1. Pressed pennies and quarters
A long-standing souvenir idea that never goes out of style, I think pressed coins have been a staple of the Disney parks from nearly the very beginning. While some kids today might have no idea what these are, you can find penny and quarter pressing stations scattered through the Disney parks and resorts at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World, featuring various characters and designs unique to their location. Some are even seasonal! Whether you chose to keep them in an official Disney Parks coin book or store them in your own way, these souvenirs are great because they're inexpensive ($0.51 for a pressed penny and $0.75 for a pressed quarter, most often) and also create an additional fun activity/game of trying to find as many stations as you can! 2. Magnets I feel like we all know at least one family that has a refrigerator magnet to commemorate each and every vacation, Disney or otherwise, that they took. Whether they live on the main kitchen fridge, on the rumpus room mini fridge, or in the garage, magnets are fairly inexpensive souvenirs that also act as great conversation starters. They can feature your favorite character, the year you visited, the park's icon - You name it! And what's great too is these can be found literally all around the Disney parks, including the resorts. 3. Buttons and stickers While I don't mean Disney's official trading pins (they will most definitely break the bank), you can find free buttons and stickers all around the Disney parks! And if you're still not sure what I mean when I say buttons, these are the over-sized pins that feature specific celebrations like a first visit, birthday, engagement, etc. You can oftentimes get them from Cast Members inside any gift shop, at hotel front desks, or at the parks' Guest Services locations. But there are some special ones that can be found if you look hard as well, like the 25th anniversary Marathon Weekend buttons we got in Disney Springs on a recent trip, or the Galactic Hero buttons you can get at Space Ranger Spin if you max out your score. And as for stickers, these are usually handed out by Cast Members around parade/show times or during other magical moments. I've seen all kinds of stickers in the past, including those featuring the ever-reverent Mickey Mouse! 4. FastPass and fortune cards This one is more specific to the Disneyland Resort, but I find saving paper FastPass cards and fortune cards are easy and fun ways to remember fun moments in the parks (The FastPass cards especially, as they note the day you actually visited). You could even put these into a photo album alongside your pictures, if you're one who still puts together physical photo albums. The fortune cards can be found on Main Street USA in the Penny Arcade, in Adventureland at the gift shop across from Jungle Cruise, and in New Orleans Square near the Pieces of Eight gift shop. Each fortune teller has their own fun personality and shtick, and their cards are a very inexpensive souvenir at only $0.25 each! 5. Character autographs and photos Photos with your favorite Disney characters are a must-do when visiting the parks! Whether you meet them during a special character meal, in a specific greeting setting like Town Square Theater, or out and about in an unscheduled meet and greet location, you can always get your photo taken for free with your own camera - No PhotoPass package required! And even if you don't use an official Disney Parks autograph book, the characters are usually more than willing to give you their autograph in your own book, on a special clothing item, etc. Check out my previous post on tips for meeting characters here: https://haleighsonceuponablog.weebly.com/blog-posts/meeting-disney-characters-tips-and-advice. And if the character you're meeting can't sign autographs for any reason, ask their Attendant or PhotoPass photographer if they have an autograph card they signed ahead of time - Again, totally free and a great souvenir to include with your picture in that photo album! 6. Postcards This one might date myself a little bit, but they're still sold in the parks! Postcards are another great, inexpensive way to remember a Disney vacation. You don't necessarily have to send them out, but rather you can collect them to include in a display at work, school, or home. These can also make great additions to photo albums with character photos and autographs. They're usually pretty easy to find too, most often in traditional gift shops around the parks and resorts. And while there are a few standard ones for Disneyland and Walt Disney World you'll see everywhere, you can usually find some specialty ones unique to your resort, favorite character, or the current season! 7. Seasonal maps and times guides And speaking of seasonality, specialty park maps and times guides are free and available around every corner if you're visiting the parks during a special time of year or for a special event. My favorites include the maps for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party and times guides for Festival of the Holidays at Epcot. Additional tip: Grab a few copies when you see them, and designate one you're actually going to use for the day/night that can get crumpled and handled while keeping others tucked away to stay clean and unscathed as the souvenirs. Bonus tip: If you speak any additional languages, grab a map or times guide in that language if available! 8. Kids jewelry This one is more one for the ladies, but I find the jewelry that's specifically marketed for kids/placed in the kids section of gift shops is cuter and much more affordable than most of the adult jewelry. Some notable favorites: All of the birthstone earrings! I have two piercings in each of my ears and find the kids birthstone Mickey earrings are the perfect size (and price!) for my second hole on the smaller part of my earlobe. While my birthday is in May and I do have the corresponding emerald pair, I've also got a few other colors to go with different outfits. You can oftentimes find initial jewelry as well, and I think the customizable charm bracelets are fun when you want a less-sophisticated look than what a Pandora bracelet would provide. 9. Mickey straws In continuing with the kid theme, at most quick service dining locations you can find Mickey-shaped straws to bring a little bit of fun to your beverage! Available in a ton of colors, these are usually around $0.69-$0.99 when you add them to a fountain drink, and you can take them home to reuse when you need a Disney pick-me-up after your trip. And they're totally Instagrammable as well, especially if you can get a shot of your fun drink in front of one of Disney's famous walls (looking at you, Magic Kingdom Purple Wall!). 10. Graphic tees For this last one, I can just never say no to a cute graphic t-shirt. Usually on promo when you buy more than one, these are a staple of any Disney gift shop and can feature your favorite attraction, the year/season you visited, your favorite characters, and more. My go-to is the classic Mickey tee for Disneyland or Walt Disney World, in which you can often find in a few different colors and tie dye. Usually not very ornate or detailed, but easy to wear and much easier on your wallet. While a trip to the Disney parks can take some time to save up for, you don't want to forget budgeting for a few souvenirs to commemorate the experience. And while there are some big-ticket items that might cost more than we want to spend on them, there are tons of free or low-cost goodies to bring home that are just as fun! I hope this list of my favorites gave you a few new ideas and things to look out for on your next visit to Disneyland or Walt Disney World. Have favorites of your own not mentioned here? Be sure to tell me in the comments below! Until the next post, see ya real soon!
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Easy, breezy, Health & Fitness Expo |
"The most magical 26.2 miles on earth!" - Mickey Mouse Art of Animation was definitely prepared for race morning with nearly 10 buses waiting first thing in the morning to transport runners to the start line area at EPCOT. We got on right away and hardly had to wait until we were off. I like staying at Art of Animation for many reasons, and the close proximity to both the expo and the start/finish are near the top of the list. The bus ride seemed to go by in an instant while I finished my small breakfast, and then we were out in the cold enjoying the pre-race entertainment. I decided to go with a very easy "costume" of a classic Mousketeer and had to get a few pics! |
There was plenty of water available before we got to the corrals, and the porta-potty lines were shockingly very short. The DJ was pumping up the crowd and characters were out meeting and greeting, but we bypassed all of that for the most part to instead focus on getting a good spot in our respective corrals, especially since RunDisney put me in the very last corral despite my proof of time (Oh well!). We took the long warm-up walk to the corral staging area and settled in for a bit of a wait until go-time.
Since this was the 25th anniversary of the Walt Disney World Marathon, there was a lot of retrospective fun around the early years of the event, and the actual start line got in on the fun with each corral and mini wave taking off to the top Disney song from the corresponding year between 1994-2018. Mine was "How Far I'll Go" from Moana, to give you some perspective on how far back I had to start (Oh well again, but now I have such an emotional connection to that song and Moana!). It did seem to take a while to get everyone going, but it was awesome to hear Mickey Mouse count everyone down and see all of the fireworks. Eventually I was off, and right away was greeted by an amazingly motivating billboard featuring the finishers medal that read "Run 26.2, gain 9.6" (Ounces that is - The medal was going to be huge!). I knew this was going to be a magical experience and was emotional from the very beginning.
Since this was the 25th anniversary of the Walt Disney World Marathon, there was a lot of retrospective fun around the early years of the event, and the actual start line got in on the fun with each corral and mini wave taking off to the top Disney song from the corresponding year between 1994-2018. Mine was "How Far I'll Go" from Moana, to give you some perspective on how far back I had to start (Oh well again, but now I have such an emotional connection to that song and Moana!). It did seem to take a while to get everyone going, but it was awesome to hear Mickey Mouse count everyone down and see all of the fireworks. Eventually I was off, and right away was greeted by an amazingly motivating billboard featuring the finishers medal that read "Run 26.2, gain 9.6" (Ounces that is - The medal was going to be huge!). I knew this was going to be a magical experience and was emotional from the very beginning.
I had a great start immediately falling into my training pace and run-walk-run cadence, albeit my feet were hurting a bit from how cold it was just standing around in the corrals. The first 2 miles seemed to fly by though and then we were already approaching the Magic Kingdom gates ahead of mile 3! There were nearly 25,000 runners participating in this race, and you could definitely feel that in certain parts of the course. But once we reached the Transportation & Ticket Center, that's when you could really feel all of the course support - Thanks to anyone and everyone who came out to cheer us on! The course seemed to remain overall the same as it has been in recent years, with minor changes here and there. One change I was excited to see was rather than entering the Magic Kingdom through backstage, getting onto Main Street from the side, we actually ran through the resort bus terminal area to enter the park through the main turnstiles! |
Running down Main Street, USA, and going through the whole Magic Kingdom in general, is one of my favorite parts of the course - While it was a bit crowded and I had to slow down or walk more than I wanted to, there were a ton of spectators, Disney music blasting, and lots of characters. You can't help but just smile ear to ear for that whole mile! My favorite PhotoPass photo from the day was actually a candid shot right before the castle (see above) - I didn't see the photographer but still had my endorphin smile on!
Ugh, Cone Alley
Once we got through the Magic Kingdom though, things got a bit tough through the section of the course affectionately known as 'Cone Alley.' It slims down to one lane of traffic and gets really congested - You're often at the mercy of the pace of those around you, and I found myself running on the grass for a while. But there were still some characters and I got to meet the famous Richard from the Grand Floridian! If you don't know who he is, do a Google search and you'll quickly see how beloved he is at Walt Disney World. Cone Alley did surprisingly go by quickly though, and then we turned into the woods to head towards Animal Kingdom. I was still feeling good, but that stretch did feel very long. There was another little mini Cone Alley as well that was a down and back behind Animal Kingdom, but it at least allowed the opportunity to cheer and high-five other runners and selfishly feel better about how many people I was ahead of!
We then made it to Animal Kingdom and while a big highlight for a lot of runners is hopping on the Expedition Everest attraction for a little mid-marathon roller coaster break, I decided to keep moving forward. In fact, there were already some runners who had finished the race and came back to Animal Kingdom to cheer us on and show off their medals, so that helped push me along. I absolutely love running through Animal Kingdom and had done so before during the Wine & Dine Half Marathon, but it did feel a little short. There were a ton of spectators throughout and in front of the park, and a very kind woman was handing out pretzel sticks to runners just past the halfway point - I'd never been so happy to see salt in my life! Unfortunately pretty soon thereafter I saw a fellow runner go down, and that set the tone of what was about to come.
I'd read and heard from veteran marathoners than miles 15-22 are often hard in general, but particularly rough with this course. I definitely agree with that based on my personal experience, as this was where I had to dig really deep to keep going. My feet and lower back were starting to hurt a bit, and I started to get into my head too much - My usual countdown mantra wasn't helping (I wear a Garmin watch so I'll oftentimes look at my wrist and tell myself how much/little I have left vs. how much I'd already done), and I had to pull to the side a few times to stretch that was slowing my average pace down. But I decided then and there to listen to my body and do just that - I slowed down overall compared to the pace I had been training at, and that was okay. Even though I wasn't going to necessarily finish in the time I anticipated, I was going to finish, and finish without injury! So once I settled into that slower pace, it helped a bit.
Once we got through the Magic Kingdom though, things got a bit tough through the section of the course affectionately known as 'Cone Alley.' It slims down to one lane of traffic and gets really congested - You're often at the mercy of the pace of those around you, and I found myself running on the grass for a while. But there were still some characters and I got to meet the famous Richard from the Grand Floridian! If you don't know who he is, do a Google search and you'll quickly see how beloved he is at Walt Disney World. Cone Alley did surprisingly go by quickly though, and then we turned into the woods to head towards Animal Kingdom. I was still feeling good, but that stretch did feel very long. There was another little mini Cone Alley as well that was a down and back behind Animal Kingdom, but it at least allowed the opportunity to cheer and high-five other runners and selfishly feel better about how many people I was ahead of!
We then made it to Animal Kingdom and while a big highlight for a lot of runners is hopping on the Expedition Everest attraction for a little mid-marathon roller coaster break, I decided to keep moving forward. In fact, there were already some runners who had finished the race and came back to Animal Kingdom to cheer us on and show off their medals, so that helped push me along. I absolutely love running through Animal Kingdom and had done so before during the Wine & Dine Half Marathon, but it did feel a little short. There were a ton of spectators throughout and in front of the park, and a very kind woman was handing out pretzel sticks to runners just past the halfway point - I'd never been so happy to see salt in my life! Unfortunately pretty soon thereafter I saw a fellow runner go down, and that set the tone of what was about to come.
I'd read and heard from veteran marathoners than miles 15-22 are often hard in general, but particularly rough with this course. I definitely agree with that based on my personal experience, as this was where I had to dig really deep to keep going. My feet and lower back were starting to hurt a bit, and I started to get into my head too much - My usual countdown mantra wasn't helping (I wear a Garmin watch so I'll oftentimes look at my wrist and tell myself how much/little I have left vs. how much I'd already done), and I had to pull to the side a few times to stretch that was slowing my average pace down. But I decided then and there to listen to my body and do just that - I slowed down overall compared to the pace I had been training at, and that was okay. Even though I wasn't going to necessarily finish in the time I anticipated, I was going to finish, and finish without injury! So once I settled into that slower pace, it helped a bit.
Wide World of Sports - Love it or hate it?
One thing I'd heard about this course is how bad the section through ESPN Wide World of Sports was. I even had someone behind me during the race say "Oh he just texted me that he's entered the 7th circle of hell - ESPN!" So I wasn't necessarily looking forward to getting there, but rather getting through there in one piece. I didn't entirely hate it, as it does take up about 3 full miles of the 26.2, we ran on a soft track for a bit, and also go to run through the baseball stadium where the Atlanta Braves have Spring Training. But I'd be lying if I didn't say it was really hard. Lots of turns and terrain types, and lots of negative commentary going on around me. I also think I had to pull off at one point and adjust my one shoe and sock, but I may be totally making that up because it was a blur. My advice to anyone who's going into this race, whether it's your first marathon or 100th, is to not read into others' opinions too much, because I didn't loathe that part of the course as much as others have proclaimed.
After exiting ESPN, I came upon a big hill that was leading up to Hollywood Studios. I knew that if I could get over it I'd be past the last major hill of the course, so that's what kept me pushing ahead. Entering Hollywood Studios marked just about 5K left, as well as a candy station, so I got a bit of a second wind there. While we didn't run in that park very much, it was a nice break and great to come into an area with spectators. The course got very, very narrow leading out from Studios to the Boardwalk area, but thankfully everyone around me was moving pretty quickly. Eventually, I was entering the backstage area of EPCOT and knew I only had about a mile and a half to go.
One thing I'd heard about this course is how bad the section through ESPN Wide World of Sports was. I even had someone behind me during the race say "Oh he just texted me that he's entered the 7th circle of hell - ESPN!" So I wasn't necessarily looking forward to getting there, but rather getting through there in one piece. I didn't entirely hate it, as it does take up about 3 full miles of the 26.2, we ran on a soft track for a bit, and also go to run through the baseball stadium where the Atlanta Braves have Spring Training. But I'd be lying if I didn't say it was really hard. Lots of turns and terrain types, and lots of negative commentary going on around me. I also think I had to pull off at one point and adjust my one shoe and sock, but I may be totally making that up because it was a blur. My advice to anyone who's going into this race, whether it's your first marathon or 100th, is to not read into others' opinions too much, because I didn't loathe that part of the course as much as others have proclaimed.
After exiting ESPN, I came upon a big hill that was leading up to Hollywood Studios. I knew that if I could get over it I'd be past the last major hill of the course, so that's what kept me pushing ahead. Entering Hollywood Studios marked just about 5K left, as well as a candy station, so I got a bit of a second wind there. While we didn't run in that park very much, it was a nice break and great to come into an area with spectators. The course got very, very narrow leading out from Studios to the Boardwalk area, but thankfully everyone around me was moving pretty quickly. Eventually, I was entering the backstage area of EPCOT and knew I only had about a mile and a half to go.
An emotional finish From that point until the end, I pretty much cried the entire way. It was a combination of exhaustion, endorphins, excitement, and more. It was this last mile in EPCOT that I really felt the most love from the spectators - I saw more and more finishers with their medals, strangers calling out my name, and Cast Members cheering for each and every runner as they went by. There was also a loop of Disney music playing that happened to include the old Mickey Mouse Club theme song/march, and I burst into tears as soon as I heard it. It's a feeling that I honestly can't describe, so I'll just let my above finish line photo speak for itself. |
I've never felt more accomplished in my life than when I crossed that finish line. It's a feeling that I don't know if I'll ever be able to replicate other than by doing more marathons. But even so, I don't know if it will top the first-timer feeling. After receiving my medal and then continuing on through the chute to get my food box and drinks, runners were surprised with special 25th anniversary mouse ears to commemorate the occasion, which consequently caused me to cry again with pure joy. I got a few pictures taken, met back up with my BRF, and tried to process everything that just happened over the last 6 hours and 27 minutes. We stretched and cooled down a bit before going back to the resort for a nice shower, nap, and ice/Biofreeze break. But it didn't last long, as we were off to Animal Kingdom for the evening to celebrate.
All in all, I know I will personally be back to run this race again, if not combine it with others to do the Goofy or Dopey challenges. It was tough, it was cold and windy, and it was pretty crowded at spots, but I can't say it any other way - There is no feeling like finishing a marathon, no matter how long it takes you. Running has totally changed my life since I ran my very first half marathon in November 2014, and you better believe I will continue to go for it as long as my body will let me. I'm no professional athlete, and certainly can't provide the best training or nutrition advice, but I can say that if you get out there and try running even for just a little bit, you won't regret it!
Congratulations to all of the finishers of the 2018 Walt Disney World Marathon! Continue to stop by and stay tuned for more RunDisney related posts as I plan for future races!
Until the next post, see ya real soon!
A few weeks ago, I treated myself to my first VIP tour experience at the Disneyland Resort: Disney's Happiest Haunts Tour! While Halloween isn't necessarily my favorite holiday (lookin' at you, Christmas), I thought this would be a fun way to spend time in Disneyland a little differently, and hopefully learn something new along the way. Here's a review of my experience, including my favorite tour elements and a few tips. |
Scheduling the tour
So I took my tour on October 1st (a Sunday) at 4:10 PM. I booked it about 3 weeks in advance and it was the earliest weekend tour date available for the season that wasn't already sold out. There were only two time options for October 1st, with the other being 4:00 PM. Each tour had a maximum group size of 15 guests total. The only way to book the tour was by phone, and I had to pay the full tour cost in advance. Despite having to pay at time of booking, I was able to apply my Annual Passholder discount - I was just instructed to bring my pass with me to the tour for Guest Services to verify. Regular theme park admission was not included in the tour cost, so if you're not an AP just be aware you'll still need to budget for a regular ticket to get you into the park for the day.
While the booking process was easy, my biggest tip is be ready to book EARLY to secure the date and time you want. I believe the tour went on sale the second week of September this year. And of course as previously mentioned, be ready to pay in full at time of booking - Have your credit card handy when you call in, and your pass number if you're an AP and want to use your discount.
