Trip Report What Was I Thinking This Time: A Star Wars Race Weekend Trip Report *completed*

Seems like it's about that time for my biennial trip to Disney World. It hasn't been planned that way, we just end up going to WDW every two years for various reasons. You can read about my past adventures in my signature.

The who would be your humble narrator, me; and my DM, who henceforth I shall refer to as Moms.
The when was Wednesday April 18th through Monday the 23rd of 2018
The where was Port Orleans - Riverside
The why was I decided to come out of retirement and signed up for the Star Wars Dark Side Half-Marathon weekend

I didn't write a pre-trip report, so allow me a bit of a preamble to set the stage.

I ran the Star Wars half-marathon in Disneyland back in 2016. It was my first running event of any kind and it went well enough, but I figured that was probably going to be my first and last marathon event. Retire a champion I always say. There were only two problems. One, I regretted not going for the Rebel Challenge medal; and two, I wanted to a Coast-to-Coast medal. So after sitting out last years' Star Wars race in Disneyland I found myself getting an itch. Like Jordan wearing the 45 I had to come back. This time I was gonna go all out.

My initial plan was to do the full set of races at the Disneyland Light Side event (the 5K & Challenge [10K & half]), then do the full set of Dark Side events in WDW. I'd be getting 4 medals at each weekend, plus the coast-to-coast, and the Kessel Run medals. That's just mo' medals, mo' medals, mo' medals. In my mind, and air conditioned room, this seemed like a great idea. The Light Side registration was postponed, but no problem I went ahead and signed up for the Dark Side races. Then proceeded to wait for the Light Side to open up to carry-out my master plan. Unfortunately, it wasn't meant to be. If you don't know, Disneyland has suspended all of their RunDisney events for the foreseeable future until they finish with construction projects that would be in the way. I seriously considered cancelling for a bit there, but there are no refunds and I really did want to go back to WDW.

Moms was reluctant to go. She had gotten sick on our last trip to WDW and most of her recent visits to Disneyland. I was completely fine with a solo adventure (not to be confused with the upcoming Star Wars spin-off 'Solo'; which I am totally looking forward to), but Moms felt she had to go in case I had a heart attack or something. Moms wasn't fully on-board, but I knew I had to make some plans. I booked ADRs for Be Our Guest lunch, Chef Art Smith's Homecoming (because fried chicken & donuts), & Liberty Tree Tavern (ooey gooey toffee cake). Moms eventually decided on going and booked us a room at POR. We've stayed there twice and have really liked it in the past. This year's ticket increase was about a week before my 60 days, so I bought a 6-day park hopper ticket the day before the increase. At 60 days I was able to get a FP+ for Flights of Passage on Friday, the only FP+ I was concerned about getting. I ended up getting another FOP FP+ for Sunday afternoon, a SDMT for Thursday, and Rivers of Light for Friday evening. That was the extent of my plans. I knew I'd be getting up super early and going to bed early so I figured I'd just go with the flow.

About a month before the trip Moms started to get excited about going and wanted to know what I had already booked. She wanted to do some sort of dining package event and after browsing the MDE app chose the Rivers of Light package. She called and was able to get a RoL dining package booked at Tiffin's for Sunday night. That meant I had to cancel the Homecoming ADR since they were at the same time. Goodbye fried chicken and donuts, maybe next time. Moms wanted to eat at Rose & Crown, so we added that for Saturday. We've eaten at BOG twice and enjoyed it both times, but it was also on Saturday; so au revoir.

That brings us to the beginning of the story, which I will have to continue later. Sorry about the wall of text.
 
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gsrjedi

gsrjedi

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Day 1 - April 18; Going Back to Disney

Our flight out of Phoenix was at 6:15 am, which would be just the first of many early starts for me. My aunt gave us a ride to the airport. We checked my bag and breezed through security. They didn't even make us take electronics or liquids out of our bags. They said it was a new kind of machine. Wendy's was open for breakfast and that's what we chose. Moms got a sausage biscuit and I got a potato bowl with sausage, gravy, & eggs. It was okay and did the job of providing nourishment to get us going.

We would be riding in style this trip. Moms had booked us in first class with the thought there would be less people around to get her sick. Who was I to complain?
IMG_2223 by Michael, on Flickr - Moms got a fruit plate to snack on.

I mostly slept through the first leg and woke up a little before we landed in Dallas/Fort Worth.

IMG_2227 by Michael, on Flickr
IMG_2230 by Michael, on Flickr

We had about an hour layover before our next flight. Feeling a little peckish, I went in search of something to snack on. I found a place called Lorena Garcia Tapas y Cocina. I ordered something called the crispy arepitas basket. If you don't know what arepitas are, then that makes two of us. They're like little corn meal tortillas filled with some mystery ingredient served with some cheese and some mystery sauce. They were pretty bland; and they were just thrown in a way too big to-go container.

