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!
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!
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!
![Tinkerbell Half Marathon Finish](/uploads/3/1/3/5/31351083/editor/18425395-10155346846808833-1656467167948855200-n.jpg?1498366184)
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.
![Tinkerbell Half Marathon Medals](/uploads/3/1/3/5/31351083/published/18527677-10155361813668833-4284245590214065937-n.jpg?1498363006)
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!
![Mickey's Fun Wheel 10K Photo](/uploads/3/1/3/5/31351083/editor/18424130-10155341297588833-3104740524462439204-n.jpg?1498363907)
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!
![Picture](/uploads/3/1/3/5/31351083/1430444140.png)
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:
![Picture](/uploads/3/1/3/5/31351083/1430443907.png)
#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!
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!
![Picture](/uploads/3/1/3/5/31351083/3965244.jpg?271)
Even though I've been to Walt Disney World many times, I enjoy experiencing new things with each visit back. There are always new attractions opening, stage shows debuting, improvements to classic favorites, and more. And along with those new things, I also have a list of "dream experiences" I consider to be somewhat of a Disney bucket list that I've compiled over the years. While some of these dreams have little likelihood of coming true, I can't help but hope to cross all of these off someday! Check out my personal bucket list for all of Disney's Theme Parks & Resorts across the globe, and dream along with me!
*Visit all of Disney theme parks across the world
Since the Disney name is widely-known across the world for their iconic characters, beloved stories, and USA's Disneyland and Walt Disney World, there have been other parks built to enjoy in other parts of the world!
In France there's the Disneyland Paris Resort, which is comprised of two parks, seven resort hotels, and a shopping, dining, and entertainment district. I had the amazing opportunity to visit for two days about a decade ago when my mom and I vacationed in Paris, and I am so dying to go back soon! I like to describe it as a more elegant Disney Parks & Resorts experience all around, with softer colors, a lot of gold, and that refined French touch. Plus, there's a dragon living underneath their version of Sleeping Beauty Castle!
And in Asia, there is so much more Disney magic to behold, with three unique destinations to visit! There's Hong Kong Disneyland with one theme park and two resort hotels, the Tokyo Disney Resort with two theme parks and three resort hotels, and the upcoming Shanghai Disney Resort, which will feature one theme park and a shopping, dining, and entertainment district. The Asian parks really take everything to the next level in storytelling and theming, and their parades and shows look like they're beyond anything currently showing the American parks. All of these places are definitely at the top of my Disney bucket list!
*Spend the night at all of Walt Disney World's resort hotels
Another task right at the top of my list is to spend at least one night in each and every resort hotel at Walt Disney World. I'm off to a good start with stays at Pop Century (our go-to resort), Caribbean Beach, and Coronado Springs, but there are so many others to explore! It's fun to visit other resorts for meals, shopping, and strolling between park days on longer vacations, but I really want to rest my head for a night in each! Some of the resorts I'm particularly interested in? Definitely the Grand Floridian, the Polynesian (those new bungalows!!!), and Animal Kingdom Lodge. That just means I have to take more frequent trips, right?!
*Spend the night in the Cinderella Castle suite inside the Magic Kingdom
My inner princess wants to see the inside of this very special suite more than anything! Tucked away high up inside Cinderella Castle, there is an ornately-decorated suite that was originally going to be an apartment for Walt and his family before he passed away in the beginnings of constructing the Magic Kingdom. The suite is now used for promotional giveaways and special events, when celebrities visit the park, etc. It cannot be booked and you can't just walk in, so this one is going to be a tough one to cross off!
*Make it though the entire day at one of the Magic Kingdom's 24-hour events
A few years back on leap day, Disney decided to keep both Disneyland and Florida's Magic Kingdom open for 24 hours straight as part of a campaign known as "One More Disney Day." Since that event was so successful, they've since hosted more like this, particularly to kick off the Summer season. I haven't yet gotten the chance to spend time at the Magic Kingdom for any of these events, but I certainly hope to someday. I already enjoy staying in the park from open to close, so why not take it up a notch and go for 24 hours?!
*Go on a private cruise over Seven Seas Lagoon during Wishes
I often see families taking special boat cruises around Seven Seas Lagoon (and Crescent Lake near the Boardwalk) to take in the Magic Kingdom's nightly fireworks, and I would love to do the same! Whether it would be to celebrate something special, enjoy a private meal, or just to say I did it, it would be amazing! It's worth noting that there are no prices listed on the information page of the Walt Disney World website though, which leads me to believe this experience doesn't come cheap!
*Go on a Wild Africa Trek at Disney's Animal Kingdom
Taking a ride on Kilimanjaro Safaris is one of my favorite parts of each day at Disney's Animal Kingdom park, so why not get one step closer during this guided tour?! You get to walk on suspension bridges right over hippos and crocodiles, ride up closer to giraffes, learn more from a personal guide, pose for complimentary photos, and so much more. It may come at a high price (up to $250 per person during peak times of the year), but all of the guest reviews say it's worth it!
*Complete the RunDisney Wine & Dine half marathon
Now that I've completed my first RunDisney race, I'm itching to run another! The annual Wine & Dine half marathon at Walt Disney World is at the top of my list, which is held in the Fall season, and at night! It's themed around EPCOT's annual International Food & Wine Festival, and even includes a special finisher's party in the park afterwards with plenty food and drink samplings. I already thoroughly enjoy visiting WDW at this time of year, so why not add another amazing RunDisney experience to the plans?!
*Take a tour through Walt Disney's apartment above the Disneyland fire station and the Dream Suite above Disneyland's Pirate of the Caribbean attraction
This is another one that isn't very easy to come by (at all), but a girl can dream, right? Walt had a small apartment over the fire station right on Main Street for himself and his family that allowed him to stay right in the middle of the magic, quickly come down to meet guests, and be close enough to attend to any issues and help Cast Members. The Disney Dream Suite above Pirates of the Caribbean was an idea originally conceived by Walt himself so he could invite friends and celebrities to stay right in the park as well, but also so they didn't have to be bothered by other visiting guests. The suite was eventually completed and furnished a few years ago using Walt's original renderings, and like the Cinderella Castle Suite, is only used for promotional purposes and special events.
*Ride Space Mountain with the lights on
This may be a trivial one to have amongst my list of big Disney dreams, but it's still something I really want to do one day! I've seen many photos and videos, plus stories from guests on how the lights really add to the thrill factor (those tracks come very close together!), and I think it would be another great memory to make on one of my favorite attractions.
Some things may be harder to accomplish on this list than others, but anything is possible! Disney is always dreaming up new magical experiences to be had at their theme parks and resorts, so I'm sure my list will continue to grow with each visit and announcement from the Imagineers. Be sure to visit the Disney Parks Blog regularly for announcements like these and more to help you build your own Disney bucket list! And please share yours with me in the comments below; I want to share in your Disney dreams!
Until the next post, see ya real soon!
*Visit all of Disney theme parks across the world
Since the Disney name is widely-known across the world for their iconic characters, beloved stories, and USA's Disneyland and Walt Disney World, there have been other parks built to enjoy in other parts of the world!
In France there's the Disneyland Paris Resort, which is comprised of two parks, seven resort hotels, and a shopping, dining, and entertainment district. I had the amazing opportunity to visit for two days about a decade ago when my mom and I vacationed in Paris, and I am so dying to go back soon! I like to describe it as a more elegant Disney Parks & Resorts experience all around, with softer colors, a lot of gold, and that refined French touch. Plus, there's a dragon living underneath their version of Sleeping Beauty Castle!
And in Asia, there is so much more Disney magic to behold, with three unique destinations to visit! There's Hong Kong Disneyland with one theme park and two resort hotels, the Tokyo Disney Resort with two theme parks and three resort hotels, and the upcoming Shanghai Disney Resort, which will feature one theme park and a shopping, dining, and entertainment district. The Asian parks really take everything to the next level in storytelling and theming, and their parades and shows look like they're beyond anything currently showing the American parks. All of these places are definitely at the top of my Disney bucket list!
*Spend the night at all of Walt Disney World's resort hotels
Another task right at the top of my list is to spend at least one night in each and every resort hotel at Walt Disney World. I'm off to a good start with stays at Pop Century (our go-to resort), Caribbean Beach, and Coronado Springs, but there are so many others to explore! It's fun to visit other resorts for meals, shopping, and strolling between park days on longer vacations, but I really want to rest my head for a night in each! Some of the resorts I'm particularly interested in? Definitely the Grand Floridian, the Polynesian (those new bungalows!!!), and Animal Kingdom Lodge. That just means I have to take more frequent trips, right?!
*Spend the night in the Cinderella Castle suite inside the Magic Kingdom
My inner princess wants to see the inside of this very special suite more than anything! Tucked away high up inside Cinderella Castle, there is an ornately-decorated suite that was originally going to be an apartment for Walt and his family before he passed away in the beginnings of constructing the Magic Kingdom. The suite is now used for promotional giveaways and special events, when celebrities visit the park, etc. It cannot be booked and you can't just walk in, so this one is going to be a tough one to cross off!
