Grumpy Challenge 2017.... A Marathon Weekend TR (Updated 3/19 Final Thoughts)

[rteetz]

Enjoying the report. I love ToT!!! Of course I love RnRC too. I'm pretty much a fan of just about every ride. I am not a fan of 90 minute waits, though! Yikes!
5K looked like a ton of fun. Tell your Mom she rocks!

I was seriously considering signing up for the Wine & Dine 5K because I'll be there for a work convention. Forgot to put it on my calendar--remembered a couple of hours after it opened for registration, and of course 5K was sold out by then.

Glad the Vans didn't cause you any feet issues for the races! I read that and was worried. I have difficult feet and narrow heels--I can't wear any slip-on shoe--they all slip-off! I do love those Disney Vans and wish I could wear them!

Which resort is your favorite? I know you like Beach Club, but is that your favorite? I want to try some Deluxe resorts one day!

I'm a fan of most things but 90 minute waits are not one of them!

Oh man that sucks. Disney 5Ks are so much fun! I hope you get to do one sometime.

Really cool shoes just not good on the feet.

I've only stayed at two deluxes. Beach Club and now Saratoga. I loved Beach Club. Saratoga isn't bad either though. Riverside is my favorite moderate.

 

[SarahDisney]

5K day! I love the recap. The character lines can get insane - starting out of corral D last year, we waited 10-15 minutes for a few characters. It's pretty crazy.
Congrats on finishing 1/4th (or so you thought...) of your Dopey Challenge (and earning 1/6th of your medals!)

Enjoy Dopey 2018 (and your 4th marathon weekend in a row, right?)!

 

[rteetz]

5K day! I love the recap. The character lines can get insane - starting out of corral D last year, we waited 10-15 minutes for a few characters. It's pretty crazy.
Congrats on finishing 1/4th (or so you thought...) of your Dopey Challenge (and earning 1/6th of your medals!)

Enjoy Dopey 2018 (and your 4th marathon weekend in a row, right?)!

Yeah I was really surprised at some of the character lines which is why I only stopped for one.

Thanks!

Yes it will be 4 in a row! I'm amazed and feel greatful I've been able to go 3 in row now it's going to be 4.

 

[SorcererHeidi]

Totally forgot to watch the thread, just remembered, and had to catch up today. Just like I'd be in a 5K, for sure! LOL

Your little sister is just adorable. Nice that you all didn't have any issues during the week, being a large group. I can't say the same about my family in the past - that's why I'm saying PAST. LOL

I've eaten @ 1900 several times, both before and after the addition of the Mad Hatter, and must say - he is a TRIP, and one of my fave character meets of all time. Whoever they get for that role must be VERY well vetted before they let them do it, 'cause they've all been AWESOME! My ex was extremely shy, and hated character interactions for that reason, but spent a LOT of time with the Hatter, and LOVED him!

I loved your stating how you feel on FEA, and how it shouldn't be in Epcot, but there certainly is a place for it - elsewhere. States how I feel PERFECTLY - even though I've not seen it in person (yet), have seen lots of videos of it.

I stayed at SS awhile back, and didn't care for it. And it wasn't even that it wasn't "Disney" enough - it was very pretty, but something about it just didn't "do it" for me. And I forget what part I was in, but it was pretty daggone far from a bus stop, and WAY far from the front. I know it definitely was also not near Disney Springs either - which would not have been as much of an advantage then (think it was '10 maybe) as it might be now. I also ran across several very "not glad to be here" CM's there, which did not help my thoughts on the resort.

I will definitely be looking forward to seeing Disney Springs my next trip, WHENEVER that turns out to be! I'm not a shopper per se, but very much looking forward to seeing the beautiful buildings, the atmosphere, and people watching. And MOST DEFINITELY all the dining!!!!! I've never tried the QS Wolfgang's, but that's also def on my "must try" list. I've done the one across from Disney Quest a LONG time ago. Honestly don't remember - which - to me - says it all, since I LOVE to eat - so if I don't remember, that don't say much. LOL

You know how proud of your trying the Dopey I was/am, so I'm even prouder you're going for it again next year. I'll be in your corner all the way again, my friend!!!

Looking forward to seeing the rest of this from you. You continue to amaze me with all the things yo're into, and how you balance it all so well, at your young age. You're pretty amazing!!

