Our Child-Free Migration Vacation...Plus the Princess Half Marathon! 2/20-2/27

Disneyworld Trip Report: “Our Migration Vacation: 7 Days of Child-Free Fun in the Florida Sun…PLUS the Princess Half Marathon!”

Ok, so you get the title...DH and I are headed back to WDW! We're running the Princess Half Marathon at the end of our vacation, and we're not bringing our kids this time! Oh, and "migration" because we live in the Pacific Northwest...we're heading south for a break from the rain and cold!

Cast:

Myself: Melanee: pushing 30, adventurous Mom extraordinaire, Stay-at-home-Mom, student, runner, singer, UofO Duck fan
DH: Ben: 33, adventurous Dad extraordinaire, Coast Guard helicopter pilot, college football fanatic, WSU Cougars fan, avid hiker/mountain climber

Here's a few pics from our May 2009 trip:

Here's the whole family at the Hoop de Doo Revue:

This is a MOM&DAD-ONLY TRIP!!! This is the first ever for us! Of course we have not mentioned to our kids that we are going. They probably will be mad when they learn we went without them. But we couldn’t take them out of school, and frankly, we needed a husband-and-wife only trip. It might be our first real vacation just us in our whole marriage, so ummmm, IT’S ABOUT TIME!!! So let’s get the party started!

PRE-TRIP:

Backstory:

Hello everyone and welcome to my first trip report in a while! I did the math and it had been 502 days in between our trips to Walt Disney World! That is so long!! It had been exactly 420 days since we’d been to Disneyland. So 60 weeks since we’d last stepped foot in a Disney Park of any kind!! It was weird to know we hadn’t visited one at all in 2010. But life has changed and we live all the way across the country now (literally 2 blocks from the Pacific Ocean). We got totally spoiled from 2008-2009 living on the Panhandle of Florida, visiting 5 times in that period.

Trip Journal:

Surprise!
Back in August of last year, I started to price out what it would cost for DH and me to head to Florida to celebrate our 10-year wedding anniversary. That fell through and then I came to peace with not going. Then my awesome, incredible, amazing husband surprised me on our anniversary day with red roses, and a really cute card with his present written inside…One trip to run a Disney Half Marathon!! Wow!

Originally I figured we’d just head down to Disneyland, then after researching when the races were, I knew I didn’t want to wait a whole year to redeem my cool gift (which is how long it would be until the Disneyland one). So I asked DH what he thought about us going to Disneyworld for the Princess Half Marathon in February. He said, “Fo sho!”

So I got to work with planning, as any good DG (Disney Geek-adopted from BigTex71) does. First, had to decide when the vacation would happen…before, after or sandwiching the Princess Half Marathon. Well I’ve run a half marathon before, and I don’t walk very well for a few days afterward. So…I figured it made much more sense to trek around the parks for several days and run the PHM on our very last day. I also figured not everyone coming to run the race would vacation before the race so hopefully the crowds would be minimal. So our tentative dates were February 20th-February 27th! Yay! One thing down. Only bummer is that this would be like week 8 of Winter Term for me for school. I just figured I’d have to work ahead the weeks prior. It’s worth it for a trip to Disneyworld!

A Day Off Property @ Disney is Better than a Day at Home!
Next I looked up places to stay and even called a Disney representative because they can search what dining deals there are and if/how you can swing military room discounts, etc. Unfortunately, Disney really couldn’t offer us much. But I was able to nail down a great reservation at an Armed Forces Vacation Club 2-bedroom timeshare for only $369 for the whole week, the same days we needed! And no, no timeshare presentation required… It’s really close by, and got great reviews from other military families we know. When I factored everything in, Disney’s deals didn’t even come close to matching the savings even if we had to rent a car. I don’t get picky when it comes to where we stay, as long as it means I’m going to Disneyworld, I’m pretty flexible. We do a lot of resort hopping while we’re at Disneyworld anyway. Maybe one day we’ll buy into DVC, and then we’ll start staying at resorts.

Next, I started to analyze park hours and extra magic hours. See, when I know we are staying off-property, I plan around EMH, specifically avoiding parks that have EMH. We also don't park-hop, we just enjoy one park per day. I came up with my outline and laid down ADRs right away. It is SO EASY to get the ADRs you want when it is only 2 people versus our usual 5. Speaking of which, we worked out childcare right around now as well. Luckily, we have a great family who are excited for us and happy to help.

