In the wee hours of Sunday morning the 2012 Disney Princess Half Marathon will commence. Apparently earlier this winter I thought running this event was a good idea, so I registered. This will be my 4^th Disney Half Marathon (I’ve only run Disney events, so this is only the 4^th half marathon I have ever run). I am more nervous for this one than I was this first one. While I am in no way an expert, I have gleaned a few tips from my runner friends:

• It’s freezing before the race starts. We have to be there in the middle of the night and stand around for what feels like hours and hours. So to avoid complete misery come dressed in layers that you can strip off as you run. The clothing is picked up and donated to local charities. You can feel good about your stripping. Go through your closet and find the clothes you never wear or go to Goodwill. We may not match, but at least we’ll be warm.
• I learned of chaffing from my friend Len Testa. Len has given me lots of advice about running. This is what he taught me: get Vaseline and rub it on your feet and in between your toes and anywhere else on your body that might chafe.
• Drink at every water station.
• Use the restroom in Tomorrowland. There is a real restroom – no a port-a-potty.
• My friend Mike Scopa taught me this one: around mile 8 you will be offered a “Cliff Shot” or something like that. Eat it. It’s disgusting to me – but it helps give your body the fuel it needs to get to the end.
• When you think you have run out of gas and you’re losing faith – look at that person in the wheelchair up ahead of you or look over at that elderly person. Find motivation from the people around you. You never know – you may be someone’s motivation.
• Do NOT meet up with your family at the Finish Line. It’s crazy crowded. Set up a meeting place that is nowhere near the finish.

Every time I run I ask myself what have I gotten myself into. I look forward to this journey’s completion and the huge sense of accomplishment I feel. I surprise myself every time. I hope I get to see you on the course. I am wearing a pink running skirt, and I will be at the back of the pack competing to not be the last one to cross the finish line. Please say, “Hi,” as you whiz past me.

What tips do you have to share?

Disney’s Princess Half Marathon – Tips To The Finish Line is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.

Toy Story Building at Disney's All-Star Movies Resort

Disney World Resort Hotels come in three categories: Value, Moderate, and Deluxe. Disney World’s Value Resorts open up the “staying on property experience” to a vast range of budgets. When trying to vacation at Disney World as economically as possible, the Value Resort Hotels (All-Star Sports, All-Star Music, All-Star Movies, Pop Century and–coming soon–The Art of Animation) are your best bets. I have visited Disney World and stayed off property to save money. Would I do it again? No Way.

When you stay on Disney World property you are immersed in the Disney experience from the moment you pull in the parking lot. All of the Value Resort exteriors are themed to their names. The architects did an amazing job. Seeing a giant smiling Disney character never gets old and makes finding the room easier. Even in the small hotel rooms, the bedspread, the art on the wall, the soap, and even the directions on how to use the phone are Disney themed. It’s amazing how our environment affects our mood, and we don’t even realize it. You know you are on vacation.

If theming doesn’t matter to you, the Disney World Resort benefits will: Extra Magic Hours and unlimited use of Disney Transportation. Since you are already on Disney property, getting around is so much easier! This reduces the stress of a Disney vacation. If you have a car, you can park for free at the parks. And if you purchase tickets as part of a vacation package, they are coded on to your room keys (also known as Key to the World cards), and you may purchase a Disney Dining Plan.

I also love the food courts at the Value Resorts. When you are wiped out at the end of the day, a plethora of food choices is easy to access. The food is good, too. Yes, the food courts can sometimes be loud, but you can take your tasty treats out by the pool and chill.

Disney Value Resort hotel rooms are not fancy, and they are small. I generally describe them as a clean, cute Motel 6. The water pressure isn’t great, and the towels have low thread count. But for the price, they are worth it.

If vacationing at Disney World on a budget — a Value Resort is the way to go. Which Value Resort is your favorite? Is it worth it to you to stay in a Value Resort to save money?

Everything Pop Food Court at Disney's Pop Century Resort

Room at Disney's All-Star Music Resort

Walt Disney World On A Budget — Is A Value Resort Worth It? is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.

Disney World, a magical land than that stimulates the senses and empties the wallet simultaneously has become a dining mecca.   Websites like Disney Food Blog and books like Zagat devote themselves entirely to the gastronomical delights there.   Food plays a leading role at Disney World.  As much as I love to eat in Disney restaurants (some more than others), I am astonished by the number of people who plan their vacations around their Advanced Dining Reservations (ADRs).  Does Space Mountain play second fiddle to 6:00 p.m. reservations at Cinderella’s Royal Table?

