Tale as Old as Time...a Feb 2017 Princess 5k and B-Day Trip! NEW 4/7 THE END of our trip!!

[Ariel484]

Yay! You started!

Smart to stay at the Hyatt, you cannot beat it for convenience! Love that room at the Contemporary, but I agree with you on the sinks...need that counter space!!

 

[Where'sPiglet?]

I'm enjoying your report so far.

Getting in so late, that was a great idea to stay at the MCO Hilton. The DME was so crowded! I've never seen it like that before.

I like your room at the Contemporary. If I ever stay there, it will likely be in a Garden Wing room also. The room decor is nice, but the bathroom seems overwhelming in photos. I think it's the tile on the walls along with the pattern on the wallpaper. I'm sure it's not so bad in person. I agree with you on the sinks. They take up a lot of space, and they're so shallow too!

 

[buteraa]

Great trip report!

 

[LindseyJo22]

Woo hoo! Following along

Can't wait to hear about all of your trip fun and keep my post-Disney depression at bay! So glad that your ankle held up and that the trip was an overall success!

 

[chunkymonkey]

Day 1 Part 3: Pre-Race Dinner at 1900 Park Fare

We decided since it was such a nice night to take the boat from MK to the Grand Floridian. The boats they use though are really small, much smaller than the boats they use to ferry people from Epcot to DHS. So it was like only 20 people on the boat each time. We got onto the 2nd boat.

When we arrived we walked over to 1900 Park Fare and checked in. It was nice they had some ice water while waiting. We only had to wait about 5 minutes before we were called.

It's been a few years since I've been here and I've only had brunch. DH has never been here before since I came with my sister in 2014, so he doesn't know what Strawberry Soup is all about!

Pretty chandeliers:

Our server came by and got our drink orders, I got a ginger ale and DH got some hot tea. She told us that the whole experience will probably take about an hour since the characters have to make their way around. She said Prince Charming was right around the corner and after we met with him that we'd have ample time to eat before all the other characters came by. Indeed a few moments later the prince was by my side. He was indeed...very charming...and very Ken doll-like.

He has better eyebrows than I do! I must learn his secrets...

After that we went up to the buffet and I just started piling stuff on my plate. Because I'm a lazy buffet eater and would rather make one less trip up.

I thought the food was very good. They had lots of traditional selections, roast beef and turkey carving stations, sauteed green beans, kale, pasta, cheesy polenta (which was so good), different salads, soups, breads, some asian selections, and a few seafood dishes. I read somewhere that before a race you're not supposed to eat so much dairy or fiber but oh well. A 5k isn't a big deal but I guess pertains more for the longer races. The strawberry soup was delicious as usual but it's weird how they serve it from a dispenser and not just a soup vat and ladle. It came out of the dispenser very slowly. Maybe you're not supposed to eat it in large quantities as they only had these tiny sauce containers next to the soup and I hunted down the regular bowls for my strawberry soup, buahaha. If you're wondering what it tastes like, it's kinda like a creamy strawberry smoothie. I think there might be a bit of yogurt in it too as there is a hint of tartness.

As each character came out into the dining area, they were introduced formally with trumpets and fanfare. Of course Lady Tremaine thought it was all for her. Told us we needed a little servant girl for our house. She said she had one but she ran off to marry a prince. The nerve!!

Then it was Anastasia who of course said how much she couldn't stand her sisters and she felt sorry for me that I have three of them.

Then came Drizella and the first thing she asked me is I have any diamonds. I was like, "Um, I only have this", and I showed her my wedding set. She asked how long we have been married. I told her "Well, almost 9 years in November." She asked if I had any other diamonds. I said no. Then she looked at DH and screamed really loudly throughout the restaurant:

"You haven't bought her any diamonds in 9 years?!?"

Me (to DH): I think I like this Drizella character!!
DH (to me): No wonder she's still single...

Here's Drizella expressing her disapproval for DH, and DH's huffy face :

We got more food, and I got more strawberry soup too. Dh said it tasted more like dessert so he ate it for his dessert! I try not to eat to many sweets but I got fruit and some of the bread pudding which was quite tasty. We ordered some decaf coffees and waited for our final character, Cinderella herself!

She was very sweet and polite, and I told her how my nieces love her and they couldn't wait to meet her in August!

It was a really nice yummy meal with a lot of fun character interactions. The Tremaines were a funny funny bunch and it was hilarious to see them interact with everyone. I highly recommend dinner here as well as breakfast, as both have the Strawberry soup! Breakfast I remember we had the Mad Hatter, Mary Poppins, Piglet and Tigger!

