Mrs. Darling's 2010 Half Marathon Trip:Yes, it does snow at Disney World

[Stefy]

DH is a Gunners fan too. Apparently he was a big Dennis Bergkamp fan. (I learned something new about DH today. I'd never heard of Dennis Bergkamp.) He told me they won today 2-0.
The plan was to watch Wishes from the room the first night, but dinner went a bit long so we saw it from somewhere else. You'll have to stick around to find out where.

V cool, your DH has good taste in teams

DF and my dad (not sure what the abbreviation is for dad) saw Dennis Bergkamp's testimonial match, he was a really good player.

Yep, they didn't do too bad, although it was a v scrappy game. I don't watch football (prefer rugby) but this game was brutal. Poor Fabregas, nearly got his head trampled

Ooh wonder where you saw Wishes from, tell us more

 

[dismagiclover]

Yay! You arrived!! The room looks beautiful...and that view!! Wow! A lake view and a Magic Kingdom view--that's so cool!!

The view was something else. I think I prefer it to a straight MK view. The MK view have lots of parking lot, and the lake view is so relaxing. So we got the best of both worlds!

V cool, your DH has good taste in teams

DF and my dad (not sure what the abbreviation is for dad) saw Dennis Bergkamp's testimonial match, he was a really good player.

Yep, they didn't do too bad, although it was a v scrappy game. I don't watch football (prefer rugby) but this game was brutal. Poor Fabregas, nearly got his head trampled

Ooh wonder where you saw Wishes from, tell us more

Usually DH has to follow the team on the internet, though I think every once in a while he sees games on the soccer channel. He's always trying to talk me into going over to London to see a game. One of these years he may succeed

 

[dismagiclover]

Very Nice View...

ah well the snow worked out to your benefit...it must have been nice to have the ride and send off to the airport...how long is your flight? It's just about 2 hours from PHLx so it must be even a bit shorter for you...

From couch to 5K hmmm....I'll be checking that out after the boards...

(Does it really snow at DW?)

Our flight from Baltimore is scheduled at 2 hours 20 minutes. Sometimes it's shorter sometimes it's longer. It all depends on the headwinds I guess This trip the pilot said we were fighting 250 mph headwinds or something like that
There is usually a thread going on the WISH boards for the couch to 5K program. Check it out if you're interested.
And yes, Patricia, it does snow at Disney World.

 

[Stefy]

Usually DH has to follow the team on the internet, though I think every once in a while he sees games on the soccer channel. He's always trying to talk me into going over to London to see a game. One of these years he may succeed

Oh you must and you must try and score tickets for a game at home (Emirates Stadium) as it is something to be seen I can tell you.

 

[dismagiclover]

Oh you must and you must try and score tickets for a game at home (Emirates Stadium) as it is something to be seen I can tell you.

DH knows all about the stadium and now I do too.

 

[dismagiclover]

We finally arrived at Wide World of Sports and were greeted with this sign.

Woo hoo! Things were starting to really sink in. After all the months of training we were finally here to pick up our packets. Neither of us had ever been here before and Liz started snapping pictures.

We headed into the Milk House to pick up our race bibs and chip timers.

There we were greeted with this.

Pick up was organized by bib numbers and there was no one in my line so I just walked directly up to the volunteer and retrieved my bib. Here it is:

Then I headed over to Liz who had to wait a few minutes in line, but it wasn’t bad at all. Then we headed over to the Expo to get our bag of goodies. We went through this door

Here is what we saw when we walked in.

We headed down to pick up our goody bags. Most of the goody bag was advertisements for upcoming races, but there was this cool goody in the bag:

After getting our packet we checked out the official Disney Merchandise. I must say I was disappointed in the selection. I have a great picture frame from my Disneyland Half in 2007. They didn’t have any picture frames or trinkets like key chains or really much of anything besides t-shirts and sweatshirts. I don’t know if they sold out early or just didn’t produce them, but we walked out empty handed.