Check in process
Since my tour was later in the day, I decided to spend a little bit of time in Disneyland beforehand, getting to the park around noon. When I booked the tour, I was told to check in at the Tour Gardens Kiosk in Town Square no later than 15 minutes start time. I ended up getting there right as scheduled after doing a few rides, but the line was a little long so I'd recommend getting there to check in around 30 minutes ahead - I personally would have felt better had I gotten there a little earlier. And our tour actually started around 10 minutes late, since we had to wait for everyone in line to finish checking in! But overall it was a painless process in which they checked my photo ID and annual pass and then gave me a commemorative name badge and headset to listen to our tour guide.
Since my tour was later in the day, I decided to spend a little bit of time in Disneyland beforehand, getting to the park around noon. When I booked the tour, I was told to check in at the Tour Gardens Kiosk in Town Square no later than 15 minutes start time. I ended up getting there right as scheduled after doing a few rides, but the line was a little long so I'd recommend getting there to check in around 30 minutes ahead - I personally would have felt better had I gotten there a little earlier. And our tour actually started around 10 minutes late, since we had to wait for everyone in line to finish checking in! But overall it was a painless process in which they checked my photo ID and annual pass and then gave me a commemorative name badge and headset to listen to our tour guide.
Highlights of the tour
The tour took us around Disneyland park for nearly 3 hours, visiting almost all of the lands (the only part of the park we didn't walk through was Critter Country). The tour didn't include attraction experiences, but we were given a FastPass for Haunted Mansion Holiday to use at our leisure after the tour (in which I went and did right away afterwards!). That was a nice perk, as the standby time was hovering at 90+ minutes throughout the day.
We spent some time looking at the Main Street windows, heard a story about the Headless Horseman, and also learned a few fun facts about the Haunted Mansion that I hadn't heard before. And while we were in New Orleans square learning those fun facts, we got a cake pop sweet treat! It was in the shape of a black rose and had an interesting dark chocolate raspberry flavor (I saved mine for after dinner later that day).
But my biggest highlight and favorite part was actually the last stop on the tour after making a full circle of the park: Back in the Tour Gardens area we got to get up close and personal with two of the Haunted Mansion's hitchhiking ghost animatronics and take photos! The had a black light turned on in the room to give it an eerie vibe, and our tour guide gave everyone a lantern to take in for their photo as a fun prop. While I didn't get to spend too much time looking at them, it was still really cool to see them up close and take some fun pictures.
The tour took us around Disneyland park for nearly 3 hours, visiting almost all of the lands (the only part of the park we didn't walk through was Critter Country). The tour didn't include attraction experiences, but we were given a FastPass for Haunted Mansion Holiday to use at our leisure after the tour (in which I went and did right away afterwards!). That was a nice perk, as the standby time was hovering at 90+ minutes throughout the day.
We spent some time looking at the Main Street windows, heard a story about the Headless Horseman, and also learned a few fun facts about the Haunted Mansion that I hadn't heard before. And while we were in New Orleans square learning those fun facts, we got a cake pop sweet treat! It was in the shape of a black rose and had an interesting dark chocolate raspberry flavor (I saved mine for after dinner later that day).
But my biggest highlight and favorite part was actually the last stop on the tour after making a full circle of the park: Back in the Tour Gardens area we got to get up close and personal with two of the Haunted Mansion's hitchhiking ghost animatronics and take photos! The had a black light turned on in the room to give it an eerie vibe, and our tour guide gave everyone a lantern to take in for their photo as a fun prop. While I didn't get to spend too much time looking at them, it was still really cool to see them up close and take some fun pictures.
Words of caution
I did enjoy my Happiest Haunts Tour experience, but overall I can't say for certain I would do it again. It had a pretty slow pace throughout, taking the estimated 2 hour time closer to 3 hours because of breaks. And I think our tour guide was trying too hard to get everything right in his script, so there were quite a few awkward pauses. I was also hoping to learn more about the "ghost stories" of Disneyland and Disney films per the tour description on the website, although what they did cover was interesting.
If you or anyone in travel party isn't able to spend much time on foot, I'd recommend taking it easy prior to the tour or reconsidering - There were a few people in our group desperately searching for places to sit during the 3 hour romp, and even I was starting to feel some foot pain as I'm currently in marathon training and didn't think I'd be getting another couple miles in from this tour. Comfortable, supportive sneakers are really the only type of shoe I'd recommend for this!
And another thing to know ahead of time is that Disney was running these tours during a really busy time of day in the park - The flag retreat ceremony in Town Square was going on when we started, the second showing of the Soundsational Parade went down Main Street when we were in the castle hub area, and guests from all points of the park were trying to navigate around our group as the sun was going down. It just felt like a chaotic time of day, and it got difficult to hear our guide via headset in a few places. So just be prepared to follow closely behind the group (or lead the group, like I did a few times) and bring your listening ears like you're going back to school.
I did enjoy my Happiest Haunts Tour experience, but overall I can't say for certain I would do it again. It had a pretty slow pace throughout, taking the estimated 2 hour time closer to 3 hours because of breaks. And I think our tour guide was trying too hard to get everything right in his script, so there were quite a few awkward pauses. I was also hoping to learn more about the "ghost stories" of Disneyland and Disney films per the tour description on the website, although what they did cover was interesting.
If you or anyone in travel party isn't able to spend much time on foot, I'd recommend taking it easy prior to the tour or reconsidering - There were a few people in our group desperately searching for places to sit during the 3 hour romp, and even I was starting to feel some foot pain as I'm currently in marathon training and didn't think I'd be getting another couple miles in from this tour. Comfortable, supportive sneakers are really the only type of shoe I'd recommend for this!
And another thing to know ahead of time is that Disney was running these tours during a really busy time of day in the park - The flag retreat ceremony in Town Square was going on when we started, the second showing of the Soundsational Parade went down Main Street when we were in the castle hub area, and guests from all points of the park were trying to navigate around our group as the sun was going down. It just felt like a chaotic time of day, and it got difficult to hear our guide via headset in a few places. So just be prepared to follow closely behind the group (or lead the group, like I did a few times) and bring your listening ears like you're going back to school.
While I mentioned I'm not sure if I'd do this tour again, I am looking into the other VIP tours the Disneyland Resort has to offer, including the Holiday Time at Disneyland guided tour dates that will be coming out soon. It was cool getting to see the park a little differently and feel like a VIP for an afternoon. You can find more about all the different tours running throughout the year at https://disneyland.disney.go.com/events-tours/vip-tour-services/, and remember again that reservations have to be made by phone and paid for in full ahead of time.
Did you go on the Happiest Haunts Tour this year or in previous years? What did you think of it? Do you think I should take the holiday tour? Let me know in the comments below!
Until the next post, see ya real soon!
I recently got to experience a different side of RunDisney as a spectator at the 2017 Disneyland Half Marathon. I've ran many RunDisney races to date, and actually volunteered at this same event last year, but I've never had the opportunity to attend specifically for spectating. I wanted to share some of my experience and also offer up tips for anyone who might be planning on cheering for family, friends, or strangers at an upcoming event.
*Have a game plan, and arrive early
Just like if you were going to run in a RunDisney race, it's best to arrive early when you're going to cheer on the runners. The is mostly because of potential traffic issues and security lines. For the 5:00 AM start of the Disneyland Half Marathon, I parked at the Mickey & Friends Parking Structure just before 4:30 and had plenty of time to make it to Downtown Disney, grab a tea from Starbucks, and find a spot at the Esplanade (which was around the 2.5 mile mark on the race course). There was plenty of viewing available, and I was able to catch all of the lead runners and wheelchair athletes.
Arriving early also helps in getting prime viewing of the start line, if you're interested in seeing the athletes take off, listening to the national anthem, or hearing the banter of the announcers. The finish line area at this race had plenty of standing room available (I went there after cheering at mile 2.5 for an hour, to catch the first finishers), but I know from experience as a runner at Walt Disney World that the bleacher/grandstand seating can fill up quickly.
*Really evaluate if purchasing into the ChEAR Squad is worth it to you
RunDisney offers various ChEAR Squad packages for those who'd like things such as reserved bleacher seating, food, special restrooms, and gear while spectating. The packages can be a bit different for each race, and I understand that there are more included amenities for Walt Disney World races (but RunDisney is always changing things!). Pricing can vary based on the package, so do your research to determine if this is something of worth to you and your spectating experience. While I don't have kids of my own, I think this might be worth it if you're traveling with children or grandparents to guarantee everyone gets a place to sit at the finish and some food.
I did not buy into the ChEAR Squad for spectating at the 2017 Disneyland Half Marathon, and I was still able get multiple viewing spots (albeit the place I was near the finish/mile 13 got crowded as more finishers started to come through). I was also able to easily use the Downtown Disney restrooms when needed, and a lot of the restaurants/quick service food and drink establishments opened at 3:00 AM for runners and spectators alike. But again, check out the various packages available for the race you'll be attending to see if it's worth it to you.
*Don't interfere with the course and the runners' experience
So something that bugged me a lot, coming from the perspective of a runner, were those spectators who didn't listen to race officials or take runners' overall race experiencing into consideration. Where I was standing at the Esplanade was a place to cross over the race course to get to the other side/exit the Disneyland Resort on Harbor Boulevard. Race officials kept it wide open until they got notice of the lead runners and wheelchair athletes approaching. From then onward, they still allowed people to cross through whenever there were "breaks" in the pack. The people that chose to cross here were certainly taking their time and I saw many runners have to dodge and bob and weave so as not to collide with anyone. Runners should NOT have to worry about this during their race.
There was a similar crossing area near where I was watching at mile 13, just a few yards from the finish line. This is where guests staying at the Disneyland Hotel could cross over to Downtown Disney and vice versa. This cross point was much worse than the one at mile 2.5, and I actually saw runners collide, bump into, and brush non-participants. This is just not okay. If you're wanting to spectate at an event, please keep the runners' overall experience in mind and do not even try to attempt to cross over the course unless absolutely necessary. When choosing my spot at the Esplanade, I knew I wanted to eventually migrate to the finish line and watch, so I stuck to the side in which I knew I wouldn't have to cross over the course to get to my next destination.
*Dress appropriately and stay hydrated
The big story at this year's Disneyland Half Marathon was the heat and humidity. In past events, mostly at Walt Disney World, there have been opposite weather worries with near freezing temperatures. Even though you're not running in the event, be sure to dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes (I was on my feet for over two hours when all was said and done). I'd also recommend bringing drinks and snacks, especially if you're planning on being at a race from start to finish. I was able to hit up Starbucks in Downtown Disney for an iced tea, but there might not be opportunities like this at certain events, so plan ahead and bring a few things you think you might want or need.
*Bring your enthusiasm and energy!
From my perspective as a runner, the overall mood at a race is definitely impacted by the spectators, whether you know them or not. So if you're going to cheer, be loud and proud - It will brighten someone's day and help motivate them to keep moving. You can also bring signs, clappers, or pom poms if you want to bring props. And don't forget to offer up high fives for extra power!
A big part of RunDisney races are the costumes, so take that as an opportunity to call out runners by the name of the character they're portraying (i.e. "Looking good, Mickey!" and "Way to go, Aladdin!"). I saw a ton of great costumes at this race, and it was fun trying to spot as many as possible and give those runners a shout-out.
*Consider spectating if you're in need of motivation
Something I wasn't expecting was the self-motivation I got out of spectating at this event. It's been a few months since my last race (see my previous post on my Tinkerbell Half Marathon experience!), and while I do have a few coming up that I know I have to train and prepare for, seeing the action from another view really gave me an extra push to lace up my sneakers the next day and get out there. I saw athletes of all different ages and abilities, including some all-stars pushing family members with disabilities in wheelchairs. It was an emotional experience, and would definitely recommend getting out to spectate at any race you can if you're in need of a little extra motivation. Plus, being able to provide words of encouragement to others really felt good - I saw a lot of runners' eyes light up and push a little harder when I gave them a high five or complimented them on their performance.
*Have a game plan, and arrive early
Just like if you were going to run in a RunDisney race, it's best to arrive early when you're going to cheer on the runners. The is mostly because of potential traffic issues and security lines. For the 5:00 AM start of the Disneyland Half Marathon, I parked at the Mickey & Friends Parking Structure just before 4:30 and had plenty of time to make it to Downtown Disney, grab a tea from Starbucks, and find a spot at the Esplanade (which was around the 2.5 mile mark on the race course). There was plenty of viewing available, and I was able to catch all of the lead runners and wheelchair athletes.
Arriving early also helps in getting prime viewing of the start line, if you're interested in seeing the athletes take off, listening to the national anthem, or hearing the banter of the announcers. The finish line area at this race had plenty of standing room available (I went there after cheering at mile 2.5 for an hour, to catch the first finishers), but I know from experience as a runner at Walt Disney World that the bleacher/grandstand seating can fill up quickly.
*Really evaluate if purchasing into the ChEAR Squad is worth it to you
RunDisney offers various ChEAR Squad packages for those who'd like things such as reserved bleacher seating, food, special restrooms, and gear while spectating. The packages can be a bit different for each race, and I understand that there are more included amenities for Walt Disney World races (but RunDisney is always changing things!). Pricing can vary based on the package, so do your research to determine if this is something of worth to you and your spectating experience. While I don't have kids of my own, I think this might be worth it if you're traveling with children or grandparents to guarantee everyone gets a place to sit at the finish and some food.
I did not buy into the ChEAR Squad for spectating at the 2017 Disneyland Half Marathon, and I was still able get multiple viewing spots (albeit the place I was near the finish/mile 13 got crowded as more finishers started to come through). I was also able to easily use the Downtown Disney restrooms when needed, and a lot of the restaurants/quick service food and drink establishments opened at 3:00 AM for runners and spectators alike. But again, check out the various packages available for the race you'll be attending to see if it's worth it to you.
*Don't interfere with the course and the runners' experience
So something that bugged me a lot, coming from the perspective of a runner, were those spectators who didn't listen to race officials or take runners' overall race experiencing into consideration. Where I was standing at the Esplanade was a place to cross over the race course to get to the other side/exit the Disneyland Resort on Harbor Boulevard. Race officials kept it wide open until they got notice of the lead runners and wheelchair athletes approaching. From then onward, they still allowed people to cross through whenever there were "breaks" in the pack. The people that chose to cross here were certainly taking their time and I saw many runners have to dodge and bob and weave so as not to collide with anyone. Runners should NOT have to worry about this during their race.
There was a similar crossing area near where I was watching at mile 13, just a few yards from the finish line. This is where guests staying at the Disneyland Hotel could cross over to Downtown Disney and vice versa. This cross point was much worse than the one at mile 2.5, and I actually saw runners collide, bump into, and brush non-participants. This is just not okay. If you're wanting to spectate at an event, please keep the runners' overall experience in mind and do not even try to attempt to cross over the course unless absolutely necessary. When choosing my spot at the Esplanade, I knew I wanted to eventually migrate to the finish line and watch, so I stuck to the side in which I knew I wouldn't have to cross over the course to get to my next destination.
*Dress appropriately and stay hydrated
The big story at this year's Disneyland Half Marathon was the heat and humidity. In past events, mostly at Walt Disney World, there have been opposite weather worries with near freezing temperatures. Even though you're not running in the event, be sure to dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes (I was on my feet for over two hours when all was said and done). I'd also recommend bringing drinks and snacks, especially if you're planning on being at a race from start to finish. I was able to hit up Starbucks in Downtown Disney for an iced tea, but there might not be opportunities like this at certain events, so plan ahead and bring a few things you think you might want or need.
*Bring your enthusiasm and energy!
From my perspective as a runner, the overall mood at a race is definitely impacted by the spectators, whether you know them or not. So if you're going to cheer, be loud and proud - It will brighten someone's day and help motivate them to keep moving. You can also bring signs, clappers, or pom poms if you want to bring props. And don't forget to offer up high fives for extra power!
A big part of RunDisney races are the costumes, so take that as an opportunity to call out runners by the name of the character they're portraying (i.e. "Looking good, Mickey!" and "Way to go, Aladdin!"). I saw a ton of great costumes at this race, and it was fun trying to spot as many as possible and give those runners a shout-out.
*Consider spectating if you're in need of motivation
Something I wasn't expecting was the self-motivation I got out of spectating at this event. It's been a few months since my last race (see my previous post on my Tinkerbell Half Marathon experience!), and while I do have a few coming up that I know I have to train and prepare for, seeing the action from another view really gave me an extra push to lace up my sneakers the next day and get out there. I saw athletes of all different ages and abilities, including some all-stars pushing family members with disabilities in wheelchairs. It was an emotional experience, and would definitely recommend getting out to spectate at any race you can if you're in need of a little extra motivation. Plus, being able to provide words of encouragement to others really felt good - I saw a lot of runners' eyes light up and push a little harder when I gave them a high five or complimented them on their performance.
I really enjoyed spectating at the 2017 Disneyland Half Marathon, even if I wasn't there to cheer anyone on in particular. As a runner myself, I can attest to the fact that the energy and kind words from spectators really make a positive impact during a race, and it was awesome getting to provide that to other athletes. I definitely plan on spectating other races in the future (RunDisney and others), and would definitely encourage you to get out there as well! It's a great way to get a feel for what the races are like if you're new to running or RunDisney, and you also feel really good being able to provide encouragement to the runners. Be sure to check out RunDisney.com for official event information and details about the ChEAR Squad, if you're interested in the perks.
Until the next post, see ya real soon!
Until the next post, see ya real soon!
The most magical part of a RunDisney race is easily the setting. So why not plan for additional days before or after your run to keep the pixie dust flowing?! Whether you choose to stay for a day or two or make it a week-long getaway, there are many things to consider when planning a RunDisney race-cation outside of a traditional Disney vacation.
*Your resort hotel
Any other runners joining you on the trip? Little kiddos in tow? I think your travel party affects many parts of planning of your trip, starting with accommodations. I recommend looking into family suites if you're traveling with other runners - Those extra bathrooms will really make a difference on race day(s), and the extra living space gives everyone extra leg room for a good night's rest. We loved staying at Art of Animation in the Lion King area during Princess Half Marathon Weekend!
Something to consider also related to where you stay is where your race begins and ends. For most race weekends at Walt Disney World, I'd recommend staying within the EPCOT resort area - This allows for shorter bus rides to and from the race, and I think that little bit of extra peace of mind can really help with nerves on early race mornings. If you're running at Disneyland, definitely consider the three on-property resort hotels and Good Neighbor hotels on Harbor Boulevard or Katella Avenue to be within walking distance to the race start.
Any other runners joining you on the trip? Little kiddos in tow? I think your travel party affects many parts of planning of your trip, starting with accommodations. I recommend looking into family suites if you're traveling with other runners - Those extra bathrooms will really make a difference on race day(s), and the extra living space gives everyone extra leg room for a good night's rest. We loved staying at Art of Animation in the Lion King area during Princess Half Marathon Weekend!
Something to consider also related to where you stay is where your race begins and ends. For most race weekends at Walt Disney World, I'd recommend staying within the EPCOT resort area - This allows for shorter bus rides to and from the race, and I think that little bit of extra peace of mind can really help with nerves on early race mornings. If you're running at Disneyland, definitely consider the three on-property resort hotels and Good Neighbor hotels on Harbor Boulevard or Katella Avenue to be within walking distance to the race start.
*Transportation
I'm a big proponent of using the various types of complementary transportation at Walt Disney World, and there are free forms of transportation available specifically for race events - Buses at resort hotels to and from the expo, buses to and from the race start/finish, and expanded monorail hours for the resort hotels on the rail line. There is oftentimes free bus transportation available in the Anaheim resort area around Disneyland as well, for races out on the West Coast. Be sure to check the official event guide for your race weekend details.
But if you're traveling with a large party, staying off-property, or want to be in control of your own transportation, there are plenty of options to rent a car (both in California and Florida). Lines can get a little long for bus transportation back to the resort hotels after the races, so while I personally don't mind waiting I know some people might instead like to have their own vehicle to be on their own schedule. Worth noting though that traffic gets backed up really quickly around the race start and finish area with all of the people trying to go in the same direction, with road closures. So you might want to get going even earlier to give yourself extra time to get to all of your events.
