Trip Report I know every mile will be worth my while! (A Princess 5K trip report)

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Somehow I knew this TR title would reference a song from a Disney movie. I'm a singer after all, and the Disney Renaissance was basically my childhood. A few titles I considered relating to the theme included:

"It's funny how some distance makes everything seem small"
"If I go there's just no telling how far I'll go"
"Come run the hidden pine trails of the forest"
"There ain't nothing gonna stop me now cause I'm almost there"
"We must be swift as a coursing river"

But I went with Hercules for several reasons, not only because I relate to the themes of the song, but because it kept popping up during the trip.

In case you missed my PTR, visit A first, a second, and a third.

Otherwise, continue reading for a journey full of family, fun, and OF COURSE food!

 

[bee]

I forgot to add that at one point during the previous night, as we were moving toward the exit, the music just STOPPED. It was actually quite creepy; luckily it came back on less than a minute later.

Day 6: Monday, February 26

We awoke at 4:45 to throw on our travel clothes, pack the last minute stuff, and walk to the main building for the DME. We did something we'd never done before, which was drop off our bag with airline checkin. You're probably thinking, "How could they have never done this before?" It's a combination of: We usually pack much lighter so we don't check a bag at all, and we often stay at the Swolphin which doesn't offer this service. We were afraid of a long line so we got there quite early, but it took about three minutes total, so we had some time to enjoy the lobby one last time.

WARNING: excessive fountain photos ahead!

It was raining when we went outside to catch the bus.



We departed Coronado right on time at 5:45. We were the first stop and I think we also stopped at one of the All-Stars. The ride to the airport was quick, as expected.

Lookin' good, new terminal!

We already had boarding passes and had checked our bag at the resort, so all we had to do was go through security. It wasn't a terribly long wait, but the X-ray machines were backed up toward the end of the line. We had plenty of time for a quick breakfast, though.

We boarded on time and took off a minute or two early. We didn't get so lucky with our seats as we did on our departure flight, but we didn't mind too much.

JUST seltzer.

We watched iPad TV and listened to audiobooks and played phone games. I should have been studying music for an upcoming (now past) concert but I couldn't bring myself to do work when I was still "on vacation."

This is looking more familiar...

Heeeeey Manhattan

We landed a little early (I think around 20 minutes?) but since we were in the back of the plane we had to wait awhile to exit. We didn't mind, of course, since we had checked a bag and would have to wait for that once we got off anyway. As we sat on the plane we saw all these white boxes coming out of the luggage compartment:

It's hard to tell, but they say they contain LIVE TROPICAL FISH!!! We counted at least twelve boxes like this!

We eventually exited the plane, retrieved our luggage, and took a Lyft home. We were back in our apartment before noon, and we were instantly back to real life as we made a trip to Aldi for some groceries.

And that, my friends, is the end of my report! I hope you enjoyed it! I certainly enjoyed reliving our vacation here. I'll make at least one more post, with some concluding thoughts, some favorites of the trip, some things we will and won't do again, and a bit about what's next.

 

[LeighM]

Loved your trip report! I'm getting close to the end of mine and I've been postponing it. I love your empty lobby shots of the fountain at CSR. I was never up that early to get pictures with no people in them.

 

[RememberWhen]

I’m so sad it’s over! Happy anniversary and thanks for sharing with us!

 

[becca_]

Yet another awesome TR, bee

 

[HouCuseChickie]

Great TR! Your pics from the plane gave me major flashbacks. I grew up in NJ and used to fly through there all the time even after we moved.

 

[bee]

Loved your trip report! I'm getting close to the end of mine and I've been postponing it. I love your empty lobby shots of the fountain at CSR. I was never up that early to get pictures with no people in them.

Thank you! To be fair, we never get up that early unless we have to!

I’m so sad it’s over! Happy anniversary and thanks for sharing with us!

Thank you! And thanks for reading!

Yet another awesome TR, bee

Thank you!

Great TR! Your pics from the plane gave me major flashbacks. I grew up in NJ and used to fly through there all the time even after we moved.

