Running on Fumes from Start to Finish

[disneyhorselover]

Ya know... I only ever got good feelings. Never bad. Now that you say that at the start though... I wonder if they didn't say that too. I never took it as a jab though. In fact, too me it sounded more like "who here isn't one of the crazy people to run all the races" or "who is one of the crazies" All in fun of course. Never to jab at anyone...just to make it light hearted. And the runners... WAY more supportive of each other than at the phm. Which I guess both surprises me and doesn't.

That's good to hear! Interesting that you should say that about the PHM though. I encountered nothing but great people at that race (aside from the rude girl who tried to jump up corrals), but I've found the online communities for that race have a somewhat different vibe to them than what I'm seeing for these other races (marathon/goofy/tot) that I am signed up for.

Very glad we will have lots of support for the full, I'll need it, haha!

Loved the food at 1900, but thought the character interactions were only meh...looks like you guys had a similar experience? Isn't the strawberry soup amazing?!

Poor Zoe with the mad hatter! love the rest of her pictures though!

If you ever stay at vgf, you'll definitely have to give us a virtual tour, I'm sure they are gorgeous.

 

[annmarieda]

That's good to hear! Interesting that you should say that about the PHM though. I encountered nothing but great people at that race (aside from the rude girl who tried to jump up corrals), but I've found the online communities for that race have a somewhat different vibe to them than what I'm seeing for these other races (marathon/goofy/tot) that I am signed up for.

I didn't really encounter any rude people at the phm itself. To be fair... not really before or after either. I think it was just more a sense of "yay me" at the phm. I could not count how many dopey,goofy, full and half runners that congratulated me after the race. Even if I account for there being more races and potentially more people who could strike up a conversation and congratulate me... it still was way more than the phm. Could it have been just that particular year's attendees? certainly. It is kinda funny you mention online verses the actual event too. Both for 2013 and 2014, I sub'd to the phm thread and it was nothing but full of support and definitely felt more friendly to me than the other race threads have...

Very glad we will have lots of support for the full, I'll need it, haha!

I think there is definitely a different vibe pre race to the marathon weekend events. Maybe like they are just ready to get down to business? But after the event, I think the people are very supportive and happy for everyone in their accomplishments.

Loved the food at 1900, but thought the character interactions were only meh...looks like you guys had a similar experience?

We had great interaction.. maybe too good considering the hatter would not give up on Zoe.

Isn't the strawberry soup amazing?!

Uh.. yeah! Just give me a straw, please!

Poor Zoe with the mad hatter! love the rest of her pictures though!

Poor girl. She really was afraid of him. I should have taken her out of the room when we saw him coming. She told me before hand that she was uncomfortable. I guess I didn't realize just HOW uncomfortable she would be until he made his way to our table.

If you ever stay at vgf, you'll definitely have to give us a virtual tour, I'm sure they are gorgeous.

I bet they are. From all pictures I have seen... I just think they must be amazing. Not sure I will be staying there any time soon. I officially am booked for all my race trips.

 

[MEK]

I have never eaten at 1900 Park Faire! Maybe I'll try it while staying at the Grand in October. The strawberry soup has always intrigued me!

Those are great pictures of the girls! And the picture of the three of you is adorable.

 

[annmarieda]

I have never eaten at 1900 Park Faire! Maybe I'll try it while staying at the Grand in October. The strawberry soup has always intrigued me!

I like it enough to make a trip there so if I were you and staying there... I definitely would try it. The strawberry soup is really nummy. I don't think it is anything that complicated. I think there is yogurt, sourcream, cream and strawberries in it. It is served cold.

Those are great pictures of the girls! And the picture of the three of you is adorable.

Thank you, I think the picture of the three of us turned out quite nice.

 

[KatMark]

Ann, I'm slowly trying to catch up again.

I really enjoyed this update because Mark and I are trying 1900 for the first time in September for breakfast (we've heard horror stories about dinner). I will be sure to tell him about the soup...I think he will like that.

