Maybe, Kinda Sorta, I Don't Know If I AM Going to Run in February

[annmarieda]

Congrats on the run! That's so awesome.

Thank you. It amazes me that I am able to do it. I mean wasn't that long ago I couldn't run around the block..let alone a mile... LET ALONE 8

Went back and got caught up. We have eaten at Maya, GFC and Wave. I think you will like them all although the service at GFC has been craptastic the last couple times we've been there.

We had the best service ever at Maya and were very happy with the food.

Wave food was awesome and we're going back this trip!

Kouzzina is my #2 breakfast place next to Kona.

Can't wait to hear more.

I wonder about the GFC. It was on my list because well... a. have not eaten there before and b. needed to find a place to eat that wasn't in the parks.

I look forward to trying the Wave. We had to cancel the last time we had an ADR there, so I really hope to make it.

And... Kouzzina was my favorite meal last trip. I can't wait to go there WITH someone. (I ate solo last time maybe that was why it was my favorite me )

This scares me for you running...too many times I have read in the newspaper or seen on the news people hurt or killed running/biking...

I try to be very aware. I also only go that route when I have to get in a long run - so only once a week.

I'm glad your running is going well. Your timing sounds great.

Like Tammie said, please be careful on that road. My friend's husband bike rides long distance and he HAS been hit twice and taken down by a dog once.

Between you and Tammie and Steve... I am a bit more nervous than I was before. Still... the benefit to running out there outweighs the risk. I will have to just be extra mindful.

Congrats on your run! You're doing an awesome job!

Please be careful on those roads!

Thanks! I am really starting to get there. I will be careful! I promise

 

[annmarieda]

Well, I had kinda given up hope of finding a good deal. Airfare prices have been down right depressing this time. Yet I still had to find something, right?

I have been super busy this week with work. So I haven't been on the computer much. Since I actually was home before 9pm tonight I thought I would take a glance at my emails. And what did I find?

I found a promo code for 35% off on southwest!!!

After seeing that it was ONLY good today. My first thought though was "But wait, will the dates work?"

Low and behold two of the very few eligiable travel dates were my departure and return dates!!!

So ladies and gentlemen...

We Have AIRFARE

Was it as cheap as I have got in the past? No.

Was it pretty darn close? Yes.

Weird thing though... I had to book one of us and then the other two. my fair was $13 less than Steve's and Zoe's. Kinda a pain to enter in card info twice, but for $13... not the end of the world. PLUS... the rate was even higher per fare when entering a total of 3. That is one thing I think is odd about SW.

Now to add that to our package for DME and we will be just about set

Next Up: 2/20 - Day 1

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

Yay for booking air. :-D That is the stressful part for me.

 

[momabaarjo]

WAHOO the airfare diva did it!

 

[lovethattink]

Congrats on booking airfare! I would have never in a million years thought to check the price of spliting up. Who would have thought it's cheaper for 2 to fly than 3?

 

[annmarieda]

Yay for booking air. :-D That is the stressful part for me.

It is stressful. It seems to be such a gamble. Also the trip doesn't seem real until airfare is booked. KWIM?

WAHOO the airfare diva did it!

Well, it was still a bit more than I had hoped for. At one time in my hunt though it was nearly $600 pp rt. So I definitely don't feel too bad with paying not a whole lot more than that for the three of us. I am just thankful I caught that email when I did since it expired at the end of the day. I do wonder though...what if I had seen it earlier in the day..maybe I could have got all of our fares for $13 less and thus saved a whopping $26 more. Hey... I know it is only $26 but that could by me an extra goodie or two.

Congrats on booking airfare! I would have never in a million years thought to check the price of spliting up. Who would have thought it's cheaper for 2 to fly than 3?

As a matter of course, I always check one adult fare when I search. Then I can see when it is more to add the extra passengers. Southwest can be the worst about it I swear! 3 total passengers was more pp than 2 total. and 2 was more pp than just one. So to save a bit more I booked the 1 and then the 2 (in case there was only one seat left at that price) I did then check to see if I needed to split the remaining two up but those two together were the same as booking individually. So when you see on a website "one fare left at this price" they are not kidding some times.

