So This Is Love: A 2010 Princess Half Marathon Trip Report!

Hi everyone! We returned almost two weeks ago from a quick weekend stay at Disney’s Pop Century resort, March 5-8. I swear, I finish one trip report and it’s time to turn around and start another one. Seeing that my last report hasn’t moved down the page too far, I’m going to be brief with the introductions, as I think many of you might “know” us by now!

I’m Holly, and traveling with me is my love, Brett. Here we are ringing in 2010 from sea:

That picture was taken approximately 4 days after we signed up for the 2010 Princess Half Marathon! Now, I’m not a very princess-y girl and tiaras and sparkle really aren’t my thing. But after seeing the character pictures from last year’s inaugural event, the thought of meeting Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy, Pluto, Chip and Dale in their royal attire had me sold. Therefore, we’d been talking about this as a possibility since sometime last summer; however, we didn’t actually pull the trigger and make it happen until the end of December. Mostly this is because the first week of March is one of the two absolute busiest weeks of my entire year at work. Pretty much everything I do leads up to a week long event and then tapers off from it twice a year. Because of this I knew the only way to make it happen would be to leave after work on Friday and come home Monday (taking only one day off). When we got home from our cruise we made resort reservations, secured some ADRs, and started setting the plan in motion. Oh yeah… and we talked about a training schedule. Can’t forget that! :lol:

Speaking of training… :lookaroun Does anyone remember how well prepared we were for the 2009 Marathon?!? I’m not going to go back and count, but I’m sure there were numerous times throughout that trip report that I swore I’d never go into another one of these events under trained… yada, yada, yada. Yeah… about that. The motivation to train in the cold weather we’ve been having just wasn’t there. I know, I know, we live in South Carolina... hardly the harsh weather many others have been dealing with. Plus, I’ll admit, neither one of us was truly respecting the distance, considering we’d already conquered a full 26.2 miles, it wasn’t hard for us to tell ourselves we’d be okay pushing through a “measly” 13.1. I’m sitting here shaking my head at myself as I type this.

Anywhoo… enough about our pathetic attempts at training, let’s get on to the good stuff. One thing is for sure, Brett was a real sport about it all. From the beginning, months ago, when I asked him if he’d be willing to run a race geared towards women all the way to the finish line where he’d endured my countless references to him as Princess Brett.

So this is love!!

 

[MKCP 1985]

Next up was Cinderella... who breezed by us rather quickly.

All in all, I was super happy with the turnout at Akershus. We were really lucky to get 5 true princesses, because I know there’s a possibility of Mary Poppins, Mulan, Pocahontas or Alice being lumped in with the group instead. Ridiculous, in my opinion, especially when considering the price. I really think they should be able to commit to having the ACTUAL princesses present.

Well, she does have that hard curfew, you know . . . :lookaroun In my admittedly limited experience, Cinderella does have a bit of a harder time making conversation with adults than some of the other princesses. Poor girl - she was probably afraid her step mother was going to show up and make her wash all those dishes!

Congrats on the 5 true princesses, although if they brought Alice from the current movie I would not complain a bit. :animwink:

 

[HollyBelle]

Sadly, it was time to go. This is the first time I can recall our last park being the Animal Kingdom. Most often it’s the Magic Kingdom. Well, we stopped in the Island Mercantile to get the usual loot... cookies and mints. But the Mercantile didn’t have any of Minnie Mouse’s Bakeshop cookies. We couldn’t leave without Brett’s cookies, so it looks like we’d have to stop at Downtown Disney on the way home! Our plan was to grab a quick bite to eat at the Rainforest on our way out anyway so it wasn’t a big deal.