The pics with Pooh hugs are adorable, as are the others. Too funny about Zoe and the Mad Hatter.

I think they usually put a sign up if they do NOT want you to climb on or in something so Kira should not worry.

 

[annmarieda]

Ann, I'm slowly trying to catch up again.

I know how that goes!!!

I really enjoyed this update because Mark and I are trying 1900 for the first time in September for breakfast (we've heard horror stories about dinner). I will be sure to tell him about the soup...I think he will like that.

I hope you enjoy it. I really like it

The pics with Pooh hugs are adorable, as are the others. Too funny about Zoe and the Mad Hatter.

I love that there is a mix of characters.

I think they usually put a sign up if they do NOT want you to climb on or in something so Kira should not worry.

I know... and even if you do climb on something your not suppose to (as Josh found out looking for one of his critters ) They just come and nicely ask you to not climb on it. Course maybe she just has to balance out her husband and be the complete opposite when it comes to breaking rules.

 

[annmarieda]

After breakfast, we drove back to OKW. Steve had enjoyed his morning. He had slept and read. It was his idea of heaven.

We went out on our patio while Steve got ready to leave the room.

Apparently they wanted to be our friends.


because, they kept coming....


Our room was not far from the bus stop, so it was a short walk and we were waiting for our bus. The ride from OKW to Epcot was super quick.

Soon we were in the park. We made a stop at Club Cool to try the new flavors. Then we went on to to catch a quick ride on Journey into Imagination. It ended up taking a bit longer than we had anticipated because a cast member who was sweeping decided to give us a history lesson on marathons. It was interesting and factual. He then went into a story of when he out of the blew decided to run a marathon. He managed it in some ridiculous time. (I can't remember off the top of my head but it definitely made m ) Not that he couldn't have been fast. It just wasn't much more than the time I took for my half just a couple days before. So with little to no training and on a "whim" I just found it unlikely. I remember telling myself that his story was true to him...and not a lie, but that he probably was mistaken and thought it was a full when it was actually a half marathon.

At this point, Kira was starting to stress about where her husband and brother were. We had fp+ reservations and she was sure they would miss them.

However, the two (who decided wearing matching shirts was cool) showed up just as we did. We were in line and waiting soon after.


We asked to be assigned B row 1. So they scooted us to the side and we waited a bit more. Meanwhile Josh was feeling left out. He felt as though no one was taking pictures of him. So I snapped one quickly of him.


After our ride, it was time for some lunch. After having such a great meal there the previous year, Steve knew he wanted to share a pizza with Alex.



I can not remember where Kira and Josh went. I know they had dinning credits to use, so I think they just got a cs meal. edited to add that we had lunch at Via Napoli


I however wanted to get started with this.


It was nice just being the 4 of us.



We also picked up a couple desserts to share. I must say, I LOVE TIW for this over the ddp. So nice to just get a pizza and a couple desserts to share. We came away not feeling stuffed.



Once lunch was over we met back up with Kira and Josh. Since Josh had never seen the travel promo movie in China, we decided it would be our next stop. He had other ideas though and barely made it into the theater before the show began. I think the doors had actually shut. What was he doing? Looking for critters outside. I think Kira was about to kill him. We just decided to chill as we waited for him.


We then went on Maelstrom. Which then meant a visit with the troll.




We had skipped our fp+ for Turtle Talk, so everyone really wanted to not miss what was next scheduled. So we started on our way to LWTL. Why is this needed as a fast pass? While hustling, Zoe noticed that Duffy was out and there was little to no line. Now, Zoe is getting to an age where she isn't as into the characters. She rarely wants to see them. So when she requested quite emphatically to see him what could a mother do? Well, this mother decided that Zoe seeing Duffy was more important than riding LWTL.

Zoe and I stayed behind while the others continued on.



[URL=http://smg.photobucket.com/user/annmarieda/media/January%202014%20WDW%20Trip/January%2013/wd054wdw201401437503815_6924405744_18_zpsa490b833.jpeg.html]





We got a LOT of pictures. Good grief I don't think we have ever received as many shots with one character.

