Extreme Makeover: Tinkerbellarella Pre-Trip Edition UPDATED 11/1/12!

[Tinkerbellarella]

Welcome to Extreme Makeover: Tinkerbellarella Pre-Trip Edition (a.k.a. Seriously, I will finish this one!)

No, seriously, I WILL finish this one.

Hi. Hello there. 'Sup.



Name's Tinkerbellarella. Some of you know me from way before I got overwhelmed with the DIS and bounced out of here for a self-imposed hiatus like a tike being launched out of a castle-shaped bouncy house.

That's really what it felt like. And you're welcome for the visual.

Some of you may not know me, so here are the basics (and you'll learn the rest as you go):
I love Disney (duh). I'm in my almost-but-not-quite mid-30's, live with my firefighter boyfriend and our two kitties (Isabel and Dory) and, much to my mother's chagrin, we have no children. Or plans for such. I am Fairy Godmother to three angels* though, so I get my fill of the kiddos. I've been to Disney enough times to have started to lose count. I'm a Poly-lover on a POP budget, but given I majored in English/Communications and Fuzzy Disney Math in college, I can always make it work.
(* That's subjective given the day and sugar intake.)

My Disney favorites:
Character: Obviously, Tink, but I also have big love for Stitch and WALL-E and that chick with the blue dress who refuses to vacate my castle
Park: Epcot (recently edged out the Magic Kingdom)
Ride: the PeopleMover (yes, really - it's a sentimental thing)
Resort - Deluxe: Poly
Resort - Moderate: Coronado Springs
Resort - Value: POP
Table Service Restaurant: California Grill
Counter Service Restaurant: Katsura Grill (what's with me and the grills? Maybe I need to bring this up in my next therapy session.)
Snack: Dole Whip float (pineapple soft serve in pineapple juice - I'm a purist)
Drink: Italian Margarita from the Tutto Italia kiosk
Nap spot: the WDW Railroad (again, yes, really, and everyone should have this as one of their Disney favorites categories)

On the non-Disney front, I have serious issues when it comes to shoes and purses (and anything COACH), books and stationary. DO NOT let me loose with a credit card in either a bookstore or Staples. Especially if it is YOUR credit card.

This trip is truly a makeover of sorts. Long story short-ish:
I went on a last-minute (as in booked it 3 days before leaving) trip in August and was, in a word, miserable. While I already had this trip booked, that experience really transformed what I wanted this trip to be and who/what/where I wanted to be on this trip.

Fast forward 6 weeks and here we are, plans in motion, both for the trip and trip prep (more on that later). Before I break down the plans in the ridiculously minute details that we DISers both know and love (and demand - we've got some serious OCD problems, people), here are the basics:

Trip Dates: 2/21/13-2/28/13
Resorts: Boardwalk Villas and Port Orleans Riverside
Events: Disney Princess 1/2 Marathon weekend - Royal Family 5K
Cast of Characters (as if I wasn't entertaining enough myself): Moi, creativeamanda, and hopefully a slew (don't you just love that word? - sleeew) of other DISers who'll all be "in town" for the race weekend events

If you're gonna be there, please don't be shy! Sound off! I'm no stranger to, nor opposed to, DISMeets.

If you're not gonna be there, please don't be shy! Sound off! I like attention.

If you're a lurker, keep reading and don't sound off. Just enjoy. Though really, it's more fun if you post. Don't be shy. I don't bite. Or poke fun. Unless it's really funny, and even then, I'm good-natured.

I promise to update this puppy on a regular-ish schedule with both trip and training info. I'm not giving you a schedule, though. I don't do well with schedules. Or with access to unlimited cupcakes, but that's a whole OTHER story.

The next post will be reserved for a chapter list, in case you want to skip all of the (sometimes inane) chatter. And, with great hope, I'll say right now that I'll also be writing (and completing, one also hopes) a trip report.

If you're sticking around because you know me and you know what a Tinkerbellarella PTR is about, thanks.

If you're sticking around because you don't know me and you're wondering what a Tinkerbellarella PTR is about, thanks.

If you're not quite sure how you got here and you were really just interested in looking at Disney food porn, click HERE, and you're welcome.

ON DECK:

Tinkerbellarella's History of Disney 5K's (a.k.a. This Running Thing is HARD)

 

[Tinkerbellarella]

Chapter List
(In case you don't want to read all the comments...though they are fun )

Chp. 1 ^^^ Look up! ^^^
Chp. 2: Tinkerbellarella's History of Disney 5K's (a.k.a. This Running Thing is HARD)
Chp. 3: Where I Hang My Mouse Ears Is Home (a.k.a. The trip with NO resort changes!)
Chp. 4: Fly Like an Eagle (a.k.a. Early Bird Check-in=Best $10 Ever Spent)
Chp. 5: The Annual Pass (a.k.a. The Year I Spent in Disney)

 

[LegoMom3]

FIRST POST!!!!


