How do a Princess & Pirates go from Wilderness Lodge to a Disney Cruise PTR

[lurkyloo]

I'm all caught up! (Thanks for the shout-out on my anniversary! )

So I'm dumb about the marathon - can someone pick your packet up for you? Or is it a thing where you have to be there in person? Or could you skip out on the last 30 minutes of the open house? ... We need a nail-biting smiley to go with the muwahahahahaahah smiley....

 

[2BoysMom]

I'm all caught up! (Thanks for the shout-out on my anniversary! )

So I'm dumb about the marathon - can someone pick your packet up for you? Or is it a thing where you have to be there in person? Or could you skip out on the last 30 minutes of the open house? ... We need a nail-biting smiley to go with the muwahahahahaahah smiley....

No, I don't think anyone else can pick it up for me. I've never done it before, but I'm guessing they might ask for an ID to verify my registration for the race. That's what I'm assuming anyway.

We definitely need a nail-biting smiley. I've e-mailed the school and asked how bad would it be if we left around 11 or 11:30. They said it should be OK, but I want to gauge the energy there when we go and see if it feels OK. I don't want the boys penalized, but I DO have to get to Orlando.

So, as it stands now, I will pack the car with everything ahead of time, get to the school right at 10, OK, prolly a smidge earlier and try to leave around 11. If we could pull that off, that would help ease my stress a bit.

I also don't relish the drive down. I will have to drive, b/c I drive faster than DH, and unfortunately, I am exactly the type to nag him for 4 hours straight if I don't feel he's driving fast enough. My favorite expression with him is "Hey, the gas pedal is on the Right." (God forgive me)

 

[2BoysMom]

I can only make a quick update, as I need to rush to the dentist for an appt.

I might now be bringing the dogs and having them stay at the Ft. Wilderness dog kennel. It's cheaper for them to stay there then for me to board them here. They supposedly have a kennel big enough for both dogs to stay together, and for $18/day/each includes 2 meals a day and 2 walks. B/c we are at WL, it would be easy for us to go and visit them and do a walk with them as well.

I've "booked" them a reservation... I'm trying to gather more info. to see if it's the right thing to do. We will be gone for a week... that's a long time away.

Here they are: Rhett and Grace.

I have a cat, too. Not sure how I'm going to handle him......

 

[TxRabbit]

Here they are: Rhett and Grace.

I have a cat, too. Not sure how I'm going to handle him......

Your dogs are beautiful!

This may sound bad, but we just leave our cats home whenever we leave on vacation. We always have. We have special cat food containers that we put out when we do. We also have large water containers normally, and we leave an extra one. My kittys are 9. They sleep most of the day. I think they are happier at home than boarded somewhere. Of course, they have each other for company, and your kitty would be alone...maybe you could get someone to just come by and check on your cat while you are gone?

 

[2BoysMom]

Yeah, that's probably what I'm going to do. He would be easier if he was a 100% indoor cat (which is what I usually have), but this rascal was born on the wrong side of the tracks, and insisted on being an indoor cat that has outdoor privileges....

I am also questioning boarding the dogs at WDW. I made a thread in the Camping section (have you ever been there, the folks are a riot ), and I got several bad reviews of the kennels at WDW, especially now that Disney has outsourced it to an outside company. One person even said her dog was covered in urine one day, and feces another I just couldn't risk that with long haired dogs in duplicate on a 4 hour drive back home...

So, I'm re-examining my options up here. I have someone who is a pet-sitter and came to my house to feed and walk the last time we went away, but when I came home there was an "accident" on my rug, which made me question how many times DID she come to the house...?? Thus, my hesitation in using her again..., but realistically, she could take care of all 3 of them at the same time.

Oh, well. I was trying to do something nifty and Disney related, but it might not work out afterall.

That's my update.

 

[carissanboys]

Your dogs are beautiful!

 

[Running Diva]

Donna, loved your PTR. Up until just now, I had no idea what that was! OK, I admit it, even though I had a season's pass to DL for YEARS, I am new to these boards and mostly clueless!

The boys are adorable, the princess party made me a little envious, and your DH is a much better sport than mine!

Tammy from CA

 

[2BoysMom]

Hi Tammy-

Thanks for popping by my PTR! My DH would be happy to hear that you think he is a good sport. I guess he is, in that he allows me to buy him Halloween costumes and then force him to wear them in public places.
But he couldn't tell a joke to save his life, and I have often had to say to him, "Ok Dave, this is the part where you smile now..."

Do you have alot of race experience? I don't. This will be my first Half. i only have two goals.... first to finish and second, not to get swept!