As we boarded I began watching the new Jumanji movie. It was funny and better than I expected. They brought us warm nuts to snack on. Something about heating them up just makes them taste so much better. Then we got our lunches. Mine was a Vietnamese chicken salad that was excellent. Moms had a vegetarian pasta that she said was okay. My movie ended right before we landed.

IMG_2233 by Michael, on Flickr
IMG_2234 by Michael, on Flickr
IMG_2235 by Michael, on Flickr

We landed around 4 pm. After a quick ride on the fonorail, we made our way to baggage claim where my bag was one of the first ones out. Yay! We headed to the Hertz counter and got in line for our rental car. The first car we chose didn't have keys, so we had to unload and choose something else. We were finally on our way; but first a stop at Target was in order to get some snacks and drinks for the room. On the way we decided to stop by the Disney Character Warehouse at the Vineyard Outlets. It was our first time and we didn't see much we had to have. I picked up a shirt for $6, mainly because it was $6.

After our detours we finally arrived at Port Orleans Riverside around 8. We hadn't done online check-in so had to wait a while in line to get our room. We didn't get the no room service offer, if they still do that. We got room 8078 in Acadian House. We've only ever stayed in Alligator Bayou, so I was excited to be in a new part of the resort. Drove around to the room and Moms started to spray her Lysol when she noticed some issues. There was some mystery stain on the nightstand next to the phone and there was tags from clothes left in one of the dressers. I guess someone had enjoyed themselves at Hot Topic before we got there. Apparently Mousekeeping just came in and made the beds and called it good. Moms called the front desk and they moved us up a floor to room 8280 and gave us $120 credit to use at the resort. Thankfully we hadn't unloaded the car completely so it wasn't too much of a hassle. We were near stairs, thankfully because the one elevator was a maze to get to.

Port Orleans - Riverside by Michael, on Flickr
Port Orleans - Riverside by Michael, on Flickr

The rooms are similar, but I prefer the more rusting décor of the Alligator Bayou rooms, plus the extra size is nice. For dinner we headed to Riverside Mill. We both ended up choosing the carving station. Moms got the flank steak with mashed potatoes and green beans; I chose the turkey with mashed potatoes and (I think) corn. We were so hungry I didn't even grab a photo. We enjoyed our food and were quite stuffed afterwards. As we made our way back Moms hip was hurting so we decided to take the elevator. On the way I noticed the back of a cat. "It's just like Disneyland", I said to myself. As we got closer it scampered off and then I realized it wasn't a cat, it was a racoon. I wish I would've realized it quicker and taken a picture; as Arizonans we don't have those. We have scorpions (actually found one in the dishwasher filter this morning), rattlesnakes, I even saw a coyote in a Target parking lot last year. If you remember the trailer for the film After Earth (don't feel bad if you don't), they say everything on Earth has evolved to kill humans. I feel that is pretty much the flora and fauna of Arizona.

MK was open until 10 with EMH til 12. I considered going, but I was just too tired.
 
gsrjedi

gsrjedi

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
LeighM said:
I always take a travel size bottle of Lysol with me so I can disinfect the hotel room before we get settled in :) So imagine my horror when I went to disinfect everything only discover I had a faulty bottle of Lysol :jawdrop: It wouldn't spray!!!! So next time I travel, I'll take 2 bottles just in case LOL.
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She also travels with a couple packs of wipes to wipe off the plane seats and handles.
 
gsrjedi

gsrjedi

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Day 2 - April 19; She said do you love me, I tell her only partly, I only love my bed and my Citrus Swirl, sorry.
Early morning adventures

I don't know about anyone else, but I tend to wake up early when I'm not in my own bed. At least for the first couple days of a trip. Today was no exception. I was up at 6:30 and I wanted to stay loose so I decided to make use of the New Balance Running Trail that wraps around Riverside and French Quarter.

Port Orleans - Riverside by Michael, on Flickr

There were a couple other people out running this morning as well, but for the most part I had the place all to myself.

Port Orleans - French Quarter by Michael, on Flickr
Port Orleans - French Quarter by Michael, on Flickr
Port Orleans - French Quarter by Michael, on Flickr
Port Orleans - French Quarter by Michael, on Flickr
Port Orleans - French Quarter by Michael, on Flickr

The running trail goes past French Quarter along the water's edge, but just kind of stops at the parking lot. I turned around and instead of sticking to the path, I instead cut through the resort to check it out. This was my first visit to FQ and thought it looked great. I like how the paths look like streets and the alligator band gives a nice festive attitude.

