Princess Weekend at Disney - Day 4- Saturday, 28 February - DisneyWorld

It was another 2:45 wake up this morning for the 10k race at Disney. We managed to get almost 5 hours of sleep. We could hear the rain and knew it was going to be a very sloppy day. We left at the 3:20 to get the shuttle to the EPCOT parking lot and corrals. But, unfortunately, it was full by the time we got there and the attendant said that it would be another 20 minutes before the next one came. This was not an ideal situation because most runners like to get there as early as possible. However, waiting with us and as impatient as one could be, a very nice woman from New Jersey took it upon herself to call a Minnie Van and offered to share it with 4 of us who were waiting. It was so, so very kind of her and a real time-saver since we were dropped off right at the entrance to EPCOT and did not have to traverse the mile in the parking lot. 

It was pouring and Amy and I split - she to the corrals and I to a bench in a covered area of the park. 

At least by the start time it had cleared up and she could ditch the poncho.

 

Once the rain had stopped, I headed over to the finish line area. It looked like it was going to be a nice day.

 

She said the traction was not very good on the race course, but she did her personal best for the Disney 10k. 

 

We met back in the reunion area and I went to get the champagne while she did the race finishing photos. 

 

 

 

It was then back to the hotel to shower and change for our day at EPCOT. We knew that we wanted to keep the day from being walking intensive so Amy had figured out a plan, the Disney expert that she is, to minimize back tracking. She had bought the Lightning Lane pass and had our day well organized. 

Our first stop was Space Ship Earth.

 It really is a good ride and always a pleasure to listen to Judi Dench relate the history of the world. 

 

 

 

Unfortunately, the camera only caught Amy for the "future world" part of the ride.

 

We then headed over to the World Showcase part of EPCOT, but first a stop at the Finding Nemo area.

We had a bit of time before our next Lightning Lane so decided to see the new version of the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros. It is a calm ride with lots of music. The colors seemed brighter, but very much the same as the old ride. 

Then it was time for Frozen. This is a wonderful depiction of the movie and a ride with a bit of a splash down. 

 

Heading back to the World Nature area to one of Amy's favorites: Living with The Land. It is so interesting to see the natural world and the innovative growing of fruits and vegetables. The movie also explains the destructive ways we are embarking upon with regard to the environment. We had also done the The Seas and Finding Nemo.

 

When we came out it was raining a bit so time for a Mickey Bar underneath the monorail to stay dry. 

 

Unfortunately, the Journey into Imagination was closed due to technical difficulties, but Amy was still able to convince the cast members that she should be the last to have meet and greet time with Figment. She was quite happy. 

 We then did the Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival. Love Piper and Feast.  

With still a lot of time left before dinner we decided that we would brave the 50 minute wait for  Ratatouille. It actually was a bit more that that, but we really didn't want to walk back over to Mexico just for a Margarita. They have eliminated the 3D effects, but the ride was still a thrilling one. 

We pretty much covered it and it was time for some liquid refreshment. The line at Les Vins de Chefs de France was extremely long. That meant heading to Italy where we procured a Proseco. Sat and enjoyed it a lovely conversation with a newbie runner and her parents. 

We thought we would take in the American Adventure film in the U.S. pavilion, but they were also having some technical difficulties. We notice that the line at  Les Vins de Chefs de France was not that long, so time for a Kir Royale. It has been a custom on all our EPCOT vists. 

 

Just as we were finishing, it was time to head to Canada and Le Cellier Steakhouse, another one of our favorites and a tradition. We started the evening with a glass of Cross Barn Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir. Amy's wine rating says that we would enjoy it and we did. 

Next was our favorite wedge salad. We both wanted the Rib Eye Steak, but the 16 oz cut, was a bit too big for each of us. So we ordered the 28 oz Rib Eye Steak for 2. It was perfect with the Brussels sprouts for Amy and braised mushrooms for me. 

We finished a very leisurely dinner just in time to see the end of the fireworks. 

Then back to the hotel where we fell into bed, looking forward to not getting up at 2:45 a.m.

What a great day it was!!


 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

Princess Weekend at Disney - Day 3 - Friday, 27 February - Mars to Disney

 It was a Very short night as alarms were set for 2:45. We got up, dressed, and out of the door by 3:20 to catch the bus to EPCOT.  We walked through passing the Space Ship Earth. We split and Amy went to the corrals and I to the viewing stands at the finish line. 

