A very late EE5K trip report! *~* Completed 28/2 *~*

[DisneyJo]

There was nothing planned for this morning, no park to visit, no schedule to keep to, nothing! So you'd think I'd lie in right? Wrong, I was wide awake by 6am and instead of annoying my sister I got dressed, grabbed the camera and refillable mugs and went to search every inch of the lodge.

There was no-one around except me and some cast members and it was bliss. I spent some time just sitting on a rocking chair over looking the Savannah watching the animals waking up whilst sipping hot chocolate. I found the flamingos behind the pool area and then searched indoors. I think I managed to open every door possible and saw all the different Savannah's, I was out walking and exploring for over an hour before I headed back thinking Emma would be awake.

Em was still dozing but that didn't last long We ate some breakfast bars in our room and eventually caught a bus to Downtown Disney, again it was sitting there waiting for us, we were so lucky. The Market Place stop was shut so we had to get off at Pleasure Island, the walk to the main shops isn't long but again the heat was intense so we were glad of the air con when we did get there. We spent some time wandering around World of Disney, I only bought a 2009 magnet, then the sports and toy shop. Here I got my youngest some Tinker Bell ear-rings. Earl of Sandwich was now beckoning and even though it was only 11.30am the queue was huge. I went for something different this time and ordered the All American minus the cranberries, I also had to buy a cup cake, those things are delicious! The sandwich was delicious but I was way too full so took the cup cake home!

We did a quick trip to Goofy's where Em bought a huge bag of lime flavoured jelly beans for her husband as they're his favourite. We then made our way back to the bus and spent the afternoon chilling by the pool ready for our big race!!!!

We spent a good hour or two laying around the pool chatting, my crazy sister then went to the gym to run (she was training for the NY marathon which FYI she completed in just under 5 hours) whilst I showered and got ready to head to AK for the race. I must admit I did spend a little time sitting on the balcony watching the animals eating my EoS cupcake

We needed to meet at the start of the race at 5pm as we were going to shoot a video all about the different races that the ESPNWWS put on each year. Quite a few of us caught the bus together and of course had to take photos......

We arrived about 4.30pm so had tons of time to work out how to actually get to the start of the race which was in the very far corner of the parking lot. As we had arrived early the bus dropped us off at the main park entrance whereas the buses later actually dropped people right by the start. It was still boiling hot but the walk only took about 10 minutes, we laughed and joked how this 5K we were meant to be doing would end up being about 10K by the time we'd finished, little did we know!!!

We had all arrived by 5pm but the camera crew were nowhere to be seen so we spent our time, yep you've guessed it, taking photos LOL

We then seeked any shade we could find and sat on the scorching tarmac chatting. It was at this point my sister arrived and realised that we had had nothing to eat, well except my cupcake, since 11.30am and as we were running in one of the later waves we probably wouldn't be eating again till 10pm. So like the good sister she is, well sometimes, she went in search of some sustenance. Whilst she was gone the film crew arrived and we finally got started, we all got into place before it was agreed the race music was far too loud and we all had to move

It was about now that Lou Mongello found us and had a photo taken.

It was now about 6.30pm and the filming finally started. I'd been sent my lines about a week before and although I'd memorised them it really is a different matter saying them in front of lots of people and a camera, luckily I didn't have many to say, poor Diane L though had loads of lines and some of them were very complicated. She mucked up a few times, but so did I, and she did fantastically

 

[DisneyJo]

We had a break in filming whilst one of the other Moms recorded a voice over, whilst I was standing waiting DISer Thewesterberg came over for a chat. I knew she was going to be at the race but with thousands of people there didn't expect to see her. I suppose the sea of pink shirts made us easy to spot I still had my mic on though so had to be quiet so I felt really rude at not being able to talk. Sorry

Oh I forgot to show you a photo of the shirt that our favourite Disney Dad had made, he wrote the book a complete idiots guide to WDW and look what he put on his shirt

One last quick bit of filming and we were finally finished We still had about 30 minutes before race time so we all sat on the hot tarmac and chatted, it was so nice to finally sit down even if it wasn't the comfiest. We then wandered over to get our place in wave 8, I spotted thewesterberg so went and apologised for not being able to chat earlier!