I continued back to Riverside and continued on the looping path.

Port Orleans - Riverside by Michael, on Flickr
Port Orleans - Riverside by Michael, on Flickr
Port Orleans - Riverside by Michael, on Flickr
Port Orleans - Riverside by Michael, on Flickr
Port Orleans - Riverside by Michael, on Flickr
Port Orleans - Riverside by Michael, on Flickr

I got back to the room and we proceeded to get ready for the day. This would be our only full park day and I had to make a visit to the RunDisney Expo to get my race bibs.
 
gsrjedi

gsrjedi

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Day 2 - April 19 continued

Today I had a FP+ for SDMT and an ADR for Liberty Tree Tavern. Moms hadn't bought her ticket yet, so we first stopped at the concierge desk for her to do that before heading to the Magic Kingdom. I had on my POTC 50th birthday shirt and was excited to check out the new redhead scene. We drove to the park and I realized a problem was forming for me. I wear an Apple Watch on my left wrist, which means my MagicBand goes on the right. When you're driving though I kept having to take my MB off to get in the gate at the hotel and to show at the booth. So Disney when I can my MB stuff on my watch is what I'm trying to say.

We parked and security was pretty quick. I got a new camera bag before the trip and as I was packing it up I realized this has a lot of pockets and could make security real annoying. Luckily it was never an issue all weekend.

Magic Kingdom - boat dock by Michael, on Flickr
I found this kind of funny. This isn't a wishing well, it's just people literally throwing money at Disney. Like here take some more.

Moms doesn't walk as well anymore so she wanted to rent an ECV so she could last longer. It was early so they still had some available. We were in the window of my SDMT FP+, so we headed that way.

Magic Kingdom - Cinderella's Castle by Michael, on Flickr
Magic Kingdom - Cinderella's Castle by Michael, on Flickr
Magic Kingdom by Michael, on Flickr
Magic Kingdom - Cinderella's Castle by Michael, on Flickr
Magic Kingdom - Seven Dwarfs Mine Train by Michael, on Flickr

I'd only ridden this once when it opened and didn't really remember too much. I was seated in the front and was disappointed to find it operates like BTMRR in that regard. It was fun, but as I'm sure you all know, it wouldn't hurt to be longer.

Moms had been browsing the Winnie the Pooh store as I rode. Neither of us wanted to wait the 35 minutes that was posted for Pooh, so we decided to head to one of our favorites - the Peoplemover. We had a nice relaxing trip around Tomorrowland and I didn't even take that many photos, I mainly just sat back and enjoyed being back on the TTA. I got us FP+ for the Magic Carpets in 30 minutes. So we headed to Liberty Square to check out Momento Mori while we waited.

Magic Kingdom - Tomorrowland by Michael, on Flickr
Magic Kingdom - Space Mountain by Michael, on Flickr
Magic Kingdom - Cinderella's Castle by Michael, on Flickr
I got a 360 camera recently, so hopefully this works.


Magic Kingdom - Liberty Square by Michael, on Flickr
Magic Kingdom - Haunted Mansion by Michael, on Flickr

We got to the store and looked around, but soon after we got in Moms left again. She said she was starting to feel sick and had to sit down. Our ADR wasn't until 1 and it was only 10:30. She wasn't going to make it. She decided she was going to head back to the room and take some medicine to start feeling better and I could come back and use the ADR so we wouldn't get charged. On our way out she stopped to look at a merchandise cart near Sunshine Tree Terrace, so I quickly grabbed a Citrus Swirl. I was devastated for those few days when it seemed to be taken off the menu in favor of the creamsicle version. It melts much faster in April than in November, so by the time I took a photo, it was starting to melt already. Moms still had some strength and was hating the idea of missing the ADR and had me check about an earlier time. I was able to change the time to 11:10 which was only 20 minutes away. She wanted to tough it out and go. Our Magic Carpet FP+ window was opening and we went there to give us something to do while we waited.

Magic Kingdom - Citrus Swirl by Michael, on Flickr
Magic Kingdom - Enchanted Tiki Room by Michael, on Flickr
Magic Kingdom - Magic Carpets of Aladdin by Michael, on Flickr

We got to LTT about 5 minutes early and were seated right away. I had booked this because Moms loves pot roast and mashed potatoes and that kind of American comfort food. I enjoy that kind of food, but I was mainly there for the ooey gooey toffee cake. I put my camera away as were seated and was concerned about how Moms was feeling so I forgot to take pictures of our food. I thought it was good and Moms thought it was just okay, but that might have been because she wasn't feeling good. We ended up getting the cake to go so we didn't get the ice cream with it. The cake part when we had it later that day though, was absolutely amazing. I could see going back just for that.