(now I actually have to go back and read it!....)

 

[LegoMom3]

No, seriously, I WILL finish this one.

Uh......ok.

My Disney favorites:
Character: Obviously, Tink, but I also have big love for Stitch and WALL-E and that chick with the blue dress who refuses to vacate my castle

Move it along, Cindy! Our gal Tink has waited long enough!!

Park: Epcot (recently edged out the Magic Kingdom)
Ride: the PeopleMover (yes, really - it's a sentimental thing)
Resort - Deluxe: Poly

Yes, yes, and yes!

Resort - Moderate: Coronado Springs
Resort - Value: POP

Hmm....I'm more of a POR/ASMu gal myself. But that's the beauty of all those resorts....something for everyone!

On the non-Disney front, I have serious issues when it comes to shoes and purses (and anything COACH), books and stationary. DO NOT let me loose with a credit card in either a bookstore or Staples. Especially if it is YOUR credit card.

Right now, you wouldn't want my credit card (almost full! ), but when it's nice and empty again, it's for me and DH to go......somewhere.

Fast forward 6 weeks and here we are, plans in motion, both for the trip and trip prep (more on that later). Before I break down the plans in the ridiculously minute details that we DISers both know and love (and demand - we've got some serious OCD problems, people), here are the basics:

Trip Dates: 2/21/13-2/28/13
Resorts: Boardwalk Villas and Port Orleans Riverside
Events: Disney Princess 1/2 Marathon weekend - Royal Family 5K
Cast of Characters (as if I wasn't entertaining enough myself): Moi, creativeamanda, and hopefully a slew (don't you just love that word? - sleeew) of other DISers who'll all be "in town" for the race weekend events

I'm a teeny-weeny bit envious that my name is not in that list, but, if I get to go at all, it's time for a me-and-DH overdue anniversary trip. So I'm good with taking this trip via your PTR/TR. (there WILL be a TR, right??! ) And maybe, someday, I'll get down there to do the coveted Half.

I promise to update this puppy on a regular-ish schedule with both trip and training info. I'm not giving you a schedule, though. I don't do well with schedules. Or with access to unlimited cupcakes, but that's a whole OTHER story.

Mental note taken.

The next post will be reserved for a chapter list, in case you want to skip all of the (sometimes inane) chatter. And, with great hope, I'll say right now that I'll also be writing (and completing, one also hopes) a trip report.

If you're sticking around because you know me and you know what a Tinkerbellarella PTR is about, thanks.

You're welcome.

ON DECK:

Tinkerbellarella's History of Disney 5K's (a.k.a. This Running Thing is HARD)

It is hard, but YOU CAN DO IT!!! Run, Tinerbellarella, run!!!

.

 

[Tinkerbellarella]

Move it along, Cindy! Our gal Tink has waited long enough!!

Seriously, dude. She acts like she's a princess or something. Sheesh.

Yes, yes, and yes!

It's like I'm suddenly in the middle of an Herbal Essences commercial.

but when it's nice and empty again, it's for me and DH to go......somewhere.

Like...Disney? Just sayin'.

I'm a teeny-weeny bit envious that my name is not in that list, but, if I get to go at all, it's time for a me-and-DH overdue anniversary trip.

There's room for you. Seriously. At no cost. You know, if you magically trip over free airfare or sumpthin.

Run, Tinerbellarella, run!!!

I have a sudden urge for a box of chocolates.

 

[pooh'smate]

I am here. I might not comment a lot of the time as I tend to come and go here on the Dis but I am around.

 

[Native NYer]

Joining in!!

 

[Tinkerbellarella]

I am here. I might not comment a lot of the time as I tend to come and go here on the Dis but I am around.

Totally get it. And happy to see you here!

Joining in!!

Hi!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[creativeamanda]

I'm here, tink!

Will come back later to read.

 

[Tinkerbellarella]

I'm here, tink!

Will come back later to read.

Ahhhh...it's my February partner in (non-felony) crime

 

[If U Had Wings]

You enticed me to find my way back to the Dis Boards. Seriously I had no idea how long I'd been away until my computer just told me my last log in was May 2011. How in the world did that happen?

Can't wait to hear all about your plans! A bit jealous, but still happy to live vicariously through you. Watch out though, or you may have me bunking out on your floor if it starts sounding too good.

 

[wdwpirates]

I'm in! I'm in! Gracias for the invite!!!