I'm a big proponent of using the various types of complementary transportation at Walt Disney World, and there are free forms of transportation available specifically for race events - Buses at resort hotels to and from the expo, buses to and from the race start/finish, and expanded monorail hours for the resort hotels on the rail line. There is oftentimes free bus transportation available in the Anaheim resort area around Disneyland as well, for races out on the West Coast. Be sure to check the official event guide for your race weekend details.
But if you're traveling with a large party, staying off-property, or want to be in control of your own transportation, there are plenty of options to rent a car (both in California and Florida). Lines can get a little long for bus transportation back to the resort hotels after the races, so while I personally don't mind waiting I know some people might instead like to have their own vehicle to be on their own schedule. Worth noting though that traffic gets backed up really quickly around the race start and finish area with all of the people trying to go in the same direction, with road closures. So you might want to get going even earlier to give yourself extra time to get to all of your events.
*Length of stay
RunDisney race weekends usually go from Thursday-Sunday, with Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend being the outlier (currently) taking place Wednesday-Sunday. I like to arrive at least 24 hours in advance of my first race event to allow for a little bit of buffer in the event of travel delays, and to give myself plenty of time to enjoy the expo and pick up my bib(s).
If you're able to, I recommend waiting to travel home until at least a full 24 hours after your last race event. My legs and back get crampy and sore from traveling as it is, so I want to make sure I'm feeling good and rested before getting on a plane for the long haul back.
And if you want to tack on additional days for exploring the parks or spending time at your resort hotel, you'll definitely want to take a look at the pricing for the different tiers of Disney hotels. The deluxe hotels, and some moderates, will have more amenities than the value hotels - So if you want to stay on vacation a little bit longer it might be worth it to you to have additional pools to explore, a spa to enjoy, and space to stretch out.
RunDisney race weekends usually go from Thursday-Sunday, with Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend being the outlier (currently) taking place Wednesday-Sunday. I like to arrive at least 24 hours in advance of my first race event to allow for a little bit of buffer in the event of travel delays, and to give myself plenty of time to enjoy the expo and pick up my bib(s).
If you're able to, I recommend waiting to travel home until at least a full 24 hours after your last race event. My legs and back get crampy and sore from traveling as it is, so I want to make sure I'm feeling good and rested before getting on a plane for the long haul back.
And if you want to tack on additional days for exploring the parks or spending time at your resort hotel, you'll definitely want to take a look at the pricing for the different tiers of Disney hotels. The deluxe hotels, and some moderates, will have more amenities than the value hotels - So if you want to stay on vacation a little bit longer it might be worth it to you to have additional pools to explore, a spa to enjoy, and space to stretch out.
*Park days
And continuing with planning for your race-cation length of stay, you'll want to consider whether or not you want to spend time in the parks. I recommend saving your park days for after you've finished your races, to save your feet and legs from extra work. I personally find it more enjoyable without the pressure, and you can't miss out on a picture in front of the castle (Cinderella or Sleeping Beauty) with your medal(s)! And if you're wanting to save a few bucks, I'd recommend not planning for a park day on the day of your race(s), as you'll have less time for enjoying them than on your non-running days.
And continuing with planning for your race-cation length of stay, you'll want to consider whether or not you want to spend time in the parks. I recommend saving your park days for after you've finished your races, to save your feet and legs from extra work. I personally find it more enjoyable without the pressure, and you can't miss out on a picture in front of the castle (Cinderella or Sleeping Beauty) with your medal(s)! And if you're wanting to save a few bucks, I'd recommend not planning for a park day on the day of your race(s), as you'll have less time for enjoying them than on your non-running days.
*Your meals, including pre-race fueling
Table-service dining reservations are often hard to come by at Walt Disney World (not quite as much at Disneyland), so you'll want to make any special meal plans for your race-cation at the 180-day mark before your trip if you're staying on property. There will be a bit extra demand with all of the runners and families visiting at the same time, especially the nights before and after each race event with everyone fueling up and then refueling/indulging. And even if you're not interested in sit-down meals, you'll still want to make sure you at least have a plan for your pre-race meal, whether you want to stay at your resort hotel or catch a bite at a quick-service location in the parks or Disney Springs.
No matter where you eat the night before your race(s), I recommend doing so early in the evening. You'll want to get in bed for a full night's sleep before your early wake up call the morning of your event(s), so plan to give yourself ample time to enjoy and digest before settling in. And while everyone immediately thinks of carbo-loading before a race, don't forget your protein, fiber, and hydration!
Table-service dining reservations are often hard to come by at Walt Disney World (not quite as much at Disneyland), so you'll want to make any special meal plans for your race-cation at the 180-day mark before your trip if you're staying on property. There will be a bit extra demand with all of the runners and families visiting at the same time, especially the nights before and after each race event with everyone fueling up and then refueling/indulging. And even if you're not interested in sit-down meals, you'll still want to make sure you at least have a plan for your pre-race meal, whether you want to stay at your resort hotel or catch a bite at a quick-service location in the parks or Disney Springs.
No matter where you eat the night before your race(s), I recommend doing so early in the evening. You'll want to get in bed for a full night's sleep before your early wake up call the morning of your event(s), so plan to give yourself ample time to enjoy and digest before settling in. And while everyone immediately thinks of carbo-loading before a race, don't forget your protein, fiber, and hydration!
Planning for a RunDisney race-cation is definitely a bit different than planning for a traditional Walt Disney World or Disneyland vacation, so hopefully these considerations gave you some additional ideas and are able to help you make some decisions. It's important to plan ahead and not leave anything to chance with so much happening during a race weekend, in my opinion at least. As always, be sure to check out https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/ and https://disneyland.disney.go.com/ for the most comprehensive and up to date info on resort hotels, tickets, dining, and more.
Until the next post, see ya real soon!
Until the next post, see ya real soon!
As the unofficial RunDisney race "season" gets ready to kick off with the Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend this September, I thought I'd share some tips for registering for your next event, as well as few things to consider. While the demand to get into one of RunDisney's race events is quite high, there's no need to stress! So take a deep breath, reset your Garmin, and check out my top tips for making registration day a breeze!
*Study the event calendar
RunDisney's annual events typically take place on the same weekends every year, and registration is now happening earlier than ever before. I'm not talking a few weeks before an event, but nearly ONE YEAR ahead of the race weekend. For example, February 2018's sold-out Princess Half Marathon Weekend opened up for registration to the general public on May 2nd - That's over 9 months prior to the event. And the 25th Anniversary Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend coming up in January 2018 opened on February 14th, almost 11 months prior to the event. So the moral of the story here is you have to plan ahead for the race you want to run; you won't be able to get a bib for (most) RunDisney races past registration opening, so know when your event goes on sale.
RunDisney released their event calendar for the following season at the end of November last year. So keep your eyes peeled around the same time this year for the 2018-2019 race dates!
*Sign up for RunDisney emails
On the RunDisney website, you can sign up for email updates and additional event information (if you're a resident of the United States or Canada). This allows you to get alerts delivered right to your inbox on registration dates, race updates, and more. Keep in mind though that if you're signed up for other Disney email lists (Parks and Resorts, Consumer Products, etc.), unsubscribing from one might get you unsubscribed from the RunDisney list as well. So it doesn't hurt to confirm your subscription on the RunDisney website every so often.
*Like RunDisney on Facebook
Don't want additional emails in your inbox? Then check out the official RunDisney Facebook page and hit the 'Like' button to follow. RunDisney frequently posts to their page, and they'll include direct links to register for races on the day they open, right at opening time. In addition to that direct registration link perk, they'll often reveal their medal designs and merchandise sneak peeks on Facebook as well (in conjunction with a feature on the Disney Parks Blog). Another note of caution, though - They don't directly reply to questions or comments on the page, so it's best to email or call RunDisney directly if you ever have a problem or need to confirm something with them.
*Create an Active.com account NOW
In the last year or so, RunDisney has used Active and their registration software to power their event registrations. I've found it helpful to use my existing Active.com account with signing up for races, and especially helpful with already being logged in the morning registration opens up. You can save personal information and credit card numbers to easily fill in the bulk of the fields RunDisney requires at registration, and also keep track of current and past registrations all in one place. When I signed up for the 2018 full marathon at Walt Disney World, the entire process took me all of 10 minutes at the most!
*Mark and clear your calendar for registration day
As far as I've experienced, RunDisney event registrations open at 12 PM EST/9 AM PST (but again, check the event calendar!). If you work a daytime job like me, this means having to set aside some time to make sure you're ready the moment registration opens up. It's a bit easier if you're on the east coast as this time falls during the typical lunch hour, but I like to block off a little 15 minute window on my calendar to make sure I have the time reserved. You'll want to be online and ready as soon as registration opens!
*Have your Proof of Time ready on registration day
If you want a higher corral placement on race day, you'll want to submit what's known as a Proof of Time with your registration. This is isn't your estimated finish time, but rather results from a certified race you've ran within the past two years. If you don't submit a Proof of Time, you run the risk of being placed in a corral closer to the back (which is fine, but there will be more walkers/slower runners to dodge if you're speedy). You can submit this proof after registration, but I recommend having it ready when you sign up so you don't forget. All about peace of mind here, with one less thing to worry about as you train for your race.
*Check the Annual Passholder offers page
Are you an Annual Passholder at Disneyland or Walt Disney World? Passholders get perks throughout the year including discounts and special offers, and oftentimes that includes early registration for RunDisney events! This early registration usually happens a week to 10 days ahead of general registration day, so you could get to sign up without (as much) pressure. Don't worry if you're not a Passholder though, races won't sell out before general registration day - RunDisney just reserves a specific amount of early registrations open to Passholders.
*Consider pre-ordering merchandise
On registration day not only can you sign up for races, but you can also pre-purchase commemorative merchandise for pickup at the Expo. This includes performance jackets, water bottles/tumblers, pins, and more. While this isn't necessarily a tip for registration day per se, I would recommend doing this if you want to go into your race weekend with souvenirs guaranteed. The race expos can get a bit cutthroat when it comes to merchandise, so this allows you to bypass a little of that. As an additional tip, I also recommend sizing up if you go for the performance jacket - I think they've been kinda small recently!
*Study the event calendar
RunDisney's annual events typically take place on the same weekends every year, and registration is now happening earlier than ever before. I'm not talking a few weeks before an event, but nearly ONE YEAR ahead of the race weekend. For example, February 2018's sold-out Princess Half Marathon Weekend opened up for registration to the general public on May 2nd - That's over 9 months prior to the event. And the 25th Anniversary Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend coming up in January 2018 opened on February 14th, almost 11 months prior to the event. So the moral of the story here is you have to plan ahead for the race you want to run; you won't be able to get a bib for (most) RunDisney races past registration opening, so know when your event goes on sale.
RunDisney released their event calendar for the following season at the end of November last year. So keep your eyes peeled around the same time this year for the 2018-2019 race dates!
*Sign up for RunDisney emails
On the RunDisney website, you can sign up for email updates and additional event information (if you're a resident of the United States or Canada). This allows you to get alerts delivered right to your inbox on registration dates, race updates, and more. Keep in mind though that if you're signed up for other Disney email lists (Parks and Resorts, Consumer Products, etc.), unsubscribing from one might get you unsubscribed from the RunDisney list as well. So it doesn't hurt to confirm your subscription on the RunDisney website every so often.
*Like RunDisney on Facebook
Don't want additional emails in your inbox? Then check out the official RunDisney Facebook page and hit the 'Like' button to follow. RunDisney frequently posts to their page, and they'll include direct links to register for races on the day they open, right at opening time. In addition to that direct registration link perk, they'll often reveal their medal designs and merchandise sneak peeks on Facebook as well (in conjunction with a feature on the Disney Parks Blog). Another note of caution, though - They don't directly reply to questions or comments on the page, so it's best to email or call RunDisney directly if you ever have a problem or need to confirm something with them.
*Create an Active.com account NOW
In the last year or so, RunDisney has used Active and their registration software to power their event registrations. I've found it helpful to use my existing Active.com account with signing up for races, and especially helpful with already being logged in the morning registration opens up. You can save personal information and credit card numbers to easily fill in the bulk of the fields RunDisney requires at registration, and also keep track of current and past registrations all in one place. When I signed up for the 2018 full marathon at Walt Disney World, the entire process took me all of 10 minutes at the most!
*Mark and clear your calendar for registration day
As far as I've experienced, RunDisney event registrations open at 12 PM EST/9 AM PST (but again, check the event calendar!). If you work a daytime job like me, this means having to set aside some time to make sure you're ready the moment registration opens up. It's a bit easier if you're on the east coast as this time falls during the typical lunch hour, but I like to block off a little 15 minute window on my calendar to make sure I have the time reserved. You'll want to be online and ready as soon as registration opens!
*Have your Proof of Time ready on registration day
If you want a higher corral placement on race day, you'll want to submit what's known as a Proof of Time with your registration. This is isn't your estimated finish time, but rather results from a certified race you've ran within the past two years. If you don't submit a Proof of Time, you run the risk of being placed in a corral closer to the back (which is fine, but there will be more walkers/slower runners to dodge if you're speedy). You can submit this proof after registration, but I recommend having it ready when you sign up so you don't forget. All about peace of mind here, with one less thing to worry about as you train for your race.
*Check the Annual Passholder offers page
Are you an Annual Passholder at Disneyland or Walt Disney World? Passholders get perks throughout the year including discounts and special offers, and oftentimes that includes early registration for RunDisney events! This early registration usually happens a week to 10 days ahead of general registration day, so you could get to sign up without (as much) pressure. Don't worry if you're not a Passholder though, races won't sell out before general registration day - RunDisney just reserves a specific amount of early registrations open to Passholders.
*Consider pre-ordering merchandise
On registration day not only can you sign up for races, but you can also pre-purchase commemorative merchandise for pickup at the Expo. This includes performance jackets, water bottles/tumblers, pins, and more. While this isn't necessarily a tip for registration day per se, I would recommend doing this if you want to go into your race weekend with souvenirs guaranteed. The race expos can get a bit cutthroat when it comes to merchandise, so this allows you to bypass a little of that. As an additional tip, I also recommend sizing up if you go for the performance jacket - I think they've been kinda small recently!
While registering for a RunDisney event might sound just as daunting as running the race itself, don't worry! Just take some time to prep and make yourself ready for registration day, and be sure to check out RunDisney.com for more, official info. And if you ever have a question about registration or event details, it's best to call RunDisney directly as compared to waiting for an email or social media response (or listening to social commentary from the crowd that's all speculation).Hope to see you at a future RunDisney event!
Until the next post, see ya real soon!
One thing I consistently see when I visit the Disney parks are guests who bring WAY too much "stuff" with them (and I'm not talking about personal baggage and drama, this time - that's for another post). While I do think it's important to be prepared, especially when visiting Walt Disney World and it's variable weather, I always try to pack as light as possible for a single day in the parks. Check out the list below of what I like to keep in my "Disney day bag."
1. A small, lightweight, hands-free bag So before we venture into the bag itself, I recommend using a backpack or hands-free bag for your day at Disneyland or Walt Disney World. My go-to is a medium-sized Disney Vera Bradley backpack; its main compartment has a zip-closure for all your valuables like money and keys (more on that later), as well as smaller side pockets and a front flap for easy-access items like (spoiler alert) hand sanitizer and sunscreen. I don't recommend bringing bags you have to hold onto like a clutch or handbag, as you'll have to constantly juggle it throughout the day with food, souvenirs, etc. Bringing a backpack in particular allows you have both of your hands free at all times! |
2. Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
I'm sure you've been told and read many times that it's important to lather up on the SPF for a Disney day. But I'll often see people only doing so in the morning and and go into the parks without extra for re-application later in the day. Then they'll either not reapply at all, or have to buy sunscreen from a gift shop (which comes at a Disney price, not a regular drugstore price). Save yourself potential frustration and throw some sunscreen in your day bag - You'll be thankful for it around lunchtime when you've got that pinchy feeling on your shoulders and forehead. Remember your lip balm or chapstick with SPF, too!
3. Rain poncho
Another given you've probably heard a million times, especially for trips to Walt Disney World. While this one doesn't quite apply to Disneyland as much, it's a lightweight item that doesn't hurt to have in your bag either way. I recommend getting your poncho beforehand outside of the parks from your local big box store, dollar store, drugstore, etc., as Disney prices apply here as well. And if you do get caught in the rain, don't throw that poncho away after the first use - Hang it up in your hotel room overnight to dry! I've gotten many uses out of ponchos.
4. Sunglasses
While many Disney souvenir stores at Walt Disney World and Disneyland will have a variety of sunnies for sale, I recommend bringing a pair you already have into the parks. Even more so, I'd consider bringing a pair that are less valuable, in the event you drop them, they get nicked, or if they get lost. The backpack I typically use has side pockets that are perfect for my go-to pair of plastic sunglasses, which makes it easy to store while enjoying the rides, shopping, etc.
5. Hand sanitizer/wet wipes
The Disney custodial team does an impeccable job at keeping the parks show ready and as clean as possible throughout the day, but I always make sure to throw travel-sized hand sanitizer and or wet wipes in my bag. Between all of the handrails you lean on while waiting in line for attractions, safety bars you clutch while riding the rides, and doors you open/close, there are plenty of opportunities to pick something up. And if you have kiddos in tow, don't forget to wipe down your stroller handles throughout the day - Cast members often have to move them around to create pathways around highly congested areas, which means more germ potential.
6. Rechargeable battery
I love to unplug while visiting the Disney theme parks and just enjoy experiencing all of the sights and sounds. But if you want to share your day with friends and family over social media, or fill up your phone/camera storage space with as many photos as possible, your battery can drain really fast. Outlets can be hard to come by (albeit a few charging stations can be found in the parks now), so I throw a fully-charged rechargeable battery into my bag at the beginning of the day for when I need extra juice. You can also use the new Fuel Rod stations to purchase and swap out batteries whenever you need - But I'd recommend buying the Fuel Rod itself outside of the parks first. You can still swap them for free!
7. Small pouch for valuables
I personally don't like carrying my full wallet around for a day in the parks, so I put my ID, annual pass, credit cards, and a few cash bills in a small pouch. Magic Bands at Walt Disney World allow you to go cashless and cardless in the parks, but I still like to have these on-hand in the event of a technical glitch or I get carded buying alcohol. And I put this small pouch within the largest section of my backpack, the one with a zip closure, to keep it all safely tucked away during the day.
8. Aleve/pain reliever
Some rides at Walt Disney World and Disneyland can give me a headache (looking at you, Matterhorn), so I like to carry a small bottle of my preferred pain reliever if I need any throughout the day. It's not uncommon for me to get headaches from longer exposure to sun/light in my eyes as well, so having Aleve in my bag is especially critical for me in the Summer months. Again, you can buy some at various Disney gift shops if you're in a pinch, but they usually sell small/individual dosages at a higher cost.
9. Travel first aid kit
This is one I always make sure to throw in my day bag when I'm visiting the parks as part of a RunDisney race-cation (check out one of my previous posts for more on planning a race-cation). The kit includes some band-aids, Neosporin, alcohol wipes, and more pain reliever. I just like to have it for additional peace of mind, and replenish it every so often to make sure it's full. My kit in particular was put together by Johnson & Johnson, if you want to check out your local pharmacy for one that's pre-built.
10. Pins for trading
And the last thing that's more for fun than necessity are pins for trading! I have quite a few pins in my collection, and some of them are duplicates from trying to complete mystery sets. So I like to keep some in my day bag if I see other guests or Cast Members with pins that I'd like to trade for. Just be warned - Once you start collecting Disney pins, it's hard to stop!
I'm sure you've been told and read many times that it's important to lather up on the SPF for a Disney day. But I'll often see people only doing so in the morning and and go into the parks without extra for re-application later in the day. Then they'll either not reapply at all, or have to buy sunscreen from a gift shop (which comes at a Disney price, not a regular drugstore price). Save yourself potential frustration and throw some sunscreen in your day bag - You'll be thankful for it around lunchtime when you've got that pinchy feeling on your shoulders and forehead. Remember your lip balm or chapstick with SPF, too!
