2012 Disneyland Half Marathon Race Recap

If you haven’t figured it out by now, I’m a little bit of a runDisney and all things Disney nut.  Too me, Disneyland is sacred ground.  It’s where the magic began, the first Disneyland theme park, and it is also one of my favorite races to run!

 The Disneyland Half Marathon is usually held on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend.  2012 marked my  2^nd Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend were I earned my 2^nd Coast to Coast Challenge Medal.  The Coast to Coast Medal is awarded when you complete a runDisney half marathon or marathon at the Walt Disney World® Resort and the Disneyland® Resort in the same calendar year.

 TIP:  Plan to register for the Disneyland Half Marathon when the race opens.  It is quick to sell out especially with the new Dumbo Double Dare Challenge added in 2013.  I registered myself for Dumbo and my family for the Disneyland Family Fun Run 5K at the Walt Disney World Marathon expo in January.

 I was running this Half Marathon with my running buddy and fellow runDisney addict, Alison, and her daughter, Dani, who was celebrating her birthday!  Both Alison and I were coming off of injuries inflicted during the summer training months and Dani was super tired from long days spent at the office.  We decided to have fun and take it “slow.” 

 

We define “slow” as running like a lunatic through the parks to every character stop to pose with as many characters as possible.

We were all assigned to Corral B and made our way from the Fairfield Inn over to the start of the race on South Disneyland Drive.  It was a quick and easy walk and probably took less than 15 minutes.  We stopped in Downtown Disney to use a flushable potty before actually getting into our corral.  The above video shows you highlights of our race.  Below details the course.  Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about the race, course or my runDisney Disneyland experience.

The Course:

The Disneyland Half Marathon course runs down South Disneyland Drive by Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.  Then it turns left and runs along the south boarder of Disney California Adventure on West Katella Ave until turning onto South Harbor Blvd and into the back of Disney California Adventure.  

Then it winds through Cars Land, Paradise Pier, Hollywood Land upon exiting into the esplanade.  From there the course goes into Disneyland.   It takes you behind Walt’s firehouse apartment and then into Town Square and up Main Street U.S.A.   There the course turns into Frontierland and wraps around into Fantasyland and through Sleeping Beauty Castle before turning into Tomorrowland.  From there the course then leads into Toontown, behind scenes and onto West Ball Road.  

The course then continues along the streets of Anaheim.  The crowd of supporters are car enthusiasts, cultural dance groups and area school bands.  The miles go by quickly as we pass the Honda Center and make our way to Angel Stadium.  This is highlight of the race!  Area Boy and Girl Scouts come out to cheer on the racers outside and inside the stadium.   

There is no bigger thrill then running through that stadium and seeing your face on one of the jumbo-screens.  

Once you are out of the stadium, you are at Mile 10 and then there’s just 3.1 miles along E Gene Autry Way and S. Anaheim Way.  I’m not going to lie to you and tell you that these few miles are full with excitement and entertainment, because they are not.   Be prepared to either run with a buddy or listen to some music.  It will be needed.  Then we turn left onto Disney Way and then once again into Disney’s California Adventure, onto Downtown Drive and past Disneyland Hotel  to the Finish!

2012 Disneyland Family Fun Run 5K

  

Alison, my running buddy and fellow runDisney addict, and I were coming off of injuries inflicted during the summer training months.  Her foot was healing from a fracture and I had torn my TFL.  I wasn’t even supposed to be in California running, but had decided to come at the last minute.  I had originally signed up to run the Disneyland Family Fun Run 5K with my daughter, Kathryn, but had canceled when I canceled our family vacation due to my injury.

Alison hadn’t signed up for the 5K.  I had my daugher's extra bib so she joined me bright and early for the start of the Disneyland Family Fun Run 5K.

Alison and I had both given our Disneyland Half Marathon weekend races much thought and consideration.  We had both decided, on our own, that we were not going to run hard.  We were going to Disneyland to have fun and not set any PR’s.  We were going to enjoy the experience and to have a good time!

It was a great plan

Now here’s the reality - Alison and I lose our minds when we get to a runDisney race.

Alison and I got to the start and once the race began all of our best intentions just flew out of the window.  We totally lost our minds.  We took off like bats out of $#%.  We RAN, at top speed, dodging and weaving and totally acting like ninnies to every single character stop!  We were out of control, but laughing, smiling and have the best time EVER!