 Amy alerted me when she was just about 3 minutes from the finish line and I was able to get a video of her crossing. 

 

Amy had a great race and we celebrated with the traditional champagne. 

Back to the hotel about 7:30 to decompress and make some coffee. Amy had a bit of a nap and I read for a book - dozing off a little. Showers and then to brunch at the Grand Floridian.

It is a wonderful place where we enjoyed a mimosa and Bloody Mary to start with some French onion soup. We both had Eggs Benedict - Amy’s was the Floridian with carnitas and onion, mine the regular. 

Back to the hotel where we debated about pool time or room chill time. It was cloudy and sticky so we opted for the room. I worked on the blog and Amy slept a bit, as did I for a few minutes before we had to get ready for dinner. 

The weather forecast for tomorrow's 10k race looked daunting.  Thunder storms and rain were in the picture for the early set-up and race time itself. Emails were sent that a decision was going to be made at 8:00 as to what the status would be. 

As we were leaving our room, the rain started and we were glad we had our umbrellas to get to the main lobby and then the Monorail for our trip back to The Grand Floridian and Citrico's. 

We have eaten at Citrico's every trip and it is a lovely dining room with expertly prepared food that you don't just see on the every day menu at other restaurants. 

We started with some wine as neither of us were feeling in the cocktail mood.  

Amy checked her phone at 8:00 to see what was decided, but nothing had been sent. Finally, about 8:15, she got notice that the race was on, although there might be modifications as to the entertainment schedule. At least we could continue our dinner knowing what had been decided and what she needed to do to prepare for sloppy conditions.

Amy had the Citrus-cured Hamachi as a starter. We both had Malbec Guava-barbecued Short Ribs for our entreé. They were served with cheddar grits, a curtido slaw and Brussels Sprouts. Just mouth-watering!

Feeling quite full we ventured back to the hotel and got everything set for the morning. 

We were prepared with ponchos and I had an umbrella. Knowing the temperature was going to be warm and the humidity high, Amy chose to wear a tank top under the poncho. 

Bedtime: 9:50! 
 

 

Princess Weekend at Disney - Day 2 - Thursday, 26 February - DisneyWorld

Today was Bib Pickup, Expo Day and Merch Day. But even more than that it was Disney Line Day. I am not sure who has the PhD in line management, but they must be employed by Disney.

Amy was up by 8 to get a place in the Virtual Queue for the Merchandise Mart. Our entrance number was 101 so we knew it would be later in the afternoon.

Off to breakfast about 10:00 to the Contempo Cafe. Amy got her Mickey Waffles which was served with a very generous portion of bacon. I had a breakfast sandwich on a multigrain croissant. Delicious and enough protein to last until dinner.

We got the bus to ESPN Wide World of Sports where all the pre-race day action was happening. Again the lines were long, but so well-controlled. It was an hour for us to wait before Amy got her bib. We certainly had a tour of the baseball and arena areas. She was so relieved and, therefore, able to relax that she got the corral for the 10k that she wanted.

From there we went to the large area where the merchandise was sold and where there were the picture areas. Amy was so well coordinated with the 2 races she is running. I had neglected to bring slippers and I really hate to be barefoot in a hotel room, so I bought some socks for the hotel and in anticipation of getting some special shoes.

We had about an hour before we could get into the merchandise area so we found a shaded bench and got something to drink. 

 Again, the lines before the actual area were about 30 minutes. I went to th Brooks area to try on a pair of shoes for the size. Met Amy back in line and we split for her to go get some items that were on her wish list. I stood in line to order the shoes which was about a 40 minute wait. Amy finished up and went out to get a drink while I waited to check out. It was well worth it to get Belle’s special shoes. She is my favorite princess and the shoes are a Yinzer gold/yellow so will be worn to all Pirates games! A splurge indeed. 

My Belle shoes!

We got back to the hotel room a little before 5 in time to chill a bit before leaving for dinner, We got the bus to Disney Springs and headed to the boathouse for our 7:00 reservation. This is one of our favorites in the land of Disney and a high flying balloon no less.

We started with Hugo Spritzer - a little raspberry and a little Proseco and lobster bisque. Amy had a seared tuna and I had a delicious tile fish with coconut rice. 

Seared Tuna

Service was very good and we were back in the hotel by 9:00.

We got everything set for tomorrow and in bed by 9:50.