We successfully declared Fozzie safe once we’d made it to the tram. A victory shot:

Then he just had to tell one of his favorite jokes:

“Wocka, Wocka”

It was about noon when we got to the Rainforest at Downtown Disney and grabbed a seat at the bar. We ordered our traditional pie with two waters (no beer today). I didn’t take a picture, but the Flying Dragon pizza is a little different than before. It now comes as a square. I also thought it tasted a little different, but Brett disagrees so who knows, it may have just been the change in shape. It just wasn’t as flavorful for me as it’s been in the past. Maybe my so-sad-to-be-leaving-Disney mood was just coloring my judgment. Who knows!?

Would you believe Goofy’s doesn’t have pre-packaged Minnie’s Bakeshop cookies... just the ones in the case. Granted they’re the exact same thing, but when you’re looking to stock up that’s not so helpful. We got a few for the road, and drug ourselves out to the car.

Ugghhh. This is one of those trips where we never really settled in, but leaving was still really hard. It never gets any easier, does it? But, I see that as a positive thing... always wanting to return before we ever leave is a good sign that we’re spending our vacation time wisely!

Our current plans as they relate to Disney are a return trip in October. It depends on a lot of factors but we’re itching to get back for Food & Wine since we missed it last year, we’re seriously contemplating the Wine and Dine Half, and even Mickey’s Halloween Fun Run 5K. Who doesn’t want to run in a Halloween themed Magic Kingdom race?! We’ve already decided MNSSHP is a must because we haven’t been to it since 2006 and it’s my favorite of the special ticket parties. We’ll see what happens though, regardless, I know we’ll be back next Christmas and hopefully staying at Bay Lake Tower!!

Thanks everyone for following along!!

 

[frank2271]

Great job, as usual. Couple questions, first how much was that breakfast, big money I'd bet. The food didn't look that great. If it wasn't for the Princess's, would you do it again?

Second, what kind of camera do you have? Your pics are awesome, so clear and crisp.

We also hated leaving WDW, we hated it so much we moved to FL. In the old days, when we lived in Boston, my wife would be in tears on our last night, that ride on the monorail to the parking lot was very depressing. So we know how you felt.

Once again, great job.

Frank

 

[meganw1985]

We did Akershus once with my little (well, younger, since she's 17 now) sister. We had Cinderella, Belle, Sleeping Beauty for sure. And I think the other two were Jasmine and Mulan. I know Mary Poppins and Alice aren't, but isn't Mulan technically a princess? It's been so long since I've seen it I can't remember (although I do own it now since joining the Disney Movie Club last week :sohappy. I remember the food was...different. We did do dinner though. Trying CRT this time around so hopefully it's better although I'm not holding my breath.

And yes. It is always sad to leave no matter how long you've been there. I even get sad thinking about the last day when I'm planning our itineraries and we haven't even gone yet? :hammer: It's some sort of sickness I think...

 

[mouselvrmom]

Your Akershus pictures were fun! I love how the only picture Brett is in is the one with Ariel... :lol: Well, besides the Belle picture.

6 people in a character line too long? That's what we call a bonus! :lol:

Sam and I really loved the single rider line on our last trip. It was a fabulous way for us to get on with no waits. Too funny about Brett having to ride with the annoying guy! Often it would seem that Sam and I would get to ride together even though we were planning on being split up. I guess it's just luck of the draw.

So sad that it has to end. Although, you don't have long to wait so I won't feel too badly for you.

 

[HopLow]

Holly, wonderful TR, as usual!! :sohappy:

I'm loving those Princess medals! I can't believe Brett didn't want to wear his all weekend! I seriously doubt I could ever make it through a half, but for those super cute medals... Hmm.

The Fozzie Bear saga had me cringing. Once upon a time, I dated someone who my dad decided to nickname "Fozzie Bear." So the part of the report where you guys were looking for a Fozzie plush, I was desperately hoping you'd change your minds and go for Gonzo or someone else instead. Ugh, I will forever be prejudiced against Fozzie! lol

ANYWAY, thanks so much for sharing your report! Thankfully, I am planning the next trip, but it looks like it won't be until January.

