From China to Wine & Dine- A Nov 2013 'First' PTR (Trip Report Link)

[skier_pete]

Course if you are anywhere in the later half you may be waiting and I may be... 2 miles back!!

Well, see, looking at the map, (HERE) the race starts at ESPN WWoS and then turns the corner right outside of Carribean Beach, what looks like right near the start, I'm sure you'd make it THAT far! I'll walk out from the CBR property with my Mai Tai and a lawn chair and a giant "GO TINKER326!!" sign. I'll have to get your tracking chip # though so I know the right time to jump up and down, since I might not recognize you in the masses!

The best part is I would only need to stay up until 10:15 or so, then could head back and go to sleep.

 

[Tinker326]

Awesome!

Thanks.

Well, see, looking at the map, (HERE) the race starts at ESPN WWoS and then turns the corner right outside of Carribean Beach, what looks like right near the start, I'm sure you'd make it THAT far! I'll walk out from the CBR property with my Mai Tai and a lawn chair and a giant "GO TINKER326!!" sign. I'll have to get your tracking chip # though so I know the right time to jump up and down, since I might not recognize you in the masses!

The best part is I would only need to stay up until 10:15 or so, then could head back and go to sleep.

You know in the movies where spectators run next to people giving them drinks & throw water on them? Think you could run next to me and give me that Mai Tai or just throw it on me?

You will see me... I will be the

Yes, I am dressing up like a gigantic pink & purple striped cat. Mostly because I'm awesome like that. (read into that..ie..stupid... because I don't think I can run 13.1 with minimal running clothes let alone adding 'costume' to it) My running companions will be a Mad Hatter- she will be way in front of me & Alice- she is likely to be behind me.

If you get me that Mai Tai, I will sign your autograph book.

 

[skier_pete]

If you get me that Mai Tai, I will sign your autograph book.

No Mai Tais while you're runnin! You'll never make that 13.1 mark! (You'll thank me later.) And at Disney prices I certainly am not going to throw it at you.

 

[Tinker326]

This morning I purchased my airfare. I got a decent deal on the family's airfare (I was looking for lower than $300 RT and got $278). Mine was higher but I"m flying out on a Friday. (Vs. My Family who is flying out on a Tuesday) . I booked at the higher price just to assure I got a seat on the same airplane coming home. I paid $330 for mine. Higher than I wanted- but oh well. I also got the times I wanted -

This makes it more real!!!

It also opens up one more ADR time for Tuesday morning before we leave since our flight departs at 2:22. Which means- I'm adding Ohana Breakfast. This is my favorite breakfast but I cut it due to it taking time out of the parks. Now I can add it back in! A nice send off on our way back to cold dreary midwest!

Also, I need to add BBB to my ressie. I really want to get the castle location for my girls.

That's all the update I have. No pictures. Boring post. I know!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

For shame! No pictures!

Yay for airfare!!!!!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE Ohana breakfast! I have trouble fitting it in without cutting park time as well. Not sure if we'll get to it on our Feb. trip!

 

[Victoriasmom98]

NICOLE!!! No pictures?? You KNEW the "no-pictures-is-a-no-no-fairy" (aka Karen) was going to come along and mention that, didn't you??!! You must learn from my mistakes!!

Oh, isn't the feeling you get when you purchase the airfare a wonderful feeling?? I love it! It makes it all seem real! I am so glad you get to have O'Hana breakfast. That is one of our favorites!!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

 

[skier_pete]

Also, I need to add BBB to my ressie. I really want to get the castle location for my girls.

Selfishly,If you are doing BBB at MK I think you should book for around 1 PM on the 15th...since that's when OUR DD will be there!

I have to tell you, my DD said to me yesterday out of the blue: "I am so excited to go to Disney so I can meet your on-line friends!" I had to explain to her we won't be seeing THAT much of you guys!

 

[Tinker326]

NICOLE!!! No pictures?? You KNEW the "no-pictures-is-a-no-no-fairy" (aka Karen) was going to come along and mention that, didn't you??!! You must learn from my mistakes!!