 

[rteetz]

Totally forgot to watch the thread, just remembered, and had to catch up today. Just like I'd be in a 5K, for sure! LOL

That's okay glad you're back!

Your little sister is just adorable. Nice that you all didn't have any issues during the week, being a large group. I can't say the same about my family in the past - that's why I'm saying PAST. LOL

I was surprised we didn't have any major issues with the large group.

I've eaten @ 1900 several times, both before and after the addition of the Mad Hatter, and must say - he is a TRIP, and one of my fave character meets of all time. Whoever they get for that role must be VERY well vetted before they let them do it, 'cause they've all been AWESOME! My ex was extremely shy, and hated character interactions for that reason, but spent a LOT of time with the Hatter, and LOVED him!

The mad hatter makes that meal what it is!

I loved your stating how you feel on FEA, and how it shouldn't be in Epcot, but there certainly is a place for it - elsewhere. States how I feel PERFECTLY - even though I've not seen it in person (yet), have seen lots of videos of it.

Yep, they could've done a lot more with frozen elsewhere.

I stayed at SS awhile back, and didn't care for it. And it wasn't even that it wasn't "Disney" enough - it was very pretty, but something about it just didn't "do it" for me. And I forget what part I was in, but it was pretty daggone far from a bus stop, and WAY far from the front. I know it definitely was also not near Disney Springs either - which would not have been as much of an advantage then (think it was '10 maybe) as it might be now. I also ran across several very "not glad to be here" CM's there, which did not help my thoughts on the resort.

I liked SSR but it wasn't my favorite. Not good CMs definitely can ruin a situation.

I will definitely be looking forward to seeing Disney Springs my next trip, WHENEVER that turns out to be! I'm not a shopper per se, but very much looking forward to seeing the beautiful buildings, the atmosphere, and people watching. And MOST DEFINITELY all the dining!!!!! I've never tried the QS Wolfgang's, but that's also def on my "must try" list. I've done the one across from Disney Quest a LONG time ago. Honestly don't remember - which - to me - says it all, since I LOVE to eat - so if I don't remember, that don't say much. LOL

I hope you get back to check it out soon! So many good options.

You know how proud of your trying the Dopey I was/am, so I'm even prouder you're going for it again next year. I'll be in your corner all the way again, my friend!!!

Thanks! I can't wait for next year already.

Looking forward to seeing the rest of this from you. You continue to amaze me with all the things yo're into, and how you balance it all so well, at your young age. You're pretty amazing!!

Thank you!

 

[natebenma]

Wait Time:

Oh, no!

I'm so sorry to hear that the wait for RockNRollerCoaster was so long that you missed the Star Wars fireworks.

But it is awesome that you were able to make it over to MK for some late night fun. Once Upon a Time looks AMAZING!!! I love the projection shows. They are so well done.

Yay for rides on Pirate and Buzz and some snacks with a gorgeous view!

 

[rteetz]

Wait Time:

Oh, no!

I'm so sorry to hear that the wait for RockNRollerCoaster was so long that you missed the Star Wars fireworks.

But it is awesome that you were able to make it over to MK for some late night fun. Once Upon a Time looks AMAZING!!! I love the projection shows. They are so well done.

Yay for rides on Pirate and Buzz and some snacks with a gorgeous view!

Yes those projections were awesome!

Love the view at Casey's at night.

 

[natebenma]

Wrong Shoes:

That is cool seeing the Welcome Show from the vantage point of the monorail.

Weird that you saw the gingerbread house being dismantled. They used to put up and take down decorations like this overnight out of the view of most eyes, but it seems like they are now doing that work during normal business hours.

Park Faire breakfast looks good. I didn't know they had Pooh characters there. Kind of weird having them at both Crystal Palace and Park Faire at the same time.

I'm glad to hear you got to use your FP for Peter Pan after all, but that is too bad on the wait at Splash. Big Thunder is my favorite! It was closed on my last trip. I haven't read anything about any changes since it reopened. Did they add anything?

Dole Whip. Yum!

What a gorgeous shot of the pool!!!

Hope your feet weren't in too bad of a shape when you need them.

 

[rteetz]

Wrong Shoes:

That is cool seeing the Welcome Show from the vantage point of the monorail.

