Oh Florida! An East Meets West Girl's TR: 8/9 p56 & 8/17 p57

[MEK]

I am so in here. Saving my space now and coming back to read after work today.

Karin! So glad you made it! YAYAYAYAYAY! Welcome to the fun!

 

[MEK]

Joining in- I'm right over the bay bridge
I love how your fellow DME passenger is smirking like your a total rookie! Ha

Biggie Smalls! Thanks for joining in! What side of the Bay Bridge do you live on? I really like that area. Both sides of the bridge are cool. Annapolis is on my bucket list for a visit because I haven't been there in forever.

I totally love how that lady is smirking at me!!!!

 

[MEK]

Checking in and subbing... I'll try to get here as I can.

Liesa! Thanks for joining in! I know its going to be hard for you to spend much time here during the school year, but you will certainly be here in spirit!

 

[MEK]

I am here. Great start and loving all the pics.

Scott! Thanks for joining in! Your wings look a lot like my PHM wings! We're twins!!!

 

[MEK]

Stoked for this one!!!

Dee! Thanks for joining in! So glad you could make it for all the fun!

 

[eandesmom]

OMG!!!!! Do you have any idea how long it took me to figure out how to get this quote. I've been trying to 1/2 hour. I want to boost your update off the second page here so you can get some looks.

I still have quite a few responses to do. Sorry. I swear I will get to them once I'm home and can fool around with the boards. I can't even find the smilies right now, but I know they are somewhere.

YAYAYAYAYA to PHM. I signed Denny up as a spectator. I really don't know what the chance is of seeing him in the MK, but I have a feeling by then I might have to dump my hat and wings. I get so weird when I have extra stuff on me. The stupidiest things start to bother me.

Can't believe its less than 3 weeks away!!!!!!

Ugh I hear you, the quote thing is different for sure. I am sure I'll get it all figured out but in the meantime it's a pita. I had to fight with pictures and I think I"m going to have to change how I write my updates in word firs to accommodate the changes. Are you hoping to dump them with him? Hat I suppose is easy enough to toss (though it's just a visor) but the wings would be pretty hard to just toss since they will be pinned.....you'd need help getting them off.
Ann and I are planning to do a test "run" with the wings on, probably on Saturday and could definitely time it around you if you want to join us. We figure no one will blink an eye at us running along the canal trying them out.

I kind of figure I'll live with the wings no matter what and if for some reason the visor really bothers me, I can either hold it or tie it to something. The visor itself is kinda cute so I hate to just throw it away mid race. For the smilies just click on the smiley face in the toolbar next to the picture image (see below) and then you get a huge menu of them by category at the bottom of the reply screen.

 

[MEK]

Haven't quite figured out how to multi-quote yet, but mostly because its hard for me to open I second a window on this older computer. Hopefully, I will be able to master it when I get back to my own computer~

 

[MEK]

Ugh I hear you, the quote thing is different for sure. I am sure I'll get it all figured out but in the meantime it's a pita. I had to fight with pictures and I think I"m going to have to change how I write my updates in word firs to accommodate the changes. Are you hoping to dump them with him? Hat I suppose is easy enough to toss (though it's just a visor) but the wings would be pretty hard to just toss since they will be pinned.....you'd need help getting them off.
Ann and I are planning to do a test "run" with the wings on, probably on Saturday and could definitely time it around you if you want to join us. We figure no one will blink an eye at us running along the canal trying them out.

I kind of figure I'll live with the wings no matter what and if for some reason the visor really bothers me, I can either hold it or tie it to something. The visor itself is kinda cute so I hate to just throw it away mid race. For the smilies just click on the smiley face in the toolbar next to the picture image (see below) and then you get a huge menu of them by category at the bottom of the reply screen.

View attachment 328

Are you pinning the wings directly to the cap? I guess I could just take the whole cape off. And how are you pinning them? Are you using the elastic that is on the back or are you putting the wings directly on the cape.