 

[TxRabbit]

Under two weeks!!

You're getting close to the single digit dance!!! You're probably busy like crazy trying to get all the details to fall into place. Just wanted to say hi!

 

[2BoysMom]

Thanks Rabbit, I'm nervous as heck.

I am also supposed to be working on a Powerpoint presentation right now, for a seminar that I am giving Monday night, and I just can't get my tukis in gear. I usually do my long mileage on the weekends, but I don't want to be too exhausted to work before Monday night. So, it will have to wait until Tuesday or Wednesday.

I'm excited, but nervous. I would be utterly heartbroken if my speed isn't good enough and I get swept.... you'll have to say a prayer for me as we get closer to March 8th.

OTHER THAN THAT... I am excited about the trip. A whole week at WL, I just can't believe it! I got my papers yesterday, too. We've never purchased a Disney "package" before, so it was my first example of Disney Mail! That was fun. And my boys saw it, and were exclaiming..."Mommy! We got mail from Mickey!!" What does he say?" It was very cute.

Believe it or not, I still go back and forth on the DDP.... you are probably shaking your head like this But I keep seeing these other threads with people exclaiming how GREAT the DDP is.... I'm probably still just doing the TIW card, but I have to admit, I keep going back and forth. OK, now it's my turn.

 

[kshattuck]

Just found your PTR and wanted to wish you luck! I just finished my first half-marathon in November and the training (for someone who'd never done one and who just had a baby in the spring) was a little brutal as I got closer to the big date.

Good luck! You can do it! What an awesome place to do the half. I am so envious!

Have fun -- BTW, your boys are darling. I loved their faces at the princess breakfast. And I totally understand what you mean by the kids "really believing." My DD's face was the best part of my whole vacation when we took her in June and October 2007. Can't wait to return and see how the baby does!

 

[Happydog]

I'm excited, but nervous. I would be utterly heartbroken if my speed isn't good enough and I get swept.... you'll have to say a prayer for me as we get closer to March 8th.

OTHER THAN THAT... I am excited about the trip. A whole week at WL, I just can't believe it! I got my papers yesterday, too. We've never purchased a Disney "package" before, so it was my first example of Disney Mail! That was fun. And my boys saw it, and were exclaiming..."Mommy! We got mail from Mickey!!" What does he say?" It was very cute.

Believe it or not, I still go back and forth on the DDP.... you are probably shaking your head like this But I keep seeing these other threads with people exclaiming how GREAT the DDP is.... I'm probably still just doing the TIW card, but I have to admit, I keep going back and forth. OK, now it's my turn.

HEY! Don't be heartbroken if your time isn't "just right" on race day. Do your best! Have a great time!
What a fun experience, what a great way to challenge yourself and do something good for you! Your family will be there! and your boys are going to have so much fun, too cute about the "mail from Mickey" The race is part of it, but not all of it. Looking forward to the final countdown! I am sure you will be successful -- sure sounds like you are already!

 

[2BoysMom]

HEY! Don't be heartbroken if your time isn't "just right" on race day. Do your best! Have a great time!

The race is part of it, but not all of it. Looking forward to the final countdown! I am sure you will be successful -- sure sounds like you are already!

Thanks, that's very sweet.

 

[2BoysMom]

This was my original schedule, before having to change to accommodate my DS's potential new school:

Fri, March 6th Arrive at Disney hopefully around 4 or 5.
Pick up Race Packet before 7pm at race EXPO - WWS Complex

Sat. March 7th 8am - 1900 Park Fare Restaurant at GF - character breakfast
Magic Kingdom Day
5pm POR - pasta dinner - DIS Meet

Sun. March 8th 6:30am - Princess Half Marathon! done by 10 am
Resort day so I can recuperate
5:10pm Whispering Canyon Cafe @ WL

Mon. March 9th 8:05am - Tusker House character breakfast @ AK
Early entry (!) Animal Kingdom Day

Tues. March 10th Open Day
7:40pm Chef Mickey's @ CR

Wed. March 11th Epcot Day
12:45 lunch at Le Cellier in Canada

Thurs. March 12th DHS Day - go to rope drop for Toy Story Ride
12:30 lunch at Sci Fi Dine In Theater
5:45pm Raglan Road date night with DH

Fri. March 13th Go Home Day
9:35am WCC for breakfast


Now some changes:

Sat. March 7th Arrive at WDW, after leaving new school at 11am, hopefully by 3-3:30, which is a necessity, b/c the Expo at WWS closes by 5pm, and I am supposed to have my first DIS meet at 5pm.
5pm POR - pasta dinner - DIS Meet

Sun. March 8th 6:30am - Princess Half Marathon! (AAaaagh!) done by 10 am
Resort day
5:10pm Whispering Canyon Cafe @ WL
I was going to make this a recovery day, and believe me, I'm sure most of it will be.... But I also found out it is a MK EMH to 1am (!) so I think we have GOT to make an appearance at MK. Our first day is always MK, and my original schedule had to get shuffled causing us to "lose" our MK day, but this saves it somewhat. I hope I will feel rested enough to do this, the boys will love to stay up late.

