Trip Report **Completed** The Wine and Dine Half Marathon and we are never changing hotels again!

Hello everyone! I have been (sadly) back for over a week now so I suppose its time to start my TR. I have been in a moderate Disney depression since I have been back, so hopefully this cheers me up. Its probably the freezing cold weather here in Buffalo, but I am longing for Disney and sunny weather (I know its only like 55 there right now, but its 25 here ). I suppose this is the true sign of a Disney addict! Anyway, on with the TR!

Who?:
From left to right:
My Dad (Jeff), Me (Megan), Mickey , My sister Betta (her name is Elizabeth, we call her Betta), my nephew Max, my Mom (Mary) my sister Jill and Betta's friend Deanna

Deanna came with my sister to help with Max She has been to Disney before, but not for several years. This is Max's first trip! The rest of us have been to Disney (several times...)

When?
My Mom and I: November 3 - 12
My Dad and Jill: Nov 5 -12
Betta, Deanna and Max Nov 7 - 12

Where?
We moved hotels 3 times, I will introduce them as we go

Why?
Jill and I really wanted to run the Wine and Dine Half Marathon so we planned a trip around it! Plus, Betta wanted to bring Max to Disney the first time!

The Title?
Well, its pretty obvious! We ran the Wine and Dine Half Marathon Also, we were not keen on moving hotels during the trip. It is incredibly disruptive and takes up a decent amount of free time. I will comment more as we go.

T-5 days
As my Mom and I were driving to help my sister and Max pack for the trip we were getting a little bit Disney crazy and really did not want to stay at All Star Sports. We have nothing against people who like the values (or can only afford them), but we really don't enjoy them. When I was a kid we only stayed at values and we loved them, but we definitely have gotten spoiled lately. Knowing we booked All Stars to save us money I did not think a hotel move would be possible. However, the huge AP discount was still a thing so we started looking into other hotels. While at my sister's house I kept trying to change the hotel, but it was not working. Eventually I gave up and finally called Disney. I had the sweetest CM ever on the phone and we chatted for quite a bit about all sorts of things. In the end I decided on moving to the Wilderness Lodge because we love it so much! The CM also added a bit of magic and upgraded us to Concierge level for free. Woohoo!!! The only downside is this would mean we would have to pick up our luggage in the airport for Magical Express. Annoying, but no big deal overall

November 3, 2016
We got up around 5 am and got ready to go to the airport. It was a gross and rainy day in Buffalo so we were happy to be heading to sunny Florida! While my Mom and I were finishing up last minute things and taking pictures my Dad started grabbing our suitcases and bringing them to the car. Only, we weren't done with them yet so he had to bring them back in. Because it was rainy he really looked the part of a grumpy airport worker

We had a quick ride to the airport and we got there by 6 am. We had the same Southwest worker check us in that we had in October. Thats when you know you travel too much? haha
We both had TSA pre-check and for once I did not set off the metal detector! We were through security by 6:08 am. You have got to love TSA pre-check
For breakfast we had some bagels and water

Petey and Drake were ready

Since we had a crazy amount of time to kill we sat down at our gate and I already started working on my notes haha

Then we took some selfies...

Finally it was time to get on the plane. We ended up in row 4! I love sitting in the front, takes less time to get off the plane!
Magic Bands ready

Purple Magic Bands for the win! The woman sitting next to me also had a purple Magic Band

Next up: Arriving in MCO!

 

[Doc Disney]

This will not only be my first RunDisney race but my first race ever. I've never been a runner but reading all the trip reports about RunDisney events make it look like so much fun so I figured why not try it, especially in one of my favorite places with some of my best friends.

My ultimate goal is to maybe run the Wine and Dine 1/2 but I want to see how the 10K goes first.

Oh yay!!! Tons of people do their first races at Disney! You will love it, but you will get spoiled! Whenever I run half marathons elsewhere I'm always somewhat sad about how boring they are compared to Disney races! I feel like running your first race in Disney would be so magical Don't let my anxiety about my own race worry you. I ran competitively for many years and thats where the base of my nerves comes from Can't get actual competition mentality out of me!

I ran a Tough Mudder in October and thought I'd never walk again. I have so much respect for those who do these and continue on with their vacations!!!

haha! I recover the best after RunDisney races purely because of how much you have to walk! Only took me like 2 days to recover from this, whereas it usually takes me about a week

 

[Doc Disney]

Day 4 continued
Hello Space Mountain!

Next up it was time to meet the main Mouse!
I got the red card and Jill wasn't impressed (nor could we stop moving long enough to take a picture)

Mickey!

Next up: Festival of Fantasy?

 

[Doc Disney]

Day 4 continued
When we got out of Mickey it was approaching 3:00 pm and we had a a little bit of time before our next FP so I thought, hey, lets watch the Festival of Fantasy Parade since I never actually watched it. So, we sat on a bench on the porch of Town Hall and waited!
Well, actually we got some snacks first

I went and grabbed some popcorn and came back to find this man had pushed my stuff over (my Mom was sitting on the bench too so its not like it was just our stuff sitting there) and sat there

Not only did he push my stuff over, but he made room for his own stuff as well!!!

