Pre-Trip Princess 5k for My 50th!

Hello @Doc Disney, @Longers and my fellow Disney lovers!

After a year of dreaming and wishing I am happy to announce that my sister and I will be celebrating my 50th birthday by running the 2016 Princess 5k at Walt Disney World !! I am so excited I can barely contain myself!


The Cast:

Me (Lisa) and my sister Tina
This picture was taken on Christmas Day 2014. Tina's Jasmine crown was a gift from me.
This will be my 9th trip and Tina's 7th.

When:
February 17-22, 2016

Where:
Disney's Polynesian Village

What:
5 day Magic Your Way with Park Hopper
Disney Dining Plan
Using the DDP is a first for me. Not sure if I will like it, but we kept thinking of table service restaurants we wanted to try. We figured this was the best way to do it.

Why?
We need some Disney Magic and I am turning 50!

Here's how it happened:
About a year ago, Tina mentioned that we should do something special for my 50th birthday. Something fun that involved just the two of us. Disney freak that I am, my first thought was Disney World! Tina loves Disney as much as I do so she was game.
Inspired by runDisney Trip Reports, I mentioned that I had learned about events where people ran through WDW and even though I am not a runner I really wanted to try it. Tina has run several 5k races so she thought it might be fun. I walk a lot, but I was worried that because I am not a runner I might not be able to do it. Encouraged by Tina and several forum members (@Doc Disney, @Longers and @Ariel484 ) we decided that we should give it a try.
Naturally, I went into full Disney planning mode! I presented Tina with a list of resorts we might want to try and created tentative touring plans. We ranked our resort choices and decided that because we would be flying down and relying on Disney transportation, staying at a monorail resort would make transportation easier. Tina had stayed at the Poly and loved it. I love dole whip so I was sold!! We started saving and thinking about training.
Fast forward to spring 2015. The weather was finally warming up and it was time to begin walking and getting in shape so that I would be able to conquer my first 5k.
Then stress and sadness happened. Our mom has dementia and our dad has been her primary care giver. In mid-April Mom had to have emergency surgery. At the end of April our dad had a drastic and sudden loss of his short term memory. Our first thought was that he'd had a stroke, but that was ruled out. Tina and I took turns staying with and caring for our parents 24/7. Our dad's condition worsened and we searched for answers from the medical community, eventually consulting 10 doctors. He was diagnosed with rapid onset dementia. Dad's condition deteriorated rapidly and after a five day stay in hospice our father passed away on June 30 .
I honestly don't know what I would have done without Tina. Throughout it all we were a team. Now our trip has become more than just a celebration of my birthday. It's a celebration of our bond as sisters, a time for healing and a time for happiness.

The (Very Tentative) Plan:
We've never been to WDW during February, so any tips or feedback are welcomed and appreciated. I am especially concerned about timing because the parks close earlier this time of year. I know crowds are lower this time of year, but I know that the Princess Half Marathon Weekend is a big draw.

Wednesday, February 17

Evening flight to Orlando
Magical Express to the Poly
(Question: Our dining plan starts today, correct?)
No ADR since we are not yet sure when we will arrive and we want to save one TS credit for later in the week.

Thursday, February 18, 2016


Rope drop at Animal Kingdom (no FastPass+)
Everest, Kilimanjaro Safari, Dinosaur (Tina's never ridden it), and Kali (If it is warm enough)

Dole Whips with Coconut Rum
Lunch-CS, maybe Flame Tree or Yak & Yeti? Not sure yet.
Bus to ESPN World of Sports for the Expo and Packet Pick Up
Question: Does anyone know the Expo hours? How long will this process take?
Bus to Disney Hollywood Studios

Hopefully get FP+ for Toy Story Mania (Tina's never ridden it) and Tower of Terror. Single Rider for Rock n Roller Coaster

Fantasmic dinner package at Mama Melrose (I'm not seeing Fantasmic on the the calendar right now, so not sure if it will be happening or not.)

Friday, February 19, 2016

Princess 5k!!!
Quick trip back to the Poly for a shower
Epcot
We are hoping for FP+ for Soarin (New to Tina) & Test Track (New to Tina). Will probably fill in with Spaceship Earth.
Eat and drink around the World
Our dad was born in Germany and came to the USA when he was 16. We are planning to honor him in some way when we are in Germany.