3. Rain poncho
Another given you've probably heard a million times, especially for trips to Walt Disney World. While this one doesn't quite apply to Disneyland as much, it's a lightweight item that doesn't hurt to have in your bag either way. I recommend getting your poncho beforehand outside of the parks from your local big box store, dollar store, drugstore, etc., as Disney prices apply here as well. And if you do get caught in the rain, don't throw that poncho away after the first use - Hang it up in your hotel room overnight to dry! I've gotten many uses out of ponchos.
4. Sunglasses
While many Disney souvenir stores at Walt Disney World and Disneyland will have a variety of sunnies for sale, I recommend bringing a pair you already have into the parks. Even more so, I'd consider bringing a pair that are less valuable, in the event you drop them, they get nicked, or if they get lost. The backpack I typically use has side pockets that are perfect for my go-to pair of plastic sunglasses, which makes it easy to store while enjoying the rides, shopping, etc.
5. Hand sanitizer/wet wipes
The Disney custodial team does an impeccable job at keeping the parks show ready and as clean as possible throughout the day, but I always make sure to throw travel-sized hand sanitizer and or wet wipes in my bag. Between all of the handrails you lean on while waiting in line for attractions, safety bars you clutch while riding the rides, and doors you open/close, there are plenty of opportunities to pick something up. And if you have kiddos in tow, don't forget to wipe down your stroller handles throughout the day - Cast members often have to move them around to create pathways around highly congested areas, which means more germ potential.
6. Rechargeable battery
I love to unplug while visiting the Disney theme parks and just enjoy experiencing all of the sights and sounds. But if you want to share your day with friends and family over social media, or fill up your phone/camera storage space with as many photos as possible, your battery can drain really fast. Outlets can be hard to come by (albeit a few charging stations can be found in the parks now), so I throw a fully-charged rechargeable battery into my bag at the beginning of the day for when I need extra juice. You can also use the new Fuel Rod stations to purchase and swap out batteries whenever you need - But I'd recommend buying the Fuel Rod itself outside of the parks first. You can still swap them for free!
7. Small pouch for valuables
I personally don't like carrying my full wallet around for a day in the parks, so I put my ID, annual pass, credit cards, and a few cash bills in a small pouch. Magic Bands at Walt Disney World allow you to go cashless and cardless in the parks, but I still like to have these on-hand in the event of a technical glitch or I get carded buying alcohol. And I put this small pouch within the largest section of my backpack, the one with a zip closure, to keep it all safely tucked away during the day.
8. Aleve/pain reliever
Some rides at Walt Disney World and Disneyland can give me a headache (looking at you, Matterhorn), so I like to carry a small bottle of my preferred pain reliever if I need any throughout the day. It's not uncommon for me to get headaches from longer exposure to sun/light in my eyes as well, so having Aleve in my bag is especially critical for me in the Summer months. Again, you can buy some at various Disney gift shops if you're in a pinch, but they usually sell small/individual dosages at a higher cost.
9. Travel first aid kit
This is one I always make sure to throw in my day bag when I'm visiting the parks as part of a RunDisney race-cation (check out one of my previous posts for more on planning a race-cation). The kit includes some band-aids, Neosporin, alcohol wipes, and more pain reliever. I just like to have it for additional peace of mind, and replenish it every so often to make sure it's full. My kit in particular was put together by Johnson & Johnson, if you want to check out your local pharmacy for one that's pre-built.
10. Pins for trading
And the last thing that's more for fun than necessity are pins for trading! I have quite a few pins in my collection, and some of them are duplicates from trying to complete mystery sets. So I like to keep some in my day bag if I see other guests or Cast Members with pins that I'd like to trade for. Just be warned - Once you start collecting Disney pins, it's hard to stop!
When visiting the Disney parks, you want to enjoy your day and be as stress-free as possible. I recommend only carrying the essentials in your day bag, to keep things light on your back/shoulders. That being said, I also like to be prepared with some go-to items I might need to feel my best. What do you always include in your Disney day bag? Let me know if the comments below!
Until the next post, see ya real soon!
Until the next post, see ya real soon!
Halloweentime at the Disneyland Resort is always a treasured and anticipated time of the year, but there's even more to be excited about this season! Spooky and not-so-scary offerings are expanding across both Disneyland park and Disney's California Adventure, and I wanted to share the top 5 things I'm most looking forward to (both new and old):
1. Haul-O-Ween celebration in Cars Land - Disney's California Adventure
Cars Land is undoubtedly my favorite area in DCA, and this year it's getting a new Halloween makeover! Lightning McQueen and Mater will be greeting guests in their Halloween costumes, rides will get new themed music, and the whole land will boast new decorations from top to bottom. If this will be anything like the detailed Christmas decorations from holiday seasons past, it's sure to be quite the treat!
2. Buena Vista Street decorations - Disney's California Adventure
Another area in DCA that will get decked out for the season this year is the main entrance and accompanying Buena Vista Street. Oogie Boogie from The Nightmare Before Christmas will loom over the turnstiles at the from entrance of the park, bats will take over the exterior of the Carthay Circle restaurant, and the Headless Horseman will be immortalized in statue form to greet guests as they enter the park. I'm sure these new additions will set the mood for your day at DCA!
1. Haul-O-Ween celebration in Cars Land - Disney's California Adventure
Cars Land is undoubtedly my favorite area in DCA, and this year it's getting a new Halloween makeover! Lightning McQueen and Mater will be greeting guests in their Halloween costumes, rides will get new themed music, and the whole land will boast new decorations from top to bottom. If this will be anything like the detailed Christmas decorations from holiday seasons past, it's sure to be quite the treat!
2. Buena Vista Street decorations - Disney's California Adventure
Another area in DCA that will get decked out for the season this year is the main entrance and accompanying Buena Vista Street. Oogie Boogie from The Nightmare Before Christmas will loom over the turnstiles at the from entrance of the park, bats will take over the exterior of the Carthay Circle restaurant, and the Headless Horseman will be immortalized in statue form to greet guests as they enter the park. I'm sure these new additions will set the mood for your day at DCA!
3. Haunted Mansion Holiday - Disneyland
One of the fan-favorite (and my favorite!) parts of Halloweentime at Disneyland is coming back for another season of frightful fun at the Haunted Mansion attraction in New Orleans Square. Jack, Sally, Oogie Boogie, and others from The Nightmare Before Christmas take over the mansion, totally re-inventing the ride inside out and top to bottom. And there's even a real gingerbread house created for the ballroom scene that will take center stage. It all starts on September 15th, and will last through the end of the year (given it's relevance with the Christmas season as well). Be mindful though that the attraction has to close for this overhaul, and we'll probably see that take effect soon.
One of the fan-favorite (and my favorite!) parts of Halloweentime at Disneyland is coming back for another season of frightful fun at the Haunted Mansion attraction in New Orleans Square. Jack, Sally, Oogie Boogie, and others from The Nightmare Before Christmas take over the mansion, totally re-inventing the ride inside out and top to bottom. And there's even a real gingerbread house created for the ballroom scene that will take center stage. It all starts on September 15th, and will last through the end of the year (given it's relevance with the Christmas season as well). Be mindful though that the attraction has to close for this overhaul, and we'll probably see that take effect soon.
4. Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy - Disneyland
The Haunted Mansion isn't the only attraction that gets a Halloween overlay! The classic thrill ride in Tomorrowland is updated with creepy music and ghostly figures you're trying to escape in space. If you enjoyed the Star Wars overlay on the ride, Hyperspace Mountain, I think you'll enjoy this one as well! It's nice to have different versions to enjoy throughout the year.
5. Mickey's Halloween Party - Disneyland
The "main event" of Halloweentime at Disneyland is the hard-ticket soiree at Disneyland: Mickey's Halloween Party. This after-hours party in the park happens on select nights throughout the Halloween season, and features specialty entertainment, character meet and greets, and trick or treating for guests of all ages. You can also show extra Halloween spirit by dressing costume, which is typically a no-go at other times of the year. The first party is just over a month away on September 20th, so get your tickets now!
Planning at visit to the Disneyland Resort this Fall? What are you most excited for with Halloweentime at Disneyland? Beyond this list, there's so much more to discover! Be sure to check out www.disneyland.com for additional information and the most up-to-date details on all of the special offerings.
Until the next post, see ya real soon! And hurry baaaaaack....
Until the next post, see ya real soon! And hurry baaaaaack....
In a previous post I shared a few packing tips and some items to consider bringing on your next Disney vacation. But what if you're traveling to Walt Disney World or Disneyland for a RunDisney race-cation?! There are definitely more factors to consider when packing, so here are some of my recommendations from personal RunDisney race experiences:
**Pack your entire race day outfit in your carry-on bag
I'm not a fan of carrying much while flying; I prefer to load up my checked bag to the max weight limit - You're paying to check it anyway! But when I'm traveling for a RunDisney race-cation I always like to pack my race day outfit in my carry-on for peace of mind. Your flight might get delayed, your bag might get lost or not arrive to your WDW hotel for hours; there are always a few uncertainties. I'll pack my sneakers, entire outfit/costume (including undies!), socks, and accessories I'll need for race day, and also include my small first aid kit. While in my checked bag I might pack more things like Biofreeze, my foam roller, and Ziploc bags for ice, my carry-on will have everything I need to feel confident at the start line on race morning.
**Bring extra bags for dirty laundry and shoes!
No matter where I'm traveling, to the Disney parks or not, I always bring plastic bags for my dirty clothes - It's something my mom has always done and it's since stuck with me. So for a RunDisney race-cation, I like to bring extra bags in anticipation of LOTS of smelly clothes and dirty laundry. I'll put my sneakers in their own bag for transport (since they have their own, special stink), and then I'll put my race-day outfit in a separate bag as well. Then I'll have another plastic bag or two for other dirty clothes. I find it makes it easier to get started on the laundry once I get home by having everything separated, and most importantly, it keeps race day smells from permeating throughout my luggage. You could use packing cubes or canvas bags specifically for laundry, but I find it's more economical to just use plastic bags - Recycling for the win!
**Don't bring any new gear to try for the first time
This is more of a running tip in general, but you never want to try anything for the first time on race day. So don't waste space in your luggage on gear you haven't used before! You shouldn't be breaking in new sneakers, trying a new foam roller, or bringing five different hats/visors because you don't know which one you'll feel like using on race day. Stick to what your body is already familiar with, and what you know you'll use for the race or recovery thereafter.
**Consider bringing leave-behind sweats for race day
RunDisney's races all start in the wee hours of the morning, well before the sun comes up; I'm talking between 5 and 6 AM. That means that at start time, temperatures could be quite lower than what the anticipated high of the day will be. I'd recommend bringing some sort of layers, for top and/or bottom, that you're okay with parting with once you bring your body temperature up. This could include sweatshirts, sweatpants, bathrobes, old blankets, etc. Anything that is left behind at the start line or along the course is picked up by Disney and donated to local charities, so you're keeping warm before you run and also helping someone in need. You have the opportunity to check anything you'd like for later at the gEAR check area, but you might be standing out in the cold for a while in the corrals (especially if you're starting in a corral that is further back). RunDisney often provides runners with mylar blankets once they cross the finish line, so if you're participating in a multi-race challenge it's not a bad idea to hold onto yours for the next morning or save for a future race!
**Be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen
Just like I'd recommend for a traditional day in the parks, you'll regret it if you don't bring plenty of sunscreen for your race-cation. Again, stick to what you're familiar with and know works for you while running, and don't forget to bring a smaller size for race day to keep on you. While you'll want to apply at the start, you'll want to reapply later if you're running a longer distance like a half or full marathon. Just doing a simple search on Runner's World for examples of severe runner sunburn will change you for life (I won't link here and gross you out - Check it out at your own risk).
**Double-check for RunDisney's required check-in items before leaving home
In order to run on race day, you have to visit the accompanying Health & Fitness Expo beforehand to pick up your bib. To pick up your bib, you'll need to have a government-issued photo ID and signed waiver. While you can print out your waiver at the expo if needed, I just find it best to have everything accounted for before arriving; one less thing to worry about. I'll take it one step further and actually bring my waiver (and other travel documents like flight and hotel confirmations) in a folder so I know where it is, and I can also use that folder for my bib to keep it flat and in a safe place before race day. If you pre-purchased anything with your race registration as well, like a jacket, pin bundle, or water bottle, you might want to bring your registration confirmation that lists out those items (if there's any issue at pickup).
**Check the weather forecast and take precautions in the event of rain
Unfortunately the Disney parks aren't immune from inclement weather (no, there is no dome over Walt Disney World!), so prepare for rain just like you would for a regular day in the parks. It's not a bad idea to have ponchos, rain jackets, or garbage bags on-hand for race day if any rain is in the forecast. And if you often run wearing a hat, bringing along your favorite water-resistant hat or visor could be helpful as well.
Since starting distance running a little more than 3 years ago, I've become a big RunDisney fan and hope to continue participating in their races at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland as long as my body (and wallet!) will let me. In fact, I'm running the Avengers Half Marathon at Disneyland in November and the 25th annual WDW Full Marathon this January 2018, so be sure to check back for posts on my experiences thereafter. You can also follow me on Facebook for more fun and photos, and you can of course learn more about RunDisney and all of their events at www.rundisney.com.
Is there anything on your must-pack list that you'd recommend? Share with us in the comments below!
Until the next post, see ya real soon!
**Pack your entire race day outfit in your carry-on bag
I'm not a fan of carrying much while flying; I prefer to load up my checked bag to the max weight limit - You're paying to check it anyway! But when I'm traveling for a RunDisney race-cation I always like to pack my race day outfit in my carry-on for peace of mind. Your flight might get delayed, your bag might get lost or not arrive to your WDW hotel for hours; there are always a few uncertainties. I'll pack my sneakers, entire outfit/costume (including undies!), socks, and accessories I'll need for race day, and also include my small first aid kit. While in my checked bag I might pack more things like Biofreeze, my foam roller, and Ziploc bags for ice, my carry-on will have everything I need to feel confident at the start line on race morning.
**Bring extra bags for dirty laundry and shoes!
No matter where I'm traveling, to the Disney parks or not, I always bring plastic bags for my dirty clothes - It's something my mom has always done and it's since stuck with me. So for a RunDisney race-cation, I like to bring extra bags in anticipation of LOTS of smelly clothes and dirty laundry. I'll put my sneakers in their own bag for transport (since they have their own, special stink), and then I'll put my race-day outfit in a separate bag as well. Then I'll have another plastic bag or two for other dirty clothes. I find it makes it easier to get started on the laundry once I get home by having everything separated, and most importantly, it keeps race day smells from permeating throughout my luggage. You could use packing cubes or canvas bags specifically for laundry, but I find it's more economical to just use plastic bags - Recycling for the win!
**Don't bring any new gear to try for the first time
This is more of a running tip in general, but you never want to try anything for the first time on race day. So don't waste space in your luggage on gear you haven't used before! You shouldn't be breaking in new sneakers, trying a new foam roller, or bringing five different hats/visors because you don't know which one you'll feel like using on race day. Stick to what your body is already familiar with, and what you know you'll use for the race or recovery thereafter.
**Consider bringing leave-behind sweats for race day
RunDisney's races all start in the wee hours of the morning, well before the sun comes up; I'm talking between 5 and 6 AM. That means that at start time, temperatures could be quite lower than what the anticipated high of the day will be. I'd recommend bringing some sort of layers, for top and/or bottom, that you're okay with parting with once you bring your body temperature up. This could include sweatshirts, sweatpants, bathrobes, old blankets, etc. Anything that is left behind at the start line or along the course is picked up by Disney and donated to local charities, so you're keeping warm before you run and also helping someone in need. You have the opportunity to check anything you'd like for later at the gEAR check area, but you might be standing out in the cold for a while in the corrals (especially if you're starting in a corral that is further back). RunDisney often provides runners with mylar blankets once they cross the finish line, so if you're participating in a multi-race challenge it's not a bad idea to hold onto yours for the next morning or save for a future race!
**Be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen
Just like I'd recommend for a traditional day in the parks, you'll regret it if you don't bring plenty of sunscreen for your race-cation. Again, stick to what you're familiar with and know works for you while running, and don't forget to bring a smaller size for race day to keep on you. While you'll want to apply at the start, you'll want to reapply later if you're running a longer distance like a half or full marathon. Just doing a simple search on Runner's World for examples of severe runner sunburn will change you for life (I won't link here and gross you out - Check it out at your own risk).
**Double-check for RunDisney's required check-in items before leaving home
In order to run on race day, you have to visit the accompanying Health & Fitness Expo beforehand to pick up your bib. To pick up your bib, you'll need to have a government-issued photo ID and signed waiver. While you can print out your waiver at the expo if needed, I just find it best to have everything accounted for before arriving; one less thing to worry about. I'll take it one step further and actually bring my waiver (and other travel documents like flight and hotel confirmations) in a folder so I know where it is, and I can also use that folder for my bib to keep it flat and in a safe place before race day. If you pre-purchased anything with your race registration as well, like a jacket, pin bundle, or water bottle, you might want to bring your registration confirmation that lists out those items (if there's any issue at pickup).
**Check the weather forecast and take precautions in the event of rain
Unfortunately the Disney parks aren't immune from inclement weather (no, there is no dome over Walt Disney World!), so prepare for rain just like you would for a regular day in the parks. It's not a bad idea to have ponchos, rain jackets, or garbage bags on-hand for race day if any rain is in the forecast. And if you often run wearing a hat, bringing along your favorite water-resistant hat or visor could be helpful as well.
Since starting distance running a little more than 3 years ago, I've become a big RunDisney fan and hope to continue participating in their races at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland as long as my body (and wallet!) will let me. In fact, I'm running the Avengers Half Marathon at Disneyland in November and the 25th annual WDW Full Marathon this January 2018, so be sure to check back for posts on my experiences thereafter. You can also follow me on Facebook for more fun and photos, and you can of course learn more about RunDisney and all of their events at www.rundisney.com.
Is there anything on your must-pack list that you'd recommend? Share with us in the comments below!
Until the next post, see ya real soon!
This year brought new RunDisney experiences for me, and another race to add to my list of favorites! With relatively flat courses, gorgeous medals, and a relaxed/low-key California vibe, I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at Tinkerbell Half Marathon weekend. I ran both the 10K and half marathon as part of the Pixie Dust Challenge, and also completed another Coast to Cost Challenge (earning the coveted PINK version of the medal, but more on that below). While there was some criticism from the crowd on overall organization and entertainment, I had a fun weekend and plan on returning to participate again in years to come. Read on for some of my highlights from the weekend and thoughts.
Expo Experience
A big part of the fun at RunDisney events is the shopping! Most of that shopping happens at the Health & Fitness Expo that accompanies the weekend's races. All runners must visit the expo to pick up their bib and included race shirts, and there are also plenty of vendors selling fairy-themed goodies and official Disney merchandise. I personally liked the shirts that came with race registration this year (albeit the 10K wasn't my favorite shirt of the bunch), and I also thought there was a wide variety of official race merchandise available. I was able to snag a Tinkerbell sneaker ornament, some pins, and a fun tank top. It was also at the expo that I picked up the performance jacket I pre-purchased with race registration (which I love and fits really well, contrary to other RunDisney jackets).
I visited the expo on it's second day (Friday), right at open time. There were definitely crowds at the beginning of the day, so I had to wait in a few lines: one to pick up my bib, and then another to get into the official merchandise area. I didn't think the wait times were very long though, and everything was well organized. A big purchase I made was one of the weekend's limited edition Dooney & Bourke bags, and there were plenty left by the time I reached their booth. Even though Tinkerbell Half Marathon weekend is California's answer to Princes Half Marathon weekend, it was not nearly as hectic, crowded, and overall rushed as the Walt Disney World event.