 

[tiaragirl]

Thanks for another GREAT report, my dear! I got so enthralled, I didn't realize it was 7:45 and I hadn't showered.. the rush to get to breakfast for 8AM was worth it, and the Disney spirit got me through stats! Hahha.

Can't wait to read your next one =)

 

[HollyBelle]

Well, she does have that hard curfew, you know . . . :lookaroun In my admittedly limited experience, Cinderella does have a bit of a harder time making conversation with adults than some of the other princesses. Poor girl - she was probably afraid her step mother was going to show up and make her wash all those dishes!

Congrats on the 5 true princesses, although if they brought Alice from the current movie I would not complain a bit.

It's interesting isn't it? I mean, The Tremaines are my very favorite face characters... and yet Cinderella is so "vanilla." For the price, I think it should always be true princesses, but that's just me.

Great job, as usual. Couple questions, first how much was that breakfast, big money I'd bet. The food didn't look that great. If it wasn't for the Princess's, would you do it again?

Way too much, in my opinion... $29 pp. Ridiculous. But people will continue to pay it, we did, so I guess it's not too much. :lol: When compared to Ohana (for dinner!), which is only $2 more pp, the quality of food is a joke. Also, when compared to similar breakfast options (other buffets with characters), Akershus was mediocre at best in my opinion. I would rank Ohana, Cape May and Tusker House all ahead of it. Now, if I were using the DDP, I don't think it would be as hard to swallow. But that's a whole other topic because I think the DDP is part of the reason the price of meals has gotten a little out-of-hand.

Unless I have a daughter one day, I don't foresee going back. We used the half marathon as an excuse to check this restaurant off the list. Actually... we considered booking it or CRT (even more ridiculously priced) when we first made reservations, but opted for a good dinner (Brown Derby) instead. But as you know, that fell through.

Second, what kind of camera do you have? Your pics are awesome, so clear and crisp.

I have a Canon Rebel XSi... I treated myself to it for Christmas this year! And I'm so glad I did because I love it.

We also hated leaving WDW, we hated it so much we moved to FL. In the old days, when we lived in Boston, my wife would be in tears on our last night, that ride on the monorail to the parking lot was very depressing. So we know how you felt.

Once again, great job.

Frank

That's awesome! And something we've actually talked about doing. I've been in tears many a time when leaving Disney... for me, the place has shaped our relationship and, corny as it sounds, I think we fall in love a little more every time we're there!

We did Akershus once with my little (well, younger, since she's 17 now) sister. We had Cinderella, Belle, Sleeping Beauty for sure. And I think the other two were Jasmine and Mulan. I know Mary Poppins and Alice aren't, but isn't Mulan technically a princess? It's been so long since I've seen it I can't remember (although I do own it now since joining the Disney Movie Club last week). I remember the food was...different. We did do dinner though. Trying CRT this time around so hopefully it's better although I'm not holding my breath.

Hmmm... Mulan, a princess? I think you could maybe go either way on this one. I fall on the "no" side. In the end of the movie I think the Emperor tries to present Mulan with the royal crest, but she chooses to return home instead. Mulan is one of my favorite leading ladies... but I don't really consider her a princess.

Have fun at CRT!

And yes. It is always sad to leave no matter how long you've been there. I even get sad thinking about the last day when I'm planning our itineraries and we haven't even gone yet? It's some sort of sickness I think...

This is funny to me because I can totally relate. I, too, can already sense that little feeling that creeps in at the end of a trip... even in the planning stages. We need help! :lol:

Your Akershus pictures were fun! I love how the only picture Brett is in is the one with Ariel... :lol: Well, besides the Belle picture.

If only Jasmine had been there, too! :ROFLOL:I wandered off to take pictures at one point and left him alone at the table... when I came back he said it was the first time he'd ever felt like people might think he was a bit creepy!

6 people in a character line too long? That's what we call a bonus! :lol:

I know. Especially at the Character Spot which can have over an hour wait.

