runDisney Princess Half Marathon Expo 2014

I have not posted much lately.  Life has been kind of crazy lately--I have so much going on!  I have joined the Patient Advisory Board at my local hospital to represent NICU parents, taken a bigger role in my NICU parent support group, cub scouts, my kids and of course my duties as a travel agent.  I am so happy to take on these new ventures--but they keep me busy!  Thankfully, my travel agent business has been going well, but it is a lot of work. I think I have things under control now, a new routine--so I am ready to get back to blogging.  Thank you for sticking with me in my little hiatus.








This past weekend was my favorite weekend of the year!  It was runDisney Princess Half Marathon weekend!  For the first time, Mike and I got to go to Princess weekend kid free.  We hoped a plane very early Friday morning.  We were all checked into our resort (Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary) by 10 am.  Right away, we headed to the race expo.  I could not wait to get my race bib, see all of my new runDisney shirts, pick up my pins and Sweaty Bands.



Last year's Princess expo was a disaster!  It was crazy crowded--you could not even walk around because there were people everywhere.  This year was nothing like that!  I walked right in to packet pick up and got my bib, then my shirts.  After that we went to the main expo.  I had a chance to check out the official runDisney merchandise booth, the SparkleSkirts booth, Sweaty Bands and a few other booths I wanted to see.  My last stop was the runDisney booth.  I was hoping to find early registration for Wine and Dine Half Marathon, but no such luck. After picking up some free yogurt at Dannon and some Chiquita bananas, I was ready to head to the parks!

I will be back soon to tell you all about my amazing five day weekend in Walt Disney World!  The Glass Slipper Challenge, Disney Quest, Typhoon Lagoon, and all of the Disney theme parks.

A dream is a wish...

--Amy

runDisney Princess Half Marathon Expo 2013

On Friday, I went to the runDisney Princess Half Marathon expo.  I had been to a few runDisney expos, but I knew this one would be different because it was at a different location.  Thanks to opening day for the Atlanta Brave's baseball, we could not have our expo at the usual ESPN Wide World of Sports complex.  This year's expo was held at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort.

I caught the runDisney transportation bus outside the resort.  I was excited to see Coronado Springs because it's one of the few Disney resorts I have not been to.  The resort looks like what you would expect to see on the Mexican Rivera.  It is Spanish style, like a different world. After I got off the bus I meet up with my friends.  We got in line to pick up our bibs.  The lines were not too bad.  In little time, I had my half bib and my 5k bib.

 New Balance runDisney shoes!

Then the shock--we were astounded in how packed the expo was!  To me, the building did not feel any smaller than the WWoS building, but it felt SO much more crowded.  I am guessing that the 10K+ more runners this year what what made it feel so much more crowded.  The tables to pick up race shirts and goody bags was on the opposite side of the building as bib pick up.  As we made our way through the expo, we could believe how packed it was.

The lines at shirt pick up was unbelievable.  We waited quite a while, but we eventually got them.  As all the runDisney races in the past, the "goody bag" was pretty empty.  We got our shirt, a Luna Bar sample, and a really cool mesh Princess Half logo mesh bag.  Instead of the usual flyers and samples, runDisney emails race participants a "virtual" goody bad.  runDisney outdid themselves on the shirt this year!  I love it! It's a royal purple color with a castle printed on it.  The fit is perfect.  I just love it!

runDisney Princess Half shirt and goody bag

After packet pick up, it was time to shop!  My friends and I very quickly got overwhelmed with how crowded each booth was.  They went to get in the 1+ hour official merchandise booth line, while I went to get the scoop in the highly coveted New Balance runDisney shoes.  The shoe line was crazy, but I hear it was so much worse a few hours earlier.  A sort of hoovered around to hear what sizes were left.  Why wait in line if my size was sold out?  I heard a NB rep tell someone that they had over two thousand pairs, so I figured I would take the chance.  After about 20 minutes, it was my turn.  I asked for a size 9.5, but all they had left was a 9.  I put them on and walked around in them for a few minutes.  Sadly, they were to tight.  The stars aligned for me because just as I was going to give the shoes back to the NB rep, another runner gave her a 9.5, asking for a 9.  We quickly traded.  The 9.5 fit me perfectly!

