Why should I use a Travel Agent?

The Disney booking window for 2016 is now open!  We would love for you to consider booking your next Disney vacation with us!  Here are a few reasons why you should consider booking your next Disney trip with Main Street Magic, LLC:  

• Our services are FREE!  We do not charge fees for bookings, making dining reservations, itinerary planning, ect. Who wants to get up at 6 am to make sure you get the best, most coveted dining reservations?  We do! We can help you decide where to stay, where to eat etc! We are here for what ever you need. 

• If Disney releases discounts after you book, you may still be able take advantage of it! As long as your travel dates qualify and there is resort availability, we can apply the specials to your reservation. Disney will not automatically apply a discount to your reservation!  That is where your agent comes in. We will be on the look out for discounts so you don't have too!  We will work hard to apply the discount to your reservation and get you those savings. 

• Most of our agents go to Disney many times each year.  This means that when you contact one of our agents, you are getting someone who can give you tips and pointers you may not have heard of. You are getting an ally who knows the parks like the back of her hand.  We love planning trips and chatting Disney so please feel free to ask questions! This is our job and we love it. It’s what we’re here for so ask away!  

We look forward to hearing from you soon!  2016 is just around the corner!   Please reply to this email or feel free to give me a call. 

A dream is a wish...

--Amy

Disney Travel for 2016 Now Open!

The Disney booking window for 2016 is now open! I would love for you to consider booking your next Disney vacation with me! Here are a few reasons why you should consider booking your next Disney trip with Main Street Magic, LLC:

Our services are FREE! We do not charge fees for bookings, making dining reservations, itinerary planning, ect. Who wants to get up at 6 am to make sure you get the best, most coveted dining  stay, where to eat etc! We are here for what ever you need.

reservations? We do! We can help you decide where to

If Disney releases discounts after you book, you may still be able take advantage of it! As long as your travel dates qualify and there is resort availability, we can apply the specials to your reservation. Disney will not automatically apply a discount to your reservation! That is where your agent comes in. We will be on the look out for discounts so you don't have too! We will work hard to apply the discount to your reservation and get you those savings.

Email us today at amy@mainstreetmagicllc.com

A dream is a wish...

--Amy 

runDisney 2014 Princess Half Marathon

The 2014 runDisney Princess Half Marathon was my third Princess weekend.  It's may favorite race weekend of the year!  This race was going to be different for me--it would be the first that I ran with a group of friends.  Typically, I prefer to run along--to take in the sights and sounds with no distractions.  This year I was going to be different.  Our plan was to stay together, take lots of pictures, and have as much fun as possible!





Race morning started like every other runDisney race-early! I woke up at 3:30 am, just in time to be at the Contemporary monorail stop by 4 am. I tell you, the monorail is fastest, most fun, most Disney way to get to the race start.  The view of the staging area from the monorail really gets me pumped and ready to run!  I met up with my group of friends just in time to walk to the corrals.  It was a very long walk to the corrals.  You can feel the excitement, the anticipation building.





This year runDisney tried out a new corral system.  There used to be five to six corrals, corresponding with letter A-E or A-F.  This year, there were many more, but smaller corrals.  I don't know the exact number of corrals this year, but I was in "I" and started somewhere right in the middle of the pack.  In amazing runDisney style, each corral got their own special send off from the Fairy God Mother, a "ready, set, go" and fireworks!









It was a warm, humid morning. The 90% humidity level could be felt even before the race started. I could see other runner struggling early. This was going to be a tough year. For the first
two miles, it was just Jackie and I.  Heather started several corrals ahead of us.  The plan was for her to get in the first character line and we would catch up to her there.  Jackie and I could see a character stop ahead--but who was it?  It was the Princes--Aladdin, Flynn Ryder, Eric and Hercules. Jackie and I found Heather and the long wait in line started.










The sun was rising as we run under that Magic Kingdom parking entrance sign.  I always love this part of the race--its the half way point to the Magic Kingdom!  It was my turn to sprint to the next character stop.  Next up were the villains--Evil Queen, Cruella Devil and the Queen of Heart!  This is a picture I have always wanted but never would wait in the long line for. The girls caught up to me, but we still had a long wait. Right before it was our turn, the Queen of Hearts left.  Bummer, but it was still an awesome picture.