A fabulous vacation entails a sizeable time investment prior to leaving home.  You are obviously a planner if you’re visiting TouringPlans.com.  I’d even venture to guess that you own a copy of The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World.  Disney World with its four main parks offers more to do than most families can see in an average Disney World vacation.   The cost of tickets will knock your socks off.  So my question to you is: what’s your Disney World vacation priority?  What makes a fabulous vacation for you?  Do you plan your day around your ADRs?

No matter how you answer the questions, I have a few tips to make the most of your Disney World Dining:

• Make your ADRs as far in advance as you can.  If you’re one of the lucky ones & have your trip planned 180 days out, make your reservations then.  You will be able to get a table at LeCellier.
• If you travel more like me and your trip isn’t planned 180 or even 60 days out, be flexible on your dining times.  If you’re willing to eat dinner at 4:30 p.m. you may well get in at Cinderella’s Royal Table.
• If you aren’t using Magic Your Way Park Hoppers, dine outside of the parks in the resort hotels.   This way you can plan your day around touring the park and not your dinner reservation.  Some of the best restaurants are hidden away in the resorts.  One of the favorites among Touringplans.com writers is Kona Café.  See Kristen’s Kona post.  Kona is one of my all time favorite restaurants on property.  I have eaten breakfast, lunch and dinner there.  On my last trip I ate 90% of my meals at Kona.  Flying Fish on the BoardWalk is a real treat too.
• Check out DisneyFoodBlog.com.  Disney Food Blog.com provides information on everything Disney food in a fun and entertaining style.  Disney Food Blog’s newsletter delivers Disney food news to your inbox.   I love this site.  If I need a little Disney pick me up, I go here.

Please share your thoughts.  How important is dining at Disney to you?  Does your dining dictate your day?  Mistakes you’ve made?  Things you’ve done that you’d definitely do again?  I’d love to hear your thoughts.  Disney Dining – where does it fit in a Disney vacation?

You can follow me on Twitter @Caroline251

Disney World Dining — Does It Dictate The Vacation is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.

 One of the things that made Disney’s Marathon Weekend so special for me was the arrival of my mother and cousin, Susie, later that day.  Susie now lives in Mississippi so I don’t get to see her very often. She hasn’t been to Walt Disney World since she was a small child.  My mother was the mastermind behind this trip.  We have been trying to coordinate it since last summer and this was the weekend it finally worked.  

                My cousin, Susie, is handicapped and blessing beyond blessing, I got to see Disney World through her eyes – like I never had before.   

                We started our journey by trying to decide what type of ticket they would need.  We were beginning this adventure Saturday and checking out Tuesday.  As an Annual Passholder, you take for granted that you can go in and out of the parks on a whim.  Not so for folks purchasing tickets.  We decided on a 2 Day Hopper.  That way we could see all 4 parks.

                As long as I’ve known Susie (my entire life), I have never met anyone that loves a gift shop more.  Anything you want to know about the gift shops on property – just ask.  I can tell you what merchandise is where, what is new & what is on the way out.  Susie chose a lovely array of souvenirs purchased all over Disney World property.  This may have been the highlight of her trip.

                Knowing that standing in long lines wasn’t an option for her, I went to Guest Services at Animal Kingdom, the first park we visited, and explained the circumstances. They gave me a Guest Assistance Card.  I was instructed to show it to the first cast member that I encountered at each attraction.  This card is a huge blessing.  I am so thankful that Disney offers this to guests that need assistance.  We were able to experience everything we wanted to see.  Without this card it would have been an entirely different trip.

                Susie really wanted to go on Splash Mountain and unfortunately it was being refurbed. She thought Disney should give her money back, but really her tour guide – moi –should have known. She was fine with it.  We’ll definitely have to take another trip down so she can go on one of my favorite attractions.

                Other than the gift shops, her favorite attractions were Toy Story Mid-Way Mania & American Idol Experience.  We saw the last regular show and then exited and reentered to see the finale show.  She got a kick out of it.  We were all groovin’ in our seats having a big time.

                I know Susie and my mom had a great time. I am honored to have been their tour guide.  I’ll do better next time and pay attention to the refurbs.            

               I’d love to hear about your experience.  You can follow me on Twitter @Caroline251

Disney Guest Assistance Card & A Fabulous Vacation is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.