Then Zoe was on a mission to catch up with everyone and ride LWTL after all. Sadly, they were on the boat when we arrived and poor Zoe was distraught. I think that all the lack of sleep was catching up with her. She sobbed. A cm got another cm to take Zoe on a "private tour" While we waited for our family to get done with their ride. It was very very nice of the girls. Basically it was just a little diversion. We were brought to the art wall next to the entrance and told various tid bits about it.

It only worked for a short time and then she was back to crying. When everyone finally arrived she was visibly upset enough that Steve looked like this when he approached.


In case you are curious, that is not a mad face but rather a one.

We went ahead and rode the ride (as did everyone else). Then we decided everyone needed a nap. Since there was not enough time to go back to the resort before dinner we opted to make use of Ellen's Universe of Energy.

Next Up: 1/13 - 3 ADR's in a day and Epcot Part 3

 

[KatMark]

We get those birds EVERY TIME it rains on Marco Island right outside the bedroom window. They are the noisiest things on the planet.

I think that CM at Journey was confused.

Where did you eat lunch? You didn't say.

I have yet to get the whole Duffy thing, but glad that Zoe was interested enough to want to see him since she is "straying" away from the characters.

Hard to soothe a child who wants something badly and who is overtired.

Ellen's is a good place for a nap.

 

[MEK]

[/URL]

I love this picture! So cute.

Hard to believe that it wasn't long until Zoe was in meltdown mode. Ugh - its so tough to be a kid and being overly tired and just want to cry. Heck - I'm adult and there are nights when I feel like that. Poor thing. And Steve's face. Oh My!

On a lighter note -

Yeah - I never believe people who tell you something that sounds totally unrealistic. I just node and say "yeah yeah yeah" and then move on. Silly.

I love the sangria at Via. Well, actually it wasn't quite as good in May, but it was super yummy in October. And I just love the pizza there. So good!

 

[annmarieda]

We get those birds EVERY TIME it rains on Marco Island right outside the bedroom window. They are the noisiest things on the planet.

I think they thought we were going to feed them.

I think that CM at Journey was confused.

I think he must have been. His historical summary of the marathon though was accurate.

Where did you eat lunch? You didn't say.

You are right! I didn't!! I went back to add it. It was Via Napoli. So yummy!

I have yet to get the whole Duffy thing, but glad that Zoe was interested enough to want to see him since she is "straying" away from the characters.

I am with you... I just don't get how he fits in. We had good interaction with him though and I think the pictures turned out cute.

Hard to soothe a child who wants something badly and who is overtired.

I think she just was in a "wanting to have her cake and eat it too" type moment. She wanted to meet Duffy but also wanted to ride LWTL with her family. Once she got both she was fine(I know... I maybe shouldn't indulge her when she is being fussy..but it wasn't like she was demanding or anything. She was just sad.

Ellen's is a good place for a nap.

It is and it gave us all enough of a reset to get us trough the rest of the evening.

I love this picture! So cute.

Thanks.

Hard to believe that it wasn't long until Zoe was in meltdown mode. Ugh - its so tough to be a kid and being overly tired and just want to cry. Heck - I'm adult and there are nights when I feel like that. Poor thing. And Steve's face. Oh My!

I know. She kinda went from zero to sobbing in no time flat. Now to be fair,there was no real meltdown. At least not like what I am use to with say my oldest daughter who may or may not even now have some doozies. She just was kinda buried in me and sobbing. Zoe is my queen of crocodile tears and quite silent when she cries. Kira in comparison is the one who you know is upset not by the tears, but by the sounds. That is not to say that Zoe is incapable of the wild outburst sort of meltdown or that Kira is not able to quietly show she is upset.... But yes... when Steve saw her he made the frowny face because he could tell she was sad.

On a lighter note -

Yeah - I never believe people who tell you something that sounds totally unrealistic. I just node and say "yeah yeah yeah" and then move on. Silly.