Right around the corner was the Ticket and Transportation Center.  This is a really fun area to run through because there are always lots of spectators there cheering on the runners. After ticket and transportation, we got a glimpse of the Contemporary Resort.  With the thick, heavy fog we could barley see the top of the resort. Then it was under the water bridge.  Next up--the main event.  Next up was the Magic Kingdom!











Runners entered the Magic Kingdom from a back stage area, right between Tony's and the Confectionery.  The best part of every runDisney event is the second you turn the corner and you see it for the first time--the castle!  It's the most magical part of every runDisney event if you ask me. Running up Main Street USA is one of the most fun parts of the event.  There are hundreds of spectators cheering you on--we are talking parade level number of spectators--all cheering, clapping, holding fun signs.  Disney knows how important getting that perfect castle picture is, so there is always lots of friendly cast members and volunteers there to take your picture.






Magic Kingdom is full of character stops!  We got pictures with Buzz Lightyear and the White Rabbit.  As we got to the castle, there was Minnie and Mickey dressed in their royal wear.  The line for Minnie and Mickey were the longest we had seen all day, so sadly we skipped that picture stop.  The disappointment faded fast though, as it was time to run through the castle!  Well, it was more like walk through the castle....everyone stops for pictures, everyone slows down--to really soak up the experience, take it all in.  We stopped for some castle shots, and then it was on through Frontierland.  We stopped for a quick bathroom break and to get a picture with Woody.






We exited Magic Kingdom through a back stage area.  Princess Aurora was there with her three good fairies and her prince, but we knew we had to keep going to keep time. This is always the toughest part of a Disney race for me.  The race was only half way done, but the best parts were behind us.  It would be a long five miles back to Epcot. To ease the let down, runDisney lets runners vote on a mile seven song.  This year the song was "Let it Go" from Frozen of course. Over the next two miles we got some more fun pictures--Lilo and Stitch, the Genie, and the Disney golf cart. By then the runners around us were starting to panic.  We keep hearing rumors that the sweepers were right behind us.  No big deal--it just meant no more character stops.

With the sweepers on our tale, we got moving.  By this time, we were close to mile 10.  It was time for the toughest part of the race--the mile 10 overpass.  To me, the incline is not the tough part--the tough part to me is that the road way is banked.  Having one foot constantly several inches about the other really hurts my knees.  Along the road were the "green army men" from Toy Story giving drill sergeant like orders to the runners. At the top of the overpass we could see the Epcot ball!  By this time in the race, I was struggling. It was SO hot!  I had an awful blister.  And I was hungry!  But, knowing there was only about two miles to go kept me going.








Finally it was time to enter Epcot.  By this time, we had put a nice distance between us and the sweepers.  We could enjoy the last mile of the race.  Right before mile thirteen was an amazingly awesome gospel choir.  They gave me the inspiration and energy to run the rest of the race hard!  After one more turn, we could
see it--the finish line!  I ran hard and finished strong!  It was time to get my THREE hard earned medals.  First, I got my Princess Half medal.  Next up, I got my Glass Slipper Challenge medal.  Last I got my Coast to Coast medal.  After that, it was time to get to my traditional friends breakfast at the Akkershaus.  It was time for some good food and more pictures with Princesses!






The runDisney Princess Half Marathon will always hold a very special place in my heart.  It was my first half marathon.  I worked so hard to training for it, and I was so proud of myself for actually doing it.  I hope this race is one I keep doing year after year.  Maybe one day I can do the race with my daughter.

A dream is a wish...

--Amy

runDisney Princess Half Marathon Expo 2014

I have not posted much lately.  Life has been kind of crazy lately--I have so much going on!  I have joined the Patient Advisory Board at my local hospital to represent NICU parents, taken a bigger role in my NICU parent support group, cub scouts, my kids and of course my duties as a travel agent.  I am so happy to take on these new ventures--but they keep me busy!  Thankfully, my travel agent business has been going well, but it is a lot of work. I think I have things under control now, a new routine--so I am ready to get back to blogging.  Thank you for sticking with me in my little hiatus.








This past weekend was my favorite weekend of the year!  It was runDisney Princess Half Marathon weekend!  For the first time, Mike and I got to go to Princess weekend kid free.  We hoped a plane very early Friday morning.  We were all checked into our resort (Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary) by 10 am.  Right away, we headed to the race expo.  I could not wait to get my race bib, see all of my new runDisney shirts, pick up my pins and Sweaty Bands.