The way the race worked was that there were about 13 different waves all starting about 5 minutes apart and people queued up behind their number. Even though all the Moms were designated different waves we were all told to join wave 8. There was a DJ playing music, counting down to the start and just basically getting the crowds going, it was lots of fun

I suppose this is the time I should now confess to everyone that I had decided to walk the 5K rather than run it. I had very good intentions at the start, my DD and I even did a few training runs but when I worked out that it only saved me 8 minutes to run it (I did the run - walk method) as I'm a pretty fast walker plus after a run I ached like mad the next day, it was an easy decision to make

The race started at 7.30pm and as each wave started we gradually made our way to the front, the other runners in our group were using the time to stretch and warm up whilst about half of the Moms panel sat on the floor, we really had been standing far too long that afternoon When we finally got to the front the DJ announced that the Moms Panel were there and we all went wild, honestly we were dancing, singing and being totally silly. Well they did play our trips theme song for us, I've got a feeling by the Black Eyed Peas. This was all filmed by the way, hope they don't add it to the video

Tanya and Jen

Whitney, Erin and her DD and Karen

The film crew wanted a shot of us all running off so we lined up at the back of our wave, once the gun went we were off, yes I did run this bit, couldn't be seen walking on film Once out of sight I settled down to a fast walk with my sister and Kay. There were a few walkers behind but quite a few of the Moms were running so were already out of sight. We kept a steady pace, passing quite a lot of walkers whilst trying to keep out of the way of the runners from the next wave overtaking us.

The race had started in the very far corner of the parking lot so it was quite a long way before we actually went into the park. Disney Mom Beth and our favourite CM Gary were there cheering us as we went through We had been told that the film crew would be be on the route somewhere and once spotted we had to run, yeah I faked that I ran the race In part of the race we went back stage and did a loop back on ourselves, this gave us the chance to spot lots of other Moms so we screamed and shouted encouragement to each other. We were doing really well until we got to about where Everest is and it started raining, we also spotted the film crew so started running, well some other people got right in the way so we were made to go back and run past again

Race Map

Literally a minute later the heavens opened, honestly I have never seen so much rain even during hurricane Faye, we were soaked and wading through puddles which were half way up our shins We still kept going though!!!! We had been told to all wait at the finish line before heading to the obstacle course so the whole group could be filmed crossing the finish line together, well the weather put pay to that, the shoot had been abandoned but lots of the Moms had waited for us anyway! We waited for the last Moms to finish and with very squelchy trainers and dripping wet we grabbed our scavenger hunt map and pen and walked back into the park. It was still pouring and we were miles away from the entrance, well it seemed it, see told you we would do far more than 5K!!!

The map was thick paper which was very unpractical in the rain, the pens were cool though as they lit up. There were several different types of map with different clues on, our first clue was in Camp Minnie-Mickey and was quite cryptic, actually they all were. The clues took us all around the park eventually ending back near to EE, by this point we just wanted to finish as it was still raining, we were getting cold and the pen wouldn't write on the sodden paper anyway!

As we crossed the finish line they took our maps but didn't check them so we could have skipped it altogether My stomach suddenly realised that I hadn't eaten for so long and I got terrible tummy ache, although it was the last thing I wanted I knew I had to eat so we headed to Flame Tree Barbecue. When I say we it was Whitney and her husband, Doug, Emma and I. I have no clue where everyone else went First I made a bathroom stop and maybe TMI but it's not a good idea to go to the loo when you're soaking wet as when I pulled my shorts back up it was hideous. They felt freezing cold and disgusting!!!

A few photos from the official site to show how wet we were.

Jackie, Heather M and I

Em, Heather M and I

With some hot food in me I felt so much better, my legs were sore, not from the running but from the wet shorts. Over dinner, or I suppose it was supper by then, we put the world to rights laughed at the differences between America and England and had a lovely time! Whilst we were eating Jodi, Diane C and their hubbies came in so once they'd finished we all decided to take a ride on EE. We were all soaking, shattered and desperate for bed but the lure of a walk on to EE was too much to turn down, plus it had finally stopped raining!