At the time I was kinda doing the "yeah yeah yeah" thing...but then I got to a point where I was like "wait a second : "

I love the sangria at Via. Well, actually it wasn't quite as good in May, but it was super yummy in October. And I just love the pizza there. So good!

I am a fan of white sangria. SO yummy! I hope that when we go back it will be as good as it was last January.

 

[eandesmom]

caught up! I think. LOL!

Your breakfast at 1900 looked yummy, and fun, and it is a very nice pic of the 3 of you. Sorry the hatter scares Zoe still but well, he is a bit scary looking I imagine!

Poor Zoe on the LWTL sobbing....so hard when they hit a wall like that but lunch (and Duffy!) looked fabulous.

Love the nap spot.

I've still never been to it!

 

[petals]

Poor Zoe with the Mad hatter... he scares me a little as well and I'm alot older than her!

 

[annmarieda]

caught up! I think. LOL!

It is so hard to stay caught up, isn't it???!!!

Your breakfast at 1900 looked yummy, and fun, and it is a very nice pic of the 3 of you. Sorry the hatter scares Zoe still but well, he is a bit scary looking I imagine!

I do like breakfast there. It was quite yummy. I think Kira is my good luck charm there though. I have gone without her and it has not been as good. When she is there... it is amazing.

Poor Zoe on the LWTL sobbing....so hard when they hit a wall like that but lunch (and Duffy!) looked fabulous.

She really was just fixated on being able to ride with them. I think somehow she missed that they would not wait for her.

Love the nap spot.

I've still never been to it!

It is a nice cool place to take a nap. Actually, I really do enjoy the ride itself. It is just very longggg... and moves along so slowwww.. and some howe you feel lulled to sleep.

Poor Zoe with the Mad hatter... he scares me a little as well and I'm alot older than her!

Yeah... it is his mannerisms and the nose. I think the nose is odd. I think it makes young brains recognize something is off. Good survival instincts if you think about it. Something just seems wrong and so she is fearful.

 

[petals]

Yeah... it is his mannerisms and the nose. I think the nose is odd. I think it makes young brains recognize something is off. Good survival instincts if you think about it. Something just seems wrong and so she is fearful.

I think with me it's because he's louder and more in your face than the other characters.. I don't trust the ones that are loud enough to possibly embarrass you

 

[annmarieda]

I think with me it's because he's louder and more in your face than the other characters.. I don't trust the ones that are loud enough to possibly embarrass you

I think you have a good point.

 

[dizneeat]

Yeah! All caught up. And I was only one update behind. THANK YOU for slowing down for me, Ann!

 

[annmarieda]

Yeah! All caught up. And I was only one update behind. THANK YOU for slowing down for me, Ann!

Happy to help. I know I have been so far behind and felt so bad. It is nice to know I am not the only one struggling to get caught up.

 

[annmarieda]

Once we were off of Ellen's Universe of Energy, it was time for dinner.

None of us had ever been to this restaurant and we were all quite excited and hungry.

So we walked from FW into WS. We had a little bit of time so we made a quick detour in Norway to see how the Viking exhibit had been altered to showcase Frozen. Now, this is just a side rant. I love Frozen. (don't we all?) However I don't feel changing Norway to showcase the movie is appropriate. Here is why. You have the various countries and some characters do meet in those countries (so I feel a meet and greet is appropriate for Anna and Elsa there) However really it is a cultural thing. Each country has their "come see us" movie. They have some sort of "here is our history" exhibit. They have shopping and they have food. All of these things really are about the country and not themed toward a movie. I mean, yes... the grand fiesta tour does have Donald in it... but really the ride is about Donald IN mexico. I don't know. I just feel like a ride or cultural exhibit should be representative of each countries pavilion and not a current movie. That being said, the movie updates to the exhibit were interesting and I guess there are just so many times I need to read about King Erik I guess they tried to tie in how the culture inspired the movie...so maybe it will grown on me.








Then we went to Germany. Our dinner reservation was for at Biergarten.