 

[KatMark]

I'm a little behind...again.

Congrats on the run (I really wish I could motivate myself to do that; I am determined to walk every night once the weather warms up).

And for getting your airfare. I was so excited to book mine last night for my girls trip in June.

 

[amandaw]

Congrats on getting your airfare!!

Airfare seems to be ridiculous so far this years. I booked our airfare for our June cruise on the days when our flying dates were released by Southwest. This was in October and November. Since then, the total price for our flights has gone up about $550 total!! So glad I booked when I did. I really think we'll be driving to WDW in December.

 

[annmarieda]

I'm a little behind...again.

I think being behind is a constant for me now...so I totally understand.

on the run (I really wish I could motivate myself to do that; I am determined to walk every night once the weather warms up).

Thanks so much. I think determination is half the battle on getting active. I know if it were not for my own determination, I would get out and run half as much as I do.

And for getting your airfare. I was so excited to book mine last night for my girls trip in June.

getting airfare out of the way is a huge relief!

Congrats on getting your airfare!!

Airfare seems to be ridiculous so far this years. I booked our airfare for our June cruise on the days when our flying dates were released by Southwest. This was in October and November. Since then, the total price for our flights has gone up about $550 total!! So glad I booked when I did. I really think we'll be driving to WDW in December.

I can not believe how much I ended up being "happy" paying. It is ridiculous this year for sure!!! If I could drive... I might just do that.

 

[annmarieda]

Today was my long run day again. I managed just a hair farther than last week in less time. Still feel like it kicked my but though. I really wasn't feeling well and didn't want to go out. Cold and rainy... I just didn't see the point.

I guess I have been in a bit of a running funk. I mean... dont get me wrong. they are going well enough and I am excited to do the phm, but I think I am kinda sad that I will be doing it alone. In any case, I plug along cause I am determined to finish the training program. (which at this point has me running 4 days a week: one long 90+, one 45 minute + and two 30 minutes)

Today's was 8.54 miles in 90 minutes. I am starting to really think I won't get swept since I am likely not to be in the last coral and also even if I add 2 minutes per mile to stop for characters, I should have a few minutes of buffer given my current long run pace.

Today's run was fairly uneventful. I have mentioned though that I occasionally see wildlife and sometimes that can include elk. Well today I spooked some. They are HUGE. I am not sure if they were away from the main heard and that is why I made them upset but there was only about 5 or so of them. They were in a pasture with some horses near the fence. (and the fence of course was near where I was running) I didn't notice them at first. Then they spooked and started jumping the fence and running back and forth across the road. A couple of them darted over the fence a couple times. They obviously didn't know which way they wanted to go. Meanwhile I was all putting my hand out in the "stop" motion and saying "no" (as if they would understand of listen. ) They were only about 20 feet or so from me and I wasn't sure what they were going to do since they were darting back and forth in front of me. Finally they all made it to the one side and took off running...but circled back. The road had a bend to it... think upside down J.(only the bottom went to the right not left) I was running in the toward the bottom hook. They crossed and circled around so that they were then facing me at the curve. They almost looked liked they were getting ready to charge me. Luckily though, all they did was watch me at that point. Strange animals. Then I saw a blue heron. (I think that is what they are) Very large bird that stands maybe 4 feet tall? He just watched me. Other than that... normal dogs and cars...and lots of rain.

 

[lovethattink]

You are like a mailman, running in all weather. I guess you are not an elk whisperer, lol. Sounds like a full of nature run. Very cool to see a blue heron. Aren't they endangered?

You are inspirational. Way to go on keeping on track. And now I learned something new about the race. There are characters along the way? That is cool. You stop to meet them, but have to keep track of time so you don't get swept? Sounds stressful.

 

[amandaw]

I think you're going to do great in the race and definitely won't get swept!

The story about the elk and you holding out your hands and saying "no" literally had me ! That's just funny! I am glad they just gave you an elk stare down and didn't charge!

 

[annmarieda]

You are like a mailman, running in all weather.

I spose. Course, I think I stay a whole lot warmer than the mailmen that walk around. I am down right toasty by the time I get back...even when i am very wet from rain or snow.

