So You Want To Run Disney--Part 5: Your Costume

UPDATED: APRIL 2017

We are getting closer and closer to race day.  Now, it’s time for some of the final considerations when running Disney.  This post might not be for everyone, but many (if not most) people wear costumes to a runDisney race.  I always have, and I have never regretted it!  I even can get my family to wear costumes, and sometimes we theme it out together. 

You will want to start planning your costumes at least a month in advance (or if you’re like me, you’ve got the next year planned and then sometimes end up executing the morning of...yes, true story!).  You can get many accessories for race day at the expo, but I try to be 100% sure I have everything before I arrive.  You never know if they will run out of a size or not have the right color.  I have done it, so it’s most definitely not impossible, but if you’re a worry-wart like me, it’s best to plan ahead.  If you are really planned, you can purchase your next “set” of costume accessories at a previous race’s expo! Also, check your favorite retailers (like some I give a shout out to below). More and more they are allowing you to pre-purchase products and choose 'expo pickup' to save on shipping. Then there is no guess-work or risk!

My costume planning always starts with a trip to Google Images to get inspiration.  I often will use the theme of the race to inspire me as well.  I know, I know, it’s not the most creative, but hey, I like it, so who cares!  There really are no rules.  If you want to be unique, veer away from the theme.  Mickey and Minnie are always popular.  And yes, I do recycle costumes. 

From the Halloween Store

Mickey & Minnie--classic!

I have a few rules of thumb:  First, my “base” of the costume is ALWAYS running gear!  I have my favorites, but that is for another post.  This has worked for me, especially in terms of comfort and reliability.  I will purchase specific colors to work with my costumes, but I stick with tried and true brands and styles.  Second, I scour the sales at craft stores to try and get the best price.  You can make a tutu EASILY, and if you have any sewing skills, costumes can be a breeze.  I have little, but have managed to make many costumes without touching a sewing machine.  Third, shop the clearance costumes after Halloween, if it fits in your schedule.  Yes, I have flat out purchased costumes too.  This is also great for some simple accessories.  Fourth, make it cheap—which is an extension of 2 & 3.  Why?  Yes, I would rather spend money on other things, but more importantly, if a costume piece isn’t working, I want to feel no guilt in tossing it in the trash if it starts to annoy me.  Finally, I base the complexity of the costume off what my goals are and the distance of the race.  My Figment tail would have driven me NUTS over 26.2 miles, but it was fine for the 5k. 

Yep, the blue shirt chaffed BAD

A few more thoughts:  Try it out before race day.  I will admit, I don’t do this for every piece, but for anything touching your body/skin, you have to give it a trial run.  This is why I suggest at least a month lead time.  I learned this the hard way at the WDW Marathon.  I waited too long to purchase my shirts and ended up with chaffing that was KILLER.  It took months to heal (I started to think I would always have this permanent reminder of the Dopey Challenge and my poor planning).  Yes, I tried it for a few miles, but after getting sweaty over close to 5 hours, my 4 mile trial was useless.  Head gear is another thing you have to be willing to try, especially if you spent good money on it. 

I will not compromise my favorite shoes to match a costume.  Some people will, but my shoes are the most important part.  I will, though, get socks to match my costume. 

Always pack your costume in your carry-on.  I’ll get into this more during the packing post, but it’s so important, I’ll tell you twice! 

And last but not least—HAVE FUN!  Don’t be shy.  No one will judge you for wearing a costume, especially at a runDisney event.  It doesn’t have to be the most extensive costume ever, even just a sparkly skirt and some ears will do. 

Not the best pic, but LOVED the costume!

Here are some of my favorite brands for pieces of costumes (and no, I get no incentives for writing about them, I just genuinely love their products and use them often to make costumes):

Sparkle Athletic

Raw Threads

One More Mile

Bondi Bands

Sweaty Bands

So You Want To Run Disney--Part 4: Planning Your Race-Cation

UPDATED: SEPTEMBER 2020

Now we are rockin’ and rollin’ toward our next runDisney race!  You’ve decided on a race, got registered, and have a training plan in place to make all your running dreams come true.  So, what’s next?  Well, unless you are lucky enough to be Mickey’s neighbor, a runDisney event is usually coupled with a race-cation!  This means it’s time to sit down and get planning! 

First, a shout out to all the vacation planners out there!  I know a lot of people use vacation planners/travel agents when planning their trips.  I know a lot of travel planners who have helped me get tickets and vacation packages myself. There are more and more sprouting up, too, that know a ton about planning a Disney vacation during a race weekend.  If that is how you choose to go, by all means, find one you are comfortable with and let them take the “stress” of planning out of your hands!