Just at the exit of the restaurant we got our picture taken with Cinderella's glass slipper. There was a PP Photographer and everything. Pretty cool!

As we were leaving I shot this panorama of the Grand Floridian. So excited to stay here for the first time in November for our actual anniversary!

We took the monorail back to the Contemporary. It was a very pretty evening.

Back at the Contemporary, DH got himself a reuseable mug. I don't drink much soda so I didn't get one but I did refill my water bottle at the Contempo Cafe.

We went back to our room and got everything ready for the early early morning ahead. We set our alarms and tried to wind down for the evening but of course being the late bird I usually am, had trouble falling asleep so early. DH on the other hand seemed to be out pretty quickly .

I was ready for tomorrow morning...I hoped! I hadn't worked out in about 2 months, so fingers crossed I wouldn't pass out mid-course...

Stay tuned for our 5k Race morning!!!
​

 

[Raeven]

Oh wow you've been getting these updates up fast!

They are two of my nieces, Caylee (3) on the left and Eva (4) on the right.

They are so cute!

I was prepared to sit separately from DH but then we noticed the reserved seats in the front and we just asked the driver if it was ok, and he said, sure! So he removed the reserved sign and we got the coveted seats in the front! Doesn't hurt to ask, huh?

Awesome! I guess it doesn't hurt

Finally we arrived, and our room was delightful. I know the Contemporary gets a bad rap for being the most un-Disney of all resorts because of it's modern theme, but I liked it.

The hotel itself isn't my favorite, but the rooms are really awesome looking and I'd love to stay in them.

The bathroom was very nice with a separate large toilet area. However the sinks were just a massive waste of space. They were large flat sinks and took up most of the counter space. We ended up just mostly using one sink and putting all our stuff in the other. Haha. They looked cool though and the bathroom was very well lit.

I love a good bathroom/shower I think those are my favorite bathrooms I've seen in a Disney resort.

There was no seating so we ate at the counter seating but with no seats until finally something opened up. The mac n cheese was deliciousness!

That looks good!

Here we are meeting with Talking Mickey! I haven't done this in a while and I think he says more stuff now than he used to. I love how these magic wands have roses on them so they look like flowers in a vase:

We've never done Talking Mickey, I'm hoping we will on this next trip!

Indeed a few moments later the prince was by my side. He was indeed...very charming...and very Ken doll-like.

He is Ken doll-like When I went my guy looked a little young and nervous so I thought he was new. I tried to smile extra big to make him feel more confident I just look like a weirdo that is waaaay too happy though.

Then came Drizella and the first thing she asked me is I have any diamonds. I was like, "Um, I only have this", and I showed her my wedding set. She asked how long we have been married. I told her "Well, almost 9 years in November." She asked if I had any other diamonds. I said no. Then she looked at DH and screamed really loudly throughout the restaurant:

"You haven't bought her any diamonds in 9 years?!?"

Me (to DH): I think I like this Drizella character!!
DH (to me): No wonder she's still single...

This made me laugh so hard!

Just at the exit of the restaurant we got our picture taken with Cinderella's glass slipper. There was a PP Photographer and everything. Pretty cool!

I love it! That wasn't there last time we went.

I was ready for tomorrow morning...I hoped! I hadn't worked out in about 2 months, so fingers crossed I wouldn't pass out mid-course...

I love the outfit!

 

[nenglim]

Following... we were at the expo around the same time. I really just wanted to look at the NB sneakers that they had exclusive for rundisney. We had to line up to get into J center. By the time we got in we were so tired we just walked in then left! The crowd inside got to me. The time we spent in line outside was longer than the time inside.

 

[angryduck71]

Your outfits are adorable! (the one you wore to the park and the one you have set out for your run!)

 

[chunkymonkey]

Definitely! DH is doing the half marathon, so it will just be me. Where are you staying in November? We will be at the Beach Club. We are thinking about doing the Castaway Cay 5K as a family in August, since we will be taking a cruise after our WDW trip.

Yay! That's awesome! I met up with Billie and her cousin's wife the day of the race and we hung out in line to wait for pictures with princesses. It was fun! We'll be at the VGF for the first time with rented points. Now I'm thinking about it, I will probably need to extend by another day since the day after the race we were dead tired. I don't think I want to deal with it being a travel day. I've heard such good things about the Castaway Cay 5k. I think if I do another caribbean cruise I'd definitely sign up for it. Although there will be less people and will be more obvious if I just walk it, LOL.

