A Ghostly, Incredible, Totally Wicked Couple of Runs(Plus DATW with DISsers) Marathon Weekend Report

[ZellyB]

Your new earrings are lovely!

I have also heard good things about Flying Fish, but sometimes restaurants have off nights and other times I just don't agree with others' rave reviews But then again... we actually really enjoyed our burgers at Sci-Fi this trip, so most people wouldn't agree with me!

Thank you. I thought they were lovely as well!

I really think we didn't order well, and probably a full day of DATW didn't help much either. HA!

I've never been to Flying Fish, but I've heard good things -- I'm more impressed that y'all were able to go to dinner and remain upright.

Also good job Chris - the earrings are beautiful!

We are "professionals driving on a closed course" when it comes to drinking - although we're not as practiced as we once were.

And, I think Chris did great too. Plus totally surprising me!

I love all your pictures from the marathon. Congrats!!

Thank you!

 

[ZellyB]

Our Last Full Day

Well, this was it, our last full day at Disney. It was also Chris’ birthday. So, we had a full day planned out.

We got up bright and early to head for rope drop at Animal Kingdom as we wanted to hit up Flight of Passage. Big crowd again, but after a reasonably orderly walk to the line, we were able to get one pretty quickly. I still love this ride!

We got a quick bite and a coffee at Starbucks and then hit up a last Safari ride. I can always tell when we are nearing the end of a trip. My photo-taking drops waaaaay off. LOL

We’d brought along our medals because I also wanted a chance to visit with the Main Mouse along with his lovely lady and so after a somewhat lengthy wait, we were visiting with the celebrities.

I was explaining to Minnie that we’d done the “Mouse Challenge” because they are our favorites. She seemed happy to hear that.

]

]

Then it was back to Pandora for a FP+ ride on FoP again. Did I mention I love this ride? The ride operator recognized us. HA! We headed over for a ride on Dinosaur again and then even though I had a FP for Expedition Everest I didn’t want to ride without Chris, so we decided to head over to Magic Kingdom for the rest of the day.

It’s a bit of a blur what we did while there, but I know we were able to hit up our favorites again of Pirates

]

And Haunted Mansion

]

And a couple others as well that I’m not remembering before heading back to Beach Club to get ready for our evening. I’d planned a nice dinner celebration for Chris for his birthday. An evening at California Grill!

We arrived a bit early for our 7:30 dinner reservations and so wandered around the stores a bit until I got the text that our table was ready. We were escorted up the elevator and quickly seated. We had a great table by the windows in the corner. Our hostess told us we would be able to see some of the fireworks at both DHS and Epcot from our spot (we could!) and we were a short walk to the door to the viewing patio.

]

While looking over the menu, we decided a cocktail was in order.

]

I have no recollection of what these were but both were tasty.

Our waiter took our orders but said he would hold on entering them as we were nearing time for Happily Ever After and we didn’t want the food to be cold.

Sure enough, the announcement came soon after and we headed out to watch. It was a beautiful vantage point and while you can’t see the projections really, it allowed me to really just watch the fireworks and listen to the soundtrack, which I’m growing to love more and more each time I hear it.

]

After the show we settled in for dinner which arrived shortly after.

I don’t remember what these were either! HAHAHAHA! But both were delicious!

]

]

We also wanted to have dessert so ordered some chocolate thing that was amazing and Chris got a little birthday surprise as well.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/2eFZkSS]https://flic.kr/p/2eFZkSS[/COLOR]https://flic.kr/p/2eFZkSS[/COLOR

We also had some more of that delicious pressed coffee and eventually waddled our way out of the restaurant. It was around 9 PM but I knew that it was late EMH at Epcot, so we opted to take the Monorail over to Epcot and take a leisurely stroll through the park and out the International Gateway back to our room.

It was a beautiful evening.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/2eLADUi]https://flic.kr/p/2eLADUi[/COLOR]https://flic.kr/p/2eLADUi[/COLOR

And as we wandered through a nearly deserted World Showcase we were able to just relax and enjoy how pretty Epcot is at night.

