Need more suncream! A Sep 22 Solo PTR

[Sparkly]

Welcome to my PTR for September 2022!

I am Emma. I like to make stupid jokes (don't laugh at them, you'll just encourage me) and to snack.

Tell me more about your trip!

I was so excited to go back to Disney in February 2021...then a little thing called Covid hit and of course, that never happened. I started a new job in March and started planning to go on a solo trip in May 2023, but then Disney released their UK visitor 50th anniversary offer for 2022. I was tempted, very tempted. I worked out that I could afford to do it if I went later in the year and went ahead and booked.

It's not quite as good an offer as free dining, but I have no guarantee of that returning, and as a solo traveller the $488 dining credits work out to $61 per night which was my food budget anyway. (and the $200 gift card takes care of the few souvenirs I do buy and a tip or two if I want to treat myself to a sit down meal) Plus the free goodie basket sweetens the deal a little as well.

And maaaybe one of these as well.

So what's the plan?

The plan is 8 nights at Port Orleans French Quarter resort, with BA flights for the first time, as Virgin no longer seem to fly from Gatwick and I would rather fly from Gatwick than Heathrow as I'm in South London and it's closer. The flight is earlier at 10:10am so I'm planning to stay overnight the night before to make it easier.

The resort is new to me and I'm looking forward to it. I started out at Coronado Springs, however, when Port Orleans reopened I jumped on the phone to change my resort. French Quarter was actually a little cheaper then Riverside which is great because it's smaller and looks absolutely beautiful. I'm looking forward to beignets and strolling around both resorts again.

I have 7 whole days to enjoy so I have enough time to do each park at least once with MK and Epcot twice and also have a rest day in the middle to visit a water park or maybe finally go golfing. As much as I'd like to do Universal, I just can't afford another set of park tickets.

I did purchase Genie+ in advance because it was a slightly cheaper price for UK people. We'll see how that goes. I also booked the new Mears Connect for transport to and from WDW because it was only $32 for a round trip. A Uber would probably cost more and they also price gouge at certain times. I'm planning to get a Uber to Gatwick for the moment though.

To do-list
[x] Book flights
[x] Book Disney hotel
[x] Book airport hotel
[x] Book park tickets
[x] Do ESTA
[x] Get travel insurance
[] Plan travel to/from Gatwick
[x] Plan travel to/from WDW
[] GET SAVING!

Thanks for reading, I'll update more as I plan stuff!

167 days and counting!

 

[Raeven]

Following along!

 

[tigerlilly]

Following Along!! I have to admit I just found the pre-trip trip report sub-forum!!! We too will be there in September! Hope all the rest of your plans go super smooth!

 

[Sparkly]

I've finished my itinerary!



I've been very organised and done a spreadsheet with days split into morning, afternoon, evening and everything.

I'd like to work in a ride on the Skyliner, a visit to a water park, a visit to Disney Springs, all of the night time shows at the parks and hanging out at the resort, but it's going to be tricky with only 7 whole days available. Still, being solo, hopefully I'll be able to get loads done.

I'm also rounding up all my shorts to put away for my holiday! I still have some denim shorts to wear in the actual summer, but it's probably better to take the soft fabric ones because of water rides and general heat. I have a few pairs of bike shorts because they're slightly longer and will be way more comfortable.

 

[DLo]

Following along. Looking forward to reading more.

 

[wizardtho]

You inspired me!

 

[Sparkly]

You inspired me!

View attachment 668554

Looking good! It's been a lot of fun getting organised and planning everything.

 

[Sparkly]

Guess who's fully paid up?

Aaaand, guess who booked the Halloween party?
I haven't been since 2018 so I'm quite excited, and already know what I want to go as. It'll be so much fun.

 

[Sajchinook2015]

I just booked my Halloween party also. But I arrive 8/27. Booked the Monday 9/5 for the party. You are going to love the French Quarter. Been 3x and love it. Was just there in Jan. I love how small and quaint the resort feels.

I need to get organized. Will have to try creating a spreadsheet. Maybe this weekend if time permits. Thanks for the inspiration.

 

[wizardtho]

Looking good! It's been a lot of fun getting organised and planning everything.

It's kind of sad, but I actually get way more satisfaction from the research and planning than the actual trip itself.

 

[Sparkly]

I go this month! So exciting!
Pretty much everything has been planned and done, got most of the bits and bobs I need like suncream.


Bought Soltan Once Factor 50 kids because it'll be a slightly gentler formulation and because I don't want to have to mess around putting on suncream multiple times a day, though I'll reapply at lunchtime because I don't trust it to last for 8 hours in the heat and humidity!

Now all I have to do is round up all the clothes I got, decide on which suitcase to take and pack!