I guess you are not an elk whisperer, lol. Sounds like a full of nature run. Very cool to see a blue heron. Aren't they endangered?

I don't know that they are... and... what I saw may or may not have been a great blue heron...but some kind of heron. In any case they are big. We do have several nesting pairs of bald eagles near by (like it would literally take me a few minutes to run to one nest) We all know their story... but it is amazing to me how prolific they seem to be now where as when I was a kid I never saw a one.

are inspirational. Way to go on keeping on track.

Thanks.. I am determined. Even today went out when I was pretty sick all day. I have not felt this poorly since I began running...mostly because there are several things going on..not just one thing. I debated not going out..but I was scheduled to go today. I figured my stomach would hold for 30 minutes. right? Well... I made it 28 minutes and thankfully was passing my house at that point so I could end my route. Have you seen the movie bridesmaids? Well... the "its happening" yeah....

And now I learned something new about the race. There are characters along the way? That is cool. You stop to meet them, but have to keep track of time so you don't get swept? Sounds stressful.

Yep, characters and other entertainment. Many of the characters you are never able to see and get pictures with outside of the rundisney events. Some...quite common while others not so much. I do think you are right though...it is a bit stressful to think that if you stop to see one and the line is too long it could cause you to be removed from the course. Doesn't seem fair, now does it? Now... I imagine since the phm has twice the participants that ToT did that this could be different (and I have seen some blogs showing super long lines at the phm) however there was barely a line for any character at the ToT. Maybe it was because I was so far behind in the pack...or maybe it was because there really wasn't that many characters at that race. i don't know

I think you're going to do great in the race and definitely won't get swept!

Thank you! I hope you are right!!!

story about the elk and you holding out your hands and saying "no" literally had me ! That's just funny! I am glad they just gave you an elk stare down and didn't charge!

I imagine I looked pretty ridiculous. Course... those elk looked pretty silly too...jumpin over the fence then running cross the road and then back to the other side to jump BACK over the fence...only to do it all over again. Yep, they were definitely freaked and that is what makes me fear them more than the traffic. I know that people drink at all times of the day...but I think I have a greater chance of getting run down by a scared panicked bull elk than I do a drunk driver. Plus the cars are somewhat predictable. I am not bound to have one of them spring from the bush and decide to cross the road. Typically, I would only expect to see a car on the pavement...and thus I can be cautious while on the pavement.

 

[annmarieda]

As this trip is very quickly approaching I thought maybe I should lay out some plans.

So let talk travel day. Steve really did not like the idea of an early flight. I really didn't like the idea of a late arrival. Who one out?

So we have a 6am flight out. Even for me, that is early. It will mean we have to be there at 4am. It will mean we will have to leave here by 3am. It will mean I may Should I even go to bed that night?

I am not sure how we will get to the airport though. It would seem that two of my children are in the planning stages of a road trip to DLR. When? Well the week we are going to WDW. It is possible though that Zach will not go or that they end up going the week after we get back. They are still working out details so I won't know for a while who is taking us to the airport or IF someone is taking us to the airport. What this also affects is Alex who (if you all remember) was not in my travel party for this trip. If his two older siblings end up being away while we are gone, I may have to ship him off to his gparents. Then again... he is nearly 17 1/2. Maybe he can stay alone.

If it does come down to no one being available to take us to the airport then we will likely get a hotel that allows us to park and we will use their shuttle.

Regardless of how we get to the airport, once we arrive and we get through security I will be headed to the gate agent to get Zoe her preboard status. I am hoping this will work out ok. There are three of us and only I will be allowed to board with Zoe. You think I can fend off anyone wanting that seat next to us till Steve can get to us? I hope so.

I am hoping to get a bit of sleep on the plane. Since it is early, I am sure that Zoe will as well. I would HOPE that Steve will, but he never sleeps on planes. At some point during the flight (either this leg or the next) I will most likely have to get something done for work. If all goes well with Steve's job he will as well.

So once our plane leaves we will have one stop. That stop is in St. Louis. I believe that is where the girls and I stopped when we were on our way to WDW in the fall. There should be sufficient dinning options so that we will be able to get our lunch while on our layover. We only have an hour though, so it will definitely be a grab and go sort of lunch.