Magic Kingdom - Liberty Tree Tavern by Michael, on Flickr
Magic Kingdom - Liberty Tree Tavern by Michael, on Flickr
Magic Kingdom - Liberty Tree Tavern by Michael, on Flickr

After lunch it was definitely time to go. We returned the ECV and I pushed Moms back to the car in one of those temporary wheelchairs. We went back to the room and rested for a bit. Unfortunately, this would be our only visit to MK this trip. Just didn't make it back, so I never did get to see the redhead, nor was I able to finally see Cinderella's Castle at night without the dream lights of Christmas time.
 
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gsrjedi

gsrjedi

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Sorry for the delay, Phoenix Comic Fest was this weekend so I was busy all weekend.

Day 2 - April 19th - part 3

Since I was running in all 3 races this weekend (still not quite sure why exactly), I had to stop by the RunDisney Expo to get my race bibs and shirts, plus any other goodies I wanted to spend money on. The Expo is held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Since Moms was still not feeling good I took the car and headed that way. They've got construction on the roads around ESPN, so there was a bit of a traffic backup to get in. I found a parking and headed towards the music. This was my first visit to WWoS so I wasn't quite sure where to go, but luckily there were signs. In Disneyland, everything for the races happens at the Disneyland Hotel Convention Center. Here things are spread out amongst the different buildings. As I was headed towards bib pick-up I passed by the baseball field the Braves play Spring Training on, so I stopped and took a picture.

ESPN Wide World of Sports by Michael, on Flickr
ESPN Wide World of Sports by Michael, on Flickr
ESPN Wide World of Sports by Michael, on Flickr

Bib pick-up was quick and easy, they had an area for the First Order Challenge so I only had to go to two stations. Next I headed to the Expo to get my shirts and see if there was any neat stuff to buy. They no longer sell the Disney New Balance shoes so I wasn't interested in most of the stuff. It's mainly stuff for runners like running clothes and nutrition stuff. I'm not really a runner so I have the stuff I'd been training with for the weekend and didn't want to get new stuff. The only thing I purchased was a chocolate medal from The Ganachery booth. I wasn't sure of the total mileage I'd be doing so I just had them put the half-marathon distance.

ESPN Wide World of Sports by Michael, on Flickr
The Ganachery chocolate medal by Michael, on Flickr
ESPN Wide World of Sports by Michael, on Flickr
ESPN Wide World of Sports by Michael, on Flickr

Then I went to the official store building. That's where you can buy different shirts for the race weekend, and keychains, and pins and lots of stuff with a RunDisney logo. I bought the First Order Challenge 'I Did It' shirt, some pins, and keychains. I like how the area is nice and big compared to the cramped area I experienced at the Disneyland race weekend. They had picture opportunities as you made your way out, but the lines were kind of long. With my purchases made I headed back to the car before my chocolate could melt.

ESPN Wide World of Sports by Michael, on Flickr
Here's maps of the 3 routes I'd be doing this weekend
ESPN Wide World of Sports by Michael, on Flickr
ESPN Wide World of Sports by Michael, on Flickr
ESPN Wide World of Sports by Michael, on Flickr

ESPN Wide World of Sports by Michael, on Flickr
ESPN Wide World of Sports by Michael, on Flickr

I went back to the room and put my chocolate in the fridge to cool down. I stayed in the room and relaxed for a while before heading out to another park for the evening.
 
gsrjedi

gsrjedi

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
ScarletBegonias said:
Enjoying so far! I'm a runner but i've never done any RunDisney events!
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They are a lot of fun, you get to run through the parks early in the morning, plus they have festivities before the races that are fun.

Zipitidoda said:
Love your morning run photos and your photos at MK!. Love your "perspective" (am I even saying that right) with your shots.
Sorry Moms is feeling bad.
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Thanks, I think you're saying it right. I felt bad because getting sicks was Moms main fear of going and for it to happen on the first day is no Bueno.
 
gsrjedi

gsrjedi

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Original Poster
Day 2 - April 19th - part 4

After taking a bit of another break, I decided to head to DHS. I wasn't sure if I was gonna go by there this trip since I don't ride RnRC and don't really like ToT. I left Moms with the car in case she needed it and took a bus to DHS. She ended up using the car to go to French Quarter to get some food. I had told her they have beignets there and she had been hooked after I introduced them to her after our last visit to Disneyland.