Brand New Dining experiences I have plans/ADRs for:
~ Beaches N Cream (no ADR needed)
~Pizzafari or Restaurantosaurus (no ADR needed)
~Jiko
~Le Cellier
~Raglan Road
~50’s Prime Time Café
~Boston Lobster Feast (@ DH’s request)
~Artist Point
Not new: Crystal Palace (breakfast-DH’s favorite).
I’m really looking forward to all of the dining experiences. I wish we had more time/stomach room for more J

Run Like a Girl!
For the next few weeks, I watched the PHM registration status like a hawk. I knew we’d have to pay for this trip gradually but I didn’t want to end up waiting so long that we couldn’t get in…because it was the reason for the trip in the first place! We missed the first registration price, but I’m glad I waited because over the course of those weeks, DH decided he’d like to run it with me!! *swoon* He’s the best! I love him so much! So when the PHM hit about 65% full, I registered us as a team, and picked Ariel as our princess. I also started searching for cool outfit pieces to wear to make the race even more fun!

A month later, it was time to buy our plane tickets. I was glad we waited on this too because DH learned that he’s got 3 weeks of training in Mobile, AL, which starts…February 28th! The timing couldn’t be better! DH started researching and was able to fix the plane tickets so that his will be paid for since it is work-related. Woohoo!! We just won’t get to fly home together obviously. So we’ll rent a car and drive down to Disneyworld from Mobile, something we are quite familiar with (if y’all don’t remember, we lived there for 5 years prior to moving to Rainy-ville, OR last year).

So in finishing up the details, DH ordered our military tickets through the local morale office, of which he just so happens to be in charge of and it is because of him DisneyWORLD tickets are now available for order. Until recently, we could only buy the military tickets to Disneyland. Did I mention how much I love him?? Somewhere around the same time, I ordered a cute sparkly green skirt and purple running top for the PHM.

25 days out:
We receive our info packet from our resort! YAY!!! Our vacation is starting to feel that much more real. We also file our taxes which is always a nice little bonus.

Another noteworthy subject: running endurance. About 2 weeks ago, DH and I had finally gotten up to running 6 miles. Then DH pulled his calf muscle. PT says he’s out for a few weeks! Yikes! And right in the middle of our training plan. Oh well, this race’s purpose is fun! I’ve gotten back up to 7 miles so far…When I ran the Eugene Half Marathon last year competitively, I’d only gotten up to running 10 miles, and it went really well still. So I know we’ll survive even if the best we do is 7 miles. We’ll do a walk/run combo and take time for character stops and such.

24 days out:

Our WDW tickets arrive!! YAY!!

We officially have all our ducks in a row! Now to just save up $$ for meals and FUN! Today it was actually sunny where we live, and I realized I don’t have any sunglasses or flip-flops. Time to go for a little vacation shopping trip. Another detail I worked out was that I booked a wonderful couple’s massage session! I researched all the different offerings on property, then went to the Niki Bryan Spas website (the company that does all of the Spa offerings in and around WDW). As it turns out, the same 50-minute couple’s relaxation massage costs $80 less just by going off property to the main spa!! I can’t wait to surprise DH with a couple’s message session! He’s going to love it. I plugged it into our itinerary for late afternoon on the second day we hit Typhoon Lagoon. *Note: It turns out I suck at surprises. I was so excited I went ahead and told DH ahead of time. His reply was a great big, mischievous smile and “NICE.”

20 Days Out:
Tomorrow we’ll actually be in our vacation month. What an amazing feeling. To tell you the truth, when we moved to Oregon, I figured we wouldn’t realistically be visiting The Happiest Place on Earth while we were here. Plane tickets for 5 are so expensive and I figured now that we live on the West Coast, we would choose destinations such as Hawaii, San Francisco or other warm places to visit while we were here. Disneyland, maybe. But here we are, as our vacation gets closer and closer, and it’s really going to happen! Brings a tear to my eye.

The closer we get to vacation, the more well aware I am that I need to start working harder on the curriculum for this term. I need to be a week ahead before we head out or I’ll be worried about school while we’re there. That is NO BUENO. No worrying while at WDW!! So starting today, I’m hitting the books hard.

See you in the next installment!:wave:

 

[PartOfYourWorld]

Awesome trip report! It was really fun reading it! And I looove all your character pics at the princess marathon! And loved your outfit Ariel is my favorite princess! Congratulations to both of you as well!