*Make it though the entire day at one of the Magic Kingdom's 24-hour events
A few years back on leap day, Disney decided to keep both Disneyland and Florida's Magic Kingdom open for 24 hours straight as part of a campaign known as "One More Disney Day." Since that event was so successful, they've since hosted more like this, particularly to kick off the Summer season. I haven't yet gotten the chance to spend time at the Magic Kingdom for any of these events, but I certainly hope to someday. I already enjoy staying in the park from open to close, so why not take it up a notch and go for 24 hours?!
*Go on a private cruise over Seven Seas Lagoon during Wishes
I often see families taking special boat cruises around Seven Seas Lagoon (and Crescent Lake near the Boardwalk) to take in the Magic Kingdom's nightly fireworks, and I would love to do the same! Whether it would be to celebrate something special, enjoy a private meal, or just to say I did it, it would be amazing! It's worth noting that there are no prices listed on the information page of the Walt Disney World website though, which leads me to believe this experience doesn't come cheap!
*Go on a Wild Africa Trek at Disney's Animal Kingdom
Taking a ride on Kilimanjaro Safaris is one of my favorite parts of each day at Disney's Animal Kingdom park, so why not get one step closer during this guided tour?! You get to walk on suspension bridges right over hippos and crocodiles, ride up closer to giraffes, learn more from a personal guide, pose for complimentary photos, and so much more. It may come at a high price (up to $250 per person during peak times of the year), but all of the guest reviews say it's worth it!
*Complete the RunDisney Wine & Dine half marathon
Now that I've completed my first RunDisney race, I'm itching to run another! The annual Wine & Dine half marathon at Walt Disney World is at the top of my list, which is held in the Fall season, and at night! It's themed around EPCOT's annual International Food & Wine Festival, and even includes a special finisher's party in the park afterwards with plenty food and drink samplings. I already thoroughly enjoy visiting WDW at this time of year, so why not add another amazing RunDisney experience to the plans?!
*Take a tour through Walt Disney's apartment above the Disneyland fire station and the Dream Suite above Disneyland's Pirate of the Caribbean attraction
This is another one that isn't very easy to come by (at all), but a girl can dream, right? Walt had a small apartment over the fire station right on Main Street for himself and his family that allowed him to stay right in the middle of the magic, quickly come down to meet guests, and be close enough to attend to any issues and help Cast Members. The Disney Dream Suite above Pirates of the Caribbean was an idea originally conceived by Walt himself so he could invite friends and celebrities to stay right in the park as well, but also so they didn't have to be bothered by other visiting guests. The suite was eventually completed and furnished a few years ago using Walt's original renderings, and like the Cinderella Castle Suite, is only used for promotional purposes and special events.
*Ride Space Mountain with the lights on
This may be a trivial one to have amongst my list of big Disney dreams, but it's still something I really want to do one day! I've seen many photos and videos, plus stories from guests on how the lights really add to the thrill factor (those tracks come very close together!), and I think it would be another great memory to make on one of my favorite attractions.
Some things may be harder to accomplish on this list than others, but anything is possible! Disney is always dreaming up new magical experiences to be had at their theme parks and resorts, so I'm sure my list will continue to grow with each visit and announcement from the Imagineers. Be sure to visit the Disney Parks Blog regularly for announcements like these and more to help you build your own Disney bucket list! And please share yours with me in the comments below; I want to share in your Disney dreams!
Until the next post, see ya real soon!
![Picture](/uploads/3/1/3/5/31351083/4023786.jpg?243)
This Disney Princess loves to shop, and I make sure to save a separate budget for souvenirs during any and all trips to Walt Disney World. Yes, some items can be on the pricey side, and it might be hard justifying $30 for a stuffed animal, but the memories that go along with them can last forever! From pins to autograph books to t-shirts, I hold many special memories with each souvenir that I know I'll remember and share for years to come. Take a look at some of my favorite merchandise I've picked up on visits over time, and what I think every Disney fan should have:
1. Disney pins
I was hesitant at first to jump on the bandwagon when Disney Pin Trading first came out, but now I've become a fanatic! Disney Pins come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and costs, with pins for every character you can think of, favorite attractions, seasonal events, and more. I've accumulated enough pins to now fill three lanyards (with a few left over that I like to carry with me as everyday accessories), and I still like to peruse new offerings on each trip for something new. In the photo above, you'll see I have a lanyard entirely filled with Princess pins, a "theme park" lanyard with attraction and resort pins, and a Disney Cruise Line lanyard that still needs some work! Some pins are sold individually, some in packs, and some in "mystery sets" (my favorite!), so you can build up a collection rather quickly once you get started. Plus, most Cast Members are required to wear/carry pins for trading with guests, so be on the look out for some unique ones as you walk through the parks! I personally don't like to trade, but it's fun to see just how many pins Disney has available.
2. Mickey Mouse ear hats/headbands
You can see in a previous post just how much I love my mouse ear headbands! It's a given that anyone who visits Walt Disney World should own at least one pair of ears, no matter their personality. There are hats and headbands for Princess fans, Pixar lovers, Villian appreciators, those who like to keep things "classic," and more. I've created a tradition of purchasing a new pair of ears every time I visit, so now I have enough to wear something different for each park day! These are great too as conversation starters with characters, and like I mentioned, really show off your Disney personality. And you can forget about personalization too! Definitely a must-buy!
3. Plush stuffed animals
You might be thinking, "Okay, you're in your 20s and still buy Disney stuffed animals?!" Yes, of course; I don't think you can have enough stuffed animals! Disney carries plush friends from most of their franchises, and in many sizes and themes. Some plush also have interchangeable outfits to dress them in, which can be extra special fun! I love the recent additions of Pillow Pets to the plush world, including classic characters like Mickey, Minnie, and Dumbo alongside newer friends like Sulley, Simba, and Stitch. Even if you're a big kid (I don't like the term "adult"), it's definitely still worth picking up a new plush on your next trip. Who doesn't want to bring home a new cuddly buddy?!
1. Disney pins
I was hesitant at first to jump on the bandwagon when Disney Pin Trading first came out, but now I've become a fanatic! Disney Pins come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and costs, with pins for every character you can think of, favorite attractions, seasonal events, and more. I've accumulated enough pins to now fill three lanyards (with a few left over that I like to carry with me as everyday accessories), and I still like to peruse new offerings on each trip for something new. In the photo above, you'll see I have a lanyard entirely filled with Princess pins, a "theme park" lanyard with attraction and resort pins, and a Disney Cruise Line lanyard that still needs some work! Some pins are sold individually, some in packs, and some in "mystery sets" (my favorite!), so you can build up a collection rather quickly once you get started. Plus, most Cast Members are required to wear/carry pins for trading with guests, so be on the look out for some unique ones as you walk through the parks! I personally don't like to trade, but it's fun to see just how many pins Disney has available.
2. Mickey Mouse ear hats/headbands
You can see in a previous post just how much I love my mouse ear headbands! It's a given that anyone who visits Walt Disney World should own at least one pair of ears, no matter their personality. There are hats and headbands for Princess fans, Pixar lovers, Villian appreciators, those who like to keep things "classic," and more. I've created a tradition of purchasing a new pair of ears every time I visit, so now I have enough to wear something different for each park day! These are great too as conversation starters with characters, and like I mentioned, really show off your Disney personality. And you can forget about personalization too! Definitely a must-buy!
3. Plush stuffed animals
You might be thinking, "Okay, you're in your 20s and still buy Disney stuffed animals?!" Yes, of course; I don't think you can have enough stuffed animals! Disney carries plush friends from most of their franchises, and in many sizes and themes. Some plush also have interchangeable outfits to dress them in, which can be extra special fun! I love the recent additions of Pillow Pets to the plush world, including classic characters like Mickey, Minnie, and Dumbo alongside newer friends like Sulley, Simba, and Stitch. Even if you're a big kid (I don't like the term "adult"), it's definitely still worth picking up a new plush on your next trip. Who doesn't want to bring home a new cuddly buddy?!
![Picture](/uploads/3/1/3/5/31351083/7912723.jpg?301)
4. Mickey & Minnie Holiday plush
Going along with the plush theme, I'm a big fan of the Holiday/seasonal versions of Mickey & Minnie that are released throughout the year. I now have a 9" set of the famous couple for Christmas, Halloween, Easter (purchased during my most recent trip), Summer, and a special set from "The Year of a Million Dreams" back a couple of years ago. These guys are great to remember specific trips from, and can even be set out as decorations during their associated time of year. I love to put mine out on the sofa or atop a shelf! While each plush might cost you upwards to $18, they really are a great alternative to the classic versions you may already have at home. And who could pass up those adorable outfits?
5. Antenna toppers
Another set of collectibles I've become addicted to! Disney makes a ton of themed antenna toppers to adorn your vehicle that can really show off your Disney personality back at home. There are Holiday/seasonal toppers, character-specific toppers, attraction-specific toppers, and more! I'm a big fan of the different varieties for Christmas (including Santa Mickey, Mickey with reindeer antlers, and a Mickey-shaped ornament), Mickey in a yellow rain poncho, and a pink Minnie with a gold princess crown. But it's so hard to decide which is my favorite! These are very reasonably priced items, usually offered at two for $8, so they're great souvenirs if you're traveling on a limited budget. Plus, they can help you find your car quickly in busy parking lots - an added bonus!
