A BB-Great Day for the Race (Star Wars Rival Run 2019 TR) *Updated 5/24*

[evre13]

Day 1: Tuesday, April 2
Travel and snacks, snacks and travel! (Part 1)​

Let’s get this show on the road, shall we?

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Well, I guess technically in the sky, but semantics! I was up bright and early to get the BF off to school and to finish packing/walk my pup before I flew south. My flight left DC at 10:05 AM on Tuesday, and at this point, I don’t remember a ton of details about the flight, so I guess it was smooth? I do think that I got a First Class upgrade on one of the planes, but I was working on the way down, so I was unfortunately unable to take advantage of many of the amenities.

I connected through Atlanta, which used to be my home airport, so I don’t have bad memories of it or anything, and I was soon on my way to Orlando. Again, uneventful flight, but many more people on the plane were wearing Disney gear than I normally see on planes!

I had checked both of my bags at DCA, so I was able to head straight to the DME after a quick spin on the fake-o-rail. Since I was traveling during spring break times, I had really braced myself for huge crowds, which...was not what I encountered when I arrived.

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I was actually the only person waiting in the Wilderness Lodge line, so they put me on the bus with some of the other MK-area resorts. I actually ended up with a private ride over from the Grand Floridian, and I had a good chat with the bus driver about the changes happening to the park. He had just been able to sign one of the support beams going in for the Tron coaster, which I found really cool. He also said that Disney World usually let their employees in to new lands early as testers and to see construction progress, so the total lockdown on Galaxy's Edge was annoying to them, too!

I got the room-ready text for Wilderness Lodge as I was getting off the bus, so that was super convenient! At this point, it was around 3:00 PM, and I got on DME around 2:10, so no complaints on the time at all. I was in room 3115, one of the standard studios. I wasn’t expecting much of a view, if at all. Imagine my shock when I got to the window and saw this!

so pretty! and so unexpected!​

I never really know when to bring up room reviews, so I guess I’ll do it here? I really liked the lay out of this room. It was a long hall that ended up in a sitting room, which is where the fold out couch was located, and then there was a little bit of division between that and the bedroom. I would have much preferred this layout for our room at the Boardwalk, just to feel a little bit of separation from the two distinct groups of adults. There was also a really cute little balcony here, but I never took advantage because I basically only slept in the room.

The paper on the bed was a note from the GM of the hotel - such a nice touch!​

Since my room was in the Lodge part and not in the separate building, it was pretty good-sized. I loved the nods to the National Parks, and I thought the decor was thematically appropriate. The bed was super comfortable, and I wish I had spent more time in it since my back still kind of hurts from the sofa bed at the Boardwalk. All this to say, I loved staying there, and I would go back in a heartbeat.

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At that point, it was time to start vacation! I threw on my bathing suit (which was one I hadn’t worn in a few years, and it was decidedly too large) and grabbed my book and headed down to the pool! On the way, I grabbed a cold Bud Light and a chicken sandwich at Geyser Point Bar and Grill and popped into the quieter of the two pools.

Nothing like the first beverage of vacation!



Note: if you like British murder mysteries, I would wholeheartedly recommend this book!​

The sandwich was just okay, and it was a little bit windy, but who cared? Not me! I was ready to start the relaxing! I was probably at the pool for an hour or so, then I headed back up to the room on a scenic route, walking down to see the cabins just because I’m nosy.

My plan for this evening was to take advantage of my proximity to the monorail resorts and do a quick hop around the Deluxes for drinks and dinner. I wanted to see Trader Sam’s after so many good Dis reviews, I love the atmosphere at the Grand Floridian, and I figured I could close out my evening with something from the Territory Lounge. I thought that would be a good use of my solo evening, and no one will look at you funny if you’re reading on your phone in those instances.

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The original transportation plan was to ferry over to the Contemporary and the monorail over to my first stop: Trader Sam’s! Of course, when I got to the Contemporary, the resort monorail was down and they were predicting a 30 - 45 minute delay. Ugh.

Not to be deterred from tiki beverages, I persevered! I walked over to the Magic Kingdom and waited 2 cycles for a resort ferry, then boated over to the Polynesian. In my notes for the day, I wrote: “Was it worth it?”

