Bags, Busses, and Booze - A Where has all the Rum gone Girls 2013 F&W TR

[annmarieda]

I plan to register on the 11th as soon as I can. It's my priority. Ok here's another question for you. Are there discounts for the host hotels? Or do you run on regular specials and PIN codes, etc? From looking at the RD sight, it says there are "packages" for accommodations but doesn't mention discounts. And it says there is a 30% discount on parkhopper tickets for 3 days.

RD does offer packages... and they have offered discount park tickets. Although I want to say for the phm and the wdw marathon they didn't. I have never purchased them though because the discount falls short the more days you have. Great deal for 3 days, but if you need more it becomes better to just purchase a package. Now for the DLH, I only need a 3day so the discount will be perfect for me and I will be getting my park ticket through RD. It can't hurt to call and see... but what I have found is that they public offers are usually the most flexible and more financially beneficial.

I don't plan to run "with" anyone. Even at our 5 miler, Chris, Katie and I all ran at different paces, though we started together. My goal will be to run the whole thing, but I can't start consistently training until April, and then with all of my travel, it will be a challenge, but I know I'll be able to finish, even if I can't run the whole thing.

Starting in April gives you plenty of time. I know that each person has their own preference on how to run a race...and what standard they hold themselves to. However, I have walked part of the ToT each time. The first time I would guess was more walking that running and the second was through each water stop. So personally, I think how ever you get to the finish works. It is good to have goals and honestly, mine would be to run the entire thing. It is just a very hot race. Given that this will be my third time at it, I really hope to apply some of what I have learned the last two times... and maybe I can actually run the entire thing. After all, I can run 10 miles straight. I have done it during training.

As for the people who may be joining us, we'll see them before and after the race, probably have some meals and park touring with them, but I think everyone will make it their own family's vacation.

That is my plan with the people who are planning to also run the race. They won't be in WDW long for much else.

BTW - As we each get more into our own plans for the fall... we should carve out a spot..even a small one to meet and say hi.

 

[swwake]

BTW - As we each get more into our own plans for the fall... we should carve out a spot..even a small one to meet and say hi.

Thanks for the info and I completely agree we need to meet after 3 years "knowing" each other!

 

[annmarieda]

Thanks for the info and I completely agree we need to meet after 3 years "knowing" each other!

 

[annmarieda]

After we finished up our tour, Ashley and Ginger were feeling like grabbing a bite to eat.

We stopped inside ABC Commissary. Not only was it not too far away but it had air conditioning!

I do not believe I got anything, but the girls shared this meal.



We must have spent some time shopping because I took a pic of these thinking how cute they would be for my son and his fiance.


It seems to me like we had time that day to go to the outlet mall. or maybe it was the next day. ???


Finally it was time to head to dinner. We had a dinner reservation for the perfect time at Ohana.

The bread was super good.


The new salad is definitely an improvement!



Potsickers and wings...OH yeah!


Of course, you can't leave out the meat!


But the best thing about this meal?


After dinner, we went back to DHS. It was our one night to enjoy Fantasmic!




Next UP: 10/4 Part 1

 

[afwdwfan]

I learned a very valuable lesson on this trip. TAKE NOTES. I literally can't remember ANYTHING.

But at least you have pictures, so we know you aren't making it all up as you go!

Who knew it would come in a thimble and cost that much??

Well, it is Disney World.

Hey we took notes kinda.... We drew on and numbered maps . That counts right? Lol

Only if you can interpret the drawings and numbers a few months after the fact.

TMI for all you men out there reading *cough*Andy*cough*

Taking the hint... fingers in ears... LALALALALALALALALALA

Sorry about the pain and discomfort you had to go through, but congratulations on the coming new addition to the family.

I know this may not be the perfect time... But there rarely is when it comes to family planning. Besides- I think you are right.... Alexa is 5... It is time

Yeah... What she said.

Well, imagine how uncomfortable I was when standing in line I watched as a child not only was hanging on one, but was LICKING it. I am just sure this is how plagues start.