Oh, isn't the feeling you get when you purchase the airfare a wonderful feeling?? I love it! It makes it all seem real! I am so glad you get to have O'Hana breakfast. That is one of our favorites!!

Allright, allright...


I went through my phone & here are the best 'Disney' Pics I could come up with at work.

Stitch back in Feb at an animal rescue convention. Holding her favorite- snakes!!! I put it in here because of her coat. It's Minnie, of course!



Minnie back in September, only a month home, at her first trip to the Disney store. She ran to these guys......we, of course, had to buy her one. Duh.



Aww..

And this one, just because it makes me laugh. She HATED ice-cream when we first got her - sensory issue with the cold & having never felt it before. This was her first 'real' ice-cream she ate. She licked it till she pushed it sideways and it fell to the ground. And look at that rockin' hair- cuz that's how we roll.......



Okay, will that do?

Selfishly,If you are doing BBB at MK I think you should book for around 1 PM on the 15th...since that's when OUR DD will be there!

I have to tell you, my DD said to me yesterday out of the blue: "I am so excited to go to Disney so I can meet your on-line friends!" I had to explain to her we won't be seeing THAT much of you guys!

I almost thought of that and then said.. man, they'll think we're stalking them. I almost also threw in your trip report to join us in line for BOG that day for lunch too.. Hahahahaha!!!!

I hope we like each other. We really need to get the DD's set up to start talking.

 

[skier_pete]

I almost thought of that and then said.. man, they'll think we're stalking them. I almost also threw in your trip report to join us in line for BOG that day for lunch too.. Hahahahaha!!!!

I hope we like each other. We really need to get the DD's set up to start talking.

The only reason I didn't suggest BOG on Friday myself is it will be hard enough to get into with a party of 6 or a party of 3 - I would think a party of 9 would be near-on impossible! There can't be THAT many tables of that size!

I haven't met someone from the DIS in real life that I haven't gotten along really well with - us DISers all have a few things in common - love of Disney and some OCD issues - so I suspect we'll get along fine.

I'm more afraid that DD will like hanging out with your kids so much on Thursday that she will want to follow them around all day Friday! So, we'll be stalking you! I am trying to remain flexible on what to do at MK on Friday in case DD really loves hanging with your kids - being as it is your little ones FIRST trip to MK, I do NOT want to impose and only will hang out IF your family is up to it.

In fact, I'll promise we will NOT impose on your vacation anymore than you like. If you don't like the idea at ANY point, feel free to tell us to "Buzz Off!". In fact, we should just agree: if either family wants to part ways at any point - no harm, no foul, no pressure, no offense taken.

Pete

(P.S>DD also loves snakes and has a that same Minnie sweater!)

 

[Tinker326]

The only reason I didn't suggest BOG on Friday myself is it will be hard enough to get into with a party of 6 or a party of 3 - I would think a party of 9 would be near-on impossible! There can't be THAT many tables of that size!

I haven't met someone from the DIS in real life that I haven't gotten along really well with - us DISers all have a few things in common - love of Disney and some OCD issues - so I suspect we'll get along fine.

I'm more afraid that DD will like hanging out with your kids so much on Thursday that she will want to follow them around all day Friday! So, we'll be stalking you! I am trying to remain flexible on what to do at MK on Friday in case DD really loves hanging with your kids - being as it is your little ones FIRST trip to MK, I do NOT want to impose and only will hang out IF your family is up to it.

In fact, I'll promise we will NOT impose on your vacation anymore than you like. If you don't like the idea at ANY point, feel free to tell us to "Buzz Off!". In fact, we should just agree: if either family wants to part ways at any point - no harm, no foul, no pressure, no offense taken.

Pete

(P.S>DD also loves snakes and has a that same Minnie sweater!)

From what I've read, it's just the que that's long at lunch- there is plenty of tables inside once you get in. That's what I'm hoping for. If you come in, you'll see me. I'll be the one sitting at the table with the four desserts and no lunch.