I always love when I can start seeing familiar sights through the plane windows. Even if it means vacation is over, it does mean I'm almost home.

 

[bee]

I wrote all of this in a Google Doc and it got long and wordy, so I'm going to post this in two parts. Here's Part One!

Final thoughts
This was a wonderful trip. We enjoyed spending time with each other, taking it (mostly) easy, eating at nice restaurants, watching fireworks both in and out of the parks, and relaxing at the resort. We tried new things, revisited old favorites, and introduced some of our favorites to our family.

High points
Finishing the 5K with our family members cheering for us
Spending time with family who live far away in and out of the parks
Experiencing Epcot through the eyes of a (n almost) first timer
Great bus service-no wait over 15 minutes, most waits under 5 minutes
Great service from CMs throughout the resort
Happily Ever After
IllumiNations and walking through Epcot after closing time

Low points (Honestly I had to really search for this category)
Getting on line for Mission: Space only to stand in the same spot for 20+ minutes and eventually give up
The Coronado construction. It didn’t affect us that much, but it was a bit inconvenient.

Favorites
New TS restaurant (or new experience at a repeat restaurant): California Grill brunch, Maya Grill
Repeat TS restaurant: Jiko
QS restaurant: Pepper Market, Pecos Bill
Snack: Shaved ice in Japan
Lounge/bar: Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace
Ride: Living with the Land 5ever, Haunted Mansion, Soarin’ (with C because it was her first time and she thought it was super cool)

Up next: Part Two

 

[bee]

How future trips will be different
From this trip we learned even more about our preferred WDW vacation style. As much as we liked Coronado, we both missed staying at the Swolphin and will probably make every effort to stay there for future trips. We spend most of our park time in Epcot, and it’s so much easier and more fun to be able to walk than to have to wait for a bus.

We’re not sure if we will want to participate in another runDisney race. While we of course had lots of fun during the race itself and afterward, we didn’t get to enjoy ourselves as much during the first couple of days because we were anxious about the race. Of course, we now know what to expect so it might not be so bad in the future. I’m also not sure a 5K is worth it since it’s a short course; I might consider a 10K in the future but I doubt M would be interested.

That said...

Back to real life
After taking a little time off from running we are back at it! We are running a local 5K in May so we have returned to serious training! I ran this same race last year and it definitely won’t be as packed as a Disney race, so we’ll actually be able to push ourselves a little more. We are using C25K for pacing guidance and MapMyRun for overall route tracking. I just ordered some new running shoes so I can break them in before the race next month. We have also started incorporating some strength training into our lives for a more well-rounded exercise routine. It’s hard to find time with our crazy schedules but we’re making it work!

We’re also both being more careful about what we eat. In general we are healthy eaters and we both enjoy cooking at home, but now that we have this beautiful apartment with a nice kitchen and a DISHWASHER (!!!) we are finally cooking as much as we want to. When M gets home around 6 she is usually too exhausted to make anything, and I usually don’t get home until 8 or 9 or later. We’ve now gotten into a routine where I plan and then prepare part of dinner before I leave for work, and then she can finish it with minimal effort later. For example, I’ll cut and drain tofu to be broiled later, and chop up vegetables to be roasted, so all M has to do is season them, put them on a pan, and stick them in the oven. I’ve also finally gotten the grocery shopping routine down; since I work afternoons and evenings I go in the morning when it’s less crowded. I also discovered an amazing produce store that’s a four minute walk away from our building, and I go a few times a week to pick out fresh vegetables and fruits for the next few days. We’ve discovered we really like kabocha, which is a Japanese pumpkin that’s great roasted.

I’ve been sticking to a maximum calorie count per day while also maintaining a minimum protein goal. I’m not doing any particular “diet” (low carb, low fat, high fat, high protein, etc.), and I haven’t cut out alcohol or anything like that (that would be CRAZY!) but I’ve of course cut back some to avoid consuming too many calories. Since we returned on February 26 I have lost five pounds. I have no aspirations of ever being “thin” but I’m happy with a little bit of slow weight loss.

