My wife and I went to Walt Disney World for vacation, and also to run in their half marathon, held during Marathon Weekend, which is usually the second weekend of January each year. Marathon Weekend starts on Wednesday with the Sports and Health Expo, a 5K race on Thursday, a 10K on Friday, a Half-Marathon (13.1 miles/21.1km) on Saturday, and a full Marathon (26.2 miles/42.2km) on Sunday.
We decided to only run the half marathon because we're only half crazy.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7
We left home and flew out of Grand Rapids airport. There was a snow storm heading in and it was only 7°F (-14°C). So glad I was getting out of that. We had a short layover in Atlanta (got some Popeye's chicken), then off to Orlando, where it was 66°F (19°C).
After checking in at our resort hotel (Disney's All-Star Music), we caught the bus to the ESPN Wife World Of Sports Center. That's the location of the expo and where we had to pick up our race gear.
Back to our resort to drop off our stuff. Did I mention they upgraded us to a king-size bed?
Then off to do some shopping at Downtown Disney. Got some gifts for family and then got lost trying to find where the buses pick us up.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 8
Our second day, we decided to go to my favorite park, EPCOT.
We decided to only run the half marathon because we're only half crazy.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7
We left home and flew out of Grand Rapids airport. There was a snow storm heading in and it was only 7°F (-14°C). So glad I was getting out of that. We had a short layover in Atlanta (got some Popeye's chicken), then off to Orlando, where it was 66°F (19°C).
After checking in at our resort hotel (Disney's All-Star Music), we caught the bus to the ESPN Wife World Of Sports Center. That's the location of the expo and where we had to pick up our race gear.
Back to our resort to drop off our stuff. Did I mention they upgraded us to a king-size bed?
Then off to do some shopping at Downtown Disney. Got some gifts for family and then got lost trying to find where the buses pick us up.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 8
Our second day, we decided to go to my favorite park, EPCOT.
Here, we did a number of rides: Spaceship Earth (seen behind us in the above picture), Mission Space (the green, less-thrilling side. My wife can't handle the orange side.), Soarin' (how come I always get stuck at the top?)
We stopped for lunch at Sunshine Seasons, only because it was close. We had never been there before and didn't know what to expect. I needn't have worried. I had spicy fish tacos, which were great.
We met Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Chip, & Dale. Everyone was making fun of me. I was wearing just a t-shirt (it was about 47°F/8°C). Everyone else was wearing winter coats.
On to more rides, after a stop at Starbucks. The Seas with Nemo, Turtle Talk with Crush. Then into the World Showcase section of EPCOT.
We stopped for lunch at Sunshine Seasons, only because it was close. We had never been there before and didn't know what to expect. I needn't have worried. I had spicy fish tacos, which were great.
We met Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Chip, & Dale. Everyone was making fun of me. I was wearing just a t-shirt (it was about 47°F/8°C). Everyone else was wearing winter coats.
On to more rides, after a stop at Starbucks. The Seas with Nemo, Turtle Talk with Crush. Then into the World Showcase section of EPCOT.
While walking into the France pavilion, we ran into Mike Scopa and Michelle Scribner-Maclane of the Mickey Miles Podcast. They are two of my inspirations when it comes to running, so I'm geeking out. We talk for a bit and then leave them.
We listened to the Voices of Liberty in the American pavilion. Karamel Kuche in Germany and get a caramel apple and caramel covered rice crispy treat. I'm in heaven.
To the Morocco pavilion for dinner at the Tangerine Cafe. I got a kefta wrap and my wife got chicken shawarma. Both very good.
Back to our resort by 7:30. we're both asleep before our heads hit the pillows.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 9
Day 3. Off to Animal Kingdom. Waiting in line for the bus, a lady with a huge southern accent says to her kid that she got a pic with the giant "S" (from the "All-Star" sign). It sounded like she said "ass". I couldn't stop laughing the entire bus ride. Yes, I'm a 40-something middle school kid.
We arrive at the park before it opens. I'm third in line.
We get in and my wife stops at a kiosk to get a "Wilderness Ranger Guide". Before they give us the book, they make us 'caw" like a bird and "roar" like a lion.