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And I think I’ll end on that note for today. Next up? Drinking around the monorail, kind of.​

 

[amazingact21]

Glad the flights were unremarkable enough not to remember them. It's better that the details get lost than to have an experience that leaves a strong impression. Or, at least, that's how I view plane rides.

A book and drink poolside sounds like an amazing start to vacation. So far this solo day is making me want to book one for myself in the far off future.

How frustrating that the resort monorail wasn't cooperating that day. Looking forward to hearing if Trader Sam's was worth the ferry ride from the MK.

 

[evre13]

Glad the flights were unremarkable enough not to remember them. It's better that the details get lost than to have an experience that leaves a strong impression. Or, at least, that's how I view plane rides.

A book and drink poolside sounds like an amazing start to vacation. So far this solo day is making me want to book one for myself in the far off future.

How frustrating that the resort monorail wasn't cooperating that day. Looking forward to hearing if Trader Sam's was worth the ferry ride from the MK.

You're right - I also fly so much for work that they all blend together at this point. I rarely remember details of any of them (except the one time I had to make an emergency landing. That one stands out). I have to say that I don't know how I'm going to do vacation without a solo, ease-in day at the start anymore. I completely spoiled myself! I'm not sure I'll ever pull it off again.

Honestly, it was a beautiful evening, and I loved taking the ferries over - I just would have planned better had I known that would be an issue! The hardest part was not activating my park ticket early and hopping right into the Magic Kingdom since I was right there!

 

[SarahDisney]

That view is beautiful! Wilderness Lodge in general looks like such a nice hotel. I'm glad you enjoyed staying there!

 

[sullymom]

Caught up and following along. Star Wars Rival Run was my first runDisney event and I loved it. Can't wait to hear about your experience.

 

[evre13]

That view is beautiful! Wilderness Lodge in general looks like such a nice hotel. I'm glad you enjoyed staying there!

It was so great, and it was really relaxing! I am sad I wasn't there longer.

Caught up and following along. Star Wars Rival Run was my first runDisney event and I loved it. Can't wait to hear about your experience.

What was your favorite part?

 

[lvcourtneyy]

The Wilderness Lodge is so gorgeous! I want to stay there some time!

Sounds like a nice relaxing day. I hope Trader Sam's was worth the transportation troubles. We've always loved it!

 

[evre13]

The Wilderness Lodge is so gorgeous! I want to stay there some time!

Sounds like a nice relaxing day. I hope Trader Sam's was worth the transportation troubles. We've always loved it!

I was so sad to leave! And as you'll see in my next update, totally worth it!

 

[evre13]

Day 1: Tuesday, April 2
Travel and snacks, snacks and travel! (Part 2)​

So, I last left off with my adventure around the world to get to Trader Sam’s. When I got off the ferry, I headed up to the hotel (I love the Poly - I was lucky enough to stay there on a family trip years ago, and it’s just so great). Luckily there were signs for Trader Sam’s, otherwise I’m not sure I would have found it. I had read on the Dis that it was incredibly well-themed and somewhat hidden, and I found both of those things to be true.

I arrived around 7:15, and I was honestly expecting it to be packed -- yes, even on a Tuesday! While most of the tables were filled, I was able to walk right in! I ended up grabbing a seat at the long surfboard with a view of the bar, so that I could see all of the effects I had heard about for so long. I wasted no time in ordering my first beverage - a Dark and Tropical Stormy.

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It was stronger than I thought it would be, and I loved the attention to detail, down to the storm-tossed umbrella. About a third of the way into the drink, I realized that I should probably eat something so that I didn’t fall off my barstool, and I got an order of the Kalua Pork Tacos. They were…okay. I think they put some sort of cheese non there that isn’t listed on the menu, and it kind of ruined the taste of them. Oh well, just means I need to go back and order something else! At some point, I ordered a glass of white wine, and I had some fun conversations with other park goers. A mom and her two kids stands out, as they were less than enthused about being in a bar, and she reminded them it was their fault, really.

It was starting to get a little crowded around that point, probably around 8:30, so I decided to head to my next stop: Mizner’s!