That being said, I LOVE planning my Disney vacations!  It’s not stressful to me at all!  Even when I use a planner (because supporting small businesses is important to me), I do most of the planning on my own. I really think planning itself is half the fun.  My parents trained me well; they were expert Disney travelers and taught me everything I needed to know.  I’m going to try and break it down into steps to be sure you cover all your bases.  There are some big differences between the World and the Land, but I’ll try to keep it brief.  This blog post will also serve as an introduction to many, many more we have planned on race-cations: hotel reviews, restaurant reviews, etc.  Enjoy, and feel free to ask questions!  I’m sure I’ve missed something along the way! Special note for 2020: Of course, timelines and details have changed (hopefully temporarily) with the impacts of Covid-19. I've tried to meld as much together as possible, but things change so rapidly. Be sure to confirm dates and details with the disney official sites.

Step One:  Set your budget.  Is this going to be your one big vacation for the year or just a long weekend?  Many times the budget makes that decision for you.  Keep in mind you will want to set aside some extra cash for spending at the expo, in addition to flight, hotel, theme park tickets, food, and souvenirs.

Step Two:  Set your dates.  Check out when the expo opens and how far in advance you want to arrive.  I personally choose to put my run at the start of the vacation, and I would recommend that for most people.  I do not want a week of park hopping to wreak havoc on my legs before the race.  I also love to go to the parks to show off my bling when I’m done, so I have to plan at least one park day post-race.  The final consideration is time changes.  Whether it's east to west coast or reversed (I've now done both since I lived in Vegas and now live in New York), I sometimes give myself an extra day to adjust. 

French Quarter

Step Three:  Book your flight & hotel.  Personally, at Walt Disney World we tend to stay on property while at Disneyland we tend to stay off property.  Here at Disney Runs in the Family, we have many reviews of hotels to help you find your perfect fit for your race-cation (and have more to come).  Stay tuned!  There were times when only select hotels ran buses for races at WDW. Be sure to confirm on the official site, though now buses run from all the hotels for the races. Disney will require a $200 deposit, but it’s fully refundable if you find a better deal.  If you chose off property, we also have had great experiences with Hilton Bonnet Creek, who also offers race day transportation for half and full distances. At the Land, there is something to be said about the whole wake up, roll out of bed, and stroll to the start line just a few strides from your hotel room, though, so don't write off staying on property if the budget is there!

For flights, we also always try and book direct flights to cut down on travel time.  For the World, you’ll want to fly into Orlando.  For the Land, either Orange County or LAX will do, but OC is a lot easier to navigate. It just may also mean a higher ticket price, unfortunately. 

Step Four: Book your tickets.  Again, with our on/off property preferences, at the World, we usually package the tickets with the room.  Check for discounted tickets for runners.  GET Travel is the preferred travel agency for Disneyland, and they offer great discounts during race weekends (when they were running).  For Disneyland, I always recommend the park hopper option.  It’s very easy to go from one to the other.  Disney World is a little trickier.  If you are not planning jam-packed days, a single park ticket might be the best option, as it will save some cash.  Also, never forget the option of annual passes.  If cost effective, these can be a great option, and you get the benefit of early registration for runDisney events! There are a bunch of different types of passes, so check blackout dates (which often occur during race weekends) and do some runDisney math!

Always plan a celebration!

Step Five: Start planning your days.  This applies a little more to the World than the Land, especially if you plan on making “ADRs” (advance dining reservations).  I’m not one who thrives on spontaneity, so I plan, plan, plan!  I like to know where I’m going on what day, so get out a calendar and start mapping it out.  Don’t forget about the expo and early nights before your race.  If things like the fireworks are a must, that is something that you will not want to do right before the race.  Also, you’ll want to plan the day(s) prior to race day as “easy” park days to save your legs.  Planning your activities for a race-cation can require just a little more thought.  All that said, Disneyland can be planned a little looser, even for me J

Carb-Loading at Mama Melrose

Step Six: Book your dining reservations.  This is my favorite part!  If you are going to the World, you will be able to book dining 180 days in advance (60 days in Covid times).  The Land is 60 days in advance.  I love to eat at Disney.  I love to eat at Disney even more than I love to run at Disney.  We are have many food reviews on this blog to get into specific eats we love.  For now, just please take advantage of all the great restaurants available.  And make reservations early, because you want to have control over your pre- and post-race nutrition even more when you run.   The last thing you will want to do the day before your big race is walk from restaurant to restaurant trying to find an available table. Personally, I always plan a table service meal for lunch the day before a half or longer, then keep it light the rest of the evening. This is usually the first meal I plan out.

On the Magical Express!