Mon. March 9th 8:05am - Tusker House character breakfast @ AK
Early entry (!) Animal Kingdom Day - This will now be challenging depending upon how late we stay up.

Tues. March 10th Open Day
A go with the flow, maybe putt-putt golf day, etc
7:40pm Chef Mickey's @ CR

Wed. March 11th Epcot Day
12:45 lunch at Le Cellier in Canada

Thurs. March 12th DHS Day - go to rope drop for Toy Story Ride
12:30 lunch at Sci Fi Dine In Theater
5:45pm Raglan Road date night with DH - I'm very excited about this. We don't get too many nights out alone, just DH and I. Can't wait.

Fri. March 13th Go Home Day - NOT ANYMORE! Yippee de do dah! I still have to figure out what to do here and....
9:35am WCC for breakfast

Sat. March 14th - The New Go Home Day :cry:
Need to figure out today, too.

At least this now helps support the idea that this is an actual PTR! Helps me to stay organized as well.

Feel free to make comments...

 

[picadilly33]

I saw your post in another thread, and just wanted to come wish you luck on your first half.

I've been running for about 7 years, and you do have to be really careful about your diet while training. A lot of people gain weight while training for long races. It gives you a big appetite.

 

[Happydog]

Now some changes:

Sat. March 7th Arrive at WDW, after leaving new school at 11am, hopefully by 3-3:30, which is a necessity, b/c the Expo at WWS closes by 5pm, and I am supposed to have my first DIS meet at 5pm.
5pm POR - pasta dinner - DIS Meet

Sun. March 8th 6:30am - Princess Half Marathon! (AAaaagh!) done by 10 am
Resort day
5:10pm Whispering Canyon Cafe @ WL
I was going to make this a recovery day, and believe me, I'm sure most of it will be.... But I also found out it is a MK EMH to 1am (!) so I think we have GOT to make an appearance at MK. Our first day is always MK, and my original schedule had to get shuffled causing us to "lose" our MK day, but this saves it somewhat. I hope I will feel rested enough to do this, the boys will love to stay up late.

Mon. March 9th 8:05am - Tusker House character breakfast @ AK
Early entry (!) Animal Kingdom Day - This will now be challenging depending upon how late we stay up.

Tues. March 10th Open Day
A go with the flow, maybe putt-putt golf day, etc
7:40pm Chef Mickey's @ CR

Wed. March 11th Epcot Day
12:45 lunch at Le Cellier in Canada

Thurs. March 12th DHS Day - go to rope drop for Toy Story Ride
12:30 lunch at Sci Fi Dine In Theater
5:45pm Raglan Road date night with DH - I'm very excited about this. We don't get too many nights out alone, just DH and I. Can't wait.

Fri. March 13th Go Home Day - NOT ANYMORE! Yippee de do dah! I still have to figure out what to do here and....
9:35am WCC for breakfast

Sat. March 14th - The New Go Home Day :cry:
Need to figure out today, too.

At least this now helps support the idea that this is an actual PTR! Helps me to stay organized as well.

Feel free to make comments...

You have a great plan! I think this all sounds wonderful. I am excited for you! What I like best is I count three days where you are not "committing" to anything specific -- that is wise move, I have been learning!, and it helps you plan for the what ifs between the race, etc. I see a great trip in your future and a great race! Your ADRs seem well planned out.

Are you all planned for packing etc? I am starting a shoe search next month. I hope you are packing a nice bottle of champagne or something festive to celebrate your accomplishments!

 

[2BoysMom]

I hope you are packing a nice bottle of champagne or something festive to celebrate your accomplishments!

Gosh, I didn't even think of that, duh! It's a great idea. And since we will have a balcony, it would be nice to sit on a balcony with a glass of wine after the boys go to bed. Thanks for that!

See, people help on these boards all the time. It's great!

 

[TxRabbit]

I was busy most all day yesterday, so I missed it for yesterday, but for today... YAAAAAAAAAYYY!!!

SINGLE DIGIT DANCE!!!!