Royal Family 5k shirt and pin

After all the shoe drama, my friends were still in line for the official merchandise.   They were after the "I did it" shirts.  I had one of them pick me up a pin that looks like the medal.  After that, we planned to walk around again, but it was just to crowded.  We decided to go back to the resort for lunch instead.

A dream is a wish...

--Amy

runDisney Princess Half Marathon Question and Answer

With the runDisney Princess Half Marathon quickly approaching, lots of readers, Facebook friends and Twitter followers have been asking me lots of questions about the race.  I thought I would write a post with all the questions I have been asked and share them with everyone!  

Any good Expo Tips?

• This questions seems to be asked all the time. My answer for this one would depend on what you are expecting of the expo. Are you looking for the least crowded time to hit the expo?  Then I would say to go late Friday morning.  That is when it will be the least crowded.  Are you looking for the hot item of the year? (the Dooney and Burke purse last year, the New Balance shoes this year).  If you are after one of the hot items, then get there early!  People start lining up super early.   The expo can get crowded on Saturday, especially in the afternoon. Most importantly--have fun, enjoy the expo, and get some cool free stuff! 

How much do you estimate the entire trip costs?

• I am a good person to ask this question to--I am a Disney Travel agent!  A specific number is tough to say, but there are lots of ways to make it possible on almost any budget. The trip can cost an arm and a leg, or not all the much.  My number one tip to cut costs is to go with friends and share the cost of a room.  Disney offers onsite rooms as low as $150 per night.  Divide that by four and that's pretty cheap!  My friends and I like to go deluxe when we go to runDisney events together.  We stay at the nicest, most expensive hotels.  Because 4 of us split the cost, we can easily afford a nice resort.  Another tip to save money would be to stalk the airline websites.  It is not uncommon for a $200+ swing in the cost of round trip flights from one day to the next.  What about paying yourself per mile you run?  If you set aside $1 for each training mile you run, you could have a nice stash by the time training is over.  You could also ask for Disney gift cards for your birthday/holidays and use them for the trip.  

How early should I get there?  I have heard people leave their resort at 3 am? 

• Disney races start early!  They have to close the roads and parks for runners, and then have them open again on time for park guests.  Because of this, runDisney runs the resort buses picking up runners from 3-4 am.  They ask runners to get to the race by 4 am so they have time to close the roads.  It sounds terrible to have to be at the start so early, but it is actually really fun.  You can meet up with friends, take pictures, meet new friends, dance, warm up, get excited, and take the all important bathroom trip before you head to your corral.  My advice would be to get on the resort bus early.  A line forms and it can get crowded.  Waiting at the start is so much more fun than waiting in line at your resort.  So to answer, yes you do really have to leave your resort at 3 am. 

I am wondering when I have to leave the staging area for the walk to corrals. How long is this walk?

• Don't worry--if you are at the staging area in time, you will not miss when you should walk to your corral.  There will be a DJ there pumping up the crowd, along with characters and lots of port-a potties.  The DJ will tell you when to get moving to your corral.  The walk to the corrals feels like forever, but its really not that far.  It walk is really slow though, making it feel much farther than it really is.  

How long do the lines take to get pictures with characters? I have heard "they go fast" but like 5/10 min fast?

• This one really depends on the character.  Last year, the most crowded characters were Minnie just outside the castle, Belle and Beast and Sleeping Beauty with her Princess and the good fairies. I would say I waited about 7-8 minutes each for those pictures.  Less popular characters can take 2-3 minutes. One picture tip I would give would be that on the highway leading to and from the Magic Kingdom, wait to hit the picture stops till the way back.  You will have a better judgement of your time, plus they will be less crowded on the way back.  Be sure to stop for a picture outside the castle, even if you stop for no others.  You will regret it is you don't.  

