This (DISNEY)land Was Made For You and Me - July 2016 Weight Loss and Lifestyle Change Challenge

courtneybeth said:

How do you manage stress and when things don't go according to plan? What do you do
when you experience life's "Matterhorn Drops and Turns" or you turn
into a raging abdominal snowman?

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Ahhh stress .... At times I think I am coping but then I will notice also that I take it out on the kids .... it can be mid-yelling at them over some trivial little thing that the light bulb goes on and I realise what am I doing?! I cry, I eat, I withdraw and sleep. Even though I get anxiety depending on wheat the stress is I find I am usually fairly strong through most things and then it can be later that I might have a panic attack.

courtneybeth said:

Bonus question: Have you ridden on the Matterhorn?
If not - which side are you thinking of riding first - the "view" side of Fantasyland or
the 'fun side' of tomorrowland?

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No I missed riding this when we were there .... on my very first visit years ago I was too chicken .... this time I had decided I was going to do it but then still didn't get there. Given my chicken nature I would ride the Fantasyland side first

Checking in at 75% so far!

But gahhhh it's been as bumpy as the Matterhorn this week. True to form I started falling off the wagon in week 3 of the month.... I was struggling to get my elliptical time in this weekend. We also had a house guest Monday and Tuesday (which are usually my big active days) so that threw me for a loop.

But today, I have a whole group together for yoga (DH, cousin, and her daughter) so starting off right to finish this week strong. Scale still not budging.... but I'm trying not to think about that and focus on the fact that this has been my most active month in years!

courtneybeth said:

July 24 - The Matterhorn

The "Mountain Ride" of Fantasyland

The matterhorn at Disneyland has been a staple attraction since 1958. It's the first ever rollercoaster to
feature a tubular steel track (!) and is quite a thrilling ride for being located in Fantasyland. The ride
boasts side-by-side tracks -- one from Fantasyland (right side) and one from Tomorrowland (left side).
The tomorrowland side (left) is a bit more thrilling than the Fantasyland side (right) - but Fantsyland
offers more visuals and perhaps a view of the infamous Basketball Court at the top of the ride.
Yes, There is a basketball court! If the lights are on you can see it

Pro ride tip: Load the car so that heavier passengers are in the back. You'll get a faster ride that way.
In fact, a ride of all adults is best. Kids don't have enough weight and it makes it 'drag' in some points.

So what is this ride about? There's an abominable snow man that's fairly threatening and you ride
in cars similar to Space Mountain at WDW. You pretty much board a sled and have a thrilling ride
through the mountain. And there's some great bumps and drops along the way!

Another fun fact: My husband's grandfather's company supplied the cement used in the ride.


Question of the Day - July 24
The Matterhorn is not a smooth ride - you feel like you're actually traveling through a mountain.
And life is sometimes like that too -- not quite so smooth and you just have to deal with things.

How do you manage stress and when things don't go according to plan? What do you do
when you experience life's "Matterhorn Drops and Turns" or you turn
into a raging abdominal snowman?

Bonus question: Have you ridden on the Matterhorn?
If not - which side are you thinking of riding first - the "view" side of Fantasyland or
the 'fun side' of tomorrowland?

​

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I think it's fairly well documented that I eat my stress... Moving on now.

I did ride the Matterhorn on one of my two DL trips and thought it was pretty wild, even more intense than Space Mountain.

courtneybeth said:

July 23 -- Casey Jr and the Storybook Boats

Two rides in one

Tucked away in Fantasyland is my favorite ride - the Casey Jr train. This little train is modeled after the
train from Dumbo and features cages or traditional seating cars. It's a great ride if you're
trying to maximize your ride time as it literally sits within another attraction: the Storybook boats.

The storybook boats puts you into a boat and you ride through looking at miniature models
of your favorite Disney movies, including Alice in Wonderland, Little Mermaid, Frozen, Mr Toad, etc.
The queue is usually long - but if you ride Casey Jr and can manage a 10 minute wait
to load - you can cross two rides off your list.

July 23 - Question of the Day
The Storybook ride offers you a "real world" look via miniatures at what a Disney story
would look like in real life. Let's have some fun. Imagine you could enter the world
of one of Disney's movies - animated or live action.

Which movie would you pick and why? You don't have to be involved with the story,
but perhaps you really really love the idea of wanting to be a background
character in one of the beautiful worlds they've created.

Bonus: Have you experienced the Storybook Boats or Casey Jr? What did you think?
​

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Missed this one... I'd like to live in the Swiss Family Robinson Tree House.

mamattorney said:

I am happy to report that I have met my goal every day this week. I'm up to 23/31 days of 140+ active minutes --- 74%!