6. Christmas ornaments
Definitely a must-purchase on any trip! You can find special Christmas ornaments around almost every corner at WDW, and they're another great way of remembering specific visits. Whether you want to get something with the date of your trip, represent a special event like an engagement, graduation, or new baby, or simply pay tribute to your favorite character, there are tons to choose from! I especially love visiting Disney's Days of Christmas at the Downtown Disney Marketplace to pick up something on each trip and spend extra time looking at the hundreds of offerings. Most locations also offer personalization for your ornaments, which does come at an extra cost, but adds a little extra pixie dust to your purchase. Just be sure to get them wrapped tight for travel and carry them home on the plane rather than packing them away!
7. Dooney & Bourke bags
These might be splurge items, but I like to save up a little extra cash before a visit so I can purchase the latest and greatest handbag from Dooney & Bourke for Disney! They've released bags for everything from the Disney Princesses to the parks to the Haunted Mansion, and I fall in love with each new pattern they release. They typically have a variety of styles for each pattern, which have past included a cross-body, bowler, and tote, and sometimes even carry smaller items like wallets and wristlets. These items can usually be found in the jewelry room at World of Disney at Downtown Disney and in Uptown Jewelers at the Magic Kingdom, among other locations (we usually find the biggest selections at these stores). While they definitely will take a large chunk out of your souvenir budget, I promise you'll want to carry them everywhere you go once you're home.
8. Alex & Ani bracelets
Disney certainly knows how to capitalize on trends, and partnering with Alex & Ani was a very smart move! These made-in-the-USA, positive energy-touting bangles are the perfect accessories for every girl. They have varieties representing each park at Walt Disney World, the Disney Princesses, the Fab Five classic characters, and famous Disney quotes, among others. They even carry their popular birthstone varieties with an extra little Mickey silhouette hanging from the bangle to signify where you got it from. These pieces start at around $38 each and go up a little from there, and they're easy to get addicted to (if you're like me anyway!). I love to stack a bunch of mine and wear them at once, like the photo recently posted to my Facebook page, but they're also nice to wear one at time for a more delicate look. These can be found at the main retail locations for each park (think Emporium and Mouse Gear-sized stores), and both World of Disney and Tren-D at Downtown Disney. Word of advice though: If you see a style you like, buy it right away! These things sell out quickly at bigger locations, especially if it's a newly-released style!
9. Vera Bradley bags
Can you tell I'm a girly-girl?! Much like the Dooney & Bourke bags, I've fallen in love with the few Disney patterns by Vera Bradley that have made their way to the parks within the last year. These can also be on the higher-priced side, but come in a variety of sizes to fit your style and budget. I really like the smaller backpack size, because it's perfect for taking to the parks! The Disney element of the patterns is subtle too, so you can definitely continue to carry your bag when you get home. These can usually be found in the same locations as the Dooney & Bourke bags all around property as well.
10. Animator's Collection dolls
These dolls, mostly of the Princess variety, are great sit-on-a-shelf items to bring home if you're a collecting type like I am. Introduced a few years back, these guys share a little information about the animator who designed them on the back of their box, in addition to their cute faces. I really love learning all I can about how Disney's animated classic films were produced, so I enjoy having little pieces of history to bring back home after a visit to WDW. Some of the dolls can be found outside of the parks, but most are only available on-property, or at least offer something a little bit extra (see the little Olaf Anna is holding in the photo below?). I'd recommend using the shipping service Disney offers so you don't have to run the risk of damaging the box en route home, or stock up on your favorites if you're driving home from Walt Disney World in a car.
Even if you're visiting Walt Disney World on a budget, be sure to save a little cash for some souvenirs to bring home. You don't want to limit yourself and then make it back saying "Oh, I wish I would have picked up that gift!" After all, you never quite know when you'll be back again. I have many fond, magical memories attached to things I've brought home from Disney vacations, and I'll treasure them forever. Be sure to check out https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/shops/ for comprehensive WDW shopping information to plan your attack.
Do you have any favorite souvenirs from past visits? Share them with me in the comments below! I always love to hear your about your magical memories!
Until the next post, see ya real soon!
Going along with the plush theme, I'm a big fan of the Holiday/seasonal versions of Mickey & Minnie that are released throughout the year. I now have a 9" set of the famous couple for Christmas, Halloween, Easter (purchased during my most recent trip), Summer, and a special set from "The Year of a Million Dreams" back a couple of years ago. These guys are great to remember specific trips from, and can even be set out as decorations during their associated time of year. I love to put mine out on the sofa or atop a shelf! While each plush might cost you upwards to $18, they really are a great alternative to the classic versions you may already have at home. And who could pass up those adorable outfits?
5. Antenna toppers
Another set of collectibles I've become addicted to! Disney makes a ton of themed antenna toppers to adorn your vehicle that can really show off your Disney personality back at home. There are Holiday/seasonal toppers, character-specific toppers, attraction-specific toppers, and more! I'm a big fan of the different varieties for Christmas (including Santa Mickey, Mickey with reindeer antlers, and a Mickey-shaped ornament), Mickey in a yellow rain poncho, and a pink Minnie with a gold princess crown. But it's so hard to decide which is my favorite! These are very reasonably priced items, usually offered at two for $8, so they're great souvenirs if you're traveling on a limited budget. Plus, they can help you find your car quickly in busy parking lots - an added bonus!
6. Christmas ornaments
Definitely a must-purchase on any trip! You can find special Christmas ornaments around almost every corner at WDW, and they're another great way of remembering specific visits. Whether you want to get something with the date of your trip, represent a special event like an engagement, graduation, or new baby, or simply pay tribute to your favorite character, there are tons to choose from! I especially love visiting Disney's Days of Christmas at the Downtown Disney Marketplace to pick up something on each trip and spend extra time looking at the hundreds of offerings. Most locations also offer personalization for your ornaments, which does come at an extra cost, but adds a little extra pixie dust to your purchase. Just be sure to get them wrapped tight for travel and carry them home on the plane rather than packing them away!
7. Dooney & Bourke bags
These might be splurge items, but I like to save up a little extra cash before a visit so I can purchase the latest and greatest handbag from Dooney & Bourke for Disney! They've released bags for everything from the Disney Princesses to the parks to the Haunted Mansion, and I fall in love with each new pattern they release. They typically have a variety of styles for each pattern, which have past included a cross-body, bowler, and tote, and sometimes even carry smaller items like wallets and wristlets. These items can usually be found in the jewelry room at World of Disney at Downtown Disney and in Uptown Jewelers at the Magic Kingdom, among other locations (we usually find the biggest selections at these stores). While they definitely will take a large chunk out of your souvenir budget, I promise you'll want to carry them everywhere you go once you're home.
8. Alex & Ani bracelets
Disney certainly knows how to capitalize on trends, and partnering with Alex & Ani was a very smart move! These made-in-the-USA, positive energy-touting bangles are the perfect accessories for every girl. They have varieties representing each park at Walt Disney World, the Disney Princesses, the Fab Five classic characters, and famous Disney quotes, among others. They even carry their popular birthstone varieties with an extra little Mickey silhouette hanging from the bangle to signify where you got it from. These pieces start at around $38 each and go up a little from there, and they're easy to get addicted to (if you're like me anyway!). I love to stack a bunch of mine and wear them at once, like the photo recently posted to my Facebook page, but they're also nice to wear one at time for a more delicate look. These can be found at the main retail locations for each park (think Emporium and Mouse Gear-sized stores), and both World of Disney and Tren-D at Downtown Disney. Word of advice though: If you see a style you like, buy it right away! These things sell out quickly at bigger locations, especially if it's a newly-released style!
9. Vera Bradley bags
Can you tell I'm a girly-girl?! Much like the Dooney & Bourke bags, I've fallen in love with the few Disney patterns by Vera Bradley that have made their way to the parks within the last year. These can also be on the higher-priced side, but come in a variety of sizes to fit your style and budget. I really like the smaller backpack size, because it's perfect for taking to the parks! The Disney element of the patterns is subtle too, so you can definitely continue to carry your bag when you get home. These can usually be found in the same locations as the Dooney & Bourke bags all around property as well.
10. Animator's Collection dolls
These dolls, mostly of the Princess variety, are great sit-on-a-shelf items to bring home if you're a collecting type like I am. Introduced a few years back, these guys share a little information about the animator who designed them on the back of their box, in addition to their cute faces. I really love learning all I can about how Disney's animated classic films were produced, so I enjoy having little pieces of history to bring back home after a visit to WDW. Some of the dolls can be found outside of the parks, but most are only available on-property, or at least offer something a little bit extra (see the little Olaf Anna is holding in the photo below?). I'd recommend using the shipping service Disney offers so you don't have to run the risk of damaging the box en route home, or stock up on your favorites if you're driving home from Walt Disney World in a car.
