"Every mile will be worth my while" ... January 2014 - WDW Half Marathon Trip

[annmarieda]

Isn't the legacy fast passes just odd to think about? When I recently went to DLR, it was kinda weird that they only have them.

Neat interaction between you and Alice! How funny that she thought your world trip took a while.

 

[disneybarbie]

I actually just got to go there over Labor Day Weekend! Got both an Ice Cream Brioche Sandwich (w/mint chocolate chip!) and an Ice Cream Martini! Nice treats!

Sounds like a good Epcot day that you had. Very nice to be so close-by at the Boardwalk. And what a cool surprise meet with Alice in Wonderland!

As I was typing my reply, I thought you might have already tried the icecream shop.. and.. I need to try both the brioche sandwich and a martini now!

Isn't the legacy fast passes just odd to think about? When I recently went to DLR, it was kinda weird that they only have them.

Neat interaction between you and Alice! How funny that she thought your world trip took a while.

Yes it's funny how quickly I've got used to the idea of FP+ instead of paper passes now! I am so jealous you went to DLR! Was that for the race weekend?
It was great to 'meet' Alice.. I didn't quite know what to say when she asked us what we'd been up to... star struck


Emma x

 

[disneybarbie]

...

We walked back to the Boardwalk and had a break in the room – got showered and made our way to DHS at about 3pm.







We'd used our FP+ reservations today all at DHS – so it was a novelty being able to ride the three E ticket attractions in the evening.. I will definitely use FP+ like this again on future trips!




First we headed to Toy Story Mania... DH won, as normal



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[disneybarbie]

...

We had about an hour until our next FP+ - so we tried somewhere new for a beverage... the Tune In Lounge!



We sat up at the bar, it was a really nice atmosphere – there were some other marathon weekend runners there, and the bar man was talking to us about the races



I just had an iced tea... from Long Island



The waiting area for the 50's Prime Time



We walked along to Muppets – it was fun to see the Osborne Lights were still partially up!





Muppets was fun as always, and next we walked to Sunset Boulevard for our FP+ on the Tower of Terror



Next up – Rock n Roller Coaster...



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[disneybarbie]

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We had some time before our dinner reservation, so we had a look in the shops at the Animation Courtyard,



And then sat with a drink on Sunset Boulevard – we face-timed DH's parents and got chatting to a man sat alone at the next table, he was waiting for his wife, daughter and son-in-law to ride Tower of Terror. He asked us what our accent was, English or Australian! He was really nice, something I love about trips to WDW now is the people watching and random conversations with other guests.

Soon it was time for dinner! We met up with my parents outside the Brown Derby, and were quickly seated.



I really love this restaurant, it is probably one that I have visited most at WDW over the years!



I had the cobb salad to start – I have the recipe for this and try to make it at home, but you can't beat the real thing!



For my entree I had the seafood cioppino – I find it really hard to choose what to eat here! It was excellent, DH had the duck – we all really enjoyed our food.

I had promised myself that I would get the grapefruit cake for dessert, but I just couldn't eat any more!

(Yup, still wearing that medal!)



After dinner, we slowly made our way out of the park – I love the lights in DHS at night






On the walk back to the Boardwalk, we got to see/hear the Fantasmic finale!





Back up the room – it was a lovely warm night



Then it was time for one of my least favourite activities.. packing the suitcases! Tomorrow we were spending the morning at WDW, then driving over to the gulf coast for a few days.

 

[elphie101]

Ah no, the last legacy Fastpass!! Booo

I loved your morning in Epcot and all your food looks delicious - yes, I zero in right on the food. Brown Derby looks delicious as well - I have to try that cobb salad!!

Boo to the ending of Disney time

 

[Leshaface]

I'm actually so sad that the paper FP's are gone. I'm hoping I have some saved somewhere from any of my past trips.

Oh my gosh, how cute! What a fun meet with Alice! Too bad there wasn't a PP photographer around to take pics of that interaction.

If it's any consolation, you had a way better accuracy score on TSM

Woah, a long island iced tea!? Strong.

I was going to ask you by the end of your update if you were still wearing the medal. Glad to see you were!

 

[annmarieda]

Yes it's funny how quickly I've got used to the idea of FP+ instead of paper passes now! I am so jealous you went to DLR! Was that for the race weekend?
It was great to 'meet' Alice.. I didn't quite know what to say when she asked us what we'd been up to... star struck


Emma x

Yep, went to DLR for the race weekend. It was awesome! i had never ran in DL before so it was a special treat. Very different than WDW.

It looks like you had a great day in DHS! I am glad to hear that your meal was good at BD. We ate there in January too but it was the worst meal I have ever had on property. My salad did not look like yours. Mine was more a plate of parsley...and I really didn't care for it. I did however have the grapefruit cake which was amazing!

Your view from your room at night is so cool!

 

[khertz]

All caught up again! Love that little random meet up with Alice.

 

[cindianne320]

What a wonderful trip you had! It is so odd that the paper fastpasses no longer exist! And what a cool meeting with Alice. I must try Brown Derby sometime- my mom talks about going there, but we haven't done it yet!