I don't want to hold you up for your test run. My plan is - we'll be spending Friday night at a Fairfield Inn near the airport (we stayed at this one in October and it worked out great). Super close to airport and near tons of restaurants and a Wawa. In the morning I want to head over to the BWV to check in and then over to the expo to pick up my race packet. I am so paranoid about that race packet. If you guys want to head back over with us you are more than welcome. I probably should do a bit of a food /water run and then into Epcot for a bit before dinner. Oh yeah - I want to upgrade our passes and get a TIW. A lot to do that day, so I'll probably skip the test run. I'll trust you guys to check out the aerodynamics.

And no -I definitely don't want to throw anything away. I just would love to see Denny and hand everything to him, but that's not likely to happen.

I need to understand better what Denny should do as a spectator that day. I know the monorail runs really early, so does that mean he should drive over there or should he take a bus. Will the buses be running that early for spectators?

So many questions!

 

[MEK]

When you say you are going to get started, you get started, baby!

Great beginning to your trip!!!

Hey - you know me - I only update every week to 10 days. If I'm going to do it, I better do it right!!!!

I love all your picture from your journey- the drive, the airports and the pictures from the plane- but particularly your very clever ME selfie and the fantastic arch pictures!!!

Thanks! I totally cracked up on the ME selfie. I love that woman to my left. She makes me laugh!

So glad you scored a great villa with a nice quiet location and pretty view.

We really did and I only have Cynthia to thank for that!

Pretty pictures around the resort, but I'm looking forward to more.

Oh - and there WILL be more, that's for sure!

Interested in your first meet.

Coming up in my next update with a bonus meet to boot!

PS- love this:

I never get tired of your interesting and unique pictures.

[/QUOTE]

Yes - taking a picture of the wheels of one of the luggage carts is really up there with unique!

 

[MEK]

Here and subbing!

Denise! Thanks for joining in! So glad you are here!

 

[MEK]

I can't wait to read more! I love reading about the girls trip's!!

And, right now it's making me want to go on a trip...nice warm weather and adult drinks!

Christine

Christine! Thanks for joining in! Girl's trips are the BEST! And I hear ya on wanting a trip with nice warm weather and adult drinks. I am ALL for that!

 

[MEK]

Page 3 already?! You're smokin!

Looking forward to another fun TR

Dawn! Thanks for joining in! I know the DIS boards probably aren't quite as much entertainment when you are living the Disney dream year round! Looking forward to seeing you guys in a few weeks!

 

[MEK]

YAY!! I love it when you girls go away together! Thanks for the bat signal!

Ellen! Thanks for joining in! It's great to see you on the boards again! stick around this time, you hear!

 

[eandesmom]

Are you pinning the wings directly to the cap? I guess I could just take the whole cape off. And how are you pinning them? Are you using the elastic that is on the back or are you putting the wings directly on the cape.

I really do think we should get together on Saturday, maybe before dinner to confirm attachment methods. I played around with it a lot and honestly it's going to be the most secure and not noticeable (to you while running) if it is pinned. I know it will drive me nuts it is moving around. I'll email you as it's a rather lengthy explanation for something pretty simple but it will not be simple just to take it off at all. I am sure Ann and I will play around with it Thursday or Friday so could always send pics.

I don't want to hold you up for your test run. My plan is - we'll be spending Friday night at a Fairfield Inn near the airport (we stayed at this one in October and it worked out great). Super close to airport and near tons of restaurants and a Wawa. In the morning I want to head over to the BWV to check in and then over to the expo to pick up my race packet. I am so paranoid about that race packet. If you guys want to head back over with us you are more than welcome. I probably should do a bit of a food /water run and then into Epcot for a bit before dinner. Oh yeah - I want to upgrade our passes and get a TIW. A lot to do that day, so I'll probably skip the test run. I'll trust you guys to check out the aerodynamics.

And no -I definitely don't want to throw anything away. I just would love to see Denny and hand everything to him, but that's not likely to happen.

That is why we are going to do a test run, to confirm how best to attach so we all don't even know it's there and then don't have to feel like we need to ditch anything. I have a grocery order coming, we could just add to it if that would help you out? Let me know.