Where/when should I stop at the bathrooms?

• My advice on this one is easy and simple.  I hate port-a potties!  I go in the staging area, and then I wait until the second set of bathrooms in the Magic Kingdom.  By now, lots of people know to wait till the Magic Kingdom.  Nothing beat a real, flushing bathroom.  The first set of bathrooms will be very crowded.  Pass it and go to the second set.  The line will be shorter, plus no port-a potties! 

My main concern is getting swept off the course. I've been training at an average 15 minute miles for my longer runs but still am terrified I will get taken off. Especially if I try and stop for photos.  Advice?

• My biggest piece of advice would be to trust in your training, and trust in yourself.  By now you should know what corral you are in.  Being in an earlier corral will give you a time cushion for pictures.  Either wear a running watch, or know the clock time when you cross the start.  At each mile you can do the math and know how fast you are going.  If you stay at about a 16 minute mile, you have nothing to be worried about.  If you are concerned about sweepers, don't worry--you will have plenty of warning if you are in jeopardy of being swept.  The infamous "balloon ladies" will pass you, giving you warning that you are behind the time limit.  This means its time to speed up!  If you are still behind them at the next check point, you will be taken off the course.  Don't let the threat of being swept ruin the experience for you. You will cross the finish line and receive your medal!  Trust. 

Any good places for runners to meet family/friends after the race?

• After you cross the finish line, there will be tons of volunteers moving you through the finisher chute. First, and most importantly, you will get your medal!  You will then get water, Power Aide, snacks, your Coast to Coast if applicable, and your official finisher photo. This will leave you to pick up your back from bag check.  You will them be at the family reunion area.  There will be big letter about ten feet in the air.  Meet at a specific letter--maybe the first letter of your last name.  This makes it easy to find friends or family after the race. 

Do you have any more questions to add?  Post them as a comment and I will add them with an edit. Have a great race everyone!

A dream is a wish...

--Amy

Disney Princess Half Marathon Part 1

This is a post that is 14 months in the making. On February 26, 2012 I achieved a goal that I have worked harder for than any other.  I did it!  I am now a Disney Princess. 

The morning started early to say the least.  I got up at 2:30 am, got dressed and met a few friends in the lobby of our hotel at 3am.  We drove from the Bay Lake Tower to the Polynesian Resort to catch the race bus.  After stopping at Captain Cook’s for a bagel and some coffee, we boarded the race bus and were off to EPCOT.  The excitement in the air could be felt by everyone, all smiling and laughing.  The aisle was covered in glitter.  As the bus pulled into EPCOT, I was so happy we opted to use official transportation instead of riding the bus.  Traffic was crazy! 

We got off the bus and headed toward the staging area until the corrals opened at 4am.  The DJ was pumping, people were dancing, lights were flashing in the dark of night,--it was almost a club scene.  More and more runners were filtering in.  Lots of Disney characters were ready for photos.  I loved every minute of it! It was so exciting.

 I had several groups to meet up with.  First was my running mommas group.  I love these ladies!  They are so supportive.  It was so great to meet you in person Hope, Jenn and Liza.   Next, I meet with some of my Princess Half Facebook friends.  By then, it was time to head to our corrals!  Along the way, I meet some of my Team in Training friends.  The walk to the corrals was long and very, very crowded.  It was stop and go, like rush hour traffic is Los Angeles.  I made a porta potty stop along the way.  It took me over and hour to get from the staging area to my corral.  For a while, I was afraid I would not make it to my corral by the time my corral started.  I finally got to my corral about 15 minutes before the start of the race.  The corral was tight!  I tried to make it up to the front of the corral to meet my friend Jane, but I could not get through the crowd. 

