Flashback Friday: The Disneyland Paris "Soiree Inaugurale"

As runners are making plans for the Disneyland Paris Semi Marathon in September, I can't believe it's  been almost 6 months since we enjoyed our Paris trip.  

Wanting to experience everything, we did attend the Inaugural Party. There were so many social media posts expressing mixed feelings about the event, but we enjoyed it. All things weren't perfect. We too, had frozen pasta that had to be reheated. But, overall, I think DLP did a good job.

The party was at Walt Disney Studios.  We walked around a bit to see what was open and what was going on.

This looks like Mom's 5k costume!

This water feels really hard!

One of the character stops just happened to be a favorite of Robby's, so of course we had to stop.  Yes, there was a little wait in the character lines, but it was worth it.  They did not rush you through and really interacted with everyone.

Robby was so happy to get to say hello to Sully!
 But cried when we had to say goodbye.

Sully heard him and came over to calm him.

Robby asked Sully to join us for the rest of the night,
 but he had to stay to greet his other fans!

Time to stop for some food.  Since we were near the one of two restaurants open, we stopped at the "Restaurant en Coulisses" to see what they had.   It was cafeteria type offerings, but was enough to fill our bellies. (Later in the evening we stopped at the other restaurant, Disney Blockbuster Cafe, but they were just about wiped out.  I read later on social media, people were "stocking up" for the next day.)

We continued on to enjoy some of the open rides.  One of our "musts" was Ratatouille: A Recipe for Adventure since that ride does not exist in the states.  It was great to jump on with no lines.  As we exited, we stopped to check out the "Sculpteur sur Fruits & Legumes" in front of Chez Remy.

Bill even got a monogrammed "apple to go"!

Robby and I hung out together while
Aly and Bill enjoyed a couple of rides.   
After all, why else would you bring a
Fairy Grandmother on a vacation?

The Tower of Terror was one of the rides open for the party with no line.

Robby just chillin' 
waiting for Mom and Dad.

Just before leaving, we saw Donald and Goofy
 and decided to say hello.

There's no doubt Robby's favorite part of the party was the characters!

I know I had a good time, and judging by the smiles on these faces,
 everyone else did too!!

If you're wondering "should I sign up for the opening party?" on your trip to the race in Paris this year, it's definitely a personal choice.  This year food is not included and the price came down a lot (I saw $58. vs last year's $94.).  I'd do it again.   Are you heading to Paris in September?

An American in (Disneyland) Paris

I keep seeing friends registering for this year's Disneyland Paris race weekend, and I can't help but be jealous! Our trip last year to run the 5k and half marathon in Paris was so amazing! I wish we could do it every year, but, yeah...you know, life, bills, work. It all gets in the way of Disney!

I know many of you have never taken the trip to checkout Disneyland Paris, and if you're planning your first visit for September (or even a non-running trip sometime soon) I though it would be good to share some of the things that were different from our Disney Parks here in the states (and there are some big ones that were not so magical, so take notice).

Food was okay, Highchair was awesome!

Food: Maybe the biggest difference is in the food. Or maybe that's just because I really like to eat my way through Disney! When you visit DLP, expect to see a lot of theme park food. Things like sandwiches, burgers, and fries are staples and there aren't many options beyond that, especially in the parks. There are some great restaurants in the Disney Village and in the hotels, but if you spend the whole day in the park you'll have limited options at  quick service venues. That being said, we had such great meals at Walt's in Disneyland and at Chez Remi at the Studios.

Smoking: People in Paris smoke. A lot. All the time. Everywhere. It just permeates the air and you can't get away from it. I'm super sensitive to the smell of smoke, and it got old really quick! There's not much you can do about it, so just be prepared. Yes, Disney has smoking areas and people aren't supposed to smoke just wandering around the park, but that rule was not enforced at all.

Dressing: Yes, we are the geeky family who had matching shirts, and in the U.S. you'd see that all over the place. Here, nope. Even the cast members kept mentioning it to us. If you're the type of person that likes to blend in, matching Disney shirts is probably not the best idea.