Mmmmmm.... metal.

I think we wanted to try and get a chance to see Venelope and Ralph, but their lines were WAY too long. Instead I got some sneaky pics.

At least you got to see them from a distance. I love that movie.

As much as I love the stage show, I love the tram tour maybe even a tad more. I just wish they had other props that they put out from time to time.

I appreciate what they do with that attraction, but I just have a hard time getting excited about it now when I remember what it used to be. If they had more or at least a rotating collection of props, that would definitely make it more interesting.

After dinner, we went back to DHS. It was our one night to enjoy Fantasmic!

Not a bad way to spend an evening... Ohana and Fantasmic!

 

[annmarieda]

But at least you have pictures, so we know you aren't making it all up as you go!

I might be...

Seriously though, it is to my best recollection. I really am not a fan of nontruths. Trust me... even the thought that I might be making something up causes me stress. It is bad enough I leave out some not so pleasant parts... cause even that nondisclosure to me might as well be considered lying.

Only if you can interpret the drawings and numbers a few months after the fact.

Or find said maps with scribblings on them. Yes... I am sure they are in my "disney box" but I just haven't taken the time to sort through it.

Mmmmmm.... metal.

I may have just thrown up a bit at just the thought.

At least you got to see them from a distance. I love that movie.

It was really neat to see them at least! I don't normally think that full faced characters like that translate well. (like Lilo...she kinda creaps me out) However, These two didn't... they looked like game characters.

I appreciate what they do with that attraction, but I just have a hard time getting excited about it now when I remember what it used to be. If they had more or at least a rotating collection of props, that would definitely make it more interesting.

Ok... so what was it? How did it use to be?

Not a bad way to spend an evening... Ohana and Fantasmic!

exactly!!!

 

[MEK]

What a fun filled day!

I always forget you can get tonga toast at captain cook's. yum!

Ashley's shirt is too cute!

That adult beverage looks so relish.

Dinner at Ohana's looks perfect. Capped off by a perfect evening at Fantasmic!

Great day!

 

[afwdwfan]

Ok... so what was it? How did it use to be?

Oh, wow... it used to be a HUGE attraction. It would take about a half day to get through it. They used to have some residential street sets that the tram would go through and the Streets of America also used to be part of the tram ride. There seemed to be more props, and more actual real working movie sets. There was also a much longer walking tour that was part of it that started at the Pearl Harbor set and went through all the "soundstages" that have since been turned into attractions over around the Pixar Place/Pirates of the Caribbean attraction area. It was a neat tour, but as long as it was, I can see why they shortened it. Probably a bit much for a lot of attention spans, and of course, the park is no longer an actual working studio.

I think that's why that attraction is somewhat maligned now though. People who saw it in it's full glory and then watched them strip it back to what it is now, just feel a little disappointed.

 

[swwake]

Oh, wow... it used to be a HUGE attraction. It would take about a half day to get through it. They used to have some residential street sets that the tram would go through and the Streets of America also used to be part of the tram ride. There seemed to be more props, and more actual real working movie sets. There was also a much longer walking tour that was part of it that started at the Pearl Harbor set and went through all the "soundstages" that have since been turned into attractions over around the Pixar Place/Pirates of the Caribbean attraction area. It was a neat tour, but as long as it was, I can see why they shortened it. Probably a bit much for a lot of attention spans, and of course, the park is no longer an actual working studio.

I think that's why that attraction is somewhat maligned now though. People who saw it in it's full glory and then watched them strip it back to what it is now, just feel a little disappointed.

I remember this. And there would often be live tapings in progress, so it was pretty cool to get to see people you saw on TV.

 

[annmarieda]

What a fun filled day!

Every day was so much fun. I love going on trips with my family. However this trip was just entirely different. I wasn't there to please anyone but me. I didn't expect Ashley or Ginger to please me... we each were responsible just for ourselves.. and guess what? I think it made for the most drama free trip I have ever had.

I always forget you can get tonga toast at captain cook's. yum!

