The Unstoppable Force Meets the Immovable Object: A Trip Report - UPDATED 7/25/11

[Tinkerbellarella]

I need some tips on how to convince the man in your life to go back to Disney LOL I live with the same ehhh not my thing!!! So I'm hoping to be inspired LOL!!!!!! (See I'm not asking much LOL)

Jen - I'll share every tip I can, though, honestly, I was very focused on filling BFs belly with as much nommy Disney food as possible, namely red meat, caramel, chocolate and, of course, bacon.

I'm in, sounds like a fun trip!

Great to have you - welcome!

I'm in!!! Great start!! Can't wait to read more!

We're headed to The World in 11 sleeps!!

Hi Kerri! Oh how I WISH I were headed to the World in 11 sleeps!!! How long are you headed down for?

I'm not sure if I knew you guys were DVC owners. I will be too, someday. It's one of my goals. For now I'll have to be satisfied renting points.

Where is your home resort?

 

[Tinkerbellarella]

Before every single trip I tell myself I'm going to take the day before departure day off in order to avoid:
1. crazed last minute packing
2. working too late and then rush-rush-rushing home
3. harboring that "I'm forgetting something...my underwear?" feeling
4. only giving my kittehs a hasty "Good-bye, be good, don't throw up in BF's flip flops."
5. not being able to spend a nice quiet night at home with BF

The other reason I like to have the extra day is to begin the relaxtion process. I naturally operate at a very high level of anxiety, so it usually takes at least 2 days of vacation before I start to unwind.

Why the heck break tradition though? So, of course, on Disney Eve I worked too late, rush-rush-rushed, spent a hasty night with BF and the kittehs and counted underwear to make sure I had enough.

Overworking: 297,634
Tinkerbellarella: 2

We went to bed at a fairly reasonable hour. I had the best intentions of a nice, full night of sleep.

Mhmm. Sure. If by full you mean sleeping from 9p.m. until midnight.

I catnapped until the alarm went off, at which time I immediately popped out of bed, thankful I could at least get a move on rather than laying there, obsessively planning out every move of the morning. I showered, dressed and paid some bills and by 6:15a.m. we were ready to the pedal to the metal. Though my flight wasn't scheduled to depart until 9:25a.m., this is New England. In February. When the weather is as termpermental as a sugar-laden, un-napped child in a dump shop at 11p.m. onhis 7th day of vacation. I wasn't taking any chances. We stepped outside to find it was cold and windy, but thankfully the Snow Gods had spared us their fury.

BF drove me to the airport. We fly out of T.F. Green in RI rather than Logan whenever we can, on account of their lower prices, closer address and general lack of airport insanity.

Photo courtesy of www.warwickri.gov​

We missed any Friday morning traffic and were rolling into the drop-off zone in a cool 30 minutes. After a good-bye not nearly as teary as it had been in September, I was on my way to the empty-ish Southwest desk. I already had my boarding pass and position and quickly sent my (FREE!) bags on their way to the plane.

If you've never departed from T.F. Green...well, I can't really give you a comparison except to say that it's also like flying out of Hartford. And if you haven't ever flown out of Hartford, well, suffice it to say it's a smallish airport. All of the airline desks are in one main area, the Security checkpoint is at the head of that, and beyond that all of the gates extend to the left and right down one long hall. While it doesn't abound with entertainment should you be delayed, or very early, it has a pretty nice assortment of shops and restaurants and rarely feels overcrowded.

And speaking of rarely overcrowded, I founded it interesting how, in both September and on this trip, a number of gates were simply closed down, all of the electronics and signage removed. Only the seats remained, seemingly for overflow from nearby gates. I can remember a time when there was a flight at every gate. A sign of the times - airlines consolidating flights (and ramping up their rates). Granted, I can also remember waiting AT the gate to pick people up, another very different sign of the times. ::sigh::

But I digress...

