Supervising children ages 2 to 72 while running a Half Marathon! *update 3/5*

[OhMari]

Hi,
I think Carissa should receive some kind of special prize, for getting us all to get up and get running.

My dh gave me an IPad for Christmas. Did you get the extra keyboard? I have a hard time using the internal keyboard. I make so many typo errors, I look like I am drunk, while I use it.

My mom and dad are the same age, and they wouldn't even think of going along with my family to WDW. My dad would, but my mom won't. Her last grandson is going to be marching at the Magic Kingdom with his h.s. band the last week in March-wouldn't you think they would want to go?

Looking forward to see how your journey went in the 1/2 marathon.

 

[DrMomof3]

I laughed when I read about how you had to slow down in the park for your mom. I'm always speed walking around as well. In fact the day after my marathon it was very strange because everyone around me was walking faster than me. That was a new experience Bummer that you had to deal with negative comments from your parents. That is one of the reasons I wouldn't want to take certain people to Disney with me. I don't like complaining in my happy place! (I do take my kids though)

Too funny! I think I was still the fastest, even after the 1/2. I'm sure if I run the full next January, I'll feel differently.

Via Napoli sounds wonderful! And I agree with you regarding TiW vs the dining plan. TiW is SOOOO much more flexible than the dining plan.

I'm so sorry you had to deal with negative comments from your parents. Disney is such a great place. It stinks when someone focuses in on a few flaws.

Yay for Jessica being tall enough to ride MS

I love our TIW card. It was worth the cost of our APs!!!
My mom was funny because after the trip she seems to remember having fun.

We've gotten one autograph book for all of our boys to share on some trips, it's the way to go!

Isn't that Mission Space play area great! My boys love it.

That was cute what the CM did for Jessica.

Jenny-too funny about others actually walking faster than you! It took doing a marathon to slow you down.

I had never noticed the play area before. It was totally great. I love finding great CMs who "get it!" It makes Disney the great place that it is!
My kids tend to fight over things so I was glad the single autograph book worked so well!

Great update! It's cool that your parents don't mind the thrill rides like Test Track and Mission Space. How exciting that Jessica could ride. What a few short months (tall months, I guess) can bring.

M:S Orange! Really! I'm impressed. I haven't tried it, but after Mark and Ben's experience this summer , we will just rely on your review.

Yum on Via Napoli- I love having another dining choice in World Showcase. Do you know if they are equipped for takeout? We love coming back to our Beach Club room for a break with meals.

I'm sorry to hear that it was so difficult for your mom to get around.

My parents have always loved roller coasters. My mom is a little less tolerant of being jerked around on rides than when she was younger.
Jessica was barely a 1/2 inch too short in August so we knew she'd be ok this time!

Hi,
I think Carissa should receive some kind of special prize, for getting us all to get up and get running.

My dh gave me an IPad for Christmas. Did you get the extra keyboard? I have a hard time using the internal keyboard. I make so many typo errors, I look like I am drunk, while I use it.

My mom and dad are the same age, and they wouldn't even think of going along with my family to WDW. My dad would, but my mom won't. Her last grandson is going to be marching at the Magic Kingdom with his h.s. band the last week in March-wouldn't you think they would want to go?

Looking forward to see how your journey went in the 1/2 marathon.

I don't have the extra keyboard and I make tons of typos!
I'm glad my parents will still come to Disney so the kids can have memories of spending time with them. My mom would definitely come to see a grandchild march at MK!!! She loved watching the 1/2 marathon.

Amanda

 

[DrMomof3]

I'm running a bit of an impromptu daycare center today so I don't know how successful I'll be at updating.

After our afternoon at Epcot we hopped on the monorail over to the TTC.

Zachary with his balloon.

You can see that Nathaniel is wearing the t-shirt I made for everyone. It has a picture of Dash (from The Incredibles) on it and says, "Dash-ing through the 1/2 marathon."

We changed trains at TTC and headed over to the Contemporary. I must say I *hate* the teeny tiny elevator that you have to take from the monorail stop at the Contemporary. It barely holds 2 strollers at best and always has a long line. Not to wish my life away but it'll be nice when we don't need strollers and can take the escalator/stairs.

