WILL RUN TO EAT: Disney's W&D Half Marathon followed by 11 nights DXDP!

[dara00]

I'm hoping for a soft opening too for the after party at epcot!

 

[morgtroy]

Le cellier is my favorite! We are bummed with the Dec 6 opening of test track too.

 

[pmama]

I'm hoping for a soft opening too for the after party at epcot!

That would be awesome!

Le cellier is my favorite! We are bummed with the Dec 6 opening of test track too.

I snagged lunch since it is still 1 TB credit. Guess even lunch is changes to 2 TB credits in Jan.

 

[pmama]

This time next week we will be at...........

Animal Kingdom

2007 first WDW trip

2008

OR BB

Crowd levels are at a 9 in AK this day so if weather is even slightly nice it will be BB.

At AK breakfast would be Tusker lunch Y&Y.


We also plan to hit a couple fitness centers while there this time to pump some iron. This may be a good day to visit AK gym.

Dinner for sure is at one of our favorites..... Chef Mickeys!!

Spent ALL DAY packing yesterday for myself and kids 12 and 8. Pulled out our WDW box and had fun looking through all the nick knacks we only take to Disney. Still not done but about 90% done. Have to concentrate on sub plans and report cards at work this week. We leave Friday after school.

Woke up with soar throat too this morning. Haven't been sick in about a year. Glad at least that I have 6 days to get better. Off to run.

 

[jwwi]

Great PTR. Your girls are so cute, I love all the matching outfits. My adult girls still make fun of me for dressing them alike when they were little, but I don't care. Looking at your pictures just affirms that it is so adorable.
You have some great plans for your dining choices. With such a long trip it will be nice for you to take the time to visit so many different restaurants.
I went with my daughter last year when she ran the WDW W&D 1/2 last year. We purchased tickets to the Epcot after party too. It was so much fun. We started early (I think they can enter the park as early as 7pm, back in the world showcase. Then as soon as the park closed to regular guests we went to soarin', and rode it multiple times with no wait! It was great, I think your girls would love that.
You mentioned going for a picture at Epcot with the Characters, not sure if the VISA site changed, but there is a closure report on another site that stated "The Character Spot located in Epcot's Future World closed on October 21 for refurbishment. It is scheduled to reopen February 2013. A temporary location will be available near the Fountain View Ice Cream shop where you'll be able to see Mickey, Minnie and Pluto. Also, Goofy is now appearing at Epcot's main entrance, near Spaceship Earth."
I will be arriving at WDW during your vacation, and am also hoping for warm sunny weather too.
Have fun.

 

[pmama]

Great PTR. Your girls are so cute, I love all the matching outfits. My adult girls still make fun of me for dressing them alike when they were little, but I don't care. Looking at your pictures just affirms that it is so adorable.
You have some great plans for your dining choices. With such a long trip it will be nice for you to take the time to visit so many different restaurants.
I went with my daughter last year when she ran the WDW W&D 1/2 last year. We purchased tickets to the Epcot after party too. It was so much fun. We started early (I think they can enter the park as early as 7pm, back in the world showcase. Then as soon as the park closed to regular guests we went to soarin', and rode it multiple times with no wait! It was great, I think your girls would love that.
You mentioned going for a picture at Epcot with the Characters, not sure if the VISA site changed, but there is a closure report on another site that stated "The Character Spot located in Epcot's Future World closed on October 21 for refurbishment. It is scheduled to reopen February 2013. A temporary location will be available near the Fountain View Ice Cream shop where you'll be able to see Mickey, Minnie and Pluto. Also, Goofy is now appearing at Epcot's main entrance, near Spaceship Earth."
I will be arriving at WDW during your vacation, and am also hoping for warm sunny weather too.
Have fun.

Thanks! The only time the girls dress alike is at Disney. I thought with my oldest turning 12 that she wouldn't want to this trip but it was one of the things they both asked for. Thanks for the info on the after party. DH and DDs are planning on going to EP at 7 but I wasn't sure if there'd be a wait time between closing and rides. Looks like the race is finishing through EP this year so I'm still not sure how that works with the party goers. Hoping they can line up in the park somewhere to watch me finish. The Character Spot is different than the Disney Visa Character greeting. It is kind of hid and only for card members. It is one of the best character greetings we've found. They really take their time and have fun interactions.

 

[pmama]

This time in two weeks we will be...............

In Epcot

Crowds will be heavier it being the week of Thanksgiving. Hoping that we got most the rides out of our system at Finish Line Party and last day there. Today will be for checking out some of our favorite restaurants and roaming World Showcase. The girls want to do the new Agent P interactive game and perhaps we'll FP a couple rides.

Breakfast is at Akershus.

Lunch is at one of our MUST DOS. Coral Reef. We're always reading bad reports on this restaurant but we love it. Especially DH.

We will have to take a mid-day break so we can pack since we are checking out the next morning to head to the beach after MK.

If we get done packing in time we will return for dinner at Biergarten. We've never eaten there.

 

[Stasieki]

Joining in... I read your other reports previously and glad to so you back with another one.

 

[DsnyMama]

Hellooooo from the Nov FB group!!! I'm in!!

 

[deedee2177]

Joining in from Dis Nov FB page. Love report so far!

 

[pmama]

We are on plane now! Last couple of days have been busy. I taught all day today and we arrive MCO at 10:40. Trying to think positive about health for race tomorrow. Cold is still lingering. Ran yesterday evening and made my throat and ears hurt felt weak. Positive thinking: I am going to get a good night sleep tonight at AoA, carb load on OJ tomorrow and feel great for the race (almost 24 hrs from now).

Decided last night to change our beach stay to 2 nights and add 1 more night at WDW so we now have 12 nights at WDW! Then 2 nights beach front on the gulf!

 

[jecskc]

I can't wait to read about your trip !! I hope your race goes well. One of my goals is to do a Disney race. But since I just got my cast off after having surgery on my ankle .... it will be while before I can run. I still can't even walk much yet.

Enjoy your trip !!

 

[pmama]

I'm back!! 14 nights in Florida completed! (12 @ Disney and 2 on the beach) We had a nearly perfect vacation. I will officially start my TR when I get my photo pass pics in! This TR will be much faster than my previous ones. Hope to have it near complete by the end of Christmas break.

QUICK HIGHLIGHTS (will cover in more detail)

The half marathon: wow amazing! Disney really knows how to put on a run. Cut 8 minutes off my old personal record from ten years ago.

New Fantasyland: Got to tour two times during "dress rehearsal with very low crowds 2 different times before Thanksgiving crowds came in. Rode Little Mermaid with no wait repeatedly, ate at Be Our Guest twice and Gaston's Tavern, met mermaid Ariel, did Enchanted tales with Belle!

Deluxe Dining: lots of great dining experiences. Our favorite was California Grill. The food was fabulous and the MVMCP fireworks from their patio were amazing!

Art of Animation: enjoyed our one night in the new resort

Treasure Island Beach resort: a new must do for us at the end of a Disney trip. Nice way to relax and wind down before coming home.

 

[luckylady]

I'm in.

 

[DisneyElite4]

I have always loved your reports! Your girls are precious and the matching outfits are so fun. Looking forward to following along!

 

[Pixie*Pirate]

I am so glad you're back and writing a TR!! My DD 11 and I love reading your reports! I can't wait to read more!

 

[tinkgurl]

I can't wait for you to start your TR! I loved your previous ones!