I'm here and all subbed up! So glad to hear your ankle was healed up before the race. Great birthday present!

Hi Kari!! Great to see you here!

We stayed at the Hyatt on points a few trips ago when we had an evening arrival and agree its a great way to save and so convenient. I think we were off the plane, had luggage, and were in bed within 30 minutes.

I know! It's so convenient, and I loved how we were able to get enough rest and be up early to take ME. Although ME for us was sooo crowded!

Love your Contemporary room and the view, despite the walk. Undisney or not, I'll take nice any day of the week We had a chance to stay there in a garden room a few trips back but ultimately didn't think the kiddo would be up for the walk after long days in the park.

Yeah definitely a pain to get to the Garden rooms unless you are one of the first few rooms of the wing. I can see how it will be very noisy though from people passing back and forth. Maybe a 2nd floor will be better. I've decided I prefer the Polynesian location-wise. I feel there I have the monorail, the ferry, and you're close enough to the TTC so you can walk too. I love that, although the walking to MK from the Contemporary was very nice as well!

I can't believe all the people at both ME and then the race, insanity!!!! We were contemplating going that time next year to coincide with my daughters bday, but just decided to do November instead. It's looking like that was hopefully a wise decision.

Oh yes, I definitely think that if it weren't for the race, I would not go during race weekend. Last year we went the weekend after the race and it was very quiet. When in November are you going? We'll be there Oct 30-Nov 4th.

Enjoying your trip report! I get ankle foot issue....I fractured my foot last year before we went and it was luckily okay in time!

Thank you and welcome! Yeah ankle issues are no fun...but I am good now! Disney was the first time in 2 months that I have walked that much. So it didn't really have a choice. Haha. The bone was healed but the muscles were a bit stiff in that area. I definitely felt it after the 5k!

Yay! You started!

Smart to stay at the Hyatt, you cannot beat it for convenience! Love that room at the Contemporary, but I agree with you on the sinks...need that counter space!!

Hi Shannon! If we ever take a late flight I think it will be the best option for us!

Yeah such a strange design with the sinks, I mean it looks cool but definitely not practical.

I'm enjoying your report so far.

Thank you and welcome!

Getting in so late, that was a great idea to stay at the MCO Hilton. The DME was so crowded! I've never seen it like that before.

It was! I really appreciated being able to hit the sack as soon as we arrived. We did the same flight a few years ago and waited 45 minutes for ME. We got to our room at POFQ at 1:30am, and our ME bus was a white mears VAN. It wasn't a very magical arrival at all!

The crowds were pretty bad all weekend so I was not surprised by the ME lines. All the marathoners were there. You could tell by all their Run Disney merchandise they were carrying or wearing from previous races, LOL. also the Daytona 500 was there too, although I'm not sure if that really affected the Disney crowds or not.

I like your room at the Contemporary. If I ever stay there, it will likely be in a Garden Wing room also. The room decor is nice, but the bathroom seems overwhelming in photos. I think it's the tile on the walls along with the pattern on the wallpaper. I'm sure it's not so bad in person. I agree with you on the sinks. They take up a lot of space, and they're so shallow too!

The Garden wing is the most affordable so that's the only room I'd stay in at Contemporary! If I have to pay more just to stay in the main building I'd probably skip it and stay at the Poly instead which is my favorite resort. I find the building layout there more convenient and the theme is more me

The bathrooms at the Contemporary was nice. The marble on the walls were a little busy but you got used to them. The nice part was under the sinks was plenty of storage space, which probably makes up for the lack of counter space!

Great trip report!

Thank you and welcome!

Woo hoo! Following along

Can't wait to hear about all of your trip fun and keep my post-Disney depression at bay! So glad that your ankle held up and that the trip was an overall success!

Yay!! I know what you mean...post-Disney blues. Especially because this trip was so much fun with all our Dismeets and great experiences!

 

[chunkymonkey]

Oh wow you've been getting these updates up fast!

I'm trying to! Before our trips in May! Otherwise who knows when I'll be able to finish it...LOL. My Disneyland TR is in dire need of updating...hahaha.

I love a good bathroom/shower I think those are my favorite bathrooms I've seen in a Disney resort.

Totally! For a non DVC-room it was nice to have the separate toilet and sinks too.

That looks good!

It was our first time trying it after hearing all the rave reviews on everyone's TR. And yes it lived up to the hype!

We've never done Talking Mickey, I'm hoping we will on this next trip!

We've only done it once before, it's pretty cool although not like a must-do for me. But now you know that the line for Mickey during the parade is very short! So I don't think you need an FP+ for this unless you plan on going other times.