Overall Feel: There is a difference. It's noticeable. It just lacks a little of the attention to detail that makes DL and WDW extra special. Some people probably would never even notice it, but I'm that person that will zero in on the piece of trash that stayed on Main Street for 15 minutes. I say that not to be critical, but just as an observation. If you follow some of the Disney buzz, I think this is a main reason Disney as a company is trying to regain control over this park. There is a lesser standard than the American counterparts, and I think Disney wants to bring Paris up to par.

This post is kind of whomp whomp, huh? Not my usual peppy self! All this being said, GO! I have zero regrets, and we've visited Disneyland Paris twice. Not only is it a great Disney park, but you also are in Paris. It's the most amazing city and we love everything from the sites to the food to the people. Don't let any negative Nancy deter you from this amazing experience. I wish we could do it every year!

Are you planning on running the 2017 Disneyland Paris races?

Heading to Paris?

I can't believe the time is FINALLY here! Do you know how long runDisney nuts (like all of us) have been speculating about a Disneyland Paris Half Marathon? It's been years in the making, and the time has finally come to pack our bags and put the final touches on our preparation for this magical vacation.

The official race guide has been published. You can check it out HERE

Here are a few important reminders that we have added to our regular packing list. What's #1? Remember to pack your patience!!! I've seen quite a lot of complaining already on social media sites. This is an inaugural event, and remember it's NOT runDisney really running the show. This will be all new for everyone involved. Things will go wrong, but if you just enjoy it for all it's glory, you won't be disappointed.

Remember to print and pack your voucher (it was sent via email) and your waiver. You can find your adult waiver HERE and the kids waiver HERE. These waivers are not the same as your medical certificate for those running the half. On that note, don't forget to bring your original copy of your medical certificate as well.

Don't forget to alert your credit card company and bank that you will be traveling internationally. If you plan on using your cell phone, be sure to contact them and find the most economical way to be able to do so. I would also recommend getting some cash to work with when you get there. You don't want to land and be stuck finding places to exchange money (you can do this pretty easily at the airport, but let's get real, when you land you are going to want to start your vacation immediately!).

You may want to register with the state department. They keep track of everyone traveling abroad and if you need the embassy for any reason, you should be registered. No one wants to think of bad things happening, but I'd rather be prepared. You can do this really easily HERE. You will want to register your whole travel party together, so have everyone's passports ready to go!

Finally, don't forget some of those essentials for packing: outlet converters, passport holders, print outs of tickets and reservations (because we're going to try to not use our phones daily), a translator (or app), Also, don't forget to make sure you carry on any essentials You definitely don't want to be stuck in a different country without things like medication or special foods.

I hope to see some of my favorite runDisney faces in Paris! We can't wait to run this race, visit Disneyland, and make once in a lifetime memories.

Anything else we're forgetting? Drop it in comments below!

The Paris Medal Reveal - Just In Time to Motivate

This morning the medals for Disneyland Paris were revealed!!

We can't wait to earn ours!  It has been a hectic year for our family, with a new baby and a cross country move, but we are looking forward to our vacations in September.  

First up, the Disneyland Half.  That's where Robby gets to do his first runDisney race...the Diaper Dash!  I'll be doing the 5K and Bill and Aly are doing the Dumbo Double Dare. (That's the first step for them in getting that beautiful Castle to Chateau Medal.  They really did a nice job on it.)

Then, it's off to Paris!  I'll be doing the 5K with Aly.  Bill and Aly will be doing the half.  This Fairy Grandmother and Robby will be chEaring them on.

So much planning to do....

Will we see you in Disneyland or Paris?

2016 Race Calendar

Yep, I'm still waiting on the arrival of the newest member of Disney Runs in the Family. Seeing that baby Robby isn't here yet, I've had plenty of time to think about the year ahead and goals I want to accomplish, specifically in running. Of course, I'm being realistic and know that I'm about to take on a whole new life with our baby, so my goals are short and sweet.

