Just Made ADRs!

So, I've taken the first step in my next Disney vacation. I've finally gotten around to making ADR's for January! Because I was put in charge of dining on this trip, I'm very pleased with the selections. Last year, Teresa and I were on a strict budget, so we were only able do quick service restaurants with one or two full service places that we had been to before. This year, I've branched out a little.

On Saturday after the half, I've got a table for five at Paradiso 37 at Downtown Disney for lunch. Ever since this place opened, I've wanted to go there. But over the past few years, I haven't made it over to Downtown Disney. So, this year, I thought that since I'm doing the Goofy and there is no sense in burning a day at a park, I'd go walk around Downtown and try this place out.

On Sunday, after the full, all seven in my group are going to 50's Prime Time Cafe at Hollywood Studios. It's been a long time since I've been here, but it's always been one of my favorites, so I'm looking forward to going again.

And on Tuesday, five of us are going to the Tusker House in Animal Kingdom. I've been here once before, but that was back when it was a quick service restaurant. At the time, it was one of my all time favorite quick service establishments in the Parks. I was disappointed when they converted it into a buffet, but now I'm excited to give it another shot. I just hope it's worth the money.

As usual, if any of my people cancel, and you guys would like to join us, feel free to give me a call and I'll see what I can do. I'm really excited about this trip!

New Merch I Must Have!

I was browsing the Disney Parks Blog the other day and I found this article that describes all the new merchandise that is coming to the parks. I have to say that I am pretty excited about this new Oswald stuff. I really like the large figurine of him, though I have no idea where I would put it.

I’m really glad to see Disney bringing Oswald into the parks and I wish we could have more of him in some fashion. I’m not saying that they should devote a show or an attraction to him, but maybe Disney could have an Oswald meet and greet somewhere in the parks. Maybe in Storybook Circus? I think this would be a great way to reintroduce him to the general public and welcome him back to the Disney company in true fashion.

It's Official!

Yes, the rumors are true! I am now officially registered for the Dopey! For those who don't know, that means that beginning Friday, January 11th through Sunday, January 13th, I will be running a 5K, a Half Marathon and my very first Full Marathon.

As most of you know, I've been toying with the notion of doing the Goofy for a few years now, but have never been able to make it work. I would talk myself out of it, or circumstances would prevent me from doing it. I almost talked myself out of it again. In fact, I had. My original plan was to only do the Full Marathon at Disney and do the Mississippi Blues Half Marathon in Jackson, which is the week before. But, because I messed up my registration and signed up for the Half instead, and the full was closed, I had no choice but to go Goofy. Then, because De'Dee is both evil and awesome, she talked me into adding the 5K on to it.

Training for me has been very hit or miss lately. I've taken up a new adventure, and moved out to Colorado for a few months. The altitude has me to the point that I can't even walk down the hall without losing my breath and the job has me extremely busy. But I've been trying to stay consistent and now that I know things are official, I've been doing much better. I even got up at 4 am the other morning just so I could squeeze a run in.

This is going to be a difficult challenge for me, but, as Walt Disney would say, "It's kind of fun to do the impossible!"

11 Years Later

Just wanted to share this interesting video I found on YouTube the other day. It's footage from Disneyland during their "Flag Raising Ceremony" on September 23, 2001. It's a really touching ceremony and I felt that it would be appropriate for today.

Regular posts resume tomorrow! I promise!

Goofy Training Update - A New Format

This is the new format for my training posts. Every day, I’m going to write a review of that day’s training. What you read will be my daily report on that day’s exercise routine and my food intake journal. You will also read my feelings for that day as well. I think this will be good because I will be able to keep a real time record of how I did things and such. But, in order for me to use the blog for other Disney related projects and not just training, I will only post the update on Sundays.

Monday

Today was just a strength-training day and since it was my first day, I only did a few light exercises. I used the resistance bands to do some bicep curls, side arm extensions and forward arm extensions (2 sets of 10). I also used a forearm developer (3 sets of 10 – hurt like hell!) and a 15 pound dumbbell for tricep extensions (3 sets of 10). Also threw in some crunches (40 total) and pushups (20 total). Considering that this was my first bit of strength training in over two years, I’d say I did fairly well. At least I’m back at it!