RACE COURSE:  The Disneyland Family Fun Run 5K begins just outside of the Mickey & Friends Parking Structure.  The course then wraps its way into the backstage area of Disneyland and you enter the park behind Splash Mountain.  It then winds its way along the Rivers of America past The Golden Horseshoe and Big Thunder Railroad into Fantasyland.  There it goes through Sleeping Beauty Castle around the Matterhorn and then around Central Plaza and down Main Street, USA.  From there it runs through the esplanade into California Adventure and then around Paradise Pier to Cars Land and the Finish!

TIPS:  If you plan on signing up for the Disneyland Family Fun Run 5K plan to sign up either at the WDW Marathon Weekend or Disneyland Tinkerbell expos.  If that is not possible - sign up the day the registration opens.  Run with your family and friends and stop to take photos!  

I have never had so much fun in my entire life during a 5K race!  This is the race were Alison and I decided to run every runDisney 5K available!  It was the best time EVER! 

2012 Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend –Race Expo & Good Neighbor Hotel

For the 2012 Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend, I was supposed to travel with my family, but I had torn my TFL (tensor fasciae latae) in June.  Per doctor’s orders I had canceled both our Disneyland Hotel reservations and my daughter and my 5K race entries.  

My ortho had said no to any summer race until the Marine Corps Marathon in October.  However, since I had just run the Rock ‘n’ Roll Providence Relay – the 8 mile leg – and had no problems with my hip, I talked him into a “doctor’s note.” 

 

So I ended up attending the 2012 Disneyland Half Marathon weekend with some of my running family – Alison and her daughter Dani.  Alison and Dani had graciously allowed me to bunk with them at the last minute.   

Alison had broken her foot a week after I had my injury!  So both of us spent the summer training months recovering and were not expecting much of a race.  However, we were definitely in for a good time since it was Dani’s birthday and we were at DISNEYLAND!

We flew from Logan to LAX on JetBlue and took the shuttle to Anaheim.  We arrived at Disneyland around 2pm and headed straight to the expo.  By the time we had arrived to the offical runDisney booth, they were sold out of Coast to Coast Women’s Small shirts and Disneyland branded Sweaty Bands.  Never-the-less we were still able to spend $$$ and found a fabulous Coast to Coast shirt at the Raw Threads booth. 

TIP:  Get to the runDisney expos early!  Try to shoot to arrive when the expo opens if you have a specific item you want to purchase like a Coast to Coast shirt or Minnie/Mickey New Balance shoes!  Also, I purchased my Coast to Coast shirt at the 2013 Walt Disney World Marathon expo prior to actually earning my Coast to Coast medal at Disneyland Half Marathon this year because I have missed out on this shirt twice before!

Next we picked up our race bibs for the 5K and Half Marathon.   I had forgotten that I had canceled me and my daughter 5K race entries when I canceled my hotel reservations.  But it turns out that it didn’t matter.  Since race entries are non-refundable, both bibs were printed and it only took a few minutes for the runDisney staff to locate them.

Since it was later in the day, the expo was not at all crowed and shopping was a pleasant experience.  We were able to see the 20^th Anniversary Marathon medal up close and register some remaining family hold-out’s for the Walt Disney World Marathon weekend.   We also got to catch up with Barbara and Jeff Galloway and Another Mother Runner’s – Sarah and Dimity.

Next stop was dinner in Downtown Disney - which was steps from the Disneyland Expo.  We had burgers for dinner at House of Blues in Downtown Disney.  I like Downtown Disney better in Disneyland Resort than Walt Disney World.  To me it seems an extension of the parks and I enjoy its location between the parks.

I think we ended up going back to the expo at least three additional times to either register for races or shop!  But since we were in Disneyland and it was just a short walk not a bus ride!  

Alison had made hotel reservations OFF PROPERTY (I know the horrors!!!) at a Good Neighbor Hotel.  We stayed at the Fairfield Inn Anaheim Disneyland Resort right on South Harbor Boulevard.   This hotel was clean, beds were comfortable and the water pressure was good.  It included free WiFi and had a fridge in the room.  There was also a pool and it was located close to a McDonalds.  All in all very close to the magic….you could see the magic since it was located just across from Space Mountain and a short walk to the main gates.  I'm sure it was also ½ the price of the Disneyland Hotel.  

All in all, I would recommend the Fairfield Inn hotel if you wanted to stay off property.  However, when staying off Disneyland property I would use a stroller for children 5 and under.  