With the Pixie Dust Challenge, and any multi-race RunDisney challenges, I had one bib to wear for both the 10K and half marathon. Upon picking up my bib at the expo, I also had to get my photo taken. This photo is used to verify your identity at the end of the races to receive your challenge medal. Because I completed the Princess Half Marathon at Walt Disney World a few weeks prior, I also received my Coast to Coast Challenge wristbands at the expo. One wristband was for the special edition pink C2C medal, specifically for finishers of both the Princess and Tink half marathons within the same calendar year. The other, blue wristband was for the regular C2C medal, and this year it was extra-special for the 10th anniversary of the challenge! While this might change moving forward, running the Princess Half Marathon qualified me for both medals. Always be sure to check in with RunDisney on policies like these to stay up to date before your event.
A big part of the fun at RunDisney events is the shopping! Most of that shopping happens at the Health & Fitness Expo that accompanies the weekend's races. All runners must visit the expo to pick up their bib and included race shirts, and there are also plenty of vendors selling fairy-themed goodies and official Disney merchandise. I personally liked the shirts that came with race registration this year (albeit the 10K wasn't my favorite shirt of the bunch), and I also thought there was a wide variety of official race merchandise available. I was able to snag a Tinkerbell sneaker ornament, some pins, and a fun tank top. It was also at the expo that I picked up the performance jacket I pre-purchased with race registration (which I love and fits really well, contrary to other RunDisney jackets).
I visited the expo on it's second day (Friday), right at open time. There were definitely crowds at the beginning of the day, so I had to wait in a few lines: one to pick up my bib, and then another to get into the official merchandise area. I didn't think the wait times were very long though, and everything was well organized. A big purchase I made was one of the weekend's limited edition Dooney & Bourke bags, and there were plenty left by the time I reached their booth. Even though Tinkerbell Half Marathon weekend is California's answer to Princes Half Marathon weekend, it was not nearly as hectic, crowded, and overall rushed as the Walt Disney World event.
With the Pixie Dust Challenge, and any multi-race RunDisney challenges, I had one bib to wear for both the 10K and half marathon. Upon picking up my bib at the expo, I also had to get my photo taken. This photo is used to verify your identity at the end of the races to receive your challenge medal. Because I completed the Princess Half Marathon at Walt Disney World a few weeks prior, I also received my Coast to Coast Challenge wristbands at the expo. One wristband was for the special edition pink C2C medal, specifically for finishers of both the Princess and Tink half marathons within the same calendar year. The other, blue wristband was for the regular C2C medal, and this year it was extra-special for the 10th anniversary of the challenge! While this might change moving forward, running the Princess Half Marathon qualified me for both medals. Always be sure to check in with RunDisney on policies like these to stay up to date before your event.
Saturday - 10K Day
The first leg of the Pixie Dust Challenge is the 10K, which boasts a course that winds throughout Disneyland park and Disney's California Adventure. Nearly all of the 6.2 miles is onstage between the two parks, with a bit of time backstage and on the esplanade between the two parks. I started in Corral E, which was a very, very large corral. Because I was staying within walking distance to the Disneyland Resort (I highly recommend staying at the Desert Palms Hotel for Disneyland RunDisney race weekends), I was able to get a spot towards the front of my corral after dropping off my gEAR bag at the family reunion area. Security seemed a bit unorganized with the recent changes made to the checkpoints around the Disneyland Resort, but I arrived onsite early enough that I never felt I was up against time.
Corral E was positioned pretty far away from the actual start line of the race, so it was a little challenging hearing and seeing the start line entertainment. It was also a bit odd that our corral wasn't walked up to the start until nearly the last second; when we were within a few yards of the start line, we were told to keep going and officially start running. Not the greatest way to start, but I didn't mind.
RunDisney 10Ks are usually the most popular distances at race weekends, and this one was no exception. It was pretty crowded at the very beginning of the race, but I was able to find a pocket quickly and there weren't too many choke points on the course. I did have to bob and weave a bit around walkers though, as not many people followed the run on the left, walk on the right rule. I race using a run/walk interval method, so I typically stuck to the middle of the path.
Apparently the previous day's 5K race was lacking in characters and on-course entertainment, but that was not the case with the 10K. There were quite a few character stops, Photopass photographers, and Cast Members dressed as pirates throughout the course. The only thing I didn't care for was that they REPEATEDLY played "Following the Leader" from Peter Pan, as the race was themed around the Lost Boys. I would have loved to hear other songs from the soundtrack like "You Can Fly."
After a nice little kick at the end, I crossed the finish line and was given the cute Lost Boys-themed medal. In typical RunDisney fashion there were also bananas, Powerade, water, and food boxes available for runners (cheese dip and tortilla chips included), and Photopass photographers were stationed to take your picture with your medal and fun little paddles saying "I Did It." The lines for photos weren't too bad, and I was able to retrieve my gEAR bag pretty quickly as well. All in all, I had a great time at the 10K!
The first leg of the Pixie Dust Challenge is the 10K, which boasts a course that winds throughout Disneyland park and Disney's California Adventure. Nearly all of the 6.2 miles is onstage between the two parks, with a bit of time backstage and on the esplanade between the two parks. I started in Corral E, which was a very, very large corral. Because I was staying within walking distance to the Disneyland Resort (I highly recommend staying at the Desert Palms Hotel for Disneyland RunDisney race weekends), I was able to get a spot towards the front of my corral after dropping off my gEAR bag at the family reunion area. Security seemed a bit unorganized with the recent changes made to the checkpoints around the Disneyland Resort, but I arrived onsite early enough that I never felt I was up against time.
Corral E was positioned pretty far away from the actual start line of the race, so it was a little challenging hearing and seeing the start line entertainment. It was also a bit odd that our corral wasn't walked up to the start until nearly the last second; when we were within a few yards of the start line, we were told to keep going and officially start running. Not the greatest way to start, but I didn't mind.
RunDisney 10Ks are usually the most popular distances at race weekends, and this one was no exception. It was pretty crowded at the very beginning of the race, but I was able to find a pocket quickly and there weren't too many choke points on the course. I did have to bob and weave a bit around walkers though, as not many people followed the run on the left, walk on the right rule. I race using a run/walk interval method, so I typically stuck to the middle of the path.
Apparently the previous day's 5K race was lacking in characters and on-course entertainment, but that was not the case with the 10K. There were quite a few character stops, Photopass photographers, and Cast Members dressed as pirates throughout the course. The only thing I didn't care for was that they REPEATEDLY played "Following the Leader" from Peter Pan, as the race was themed around the Lost Boys. I would have loved to hear other songs from the soundtrack like "You Can Fly."
After a nice little kick at the end, I crossed the finish line and was given the cute Lost Boys-themed medal. In typical RunDisney fashion there were also bananas, Powerade, water, and food boxes available for runners (cheese dip and tortilla chips included), and Photopass photographers were stationed to take your picture with your medal and fun little paddles saying "I Did It." The lines for photos weren't too bad, and I was able to retrieve my gEAR bag pretty quickly as well. All in all, I had a great time at the 10K!
Sunday - Half Marathon Day
After taking it easy the rest of the day on Saturday, I was up before the sun again to run the half marathon and complete the Pixie Dust Challenge! I started in Corral E again, and this time there were some challenges with security and lines that actually caused the race to delay starting by a few minutes. I was there early enough again to position myself towards the front of my corral, but many runners were finding themselves pushing it to the limit with time to get into their respective corrals. Compared to races at Walt Disney World, you can usually sleep in a little bit for Disneyland races, but I wouldn't recommend waiting too long to get up and out to the start area, especially if you want to check a bag, take photos, etc. I tried to arrive at least an hour ahead of time, if not earlier, for both races.
As mentioned, the start was delayed a little bit as runners were still going through security and traffic was backed up a bit. But our corral was walked up earlier than the day prior, and I felt a little more ready with that extra time. It was bit crowded again as runners found their paces, but it did open up fairly quickly. The first half of the course took us through Disneyland park and Disney's California Adventure (nearly mimicking the 10K course) and then onto the streets of Anaheim. The entire course was pretty flat with a few up and down slopes, but nothing like the hills on the Princess Half Marathon course (I'm looking at you, mile 10 exit ramp). There were a few bands and DJs to provide some entertainment, as well as awesome community clubs with treats and encouraging words.
I was able to set a new PR with this race and had a nice kick for the last 10th of a mile. The spectators at the finish (and all along the course, for that matter) were awesome, and I definitely got emotional crossing the finish line. Before picking up my RunDisney refreshments and gEAR bag, I received my four medals. The Pixie Dust Challenge medal is my current favorite of all my running medals, and it features a gorgeous spinner with Tink's wings! Pandora Jewelry was the presenting sponsor of Tinkerbell Half Marathon weekend, so they had a hand in designing the medals (and you could definitely tell). Photopass photographers were available again for some post-race pics, but the lines did feel a bit longer than those from the 10K the day before.
Overall, I really enjoyed the 2017 Tinkerbell Half Marathon weekend! I definitely plan on running again, and would recommend these races to RunDisney fans and runners of all abilities and backgrounds. Even if you're local to Southern California (I live about a half hour away from the Disneyland Resort), I'd recommend staying in the area to make getting to the race start early/on time easier and to feel closer to the magic throughout the whole weekend. Take your time going through the expo and enjoy every magical mile of whichever race you choose to take part in. To learn more about RunDisney and all of their events at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland, check out RunDisney.com.
Until the next post, see ya real soon!
After taking it easy the rest of the day on Saturday, I was up before the sun again to run the half marathon and complete the Pixie Dust Challenge! I started in Corral E again, and this time there were some challenges with security and lines that actually caused the race to delay starting by a few minutes. I was there early enough again to position myself towards the front of my corral, but many runners were finding themselves pushing it to the limit with time to get into their respective corrals. Compared to races at Walt Disney World, you can usually sleep in a little bit for Disneyland races, but I wouldn't recommend waiting too long to get up and out to the start area, especially if you want to check a bag, take photos, etc. I tried to arrive at least an hour ahead of time, if not earlier, for both races.
As mentioned, the start was delayed a little bit as runners were still going through security and traffic was backed up a bit. But our corral was walked up earlier than the day prior, and I felt a little more ready with that extra time. It was bit crowded again as runners found their paces, but it did open up fairly quickly. The first half of the course took us through Disneyland park and Disney's California Adventure (nearly mimicking the 10K course) and then onto the streets of Anaheim. The entire course was pretty flat with a few up and down slopes, but nothing like the hills on the Princess Half Marathon course (I'm looking at you, mile 10 exit ramp). There were a few bands and DJs to provide some entertainment, as well as awesome community clubs with treats and encouraging words.
I was able to set a new PR with this race and had a nice kick for the last 10th of a mile. The spectators at the finish (and all along the course, for that matter) were awesome, and I definitely got emotional crossing the finish line. Before picking up my RunDisney refreshments and gEAR bag, I received my four medals. The Pixie Dust Challenge medal is my current favorite of all my running medals, and it features a gorgeous spinner with Tink's wings! Pandora Jewelry was the presenting sponsor of Tinkerbell Half Marathon weekend, so they had a hand in designing the medals (and you could definitely tell). Photopass photographers were available again for some post-race pics, but the lines did feel a bit longer than those from the 10K the day before.
Overall, I really enjoyed the 2017 Tinkerbell Half Marathon weekend! I definitely plan on running again, and would recommend these races to RunDisney fans and runners of all abilities and backgrounds. Even if you're local to Southern California (I live about a half hour away from the Disneyland Resort), I'd recommend staying in the area to make getting to the race start early/on time easier and to feel closer to the magic throughout the whole weekend. Take your time going through the expo and enjoy every magical mile of whichever race you choose to take part in. To learn more about RunDisney and all of their events at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland, check out RunDisney.com.
Until the next post, see ya real soon!
*Originally posted in Spring 2015 - Stay tuned for an updated post as I experience more at Walt Disney World!
At Walt Disney World, there's always something magical to do! Whether it's hitting up your favorite attraction, taking in a Broadway-style stage show, or indulging in some retail therapy, there's something for everyone to enjoy. But did you know that all of Disney's restaurants and dining options are just as magical? With nearly 300 dining options on property, you're bound to find something unique for your family to enjoy each and every day during your Disney vacation. This post is dedicated to my top 10 favorite casual dining spots around Walt Disney World and all of the magical moments they can offer you and your family, without having to worry about getting fancy. While I haven't been able to experience each and every restaurant or eatery at WDW myself, these are the ones my family and I frequent the most and continue to call our favorites:
#1 - Chef Mickey's at Disney's Contemporary Resort
Want to have a meal with the big cheese himself? For me, there's no better way to do it than at Chef Mickey's at Disney's Contemporary Resort, right next to the Magic Kingdom. This character dining location serves up breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffet-style right in the middle of the famous Contemporary Resort, Walt Disney World's original on-property resort hotel. Perfect for families of all sizes with kids of all ages, you get to meet Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and Pluto (characters subject to change!) while enjoying a fabulous spread of your favorite American cuisine, including my favorite Disney breakfast item: MICKEY WAFFLES! It's a great place to fill your tummy before heading out to the Magic Kingdom for the day, or to kick back at the end of a fun-filled day before heading back to your hotel. This is one of the most popular Disney character dining restaurants, so be sure to plan ahead and make your reservation within the applicable 180-day window before you arrive at Walt Disney World (which also applies to many of my other top 10 favorite picks!).
#2 - T-REX at the Downtown Disney Marketplace
If you're a fan of dinosaurs and intricately-themed, immersive dining experiences, then T-REX at the Downtown Disney Marketplace is the perfect place for your family! Set up like the familiar Rainforest Café, this restaurant offers up American cuisine in a space that takes you back to the Stone Age. You'll see advanced animatronic dinosaurs, woolly mammoths, and undersea creatures, and a meteor shower rains down on the entire restaurant every 30 minutes. There's also a large gift shop at the front entrance that includes a space for amateur archaeologists to search for fossils. This is my family's must-do every time we visit Downtown Disney for the night! Be wary if you're traveling with very young guests or those with sensitive hearing, as the meteor showers can be a bit frightening and loud.
#3 - Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater at Disney's Hollywood Studios
Travel back to the 50's and take in a science fiction flick at the drive-in during a meal at the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater at Disney's Hollywood Studios. This uniquely-themed dining location allows you eat your meal in a car under the stars and watch campy science fiction short films featuring aliens, robots, monsters, and more! Also offering traditional American cuisine, Sci-Fi Dine-In is known for its menu of sandwiches, ribs, and gourmet burgers, including their most-requested All-American Picnic Burger. Plus, if you're of legal drinking age and like trying different specialty drinks, this dining location boasts a slew of unique cocktails, including those with glowing ice cubes!
#4 - Columbia Harbour House at the Magic Kingdom
If your family prefers counter-service eating at the parks over sit-down, table service dining, then be sure to check out my favorite quick-service dining location at the Magic Kingdom: The Columbia Harbour House. Located right across from the Haunted Mansion in Liberty Square, this restaurant is known-for their seafood specialties including lobster rolls, fish and chips, and clam chowder, among other options. It's a great place to escape the heat and spend some time indoors people-watching from the bridge that looks over the entrance to Liberty Square from Fantasyland. Plus, it's usually not as crowded as other counter-services locations like Cosmic Ray's Starlight Café in Tomorrowland and Pinocchio's Village Haus in Fantasyland. And the New England seaside theme is quite charming!
#5 - Lotus Blossom Café at EPCOT
EPCOT's World Showcase undoubtedly offers the most unique and varied dining options at Walt Disney World, and the Lotus Blossom Café in the China pavilion is one of my favorite quick-service spots "around the world." Offering go-to, familiar Chinese dishes and snacks including shrimp fried rice, potstickers, and Orange Chicken (my favorite!), it's a great place to stop for a lunch in the middle of your trip around World Showcase with something for everyone in your party to enjoy. Plus, the outdoor seating serves as a great spot to people-watch and catch some of the China pavilion's street performances while you eat!
#6 - Boma-Flavors of Africa at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is world-renowned for it's architecture and sweeping views that make you feel like you've traveled from Florida to Africa in just a quick bus ride. But it also offers up authentic African cuisine in its various dining locations, including at the buffet-style Boma-Flavors of Africa restaurant. You can put your all-you-can-eat meal together from choices of dishes coming from over 50 different African countries that are sure to satisfy every member of your family. And don't worry there's American favorites like mac 'n cheese and mashed potatoes for picky eaters as well. This is a great place to enjoy a meal outside of the hustle and bustle of the parks and experience a different culture. Don't forget to try the zebra dome cakes!
#7 - Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria at EPCOT
If you're a pizza fan, look no further than Via Napoli at ECPOT's Italy pavilion for the best pizza at Walt Disney World! Nestled in the back of the pavilion area, Via Napoli Is a southern-Italian themed restaurant with nearly 30 different kinds and sizes of Neapolitan pizzas that are cooked to perfection in the coolest pizza ovens you've ever seen. Via Napoli also serves up classic, authentic Italian dishes that are not to be missed, as well as specialty cocktails and house-made specialty sangria. This is definitely a good place to stop for a relaxed, table-service meal before taking in EPCOT's nighttime entertainment offerings!
#8 - Casey's Corner at the Magic Kingdom
A signature icon of Main St. USA at the Magic Kingdom, Casey's Corner serves up specialty hot dogs, nachos, and other ballpark favorites right in front of beautiful Cinderella Castle. This is always a favorite stop of ours for a counter-service meal before Disney's Main Street Electrical Parade and Wishes fireworks spectacular. The indoor and outdoor seating is almost always taken all day long, so don't be afraid to find a spot to sit on the Main St. curb and eat there - It's a great way to save your spot for the daytime and nighttime parades and eat at the same time! This is definitely a good option for families with young children who may be picky or non-sophisticated eaters.
#9 - Flame Tree Barbecue at Disney's Animal Kingdom
Located in the Discovery Island section of Disney's Animal Kingdom, the Flame Tree Barbecue counter-service dining location offers up (in my opinion) the best pulled pork barbeque sandwich at Walt Disney World! The covered, outdoor seating areas offer stunning views of the park, including a direct view of the Expedition Everest roller coaster attraction, and is a great option for a hearty lunch to fuel up for the rest of your day at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Other meal choices include barbecue ribs and chicken in their signature Flam Tree BBQ rub. A must-do for barbecue fans!
Flame Tree Barbecue is currently undergoing refurbishments at Disney's Animal Kingdom, and is therein closed until early Summer 2015. You can still try some of their signature dishes and snacks at nearby stands though - Just look for the signs on the construction walls!
#10 - Whispering Canyon Café at Disney's Wilderness Lodge
Another location that's perfect for barbecue fans can be found at Disney's Wilderness Lodge, right off of the central lobby. The Whispering Canyon Café is a table-service restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner featuring classic American cuisine. The Cast Members are known to be sassy and wise-cracking, there's plenty of activities for younger guests to enjoy while your waiting for your table, and the theming and decorations make you feel as you've gone back to the Old West. But be warned, you might get an interesting reaction from your server if you ask for ketchup!
To learn more about these dining locations, and all of the others available at Walt Disney World, visit https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/. And definitely consider making your desired table-service dining reservations as soon as the 180-day window opens up before your trip. Be sure to check back for posts on Disney's Dining Plan options, how to make special dining reservations before you arrive at WDW, the best places to dine with Princesses of all ages, and what to expect when you have a meal with Disney's famous character friends.
Until the next post, see ya real soon!
At Walt Disney World, there's always something magical to do! Whether it's hitting up your favorite attraction, taking in a Broadway-style stage show, or indulging in some retail therapy, there's something for everyone to enjoy. But did you know that all of Disney's restaurants and dining options are just as magical? With nearly 300 dining options on property, you're bound to find something unique for your family to enjoy each and every day during your Disney vacation. This post is dedicated to my top 10 favorite casual dining spots around Walt Disney World and all of the magical moments they can offer you and your family, without having to worry about getting fancy. While I haven't been able to experience each and every restaurant or eatery at WDW myself, these are the ones my family and I frequent the most and continue to call our favorites:
#1 - Chef Mickey's at Disney's Contemporary Resort
Want to have a meal with the big cheese himself? For me, there's no better way to do it than at Chef Mickey's at Disney's Contemporary Resort, right next to the Magic Kingdom. This character dining location serves up breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffet-style right in the middle of the famous Contemporary Resort, Walt Disney World's original on-property resort hotel. Perfect for families of all sizes with kids of all ages, you get to meet Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and Pluto (characters subject to change!) while enjoying a fabulous spread of your favorite American cuisine, including my favorite Disney breakfast item: MICKEY WAFFLES! It's a great place to fill your tummy before heading out to the Magic Kingdom for the day, or to kick back at the end of a fun-filled day before heading back to your hotel. This is one of the most popular Disney character dining restaurants, so be sure to plan ahead and make your reservation within the applicable 180-day window before you arrive at Walt Disney World (which also applies to many of my other top 10 favorite picks!).