This is one of our favorite photos of us with our dad.
Table Service ADR? Biergarten in honor of our dad? Will we be too full? Not sure what time the race will be over and how fast we will get back to the park, etc. Can we make it around the world with shorter park hours?
Illuminations


Saturday, February 20, 2016

Taxi to Rope Drop at Universal
2 Park One Day Ticket
We both love Harry Potter so this is a must! I've been to Hogsmeade, but Tina hasn't experienced Wizarding World at all.
Diagon Alley
Lunch at Leaky Cauldron or Three Broomsticks
Hogsmeade
Possible dinner ADR at Cali Grill
Neither of us have ever been here. Would love to watch the fireworks.
Question:What time should I try for so we can eat and watch fireworks?

Sunday, February 21, 2016

Rope Drop at MK
Hopefully we will get FP+ for 7 Dwarves Mine Train, Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain. Other must do rides will be Splash ( If it's not being refurbished or if it is not too cold), Pirates and Haunted Mansion. Tina has never seen the Tangled rest rooms so we have to stop there .
CS Lunch. Not sure where. BOG Lunch if we can't get a dinner ADR?
Festival of Fantasy Parade ( I only saw part of it last summer)

Possible dinner ADR at Be Our Guest or ??
I've been here for lunch, but not dinner. Tina hasn't been here at all. I want to meet the Beast!!
Main Street Electical Parade
Wishes (my favorite WDW fireworks)

Monday, February 22, 2016
Breakfast at Kona? Tonga Toast!!!!
More time at MK?
Depends on our flight time and Unmagical Express departure

We keep thinking of new restaurants to try so our ADRs may change quite a bit in the next few days. Restaurants in the running are Biergarten, Sanaa, O'Hana, Via Napoli, Les Chef de France….

We'd love to work in a massage at the Grand Floridian Spa, any suggestions on timing? I have NO IDEA how crowded parks will be and how much we can accomplish during shortened park hours.

Hope you enjoyed reading about our plans. I will keep you posted as our plans develop.

 

[LisaBelle]

Sorry @prfctlyximprct and @disneyfirstLJ. Meant to add in your quotes when I replied and apparently I forgot!

 

[LisaBelle]

So we are just under two weeks away and I can't wait!!



Our MagicBands and Magical Express tags have arrived! It's funny how receiving those items in the mail makes it feel like your trip is actually on.

We have never ridden Magical Express so we don't really know what to expect time wise. Since MK has EMH and we have FP+ rides scheduled we will be anxious to make our way into the bubble and then into MK. Any ball park ideas of how long it might take? What happens if we get there and the line is really long? Can we skip Magical Express and just grab a cab? I am guessing that that will only work if we don't check our bags because if we don't check in with ME I assume they won't look for our luggage? Thoughts? Ideas? Suggestions? Any and all help will be appreciated.

My sister wants to try to pack everything into a carryon. I am not convinced that I will be able to fit everything I need/want to take. I admit I am prone to overpacking and I have never been to WDW in February so I really have no idea of what to expect weather wise which makes packing even more difficult. We usually go in July which is always hot and humid so it's a no brainer as far as clothing, but February is presenting quite a challenge for me.

I kept thinking about things I didn't want to forget so I finally grabbed my suitcase and just tossed stuff in so that it will be there when I start my final packing.




The only change we've made to our plans is to add a massage at the spa at Grand Floridian on Friday. We will have to take a break from drinking around the world but I think the pampering will be worth it.

I have a ton of shopping to do, lesson plans for 3 days of substitute teachers to write (I know that all my fellow teachers are feeling my pain) and volleyball tournaments to attend, so I am hoping the time will go quickly.

 

[Tuvalu]

I have used Magical Express 4 times in the last year so I hope I can put some of your concerns to rest.

1. Luggage ~ I have never been able to successfully pack for a February trip using only carry-ons; long sleeves, sweatshirts/sweaters and jeans take up so much more room than shorts and t-shirts. Even though days can be warm, early mornings and definitely evenings require more clothing coverage. If you attach the yellow tag to your checked bag, it will be set aside for resort delivery and won't make it to the baggage carousel. It will "magically appear" in your resort room up to 3 hours later. If you think you will need your bag sooner, do not use the yellow tag and claim it yourself.