Sam and I really loved the single rider line on our last trip. It was a fabulous way for us to get on with no waits. Too funny about Brett having to ride with the annoying guy! Often it would seem that Sam and I would get to ride together even though we were planning on being split up. I guess it's just luck of the draw.

So sad that it has to end. Although, you don't have long to wait so I won't feel too badly for you.

Yeah we find that we end up being put together on almost half of the single rider lines we get in. It happens most often on Test Track (same car, different rows). Rarely do we ever get in standby for any rides that offer the single rider option.

Holly, wonderful TR, as usual!!

I'm loving those Princess medals! I can't believe Brett didn't want to wear his all weekend! I seriously doubt I could ever make it through a half, but for those super cute medals... Hmm.

Thanks, HopLow!! The medal is worth it... go put those running shoes on. :sohappy:

The Fozzie Bear saga had me cringing. Once upon a time, I dated someone who my dad decided to nickname "Fozzie Bear." So the part of the report where you guys were looking for a Fozzie plush, I was desperately hoping you'd change your minds and go for Gonzo or someone else instead. Ugh, I will forever be prejudiced against Fozzie! lol

ANYWAY, thanks so much for sharing your report! Thankfully, I am planning the next trip, but it looks like it won't be until January.

Awww... poor Fozzie Bear's gotten a bad rap with you. :lol: Don't worry we'll pick up Gonzo, too.

Woohoo... Disney in January is fun. There are far fewer people to deal with, which is always great. Have fun planning!

 

[HollyBelle]

Thanks for another GREAT report, my dear! I got so enthralled, I didn't realize it was 7:45 and I hadn't showered.. the rush to get to breakfast for 8AM was worth it, and the Disney spirit got me through stats! Hahha.

Can't wait to read your next one =)

You're too sweet, Kenzie. Statistics? Ooooh, I don't miss college. :lol: And it looks like your trip report will come before my next one. You are going to have so much fun! I can't wait to read all about it.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Maybe you're just overcompensating for all that testosterone in your house!

I think you're onto something! Yes! So when Tracey fusses that I'm too girly (because I don't enjoy fishing or camping...I'd rather have room service) I can just tell him it's his fault. After all, it's his genes that gave us the boys instead of girls! Oh yeeeesssss!!!! ....when do I have that next mani/pedi scheduled???....hhmmmm...oh! Quick! I need to put something on that's pink!!!

We wanted to get to Epcot early for our reservations to take advantage of an empty entrance area for a few pictures. We pulled up to the parking gates at about 7:20 and the attendant told us they wouldn’t be parking cars until 7:30. Overzealous, much?! So we sat there watching CMs drive through the gates on their way to work for awhile before he let us go.

I really love this shot of the princess medal:

Once they started letting us in, everyone took off for Norway as we stopped to take some pictures of the F&GF topiaries.

OMG! You are now officially the 2nd person I know who got to a park so early they were waiting for the parking lot to open. The other person is our insane friend we used to work with in New Orleans who's a DVC member & an early bird. I always told him he was out of his ever-lovin' mind. LOL!

I love that picture of your medal, too! I soooo have medal envy! LOL! I know you gotta be proud of it. I know I would be!

And Yes!!!! Y'all get it!!! I wish I could clue my goofy husband in to the whole point of early entry for an ADR. When we have a reservation before park opening he walks thru the gates and is like gung-ho full-speed huffing it to make it to the podium as quickly as possible. I, on the other hand, realize the whole point is to soak up the magic of being there with so few people. It turns into me trying to lag behind to gaze at the details & take pictures with him constantly fussing at me, "Hurry up! We'll be late! What are you doing?! Come on! It's nothing we haven't seen before!" I think next time I'll just tell him to go to breakfast by himself & leave me alone. LOL!

The casserole was delicious, but otherwise the food was just okay.