Food went very well today. I’m back on a 6 meal a day plan (3 meals, 3 snacks). I like it this way because it keeps me full throughout the day and keeps me form gorging at night.

Breakfast- Plain Oatmeal with Flax Seed, Raisins, and Milk

Snack #1- Almonds and Raisins

Lunch- Left over Turkey Sloppy-Joe on Wheat Bread

Snack #2- Apple and Tea

Dinner- Spinach and Turkey Lasagna w/glass of Coke

Snack #3- Glass of Milk

Tuesday

Today was my first day back at consistent running. It was also my first day to use the Jeff Galloway training guide. Nothing too complex I didn’t think. He simply says to go for 30 to 45 minutes. I fast walked (no jogging) for 43. Not to bad, I don’t think. I wanted to do some running, but since I slacked off last week, I didn’t want to push it too much. I’m glad I didn’t because the backs of my legs are really sore now. I’ve been doing some stretching, but I’m also taking it easy on them. I guess the sporadic running and walking is finally catching up with me. But I have no doubt that this will go away once I get back into the swing of things… and get new shoes.

Breakfast- Nothing… slept in

Snack #1- Bowl of Special K with Milk

Lunch- Leftover Turkey Sloppy-Joe on wheat bread w/glass of Coke

Snack #2- Sliced Mango

Dinner- 3 Tacos with salsa, olives, spiced turkey, and fat free refried beans

Snack #3- Frozen Vanilla Yogurt

Today, I did kind of let myself slip toward the end of the day. I also had two cokes. Notice that I did miss Breakfast too… hmmm….

Wednesday

I have to admit… I was pretty bad today. But I have a good excuse! Today was my birthday and all of Teresa’s friends took me to eat Hibachi after work. I was going to try to be good and only eat part of what was served to me, but I ended up eating all of it because it was so good! I absolutely love Japanese food, but I rarely get Hibachi because I always end up eating way too much. But, it was a special occasion and I have been doing well. So I thought I deserved a treat. I did tell Teresa not to get a cake, so I saved a few calories there. But the folks at the Hibachi place brought me a slice of cheesecake. But I shared it, so I didn’t eat all of it. So that’s a few saved calories there. I also did really well the rest of the day. I had left over lasagna for lunch and an apple and mango for my snacks. But I didn’t do a workout as I opted to sleep in a little before work. I’ll get back on it tomorrow.

Thursday

Well…. So much for doing better today. I really didn’t do too terrible, but I did end up making a stir-fry out of the leftovers from last night. That wasn’t at all healthy. But I had more lasagna for lunch and almonds, raisins and apple for my snacks. But after dinner, I became weak and allowed my self to go on a snacking beige. I knew that as soon as I had a day off, that I would mess up the rest of the week. It happens every time.

Friday

Today was WAY better! I woke up early, ate my breakfast and did my light full body strength training. Nothing too crazy, just resistance bands, crunches, pushups, dumbbell tricep presses, and a few reps with the forearm developer. I’m hoping in a few weeks I can start doing some more with resistance training. I’m just trying to get back into that for now.

Food went well too. I tried a new recipe for a turkey and avocado sandwich that I found in the Abs Diet Cookbook. It was great. A little high in calories, but not too terrible for a meal. It’s full of good, healthy foods. I’ll post the recipe over on my Rambling blog so you guys can try it. I also tired a chili recipie from the same cookbook. It’s not my favorite, but it’s tolerable. I ended up making a lot of it, so I’m sure that I’ll be over it by the time I’m finished eating on it. I did have a bowl of  Special K for a late night snack. Probably not the best idea, but I was still hungry, and I felt that Special K would be a better option than some of the things I could have had.