Security was quick. I did go through the new body scan machine. The whole process was easy as peach pie (peach pie doesn't strike me as very easy to make, by the way). They were definitely randomly selecting people and I did see other people chosen opt for a pat-down as opposed to the scanner. That seemed to be a much longer process, though I do understand why people choose it. What I don't understand is why people complain about it. If you can't or don't want to be exposed to any level of radiation, they've provided another option. Unless you're treated disrespectfully, which I understand has happened and feel is unacceptable, I don't think the complaining is justified. With a family member who every day puts his life on the line for our national security, I'm of the mind of "whatever it takes". You want to do a body cavity search? Have at it...though I promise I'm not hiding any extra toiletries...

Again, I digress. You'll see a pattern of that.

But I had no worries. They checked me out, I was quickly wanded (which they were doing to everyone scanned) and before I knew it, I was standing in line at Dunkin' Donuts, grabbing an exorbitantly priced breakfast of a juice and a muffin.

I settled into my seat at Gate 21 and traded some texts with LM. We'd both made it to the airport safely and were waiting to board. Our flights would put us in around roughly the same time, LM getting in a little bit earlier, and the plan was for to meet in the main atrium. We confirmed that all flights were scheduled on time and then traded texts like little school girls about how excited we were.

The gate area where I was was very busy. Two flights were departing from it before mine, one of them being the first flight of the day to Orlando. Unfortunately when I was booking my flights that flight either had a stopover or was ridiculously priced. The next flight was headed to Las Vegas. It was obvious, however, that most people were waiting to board the same flight as me. Family upon family upon family gathered to wait. The kids were all very cute and very excited and, seemingly, very well behaved.

I flipped through a magazine, read a bit on my Kindle, and, just as I was starting to get a bit antsy, the boarding for the A group for our flight was announced. I'm a big fan of the Southwest boarding process now that it doesn't involved corralling up randomly like cattle. It's much more organized and there's much less shoving and inappropriate name-calling.

I made it on the plane and chose a window seat in the second aisle. It was a full flight so I did end up sharing the row with a nice businessman and a woman who slept the entire flight. No complaints here.

Well...

Maybe one.

I don't mind flying. Actually, I rather enjoy it. I find it exhilarating. However, this take-off was a bit too exhilarating. The plane was bumping, banging, rising and dropping for the first 15 minutes of the flight. It takes a lot to get my claws out when flying but I'm sorry to say I probably left permanant marks in the armrests. Once we reached crusing altitude, though, we were rewarded with a beautiful sky and an uneventful flight.

And one more quick aside...It was on this flight that I realized how much I love my Kindle. I'm a big fan of reading "real" paper books, but I'd just gotten the Kindle for the gym and for trips. If you don't have one and were thinking about it, I urge you to do it! I chose the Kindle over other e-readers because it does not emit light, which for me means unlimited reading with no headaches.

The arrival into Orlando was almost as bumpy as the departure from Green so I was very happy once all of the wheels were on the ground and we were coasting towards our gate. Orlando greeted us with beautiful blue skies and puffy white clouds and, if I remember correctly, a temperature in the high 70's. We were on time and it was just after 12:30p.m. I texted LM that I was on the ground and on my way to meet her!

I deboarded fairly quickly and made a quick pitstop at the Ladies room. There were very few people waiting for the minimonorail once I got there. Honestly, it seemed more like lots of people were milling around, confused.

Photo courtesy of some random person on the net.​

I eagerly boarded and in no time at all we were pulling into the main terminal. I walked with a purpose out and into the atrium and, after months of planning and weeks and weeks of excitement, there was LM, waiting with a smile.

UP NEXT: Welcome Home...now where's my fruity rum drink?

 

[ZZUB]

Overworking: 297,634
Tinkerbellarella: 2

Idiot! When will you learn?! You MUST take the day before off! The day before departure day is the fourth best part of the trip. If you spend it at work, you're really missing out. Which probably means the fourth best part of your trip was correcting someone who gave wrong information on the monorail. (Actually, my fifth favorite thing is correcting them only in my head).

Tink! It's always fun to read your TRs. Although you couldn't be MORE wrong about TSA's ultra-invasive, unecessarily rude and stupid procedures which, oh by the way, don't make us one bit safer!, I still love reading about your trips!

 

[TarzansKat]

Ahhhh...and now there is balance to the Force.

Obi Wan has taught you well.