Last year's Princess expo was a disaster!  It was crazy crowded--you could not even walk around because there were people everywhere.  This year was nothing like that!  I walked right in to packet pick up and got my bib, then my shirts.  After that we went to the main expo.  I had a chance to check out the official runDisney merchandise booth, the SparkleSkirts booth, Sweaty Bands and a few other booths I wanted to see.  My last stop was the runDisney booth.  I was hoping to find early registration for Wine and Dine Half Marathon, but no such luck. After picking up some free yogurt at Dannon and some Chiquita bananas, I was ready to head to the parks!

I will be back soon to tell you all about my amazing five day weekend in Walt Disney World!  The Glass Slipper Challenge, Disney Quest, Typhoon Lagoon, and all of the Disney theme parks.

A dream is a wish...

--Amy

Allied Medal Displays

My medal collection has been growing and grown over the past few years.  While that is a great thing, I was running out of places to put them.  I see my medals as little mementos signifying huge accomplishments!   When I got home from my very first runDisney Princess Half, I draped my medal over my dresser--that way I could see it every day!  Then I did the Diva half and put that medal on the other side of my dresser.  ThenAllied Medal Displays at medalhangers.com.
came the San Diego Rock and Roll....and so on and so on.  To date, I have done 10 halves and countless 10 and 5k that gave out medals.  I needed a nice place to hang my medals.  I treasure them so much--they deserve a place to hang with pride!  Then I found

Allied Medals are simply amazing!  They offer 100's of designs, so they have one perfect for everyone.  They offer Cityscapes (love them), inspirational quotes, Disney inspired hangers, hangers for lots of sports (running, swimming ect).  The possibilities are endless, as they do custom displays too.  I was not sure what

to expect when my medal hanger got to my door.  It is so well made!  They are made of steel and they include everything you need for installation.  In my opinion, they are the best medal displays out there.  They are so sleek and beautiful--a perfect way to display your accomplishments!

Joel from Allied Medal Displays heard I was fundraising for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  He wanted to help out, so he donated two medal displays to my runners essentials baskets.  I picked two of my favorites for the raffle.  Please consider entering!  I would like to thank Allied Medal Displays for their support.  Please check them out.  Their medal holders are amazing!

A dream is a wish...

--Amy

The Clock Has Struck Midnight on the runDisney Glass Slipper Challenge

What a crazy, crazy day in runDisney land!  In April, runDisney announced an all new challenge--the "Glass Slipper Challenge".  This challenge include the runDisney Princess Half marathon, plus a 10k race the day before.  With the popularity of the "Dumbo Double Dare", a similar challenge on the west coast, I know this challenge with be hot, hot, hot!  Last week, Disney Parks annual pass holders, Disney Vacation Club members and Disney Visa holder could register early.  Then today at noon, the Princess Half marathon, the Enchanted 10k and the Glass Slipper Challenge opened to the public.  I had every expectation that challenge would sell out today, but I was surprised it sold out in 6 hours!  Amazing!

So how do I feel about all this?  First, I am super psyched about doing the challenge!  I was lucky enough to register early last week.  I typically do the runDisney 5k the day before the half, so I am not to worried about being able to complete the challenge.
The thing I worry about most is the early, early mornings.  I am glad it took 6 hours to sell out--that gave everyone plenty of time to get to a computer and register.  The half marathon and the 10k still have opening, but the challenge is full.  The clock has struck midnight on the Glass Slipper Challenge!

Will you be at the runDisney Princess Half Marathon weekend in 2014?  What events are you planning on participating in?

A dream is a wish...

--Amy

PS: Need help planning your trip?  I am a Disney Vacation Planner.  Contact me at amy@mousekeplanner.com

runDisney Princess Half Marathon 2014 updates!

runDisney has finally updated their website with details about the Princess Half Marathon 2014!  Those of us runDisney freaks have been stalking the website for months waiting for this information.  The day has finally come!

First off--we got pricing!

Although the half is $20 more and the 5k is $10 more, these prices are pretty in line with what I was expecting, considering the costs of the other recent runDisney events.  The Glass Slipper is actually $10 less then we paid for the Dumbo Double Dare.  I am hoping these higher prices will mean that they will open up less spots, making the course less crowded.  We will have to see about that one.  A will back, runDisney announced that they will offer a special "coast to coast" package that included the Glass Slipper Challenge and the Tinkerbell half marathon.  That price is not listed on the website yet.  There was also a $20 increase to the cost of the Race Retreat. One thing I will miss that runDisney has eliminated for 2014 is the 5k stroller division.  This makes me sad because I have done the event with my daughter in the stroller twice.  I loved sharing that time with her.  