I was feeling no pain from my multiple beverages at Trader Sam’s, and it was a gorgeous night (plus I was a little gun shy from the monorail issues earlier), so I decided to walk over to the Grand Floridian. Y’all, it was absolutely gorgeous. The sun was starting to set, and I could hear the music from the luau. Just idyllic.

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When I got to the Grand Floridian, I was pleasantly surprised to see that the chocolate Easter eggs were already up and around the lobby. I am so impressed with what the Disney chocolatiers can do, and these eggs were no exception. A few favorites were:

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After a quick stop in Basin to use some of the amazing sugar scrub, I found my way to my second (and I realized at that point, final) destination: Mizner’s. They had just announced that it was going to be closed for a few months, so it was more crowded that I would normally have expected on a random Tuesday in the beginning of April.

At that point, I think I made the subconscious decision to start carb loading for the race, and I ordered another glass of wine and an order of truffle fries. No regrets, play like a champion.

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These fries were so, so, so good. I still sometimes think about them - perfectly thick cut, right mix of parmesan cheese and truffle oil, and a generous serving. I think I ended up eating about half of them and taking the rest back for a late night snack.

Luckily, it was much easier getting back to the room - I ended up taking an Uber because I was exhausted! As I was walking in, I realized that I had one more thing I needed to do that evening: go by Roaring Forks to pick up a Magic Bar (thanks @ariane37 and @pepperandchips for being a champion of this amazing dessert!) I actually ended up getting 2, and snacking on them the whole time I was there. SO FREAKING GOOD.

Treat in hand, I went back to the room, talked to F on the phone while watching the fireworks out the window, and then crashed pretty hard!

All in all, successful first half-day at the parks - Magic Kingdom solo morning up next!

 

[michigandergirl]

Those fries look so good! Mouth-watering...I need to go get some lunch now...

 

[JAMIESMITH]

We stayed at The Polynesian on our first trip and fell in love with the resort. The Grand Floridian is so beautiful, it's on our someday list.

 

[sullymom]

What was your favorite part?

I'd have to say one of my favourite parts was meeting so many amazing people. I talked to so many great people in the corrals, after the races and on transport to and from the parks. Another thing I loved about the Disney Races was that everyone was so light hearted about the race. I've been to races before where people were so serious and competitive and at that time I was running my first 5km and was intimidated. I felt welcomed at the runDisney races.

 

[kastoney]

I am! I live in NW, and I have to admit I rarely venture out to the burbs! However, now that the weather is nicer, we plan on heading out of the city for hikes and wineries. Does that count?

There are certainly more reasons for us to go to the city then for you to come here. But hikes and wine are always good. We do a lot of both!!!!

My BF ran the Cherry Blossom 9.96 miler, too, and he was so glad that it was in the only flat part of DC.

Totally forgot about the .04 mistake! Jason said people were really ticket about that

Love the look of the bed. I don't know why Disney removed all the bed runners. They really make everything look so much nicer!

Nothing like the first beverage of vacation!

Nothing at all

The original transportation plan was to ferry over to the Contemporary and the monorail over to my first stop: Trader Sam’s! Of course, when I got to the Contemporary, the resort monorail was down and they were predicting a 30 - 45 minute delay. Ugh.

Not to be deterred from tiki beverages, I persevered! I walked over to the Magic Kingdom and waited 2 cycles for a resort ferry, then boated over to the Polynesian. In my notes for the day, I wrote: “Was it worth it?”

Ugh! How frustrating!!! I hate it when you are trying to go such a short distance but transportation woes make it that much harder to get there

It was stronger than I thought it would be, and I loved the attention to detail, down to the storm-tossed umbrella. About a third of the way into the drink, I realized that I should probably eat something so that I didn’t fall off my barstool, and I got an order of the Kalua Pork Tacos. They were…okay. I think they put some sort of cheese non there that isn’t listed on the menu, and it kind of ruined the taste of them. Oh well, just means I need to go back and order something else! At some point, I ordered a glass of white wine, and I had some fun conversations with other park goers.

Sorry to hear the tacos weren't good but sign me up for boozy drinks!

Y’all, it was absolutely gorgeous. The sun was starting to set, and I could hear the music from the luau. Just idyllic.

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Gorgeous! Expect in the heat of the summer that is one of my favorite paths in Disney

At that point, I think I made the subconscious decision to start carb loading for the race, and I ordered another glass of wine and an order of truffle fries. No regrets, play like a champion.

