Just Remember to Beer Me at Mile 25 When I Do the Full Marathon - Jan 16 TR UPDATE 4/24 Pg. 8

[burly]

Yay!! The funny is back. again love the writing style, eye style, dads style, friend style......you so styling........
But yeah So glaaaad to see you back....

 

[lauren_elizabeth]

Hey Danielle! I don't know how I didn't find your trip report earlier. I think it's awesome that you had so many people there supporting you in the race!

The suite at the Poly is huge!

 

[dawnbu40]

That was a really busy pre-race day. No wonder you girls crashed so early! It was a fun day but that waitress

 

[missangelalexis]

Glad going to the expo went smoothly! What a bummer about the Dooneys though.

I'm with ya on the glitter..that stuff gets EVERY-WHERE.

Sounds like a great dinner, despite the annoying server at the Lounge beforehand!

Can't wait to hear about the race.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Glad to hear the expo wasn't crowded - I have heard horror stories (from you and others). That is kinda weird you have to go to another place to get your t-shirt. Where there others you could buy at the same time? (I mean, any opportunity to get you buy more stuff)

Thinking about people buying all the Doony's to re-sell ... can anyone get into the EXPO? I would have thought the whole thing would have been somewhat exclusive. If not they should just limit the number of bags anyone can get or give runners tickets that get them access to stuff or something like that

I think the torch lightening ceremony is the best thing because you have the guy who, I guess, is in decent shape for the girls/guys who like that sort of thing ... and then fire for guys/girls who like that sort of thing. I mean, combined that has to cover like 98.76% of the population or so.

 

[Chaitali]

I'm not a fan of the glitter all over everything either. I love that aren't you slow for a storm trooper shirt! And my rule before a race is to limit it to just one drink

 

[sunnysideup3]

Yummmmm.....Lapu Lapu. There is definitely one of those in my near (55ish days) future....

That's a bummer about the service at Tambu. I've found it to be spotty, but not having someone downright ignore you!

Love all the merch, and TOTALLY agree about glitter....I freaking HATE glitter.....

 

[rteetz]

The expo is an interesting beast.

I got that same pin as well as an I did it shirt, and half marathon jacket. I got a 5K pin too since I was doing that race.

As for the Dooney's yes there was a production issue and my mom actually ordered the wristlet. While they said it wouldn't come until April it actually showed up early and arrived for her last week!

I have never eaten at Earl of Sandwich but have heard many good things about it.

Another thing I have never done Ohana' for dinner. I have done breakfast there but I need to get to dinner there next time.

 

[natebenma]

Were you? How did I not realize this? I swear I should have seen that on Facebook....

I was mainly coming to Florida to help my friend Teena get ready for her move to Las Vegas, but I ended up going to the Magic Kingdom Friday night and EPCOT and HS unexpectedly on Sunday. I posted a few pictures during the trip to Facebook, but not that many.

 

[natebenma]

What a fun pre-race day!

Haven't been to a running expo, don't like shopping, don't like crowds. I'm glad it wasn't as bad as the previous Princess race expo. And I am totally with you about glitter. Part of my job is doing crafts with preschoolers and elementary age students. None of the crafts we do will ever have glitter. Glitter is evil.

If it has been forever since you have been to EoS, it has been forever and a day for me. August 2008. I didn't even make it there when we were in Disneyland, but I wanted to. T-Rex keeps getting in the way when we go to DTD.

I present you with.....the reason to watch the torch lighting ceremony.

Ummmm.... THAT is a good-looking... torch!

What a bummer that you had crappy service at the lounge. It looks like a lot of fun, but I have only heard stories of crowds and poor service.

At least you managed to find some Lapu Lapus and you had a great dinner.

I look forward to reading about the half.

 

[Pluto0809]

Even though I don't run, I still want to visit the expo sometime just to see all the stuff.

Bummer that you still haven't gotten your Dooney! Hope it shows up soon.

 

[GoofyFan1515]

It's good to get the Expo done and behind you without any major issues. Never had to pick up my own packet for a 1/2, but I've seen firsthand how crazy it can be at WWoS during the Expo. Thankfully it wasn't nearly that crazy doing pickup for the Expedition Everest Challenge.

Stinks that you had such a difficult time getting drinks at the Tambu Lounge. That is never a good thing when you're ready for your Lapu Lapu!

 

[Wood Nymph]

I love your eye makeup.

I'm glad that the race expo went better this time. I guess it helped to leave the kids at home and to get there early. That's too bad about the Dooney. I hope you bag comes soon.

Caitlin has a gluten allergy, so she really loves the options that they give here there as well. The wings especially, which I think is all she ate.

I had the gluten free wings at 'Ohana and I loved them, too. We are going back there in June for the first time since 2013 and I'm glad to hear that they still have the delicious wings.

 

[DnA2010]

I can't comment on anything else am I'm still in shock from reading about another person who believes that







JUICY PEAR is #1!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Leshaface]

nd were ending the day with an early dinner at Ohana around 6pm.