My "comeback" race: Las Vegas Hot Chocolate 15k--February 28th
This local race will be my first run postpartum. I'm honestly a little nervous, especially since it looks like I'll be going right up to or even past my due date of January 4th. I've stayed somewhat active, but may end up pulling back to the walker corral depending on when I can get back on the road.

My "speedy" race: Disneyland Half (as part of the Dumbo Double Dare)
I plan to take back my speed this year at the Disneyland Half Marathon. Since knee surgery and pregnancy, I haven't come close to my half PR of 2:04. This year, I'm planning on focusing my energy on getting my speed up so I can work toward that number again. I doubt I'll PR, but it will feel great to run fast and get close. I'm tired of running slow. I've learned a lot as a runner myself and as a coach to others, and I'm ready to put that in place and conquer some goals. I'm not setting a time YET, but once I can get back to running regularly, I'll have a better idea of specific goals.

My "just for fun" race: Disneyland Paris Half
We are so excited to be going to Paris, and there's no way I'm rushing through this race! We even got a Go Pro for Christmas so we can document every step, and we plan to take a million pictures on the course. No need for speed here! I'm ready to relish every magical mile, then spend a week putting in tons of miles of walking around the most romantic city on earth!

It's not a long list, but again, life around the Stater household is about to change BIG TIME. I can't wait to take Robby out for walks and runs (my BOB stroller was one of the first things I bought when I found out we were expecting). I really can't wait for his first race--the Diaper Dash during the Disneyland Half weekend. It'll be a fun, challenging year! Now, back to waiting for our Disney baby to arrive!

Are you ready for Paris? Oui!!!

I know, I've been so quiet lately. If you follow me on FB or Instagram, you may have seen that I was in a pretty big car wreck. Me and Baby S are okay, but it was a terrifying experience that I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy.

That all being said, since I was preoccupied with hospital and doctor visits last week, I personally think runDisney postponed the Paris Half registration for me! LOL

Tomorrow is the big day...officially!  We are finally able to register for the Disneyland Paris Half Marathon!  Our family put in our request with GET travel, so we are hoping that was enough to secure our 2 half marathon and 2 5k spots. We'll be with baby, so my mom is joining me and the hubs so we can run the half, then me and mom will tackle the 5k together. Of course we're going to also spend at least a week in Paris after the races. EEK...so excited!!!

In case you are still on the fence, GET travel has posted the pricing and options. Looks very affordable, in comparison to some other races. Of course, you still need to get to Paris, and after that long of a trip we're not just going for a race.

Here's the link if you're wanting to check it out. I believe there are other travel providers who will also be offering similar packages.

http://gettravel.com/dlhmparis/hotels.shtml#disneyland

Are you planning to run in Paris?

Paris? Oui!

Love these emails!

It's becoming more and more real!  We are really getting our passports and heading to Paris to run at Disneyland in 2016!  Today, the first real details were released...and there are a TON of them.  This will be different than other runDisney events, so I was sure to spend time pouring over the website to be sure we are in the know.  Here's a quick summary of some really important info that's different from some other weekends.

First and foremost, if you are serious about heading to Paris, be sure you bookmark the page and read up on it yourself.  It is a different country, and you don't want to be stuck not having followed a rule or two.  Here's the link:  run.disneylandparis.com

Distance & Expo:  It's official: a 5k and a Half is what us adults have to look forward to.  According to the site, kids races will start at the 100m.  Ummm...where's the diaper dash?  I'm still hopeful, but this may mean that Baby S is going to have to sit this race weekend out :(  The expo looks to start on Thursday afternoon--not what I had expected!  Usually the expo only opens the day before the first event, but it looks like we'll get a little more time.  To be honest, this will just force us to get there early, which can only help with the time change adjustment.

Castle to Chateau Challenge: YEP!  We get a challenge medal if you run Paris plus a half or full in the states!  Since we'll be coming from Dumbo, this new C2C will be ours!