#2 - T-REX at the Downtown Disney Marketplace
If you're a fan of dinosaurs and intricately-themed, immersive dining experiences, then T-REX at the Downtown Disney Marketplace is the perfect place for your family! Set up like the familiar Rainforest Café, this restaurant offers up American cuisine in a space that takes you back to the Stone Age. You'll see advanced animatronic dinosaurs, woolly mammoths, and undersea creatures, and a meteor shower rains down on the entire restaurant every 30 minutes. There's also a large gift shop at the front entrance that includes a space for amateur archaeologists to search for fossils. This is my family's must-do every time we visit Downtown Disney for the night! Be wary if you're traveling with very young guests or those with sensitive hearing, as the meteor showers can be a bit frightening and loud.
#3 - Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater at Disney's Hollywood Studios
Travel back to the 50's and take in a science fiction flick at the drive-in during a meal at the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater at Disney's Hollywood Studios. This uniquely-themed dining location allows you eat your meal in a car under the stars and watch campy science fiction short films featuring aliens, robots, monsters, and more! Also offering traditional American cuisine, Sci-Fi Dine-In is known for its menu of sandwiches, ribs, and gourmet burgers, including their most-requested All-American Picnic Burger. Plus, if you're of legal drinking age and like trying different specialty drinks, this dining location boasts a slew of unique cocktails, including those with glowing ice cubes!
#4 - Columbia Harbour House at the Magic Kingdom
If your family prefers counter-service eating at the parks over sit-down, table service dining, then be sure to check out my favorite quick-service dining location at the Magic Kingdom: The Columbia Harbour House. Located right across from the Haunted Mansion in Liberty Square, this restaurant is known-for their seafood specialties including lobster rolls, fish and chips, and clam chowder, among other options. It's a great place to escape the heat and spend some time indoors people-watching from the bridge that looks over the entrance to Liberty Square from Fantasyland. Plus, it's usually not as crowded as other counter-services locations like Cosmic Ray's Starlight Café in Tomorrowland and Pinocchio's Village Haus in Fantasyland. And the New England seaside theme is quite charming!
#5 - Lotus Blossom Café at EPCOT
EPCOT's World Showcase undoubtedly offers the most unique and varied dining options at Walt Disney World, and the Lotus Blossom Café in the China pavilion is one of my favorite quick-service spots "around the world." Offering go-to, familiar Chinese dishes and snacks including shrimp fried rice, potstickers, and Orange Chicken (my favorite!), it's a great place to stop for a lunch in the middle of your trip around World Showcase with something for everyone in your party to enjoy. Plus, the outdoor seating serves as a great spot to people-watch and catch some of the China pavilion's street performances while you eat!
#6 - Boma-Flavors of Africa at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is world-renowned for it's architecture and sweeping views that make you feel like you've traveled from Florida to Africa in just a quick bus ride. But it also offers up authentic African cuisine in its various dining locations, including at the buffet-style Boma-Flavors of Africa restaurant. You can put your all-you-can-eat meal together from choices of dishes coming from over 50 different African countries that are sure to satisfy every member of your family. And don't worry there's American favorites like mac 'n cheese and mashed potatoes for picky eaters as well. This is a great place to enjoy a meal outside of the hustle and bustle of the parks and experience a different culture. Don't forget to try the zebra dome cakes!
#7 - Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria at EPCOT
If you're a pizza fan, look no further than Via Napoli at ECPOT's Italy pavilion for the best pizza at Walt Disney World! Nestled in the back of the pavilion area, Via Napoli Is a southern-Italian themed restaurant with nearly 30 different kinds and sizes of Neapolitan pizzas that are cooked to perfection in the coolest pizza ovens you've ever seen. Via Napoli also serves up classic, authentic Italian dishes that are not to be missed, as well as specialty cocktails and house-made specialty sangria. This is definitely a good place to stop for a relaxed, table-service meal before taking in EPCOT's nighttime entertainment offerings!
#8 - Casey's Corner at the Magic Kingdom
A signature icon of Main St. USA at the Magic Kingdom, Casey's Corner serves up specialty hot dogs, nachos, and other ballpark favorites right in front of beautiful Cinderella Castle. This is always a favorite stop of ours for a counter-service meal before Disney's Main Street Electrical Parade and Wishes fireworks spectacular. The indoor and outdoor seating is almost always taken all day long, so don't be afraid to find a spot to sit on the Main St. curb and eat there - It's a great way to save your spot for the daytime and nighttime parades and eat at the same time! This is definitely a good option for families with young children who may be picky or non-sophisticated eaters.
#9 - Flame Tree Barbecue at Disney's Animal Kingdom
Located in the Discovery Island section of Disney's Animal Kingdom, the Flame Tree Barbecue counter-service dining location offers up (in my opinion) the best pulled pork barbeque sandwich at Walt Disney World! The covered, outdoor seating areas offer stunning views of the park, including a direct view of the Expedition Everest roller coaster attraction, and is a great option for a hearty lunch to fuel up for the rest of your day at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Other meal choices include barbecue ribs and chicken in their signature Flam Tree BBQ rub. A must-do for barbecue fans!
Flame Tree Barbecue is currently undergoing refurbishments at Disney's Animal Kingdom, and is therein closed until early Summer 2015. You can still try some of their signature dishes and snacks at nearby stands though - Just look for the signs on the construction walls!
#10 - Whispering Canyon Café at Disney's Wilderness Lodge
Another location that's perfect for barbecue fans can be found at Disney's Wilderness Lodge, right off of the central lobby. The Whispering Canyon Café is a table-service restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner featuring classic American cuisine. The Cast Members are known to be sassy and wise-cracking, there's plenty of activities for younger guests to enjoy while your waiting for your table, and the theming and decorations make you feel as you've gone back to the Old West. But be warned, you might get an interesting reaction from your server if you ask for ketchup!
To learn more about these dining locations, and all of the others available at Walt Disney World, visit https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/. And definitely consider making your desired table-service dining reservations as soon as the 180-day window opens up before your trip. Be sure to check back for posts on Disney's Dining Plan options, how to make special dining reservations before you arrive at WDW, the best places to dine with Princesses of all ages, and what to expect when you have a meal with Disney's famous character friends.
Until the next post, see ya real soon!
It's no secret that the summer season is a busy time at Walt Disney World. Not to mention that it can get extremely hot and humid... But that doesn't mean you have to miss out on any fun! There's so much to explore and do from May through August at WDW, so check out some tips on making the most of your summer Disney vacation, and some activities for the whole family that add a little extra pixie dust:
**Know that the parks WILL be busy, and hotels WILL be full
Summer is considered to be a 'peak season' at Walt Disney World. With kids out of school, a few holidays, and more families planning trips, the parks are busy every day of the week and Disney's on-property resort hotels have little to no vacancy. You have to approach planning your vacation with this mindset, because that will mean a lot of long lines, crowded buses and parking lots, and busy hotel common areas. Don't let that deter you from having a magical vacation, just be realistic of what to expect and what to prepare young guests for. Talk with children about what to do if they get lost or separated from the group, be prepared with all appropriate documentation before you check in to your hotel so the process is as efficient as possible, and plan on early mornings to combat crowds at the park entrances. Know what you're getting into and have a plan!
**Pack accordingly! And don't forget your ponchos
Going with the same theme, know you're packing for a hot and humid Florida vacation. Be sure to bring plenty of lightweight clothing that wicks away moisture, soft/worn-in shoes that will keep your feet happy throughout the day, and sunglasses for everyone in your travel party. If you're traveling with little ones or family members with fair skin, also be sure to bring hats or visors to protect them from the sun's rays. And of course it goes without saying to bring plenty of sunscreen! You should have enough for everyone to apply three times a day, minimum, each day on your trip. I like to bring a larger bottle to keep at the hotel for morning applications and time at the pool, and then a smaller bottle to put in my park bag that doesn't add a lot of weight.
And even though Florida is known for heat and sunshine, it's also known for daily rain squalls that come and go quite often. Be proactive and bring your own rain gear, no matter what the forecast says before you leave home. Ponchos are available for purchase in the parks, but are marked up at a much higher price than what you can find at your local drug store or dollar store.
**Drink plenty of water
Another one that goes without saying, but people still forget to do. Be sure to take frequent water breaks and limit your soda and alcohol during the day as you navigate the parks and spend time outside. You can find drinking fountains scattered around the parks (most often near restrooms), bottles of water for sale at almost every snack stand, and can also ask for free cups of ice water at all counter and table service restaurants. Plus you can bring your own water in your park bag, so there's no excuse when it comes to staying hydrated! I also recommend taking some time to sit and people watch in the shade as you stop and fuel up, just to be sure. Your body will thank you at the end of the day!
**Consider adding on a day or two at the water parks
A lot of people tend to forget that in addition to the four main theme parks, Walt Disney World is also home to two amazingly-detailed water parks: Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. With tons of water slides, wave pools, just-for-kids play areas, and more, these parks are great places to visit on particularly warm days in the summer. And if you're staying on property, you can hop on a bus for direct transportation to the parks from your resort hotel! Be sure to wear (and consistently reapply) sunscreen, bring a cover-up and water shoes/crocs for each member of the family, and have swim diapers on hand for little ones. I also recommend bringing as little as possible with you so you don't have to lug a lot around, but lockers are available for rent at the front of each park if you need. And be sure to leave towels at home/your hotel - you can use Disney's towels for the day at each park! Note: Make sure when purchasing your tickets that you add the Water Park Fun & More option for everyone (with or without the Park Hopper option). And yes, your Magic Band CAN get wet!
**Or plan a day or two to enjoy your rest hotel pool and recreation offerings
All of Disney's on-site resort hotels offer a medley of recreation options, include amazing pools and water play areas not to be missed! It's not a bad thing, especially in the summer months, to plan relaxing days in between park days to sleep in a bit, recharge, and spend time at your hotel. Some of my favorite resort hotel pools include the Fuentes del Morro pool at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, the Lost City of Cibola pool at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort, and the Big Blue Pool at Disney's Art of Animation Resort. Plus, a lot of the on-property hotels offer recreation options like running trails, bike rentals, beach volleyball, and more. Definitely a lot to discover no matter where you stay!
**Hit the water rides toward the beginning of the day
I personally prefer to tackle water rides like Splash Mountain and Kali River Rapids earlier in the day, as you'll dry off pretty quickly in the warm sun as you walk from attraction to attraction. While there might be shorter lines toward the end of the day/park closing, you're more likely to walk around wet and damp as the sun goes down. I know I don't like sitting on the bus at the end of the day with wet clothes! Definitely consider getting FastPasses for attractions like these, since you can add on more after you've used your first three of the day - Another incentive to hit them up in the morning!
**Pick your parade and show viewing spots early
I can't stress this one enough! Remember when I said that summer is considered a "peak season" at WDW? Well everyone else visiting the park you're at for the day will more than likely also want to take in the same parade or show you'd like to see, so find your viewing spot early and stay there. I like to go and get a snack around 2:00 PM and find a spot for the Magic Kingdom's afternoon parade, Festival of Fantasy, and eat, chat, and people watch. It serves as a great time to get off your feet and relax, as well as talk with your family/travel party about your day and trip so far and plan the rest of the afternoon. Same goes with evening fireworks and nighttime spectaculars too, especially Fantasmic! at Disney's Hollywood Studios. They have a full concession stand inside the amphitheater with food, ice cream, and even beer, so get there early, settle in, and enjoy the nice viewing spot you secured!
Tip: For parades, especially at Magic Kingdom, find a spot to sit near a trashcan - You won't have anybody sitting next to your group on the side where the can is, and you can easily throw away your trash from your snack/lunch while you wait. You can also try to find a spot near a light post or temporary stanchion.
**Utilize FastPass+ and choose your first three for the beginning of the day
As I mentioned with the water rides tip, plan your first three FastPasses for the day as early as possible, so you can add on more as needed right away. If you reserve a FastPass for say, 9:00 PM, you won't be able to add others to your plans until you've used that one. Also, be sure to book these FastPasses right at the 60-day mark if you're staying at a WDW resort hotel, or the 30-day mark if you're staying off-property. The earlier you book with FastPass+, the more likely it will be to get the attractions and times of your choice.
Some attractions to consider getting FastPasses for in the summer months: any of the mountains, including the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, at Magic Kingdom, Soarin' or Test Track at EPCOT, Expedition Everest and Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney's Animal Kingdom, and Tower of Terror or Rock 'n' Roller Coaster at Disney's Hollywood Studios. But of course get FastPasses for anything that's on your must-do list to ensure you don't miss out on that experience - including character greetings!
**Make any special dining reservations early
This is a best practice I recommend throughout the year, so definitely be sure to make advanced dining reservations 180 days before your trip if there are any particular locations you'd like to eat during your summertime trip. Anywhere character dining is offered are certainly spots where you'll want to make reservations ahead of time, especially Chef Mickey's, Cinderella's Royal Table, and The Crystal Palace. Have your plan in place, credit card ready (you'll need it to confirm your reservation - not necessarily to prepay), and make those reservations online or by phone as early in the day as possible at that 180-day mark. If you're staying at a WDW resort hotel, you can make dining reservations for your whole trip at 180 days before your check-in date, or else you can make your reservations 180 days out from the intended date for your special meal.
**Check out the Independence Day fireworks before July 4th
Disney's fireworks are always top-notch and extra magical, but their fireworks for Independence Day really go above and beyond their usual displays. The Magic Kingdom is always busy on the Fourth of July, especially in the evening, so check the schedule for July 3rd to see if they'll be showing the fireworks a night early. This is something they do for New Year's Eve fireworks, since that's another super busy day at MK, and it allows guests a little more breathing room in the park to enjoy the show. It will still surely bring a lot of people in, but the advanced-showing is something not a whole lot of people know about!
**Enjoy an outdoor movie under the stars or a nighttime campfire with s'mores
Did you know that most Walt Disney World resort hotels show movies outside under the stars and roast marshmallows nightly during the summer?! These entertainment offerings are free to resort guests and can really add some extra pixie dust to the end of a day, whether you spent it at the parks or relaxing by the pool. Just check the entertainment/recreation schedules for your hotel by the pool or in the main lobby (which is usually provided for you at the desk when you check in).
Walt Disney World truly is "the most magical place on earth" all year round, so don't worry about crowds, heat, or long lines in the summer months. Yes, you'll experience all of that, but you can have a wonderful vacation if you're prepared and plan ahead. Be sure to visit https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/ for comprehensive information, and also take a look at the upcoming "Coolest Summer Ever" events for 2015, including the kickoff 24-hour celebration at the Magic Kingdom on May 22nd.
Have any special tips or advice of your own for surviving summer at WDW? Share them with me in the comments below!
Until the next post, see ya real soon!
Summer is considered to be a 'peak season' at Walt Disney World. With kids out of school, a few holidays, and more families planning trips, the parks are busy every day of the week and Disney's on-property resort hotels have little to no vacancy. You have to approach planning your vacation with this mindset, because that will mean a lot of long lines, crowded buses and parking lots, and busy hotel common areas. Don't let that deter you from having a magical vacation, just be realistic of what to expect and what to prepare young guests for. Talk with children about what to do if they get lost or separated from the group, be prepared with all appropriate documentation before you check in to your hotel so the process is as efficient as possible, and plan on early mornings to combat crowds at the park entrances. Know what you're getting into and have a plan!
**Pack accordingly! And don't forget your ponchos
Going with the same theme, know you're packing for a hot and humid Florida vacation. Be sure to bring plenty of lightweight clothing that wicks away moisture, soft/worn-in shoes that will keep your feet happy throughout the day, and sunglasses for everyone in your travel party. If you're traveling with little ones or family members with fair skin, also be sure to bring hats or visors to protect them from the sun's rays. And of course it goes without saying to bring plenty of sunscreen! You should have enough for everyone to apply three times a day, minimum, each day on your trip. I like to bring a larger bottle to keep at the hotel for morning applications and time at the pool, and then a smaller bottle to put in my park bag that doesn't add a lot of weight.
And even though Florida is known for heat and sunshine, it's also known for daily rain squalls that come and go quite often. Be proactive and bring your own rain gear, no matter what the forecast says before you leave home. Ponchos are available for purchase in the parks, but are marked up at a much higher price than what you can find at your local drug store or dollar store.
**Drink plenty of water
Another one that goes without saying, but people still forget to do. Be sure to take frequent water breaks and limit your soda and alcohol during the day as you navigate the parks and spend time outside. You can find drinking fountains scattered around the parks (most often near restrooms), bottles of water for sale at almost every snack stand, and can also ask for free cups of ice water at all counter and table service restaurants. Plus you can bring your own water in your park bag, so there's no excuse when it comes to staying hydrated! I also recommend taking some time to sit and people watch in the shade as you stop and fuel up, just to be sure. Your body will thank you at the end of the day!
**Consider adding on a day or two at the water parks
A lot of people tend to forget that in addition to the four main theme parks, Walt Disney World is also home to two amazingly-detailed water parks: Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. With tons of water slides, wave pools, just-for-kids play areas, and more, these parks are great places to visit on particularly warm days in the summer. And if you're staying on property, you can hop on a bus for direct transportation to the parks from your resort hotel! Be sure to wear (and consistently reapply) sunscreen, bring a cover-up and water shoes/crocs for each member of the family, and have swim diapers on hand for little ones. I also recommend bringing as little as possible with you so you don't have to lug a lot around, but lockers are available for rent at the front of each park if you need. And be sure to leave towels at home/your hotel - you can use Disney's towels for the day at each park! Note: Make sure when purchasing your tickets that you add the Water Park Fun & More option for everyone (with or without the Park Hopper option). And yes, your Magic Band CAN get wet!
**Or plan a day or two to enjoy your rest hotel pool and recreation offerings
All of Disney's on-site resort hotels offer a medley of recreation options, include amazing pools and water play areas not to be missed! It's not a bad thing, especially in the summer months, to plan relaxing days in between park days to sleep in a bit, recharge, and spend time at your hotel. Some of my favorite resort hotel pools include the Fuentes del Morro pool at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, the Lost City of Cibola pool at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort, and the Big Blue Pool at Disney's Art of Animation Resort. Plus, a lot of the on-property hotels offer recreation options like running trails, bike rentals, beach volleyball, and more. Definitely a lot to discover no matter where you stay!
**Hit the water rides toward the beginning of the day
I personally prefer to tackle water rides like Splash Mountain and Kali River Rapids earlier in the day, as you'll dry off pretty quickly in the warm sun as you walk from attraction to attraction. While there might be shorter lines toward the end of the day/park closing, you're more likely to walk around wet and damp as the sun goes down. I know I don't like sitting on the bus at the end of the day with wet clothes! Definitely consider getting FastPasses for attractions like these, since you can add on more after you've used your first three of the day - Another incentive to hit them up in the morning!
**Pick your parade and show viewing spots early
I can't stress this one enough! Remember when I said that summer is considered a "peak season" at WDW? Well everyone else visiting the park you're at for the day will more than likely also want to take in the same parade or show you'd like to see, so find your viewing spot early and stay there. I like to go and get a snack around 2:00 PM and find a spot for the Magic Kingdom's afternoon parade, Festival of Fantasy, and eat, chat, and people watch. It serves as a great time to get off your feet and relax, as well as talk with your family/travel party about your day and trip so far and plan the rest of the afternoon. Same goes with evening fireworks and nighttime spectaculars too, especially Fantasmic! at Disney's Hollywood Studios. They have a full concession stand inside the amphitheater with food, ice cream, and even beer, so get there early, settle in, and enjoy the nice viewing spot you secured!