Breakfast – Cup of Special K with Milk

Snack #1 – Almonds and Raisins with Coffee

Lunch – Turkey and Avocado Sandwich with Milk

Snack #2 - Apples and Apple Tea

Dinner – Three-Bean Chili with Milk

Snack #3 – Bowl of Special K with Milk

Saturday

Today was another good day. I began it by eating my morning bowl of Special K (I normal eat All Bran, but I’m out…) then going out to the Trace and wogged 4 miles. At first, I was in a lot of pain in my legs and feet, but I was able to push through it and managed to keep going. I was pretty proud of myself because 4 miles is the most that I have gone in quite some time. I was even able to jog a little bit. I’m going to keep adding to that so that I can run a full 5K near the end of the year.

Food went well. No gorging or over eating or anything. Just drank lots of water, and tea. I did end up having a can of coke around 7:00, but I think that one can at 120 calories isn’t too terrible. Especially considering that I used to drink a 2-liter a day.

Breakfast – Nothing, slept past Breakfast time

Snack #1 – Special K with Milk

Lunch – Turkey and Avocado Sandwich with Milk and Apple

Snack #2 – Apple

Dinner – Three-Bean chili with Milk

Snack #3 – Glass of Milk and Sleepy-Time Tea

Sunday

Usually, I make Sunday my free day. Which means that I am allowed to have a small amount of whatever I want and I don't exercise. But, since I had two bad days this week, I didn't allow that to happen today. I didn't do bad at all, I don't think. I ate all of my meals and most of my snacks. For dinner I tried making a steak dish, but it just didn't turn out the way I wanted it too. Plus I really wasn't in the mood to cook or eat, so I only ate a few bites of the steak and broccoli and I skipped my late night snack. 

Breakfast - Bowl of Special K with Milk

Snack #1- Apple and coffee

Lunch - Leftover Three-Bean Chili

Snack #2 - Apple

Dinner - Half a New York Strip and cup of broccoli

Snack #3 - Nothing

Overall, I feel like I'm making great progress. I know that I have lost some inches and certainly some pounds. But I don't really know how I'm doing, as I don't have a working scale (Just spending money elsewhere). My clothes are fitting looser and I'm down two notches in my belt. So... I have to be doing something right! Well that's it from me. I hope you're all doing well and meeting your goals. Happy training!

A New Hobby

If any of you guys read my "Rambling Blog", You'll know that I've been dabbling around a bit in photography.  Well, during my last trip to the World back in January, I took a lot of shots in and around the parks. Now that I am finished editing them, I thought I'd begin sharing them with you. They're nothing special, basically, it's just me playing around with the camera. I don't have the cool software or equipment that most have to make their pictures look totally awesome. But I try. Maybe I'll get their someday. Here's a couple that I liked.

Tibetan pendants and Expedition: Everest

This one is one of my favorites!

Castle Dream Lights at Dusk

Goofy Training Update - A Slow Start

The past couple of weeks have been filled with challenges for me and have effected my plan for training. However, I have not let that stop me from getting some training in.

Last week started out very well. I began with a light, full-body workout on Monday and a 45 minute wog on Tuesday. But with going home to Brookhaven on Wednesday and all that went with that, plus the trip to Dallas, I slipped. But, I still managed to really watch what I ate. I just regret that I didn't fulfill my training goals.

Then, this week I began a new job. So that interfered with training consistency as I readjusted my routine. But I still managed to get some inconsistent workouts and wogs in. Nothing big, but enough to keep myself in the groove of training.

Food intake for this week went fairly well. I'm still having trouble resisting cravings. Granted, I really didn't try to resist them.

This week, it is my intent to begin the Jeff Galloway training plans. Right now, I'm going to focus on the half marathon training schedule, since the Goofy training schedule won't start until mid-June. That way, I'm getting back into running without killing myself... just yet. I'm also going to start some moderate strength training too. Nothing big, just some basic stuff that I can do at home (situps, pushups, dumbells, resistance bands, etc.). I am going to join a gym eventually, but I want to wait just a little bit before committing money that could be spent else where.

I do have to say that I feel much better than I did a few weeks ago. My clothes are starting to fit a little looser, I have more energy, and I feel better about myself over all. I feel that this will be a success. I just need all of your support! Hope you're all doing well. Happy training!

"John Carter"

This past Friday night, I had a few hours to kill, so I decided to go to the theater to catch a movie. There really wasn't much to choose from. I really want to see The Hunger Games, but I'm still reading the book and I didn't want to spoil it, so that one was out. So, the only real choice that I had was John Carter. Besides, I have been wanting to see more Disney movies so I can begin posting movie reviews on this blog.

