WDW Bucket List: Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend

Posted on June 14, 2013 by Mouse Host

My Walt Disney World bucket list is so long and continues to grow as I learn more about Walt Disney World.  Yes, I am admitting that I do not know everything about Walt Disney World!….yet!  Since my list grows continually I thought I should go ahead and cover another list item.

Running is not fun unless there is a purpose to it.  I grew up playing baseball and could run all day if I am tracking down a pop fly but to run just to run.  Come on, that’s not fun.  Over the past few years I have become what I would call a semi-serious runner.  On average I run at least 3 miles a couple times a week along with other various workouts.  Why would I do this if I just said running is not fun?  I do it for two reasons.  One reason is I want to stay in shape and get in better shape.  The other reason is I like to challenge myself.  The accomplishment I feel when I finish is worth the pain I endure as I push myself to see what I can do.

wpid-facebook_1856420810My “running carreer” became more serious after I enlisted in the Navy.  I wanted to get in shape to do well at boot camp and to make boot camp easier.  Despite being medically discharged three weeks before graduation (for an eye condition…don’t get me started!) I was able to bring home an increased hunger for self-excellence!  So I continued running and working out.  Since, I have run in multiple 5k races, two 10k races, and I ran a half-marathon in April.

Before I went to boot camp I heard about Walt Disney World’s Marathon Weekend where they have multiple races for all types of runners from the begginer to the obssessed.  This event immediatley went on my radar!  With my love of Walt Disney World and new found love of running, how could it not go on my bucket list?  Running usually isn’t fun but running at Walt Disney World has to been some of the funnest running anyone could do!  I have yet to run a marathon but I would say the Disney Marathon would probably be one of the easiest marathons you could do!

So why not right?  No time like thewpid-facebook_-863246865.jpg present….or January.  That’s right, I have registered to run in the Walt Disney World Marathon!  I can’t pretend I am not a little nervous but I am also really excited.  Running in a half marathon in Knoxville, TN was a blast so I can’t imagine what the Disney Marathon race weekend has in store!  Time to start training!

“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.”
– Walt Disney

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Double Digit Dance

Posted on June 7, 2013 by Mouse Host

1reddog-305Yesterday I decided to alter the dates of my next trip to the World which has made today’s official countdown 99 days!  My trip was originally to be with some friends from work the last week of September but I have since learned of other people I know that are who will also be visiting in earlier in September.  A college friend and fellow Disney geek will be taking his family mid-September as well as my high school choir teacher, who was like another mother to me and my best friend during high school, will also be visiting around the same time.

 

My choir teacher will be staying in disney-169their RV at Fort Wilderness for a week so I plan to pitch a tent on their site that week and be their personal tour guide during their stay. Towards the end of the week I will also get to spend some park time with a friend who is just as crazy about Walt Disney World as I am!

disney-004I am really excited to tour the parks with my friend and with my former choir teacher but I am also looking forward to a little solo time at Walt Disney World as well. I have always wanted to do a solo trip so this is my chance to get a little solo trip experience in! This will allow me to go a little slower and do things I might not do if I was with more people, like take pictures of the ground and trashcans…you know, embracing my inner Disney geek! I plan to arrive on Saturday and leave the next Sunday so I will have a good 8 days explore the World, which will be my longest trip as an adult. I hope tour with a slower pace and to check things out I have never experienced before, in the name of research! I do this all for you. Well, maybe some of it is for me.

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My WDW Firsts: November 2012

Posted on June 3, 2013 by Mouse Host

I did a post about experiences I had for the first time on my October trip so now I am continuing the series with a list from November 2012.  Keep in mind these are based on what I can remember.  There are some things I probably did when I was young and just do not recall.

  • Going to Mickey’s Very Merry WDW 748Christmas Party.
  • Eating at Tangerine Cafe
  • Playing “Mission: Space Race” at the end of Mission Space
  • Touring the Vision House in Epcot’s Innoventions
  • Seeing Osborne Spectacle of Lights
  • Riding the Friendship boat from Hollywood Studios to the Epcot’s International GatewayWDW 747
  • Seeing Cinderella’s Castle Dream Lights
  • Seeing newest part of Fantasyland
  • Riding Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid
  • Experiencing Enchanted Tales with Bell
  • Cup of Lefou’s Brew
  • Eating at Pinocchio’s Village Haus??????????
  • Seeing “Celebrate the Magic” castle projection show.  It was also the first time being shown at the park too!
  • Seeing snow on Main Street in Magic Kingdom and Streets of America in Hollywood Studios
  • Using Magical Express
  • Staying at All Star Music

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An Exciting Step In My Disney Geekdom!

Posted on May 27, 2013 by Mouse Host

575054_106783406183121_554385829_nI have some exciting news!  I have recently joined forces with Magical Vacations by Me as a Disney Travel Agent!  I can now book and help you plan your magical vacations to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Aulani, and Adventures by Disney! 

Visit the “Contact Me” page for your free quote!  Also be sure to stop by the Magical Vacations by Me Facebook page!

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Free Dining is Back!

