 50’s section. Also tye dye cheesecake.

5. Port Orleans Riverside: This is another of my bucket list resorts... it’s only down here right now because of the price... But if a decent discount comes out for this might just bump to the top....

Thoughts anyone? I thought I had this settled until I started typing this all out now I’m not sure again!

I guess here’s the plan for now. Book all-star Movies when packages come out in June. See what discounts come out in October and possibly upgrade then.

I had more planned but it’s late an I’m tired. I’ll be back soon with a few more things!
 
Hello! Following along. I love my solo trips and can't wait to read about yours.
Two years ago I stayed at AOA little mermaid room, and I hated the walk to the rooms. I did like the food court, ate there a couple times, always a solid meal. This was not a solo trip and we had kids in a stroller, but I did head back to the hotel myself after splitting from the group and, well, it's a hike.
 
Planner after my own heart! I love that you have a packing list already!

I will always say to go with the bucket list! (Although I rarely can afford my bucket list choices) lol

Cant help with all-star choices, our home is Pop, so we always default there! I think you should do something new since it's a solo trip!
 
Hello! followed you over from the 2019 planning thread. I love Pop but want to check out AOA!
 

4. Pop Century. It’s never been my favorite resort I’ve never had a real drive to stay there but it’s in my price range and I’m a big Seeyareelsoon fan and they’ve always loved pop and I’ve heard good things so I’m willing to give it a go. I’d probably be aiming for a preferred room in the 50’s section. Also tye dye cheesecake.

Thanks for commenting on my PTR. I love that you're considering Pop Century because of SYRS because that's the only reason I am too! I've been binging on their old videos while I am in limbo waiting to book my trip. Have you seen their updates? They bought DVC and they're going back in May with their son. I hope they do videos again!

How's your mom doing? My mom beat breast cancer in 2015. It's a tough thing to go through.
 
Hello! Following along. I love my solo trips and can't wait to read about yours.
Two years ago I stayed at AOA little mermaid room, and I hated the walk to the rooms. I did like the food court, ate there a couple times, always a solid meal. This was not a solo trip and we had kids in a stroller, but I did head back to the hotel myself after splitting from the group and, well, it's a hike.

I’m so excited for this solo trip! I’ve heard a lot about the super long walk but I’ll admit I’ve really wanted to try the food court here.

I’m going in January as well! We just don’t have dates yet.

Yay! Our trips are coming up fast.

Planner after my own heart! I love that you have a packing list already!

I will always say to go with the bucket list! (Although I rarely can afford my bucket list choices) lol

Cant help with all-star choices, our home is Pop, so we always default there! I think you should do something new since it's a solo trip!

Oh yes... I’m not typically a every moment of my day planner but I’m definitely a planning way far in advance planner. :). I don’t want to give much away but I’ll say that I have made a resort decision and may have taken some of your thoughts into account. ;)


Hello! followed you over from the 2019 planning thread. I love Pop but want to check out AOA!

Hello! Glad you found me!

Come join the January 2019 thread!

I Just did earlier today. :)

Thanks for commenting on my PTR. I love that you're considering Pop Century because of SYRS because that's the only reason I am too! I've been binging on their old videos while I am in limbo waiting to book my trip. Have you seen their updates? They bought DVC and they're going back in May with their son. I hope they do videos again!

How's your mom doing? My mom beat breast cancer in 2015. It's a tough thing to go through.

I did see their updates and I’m so glad they were able to enjoy their trip with Lee! I couldn’t watch their last video until Ashley posted that they had a new video coming out! I cried every time I tried to before that! They were the first vloggers that I ever watched and they got me totally hooked on vlogs Disney or otherwise. I tweeted them after my 2017 trip and they tweeted me back while I was at work and it was the best thing ever! Joe and Ashley are definitely #relationshipgoals for me. :)

Stay tuned for a mom update in the next PTR update hopefully tomorrow. I’m so glad you’re mom was able to beat her cancer. You know first hand how tough it is to go through... this is our second go round for my mom the first time I was 16... it’s not a reoccurrence though it’s a totally different type of cancer this time. Still Breast Cancer but a different type.
 
I totally missed that you enjoy watching See ya reel soon! I love watching them!! They are local to me and I have daughter similar to Lee’s age. I sent them a message if she wanted to have a play date and totally fangirled when she messaged me back.
 
It’s update time!