Who could ever regret this? They look amazing.

As I was walking in, I realized that I had one more thing I needed to do that evening: go by Roaring Forks to pick up a Magic Bar (thanks @ariane37 and @pepperandchips for being a champion of this amazing dessert!) I actually ended up getting 2, and snacking on them the whole time I was there. SO FREAKING GOOD.

Some of my favorites too. Plan on this being my breakfast next weekend!

 

[lvcourtneyy]

Oo sounds like the night was definitely worth it!

I don’t know if i ever realized you could walk from the Poly to the Grand! Good to know for our monorail crawl in October. Those truffle fries sound delicious !

 

[amazingact21]

The messed up drink umbrella had me laughing out loud. I've got to get to Trader Sam's one day!

Sorry the tacos were a letdown, but I'm glad the fries at Mizner's more than made up for them. The parmesan-level on them looked on point!

Walking to the GF around sunset, watching the fireworks from your resort...so many lovely moments occurred on your arrival day.

 

[SarahDisney]

Man, I have to get back to Trader Sam's ... last time I was there it was full and we sat outside ... not the same.

Also ... those eggs are incredible! Wow! The BB-8 one! I've never seen them in person and I'm sure pictures don't do them justice.

 

[evre13]

Those fries look so good! Mouth-watering...I need to go get some lunch now...

Writing about this food and how good it was just makes my lunch desk salad even more sad, somehow. I can't imagine why?

We stayed at The Polynesian on our first trip and fell in love with the resort. The Grand Floridian is so beautiful, it's on our someday list.

I didn't realize how spoiled I was as a kid that we stayed at the Grand Floridian and the Polynesian (and in one of the giant 3 BRs at Old Key West). Thanks, Mom and Dad! Sadly, I don't remember much of staying at the Grand Floridian because I was 5, but that just means that I need to stay there again.

I'd have to say one of my favourite parts was meeting so many amazing people. I talked to so many great people in the corrals, after the races and on transport to and from the parks. Another thing I loved about the Disney Races was that everyone was so light hearted about the race. I've been to races before where people were so serious and competitive and at that time I was running my first 5km and was intimidated. I felt welcomed at the runDisney races.

I do love how friendly and fun-focused people are at Disney races! It was so easy to find people to talk to in the corrals, which is good because I felt like I was there for hours. I'm glad you had such a good experience, too!

 

[evre13]

hikes and wine are always good. We do a lot of both!!!!

I'm hoping to get out there this weekend because it's finally warm enough to be sitting in the sun with an ice-cold glass of something!

Sorry to hear the tacos weren't good but sign me up for boozy drinks!

I think this was honestly the only disappointing thing I ate on the trip, so I'll take it. The fries later more than redeemed my snacks that evening!

Plan on this being my breakfast next weekend!

Have so much fun!

 

[evre13]

The messed up drink umbrella had me laughing out loud. I've got to get to Trader Sam's one day!

Walking to the GF around sunset, watching the fireworks from your resort...so many lovely moments occurred on your arrival day.

I hope you find a time to get to Trader Sam's soon -- the details are just great! Kids are allowed before 8 PM, so you could even take the kids there on a break one day? It's such a cool spot with all of the "surprises" that accompany ordering drinks.

Arrival day was just great -- I'm just trying to get everyone on board with a solo, relaxing evening to start a trip!

Man, I have to get back to Trader Sam's ... last time I was there it was full and we sat outside ... not the same.

Also ... those eggs are incredible! Wow! The BB-8 one! I've never seen them in person and I'm sure pictures don't do them justice.

You definitely do - it was a highlight, and one of the best parts was seeing other people's reactions to some of the antics. The eggs were so great -- I can't imagine being that talented, and there were so many! I love that Disney does all of these cool little things.

 

[afwdwfan]

I love the Wilderness Lodge... Been my favorite since the first time I visited. We always manage to find an excuse to pop in for a visit if nothing else.

Looks like a really enjoyable evening. I have no problem going around like that by myself and I'd love to have an opportunity to visit a few resorts to have a drink or 2 and just take in the atmosphere! Sorry for the transportation headaches.