I had heard that this movie completely sucked. It didn't do too well at the box office and is seen by the critics as a huge flop for Disney. All of my friends that had seen it said that it just wasn't good. But I wanted to see it anyway. I really don't know why. I guess my loyalty to Disney could have played a factor. Maybe I just wanted to see a train wreck. Nonetheless, I went in with very low expectations. Amazing how great a movie can be when you think it's going to suck.

I honestly liked John Carter. I'll admit, it was a little weird and hard to follow at first, but after the story began to tie together, it started to make sense and the film turns out to have a really good story (Granted, I am a Trekkie, so I can handle weird story lines). One of the biggest problems that I found with this film is that there is just so much crammed into it. They flip back and forth between different settings, the dialogue is a little ridiculous, and there is a lot going on on the screen. So, it's very hard to follow. But, that's not necessarily a bad thing, if you can keep up and pay close attention.

Because of that, I would say that is is a "Go See" film, but not a "Must See". It's a good movie, it's fairly family friendly movie, with lots of action, drama, and bits of humor that leave you satisfied when you leave the theater, though you may leave it worn out form information overload. This film certainly won't become one of Disney's classic films, but I could totally see it gaining a cult classic status. So, go see it and judge for yourself!

Goofy Training: Training Update - "Let the Training Begin"

Since April begins the first full month of Spring, Teresa and I have decided to begin our Training today, on April 1st. No, this is not an April Fools joke. I WILL be doing the 2013 Goofy Challenge. It's going to be tough, but with your help and support, I am confident that I'll make it to 39.3.

In all honesty, this year has not been bad. I have been walking, and even running, a couple of days every week and I have been trying to make good food choices. But there has been no consistency. No pushing myself. It's time to kick the training into high gear and follow a true plan. Last year, I had really let myself go. I utterly destroyed all of the progress and results that I had gained the previous year. I have no excuse for what happened. It just happened and all I can do is dust myself off and get back to work.

Today, I did my first weigh in and measurements. I came in at 250 pounds. That means that I am up over 50 pounds from the day I had my surgery back in June. Disappointing, but there is some good news. I am now down 15 pounds from January 1st when I weighed in at 265. So, it's a bitter sweet day.

The plan for this week is to go for a 45 minute wog on Tuesday and Thursday and a long run of 4 miles on Saturday. It's going to be hard to make the long run happen, since I will be traveling to Dallas, but I will find a way to make it work. Also, I'll be doing some form of strength training on Monday and Wednesday and will be going back to the daily 50 pushups and 50 situps plan that Chris had me doing back in the day. I'd also like to try to start swimming again at night, but with the traveling, I may have to wait and start that next week.

I'm pretty excited to get back to training and living healthy. I've got some Weight Watchers recipes and plans already in place. Weight Watchers did wonders for me before, so I am hoping that the principles that I learned from them will help me now.

The "Avengorail"

There have been rumors circulating for the last month or so about Disney bringing an "Avengers" style wrap (similar to what they did with Tron) to one of the monorails of WDW. To my utter dismay, the Disney Parks Blog has confirmed this today. I have so many problems with this...

First off, you all know how I feel about non-Disney franchises being brought into the parks. I have this same problem with Pixar and even Lucasfilm. I know that Marvel is now part of the Disney company, but still... it's NOT Disney. I don't see Mickey and Minnie in any of the Marvel comic books, so why put them here? Hell... They're not even saying that Disney is distributing this film. If you watch the trailer, it says that Paramount is.

Second, they are putting this monorail on the Magic Kingdom monorail loop. Really??? Nothing says "The Magic Kingdom" like the Avengers. I could possibly forgive this if it was on the Epcot loop. That's what they did with the Tron monorail and it worked. I don't know why, but I just have a problem with this monorail making the loop around the deluxe resorts of the Magic Kingdom. What's next? The Hulk throwing around cars on Main Street? Spiderman wrapping Cinderella Castle in a web? It's bad enough that they have Marvel merchandise in the Pirates of the Caribbean gift shop, but now this? Enough is enough!