Step Seven: Book your transportation to your hotel.  If you are flying, you will have to figure out how to get to Mickey’s house.  If you’re at Walt Disney World and you’re staying on property, book your tickets for the Magical Express.  They take care of everything!!!  They will pick up your bags from the airport for you and transport you to your resort.  A few hours later, you bags magically are delivered to your room.  The best is it’s all for free with your resort stay.  In Disneyland, you’ll have to get more creative.  There are many reliable shuttle services that can take you to your resort.  We've done the "not so magical" express from Orange County airport (no, that's not REALLY the name, it just isn't quite like WDW), have taken a cab, an Uber, even Super Shuttle.  Now that we have Robby, we have to be a little more pre-planned to deal with car seats. Bottom line: unless you have other things in your plans, I personally don’t think you need a car at Disney.  Others may disagree, and have valid reasons, but I’d rather let someone else do the driving!

And there you go, a perfectly planned race-cation!  As you approach race day, there is some more planning, but we’ll leave that for future posts.  Do all this, keep up with your training, and I guarantee you’ll have an amazing runDisney experience. 

Did I miss anything?  Do you have any other planning tips?  Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, or leave a comment here!  We’d love to hear from you!

If you missed parts 1-3, check them out HERE

Bill's Top Ten Disneyland Rides

So many things to do at the Disneyland Resort. So little time. Decisions, decisions. Which attractions do we absolutely HAVE to fit in? Which can we leave out until next time? Relax, my friend, because now the guess work is finally over. Without further ado, welcome to my Top 10 List of the best rides at Disneyland and California Adventure!

10. Star Tours: The Adventures Continue - I am so glad that they updated this ride several years ago because, let's be honest, the original was getting pretty stale. The current Star Tours has much better 3-D effects, a variety of missions so there is always something different, and C-3PO is now the captain. Seriously, what was with that other droid?

9. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad - As the ride is about to begin, you hear the voice of a miner warning you to hang on because "This Here's the Wildest Ride in the Wiiiiillllllll-derness."  Couldn't have said it better myself. 

8. Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Forbidden Eye - Definitely want to get a Fast Pass for this one because the line can get pretty long! I love the unpredictability factor of this ride, you are never quite sure what's around the next curve. Oh, and make sure to hang on to your belongings while the ride is in motion! Read Aly's Top 10 Magical Memories of Disney blog post to find out why.

7. Toy Story Midway Mania - Come on, an interactive, competitive, 3-D ride featuring the Toy Story characters that I kick butt in? How could this not make the list?

6. Mr. Toad's Wild Ride- An absolute classic that you can't find at Walt Disney World anymore. This was one of my favorites as a child, and that hasn't really changed. Or maybe I have never really grown up...

5. Space Mountain - Even though this roller coaster is not really that fast (35 mph), the darkness and pulsating soundtrack make it feel a whole lot faster and scarier.  And honestly, who didn't dream of being an astronaut as a kid?

4. Twilight Zone Tower of Terror - Between the music, the decor, and the creepy cast members (who REALLY get into character), this ride effectively sets an eerie tone. Then the ride starts and you find yourself in an elevator that tosses you up and then sends you into a free fall of anywhere between two and thirteen floors (I think?!?). This is repeated several times. Best of all, the sequence is different each time, so it doesn't matter how many times you have been on This ride, you can never get too comfortable!

3. Soarin' Over California - As much as I love this ride, I recommend saving it until the afternoon or evening because it is feels SO good after you've been on your feet all day. It also is a great reminder of just how AWESOME the state of California is!

2. Pirates of the Carribean - Yo Ho, Yo Ho! Another classic! But wait, how could Pirates of the Carribean be number 2 on the list? Which ride could possibly be better than Pirates? That honor goes to...

1. The Haunted Mansion - Of course, THIS has to be number 1. To this day, whenever we arrive at the park and someone asks me "What ride do you want go on first?", the Haunted Mansion will always be my answer. In fact, I think I hear 999 happy haunts calling my name now...

Of course, I know this list is absolutely perfect. But I suppose you are entitled to your opinion as well. Should I have included the Tiki Room? Perhaps Star Tours should have been ranked higher? How could I leave out The Tea Cups? Peter Pan? California Screamin'? What do you think? 

2015 Princess Preview--Part 2

Okay Princesses in Training--it's time to get to the final details of what you need to know about the Princess Half Marathon!  If you missed Part 1, check it out HERE.

Let's get on to the running events!  First, a note about host hotels and transportation.  ALL Disney hotels are host hotels for Princess (just like at marathon weekend).  That means if you are staying on property, there are buses to and from all race events.  I personally prefer to take these buses--I'm not awake enough at 3 am to drive anywhere, let alone navigate the road closures and traffic on race morning.  I know some people would disagree, but for me, the buses have always been the way to go. If you are staying off property, check with your hotel for bus information.  If you're driving, be sure to be there early (especially for the half) and be aware of road closures that start early.