The good news is the man left before the parade came around
So, we finally watched the parade! After several trips of never taking the time to actually watch it we finally saw it! I don't have any pictures of the parade because it would have required me to stand up The parade was super cute! We didn't get to see any of the fire - I'm assuming they don't do it in the tight turns of the circle Truthfully, as much as I liked it, though, probably won't make an effort to sit for it again! Mostly because of it being in the middle of the afternoon and we are usually at the hotel by then!
After the parade it was time for our last FP....7DMT!

After our wonderful ride (which felt faster than usual) we headed out of the park!

When we got back to the hotel we found Petey and Drake relaxing on some pillows!

Next up: trying to stay awake

 

[Doc Disney]

Day 4 continued
When we got back to the hotel we walked around a little bit and relaxed.
I wrote down "so sleepy" like 10 times so I must have been extra tired
At some point my Mom and I ended up at Capt. Cook's and got some French Fries and pineapple to share, but we only ate like 2 bites so I took it to my Dad to eat
Jill was taking a small nap so my Mom and Dad and I headed to the beach

It was a HUGE struggle to stay away If I didn't have important people to meet I have a feeling we would have never made it to Epcot !
Here are a million pictures from the beach I kept taking pictures to keep myself awake

Next up: Epcot!

 

[sheriffwoody]

haha! I recover the best after RunDisney races purely because of how much you have to walk! Only took me like 2 days to recover from this, whereas it usually takes me about a week

I was the same way! I did a 10 miler there and was so much less sore than after any of my half marathons because I didn't sit still long enough to get stiff! When I ran my marathon (one and done, never doing that again) we ate afterwards, so I was sitting for about an hour. When I got up to leave, I thought someone was going to have to carry me. Had to look down and make sure I still had legs

 

[LadyBelle]

My sister wants to do a Disney race in two years, when her youngest granddaughter turns 5. I'll go just to go.

Now, if Disney ever had a tennis tournament, I'd be there!!

 

[GoofyDadKB]

I ran a Tough Mudder in October and thought I'd never walk again. I have so much respect for those who do these and continue on with their vacations!!!

You should try the Tough Mudder on Mt. Snow in VT. I thought my legs would never work again. It was 13.2 miles up and down the black diamond slopes.

 

[Doc Disney]

Day 4 continued
When Jill met us down at the beach we headed to the lobby. As you can tell we were incredibly slow moving haha

Finally we got up the energy to walk to the TTC and grab the Epcot monorail. The monorails were full of drunk people heading to the Wine and Dine after party

When we first got into Epcot we hopped in line to get our wristbands for the Wine and Dine party, but the line was super long so we moved on. I feel like we may have rode SE, but I didn't write it down. I kind of remember me sitting in a different seat than Jill by accident and being unreasonably cranky about it, but I can't remember if it was this day . I thought there was a line at the World Showcase entrance (at Agent P's) for the wrist bands, but I was wrong so we needed to search for a line. Along the way we stopped to get Jill some Beverly.

She legitimately loves Beverly
We then stopped at the Farm Fresh stand to get my Mom some Mac and Cheese
Turns out the line was at Agent P's in the UK so we headed there. We did find it, however, that line was also too long! Luckily we heard someone say they were giving out bands at the entrance to Epcot over by the Boardwalk so we headed there and got our bands in a matter of minutes!
At this point we split up because my Dad and Jill wanted to try some Food and Wine foods and my Mom and I had people to meet!
My Mom and I headed into the Rose and Crown pub to grab some pops and then headed out to listen to some music and wait for our friends
Soon enough we found @Longers and @prfctlyximprct ! I know they both already talked about this, but it was so lovely meeting them! We talked about our trips, Rivers of Light, runDisney, etc etc! Truly they are two of the sweetest people I have ever met (along with Chris and Joe as well!!). Its so lovely to meet fellow Disney lovers! I already felt like I knew them, but it was so nice to meet them in person! I only wish I wasn't functioning on 1 hour of sleep because I feel like I was the reason we cut our meeting short! I could barely keep my eyes open I work 24 hour shifts for work on occasion, but this was a bigger struggle (prob because I also ran a half marathon).

Meanwhile my Dad and Jill had some Food and Wine eats (but they did not take any pictures). They had the brisket from America and shrimp from Japan I think. They liked whatever they had! I didn't eat anything because I was a little gun shy of eating anything late at night at this point
We met up with them in America and decided to head out. I get why they have the Food and Wine party at night, but does it have to start at 10 pm when we have all been up since 2:30 am? It made more sense when the run was at night too! We bought my Dad a ticket because they had originally said the party started at 8 pm and that seemed more manageable. In truth, you could get into the party at 8 pm but it did not officially start until 10 pm. I read online the next day it wasn't even that great until after 11 pm when they got everyone out . I can't nap to save my soul so that wasn't really an option...oh well! I'm more sad that we spent money on Dad's ticket!
Well, we did not make it out before Illuminations ended so we left with the masses and stuffed ourselves on a monorail to head home. In a lovely way to end the night we watched Wishes from the Poly
Excuse the blurry picture, you get the idea

When getting ready for bed I looked at my phone and noticed this...