We eventually made it back to our room where we headed off to sleep. It was a fantastic day at our happy place.
[/url][/URL]​

[url=https://flic.kr/p/2eLADUi[/COLOR][/URL]

 

[CDKG]

Our Last Full Day

Well, this was it, our last full day at Disney. It was also Chris’ birthday. So, we had a full day planned out.

We got up bright and early to head for rope drop at Animal Kingdom as we wanted to hit up Flight of Passage. Big crowd again, but after a reasonably orderly walk to the line, we were able to get one pretty quickly. I still love this ride!

We got a quick bite and a coffee at Starbucks and then hit up a last Safari ride. I can always tell when we are nearing the end of a trip. My photo-taking drops waaaaay off. LOL

We’d brought along our medals because I also wanted a chance to visit with the Main Mouse along with his lovely lady and so after a somewhat lengthy wait, we were visiting with the celebrities.

I was explaining to Minnie that we’d done the “Mouse Challenge” because they are our favorites. She seemed happy to hear that.

]

]

Then it was back to Pandora for a FP+ ride on FoP again. Did I mention I love this ride? The ride operator recognized us. HA! We headed over for a ride on Dinosaur again and then even though I had a FP for Expedition Everest I didn’t want to ride without Chris, so we decided to head over to Magic Kingdom for the rest of the day.

It’s a bit of a blur what we did while there, but I know we were able to hit up our favorites again of Pirates

]

And Haunted Mansion

]

And a couple others as well that I’m not remembering before heading back to Beach Club to get ready for our evening. I’d planned a nice dinner celebration for Chris for his birthday. An evening at California Grill!

We arrived a bit early for our 7:30 dinner reservations and so wandered around the stores a bit until I got the text that our table was ready. We were escorted up the elevator and quickly seated. We had a great table by the windows in the corner. Our hostess told us we would be able to see some of the fireworks at both DHS and Epcot from our spot (we could!) and we were a short walk to the door to the viewing patio.

]

While looking over the menu, we decided a cocktail was in order.

]

I have no recollection of what these were but both were tasty.

Our waiter took our orders but said he would hold on entering them as we were nearing time for Happily Ever After and we didn’t want the food to be cold.

Sure enough, the announcement came soon after and we headed out to watch. It was a beautiful vantage point and while you can’t see the projections really, it allowed me to really just watch the fireworks and listen to the soundtrack, which I’m growing to love more and more each time I hear it.

]

After the show we settled in for dinner which arrived shortly after.

I don’t remember what these were either! HAHAHAHA! But both were delicious!

]

]

We also wanted to have dessert so ordered some chocolate thing that was amazing and Chris got a little birthday surprise as well.

]

We also had some more of that delicious pressed coffee and eventually waddled our way out of the restaurant. It was around 9 PM but I knew that it was late EMH at Epcot, so we opted to take the Monorail over to Epcot and take a leisurely stroll through the park and out the International Gateway back to our room.

It was a beautiful evening.

]

And as we wandered through a nearly deserted World Showcase we were able to just relax and enjoy how pretty Epcot is at night.

We eventually made it back to our room where we headed off to sleep. It was a fantastic day at our happy place.
​

What a magical final “full” day in the parks! That has been my final “partial” day in the parks over several recent trips too. Animal Kingdom (breakfast at Starbucks), Magic Kingdom, and Epcot (lunch in Mexico). It is the perfect way to say, “until next time”!

 

[Neon Cactus]

What a great last day! 3 parks, dinner at California Grill. Nice way to finish! I love watching the fireworks from there.

 

[Professor_Cookie]

Last days are so sad.

 

[JulieODC]

All caught up - congrats on the 10k, super congrats on the marathon, happy anniversary, and happy birthday!!

You guys are amazing - and so fun! I love the mid-race beer - though my stomach was giving you the stink eye thinking about that!

So much good eating on this trip - and super impressed with your DATW stamina.

 

[michigandergirl]

Great last day! Happy B-day @Chris-Mo !!

