The Epic Wine and Dine Race Weekend – Day 3
We were up at 2:30 AM to catch the bus at 3:00 for our 5K this morning. This race started and ended in the Epcot parking lot and ran through Epcot World Showcase. We got to Epcot around 3:15 and headed over to the pre-race area.
The atmosphere was crazy. There was a stage set up with loud music, a DJ, and multiple food trucks where you or your spectators (if they chose to get up early and come with you) could get a coffee or something to eat. There were also character meet and greets. Once we got our coffee, we had about an hour to kill so we decided to get in line to meet Alice and the Mad Hatter. The line was insanely long, and unfortunately, we didn’t make it to the front before we had to head over to our corral, but it was a great way to pass the time. It was fun talking to people in line and people-watching as many people were dressed in unique and elaborate costumes.
We were in corral C for this race so while the race officially started at 5:00 we crossed the start line around 5:30.
This race started in the Epcot parking lot, then entered Epcot through a back entrance near the Mexico Pavilion, went all the way around the World Showcase, before exiting near Test Track, and ended back in the parking lot. Since this race was not timed, we took our time in the World Showcase portion, taking lots of pictures and just enjoying the atmosphere. (click on the thumbnails for full-size pictures)
It was also great that there were plenty of Photo Pass photographers along the course to take our pictures. (Click on thumbnails for full-sized pictures)
In addition, there was some awesome entertainment along the way, such as high school bands, choirs, as well as the JAMMitors in Epcot.
Once we crossed the finish line, we were given our medals, a bottle of water or Gatorade, a banana, and a snack box.
After picking up our post race goodies, we boarded a bus back to the resort, where Marc took a dip in the quiet pool and I did some work, before showering and getting ready to head to Epcot to get pictures taken around the world with our medals.
Once we arrived at Epcot we headed to the Land to ride Soarin’. Marc wanted to make sure to ride this since it is currently playing the original film Soarin’ Over California, for the 100th anniversary celebration.
After riding Soarin’, we headed to World Showcase to have lunch from the Food and Wine Festival Booths. I Started with a Mimosa Flight from Shimmering Sips, and The Southern Pimento Cheese from Wine and Wedge, while Marc got the Pickle Fries and Sea Salt and Lime Lager from the Fry Basket.
Then Marc got an order of Ramen with Shaved Beef and a Parish Brewing Strawberry Mochi Berliner Weisse from The Noodle Exchange. We found a table up on the Mexico Pavilion promenade to chill for a while and people-watch.
Up next, we made a stop in Italy for Marc to try the Focaccia Ripiena, which was a focaccia roll filled with meatballs and topped with tomato sauce and burrata cheese.
Then we headed over to Morocco so I could pick up and order of their Stone-baked Moroccan Bread and the Pistachio cake. Right after we sat down, it started to rain, so we sat here for a while to relax and wait out the rain before moving on.
Next, we headed over to the UK, grabbed beers, and found a table inside the Rose and Crown pub so we could listen to the first set of the Rose and Crown Musician. He is a piano player that is always fun to listen to.
When his set was over we walked over to Canada to listen to Bodh’aktan, a Canadian band from Quebec who are always fun to watch, then went back to the UK to hear Command Performance, Marc’s favorite Epcot band.
At this point, decided it was time to go back to the resort to lounge by the pool for the afternoon. We exited through the International Gateway, took the Skyliner to Hollywood Studios, and grabbed a bus back to the resort. We spent the afternoon at the pool, soaking in the hot tub and relaxing in the sun, before heading back to the room to rest for a while.
This evening we headed up to the Dahlia Lounge on the 16th floor of the Gran Destino Tower to grab an appetizer and watch the Epcot fireworks from the observation deck. Then it was back to the room to get to bed since I have another early morning tomorrow, as I’m running in the runDisney 10K at 5:00 AM. (Click on thumbnails to see full pictures).