Even if you're visiting Walt Disney World on a budget, be sure to save a little cash for some souvenirs to bring home. You don't want to limit yourself and then make it back saying "Oh, I wish I would have picked up that gift!" After all, you never quite know when you'll be back again. I have many fond, magical memories attached to things I've brought home from Disney vacations, and I'll treasure them forever. Be sure to check out https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/shops/ for comprehensive WDW shopping information to plan your attack.
Do you have any favorite souvenirs from past visits? Share them with me in the comments below! I always love to hear your about your magical memories!
Until the next post, see ya real soon!
![Picture](/uploads/3/1/3/5/31351083/2015739.jpg?211)
Even though I've visited Walt Disney World more times than I can count, I still find new things to discover every time I come back. And this year's trip for the Disney Princess Half Marathon was no exception! Between new attractions, snacks, and experiences, this WDW veteran got to do many new things, and do it all alongside a first-timer to boot - There's nothing quite as magical as that!
Check out my favorite "firsts" from my most recent trip:
Check out my favorite "firsts" from my most recent trip:
![Picture](/uploads/3/1/3/5/31351083/5984221.jpg?257)
1. My first RunDisney race
I ventured to Walt Disney World and structured our vacation around the 2015 Disney Princess Half Marathon, so that was easily the biggest highlight of the trip! 13.1 magical miles through the parks, 50,000 runners with amazing costumes throughout the weekend, and characters galore! Nobody hosts races like Disney, and this event is definitely something I'd recommend to any runner! I may already be planning another go at it for next year's event... Glass Slipper Challenge or Castaway Cay Challenge, anyone?!
Check out my previous post for more info on the race and my experience!
2. Getting evacuated from an attraction
While WDW is an amazing world of enchantment, fantasy, and innovative technology, their attractions do sometimes need quick tune-ups in the middle of the day. I experienced my first ever ride evacuation on The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh in Fantasyland during this trip, in which everything shut down so something could be fixed. It may not have been as exciting of an evacuation like some guests have experienced with Disney's thrill rides (AKA not as cool as seeing Space Mountain with the lights on), but it gave us another fun memory to bring home with us. Plus we got a free paper FastPass to use at one of a few select attractions, and we eventually got to come back later when the ride opened up again. Ah, paper FastPasses - Nostalgia at it's finest!
3. Finally enjoying a Dole Whip
I'm sure some of you are reading this and saying, "You've been to Disney that many times and never had a Dole Whip?!" Yes, this was my first time ever enjoying the iconic pineapple treat. I truthfully never had an interest in trying one, as pineapple isn't my favorite fruit, but boy was I missing out! I went with the pineapple and vanilla twist soft serve option and it was wonderful! Definitely lives up to the hype other guests give it. You can find the different varieties to try at the quick-service Aloha Isle in Adventureland in the Magic Kingdom, which is on the right-hand side as soon as you enter the land from the Castle Hub.
4. Experiencing Disney's Festival of Fantasy parade
If you've been following my blog for a while now, you know it's no secret that I'm a big parade, show, and street entertainment fan at WDW. Well the last time I visited prior to this trip was in August of 2013, in which the daily Celebrate a Dream Come True parade was still entertaining guests at the Magic Kingdom. Disney's Festival of Fantasy parade debuted in early spring of 2014, so I finally got to see it in person after watching it many times on YouTube in anticipation! I did thoroughly enjoy Celebrate a Dream Come True and was sad to see it go at the time, but Festival of Fantasy was even more amazing and fun than I expected it to be. The floats were spectacular, there were a ton of both classic and new characters, including Anna and Elsa from Frozen, and the costuming was so detailed. This parade was easily one of my favorite things from this trip (if not my top). A must-see the next time you visit the Magic Kingdom!
5. Purchasing my first Duffy plush
I've had a longtime crush on Mickey's teddy bear Duffy the Disney Bear, and finally purchased my own plush version of him during this trip! If you're not familiar with Duffy or his story, here's the short version: When Mickey was preparing to go on a long journey, Minnie made him a teddy bear to take along and keep him company. Mickey named him Duffy, and they've gone on many adventures together since first meeting. You an actually meet Duffy yourself at the front of World Showcase in EPCOT and ask him about those adventures, get his autograph and photo, and give big hugs. He's so cute and cuddly and will definitely become my own travel companion now that I have my own!
6. Staying until the Kiss Goodnight at the Magic Kingdom
When I visit the theme parks at Walt Disney World, I enjoy staying from open until close as much as possible to ensure I get in everything I want to do. Well at the Magic Kingdom, there's a short little show called the "Kiss Goodnight" that announces the park closing, and it's really a special way to end your day. Up until this trip I had never actually stopped to sit and watch the 3-minute announcement on my way out, as we usually visit during the Holidays and have to shuffle out with the crowds, so I made sure we got to see it at least once during our two visits to MK this trip. It really capped off the evening with extra pixie dust and made me tear up a little bit. A Cast Member told us they usually play the Kiss Goodnight at park closing, and then both 30 minutes and an hour afterwards (depending on the day of the week and time of year), so be sure to save those last few minutes of your day for it. I promise you it will be worth staying until the very end.
7. Dining with Pooh and friends at The Crystal Palace
During my 2011 Disney College Program, I worked many shifts at the famous Crystal Palace buffet restaurant with my dear character friend Winnie the Pooh, but never got to actually sit down and eat there. As I planned this vacation I knew we had to make a reservation! It was definitely a magical breakfast as we met Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore, and Piglet and celebrated Friendship Day in the "Pooh-rade" with other guests. The food was delicious, and it was really nice to fill our tummies before starting our day at the Magic Kingdom. It certainly lived up to it's wonderful expectations, and I would eat there again!
8. Dining with Donald and friends at Tusker House
Another buffet restaurant that I heard so many good things about, but never visited! The Tusker House can be found in the Africa area of Disney's Animal Kingdom park, and is another great place to fill up and meet characters (only at breakfast, FYI). We enjoyed a spread of both traditional American buffet favorites and unique African offerings, and got to meet Mickey, Goofy, Donald, and Daisy in their safari gear. It was a little loud inside, but I really enjoyed everything - Especially their house jungle juice. YUM! And since we had a 9 AM reservation, we got to enter the park early and take a ton of pictures in front of the Tree of Life icon without any crowds in the background! An extra perk!
9. Adding more FastPasses at a FastPass+ kiosk
I've said before in a previous post that I'm a big fan of Disney's new MyMagic+ technology and all that comes with it, including FastPass+. Well this trip was the first time I tried out adding on more FastPasses at the kiosks located inside the parks once our initial three had been used. And I found it to be really easy and convenient! When I pre-scheduled our first FastPasses for our park days (in which you get to choose three ahead of time), I made sure to choose the earliest possible times available so we could then continue to add on more throughout the day. At the FastPass+ kiosks, you can add one more FastPass on to your party's (or individual's) itinerary at a time for the park you're in. The lines to use the technology got a little long at times, but I knew exactly what I wanted before I got up there, so I was able to get in and get out quick. Definitely utilize this service when you're in the parks, because we were able to add on many more FastPasses each park day.
Tip: If meeting the current popular characters (think Anna & Elsa, Princesses, and Mickey) is on the top of your must-do list, get your FastPasses ahead of time as part of your first three. We found that character greeting FastPasses were pretty much all gone by early afternoon.
10. Experiencing the extra special magic of a friend's first visit
In all my past visits to WDW, I traveled with the same people (my family) who had been to the parks before. I was very fortunate to be traveling with a first-timer this trip, a friend from work, and being there with her and experiencing everything through her Disney-novice eyes was absolutely amazing. Between her "firsts" of seeing Cinderella Castle, giving Mickey a hug, riding Tower of Terror (my favorite!), and seeing Wishes light up the sky, I was on an emotional roller coaster throughout the week.
I am so blessed to have been able to grow up going to the Disney Theme Parks & Resorts and sailing with Disney Cruise Line many times, that being with someone who has never gone before really had me flashing back to all of the magical moments from previous trips with my family. If you ever have the chance to take a first-timer, help them plan their trip, or even just connect with them when they come back, do it. It makes you see just how powerful and wonderful the magic of Disney really is. I can only imagine how it will be when I'm able to take my own children one day...
Even if you're headed to Walt Disney World for the 100th time, there may be some things you've missed or skipped along the way. Take extra time to experience all of the little moments, because you never know what kind of magic they might add to your trip! As always, be sure to check out https://disneyworld.disney.go.com for comprehensive information as your plan your visit, and do your research.
What are your favorite "firsts" from previous trips to WDW? Do you have anything on your list you want to do during your next visit that would be a first? Tell me about them in the comments below!
Until the next post, see ya real soon!
I ventured to Walt Disney World and structured our vacation around the 2015 Disney Princess Half Marathon, so that was easily the biggest highlight of the trip! 13.1 magical miles through the parks, 50,000 runners with amazing costumes throughout the weekend, and characters galore! Nobody hosts races like Disney, and this event is definitely something I'd recommend to any runner! I may already be planning another go at it for next year's event... Glass Slipper Challenge or Castaway Cay Challenge, anyone?!