Our flight from St. Louis will get us into Orlando around 4pm. I don't think I have EVER arrived so early in the evening! We definitely can use DME to get our bags.

We will head straight for DME and hopefully won't have long to wait until we are on our way to CSR.

I am sure our room will be ready for us when we get there. I have thought about booking the new "club light" category there. So far it has not been available for all of our dates. I am also not sure if it is a necessary expense. However, for $25 extra a night I may just go for it should it become available. I did put in a room request. Nothing to specific, just the section we would like.

We have no real plans for the evening. (as will be a theme for us much of the trip) We will want some dinner. If we are not too tired we will head to DTD. If we are too tired we will just do in room dinning. And... if we have switched to club level we may just get some nibblings and call it a night.

I hope to not have to call on our luggage. (I usually end up calling cause they attempt to hold it till morning) As soon as the luggage arrives I can unpack. :yes:: I am one of those "can't live out of the suitcase" people)

I think even though it will not seem "late to us" we will want to go to bed early so we can get up early enough the next day. It will be one of our only park days and Steve has promised me a rope drop!!

Next Up: 2/21 - Day 2

 

[lilpixiebabe101]

There is no way that Ann would ever hand it over to a TA to take care of...she is way too OCD when it comes to planning....like some other people I know...

Hey we aren't that OCD.....

Wait, which one am I? probably not one of the 3 recovering. And... are we at 6? 7? 8? I can't keep track...

I would assume its the 3 of us that have an on going group text messaging session!

You are one of the 3 OCD ones...Amy, Heather, and Ashley G said they are along for the ride...that leaves Ashley, you and me as OCD... I think we are at 6, unless Susan joins in!

Ashley G is not just along for the ride ..... lol

WAHOO the airfare diva did it!

She always does it!




Ann your plans sound great. I know this trip has been a little hectic in the take off for you, but it seems like its really coming together!

 

[dizneeat]

Yikes, your travel day sounds as long as ours (even though you will only loose 3 hours ) And you have a stopover too!

We are used to 6am flights out, but we only live about 20 - 30 minutes from the airport and it is TINY, so if we arrive 45 minutes before take off, we are more than on time.

Hm, I wonder what you will be doing on the 21st? It's like I have a vision in my head.

 

[annmarieda]

Ann your plans sound great. I know this trip has been a little hectic in the take off for you, but it seems like its really coming together!

Thanks. I think it is. I hope it goes well... I admit having only two days scheduled to do parks has me a bit uneasy. Then again... I do have other plans for those other days.

Yikes, your travel day sounds as long as ours (even though you will only loose 3 hours ) And you have a stopover too!

We are used to 6am flights out, but we only live about 20 - 30 minutes from the airport and it is TINY, so if we arrive 45 minutes before take off, we are more than on time.

Hm, I wonder what you will be doing on the 21st? It's like I have a vision in my head.

I bet you do have a vision in your head!

 

[amandaw]

Your travel day definitely sounds long. But, at least you get into Orlando at a decent time.

So, what is this new "club lite" category at CSR?

 

[annmarieda]

Your travel day definitely sounds long. But, at least you get into Orlando at a decent time.

So, what is this new "club lite" category at CSR?

I am actually very excited to get to Disney early. Maybe we have gotten in that early before I bet we get to the hotel by 6, right? Yeah... I know we had dinner at Ohana on arrival night once.

The new category is business class. You pay for the category and are assigned a specific building. The room itself is slightly higher "trim" so to speak since the beds are a bit upgraded and you get robes and turn down service. You also get access to the new club lounge where snacks and drinks are. Now... it is unclear the quality of those snacks and drinks and the alcohol that is there may be for purchase instead of included. Or maybe it is beer only that is included(unlike at deluxe resorts where they have cordials) From what I understand it is new as of January 1...so not a lot of reports back on it.

 

[KatMark]

Travel day plans sound great. I'm not sure I could have left my 17-1/2 year old all alone...I'd have to give that one some thought.

I'm sure your room will be ready and you'll get a good night's rest.