I understand what Disney is trying to do. They have a new franchise and they are trying to exploit it as much as possible. Putting this monorail on the Magic Kingdom loop may actually encourage boys to actually want to go there, which is a problem that Disney has faced forever. But, as a purist, I hate to see things change and take away from the original experience. I don't have a problem with things that add to it, but I feel that this takes away from it.

Even though Disney is notorious for keeping "temporary" things around for decades, we know that this will not last for very long. It'll last through the summer or possibly through the end of the year. Then it can go the way of the "Cake Castle", the "Wand", and other past hideousness of Imagineering flops. If only we could get rid of that damn Hat. Oh.. and stop "Dances with Smurfs Land".

That is all.

Congrats Princesses!

Just wanted to congratulate all of my family and friends who completed this morning's Princess Half Marathon. This is one of De'Dee's favorite races and she is trying to get Teresa and I to do it next year. So, maybe I'll see you there in 2013!

Marathon Weekend 2012 - Day 5: Disneyland Rio de Janeiro

Today was our last day in the World, so we spent it at the Magic Kingdom, since I like to end every trip there. We get to the bus stop at the Resort and there is a line that was at least five buses deep. It was so long that we contemplated just going back to Epcot and skipping the Magic Kingdom all together. We got at the bus stop around 8:00 and didn't make it through the gates until 9:15. When we did, we figured out that the entire nation of Brazil was in the Magic Kingdom. I don't know what the deal was, but the Touring Plan's Crowd Calendar lied big time.But we pressed on and saw much of the park. Not all the little things like we wanted, but we still enjoyed ourselves.

Around 4:00 or so, De'Dee joined us for a Dole Whip (I only had one this trip... what???), then we wondered around the park, seeing what De'Dee wanted to see. Then around 6:30 or so, we made our way over to the hub and staked out our spot for that night's parade, shows, and fireworks. We really enjoyed it all and De'Dee and Teresa were in awe over "The Magic, The Memories, and You" show.

After the fireworks, Teresa and De'Dee went on back to the resort and I walked around solo for my "Goodbye" walk around the park. I had 15 minutes and was able to squeeze in a ride on The Haunted Mansion and it's a small world (which pissed Teresa off something awful). After 9:00 hit, the park was closed, but I was still able to walk around the park and do some shopping and stretch my time out to 10:00. That's really a fun way to end a trip.

Marathon Weekend 2012 - Day 4: Goofy Day

Today was a lot of fun for Teresa and I. We began our day at Epcot all the while getting race updates from De'Dee. We got into the park and rode Soarin' a few times. The we wandered around the park until De'Dee's ETA at Epcot and we got to watch the race from MouseGear. That was a lot of fun for me. It let me have a little bit of the race experience even though I didn't participate. It also gave me some inspiration for next year. If some of those people can finish a full marathon, well then by God, I sure the hell can!

After De'Dee passed us, I ran over to the Family Reunion area and met up with my grandparents and De'Dee so I could congratulate her. She was dead tired, but she looked good. I'm so very proud of her and Justin, Amanda, and Chris for all finishing the Goofy! You're all an inspiration to me.

After all of the race stuff was finished, Teresa and I finished up Future World, then walked around World Showcase. After that we hopped on the monorail and headed to the Polynesian.

There we met up with Jeff, Trace, Amanda, and Justin and his crew and ate at 'Ohana for dinner. It was a wonderful time and we all had a blast. I'll be posting a restaurant review on 'Ohana soon.

After dinner we all headed over to the Magic Kingdom and enjoyed a few hours of "Extra Magic Hours" time.

First we rode The Jungle Cruise and had one of the best Skippers I have ever had on the attraction. She was very into the part, very funny and just had fun. When a Cast Member is enjoying themselves along with the guests, it makes for a much more magical experience. Sadly I don't remember the Skipper's name so if any of you guys can remember, please let me know. I'd like to email Disney and compliment her.