And there is no imposition at all being felt. I think it will be fun to meet up and share Dis obsessions! Kids will have someone to hang with that's not related to them.... The two girls can wear their matching Minnie jackets because they are awesome! (jackets AND girls). Plus if we can find places to let them self-entertain, then we can sit down and relax!

I think that when you get back from awesome ABD- we can have them exchange emails and start corresponding that way and then move on over to skype. Sound good?

 

[glaserjm]

Hey there! I'm following along...love your PTR report so far. Isn't it fun writing one? I decided I needed something to fill that twiddle-your-thumbs-time after you've decided to go and made plans but before you actually get there, so I recently started my first PTR as well.

Awesome on training for the 1/2 we will be there the week beforey you and DH and I will be doing the Jingle Jungle 5k...my goal is to do the half at some point but I have no time to train this summer so my goal now is to just get my first RunDisney event in!

I also have to say how amazing it is that you adopted your daughter from China and how hard you are working on the transitions. I am an attorney who does a lot of adoption work and attachment disorders are so heartbreaking. It's wonderful to see people like you who are willing to give these children a chance at a real childhood, which every kid deserves.

Your trip sounds great so far! Keep up to good training work. Oh and I saw the Go Cubs and even though I was not the Cardinal fan you were referring to in your post...I definitely have you call you out and say, "Go Cards!"

 

[Tinker326]

Hey there! I'm following along...love your PTR report so far. Isn't it fun writing one? I decided I needed something to fill that twiddle-your-thumbs-time after you've decided to go and made plans but before you actually get there, so I recently started my first PTR as well.

Awesome on training for the 1/2 we will be there the week beforey you and DH and I will be doing the Jingle Jungle 5k...my goal is to do the half at some point but I have no time to train this summer so my goal now is to just get my first RunDisney event in!

I also have to say how amazing it is that you adopted your daughter from China and how hard you are working on the transitions. I am an attorney who does a lot of adoption work and attachment disorders are so heartbreaking. It's wonderful to see people like you who are willing to give these children a chance at a real childhood, which every kid deserves.

Your trip sounds great so far! Keep up to good training work. Oh and I saw the Go Cubs and even though I was not the Cardinal fan you were referring to in your post...I definitely have you call you out and say, "Go Cards!"

Hi!!! Welcome fellow runner & November Disser!!! (and I guess St. Louiser- blech.. Cards...although feel free to turn it around in August/September when we are long gone from any chance of anything & Cards are first again!!)

My sister-in-law who is running with me is also from St. Louis area and is doing both the Jingle & the 1/2 (she's a far more seasoned runner than me!)

Yhea, it is heartbreaking when I look at my smiling bubbly girl & think how she was just a number in a large orphanage for so many years of her life. She's my hero... that she can smile & laugh after all she's been through.... any/all problems I could ever face will pale in comparision.

I'm gonna pop on over to your trip report and follow along!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Wait...Nicole, how did I not know you were from St. Louis?? Born and raised I n stl but moved out to St. James 10 years ago. Did I already tell you this? My mom and sister still live in stl.

 

[Tinker326]

Wait...Nicole, how did I not know you were from St. Louis?? Born and raised I n stl but moved out to St. James 10 years ago. Did I already tell you this? My mom and sister still live in stl.

I think I worded that poorly. I am not from St. Louis. I was making a reference to Jayne being from St. Louis (and therefore a Cards fan & our arch enemy!). I am from Chicago. My sister-in-law lives in the St. Louis area. (on the IL side/Alton area). I'm in St. Louis occasionaly if that counts...visiting.

 

[glaserjm]

Hi!!! Welcome fellow runner & November Disser!!! (and I guess St. Louiser- blech.. Cards...although feel free to turn it around in August/September when we are long gone from any chance of anything & Cards are first again!!)

My sister-in-law who is running with me is also from St. Louis area and is doing both the Jingle & the 1/2 (she's a far more seasoned runner than me!)

Yhea, it is heartbreaking when I look at my smiling bubbly girl & think how she was just a number in a large orphanage for so many years of her life. She's my hero... that she can smile & laugh after all she's been through.... any/all problems I could ever face will pale in comparision.

I'm gonna pop on over to your trip report and follow along!