 

[HopLow]

Soooo, I have recently done some research on this... and you are definitely right! Flynn Rider is my fav as well!

I loooooved your TR!!! You had me (inwardly) cheering for you as you passed all the mile markers. I really would love to do this race someday, but first I have to start running on a consistent basis, which seems to be my problem. Thanks so much for sharing your trip with us!! :wave:

 

[TakeMeThere81]

Fabulous report, Melanee! I loved your pictures, it is so obvious how happy you were to be there! I hope you get to do the Disneyland half. Thanks for posting!!

Thanks!! A friend and I are plotting...the registration is 80% full already! The trip wouldn't be as expensive because we're West Coast, but it wouldn't be quite as long either. I hope it works out! I don't want to pass up the opportunity because I don't know when we'll do another WDW race!

Awesome trip report! It was really fun reading it! And I looove all your character pics at the princess marathon! And loved your outfit Ariel is my favorite princess! Congratulations to both of you as well!

Thank you very much!! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

Soooo, I have recently done some research on this... and you are definitely right! Flynn Rider is my fav as well!

I loooooved your TR!!! You had me (inwardly) cheering for you as you passed all the mile markers. I really would love to do this race someday, but first I have to start running on a consistent basis, which seems to be my problem. Thanks so much for sharing your trip with us!! :wave:

You should! There were women (and men for that matter) from all walks of life! Thanks for reading!!

 

[diddy_mouse]

I'm amazed with how well your pictures turned out. All of your character pics looked so fun! With all the trip reports I've been reading lately I'm impressed with how many characters you runners are able to meet and still have a great finishing time.

Congrats on completing the Half! :sohappy: And that shot of you in front of the MK archway? LOVE it!

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Sorry I didn't get to finish reading last night...dinner to cook (haha..we went to IHOP) and all.... :lol:

Mel, that was one insanely stupendous ridonculous just outta-this-world report!!! I loved every minute of it! When you started posting your race stuff I started cheering. Chandler, who was trying to get his Health test done, kept jumping up to run over to see the next update when I'd cheer for you. I'd read the update, he'd oooohh-n-aaaahh over your pictures, comment on the characters, then he'd run back to the computer to answer more quesions (not to worry, he made a 93). Chan said he thinks he could do a 5k but 13-whole-miles was like to him. Oh and then last night when we propped up in bed I scrolled thru your race showing Tracey the start video and all the pictures with the characters. Tracey was impressed. I didn't get far into it when he said, "Oh, that's the race you wanted to run?" I was like, "Yep. Still do and I'm gonna do someday." He asked to see the course so I pulled that up. I traced the route, describing it and all, and he just said, "Baby, I don't think I could do that." Duh! As I sit right now, I can't either. Never say never. Anyone can do anything if they want to. When I was 4 years old & had 2 fingers reattached I was never supposed to be able to type or play a piano either yet I can because I worked at it until I could. I'm gonna run me a Disney race one of these days. Yes, I am!

Strong Moms ROCK! Loved that pic!

When you said you were torn...didn't want the race to end but you wanted to cross the finish....that's exactly the way I felt just reading before you ever even said it! Crazy! I'm glad you found another runner to snap a picture there at the end. Your eyes say a lot in that picture...and you're glowing. Great moment to capture.

Ugh! What an emotional adventure! So glad you did so well, got so many killer pictures, and got to enjoy your happy place with your hunny. It all sounded so wonderful! I got teary-eyed at the end, too, just like when I look back. I know right now your journey has taken you what feels like a bazillion miles away from your WDW but don't be too sad. It's gonna be there when you get back and it'll be all fresh, better than ever, just waiting for you to return. Right? Adventure is out there! That part doesn't change.

Big old hugs to ya, sweetie! I'm proud of ya. You did the ol' momma team proud. :wave:

 

[TakeMeThere81]

I'm amazed with how well your pictures turned out. All of your character pics looked so fun! With all the trip reports I've been reading lately I'm impressed with how many characters you runners are able to meet and still have a great finishing time.

Congrats on completing the Half! :sohappy: And that shot of you in front of the MK archway? LOVE it!

Thank you!! I never really thought about it that way until I read some friends' reports. They would stop for a character and then have to hustle their butts to beat the balloon lady in order to not be swept! They had to skip a few because it would slow them down too much. I guess I was proud to be able to stop a bunch and never even come close to her. Not braggin', just saying, since I was totally taking that fact for granted! I'm so proud of anyone who finished! It's such an awesome acccomplishment, and a PERFECT first half marathon for those out there who have ever considered doing one.