I have to say, my absolute favorite part of your last chapter is "I walked with a purpose." I just picture you with a determined face, and I find it hilarious, because when you're on vacation...well, at least with me...I rarely see you walk like that.

 

[Tinkerbellarella]

Idiot! When will you learn?! You MUST take the day before off!

I'll put that in my next time off request - because ZZUB says so.

Which probably means the fourth best part of your trip was correcting someone who gave wrong information on the monorail. (Actually, my fifth favorite thing is correcting them only in my head).

I was on the train on my way home from work on Friday and this woman was, quite literally, SPEWING misinformation. I had to put in my earbuds and turn my iPod up high. Otherwise there would've been a completely obnoxious Disney info. massacre.

Tink! It's always fun to read your TRs.

I consider that high praise coming from you Z. I hope all is well with your house full o' ladies. Do you still have the blog going?

ultra-invasive, unecessarily rude and stupid procedures

I'm sorry, for a minute there I thought we were at the DMV.

Glad to "see" you round these parts.

 

[Tinkerbellarella]

I have to say, my absolute favorite part of your last chapter is "I walked with a purpose." I just picture you with a determined face, and I find it hilarious, because when you're on vacation...well, at least with me...I rarely see you walk like that.

Well, when you need a vaca the way I needed that vaca, and when you are only about an hour from a Pina Colava, there is purposeful walking to be had.

 

[ZZUB]

Do you still have the blog going?

It's a recently improved website with GreatBiscuit's buttery fingerprints all over it. He did a great job creating it. Drop on by sometime. Link in my signature.

 

[Tinkerbellarella]

So there I was walking, nay STRIDING, with purpose towards LM. We'd immediately spotted each other as I stepped into the atrium. Big, BIG hugs were had.

I think, on every trip, there is a moment for me where everything falls into place. That's not to say that I somehow know everything will work out exactly as I have planned or that there won't be any sore moments or disappointments. Just that there exists a moment of perfection. When I realize that I am on vacation. I am on my way to Disney! And no matter WHAT happens, magical or otherwise, it is HERE. It is happening.

Hugging LM was that moment.

We traded flight reactions - both relatively smooth but with a rather bumpy arrival - and she VERY happily informed me that she'd been recaffeinated almost immediately upon arrival. Poor LM needs her coffee in the mornings. Especially the mornings when her alarm is ringing around 3a.m.

We set off for the baggage claim and I had a faint feeling that MCO now feels as familiar to me as Green. My feet were on autopilot.

Due to some messy details with scattered arrivals and such, LM and I had decided to forego Magical Express (ME) and pay a little out of pocket for the ease of a towncar. As we came down the elevator to the baggage claim level, there was no one one waiting for us. We'd been on time. Hm.



No matter. Instead we lined up around the baggage carousel and waited the arrival of the luggage. For some reason this moment always brings me intense anxiety. I'm always afraid my luggage will not make the journey on the traveling belt and I'll be standing there wondering if my bags are rotating around on some other belt in some other city looking for me. It's a completely irrational fear. I've never had an airline lose my luggage (I'm knocking on wood as we speak). Nonetheless, I could've used some chamomile tea at the moment. The lack of towncar driver with a placard with my name was also on my mind.

My fear was groundless, however, as my bags came zipping happily along, safe and sound in the same destination as their owner. Once we were all put together, luggage in hand, we headed back over to where the drivers were standing at the base of the escalators. All the same ones. Just as I was going to pop a squat and give the service a call, a fairly harried man came in heading right towards the pack. He was fiddling with his sign and as it flashed in my direction I saw:

TINKERBELLARELLA Party

(And that's quite the party, let me tell you. )

I flagged him down and he apologized profusely, saying something about someone else being parked in his spot and having to circle. He took our luggage and we headed out into the bright FL sunshine. Mere minutes later we were on our way!

I don't recall much of the trip, except to say it felt a lot faster than I'd expected. LM and I spent most of the time playing catch-up and then, suddenly, there we were!

I think I have my own picture of this somewhere but it's MIA at the moment; thanks to All Ears for the substitute.​

As we waited at the guard shack, we had a conversation about the legs of that sign. Now, they're that dome shape all around, with the little bump outs at the bottom, but at first I didn't notice that and I couldn't help but thinking aloud, "Um, those look like elephant feet no?"