So for your FOP rope drop, how early did you arrive before opening? I couldn't get a FastPass for FOP for our first day at AK, so we will do it first thing, but just trying to nail down touring strategy. Fortunately I was able to get a FP for it later in the week, but I know my kids are going to love it, so we want to ride more than once!

 

[rteetz]

What an awesome last day!

FoP is definitely one of my favorites.

California Grill is my favorite restaurant on property now. No better way to celebrate Chris's birthday too.

 

[BigEeyore]

Fun last day! That is great that Chris's b-day is right after the marathon - something to look forward to and celebrate and avoid the "post race blues". Cali Grill is outstanding! Great choice!

 

[ZellyB]

What a magical final “full” day in the parks! That has been my final “partial” day in the parks over several recent trips too. Animal Kingdom (breakfast at Starbucks), Magic Kingdom, and Epcot (lunch in Mexico). It is the perfect way to say, “until next time”!

It really was a perfect farewell day!

What a great last day! 3 parks, dinner at California Grill. Nice way to finish! I love watching the fireworks from there.

The fireworks were amazing and the meal delicious. It was perfect.

Last days are so sad.

I know!

All caught up - congrats on the 10k, super congrats on the marathon, happy anniversary, and happy birthday!!

You guys are amazing - and so fun! I love the mid-race beer - though my stomach was giving you the stink eye thinking about that!

So much good eating on this trip - and super impressed with your DATW stamina.

Thank you so much. It was a great trip and DATW was a highlight. We were big drinkers back in the day, so DATW didn't actually seem that bad. Just couldn't make a habit of it As Toby Keith would say, "I ain't as good as I once was, but I'm as good once, as I ever was."

Great last day! Happy B-day @Chris-Mo !!

So for your FOP rope drop, how early did you arrive before opening? I couldn't get a FastPass for FOP for our first day at AK, so we will do it first thing, but just trying to nail down touring strategy. Fortunately I was able to get a FP for it later in the week, but I know my kids are going to love it, so we want to ride more than once!

I think we got there about 45 minutes before park opening. So, we weren't way up at the front of people coming in, but in the area, past the ticket booths if that makes sense. I'd say we waited around 20-25 minutes to ride. But we were moving the whole time so it went by quickly. They also started walking us back early so we were in line before official opening.

What an awesome last day!

FoP is definitely one of my favorites.

California Grill is my favorite restaurant on property now. No better way to celebrate Chris's birthday too.

It was a great day. We hadn't been to California Grill in several years and I was really impressed by it. More than I remember being the first time we ate there. We'll definitely be back!

Fun last day! That is great that Chris's b-day is right after the marathon - something to look forward to and celebrate and avoid the "post race blues". Cali Grill is outstanding! Great choice!

Chris' birthday and our anniversary also make for a great excuse to go back to marathon weekend each year.

 

[ZellyB]

Let’s put a bow on this, shall we?

Our last day.

We didn’t need to leave for the airport until around 10:30 or so on MDE, so we had a leisurely morning to get ready to leave. I’d woken up early and Chris was already in return-to-work mode and wanted to read emails, so I headed out bright and early to wander around the Boardwalk and take some pictures.

It was a gorgeous morning and just a few people out and about as I strolled.

]

]

]

]

]

Ribbon fail on setting this shot up. LOL

I wandered around the lobby at Beach Club too. It’s very pretty up on this little mezzanine walkway.

]

]

I headed back to the room to see if Chris wanted to do a quick walk around Epcot (because we have Annual Passes, so why not?)

So, we strolled through World Showcase and stopped to visit with a CM who was helping while a local film crew interviewed an artist who was arriving for the soon to begin Arts festival at Epcot. He was a really neat guy and fun to talk with.

Then a last medal shot

]

And back to the hotel to check out and head for the airport. The trip home was uneventful and thus ended another great trip to Disney.


Final thoughts:

· I loved running the Mouse Challenge. I thought it was the perfect mix of Disney fun and running without the races becoming all-consuming.