Weird that you saw the gingerbread house being dismantled. They used to put up and take down decorations like this overnight out of the view of most eyes, but it seems like they are now doing that work during normal business hours.

Park Faire breakfast looks good. I didn't know they had Pooh characters there. Kind of weird having them at both Crystal Palace and Park Faire at the same time.

I'm glad to hear you got to use your FP for Peter Pan after all, but that is too bad on the wait at Splash. Big Thunder is my favorite! It was closed on my last trip. I haven't read anything about any changes since it reopened. Did they add anything?

Dole Whip. Yum!

What a gorgeous shot of the pool!!!

Hope your feet aren't in too bad of a shape.

Yes I've never seen the welcome show from that view.

Well I feel like take down takes longer than putting up so maybe that's why they did it during the day?

It's an interesting mix being Alice and wonderland, Winnie the Pooh, and Mary popping. It's a nice breakfast though.

No major changes on Big thunder. They added some new lighting at night. The rest is the same.

Feet were better than I thought they would be.

 

[nenglim]

Yes it was quite good. As of right now for all WDW races, all WDW resorts are host resorts which means they will have buses to the expo. Ariel's are last year's shoe so they won't have them on the expo. Fit2run at Disney Springs or your local New Balance outlet might have them though.

oh bummer. i thought they would have some 2016s in there. i checked out the 2017 shoes, nothing seem to call on to me. i really want something to remember my first foray into running. regarding transportation after the race, we will be staying at the beach club, will we be allowed to walk back to the hotel through the International Gateway entrance?

 

[rteetz]

oh bummer. i thought they would have some 2016s in there. i checked out the 2017 shoes, nothing seem to call on to me. i really want something to remember my first foray into running. regarding transportation after the race, we will be staying at the beach club, will we be allowed to walk back to the hotel through the International Gateway entrance?

I would check the Fit2Run store at Disney Springs for the 2016's.

Yes you can as long as you have your Magicband with you after the run. A lot of people do it but when I stayed at BC I did not.

 

[disneydaydreamer33]

Great 5K recap! And congrats on your Dopey registration!!

 

[rteetz]

Great 5K recap! And congrats on your Dopey registration!!

Thanks!

 

[Curiouser&curiouser!]

BREAKING NEWS

So I might still be on a runners high but runDisney sent out emails to runners of this years race weekend. The email had a link for early registration for 2018 with $10 off. Well I couldn't resist. I am now signed up for Dopey #2 and will be back for marathon weekend in 2018!

Maybe it was just Dopey runners that got the email? I was supposed to run the 1/2 this year and just went to check and didn't get an email?!?! Bummer.

 

[rteetz]

Maybe it was just Dopey runners that got the email? I was supposed to run the 1/2 this year and just went to check and didn't get an email?!?! Bummer.

I've heard/seen a lot of 1/2 only runners say they did not get the email. I had a friend that just did the 5K and she got the email. My guess is 1/2 only runners didn't get it because of the ability to defer their half to next years.

 

[Pluto0809]

Le Cellier has been hit or miss for me the couple of times I've eaten there. But I love the pretzel bread!

The expo looks awesome. I'm sure I will spend lots of money next year. Is Pluto always the mascot for the 5K? If so I better bring some extra money because I will want to buy everything with him on it!

I cannot wait to do the 5K next year! I'm sure I will be far back in the corrals. My time in October was 41 minutes and I really pushed myself to get that. I got away from training in November and December thanks to craziness at work. I'm just getting back into it again and it's basically like starting over. I've got a race at the end of February and I'll probably be slower than the last one!

I'm going to have a real dilemma about the character stops! I'm going to want a good time but I also will want to stop at every rare character I see.

You know, I don't think Thumper's girlfriend has a name. She's usually just referred to as Miss Bunny.

Congrats on signing up for another Dopey! Hopefully this time none of the races will be cancelled. Maybe we will run into each other at the 5K. I've got February 14th marked on my calendar to sign up.

 

[rteetz]

Le Cellier has been hit or miss for me the couple of times I've eaten there. But I love the pretzel bread!

The expo looks awesome. I'm sure I will spend lots of money next year. Is Pluto always the mascot for the 5K? If so I better bring some extra money because I will want to buy everything with him on it!