"Without the rest of the elephant."



I could then see the shape continued in a full circle, but I still couldn't rid the image of the "elephant feet" from my head. For the whole week.

And I apologize if I've now ruined that entrance sign for you but it's actually a pretty stark memory for me from this trip. I remember thinking, "That is so UN-Disney!!!"

We pulled up under the porte cochere (is it still called that if it's covered in thatch?) and our driver, who's name escapes me, got us all situated. He was very nice and, though he made some small talk as we were first leaving the airport, he mostly left us to our own conversation. I should mention here that the service we used was Happy Limo. I think this was the second time I'd used them. I've also used Tiffany Towncar in the past. I have no complaints about either.

We handled our own luggage and, rather than being 'Welcome Home'd' we were greeted by a wonderful drummer at the entrance.

Let me just say that Disney does a pretty amazing job with architectural first impressions. Entering this resort normally causes you to blink a few times as you walk in from the sun to the dim, cavernous interior. It's perfect though because as you emerge into the main part of the lobby, it's ceiling four stories above, that beautiful windowed wall ahead of you, you can't help but let your mouth drop open a little.

I'd been to the Lodge before to eat at Boma and it STILL happened again this time.

I have my own pics of the lobby that I took later in the day, but they are blurry and they make me want to throw my camera. They do it no justice. Let's use this one instead:

Thank you Mr. Blogspot Blogger. And yes, I swear I did take some of my own pictures on this trip!!
They should make their appearance in the next chapter.​

We picked one of the comfy couch areas (those couches are about as deep as a twin size bed) and LM offered to stay with the luggage while I went to check in.

I can't recall, in any trip, any complaints about the check-in process. Nor was I anticipating any. I'd triple checked our info. with the DISer who rented us our points, had all the documentation needed and was ready to reconfirm some requests I'd faxed over to the resort about a week ahead of time.

This time, well, I don't have any complaints per se, but it was...let's say it felt like I was there FOR.EV.ER.

The first thing I noticed was that despite there being a queue to wait in to speak with the Front Desk CMs, both at the check-in and Concierge areas, people were just kind of haphazardly waiting around. I chose to get in line (I do my best to not be a Disney rule breaker). Though the CMs tried to redirect the rule breakers into the line, they were always cut off with a, "Well, I just have a quick question."

Grr.

I'm sure my wait wasn't that long, though it was a tad frustrating, and finally it was my turn. I gave the CM my name and he went through the process of checking me in - ID, credit card for the file, etc. - and then was advised our room was ready. I mentioned faxing over some requests.

CM: "Ok, I don't see them on here, but what were they?"
ME: "A room not facing the pool and away from the elevators and ice machines."
CM: (pulls out a resort map) "Your Value studio is here." (Points to a room block directly outside the elevator AND ice machine, facing the pool.)

Now, let me just say that I was NOT playing out my requests in order to score savannah view. BF is a light sleeper. A VERY light sleeper. He's become more so since becoming a firefighter. I knew that a room facing the pool would definitely mean a much larger chance of noise, both during potential nap sessions and at night if the weather were good. The elevator/ice machine request was for the same reason. I ultimately didn't care WHAT the view was, even if it was a parking lot or rooftop, so long as it was quiet.

I politely asked if there was any chance we could be moved elsewhere, even if it meant that the room wasn't available yet. Now, normally, the CM can just take a look and move you as necessary/possible. However, this doesn't seem the case with DVC. He had to call into the DVC reservations center and, unfortunately, was greeted by another CM who simply wanted to hassle him for the entire phone call. I give him props, though, for being polite and firm and really working on my behalf. Here's bits and pieces of his half of the conversation:

"No, she did not ask for a savannah view room."
"She is not trying to move for a better view, it's a noise issue."
"She is aware there is no view guarantee."