Your pictures are gorgeous! Isn't it pretty?! I love the decor at Akershus. Being there early is awesome because it's not quite a total zoo quite yet. I agree on the food. The offerings are meh at best. I think it's a bit pricey, too. I think the lighting isn't the best when they take the Belle pic because I have yet to see one turn out really, truly great. They're all just okay. Your Cinderella was a super-pretty one!

Your Minnie pics are adorable! You can just see the love! It's so sweet! I like the Goofy one, too, because it's like you're looking over your shoulder saying, "See?! He loves ME!!!" LOL!

 

[sweetpee_1993]

I love Fozzie!!! I'm so glad y'all rescued him! Whew! What a relief!!!!

We made our way along to Expedition Everest where we hopped in the single rider line. There was a guy directly behind us in line that had the loudest, most obnoxious voice ever. He had one of those voices that just carried and he kept talking loud enough to ensure that everyone, and I mean everyone, around him could hear how knowledgeable he was about the park (you know the type, spouting off incorrect mumbo jumbo about things). Well, Brett laughed at the thought that, because this guy was in the single rider line, some unsuspecting soul in standby was going to have to ride with him. He went so far as to state “I’m glad it won’t be me.” When we got to the front I was sent to my favorite (the last row) and as I was standing there I looked back and heard the CM tell TWO single riders to go to row such and such... you know what that means. Hahahahha :ROFLOL: I couldn’t help but laugh as Brett looked over at me. Happy trails, love. Enjoy the ride! :lol:

That is just friggin' hilarious!!!! Karma got him for not holding your hand across that finish line!!!! ROFL!!!!

Aren't chipmunks & squirrels usually enamored of shiny things??? Maybe the curiosity was just their nature. Either way, very cool that the 'Munks really were that well into character!

Then he just had to tell one of his favorite jokes:

“Wocka, Wocka”

Ugghhh. This is one of those trips where we never really settled in, but leaving was still really hard. It never gets any easier, does it? But, I see that as a positive thing... always wanting to return before we ever leave is a good sign that we’re spending our vacation time wisely!

Our current plans as they relate to Disney are a return trip in October. It depends on a lot of factors but we’re itching to get back for Food & Wine since we missed it last year, we’re seriously contemplating the Wine and Dine Half, and even Mickey’s Halloween Fun Run 5K. Who doesn’t want to run in a Halloween themed Magic Kingdom race?! We’ve already decided MNSSHP is a must because we haven’t been to it since 2006 and it’s my favorite of the special ticket parties. We’ll see what happens though, regardless, I know we’ll be back next Christmas and hopefully staying at Bay Lake Tower!!

Thanks everyone for following along!!

ROFL! I soooo love me some Fozzie, cornball jokes and all!

That was a short trip. I think I'm spoiled to long trips. It always seems like we get 4 or so days in before we truly hit our stride & get our bodies adjusted to 'Disney Time'. I'd love to find a way to do 2 full weeks. That would rock!

Oooooh...BLT!!!! I'd love to stay there! I hope it works out that y'all get to because then we'll get some fantastic insight into what it's like!

Great report as always, Holly! You should totally do this for a living! Wouldn't that be a dream...to be the next Samantha Brown?! LOL!

 

[frank2271]

and, corny as it sounds, I think we fall in love a little more every time we're there!

Not corny at all, Brett seems to be a cool guy. A great sport. I do a lot of the same stuff with my wife and we have a blast.

We moved down here in 1993, six months after we got married. We were coming down to Disney every six months and it wasn't enough. So we figured we would start a life down here and it has worked out great. It was a tough decision to leave our families in MA and move 1300 miles away, but we both LOVE it here in FL and would never move back to MA.

We highly recommend it.

 

[TakeMeThere81]

Ohana is, and will always be, our celebration place.

