Mrs. Darling's June 2010 Accidental PTR: Pirates and Harry Potter 6/30 TR Link posted

[Stefy]

From what I can figure out it seems they had a preview for travel agents and such but all cameras were banned. And no one rode the Forbidden Journey though they were allowed into see the que area. Reports indicate the theming is amazing with lots of crazy details and sounds like they will have some great exclusive merchandise. Hopefully we don't drop too much money there I hope they have soft opening for the public soon.

Oh it sounds so exciting, can't wait til we can see pictures

 

[dismagiclover]

Oh it sounds so exciting, can't wait til we can see pictures

Did you see the link to the blog about Emma Watson and other HP stars visiting the Wizarding World on the top of the main DIS page? It is going to be so cool! I just have to prepare for the crowds

 

[dismagiclover]

It is time for the final installment in the Darling Family Disney Memories. This was my most recent Disney trip. It was in January and it was a 3 day weekend trip where I ran the half marathon. The entire trip report can be found in the link in my signature (Jan 2010). I flew down and met my BDF (Best Disney Friend) Liz aka Mrs. Disney. I'm meeting up with her again this coming trip so if you stick around for the trip report I'm sure you'll see even more of her. Anyway on to the hightlights.

We stayed at BLT and celebrated my birthday at California Grill. Yummy!

We were up bright and early race day. It was actually snowing Our good friends were there to wish us luck.

Nothing like running up Main Street in the freezing cold at daybreak.

We visited some of our favorite characters

Then we ran through the castle

Stopped for a chat with some pirates

I was invited to a quick round of golf (but I had a race to finish)

I made it back to Epcot (it never did quit raining)

And across the finish line

Where we received our medals

Then it was lunch with some chipmunks

Dinner in a castle

It was a short trip, but we had a great time!

So those are the memories of Disney Trips Past. I can't wait to see what memories we will make during our next trip!

 

[DrMomof3]

I love the half-marathon pics!!! Awesome!
Who took the pics? You ran with your camera?

Amanda

 

[letstalkboutdisney]

The half marathon looks like fun (except for the running part).
What a fun trip. Was it just you and your BDF?
I missed that trip report looks like I will have to go back and read it!

 

[Angies1274]

I love seeing all your marathon pictures again!! It's so exciting that you'll be able to bring the whole family back next time to race! I'm hoping to talk DH and the boys into the half marathon in a couple years...we'll see how that goes.

 

[belle8306]

The marathon looks like a lot of fun! I like how Disney has the characters out to cheer you on. The medals are very cool too!

 

[dismagiclover]

I love the half-marathon pics!!! Awesome!
Who took the pics? You ran with your camera?

Amanda

I ran with my camera. That skirt has pockets. Each character has handlers and they take the pictures. A few of them are also what the official Marathon photographer took. Hopefully you'll have some pictures like that come January!

The half marathon looks like fun (except for the running part).
What a fun trip. Was it just you and your BDF?
I missed that trip report looks like I will have to go back and read it!

It was a great trip. It was just me and Liz. You can check out the TR for all the details.

I love seeing all your marathon pictures again!! It's so exciting that you'll be able to bring the whole family back next time to race! I'm hoping to talk DH and the boys into the half marathon in a couple years...we'll see how that goes.

I am really excited about our January trip. I just can't wait for pictures of us in front of the castle with all of our medals! That would be awesome if you decide to do it sometime! It really is a fun way to see Disney.

The marathon looks like a lot of fun! I like how Disney has the characters out to cheer you on. The medals are very cool too!

The characters make the race! They are also a great excuse to take a little break

 

[monorail girl]

Hi! Your Pirate trip and Harry Potter trip sounds like s blast. I just wanted to share that your trip report on the 1/2 marathon race last Jan. was the inspiration for myself to start running and get my DH on board. Also who doesn't want another trip to the World even if it takes training to get you there Once again have a great trip and I cannot wait for reviews on Harry Potter

 

[creativeamanda]

The half marathon looked like so much fun! I can't believe it won't be long until you can say you are going to Disney this month.

Great pictures--Cali Grille is something I would love to try.

 

[Stefy]

Did you see the link to the blog about Emma Watson and other HP stars visiting the Wizarding World on the top of the main DIS page? It is going to be so cool! I just have to prepare for the crowds

I haven't checked it out yet, but will do soon. Been away from the boards for a few days, trying to catch up...again!

Loving all the Marathon pics, esp the Captain Jack one

Edit:
Just watched the video and I wanna go now! It looks really cool and I hope you guys have a great time.

One thing that DF heard (that I am not excited about) was that everything is smaller than it looks, so when you are in the souvenir shops etc it might get a little congested.

 

[BippityBoo]

HI!! I am loving your PTR I am so impressed with all of your running success!! My goal is to run the 2012 marathon I LOVE the idea of getting the kids involved too. So excited to read about your trip

Also, join my Christmastime PTR if you would like
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2468950
(link also in my siggy)

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

Followed you from Stefy's PTR. I've got a lot of catching up but from what I've read so far, your plans look great.