We then looked through the rest of the vendor’s booths. It was the usual supply of running stuff pretty typical of most running Expos. We walked by one booth that got me really excited though. There was the Tyvek man selling waterproof and breathable disposable rain suits. Here is a picture of their product.

It gives the wearer a distinct marshmallow look I would say. A little aside here. The forecast for Saturday morning was going to be cold. I knew that and I was prepared for that. I also could handle that. I’d trained in the cold so I wasn’t scared to run in cold. However, it also included about a 50% chance of precipitation and I was terrified of that. I couldn’t think of any worse condition than running in 33 degrees and rain. I can do rain. I can do cold. I can’t do rain and cold. I really had no desire to prove my toughness. I had a rain jacket to bring to the start, but it wasn’t breathable and I knew I couldn’t actually run in it. I’d have to toss it before the race started. But here was the Tyvek man offering me hope for only $20. With no hesitation I shelled out the cash and had my suit in hand. (If I was to look like a Marshmallow, so be it). I mentioned to the Tyvek man that he was probably the only one in the place happy with the weather forecast. He just looked at me and said, “It’s a good year.” Then he turned to the person next to me who asked him about the forecast and said, “It’s going to sleet the entire race tomorrow. No question about it.” I couldn’t help but see a twinkle in his eye as he collected another twenty bucks.

Now for me there had been no hesitation. The Tyvek guy seemed to represent my race salvation. Liz wasn’t as sure. She was clinging to the hope there would be no precip and she didn’t want to waste $20. There was a fellow runner next to us that was also wavering. So our new runner friend (runner friends are very easy to make) and Liz were debating whether they should plunge in and buy the Tyvek. They asked for my opinion. I pointed at my Tyvek. They debated a bit more. What was the verdict? Did they succumb to Tyvek man?

 

[disneylovin24]

I personally agree that $20 is a small price to pay to stay nice and dry during a long run

 

[Ellester]

I would have paid double to be dry! I totally agree with you, cold is one thing and wet is one thing, but cold and wet is a whole 'nother thing and none too pleasant! I hope Liz and your new friend took your advice.

PS - I mentioned seeing my friend tongue-in-cheek. I know there were 20,000+ runners. I will watch your pix for her though. She has long red frizzy hair, so she would be easy to spot.

 

[aharbin88]

Mrs. Darling and Ms. Disney? You ladies are my heros.

DH and I are tossing around the idea of doing the half next year. I am not a runner at all (so I would consider this my greatest achievement- overcoming the thing I hate the very most), and DH is only a beginner runner. He can at least run a 5K. I'm not sure I could WALK a 5K!

I just wanted to let you know that I am subbing to read along, and hopefully you ladies will continue to inspire me to take on this challenge. I figure a trip to Disney may very well be the only thing that would motivate me to get off my ba-dunk-a-dunk and hit the road!

 

[cjackearl]

What a great view! I like the look of the studio, but agree...it would be a little weird to be getting ready in the kitchen.

I would have snapped up one of those suits also. I'm guessing the other two refrained.

 

[Stefy]

$20 is a steal to stay dry. I hope they both opted to get one. I am with you on the not liking cold and rain (don't like cold either).

Cool pics, have never seen WWoS before.

 

[mla1977]

I'm in! I was there for the race too (Trippie will begin tonight for me!)

 

[dismagiclover]

I personally agree that $20 is a small price to pay to stay nice and dry during a long run

Seemed like a small price to pay to me too, but you'll have to stay tuned to see if it's worth it.

I would have paid double to be dry! I totally agree with you, cold is one thing and wet is one thing, but cold and wet is a whole 'nother thing and none too pleasant! I hope Liz and your new friend took your advice.

PS - I mentioned seeing my friend tongue-in-cheek. I know there were 20,000+ runners. I will watch your pix for her though. She has long red frizzy hair, so she would be easy to spot.