Tip: For parades, especially at Magic Kingdom, find a spot to sit near a trashcan - You won't have anybody sitting next to your group on the side where the can is, and you can easily throw away your trash from your snack/lunch while you wait. You can also try to find a spot near a light post or temporary stanchion.
**Utilize FastPass+ and choose your first three for the beginning of the day
As I mentioned with the water rides tip, plan your first three FastPasses for the day as early as possible, so you can add on more as needed right away. If you reserve a FastPass for say, 9:00 PM, you won't be able to add others to your plans until you've used that one. Also, be sure to book these FastPasses right at the 60-day mark if you're staying at a WDW resort hotel, or the 30-day mark if you're staying off-property. The earlier you book with FastPass+, the more likely it will be to get the attractions and times of your choice.
Some attractions to consider getting FastPasses for in the summer months: any of the mountains, including the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, at Magic Kingdom, Soarin' or Test Track at EPCOT, Expedition Everest and Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney's Animal Kingdom, and Tower of Terror or Rock 'n' Roller Coaster at Disney's Hollywood Studios. But of course get FastPasses for anything that's on your must-do list to ensure you don't miss out on that experience - including character greetings!
**Make any special dining reservations early
This is a best practice I recommend throughout the year, so definitely be sure to make advanced dining reservations 180 days before your trip if there are any particular locations you'd like to eat during your summertime trip. Anywhere character dining is offered are certainly spots where you'll want to make reservations ahead of time, especially Chef Mickey's, Cinderella's Royal Table, and The Crystal Palace. Have your plan in place, credit card ready (you'll need it to confirm your reservation - not necessarily to prepay), and make those reservations online or by phone as early in the day as possible at that 180-day mark. If you're staying at a WDW resort hotel, you can make dining reservations for your whole trip at 180 days before your check-in date, or else you can make your reservations 180 days out from the intended date for your special meal.
**Check out the Independence Day fireworks before July 4th
Disney's fireworks are always top-notch and extra magical, but their fireworks for Independence Day really go above and beyond their usual displays. The Magic Kingdom is always busy on the Fourth of July, especially in the evening, so check the schedule for July 3rd to see if they'll be showing the fireworks a night early. This is something they do for New Year's Eve fireworks, since that's another super busy day at MK, and it allows guests a little more breathing room in the park to enjoy the show. It will still surely bring a lot of people in, but the advanced-showing is something not a whole lot of people know about!
**Enjoy an outdoor movie under the stars or a nighttime campfire with s'mores
Did you know that most Walt Disney World resort hotels show movies outside under the stars and roast marshmallows nightly during the summer?! These entertainment offerings are free to resort guests and can really add some extra pixie dust to the end of a day, whether you spent it at the parks or relaxing by the pool. Just check the entertainment/recreation schedules for your hotel by the pool or in the main lobby (which is usually provided for you at the desk when you check in).
Walt Disney World truly is "the most magical place on earth" all year round, so don't worry about crowds, heat, or long lines in the summer months. Yes, you'll experience all of that, but you can have a wonderful vacation if you're prepared and plan ahead. Be sure to visit https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/ for comprehensive information, and also take a look at the upcoming "Coolest Summer Ever" events for 2015, including the kickoff 24-hour celebration at the Magic Kingdom on May 22nd.
Have any special tips or advice of your own for surviving summer at WDW? Share them with me in the comments below!
Until the next post, see ya real soon!
Have a Disney Princess fan in your family? Well, while you're bound to make more than one princess sighting at Walt Disney World, there's so much more to see and do around the resort that your little royal will love. Whether you're traveling with a young princess-in-training or a more experienced, grown-up princess, there's plenty of offerings across property to get the royal treatment and make magical memories. Here are my top 10 "Princess Picks" to take in during your next WDW vacation:
#1 - Dine with the Disney Princesses at Cinderella's Royal Table
Put on your most sparkly tiara and join your favorite Disney Princesses for a meal inside iconic Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom! Whether you reserve a table for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you're sure to make magical memories that will last a lifetime as all of the day's visiting princesses come to meet you right at your table. Be sure to bring your camera and autograph book! Reservations are encouraged to experience a meal at Cinderella's Royal Table and can be made within 180 days of your trip. Be sure to plan ahead!
#2 - Transform your little one into royalty at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
Fantasies and dreams come true everyday at both Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique locations at WDW (Magic Kingdom and Downtown Disney) as little girls are completely made over into their favorite princesses with hairstyling, makeup, nail polish, accessories, and more. Various makeover packages are available for reservation and range from the $54.95 to $194.95, depending on package inclusions, and girls can choose to be transformed into Ariel, Princess Aurora, Cinderella, Belle, Snow White, Tiana, Jasmine, Rapunzel, Merida, or Tinkerbell. Boys can even get in on the royal fun too with the Knight Package, which includes hairstyling, souvenir sword, and Mickey confetti. Guests ages 3 to 12 are available to receive a makeover, and reservations are strongly encouraged.
#3 - Step into the Beast's library to enjoy Enchanted Tales with Belle
Relive the magical, romantic story of Disney's Beauty and the Beast during this guest-interactive show starring Belle, Lumiere, and YOU! Guests enter Maurice's cottage located in the Magic Kingdom's New Fantasyland and are transported right into the Beast's library to surprise Belle with a retelling of "the tale as old as time."This attraction offers Disney's FastPass+ service, and is highly recommended. FastPass+ times can be chosen within 30 days of your trip if you purchase your theme park tickets before you arrive at Walt Disney World. Read more about FastPass+ in another post!
#4 - Meet your favorite Disney Princess at Princess Fairytale Hall in the Magic Kingdom
Grab your cameras and autograph books, and get ready to meet the famous Disney Princesses at one of the newest areas inside the Magic Kingdom. Located in Fantasyland, Princess Fairytale Hall currently allows you to meet Cinderella, Rapunzel, and Disney's newest princesses Anna and Elsa. While waiting in line, be sure to take a close look around the building for some familiar artwork and objects, including Cinderella's glass slipper and Snow White's storybook! FastPass+ is also offered at this attraction, and is especially recommended if your family would like to meet Anna and Elsa.
#5 - Take in the sights and sounds of Disney's Festival of Fantasy Parade
Celebrate the magic and wonder of Fantasyland in this all-new parade that marches through the Magic Kingdom every day at 3:00 PM. Featuring familiar princess faces including Belle, Tiana, Cinderella, Rapunzel, Ariel, Merida, and Anna and Elsa, this moving spectacle is must-see! Be sure to claim a viewing spot along the parade route within plenty of time beforehand, as Main St. USA and Frontierland quickly fill up before step-off. Also, inclement weather does impact this entertainment offering and is subject to cancellation for the safety of the performers.
#6 - Join Princess Aurora for My Disney Girl's Perfectly Princess Tea Party at the Grand Floridian
Want to really feel like a princess? Well look no further than the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa for this magical celebration of all things royal. Little princesses can expect storytelling, dancing, and a delectable, kid-friendly spread of sandwiches and treats. All children must be accompanied by an adult who are welcome to enjoy a bevvy of tea selections, cheese, and sandwiches. Your reservation includes various gifts for each princess-in-training, including a My Disney Girl doll dressed as Princess Aurora, silver bracelet, and fresh single rose, among others. Reservations made ahead of your trip are strongly encouraged as each party has a limited number of seats available.
#7 - See the stage show spectacle Beauty and The Beast-Live on Stage at Disney's Hollywood Studios
Sing along to the familiar tunes of one of Disney's most beloved animated classics brought to life on stage at the Sunset Boulevard Theater in Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park. Multiple shows are offered throughout the day, so there's bound to be a time that fits into your schedule. Approximate run time is 25 minutes, which is perfect even for the littlest of princesses who might not be able to sit in one place for an extended period of time. Showtimes are subject to change, so make sure to check the daily times guide in the event of a cancellation.
#8 - Meet the whole royal family at Cinderella's Happily Ever After Dinner at the Grand Floridian
The beautiful Grand Floridian Resort & Spa also plays host for another royal gathering every day, this one in the 1900 Park Fare buffet restaurant. Join Cinderella, Prince Charming, Lady Tremaine, and Anastasia and Drizella Tremaine as one of their guests of honor for a special character dining experience that allows you to get up close and personal with the original royal family. The buffet spread offers American selections including seafood, salad, pasta, and kid-friendly dishes like pizza and chicken tenders. Reservations are also encouraged for this dining experience and can be made within 180 days of your intended date.
#9 - Travel to Norway and dine with the Disney Princesses at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in EPCOT
This regal restaurant also offers up a place to enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner with your favorite Disney Princesses, including Belle, Ariel, Cinderella, Snow White, and Princess Aurora (characters subject to change daily). The buffet/family-style fare includes both American and Norwegian favorites including kjøttkake, a dish made of pork, capers, and beef. A complimentary photo keepsake package per family is also included in each reservation. Reservations for this restaurant are also recommended and can be made within 180 days online or over the phone.
#10 - Make a wish at Cinderella's magical Wishing Well at the Magic Kingdom
Every princess has wishes and dreams, so make sure to take her to this secluded spot in the Magic Kingdom right by Cinderella Castle to make a wish. Nestled back by the Fairytale Garden where Merida is currently meeting guests, the well accepts wishes all day long. Plus, all of the money collected in the well is donated to various children's charities to help make even more wishes and dreams come true. An easy must-do for princesses of all ages!
Visit https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/ for more information on all of these royal entertainment and dining opportunities, as well as others your princess might enjoy. Keep checking back for more vacation planning posts and my other "top picks" to see and do around WDW.
Until the next post, see ya real soon!
Put on your most sparkly tiara and join your favorite Disney Princesses for a meal inside iconic Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom! Whether you reserve a table for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you're sure to make magical memories that will last a lifetime as all of the day's visiting princesses come to meet you right at your table. Be sure to bring your camera and autograph book! Reservations are encouraged to experience a meal at Cinderella's Royal Table and can be made within 180 days of your trip. Be sure to plan ahead!
#2 - Transform your little one into royalty at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
Fantasies and dreams come true everyday at both Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique locations at WDW (Magic Kingdom and Downtown Disney) as little girls are completely made over into their favorite princesses with hairstyling, makeup, nail polish, accessories, and more. Various makeover packages are available for reservation and range from the $54.95 to $194.95, depending on package inclusions, and girls can choose to be transformed into Ariel, Princess Aurora, Cinderella, Belle, Snow White, Tiana, Jasmine, Rapunzel, Merida, or Tinkerbell. Boys can even get in on the royal fun too with the Knight Package, which includes hairstyling, souvenir sword, and Mickey confetti. Guests ages 3 to 12 are available to receive a makeover, and reservations are strongly encouraged.
#3 - Step into the Beast's library to enjoy Enchanted Tales with Belle
Relive the magical, romantic story of Disney's Beauty and the Beast during this guest-interactive show starring Belle, Lumiere, and YOU! Guests enter Maurice's cottage located in the Magic Kingdom's New Fantasyland and are transported right into the Beast's library to surprise Belle with a retelling of "the tale as old as time."This attraction offers Disney's FastPass+ service, and is highly recommended. FastPass+ times can be chosen within 30 days of your trip if you purchase your theme park tickets before you arrive at Walt Disney World. Read more about FastPass+ in another post!
#4 - Meet your favorite Disney Princess at Princess Fairytale Hall in the Magic Kingdom
Grab your cameras and autograph books, and get ready to meet the famous Disney Princesses at one of the newest areas inside the Magic Kingdom. Located in Fantasyland, Princess Fairytale Hall currently allows you to meet Cinderella, Rapunzel, and Disney's newest princesses Anna and Elsa. While waiting in line, be sure to take a close look around the building for some familiar artwork and objects, including Cinderella's glass slipper and Snow White's storybook! FastPass+ is also offered at this attraction, and is especially recommended if your family would like to meet Anna and Elsa.
#5 - Take in the sights and sounds of Disney's Festival of Fantasy Parade
Celebrate the magic and wonder of Fantasyland in this all-new parade that marches through the Magic Kingdom every day at 3:00 PM. Featuring familiar princess faces including Belle, Tiana, Cinderella, Rapunzel, Ariel, Merida, and Anna and Elsa, this moving spectacle is must-see! Be sure to claim a viewing spot along the parade route within plenty of time beforehand, as Main St. USA and Frontierland quickly fill up before step-off. Also, inclement weather does impact this entertainment offering and is subject to cancellation for the safety of the performers.
#6 - Join Princess Aurora for My Disney Girl's Perfectly Princess Tea Party at the Grand Floridian
Want to really feel like a princess? Well look no further than the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa for this magical celebration of all things royal. Little princesses can expect storytelling, dancing, and a delectable, kid-friendly spread of sandwiches and treats. All children must be accompanied by an adult who are welcome to enjoy a bevvy of tea selections, cheese, and sandwiches. Your reservation includes various gifts for each princess-in-training, including a My Disney Girl doll dressed as Princess Aurora, silver bracelet, and fresh single rose, among others. Reservations made ahead of your trip are strongly encouraged as each party has a limited number of seats available.
#7 - See the stage show spectacle Beauty and The Beast-Live on Stage at Disney's Hollywood Studios
Sing along to the familiar tunes of one of Disney's most beloved animated classics brought to life on stage at the Sunset Boulevard Theater in Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park. Multiple shows are offered throughout the day, so there's bound to be a time that fits into your schedule. Approximate run time is 25 minutes, which is perfect even for the littlest of princesses who might not be able to sit in one place for an extended period of time. Showtimes are subject to change, so make sure to check the daily times guide in the event of a cancellation.
#8 - Meet the whole royal family at Cinderella's Happily Ever After Dinner at the Grand Floridian
The beautiful Grand Floridian Resort & Spa also plays host for another royal gathering every day, this one in the 1900 Park Fare buffet restaurant. Join Cinderella, Prince Charming, Lady Tremaine, and Anastasia and Drizella Tremaine as one of their guests of honor for a special character dining experience that allows you to get up close and personal with the original royal family. The buffet spread offers American selections including seafood, salad, pasta, and kid-friendly dishes like pizza and chicken tenders. Reservations are also encouraged for this dining experience and can be made within 180 days of your intended date.
#9 - Travel to Norway and dine with the Disney Princesses at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in EPCOT
This regal restaurant also offers up a place to enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner with your favorite Disney Princesses, including Belle, Ariel, Cinderella, Snow White, and Princess Aurora (characters subject to change daily). The buffet/family-style fare includes both American and Norwegian favorites including kjøttkake, a dish made of pork, capers, and beef. A complimentary photo keepsake package per family is also included in each reservation. Reservations for this restaurant are also recommended and can be made within 180 days online or over the phone.
#10 - Make a wish at Cinderella's magical Wishing Well at the Magic Kingdom
Every princess has wishes and dreams, so make sure to take her to this secluded spot in the Magic Kingdom right by Cinderella Castle to make a wish. Nestled back by the Fairytale Garden where Merida is currently meeting guests, the well accepts wishes all day long. Plus, all of the money collected in the well is donated to various children's charities to help make even more wishes and dreams come true. An easy must-do for princesses of all ages!
Visit https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/ for more information on all of these royal entertainment and dining opportunities, as well as others your princess might enjoy. Keep checking back for more vacation planning posts and my other "top picks" to see and do around WDW.
Until the next post, see ya real soon!
Everyone becomes a kid again when they step inside the gates of Walt Disney World, no matter what age they may be. So rather than pointing out my favorite things for adults to experience at WDW, we'll call them my favorite things for "big kids." Whether you want to pack in as many rides and attractions as possible, enjoy fine dining, or indulge in some retail therapy, there's something for everyone! So here's my top 10 picks (in no particular order) of favorite things for big kids to enjoy at Walt Disney World:
1. Take in a performance of La Nouba at Downtown Disney
This Cirque du Soleil show is specific to Walt Disney World and has been dazzling guests since 1998. It really is something that can't be put into words, but rather an experience you have to see to believe! The name of the show literally translates to "the party," and features a cast of more than 65 performers from more than 15 countries. While the show was put together with families in mind, I do believe adults can appreciate the artistry more than kids. It's only one hour and 30 minutes long and a great way to kick off a night at Downtown Disney. Be mindful there are no performances on Sundays or Mondays before you pick your date, and take a look at some of the special offers that Disney makes throughout the year.
2. Drink your way around World Showcase at EPCOT
Don't have quite enough room in your vacation budget to travel outside of the country, but still want to experience all of the unique cultures of the world? Well you're in luck, because EPCOT's World Showcase can transport you directly to Mexico, Norway, China, Italy, Germany, Japan, Morocco, France, the UK, and Canada! And for adults, you can taste your way through all of these pavilions with native foods and drinks, including the most alcohol you'll find at Walt Disney World. As long as you're safe and smart about it, it can be a great day of adult fun and indulgence!
3. Enjoy the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the deluxe resorts around Seven Seas Lagoon
Everyone loves fireworks, and to me there's nothing quite like Wishes at the Magic Kingdom! It speaks to me every time... But sometimes the Magic Kingdom's prime viewing spots can get a little crowded, and you may want to escape to an area with a little more room to breathe. Well look no further than the three hotels that border Seven Seas Lagoon: the Grand Floridian, Polynesian, and Contemporary resorts! Each hotel offers stunning views of the popular nighttime spectacular, but they also add a touch of elegance - something adults can appreciate more than kids. Whether you choose the Polynesian beach, the overlook patio at the Contemporary, or one of the Grand Floridian gardens, you'll feel close to the magic and relaxed at the same time.
4. Have a meal at The Hollywood Brown Derby at Disney's Hollywood Studios
Modeled after the famous restaurant of the same name in Los Angeles, the Hollywood Brown Derby serves up a little bit of history with their fine dining. It serves as a great place for a more upscale experience after a day in the park, and there's even opportunities to dine with a Disney Imagineer over lunch! Families are certainly welcome, and there's a small kid's menu with a few choices, but it's predominantly more of a choice for dates or adults-only fun. And you can't forget about that cobb salad!
5. Stroll along The BoardWalk at night
Travel back to the golden age of the first shoreline boardwalks for a night out with fine dining, midway games, dancing, street performers, and more! Disney's BoardWalk is a great destination for adults that's right outside the gates of EPCOT and directly accessible from five Disney resort hotels. Again, kids are able to enjoy most offerings, but venues like Atlantic City Dance Hall and Jellyrolls are specifically for adults looking to blow off some steam and have late-night fun. Plus, you don't want to miss how everything looks all lit up at night!
6. Discover Downtown Disney's new restaurants and specialty shops
Big things are happening at Downtown Disney right now as it begins its total re-transformation into Disney Springs, including new dining and retail locations. Specialty shops for items like hats, running, and shaving needs (yes you read that right, shaving) have been opening in phases during construction, and The Boathouse restaurant recently made it's debut as well. Be sure to carve out at least one night during your trip to walk around and check out all that Downtown Disney has to offer, with or without little ones.
7. Conquer all of the thrill rides at each park
Disney may be well-known around the world for family fun, but they know how to raise the bar on the thrills too! Make your way around all four theme parks to enjoy each of their high-adrenaline offerings, including the four mountains at Magic Kingdom and the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney's Hollywood Studios (one of my personal favorites!). These aren't your average rides though, as each story they tell includes spectacular detail and magic worth exploring deeper. Take your time and look around in the queue lines and loading areas, as you may see things most park-goes overlook, and then get ready for action!
8. Re-discover all of the classic attractions
You can't forget about those attractions that started it all, either! From the Carousel of Progress to it's a small world to the Haunted Mansion, adults should still the take time to revisit what made the Disney theme parks so magical from the very beginning. These attractions really take me back to the time when Walt walked Disneyland and directly influenced his first Imagineers, which makes everything all the more special. Don't skip the carousel, either!