The CM on the other line was CONVINCED I was trying to push my way into a Savannah view room. I so wasn't, but I was still getting red in the face and starting to feel really bad for my CM. I almost interrupted him to tell him to forget it. That we'd find a way to make due. Then he covered the mouthpiece and said, "We have nothing to move you to today, but I see your BF isn't arriving until Sunday. They will have another Value Studio then and we could move you at that time, would that work?" I confirmed this was fine, as I'm a heavy sleeper and LM uses earplugs, and thanked him roughly 3,659 times. He ended the call and advised me I'd have to come down tomorrow morning to confirm the move. If they'd moved me in the system at that time, it actually would've canceled the reservation from Sunday on. I didn't ask, I was just happy the whole ordeal was over.

The whole exchange probably only took about 10 minutes, but I felt like I'd left LM guarding the luggage for days. On our way to our room I explained what happened and how Mr. DVC Nastypants was harrassing our CM, but that I'd be moving rooms on our departure day. We agreed we didn't care much right now where the room was located because we were saying DeeeLUXE, baybee!

As the elevator doors pinged open and we approached our room, about 4 steps away, I could only think one thing: I'm on vacation. I'm staying in a Disney Deluxe hotel. I'm with a wonderful friend now and BF is arriving in a scant 2 days. There's only one thing that could make this perfect moment better:

PINA COLAVA

UP NEXT: Pictures! My pictures this time!

 

[wdwpirates]

Hi Kerri! Oh how I WISH I were headed to the World in 11 sleeps!!! How long are you headed down for?

I'm not sure if I knew you guys were DVC owners. I will be too, someday. It's one of my goals. For now I'll have to be satisfied renting points.

Where is your home resort?

We'll be there from the 25th to the 31st. We've been DVCr's since 2002...best purchase we ever made. Our home resorts are Beach Club and a Saratoga Springs Resort add-on. We're staying at SSR this time as it's easier to get on short notice and it's a "points bargain!".

Now I must go read your latest installment!!

 

[ZZUB]

Well how does this help me?

Hugging LM was that moment.

I don't know what LM looks like, wouldn't know her if she walked into my office and threw a box of Swiss Cake Rolls at my head. Plus, I have no clue whether she'll be in Disney when the ZZUBs return. So how on earth can I have "that" moment now?!!

As we came down the elevator to the baggage claim level, there was no one one waiting for us.

Exact same thing happened to us (only, as discussed above, we had NOT just hugged LM). Other than that slight delay, however, we were very happy with Happy Limo.

Now, let me just say that I was NOT playing out my requests in order to score savannah view.

Riggggght. And Rogaine works. Lookit, Tink. We ALL know your game. You dummied up some phony requests. It didn't work. You got busted. Now you're on the Disboards trying to save face and hang onto whatever shred of e-cred you have left.

But you KNOW who Mr. DVC Nastypants is related to, don't you?

 

[Tinkerbellarella]

We'll be there from the 25th to the 31st. We've been DVCr's since 2002...best purchase we ever made. Our home resorts are Beach Club and a Saratoga Springs Resort add-on. We're staying at SSR this time as it's easier to get on short notice and it's a "points bargain!".

As will be told at a later date, BF and I ended up at SSR at one point. I really liked it. And BC? Ah yes, a dream resort of mine.

I don't know what LM looks like, wouldn't know her if she walked into my office and threw a box of Swiss Cake Rolls at my head.

That is flagrant snack cake abuse you speak of, mister!

You got busted. Now you're on the Disboards trying to save face and hang onto whatever shred of e-cred you have left.

How did you know? Was that you that cut in front of me at the Front Desk?

But you KNOW who Mr. DVC Nastypants is related to, don't you?

I was hoping we'd get Suzie Helpershoes on the line but she was too busy looking for the ledger.

 

[ZZUB]

I was hoping we'd get Suzie Helpershoes on the line but she was too busy looking for the ledger.

Actually, it was a register journal. But that couldn't possibly make a bit of difference.

 

[Tinkerbellarella]

Actually, it was a register journal. But that couldn't possibly make a bit of difference.

As I was typing ledger, I knew it wasn't right.

 

[MaryAz]

Saw this on TK's PTR. I actually posted on ur PTR for thebfwasfinallygoing that turned solo trip-was there a TR for that???? Very exciting that you both were able to go this time around. I am also running the 5k in Sep-maybe we will "run" into eachother ha ha We own DVC at Kidani-love me some AKL!! And a ZZUB sighting-love all those reports. Great start so far-love all the "digressing"

 

[Tinkerbellarella]

I actually posted on ur PTR for thebfwasfinallygoing that turned solo trip-was there a TR for that????