Cold and wet does make for pretty miserable running experience. Your friends long red frizzy hair may have been covered up during this race. Pretty much everyone had their head covered. It was cold

Mrs. Darling and Ms. Disney? You ladies are my heros.

DH and I are tossing around the idea of doing the half next year. I am not a runner at all (so I would consider this my greatest achievement- overcoming the thing I hate the very most), and DH is only a beginner runner. He can at least run a 5K. I'm not sure I could WALK a 5K!

I just wanted to let you know that I am subbing to read along, and hopefully you ladies will continue to inspire me to take on this challenge. I figure a trip to Disney may very well be the only thing that would motivate me to get off my ba-dunk-a-dunk and hit the road!

I would encourage anyone that even has a slight interest to give this race a try. It was so fun (as you will see if my report ever gets there) People rave about the couch to 5K program so look that over. I'd never run more than 5K when I decided to do my first half. It was Disneyland and the trip to CA was the major incentive. And then I decided running long distances is actually rather enjoyable. Go figure.

What a great view! I like the look of the studio, but agree...it would be a little weird to be getting ready in the kitchen.

I would have snapped up one of those suits also. I'm guessing the other two refrained.

The kitchenette/vanity set up is a serious downside to these studios. I can't imagine anyone would actually like it. You'll see soon enough if the Tyvek man made another sale or two.

$20 is a steal to stay dry. I hope they both opted to get one. I am with you on the not liking cold and rain (don't like cold either).

Cool pics, have never seen WWoS before.

It wasn't until this year that I realized I didn't mind running in the cold. If you are dressed for the weather it isn't bad at all.

I'm in! I was there for the race too (Trippie will begin tonight for me!)

Make sure you post a link to your report and I'll stop by.

 

[liznboys]

Ok, here's the thing with the big tyvec decision... I was standing there thinking, if I buy these stinkin' things then I'm giving in to the fact that there REALLY might be rain. Furthermore, I thought if I buy them I won't end up needing them and if I don't buy them I will end up needing them....because that is how life goes sometimes. What to do, what to do?!?!?


jo and anyone else who truly wants to start running, Jenny already said it but I will say it again, definitely check out the Couch to 5K program. I did the program myself last year! That is how I began running. Before that I was not a runner by any stretch, I didn't even exercise AT ALL for many years before that (besides being the mom to four active little boys). I was truly going from the COUCH to a 5K. I even teased to my dh the week before I was planning to start the program... I was sitting on the couch and told him, "Look, I'm doing great, already on step 1!" haha The first week of workouts have you running for 60 seconds at a time....even that was hard for me! But after the 9 weeks I was able to run 3 miles non-stop. It really works!

Here's a link for beginner runners:
http://www.active.com/running/Articles/How-to-Start-Running-Today.htm

And here's the C25K program:
http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

I could go on an on about being a new runner and doing this program but I'll stop. Anyone out there feel free to PM me with any questions. I would LOVE to help others who want to run. I can't tell you how happy I am to be a runner now, and to have done the WDW Half is simply amazing!!

 

[carissanboys]

Nice shirt in the goodie bag!

Will we get pictures of you in the marshmallow suit?

Alright - I vow right here and now to attempt the couch to 5K program (once I'm finally healthy again - stupid cold). The reason I say attempt is because the treadmill I bought isn't a super expensive model and I have read reviews of people saying it does fun for walking, but not for running/jogging. I was going to try the program years ago, but I didn't have the treadmill at the time and I hated the idea of learning to run/jog around other people.

Okay - you hear that Liz?? You need to make sure I stick to my vow!

 

[mla1977]

My trip report is started! See the link in my signature. It is also on my Disney blog.

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

We want to see you in the marshmallow suit...

Heck after all the money I've spent at Disney on stuff and especially after all of your hard work...I'd say that $20 was a good spend...

