I woke up Saturday surprisingly calm about the half marathon I'd be running later that night. After all the emotions and stress I had been feeling in the weeks leading up to this trip, I was feeling amazingly zen on race day.
I was not worried, scared, or stressed over the race at all. At this point my feeling was que sera sera. I couldn't do anything else at this point to prepare myself for the race. Either I would suceed or I'd be picked up because I couldn't keep up the pace. I'd do my best and see what happens. Oddly enough I was feeling really good.
The race didn't start until 10 pm, and buses to the WWoS complex didn't start until about 7pm so we had an entire day to do as we liked. Our plan was to hit the Magic Kingdom, leisurely, before heading over to MGM for lunch. Race or not that day, we were up and heading over to the Grand Floridian Café for a 7:30 am breakfast ADR.
This was my first time eating at the GF Café, and it ended up being a great choice. I would have loved to have Tonga Toast at the Poly, but figured that it wouldn't have been the best choice race day. The GF Café, made for a much more leisurely, quiet breakfast. I'd highly recommend it. My BFF and I both had the same thing.
Mega-Berry Smoothies (Yum!)
And maple-vanilla french toast made with challah bread. Also utterly delicous! Both of us really liked this.
Tummies well filled, and with time to spare we took the boat over to the Magic Kingdom. I love all the fall decorations. I really missed them last year when I was there at Christmas time.
The crowds were light, and for the first time I got to meet the mayor of Main Street. Such occasions just call out for a photo oppourtunity.
We stopped to play and have our pictures taken in front of the castle and for a few special Tink shots.
And for another few pictures over by the garden.
After that we just wandered. I decided at the last minute that I wasn't going to go into this trip with any real kind of touring plan in mind. I wasn't feeling up to it, and wanted to just experience the days as they happened. It was wonderful! Now I wouldn't advocate doing this at a busier time of year, during the fall when crowds are light you can't beat it.
I did have to make sure that I had my picture taken with my main duck when I saw him out in his frontier gear.
And I took a few pictures of the Fantasyland construction. It just seemed weird seeing all those walls up around the MK.
Even without rushing we managed to get through all the attractions in Fantasyland, Pirates, BTMR, the Haunted Mansion, the Tiki Birds and SM. We had to make a stop on one of my favorite rides before heading out of the park.
I loved having the first car! I was such a geek taking video. I don't know why I love the Wedway Peoplemover so much.
We still had plenty of time before our ADR so we chose to take the monorail to Epcot and then cut through and take the boat to the studios. There was no line so we snuck a ride in on Space ship earth on the way.
On our way into MGM, I thought of CP and stopped for a pic with Chelsea's main man. (Have to make sure he's keeping in line when she's not there).
Still early for a 1pm ADR we stopped to ride the Great Movie Ride before lunch, and lucked out with the cowboy scene. We had to ask for it, but they had both running. I was surprised, as the crowds didn't seem to bad. Then again, we had missed the Toy Story Mania nonsense that morning.
Our lunch ADR was at the Sci Fi Dine In. I had been wanting to try this place for awhile now, and was determined to squeeze it in this trip. It might not have been the best choice before the race, but I didn't particularly care. I would have loved to take some pictures of the restaurant, but all mine came out lousy in the dim lighting. We got the back seat of a car, and managed to watch an entire pass of the film clips while we ate. They started repeating as we were paying the bill. I love the ambiance, and the goofy old film clips, but I have to say this was one of the quietest meals of our entire trip. It was a bit odd. I guess it was because of the seating. Everyone is sitting two by two focused on the screen. There is practically no talking at all. Still fun, but a bit weird.
I had the italian grilled chicken sandwich which had brushetta topping on it. I was good and had the cucumber-melon salad with it instead of fries, along with a diet cherry coke (the real kind). I really liked my sandwich. It was pretty tasty, and the salad was delicous. I ended up being glad I didn't go with the fries.
My friend had the beef and blue salad. She wasn't really thrilled with hers. She was expecting something more salad like. Instead it was a big old hunk of iceberg lettuce with the steak on the side. She said it wasn't horrible, just weird. She wouldn't have ordered it again.
After our meal we headed back to the room for a nap and some rest before the race. In just a few hours it would be marathon time!
So sorry you had to go through that during an otherwise nice dinner and fabulous fireworks! I would have been the SAME exact way though... when something like that happens, I have a one track mind until the issue is resolved. SO happy you got it back without any delay! 
Good looking guys... they seem to have that effect on us sometimes, huh?! 
I would have been so worried too.
I ended up with some really cute ones that I'm excited to show you in my TR. Not sure they're as cute as you lead me to believe that French hottie was though. Yes, I noticed that too, there were a lot of them behind window, or in back, out of the way places. 
for you about making a choice that makes you happy.
I felt like everything was coming to a breaking point, and a complete breakdown was seconds away. My nieces usually help me feel better, but I had times this holiday watching them play with my brother and SIL, and was just wondering if they knew how lucky they were. The sadness was there, but it stayed away for the most part Christmas day. The girls just don't allow sadness. 
