Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Disney's Fit For a Princess Expo - Day 1

I can't believe this weekend finally came!!  I was up bright and early to catch an 8 a.m. flight out of Atlanta to head down to Orlando to start my magical weekend.  Amanda asked if I wanted to come a day early to hang out since we never get to see each other.  I was so anxious to get there and head to the expo!

As soon as I was dropped off at the Pop Century resort, I checked my bag with luggage assistance and hopped on a bus to the expo to meet up with Amanda and two of her friends who were also running.

This was my first major race expo, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect.  Amanda was waiting for me in the lobby of Coronado Springs, where the expo took place.  We hugged and got in line to get our bibs!

That was quick and painless...then we had to get our shirts.  The line was CRAZY!!!  One of Amanda's friends, L, went and stood in line for the shirts while Amanda, Jules, and I headed for the official merchandise booth.  There was actually a line to get in, and once we got in it was a madhouse.  We grabbed whatever we thought we might want, and then pondered on the purchases while we stood in line to check out.  I bought a pin that looks like the medal and a lanyard for them for myself, and I bought Sharon a magnet, pin, and Vinylmation medal, just in case they were out the next day when she got there.

I had seen a sneak peek of a limited edition shirt that Team Sparkle was going to have for the expo, so Amanda and I headed over to see if they had any left.  I met Kelly (who I follow on Twitter and Instagram as well as her blog) and she is as sweet as anything.  My stupid phone died so I didn't get a picture with her, but maybe at the Dumbo Double Dare we can make that happen...AND I was able to score a shirt!  (Picture of it to come in a future post)


We stopped by the runDisney booth to check out the medals and see if they had the new 10k and Dumbo Double Dare medals out yet (sadly they did not).  While we were there, we said hello to Jeff Galloway! Since my phone died, Amanda was nice enough to get a picture for me!

We did a little more shopping and decided it was too crowded, so we decided to head back to the hotel and come back when the expo opened in the morning to get taped up by KT Tape.

Amanda's eye had been bothering her, so later that evening Jules and L took her to urgent care and I stayed behind.  I was able to meet another fellow blogger and Twitter friend, Lena from The Beginner's Runner at the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa during a Run Disney So I Can Eat Disney meet up!  She's also very sweet and I look forward to seeing her again at Disneyland later this year!

Afterwards, I decided to jump on the monorail and stop off at the Polynesian resort for a Dole Whip!  I had to complete my research in determining which Dole Whip was better - one from the Dole Plantation in Hawai'i or one from Walt Disney World.  Blog post to come soon on my findings!

As I was walking past the Magic Kingdom on my way back to the resort buses, I heard the "Wishes" firework show playing, so I stopped at the gates to watch.

 Amanda was back from urgent care so I stopped by the hotel to check on her.  She also was having a migraine so I left her in the room to rest and headed to Downtown Disney to do a little shopping and grab some dinner.  I bought a couple more pins and got a BLT from Earl of Sandwich for dinner.  I did a TON of walking on Friday so I threw these babies on to help keep my legs fresh -

We had plans to get up and go cheer on the 5k participants, so I headed to bed.  It was a long but fun first day at Disney!

Part 2 of the expo to come tomorrow!

Until next time,

Jen

14 comments:

  1. Awesome start! Can't wait to read all about your trip and your run! It is my dream to run a Disney race!

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  2. I forgot to tell you. I still can't find that runDisney pin. I looked all over. Great find. I did get a little key chain of a running Mickey. :) Maybe in DL!

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    1. So weird! If you happen to go back to WDW before DL, check Team Mickey at DTD...they might have it there :)

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  3. Sounds like so much fun! I LOVE Disney expos...they are the best! And love those compression socks!!!

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    1. Thanks! My brother bought them for me for Christmas. They are SUPER tight but feel really good :)

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  4. So glad you started off having fun!! I cannot wait to read more and hear how the race went!

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  5. What a fun filled day! The Expo, Jeff, a Dole Whip, Earl, and Wishes...sounds heavenly! :0) Sorry the Expo was a madhouse. Is that pink drawstring bag the official Princess bag from the Expo? Like the one they give you with all your stuff in it? If so, I'm jealous! That's way awesome (better than a clear plastic bag for sure)!

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    1. We got a clear bag to check, but the mesh bag was an extra I guess :) I packed it for my hubby to bring at the race so I didn't have to check it :)

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  6. Yay! I've been waiting for your recaps! Sounds great so far! Can't wait to read more!

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    1. Thanks! Part 1 is now posted...Part 2 to come tomorrow!

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    1. My brother bought them for me for Christmas :) I think the brand is Red Lion? I know you can find them on Amazon :)

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Your comments make me smile :)