Another update is days of each race and start times.  The half and the 10k will both start at 5:30 am!  I was hoping the 10k would start a little later, but no luck on that one.  One thing I found very interested was that the 5k will be Friday, like Marathon weekend, but unlike Dumbo weekend.  In Disneyland, the 5k and the 10k will be just half an hour apart, but the WDW the 5k and the 10k will be a day apart.  This makes it much easier for runners to participate in all three events.  This also means the expo will be open Thursday, Friday and Saturday, instead of just Friday/Saturday like past years.  

2014 Coast to Coast medal!

The new proof of time requirements for Marathon weekend will extend to Princess weekend and every other runDisney event.  All proof of time must be submitted by December 1st, and no proof of time/corral changes will be allowed at the expo. Read more about this here.  I like that they added a race completion table on the runDisney website.    

What we do not know yet:  We do not yet have a course map or medals!  These will be things I will continue to watch for this summer!  

Official registration opens at noon on June 11th.  Who is registering?  What event(s) are you registering for?

A dream is a wish...

--Amy

runDisney Princess Half Marathon 2013

This was a special race for me because one year ago, the runDisney Princess Half Marathon was my first ever half marathon.  I trained for over a year for the 2012 runDisney Princess Half Marathon.  I worked so hard to achieve that goal, it was so cool to go back as a runDisney four time veteran.  I did not have to deal with any of the first timer worries--would I be able to find my corral, would I be fast enough, on no--what about the sweeper, ect.  This time, I got to just take it all in an enjoy the experience.

I stayed at the Beach Club this trip.  I woke up at 3 am and tip toed around my room so I would not wake my husband or my kids up.  I put on my Cinderella inspired race day outfit, got all of my gear and I was off to catch the bus.  It was not until I was on the bus that I noticed I left my breakfast on the bathroom counter in the room...huge bummer!  I texted all my running friends but no one had anything extra.  Oh well, I would have to make the best of it.  I got off the bus at the Epcot parking lot and meet up with a few friends.  We walked to the corrals together.  After no time, it was time for the race to start!

In true runDisney style, each corral got there very own Ready! Set! Go! followed by fireworks.  Cinderella's Fairy Godmother gave each corral their very own "Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo"!  I started in corral C, so I did not have to wait very long to start running.  For the first mile, I could hear the corrals behind me set off.  Their fireworks lite the sky.  After no time, I could see the arch way to the Magic Kingdom!  That is one of my favorites parts of the race.

Race day was so hot!  For those of us from up North, the heat was a huge change from what we were used to training in.  Combined with the 97% humidity, this was one of toughest race for me yet.  With no breakfast, combined with the heat and humidity--I knew I would have to take this one easy.  At a runDisney race--this means lots of pictures!!!

The first place on the course we had a lot of spectators was at the Ticket and Transportation Center.  There were so many people there!  This was mile 4, but I was having a tough time.  It was so great to have all the spectators there cheering us on.  It was just what I needed to keep me going.  After the TTC, we ran under the water bridge.  This always fascinates my kids--cars go underneath a water way for boats.  There was a really fun DJ on top of the water bridge with HUGE mickey hands on.  He was so funny and a great distraction!

It was time!  Time to run through the Magic Kingdom!  We entered the MK from a backstage area, then turned a corner onto Main Street USA.  I glanced up, and there it was--Cinderella's castle!  I always get a little emotional when I see the castle.  At the top of Main Street, we made a right into Tomorrowland.  I was hoping we would run through the new Fantasyland  but we did not.  One more turn and I was at the castle!  This year, they had trumpet players standing on the castle balcony.  This was a really cool touch.  Everyone was so busy taking pictures and videos that we came to a standstill and then walk inside the castle.  Of course I stopped for several pictures at the end of the bridge.  After I was sure I had enough castle shots, we ran toward Frontierland.  This is where I ran into my friend Malina.  We did alot of training runs together, so it was great to see her on the course.