Posted on May 15, 2013 by Mouse Host

If you were planning a trip to Walt Disney World for September, I have great news for you!  If you weren’t planning a trip this might just be the incentive you need.  If you book a Magic Your Way package for an arrival date from 9/2/13 – 9/25/13 you will receive free dining for each night of your stay!  You will receive the Quick Service Dining Plan if staying at a Value resort and the regular Dining Plan if staying at a Moderate or Deluxe resort.  This offer requires a minimum 3-night stay and you must book by 7/31/13.  Contact me if you want to take advantage of this offer!

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I’m Craving a Fresh Fruit and Nutella Waffle

Posted on May 12, 2013 by Mouse Host

MK 032Waffle’s aren’t just for breakfast or making ice cream cones out of!  They also make a nice warm, soft bed for some fresh fruit and Nutella to rest on in their last moments before I devour them!  Don’t hurry to quickly through Liberty Square to get the the Hall of Presidents otherwise you will miss Sleepy Hollow Refreshments!

You will find this snack stand as you first enter Liberty Square from the hub.  It is located on the parade route which gives you a great excuse to stake out a spot early for a parade!  Have everyone in your party claim territory along the parade route (on the hub or in Liberty Square) and then you run and get yourself a snack!  I guess you could get them something too.

MNSSHP-024jpg019 (2)A snack credit may be used on a number of items on the menu but I would not spend a snack credit here.  There are too many other snacks more worth of the Dining Plan credit!  However, Sleepy Hollow is home to one of the best uses of the snack credit when it comes to monetary value, the funnel cake, at $5.69.  As good as the funnel cake may be I urge you to try one of the waffle items.  It is a more unique snack and don’t think you should waste a credit on something like that but that’s a whole post in itself.  I can personally attest for the Fresh Fruit and Nutella Waffle!  It is a winner!  It goes for $6.29 and is easily sharable!  I am also intrigued with the Sweet and Spicy Chicken Waffle Sandwich and the Ham, Prosciutto and Swiss Waffle Sandwich!  They are on my to-do list and are $6.99.

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Monsters Take Over the Monorail

Posted on May 5, 2013 by Mouse Host

It seems that Disney is promoting upcoming movies more and more in its Parks.  A few that had a pretty substantial presence in the Parks were Alice in Wonderland, Brave, Tron, Wreck it Ralph, and the latest, Oz the Great and Powerful.  The new film in town is Monsters University set to release June 21, 2013.  There is already merchandise, special meet and greets, parades, a giant monster (Sulley) projected on Spaceship Earth, and last but not least the beloved monorail wraps.
Some are critical of Disney Epcot 127wrapping their precious monorails in “advertisements” but I enjoy seeing these special monorails.  Some of the wraps we have seen in the past are: the Tronorail (Tron) and the Avengerail (The Avengers).  The new wraps showing up are known as the Iron Manorail (Iron Man 3) and the Monsterail (Monsters University).  The Monsterail isn’t as elaborate as the other wraps we have seen in the past but that does not at all reflect the hype of the upcoming release of the prequel to Monsters Inc.!  Disney seems to be letting Monsters take over their parks.  Disney is going all out to promote Monsters University not only in their parks but also online.  They have created an elaborate website completely dedicated not just to this film but the idea of this film.  As I have said before and will continue to preach, Disney is all about selling the story whether it is on film, in the parks, and now even online!  You see the same attention to detail in this site as you would in the parks, meaning there is almost more story than you could possibly pick up on.  You could probably spend hours looking through this site much like you may have done when looking for colleges for yourself or a family member.  Interested in Monsters University?  Visit the website at: http://monstersuniversity.com/edu

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The Best All-Nighter You Could Ever Pull

Posted on April 27, 2013 by Mouse Host

The chances are if you attended college then you have experienced what some students dread and some may even claim to be essential or inevitable.  Yes I am talking about the “all nighter!”  These usually follow your realization that you did not budget enough time between the day you found out about the test/assignment and the day it was due.  Either that or you are one of those people who claim they do their best work under pressure.

Well students and former students, the all-nighter is back!  Don’t start reaching for the Xanax just yet!  This all-nighter is brought to you by Walt Disney Parks so of course that means it is waaaayyyyyy better because we know when it comes to Disney and theme parks, Disney does everything better!  If you pull off this all-nighter it would definitely top all of your friends’ all-nighter stories!

In honor of the very much anticipated film “Monsters University” three Disney Parks will stay open for 24 hours!  We saw Disney do something very similar in celebration of leap year in 2012 called “One More Disney Day” where Magic Kingdom and Disneyland remained open for 24 hours.  This time Disney adds Disney’s California Adventure to the lineup for May 24.  The fun begins at 6 a.m. and the loopiness, dozing, and hallucinations end a mere 24 hours later.

The announcement was made by everyone’s favorite one-eyed Disney character Sulley in his biggest appearance ever, literally!  The announcement was made via a projection on Epcot’s Spaceship Earth, much like the projection shows we see on Cinderella’s Castle.  Check out the announcement in the video below.  You can also take a peek at how they pulled it off on the Disney Parks Blog.  It’s pretty cool!