I don't remember the exact wait, but I know it wasn't too long before a DHS bus came. I didn't really have a plan so I headed towards Chinese Theater and took some pictures. I've never spent much time out front here and I don't recall the signatures out front.
Hollywood Studios - Great Movie Ride by Michael, on Flickr
Hollywood Studios - Great Movie Ride by Michael, on Flickr
Hollywood Studios - Great Movie Ride by Michael, on Flickr
Hollywood Studios - Great Movie Ride by Michael, on Flickr
Hollywood Studios - Great Movie Ride by Michael, on Flickr

I checked the app and saw Star Tours didn't have a long line so I made my way to that area. There are not many things I want more in life than to be the Rebel Spy. Just once. I hope and hope every time I ride that I'll get chosen. Would today be the day finally? Nope. I browsed Tatooine Traders for a bit, but I've cooled it on buying lots of Star Wars stuff. That's mainly because I've run out of room after buying Star Wars stuff for years now.

Hollywood Studios - Star Tours by Michael, on Flickr
Hollywood Studios - Star Tours by Michael, on Flickr

I had busted out the Lensbaby and took some shots as I made my way towards the Launch Bay. It's a fun lens that gives a whole new look to things, but it takes a lot of practice to get things looking right and I definitely don't use it enough.

Hollywood Studios - Dockside Diner by Michael, on Flickr
Hollywood Studios - Dockside Diner by Michael, on Flickr
Hollywood Studios by Michael, on Flickr
Hollywood Studios by Michael, on Flickr

I've spent lots of time at Launch Bay in Disneyland, but I've seen in other trip reports the DHS version has some different items. I felt very confused because I came in through the shop area and it felt like I was going backwards. I loved the speeder bike. The Scout Trooper is my favorite trooper and I have a whole shelf filled with various Scout figures. I didn't get any pictures since I've met all the characters there except BB-8 and I was starting to get hungry and didn't want to wait.

Hollywood Studios - Star Wars Launch Bay by Michael, on Flickr
Hollywood Studios - Star Wars Launch Bay - Scout Speeder Bike by Michael, on Flickr
Hollywood Studios - Star Wars Launch Bay - 620C Podracer by Michael, on Flickr

I browsed the menus on MDE and decided on Fairfax Fare. When I got there the line was way too long for me to deal with. I guess it was time to try mobile ordering. Bam, order placed and I had my food about 5 minutes later. Keep waiting in line suckers. I went with the 7-layer rice bowl with grilled chicken. It was good, but I need to take a tip from Beyoncé and keep hot sauce in my bag, swag.

Hollywood Studios - Twilight Zone Tower of Terror by Michael, on Flickr
Hollywood Studios - Fairfax Fare - 7-Layer Rice Bowl with Grilled Chicken by Michael, on Flickr

By now it was 8:30 and the Star Wars fireworks show was about half an hour away. I headed towards that area while I decided if I wanted to wait. I took some pictures and after about 15 minutes started doing the math.

Hollywood Studios by Michael, on Flickr
Hollywood Studios - Dockside Diner by Michael, on Flickr
Hollywood Studios - Dockside Diner by Michael, on Flickr

You know when you're up late and you start trying to add up how much sleep you're going to get. I had a 3 am wake-up to start getting ready. If the show was 15 minutes, if I have to wait for a bus, plus the bus ride. I wanted to get to bed around 10 and I couldn't see that happening if I stayed. Sadly I figured it would be best if I left now rather than wait. I checked out some stores on my way out and ended up buying some Star Wars figures from the new Solo movie (which I really liked by the way). Goodbye Hollywood Studios, this would be the only time I'd use a park admission to enter your gates.

Hollywood Studios by Michael, on Flickr

There was a bus waiting when I left. I got back to the resort and Moms had left me a couple beignets. I tried to sleep around 10. Thing is being from Arizona, we are 3 hours behind so to me it still felt like 7. I drifted in & out of sleep for a while and didn't actually fall asleep until around midnight. Luckily that left a whole 3 hours to sleep.
 
gsrjedi

gsrjedi

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Day 3 - April 20th - Epcot x2 and I finally visit an alien planet
The 5K

My many alarms started going off at 3 am and I somewhat reluctantly got up. After getting ready, I did an asthma treatment because I find that being able to breathe comfortably is sometimes underappreciated. Moms insisted on driving me this morning and we arrived at Epcot just after 4 am. The 5K starts and ends in the Epcot parking lot. The drop off area is by the bus stops and the area you start at is in the back corner parking lot the farthest from where she dropped me off. Now I've got to walk all this way just to be able to run. Bag check went by quickly and I joined the festivities. They had a DJ and a host who I recognized from a previous Star Wars convention asking trivia questions and playing clips of the movies. Just keeping up a fun atmosphere. There were various characters you could get pictures with and most had really long lines. Only "character" I met was Jabba the Hutt.