Up Next the Disneyland Family Fun Run 5K

2012 Inaugural Rock ‘n’ Roll USA Half Marathon

My running partners, Alison and Janice, had the privilege of racing through our nation’s Capital not once, but twice in 2012!  Our first non-runDisney race of 2012 was the Inaugural Rock ’n’ Roll USA Half Marathon, March 17, 2012.   

Washington, DC is similar to Walt Disney World in that the more you visit the more new things you will see and the more times you’ll want to come back!  

The Rock ‘n’ Roll USA offers both a full marathon and half marathon.  We choose to run the half marathon.  This was my first race after runDisney’s Walt Disney World Marathon weekend.  I decided to take February to recover and ski.  I scheduled this March race to ramp up my running.  

 

The Inaugural Rock ‘n’ Roll USA Half Marathon course was entirely run in Washington DC and is a  different course from Marine Corps Marathon.  You will run by the US Capitol, the Washington Monument and The White House as well as National Mall and Smithsonian.  

Being a northern, I was unprepared for the heat.  It was hot and humid for March and by mile 7 I was out of water I had carried with me.  Also, although they did have volunteers manning the water stations, they were unable to keep up with the demand.  Water tables were empty when we arrived and we had to wait for volunteers to pour water.

 

There is one major hill at mile 7.  It’s not particularly difficult and once you are done with the hill it is all downhill from there.  The only thing I would recommend is parking at the event the day of the race.  There was a major line for the Metro and limited shuttles.  We were staying at a hotel within a 2 mile walk from the finish and choose to walk rather than wait for transportation.  I would not recommend this!  

All in all – I would recommend the Rock’n’Roll USA Half Marathon being that it was an inaugural race, I’m sure they have made improvements with their volunteers and water stations.  The race tee was good, nice medal, organized, plenty of potties, good expo.  Thumbs up!

Be Our Guest Restaurant Review

As a frequent traveler to Walt Disney World, I’m always looking forward to new attractions and shows, but most importantly, new places to EAT!  The Fantasyland expansion brought new castles to Magic Kingdom, one of which belongs to the Beast (of Beauty and the Beast).  The restaurant is called Be Our Guest Restaurant and serves both quick-service lunch or sit-down dinner.  I have partaken of both and below I review my visits for you.

Sit-down Dinner:

Be Our Guest Restaurant opened the week of November 18, 2012.  My husband and I were attending a Grand Gathering for a family Disney Wedding.  Although, we were traveling with our children, we were only able to snag a reservation for two.  Being the good parents we are, we took advantage of our built-in family babysitters, Grandma and Grandpa, and allowed the grandparents to enjoy the Disney Magic on their own with their grandchildren and have a date night together!

We dined there on Thanksgiving evening, 2012.  Since Be Our Guest is a Disney restaurant located in the Magic Kingdom, I chose not to get to spiffy, since I would be walking and riding the attractions.  There is no need to wear your best attire, since dress is “park” attire.  

The attention to detail of the restaurant is outstanding.  It has been awhile since I’ve viewed the Beauty and the Beast movie, my daughter is now 10, but what I remember was spot on point.   Restaurant check- in was prior to crossing the bridge to the castle door.  Gargoyles line the bridge on both sides to the entrance.  Inside, there are three different dining areas:  The West Wing, Belle’s library and the grand 2-story Ballroom.  When you visit The West Wing, be sure to go to the far back to see the enchanted rose.  Also, be sure to visit the hall of armor on your way out of the restaurant.  Keep your ears open.

My husband and I were seated in the Ballroom under the magnificent chandeliers and had a view of falling snow out the windows.  The ambiance is of warmth and peace, although it was quite noisy with the carts of food being pushed around and the clanging of silverware and dishes.  I was disappointed that the tables did not have tablecloths and this seem to add to the noise.

The Beast walked through the hall on more than one occasion and you were allowed an audience with him after your meal (to take photos).

The restaurant has a French theme and is the only restaurant in Magic Kingdom that serves alcohol.  It is served only with dinner and is limited to French wine and beer.  It seemed kind of naughty to be ordering alcohol in the MAGIC KINGDOM, but hey, when in Rome….

My husband ordered the French Onion Soup and the Rotisserie Cornish Hen with Roasted Fingerling Potatoes and Seasoned Vegetables.  I had a Garden Salad and Grilled Strip Steak with Garlic Herb Butter Pommes Fries.   I have to say, I was a little disappointed by the menu selections.  The food was just fine, but nothing spectacular like the view out those 2-story ballroom windows. 

For dessert we split the Triple Chocolate Cupcake and Lemon Meringue Cupcake.  Again, these were “just okay” but nothing to write home about.

