A NOTE ABOUT THE MARATHON: The Disney marathon swept through town on January 6th and 7th. Somehow DH and I managed to avoid the chaos of the event. Our guests were not so fortunate. It was just a matter of chance that DH and I (and my brother and his GF) headed to the Animal Kingdom on the 6th. The half marathon was going on that day, and it doesnt go through the AK. On the 7th DH and I headed to Blizzard Beach. The full marathon was going through all 3 parks that day.
Both my parents and DHs parents felt that the marathon was a major problem during their days at the park. My dad said it was like moving gridlock. DHs parent and sister were completely blocked from getting to Everest.
Now, Im a long distance runner (as are my dad and DHs dad), so we certainly can appreciate the accomplishment of everyone who participated.
I cant imagine how they did it, but some folks ran both the half and the full marathon! But for those of you who may be planning a trip during the time the marathon is on (and arent planning to run in it), you need to know that it isnt a minor inconvenience. My dad said that the full marathon cut right through Cinderellas castle - bisecting the park in half. They had a hard time getting through. Everyone left the parks frustrated. I would suggest avoiding the parks that day.
It wasnt intentionally to avoid the half marathon, but DH, my brother and his GF headed to the AK super early. The plan was to head directly to Everest and get a fastpass. Then proceed immediately to Kilimanjaro Safari, return to Everest, ride it and get another fastpass for later on. You can see me just waiting here
waiting to speedwalk to Asia as soon as they drop the rope.
Let me tell you ladies, the time I spent on the elliptical machine paid off. We were up against some serious competition. DISers with families had heard that the secret to the AK was to send the husbands off to get fastpasses - they were quick and agile without strollers.
We made it and amidst the chaos at the fastpass machiene got the golden tickets and got the heck out of there. Phew. No time to rest -- time to power walk to the Safari. When we got to the truck we all plunked down and breathed a sigh of relief. Now it was time to just have fun.
I love the safari, I could do it over and over again. My favourite part is the elephants!
After the safari, following the plan, we headed back to Everest. This was DH and my second time riding (we had gone in May) and the first time for my brother and his GF. We walked right to the front of the line and were seated at the very rear of the train.
Whoo hooo! I love that ride!
We decided to head back to the trails in Africa to kill time before they started serving lunch at the Tusker house. I loved seeing the gorillas.
I love hitting the Tusker house. Its my favourite counter service. Its great to plan to go early because there are no lines at all. We were there at 10:55 (wed skipped breakfast). The people who put the food together were so nice. They saw our ears and asked when we got married. When they found out wed only been married for a day and a half they were so sweet. They all started telling us about their experiences -- and they would have given us free cake, but we already had dessert from the dining plan.
After devouring the tasty food we headed back to Everest.
My brother wondered if that was such a good idea
but I was confident that we all had iron stomachs. This time DH and I were seated in the very front of the train. Is it me, or does it seem faster in the front?
After another great ride we decided to head over to Nemo and wait in line for good seats. We werent allowed to take pictures in the theatre, so we took a picture of the poster outside the theatre instead.
I really thought the show was quite good. I had to admit though, that in the cool darkness of the theatre and after sitting down I started nodding off. But really
it was good! I felt guilty because it was so good. It turned out that everyone else was pretty dozey too. It seems we were up a bit early that morning.
We searched for coffee but found milkshakes instead and decided to substitute sugar for caffeine. After looking at the trusty times guide I realized we had just enough time to visit the characters before catching the 2:30 Lion King show. We started with Goofy because his line was shortest. I told him that I loved him because he made me feel short.
Donald was cute - he demanded that I give him a kiss and then admired my ring. Aww
Donald.
Minnie was up next -- she looked festive in her holiday outfit. As DH and I slowly exited the line, waiting for my brother and his GF to get their pictures taken we were approached by a woman.
Woman: Congratulations
when was the big day?
Us: "Thursday."
Beaming with gigantic smiles.
Woman: Oh wow, did you get married here?
Us: Yes, it was so beautiful, we just loved every minute
we wish we could do it all again
Woman: Awww
thats so nice. Hey, what are you doing for the rest of the day
what do you think about being part of the parade.
Huh? Vaguely I could hear Stacey in my mind: first youre watching the parade
and then poof
you are in the parade
Could it be? We were being asked to be a part of the parade.
Duh - yes, she just asked you silly. Say something before she takes it all back!
My brother and his GF approach.
Woman: Oh are they with you?
Me: Yes, this is my brother and his girlfriend
Woman: So how many are there in your party?
Me: Just us 4 today
She nods.
Woman: So, what do you think about the parade?
I look at DH whos smiling. Whats funny is that we had a mantra this trip:
no parades. Last time after being annoyed at the Once Upon a Dream parade, and experiencing true craziness at Spectro we decided wed take the opportunity to do more rides while the lines were low. But wed never thought
.never dreamed
Say something silly!
Me: Of course! Wed love to!
So she gave us the details, and told us where we needed to be. And poof - she was gone.
We all looked at each other in disbelief. Did that just happen? Did she say
were going to be in the parade.
DH and I headed to guest services to try to reach our parents (who we thought might be back at the hotel) to come to the park while my brother and his GF rode Dinosaur.
The whole plan was scrapped. Thered be no Lion King
thered be no Its a bug life. Nope
we were in the parade.
This is us waiting to go backstage.
There we other families and couples there too. We were called in party by party, dressed up in festive clothing, given earplugs (because the music was so loud) and brought back to the float.
It was so cool to see all the characters interacting.
It was so much fun! We didnt even mind one bit that the same 3 minutes of Christmas music played over and over.
DH even managed to take a video clip of it with his digital camera.
As the parade turned the last corner and rolled backstage, we hopped off the float and said thanks. It was just a mesmerizing experience. DH giggled
so I guess no more no parades. Ill never forget the way that my brother smiled that day.
Next up: Day 6 - part 2: One duck, two duck, bride duck, groom duck.
You truely were a part of a fairy tale!! It was so sweet whenever you both would lean over and just shortly embrace one another with a kiss-- soo cute! I really liked how everything wasnt so perfect and clear-- its kind of like when Randy does his photography and focuses in on some things and it leaves others somewhat blurred. The video seemed artistic in a way!! KEEP THAT FOREVER! SO sweet...
!)