What’s next
During this trip we thought about booking a bounceback offer to go one more time with our current APs. But since we both came to the conclusion that we would rather stay at the Swolphin than a “normal” Disney resort we did NOT book a bounceback. Rather, we are hoping to go for “One La-ast Ti-ime” (sing it with me, Hamilfans!) this summer. We have something booked, but I am still waiting to hear back from a few summer singing gigs I auditioned for to determine exactly which dates I’m available. Regardless, this will be a relaxing trip with lots of chill activities and nice signature dinners, and the plan is to visit M’s parents in Jacksonville at some point. When I know for sure what our plans will be, I’ll of course post a PTR here.

Thank you all for following along and being patient with my gaps between posts! As much fun as the vacation itself is, it’s always better to relive it with friends.

 

[lostpro9het]

Thanks for the ride! My favorite Bees never cease to entertain.

 

[MinnieM123]

Your trip reports are always wonderful to read--so much information and great photos. I also agree that the location of Swolfin can't be beat! (I'm also a fan of hotels that are in one building with an elevator--satisfies my lazy side. And then you can just stroll outside to the Friendship Boats--easy peasy!! )

Wish I could comment more here, but getting ready for work, so I'll just say thanks again for another great TR!

 

[Tuvalu]

A TR can’t possibly BEE better than this!

 

[Zipadeelady]

Great report @bee !!

 

[fractal]

Great report!

Always thought a 5K would be fun to run, but I "get" having to worry about it too much before hand.

Good luck with the new eating plan and new apartment!

 

[RememberWhen]

I’ve been trying to convince my wife that we could do a 5k at Disney. We’re not runners, but it’s not as though we would need to sprint the whole way, right? Is there a time limit?
Really enjoyed your report. Especially the stealth photography.

 

[susan lees]

Thanks for a great report. I also am increasing my exercise and reducing calories without following a specific diet. I've always found this the best way for me to lose weight. Keep up the good work

 

[bee]

Thanks for the ride! My favorite Bees never cease to entertain.

Thanks for joining us! Glad to entertain!

Your trip reports are always wonderful to read--so much information and great photos. I also agree that the location of Swolfin can't be beat! (I'm also a fan of hotels that are in one building with an elevator--satisfies my lazy side. And then you can just stroll outside to the Friendship Boats--easy peasy!! )

Wish I could comment more here, but getting ready for work, so I'll just say thanks again for another great TR!

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it! We should start a Swolphin Fan Club!

A TR can’t possibly BEE better than this!

Great report @bee !!

Thank you!

Great report!

Always thought a 5K would be fun to run, but I "get" having to worry about it too much before hand.

Good luck with the new eating plan and new apartment!

Thank you! The race itself was a blast! I've never had such a big smile on my face while running. I think if we did another race I'd be less anxious since now I know a bit better what to expect.

I’ve been trying to convince my wife that we could do a 5k at Disney. We’re not runners, but it’s not as though we would need to sprint the whole way, right? Is there a time limit?
Really enjoyed your report. Especially the stealth photography.

Thank you! You can definitely do a 5K as a non-runner and walk the whole way! The runDisney site says you have to make a certain per-mile pace but on the day of the race they told us there was no time limit. There were lots of people walking and taking their time, especially once we got into the park and there were nice photo ops.

Thanks for a great report. I also am increasing my exercise and reducing calories without following a specific diet. I've always found this the best way for me to lose weight. Keep up the good work

Thank you!

 

[Sabrina1705]

Thanks for the great report!
Looking foward to stay and explore Coronado Springs

 

[RememberWhen]

Thank you! You can definitely do a 5K as a non-runner and walk the whole way! The runDisney site says you have to make a certain per-mile pace but on the day of the race they told us there was no time limit. There were lots of people walking and taking their time, especially once we got into the park and there were nice photo ops.