It was a nice way to try it. Use a counter service credit... not a ts. We leisurely made our way to the Poly instead of rushing to an ADR. It was yummy... but unless I wanted to have real sit down breakfast (and believe me...sometimes those are my FAVORITE meals on vacation) I think this was a great choice.

That adult beverage looks so relish.

It is one of my all time favorites I have got at WDW. A bit of a spoiler for my newest TR... but I was very very VERY much so looking forward to a repeat of the fall. Grab that drink...sit at a table... people watch. The stand was closed in January!!!

Ashley's shirt is too cute!

She had the cutest shirts!!! When she arrived I couldn't believe all the finds she had made at (I believe it was) walmart. People even asked her when we were in the parks where she got some of them. I was particularly fond of the ones with lace on them. SUPER cute!!!

Dinner at Ohana's looks perfect. Capped off by a perfect evening at Fantasmic!

Great day!

Other than the travel back and forth... it was indeed perfect!

Oh, wow... it used to be a HUGE attraction. It would take about a half day to get through it. They used to have some residential street sets that the tram would go through and the Streets of America also used to be part of the tram ride. There seemed to be more props, and more actual real working movie sets. There was also a much longer walking tour that was part of it that started at the Pearl Harbor set and went through all the "soundstages" that have since been turned into attractions over around the Pixar Place/Pirates of the Caribbean attraction area. It was a neat tour, but as long as it was, I can see why they shortened it. Probably a bit much for a lot of attention spans, and of course, the park is no longer an actual working studio.

I think that's why that attraction is somewhat maligned now though. People who saw it in it's full glory and then watched them strip it back to what it is now, just feel a little disappointed.

Holy cow! I can see why people would feel disappointed. The way you describe it is exactly how I would think it "should" be. I guess though that since it took up so much time... maybe it was necessary to scale it back.

I remember this. And there would often be live tapings in progress, so it was pretty cool to get to see people you saw on TV.

That sounds so cool! But as much as I would like to have seen that... I think half the day devoted to one ride is a bit much.

 

[annmarieda]

This was my last morning to get in a run before the "big day". I can happily report (thanks to a log on runkeeper) that I managed 3 runs while on this trip (outside of the race)

I have to say, one thing I love about the moderates is they do have great running trails. CBR was a great place to run even if the part of the loop around the lake was a tad tricky near the feature pool and Port Royal.

Not taking notes or taking pictures of pool time, time at the outlets..etc makes it very hard for me to remember...

I think this was the morning that Ashley set off on her own to MK to meet some characters. If that was the case, then this was the day that Ginger and I stayed by the pool. It was nice that our room had been upgrade so that the pool was just right there. Ginger and I were the only ones in it for a while (which also made it nice)

that has to be the day we did this since the next day we were up early to go to breakfast.

So after some pool time and when Ashley returned we hopped into Ginger's car to drive... to drive well, we drove somewhere. Was it the outlet mall to shop the disney store? maybe. Or maybe we just drove straight to have lunch at DTD before heading to the expo. I thought we had lunch after the expo, but my pictures show a different order.

Lunch was at Cooks of Dublin. I had been dreaming about the burger there. It certainly did not disappoint.


Ashley got one of the pies.



Maybe she split with Ginger, but I thought maybe Ginger got fish.

From DTD, we apparently drove to WWOS. I was so excited! It was time to pick up my bib and shirt. Ginger and Ashley were nice and indulged me with some shopping. They each even made some purchases. I found some things to bring back for some gifts and I also found the skirt I wanted for my next disney run. Ya know, there is just something about shopping with a girlfriend that is way better than shopping with your dh. Ashley helped me when I tried on the skirt and helped me to pick it out. The expo was also much easier to navigate in the larger area than the phm had been in February at the CSR.


After the expo, we dropped the car off at CBR and headed out to Epcot. We had an early dinner ADR at Coral.

I believe this was a nonalcoholic specialty drink... and since it could not be decided to get one kind or the other, the server suggested half and half.