Within minutes we were on EE and OMG it is soooooo much fun in the dark, it's a good ride during daylight but at night is just awesome. As soon as we got off we walked right back on again, the one benefit of the rain was that most people had gone home!

The others decided to head for the bus but Em and I went for a quick ride on Kali River Rapids, we were wet anyway so couldn't exactly get any wetter Again it was a walk on and we had a great laugh. We then headed for the bus too and once we had eventually found it, there were actually coaches laid on half way across the parking lot. We jumped on and found all the other Moms on there too so our quick ride hadn't held us up at all

Within a few minutes we were back to the AKL and ready to flop, it was about midnight now,but this is what I found waiting for me......

 

[Chilly]

Great report

 

[Jets fan]

Sounds like you had a fab day, congrats on completing the race

Tina

 

[jamjar84]

Great report, and well done with the race.

 

[DisneyJo]

Great report

Thanks Claire

Sounds like you had a fab day, congrats on completing the race

Tina

Thanks Tina, I was so pleased to finish, the rain was ridiculous

Great report, and well done with the race.

Thanks, it was fun but very wet

 

[DisneyJo]

Sunday September 27th

Most of my Moms Panel friends were going home today but Em and I still had one and a half days left to play and that is what we did.

Even though we'd had loads of late nights we were still up relatively early, we went and had some breakfast and I discovered a great deal. In a little bag by the counter were 2 slices of bread for 80 cents, once toasted this made a great breakfast with the free butter and jam. I know you're thinking wow that's not much but it was just perfect for me as I'm not really a breakfast eater and so cheap too

We made our way to the bus stop, I have absolutely no idea what time it was but it was still relatively early, and I spotted my favourite stalker thewesterberg and her friend so ditched my sister to have a chat They were headed to Epcot too so we chatted a little on the bus, she was lovely

Rope drop had already happened but we made a bee line straight for Soarin which still only had a 20 minute wait, I think it was about 9.30am but I'm not sure. My sister thought the ride was fantastic and we then went to explore the Seas. Next stop was a ride on Mission Space and she persuaded me to go on the intense side I survived and it really wasn't that bad but I actually prefer the gentler side so will be sticking with that in future We then grabbed some FP's for Test Track before we did some stalking of our own!

My good DIS friend Michelle aka TheDISneyFamily's daughter Jordan is a CM on the collage program and I was on a mission to find her She was working at Pin Central so between The Seas and MS we had stopped but she was on a break so after our ride we searched again and she was there She is so sweet, just like I imagined and I couldn't wait to meet the rest of her family in December

Next stop was the World Showcase but I haven't told you about my feet have I!!! My trainers were still soaked this morning even though we had stuffed them with newspaper (yes we did stop at the front desk at about midnight and confuse the poor CM by asking for a pile of papers ) so I had to wear my flip flops. Now normally I would have coped but as my feet had looked like prunes last night and were still red and swollen, the soles were ridiculously sore from being so wet, wearing my flip flops was not a good idea I managed though but after a few countries we were both done, we even did the movie in France for a sit down. Luckily we had an ADR at Teppan Edo for lunch, we'd both dined there as children so I chose it specifically, plus it's one of my favourites! On our way we bumped into Whitney and her hubbie watching the candy lady, she was lucky enough to be chosen and was so proud of her creation!

Teppan Edo was delicious as always, the food is so simple yet so yummy. Absolutely stuffed we made our way back round the lagoon had a quick spin on TT and then it was back home for a relaxing swim. Not sure if my feet needed to be soaked again but it sure felt good

Fully rested it was back to Epcot (oh by the way we had received a free one day park ticket with our race entry, it was good for any park except MK but with no hopping, it also expired within about a week) our first stop was the big ball or Space Ship Earth whichever you prefer If you haven't ridden since the update don't look at the following photos!