Check out my previous post for more info on the race and my experience!
2. Getting evacuated from an attraction
While WDW is an amazing world of enchantment, fantasy, and innovative technology, their attractions do sometimes need quick tune-ups in the middle of the day. I experienced my first ever ride evacuation on The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh in Fantasyland during this trip, in which everything shut down so something could be fixed. It may not have been as exciting of an evacuation like some guests have experienced with Disney's thrill rides (AKA not as cool as seeing Space Mountain with the lights on), but it gave us another fun memory to bring home with us. Plus we got a free paper FastPass to use at one of a few select attractions, and we eventually got to come back later when the ride opened up again. Ah, paper FastPasses - Nostalgia at it's finest!
3. Finally enjoying a Dole Whip
I'm sure some of you are reading this and saying, "You've been to Disney that many times and never had a Dole Whip?!" Yes, this was my first time ever enjoying the iconic pineapple treat. I truthfully never had an interest in trying one, as pineapple isn't my favorite fruit, but boy was I missing out! I went with the pineapple and vanilla twist soft serve option and it was wonderful! Definitely lives up to the hype other guests give it. You can find the different varieties to try at the quick-service Aloha Isle in Adventureland in the Magic Kingdom, which is on the right-hand side as soon as you enter the land from the Castle Hub.
4. Experiencing Disney's Festival of Fantasy parade
If you've been following my blog for a while now, you know it's no secret that I'm a big parade, show, and street entertainment fan at WDW. Well the last time I visited prior to this trip was in August of 2013, in which the daily Celebrate a Dream Come True parade was still entertaining guests at the Magic Kingdom. Disney's Festival of Fantasy parade debuted in early spring of 2014, so I finally got to see it in person after watching it many times on YouTube in anticipation! I did thoroughly enjoy Celebrate a Dream Come True and was sad to see it go at the time, but Festival of Fantasy was even more amazing and fun than I expected it to be. The floats were spectacular, there were a ton of both classic and new characters, including Anna and Elsa from Frozen, and the costuming was so detailed. This parade was easily one of my favorite things from this trip (if not my top). A must-see the next time you visit the Magic Kingdom!
5. Purchasing my first Duffy plush
I've had a longtime crush on Mickey's teddy bear Duffy the Disney Bear, and finally purchased my own plush version of him during this trip! If you're not familiar with Duffy or his story, here's the short version: When Mickey was preparing to go on a long journey, Minnie made him a teddy bear to take along and keep him company. Mickey named him Duffy, and they've gone on many adventures together since first meeting. You an actually meet Duffy yourself at the front of World Showcase in EPCOT and ask him about those adventures, get his autograph and photo, and give big hugs. He's so cute and cuddly and will definitely become my own travel companion now that I have my own!
6. Staying until the Kiss Goodnight at the Magic Kingdom
When I visit the theme parks at Walt Disney World, I enjoy staying from open until close as much as possible to ensure I get in everything I want to do. Well at the Magic Kingdom, there's a short little show called the "Kiss Goodnight" that announces the park closing, and it's really a special way to end your day. Up until this trip I had never actually stopped to sit and watch the 3-minute announcement on my way out, as we usually visit during the Holidays and have to shuffle out with the crowds, so I made sure we got to see it at least once during our two visits to MK this trip. It really capped off the evening with extra pixie dust and made me tear up a little bit. A Cast Member told us they usually play the Kiss Goodnight at park closing, and then both 30 minutes and an hour afterwards (depending on the day of the week and time of year), so be sure to save those last few minutes of your day for it. I promise you it will be worth staying until the very end.
7. Dining with Pooh and friends at The Crystal Palace
During my 2011 Disney College Program, I worked many shifts at the famous Crystal Palace buffet restaurant with my dear character friend Winnie the Pooh, but never got to actually sit down and eat there. As I planned this vacation I knew we had to make a reservation! It was definitely a magical breakfast as we met Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore, and Piglet and celebrated Friendship Day in the "Pooh-rade" with other guests. The food was delicious, and it was really nice to fill our tummies before starting our day at the Magic Kingdom. It certainly lived up to it's wonderful expectations, and I would eat there again!
8. Dining with Donald and friends at Tusker House
Another buffet restaurant that I heard so many good things about, but never visited! The Tusker House can be found in the Africa area of Disney's Animal Kingdom park, and is another great place to fill up and meet characters (only at breakfast, FYI). We enjoyed a spread of both traditional American buffet favorites and unique African offerings, and got to meet Mickey, Goofy, Donald, and Daisy in their safari gear. It was a little loud inside, but I really enjoyed everything - Especially their house jungle juice. YUM! And since we had a 9 AM reservation, we got to enter the park early and take a ton of pictures in front of the Tree of Life icon without any crowds in the background! An extra perk!
9. Adding more FastPasses at a FastPass+ kiosk
I've said before in a previous post that I'm a big fan of Disney's new MyMagic+ technology and all that comes with it, including FastPass+. Well this trip was the first time I tried out adding on more FastPasses at the kiosks located inside the parks once our initial three had been used. And I found it to be really easy and convenient! When I pre-scheduled our first FastPasses for our park days (in which you get to choose three ahead of time), I made sure to choose the earliest possible times available so we could then continue to add on more throughout the day. At the FastPass+ kiosks, you can add one more FastPass on to your party's (or individual's) itinerary at a time for the park you're in. The lines to use the technology got a little long at times, but I knew exactly what I wanted before I got up there, so I was able to get in and get out quick. Definitely utilize this service when you're in the parks, because we were able to add on many more FastPasses each park day.
Tip: If meeting the current popular characters (think Anna & Elsa, Princesses, and Mickey) is on the top of your must-do list, get your FastPasses ahead of time as part of your first three. We found that character greeting FastPasses were pretty much all gone by early afternoon.
10. Experiencing the extra special magic of a friend's first visit
In all my past visits to WDW, I traveled with the same people (my family) who had been to the parks before. I was very fortunate to be traveling with a first-timer this trip, a friend from work, and being there with her and experiencing everything through her Disney-novice eyes was absolutely amazing. Between her "firsts" of seeing Cinderella Castle, giving Mickey a hug, riding Tower of Terror (my favorite!), and seeing Wishes light up the sky, I was on an emotional roller coaster throughout the week.
I am so blessed to have been able to grow up going to the Disney Theme Parks & Resorts and sailing with Disney Cruise Line many times, that being with someone who has never gone before really had me flashing back to all of the magical moments from previous trips with my family. If you ever have the chance to take a first-timer, help them plan their trip, or even just connect with them when they come back, do it. It makes you see just how powerful and wonderful the magic of Disney really is. I can only imagine how it will be when I'm able to take my own children one day...
Even if you're headed to Walt Disney World for the 100th time, there may be some things you've missed or skipped along the way. Take extra time to experience all of the little moments, because you never know what kind of magic they might add to your trip! As always, be sure to check out https://disneyworld.disney.go.com for comprehensive information as your plan your visit, and do your research.
What are your favorite "firsts" from previous trips to WDW? Do you have anything on your list you want to do during your next visit that would be a first? Tell me about them in the comments below!
Until the next post, see ya real soon!
![Picture](/uploads/3/1/3/5/31351083/5183733.jpg?227)
My first experience with RunDisney at this year's Disney Princess Half Marathon was nothing short of magical! While I've ran a half marathon, multiple 5Ks, and other distance races before, this race was definitely a good course for athletes of all backgrounds and abilities. I set a personal fitness goal a year ago to prepare for this event, and despite a little bit of nervous energy, I really felt ready. Plus, there were characters and entertainment along the course, tons of positive energy from Cast Members, volunteers, and fellow runners, and fireworks at the race start to get the party started. You really can't find a race location better than Walt Disney World! Here's some highlights from my race experience this year, as well as some helpful tips for registering for RunDisney events and getting ready:
The registration process:
Maybe you've never heard of RunDisney and all of their annual events, but trust me, THOUSANDS of other people have. If you're interested at all in participating in one of their races, be prepared to sign up the minute your event opens. My running group and I knew exactly what date and time registration for the Princess Half was set for, gathered our necessary personal and payment information, and situated ourselves at our computers 15 minutes prior to that time so we could get on right away. And boy, were we thankful to have done so! I believe this year's main event (the half marathon) sold out within 6 hours. The accompanying 5K, 10K, and Kids Races weekend events took a little longer to fill up, but everything happened much quicker than I initially anticipated.
There a few things you'll need to know and have before you register. First, you really want to make sure you know exactly what kind of event you're signing up for and be prepared to commit MONTHS in advance. For the Princess Half February 2015 event, registration opened up in mid July (about 6 months ahead of time). Registrations are non-transferable to other runners, so you can't chicken out once you're signed up. Plus, your registration fees are non-refundable as well. It looks like the open early bird registration cost for the 2016 Disney Princess Half Marathon is $175 (without commemorative items). You may be eligible for an even earlier registration date if you're an Annual Passholder, member of the Disney Vacation Club, etc., so pay attention to the RunDisney website leading up to registration and sign up for their reminder emails!