Thanks! That is super helpful. Maybe in a year or two we can convince DS (he’s currently almost 6) to run/walk with us. He’s very motivated by winning a medal. Especially a Disney medal. He could certainly walk a 5K, and I bet if we jogged it we wouldn’t even be the last ones to finish!

 

[bee]

Thanks for the great report!
Looking foward to stay and explore Coronado Springs

Thanks for reading! I hope you love Coronado!

Thanks! That is super helpful. Maybe in a year or two we can convince DS (he’s currently almost 6) to run/walk with us. He’s very motivated by winning a medal. Especially a Disney medal. He could certainly walk a 5K, and I bet if we jogged it we wouldn’t even be the last ones to finish!

We saw plenty of families with kids! Even if you power-walk you won't be last. And who cares if you're last anyway, if you FINISHED and you're IN DISNEY WORLD???

 

[bee]

Yesterday was a whirlwind day. In fact, this whole week has been a little crazy. This will be sort of a Pre-Pre Trip Report and I will post a full, detailed one later. This may provide a little insight into the crazy life of a freelance performer, and I promise it will get around to the Disney stuff eventually. Also, it's super wordy so I am going to post it in two parts.

Let's back up to February. Shortly after we returned from our last trip we booked another Swolphin Sandwich trip using both airline and hotel points for July. Yes, JULY. These ex-Floridian heat-haters were ready to go in July because the July 4 holiday made it a little easier for M to get away from work. We were planning on having a very chill trip with just a bit of park time, some nice, relaxing dinners, and no early mornings. We would have stayed at the Dolphin first for two nights, driven to Jacksonville to see the fam for three nights, then driven back for one last night at the Dolphin before flying home. We booked two of the four flight segments with Southwest points, and the last night at the Dolphin with Starpoints.

About a month after we got back I learned of an audition for a show--a musical, not an opera!--that I've been kind of obsessed with for awhile but just haven't had the opportunity to perform. The rehearsals would have conflicted with the July trip, but I auditioned anyway, because a) the audition procedures for opera vs. theatre are quite different and I wanted more experience auditioning for a musical, and b) all the reservations were refundable and/or changeable, JUST IN CASE I actually got the show. The callbacks were scheduled for April 7 (Saturday)-remember this date later.

Last week at my school we had just a little DRAMMA with the end-of-year vocal/piano recital date. It had already been moved one weekend earlier, which kind of sucked because the kids would get one fewer lesson in preparation for the recital. THEN last week the school owner asked if we could move it up ANOTHER weekend, because the new weekend was Memorial Day weekend and lots of students would be out of town. I had to reschedule a totally unrelated audition (this time for opera) but I was able to make it work. The school doesn't continue vocal/piano lessons after the recital because most students wouldn't come anyway, so this means my last day working at the school will be May 19 (until the summer session in August).

On Tuesday, I applied for another-completely unrelated to all these other auditions-audition. This time it was for an opera training program. Yes, I am still in training even though I have a Master's degree and have been working professionally for five years. This particular program is doing an opera with one of my dream roles, one that I'd really like to get on my resume because other companies are much more likely to hire me for this role if I'd already performed it somewhere else. On Wednesday, the director of the program emailed me back to say that I didn't need to audition, because they had visited my website and listened to the recordings I have there, and determined that I would be a great fit for the role I wanted, and that they really wanted to work with me. BUT (and isn't there always a BUT???) they had three spots available for the role, and they had already filled two, and had offered the third to another soprano, who hadn't yet accepted. So now, I am on the waiting list in case A) the third soprano doesn't accept, or B) she does accept but they are able to open up a fourth spot.

Remember that I was hoping for a callback on April 7? Well, all of last week I was hoping I'd get a call or email asking me to come in for a callback. While the role I was going for doesn't have a lot of dance/movement, it does have some extreme high singing (for a musical) so I figured at callbacks they might want to test my range and hear some more high notes. All of last week I was "sitting by the phone" so to speak, but by Friday (April 6) I figured, correctly, that I would not be asked for a callback.

So, I moved on mentally, and rejoiced in the fact that we would be able to do the Disney trip as planned!

BUT THEN.