5k
The Princess 5k will be held on Friday, February 20th at 6:15 am.  The theme is Frozen, so I expect some great themed start and finish lines, as well as some great costumes!  The course starts in the Epcot parking lot and the goes through the park.  The 5k is untimed, but you should still be prepared to keep a 16-minute/mile pace.

10k
The Princess 10k, as well as part 1 of the Glass Slipper Challenge, is Saturday the 21st at 5:30 am.  Prepare for a really early wake up call!  You'll want to be on the buses by 4:30.  The course starts in the same place as the morning before, but you see a little more Disney...3.1 more miles of it to be exact.  The whole course, however, still only goes through Epcot.  Most of the first part of the course is on the roads, so don't be surprised when it's a little dull at the start.  The silver lining is that at least it spreads everyone out and you'll have some time to get your pace going.

Half Marathon
Then on Sunday, at the early, early time of 5:30 am, you'll be off on the main event: The Princess Half Marathon!  I haven't actually run this race, but by all accounts, it is the same course as the WDW Half in January, which I've run a few times.  You will travel through Epcot and Magic Kingdom, with lots of time on the streets between the parks.  Be aware of some tight spots along the course, commonly referred to as "cone alley".  You want to be sure, especially if you are run/walking, that you signal so runners behind you know you are slowing down.  It can be frustrating, but just enjoy the moment!  No use in getting upset...just have fun!

For all of you participating in the Glass Slipper Challenge, be sure to head to that tent at the finish to collect your medal.  Also, you Coast to Coast Challengers will have another area to collect your medals.

Of course, now it's time to celebrate!  So get your park tickets and head to the parks sporting your medals!  There's tons more information, so if you have more questions that haven't been answered, check out the official guide HERE.  See you in a few days!!!!

Hilton Bonnet Creek: an Alternative Location for a WDW Racecation

That "precious" bag

Dangle a runDisney backpack in front of Alyson and you never know what will happen!  She called me from the Wine and Dine Expo asking if I wanted to go to WDW in January.   Apparently, she needed this backpack they were giving away with Goofy entries and Billy couldn’t go with her. Refuse a trip to Disney…I don’t think so!  And so we had to quickly plan our trip. We decided to stay off property.   We heard that the Hilton had race transportation, so we thought we’d give it a try. 

Hilton Bonnet Creek is “surrounded by the Walt Disney World

Room with 2 Queen Beds

Resort” as they say on their website.   They offer free transportation to all 4 parks and I must say, they were always on schedule.  You can purchase park tickets there and they even have a store where you can buy Disney products.  This hotel is all about customer service.   At check in, I had to join our 2 reservations, no problem.  I mentioned that we were there for marathon weekend.  Even though we had not specifically registered under their “marathon weekend package”, they gave me the swag bag and explained all the special accommodations they had for marathoners. 

Swag bag--even included a Bondi Band

One of the fun things in the bag was instructions for entering their contest for runners…estimate your finish time and the winner won a free weekend for a future stay at Hilton Bonnet Creek!

Bonus:  As I was settling in on Thursday night, I heard fireworks.  I looked out the window and could see Illuminations off to the right!

On Friday, at noon, they open the special concierge for marathon weekend.   It’s here that you sign up for race transportation.  They offered transportation for both the half on Saturday and the full on Sunday.  The only drawback here is if you are doing Dopey, you would need to get to the 5k and 10k yourself. 

They also had several buses going to the expo on Friday afternoon.  That didn’t fit my schedule (I wanted to go in the morning) so I hopped a bus to the Magic Kingdom (ticket and transportation center), took a monorail to the Polynesian and boarded an expo bus there.  When I returned to the hotel in the afternoon, I signed Alyson and myself up for the race buses (you get a wristband that gets you a seat on the bus).   I didn’t know how I was going to tell Aly we had to be downstairs for 2:45am!!! 

Runner Breakfast

It was quite the spread!

Saturday morning we went down to the lobby at 2:45.  What a sendoff this hotel gives you!!  There was a full spread of bagels, protein bars, COFFEE (I don’t function well without it), water, and everything that might be on a runners list.  In addition, there were hotel employees cheering everyone on.   We boarded the first bus heading to the race (noted here that Sunday there was no need for us to be on the first bus).

After the race, we went to Harvest Bistro for breakfast.  We came straight from the race.  The staff treated Alyson like royalty (and it wasn’t even Princess weekend!).   Our waiter told us that he would be one of the “cheerers” on Sunday morning.   He said the staff looks forward to this because it’s so much fun.

Feeling Goofy on the bus at 3am

Sunday morning, we went down a little later but still had the same experience.   Took a coffee on the bus with me, some water for later and we were off.

