WIRI: A Trip to Orlando 2011, part 1

My friend Patty emailed me right before Black Friday 2010 and asked me if I wanted to run the Walt Disney World Princess Half Marathon. I did. I just couldn’t justify a trip by myself out to Orlando since we’d been to the WDW parks before. But now that I had a partner in crime…. I said YES! I paid the $140 registration and I was almost set – airfare needed and a place to stay. Luckily our friend Daisy offered her place out for both me and Patty (whom she hadn’t even met yet – talk about generosity). On Cyber Monday, I bought two tickets from Virgin America… the FTH wanted to tag along and visit Daisy’s new pad. Our other ultimate goal? As total freak fans of Potter, Patty’s and my second goal of this trip was to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

We arrived on Thursday evening and had dinner at the FTH’s choice… Cracker Barrel. Seriously.We visited our first Cracker Barrel a couple years ago in Pennsylvania en route from Cleveland to Toronto. He could not rave enough about the chicken and dumplings.

Cracker Barrel, Orlando, FL

The next day, we headed to the Runners Expo to pick up our bibs and also visit our first park, EPCOT. The expo was insane, but not as insane as the SF Half Marathon’s Expo. Now that was insane. It was easy to get our bibs and navigate around the aisles. I think it helped that we went on Friday and not Saturday. Even the line to buy “official” Disney Half merch moved fairly quickly. I also ended up buying a new pair of yoga booty shorts made from bamboo by Raw Threads.

WDW Princess Half - Runners Expo

We left to get to EPCOT and visit a bunch of Disney characters… It was Patty’s first trip to WDW; we had to go tourist-crazy! (Thus begins a journey of taking photos with the Disney mafia!)

Pooh and Tigger, EPCOT 2011

Belle and Beast, EPCOT 2011

Our homegirl Mulan, EPCOT 2011

Mulan was a trip. She was totally in character. We asked if she was going to be at on the Half Marathon route, and she said “No, it’s hard to run with a helmet and sword.” *blink* She also asked where I was going to put my sword as I ran…

We headed toward Test Track and Mission:Space. You’ve seen the aftermath of Mission:Space. Look, I don’t recommend this ride. From second 00:00:01, I felt lightheaded. I reminded myself to keep breathing, lest I throw up in the ride. After the ride was over, I walked out as fast as I could to get some fresh air. I don’t know how people (kids!) get through this ride. Maybe it’s old age, but this ride really messed me up for a good two hours. Gary Sinise, I will forever remember you as Lt. Dan and the voice of this terrible experience.

Mission: Space, EPCOT 2011

The next day, we planned to take it easy… so we headed toward Hollywood Studios.

Goofy and Pluto, Hollywood Studios 2011

Villains exhibit, Hollywood Studios 2011

Lotso Bear, Hollywood Studios 2011 - He smelled like strawberries!

Frozone and Mr. Incredible, Hollywood Studios 2011

Sorcerer Mickey, Hollywood Studios 2011

We picked up some Whole Foods and made pasta for dinner to prep for the next day, RACE DAY. In the end, Patty and I got about 3 hours of sleep before getting ready for the race. Daisy graciously woke up with us and drove us to the runners drop-off zone at EPCOT.

We're ready! WDW Princess Half 2011

More on my race report here: http://www.whatiruninto.com/?p=1956

After the race, we grabbed lunch and headed home to rest our legs. Later in the afternoon, we headed to the Magic Kingdom – talk about a marathon theme park whirlwind visit!

Celebratory jump, Magic Kingdom 2011

Next post… HOGWARTS!!