Requirements:  If you are an avid runDisney runner, some of this is the same, but there are some really important differences.  First, for the half you must be 18 or older.  I already have heard the groans of families who had their hearts set on their teens running.  The 5k has a 5+ age restriction, no strollers (sorry Baby S).  One big difference is that all half marathon runners must provide medial clearance.  This is a France requirement--don't even think for a second you'll get away without one.  It's a little fuzzy (due to either typos or ???) whether you need to submit this ahead of time, but it was very clear that it must be submitted at packet pickup.  Most of the other stuff is the same standard Disney rules: 16 min/mile pace, have to pickup packets in person, bag check, blah blah blah.

Registration: Here's where things get interesting--it looks as if most bibs will be sold as part of a package.  No details yet, but get ready for October 6, 2015 when all the info is released.  There will be individual bibs available, but with the verbiage, those will be very limited and it kind of all seems like a pain.  I wish they would release some of this info earlier than the registration date, but we are starting to research hotels and dates to be ready.  We are lucky that we have been there before and know a little about the parks.  This will definitely come in handy!

Kick-off Parties: Again, not a ton of info, but it looks like there will be two parties: one Friday, one Saturday.  No word if these will be additional costs (though it sound like they are), but hey, when in Paris...isn't that how that phrase goes?

That's all for now!  Did you find anything I missed?  See you in Paris!

Finally...they set the date!

"Set the date!". It's been on everyone's mind for so long... and no, I'm not talking about a wedding!  I already found my Prince Charming :). I'm talking about the Disneyland Paris Half Marathon, and runDisney FINALLY set the date!

Speculation about a September Paris race weekend has been swarming around for a while, most recently when this pic was leaked:

We WERE ready!  We'd BEEN ready!  Then time continued to pass with no word of Paris.  Disneyland Half Registration came and went with no word of Paris.  Rumors buzzed that there were permit issues and it wasn't happening.

Then, this weekend, during the pre-race program of the Princess Half, they finally gave us what we've all been waiting for!  We are going to Paris September 23-25, 2016!!!!  If you want all the insider info, be sure to sign up for updates here:
http://run.disneylandparis.com/

With those dates, I would guess that it will be a 5k and half, with the first day being the expo.  As I told my hubby, we are doing all the events for that weekend.  I have a funny feeling some more of the family might join us as well. 

Funny enough--I missed the announcement!  Our bus was stuck in traffic and I was really late to my corral.  I was on that long walk from the bag check to the corrals when the announcement was made.  I didn't hear anything until my hubby told me after I finished.  Needless to say, I think I would have run faster if I had known about Paris.  It would've been great motivation!

I seriously can't wait!  We spent 3 days in Disneyland Paris during our honeymoon, and it was absolutely wonderful!  This is going to be even better!  Of course we are also looking forward to a vacation in France as well, because, hey, if you're flying all the way there, why not?  So, we are dying to know, are you in for Paris 2016?!?!?!  You KNOW we are!!!! 

Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend FAQs

2010--our first race!

One month!  Here we are, just one month away from the West Coast race that started it all: the Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend.  For me and the hubby, this will be our 5th Disneyland Half Marathon and 2nd Dumbo Double Dare.  Chris and Katie have run twice, and Joann, she's our first-timer for this trip.  With this much experience under our running shoes, we thought we'd take your questions on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.  (By the way... do you follow us on those platforms?  Get to it!). So... here we go!  What you're all dying to know!

1.  Where do runners meet prior to entering their corrals?
     The start is on Disneyland Drive between Magic Way and Paradise Way, right outside the Disneyland Hotel.  Trust me, when you arrive there will be no missing the hoards of people headed to the start.  You must line up according to the corral on your bib.  Usually the first few corrals are lined up right in front of the start line, but later corrals wind around.  Just follow the signs and you'll be good.  runDisney policy states that you cannot move up to a higher corral, however you can move back if you want to run with a friend. 