Amanda

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

I'm glad you posted about Via Napoli, it's on our list for October, but I was unsure b/c it has mixed reviews! Rey really wants to try it since it's more authentic pizza, so I'm sure we'll like it. I was happy to hear about the salad since that's what I will be eating!

It's really great that they came with you. My mom would never do WDW (my dad is gone now) and we went with my IL's, but I really had to slow down b/c they just don't move like me! LOL. I ran 1.8 miles straight today, the longest I've ever gone, I know it's not much for a half-marathoner, like you, but I'm inspired to go further each time, I really want to do the 5K in October! (not sure I could do the 1/2!)

 

[DrMomof3]

I'm glad you posted about Via Napoli, it's on our list for October, but I was unsure b/c it has mixed reviews! Rey really wants to try it since it's more authentic pizza, so I'm sure we'll like it. I was happy to hear about the salad since that's what I will be eating!

It's really great that they came with you. My mom would never do WDW (my dad is gone now) and we went with my IL's, but I really had to slow down b/c they just don't move like me! LOL. I ran 1.8 miles straight today, the longest I've ever gone, I know it's not much for a half-marathoner, like you, but I'm inspired to go further each time, I really want to do the 5K in October! (not sure I could do the 1/2!)

I like Via Napoli. I'm sure it's pricey for most people but we live in NY so Disney prices don't scare us.
I was SO happy that my parents came with us, until my mom started driving me crazy. I'm still glad they were there but it's also nice to travel without them.
Don't knock 1.8 miles straight! I do run/walk intervals or I'd never finish anything! A year ago I couldn't run a mile, much less a 1/2 marathon.

Amanda

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

I like Via Napoli. I'm sure it's pricey for most people but we live in NY so Disney prices don't scare us.
I was SO happy that my parents came with us, until my mom started driving me crazy. I'm still glad they were there but it's also nice to travel without them.
Don't knock 1.8 miles straight! I do run/walk intervals or I'd never finish anything! A year ago I couldn't run a mile, much less a 1/2 marathon.

Amanda

Well, I'm not surprised she started driving you crazy! I love my MIL dearly, we get along really well, but she was on my last nerve on our trip. I'm so excited to finally go with JUST US, me, Rey, and the kids. It will actually be our first real family trip alone, and I'm looking forward to less drama.

 

[carissanboys]

That's so cool how the CM made a big deal about Jessica being tall enough to ride Mission: Space. I had never been on it until this last trip so I didn't know about the play area either. It's so cool and I can't wait to take the boys there.

 

[beachgirl2000]

I'm glad you posted about Via Napoli, it's on our list for October, but I was unsure b/c it has mixed reviews! Rey really wants to try it since it's more authentic pizza, so I'm sure we'll like it. I was happy to hear about the salad since that's what I will be eating!

It's really great that they came with you. My mom would never do WDW (my dad is gone now) and we went with my IL's, but I really had to slow down b/c they just don't move like me! LOL. I ran 1.8 miles straight today, the longest I've ever gone, I know it's not much for a half-marathoner, like you, but I'm inspired to go further each time, I really want to do the 5K in October! (not sure I could do the 1/2!)

I agree -- I cannot wait to try Via Napoli -- I am really hoping we can go next January for the Marathon -- I want to do the half marathon at least once!

Don't knock doing 1.8 miles straight -- that is such an accomplishment!!!! We all have to start somewhere and it's 1.8 miles more than you did yesterday -- and who knows, a month from now you may be doing 2 miles or 3 -- one day at a time!

 

[DrMomof3]

Well, I'm not surprised she started driving you crazy! I love my MIL dearly, we get along really well, but she was on my last nerve on our trip. I'm so excited to finally go with JUST US, me, Rey, and the kids. It will actually be our first real family trip alone, and I'm looking forward to less drama.

I think my mom gets jealous if she's not the center of the universe. It's a little surprising at age 72 but true!

That's so cool how the CM made a big deal about Jessica being tall enough to ride Mission: Space. I had never been on it until this last trip so I didn't know about the play area either. It's so cool and I can't wait to take the boys there.

I love when CMs do stuff like that! It's why I love Disney!