Moms texted me and told me she had gotten lost heading back to the room. Somehow she ended up in a line of cars that said RunDisney and was trying to follow them through a blocked road. The parking attendant let her through and gave her directions to get out.

Epcot - 2018 Star Wars Dark Side 5K by Michael, on Flickr
Epcot - 2018 Star Wars Dark Side 5K by Michael, on Flickr
Epcot - 2018 Star Wars Dark Side 5K by Michael, on Flickr
Epcot - 2018 Star Wars Dark Side 5K by Michael, on Flickr

At 4:30 the pre-show ended and most people start making their way to the corrals. I hung back a while and did some light stretching before making my way over to the F corral. At 5 they bring some different hosts out and they talked about the race and we saw some more trailers and clips from Star Wars movies. I mainly hung out at the back of the corral reading The Last Jedi novelization on my phone while waiting. The first runners start at 5:30 and they send each corral off in waves. By the time I got to the front to start it was 6:30. I really didn't need to be there this early.

Epcot - 2018 Star Wars Dark Side 5K by Michael, on Flickr
Epcot - 2018 Star Wars Dark Side 5K by Michael, on Flickr
Epcot - 2018 Star Wars Dark Side 5K by Michael, on Flickr

Here is the route we'd be taking today. Nice jog through World Showcase to start the day.
ESPN Wide World of Sports by Michael, on Flickr

The fireworks went off and we were on our way. As I've mentioned, I'm not really a runner, so I have more a run, walk, run, walk, walk, strategy for these. I had spent so much time waiting that as we headed off I was a little tight in my legs. Luckily it went away pretty quickly. Arizona doesn't really have humidity and I was having some issues with my glasses fogging up as I ran. I had to wipe them off a few times, but only for the beginning really. As we made our way on the roads behind Epcot they had screens set up playing clips of SW movies and they had the soundtrack blasting as we ran the route. It definitely helped keep the mood up. We entered the park near the back of Test Track and came out to World Showcase next to Norway.

Epcot - 2018 Star Wars Dark Side 5K - World Showcase by Michael, on Flickr
Epcot - 2018 Star Wars Dark Side 5K - Germany Pavilion - Snow White topiary by Michael, on Flickr
Epcot - 2018 Star Wars Dark Side 5K - Italy Pavilion by Michael, on Flickr
Epcot - 2018 Star Wars Dark Side 5K by Michael, on Flickr
Epcot - 2018 Star Wars Dark Side 5K - Morocco Pavilion by Michael, on Flickr
Epcot - 2018 Star Wars Dark Side 5K by Michael, on Flickr

Running around World Showcase as the sun was rising was awesome. I was really wishing I had my Sony and not just my phone. We headed up the middle of the park towards Future World and at the fountain made the turn towards The Land. After looping around the front of The Land and The Seas we headed back towards the center of the park. Then we passed by Spaceship Earth before heading backstage next to the bathrooms. Back here there were quite a few people dressed in costumes and people were stopping for pictures and things. They weren't CMs just regular people who came to cheer on the runners.

Epcot - 2018 Star Wars Dark Side 5K by Michael, on Flickr
Epcot - 2018 Star Wars Dark Side 5K by Michael, on Flickr - there were quite a few people running in costumes
Epcot - 2018 Star Wars Dark Side 5K by Michael, on Flickr
Epcot - 2018 Star Wars Dark Side 5K by Michael, on Flickr

My phone clocked me at 48:01 with an average pace of 14' 28" a mile. I crossed the finish line and got my medal and a bottle of PowerAde they were handing out. Then they give you a box of things to snack on and a banana before you get to the area to get a PhotoPass picture. As I headed back towards where we started the day Moms was texting me her location. She was able to park up close right near the bag check area and was headed towards the finish area. We met back up and I drove us back to the room to rest.