After a few more picture stops in the MK, it was time to be on my way.  We exited the Magic Kingdom and headed back toward Epcot to the finish.  There were lots of spectators as we passed the Grand Floridian, the Polynesian and Shades of Green resorts.  After this is the toughest part of the course for me--the two miles of highway before we get near Epcot.  Disney did a great job at keeping us entertained with some characters, a huge princess balloon and music.  Before I knew it, I was at the dreaded overpass.  This is the part of the course most people consider the toughest.  For me, its not that bad. The hills is my neighborhood at tougher, but if you are not used to hills I can see it being tough.  Sarge from Toy Story was there, along with his soldiers to "motivate" runners.

After the overpass, I could see it--I could see the big "golf ball" inside Epcot.  It was about mile 10, but knowing the end was getting close always gives me a second wind.  It was getting very hot and sunny by this time, so I was ready to be done.  We entered Epcot from a back stage area, then we ran right past the big ball.  I knew the only thing between me and the finish was a jog to the entrance to World's Showcase and back.  I usually hate the word jog, but that is really all I had left in me.  The last half mile felt like forever!  I left Epcot and could hear the choir singing.  At the PHM that means you are almost done!

The finish felt so surreal this time.  I was so ready for it to be over, but I wanted to take it all in.  The first time I was so proud I had actually done it.  This time, I just wanted to hear the crowd, feel the excitement.  I looked around and could see huge smiles.  I saw lots of women crying.  It was amazing to be part of something like this.  I crossed the finish and went for my medal!  This years medal is so pretty--I could not wait to have one in my hands that was all mine.  After getting my PHM medal, I went to get my Coast to Coast medal (for doing a runDisney half on each coast in one calendar year.)  After getting my medals, I got some water, some snacks and meet up with some friends.

My second runDisney Princess Half Marathon was everything I had hoped it would be.  I was afraid that this being my second, it would some how lose some of it's magic.  I am so glad I was wrong! All the Disney magic was still there.  I can't wait to run the Princess Half Marathon again next year.

A dream is a wish...

--Amy

runDisney Royal Family 5k 2013

On Saturday morning, my daughter and I participated in the runDisney Minnie and Mickey Royal Family 5k. She loves Minnie and Princesses, so I knew she would love this event!  She was not happy to wake up at 5 am, but she was much more happy when I told her we were going to wear our Minnie dresses.  We got to the Epcot parking lot where the event started.  Right away, we got in line for a picture with Princess Minnie and Prince Micky.  Then it was time to go to our corrals!

The corral system is a very new thing for a runDisney 5k.  From what I gathered, the corrals were assigned based on when you registered for the event rather than speed, but no one official has confirmed this.  Since we were in the stroller division, we were in the last corral--corral E.  As usual, runDisney did there best to keep the time waiting in the corral as fun as possible.  There was music, jokes, and lots of fun banter by the announcers.  Each corral got there very own special send off, complete with fireworks!

We waited about 45 minutes to start the race!  Half of the runners had completed the race before we got to start.  It was crazy waiting for so long. My daughter, along with lots of other kids, had fallen asleep in her stroller.  But finally, we were off!  The course was the same as last year.  We ran (walked) the outer perimeter of the Epcot parking lot for about a mile before entering a back stage area of World Showcase, just behind the Mexican pavilion.  This was when the fun started!

Once we were in the park is when we started to see characters.  We saw Mulan, Snow White and Dopey, Belle in her blue dress, Marie the cat, and Princess Daisy with Prince Donald.  We were also fortunate enough to get a preview of sorts of the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival.   We saw topiary's of Hook, Peter Pan, Tick Tock the croc, most of the princesses with their prince's, and some Toy Story characters.  It was beautiful to see them in the early morning sun light.

I very much enjoyed doing this race with my daughter.  She had so much fun!  She was a little scared of the character at first, but then she really got into it.  We crossed the finish line and a volunteer put a medal around her neck.  She was so proud!  I loved seeing her like that.  Some friends from home were waiting for us at the finish.  They are a fellow NICU grad family.  We have got to know them over the past few years, so it was so nice to see them that the finish.  I can't wait to do another event with my daughter.

A dream is a wish...