I agree -- I cannot wait to try Via Napoli -- I am really hoping we can go next January for the Marathon -- I want to do the half marathon at least once!

Don't knock doing 1.8 miles straight -- that is such an accomplishment!!!! We all have to start somewhere and it's 1.8 miles more than you did yesterday -- and who knows, a month from now you may be doing 2 miles or 3 -- one day at a time!

That was me last year at this time. Struggling to do the C25K program. And now I've finished a half marathon! Start small, dream big!!!

Amanda

 

[Dsnygrl1205]

Great updates! Your family is beautiful! I am so excited to eat at Via Naopli. I'm actually more excited about my ADRs than anything else, the food here stinks! It will be so nice to sit in a real restaurant and get waited on and eat real food.

 

[liznboys]

.... Not to wish my life away but it'll be nice when we don't need strollers and can take the escalator/stairs.

Amanda

We became officially stroller free in WDW for our Christmas trip last month. It was WONDERFUL. And now we know how annoying strollers are to everyone else!!!

 

[counselormom]

I'm enjoying your trip report. Your kids are too cute. I admire your patience with the challenges on your first day. It's something I'm working on and I don't know I would have held it together as well as you did. I'll be interested to hear how the Poly. measures up against the BC. We thought about staying there on our Dec. trip.

 

[DrMomof3]

Great updates! Your family is beautiful! I am so excited to eat at Via Naopli. I'm actually more excited about my ADRs than anything else, the food here stinks! It will be so nice to sit in a real restaurant and get waited on and eat real food.

Thank you! I think there is very good food at Disney - if you know where to find it!

We became officially stroller free in WDW for our Christmas trip last month. It was WONDERFUL. And now we know how annoying strollers are to everyone else!!!

I can only imagine! I have a hard time manipulating the double stroller through narrow spaces. I know we have a few more years of strollers, especially because Zachary has his muscle weakness but I can envision a wonderful trip without them!

I'm enjoying your trip report. Your kids are too cute. I admire your patience with the challenges on your first day. It's something I'm working on and I don't know I would have held it together as well as you did. I'll be interested to hear how the Poly. measures up against the BC. We thought about staying there on our Dec. trip.

I love BC and Poly! Different experiences but both wonderful!!!

Amanda

 

[lovesdumbo]

Enjoying your TR! Your kids are adorable! I have 3 kids who are now DD(11), DS(10) and DD(8 today). We stayed Poly CL 3 times before youngest was 3. Loved the convenience of the monorail when the kids were that small. Since then we've tried lots of other resorts.

A good friend of mine really wants to do the 1/2 marathon next Jan so I can't wait to read about your experience. We are really hoping Disney is the motivation we both need to get moving!

Via Napoli sounds great. Can't wait to try it in May.

 

[DrMomof3]

Enjoying your TR! Your kids are adorable! I have 3 kids who are now DD(11), DS(10) and DD(8 today). We stayed Poly CL 3 times before youngest was 3. Loved the convenience of the monorail when the kids were that small. Since then we've tried lots of other resorts.

A good friend of mine really wants to do the 1/2 marathon next Jan so I can't wait to read about your experience. We are really hoping Disney is the motivation we both need to get moving!

Via Napoli sounds great. Can't wait to try it in May.

Thank you!!! We've tried several different resorts and have never had a bad experience!

Amanda

 

[DrMomof3]

Our destination was Chef Mickey!
We had eaten breakfast here in December, 2009. It wasn't a great experience. Nathaniel was being difficult that whole trip and he was pouty and difficult at breakfast that day. Zachary was going through a phase of being afraid of characters. We were staying at the Contemporary that trip and I made our ADR pretty early - in retrospect too early! But I thought we'd try again.
We checked in at the podium and had our photo taken. While we were collecting our belongings (they have 2 little tables to put your cameras and purses and bags while you're getting your photograph taken), our buzzer went off. No wait at all! Our ADR was early (5:30 or 5:45 - I can't remember) and I would highly recommend an early seating! The line was huge when we left after dinner. Our table was on the left when you came in the restaurant. Right in the middle of things. The server was a very nice man from Long Island (which is where my parents live). He was obviously quite experienced at the Chef Mickey madness!!!
We saw that Goofy would be arriving shortly so we waited to get food.