I cannot wait to do the 5K next year! I'm sure I will be far back in the corrals. My time in October was 41 minutes and I really pushed myself to get that. I got away from training in November and December thanks to craziness at work. I'm just getting back into it again and it's basically like starting over. I've got a race at the end of February and I'll probably be slower than the last one!

I'm going to have a real dilemma about the character stops! I'm going to want a good time but I also will want to stop at every rare character I see.

You know, I don't think Thumper's girlfriend has a name. She's usually just referred to as Miss Bunny.

Congrats on signing up for another Dopey! Hopefully this time none of the races will be cancelled. Maybe we will run into each other at the 5K. I've got February 14th marked on my calendar to sign up.

This was our first time and I really enjoyed it. That pretzel bread was very good!

Pluto has been the mascot for the 5K for at least 4-5 years now. There is plenty of merch to buy!

41 is good! My 5K time was 44 with one character stop. You'll be fine because they don't time the 5K courses at Disney other than for Dopey runners. I would stop for anyone you can't normally see in the parks. That of course could be all of them or none of them definitely stop for character though, that's what makes Disney races great!

Thanks! I hope we do!

 

[Curiouser&curiouser!]

I've heard/seen a lot of 1/2 only runners say they did not get the email. I had a friend that just did the 5K and she got the email. My guess is 1/2 only runners didn't get it because of the ability to defer their half to next years.

Hmm. Interesting. And a bit of a bummer because we didn't defer- we weren't sure when we might be able to go back at that point! Thanks

 

[rteetz]

Its time to get wild at Animal Kingdom!

After the 5K it was time for some park time! Today we would be heading to my favorite park in all of Walt Disney World. The Animal Kingdom. This park is so much more than a zoo, and is so much more than a "half day" park. The details within this park are incredible and make for an amazing experience if you really go and look for them. The park is an attraction within itself.

Here is a bus stop look at Avatar. The dirt hill is the new berm they are building to hide some of the backstage aspects to the land.





I love the AK Christmas tree. All of the animal decor is just great.





My grandma and I were the first ones here, the rest were meeting up with us later. My mom would end up not coming to AK as her feet were really hurting from the 5K.





Look at that beauty!







Since the Tree of Life trails had recently reopened I needed to make sure I checked them out.







I know I had more photos from the trail than that but of course I don't know where they are. Probably still on my memory card.

We ended up in Dinoland next. We were trying to meet up with the rest of our group but they didn't arrive yet. We were hungry so we headed towards the Harambe Marketplace next.



My grandma and I stopped on the bridge by Everest for a photo.





Soon enough we arrived at the Harambe Market and ordered the ribs and chicken skewers to share. The ribs were good but we really enjoyed the chicken. I would go back just for that.



It was almost time for the Festival of the Lion King so we decided to head in and watch that. It is my favorite show in WDW.

























One of my favorite photos due to her expression.



Finally everyone had arrived and we headed over to Dinoland to meet up with them. Our first FP was for Dinosaur! Another favorite of mine.





Continued in next post...

 

[rteetz]

Its time to get wild at Animal Kingdom!

First, bad Trip reporter alert! I forgot one of the reasons everyone didn't come to AK right away was because my sister and one of our friends were running the Mickey Mile! This was my sister's second time running this race, and she loved it. She did have an incident with her shoe falling off and running the second half of the mile without a shoe. She did pick up her shoe but didn't want to waste time putting it back on...



Right after we got the Dinosaur and avoided being killed by asteroids we had a FP for Kilimanjaro Safaris!



The safari is a must do and never gets old. I was looking forward to trying the sunset version of this but unfortunately never got around to it this trip.

















Okay so I know for a fact I have pictures of Stella the newborn baby elephant but of course those are nowhere to be found either. I am not having luck with this TR and photos.





After the wonderful Safari we had our final FP of the day. Expedition Everest!









We headed over to Dinoland one last time before we left to ride Primeval Whirl however I don't have any photos of that one. After that we headed out as we had a ADR to go to at the Poly. My first dining experience at Ohana would be next. My mom would be meeting us there. Part of our group was not dining with us here so they hopped on the express bus to Epcot.

Up Next: Ohana is oh so good but maybe not so good.