View from our room

There are several fine restaurants on property (both at the Hilton and the sister Waldorf Astoria within walking distance).   Unfortunately, we didn’t get a chance to experience any of them as we were there a short time and wanted to get some park time in.  We also looked at their fully equipped fitness center.  We didn’t use it, but it was there if needed. I also regret not being able to take a trip around the “lazy river” in the pool.  It was too cold to even attempt!

Would we stay here again?   Definitely!  In fact, this would be a nice place to stay on a non-race trip so we would get to enjoy everything this resort has to offer.  You can check them out HERE .

Have you ever stayed off property for a runDisney event?   

Happy, Healthy Travels

 

We are spending a lot of time in airports this holiday season.  Between visiting family, vacations, oh, and of course my hubby traveling for work, plus the upcoming runDisney races, the airport is quickly becoming our best friend.  We all know, though, that it's cold and flu season, and there is no place better to get sick than an airplane.  I've consulted with my travel expert (my hubby) and we've come up with our top tips to remain healthy this holiday season while you travel. 

 

1.  Wash your hands OFTEN.  Like, all the time!  Planes are full of germs, so as soon as you get off the plane, head for the bathroom to wash your hands. 

 

2.  Drink plenty of water.  Planes are dry, and if you're like me, you have trouble sticking to healthy habits while traveling.  One of those is drinking water.  I like to carry a reusable water bottle with me and refill once going through security.  Yep, I'm cheap like that!  But it also encourages me to drink more than the little cup of water they give you on the plane.   

3.  Not to sound too germ-crazy, but wipe down your tray table with an antibacterial wipe, especially if you plan on eating off the table.  If you're not really going to use it, you can skip this step, but if you're spreading out your dinner, wipe it down. 

 

4.  Take your vitamins and eat healthy!  I know, I know, this time of year it's hard.  That makes it even more important!  Arm yourself with a healthy immune system so your body can ward off all the colds floating around.  I usually will take some Airborne and I always drink my Shakeology daily. 

 

5.  Pack healthy snacks.  Airport junk food can be enticing, so come prepared.  Trail mix, meal replacement bars, and fruit all make easy, portable snacks.  Read #4...you want to save your calories and cheat meals for mom's home-cooking, not for some overcooked fast food at the airport!

 

6.  Get plenty of sleep!  If you are like us and you're switching time zones repeatedly, it's easy to get caught up in the fun and not sleep enough.  Especially if you have some red-eye flights, do what you can to make yourself comfy and get some extra ZZZZZZZ. 

 

7.  Reduce your stress.  Get to the airport early, know it will be busy, and find some quiet time to relax.  Stress is harmful to your body, so do what you can to reduce stress while you travel.

 

What tips did we miss?  We still have plenty of flying to do in 2015, so we'd love to hear your best healthy travel tips! 

 

So You Want to Run Disney--Part 9: Celebrating Your Achievement

If you’ve never been to a runDisney event, you’ve never experienced my favorite part: celebrating your achievement!  In part 9 of this series, we are talking celebrations!  Of course it’s fun to run and all, but one of the many reasons I love to run at Disney is the celebration that follows.  You can celebrate way past the snack box and finish line photos.  In fact, in Disney, you can celebrate for days!

2013 Coast to Coast

First, let’s get one major point out of the way—wear your medals around the parks!  I promise, everyone will be doing it!  Yes, even If you “only” ran the 5k—that’s still an accomplishment to be celebrated, so do it!  Other runners will recognize and congratulate you, cast members will chat you up (and at least one or two will vow to run too someday), and you will at least have a perfect excuse for your slow, calculated walk and why you can’t get out of Space Mountain.  Speaking of Space Mountain, I like to tuck my medal into my shirt for some thrill rides.  I like to use my medals for perfectly posed ride pics too (hello Tower of Terror!).  You’ll also want those medals for when you see the race-characters around the parks.  If you’re running a challenge or just got your Coast to Coast, bring all the medals with you and stash them in a backpack when you’re not wearing them.  Keep them handy for the perfect photo opp!  Also, Coast to Coast runners—why not bring your other medals too? It’s a great picture to have all the bling that got you that special medal.

Along with wearing your medals, there are plenty of other ways to celebrate your achievement.  Of course, just being at the Disney parks is a celebration, so I get as many vacation days in after the race as I can.  To be honest, it’s been so long since I’ve visited Disney WITHOUT running, I’m not sure I remember what that’s like! 

Dinner at Narcooses

A favorite way to celebrate is an elaborate meal. Why—well I love to eat, and eating a large meal after a race is your right!  We will usually plan ahead and make a reservation for dinner the evening of the final race.  We have done lunch before, but personally it’s too soon after running for me to have a large meal.  In Disneyland, Carthay Circle and Blue Bayou are our favorites.  Walt Disney World offers many more options, but we usually stick to a place just a touch fancier.  Some great suggestions are Fulton’s Crab House, Yachtsman’s Steakhouse, Brown Derby, Narcooses, and though we’ve never been, I bet Be Our Guest is amazing. 