Hi! I started one but didn't get very far. Life got in the way and I was gone for the DIS for a good 5-6 months. I probably won't do one for that trip. My notes were good at the beginning but petered out by the end. I'll have to see. It depends on how quickly we get through this one. I'll be doing a PTR for my 2012 Super Secret Trip for Three, so I do have lots of writing planned.

I am also running the 5k in Sep-maybe we will "run" into eachother ha ha

Perhaps we will. As we get closer I'll give you an idea of what I'll be wearing so we can keep an eye out for each other.

We own DVC at Kidani-love me some AKL!!

We never actually ventured over to Kidani to check it out. Ah well, something to put on the "to do" list for next time!

 

[If U Had Wings]

I'm here! I can't miss a Tinkerbellarella trip report, in whatever from they come in.

Can't wait to hear all the details!

And this -

This is me at work:

A little inside joke for some of you.

Just made me laugh today!

 

[Tinkerbellarella]

And this - Just made me laugh today!

Mission accomplished.
Hope you're having a great day.

 

[amazingact21]

Joining in! Your TR sounds wonderful so far! I've never paid much attention to the AKL sign until you mentioned it; now, I'm going to have to give it a closer look next time I see it.

 

[Tinkerbellarella]

Joining in! Your TR sounds wonderful so far! I've never paid much attention to the AKL sign until you mentioned it; now, I'm going to have to give it a closer look next time I see it.

Believe me, I hadn't either...but then I couldn't STOP looking at it!

Oh, and I love that you have a kitty named Oreo. That was the name of my very first kitty. He was a very sweet Russian Blue with a little white spot under his chin.

 

[Tinkerbellarella]

As promised, this chapter is going to start out with some pictures of the AKL of my very own...even if they are from my trip in Sept. of 2010. These simply came out better than most of the ones I took this trip:

This is what I meant about walking in - it really is cavernous and a little overwhelming...but in a good way.

Looking back towards the entrance.

The incredible ceremonial mask. Makes me glad most of my celebrations only involved a pretty dress and cake.

I think this is so cool. I don't know why. But I want to make a treehouse out of it.

The firepit below my treehouse. Gosh, all this place needs is an alcove...

The wall of windows and the really neat-o lamps that would look amazing in my living room. BF disagrees.

A close-up of my lamp.

Looking down at Boma.

Neat "cave drawings" on the stairway down to Boma and Jiko.

On the wall, near our room.
​

As LM and I got to our room, we paused at the door. We smiled at each other. It was another one of "those" moments. You've day dreamed (or obsessed, ahem) about your vacation and your room. Now you're actually slipping that Key to the World card (KTTW) in to see what the Disney Reservation Room Lottery has given you.

(Don't worry Z, you don't have to know what LM looks like, just picture you and the fam at WL, about to enter your room. With Pop Tarts.)

Click. And you swing the door open.

Our room.

Kitchenette.

Flippin' adorable applique on the tile over the sink.

Sinks/vanity...obviously after we unpacked. My stuff's on the left and despite the amount of it, I'm actually pretty low-maintenance. The shower/toilet area was typical, with a great animal print shower curtain.

King bed.

Pull-out sofa, which LM deemed comfortable enough. I also loved the artwork.

Looking back towards the doorway. That armoire was ok, but I like the closet set-ups at the Poly better.

Looking towards the balcony. Ignore all 6 pairs of shoes. I do NOT have a problem.

I'm enamored of all things animal print. Moreso when you work in a Hidden Mickey.

From the outside, by the pool, our room was, I believe the first one, at the top.​

Ok, to be fair, this has actually been a mishmash of both rooms we had while we were there. I chose the best of each one and, for all intents and purposes, the rooms were pretty much identical...though now that I think about it, the second room was a little bit bigger, maybe another foot or too of space the long way.

We did our room photoshoot and spent some time out of the balcony just smelling the Disney air. I also gauged the noise level should we not be able to move and I thought it might be ok. The occasional happy pool child shriek. I still thought that a room facing the entrance of the resort would be a better option and crossed my fingers for that.