I never meant to be gone this long in fact I was supposed to be doing weekly updates by now... But my travel anxiety set in a bit and I was super close to calling off my trip all together. I started to feel really selfish for wanting to go and being set on doing it alone and just an overall nervousness of trying to pay for it and manage it all on my own. I Always handle the planning and booking but my dad typically always handles the paying and the airplanes. I just give him money for the trip. I’m super lucky to have a few really good friends who I trust to be honest with me who reminded me that this is something I should do and it’s OK to do something for yourself every once in awhile. Even if that something seams excessive at times. :)

Now for the Mom Update: Bad News first the doctors added 2 more rounds of chemo since I last dropped by. Bringing the total up to 6 rounds. But the good news is this past week was the last one! So we can officially cross that off the list! She’s doing well and I’m not quite sure what comes next but at least the chemo is over. I’m doing OK and hanging in there to. My boss recently lost her mom and summed up perfectly what I feel like wrapping up my mom’s chemo. She said “the grieving really starts when things calm down and life goes back to “normal”” I definitely feel like the next few days and weeks are going to feel weird not having another Chemo treatment to countdown to. I’m sure I’ll be a hot mess of emotions for the next few weeks but I have plenty of distractions I have a Musical to open in July and Disney Trip that needs descions to be made!


Ok enough of the sappy stuff! Onto the happy Disney things!

First things first I’m h
appy to announce that a resort descion has been made! I’ll be staying at...


Port Orleans Riverside:
Royal Room!
So much for that cheaper solo vacation I was going for huh? After much talking and debating it seemed like everyone agreed that this could be a vacation of splurging. And a POR Royal Room was chosen. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t secretly have my heart set on this the whole time. This trip was originally going to be this past April my cousin lives in New Orleans and I was originally playing with the idea of takeing a full week off work going to her wedding then flying to Disney for a few days after. Things got to complicated when my mom got sick and we skipped the wedding but when I was thinking April I thought it would be cool to continue the NOLA theme and stay at Riverside. I really think my mind was made up then but I had to try and pretend I could make the smart decision. While it’s going to end up costing me more in Travel expenses then I wanted to spend It’s still an affordable option for me and I really do like the idea of boat access to Disney Springs. And while I’m not holding my breath I’m hoping for a Disney VISA discount or really any discount to help just a bit but Port Orleans dosen’t typically get discounts.

Wait a minute? Did I just say Disney Visa discount?

Yup I did! I’m officially a Disney Visa cardholder and I couldn’t be happier! I’ve said the only credit card I ever wanted was a Disney card since I was 16 and I’m so glad it finally happened! I’m so excited for the exclusive character meets!

This update is getting long and I can’t really add pictures from my IPad so I’m sorry about that. But I wanted to give updates on all the not completed bits on my list in post 2.

Next on the list is trip booked. Well that’s still a no seeing as 2019 packages aren’t out yet. But! You see my Birthday is coming up soon later this month after packages are released and well what better Birthday present to myself then to book my Trip. So I will sit in anticipation for the next few weeks waiting to do that but this also ties into the flight category as well. Typically we always fly southwest and at first I was thinking about doing some bargain shopping and flying on a different airline if the prices were lower. But the more I thought about it and with it being my first time really traveling on my own I thought it best to stick with what I know and fly southwest plus my airport is a southwest hub so we have a ton of southwest flights and even a few non-stop ones that leave from my airport.

Currently southwest is only booking through January 6th but guess when the rest of January opens?

Did you guess?


Yup you’re right! On my Birthday! I mean how perfect is that!

The next 2 categories go together too. What happens when and ADR’s. My ADR date isn’t until the end of July but I have my list of the ADR’s I want and when. This is subject to change and as such I’m only going to list the ones I want in no particular order but to save space in this update I’ll Do that in the next one. More details on the when will come after I book them all.

Last but not least the creative categories. I have to admit I’ve pretty mulch given up on my 2017 Scrapbook being done before this trip I needed to get 8 pages done a month to finish it and I’m about 20 pages behind and honestly there’s just no way I’m going to catch up. I’ll still finsh it just nor before this trip. I also hit a little snag with my autograph book. I had hoped to pick up a cute cover at the Scrapbook expo when it came to my town. Of course they didn’t have the one I wanted so I’ll have to order it... The Friends I mentioned earlier are going to help decorate the cover for me and the one of them is getting married in August. So I’ll probably wait until after the wedding to order it. :)

Thanks for sticking it out for this long update! I’ll be back in a few weeks when I book my trip!

 
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