Sorry I didn't get to finish reading last night...dinner to cook (haha..we went to IHOP) and all.... :lol:

Mel, that was one insanely stupendous ridonculous just outta-this-world report!!! I loved every minute of it! When you started posting your race stuff I started cheering. Chandler, who was trying to get his Health test done, kept jumping up to run over to see the next update when I'd cheer for you. I'd read the update, he'd oooohh-n-aaaahh over your pictures, comment on the characters, then he'd run back to the computer to answer more quesions (not to worry, he made a 93). Chan said he thinks he could do a 5k but 13-whole-miles was like to him. Oh and then last night when we propped up in bed I scrolled thru your race showing Tracey the start video and all the pictures with the characters. Tracey was impressed. I didn't get far into it when he said, "Oh, that's the race you wanted to run?" I was like, "Yep. Still do and I'm gonna do someday." He asked to see the course so I pulled that up. I traced the route, describing it and all, and he just said, "Baby, I don't think I could do that." Duh! As I sit right now, I can't either. Never say never. Anyone can do anything if they want to. When I was 4 years old & had 2 fingers reattached I was never supposed to be able to type or play a piano either yet I can because I worked at it until I could. I'm gonna run me a Disney race one of these days. Yes, I am!

Strong Moms ROCK! Loved that pic!

When you said you were torn...didn't want the race to end but you wanted to cross the finish....that's exactly the way I felt just reading before you ever even said it! Crazy! I'm glad you found another runner to snap a picture there at the end. Your eyes say a lot in that picture...and you're glowing. Great moment to capture.

Ugh! What an emotional adventure! So glad you did so well, got so many killer pictures, and got to enjoy your happy place with your hunny. It all sounded so wonderful! I got teary-eyed at the end, too, just like when I look back. I know right now your journey has taken you what feels like a bazillion miles away from your WDW but don't be too sad. It's gonna be there when you get back and it'll be all fresh, better than ever, just waiting for you to return. Right? Adventure is out there! That part doesn't change.

Big old hugs to ya, sweetie! I'm proud of ya. You did the ol' momma team proud. :wave:

Thank you sooooo much!! I hope you do it next year! Start with the couch-to-5K and do the run/walk method and you can make it no problem!

Thanks for the last part...WDW being there when we return and all. It all feels so far way. I wasn't just leaving WDW, I was leaving the south, the sunshine, the warmth. I didn't realize just how much I'd miss it. Now that I've been gone a whole year, it is so hard. The weather I showed in the intro video...is very typical. Not the snow part, but the overcast and rainy part. I'm praying for just a little warmth and sunshine this summer. Last summer I spent 3 weeks in Salt Lake City with my mom and thankfully got some heat. Well anyway, maybe after we've done our duty here, we can transfer to Clearwater, FL. We'll see. It's a deployment station so it's not all fun and sun but at least there would be sun.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Thank you sooooo much!! I hope you do it next year! Start with the couch-to-5K and do the run/walk method and you can make it no problem!

Thanks for the last part...WDW being there when we return and all. It all feels so far way. I wasn't just leaving WDW, I was leaving the south, the sunshine, the warmth. I didn't realize just how much I'd miss it. Now that I've been gone a whole year, it is so hard. The weather I showed in the intro video...is very typical. Not the snow part, but the overcast and rainy part. I'm praying for just a little warmth and sunshine this summer. Last summer I spent 3 weeks in Salt Lake City with my mom and thankfully go some heat. Well anyway, maybe after we've done our duty here, we can transfer to Clearwater, FL. We'll see. It's a deployment station so it's not all fun and sun but at least there would be sun.