Our server was knowledgeable and her service was great, but considering that the food prices were high, Disney needs to work on both the menu selection and quality.  It’s off - way off for such a high-profiled restaurant in the newly expanded Fantasyland.  However, I will give them the benefit of the doubt, knowing that it was their first week open.  I would book another reservation and include my children on our next visit.

This restaurant is on the Dining Plan and also on Tables in Wonderland.  To book your sit-down dinner reservation please call (407) WDW-DINE or book online at www.disneyworld.com/dine.

Quick-service Lunch:

In order to eat lunch at Be My Guest restaurant, I suggest you decide if you are going to eat early or late and line up accordingly.  I choose to eat early and got into line around 10:30am.  I choose to visit while attending a runDisney marathon weekend. 

Guests were lined up almost to the entrance of Voyage of the Little Mermaid attraction when I got into line.  We were told the estimated wait-time would be 45-minutes.  I did time the wait myself and that was accurate.  The cast members pass out menus so that you can make your lunch selections prior to time of ordering. 

Guests are placed into two different lines – cash and credit card.  They then self-order from a computer kiosk.  It is self-seating for lunch and guests are located by their “rose” left on their tables. 

I choose the Tuna Nicoise Salad for lunch and a Coke.  The salad is a warm seared tuna steak with chilled green beans, potatoes, olives, roasted bell peppers, tomatoes, and hard boiled eggs for $13.49.  I thought the salad quite delicious.  It was light and tasty.  The tuna was cooked to perfection – medium rare and enough salad dressing was given (on the side) to add, but not overpower the greens.   I would recommend the restaurant for lunch.  You cannot get an exceptional salad like that anywhere else in the Magic Kingdom and I would choose to stand in line again to have another. 

All in all, I think that Be My Guest Restaurant should be on your list of restaurants to patron on your Walt Disney World vacation.  I think that if you are not able to secure a dinner reservation, that lunch would be fine for a first visit.  I think a foodie, might be better off securing another restaurant for dinner and should only dine at lunch.  However, fans of Beauty and the Beast should definitely reserve a dinner seating to spend as much time in the Ballroom as possible!

2013 Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Race Report:

I grew up in a Disney that didn’t have a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and we didn’t wear princess costumes into the park.  I know.  I had a totally deprived childhood.

I was secretly envious of my daughter, when taking her to Disneyland and Walt Disney World, when she got to wear a tiara with glitter hairspray and a full princess costume in the parks, on rides and during breakfast in the Castle while meeting all her favorite princesses.

Well, if you too feel this way and you want to enjoy your inner princess at Walt Disney World, then Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend is the event for you!


Tiaras, tutus, fairy wings, princess costumes, glitter, sparkles – anything girly, princess and screams GIRL POWER is welcomed with open arms.  Don’t feel silly wearing your tiara through the airport, at the race expo or in the parks this weekend, because you will feel silly if you AREN’T wearing a tiara.

This was my first Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend.  I have been to Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend for the last 5 years and Disneyland Half Marathon weekend for the last 2 years.  This event has a totally different vibe.  It has a women’s focus, but is open to all.  It is a very different group of people who attend.  It’s about women having fun together while being supported by their MEN!  It’s a girl’s getaway weekend to run, go out to dinner and then go to the spa and have a good time!

Having just wrapped up Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend only 6 weeks prior, I went into this race with a totally different mindset.  I was going to experience a runDisney race and all its glory.  I was going to wear a tutu and tiara for the weekend.  Plus I was going to stop and enjoy ALL the character stops knowing full well that I would be adding precious MINUTES to my finish time - all the while knowing it would be totally worth it.  It would be runDisney magical!

The Disney Princess Half Marathon course follows exactly the same course as Walt Disney World Half Marathon in January.  However, it is different.  The theme is princess and runDisney has all the princesses out for the occasion.  There were some of the same character stops:  pirates, Lightening McQueen, Buzz Lightyear, Alice, Tiana, Mary Poppins and Stitch.  However, there seemed to be a lot more characters stops that included Belle and Gaston, Jessie, Princess Atta, all the Princes from various movies, plus even a few more – see above video!

The pace and the camaraderie of Disney Princess Half Marathon is one of empowerment and sisterhood with a Rosie the riveter “can-do” attitude!  If I had to choose between the Walt Disney World Half Marathon in January and the Disney Princess Half Marathon in February, I would say that the races are on two different weekends.  They offer two very different medals and that you most definitely do need both to add to your runDisney collection!