 

[Tinkerbellarella]

You enticed me to find my way back to the Dis Boards.

Really?! Wow.

Seriously I had no idea how long I'd been away until my computer just told me my last log in was May 2011.

I think mine might have been about April of this year.

Watch out though, or you may have me bunking out on your floor if it starts sounding too good.

I'd be delighted to make room

I'm in! I'm in! Gracias for the invite!!!

Kerri! Yay! HI!

I'm intrigued. You have a surprise trip coming up? Who are you surprising? (If you can say here on the DIS, of course.)

 

[PrincessInOz]

No, seriously, I WILL finish this one.

I've been living through The Trippie without a Name aka The Trippie that isn't quite Finished....for the last two years by she who will remain nameless (*cough* *Kimmar* *cough*). I figure I can live through this one...finished or not. (*cough* *cough*)

My Disney favorites:
Character: Obviously, Tink, but I also have big love for Stitch and WALL-E and that chick with the blue dress who refuses to vacate my castle

I think you're referring to MY future house.

Snack: Dole Whip float (pineapple soft serve in pineapple juice - I'm a purist)

Me too! Me too! Love this snack. The only thing wrong with it is that it doesn't come with a upsize option.

On the non-Disney front, I have serious issues when it comes to shoes and purses (and anything COACH), books and stationary. DO NOT let me loose with a credit card in either a bookstore or Staples. Especially if it is YOUR credit card.

Why would I hand over MY credit card? I have enough trouble with MY credit card as is...besides, it's on ice....in the freezer.

Trip Dates: 2/21/13-2/28/13
Resorts: Boardwalk Villas and Port Orleans Riverside
Events: Disney Princess 1/2 Marathon weekend - Royal Family 5K
Cast of Characters (as if I wasn't entertaining enough myself): Moi, creativeamanda, and hopefully a slew (don't you just love that word? - sleeew) of other DISers who'll all be "in town" for the race weekend events

Sounds like a fantastic trip and I think I've worked out your issue with shoes.....you run...with shoes!

If you're a lurker, keep reading and don't sound off. Just enjoy. Though really, it's more fun if you post. Don't be shy. I don't bite. Or poke fun. Unless it's really funny, and even then, I'm good-natured.

That would be me (hangs head in shame)

 

[Tinkerbellarella]

I think you're referring to MY future house.

OH SNAP. We might have to throw down!

Do we do this traditionally

or Hunger Games style

?

Love this snack. The only thing wrong with it is that it doesn't come with a upsize option.

Or with a refillable mug option.

MY credit card as is...besides, it's on ice....in the freezer.

That's where mine belong.

 

[Tinkerbellarella]

Let's go back. WAAAAAAY back.

Got your cans of Aquanet, ladies and gents? (Yes, the gents too - how else do you think they managed the Flock of Seagulls do?!) Welcome (back) to the 80's.

I was never what you'd consider athletic. Though I was a dancer from ages 3 until 9, and was pretty good, I was still the cute chubby kid in the tutu.

In my Catholic grade/middle school, I liked to read in the shade at recess and was probably the only kid that preferred square dancing to basketball in gym. There was a short stint of playing soccer in there as well, sometime after I gave up dance, but my subconscious isn't really ready to relive those horrific few years.

In high school, I yearned for junior and senior year when we only had to take a 1/2 year of gym. And when I was in gym, I'd take pool (swimming, not billiards) or, if it was available, archery.

Just call me Tinkerbellarella Everdeen.

As an adult I've pretty much perpetually had a gym membership that I've flirted with.

However, NEVER in my almost 33 years have I ever been a runner. Never ever. I have maybe been a fast-ish walker, especially when late for my train home. I'm probably realistically a stroll-er (as opposed to a stroller, a.k.a. baby carriage, a.k.a. pram, because how many times do you get to use an AWESOME word like pram on this side of the pond?!)

I am DEFINITELY a world reknowned hammock napper.

If there were a Hammock Olympics, I'd take the gold in the Women's Napping Division every time.

Michael Phelps who? Pshht.

So, given that history, you can pretty clearly see why I relate so well to this photo:

Thanks to juxtapost.com for the image!​

At this point you may be asking yourself, as I've asked my own self many a times, why then a 5K Tinkerbellarella?!

I may not BE a runner, but I have total runner's envy. I WANT to be a runner. In the worst way. And no, I have no idea why. I could bring it up in my therapy session on Saturday, but I think I'd actually rather not get all Freudian on it and just chalk it up to hopes and dreams.

And really cute shorts and sneakers.

I do enjoy a good walk, especially in the outdoors as opposed to on the dreadmill (that wasn't a misspelling, by the way). And 3.1 miles has never sounded particularly daunting to me.