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Woohoo. You're going to be at 100% for sure!

piglet1979 said:

The Matterhorn scares me. I have never been on it but you can't see the ride to tell if I would like it. This might be one I might just have to suck it up and just do it.

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I'm someone that hates roller coasters and refuses to ride Space Mountain because it's a roller coaster in the dark. The matterhorn is probably about as 'thrilling' as I will get and I LAUGH the entire time I am on it. It's so much fun that I am just giggling through the ride because you're just like "wheeee, this is kinda bumpy and fun and i don't even know what this is".

MommaoffherRocker said:

This weekend DH and I came to the realization that we can't do our weekly long runs together any more . It's just too hot during the time when the in-laws can watch the kids. I knew this day was coming since I signed up to run the WDW marathon alone but it still makes me sad, we have been running together for over a year now.

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I totally get this. I've been there with this and I will tell you, it's so so so easy to be like "well, i guess if he's not doing it, then I shouldn't do it either. Maybe tomorrow". But you are strong and awesome and can run alone! Throw on some great music or an audio book and run those streets to get your miles. I'm with you right now as B has hurt his IT band so I'll be concluding Dumbo training alone. But it's okay because I've learned that I love to run alone. It allows me time for myself and to enjoy the moment of getting lost in my head.

4Mickeys said:

No I missed riding this when we were there .... on my very first visit years ago I was too chicken .... this time I had decided I was going to do it but then still didn't get there. Given my chicken nature I would ride the Fantasyland side first

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Ride the Fantasyland side during Fireworks - it's phenomenal. You get the beautiful view of Fantasyland and the firework ambiance. I cannot put it into words but when you experience it you'll know what I'm talking about

Lady Marie said:

But gahhhh it's been as bumpy as the Matterhorn this week. True to form I started falling off the wagon in week 3 of the month.... I was struggling to get my elliptical time in this weekend. We also had a house guest Monday and Tuesday (which are usually my big active days) so that threw me for a loop.

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One more week. You got this!

Oneanne said:

I think it's fairly well documented that I eat my stress... Moving on now.

I did ride the Matterhorn on one of my two DL trips and thought it was pretty wild, even more intense than Space Mountain.

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They've fixed the cars so they're not so bumpy. Though I always laugh that the cars are like sitting in an OBGYN appointment.

Have you experienced any of the Disney parks at Christmas, and if so, what did you experience?
2011 was the first year I experienced Disneland/DCA at Christmas. DS was not even 1 yet. DD would have been almost 5. The kids and I went with my mom. It was such a magical experience. We try to go back to see the holiday decorations every year now. I think we've only missed one year since 2011. I'm hoping we'll be able to make it again this year. I love love love the decorations! I love the parade. I love the fireworks and the snow! I LOVE Santa Claus in DL and so do the kids!

courtneybeth said:

I had a happy-crying moment today that I wanted to share. Perhaps a few of you have been here as you've tried on clothes but... today it was different.

I went to Nordstrom at lunch and tried on a bunch of jeans and nothing would fit... they were all too big, like the pants I've had since december. It turns out that while I've been maintaining pretty well at 138-140ish, my muscle toning from running is causing me to loose inches. So now... I'm down to a size 25, which is like a size 0. what. How!?

Two years ago I was wearing a size 14 and horrifically depressed. Today I'm wearing extra small shirts and size 25 pants. The small sizes on the rack that i NEVER thought would fit. I'm fitting into them.


Please, do not ever give up on your dreams or your goals. because it's insane how quickly things change for the better.

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I am sooo happy for you! Thank you for sharing! The inspiration is needed!

Good morning all! I am back to real life. DMIL's funeral was Saturday (they moved quickly because we had so many family members who had flown in from out of town), yesterday we spent some time with DH's sister who lives in TX and just had some fairly relaxing family time at DSIL's. Unfortunately DD was not feeling well at all and by the time we left I think she had a fever. I drove her in her car back to school and DH and DS followed. We got her back to school, car unloaded, laundry into the hamper and tucked into bed with some ginger ale and crackers at 11 pm. Then we drove home..... it was a long drive but DS and I stayed awake as long as we could to keep DH company.... and we both offered to take driving shifts, but DH did the whole drive. It is his birthday today, but unfortunately we don't feel much like celebrating. We are planning to take him to the new Star Trek movie later and maybe indulge in a take-out pizza on the way home to watch the Battle Bots episode we missed last week. Very low-key for a 50th birthday celebration, but perhaps we'll celebrate a bit more on vacation next week.