We listened to the Voices of Liberty in the American pavilion. Karamel Kuche in Germany and get a caramel apple and caramel covered rice crispy treat. I'm in heaven.
To the Morocco pavilion for dinner at the Tangerine Cafe. I got a kefta wrap and my wife got chicken shawarma. Both very good.
Back to our resort by 7:30. we're both asleep before our heads hit the pillows.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 9
Day 3. Off to Animal Kingdom. Waiting in line for the bus, a lady with a huge southern accent says to her kid that she got a pic with the giant "S" (from the "All-Star" sign). It sounded like she said "ass". I couldn't stop laughing the entire bus ride. Yes, I'm a 40-something middle school kid.
We arrive at the park before it opens. I'm third in line.
We get in and my wife stops at a kiosk to get a "Wilderness Ranger Guide". Before they give us the book, they make us 'caw" like a bird and "roar" like a lion.
Then to some rides. Expedition Everest. Dinosaur (I hate this ride.)
We walk through the Maharajah Jungle Trek, where there are many animals, including giant fox bats. Do you know why bats hang upside down? They have no ankle bones, so they can't stand up. (A little trivia for ya.)
Finding Nemo: the Musical. We sit almost at the front. It's a very good production.
As we leave the show, I got a phone call from my grandmother and grandfather. They live down in Florida and want to meet up with us. They ask us to make reservations at the Tusker House restaurant, which I get the last availability. When I let her know the time, my grandmother says that they can't get there in time, so my wife and I go to lunch on our own.
The Tusker House is a character lunch, where we meet Donald, Mickey, Daisy, and Goofy. It serves African food. I'm running out of words to describe how impressed I am by the food on this trip.
I'm sitting by a window. After Goofy has his picture taken with me, he starts knocking on the window to get peoples attention outside. He also kept making fun of Mickey, who was in front of him. We were having a great time.
We found my grandparents and decide to do a few shows. It's Tough To Be A Bug. Kilimanjaro Safaris. Festival Of The Lion King. Flights Of Wonder. My wife and I get our picture taken with Mickey and Minnie.
We need to get up early in the morning, so we have to say goodbye to my grandparents. We're back to the resort by 5:00 and in bed by 7:00.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 10
It's 2:00 AM. Why am I up this early? Oh, yes. The race. The real reason I'm here.
We catch a bus at 3:00 and are in our race corrals by 3:30. The race starts at 5:30. (Yes, we had to get there that early.) It's very cold, about 35°F (2°C). Sean Astin (Samwise Gamgee from the Lord of the Rings movies) is racing today, as well. That's cool.
The race starts at EPCOT, goes to the Magic Kingdom and then back to EPCOT. During the race, I run into Lou Mongello of the WDW Radio podcast, another of my inspirations.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 10
It's 2:00 AM. Why am I up this early? Oh, yes. The race. The real reason I'm here.
We catch a bus at 3:00 and are in our race corrals by 3:30. The race starts at 5:30. (Yes, we had to get there that early.) It's very cold, about 35°F (2°C). Sean Astin (Samwise Gamgee from the Lord of the Rings movies) is racing today, as well. That's cool.
The race starts at EPCOT, goes to the Magic Kingdom and then back to EPCOT. During the race, I run into Lou Mongello of the WDW Radio podcast, another of my inspirations.
Running through the Magic Kingdom is a thrill. As we get ready to run through the castle, we see Elsa, Anna and Kristof, from Frozen. I yell out, "I love you, Elsa" as we go by. She says she loves me too. Everyone around laughs. My wife just rolls her eyes.
The race is half over and I'm running out of steam. I slow down, slower than I wanted. But I still finish. My finish time is 3:33:04. I'm 20224 out of 22081 finishers. I'll take it.
Then back to the resort for a nap.
After an hour nap, we return to EPCOT. Back to the France pavilion, we get a Grand Marnier Orange Slush and a Grey Goose Citron Vodka and Lemonade slush. Yummy!
After an hour nap, we return to EPCOT. Back to the France pavilion, we get a Grand Marnier Orange Slush and a Grey Goose Citron Vodka and Lemonade slush. Yummy!