After Jungle Cruise, we all headed over to The Pirates of the Caribbean. This is not normally a scary ride, but I have to say that I was pretty freaked out by this particular trip aboard the attraction. The bottom of the boat kept dragging across the bottom of the track, the boats behind us kept crashing into us, and water was less than an inch from the top of the boat. I did get a little panicky on board, but it did soon correct itself. But I was very freaked out by it.

Afterward, everyone slowly began drifting away from the group and by the time the park was closed, it was just Justin and Amanda with us. We all throughput enjoyed each other's company. Teresa loves you all and can't wait to become more involved with Team Voice. And of course, I love you all too!

Marathon Weekend 2012 - Day 3: A "Half" Day

Today was a special day. Not necessarily for Teresa and myself, but for everyone participating in the Half Marathon. I had De'Dee, my 70 year old grandmother and my grandfather all walk and FINISH the race!

As some of you may know, grandma attempted the half back in 2010 but was swept at the 11 mile mark. She was so upset that she didn't get a medal. But she was bound and determined to get it this time, and she did it! She has inspired me to commit to running at least the full next year and she has inspired Teresa to run in next year's half (she said it on Facebook, so it's now official).

As for our day, Teresa and I began over at Animal Kingdom. This has never been my favorite park, but I have to say that it has a lot of great things to photograph. We rode Expedition: Everest at least four times, but that was pretty much all we road. We mainly just walked around the park and took in all of the natural beauty that the park has to offer.

For lunch, we stopped by Pizzafari for lunch and split a kid's meal. I have to say that we've been damn good for food this trip and one of the things that we have learned is that you can totally share a kids meal. It comes with a smaller version of what ever you order, but also, a cookie and a bag of grapes and a small coke (which can be refilled) is included. We found that this is just enough food for us and even if you didn't share, $5.50 for all that you get is a damn fine deal.

After Animal Kingdom, we went back to the resort to visit with De'Dee, grandma and grandpa and congratulate them. We intended on going out for a celebratory lunch, but we just ended up hanging out at the resort for a while.

After recharging for a boy, we headed to Epcot and again, we really didn't do much. We saw Spaceship Earth, Figment and Captain EO... Mostly because I HAD to take Teresa onto Captain EO just to show her just how ridiculous the attraction really is. It's so bad that even the Cast Members are making fun of it. Disney... It's past time to put EO back on the shelf.

After EO, we just sort of wandered around Future World, taking nighttime photos of the pavilions. I've always wanted to do that and now I have a decent camera, so I took advantage of it.

Then we went over to World Showcase and met up with Jeff, Lisa, and Trace. There we rode the Maelstrom together, then found a spot to view IllumiNations. Then we parted ways. It was SO good to see them again. Good people.

At this point, Teresa and I decided to walk around the World Showcase Promenade and take some pictures of the different national pavilions. Got some great shots.

Marathon Weekend 2012 - Day 2: Let the Magic Begin!

Today was our first day in the parks and we began it at the Magic Kingdom. We got there just in time for the opening ceremony, which is always fun for me. I mean, it's very hokey and what not, but it's always fun for the opening of the Magic Kingdom to begin your Disney experience.

After the ceremony, we made our way to the Main Street vehicles and road the horse drawn trolley down Main Street, U.S.A. I have never done that so that was fun.

Then, Teresa and I decided to go ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad since it wi be closing for refurb this weekend.

After that, we just meandered around the park, taking in the sights and details. I love doing this. It soothes me for some reason. You get to just take in the entire experience and see all the little details that the average guest never notices.

Around 11:30, we headed over to Disney's Hollywood Studios. I like this park for its detail, but as far as content, I'm not a huge fan of the park. Especially when it is packed. However, we hit all the highlights (hitting Tower of Terror at least 4 times).

Later in the evening, Teresa and I met up with De'Dee and we just walked around the park and eventually saw Jeff, Amanda, and Justin. We were all headed in separate directions, but it was good to see them for a few minutes. I know we'll see them again.

After we parted ways, Teresa and I took De'Dee onto the new and updated Star Tours. I thoroughly enjoy the enhancements to this attraction. Each ride is a totally different experience.

Then we all went over to see the last night of the Osborne Spectacle of Dancing Lights. This is one of my ABSOLUTE favorite holiday traditions at the World and it was great to see it.