Cheers! (After Wine & Dine)

Recently at the WDW races, runDisney has sponsored “cool down parties” where runners unite for a night of celebrating.  This night includes discounts at restaurants and shops, as well as a final shot to purchase merchandise.  Some runDisney races include after-parties as part of your race fee.  Wine & Dine, Tower of Terror, and (at this time) Expedition Everest all have awesome parties.  And don’t worry—everyone else is stinky and sweaty too!  Just have a great time!

Don’t underestimate a stroll downtown, a stop at a pub or wine bar, or even a spa treatment to reward yourself for a job well done!  Disney has so much to offer, and this is a great time to try something special!  Congratulations on your achievement—now celebrate!

So You Want To Run Disney--Part 8: You've Arrived (now what...)

Many aspects of your runDisney race-cation will be just like every other Disney vacation, but there are some specifics that need special attention when you're running. Now that you've arrived at your hotel, you are going to want to take some time and get settled: unpack, make sure nothing was left behind, organize yourself, and relax.  Do everything possible to make you fresh for your race!  Here are some more tips:

The Expo:
You will have to carve out time to visit the Expo to pick up your bib and swag bag (shirt and sometimes other goodies).  The expo can be pretty overwhelming, especially during your first race.  Along with runDisney registration frenzy, there is runDisney merchandise frenzy.  If you MUST have items, you will want to arrive at the expo and visit the official merchandise booth right away.  Be forewarned, it can get crazy!  In recent races, some of the most popular items became available for purchase after the race, like the infamous "I Did It!" shirts. 

Gotta have them all!

New Balance got in on the merchandise craze too with special edition runDisney shoes.  These are always popular at the expo.  New Balance has instituted a virtual cue where you are given an appointment time to come to the booth and shop.  They sell out often, so if you really want these kicks, you better be ready to get in line (virtually) as soon as the cue opens!  And by the way, yes, I love my runDisney shoes!

Don't forget your bib!

Don't forget to check out the other merchants as well.  The expo is a great time to find the latest gadgets and gizmos in the running world.  Many vendors have special items themed around the race weekends.  You can also pick up any items you may have forgotten, but unless absolutely necessary, you should NEVER try something new on race day.  Oh... and of course, don't forget to pick up your bib--that's why you're really there!  No need to rush through that line, though.  Your stuff will wait for you.  Final expo tip: you can exchange your race shirt size if you need to.  There is a table for shirt exchange near your shirt pickup.  I've always had success when I needed to swap sizes.

The Night Before:
We always try to get back to the room after dinner so we have time to unwind, relax, and get some extra sleep--don't forget, runDisney races start EARLY!  Lay out your clothes and everything else you need in the morning, including food and accessories.  Be sure to plug in and charge all your electronics--there's nothing worse than pushing play and seeing that empty battery pop up on your i-pod. 

During your vacation:
In the days leading up to the race, be sure to be mindful that you have a huge race ahead of you.  It's so tempting to indulge in all the great Disney eats and stay until the last ride shuts down.  You don't want to regret not being fresh for your race, so show some restraint (that's why my #1 racecation tip is to plan most of your park time after the race).  Make sure you stay hydrated with water as race day approaches.  Try to stay off your feet as much as possible--the day before is a great day to catch shows in the parks (Captain EO anyone?).  Eat simple, familiar, low fat foods.  Even a simple pretzel could be a great option.  We usually opt for a full lunch the day before the race, then snack the rest of the afternoon/evening. 

Save the treats for AFTER you run!

Review your race info:
I always review the race day info when we arrive so I'm 100% sure of when I need to be at the start line.  runDisney provides all the times and locations, as well as travel info to be sure you know all you need to know to have a great race day experience. You can find the official race program at www.rundisney.com about 2 months prior to the race day.  Usually they also have printed copies available at the expo.  I always keep one for a souvenir too.

Get social and HAVE FUN!:
I love how many friends I've met, and how many more I will meet in the future at runDisney events!  It is so much fun to walk around the parks and meet like-minded people who are all there to conquer a goal.  It might be your first race, you might be trying for a PR, or maybe your goal is to stop for every character photo on the course--whatever it is, enjoy and have fun with all the other runDisney nuts that are there to do the same.  Oh--and if you see me around, you better stop and say "HI!" 

Don't forget to check out the rest of the "So You Want to Run Disney" series!

Tuesday Reviews-day: Blue Bayou

Continuing on with some of our favorites at the Disneyland Resort, we could not even think of continuing without highlighting the Blue Bayou, possibly the most popular of eateries in the whole resort.  First, if this is your first visit to the Land, this is a must-do!  Go make your reservations now!  Now that that's out of the way, let's give you an official review.