I hear you on the cold and rain...individually maybe but together...that's stay in and make a fire and tea or cocoa weather...(that comb of cold and rain just chills you straight to the bone...snow is actually better...not so wet...

Wide World of Sports looks interesting...(I've never been there...)...I think its a shame the expo disappointed you...with all of Disney's resources it could/should have been fabulous...

 

[dismagiclover]

Ok, here's the thing with the big tyvec decision... I was standing there thinking, if I buy these stinkin' things then I'm giving in to the fact that there REALLY might be rain. Furthermore, I thought if I buy them I won't end up needing them and if I don't buy them I will end up needing them....because that is how life goes sometimes. What to do, what to do?!?!?

And everybody is about to find out what you did coming right up!

Nice shirt in the goodie bag!

Will we get pictures of you in the marshmallow suit?

Alright - I vow right here and now to attempt the couch to 5K program (once I'm finally healthy again - stupid cold). The reason I say attempt is because the treadmill I bought isn't a super expensive model and I have read reviews of people saying it does fun for walking, but not for running/jogging. I was going to try the program years ago, but I didn't have the treadmill at the time and I hated the idea of learning to run/jog around other people.

Okay - you hear that Liz?? You need to make sure I stick to my vow!

Will you get pictures? You will get pictures that will have you howling in laughter Even my DH who has some sort of spell over him and thinks I always look cute shuddered a little when he saw the picture of me in my marshmallow suit. His comment, "Are you really gonna post that one?"

My trip report is started! See the link in my signature. It is also on my Disney blog.

I stopped by

We want to see you in the marshmallow suit...

For the sake of full disclosure (and great comedy) you will see a picture of me in the Marshmallow suit. And afterwards everyone can thank Liz because she took the lovely pictures. Thanks Liz

 

[dismagiclover]

My previous installment left us with Liz deciding if she wanted to look like a marshmallow or not for her first half marathon. What did she decide? She succumbed to the wiles of the Tyvek Man and bought the marshmallow outfit. So did our new runner friend. I think they made the right call.
Anyway after our encounter with the Tyvek Man we noticed the time and realized we needed to head back to the hotel if we wanted to make our dinner reservation. So we headed out to wait for another Disney bus. The bus arrived shortly and we once again went on the Magic Kingdom Area Hotel Circuit. It felt like déjà vu. It seems like we spent an inordinate amount of time on Disney buses on Day 1. We arrived and headed to the room where we noticed a flashing message on the phone. Thinking it was just the normal welcome to the resort message I put it on speaker phone. What do we hear? It’s Mickey Mouse wishing me a Happy Birthday. My birthday had been the day before. I’m not quite sure how Mickey knew that. Maybe he’s like Santa and just knows stuff. We had a few minutes so we called our respective families and DH informed me the weather forecast said there was only a 30% chance of precip in the morning. That made me very happy. Things were definitely looking up! Maybe I wouldn’t need the Marshmallow Outfit after all!

After quick chats we headed over to the Contemporary where we figured out we check into the California Grill on the 2nd floor. We were both very excited about this meal since neither one of us had eaten here before. As we were checking in the Cast Member wished me a Happy Birthday and I remembered when I’d made the reservation 90 days earlier I’d mentioned my birthday. Of course that got me a birthday pin which I took with as much grace as I could, but I was not thrilled about. I’m not a big birthday gal. I guess because my birthday is 13 days after Christmas. I’m usually suffering from that Christmas hangover. You know the one where you know you’ve eaten too much food and spent too much money over the last month. Anyway since I’ve been a grown up I’ve tried to downplay by birthday. I’m not sure what I was thinking when I made the reservation. (It was before the Christmas hangover I suppose.) Anyway we waited for our special elevator that took us to the 10th floor and as we arrived were immediately greeted by a smiling CM that said, “Happy Birthday, Mrs. Darling.” (Actually she said Jenny because that is what my tag said.) Liz was loving all of the attention I was getting. I was just trying to be gracious and not roll my eyes. This was a very sweet CM who chatted to us for a while and told us about the new menu item. Buffalo. A bit different than my usual fare, but it sounded intriguing. (I like to try new foods.) We walked away from the elevator and we were both very impressed by our surroundings. The restaurant is a large open space with an absolutely fabulous view of the Magic Kingdom.