He is Ken doll-like When I went my guy looked a little young and nervous so I thought he was new. I tried to smile extra big to make him feel more confident I just look like a weirdo that is waaaay too happy though.

Haha, I know I didn't really know how to talk to Ken Charming because I kept staring at his makeup and thinking of how smooth it looked. And those eyebrows! LOL.

This made me laugh so hard!

I was dying it was so funny.

I love it! That wasn't there last time we went.

I think maybe it's a new thing? I've not seen this anywhere.

I love the outfit!

thanks!!

Following... we were at the expo around the same time. I really just wanted to look at the NB sneakers that they had exclusive for rundisney. We had to line up to get into J center. By the time we got in we were so tired we just walked in then left! The crowd inside got to me. The time we spent in line outside was longer than the time inside.

Ugh yeah, the crowds for merchandise was insane. Picking up the bibs was no problem and the line for the pre-order wasn't long. We didn't even bother going into the other exhibitor area. I would have if I wasn't so hungry I think, Haha.
I'm thinking for the next race we should go in the evening? Maybe it won't be so bad then, but I have a feeling that since it's the first day it's always the worst crowds. We're kinda stuck with that when doing the 5k.

Your outfits are adorable! (the one you wore to the park and the one you have set out for your run!)

Thank you so much!

 

[belle0517]

Great start to your trip report!

 

[disneyAndi14]

Joining in, we left the day you arrived. We stayed in the garden wing of CR in 2015 and our room was exactly 0.5 miles to the center of Fantasy Land so great location. We loved our room as well. I am thinking of adding 1900 PF to our ADR's in August. We will be staying at the Poly, I think your review is convincing me to make it. We will be there the end of August, when will you be there?

 

[disnygirl55]

Then she looked at DH and screamed really loudly throughout the restaurant:

"You haven't bought her any diamonds in 9 years?!?"

Me (to DH): I think I like this Drizella character!!
DH (to me): No wonder she's still single...

Ha ha - that cracks me up - made me lol! You might want to hint to DH that anniversary #10 is worthy of an anniversary band with multiple diamonds, so now is the time to start saving his pennies! I had to start dropping the hint a couple years before hand, and it's totally worth it to beg if needed.

So glad you started your report - can't wait to hear about Tiffin's. This is something new to me, so I'm anxious to hear all about it!!

 

[ariane37]

I thought the only way to cut through the richness of the mac n cheese was to get a Dole Whip float, obviously.

Obviously

Here's our pic with Mickey!

I've yet to meet talking Mickey! By the time we started talking my boys were pretty much out of the meeting characters stage; now I have to beg my youngest to meet a couple with me when we go. I keep going back and forth on whether I want to meet him when just DH and I go..........................

He was indeed...very charming...and very Ken doll-like.

Alright I'm going to say it, he's weird looking. But yeah like you said - good eyebrows!

"You haven't bought her any diamonds in 9 years?!?"

This is hysterical! I've also wanted to do this dinner to meet the sisters and lady Tremaine; had it booked a couple times but keep cancelling. We did the breakfast there about 10 years ago and it was great and we've met Lady Tremaine in MK but have yet to meet the sisters.

 

[bcwife76]

I can't believe how much you accomplished on your first day considering (a) you are racing the next morning and (b) dh was still recovering - or even still under the weather?! You two are hard core!!

Love the 1900 Park Fare description, those photos are hilarious!!!

So is that strawberry soup like the one they served in Palo? It's not on the menu any longer although apparently you can still order it?? Which I totally forgot on this past trip. Cannot WAIT for your 5k portion of the report!!!

 

[wdwnut61]

Hi joining in and loving it. So excited to see you stayed at the CR. We are checking in on Friday for a 10 day stay . Your pictures are wonderful.
Ok lets start with how beautiful your DD's are
I have never seen a crowd like that for ME I'm glad your ankle is better.
I love all the magic shots especially the new Tangled one and the one with Olaf.
Your room view is great but I agree that's a long walk. We have stayed in the tower twice before but this will be our first time staying in the GW rooms.
Your pictures of the GF are so pretty how exciting you get to stay there for your anniversary
Looking forward to your next update.

 

[chunkymonkey]

Great start to your trip report!

Thank you!!

Joining in, we left the day you arrived. We stayed in the garden wing of CR in 2015 and our room was exactly 0.5 miles to the center of Fantasy Land so great location. We loved our room as well. I am thinking of adding 1900 PF to our ADR's in August. We will be staying at the Poly, I think your review is convincing me to make it. We will be there the end of August, when will you be there?