Once again I had a major life moment at Disney World — along with about 50,000 other people.

I drove in the evening before the half marathon, which turned out to work really well.   I arrived Friday evening and joined some of my friends for dinner at Beaches & Cream.   This was a perfect way to take the edge off the nerves with laughter and French fries.

  I paid extra for the Runners Retreat. That was money well spent.  At 3:00 AM the Runners Retreat opened.   The Runners Retreat is a heated tent with food, beverages, tables and chairs, Disney characters & stretching area. Other than running 13.1 miles, and getting up in the middle of the night, the hardest part of Disney races is the hours of standing around before the race.   I sat in the Runners Retreat until they made us leave to go get in our corrals.

After I had crossed the finish line and hung my precious Donald Duck medal around my neck, chatted with my stud muffin friends Laurel (who finished the race almost an hour before me and turned around the next day and ran the Marathon. Wow! ) and Len (who ran the Marathon) I headed back to the Runners Retreat.  A hot breakfast buffet was available along with a variety of beverages.  It was delicious.  I don’t even eat sausage and I loved the sausage. You could also pay $1 per minute for a massage. The line was too long so I didn’t get one.  I loved the Runners Retreat and will do it again. I’ll start saving now for next year.

The January half marathon course is the same as the Princess with one big difference.  You run longer in the dark during January Marathon Weekend.  Our race began at 5:30 AM.  It was a good hour before the sun came up.

I wasn’t part of a team and I really wish that I was.  After 3 half marathons I have realized the camaraderie & encouragement among the runners is what makes these endurance events fun.  I loved Marathon Weekend.  All the finishers wore their medals around for days after the races.  We’d pass each other and say, “Congratulations,” or just give the knowing smile.  Running bonds people.

What a thrill it was to accomplish a goal that I never dreamed I could accomplish in the place I love so much.  I almost didn’t register for Marathon Weekend.  I am so glad I did.   The spirit that runs through Disney World during Marathon Weekend is just a little different & very special – not just for the runners, but for the people that cheered from the sidelines. It was a victory for all.

I would love to hear about your experience.

You can follow me on Twitter @Caroline251

Disney’s Marathon Weekend, Race Retreat — Let’s Do It Again is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.

The last 10 mile run is complete, which can only mean one thing: the half marathon is days away.  If you are reading this thinking, “Ahh, a running post.  I’m not going to read this.”  Please do read!  Because the irony is I’m not a runner either — that is until the magic of Disney got me.  If you, by chance, have followed my blog posts, less than a year ago I had never run anywhere but to a shoe sale.  However, thanks to the magic of the mouse, I will have run 3 half marathons in less than a year. I will confess, I do teach Jazzercise, and I’d much prefer to dance my way to health than run. I’m so bedazzled by Disney that I’ll even run as an excuse to go there. 

I have met some wonderful people at Disney running events and I look forward to seeing them again and again.  It’s this really wonderful community that is so neat to be a part; I have even been at non-running events and seen the people I met waiting for the races to commence.

While I am no expert, as a novice runner I’ve learned a few things along the way that may either help make your run more pleasant or may motivate a pre-runner to get in there with us (by the way, most of what I have learned has come from some wonderful people who took time with this tenderfoot, thank you!).

My success strategies for completing a half marathon at Disney World:

• Above anything else – BELIEVE YOU CAN!
• Wear layers of clothes that you can strip off and throw onto the side of the road once you start to warm up.  There is a TON of waiting around time and it’s cold.  I went to Goodwill and bought layers & washed them.  I won’t be looking too good, but I’ll be warm and at 4:00 in the morning.
• Some runners like to wear garbage bags.
• Bring hand warmers from Walmart or Bass Pro Shop.  Spread the love and bring extra – make somebody’s day.
• Drink water at every water station.
• Eat the yucky gel they give you on mile 8 or 9.
• Smile at the people around you.
• Have something warm to wear when the race is over.
• BELIEVE YOU CAN!

Am I the only one drawn to running by the power of Disney magic?  If you are too, you can confess below in the comments section.  I would love to know that I am not alone, and I would really love your advice too. I’ve registered for the runners retreat, and I will report back on that. I hope to see you this weekend!

Disney’s Marathon Weekend 2011 – It’s Here is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.