I began to feel overwhelmed with emotions as I got a glimpse of the starting line.  I remember thinking, wow, am I really here?  How did I get so lucky that I get to experience this?  The moment that I had planned for and worked really hard for was finally here.  I thought about all the time and effort I put into my training.  I now had to hold back the tears.  Was all the hard work and training that it took to get me here worth it?  Yes!

What I loved about the beginning of this race was that they made each corral feel like the first.  Corral A started and then corral B.  Next was corral C—my turn!  When each corral started, it was like a brand new race.  First, Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother sent us off with a bippity boppity boo.  Then we heard “ready, set, go!”--all followed by fireworks!  What a way to start a race! 

The first few miles were tough for me.  I woke up that morning with a cold.  I had a sore throat and a runny nose.  It took me a while to get my breathing in check, after stopping at the first medic tent for a wade of tissues.  By the time we hit mile three and the Magic Kingdom parking entrance, I found my stride.  I made a deal with myself a while back to push hard and not stop until I hit the Magic Kingdom.  There were a few fun photo stops I was tempted to make, like villains with Maleficent and Cinderella’s step mother, but I keep going strong.  The first really challenging part of the course was a major dip and back up right in front of the Contemporary Resort.  There is a boat overpass where the road dips.  The steep uphill was tough, but then, there it was—a glimpse of the castle!  

To be continued (read part II here)...

A dream is a wish...

--Amy

Disney Princess Half Marathon EXPO

I did it!  I am now a princess!  I just got back from a whirl wind, weeklong trip to Walt Disney World.  The trip was amazing and I have lots to tell you about, like the Expo, meeting Jeff Galloway, several blogger meet up, the Tangled Royal Family 5k, and the main event—the Disney Princess Half Marathon!

Let’s start with the Expo.  The Expo was like nothing I had ever experienced before.  I went to the expo on Friday afternoon, around two.  First was packet pickup.  Packet pick up was a longer process than I anticipated.  Since I had two packets to pick up, my half and my 5k packets, it took even longer.  The lines were not all that long, there were just so many.  There were two bib lines, then a line to get my pin, then two shirt lines and finally a line to activate my timing chip. 

Inside the packets were my shirts, some pins and a clear plastic draw string bag.  I was disappointed in the “goody bag” or lack of I should say.  There was none!  No goody bag of any kind.  Big bummer!  The 5k shirt is cotton unisex with Rapunzel and Flynn.  The Princess Half shirt is a tech material women’s cut with the princess half logo.  I like both shirts very much and proudly wore them around the parks after each race.

After getting my packets, next it was time to shop!  My first stop was at the official merchandise booth.  As I expected, the Dooney and Bourke purses were sold out.  I was very tempted to get the “I did it” shirt, but decided against it.  Several friends had texted me throughout the day with rumors that the runDisney booth had a few Disneyland half entries left for princess runners.  I had to check that out.  To my surprise, Jeff Galloway was at the runDisney booth greeting and chatting with runners.  There is more to come in a later post about if got into the Disneyland Half and meeting Jeff Galloway.  Before leaving the runDisney booth, I spent quite a while drooling over all the runDisney bling on display.  They always have a way of drawing me in. 

My next stop was SparkleSkirts!  That was one busy booth.  Ladies of all ages, shapes and sizes were having a blast trying on all the fun designs.  I had a few minutes to chat with Leah, Queen Mum of Sparkle.  I then choose the perfect Rapunzel purple SparkleSkirt! to wear to the Tangled 5k Royal Family 5k. 

After that, I made a few more stops.  I got a water resistant SPIbelt, a few Sweaty Bands, and then visited the Bippity Boppity Boutique booth with my daughter for a fairy dusting.  We picked up some samples of Nuun, Luna Bars and rice.  After all that Expo fun, we were ready to hit the parks!

What did you think of the Expo?  How about the goody bag?  What were your favorite purchases? 

A dream is a wish…

Amy