We unpacked and then...PINA COLAVA???

No, sadly not yet. We had one more task to handle before sharing our first Disney adult beverage. As both LM and I were participating in the Royal Family 5K the next morning, we needed to pick up our race materials from the Race Expo at Wide World of Sports (WWoS).

I checked in with Concierge and they directed us to the race transportation outside under the porte cochere where the Cruise Line and other shuttles pick up and drop off. I have to say now that I have only one complaint about the Race transportation, which I will share when it comes up on Day 2. Otherwise it was timely and very comfortable. They used coaches as opposed to regular Disney buses and there was always someone standing in the pick-up location to provide info or radio for a bus.

Neither LM or I had ever been to WWoS, so we weren't sure what to expect...but it's not what we found. That place is HUGE!

Walking in, looking back towards the entrance.​

It's also well taken care of and appropriately decorated.

A "Brave" Mickey.​

At the entrance to the Expo you could have your picture taken with some royal guards. As with everything in Disney, there was a queue which was feeling rather long-ish, so we bypassed it. Inside, on the upper level, we found the area for the 5K'rs to pick up our race materials. The process was simple and each lime green net bag (gotta wonder if there was a DISer involved in THAT decision making process) contained our race bibs, some free samples, and some race materials. Also, prior to this I wasn't sure if they would be tracking our pace using the sneaker tag thingies they use for the 1/2 marathon, but for anyone interested, they don't.

We headed down into the Expo where there were a couple of presentations going on and everything screamed, "BUY ME!" I don't know about LM, but I was actually a little overwhelmed. Because the Princess 1/2 is geared towards women, so was everything at the Expo. We wandered around a bit, but decided not to stay for long. I did pick up a little treat for my girl TK (I'll have it for you when I see you this weekend, sweets!) and I got a car magnet for myself that says, "I know I run like a girl, try and keep up." Lola (my car) wears it on her bum proudly. She has a pink ribbon one on the other side that says, "Save the Tatas".

When we'd had our fill, which was pretty quickly, we decided to head back to the resort. It was a quick trip and we both agreed that we wanted to check out the savannahs, the Mara, the pool area and, let's be honest, the pool bar before our dinner ADR.

It was absolutely beautiful out and the resort was buzzing with activity. As we walked around the pool, which is surrounded on the outer half by savannah, I immediately fell in love. While, overall, after the trip I felt satisfied with the resort but wouldn't call it my favorite, I did love this area. Everything works into and with the landscape. The pool is pretty big and looked rather fun. The jacuzzis are set into areas with tall, mature bamboo, making them feel very private.

Looking back towards Jambo House​

After making our rounds of the area, we sidled up to the bar with our order - two Pina Colava's please! With drinks in hand, we settled in at a poolside umbrella table.

For those of you who have yet to experience this adult beverage nominess, it is a Pina Colada with a raspberry swirl mixed in. It's $8.25 and worth every penny, in my opinion. It's not a very strong drink, which is to my liking.

Ahhh...there you are, my pretty! Long time, no see. May 2009 was it?​

I wish I could share with you the pic I have of LM enjoying her drink. She looks SO happy, SO relaxed. Gorgeous. I, however, consistantly took sips that were too big, resulting in a rather constant "ice cream headache" and I'm sure a wildly unattractive look on my face.

We enjoyed our time poolside and discussed our plans for the evening. I was still a little worried about the pace requirement for the 5K and whether I'd be able to keep it (a 16 minute mile) for a full 3.1 miles, so my plan was an early night in. LM was pretty sure she was going to stick to her plan to head over to the Magic Kingdom for some touring. I can't recall how long we sat there but I do remember it was glorious - atmosphere, company, and conversation.

I believe on the way back up to the room we stopped to check out Zawadi Marketplace. We both saw about 764 things we wanted to purchase but left empty handed for the time being. Back in the room we freshened up for dinner. Sooner than we thought, 5:50 p.m. was rolling around.

Boma here we come!

UP NEXT: Dinner and early to bed, early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and able to run a 5K without passing out...I hope!