Secondly, know if you want to pre-purchase any commemorative items or participate in any of the weekend's special challenges. You'll be able to pre-order items like the event's special pin (what I chose to do), Mickey ear hats, and limited edition apparel, so I'd suggest adding on anything you know you'll want ahead of time, as a lot of merchandise does sell out quickly. And same goes with the challenges - If you're up to the task, get yourself signed up right away. These also fill up quickly!
Thirdly, have all of your personal and payment information ready on registration day. This will just make the process quicker. As soon as registration opened for this year's event, I could tell that a lot of other people were also trying to get signed up, as the website was really moving slowly. Just be prepared with all of the necessary info you'll need, and you should be set to go in no time.
Preparing for the race and training:
Even though this is a fun Disney race, it's still a tough test of physical endurance. TRAIN, TRAIN, TRAIN! And start early. RunDisney offers a lot of really great training and nutrition resources for free to help you prepare, so take advantage of everything you can. Get involved in local running events and races, find a running buddy/group, do whatever you need to do and hit the pavement. You want to be fully prepared. Definitely set a training pace of a 15-minute mile or quicker, as there will be pacing in effect on race day (but I'll get to that in a minute!). You can even submit a proof of time to RunDisney (which I'd recommend) ahead of the event to help get a corral placement closer to the initial start. There are a few stipulations to submitting a proof of time, as well as a deadline, so pay attention to your event's rules. I submitted an earlier half marathon time from November of 2014 for this particular event.
Also take time before your race to prepare a special costume! I saw so many amazing and creative costumes during the race that brought a smile to my face, and you really were in the minority if you weren't dressed up. Whether you want to get advanced with props, makeup, and headpieces, or would rather DisneyBound with a more simple, character-inspired look, get into it and have fun! Also take your event theme into consideration - I obviously saw a lot of Princesses during my race, but their corresponding villains and sidekicks were also popular. I of course had to dress up as my favorite Princess Aurora, but I saw everyone from Cinderella to Maleficent to Flounder!
Booking an accompanying stay at Walt Disney World:
Whether you want to make your race a long girl's weekend or a week-long stay with extended family, it's fun to add a couple of extra days to explore WDW before or after your run. Upon registering and getting your confirmation, start looking into what kind of vacation you want to plan, and when you want to arrive/depart. RunDisney races bring in thousands of runners, spectators, and family members (there were close to 50,000 runners alone for the three Princess weekend races), so hotels will fill up quickly, and especially those close to the race start/along the course. I stayed at Disney's Pop Century Resort in the EPCOT and Wide World of Sports areas, which is extremely close to the race start and Health and Fitness Expo.
For some of the smaller events, RunDisney will designate some resort hotels as Host Resorts, which are essentially the only resorts you can get direct race transportation to and from. All of the WDW resort hotels were considered to be host resorts for the Princess weekend events, but some like The Expedition Everest Challenge only have three or four resort hotels as host resorts. Having direct transportation really helps on race day and getting to/from the Expo, so be sure to check where you can get that during your event. RunDisney also partners with some third-party travel providers for special vacation packages if you'd rather have someone else do the planning, so look into those opportunities as well. I personally prefer to book everything directly and independently through Walt Disney World, but that's just me.
Race weekend and race day:
Once you've arrived at your race destination (Walt Disney World, obviously, for the Princess Half), you must attend the accompanying Health and Fitness Expo to pick up some necessary materials before race day. These include your race bib with your timing device, gEAR check bag, and free race t-shirt. You will have to present a signed waiver to pick these items up, which will be emailed to you directly a few weeks out from the race so you can have it ready ahead of time. This waiver will also list your bib number and corral assignment, which is fun to know before you get to your race.
The expo will also have numerous exhibitors with merchandise for sale, including official race items from RunDisney, Dooney & Bourke, and NewBalance. If you're particularly interested in any of the "official" items, be sure to get to the expo on the first day, and early. I was told later that all of the event's Dooney & Bourke bags had sold out within hours of the the expo opening. If you can't make it until later, there will still be plenty of other items to shop for from the other exhibitors and RunDisney, but some of the more popular items will go first.
When race day arrives, be prepared for an early morning. And I mean EARLY. Depending on your event and first corral start time, buses could begin running as early as 3:00 AM. I personally think you should strive to be on those first round of buses to assure you get to the race start within plenty of time to fuel, stretch, warm up, take specialty character photos, check your bag, use the restroom, and get to your corral before the designated start time. Remember when I said that thousands of people participate in these events? Well they'll all be trying to get to the same place as you, at the same time, so get to everything early! My group and I pretty much made it to the buses at 3 and didn't feel rushed at all. You will feel like there's some downtime at the race start, but it's better to be relaxed than rushed!
And if you're preparing to run in costume, be sure to have tear-away warmups with you in event of inclement weather. It was a little chilly the morning of the half (only to then get boiling hot!), but the 5K and 10K earlier in the week had near record-low temps. If you have to shed some layers once you get running, anything you leave along the course will be donated to local charities. So don't be afraid of losing some sweats to just be thrown away - Everything will go to someone in need!
The magical course:
The Disney Princess Half Marathon course is AWESOME! Coming from a particularly hilly area and having completed really hilly courses, this one was fairly flat and offered great places to vary your pace. Plus, the best part of RunDisney races are the characters, entertainment, and theme parks! This race started just outside of the EPCOT parking lot, moved along WDW roadways to go through the gates to the Magic Kingdom, around the Transportation and Ticket Center, into the Magic Kingdom via Main Street USA, then through Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, and Frontierland, out back past the Grand Floridian, down more property roadways, and back into EPCOT for the last mile and a half. There are a few exit ramps and uphill slopes, but they really aren't all that bad. And there are also a few areas where the road really narrows, so be prepared to have to move onto grass for a little bit. I definitely ran on grass a lot to weave through walkers. Just give a little shout to your fellow runners as to where you're moving or when you're slowing down. And if you ever need to walk, be sure to move to the side so faster-moving runners can move through.
All of the character and entertainment stops really add extra pixie dust and magic to the course, so have a plan in place before you start as to how much you want to stop. Some Disney friends will attract more fans (think the Heroes and Villians gatherings, as well as the Cinderella Castle photo spot), so know that you may have to wait for some pictures. The photographers and character attendants really try hard to keep things moving, so have your camera/phone out and turned on so you can move through quickly and get back to running. Also know that characters will NOT sign autographs during races.
There are plenty of water stops, bathrooms (port-a-potties and formal restrooms alike), and medial tents along the route, and the mile marker signs make for cute photo ops as well. Definitely bring some form of camera with you during your race, because you won't want to miss any magical moments! What you need to be mindful of though are the notorious balloon ladies, or the pacers. These volunteers cross the start line last in the last corral and keep a 16-minute mile pace throughout the entire race. If you were to ever drop back behind these gals, you may get swept up before you finish the course and miss out on receiving a medal. I started in corral M (out of A through P), and I came very close to falling behind after a few photo stops. Proper training and a photo stop game plan will help in staying as far away from being swept up as possible.
Post race fun:
Once you've made it past that finish line, it's time to PARTY! You'll receive your medal as you move a little further down the chute, as well as some snacks, Powerade, water, and congratulatory greetings from all of the wonderful volunteers. There's also a photo spot for finishers and some additional entertainment, like a live DJ and character greetings. My travel party headed right to a buffet brunch at Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary, but really Walt Disney World is your oyster! I'd definitely recommend heading to Downtown Disney for the finisher's party that evening, where you'll see tons of other runners with their medals and can take advantage of some shopping and dining discounts at select locations (like T-Rex, where we had dinner!). Whether you want to take it easy by your resort hotel pool, or head right to the parks, be sure to celebrate your triumph!
I'd highly recommend tackling the Disney Princess Half Marathon to interested athletes, and I myself am considering running again next year. Be sure to pay attention to registration dates, train properly, book your vacation early, and have fun! This event was definitely one of the most fun and engaging races I've ever participated in, so be prepared for a lot of smiling all along the course! For more information on RunDisney and all of their other events at Walt Disney World and Disneyland, check out http://www.rundisney.com. Have you ever done a Disney race before? Tell me about it in the comments below!
Until the next post, see ya real soon!
The registration process:
Maybe you've never heard of RunDisney and all of their annual events, but trust me, THOUSANDS of other people have. If you're interested at all in participating in one of their races, be prepared to sign up the minute your event opens. My running group and I knew exactly what date and time registration for the Princess Half was set for, gathered our necessary personal and payment information, and situated ourselves at our computers 15 minutes prior to that time so we could get on right away. And boy, were we thankful to have done so! I believe this year's main event (the half marathon) sold out within 6 hours. The accompanying 5K, 10K, and Kids Races weekend events took a little longer to fill up, but everything happened much quicker than I initially anticipated.