You are such a Southern girl at heart. I get that. As much as I hate to sweat and be all hot and miserable, I am too. I don't think I'd like all those gloomy days either. How much longer do y'all have on that duty assignment? Honestly, there's a lot worse deployments to have nowadays. It's a blessing y'all can be together as a family. But I hear ya...back in sunny Florida together isn't any less appealing to the soul when you're so tired of the gloom & cold. I hear ya. I'll keep my fingers crossed for Uncle Sam to smile upon your sweet little brood. Maybe Clearwater will be in your not-too-distant future. :wave:

Running. I'm soooo outta shape it's just sick. I haven't been this bad since early 2008. Ugh! I just got back from the treadmill (not a familiar city so not running by myself outside). I'm working on it. I have the Couch to 5k downloaded on my external drive. I'm just trying to get some 1 minute intervals down for a 30 minute duration without feeling like I'm gonna collapse. I'm hoping once I get home (whenever that is) I can start the schedule. After that I have a little beginners half marathon program I'd like to follow. The **plan** is to do the Castaway 5k in September. I don't think there's characters on that so I could run it to see what I can do. After that I'll be looking for more 5k's & a 10k maybe in December or January. That should put me in a good position for the Princess half next year. Again, that's all a sorta loose set of goals. We'll have to see how things go. I know I can do it. No doubt about that!

 

[disneygirl1]

Aww Mel!!! A totally fabulous and inspirational report!!! I so want to run in the marathon in the future!!!

 

[PirateTink]

Hi Mel! Longtime lurker (like 5 years, lol!), and I finally had to come out of hiding for this! My friend Stephanie and I are totally dying to do the Princess Half next year! Question for you--did you see any pregnant ladies running??? I'm hoping to join the Strong Mom's club next year and would love to know if it's unheard of. Hollybelle, any opinion as well?? Thanks gals! Love reading your reports, Sweetpea too!! :kiss:

 

[PirateTink]

OMG, and where are my manners?! I meant to also say CONGRATS Melanee for doing the Half-Marathon!! Obviously it's an inspiration to many people, me included!! Yay!!!

 

[TakeMeThere81]

You are such a Southern girl at heart. I get that. As much as I hate to sweat and be all hot and miserable, I am too. I don't think I'd like all those gloomy days either. How much longer do y'all have on that duty assignment? Honestly, there's a lot worse deployments to have nowadays. It's a blessing y'all can be together as a family. But I hear ya...back in sunny Florida together isn't any less appealing to the soul when you're so tired of the gloom & cold. I hear ya. I'll keep my fingers crossed for Uncle Sam to smile upon your sweet little brood. Maybe Clearwater will be in your not-too-distant future. :wave:

Running. I'm soooo outta shape it's just sick. I haven't been this bad since early 2008. Ugh! I just got back from the treadmill (not a familiar city so not running by myself outside). I'm working on it. I have the Couch to 5k downloaded on my external drive. I'm just trying to get some 1 minute intervals down for a 30 minute duration without feeling like I'm gonna collapse. I'm hoping once I get home (whenever that is) I can start the schedule. After that I have a little beginners half marathon program I'd like to follow. The **plan** is to do the Castaway 5k in September. I don't think there's characters on that so I could run it to see what I can do. After that I'll be looking for more 5k's & a 10k maybe in December or January. That should put me in a good position for the Princess half next year. Again, that's all a sorta loose set of goals. We'll have to see how things go. I know I can do it. No doubt about that!

True! There are definitely worse assignments! I try to remind myself of how lucky I am that my DH comes home most nights! We're slated to move summer 2013. Hopefully I'll get into nursing school and have it all done by then! Otherwise we'll have to file an extension. I never mentioned this before, but yes, I aspire to be a nurse I've been working on school for years now, and our kids are old enough to where I can realistically handle the courseload of nursing school if I get in. Here's hoping I get in so wherever we move to I can get a kick butt job and we can afford to go to Disney at least once a year!

Your running plan sounds great! I will have to google Castaway 5K. I've never heard of it!

Aww Mel!!! A totally fabulous and inspirational report!!! I so want to run in the marathon in the future!!!

Thanks so much! If you want to do it, you can! What did Walt Disney say?
"The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing." ~Walt Disney

Hi Mel! Longtime lurker (like 5 years, lol!), and I finally had to come out of hiding for this! My friend Stephanie and I are totally dying to do the Princess Half next year! Question for you--did you see any pregnant ladies running??? I'm hoping to join the Strong Mom's club next year and would love to know if it's unheard of. Hollybelle, any opinion as well?? Thanks gals! Love reading your reports, Sweetpea too!! :kiss:

Yes, I did see a few pregnant women running. Now that is impressive! The gal I saw had a t-shirt that said Baby On Board on the back. She appeared to be about 6 months along.

OMG, and where are my manners?! I meant to also say CONGRATS Melanee for doing the Half-Marathon!! Obviously it's an inspiration to many people, me included!! Yay!!!

Thank you!