And then a few years back I heard that they did 5Ks in Disney (among races of other varying lengths). I was intrigued. Races in Disney? Really? Another excuse...er...reason...er...oh LOOK! How convenient! This really cool 5K I'm randomly signing up for just happens to be in Disney!!! Whoda thunk it?

At least that's how I sold it.

Despite prepping, I knew I wouldn't be ready to run, or even slowly jog, the entire 5K, but you've got to start somewhere. There is a loosely enforced pace requirement for the 5Ks of a 16 minute mile and I figured I'd be good to go with walking at a fast clip.

My first Disney 5K was in February of 2011 as part of the Princess 1/2 Marathon weekend. I was NERVOUS. Though I was participating with my good friend LegoMom, I was going to be in the last pacing corral while she was going to be somewhere ahead of me, as she's a more experienced runner and in much better shape than I am. Essentially, I was doing the race alone (with probably a thousand other people).

The race route was through various areas of Epcot, both on-stage and off, and as I stood there in the corral, minutes before go time, all I could think was:

Will I be able to run at all?

What if I fall?

Will I be last?

Will I finish?

Where in the World IS Carmen Sandiego???

All the angst was for naught. The race was a LOT of fun. The other runners were very friendly and encouraged each other the whole way. The CMs along the route cheered us on like only someone with GIANT white gloves on can do. I did a little bit of jogging and a lot of walking. And I did finish. And not last.

I was immediately hooked and ready to do another one. I signed up for the Halloween 5K as part of the Wine & Dine 1/2 Marathon weekend in September of 2011 with my brother, his girlfriend, and my good buddy, TarzansKat (where is KittyKat, anyway?? Someone want to bring her on over to these parts? A Tinkerbellarella PTR is just not the same without some TK/Tink back-and-forth!). This race course was through Animal Kingdom which has some...interesting...smells at 7:00 a.m. Though it was still a lot of fun, I'd put on about 20lbs, so I actually found this race to be a bit more challenging. By the end of the race I was pretty much ready to call it quits and have someone just roll me across the finish line. My hips were feeling wonky and my feet were filing divorce papers. I did finish though, and upright to boot.

And that brings us to this upcoming 5K. It is, again, over the Princess 1/2 marathon weekend and I want to make this the BEST one yet!

To ensure success, I've set some goals for myself:

*I haven't yet lost those 20lbs I "found" prior to the September race that ultimately made me so miserable. And I've actually found a few more (if by few you mean way too flippin' many) since. The goal is to be back at/less than my Feb. 2011 race weight by 2/23/13 (race day).

*I want to wog this race (wogging = walking + jogging) moreso than I did in Feb. 2011. My ultimate goal is to be able to run an entire 5K but I'm not ready to put that kind of pressure on myself (or my knees) just yet.

*I'm going to use my previous success as motivation because I want to feel confident in that start corral. I want to feel happy. I want to feel excited. I want to enjoy every step of those 3.1 miles.

These races have been like no other experience. Disney treats their race participants really well, both in their Expo offerings, on the course, and even with prep tools and info. prior to the race. If I could bottle up and sell the exhileration I felt during that first race, I could buy into DVC. (Priorities, you know).

I've got a lot of work to do, and a lot more than 3.1 miles ahead of me. But now I have even more friends to motivate me, to laugh with, to cry with, and to do BenGay runs for me. I'll document all of my progress here - weight loss related, 5K training related, trip planning related. And I look forward to your feedback, your support, and yes, even your teasing. Remember...

I'm pretty sure that's my exact running face.​

ON DECK: Where I Hang My Mouse Ears Is Home (a.k.a. The trip with NO resort changes!...well, except that one.)

 

[LegoMom3]

Let's go back. WAAAAAAY back.

Got your cans of Aquanet, ladies and gents? (Yes, the gents too - how else do you think they managed the Flock of Seagulls do?!) Welcome (back) to the 80's.

I loved the 80s, although I never had "big hair." There's just too much of it and not enough AquaNet in the world to make it stay "up."

In high school, I yearned for junior and senior year when we only had to take a 1/2 year of gym. And when I was in gym, I'd take pool (swimming, not billiards) or, if it was available, archery.

Just call me Tinkerbellarella Everdeen.

Dude!....what the heck kind of high school did you go to that offered archery?!! That is cool beyond words!

As an adult I've pretty much perpetually had a gym membership that I've flirted with.

No more flirting. Commitment, woman!