There a few things you'll need to know and have before you register. First, you really want to make sure you know exactly what kind of event you're signing up for and be prepared to commit MONTHS in advance. For the Princess Half February 2015 event, registration opened up in mid July (about 6 months ahead of time). Registrations are non-transferable to other runners, so you can't chicken out once you're signed up. Plus, your registration fees are non-refundable as well. It looks like the open early bird registration cost for the 2016 Disney Princess Half Marathon is $175 (without commemorative items). You may be eligible for an even earlier registration date if you're an Annual Passholder, member of the Disney Vacation Club, etc., so pay attention to the RunDisney website leading up to registration and sign up for their reminder emails!
Secondly, know if you want to pre-purchase any commemorative items or participate in any of the weekend's special challenges. You'll be able to pre-order items like the event's special pin (what I chose to do), Mickey ear hats, and limited edition apparel, so I'd suggest adding on anything you know you'll want ahead of time, as a lot of merchandise does sell out quickly. And same goes with the challenges - If you're up to the task, get yourself signed up right away. These also fill up quickly!
Thirdly, have all of your personal and payment information ready on registration day. This will just make the process quicker. As soon as registration opened for this year's event, I could tell that a lot of other people were also trying to get signed up, as the website was really moving slowly. Just be prepared with all of the necessary info you'll need, and you should be set to go in no time.
Preparing for the race and training:
Even though this is a fun Disney race, it's still a tough test of physical endurance. TRAIN, TRAIN, TRAIN! And start early. RunDisney offers a lot of really great training and nutrition resources for free to help you prepare, so take advantage of everything you can. Get involved in local running events and races, find a running buddy/group, do whatever you need to do and hit the pavement. You want to be fully prepared. Definitely set a training pace of a 15-minute mile or quicker, as there will be pacing in effect on race day (but I'll get to that in a minute!). You can even submit a proof of time to RunDisney (which I'd recommend) ahead of the event to help get a corral placement closer to the initial start. There are a few stipulations to submitting a proof of time, as well as a deadline, so pay attention to your event's rules. I submitted an earlier half marathon time from November of 2014 for this particular event.
Also take time before your race to prepare a special costume! I saw so many amazing and creative costumes during the race that brought a smile to my face, and you really were in the minority if you weren't dressed up. Whether you want to get advanced with props, makeup, and headpieces, or would rather DisneyBound with a more simple, character-inspired look, get into it and have fun! Also take your event theme into consideration - I obviously saw a lot of Princesses during my race, but their corresponding villains and sidekicks were also popular. I of course had to dress up as my favorite Princess Aurora, but I saw everyone from Cinderella to Maleficent to Flounder!
Booking an accompanying stay at Walt Disney World:
Whether you want to make your race a long girl's weekend or a week-long stay with extended family, it's fun to add a couple of extra days to explore WDW before or after your run. Upon registering and getting your confirmation, start looking into what kind of vacation you want to plan, and when you want to arrive/depart. RunDisney races bring in thousands of runners, spectators, and family members (there were close to 50,000 runners alone for the three Princess weekend races), so hotels will fill up quickly, and especially those close to the race start/along the course. I stayed at Disney's Pop Century Resort in the EPCOT and Wide World of Sports areas, which is extremely close to the race start and Health and Fitness Expo.
For some of the smaller events, RunDisney will designate some resort hotels as Host Resorts, which are essentially the only resorts you can get direct race transportation to and from. All of the WDW resort hotels were considered to be host resorts for the Princess weekend events, but some like The Expedition Everest Challenge only have three or four resort hotels as host resorts. Having direct transportation really helps on race day and getting to/from the Expo, so be sure to check where you can get that during your event. RunDisney also partners with some third-party travel providers for special vacation packages if you'd rather have someone else do the planning, so look into those opportunities as well. I personally prefer to book everything directly and independently through Walt Disney World, but that's just me.
Race weekend and race day:
Once you've arrived at your race destination (Walt Disney World, obviously, for the Princess Half), you must attend the accompanying Health and Fitness Expo to pick up some necessary materials before race day. These include your race bib with your timing device, gEAR check bag, and free race t-shirt. You will have to present a signed waiver to pick these items up, which will be emailed to you directly a few weeks out from the race so you can have it ready ahead of time. This waiver will also list your bib number and corral assignment, which is fun to know before you get to your race.
The expo will also have numerous exhibitors with merchandise for sale, including official race items from RunDisney, Dooney & Bourke, and NewBalance. If you're particularly interested in any of the "official" items, be sure to get to the expo on the first day, and early. I was told later that all of the event's Dooney & Bourke bags had sold out within hours of the the expo opening. If you can't make it until later, there will still be plenty of other items to shop for from the other exhibitors and RunDisney, but some of the more popular items will go first.
When race day arrives, be prepared for an early morning. And I mean EARLY. Depending on your event and first corral start time, buses could begin running as early as 3:00 AM. I personally think you should strive to be on those first round of buses to assure you get to the race start within plenty of time to fuel, stretch, warm up, take specialty character photos, check your bag, use the restroom, and get to your corral before the designated start time. Remember when I said that thousands of people participate in these events? Well they'll all be trying to get to the same place as you, at the same time, so get to everything early! My group and I pretty much made it to the buses at 3 and didn't feel rushed at all. You will feel like there's some downtime at the race start, but it's better to be relaxed than rushed!
And if you're preparing to run in costume, be sure to have tear-away warmups with you in event of inclement weather. It was a little chilly the morning of the half (only to then get boiling hot!), but the 5K and 10K earlier in the week had near record-low temps. If you have to shed some layers once you get running, anything you leave along the course will be donated to local charities. So don't be afraid of losing some sweats to just be thrown away - Everything will go to someone in need!
The magical course:
The Disney Princess Half Marathon course is AWESOME! Coming from a particularly hilly area and having completed really hilly courses, this one was fairly flat and offered great places to vary your pace. Plus, the best part of RunDisney races are the characters, entertainment, and theme parks! This race started just outside of the EPCOT parking lot, moved along WDW roadways to go through the gates to the Magic Kingdom, around the Transportation and Ticket Center, into the Magic Kingdom via Main Street USA, then through Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, and Frontierland, out back past the Grand Floridian, down more property roadways, and back into EPCOT for the last mile and a half. There are a few exit ramps and uphill slopes, but they really aren't all that bad. And there are also a few areas where the road really narrows, so be prepared to have to move onto grass for a little bit. I definitely ran on grass a lot to weave through walkers. Just give a little shout to your fellow runners as to where you're moving or when you're slowing down. And if you ever need to walk, be sure to move to the side so faster-moving runners can move through.
All of the character and entertainment stops really add extra pixie dust and magic to the course, so have a plan in place before you start as to how much you want to stop. Some Disney friends will attract more fans (think the Heroes and Villians gatherings, as well as the Cinderella Castle photo spot), so know that you may have to wait for some pictures. The photographers and character attendants really try hard to keep things moving, so have your camera/phone out and turned on so you can move through quickly and get back to running. Also know that characters will NOT sign autographs during races.
There are plenty of water stops, bathrooms (port-a-potties and formal restrooms alike), and medial tents along the route, and the mile marker signs make for cute photo ops as well. Definitely bring some form of camera with you during your race, because you won't want to miss any magical moments! What you need to be mindful of though are the notorious balloon ladies, or the pacers. These volunteers cross the start line last in the last corral and keep a 16-minute mile pace throughout the entire race. If you were to ever drop back behind these gals, you may get swept up before you finish the course and miss out on receiving a medal. I started in corral M (out of A through P), and I came very close to falling behind after a few photo stops. Proper training and a photo stop game plan will help in staying as far away from being swept up as possible.
Post race fun:
Once you've made it past that finish line, it's time to PARTY! You'll receive your medal as you move a little further down the chute, as well as some snacks, Powerade, water, and congratulatory greetings from all of the wonderful volunteers. There's also a photo spot for finishers and some additional entertainment, like a live DJ and character greetings. My travel party headed right to a buffet brunch at Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary, but really Walt Disney World is your oyster! I'd definitely recommend heading to Downtown Disney for the finisher's party that evening, where you'll see tons of other runners with their medals and can take advantage of some shopping and dining discounts at select locations (like T-Rex, where we had dinner!). Whether you want to take it easy by your resort hotel pool, or head right to the parks, be sure to celebrate your triumph!
I'd highly recommend tackling the Disney Princess Half Marathon to interested athletes, and I myself am considering running again next year. Be sure to pay attention to registration dates, train properly, book your vacation early, and have fun! This event was definitely one of the most fun and engaging races I've ever participated in, so be prepared for a lot of smiling all along the course! For more information on RunDisney and all of their other events at Walt Disney World and Disneyland, check out http://www.rundisney.com. Have you ever done a Disney race before? Tell me about it in the comments below!
Until the next post, see ya real soon!