 

[dismagiclover]

Hi! Your Pirate trip and Harry Potter trip sounds like s blast. I just wanted to share that your trip report on the 1/2 marathon race last Jan. was the inspiration for myself to start running and get my DH on board. Also who doesn't want another trip to the World even if it takes training to get you there Once again have a great trip and I cannot wait for reviews on Harry Potter

Thank you so much! I run for myself, but it really does feel good to know that by sharing that I can be a part of inspiring someone else too. Though you may be cursing me the last few miles of the half in January

The half marathon looked like so much fun! I can't believe it won't be long until you can say you are going to Disney this month.

Great pictures--Cali Grille is something I would love to try.

It does almost seem like our trip is sneaking up on us. This month has gone by so quickly! And I highly recommend Cali Grille. The flatbread especially was yummy.

I haven't checked it out yet, but will do soon. Been away from the boards for a few days, trying to catch up...again!

Loving all the Marathon pics, esp the Captain Jack one

Edit:
Just watched the video and I wanna go now! It looks really cool and I hope you guys have a great time.

One thing that DF heard (that I am not excited about) was that everything is smaller than it looks, so when you are in the souvenir shops etc it might get a little congested.

It does look incredibly cool doesn't it? I bet Dave is right that it will get quite congested. We're obviously going in June, but I'm jealous that you get to go a bit later when hopefully the crowds have died down some. I really doubt the park will be able to handle the crowds of the first few months very well.

HI!! I am loving your PTR I am so impressed with all of your running success!! My goal is to run the 2012 marathon I LOVE the idea of getting the kids involved too. So excited to read about your trip

Also, join my Christmastime PTR if you would like
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2468950
(link also in my siggy)

Thank you! And for going for the 2012 marathon. I actually turn 40 during Marathon weekend 2012 so my plan is to be there running in Disney on my 40th birthday so you definitely won't be alone I'm headed over to check out your PTR now.

Followed you from Stefy's PTR. I've got a lot of catching up but from what I've read so far, your plans look great.

Now you really are my friend I'm glad you are here and don't worry. I won't be expecting any care packages immediately

 

[Charlefours]

wow! I cannot believe your trip is less than one month away! How exciting!!

It looks like a great time to be had running the half marathon. I hope to do that one of these years. : I think it is such a great idea to run with a camera--talk about great memories captured.

 

[Happy Elf]

Don't know where I have been, but I just found your PTR!

Your plans sound exciting! I will be interested to hear your thought on the Harry Potter world. Our extended family loves Harry Potter, so we might have to check it out in the future.

 

[DrMomof3]

I'll be turning 40 a few months before you.
I can't decide if I want a Universal/Harry Potter weekend for my birthday or Epcot Food & Wine.....

Amanda

 

[Stefy]

It does look incredibly cool doesn't it? I bet Dave is right that it will get quite congested. We're obviously going in June, but I'm jealous that you get to go a bit later when hopefully the crowds have died down some. I really doubt the park will be able to handle the crowds of the first few months very well.

I am jealous that you get to go now But I have a sinking feeling that Sept will be busy as well. Which is going to be a shock from last trip when it was practically empty!

 

[dismagiclover]

wow! I cannot believe your trip is less than one month away! How exciting!!

It looks like a great time to be had running the half marathon. I hope to do that one of these years. : I think it is such a great idea to run with a camera--talk about great memories captured.

Our trip does seem to be almost sneaking up on me. This time of year is so busy with the kids that I haven't had time to obsess about it too much. The Disney races are tons of fun and cameras are a must for me!

Don't know where I have been, but I just found your PTR!

Your plans sound exciting! I will be interested to hear your thought on the Harry Potter world. Our extended family loves Harry Potter, so we might have to check it out in the future.

to one of my old TR friends! It's good to "see" you.

I'll be turning 40 a few months before you.
I can't decide if I want a Universal/Harry Potter weekend for my birthday or Epcot Food & Wine.....

Amanda

That's a tough choice. Maye you could make it an extended weekend and do both!

I am jealous that you get to go now But I have a sinking feeling that Sept will be busy as well. Which is going to be a shock from last trip when it was practically empty!

You're probably right about Sept still being busy. I bet it takes a couple of years for the crowds to die down. There are lots of Harry Potter fans out there.

 

[dismagiclover]

We're coming close to my trip so I need to get the last of our plans up. By this point in the trip I bet we are exhausted, but hopefully have tons of great memories. So here are the plans for the last 3 days.

Day 11: This is our last day in Florida. We're planning on being at IOA once again first thing in the morning to spend a bit more time in the Wizarding World. After we've had our fill (or the crowds get too unbearable) we'll then do any favorites we have at Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios. This is when those Express passes will hopefully really come in handy. Then sometime that afternoon we will head out and drive to Hilton Head where we have a hotel for a couple of nights. (No, it isn't the Disney resort. Just a boring hotel)

Day 12: This is our beach day. I love the beach and would love to spend a whole week at the beach. My family loves the beach too. For a day. So we figured we would break up the drive home and spend a day at the beach.

Day 13: We may spend a couple hours at the beach in the morning depending on what the kids want. Then we'll make the long drive home. Hopefully the kids will be so tired out from the vacation that they will zonk out for at least a few hours in the car. I'm sure it will be nice to get home after such a long vacation, but I'm also sure I will be counting down until our next trip in October

Day 14: The Trip Report Begins (if I can get all the laundry done)