I have always loved Walt Disney World as long as I can remember.  In my wildest dreams I never imagined that my love of Disney World would become my passion and take me down this road.  As I reflect back on 2010 I am ever so thankful for the blessings in my life, the people I have been privileged to meet and the new Disney friends that I have made. 

It all started some years ago with a book — The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World.  I studied it like I had a final exam, highlighter in hand and Post – It tabs at the ready. It kept Disney alive for me.  The pages became tattered and torn.  In The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World I found a section about podcasts.  I had never listened to a podcast, but thought I’d give them a try.  I found one called WDW Today.  I was hooked.  There was something about those guys and one gal.  They knew what they were talking about, they were professional and they seemed liked old friends.  From here the journey goes that this Disney Geek discovered what she really loves.

I am immensely thankful to be part of the TouringPlans.com team.  If you love our website, it goes beyond the awesome CROWD Calendar, Touring Plans, and detailed information; the people that contribute to this site are delightful.  It’s like a bowl of soup – each ingredient adds a flavor that alone might seem a little weird, but when combined – not  so weird.   They love what they do!  I am grateful for the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World & WDW Today because unknowingly they propelled me on this journey.

I can’t wait to see where 2011 takes this Disney Geek.  Let the journey begin…

On a different note, I am headed to Disney World next week to run in the ½ Marathon.  (This is something I NEVER would have done if I hadn’t listened to WDW Today and been inspired by Len Testa and Mike Scopa).  If you’re going down I’d love to hear from you.  After the snow at last year’s marathon, I’m a tad nervous. 

You can follow me on Twitter @Caroline251.

It All Started With A Book… TouringPlans.com Reflections is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.

Tis the season to be jolly…but if you’re not prepared for the crowds at Walt Disney World during the holiday season you may become more naughty than nice. With realistic expectations, a plan and lots of patience it’ll be a wonderful Christmastime.

Do you have the fantasy that when you arrive at Walt Disney World it is going to be just like the commercials?  Have you ever noticed that the streets of the Magic Kingdom are only sparsely filled with people?  This may be a realistic scene when a hurricane is about to barrel down on Florida, but at Christmastime this isn’t the case.  I think the most important thing to keep in mind is that the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day – all of the schools in the United States are out on break.  If you thought summer was crowed – well, think again.

Let’s not get upset about the crowds, let’s have a plan.  Tip #1: Let me stop right here and say that the #1 best plan is to follow our Touring Plans.  These plans, above anything else, will save you time standing in line.  If you don’t have a subscription to TouringPlans.com– get one!  After you read this – subscribe. Then follow the plans.  Everyone loves the Crowd Calendar.  It’s awesome, but you need a plan more than you need anything else.

Now, you have your TouringPlans.com subscription and you’re at Disney World — it is time to get up.  Deck the halls and fa la la la la.  Tip #2: Please be at the park of your choosing a minimum of 30 minutes BEFORE park opening.  This will be the single most important thing you do all day.  If you want to see the headliner attractions you’ve got to see them when the park opens or standing in line will take up the majority of your day.  Keep Granola bars in your backpack and eat while you wait for the park to open.

  You got up early, you used a Touring Plan and saw some headliner attractions and now you’re hungry.  Tip #3: Eat at off times.  90% of the people visiting Disney World are flying by the seat of their pants.  Not you! Your pants are secure and you’re going to eat when the others aren’t.

You have followed Tips 1-3 to the “T”.  Now it’s time to chill.  The parks are at full capacity, but that doesn’t concern you.  The afternoon is a great time for a nap.  Yes, a nap and you deserve one.  After you’ve rested, you can enjoy a dip in the pool or partake in my all time favorite Disney Christmas afternoon and evening activity — visiting the Disney resort hotels and taking in the Christmas decorations.  They are like no other.  Each deluxe resort deserves a visit.  The Grand Floridian takes the cake!  Their gingerbread house is breathtaking and amazing.  I would love to be there when they assemble the gingerbread house.  Cast members actually sell gingerbread out of the house.

Following these simple tips will increase your joy, your goodwill toward men and you may even hear angels sing.  What tips do you have?  I would love to hear.

I will be at Disney World next week.  You can follow me on Twitter @Caroline251.

Managing The Crowds During The Holidays At Disney World is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.

Last week I had the pleasure of staying at one of my favorite Walt Disney World resorts.  The BoardWalk.  I have praised this resort several times in my Touringplans posts — specifically Club Level. On this visit I stayed in a standard view room and not Club Level. 