Eating was understandably all over the board last week. I did make efforts to stay OP but cookies happened (DMIL was most famous for her oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, so a few nieces made them to have handy when we all gathered at and after the funeral). That being said, it could have been so, so, SO much worse. Fingers crossed for a maintain this week when all is said and done. Obviously exercise was non-existent and my Fitbit hasn't been working, so I have no idea if I even got a decent number of steps each day.... but that was a low priority last week.

DH had already planned to take today off to go take his Mom to lunch on his birthday (something he did last year), so he isn't working today.... and DS and I could not face a long hot boring day, so we took the day off. Unfortunately DD did not have that option and despite feeling lousy she had to get up and "adult" today and go to work tired and sick. These are the moments when I wish she was still a little girl and I could just take care of her. It was super difficult to just leave her there at school sick last night. Just glad she doesn't live alone.... her roommates aren't her best friends, but I KNOW they would be there in a pinch.

Laundry is happening today and the garden has been picked and watered. I made DH a birthday breakfast (blueberry pancakes) and he had a cake yesterday while we were with his family, so no big meals planned for today. But I still have last week's menu posted and most of the proteins are defrosted and ready to go, so we at least have a decent meal plan for this week.

Gotta dash and get the laundry moving.... plus it is a super warm day and I am literally sitting here in a puddle of sweat! Time to close the shades and turn on the fans!

I will take the time to catch up with you all later this week. Thanks to EVERYONE for their kind words and condolences. They are so much appreciated........................P

pjlla said:

Eating was understandably all over the board last week. I did make efforts to stay OP but cookies happened (DMIL was most famous for her oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, so a few nieces made them to have handy when we all gathered at and after the funeral). That being said, it could have been so, so, SO much worse. Fingers crossed for a maintain this week when all is said and done. Obviously exercise was non-existent and my Fitbit hasn't been working, so I have no idea if I even got a decent number of steps each day.... but that was a low priority last week.

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With what you and your family have gone through ..... I wouldn't even worry about it. I hope you're feeling better and your husband is okay. It's hard to lose a parent and in the way that it happened, I'm still in shock.

I'll still send you a pin in the mail as a "feel good" gift. Sometimes you just need a little disney!

courtneybeth said:

July 25 - It's a Small World.... After All!

You love this ride. You really do - don't deny it

Today is our last day in Fantasyland and we're focusing on the Happest Cruise that Ever Sailed. I opted to choose this ride instead of Dumbo
as, spoiler alert, Dumbo is... the same at both WDW and DL! (Except we only have 1 Dumbo attraction). It's A Small World is a classic
attraction and perfect for getting out of the sun on a hot afternoon. It's 15 minutes inside air conditioning with a relatively short line.
You may love it so much that you ride it twice. (That earworm is addicting after all!)

As you can see from the image above, It's A Small World is a bit bigger than its WDW counterpart and is located outside. There's
gorgeous topiaries that line the boat path into the ride and the buildings all sort of move/sway like they're alive. It's fairly similar
to its WDW counterpart, except we have the addition of the Disney characters in the themed areas.
Look for characters like Alice, Woody, Aladdin/Jasmine, Peter Pan, and more! It's fun for kids and adults as they sing along!

But the most magical part of Its A Small World is the transformation it goes under for the holidays. Yes! Yes! It's... It's a Small World Holiday.

That's right... during the Holiday Season at Disneyland you can experience the wonders of JINGLE BELLS on repeat in different languages,
along with an overlay of Christmas decorations on the ride. Crazy right? And super fun! And look at those gorgeous Christmas lights.
When you walk around the park at night it really puts you into the spirit!

Note: For those of you doing the Avengers run in November - the holiday stuff is up during the run so you can experience it.


Question of the Day - July 25
We are 153 days away from the Christmas Season - or exactly 5 months to the date.
Let's talk about Christmas time at the Disney parks and your experience with it.

Have you experienced any of the Disney parks at Christmas, and if so, what did you experience?
Which parks have you experienced the holidays at?
If you haven't yet, what are you looking forward to --- parades, rides, holiday parties?

Side note: Disneyland does not have a holiday party - only one weekend of Candlelight Processional ​

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I've been at WDW twice now during the holiday season, both times in the past five years. The first time I was underwhelmed by the decorations. I think I had very high and unrealistic expectations but also heard multiple comments about Disney cutting back.