After drinking, we need food. So off to the Norway pavilion, to the bakery. I get the school bread and my wife gets a troll horn. How do you describe school bread? Think of a dinner roll, topped with sugar and coconut, and a pat of creamy butter. Sound disgusting? It's actually really good. And a troll horn is just a cream horn pastry, filled with the creamy butter filling, not sugary cream.
While we eat. we see a duck walking around. We throw over a piece of school bread to him. We've made a friend.
More walking around the park. We get our picture taken with Donald and Duffy. (Duffy is Mickey's teddy bear.) We go to Club Cool, which is a Coca-Cola store, where you can try Coke products from around the world. The most famous (or infamous) is Beverly, an aperitif from Italy. It's very bitter, but I like it. (You can find videos of people trying it on Youtube.) I try talking some kids into drinking it, but there are no takers. Obviously, these are some smart kids. I need a dumber audience.
Dinner at Tokyo Dining in the Japan pavilion. Tempura and sushi. The service is exceptional. The food is great. (I prefer my local sushi place, though.)
The sun has set and it's getting cold. It's been a long day and the drunks are coming out at EPCOT. it's time for bed.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 11
Off to Disney's Hollywood Studios. On the bus, it's just me, my wife and a bunch of teenage Brazilians. I wish I knew Portuguese. (I say this on Facebook, and my cousin starts recommending phrases. I know enough to not say any of his recommendations.)
The full marathon is happening, which goes through each of the 4 parks. So we're pretty much stuck on one side of the park for the morning. We do Aerosmith's Rock N Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror, Walt Disney:One Man's Dream.
For years, my wife has wanted to see the Beauty & the Beast show, so we do. Now she says that our local high school did a better job.
Great Movie Ride. Star Tours. Watched the Jedi Training Academy.
Lunch at the 50's Prime Time Cafe. The pot roast is awesome, much better than mine.
MuppetVision 3D, We catch a show of Mulch, Sweat & Shears (a roving rock band), Voyage of the Little Mermaid (Ariel has D-shells, not Seashells. There's the middle schooler.)
Pictures with Mickey, Mr. Incredible & Frozone from the Incredibles, Hiro & Baymax from Big Hero 6.
While we eat. we see a duck walking around. We throw over a piece of school bread to him. We've made a friend.
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| Got any more school bread? |
Dinner at Tokyo Dining in the Japan pavilion. Tempura and sushi. The service is exceptional. The food is great. (I prefer my local sushi place, though.)
The sun has set and it's getting cold. It's been a long day and the drunks are coming out at EPCOT. it's time for bed.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 11
Off to Disney's Hollywood Studios. On the bus, it's just me, my wife and a bunch of teenage Brazilians. I wish I knew Portuguese. (I say this on Facebook, and my cousin starts recommending phrases. I know enough to not say any of his recommendations.)
The full marathon is happening, which goes through each of the 4 parks. So we're pretty much stuck on one side of the park for the morning. We do Aerosmith's Rock N Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror, Walt Disney:One Man's Dream.
For years, my wife has wanted to see the Beauty & the Beast show, so we do. Now she says that our local high school did a better job.
Great Movie Ride. Star Tours. Watched the Jedi Training Academy.
Lunch at the 50's Prime Time Cafe. The pot roast is awesome, much better than mine.
MuppetVision 3D, We catch a show of Mulch, Sweat & Shears (a roving rock band), Voyage of the Little Mermaid (Ariel has D-shells, not Seashells. There's the middle schooler.)
Pictures with Mickey, Mr. Incredible & Frozone from the Incredibles, Hiro & Baymax from Big Hero 6.
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| He's so squishy. |
The park begins to close, so we go back to our resort for dinner. In our room, there are no towels, so I go to the front desk to get them. Back to the room. We realize we've lost the booklet we need in order to get back to the airport on Tuesday. So back to the front desk to get a replacement. (Turns out we'd packed it and it was in our suitcase.)
MONDAY, JANUARY 12
Up early. Magic Kingdom day. We have reservations at the Crystal Palace at 8:00 am. The park opens at 9:00, so we're able to get some pictures before there are thousands of people.
