Trip Report - Saturday, August 30th - Departure Day! Part Two

Happy Sunday!

Today is the next installment in the Trip Report, the second half of my first day at Walt Disney World!

As I mentioned, I had grand plans to go to Hollywood Studios that night, eat at Brown Derby and then watch Fantasmic. Yeah, that didn't happen. I had been up since about 4AM, didn't sleep on the plane and I hit a MAJOR wall.  I made the executive decision to stay at Pop Century for the night and rest. Another major plus of solo travel - - I was able to change a plan on the fly, and no one was upset or disappointed! For the win!

After taking a quick 10 minute dip in the pool (it was SO NICE), I decided to grab dinner at the Everything Pop food court. I wanted to try something I hadn't gotten before, and so ordered the fish and chips. I didn't take a picture (bad blogger!) but imagine the same standard fish and chips you've all seen before. It was OK; nothing to write home about, but not horrible either.

The food court area was still bustling at this time of night, which I was kind of surprised about. It took me about 15 minutes to get my food (they were frying more fish) but the cast members were very friendly and it didn't bother me to wait.

After eating, I decided to wander around the Everything Pop store and see what treasures I couldn't live without. As I expected, they had quite a bit of the Halloween merchandise out, and as I admired everything a friendly cast member came up to me. He asked if I liked Halloween, talked about how excited he was for the Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP), etc. As always, the cast member interactions are one of the reasons to go to Disney - he was so nice to talk to.

Before I left home, I considered going to MNSSHP; Monday of my trip was the first night and so it would have worked out time-wise. I hadn't bought my ticket, yet, and so I continued to hem and haw about it. You'll have to stay tuned to see if I actually went. :)

After my window-shopping experience, I went back to my room and decided to call it a night. I got out my Magic Bands, chose the one I wanted for the next day (and accessorized it, of course!). I only remember watching about 10 minutes of Law & Order before I drifted off to sleep.

The next day, Sunday, would be my first full day of the trip and includes:

* Meeting up with family

* Bowling at Splittsville

* And making a purchase at Downtown Disney that I have been considering for a few years.

Thanks again for reading! Stay tuned for the next installment!

Have a magical day ~

Trip Report - Saturday, August 30th - Departure Day! Part One

Hello, everyone! Today I am starting the Trip Report of my latest Disney World / Disney Cruise Line adventure. I arrived at Disney World on August 30th, was there until September 4th and then departed for a 3 night cruise on the Disney Dream.

On Saturday the 30th, my day started bright and early; I was on the road to Minneapolis about 5:30AM. I had an afternoon flight but a meeting with a friend beforehand, and so I got there a bit early.

After my meeting, I made my way to the airport - I was ready to get this trip started!

When I did my online check in for the flight, I saw there were quite a few First Class seats available. I checked at the Delta counter and they told me it would be about $280 to upgrade - um NO thank you! However, about 2 minutes before we were set to board, they announced they were doing upgrades for $100 to First Class.  I hightailed my tush over the desk, and got my 1st class upgrade.  I was ready to start this trip in style!

I have flown First Class before, but it had been a few years.  Wow, was it nice!  The seats are nice and roomy, and we even got a lunch onboard, which was actually pretty good. Wine was complimentary, but as it was 2:00PM I decided to forgo the glass of vino and had soda instead.

It was an easy flight to Orlando, and we touched down about 5:15. After making my way to Magical Express (and sitting on the bus for about 30 minutes), we were on our way!

My Free Dining stay was at Coronado Springs, but I flew in the night before and so needed just one night somewhere else.  There was an awesome annual passholder rate at Pop, so that's what I chose.

Check in at Pop took a surprisingly long time, seeing as how I had done the online check in.  But come to find out, the system was saying my room was not ready, when in fact it was, and that was delaying me. The cast member couldn't have been nicer, however, and after a quick call to her boss, I was on my way.

I had intentions to go to Hollywood Studios this night, and eat at Brown Derby.  However, waking up at 4AM was taking its toll on me and so I decided to instead stay at Pop for the night, relax and take a swim in the pool.  My room for the night was *right* next to the pool in the 90s section, so it was super easy to take a quick dip before heading out to Everything Pop to get some dinner.

Coming up in Part Two: Everything Pop is all decked out for Halloween, and I show you my room for the night!

Have a magical day, and a great weekend!

Trip Report Day Three: Hanging out at Pop Century!

Happy Monday, everyone!  I hope you have a great weekend.

When we last left the Trip Report, Noah and I were headed back to Pop Century to rest for a few hours.  We were meeting my friend Katie and her family for New Years Eve dinner and knew we were going to have a late night, so we headed back to rest a bit.

Noah went to the room to take a nap, and I decided to walk around a bit.

First stop: Everything Pop for a look around the store.

(I think about buying a watch nearly every trip....and then I remember I have about 5 watches I don't wear.   Hmm.)

Sweet treats!  You can use your dining plan Snack Credits for many of these, so be sure to keep a few extra credits!

Cute hair accessories (would ya judge me if I wore that big pink bow?!)

I've thought about getting these dolls for my nieces...aren't they adorable?!

Another Pop Christmas Tree!

I decided to walk a bit outside, since the sun had come out.  It wasn't terribly warm (it was in the low 70s, if I remember) but it was certainly warmer than home and the sun was out, so I wanted to be outside.

There are always fun pool-side activities going on.

Apparently the POP sign was getting a bit dingy, so it was time to paint!  They had the non-painted areas taped up pretty well - what a job!

I took a minute to look at one of the Vinylmations I bought at Animal Kingdom - this is titled "Tigger, Is That You?"  :)

I took the "scenic route" back to our room, and on the way I snapped some pictures of the Art of Animation rooms, across the water from Pop.  I am staying there for a night in March, and very excited to see it!

There are "normal" Little Mermaid theme rooms, and then there are Family Suites decorated in the Lion King, Finding Nemo and Cars.  It's one of Disney's newest resorts and looks just gorgeous.

On the paths at Pop, there are all sorts of signs giving fun pop-culture and historical events of the section you're in.  Since we were in the 1950s section, we saw one from 1955.

It was time to head back to the room and get ready to meet Katie and her family at Downtown Disney.  We wanted to meet up for a bit, before our dinner at OHana, so I made my way back to the room to get ready to head Downtown!

We were in the section right next to the jukebox. 

Also right next to one of the pools!

(Our room was right by the radio, thus the reason I took this picture.)

That's it for now, folks!  Next time, we talk about New Years Eve and OHana!  (Or, The Story of How Katie Messed Up Taking Really Cool Fireworks Pictures.)

See ya real soon!