I think your schedule looks good! There seems to be a bit of stress involved in getting to WDW and being on time, a busy morning with the open house, etc. I think you will be running on an adrenalin high until after the marathon. Then you might seriously crash. HARD.

But then I think the WCC dinner might totally perk you up and you just might head on over to MK for a bit. Who knows how long you last, getting into MK can have a serious boost to your energy levels.

The next morning might be rougher on you than on your boys. But I think that you'll be okay because it'll be so early in your vacation. And then you follow that up with a free day. It just all sounds like good planning to me.

Then you are nice and rested for a big walking day, which is what Epcot is to me. Then a more compact park, which is how I think of DHS. Then another free day...

I think you are going to have a fabulous vacation!! I'm so excited to hear about how it all goes.

You got the pets all figured out?
Have you started packing yet?

 

[Sandy321]

Donna I found your post and followed you here! Hope you dont get bored reading my pM to you - sorry I didnt see it right away!

Yes, true. But I also say I think I was Jewish in a past life. For instance, I make a great matzo ball soup!
No really, my grandparents always lived in Jewish neighborhoods and I grew up hearing Yiddish words. I didn't know they were Yiddish until I became an adult, I always thought they were Gaelic!

ha, ha. Sad, but true.

I think I was Jewish in a past life too!! I love to celebrate a Christian Seder! I make an amazing noodle kugel - seriously!! My Matzo ball soup is just ok!

Well, I did 7.5 miles today. Notice there are no dancing banana's this time. Did not go well. I guess I pushed myself harder than I was ready.

I got a large blood blister on the bottom of my left foot from new sneakers that I guess don't fit well and when I got home, I was "sick" twice. Not pleasant. And not good for marathon training morale....

I'm feeling a little disappointed in myself. Oh well...

Put away the negative - put out the PMA (ie Positive Mental Attitude) I mean - YOU are WOMAN!! Look at all you've accomplished, and are accomplishing - I didnt realize you were a mom of twins - and they are FOUR!! WOW!! You CAN do ANYTHING!! Perceive, Believe, Achieve (I'm sure you've heard this before!!)

Hi Tammy-

Thanks for popping by my PTR! My DH would be happy to hear that you think he is a good sport. I guess he is, in that he allows me to buy him Halloween costumes and then force him to wear them in public places.
But he couldn't tell a joke to save his life, and I have often had to say to him, "Ok Dave, this is the part where you smile now..."

Do you have alot of race experience? I don't. This will be my first Half. i only have two goals.... first to finish and second, not to get swept!

Beautiful goals!! On my first Half, we also ran thru the castle - and what I did, was I stopped for pictures - I took my camera, (as you saw in my TR ) and that slowed me down by 10 minutes - I kept thinking "I may never pass this way again - so I'm going to enjoy it" and you know what? NO regrets!! I will blame my lack of 10 milers (I only did one, and it was December - in Chicago - no WAY was I running in the cold and snow.... dumb I was!)

I forgot what else..

YOUR DOGS are GORGEOUS!! On the DISabilty board there was talk of a dog run at FW - but its hard to get to - and wasnt clear if it was for all dogs, or just those that stayed at FW - Do what your heart leads you!!

 

[Sandy321]

OH I remembered one thought - the Champagne!! IF you forget it, or you want another bottle, do buy a bottle of Rosa Regale at ITaly in EPCOT - its $19 and it smells like fresh strawberries, its red, and not heavily sweet, and not heavy bubblly or yeasty!!

I do think someone can pick up your packet - do call or post on the WISH event board for confirmation of that tho (you may have already) I googled and found this post:

H's packet for the Minnie this year and you'll need a copy of her drivers license, a signed note authorizing you to pick it up and the signed waiver which you can get by emailing Disney Endurance.

The day you finish your half - you'll want to sleep - take a nap, (getting up at 3 am will do that to you, not to mention the 13.1 miles) but do take a cold water bath on your calves - nap a bit then get out there and tour the park! It will be good for your muscles - and you MUST wear your medal!!

OH and another thing - DDP vs Tables in Wonderland 20% off - the difference for you is you have 2 kids - on the children's menu - what kind of eaters are they? Do realize that they've reconfigured the Mac and Cheese to where kids are not eating it - 1 place is still good, but I forget where that is - anyway - that makes a big diffference in to Dining Plan or not - I really think with your Marathon running if you pack some of those food items for breakfast - you can do better at TIW vs DDP - and we do DDP each time - I crunch numbers give them to dh, and he picks DDP (we dont qualify for the TIW card!!)

btw - I wonder if you've figured out how my post count is so high??? :