However, NEVER in my almost 33 years have I ever been a runner. Never ever. I have maybe been a fast-ish walker, especially when late for my train home. I'm probably realistically a stroll-er (as opposed to a stroller, a.k.a. baby carriage, a.k.a. pram, because how many times do you get to use an AWESOME word like pram on this side of the pond?!)

I will find a way to use it in conversation when we get together.

So, given that history, you can pretty clearly see why I relate so well to this photo:

Thanks to juxtapost.com for the image!​

This is my favorite running photo EVER!!!! I am SO sure I look just like that little kid! (esp. given my lack of leg length. Just sayin.'

My first Disney 5K was in February of 2011 as part of the Princess 1/2 Marathon weekend. I was NERVOUS. Though I was participating with my good friend LegoMom, I was going to be in the last pacing corral while she was going to be somewhere ahead of me, as she's a more experienced runner and in much better shape than I am. Essentially, I was doing the race alone (with probably a thousand other people).

"Great, now I have guilt!!!"

I was immediately hooked and ready to do another one. I signed up for the Halloween 5K as part of the Wine & Dine 1/2 Marathon weekend in September of 2011 with my brother, his girlfriend, and my good buddy, TarzansKat (where is KittyKat, anyway?? Someone want to bring her on over to these parts? A Tinkerbellarella PTR is just not the same without some TK/Tink back-and-forth!). This race course was through Animal Kingdom which has some...interesting...smells at 7:00 a.m. Though it was still a lot of fun, I'd put on about 20lbs, so I actually found this race to be a bit more challenging. By the end of the race I was pretty much ready to call it quits and have someone just roll me across the finish line. My hips were feeling wonky and my feet were filing divorce papers. I did finish though, and upright to boot.

Great imagery!

IF....and you know how big that IF is.....IF I can ever do another Disney race, I'd like to try the Tower of Terror 10-miler. It's a little less intimidating than a Half.



::sigh:: Well, great chapter, but now I want to do another Disney race. But I've said it before and I'll say it again,

RUN, TINKERBELLARELLA, RUN!!!

 

[creativeamanda]

YAY! Guess what?!? I made a resort change today! HAHA! Added the play, stay, dine whatever code to the package and moved to CSR.

 

[Nermel9]

I'm in! And I'll be there at the same time, I'm going to be running the 5K too! I'm going with my sister and niece, my sister is running the Princess half! I'm not a runner at all, I'm overweight and out of shape, I tried the Couch to 5K last year and failed miserably, so I'm hoping I can get myself into good enough shape in the next few months so that I can run most of the 5K! Maybe we'll be wogging next to each other during the race!

 

[Tinkerbellarella]

Dude!....what the heck kind of high school did you go to that offered archery?!! That is cool beyond words!

It was pretty cool. It was indoor and not offered often.

I will find a way to use it in conversation when we get together.

Pram. Pram. Pram.

Prim pram.

Prim pram prom.

This is my favorite running photo EVER!!!! I am SO sure I look just like that little kid! (esp. given my lack of leg length. Just sayin.'

Mine too.

"Great, now I have guilt!!!"

C.A.R.P.

No.

I didn't mean for it to come out that way. Please don't have guilt. I'm an idiot. I wasn't sad that I wasn't running with you (geez - even that sounds wrong!!!)...I mean, I was happy for you to be running, I was really more intimidated about not being able to keep pace with others and freaking myself out. If you'd stayed behind with me, I'd have actually felt awful about it, like I was slowing you down.

UGH.

I should stop trying now.

But please, no guilt, k?

RUN, TINKERBELLARELLA, RUN!!!

YAY! Guess what?!? I made a resort change today! HAHA! Added the play, stay, dine whatever code to the package and moved to CSR.

Of COURSE you did. Murphy's Law, as it applies to Disney, says that as soon as I post that there will be no resort changes, there will be a resort change.

Oooo. CSR. We LOVED CSR. I was tempted to stay there for my add-on, but I have this silly obsession with staying at EVERY Disney resort but...well, more on that in the next chapter.

I'm in! And I'll be there at the same time, I'm going to be running the 5K too! I'm going with my sister and niece, my sister is running the Princess half! I'm not a runner at all, I'm overweight and out of shape, I tried the Couch to 5K last year and failed miserably, so I'm hoping I can get myself into good enough shape in the next few months so that I can run most of the 5K! Maybe we'll be wogging next to each other during the race!

Woohoo! I'd love to meet up, even if we just do it at the Start corral or after or something. There seem to be a bunch of DISers going and it would be neat to say hi. I have identified what's going on my shirt (and it's fairly unique and will be debuted in a later chapter), and I'll post a picture of myself before I go, but I'd like to find something (non-lime green) to identify myself to other DISers so they say hello during the race!