9. Indulge in an opulent, elegant meal at Victoria and Albert's at the Grand Floridian
This AAA Five-Diamond Award-winning restaurant is the perfect location for foodies visiting WDW that are looking for an upscale dining experience. With a live harpist, fresh flowers, and warm candlelight, it's a location that children certainly wouldn't enjoy or appreciate as much as adults. The pricey menu is packed with choices for a complete seven-course meal including caviar, duck, lamb, and souffle, among others. Formal dress is required, and advanced reservations are highly recommended.
10. Let your competitive side out at Splitsville at Downtown Disney
I'm a very competitive person and never back down from a challenge, so why not take your friends out for food, drinks, and a little bowling competition right in WDW! This restaurant-bowling alley hybrid is fairly new to Downtown Disney (West Side), and is full of both nostalgia and fun. There's music, billiards, and televised sports games too, which means you can easily spend your whole night at this location! Take the kids during the day for lunch and a quick game, but save the evening for a night out with just adults.
I totally agree with Walt in his thinking that "Adults are only kids grown up, anyway." There's so much to enjoy and experience as a big kid at Walt Disney World, so don't be afraid to visit the most magical place on earth if you don't have any kids in tow. Whether you want to indulge in the experiences specifically crafted with adults in mind, or let you inner 5 year-old out (like I prefer to do!), Disney has it all for you. And while I certainly would encourage big kids to do all of the adult things, don't be afraid to bust out your Mickey ears, eat a Mickey's Premium ice cream bar, or skip down Main Street USA with a balloon in hand either!
Have you visited WDW without any kids? Tell me about it in the comments below!
Until the next post, see ya real soon!
1. Take in a performance of La Nouba at Downtown Disney
This Cirque du Soleil show is specific to Walt Disney World and has been dazzling guests since 1998. It really is something that can't be put into words, but rather an experience you have to see to believe! The name of the show literally translates to "the party," and features a cast of more than 65 performers from more than 15 countries. While the show was put together with families in mind, I do believe adults can appreciate the artistry more than kids. It's only one hour and 30 minutes long and a great way to kick off a night at Downtown Disney. Be mindful there are no performances on Sundays or Mondays before you pick your date, and take a look at some of the special offers that Disney makes throughout the year.
2. Drink your way around World Showcase at EPCOT
Don't have quite enough room in your vacation budget to travel outside of the country, but still want to experience all of the unique cultures of the world? Well you're in luck, because EPCOT's World Showcase can transport you directly to Mexico, Norway, China, Italy, Germany, Japan, Morocco, France, the UK, and Canada! And for adults, you can taste your way through all of these pavilions with native foods and drinks, including the most alcohol you'll find at Walt Disney World. As long as you're safe and smart about it, it can be a great day of adult fun and indulgence!
3. Enjoy the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the deluxe resorts around Seven Seas Lagoon
Everyone loves fireworks, and to me there's nothing quite like Wishes at the Magic Kingdom! It speaks to me every time... But sometimes the Magic Kingdom's prime viewing spots can get a little crowded, and you may want to escape to an area with a little more room to breathe. Well look no further than the three hotels that border Seven Seas Lagoon: the Grand Floridian, Polynesian, and Contemporary resorts! Each hotel offers stunning views of the popular nighttime spectacular, but they also add a touch of elegance - something adults can appreciate more than kids. Whether you choose the Polynesian beach, the overlook patio at the Contemporary, or one of the Grand Floridian gardens, you'll feel close to the magic and relaxed at the same time.
4. Have a meal at The Hollywood Brown Derby at Disney's Hollywood Studios
Modeled after the famous restaurant of the same name in Los Angeles, the Hollywood Brown Derby serves up a little bit of history with their fine dining. It serves as a great place for a more upscale experience after a day in the park, and there's even opportunities to dine with a Disney Imagineer over lunch! Families are certainly welcome, and there's a small kid's menu with a few choices, but it's predominantly more of a choice for dates or adults-only fun. And you can't forget about that cobb salad!
5. Stroll along The BoardWalk at night
Travel back to the golden age of the first shoreline boardwalks for a night out with fine dining, midway games, dancing, street performers, and more! Disney's BoardWalk is a great destination for adults that's right outside the gates of EPCOT and directly accessible from five Disney resort hotels. Again, kids are able to enjoy most offerings, but venues like Atlantic City Dance Hall and Jellyrolls are specifically for adults looking to blow off some steam and have late-night fun. Plus, you don't want to miss how everything looks all lit up at night!
6. Discover Downtown Disney's new restaurants and specialty shops
Big things are happening at Downtown Disney right now as it begins its total re-transformation into Disney Springs, including new dining and retail locations. Specialty shops for items like hats, running, and shaving needs (yes you read that right, shaving) have been opening in phases during construction, and The Boathouse restaurant recently made it's debut as well. Be sure to carve out at least one night during your trip to walk around and check out all that Downtown Disney has to offer, with or without little ones.
7. Conquer all of the thrill rides at each park
Disney may be well-known around the world for family fun, but they know how to raise the bar on the thrills too! Make your way around all four theme parks to enjoy each of their high-adrenaline offerings, including the four mountains at Magic Kingdom and the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney's Hollywood Studios (one of my personal favorites!). These aren't your average rides though, as each story they tell includes spectacular detail and magic worth exploring deeper. Take your time and look around in the queue lines and loading areas, as you may see things most park-goes overlook, and then get ready for action!
8. Re-discover all of the classic attractions
You can't forget about those attractions that started it all, either! From the Carousel of Progress to it's a small world to the Haunted Mansion, adults should still the take time to revisit what made the Disney theme parks so magical from the very beginning. These attractions really take me back to the time when Walt walked Disneyland and directly influenced his first Imagineers, which makes everything all the more special. Don't skip the carousel, either!
9. Indulge in an opulent, elegant meal at Victoria and Albert's at the Grand Floridian
This AAA Five-Diamond Award-winning restaurant is the perfect location for foodies visiting WDW that are looking for an upscale dining experience. With a live harpist, fresh flowers, and warm candlelight, it's a location that children certainly wouldn't enjoy or appreciate as much as adults. The pricey menu is packed with choices for a complete seven-course meal including caviar, duck, lamb, and souffle, among others. Formal dress is required, and advanced reservations are highly recommended.
10. Let your competitive side out at Splitsville at Downtown Disney
I'm a very competitive person and never back down from a challenge, so why not take your friends out for food, drinks, and a little bowling competition right in WDW! This restaurant-bowling alley hybrid is fairly new to Downtown Disney (West Side), and is full of both nostalgia and fun. There's music, billiards, and televised sports games too, which means you can easily spend your whole night at this location! Take the kids during the day for lunch and a quick game, but save the evening for a night out with just adults.
I totally agree with Walt in his thinking that "Adults are only kids grown up, anyway." There's so much to enjoy and experience as a big kid at Walt Disney World, so don't be afraid to visit the most magical place on earth if you don't have any kids in tow. Whether you want to indulge in the experiences specifically crafted with adults in mind, or let you inner 5 year-old out (like I prefer to do!), Disney has it all for you. And while I certainly would encourage big kids to do all of the adult things, don't be afraid to bust out your Mickey ears, eat a Mickey's Premium ice cream bar, or skip down Main Street USA with a balloon in hand either!
Have you visited WDW without any kids? Tell me about it in the comments below!
Until the next post, see ya real soon!
The Holiday season is undoubtedly my favorite time to visit the Walt Disney World resort, and as I look back my family's many holiday trips, most recently for Christmas 2014 and ringing in 2015, I wanted to write a post entirely dedicated to what to expect during the Holiday season at WDW, when to start planning, what to pack, etc. So put on your favorite Christmas tunes and join me as I "Celebrate the Season" at Walt Disney World!
**Make your hotel and flight reservations EARLY!
Traveling to WDW during the Holidays isn't really something that can be done last minute, and I wouldn't recommend putting off making your reservations in anticipation of last minute steals and deals. I'd suggest to start looking at room rates and airfare between 8-6 months out from your intended check-in date. This includes thoroughly looking at the rates on Disney's site and various other travel sits like Expedia, Kayak, and Priceline, among others. But be mindful from the start that room rates and airfare will be marked up the closer your travel dates are to Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's, as compared to days in between. This is inevitable every year, so just know that from the start, your vacation is going to be priced higher during the Holiday season.
**The Holiday decorations and seasonal entertainment offerings start in early November
Want to experience WDW during the Holidays but still want to wake up at home on Christmas morning? Well the resort gets its Holiday makeover fairly soon after Halloween, so you're in luck! Early to mid-November, as well as the week after Thanksgiving are the perfect times to visit WDW to experience the Holidays and take advantage of all the seasonal opportunities, not to mention fewer crowds, shorter lines, and lower travel costs. This may be a little tricky as kids normally don't get out of school until the end of December and adults may have work obligations keeping them in the office, but deciding when you want to travel always has a lot of personal factors to consider.
**Be prepared to encounter large crowds, long lines, and bigger travel parties
The Holiday is season is one of the busiest times of year at Walt Disney World, so know from the get-go that there's going to be a lot of other people on vacation the same time as you; it's just how it goes. Christmas Day and New Year's Day are the two busiest days of the year at The Magic Kingdom, so know that if you absolutely want to be there on either of those days, you want to get up and over to the park entrance as early as possible in the morning. We've seen the park at capacity by 10:00 AM on Christmas Day many times! Prepare the younger guests traveling with you for this as well, as we've also seen many families lose small children throughout the day in the parks because of heavy crowds. Plan out your park days, make FastPass+ selections and dining reservations ahead of time, but have some flexibility in those plans. The more popular attractions are going to have long lines no matter what, prime parade viewing spots are going to fill up quickly, and dining locations that take advance reservations will be full, so have your "must-do" list and "okay-to-miss" list already sorted out before you travel. Patience is definitely a necessity during a vacation to WDW during the Holidays :)
**Consider adding a night at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party to your vacation plans!
One of the best ways to experience the Holiday entertainment offerings at the Magic Kingdom is to do so at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, held on select nights from early November to mid-December (2015 nights are between Nov. 8th and Dec. 18th). This is a hard-ticket event that grants you access to the Magic Kingdom after public operating hours that includes special entertainment, unique character meet and greets, limited edition merchandise, and enough cookies and hot cocoa to keep you full all night long. Not to mention that it snows on Main Street USA! Some of the entertainment offerings do become part of daily park operations for the last week in December (Holiday Wishes fireworks and Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, to name two), but the party is a really great way to experience everything with smaller crowds and shorter lines. Keep in mind that entrance to the party requires an additional ticket, at an additional cost, to your normal theme park ticket package.
Tickets to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party nights in 2015 are available NOW! Be sure to visit
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/magic-kingdom/mickeys-very-merry-christmas-party/ to get yours before they're gone!
**Don't forget to pack some heavier, Winter clothing!
Even though you're headed to Florida, the nights can be chilly in November, December, and January. Don't think you'll be able to wear shorts and t-shirts all day and night while on your trip. Be sure to pack a few sweatshirts, pairs of jeans, gloves, and scarves. Believe me, you will need them! Disney sells many scarves, blankets, and sweatshirts during the Holidays, but be prepared before you travel if you want to save some cash.
**Take advantage of as many limited time offerings as possible
During the Holidays at WDW, Disney offers many things that aren't around all year long. Characters are dressed in their Christmas best, some parades and stage shows are changed to reflect the season, and the fireworks even get a holiday twist. As I mentioned, some of these entertainment offerings are only available at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, but most also become part of daily park operations after a certain date. Be sure to grab a times guide and map on your way into the parks each day, and do some research on the My Disney Experience app while planning your vacation. More info on My Disney Experience to come in another post! Here is a list of my top 5 favorite Holiday entertainment offerings:
1. Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade - Magic Kingdom
See your favorite Disney characters parade through the Magic Kingdom in this WDW Holiday classic. Santa Claus himself also makes an appearance, so be sure to have your camera ready! Get your viewing spot early, as prime locations on Main St., USA and within the castle hub fill up quick. I suggest 30-45 minutes before step-off.
2. Celebrate the Season stage show - Magic Kingdom, castle stage
Join in a festive celebration of the Holiday season right in front of Cinderella Castle, where you're sure to see some familiar Disney friends. Plus, have your signing voice ready to do some caroling! Definitely fun for the whole family.
3. Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights - Disney's Hollywood Studios, Streets of America
Does your hometown have that one house that goes all out every Christmas with lights, music, and more? Well, I'm guessing they don't even come close to the Osborne Family, who has moved their famous display to Disney's Hollywood Studios from Arkansas to share it with the world every Holiday season. One you've gotta see to believe!
4. Candlelight Processional - EPCOT, America Pavilion
On select nights, head over to EPCOT to hear a celebrity narrator, 50-piece orchestra, and massive choir tell the biblical Christmas story. Check out https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/epcot/candlelight-processional/ for the full schedule of narrators, as well as information on how to secure a seat with the Candlelight Processional Dinner Package. If not purchasing a Dinner Package, be sure to get in line for your desired show early. Certain narrators draw in larger crowds than others (Neil Patrick Harris had a 2-hour wait when I saw him!).
5. Holiday Wishes fireworks - Magic Kingdom
The perfect way to cap off a day at The Magic Kingdom during the Holidays! Featuring both familiar Christmas and Disney tunes, Holiday Wishes celebrates everything we all love about the Holidays, as told by host Jiminy Cricket. Get your viewing spot early for this one, too! I suggest 30-45 minutes before start time.
Visiting Walt Disney World during the Holiday season has become a beloved tradition for my family and is something I recommend everyone experience at least once. While it's not necessarily the best time to visit for Disney first-timers, it makes the most wonderful time of the year even more magical! For more information about Holidays at WDW, be sure to visit https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/holidays/. Have questions about planning your Holiday trip? Leave a comment below or send me an email!
Until the next post, see ya real soon!
**Make your hotel and flight reservations EARLY!
Traveling to WDW during the Holidays isn't really something that can be done last minute, and I wouldn't recommend putting off making your reservations in anticipation of last minute steals and deals. I'd suggest to start looking at room rates and airfare between 8-6 months out from your intended check-in date. This includes thoroughly looking at the rates on Disney's site and various other travel sits like Expedia, Kayak, and Priceline, among others. But be mindful from the start that room rates and airfare will be marked up the closer your travel dates are to Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's, as compared to days in between. This is inevitable every year, so just know that from the start, your vacation is going to be priced higher during the Holiday season.
**The Holiday decorations and seasonal entertainment offerings start in early November
Want to experience WDW during the Holidays but still want to wake up at home on Christmas morning? Well the resort gets its Holiday makeover fairly soon after Halloween, so you're in luck! Early to mid-November, as well as the week after Thanksgiving are the perfect times to visit WDW to experience the Holidays and take advantage of all the seasonal opportunities, not to mention fewer crowds, shorter lines, and lower travel costs. This may be a little tricky as kids normally don't get out of school until the end of December and adults may have work obligations keeping them in the office, but deciding when you want to travel always has a lot of personal factors to consider.
**Be prepared to encounter large crowds, long lines, and bigger travel parties
The Holiday is season is one of the busiest times of year at Walt Disney World, so know from the get-go that there's going to be a lot of other people on vacation the same time as you; it's just how it goes. Christmas Day and New Year's Day are the two busiest days of the year at The Magic Kingdom, so know that if you absolutely want to be there on either of those days, you want to get up and over to the park entrance as early as possible in the morning. We've seen the park at capacity by 10:00 AM on Christmas Day many times! Prepare the younger guests traveling with you for this as well, as we've also seen many families lose small children throughout the day in the parks because of heavy crowds. Plan out your park days, make FastPass+ selections and dining reservations ahead of time, but have some flexibility in those plans. The more popular attractions are going to have long lines no matter what, prime parade viewing spots are going to fill up quickly, and dining locations that take advance reservations will be full, so have your "must-do" list and "okay-to-miss" list already sorted out before you travel. Patience is definitely a necessity during a vacation to WDW during the Holidays :)
**Consider adding a night at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party to your vacation plans!
One of the best ways to experience the Holiday entertainment offerings at the Magic Kingdom is to do so at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, held on select nights from early November to mid-December (2015 nights are between Nov. 8th and Dec. 18th). This is a hard-ticket event that grants you access to the Magic Kingdom after public operating hours that includes special entertainment, unique character meet and greets, limited edition merchandise, and enough cookies and hot cocoa to keep you full all night long. Not to mention that it snows on Main Street USA! Some of the entertainment offerings do become part of daily park operations for the last week in December (Holiday Wishes fireworks and Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, to name two), but the party is a really great way to experience everything with smaller crowds and shorter lines. Keep in mind that entrance to the party requires an additional ticket, at an additional cost, to your normal theme park ticket package.
Tickets to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party nights in 2015 are available NOW! Be sure to visit
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/magic-kingdom/mickeys-very-merry-christmas-party/ to get yours before they're gone!
**Don't forget to pack some heavier, Winter clothing!
Even though you're headed to Florida, the nights can be chilly in November, December, and January. Don't think you'll be able to wear shorts and t-shirts all day and night while on your trip. Be sure to pack a few sweatshirts, pairs of jeans, gloves, and scarves. Believe me, you will need them! Disney sells many scarves, blankets, and sweatshirts during the Holidays, but be prepared before you travel if you want to save some cash.
**Take advantage of as many limited time offerings as possible
During the Holidays at WDW, Disney offers many things that aren't around all year long. Characters are dressed in their Christmas best, some parades and stage shows are changed to reflect the season, and the fireworks even get a holiday twist. As I mentioned, some of these entertainment offerings are only available at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, but most also become part of daily park operations after a certain date. Be sure to grab a times guide and map on your way into the parks each day, and do some research on the My Disney Experience app while planning your vacation. More info on My Disney Experience to come in another post! Here is a list of my top 5 favorite Holiday entertainment offerings:
1. Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade - Magic Kingdom
See your favorite Disney characters parade through the Magic Kingdom in this WDW Holiday classic. Santa Claus himself also makes an appearance, so be sure to have your camera ready! Get your viewing spot early, as prime locations on Main St., USA and within the castle hub fill up quick. I suggest 30-45 minutes before step-off.
2. Celebrate the Season stage show - Magic Kingdom, castle stage
Join in a festive celebration of the Holiday season right in front of Cinderella Castle, where you're sure to see some familiar Disney friends. Plus, have your signing voice ready to do some caroling! Definitely fun for the whole family.
3. Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights - Disney's Hollywood Studios, Streets of America
Does your hometown have that one house that goes all out every Christmas with lights, music, and more? Well, I'm guessing they don't even come close to the Osborne Family, who has moved their famous display to Disney's Hollywood Studios from Arkansas to share it with the world every Holiday season. One you've gotta see to believe!
4. Candlelight Processional - EPCOT, America Pavilion
On select nights, head over to EPCOT to hear a celebrity narrator, 50-piece orchestra, and massive choir tell the biblical Christmas story. Check out https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/epcot/candlelight-processional/ for the full schedule of narrators, as well as information on how to secure a seat with the Candlelight Processional Dinner Package. If not purchasing a Dinner Package, be sure to get in line for your desired show early. Certain narrators draw in larger crowds than others (Neil Patrick Harris had a 2-hour wait when I saw him!).
5. Holiday Wishes fireworks - Magic Kingdom
The perfect way to cap off a day at The Magic Kingdom during the Holidays! Featuring both familiar Christmas and Disney tunes, Holiday Wishes celebrates everything we all love about the Holidays, as told by host Jiminy Cricket. Get your viewing spot early for this one, too! I suggest 30-45 minutes before start time.
Visiting Walt Disney World during the Holiday season has become a beloved tradition for my family and is something I recommend everyone experience at least once. While it's not necessarily the best time to visit for Disney first-timers, it makes the most wonderful time of the year even more magical! For more information about Holidays at WDW, be sure to visit https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/holidays/. Have questions about planning your Holiday trip? Leave a comment below or send me an email!
Until the next post, see ya real soon!
About Me
A twenty-something alumni of the Disney College Program looking to help others plan the Disney vacations of their dreams! Living that Disneyland AP dream in SoCal.
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