The Blue Bayou is located inside New Orleans Square in the Disneyland park, and the restaurant is part of the Pirates of the Caribbean ride.  Yep, you are part of the scenery as you eat your lunch or dinner while boats full of park-goers pass you by.  The menu is a limited prixfixe menu and varies from lunch to dinner.  Don't worry, everything is absolutely delicious, so you're sure to find something you'll love. 

One of the most popular dishes is the Monte Cristo sandwich.  Yes, it's huge and we don't even want to start to calculate the calories.  This delicious sandwich is made up of ham, turkey, swiss cheese, and french toast which all gets deep fried and topped with a sprinkle of powdered sugar.  Add on some blackberry preserves and it is pure heaven!  Seeing as this is a running blog, fair warning: some dishes such as the Monte Cristo are not the best option before running, nor are they great too soon after.  This would make a great celebratory dinner after your achievement that evening or even the day after.

Celebrating Bill's 30th at Blue Bayou

A few more notes: there is no alcohol served at this restaurant.  If you want a drink, you will have to visit other areas of the resort.  While not scary or creepy, this restaurant is very low-lit and may be frightening to children who are really scared of the dark.  Definitely make reservations--it's almost guaranteed that you won't get in during busy days without a prior reservation.  You can make reservations up to 60 days in advance either online or by phone.  Visit www.disneyland.com for details.  Finally, this is not the most economical of meals; expect to spend $30+ per person.  We would highly recommend the Blue Bayou for a date night, special occasion celebration, or as a way to celebrate a successful runDisney race weekend!

So You Want To Run Disney--Part 7: Get Packing!

We've been on a long journey, and we are almost to race day.  If you are like most Disney runners, your race is accompanied by some sort of travel, even if only for an overnight or short weekend.  Likely, this trip includes some time in the Disney parks as well.  What does that mean for your suitcase?  Well, it means lots of planning to be sure you attend to all of your needs: running AND vacationing.  Here's a list to get you started (feel free to print, share, re-post, pin, etc).   

My one golden rule for races: pack everything you will need for the race in your carry-on! From underwear to shoes to clothing to costumes.  You can pretty much buy anything else you forget, but you don't want to be stuck running a marathon in brand new expo purchases!


Blogger note: Yes, I'm still working on getting this in a nice format for you to be able to edit and print.  I promise to have it done in plenty of time for the Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend!

Running Gear (Remember to multiply this for challenge weekends.  For example, for the Dopey Challenge, I had 4 of everything but shoes--but I even alternated between two pairs)

I also love flip flops for right after the race!

Sports Bra
Underwear
Socks
Pants/Shorts
Shirt
Running Shoes
Costume
Throwaway Clothes (for the start)

Things to Keep You Healthy
Vitamins & medications
Foam roller or stick
Golf ball/tennis ball for feet (this is great even if for non-race Disney trips to ease feet from walking around the parks)
KT Tape (or other bracing/stability items)
Ibuprofen

Hey...you never know!

Muscle rub (I use Muscle Max roll-on, but I know a lot like BioFreeze)
Compression socks/sleeves

Food (Differs based on how far you need to travel)
Water/water bottles (to refill)
Breakfast items for race day (for me, PB&J on a bagel and a banana)
Healthy snacks for the park (think bars, trail mix, dry cereal, fruit)
Powerade or other replacement drinks
Gels/Blocks/Beans--whatever you use during the run
Post-race fuel, especially for challenges (I use chocolate milk)

Technology
Camera and charger
Garmin or other race watch and charger
I-Pod/music device and charger
Gym Boss or other interval timer and charger/extra batteries
Video Camera and charger
Phone and charger
Laptop/tablet and charger

Park Clothes
Shorts/pants
T-Shirts/Tanks
Underwear/socks/bras
Sneakers (I like to have a different pair than those I run in to change the feel on my feet)
Flip flops/sandals
Bathing suit (one or two)
Pajamas (one or two)

Accessories
Hair ties/clips/hats

Have to recover quickly & hit the parks!

Mouse ears or other Disney-themed items
Pins/lanyard
Backpack/bag for the parks
Jacket
Poncho/umbrella
Sunglasses
Watch
Magic Bands (Walt Disney World) 

Toiletries
Shampoo/Conditioner
Face Wash
Body Wash
Toothbrush/Toothpaste/Floss
Razors/Shaving Cream
Body/Face Lotion
Sunscreen
Makeup
Hair brush
Curling Iron/Straighter
Hair gel/Hair Spray
Scissors
First Aid Kit
Q-Tips/Cotton Balls
Powder
Contact Lens Solution/Case
Glasses
Extra Contact Lenses
Nail Clippers/Nail File
Hand Sanitizer
Wet Wipes

Travel Items (Disney makes some great mobile tools, or you can create your own)
Confirmation numbers and/or tickets
Itineraries
Magazines, books, other "keep busy" items for travel
Games, music, movies downloaded to keep you entertained
Coupons or vouchers (for example, I always get my free art card from Lasting Commemoratives)

Okay, okay, I know I must have forgotten something! What's on your list?