2. Magical Express Bus ~ When you arrive at the ME area, there will be several CMs guiding guests. You will scan your MagicBand at one of two check in desks (just walk up, there should not be a line) and you will be told which line to join for the Poly (I think it is #1...Poly shares with WL, Contemporary and GF, but both times I took it to Poly, Poly was the first stop ). I have never waited more than 10 minutes in this "holding" line; a few times there was no wait at all. You will scan your band one more time before being directed outside to the bus. Anything larger than a purse, tote bag or backpack will be stowed under the bus.

Once onboard, you may have another wait of up to 15 minutes if you are one of the first to board. But I have boarded and the bus has left less than 5 minutes later; there is really no way to know in advance.

They will say the drive to WDW is 35-40 minutes, but as long as there is no traffic jam it does not take that long. On our last trip to the Poly, we arrived there about an hour and five minutes after our plane landed. Worst case scenario you can figure 2 hours to Poly arrival after touchdown. But it likely will be MUCH shorter.

3. Poly arrival ~ Proceed inside the Great Ceremonial House to the online check in desk. While we have done online check in at Poly, we have not used direct-to-room there. If that option is offered to you, you will be texted your room number and you can bypass the desk...although navigating the Poly grounds for the first time in the dark can be tricky, so you may want to stop anyway to get a map and clear directions.

Hope this helps!

 

[LisaBelle]

I have used Magical Express 4 times in the last year so I hope I can put some of your concerns to rest.

1. Luggage ~ I have never been able to successfully pack for a February trip using only carry-ons; long sleeves, sweatshirts/sweaters and jeans take up so much more room than shorts and t-shirts. Even though days can be warm, early mornings and definitely evenings require more clothing coverage. If you attach the yellow tag to your checked bag, it will be set aside for resort delivery and won't make it to the baggage carousel. It will "magically appear" in your resort room up to 3 hours later. If you think you will need your bag sooner, do not use the yellow tag and claim it yourself.

2. Magical Express Bus ~ When you arrive at the ME area, there will be several CMs guiding guests. You will scan your MagicBand at one of two check in desks (just walk up, there should not be a line) and you will be told which line to join for the Poly (I think it is #1...Poly shares with WL, Contemporary and GF, but both times I took it to Poly, Poly was the first stop ). I have never waited more than 10 minutes in this "holding" line; a few times there was no wait at all. You will scan your band one more time before being directed outside to the bus. Anything larger than a purse, tote bag or backpack will be stowed under the bus.

Once onboard, you may have another wait of up to 15 minutes if you are one of the first to board. But I have boarded and the bus has left less than 5 minutes later; there is really no way to know in advance.

They will say the drive to WDW is 35-40 minutes, but as long as there is no traffic jam it does not take that long. On our last trip to the Poly, we arrived there about an hour and five minutes after our plane landed. Worst case scenario you can figure 2 hours to Poly arrival after touchdown. But it likely will be MUCH shorter.

3. Poly arrival ~ Proceed inside the Great Ceremonial House to the online check in desk. While we have done online check in at Poly, we have not used direct-to-room there. If that option is offered to you, you will be texted your room number and you can bypass the desk...although navigating the Poly grounds for the first time in the dark can be tricky, so you may want to stop anyway to get a map and clear directions.

Hope this helps!

Thanks! This was exactly what I needed to hear. I feel much better now.

 

[Doc Disney]

I was just longingly thinking about my Princess Half Marathon trip from last year!! I am so excited for you!!! You are going to have such an amazing time and nothing compares to the Run Disney vibe ! Cant wait to hear all about it. How are you feeling about running?! Seeing your stuff packed makes me want to pack for my May trip already haha I could never bring a carry on...good for your sister if she does haha I can't even go without bringing two bags now
and @prfctlyximprct you would def love Cali Grill!

 

[prfctlyximprct]

You will love the magical express, it is so easy I honestly can't imagine going to Disney any other way! And @Doc Disney thank you!! I have too many restaurants I want to go to and most are 2 credits... What to do what to do!!!

 

[LisaBelle]

Thanks! I am excited for me, too! I am feeling okay about running. I have not trained as much as I originally intended. I do not have a lot of speed, but my stamina has improved a great deal. I won't be able to run the entire course, but that's okay, I will walk when I need to. My sister runs fairly regularly but she hasn't trained as much as she wanted to either. We've decided to relax and enjoy the experience. We'll run as much as we can and just soak it all in. Printed my waiver and added that to the suitcase. I am certain I will not be able to get away with only a carry on and I am betting Tina won't either. Planning to shop for sunglasses, some more clothes, and all my toiletry items this afternoon. 11 days to go!