Thanks fot reading my PTR!

For such a storied "rivalry" people from Chicago and STL seem to generally get along well. I come to Wrigley every year for Cards/Cubs and always have a great time. We are headed up there for the 4th of July this year to visit my BIL. I love Chicago.

Are you doing either Jeff Galloway or Hal Higdon's half marathon training programs? I've done Hal's and have heard good things about Jeff's as well.

Happy running!! Its about to be new shoe time for me, which means the best part of training... the shopping!!

 

[Tinker326]

Thanks fot reading my PTR!

For such a storied "rivalry" people from Chicago and STL seem to generally get along well. I come to Wrigley every year for Cards/Cubs and always have a great time. We are headed up there for the 4th of July this year to visit my BIL. I love Chicago.

Are you doing either Jeff Galloway or Hal Higdon's half marathon training programs? I've done Hal's and have heard good things about Jeff's as well.

Happy running!! Its about to be new shoe time for me, which means the best part of training... the shopping!!

My sister in law gives me endless grief about the Cubbies.. so I make sure that I am always wearing my Cubby shirt when I see her. Since I can't really rub those Cubs in her face with their track record!!! But I still say a game at Wrigley beats a game a Busch anyday!!!

I am not doing either of those although I may pick up the Jeff Galloway as I move into higher mileage. Right now I'm doing the Self Magazine 1/2 plan which has cross training mixed in with runs. But I'm still unsure of my ability to do a run with super high mileage so I may need to switch over to a walk/run type. I'll have to play it by ear. When I did 6 miles last week, I really felt like that was my dead max (like I couldn't go further if I tried). I am going to *attempt* to do 7 miles this weekend. Please put particular emphasis on the word *attempt*.

New running clothes are so much fun!!! I swear I hit my 6 mile personal best because I ran for the first time in new shirt and shorts!!!

 

[glaserjm]

My sister in law gives me endless grief about the Cubbies.. so I make sure that I am always wearing my Cubby shirt when I see her. Since I can't really rub those Cubs in her face with their track record!!! But I still say a game at Wrigley beats a game a Busch anyday!!!

I am not doing either of those although I may pick up the Jeff Galloway as I move into higher mileage. Right now I'm doing the Self Magazine 1/2 plan which has cross training mixed in with runs. But I'm still unsure of my ability to do a run with super high mileage so I may need to switch over to a walk/run type. I'll have to play it by ear. When I did 6 miles last week, I really felt like that was my dead max (like I couldn't go further if I tried). I am going to *attempt* to do 7 miles this weekend. Please put particular emphasis on the word *attempt*.

New running clothes are so much fun!!! I swear I hit my 6 mile personal best because I ran for the first time in new shirt and shorts!!!

Cross training really does help SO much! When I was doing a solely running focused plan, I burned out really easily...once I actually cut down on the running (only twice per week at this point...which will have to be upped a bit when I'm training for a longer race) and really upped the cross training (spinning and circuit training classes) I found that I could seriously run so much farther and faster too! I think you're being smart doing that type of plan.

6 miles seems like a pretty typical wall, I know I hit it and several of my friends who have done long races have hit it also...I think you have enough time where you can stick at 6 for a few weeks until you become comfortable and then increase your mileage from there.

Good luck on this weekend's run!

 

[OrangeJuice]

Gotta love booking airfaire. I wish we could get comparable prices here in Canada. I'm always tempted to drive to Maine for better prices.

I've never tried ohana breakfast, what are the going options there?

 

[Tinker326]

Gotta love booking airfaire. I wish we could get comparable prices here in Canada. I'm always tempted to drive to Maine for better prices.

I've never tried ohana breakfast, what are the going options there?

Ohana's is cheap for a character breakfast so that's the biggest 'going option'.

Also, I they have a great bread (not sure what it is..pineapple maybe?), a great juice (like a passion fruit) & then they bring skillets to your table of eggs, hash browns, bacon, sausage... they also have coconut races and a parade- so fun all around. Plus, I love being at the Poly- it's my favorite resort. All that combined make it my favorite!!