2.  What time do runners usually arrive?
     All of the races (except kids races) during this year's Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend start at 5:30 am (yep, it's really that early).  As a runner, you will want to arrive at the pre-staging area by 5.  Unlike some other races, Disney usually goes off right on time--no delays.  Expect the sky to light up with fireworks at exactly 5:30.  If you are checking a bag, you must have it checked no later than 5:15, but I've found that checking a bag is really simple and organized.  You must use the clear plastic bag provided to you during the expo.  Give yourself time, though, because the pre-staging area is HUGE.  If you're anything like me, a trip to the port-o-potty is a must, so leave time for that too.  I personally think if you are in your corral by 5;20, you're good, but be warned--it's like cattle being herded into narrow walking spaces.  It takes time!  Remember, the corrals are let off one by one, so if you are in the later corrals, you have more waiting to do.  One last note, be sure you have enough time to get from your hotel to the staging area, and if you're driving, account for traffic and road closures.

3.  What is it like to do the races alone?
     I have had the privilege of ALWAYS being at these events with family, however I almost never run with them.  If your family isn't on board, meet up with some friends and make it a no-family trip!  Plenty of people do that.  In fact, I may be meeting up with a friend I haven't seen in over 10 years at a few upcoming races.  Don't have friends who want to run with you?  First, ask around!  I actually have a great friend that is doing the Star Wars 10k for her first race, and another who might (c'mon Shannon... do it!) do Tink.  Wanna know a secret?  I've even asked my husband if he wouldn't mind staying behind--I would love to do a "friends only" weekend.  I've met so many people online and in person through runDisney and would love to have a runDisney geek-out weekend!


4.  My hubby and kids are coming to watch.  What are their options? 
    First you have the option of purchasing ChEAR Squad packages for your family.  You can find out more about those on the runDisney website.  There's no need to do that, though.  There are plenty of places where you can watch for free!  First, the starting line is a sight to see: characters, music, fireworks.  You definitely want them at the start.  Then I would suggest moving to the area between Disneyland and DCA.  The runners run straight through from one park to the next.  That's usually around mile 2-3, so that leaves time for them to get some breakfast in Downtown Disney before heading to the finish line (which is right by the start).  They get to see you 3 times without much walking.  Couple of tips: be sure they know your pace and the expected time you'll be arriving.  Yes, I'm even going to suggest that you carry your cell phone and call ahead to be sure you are both clear as to where to meet.  Have them wear distinguishable clothes so you can pick them out of a crowd.  Signs, balloon, noise makers, whatever they can think of to stand out in a crowd.  For little ones, definitely take the stroller; remember, it's early!  If anyone wants to get more adventurous, all parts of the course are open to spectators except the parks and stadium. 
5.  Is the course hilly?
     Not really!  Great news, right?!?!  There are a few overpasses that feel like mountains compared to the flat rest of the course.  I think the worst part is right after the Honda Center where there is a narrow dirt path.  Please, please, please, be cautious in this area and exercise ALL runner etiquette. 

6.  Is there something special you need to do to get into the Dumbo Double Dare?
     When registering, the Dumber Double Dare is it's own race.  You have to register for the Dumbo Double Dare to qualify for the special challenge medal.  If you just register for the 10k and Half, you will not get the DDD medal.  Note: DDD is the first thing to sell out, so you have to be ready to go right when registration opens, usually about 9 months prior to the race. 

Do you have more questions? Ask below!  We are almost "experts" at this race!  Also, don't forget to check out the official race guide here: http://as1.wdpromedia.com/media/rundisney/pdf/disneyland-half/2014/DLHM14_Program_Online.pdf

Photo credit: runDisney

A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes...

Yes, we've all been dreaming and wishing for a Disneyland Paris Half Marathon for years.  We've heard rumors.  We've begged during meet-ups.  We've started online petitions.  Clearly runDisney knows that a Paris race would have us all plunking down the plastic and singing their praises.  But yesterday afternoon, the first "real" clue was released on Instagram and it instantly exploded on social media.

We've been teased so many times, we are skeptical, but this is the first "physical" proof we've had.  So...what do you think?  Is it real?  Should I finally get my name changed on my passport?  Are we all headed to Paris next year?  Only time will tell...

If you keep on believing, the dream that you wish will come true...

Belle's Castle, 2010