--Amy

Be Our Guest

With the opening of the all new Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom, "Be Our Guest" is the hardest reservation to get right now in Walt Disney World.  If you do not make a reservation 180 day out at 6 am, you will not get in.  The restaurant is Beauty and the Beast themed.  The Beast is there for pictures after your meal. I loved the character meal hybrid.  It was not crazy busy like a character meal, but you still get to see a hard to catch character with almost no line.  I hope they do something like this again with another restaurant   

My family got to Be Our Guest and checked in.  We were asked to wait on the bridge for our name to be called.  It was amazing beautiful.  The sun was just setting in the distance behind the Beast's castle.  It was a perfect way to wait for our turn.  We asked to be seating in the "west wing" section.  We had to wait a bit for it, but the wait so so worth it.  The west wing was perfect--so life like and true to the movie. In the West Wing dining room is the rose!  It looked just as it would when Belle snuck in to see what the Beast was hiding.  Pure Disney magic!

When my family was seated I could not help but notice all the attention to detail that Disney is famous for. At each setting was a rose made from a napkin.  My kids and I raved about how cute it was.  The waitress stopped what she was doing and gave a lesson on how to make the roses.  This gave the kids something to do while we waited for our food.  After we ordered, my husband and I wondered around the dining room to take it all the magic.  We were so impressed. Every few minutes, it would thunder and the lights would dim.  The room was quiet and had an eerie feeling to it.  

Our meals came in no time.  I got the pork chop, my husband got the steak and french onion soup.  The food was very good.  The service was good too.  I doubt this restaurant is ever know for its food or service.  No matter how good they may be, its ability to take you right inside a Disney movie is what Be Our Guest will be famous for.  My family loved our experience at Be Our Guest.   Don't forget to ask for the Grey Stuff--its delicious!

A dream is a wish...

--Amy

runDisney Princess Half Marathon Expo 2013

On Friday, I went to the runDisney Princess Half Marathon expo.  I had been to a few runDisney expos, but I knew this one would be different because it was at a different location.  Thanks to opening day for the Atlanta Brave's baseball, we could not have our expo at the usual ESPN Wide World of Sports complex.  This year's expo was held at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort.

I caught the runDisney transportation bus outside the resort.  I was excited to see Coronado Springs because it's one of the few Disney resorts I have not been to.  The resort looks like what you would expect to see on the Mexican Rivera.  It is Spanish style, like a different world. After I got off the bus I meet up with my friends.  We got in line to pick up our bibs.  The lines were not too bad.  In little time, I had my half bib and my 5k bib.

 New Balance runDisney shoes!

Then the shock--we were astounded in how packed the expo was!  To me, the building did not feel any smaller than the WWoS building, but it felt SO much more crowded.  I am guessing that the 10K+ more runners this year what what made it feel so much more crowded.  The tables to pick up race shirts and goody bags was on the opposite side of the building as bib pick up.  As we made our way through the expo, we could believe how packed it was.

The lines at shirt pick up was unbelievable.  We waited quite a while, but we eventually got them.  As all the runDisney races in the past, the "goody bag" was pretty empty.  We got our shirt, a Luna Bar sample, and a really cool mesh Princess Half logo mesh bag.  Instead of the usual flyers and samples, runDisney emails race participants a "virtual" goody bad.  runDisney outdid themselves on the shirt this year!  I love it! It's a royal purple color with a castle printed on it.  The fit is perfect.  I just love it!

runDisney Princess Half shirt and goody bag

After packet pick up, it was time to shop!  My friends and I very quickly got overwhelmed with how crowded each booth was.  They went to get in the 1+ hour official merchandise booth line, while I went to get the scoop in the highly coveted New Balance runDisney shoes.  The shoe line was crazy, but I hear it was so much worse a few hours earlier.  A sort of hoovered around to hear what sizes were left.  Why wait in line if my size was sold out?  I heard a NB rep tell someone that they had over two thousand pairs, so I figured I would take the chance.  After about 20 minutes, it was my turn.  I asked for a size 9.5, but all they had left was a 9.  I put them on and walked around in them for a few minutes.  Sadly, they were to tight.  The stars aligned for me because just as I was going to give the shoes back to the NB rep, another runner gave her a 9.5, asking for a 9.  We quickly traded.  The 9.5 fit me perfectly!

Royal Family 5k shirt and pin

After all the shoe drama, my friends were still in line for the official merchandise.   They were after the "I did it" shirts.  I had one of them pick me up a pin that looks like the medal.  After that, we planned to walk around again, but it was just to crowded.  We decided to go back to the resort for lunch instead.

A dream is a wish...

--Amy