...why must you make me feel old?! At home, we seriously have dinner at like 5:30/5:45pm When my friends invite me to dinner and they're like, "Let's go at 7", I die a little!

Gorgeous!

I really wanted to go in, grab the iguanadon, and get out.

Seriously, you can make me a GIF of all your Dinosaur photos and i'll laugh every single stinkin' time!

Nope, I'm not joking. There were no Dooneys. I don't know all of the details behind it, but apparently there were production issues. Could have been quality or timing, but either way they weren't there. Meaning, the wristlet that I wanted wouldn't be there. I had to order it and it would be delivered, get this. In APRIL

Wow that's crazy!

It really frosts my cookies

Yep, gonna start using this thanks

Because apparently the entire world still thinks that women want everything covered in glitter.

We don't. Please, just stop the glitter bombing!

That sounds about right!

I know, this group of six is really easy to miss. Totally understandable.

We did get drinks at that point, so it was ok. But server didn't get a tip.

You'd think she'd know, the bigger the party, the bigger the tip (well hopefully!) Her loss.

I said goodnight to everyone as they were planning on going to Trader Sams. That wasn't in my future, since I had to wake up at 3am.

Ugh, how tempting though.

 

[blairzo]

Can't wait to hear about your race and the rest of your trip!

 

[ksinniger]

You can just send the glitter you don't want my way -- in my house, there are 3 things that everything is better with: bacon, cheese, and glitter.

Loving the report so far -- so glad to see you're back at it!

 

[oilheadbob]

"It's the Expo.....It's Like Guerrilla Warfare In There!"

Friday January 8, 2016

OK, it's not really like guerrilla warfare, but let me tell you. Sometimes, the WDW expos can be crazy. Based on my experience with the Princess Half Expo, I was ready for the craziness. Nothing like waiting an hour and a half for a Dooney and Bourke.

NOT.



Today the plan was to go only to the expo. After that, we were pretty open regarding what we were going to do, and were ending the day with an early dinner at Ohana around 6pm. Early was important, because Caitlin and I had a very early day the following morning.

We were planning on heading to the expo to be there at 9am, so we were up around 7am.

This is the only day I really did a makeup look, because I was being more low-key, but this reminded me of Rey. Her color palette at least.



It was a rainy day, but the rest of our time in Florida was supposed to be pretty clear. The 10k was being run on this day, and I know from posts I had seen on it they were pretty wet. Glad it wasn't me, that's for sure. Haha. Although when I look through my pictures from the half marathon, it was pretty foggy.

We met Caitlin and family in the lobby around 8:45am. We were heading to the expo together, since Caitlin had waited also to pick up her stuff until I had arrived. It was nice to be able to go together and take a gander at the goods.

On our way out, we were all somehow CONVINCED that we remembered where the Wide World of Sports was. All three of us had an absolute brain fart and thought that it was by the speedway.

Don't ask me why.



We got a little turned around. Thankfully Dale knew what he was doing and we just ended up following him. In a roundabout way. I'll just say we didn't know where we were going because we were SO EXCITED!!!

Finally arrived at the Wide World of Sports and actually found parking in the lot. Which was a world of difference from when we went for the Princess Half. We had to park all of the way in the back on grass that time.

Of course Caitlin and I had to prove that we were ready to run.





We had a clear mission here. Last time at the expo, we spent more than half a day there. It was insane! I didn't want that this time. I really wanted to go in, grab the iguanadon, and get out. So I didn't spend time taking any pictures, so if anyone was really interested in that, I'm sorry.

It was not crowded at all, which was awesome. The booths were completely empty, so Caitlin and I were able to walk right up and get our packets. For anyone who hasn't done this before, it works as follows:

Each race has a different series of booths that you go to so you can pick up your packet. You have your waiver already, so you already know your bib number. Each booth is designated for a bib number range, so you find your range and head over to get the bib and packet. You'll also get anything like the pins you may have preordered.

After that, you have to head over to Jostens across the way so you can pick up your shirt. I'm not sure why they haven't taken the route of just sticking your shirt into your packet and then telling you if you want to exchange it to go across to Jostens.



A few short minutes after entering, we had our bibs in hand. And I had my lovely pin.



We walked around for a little while and of course had to hit the swag. Not before I took this picture though. I thought it was so sweet!







One thing that was important to note.

THERE WERE NO DOONEYS!



Nope, I'm not joking. There were no Dooneys. I don't know all of the details behind it, but apparently there were production issues. Could have been quality or timing, but either way they weren't there. Meaning, the wristlet that I wanted wouldn't be there. I had to order it and it would be delivered, get this. In APRIL.

On the plus side, it made the expo much faster, because the crazy Dooney snatchers weren't around. The people who buy them and sell them on Ebay, which still kills me. They need to figure out a better was so the RACERS can get the stuff without having to contend with everyone else. It really frosts my cookies, especially with the Dooneys.