 

[sweetpee_1993]

True! There are definitely worse assignments! I try to remind myself of how lucky I am that my DH comes home most nights! We're slated to move summer 2013. Hopefully I'll get into nursing school and have it all done by then! Otherwise we'll have to file an extension. I never mentioned this before, but yes, I aspire to be a nurse I've been working on school for years now, and our kids are old enough to where I can realistically handle the courseload of nursing school if I get in. Here's hoping I get in so wherever we move to I can get a kick butt job and we can afford to go to Disney at least once a year!

Your running plan sounds great! I will have to google Castaway 5K. I've never heard of it!

Thanks so much! If you want to do it, you can! What did Walt Disney say?

When Disney Cruise Line docks at Castaway Cay they have a little 5k they do on the island. I don't think there's characters or anything like that but it'll still be special because of where it is. :wave:

Well go on with your bad self, woman! Nursing school is awesome. Someday I want to go back to school and finish a degree. I don't care if it's a degree in basket-weaving, whatever! I just want to know that I finished some part of my education. A friend of mine always vowed she'd go back when her first child started college. Guess what she's been working on the last year? Criminal Justice. Love it!

Wow! Pregnant and running a race. You're right. THAT is impressive. Good Lord. If they had a waddle-n-munch event I woulda been the World Champ! :lol:

 

[PirateTink]

Lol, that shirt sounds hilarious!!!:ROFLOL: And Sweetpee, I may want to run throughout pregnancy, but that doesn't mean I don't plan on eating my weight in ice cream :slurp: hahaha!

 

[lisak09]

Amazing TR, really enjoyed it especially all the fantastic photos. My Daughter (15) would be so jealous of your pirates photo, it's her dream to meet Capt Jack Sparrow!

Glad you enjoyed your child free vacation. My husband and I had a long weekend away on our own last year (London to see Bon Jovi!), it was the 1st time we had been away on our own in 8 yrs!! We had a great time and this year we'll be going to NY on our own to celebrate his 40th Birthday.

Congratulations on finishing your half marathon, i can't even imagine running that distance but if i ever decide i want to, i know where i'll be doing it!

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Lol, that shirt sounds hilarious!!!:ROFLOL: And Sweetpee, I may want to run throughout pregnancy, but that doesn't mean I don't plan on eating my weight in ice cream :slurp: hahaha!

LOL! I ate entire boxes of cereal. :slurp:

 

[TakeMeThere81]

When Disney Cruise Line docks at Castaway Cay they have a little 5k they do on the island. I don't think there's characters or anything like that but it'll still be special because of where it is. :wave:

I read about this!! It sounds awesome! It's more a running tour group. It sounds really special, especially since you get to go out on the island before everyone else, early in the morning.

Lol, that shirt sounds hilarious!!!:ROFLOL: And Sweetpee, I may want to run throughout pregnancy, but that doesn't mean I don't plan on eating my weight in ice cream :slurp: hahaha!

I have to admit, I was shocked...especially since I passed her around mile 9! But these days, if you are in the right shape before pregnancy, you can do just about the same throughout, just at a lower intensity(w/Dr permission of course)

Amazing TR, really enjoyed it especially all the fantastic photos. My Daughter (15) would be so jealous of your pirates photo, it's her dream to meet Capt Jack Sparrow!

Glad you enjoyed your child free vacation. My husband and I had a long weekend away on our own last year (London to see Bon Jovi!), it was the 1st time we had been away on our own in 8 yrs!! We had a great time and this year we'll be going to NY on our own to celebrate his 40th Birthday.

Congratulations on finishing your half marathon, i can't even imagine running that distance but if i ever decide i want to, i know where i'll be doing it!

Thank you so much! Jack Sparrow is my favorite, and this Jack was awesome! He was very, very close to the original. We should have started child-free vacations/trips a long time ago, what were we thinking?! Well I guess the child-free vacation takes so much preparation, and all the right pieces have to come in order in order to make it a reality. I guess up until now, we didn't have all those pieces! But as a consolation...the next time we visit a Disney Park, we'll also be looking into the kids' clubs, for just one evening of mom and dad time.

 

[tink65]

Congratulations on the Princess Half! Thanks for sharing your trip and I loved all the great pictures! I am hoping to run the Wine & Dine 1/2 in the fall and reading your report has been an inspiration to me! Thanks again!

 

[crystalight33]

Hey, you passed Mile 5 one minute after I did! So I bet we did just pass eachother at Buzz .

