Thrill Shakespeare (Andy)

Further proof of my rationality:

From the Disney Marathon a few years ago:

Yes, that's me running as Tigger.  Case closed.

For goodness sakes, I'm an actor who likes to run marathons.  Nothing rational there! :laugh:

I can act intelligent in a pinch, but it really takes too much effort.

Wow, I am shocked nobody figured it out.  Here's the answer:

During the late 70s and early 80s (not sure of the exact years) these postcards were available from a machine in the arcade at Pioneer Hall.  The machine was located (some of that time) near where the entrance is into Trail's End for table service.  The arcade filled that lower level at one time.

The cards were 5 or 10 cents each (if memory serves) and were randomly dispensed.  I remember being thrilled every time I managed to talk my dad out of pocket change for me to try and get a new card from the machine.

Seeing them again really made my day.  They are cherished memories of growing up in the Fort.

Thanks, everyone!  It looks like what I have done with the hotels should work about the same with the Fort.

Unfortunately, we will not be able to arrive early this time.  To squeeze in an extra day, we have to leave after school on our first day.  Luckily, we have had great times in the 2000 loop too, so if we don't get our beloved Cottontail Curl we will be just fine!

Thanks again for the tips!

I have the answer: run the race and you will not have to worry about traffic!  I can get from Epcot to MK in less time just by running.

Seriously though, the road closures make things really tough on others.  I understand that.  My wife had problems navigating the transportation trying to see me earlier on in the race.  It eased up later on as the corridor from Epcot to MK reopened, but it is by no means a normal day.  I wouldn't want to drive (or ride) a bus during the madness either.

A stupid event?  From many perspectives, perhaps it is.  I mean, who in their right mind pays big money to torture themselves by running?

But as far as the number of people who are touched positively by the event (well more than 20,000 apiece for the half and full marathons) and the revenue stream for The Mouse in what was formerly a fairly dead time in the parks -- not stupid at all.   

But then again, I'm one of the idiots who pays for the torture so my bias is obvious.  What do I know?

I wanted to do the Dopey SO badly, but the price (and additional day off work) scared me off. Congrats on being one of the first to go for Dopey!!

I did the unofficial one by doing the 5K and Goofy a few years ago. That was fun!

It is definitely a hard journey to complete a half marathon.  I did my first half marathon more than 10 years ago and still remember both the euphoria I felt at the finish line and the difficulty I had walking back to my truck to drive home.  Marathons just up the ante on everything.

One year I "just" did the marathon and went into Epcot to cheer on the runners for the half.  It was incredibly inspiring just to watch and celebrate with them.  One of these days I am going to volunteer at one of the races I don't run.  Those folks are amazing.

There is certainly a healthy fear of the Sweeper at the race.  I'm fast enough (and the time allowance is generous enough) that I have not had to worry about it, but the stories of those who got close and were swept are heartbreaking.  Disney does seem to be more compassionate in their sweeping than other major races.

Ah, from "Summer Belongs to You" -- my personal favorite episode.

It's the worst day of the year for bus drivers.

I'm not surprised.  The road closures have got to be murder for y'all.  I know the regular guests have got to be confused (and frustrated) by the changes.

Too bad - I still think the marathon is amazing. :raspberry:

:laugh: Point taken, but the Disney marathon is often walked by non-runners.  In fact, it has one of the slowest average paces of any major marathon because of the huge number of people who do it as their only marathon.  It is actually a pretty easy course (aside from that whole 26.2 miles thing).  Going through the parks (and backstage) is a great motivator.

Besides, think of the huge amount of guilt-free food and drink you can consume after burning off all those calories. :doublebeer:

I watched the Phineas and Ferb: Mission Marvel episode with the whole family last night.  I thought it was extremely well done with lots of inside jokes -- some just for the parents.  Very funny with excellent storytelling.  I am continually impressed by this show.

One of the songs, a duet between Candace and Isabella, I will have on my playlist as soon as it is available!

I should add that I camped at the Fort last year when I came up for the marathon.  I was amazed by how many runners had also headed for the Fort -- many in tents, like my family and me.  Very cool.

I actually prefer camping before marathons because I can sleep in a bed I am used to.  It's no fun trying to run 26.2 miles after sleeping on an uncomfortable (or unfamiliar) bed!

Do we have any Disney marathon Fiends?  I will be coming up for my fourth marathon weekend in January.  I'll be running the Goofy Challenge (half marathon on Saturday and full marathon on Sunday) for the second time.  39.3 miles of pure Disney magic!

Anyone else running it next year?   Any questions I can answer for those who might be considering it?  If you are not a runner, I highly recommend coming to watch or registering to be a volunteer.  The volunteers really make the race possible (and get some cool Disney swag for lending a hand.)  Even just watching and cheering on the runners is quite an experience.  The look of pure joy that comes over the runners' faces when they come from backstage onto Main Street is something to see.

I have been camping at Fort Wilderness since the 1970s but have never requested a specific loop.  I have rather enjoyed driving in and enjoying the surprise!

However, on my last visit I fell completely in love with the 1500 loop.  For those of you who request specific loops, what method have you found most effective?  I have had great success when I stayed at the resort hotels by faxing a request letter to the front desk a few days before arrival. 

What works for you?  Cottontail Curl or bust!

Welcome aboard!

Thanks!  The bandwagon is very comfortable.

The cards actually have have an even more direct connection to Fort Wilderness.  Any of you who spent time at the Fort as a kid in the late 70s or early 80s may know.  Adults from that time may know too, but especially the kids.

By the way, these postcards are made from the Imagineer concept art for Country Bear Jamboree. Very cool indeed.

And still more!

And a few more...

My DW, DramaMama42, recently went through dozens of boxes in our garage.  She found many treasures including my childhood postcard collection!

See if you recognize the following postcards.  Who remembers what connection they have with Fort Wilderness?

I'm definitely going to start wearing my Detroit Tigers hat.  It's so good to have a 2nd favorite team when you're a Marlins fan. :jumpforjoy

Couldn't get the warm sticky bun sundae out of my mind so had to make one at home.  Not bad at all!

Sneak Doc McStuffins into the mine train ride in New Fantasyland.  Her name fits right in!

Seriously, my kids would love to see her too.  Of course, our youngest will be thrilled to meet Jake.  He dressed up as him for Halloween last year.

Great line up!  I haven't been to Night of Joy since 1986 with acts like Stryper and Petra.  Good times, good times.

Nope, not my plan.  I would rather eat snacks while at all the other parks and spend 75% of my food budget at Epcot.

Your good taste is one of the many reasons I married you. :heartsmiley:

Hmmmm....if Biergarten was only $20 I could do this easily.  One meal there can last me for a whole day easily.