                My room – 1306 – was located in what I like to call “The BoardWalk Basement”.  When I walked in the smell of mildew overtook my olfactory senses.  (Disclaimer, I have highly sensitive nose.)  My first thought was, “I’m a Disney fan and willing to forgive some things that a non Disneyphile might not over look.”   So far, not a great beginning.

                The room was clean and really no different than the rooms I stayed on Club Level.  I love the beds.  You get about 6 pillows.  Very comfortable sleeping.  The toilet and shower are in a room together with a door separated from the 2 sinks and 2 mirrors just on the other side.  2 people could easily be getting ready at one time.

                The BoardWalk’s quick service dining options are less convenient than other deluxe resorts.  In the morning the bar that sold martinis the night before sells coffee, cereal, fruit etc.  The Bakery is located outside on the boardwalk.  It’s not terribly far away and does offer a large variety of pastries.  

                When staying at the BoardWalk it’s a great opportunity to experience the restaurants on the boardwalk or over at Epcot or even Hollywood Studios.  I love the location.  With its close proximity to Epcot and Hollywood Studios it’s  a delightful walk to both. 

                You know my husband’s favorite saying, “A luxury once tasted becomes a necessity.”  Well, if I can be completely honest, I have to admit, I really missed Club Level at the BoardWalk.  I would stay at the BoardWalk again non – Club Level.  I would just hope that I wouldn’t have to stay in “The BoardWalk basement.”      

                What is your impression of the BoardWalk?

The BoardWalk — There’s Something In The Air is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.

                I’m like you. I love Disney World. I must confess that I am motivated to run Disney events. If I have a bias, it’s seeing all things Disney World with rose colored glasses.   Last week I ran in the Inaugural Disney Wine Dine Half Marathon.  Parts of it were great and parts of it were not. 

                Before the race started I met my friends Mike Scopa and Len Testa — my running gurus.   I also got to meet some wonderful people that were with them.  They helped the 2+ hours prior to the start pass more quickly. While I came to the event without a family member or running buddy, I did have a wonderful group of Disney friends that were cheering for me at the finish line.  Thank you.  You have no idea how much you meant to me!

                I want every Disney running event to be awesome.  I’ll confess right here, I need it for motivation.  I want to run more Disney events, but I want them to truly reflect Disney’s level of excellence.

Below is my list for improvement opportunities:

-          The cheering family and friends on the sidelines were truly missed.  I can’t begin to tell you what a positive role they play.  You have no idea how meaningful it is for another person to yell out, “You can do it. Keep going.”  Sometimes the cheering crowd on the side even shouts out your name on your bib.  Disney, please don’t minimize their importance.  Running 13.1 miles is a long way.  Sometimes all it takes is the kindness of strangers to get you to your goal.  They cost you nothing and add  hugely to the  atmosphere.

-          Where were the distractions on the side of the course?  While the men on stilts were nice, there needed to be more and more often.

-          If we are going to run on the highway – fine.  Please give us something to look at.  You did an excellent job at the Princess ½ marathon in March. 

-          The Bands.  Where were they?  Please, please bring them back.  They were great in March.

-          In general the course was boring.  I needed inspiration. For over $100 to participate I was counting on course inspiration.

-          When the race was over we were corralled like cattle off to the slaughter.  We could hardly move, the air was thick, our legs were cramping up.  We didn’t need to stand still.  Exiting the race and entering the party was a mess.

-          The After party.  While great in theory, there were too many people.  Standing in line again after 13.1 miles with the lactic acid buildup in my legs didn’t help.  I felt bad for my friends that bought tickets to the event just to be there with me.  It was hard for  us to use the vouchers for food and beverage because the lines were so long.  Remember those friends I meet up with before the race?  I couldn’t find them afterward because it was so crowded. 

Things that went well:

-          I loved the “Tusks of Fire” in the Animal Kingdom.  Great

-          The highlight of the entire course was the Osborne lights in Hollywood Studios.  A thrill.  I loved it. 

-          The fireworks at the beginning

-          Mickey and Minnie at the finish line

-          The Finisher Medals – Fancy – Very Nice

 Will I run at night at Disney again?  I don’t know?    Will you?  What was your take on the Inaugural Disney Wine Dine Half Marathon?

I will be on a Disney mission for the next 2 weeks.  You can follow me on Twitter @Caroline251

Disney Wine Dine Half Marathon – After Thoughts is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.