When my husband and sons offered to send me on an 8 day solo Mother's Day vacation to Disney World. I hopped on the idea. Just me and my camera staying at Saratoga Springs Spa and Resort, visiting the parks for the Flower and Garden Festival and ending with the opening of Star Wars Weekends. Squee!
Little did I know it would turn into a fabulous photographic adventure with Kermit, my new travel buddy.

Kermit and I became traveling pals.

My family knows that I'm a Muppets fan so my son ~~bought~~ adopted Kermit for me, as it turned out, on Kermit's actual birthday, May 9th. He wanted me to have a reminder of home and a travel companion for my solo trip. This was a brilliant idea and one I would suggest for anyone traveling alone.

My dear son wrapped Kermit up as a gift for Mother's Day. Just before I left for the airport he presented my new travel pal who was eager to get the show on the road.

Kermit is sitting on my new favorite Targus Rolling Laptop Carryon Bag (affiliate link). It carried my 17.5" laptop, cables, DSLR, 3 lenses, tripod, a book and assorted travel paraphernalia. It's very reasonably priced compared to other bags I've had and it holds everything.

We had a great no-frills first flight with Frontier Airlines out of Trenton/Princeton (TNN). Each airplane has a spokesanimal and ours happened to be, Misty the Arctic Fox. He didn't speak but he sure did look cute on the tail wing.
Should you ever fly Frontier be prepared. Luxury stops at a free cup of water. Everything else has a price. I enjoyed the low airfare and walking out onto the tarmac and climbing the stairs to the plane reminded me of the old days of air travel.

Frontier Airlines Spokesanimal Misty the Arctic Fox

I always take the Disney's Magical Express which is a motorcoach service that is offered to Walt Disney World® Resort, Guests. I book online so prior to my arrival I'll receive a booklet with transportation information and luggage tags. You can choose to transport your bag yourself and take it on the motorcoach with you or they will transfer your bags from your airport to your resort if you put the Magical Express tags on the bags. It all depends on my plans if I check my bag through. On this trip I checked my bags and carried my tripod in the carryon so that I would have it with me for the first night of shooting.
The Welcome Center is easy to find on Side B of Orlando International Airport. You'll spot Cast Members waving Mickey hands before you see the sign. The motorcoach ride takes up to 45 minutes and may make up to three stops before arriving at your resort.
The motorcoach is a great way to immerse yourself in the magic of Disney. I was thrilled our ride video included a hilarious clip of Gary Buchanan doing his "Hot Pepper Dance". He has some moves!

Check in at Saratoga Springs was done online so in a matter of minutes we were in our Disney Vacation Club Studio which was perfectly located in the Grandstand building, my request. Mousekeeping even welcomed us with a big towel heart.