Looks like a Solo Trip in 2017.

Pirate's league is loads of fun.

Some time has gone by with not many developments with my next trip to Disney, I have found a few things worth talking about.  Increasingly more than likely, I will be taking this trip without my wife. She has signed off on my trip saying that she has no desire to go but understand my need to go visit the mouse more often that she does.   I have to admit right up front that I need my fix sooner rather than later.

This was a "Where in the World am I" photo.

Currently, and for next few years, Hollywood Studios is undergoing reconfiguration and construction of new attractions. Next year, when I plan to go,  Even more of Hollywood Studios could be consumed by the construction of Star Wars Land and Toy Story Land.  Even so, I have not had the opportunity to see the new Star Wars fireworks show, and i want to see that pretty badly.  In addition to addition to many Star Wars attractions, I can't go to Disney's Hollywood Studios with out singing my lungs out on Rock and Roller Coaster or take the drop at The Tower of Terror,  The new (at least for me)  Frozen show  was pretty good. I especially like the tongue in cheek apporch the cast took to the Frozen story, yet,  I also believe one can get too much of a good thing. I think that Frozen is becoming a bit over saturated in the parks. I will probably indulge in one of my favorite shows, Beauty and the Beast. The opening song always gets my heart going and brings a tear of joy to my eye. Boun Jour!    If I can score a fast pass, I will definitely do Toy Story Midway Mania, and   hopefully, the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular will still be offered. Hollywood studios still offers quite a bit to do.

This is my Desktop's Wallpaper.

At the Magic Kingdom I look forward to Peter Pan,  Small World, Carousel of Progress, and Space Mountain.  I really enjoy Splash mountain as well and I hope I can work that in while I'm there. In the New Fantasy Land.  I really enjoy Enchanted Tales with Belle. I'm 57 years old now and still really enjoyed that attraction.  To be honest, I don't need to play any of the parts. what I mainly love about Enchanted Tails with Bell are the look on young faces when they meet Belle and act out her story. The Little Mermaid - Ariel's undersea Adventure is a fun attraction as well.  The new animatronics are pretty amazing. Of course Pirates of the Caribbean is a must do, Along with the Haunted Manson. I have to see Mickey's Philharmagic and the Monster Laugh Floor. I personally love both of those attractions. I would also love to sneak in a visit to the Tiki Room.

As a short Aside,  Many of the attractions in the Magic Kingdom feature the talents of one of my favorites of all time, Thurl Ravenscroft.  You might know him as Tony the Tiger or the Iconic voice that sings "Your a Mean One, Mr Grinch" in how the Grinch stole Christmas.  You can her him in the Haunted Mansion,  As Buff the Buffalo in the country Bear Jamboree and as Fritz and many other voices in the Tiki Room including Tangaroa, the Tiki god in the pre-show. He even did some of the songs in Pirates of the Caribbean. Thurl Passed in 2005 from at age 91 from prostate cancer.  There are other good bass singers, but Thurls distinctive voice is something for which I listen every trip.

Now, You might be wondering,  Why haven't I said anything about The Seven Dwarves Mine Train. I know that many will think that my opinion is Blasphemous or at least a little crazy, but I am not overly enamored with this attraction.   I agree that the animatronics are amazing and we all love Snow White, but I found the train cars more than a little cramped and the attraction is a little short.  I would rather spend my wait time or a fastpass on something else.  If I can get on in under 45 minutes I might consider doing this attraction on this trip, otherwise, probably gonna pass for now.

The last time my wife and I went to Disney World, We didn't get a chance to see the Wishes Nighttime Spectacular and I missed not seeing it.  Something about standing in front of Cinderella's castle and seeing fireworks perfectly coordinated with my favorite Disney music gives me the feeling that I've lost 40 or more years from my age.   In the past we as waited for Holiday Wishes, we sang along with the carols.  Soon everyone near us was singing too. Among the big crowds that gather for the Wishes this version of shared Disney magic touches me deeply .  This upcoming trip I will find my place in front of the castle and feel the awe I always feel when I watch the night blossom with color, music and fire.

To Quote from the musical "Oliver", "Food Glorious food!"

I have several attractions I want to do in Epcot.  Starting in Future World, I want to hit the usual attractions.  The Test Track is a blast and since I should be able to do the Single Rider line, I might be able to save that precious top tier fastpast for Soarin'.  Of course I must do Mission space each time I go.  Some of the less Hyped rides are a lot of fun too.  I really enjoy Turtle talk with Crush for the same reasons I enjoy Enchanted Tales with Bell.  The kids are so cute as they interact with Crush. Turtle talk has some pretty amazing technology as well.  Like the Monster Laugh Floor, Live actors are used to voice Crush and he reacts in real time with the audience, I think this is pretty amazing stuff.

World showcase attracts me in a different fashion.  When I think of the World Showcase, I think of food.  My wife and I wandered the World showcase  sampling food from around the world when we had the opportunity to go to the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival.  I want to revisit the festival and get my favorites again and the availability of the Food and Wine festival will factor in to my decision as to when I want to take my solo vacation to Disney World.  If i book mid to late September next year, I can indulge in all the wonderful foods, wines and beers that are offered.  Best part of that is, I don't have to drive home.

The World showcase also offers another seasonal favorite that will defiantly influence my chose of when to visit.  I can't deny the fact that my favorite time of year to visit Disney World is during the holidays.  An early December trip could include the majestic Candlelight Processional.  Seeing the talented Orchestra and the beautiful music for the mass choir sends chills down my spine thinking of it now.  As an amateur singer, I can appreciate the work that goes into producing such and amazing choral event and it staggers me  when i see the amount musical talent Walt Disney World has at it's disposal. The decorations in Epcot, all the parks really, are so gorgeous and Holiday Wishes is not something to be missed if you can help it.

Animal Kingdom has a very unique tree.

Finally, while Hollywood studios has a major overhaul in the works, Animal Kingdom is about to wrap up their scheduled expansions.  This summer, the Rivers of Color will open on the lake behind the tree of life.  I was able to find the press preview on You Tube and it looks nothing short of breathtaking.  I am going to fastpass the Rivers of Color if it is available.  Also,  next summer, Pandora is suppose to open. I have been following the construction of Pandora for some time and it look amazing.  Hopefully, Pandora will be open whether I choose September or December to visit. The opening of Pandora will influence my decision  as well.

Other less important factors could have an impact on when I go.  I would dearly love to see the New Star wars film at Disney springs when it opens like we did for Episode VII.  Unless Episode VIII's opening slips more, I could probably arrange to be in Florida when it opens. Also, I believe the weather is better in December.  September could be full of rain and if a hurricane brews in the Atlantic, it could mar a few days at the parks.  To be honest, one of my wife's and my best day at the Food and Wine Festival during a rainy day in October.  the lines to the food booths were very short and we had our ponchos to keep us less wet.  Finally, I would like to go when the free dining plan is offered.  That might be the hardest factor of all to accommodate since Disney has reduced or in many cases eliminated the free dining plan.  I have seen where free dining is offered this fall and Rumors have circulated that it will be offered again next year.

To wrap all of this up, its easy for me to say that no matter when I end up in the park in 2017, i will have fun.  I have been to Disney in the spring,  the summer, early fall and during the holidays have had a marvelous time each time.  So whenever I choose to go to Disney World, I know I will find my happy place again.