I'm still waiting for my wristlet by the way. Yes, I did end up ordering one, and it still hasn't been shipped or arrived. I'm being patient though.

All of our swag picked up, it was time to head out for lunch. It was around 11:30am, so we decided that we would head to Downtown Disney and go to Earl of Sandwich. I hadn't actually eaten at Earl in forever. We made it there quickly. We love the new parking downtown, makes things so much easier. I'm a fan of the garage. Before heading over to eat, we stopped in the Coop, because Caitlin and I wanted to get the phone cases for the race. They were only available at the Coop, so away we went.

This is how mine turned out. I named myself tortoise, because it's true.



Earl of Sandwich was busy, as per usual. But everything went pretty quickly and I was actually able to score a table for all six of us! Granted, I got it by stalking other diners, but hey. You gotta do what you gotta do.

But the sammiches are always worth it.



After lunch, we all decided to head back to the resort for a little bit of pool time before dinner. Well, at least jacuzzi time. Haha. But you don't care about jacuzzi time! You probably are like "what did she buy at the expo?!"



One of the things that I really loved about the merch at this race instead of the Princess was the lack of glitter. Because apparently the entire world still thinks that women want everything covered in glitter.

We don't. Please, just stop the glitter bombing!



After that, we all headed down to the pool to relax for a while. Where someone was watching, always watching.

I didn't tell Caitlin that she was being watched, since I'm pretty sure she might have freaked out.



After pool time, we all agreed that we would meet outside for the torch lighting ceremony, before heading in to the Tambu Lounge for some drinks before dinner.

I present you with.....the reason to watch the torch lighting ceremony.



Just what I needed before dinner! We were all happy girls. The guys...they dealt with it. LOL.

We headed up to the Tambu Lounge where we encountered some of the worst service I've ever had at Disney. This is a rarity for me. I had all intentions of telling them about this particular server, but it slipped my mind with all the madness the following day with the race.

We all headed in to sit down as a small table was available. The other table to the right of us had people already at it, and the table to the left looked like it was emptying out soon. The server came out from the back to check on the table to the right, and walked right by us. OK then, it's ok. We'll wait for you to come back. We all chatted and looked at the menu at this point.

Five minutes go by and she doesn't come back out. Another group comes in to the table on the left. A few more minutes go by and the server comes out from the back. Goes straight to the new table on the left and greets them.

While we are still sitting there, no greeting, no drinks, no nothing.

At this point, we were all pretty frustrated and trying to get her attention. Still didn't work.

Pop and Dale decided at this point they would go straight up to the bar instead to get the drinks. The bartender, who was busy working the bar area and handling the drinks for the restaurant took note of this right away when they went up there to get the drinks. He basically chastised the server right there and asked "they want drinks. Why have you not taken their order yet?" Then she acted all surprised about us being there!

I know, this group of six is really easy to miss. Totally understandable.

We did get drinks at that point, so it was ok. But server didn't get a tip.





Dale was demonstrating the back scratcher here.



Oh that's right, I'm supposed to have this rule that I'm not supposed to drink before a race. Yup. Until a Lapu Lapu appears.



Soon we checked in to Ohana and were basically seated right away.

Mom had lost her mind though.



I didn't take any pictures of dinner, because I just didn't think about it. I was so distracted by the lovely food options, I just didn't think. Sorry guys!

Dinner was great as usual. It's one of our favorites and it's Dawn's favorite too. Caitlin has a gluten allergy, so she really loves the options that they give here there as well. The wings especially, which I think is all she ate.

As dinner started to wind down, Caitlin and I said goodnight to everyone as they were planning on going to Trader Sams. That wasn't in my future, since I had to wake up at 3am. I headed up to my room to grab the bag I had packed. I was staying with Caitlin in the second room of the suite for the night, so that we could get out without disturbing anyone too early before the race.

We were pretty excited, but tried to get to sleep as soon as possible. I think our heads hit the pillow around 9pm. I really wanted those few precious hours of sleep!

Up next: I win at Fitbit.

Love that picture of your mom with the glow cube. I feel just like that some days when I eat too many Jalapenos!

 

[blklotus]

I really wanted to go in, grab the iguanadon, and get out.

This is the most perfect sentence I've ever read.

After that, we all headed down to the pool to relax for a while. Where someone was watching, always watching.

 

[Poolrat]

Glitter is evil.

I agree- When I worked afterschool I banned glitter too. It is the gift that just keeps on giving on EVERYTHING.

At home, we seriously have dinner at like 5:30/5:45pm When my friends invite me to dinner and they're like, "Let's go at 7", I die a little

Ohhh I hear you I am an early eater too.


Danielle - So far so good - easy trip down, easy expo - minus the Dooney but hey besides not being able to pick Donald placement you could order and get out.

Hate that Tambu let you down. Glad the bartender saw it and told her what you were thinking.