We have morning fast passes at AK but will be done by lunch-ish and could possibly move our FP's a little bit earlier. Not sure what time you plan to hit the expo but it would be good to get a "team" picture over there with our team bibs and sashes or whatever it is lol! I'll have your team bib and whatever "commemorative" item they give us but obviously not your real packet.

I need to understand better what Denny should do as a spectator that day. I know the monorail runs really early, so does that mean he should drive over there or should he take a bus. Will the buses be running that early for spectators?

So many questions!

Ah, I have seen some good spectator info here and there and haven't paid that much attention to it. I'll see what I can dig up but I do think there are busses....not positive though. MK is a little less than half way through (between miles 5-6). This is what is says in the event guide if you bought him the ChEAR package (no clue what the zone means or if you buy it by zone?).

ChEAR Zone 1
Magic Kingdom® Park near Cinderella Castle (Mile 5.7 for the Half Marathon)

Sunday, February 22, 2015
5:30 a.m. – ChEAR Zone #1 opens
8:15 a.m. – Approximate time ChEAR
Zone #1 closes
ChEAR Zone #1 is a reserved viewing location only. It does not include seating, beverages, or private portable restrooms.You will NOT need a theme park ticket to access Magic Kingdom® Park. You will, however, need to show your wristband to access the ChEAR Zone. At approximately 8:15 a.m. this area will be closed.

Directions to ChEAR Zone #1 from Epcot ®:
Note: The travel time to the Magic Kingdom® Park from Epcot ® is approximately 42 minutes. Walk from the start area to the monorail station at Epcot ® and ride it to the Transportation and Ticket Center station. Exit the monorail and walk down the ramp and follow the overhead signs for the monorail to Magic Kingdom® Park. After arrival at the Magic Kingdom® Park/Main Street U.S.A. exit the platform. Proceed through the Main entrance of Magic Kingdom® Park and once inside, proceed down Main Street U.S.A. toward Cinderella Castle.

ChEAR Zone #2
Epcot ® Imagine Lot
(Finish Line for the Half Marathon)

Sunday, February 22, 2015
6:00 a.m. – ChEAR Zone #2 opens
10:30 a.m. – ChEAR Zone #2 closes
ChEAR Zone #2 is a reserved viewing location at the Finish Line.

Half Marathon ChEAR Zone #2 Amenities: Reserved Finish line seating, beverages, private portable restrooms, and hand washing stations. You will need to show your wristband to access the ChEAR Zone.

Directions from ChEAR Zone #1 to ChEAR Zone #2 at Epcot ®:
Note: The estimated travel time from Magic Kingdom® Park to Epcot ® is 42 minutes. After your runner has passed by, make your way back to the Transportation and Ticket Center. Walk up the ramp for the monorail to Epcot ® and ride the monorail to the monorail platform at Epcot ®. Upon arriving at Epcot ®, walk down the ramp and exit to your left towards the parking lots. Walk to the Imagine lot on your right.

There are also these additional viewing points according to the event guide.



and bus info


and it says this about driving. I would think the bus and monorail are the way to go.

 

[vamassey1]

Great start Cynthia. You boys have really grown. Where has the time gone? I admire you both for running. I hope you both have a blast at the PHM.

Looking forward to this trip report and all the girly fun.

 

[Dugette]

Nice to "meet" you, Cynthia. I actually read your whole Aulani TR before we went a few months ago! Oh, also relate to the online things: met DH online (married almost 10 years now too) and went on a girls trip with a fellow DISer last June! Looking forward to hearing all about this trip.

 

[KatMark]

Great intros Cynthia and love the pictures with Jeff and the kids.

 

[Poolrat]

I need to understand better what Denny should do as a spectator that day. I know the monorail runs really early, so does that mean he should drive over there or should he take a bus. Will the buses be running that early for spectators?

So many questions!

I may have some help with those questions. Maybe a PM or is it now a conversation??? Heck I don't know.

Cynthia posted most of the hard info but I know someone with first hand knowledge. Remember we will be happy to get Denny around.

 

[teekathepony]

Great intro Cynthia! Love the pics!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Nice intro Cynthia! Great to see all those photos of you and the fam from around the world. You've really had some great adventures!