Ohana is the best!! It holds a lot of nolstalgia for us too, for no particular reason at all, just because the day we went happened to be a super duper happy one for our family. A banner day. It really embodies Disney at its best!! They serve you a ton of awesome food, and for us the morning Characters, and the atmosphere with the party parade...plus the Polynesian is just another world in itself! And don't forget the OGP juice(that's it right, Orange, Guava, Pineapple?) Anyway, I just had to agree with gusto, Ohana is the best. And gosh, your dinner pictures are just awesome. We will need to try it at dinner time. The wings/wontons, noodles, all look so great!!

As we walked through Future World we noticed they were playing princess-themed music. Guess that’s what they do in the mornings since the only people in the park are those on their way to Akershus?!

Awww, that must be why! That's so cool!! I loved your a.m. pics of the F&G topiaries and such. Beautiful! So far the only park we've ever hit before opening is the MK...I'm thinking that is pathetic and we need to get to EPCOT prior to opening very very soon!

Bwahahahaha, your story about the annoying loud guy in the line for Everest had me cracking up!! :lol::lol: Stinks that Brett ended up riding with him, but still soooo funny at the same time!! LOL!!!

 

[TakeMeThere81]

... for me, the place has shaped our relationship and, corny as it sounds, I think we fall in love a little more every time we're there!

Awwww. I have to agree 100% though. That is one of the reasons I love being there so much. I've told DH that many times. It's not necessarily because it is Disney(but hey, Disney is awesome, I love anything Disney)...what holds a stronger influence for me to go back time and time again is because over the course of our years together the times at Disney are the memories I hold so dear because we got to spend all this uninterrupted, uncompromised time just being...together. And the more we're having fun together the more we fall "in love". That's the big reason I get warm fuzzies for Disney, because our times there have just been wonderful together.

 

[corey154]

As always, I loved your trip report!!! You and sweetpee's reports are some of my personal favorites on here!!! (I love reading everyones....but you guys always put so much detail and pictures every time)

You and Brett are adorable and seem like such a great couple. Congrats to you both, it's not easy to find love like that.

 

[NewfieFan]

Oh Hollybelle, I enjoyed every word! Thanks for taking the time to write your TR - it was very entertaining! I read your last TR as well but I don't think I posted on it (I usually like to post when I read them)! Anyways, it's always a pleasure to read!

I was there during the same time as you... but I didn't run the marathon, though! Thanks for taking all the pics of the F&G festival... you did a better job than me... so when I want to relive my trip... I'll just look at your pics! :animwink: :lol:

Congratulations on running the marathon! I have it in my head to run one now. No, I'm not a runner and I've never been but that doesn't mean I can't do it, right!?! :lookaroun

 

[Brett]

Our current plans as they relate to Disney are a return trip in October. It depends on a lot of factors but we’re itching to get back for Food & Wine since we missed it last year, we’re seriously contemplating the Wine and Dine Half, and even Mickey’s Halloween Fun Run 5K. Who doesn’t want to run in a Halloween themed Magic Kingdom race?! We’ve already decided MNSSHP is a must because we haven’t been to it since 2006 and it’s my favorite of the special ticket parties. We’ll see what happens though, regardless, I know we’ll be back next Christmas and hopefully staying at Bay Lake Tower!!

What's this we stuff? You're seriously contemplating the Wine and Dine. I'm retired... remember?

 

[diddy_mouse]

It's always a joy reading your Trip Reports. You and Brett remind me of me and my husband when we visit WDW...well, except for the marathons. I'd love to run in one I just don't know if he'd join me. :lol:

I like how you said to make little notes about what you've seen and done so you can write about it later. I did that on our last trip and I'm so glad I did. Comparing my notes to the multitude of pictures we took helped me paint a detailed picture. I had saved a receipt from dinner and was able to remember what I was wearing that night. Strange, right?

All in all, glad you guys had a successful race and a great weekend!

 

[HollyBelle]

OMG! You are now officially the 2nd person I know who got to a park so early they were waiting for the parking lot to open. The other person is our insane friend we used to work with in New Orleans who's a DVC member & an early bird. I always told him he was out of his ever-lovin' mind. LOL!