· I’m so glad we had better weather this year, even if the marathon got too hot. The warmth of Florida in January is a big part of the appeal for these trips, so I’m glad we got that pay off this year.

· The lower participation this year made for a great race experience. The reduced course crowding and an easy expo experience made this a great race weekend. Reminded me a lot of the first year we ran back in 2013.

· Meeting up with Dissers and enjoying DATW was a highlight. What an awesome group we have here. Fun and supportive and pretty much drama-free. It’s a pleasure and I really love you guys. #sappy

· And, as always, where would I be without my awesome running partner for the last 7 years and amazing husband for the last 30, @chris-mo? Thanks, honey. Love ya! Mean it!!


Next up, it’s back to Disney for a short trip in March to see our girls with their band march down Main Street. FUN! And our likely return for Wine and Dine weekend and our first runDisney runs with our daughters. Wish my son would run, but been there and tried it with not much success.

I think Marathon Weekend 2020 is another likelihood. We just love that weekend so very much and with Goofy being the 15th anniversary, not sure I can hold myself to just the Mouse Challenge again and if we are running Goofy anyway…



All that bling.
We'll see about that one...


Thanks for reading along, everyone. See you at the parks!!



​

 

[rteetz]

Dopey! Dopey! Dopey!

What an awesome trip! It was great seeing you guys and hope to see you again at Wine and Dine and possibly marathon weekend 2020!

 

[TNGirlwCamera]

Looks like a great trip with lots of good memories!

 

[Neon Cactus]

I really enjoyed reading your trip report. Great pictures and it's fun to read. I hope to see you next Marathon Weekend.

 

[ZellyB]

Dopey! Dopey! Dopey!

What an awesome trip! It was great seeing you guys and hope to see you again at Wine and Dine and possibly marathon weekend 2020!

Thanks, Ryan. Definitely hoping we see each other again soon.

Looks like a great trip with lots of good memories!

It was a wonderful trip - as most Disney trips are. It's what keeps bringing us back.

I really enjoyed reading your trip report. Great pictures and it's fun to read. I hope to see you next Marathon Weekend.

Hope to see you there!

 

[Lesley Wake]

Sorry for late quotes - just trying to catch up on all the TRs I was reading before I left on my own WDW trip this month!

After Incredibles 2 came out, I had decided I thought going old school on the Incredibles costumes would be a fun costume idea. We custom ordered them through an Etsy shop, iGlow running, and we were really pleased with how they turned out.

Those are very cool! It's too bad you didn't see Edna!

Up ahead in a construction zone was another cute fella with almost no line. Who’s a good dog??

I feel he should have been dressed up in construction gear! Like a hardhat or something!

I got a little cranky here because we were running behind this group of 4 women who were also stopping at each character, but instead of each doing a picture or one group picture, they were asking for multiple pictures with various groupings and poses. I mean, I’m all for having fun with these pictures, but it’s 18 miles into a marathon and it’s hot and other people are waiting. Whatever. Like I said, I was getting cranky.

That is just very inconsiderate!

 

[disneydaydreamer33]

Congratulations on your successful Mouse Challenge Weekend! I haven't had as much time to get on the boards as I'd like, but reading your Marathon TR was a priority for me- glad I finally was able to! Congratulations on your 30 year anniversary too! We just made it to 15 and if I can get my husband to run with me in the next 15 years it will be a HUGE accomplishment I really love the way you two do races together! Excited to hear about your upcoming Disney trips

 

[ZellyB]

Congratulations on your successful Mouse Challenge Weekend! I haven't had as much time to get on the boards as I'd like, but reading your Marathon TR was a priority for me- glad I finally was able to! Congratulations on your 30 year anniversary too! We just made it to 15 and if I can get my husband to run with me in the next 15 years it will be a HUGE accomplishment I really love the way you two do races together! Excited to hear about your upcoming Disney trips

Hi and thanks for reading. We had a great trip and a great anniversary and congrats on your 15th anniversary. It took Chris probably 6 or 7 years to finally convince me to start running, so there's always hope.