Again, I just loved your review!

 

[DiPSU224]

Finally got around to finishing up your awesome TR!

One of the best moments of this trip happened that night. The crew went through the whole thing with people celebrating birthdays and moved on to Anniversaries. They invited couples who were in love, celebrating together, etc to come up front and dance while they played a special song. I didn't think Ben would go for it because he's a pretty shy guy, but he stood up, asked me to dance and led me to the dance floor. We were the first ones out there. More couples joined us but it was so special to me that he'd do that in front of all those people.

So incredibly romantic. My husband would have been way too shy to get up there.

I'm sorry that your MK day wasn't what you had hoped it would be. You probably were just getting tired at that point. We find that on each trip, we kind of hit a wall where we get grumpy with everything and each other. For us, it always seems to be our AK days. We joke that it may have been built over the center of hell. We always get in a fight that day! :lol:

Add me to the list of people that love the Wilderness Lodge. It's beautiful. It's second on our list of places we wanted to stay and since we've done the Poly, it's time for a stay there! We did the para sailing one year and it is just as gorgeous from the air.

More Expo Pics

I sooo want this!!

At this point I hesitated, because I'd been waiting a long time to run through Cinderella's Castle. I took a deep breath and away I went, Woohoo-ing all the way!! It was soooo awesome!!!

And I finally got a few good castle pictures that I can take away with this trip.

This photo is gorgeous!!! If I were you, I'd frame this for myself. It will always remind you of that moment and what you accomplished.

Thanks for sharing your TR! You took some amazing photos (especially the crooked ones!). Maybe if I stop being such a chicken, I'll see you next year at the next Princess Half! :wave:

 

[TakeMeThere81]

Congratulations on the Princess Half! Thanks for sharing your trip and I loved all the great pictures! I am hoping to run the Wine & Dine 1/2 in the fall and reading your report has been an inspiration to me! Thanks again!

Thank you so much! I hope you get to do the Wine and Dine 1/2! It looks so fun!! I'm definitely hooked on the RunDisney series. Every chance I get I'll be signing up for these races!

Hey, you passed Mile 5 one minute after I did! So I bet we did just pass eachother at Buzz .

Again, I just loved your review!

Wow! Well there you go! So crazy that we were quite close in the race!

Finally got around to finishing up your awesome TR!

So incredibly romantic. My husband would have been way too shy to get up there.

I'm sorry that your MK day wasn't what you had hoped it would be. You probably were just getting tired at that point. We find that on each trip, we kind of hit a wall where we get grumpy with everything and each other. For us, it always seems to be our AK days. We joke that it may have been built over the center of hell. We always get in a fight that day! :lol:

Add me to the list of people that love the Wilderness Lodge. It's beautiful. It's second on our list of places we wanted to stay and since we've done the Poly, it's time for a stay there! We did the para sailing one year and it is just as gorgeous from the air.

I sooo want this!!

This photo is gorgeous!!! If I were you, I'd frame this for myself. It will always remind you of that moment and what you accomplished.

Thanks for sharing your TR! You took some amazing photos (especially the crooked ones!). Maybe if I stop being such a chicken, I'll see you next year at the next Princess Half! :wave:

Thank you so much for all of your sweet comments. I have to admit, I still haven't gotten over the disappointment of our lame MK day.

We had a few moments throughout the trip where we got on each other's nerves, more than I expected...but it was worst at the MK. I'm sure that was because we were tired/crowds were bad. But it is good to hear we are not the only ones that this happens to. Our styles of park touring are quite different(he's all commando/get your money's worth and I'm all about just being there in the atmosphere and taking whatever in). I will say that the first day went so smoothly, and our days at Typhoon Lagoon were pretty awesome too. As the crowds grew, the more difficult it became for us to get along. Overall we had an awesome time!

DH definitely rises to the occasion in romantic ways

LOL that the AK must have been built on the center of hell!! I guess that is reality sometimes-LOL

It is such a dream of mine to stay at Wilderness Lodge. In fact we've never stayed OP because the discounted timeshares we get through the military are way inexpensive and really nice. I hate driving OP anymore and I'm willing to wait longer/save more to stay OP, preferably Wilderness Lodge next time!

I highly encourage anyone who is in relatively decent shape who wants to run the 1/2 to just sign up and get going! Even if all you can do is a jog/walk combo, you can make it!! I hope you do it!!