 

[LisaBelle]

@Doc Disney the above post was a reply to you. For some reason I keep forgetting to hit the insert quote button today!

 

[LisaBelle]

You will love the magical express, it is so easy I honestly can't imagine going to Disney any other way! And @Doc Disney thank you!! I have too many restaurants I want to go to and most are 2 credits... What to do what to do!!!

I am looking forward to using the Magical Express. It will be awesome to be immediately enveloped in the Disney bubble.

 

[prfctlyximprct]

I am looking forward to using the Magical Express. It will be awesome to be immediately enveloped in the Disney bubble.

That's the best way to describe it too. It's like BAM, the second you arrive in Orlando you're in the magical bubble. Now the way home, that's the tragical depressed. LOL

 

[LisaBelle]

That's the best way to describe it too. It's like BAM, the second you arrive in Orlando you're in the magical bubble. Now the way home, that's the tragical depressed. LOL

I can't even think about the return trip on the Tragical Express . I am living for this trip and I know that when it is over the Disney blues are gonna hit hard and fast.

 

[prfctlyximprct]

I can't even think about the return trip on the Tragical Express . I am living for this trip and I know that when it is over the Disney blues are gonna hit hard and fast.

Don't think about! LIVE IN THE MOMENT. When you're in Epcot, do this for me. Stand still for a minute, take a deep breath in and just do a slow 360 degree circle. Take it all in. Have a moment of peace in a theme park. Relish in the moment! I did this last trip.. appreciate the moment.

 

[LisaBelle]

Don't think about! LIVE IN THE MOMENT. When you're in Epcot, do this for me. Stand still for a minute, take a deep breath in and just do a slow 360 degree circle. Take it all in. Have a moment of peace in a theme park. Relish in the moment! I did this last trip.. appreciate the moment.

Great advice. I will do it!

 

[Juneau Biscuits]

Thanks, our dad was an intelligent, kind and caring man and we really miss him. My sister is awesome! We have always had a good relationship and this has brought us even closer.
Thanks for the running tips. We are only running the 5k, not the half (not sure I'm ready for that much running, yet). I have been looking at training programs and the one I am going to try uses a combination of running and walking. It sounds similar to what you did.
Another forum member mentioned the travel time to and from the expo as well. We will be sure to plan in enough time for that.
I am soooo excited for Diagon Alley. My sister and I have read all the Harry Potter books multiple times. I loved Hogsmeade and can't wait to see the dragon and Gringott's! I am looking forward to seeing Tina's reaction to Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade.
I am hoping California Grill will work out for us. I've always wanted to watch the fireworks from there.
Thanks for following along.

Hey Lisa...dinner at the California Grill for us was one of the eating highlights of the trip! I didn't do much shooting, but I did take this shot from the veranda after dinner, so hoping you can watch the fireworks too!

Also sorry to hear about your father, he sounded like a great dad...God bless!

Fireworks from the Terrace @ Disney's California Grill by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

 

[LisaBelle]

Hey Lisa...dinner at the California Grill for us was one of the eating highlights of the trip! I didn't do much shooting, but I did take this shot from the veranda after dinner, so hoping you can watch the fireworks too!

Also sorry to hear about your father, he sounded like a great dad...God bless!

Fireworks from the Terrace @ Disney's California Grill by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Your photos are amazing! We are planning to watch the fireworks from Cali Grill. I can't wait to experience this view!
Thanks! I miss my dad every day . Hopefully this trip will provide us with time to recharge, heal and honor his memory.

 

[LisaBelle]

We've landed and are on the Magical Express! Will have a full report for you all when we return!

 

[Tuvalu]

We've landed and are on the Magical Express! Will have a full report for you all when we return!

We'll be on the lookout for you!

 

[Longers]

We've landed and are on the Magical Express! Will have a full report for you all when we return!

Have an amazing time, good luck

 

[Longers]

We'll be on the lookout for you!

You there again? - lol.

 

[Tuvalu]

You there again? - lol.

Why of course ~ it's been a long 2 months and I was having withdrawal Daughter is running the Glass Slipper Challenge and mama needs to cheer her on!