We are lucky in that we are a large group so we didn't have to share a table with multiple groups. We did however have to share with a "couple" who did not know they would be sharing. It really threw them. I say they were a "couple" because they were a man and a woman who knew each other through work. (although they did not work in the same city) They were a bit too familiar with each other and seemed to want to keep it a secret. It was odd and they seemed to want to be evasive about the nature of their relationship. If I am honest.... I think they were having a long distance affair. I kinda felt bad for how uncomfortable they were with us. The woman had her chair move all the way over to the end of the table so she was practically eating at the corner. I think this may have been what caused a mishap with the server. Steve and Josh had both ordered beer flights and when the server brought them (while I was in the restroom so I am just retelling this second hand) she stumbled and a flight completely spilled onto the gal and the floor around her. It was an interesting meal. Josh was able to get them to lighten up a bit, but it still was not as friendly as I think it could have been. It may have been that they wanted alone time or it may have been that the woman was seated next to Zoe. I am not sure, but the minute they were done they did not even say good bye.

As for us, we stayed FOREVER. Josh LOVED this restaurant and we had to sit through two shows so he could dance. He took Zoe with him and she LOVED it.






We all had a great time being silly. Which sometimes I got in on...


But mostly just watched.






The food was ok. Not my favorite, but I did really like the pretzels.





Since I have no pictures from the rest of the night, I might as well finish up the day.

After dinner, we took a very happy Josh skipping (yes, literally skipping.. he is like a 12 year old boy normally...but with a bit too much beer? skipping )along WS to get some girly drinks for those of us who didn't drink beer in Germany. Yup, that meant slushies in France for Kira and I. We walked along further and crossed into UK. We looked for a place to watch illuminations. Since drinks often lead to the need for bio breaks we decided that right there in front of the nice restrooms in UK would be a great place to view the show. (sorry not a single picture) If memory serves we really could not see all that well because of the crowd near the pub.

We were all pretty tired by the time illumations ended. I want to say that Steve was carrying Zoe out of the park. My notes say that we got separated and that Steve and Zoe took a separate bus from the rest of us. Kira and Josh came back to OKW where I then drove them back to their hotel.

We finally were in bed very late.

Next Up: 1/14 - DHS Part 1

 

[annmarieda]

And since the last update finished up the day of 1/13 it is time for a recap.

What did we hope to do?

Zoe and Ann Wake
Zoe and Ann Drive to Get Kira
Zoe, Ann with Kira Drive to Grand Floridian
Breakfast at 1900 Park Fare.
Alex and Steve eat in Room or Olivias
Drive to OKW
Bus to Epcot
Soarin
Lunch at Via Napoli
Stay in WS
Turtle Talk With Crush
Living with the Land
Meet and Greet Anna and Elsa (if line is not too long)
Dinner at Biergarten
Monorail to MK
Bus to OKW
Bed

What we did was pretty close.

Zoe Alexand Ann Drive to Get Kira
Leave Alex with Josh
Zoe, Ann with Kira Drive to Grand Floridian
Breakfast at 1900 Park Fare.
Peaked in at the VGF
Drive to OKW
Bus to Epcot
Soarin
Lunch at Via Napoli
Stay in WS
We did not doTurtle Talk With Crush
Zoe and I met with Duffy
Living with the Land twice for everyone but Zoe and I
Meet and Greet Anna and Elsa (if line is not too long) The line was too long so we did not
Dinner at Biergarten
We did not hop theMonorail to MK
Bus to OKW
Drove Kira and Josh back to Pop Century
Bed

 

[KatMark]

Ann, fun and interesting update!

The way you described that couple I am guessing that you are right about the long distance affair. Research people...research! You would have known it's a restaurant where you all sit together (most German restaurants do).

We had a horrid meal at Biergarten our last visit (which I think was 2010?) and I'm truly sorry about that because we love the entertainment there. It's such a fun place.

You can certainly tell by the pictures that Josh is having himself one good time. I LOVE it!

And how sweet that he danced with Zoe.