The picture doesn’t do it justice.
We were shown to our lovely table where I was once again wished a Happy Birthday and scattered on the table was Pixie Dust (or Mickey shaped confetti.) As I am a Darling, I have a special place in my heart for Pixie Dust so that brought an immediate smile to my face. (Well I was probably already smiling so it just made my grin bigger.)
We studied our menus and placed our orders. For our appetizer we both chose the Flatbread. Liz had the three cheese

I had the chicken flatbread.

We both found them amazing, but as we were saving room for the rest of our meal we didn’t clear our plates. (Though Liz really wanted to.)
Next came our entrees and I am so sorry I don’t have pictures. I suppose we were being naughty DISers. I’d been planning on the filet, but decided on the Bison instead. It was really flavorful and I was happy with my choice (and now I can say I’ve eaten Buffalo.) Liz loved her steak, the potatoes and even the broccolini! She actually cleared her plate. I was amazed! We were studying the dessert menu when I looked up and Liz had a goofy grin on her face. I asked her why and before she could answer our server appeared with this:

Looks yummy, huh! Our server wished me a Happy Birthday and I thanked her for not singing. She assured me that isn’t the CA Grill style and I was glad this was my birthday dinner. She kindly took a picture of us.

And here is one of just the birthday girl with her cake

I made a wish and blew out the candle. I'd made the same wish the night before when I blew out the candles with my family. The wish didn't come true. (It involved precipitation or the lack thereof.)

Liz ordered the Yule Log dessert (after we discussed it seemed a little strange to still have the Christmas menu)

Cute, isn't it?

I told our server I was great with just the cake. (Two rich desserts the night before running 13.1 miles is not a good idea.) The cake was very good. Very rich and chocolatey. Just the way I like it. Liz enjoyed her dessert as well.

As we were eating our desserts the lights dimmed and the Wishes music began. We thought we’d have a great view of the fireworks from our table because we had a great view of the castle

However a large column and the roofline obstructed our fireworks view. It was an option to go out on the viewing deck, but it was cold and we hadn’t brought our coats up. So we just sat inside and enjoyed the music.

We both gave this meal an enthusiastic thumbs up! I would definitely return here, but I wouldn’t bring my kids. The meal took over 2 hours and my boys would not have the patience for that. There were kids there and they were all very well behaved, but for me having to make sure the kids were entertained would have ruined the effect of the delicious leisurely meal. So the meal was over. What happened next?

 

[Dolce27]

There we were greeted with this.

Uhhhh... what was that line to? The Milk House looked nothing like that when I was there the day before.

I mentioned to the Tyvek man that he was probably the only one in the place happy with the weather forecast. He just looked at me and said, “It’s a good year.” Then he turned to the person next to me who asked him about the forecast and said, “It’s going to sleet the entire race tomorrow. No question about it.” I couldn’t help but see a twinkle in his eye as he collected another twenty bucks.

Smart girl!
(ok. I may have quoted the wrong section. but smart move on the Tyvek gear!)

Liz wasn’t as sure.

Sleet, Liz! Sleet! Listen to Jenny, you want the jacket.

jo and anyone else who truly wants to start running, Jenny already said it but I will say it again, definitely check out the Couch to 5K program. I did the program myself last year!

I second this. I also used the C25k to learn to run. Great program.

My previous installment left us with Liz deciding if she wanted to look like a marshmallow or not for her first half marathon. What did she decide? She succumbed to the wiles of the Tyvek Man and bought the marshmallow outfit.

Excellent decision ... and one I'm certain that you were thankful for the next morning.