Feet still hurting we slowly made our way to Norway to watch Illuminations, we had half said to Whitney we'd meet her there but never saw them We grabbed a spot right by the railings and had a lovely view, well except when a bit of ash went straight into my eye We squeezed over a little so 2 little ones in a stroller could get right up to the railings. The people the other side of them however made themselves as large as possible, weird

We arrived back to our room to find a message from Kay, her and Joanne wouldn't be using their free park tickets so she was giving them to Em and I so we could use them for a few hours before our flights tomorrow Thanks Kay

 

[DisneyJo]

Monday

Up early again, I was on a mission to make DHS for rope drop but first we met with Kay and Joanne to get the tickets. It was also lovely to see them one last time for a hug After a quick brekkie of toast again we were soon on the bus and at DHS by 8.30am along with hoards of other people. My sister thought I was mad but she soon realised it was for the best Along with what seemed like thousands of people we headed straight for TSM, the original plan was for me to grab FP's and then to get into the standby line but even though I was only about the 20th FP person the standby line was already huge, the FP line however was even longer and stretched almost to the little mermaid It was crazy especially as end of September isn't meant to be that busy!!!!

So FP's in hand we ditched that plan and headed for RnR this was a complete walk on The last time I rode this my eldest DD was 11 and hated it so the whole ride I worried about her and didn't enjoy it myself. This time however I loved it, so much so we went straight back on and again it was a walk on!

Here are our photos, look at my sisters face on our first ride, I think she was taken by surprise In the second though you can see she loved it!

Next up was ToT we waited for about 10 minutes here and again my sister loved it! (we're back right)

Once off we FP'd it and then headed for TSM where we had a blast, I think riding these 3 rides made DHS my sisters favourite park

Luckily I just beat her, I was worried at one point though as it was close

On our way out, I was getting worried about time as I had to get on the ME at about 1.30pm and although we had the room till 1pm I wanted to shower and stuff first, we had just enough time for our last drop on ToT. Again look at the difference in the second photo (we're front middle)

We arrived back at AKL about 12pm so we had time for lunch which was nice. Originally Em had a flight at the same time but she was now hours later than me so whilst I headed to the airport she went for some pool time. She was allowed to use the facilities at the gym to shower and change which was very handy! One great new feature at the resort was a booth where you could check in online for your flight and print your boarding pass, it was so easy to use and it was free

So that's it..... I had an absolutely fantastic time, it really was great to finally meet my DIS friends Mel and Dawn and to reconnect with Angela. It was also amazing that the whole of the 2009 Moms Panel reunited, we had so much fun and I will treasure the memories as I doubt we'll all be able to get together at the same time again

Thanks for reading and please if you're a lurker say Hi, it means so much

Oh just to say apparently the video we made at the EE5K won't make it past the cutting room due to legal things with people in the crowd and music

 

[Chilly]

That is a shame about the video.

 

[joolz1910]

There was no-one around except me and some cast members and it was bliss. I spent some time just sitting on a rocking chair over looking the Savannah watching the animals waking up whilst sipping hot chocolate.

Of all the things that you experienced, this is my favourite moment. Perfect.

 

[Sarah2010]

Great report

 

[jamjar84]

Great report, I've really enjoyed reading it.

Sounds like you had a great time, and well done again on the race.

 

[tinkerbells mum]

loved your trippie, thanks for sharing, sounds like you had a fantastic time and well done for rasing so much money for GKTW xx

 

[CustardTart]

Loved the trip report, Jo - thanks for sharing! What a fun time you've had being part of the Moms Panel, hun...

 

[SusanEllen]

What a lovely lunchtime read. Thanks, Jo, for sharing your very special trip. Now share a secret-Who you have to know to get a "drink" drink at MK? I'm thinking there are interesting privileges that come with being a member of the Mom's Panel.

 

[DisneyJo]

Thanks everyone for reading and posting

Now share a secret-Who you have to know to get a "drink" drink at MK? I'm thinking there are interesting privileges that come with being a member of the Mom's Panel.

Sorry I can't help there so be sure to apply in September for next years panel

 

[buzz for boys]

I really dont know how I missed your trip report it was a fab read !!
Also have to say what a wonderful place GKTW is - we had the privelage of spending a week there and it really is an awesome place so to the moms panel for fund raising !!

Congrats on finishing therace and what a shame that the video will never be shown

 

[wils]

Great report