Epcot - 2018 Star Wars Dark Side 5K by Michael, on Flickr
the snack box had nachos and Oreos, apparently I've been on a runner's diet for years and didn't even know it.
Epcot - 2018 Star Wars Dark Side 5K by Michael, on Flickr

We got back to the room around 8 and I ended up falling asleep for a few hours. When I woke up we were both hungry and Moms wanted to go to Panera and Publix in Celebration. We stopped at Publix first and we both ended up getting some subs from the deli. We got some more water and headed back to the room to eat. It was about 15 minutes before we got back and by the time we got to the room and started to eat, my sub was starting to get soggy. It was okay, but I'm sure it would've been better if it was fresher. I stayed and hung out in the room for a while to see if Moms was going to feel better to head out to a park. She wasn't up to it, so I left her the car and headed to the bus stop.
 
gsrjedi

gsrjedi

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Day 3 - April 20th - part 3

So I'm at the bus stop and don't really have a plan. I have a FP+ at 4:05 for Expedition Everest, it was 1:00 so I had some time. I'm trying to decide between MK or Epcot. I love exploring through the countries of World Showcase and I felt like I didn't really get time to do that on our last trip so Epcot it was. So I waited and waited as busses for all the other parks came by and the wait screen still showed Epcot busses arriving every 20 minutes. Finally after about 25 minutes an Epcot bus rolled up and I was off.

At security a lady was blowing up because they don't use sticks to search through bags and touch other peoples stuff and then hers. One of the head security people came by and told her it's not as thorough and she should maybe consider not bringing a bag. As I went through the metal detectors she and her husband were still arguing with the security people about it.

I tapped my MB and got my first glimpse of the Flower & Garden Festival. I was down to about 2 hours before my EE FP+ opened up so since The Seas with Nemo & Friends had a 10 minute wait I figured I'd head there. I've only ridden it once before and it's not something I'd wait for, but every few trips if there's no line sure.

Epcot - 2018 Flower & Garden Festival by Michael, on Flickr
Epcot - Spaceship Earth by Michael, on Flickr
Epcot - The Seas with Nemo and Friends by Michael, on Flickr
Epcot - The Seas with Nemo and Friends by Michael, on Flickr
Epcot - The Seas with Nemo and Friends by Michael, on Flickr
Epcot - The Seas with Nemo and Friends by Michael, on Flickr
Epcot - The Seas with Nemo and Friends by Michael, on Flickr

After finding Nemo yet again, I checked out the aquarium a little. The manatees weren't being cooperative and were never in the area I was trying to view them at. I looked at all the other fishes before heading back out.

Epcot - The Seas Pavilion by Michael, on Flickr
Epcot - The Seas Pavilion by Michael, on Flickr
Epcot - The Seas Pavilion by Michael, on Flickr
Epcot - The Seas Pavilion by Michael, on Flickr

I really enjoy Living With the Land and thought a 25 minute wait wasn't too bad. I got in line and looking at the time I pretty much immediately got out again. I was planning on heading out around 3:30 to make it to AK in time and now it was 2:30. I knew with the wait and length of LWtL, I wouldn't have much time to do anything else.

Epcot - 2018 Flower & Garden Festival - Daisy Topiary by Michael, on Flickr

After basically just walking in and out of the Land Pavilion, I came across the Butterfly Garden. This was my first F&G I had to check this out. Most of the butterflies were hanging around near the top of the nets. Between the butterflies and all the flowers, it's a pretty area to explore. I texted Moms a couple pictures while I was in there. I took a lot of pictures in there, so be prepared.

Epcot - 2018 Flower & Garden Festival - Butterfly House by Michael, on Flickr
Epcot - 2018 Flower & Garden Festival - Butterfly House by Michael, on Flickr
Epcot - 2018 Flower & Garden Festival - Butterfly House by Michael, on Flickr
Epcot - 2018 Flower & Garden Festival - Butterfly House by Michael, on Flickr
Epcot - 2018 Flower & Garden Festival - Butterfly House by Michael, on Flickr
 
gsrjedi

gsrjedi

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Day 3 - April 20th - part 4
more Butterfly Garden

I was just enjoying my time checking out the butterflies and taking pictures. So here's some more.

Epcot - 2018 Flower & Garden Festival - Butterfly House by Michael, on Flickr
Epcot - 2018 Flower & Garden Festival - Butterfly House by Michael, on Flickr
Epcot - 2018 Flower & Garden Festival - Butterfly House by Michael, on Flickr
Epcot - 2018 Flower & Garden Festival - Butterfly House by Michael, on Flickr
Epcot - 2018 Flower & Garden Festival - Butterfly House by Michael, on Flickr
Epcot - 2018 Flower & Garden Festival - Butterfly House by Michael, on Flickr
Epcot - 2018 Flower & Garden Festival - Butterfly House by Michael, on Flickr
Epcot - 2018 Flower & Garden Festival - Butterfly House by Michael, on Flickr
Epcot - 2018 Flower & Garden Festival - Butterfly House by Michael, on Flickr

I got a packet of applesauce as I made my way out. Time to explore some countries. But I took some more pictures of flowers along the way.