Ashley and I got steak. I think I had to send mine back... can't remember why. Over cooked?



Ginger got the lobster mac and cheese



My dessert was absolutely yummy. I know I am normally not a fan of "mooshy" desserts and given that this does have cake on the bottom maybe that is why I liked it... but it really was good!


Ginger got this one..


Ashley got this one.


After dinner there was a bit of time to take a journey into imagination.




We finally had to make our way to our big event that we had signed up for. The 3DDD!


Next Up: 10/4 Part 2

 

[annmarieda]

Now, for those who don't know... this is definitely something not to be missed. It does cost extra and is only offered on a select few nights during the food and wine festival. We had to be on the phone right when booking opened to get our tickets. Even though we were... the "premium" tickets were sold out. To be honest, I was hesitant to take full advantage of this. It was after all the night before "the big race". I am soooo happy though to have gone with Ginger and Ashley. Even if I couldn't fully indulge, it was so cool to be there.

So we knew that we needed to be in line early given we didn't have the premium seats. Ashley was not kidding when she told me that it was important! We were there at least 30 minutes early, but I think it was closer to 60.

We sat waiting until the curtains could be pulled back.


Check in really was quite easy.


First they allowed the premium seats in. Those people had designated seats in a special area up near the live entertainment as well as access to the "higher end" desserts AND a goodie bag to leave with.

Finally, it came time for the curtains to be pulled back. We were up near the front when this happened and I was shocked at what happened next. CHAOS! As people darted in and ran for tables. Soon enough we had staked our claim to one (although given how we were among the first to enter I am not sure how we got what seemed to be one of the last tables). We soon were greeted by a couple who asked if they could sit with us.

Then we had an hour an a half to gorge on food and booze while listening to a band. (whom i personally thought was a bit loud)

I am not sure what all the ladies had. We all made sure to take turns going up to grab things so as not to lose our table. In between we attempted to have a nice conversation together and with the couple (who turned out to originally be from my neck of the woods.. I think)

Trying to stay away from too many sweets and booze, I started with the popcorn and pretzel table.



It was funny to me as the chef stood proudly near his popcorn concoctions and when I noted.."so this is this kind and this is that kind.... but this one is ??" He was impressed telling me no one had yet been able to discern what each kind was. What can I say? I LOVE popcorn.

I do think my absolute favorite of the night though was the hot dog cart. First, it was an actual little cart. Second, YUM! Who doesn't like ice cream and pound cake??




I can't remember what this drink was, but I did allow myself one adult drink that night and then... it was totally about "where has all the rum gone".


I think these were the gluten free brownies?


And since I knew all of you would want to see the brochure with each stations menu items... If you notice there are the same items on multiple stations so lots to go around.








I may have said no more booze for the night, but I just had to try one of those red stag doughnuts!


Another favorite of mine was the watermelon salsa and chips. As well as the watermelon salad OH so yummy!!! I even took the recipe cards!







A peak at the "off limit to us not special seats holding people" area.



Next Up: 10/4 Part 3

 

[annmarieda]

Just for fun... the stations.








Sorry guy - who I don't know who you are - that looks so happy... I had to get that shot with you unfortunately in it.



But wait... was this my one drink of the night or did I actually get two? If it was two... maybe that is why I can't remember.





Sadly the time to fill ourselves was over and the servers started to usher us to the exit. There at the exit I was surprised to see so many people having things confiscated. I guess there are always people out there trying to cheat the system who think they are more entitled than the rest of us.

As we exited in groups, we were led by a cm to a special illuminations viewing area. Here we were able to put on our special glasses provided (and ours to keep..and work for everything including my christmas tree this year). The glasses make each pin of light turn into a mickey head. Lots and LOTS of mickey head flew through the air that night.







Next Up: 10/5 Part 1

 

[MEK]

You're the second DIser who just posted about the dessert party. Thanks for taking those pictures of the names of all the offerings. It looks like they had quite a nice selection of things.

Yup - I guess it would be hard to be there the night before the right and not be able to fully indulge.

