Solo Trip to Orlando – Outlet Shopping & Disney Resorts

Yes, gentlemen, I used the “s” word. No need to hide your wallets, I have your credit card numbers memorized and the stores thank you for contributing to Florida’s economy.

My morning began when I woke up without any cell phones chiming or buzzers buzzing. I took my time, ate my Cheerios, and enlisted driving directions from my GPS even though I pretty much knew how to get to Orlando Premium Outlets formerly known as Belz Factory Outlet World. I expected a herd of last-minute shoppers to be out early since it was the day before Christmas but I arrived to find plenty of parking.

By the time 11am rolled around, Disney’s Character Warehouse started to pick up. I made my purchases and got out to find the parking lot had filled up and people were circling like vultures driving SUVs. Among my finds, a Donald Duck DJ t-shirt, a padded pink laptop case (that proved to be 1″ too short for my mom’s computer), a credit card case, a ghost Mickey popcorn/trick-or-treat bucket, and some pins.

Thinking I could additionally make out at Disney’s Character Premiere shop over on Vineland Avenue I chugged on over and found the parking lot to be utter chaos. I drove up and down aisles and had 2 parking spaces snagged from me by ruthless drivers. Just as I was about to give up, a nice couple pointed me to their car as they were leaving. Sad to say I did not buy a single item. I was through wasting time.

I stayed at Coronado Springs for a couple of nights years ago in an emergency-type situation. I never wandered around the grounds but I did make it into the gift shop and Pepper Market. Determined to actually see the resort, I headed over and was greeted by Cast Members with free cookies and lemonade. Mmmm cookies. Num, num, num. But cookies weren’t enough for me and so I found myself back at the Pepper Market talking to the staff and chef. I was the last person seated before they closed until dinner. While I waitied for my specially-prepared meal, I kibbitzed with one of the girls working. She looked like a taller version of one of my very best(est) friends and I picked up on her slight Puerto Rican accent which just increased the similarity. We yakked like we’d known each other for years. It was pretty cool since I was alone the large majority of my trip.

Full of food, I ventured out and wandered around some of the buildings. A housekeeping manager came by and I asked him what the building was across the lake. He said it was another style of guest rooms but actually I was pointing at something else. He told me I should go for a walk and enjoy the layout and guess what? I did. It was a long walk past various settings, the pool and bar, over a bridge, and a heart-pounding escape from pocket protector-wearing conference attendees.

This building houses genius kids who convinced their parents or other relatives to pay for their vacations including airfare, food, park tickets, and clothing they’ll outgrow the following day.

Once back to the main building, I skipped into Panchito’s Gifts and Sundries. Excited to please my love for The Three Caballeros in merchandise form, I discovered they carry next to nothing of my feathered friends. I fell to the floor sobbing in a major meltdown. Porque? Estoy enamorado con Jose Carioca. Necesito una figura de accion o arte que no me cuesta tanto. Porque?? 7 seconds later I was up and looking at shiny objects.

Ancient Mayan flower blooms before 21st century replica wall.

Am I the only one who is confused by Animal Kingdom Lodge’s various driveways and entrances? Since they added onto it, I find myself driving right by the original entrance and landing in the parking garage. I did it again on this last trip. Having parked on the first level, I found the elevator and took it up. Wandering the halls, I found a small room where Cast Members were also giving out cookies. Another treat set up was for the sugar-enhanced children to create crafts with painted ostrich egg shell fragments. No one asked if I was a DVC member which was kind of surprising since that was a Disney Vacation Club “only” building.

I gave it another shot and found the entrance I was actually looking for. Yay! Inside there was a line of people and strobe lights going off. Santa sat in a high back chair for good posture and posed with guests. I went into the gift shop in search of something ultra cool for my future house but didn’t find anything I wanted. Boo. There were some fun and games at the cash registers. A few Cast Members were taunting each other. I stood around to watch and egg them on. You won’t find them on any entertainment schedule. It’s spontaneous Disney magic.

The old “Remove the Minnie Mouse pin while not looking trick” fell apart when he used her hand as a gameshow buzzer. I’ll take “Don’t Even Try It” for 1,000, Alex.

Before I left the lodge or village or whatever it is currently named, I saw Mickey and Minnie. Yeaaaah boy. I hung around as long as I could without making myself late for a dinner date with friends at Wilderness Lodge. I crossed my fingers that they might appear at my next stop.

Mickey Mouse demonstrates his newly-learned karate skills, wax on, wax off.

Winding my way over to Wilderness Lodge was fine. I made it without getting lost. Thank you very much. Hey I have been known to mix it up with Fort Wilderness. It’s not my fault there are 2 resorts with the word “wilderness” in the title. It’d be easier for me if one of them was just named A Lot Like the Grand Californian. Then I’d know exactly what to expect and then be disappointed that the lobby doesn’t connect to Downtown Disney. No, Minnie and Mickey did not make it over to Wilderness Lodge but Santa was there when I arrived and he looked really different. Perhaps it was all the flash bulbs.

I had a lovely first time dinner at Artist Pointe with my friends. My special meal was chicken and vegetables. The server had a good time with the list of things I can’t eat and when it came time to order dessert and I passed, he passed as well… on the list of why I couldn’t have any desserts on the menu.

It was nice to spend time with my friends, chatting, and catching up. I found myself winding down quickly and headed back to the hotel with the super long name to begin packing. It was the only “early night” I had and it felt good to unwind and go to bed at a decent time.

The answers to last week’s quiz.

Which sitcom star voices Sideshow Bob? Kelsey Grammer

Why is the animatronic shark used in the Jaws movie named Bruce? Steven Spielberg named it Bruce after his attorney.

Name my favorite Brendan Fraser movie. George of the Jungle

What did Alfred Hitcock use for blood in the film Psycho? Chocolate syrup.

What childrens show (no longer in production) scares me more than Barney? Teletubbies

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