Yeah... we like to be early. Usually not that early, though. :lol:

I love that picture of your medal, too! I soooo have medal envy! LOL! I know you gotta be proud of it. I know I would be!

And Yes!!!! Y'all get it!!! I wish I could clue my goofy husband in to the whole point of early entry for an ADR. When we have a reservation before park opening he walks thru the gates and is like gung-ho full-speed huffing it to make it to the podium as quickly as possible. I, on the other hand, realize the whole point is to soak up the magic of being there with so few people. It turns into me trying to lag behind to gaze at the details & take pictures with him constantly fussing at me, "Hurry up! We'll be late! What are you doing?! Come on! It's nothing we haven't seen before!" I think next time I'll just tell him to go to breakfast by himself & leave me alone. LOL!

LOVE my medal!

Would you believe that when we went to the Crystal Palace on our last trip, that was the FIRST time we'd ever been to the MK early?! We were running late, and I was so upset I didn't get as much time to linger. So this time, with just Brett and I... I made sure that didn't happen.

Your pictures are gorgeous! Isn't it pretty?! I love the decor at Akershus. Being there early is awesome because it's not quite a total zoo quite yet. I agree on the food. The offerings are meh at best. I think it's a bit pricey, too. I think the lighting isn't the best when they take the Belle pic because I have yet to see one turn out really, truly great. They're all just okay. Your Cinderella was a super-pretty one!

Your Minnie pics are adorable! You can just see the love! It's so sweet! I like the Goofy one, too, because it's like you're looking over your shoulder saying, "See?! He loves ME!!!" LOL!

Yeah... I really liked the interior of Akershus. Gorgeous decor! And I have to agree with you... Cinderella really was perfect. Overall, from what I've seen it seems that she's the princess that's hardest to "pull off." Something about the hair, I bet.

I love Fozzie!!! I'm so glad y'all rescued him! Whew! What a relief!!!! ROFL! I

soooo love me some Fozzie, cornball jokes and all!

Yeah, we love the muppets, too!

That is just friggin' hilarious!!!! Karma got him for not holding your hand across that finish line!!!! ROFL!!!!

It really was funny. I couldn't stop laughing throughout the whole ride. :ROFLOL:

Aren't chipmunks & squirrels usually enamored of shiny things??? Maybe the curiosity was just their nature. Either way, very cool that the 'Munks really were that well into character!

Yeah the chipmunks are always in character and so much fun. Brett gets distracted by shiny things, too. Maybe it's a guy thing. :lol:

That was a short trip. I think I'm spoiled to long trips. It always seems like we get 4 or so days in before we truly hit our stride & get our bodies adjusted to 'Disney Time'. I'd love to find a way to do 2 full weeks. That would rock!

Oooooh...BLT!!!! I'd love to stay there! I hope it works out that y'all get to because then we'll get some fantastic insight into what it's like!

Great report as always, Holly! You should totally do this for a living! Wouldn't that be a dream...to be the next Samantha Brown?! LOL!

Thanks, Kelly. Two full weeks really would rock. Our 9 night trip last summer was the longest trip we've ever taken and it really makes for a MUCH more relaxing trip. I can't wait to do it again. But the reason we get to go as often as we do is because of the short trips.

Not corny at all, Brett seems to be a cool guy. A great sport. I do a lot of the same stuff with my wife and we have a blast.

We moved down here in 1993, six months after we got married. We were coming down to Disney every six months and it wasn't enough. So we figured we would start a life down here and it has worked out great. It was a tough decision to leave our families in MA and move 1300 miles away, but we both LOVE it here in FL and would never move back to MA.

We highly recommend it.

Brett's definitely a great sport, that's for sure. As for moving to Florida... he'd go tomorrow. I'm the one who has trouble giving up the very thing you mentioned struggling with... family. When we have kids I want our parents' to be around on a regular basis. But maybe one day.