 

[disneybarbie]

Ah no, the last legacy Fastpass!! Booo

I loved your morning in Epcot and all your food looks delicious - yes, I zero in right on the food. Brown Derby looks delicious as well - I have to try that cobb salad!!

Boo to the ending of Disney time

I'm actually so sad that the paper FP's are gone. I'm hoping I have some saved somewhere from any of my past trips.

Oh my gosh, how cute! What a fun meet with Alice! Too bad there wasn't a PP photographer around to take pics of that interaction.

If it's any consolation, you had a way better accuracy score on TSM

Woah, a long island iced tea!? Strong.

I was going to ask you by the end of your update if you were still wearing the medal. Glad to see you were!

Yep, went to DLR for the race weekend. It was awesome! i had never ran in DL before so it was a special treat. Very different than WDW.

It looks like you had a great day in DHS! I am glad to hear that your meal was good at BD. We ate there in January too but it was the worst meal I have ever had on property. My salad did not look like yours. Mine was more a plate of parsley...and I really didn't care for it. I did however have the grapefruit cake which was amazing!

Your view from your room at night is so cool!

All caught up again! Love that little random meet up with Alice.

What a wonderful trip you had! It is so odd that the paper fastpasses no longer exist! And what a cool meeting with Alice. I must try Brown Derby sometime- my mom talks about going there, but we haven't done it yet!

Thank you all for the comments... and once again I am so sorry I have still not finished this TR... approaching one year since we went too!


Last day (and a bit!) of our time at WDW coming up ....

 

[disneybarbie]

Tuesday 14th January 2014

We woke up before 7am, my legs had recovered from the race on Saturday – so we went for a run! DH & I ran to DHS and back, then did a couple of laps of the lake – it was about 4 miles.

(iPod still on UK time and in metric!)


The weather looked ominous but cleared up quickly, and despite the clouds it didn't rain!



We packed our suitcases and took them down to my parents car – they were spending the morning at Epcot, but we wanted to spend a couple more hours in the Magic Kingdom.



Soon a bus appeared and we were on our way.








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Our FP+ reservations were Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain & Buzz Light Year – however while in the park I got an email from Disney saying that Buzz was temporarily closed, so we could use that FP at any other attraction. I thought this was a really good feature of FP+! Luckily though the ride had reopened by the time we got there.




We stopped for breakfast at the Starbucks Main Street Bakery and sat in our 'usual' seat, in front of the castle.



The Dapper Dans



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[disneybarbie]

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We rode Haunted Mansion, Pirates and saw Monsters Inc Laugh Floor too.






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After a wander through the Main Street Emporium, it was sadly time to say goodbye to the Magic Kingdom – as we left the store, the 'Move it' parade was going by... I honestly thought Mr Incredible and the genie were waving at me, but when I looked back at my photos, I realised it was to the little girl standing in front




We had arranged to meet my parents for lunch at... Sanaa! So we hopped on a bus to Animal Kingdom Lodge.



It was a private bus...




We were there a little early, so spent some time walking around Kidani – and got a drink in the bar next to the restaurant, this is a really nice lounge.



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[disneybarbie]

... Once my parents arrived we were seated at a great table right by the window.




We shared the bread sampler to begin, and I had the slow cooked prawn curry, durban chicken and rice for my entree. It was an excellent meal and we had a great server too.



Then, sadly, it really was time to leave WDW!





We spent three nights on the coast, Bradenton, which was wonderful – we love this part of Florida too.



Shopping!


I did a little running too


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[disneybarbie]

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Friday 17th January

As our flight home was from Orlando, it just made sense to visit somewhere before we went to the airport


Back again!



We spent a leisurely morning in World Showcase, it was a warm sunny day and pretty much perfect.



For lunch we tried the new Spice Road Table, it had only just soft-opened that week.



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[disneybarbie]

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We shared some appetiser items, then I had the 'tingis' sampler which was lamb sliders, harissa chicken roll and lamb sausage. The location is excellent and we really enjoyed the food, definitely hope to eat here again on upcoming trips! My Dad asked if they had mint tea (which he often gets from the Tangerine Cafe), it wasn't on the menu, but our server walked over to the cafe and got a cup of it, free of charge.



Towards the end of our meal, I noticed a familiar couple walking through the restaurant to their meet and greet area.... Aladdin and Jasmine! (I pretty much shouted their names out like a child when I saw them)

For dessert we stopped at the icecream shop in France – sitting on the wall there with my parents and husband in the warm sunshine is one of my favourite memories of our trip



We walked one more lap around the lagoon and then around the Boardwalk too.



Bit more shopping..







Then off to the airport!



We got upgraded when we checked in (I think because the plane was quite empty) which was a nice surprise and made the night flight much more comfortable.
Before going through security DH got a Krispy Kreme donut and I decided to have something I've not had in about 10 years... a Mcdonald's strawberry milkshake!


It was as sickly and delicious as I remembered.

Then it was time for the worst ride in Orlando... the monorail to the gates ....