After Goofy I took the kids to get some food. I always forget how much I hate doing buffets with my kids! I get their food then go back to get food for myself. By then the kids are done eating and want more. Ugh! Anyway the food was decent. This is not gourmet dining by any stretch of the imagination! But there were some interesting dishes (I liked the chorizo with beans, for example). I couldn't deal with the long line for the carving station but Tom enjoyed the meat.

Zachary may be more interested in his chicken nuggets than in Donald!

(The previous pics are taken with new DSLR. This one was taken with the old camera. Huge difference!)

Amanda

 

[DrMomof3]

More Chef Mickey:

A few comments:
1. I really wish they'd have photopass photographers available at these character meals. It's one of my frustrations about these meals. I find it very difficult to get good pictures in this setting.

2. The carving station was set up poorly. There was one carving station to cover 2 separate buffet lines (the 2 lines met up at the carving station). This caused a huge back-up of the buffet line, even for those who didn't want carved meat. There should either be 2 carving stations or the carving station should be moved to a separate location.

3. Our server was excellent. Classic Disney training and very experienced. These meals are quite hectic and he clearly had done a lot of them! He was efficient and nice without being annoying.

4. Doing this type of character meal early in the trip could have turned out to be a disaster. Generally speaking I would recommend this meal mid-trip so the kids were already warmed up to Disney and characters. Luckily my kids are Disney veterans and were ready for it!

Amanda

 

[DrMomof3]

We hopped on the monorail back to the Poly and get our rooms. My parents had received a voice mail with their room number but I hadn't received my promised text message. I stopped at the concierge desk in the Hawaii building. They apologized profusely and gave us the room number. We were lucky enough to get an adjoining room with my parents! Our DME luggage had arrived but my parents' luggage had not. We still needed our carry-on bags and groceries that we had left with bell services. And I needed a crib for Zachary. I called the concierge desk about the crib and bell services stuff (my parents called about their DME bags, too). I asked if there were any "real" cribs. She gave me the whole "it's first come, first serve for cribs and it's late so you're probably out of luck" speech. I was a bit frustrated because it was hardly my fault that our rooms weren't ready and nobody had contacted me, etc. Five minutes later (if that long) the person from Mousekeeping showed up with a crib. Not a pack n play. A crib. With extra sheets. She apologized that it took so long (it was really quick!). I was thrilled. She showed us how the sofa opened into a bed so my older 2 wouldn't have to share the 2nd queen (heaven! No fighting at night!). I was so grateful! A few minutes later the bell hop arrived with my parents' luggage and the rest of our stuff. Unfortunately my parents ended up with most of the groceries (which was highly annoying!) but it was ok.

I had forgotten a few critical toiletries so I head back to the main building (GCH for those Poly folks!) to buy a few things. On my walk back I saw Wishes going off over the castle. I watched the last bit from the lounge in the Hawaii building. I grabbed 2 fruity alcoholic beverages (they had plastic cups for this purpose) and headed to our room to share my bounty with Tom. Watching the fireworks from the Poly is AMAZING and should not be overlooked!

We all hopped in bed after a long and exhausting day! My goal was rope drop at DHS on Friday so we could ride TSM (which had been closed for refurb in August).

Amanda

 

[natebenma]

That was a busy check-in day, but sounds like lots of fun. The Chef Mickey photos are great, especially all of the ones with Mickey and Minnie. Those two rodents know how to work a group! Love the one with your dad waving!

We have only been to CM for breakfast a couple of times.

I love seeing the MK fireworks from the Poly- I did that for the first time this year. Really hassle free.

Hope all goes well with TSM tomorrow. Wonder what the TSM Dash looks like with a bunch of runners!

 

[dismagiclover]

Great Chef Mickey pictures! Fun way to start out your trip. I understand your pain with the whole buffet with kids thing. My kids are finally old enough they can carry their own plates so we can all get food at the same time. It is so much easier! I still prefer those character meals that are served family style though. It's just less stressful. I'll be impressed if you make DHS rope drop.