The food at Crystal Palace is good. It's your normal breakfast buffet stuff. It's also a character breakfast, with Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore and Piglet.
By the time we've finished eating, the park is open. We ride the Jungle Cruise (If you sit by the boat pilot, he'll make fun of you the entire ride.) Pirates of the Caribbean. Enchanted Tiki Room. it's A Small World. The newest ride: The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. It's one of the best rides around.
My favorite ride, though, is the Haunted Mansion. I'm a little morbid. After the ride, we stop at the Haunted Mansion store, Memento Mori, and get some spooky pictures taken. (I'll try to find a way to post them some day.)
Lunch at the Columbia Harbor House, for some fish and chips and a lobster roll. Not bad.
It starts to rain. Everyone scrambles for cover, but we just keep walking in the rain. It gets a little heavier, so we buy an umbrella. (Surprisingly, it costs just as much as one would have cost back home.)
We get our picture taken with Mickey. This makes at least one picture with Mickey each day.
Up early. Magic Kingdom day. We have reservations at the Crystal Palace at 8:00 am. The park opens at 9:00, so we're able to get some pictures before there are thousands of people.
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| See? Try getting this few people in a picture like this. |
By the time we've finished eating, the park is open. We ride the Jungle Cruise (If you sit by the boat pilot, he'll make fun of you the entire ride.) Pirates of the Caribbean. Enchanted Tiki Room. it's A Small World. The newest ride: The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. It's one of the best rides around.
My favorite ride, though, is the Haunted Mansion. I'm a little morbid. After the ride, we stop at the Haunted Mansion store, Memento Mori, and get some spooky pictures taken. (I'll try to find a way to post them some day.)
Lunch at the Columbia Harbor House, for some fish and chips and a lobster roll. Not bad.
It starts to rain. Everyone scrambles for cover, but we just keep walking in the rain. It gets a little heavier, so we buy an umbrella. (Surprisingly, it costs just as much as one would have cost back home.)
We get our picture taken with Mickey. This makes at least one picture with Mickey each day.
Then we also meet Tinkerbell. I've never met anyone who could out-talk my wife. Until now. Holy Crap, Tink could talk.
I know how much my wife loves Beauty & the Beast, so I suggest Enchanted tales with Belle, which is where the story is acted out by people chosen from the audience. Yeah. Guess who was chosen to be a guard.
By the time we get out, the rain has increased so much, we need to buy a second umbrella. The park almost seems empty. So we're able to get on rides easily.
Space mountain. Tomorrowland Transit Authority. Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin. (I got a perfect score of 999,999.) Winnie the Pooh ride.
Dinner at Be Our Guest restaurant. Awesome food. Awesome decorations. We ate in the grand ballroom, which was my wife's favorite room. I wanted the West Wing, which is darker and cooler, in my opinion.
After dinner, we walk toward the front of the park. It's getting late and we're wet and tired.
We had a little extra money on our gift cards, so we blew it all on gifts for the family. For me, it's actually difficult to spend money at Disney.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 13
A sad day. Time to come home. When we leave Orlando, it's 63°F (17°C). When we land in Grand Rapids (after a layover in Minneapolis), it's 12°F (-11°C). Can I go back now?
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| You'reFromMichigan?YouMustBeIceFairies!MyCousinIsAnIceFairy...... |
By the time we get out, the rain has increased so much, we need to buy a second umbrella. The park almost seems empty. So we're able to get on rides easily.
Space mountain. Tomorrowland Transit Authority. Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin. (I got a perfect score of 999,999.) Winnie the Pooh ride.
Dinner at Be Our Guest restaurant. Awesome food. Awesome decorations. We ate in the grand ballroom, which was my wife's favorite room. I wanted the West Wing, which is darker and cooler, in my opinion.
After dinner, we walk toward the front of the park. It's getting late and we're wet and tired.
We had a little extra money on our gift cards, so we blew it all on gifts for the family. For me, it's actually difficult to spend money at Disney.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 13
A sad day. Time to come home. When we leave Orlando, it's 63°F (17°C). When we land in Grand Rapids (after a layover in Minneapolis), it's 12°F (-11°C). Can I go back now?