Disneyland's Top 10 Tastes

Congratulations! You've survived all of the pre-race training, you've pushed yourself through every magical mile, and you've made it to the finish line of a runDisney race. Now it's time to go out celebrate your big accomplishment!  And quite frankly, what better way to celebrate than to go into the parks and enjoy some of the great foods that the Disneyland Resort has to offer? So, without further ado, here are my top 10 foods that you don't want to miss while enjoying the parks. 

10. Clam Chowder Bread Bowl (Boudin Bakery-California Adventure)

There are several places to get bread bowls throughout the Disneyland Resort, and plenty of choices as far as what goes in it, but my personal favorite is the clam chowder bread bowl served up at the Boudin Bakery. If you find yourself near Paradise Pier near lunchtime, this is a great option for a quick, tasty meal (and opportunity to get off of your feet for a bit) before getting back to the rides. Watching the bakers baking and preparing the sourdough on premises is an added bonus!

9. Bleu Cheese and Bacon Burger (Taste Pilot's Grill-California Adventure)

This was was definitely an unexpected find. Located in California Adventure near Soarin' Over California, this unassuming quick-service burger restaurant serves up this tasty burger topped with bacon, bleu cheese crumbles, and steak sauce. If that's not enough for you, head over to the toppings bar and personalize it with onions, pickles, or anything else you just can't do without. 

8. Cajun Chicken Salad (French Market Restaurant-Disneyland)

After running 13.1 miles, sometimes you just want something a little lighter. If that's the case, head over to the French Market Restaurant near The Haunted Mansion and order yourself the Cajun Chicken Salad. Hearts of romaine lettuce, chunks of blackened chicken, seasoned corn, and peppers are sure to leave you satisfied and ready to run another half-marathon... or perhaps not. 

7. Créme Brûlée French Toast (Goofy's Kitchen-Disneyland Hotel)

Goofy's Kitchen is a character breakfast buffet that is clearly geared for families with children. However, whether or not you have children or are a fan of buffets, the Créme brûlée french toast served here makes it a must as far as I am concerned. Yes, it is as good as it sounds. 

6. Royal Street Seafood Jambalaya (Blue Bayou-Disneyland)
If you are currently planning a trip to Disneyland and have never eaten at the Blue Bayou, please stop reading this blog and go make reservations now. You will need them! One of my recommendations is the jambalaya. Shrimp, fish, chicken, ham, and andouille sausage all tossed in a spicy Cajun sauce and served over "dirty rice" makes for an outstanding meal while enjoying the boats of Pirates of the Caribbean pass by. Great ambiance. 

5. Dole Whip (Tiki Room-Disneyland)

What trip to Disneyland would be complete without enjoying a Dole Whip? Enjoying this delicious Pineapple Soft Serve while strolling around the park on a warm, sunny day or while sitting in the Enchanted Tiki Room is sure to bring instant happiness. Better yet, kick it up a notch and make it a Dole Whip Float and they will add pineapple juice.

4. Beignets (Jazz Kitchen Express-Downtown Disney)

After a long day of running and walking around the parks, you are probably going to want to get back to the hotel and crash. Do yourself a favor, though, and take a side trip to Jazz Kitchen Express in Downtown Disney and order a batch of these square-shaped pieces of dough smothered in powdered sugar. In fact, order extra and reheat them the next morning for breakfast. You can thank me later. 

 3. Vinter's Table Prix Fixe Menu (Napa Rose-Downtown Disney)

Go with the chef's five course recommendation at this 5-star restaurant located in the Grand Californian. Trust me.

Main Course at Napa Rose

2. Monte Cristo (Blue Bayou-Disneyland)
You might not want to go with this choice immediately after the race (a mistake I made once) because to say that this sandwich is heavy is an understatement. But, wow, is it amazing! Ham, turkey, and melted Swiss cheese battered and deep fried is simply Heaven on a plate. Period. 

1. Firecracker Duck Wings (Carthay Circle-California Adventure)

If you like spicy, then this is THE appetizer for you! These duck wings are fried and then tossed in a lime and Sriracha sauce that left me on the verge of licking the plate, canceling my entree, and ordering another round. Seriously, do not ask me to share these. Get your own!

So there you have it, the 10 best things to eat while at the Disneyland Resort, Obviously, there are many other great things to eat while there as well. What are some of your favorites?