If you are going to partake in Disney’s all-nighter, don’t worry, no studying is needed.  That does not mean you do not have to prepare!  I suggest an overabundance of sleep leading up to May 24th and head to the park packing energy drinks or make numerous stops at Starbucks throughout the day!  I guarantee this could be the most memorable and fun all-nighter you have ever pulled!

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Today Disney’s Animal Kingdom Celebrates 15 Years on Earth Day

Posted on April 22, 2013 by Mouse Host

“I have learned from the animal world, and what everyone will learn who studies it is, a renewed sense of kinship with the earth and all its inhabitants.”    -Walt Disney

Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Definitely not a zoo and not your average theme park.  It is Disney edutainment at its finest!  The dedication to conservation, education, entertainment, and detail here make this place one of a kind!  I can’t believe it is 15 years old today!  They grow up so fast!  Here are some photos in honor of Earth Day and the 15 year anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom.  Enjoy!

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Pass the Pixie Dust Please

Posted on April 20, 2013 by Mouse Host

pixie dustThere is a term widely used within the Disney social arena to describe the magic that is associated with the Disney brand.  It can be used to describe a special experience or to send best wishes someone’s way.  The term is derived from the 1953 Disney classic, Peter Pan.  It is that sparkly golden stuff that streams out of everyone’s favorite pixie, Tinker Bell.  Yes, I am writing about pixie dust…

Magical things happen whenever there is pixie dust being sprinkled about…At Walt Disney World pixie dust was part of the construction process and continues not only in the ongoing construction and refurbishments but also in the Cast Members who are always ready to put on the show!

Unfortunately you experience some guests at Walt Disney World who do not care about anyone around them and will do whatever they want even if it may effect a small child who may be visiting for the first time.  I hate to see this but not everyone is like this.  I think the Walt Disney environment can sometimes bring out the best in people.  Something about being around all that pixies dust puts me in a good mood!  Even sitting here blogging and listening to IllumiNations sound track puts me in a fantastic mood!  I know the effect Walt Disney World can have on a young child or even a grownup.  That is why I like to look for ways that I could possibly “plus” someone’s experience at Walt Disney World.

I have been on the receiving end of another guest spreading pixie dust and I haven’t forgotten it despite it happening during a trip over 10 years ago.  One of the reasons for this blog is the hope that I might help someone have a more memorable Walt Disney World experience.  I like to keep this mindset while I am in the World as well.  Yes, I want to do everything I can to make my trip more memorable and special but part of that can be doing something to spread a little pixie dust in someone else’s trip.  Tinker Bell doesn’t have to have all the fun!

Here are some suggestions on how you can play pixie and not only create magic for others but they could possibly end up being some of your fondest memories as well!

  • Give a fastpass away.  One of my ??????????favorite things to do is eaves drop onfamilies while waiting in the queues.  I love to hear what they are saying about their experience, especially the little ones!  Sometimes you may overhear families mention skipping Toy Story Mania because the wait is 2 hours and there are no fastpasses left.  If you were smart you ran to the back of the park, nabbed some fastpasses and then rode it.  As much as you may want a rematch with someone or to see if you can beat your old score, think about how you could change someone’s day or even vacation by pulling those coveted passes out and handing them over.
  • Give up the spot you had staked for over an hour for a parade, Wishes, or IllumiNations.  I am short so most 8 year olds have no trouble seeing over me.  Again, sometimes if you eaves drop (it’s no creepier than people watching) you may find out those assembling around the wishesground you claimed may not have ever experienced the show before.  The night time shows are some of my favorite experiences in all of Walt Disney World so I know the impact they can have which is why I want people to have the best possible experience of these shows, especially if its their first time.  I would give up my prime spot to anyone who is watching for the first time, whether they are a child or adult.  In fact, some of my favorite people watching times is during these shows.  I love to watch the expressions on their faces!  This is priceless for first timers or for little ones!
  • Just be friendly.  For the most part people are happy to be there and generally there is a heightened sense camaraderie among Walt Disney World guests.  Strike up a conversation with others on the buses going to and from the parks.  I love to look for people with “1st Visist!” buttons on!  I love to hear what their experience has been like so far and offer them tips that might help them on their magic journey!  It is especially fun to ask little ones wearing the buttons coming back from the parks how their day went and what they enjoyed the most!
  • Give a meal away.  If you have WDW 719ever been on the dining plan you know how much food Disney tries to force down you!  You may find yourself with credits left over at the end of your stay and you can’t possibly take another bite.  Instead of going home with unused credits, find someone and ask them if they would like a free meal.
  • Give a balloon away.  For many kids some of the simplest things can make their day.  One of these simple things that seem to fascinate the little ones are the Mickey ear balloons.  It may cost you $10 but it can be priceless for some kids.

ballons

These are just a few suggestions I thought of and have picked up from other fans in the WDW community.  Feel free to leave any suggestions in the comments below on how you can spread pixie dust as you tour the World and I encourage you to keep your eyes and ear open for other ways to make someone’s day or even vacation more magical while visiting Walt Disney World!

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