De'Dee then left us, since she had to get up at 3:30 in order to be up for the half marathon in the morning. So, Teresa and I went to see Fantasmic! She thoroughly enjoyed it.

After that, we just walked around the park and took in the sights. I'd say that it was an over all good day!

Planning on heading over to Animal Kingdom and Epcot tomorrow. See you then!

Marathon Weekend 2012 - Day 1: The Big Beige Burb

Today was our travel day to the World. We boarded the Suburban (aka "The Big Beige Burb") at Teresa's place in Hattiesburg around 7am and made it to the World around 8pm. That's including about two hours of non-driving time and a time change, so we made pretty good time actually.

This trip was pretty much like any other road trip to the World with my grandparents. We hit all of our usual "spots" (The Burger King in Mobile, the Florida Welcome Center and the Rest Area on I-10 just past Tallahassee) including dinner in Ocala. This time we went to Outback, which wasn't too bad I have to say. We also had a little bit of drama with a RedBox machine, but I won't get into that.

For the most part, things were pretty calm. Since we left from a different location, we didn't have to pass by the Coast, so we were spared the Katrina and Camille horror stories. We of course we got the run down of the toll road situation (apparently you have to pay a toll to use a toll road... That's why they're called till roads) and we heard the "this used to all be orange groves but the freeze killed them" story for the one hundred millionth time.but all in all every thing went smoothly.

We checked into Pop Century around 8:00. It doesn't seem to be that crowded. Some interesting thing to note...

It looks like they have redecorated the rooms in the preferred rooms in the 60s section. It's really nice. They've included an big screen HD TV, new carpeting and a curtain separating the vanity and the bedroom. Very nice! I'll include some pictures in my picture follow up post after the trip.

Also... $14.45 for the effin' refillable mugs??? They must have lost they're damn minds!!! So totally reusing all mugs and even paper cups at this point. I used to be against that, but to hell with that! They're robbing us blind with that scheme!!! Be prepared for a rant post on this topic in the very near future.

Well that's it for me now... Getting up tomorrow morning for our first day of Park touring at the Magic Kingdom!

Marathon Weekend 2012: The Pre-Trip Report

Well, it's official! I WILL be going to Walt Disney World for Marathon Weekend! So I will be seeing most you very soon. So, like I do before every trip to the World, I'm writing a pre-trip report to fill you all in on my plans for the trip.

As far as I know, my grandparents, Teresa, and I will be leaving for the World on the 5th and will drive all the way, checking in to Pop Century around 9:00 that night. De'Dee should be flying in earlier that afternoon.

Friday will be our first day at the parks, and as usual, we will be starting our day at the Magic Kingdom. We're planning on getting there a little before rope drop then staying until around noon, then head over to the Studios to see what can before the first showing of Fantasmic. Then we'll see the Osborne lights, then head back to the room.

Saturday, I will attempt to be on Main Street to take pictures of my friends and family who are running the race. I don't know if this will be possible, but I am certainly going to try. If you'd like, call me when you are close to the Magic Kingdom so I will be on the lookout for you. After I've had my feel of the race, Teresa and I will be starting our day at Animal Kingdom to see the few things that we'd like to do there. I'm thinking that we'll be done by 1ish. Then we'll head over to Epcot and kill some time before Illuminations.

Sunday, we'll begin our day at Epcot. De'Dee will be finishing the marathon sometime that morning, so I will have to leave the park at some point that morning, but the plan is to stay in and around Epcot from rope drop until around 6. That way Teresa, De'Dee and I can make it to the Polynesian for dinner with all of my Team Voice friends at Ohana. After dinner, Teresa and I are planning on resort hopping along the monorail line.

I always like to end my Disney vacations at the Magic Kingdom and since Monday will be our last park day, we are planning on staying in the Magic Kingdom all day, from rope drop until close. That way Teresa can see all of the little details of the park and still have time to see all of her favorites.

Most of you guys will be there during this time, so feel free to text or email me while you're there. Can't wait to see you all! I will also be posting blog posts and will be tweeting and Facebooking from the parks, so be sure to add and follow me!