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[disneybarbie]

...

And that was our trip! Thank you so much for reading, sorry again for how long it's taken me to write it. Running a half marathon was a big achievement for me and doing it in WDW made it a hundred times more special. I managed to raise over £700 (about $1000) for Make A Wish in sponsorship, friends & family were incredibly supportive in their donations and encouragement.
I really believe that anyone can take part in a running event, especially a runDisney one, so if you think you'd like to try one.. go for it! I definitely plan to do more Disney races in the future




Our next trip to WDW is quickly approaching, less than 5 months to go now! We're staying at the Boardwalk for a week, then sailing on the Fantasy to the Eastern Caribbean, and then one more night at WDW staying at the Beach Club Villas (a new DVC resort for us). As you can imagine we're very excited! We have a few ADRs booked (Tokyo Dining, Blue Zoo, Via Napoli, California Grill & the Sci Fi Dine Inn ), looking forward to experiencing the Flower & Garden Festival for the first time, and I'm hoping to book a backstage tour somewhere too.



Emma x

 

[Leshaface]

Love your dedication to running. I would have taken a break from running the half marathon and here you are, taking a quick 4 mile run a few days later. You're awesome!

You never know! Mr Incredible and the Genie could have totally been waving at you and that little girl just got in the way!

You got some shopping done too I see! I'm gonna say that your weakness is shoes?

Awesome of the waiter to get him some tea for free.

I don't think i've ever had a milkshake from Mcdonalds before. Had no idea that they even made them! I shouldn't be knowing this, I have a McDonalds about 5 mintues from my house

Oh I do hope you'll be doing a TR for your next trip!

Absolutely loved reading your TR. And again, Congratulations on your half marathon! Are you thinking the Marathon for 2016?

 

[Dugette]

Wow, how did I miss all those updates and the wrap-up?!

Sounds like a great trip - and the little beach interlude sounds nice too. I love that you left WDW...and then came back.

Thanks for the review of Spice Road Table. Haven't gotten there yet, but want to give it a try when we can.

Our next trips are shaping up to be very similar - we are planning to do WDW and a 4-night Disney Dream cruise in May. We are probably renting DVC points and staying at Boardwalk and Beach Club too (have most of it, but waiting for waitlists to see for sure what we end up with). Seeing your Boardwalk pictures is getting me excited, as we've never stayed there before! I'm also looking forward to F&G, as we haven't seen that either. We arrive just in time for the last few days of it.

Anyway, great report and I hope to hear about the next one!

 

[disneybarbie]

Love your dedication to running. I would have taken a break from running the half marathon and here you are, taking a quick 4 mile run a few days later. You're awesome!

You never know! Mr Incredible and the Genie could have totally been waving at you and that little girl just got in the way!

You got some shopping done too I see! I'm gonna say that your weakness is shoes?

Awesome of the waiter to get him some tea for free.

I don't think i've ever had a milkshake from Mcdonalds before. Had no idea that they even made them! I shouldn't be knowing this, I have a McDonalds about 5 mintues from my house

Oh I do hope you'll be doing a TR for your next trip!

Absolutely loved reading your TR. And again, Congratulations on your half marathon! Are you thinking the Marathon for 2016?

thanks for the comments Lesha
DH actually asked if I wanted to run on the Monday morning after the race.. and I had to say 'I think my legs needs a little more recovery time!'

Yes I always seem to buy shoes when we go to the USA! The prices are so much better

I would absolutely love to run the WDW full marathon.. I'm not sure when, but definitely something we'll consider in the future. DH & I are running another half marathon in February next year

I'm sure I'll do a TR for the next trip.. it's almost 100 days away now!

Emma x

Wow, how did I miss all those updates and the wrap-up?!

Sounds like a great trip - and the little beach interlude sounds nice too. I love that you left WDW...and then came back.

Thanks for the review of Spice Road Table. Haven't gotten there yet, but want to give it a try when we can.

Our next trips are shaping up to be very similar - we are planning to do WDW and a 4-night Disney Dream cruise in May. We are probably renting DVC points and staying at Boardwalk and Beach Club too (have most of it, but waiting for waitlists to see for sure what we end up with). Seeing your Boardwalk pictures is getting me excited, as we've never stayed there before! I'm also looking forward to F&G, as we haven't seen that either. We arrive just in time for the last few days of it.

Anyway, great report and I hope to hear about the next one!

thank you! Your trip plans for May sound perfect

We enjoyed Spice Road Table so much, I've read that it's changing to ADRs soon, not just walk up, but we do have a few nights without reservations in April so maybe we'll go there again



I'm planning our April trip now.. ADRs are made, I've bought our park tickets and paid half the cruise balance too!

We'd like to do a backstage tour while in WDW... but can't decide between Keys to the Kingdom in Magic Kingdom, or Undiscovered Future World in Epcot.
I've done KTTK before, but it was five years ago now and I'd love to do it again! But the Epcot one also looks really interesting .. backstage at Living Seas, Test Track, costuming and the Illuminations control center
Which one would you do?!

Happy Holidays everyone!

Emma x