A mere 20 miles

Next up: Food and Wining !

 

[Doc Disney]

I was the same way! I did a 10 miler there and was so much less sore than after any of my half marathons because I didn't sit still long enough to get stiff! When I ran my marathon (one and done, never doing that again) we ate afterwards, so I was sitting for about an hour. When I got up to leave, I thought someone was going to have to carry me. Had to look down and make sure I still had legs

Haha! The same thing happened to my sister when she ran a full They went to eat and she could barely move. Maybe all the walking they make you do after your run in Disney is intentional

My sister wants to do a Disney race in two years, when her youngest granddaughter turns 5. I'll go just to go.
Now, if Disney ever had a tennis tournament, I'd be there!!

I wonder if they will ever expand to other sports Run Disney races are fun! Just a big time commitment!!

 

[Courtney6682]

WOW! I can't believe you guys didn't rest after the race...I would have DIEDD!

 

[prfctlyximprct]

I wish we were still there!!!!!!!! love your pics

 

[Longers]

IT seems like so long ago now! I have severe withdrawal symptoms
It was great meeting you too - who knows we might all be there another time and can maybe meet a little earlier in the day - and maybe not after you've run a race - And I can't believe you wouldn't stay for FOF parade - I Looove a parade

 

[Longers]

By the way we knew you were tired and myself,Chris ,Nicole and Joe stayed and talked till just before 9 so you didn't cut anything short we fully understood how tired you must have been after getting up so early and running a race we will all have to meet again!

 

[prfctlyximprct]

By the way we knew you were tired and myself,Chris ,Nicole and Joe stayed and talked till just before 9 so you didn't cut anything short we fully understood how tired you must have been after getting up so early and running a race we will all have to meet again!

Agreed! We knew you were tired! I commend you for staying out as long as you did! I would be down for the count for sure! And how nice it is to think of one day meeting again, I love my Disney friends! Hope ya'll are getting over the withdrawal better than me!

 

[LadyBelle]

Hope ya'll are getting over the withdrawal better than me!

For me, the answer is No.

 

[Longers]

For me, the answer is No.

And it's a no from me too!

 

[Doc Disney]

WOW! I can't believe you guys didn't rest after the race...I would have DIEDD!

We pretty much did

I wish we were still there!!!!!!!! love your pics

Me too Thanks!

 

[Doc Disney]

IT seems like so long ago now! I have severe withdrawal symptoms
It was great meeting you too - who knows we might all be there another time and can maybe meet a little earlier in the day - and maybe not after you've run a race - And I can't believe you wouldn't stay for FOF parade - I Looove a parade

By the way we knew you were tired and myself,Chris ,Nicole and Joe stayed and talked till just before 9 so you didn't cut anything short we fully understood how tired you must have been after getting up so early and running a race we will all have to meet again!

I hope there is another day we can meet up again someday! That would be so awesome!
Aside from my unnatural obsession with the Main Street Electrical Parade I am not a huge parade fan .... the FOF parade was cool though!

Agreed! We knew you were tired! I commend you for staying out as long as you did! I would be down for the count for sure! And how nice it is to think of one day meeting again, I love my Disney friends! Hope ya'll are getting over the withdrawal better than me!

It would be so fun to meet up again someday! I would love it I am not handling the withdrawal that well either I am going back soon-ish and I know I'm lucky but its still so hard not to be there.

 

[Doc Disney]

For me, the answer is No.

And it's a no from me too!

Ditto

 

[Doc Disney]

Day 5 - moving day to POFQ
Without setting our alarms we got up at 7:15 am
We can not sleep in! Even with the lack of sleep the day before!
We got up and slowly packed our bags because sadly we had to move hotels again The good news was our third phase of the trip was about to begin with the addition of the rest of our party!
Speaking of which, while we were getting ready Max and Betta (and Deanna) boarded their plane

We decided to head down to Capt. Cooks for breakfast since there was clearly no rush to get our luggage out of the room since it would take all day anyway

These ducks joined us for breakfast

I look drugged Clearly still recovering from the race! You may notice Jill has a mug. We cheated the system and brought old mugs for coffee....I'm not even ashamed!

For breakfast my Dad had a bagel (boringggg)
My Mom had waffles

Jill and split the egg croissant sandwich. We did not want to fill up because we had plenty of Food and Wine foods we wanted to try!

After eating we headed back to the room and Petey and Drake posed for a goodbye picture

We called the Bellman to come grab our bags and he asked how many and almost had a cow when I said 11 . Oops !
After he grabbed our stuff we walked to the TTC and headed to Epcot!

Next up: Day 5 continued!