![Picture](/uploads/3/1/3/5/31351083/4391108.jpg?274)
No trip to Walt Disney World is complete without checking out the Magic Kingdom's nightly spectacular, Wishes! This spectacular display in undoubtedly one of my favorite experiences WDW has to offer, and I really believe everyone should plan to see it at least once during their vacation, whether they're a first-timer or a seasoned Disney veteran. With all of the current construction going on around the Cinderella Castle hub area in the park, it may be a little tricky getting the perfect viewing spot if you'll be visiting soon. But don't fret, because there are many places other than the famous hub to see the show! Check out some of my favorite (and non-traditional) venues to see the fireworks:
**Tomorrowland bridge to the right of the hub
Can't find a spot right in front of the castle? Try moving just to your right and claiming a spot on the bridge to Tomorrowland! While this area might be closed off during nights with heavy guest foot traffic (like we experienced this past New Year's Eve), it offers a great view if it's open. You can still pretty much see Cinderella Castle straight on, and you can get a closer look at Tinkerbell as she flies literally right above the bridge from the top turret of the castle. Plus, you can clearly hear the show's soundtrack from this spot! Since this is a pathway connecting the hub to another land of the park there will be people walking through during the show, but there is normally a specific path marked with masking tape and an accompanying Cast Member directing traffic.
**Main Street USA Train Station
In addition to the main castle hub area, Main Street USA also fills up during fireworks. If you walk a little closer to the park exit, you'll find the Train Station, which boasts an up-high viewing spot for the show directly facing the front of the castle. This is a great venue for viewing, and also offers a quick getaway after the finale right to the park exit below. Make sure to head to this area a little sooner than 30 minutes prior to showtime though, as it can fill quickly!
**New Fantasyland
While a good part of the area behind Cinderella Castle is blocked off during fireworks as a safety precaution (i.e. potential fallout), New Fantasyland back a little further offers stunning views of the show from the perspective of the Magic Kingdom's two other castles: The Beast's castle and Prince Eric's castle. You can still clearly hear the soundtrack, foot traffic is reduced as everyone is closer to the hub and Main Street, and you get a 360-degree perimeter feel as fireworks are shot off both in front of and behind you! It's also definitely a great option if you've got later dining reservations at Be Our Guest or want to ride Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid one last time before the park closes.
**Disney's Polynesian Village Resort beach
People often forget that you can still catch stellar views of the fireworks once you exit the park. One of these locations adds a particularly extra tropical feel on the beach at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. Situated right on the Seven Seas Lagoon across from the Magic Kingdom, this resort boasts a beautiful beach area with sand and hammocks perfect for a less stressful viewing experience. The Polynesian is accessible from the Magic Kingdom via the Monorail, so you can make it there from the park in about 20 minutes or so. With all of the construction going on at this resort (it's going through a major expansion and refurbishment) some areas might be off limits, so check everything out well before showtime to make sure you can access the beach for viewing.
**Disney's Contemporary Resort balconies
Another awesome spot outside of the Magic Kingdom! The Contemporary can be found directly next to the park, even accessible by a walking trail, so it's very close by and easy to get to after a long day of fun. There are multiple observation decks at this resort for fireworks viewing, and you can even see Cinderella Castle and Space Mountain from most vantage points! See my photo above - That was our view from one the stairway balconies on New Year's Eve 2014! You can access the main observation deck on level four of the resort, where the main gift shops and dining areas are found, or you can snag a viewing spot on the deck right outside of The California Grill if you're dining there that evening. There are also smaller balconies along the outdoor stairwells of the resort that connect guest room levels, but be mindful those doors cannot be opened from the outside, so you'll have to walk all the way down the stairs to ground level once the show is over.
**Transportation and Ticket Center
This is another great viewing spot in front of the Seven Seas Lagoon that is easily accessible by the Monorail right from the Magic Kingdom. The TTC serves as the main parking lot for the park, complete with it's own Monorail and ferryboat stations, and if you position yourself right between these stations, you can directly see Cinderella Castle in the distance and hear the show's soundtrack! The lighting won't be reduced in this area like it is in the park, but it's a much less crowded spot that again allows for a quick exit to your vehicle after the finale before the crowds disperse. I wouldn't recommend this viewing location for first-timers, as you really want to be closer to Cinderella Castle, but it's a great option nonetheless.
You don't want to miss Wishes, so be sure to secure your viewing spot (wherever you may choose) with plenty of time before it's set to begin that evening. This show is one of the most popular experiences around Walt Disney World, and it brings in many guests every night. FastPass+ viewing is offered for this show, so you always have that options as well (if it's available that night). Have a plan for the day you want to visit the Magic Kingdom and be prepared to stake your claim at least 30 minutes ahead of showtime (and even an hour beforehand, if you're visiting during peak times). Also remember that Disney's entertainment schedule is always subject to change, and weather can affect showtimes. Be sure to check out https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/entertainment/magic-kingdom/wishes-nighttime-spectacular/ for complete info on the show and some additional tips. Where do you like to enjoy Wishes? Tell me in the comments below!
Until the next post, see ya real soon!
**Tomorrowland bridge to the right of the hub
Can't find a spot right in front of the castle? Try moving just to your right and claiming a spot on the bridge to Tomorrowland! While this area might be closed off during nights with heavy guest foot traffic (like we experienced this past New Year's Eve), it offers a great view if it's open. You can still pretty much see Cinderella Castle straight on, and you can get a closer look at Tinkerbell as she flies literally right above the bridge from the top turret of the castle. Plus, you can clearly hear the show's soundtrack from this spot! Since this is a pathway connecting the hub to another land of the park there will be people walking through during the show, but there is normally a specific path marked with masking tape and an accompanying Cast Member directing traffic.
**Main Street USA Train Station
In addition to the main castle hub area, Main Street USA also fills up during fireworks. If you walk a little closer to the park exit, you'll find the Train Station, which boasts an up-high viewing spot for the show directly facing the front of the castle. This is a great venue for viewing, and also offers a quick getaway after the finale right to the park exit below. Make sure to head to this area a little sooner than 30 minutes prior to showtime though, as it can fill quickly!
**New Fantasyland
While a good part of the area behind Cinderella Castle is blocked off during fireworks as a safety precaution (i.e. potential fallout), New Fantasyland back a little further offers stunning views of the show from the perspective of the Magic Kingdom's two other castles: The Beast's castle and Prince Eric's castle. You can still clearly hear the soundtrack, foot traffic is reduced as everyone is closer to the hub and Main Street, and you get a 360-degree perimeter feel as fireworks are shot off both in front of and behind you! It's also definitely a great option if you've got later dining reservations at Be Our Guest or want to ride Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid one last time before the park closes.
**Disney's Polynesian Village Resort beach
People often forget that you can still catch stellar views of the fireworks once you exit the park. One of these locations adds a particularly extra tropical feel on the beach at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. Situated right on the Seven Seas Lagoon across from the Magic Kingdom, this resort boasts a beautiful beach area with sand and hammocks perfect for a less stressful viewing experience. The Polynesian is accessible from the Magic Kingdom via the Monorail, so you can make it there from the park in about 20 minutes or so. With all of the construction going on at this resort (it's going through a major expansion and refurbishment) some areas might be off limits, so check everything out well before showtime to make sure you can access the beach for viewing.
**Disney's Contemporary Resort balconies
Another awesome spot outside of the Magic Kingdom! The Contemporary can be found directly next to the park, even accessible by a walking trail, so it's very close by and easy to get to after a long day of fun. There are multiple observation decks at this resort for fireworks viewing, and you can even see Cinderella Castle and Space Mountain from most vantage points! See my photo above - That was our view from one the stairway balconies on New Year's Eve 2014! You can access the main observation deck on level four of the resort, where the main gift shops and dining areas are found, or you can snag a viewing spot on the deck right outside of The California Grill if you're dining there that evening. There are also smaller balconies along the outdoor stairwells of the resort that connect guest room levels, but be mindful those doors cannot be opened from the outside, so you'll have to walk all the way down the stairs to ground level once the show is over.
**Transportation and Ticket Center
This is another great viewing spot in front of the Seven Seas Lagoon that is easily accessible by the Monorail right from the Magic Kingdom. The TTC serves as the main parking lot for the park, complete with it's own Monorail and ferryboat stations, and if you position yourself right between these stations, you can directly see Cinderella Castle in the distance and hear the show's soundtrack! The lighting won't be reduced in this area like it is in the park, but it's a much less crowded spot that again allows for a quick exit to your vehicle after the finale before the crowds disperse. I wouldn't recommend this viewing location for first-timers, as you really want to be closer to Cinderella Castle, but it's a great option nonetheless.
You don't want to miss Wishes, so be sure to secure your viewing spot (wherever you may choose) with plenty of time before it's set to begin that evening. This show is one of the most popular experiences around Walt Disney World, and it brings in many guests every night. FastPass+ viewing is offered for this show, so you always have that options as well (if it's available that night). Have a plan for the day you want to visit the Magic Kingdom and be prepared to stake your claim at least 30 minutes ahead of showtime (and even an hour beforehand, if you're visiting during peak times). Also remember that Disney's entertainment schedule is always subject to change, and weather can affect showtimes. Be sure to check out https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/entertainment/magic-kingdom/wishes-nighttime-spectacular/ for complete info on the show and some additional tips. Where do you like to enjoy Wishes? Tell me in the comments below!
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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