Epcot - 2018 Flower & Garden Festival by Michael, on Flickr
Epcot - 2018 Flower & Garden Festival by Michael, on Flickr
Epcot - 2018 Flower & Garden Festival by Michael, on Flickr

I took a Friendship boat to Morocco. This was the first time I'd used the boats to navigate WS; it was nice. I'm planning Tokyo being the next place I travel to so I made Japan my first stop. I stopped at the Hanami booth to try some Frushi and a Pineapple Momo Sake Cocktail.

Epcot - Morocco Pavilion by Michael, on Flickr
Epcot - 2018 Flower & Garden Festival - Hanami - Frushi by Michael, on Flickr
Epcot 2018 Flower & Garden Festival - Hanami - Pineapple Momo Sake Cocktail by Michael, on Flickr
Epcot - 2018 Flower & Garden Festival - Hanami by Michael, on Flickr

The frushi was okay. It was served warm and in my mind I was thinking it would be cold. I think it would've been better cold. The Pineapple sake though, was excellent. Super refreshing. I browsed the store in Japan for a while before getting to the best part. The snack area. I had recently introduced Moms to mochi and picked out some berry flavored ones for us to eat later. I popped my head in the gallery area and saw it was still on the Kawaii exhibit I saw last time so I didn't stay. The taiko drummers were out so I listened to them for a bit.

Epcot - Japan Pavilion by Michael, on Flickr
Epcot - Japan Pavilion by Michael, on Flickr
Epcot - Japan Pavilion by Michael, on Flickr
Epcot - Japan Pavilion by Michael, on Flickr

It was already 3:30 so I figured I'd make my way out. Though I stopped in Morocco for a bit to browse the back alleys.

hopefully this 360 photo shows up from Facebook


Up next, a visit to Pandora
 
John Dulmage

John Dulmage

Active Member
gsrjedi said:
Day 3 - April 20th - part 4
more Butterfly Garden

I was just enjoying my time checking out the butterflies and taking pictures. So here's some more.

Epcot - 2018 Flower & Garden Festival - Butterfly House by Michael, on Flickr
Epcot - 2018 Flower & Garden Festival - Butterfly House by Michael, on Flickr
Epcot - 2018 Flower & Garden Festival - Butterfly House by Michael, on Flickr
Epcot - 2018 Flower & Garden Festival - Butterfly House by Michael, on Flickr
Epcot - 2018 Flower & Garden Festival - Butterfly House by Michael, on Flickr
Epcot - 2018 Flower & Garden Festival - Butterfly House by Michael, on Flickr
Epcot - 2018 Flower & Garden Festival - Butterfly House by Michael, on Flickr
Epcot - 2018 Flower & Garden Festival - Butterfly House by Michael, on Flickr
Epcot - 2018 Flower & Garden Festival - Butterfly House by Michael, on Flickr

I got a packet of applesauce as I made my way out. Time to explore some countries. But I took some more pictures of flowers along the way.

Epcot - 2018 Flower & Garden Festival by Michael, on Flickr
Epcot - 2018 Flower & Garden Festival by Michael, on Flickr
Epcot - 2018 Flower & Garden Festival by Michael, on Flickr

I took a Friendship boat to Morocco. This was the first time I'd used the boats to navigate WS; it was nice. I'm planning Tokyo being the next place I travel to so I made Japan my first stop. I stopped at the Hanami booth to try some Frushi and a Pineapple Momo Sake Cocktail.

Epcot - Morocco Pavilion by Michael, on Flickr
Epcot - 2018 Flower & Garden Festival - Hanami - Frushi by Michael, on Flickr
Epcot 2018 Flower & Garden Festival - Hanami - Pineapple Momo Sake Cocktail by Michael, on Flickr
Epcot - 2018 Flower & Garden Festival - Hanami by Michael, on Flickr

The frushi was okay. It was served warm and in my mind I was thinking it would be cold. I think it would've been better cold. The Pineapple sake though, was excellent. Super refreshing. I browsed the store in Japan for a while before getting to the best part. The snack area. I had recently introduced Moms to mochi and picked out some berry flavored ones for us to eat later. I popped my head in the gallery area and saw it was still on the Kawaii exhibit I saw last time so I didn't stay. The taiko drummers were out so I listened to them for a bit.

Epcot - Japan Pavilion by Michael, on Flickr
Epcot - Japan Pavilion by Michael, on Flickr
Epcot - Japan Pavilion by Michael, on Flickr
Epcot - Japan Pavilion by Michael, on Flickr

It was already 3:30 so I figured I'd make my way out. Though I stopped in Morocco for a bit to browse the back alleys.

hopefully this 360 photo shows up from Facebook


Up next, a visit to Pandora
Click to expand...

I really love your photos - those ones in the butterfly house are awesome!!
 

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