Ohana is the best!! It holds a lot of nolstalgia for us too, for no particular reason at all, just because the day we went happened to be a super duper happy one for our family. A banner day. It really embodies Disney at its best!! They serve you a ton of awesome food, and for us the morning Characters, and the atmosphere with the party parade...plus the Polynesian is just another world in itself! And don't forget the OGP juice(that's it right, Orange, Guava, Pineapple?) Anyway, I just had to agree with gusto, Ohana is the best. And gosh, your dinner pictures are just awesome. We will need to try it at dinner time. The wings/wontons, noodles, all look so great!!

I absolutely love POG juice!!! The best stuff ever. Ohana is also my favorite character breakfast, hands down. You really have to try it for dinner if you get the chance. It's pricey, but worth it.

Awww, that must be why! That's so cool!! I loved your a.m. pics of the F&G topiaries and such. Beautiful! So far the only park we've ever hit before opening is the MK...I'm thinking that is pathetic and we need to get to EPCOT prior to opening very very soon!

It was our first time getting in the park early. It's too bad Akershus is the only way to do so. I wish the Garden Grill did breakfast.

Bwahahahaha, your story about the annoying loud guy in the line for Everest had me cracking up!!:lol: Stinks that Brett ended up riding with him, but still soooo funny at the same time!! LOL!!!

It really was very funny!

Awwww. I have to agree 100% though. That is one of the reasons I love being there so much. I've told DH that many times. It's not necessarily because it is Disney(but hey, Disney is awesome, I love anything Disney)...what holds a stronger influence for me to go back time and time again is because over the course of our years together the times at Disney are the memories I hold so dear because we got to spend all this uninterrupted, uncompromised time just being...together. And the more we're having fun together the more we fall "in love". That's the big reason I get warm fuzzies for Disney, because our times there have just been wonderful together.

Exactly. You summed it up perfectly.

As always, I loved your trip report!!! You and sweetpee's reports are some of my personal favorites on here!!! (I love reading everyones....but you guys always put so much detail and pictures every time)

You and Brett are adorable and seem like such a great couple. Congrats to you both, it's not easy to find love like that.

Aww... thanks, corey154!

Oh Hollybelle, I enjoyed every word! Thanks for taking the time to write your TR - it was very entertaining! I read your last TR as well but I don't think I posted on it (I usually like to post when I read them)! Anyways, it's always a pleasure to read!

I was there during the same time as you... but I didn't run the marathon, though! Thanks for taking all the pics of the F&G festival... you did a better job than me... so when I want to relive my trip... I'll just look at your pics! :lol:

Congratulations on running the marathon! I have it in my head to run one now. No, I'm not a runner and I've never been but that doesn't mean I can't do it, right!?! :lookaroun

Thanks! As you know, writing them really is quite time consuming!

Clearly, I'm not a runner either! So I'll use the standby line... if I can do it, you can do it!! And I really do mean that. :sohappy:

What's this we stuff? You're seriously contemplating the Wine and Dine. I'm retired... remember?

True. But you don't want me running off and getting the medal without you... then I'd have more medals than you. :lol:

It's always a joy reading your Trip Reports. You and Brett remind me of me and my husband when we visit WDW...well, except for the marathons. I'd love to run in one I just don't know if he'd join me.

I like how you said to make little notes about what you've seen and done so you can write about it later. I did that on our last trip and I'm so glad I did. Comparing my notes to the multitude of pictures we took helped me paint a detailed picture. I had saved a receipt from dinner and was able to remember what I was wearing that night. Strange, right?

All in all, glad you guys had a successful race and a great weekend!

Thanks, diddy_mouse!! I, too, find that I take enough pictures that it helps clarify things when I start writing later... helps keep the order of events straight.

Like I keep telling everyone... you should totally run one of them!!

 

[disneygirl1]

Holly as always, awesome report!!! Thank you for sharing... Glad to see that you started to feel better as the trip went on!