Those dessert hot dogs look so wrong, yet so right all at the same time.

What the heck were people trying to take out of there? What is wrong with people?

 

[lilpixiebabe101]

They have glass bottles of water. Evian I believe? That you could just walk up and pour a glass out of or take a bottle back to your table. People had these in their purses, and we all know that one of the only "no-nos" to bring in any of the parks is glass bottles.

 

[veggiemama]

Can you believe I have never been on Journey into Imagination - Have not been able to convince my kids or hubby to do this. It is on my 'must do' list when I go with my mom in October.

Love the dessert party - I have never seen pictures of this before, I had no idea it was so huge! with so much selection! And of course, people always seem to want to take things.... Now this might need to go on my list of 'to do's too!

Once again, I am going to end up with a list much larger than we will be able to accomplish!

 

[annmarieda]

You're the second DIser who just posted about the dessert party. Thanks for taking those pictures of the names of all the offerings. It looks like they had quite a nice selection of things.

It was an amazing selection! The cost was really reasonable considering it was all you care to enjoy and included alcohol.

Yup - I guess it would be hard to be there the night before the right and not be able to fully indulge.

Yeah... But it was still super cool to go and I don't regret it for a second!! I just wish that they would offer it on a day that wasn't right before the race.

Those dessert hot dogs look so wrong, yet so right all at the same time.

It was one of my favorite things. Not too sweet, light and delicious!

What the heck were people trying to take out of there? What is wrong with people?

Ashley commented on the bottles of water... and I do remember those, but I think it may have even been other things. Course, I would believe Ashley's memory over my own. I do remember a person with a motorized scooter that filled the basket on the front. Maybe it was just the large bottles of water... I thought there were other things.

They have glass bottles of water. Evian I believe? That you could just walk up and pour a glass out of or take a bottle back to your table. People had these in their purses, and we all know that one of the only "no-nos" to bring in any of the parks is glass bottles.

I thought it was other things too. No? And no glass bottles? They do sell some bottled items, dont they? Like wines and such... but I guess I would assume people don't open them in the parks.

Can you believe I have never been on Journey into Imagination - Have not been able to convince my kids or hubby to do this. It is on my 'must do' list when I go with my mom in October.

You MUST do it! Even if you are alone doing it. So many things keep being pulled and I know there have been rumors that this could be. I skipped FOTLK and Mickey's Jamin Jungle parade... now I am unable to see them.

Love the dessert party - I have never seen pictures of this before, I had no idea it was so huge! with so much selection! And of course, people always seem to want to take things.... Now this might need to go on my list of 'to do's too!

It really is quite impressive. I am so glad we did it!

Once again, I am going to end up with a list much larger than we will be able to accomplish!

That is easy to do when going during food and wine!!!

 

[lilpixiebabe101]

Yes. You can't have anything glass container. I assume the wine is the only exception to that rule. I've never tried to purchase it in a park. You might even have to have it sent somewhere for pick-up before exiting. I know you can't being in glass baby food jars or bottles, no glass containers when bringing in like ice chests. They don't even sell beer in a bottle. It's poured out or from a tap.

 

[annmarieda]

Yes. You can't have anything glass container. I assume the wine is the only exception to that rule. I've never tried to purchase it in a park. You might even have to have it sent somewhere for pick-up before exiting. I know you can't being in glass baby food jars or bottles, no glass containers when bringing in like ice chests. They don't even sell beer in a bottle. It's poured out or from a tap.

I didn't even realize there was a "no no" list. (yes, I was curious and looked it up) I did know that you couldn't have straws in AK... but not even lids are allowed. And no balloons are allowed either. Everything else kinda makes sense... no fire arm.. that type of thing. Glass containers I guess make sense too. A plastic bottle that falls is trash..a glass bottle is a hazard.

 

[lilpixiebabe101]

And Disney balloons aren't even normal balloons. They are either the foil balloons or the new heavy hard plastic almost with the rubber balloon inside it so a child or animal can't swallow it.