Oh cool you must have been much closer to the front than we were. I literally felt that by the time we walked to MK it was close to a mile, LOL. We really enjoyed 1900 Park Fare! We are also staying at the Poly in August and we'll be there from the 12-19, so probably will just miss you!

Ha ha - that cracks me up - made me lol! You might want to hint to DH that anniversary #10 is worthy of an anniversary band with multiple diamonds, so now is the time to start saving his pennies! I had to start dropping the hint a couple years before hand, and it's totally worth it to beg if needed.

Haha yeah that is a good idea. He did buy me a car last year though which I desperately needed. He is lucky I do not wear that much jewelry! I am allergic to a lot of stuff and can't wear earrings at all even gold or platinum which is so weird. I do love wearing my Disney necklaces though!

So glad you started your report - can't wait to hear about Tiffin's. This is something new to me, so I'm anxious to hear all about it!!

OMG Tiffins blew us away. Soooo delicious! We liked it much better than our dinner at California Grill, although that was very good as well.

Obviously

A Dole Whip a day keeps the Disney Blues Away!

I've yet to meet talking Mickey! By the time we started talking my boys were pretty much out of the meeting characters stage; now I have to beg my youngest to meet a couple with me when we go. I keep going back and forth on whether I want to meet him when just DH and I go..........................

I think it's quite special to meet Mickey once in Town Square. It's a bit more interactive. He does magic tricks and stuff like that too. They don't always work but he tries, haha.

Alright I'm going to say it, he's weird looking. But yeah like you said - good eyebrows!

Oh he's definitely weird-looking because he was wearing so much makeup, probably more than Cinderella, and slightly less than the Stepsisters! Haha.

This is hysterical! I've also wanted to do this dinner to meet the sisters and lady Tremaine; had it booked a couple times but keep cancelling. We did the breakfast there about 10 years ago and it was great and we've met Lady Tremaine in MK but have yet to meet the sisters.

They are so funny. We crack up hearing them talk to other tables as well. Lady Tremaine acts if everything around her disgusts her and it's so funny to watch!

 

[chunkymonkey]

I can't believe how much you accomplished on your first day considering (a) you are racing the next morning and (b) dh was still recovering - or even still under the weather?! You two are hard core!!

Yes we are! DH did not mind. He knew we'd have limited time at the parks due to the race and he really wanted to go on Mine Train! And he has to eat too...lol.

Love the 1900 Park Fare description, those photos are hilarious!!!

Thanks! It was a fun dinner!

So is that strawberry soup like the one they served in Palo? It's not on the menu any longer although apparently you can still order it?? Which I totally forgot on this past trip. Cannot WAIT for your 5k portion of the report!!!

It is more strawberry-ish. Is that a word? Hahaha. The Palo one tasted like a blended yogurt and this one had a stronger sweeter strawberry flavor. I liked 1900's version better.

Hi joining in and loving it. So excited to see you stayed at the CR. We are checking in on Friday for a 10 day stay . Your pictures are wonderful.

Thank you! Wow 10 days at CR, lucky!

Ok lets start with how beautiful your DD's are

Haha I wish but we don't have kids, these are my dear nieces! I actually have 3 nieces going to WDW this August. The third one is only 6 months old right now. I will have to do a little family intro post in my PTR for my august trip!

I have never seen a crowd like that for ME I'm glad your ankle is better.

thank you! It was a crazy line!

I love all the magic shots especially the new Tangled one and the one with Olaf.

thank you! The Tangled shot is one of my favorites! Such a unique thing to have!

Your room view is great but I agree that's a long walk. We have stayed in the tower twice before but this will be our first time staying in the GW rooms.

the Tower rooms are so expensive and DH and I are like, well we are still young, we can walk just fine, but nowadays...not so much it seems!

Your pictures of the GF are so pretty how exciting you get to stay there for your anniversary
Looking forward to your next update.

thank you! I'm really looking forward to that stay. We rented points and are staying in a studio. We'll also be there for Halloween. Maybe we'll do the Halloween party on Halloween but I guess it will be pretty crowded...

 

[emilyhuff]

Loving your report! We were there the exact same time and Lordy I have never seen the parks so crowded! It was crazy!!!!! I am glad I'm not the only one who thought so!!!

 

[iivye]

Yea! I love your trip reports. Your outfits are always perfect and you guys always eat the best meals! Can't wait to hear about the 5k. I love the Tangled photo!