Both times I did Candlelight Processional. First time was thru a dinner package and I managed to get seated right up front, too close as it turned out because the view to the stage wasn't all that great. Neil Patrick Harris was the narrator and I enjoyed him and the show, but again wasn't blown away. Last year I saw it as part of the AllEars Anniversary Party. We'd had a really nice dinner in the American Adventure Rotunda and then we were escorted across to the theater. Our seating was fairly far back, but I ended up loving it because I could see the entire stage and the acoustics were perfect. Whoopie Goldberg was the narrator and I really liked her as well. Afterwards we walked around to the front of WS to a private dessert Illuminations party and I was totally blown away. I don't love fireworks, but for some reason that night they almost brought me to tears. That trip I also went to a private dessert party at Osborne Lights and it was magical to be back there with just a few hundred other people.

I don't know that I'll make it a point to go during the holidays again... I find it disconcerting to go in to the hot warm from the dark damp of the PNW winter. I would like to go for New Years though.

courtneybeth said:

Question of the Day - July 25
We are 153 days away from the Christmas Season - or exactly 5 months to the date.
Let's talk about Christmas time at the Disney parks and your experience with it.

Have you experienced any of the Disney parks at Christmas, and if so, what did you experience?
Which parks have you experienced the holidays at?
If you haven't yet, what are you looking forward to --- parades, rides, holiday parties?

Side note: Disneyland does not have a holiday party - only one weekend of Candlelight Processional

Click to expand...

Obviously we've done Disneyland's Christmas -- enjoying the traditions of the Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay and the Small World Christmas stuff. I don't think we've ever seen the Christmas parade, because we're not really parade people?

As for Disney World, this is why we go! December is our annual vacation and we've even gone for Christmas. (Which i'd never recommend because OH MY GOD, CROWDS GALORE). We enjoy the Candlelight Processional and have done it every year. This will also be our first year doing Mickey's Christmas party.

Husband has also approved us doing the "party within a party" so we get the fireworks too. And I've been granted the opportunity to see the actual Wishes show on the next night! FINALLY get to see Wishes

(We're weird. We usually bounce before Fireworks or use that time for prime ride time)

courtneybeth said:

July 25 - It's a Small World.... After All!

You love this ride. You really do - don't deny it

Today is our last day in Fantasyland and we're focusing on the Happest Cruise that Ever Sailed. I opted to choose this ride instead of Dumbo
as, spoiler alert, Dumbo is... the same at both WDW and DL! (Except we only have 1 Dumbo attraction). It's A Small World is a classic
attraction and perfect for getting out of the sun on a hot afternoon. It's 15 minutes inside air conditioning with a relatively short line.
You may love it so much that you ride it twice. (That earworm is addicting after all!)

As you can see from the image above, It's A Small World is a bit bigger than its WDW counterpart and is located outside. There's
gorgeous topiaries that line the boat path into the ride and the buildings all sort of move/sway like they're alive. It's fairly similar
to its WDW counterpart, except we have the addition of the Disney characters in the themed areas.
Look for characters like Alice, Woody, Aladdin/Jasmine, Peter Pan, and more! It's fun for kids and adults as they sing along!

But the most magical part of Its A Small World is the transformation it goes under for the holidays. Yes! Yes! It's... It's a Small World Holiday.

That's right... during the Holiday Season at Disneyland you can experience the wonders of JINGLE BELLS on repeat in different languages,
along with an overlay of Christmas decorations on the ride. Crazy right? And super fun! And look at those gorgeous Christmas lights.
When you walk around the park at night it really puts you into the spirit!

Note: For those of you doing the Avengers run in November - the holiday stuff is up during the run so you can experience it.


Question of the Day - July 25
We are 153 days away from the Christmas Season - or exactly 5 months to the date.
Let's talk about Christmas time at the Disney parks and your experience with it.

Have you experienced any of the Disney parks at Christmas, and if so, what did you experience?
Which parks have you experienced the holidays at?
If you haven't yet, what are you looking forward to --- parades, rides, holiday parties?

Side note: Disneyland does not have a holiday party - only one weekend of Candlelight Processional ​

Click to expand...

We went to WDW last year from Dec 18th - 23rd. We hit each park, did the MVMCP on our arrival night, and did the candlelight processional. It was a fantastic trip. The last park day for us (the 22nd) we spent at Hollywood Studios and that was the only day we felt like the crowds were just too much. We stayed at the Beach Club and our room was right above the "secret entrance/exit" which spits you out at the bridge to EPCOT. The closeness to EPCOT was awesome.

Our past two trips have been around holidays (two years ago we did New Years for a few days before our cruise), so I'm really looking forward to our March trip to see what the crowds are like... at this point I'm so used to huge crowds I'm not sure what I'll do with myself with a small crowd!

Dr Gunnie said:

Our past two trips have been around holidays (two years ago we did New Years for a few days before our cruise), so I'm really looking forward to our March trip to see what the crowds are like... at this point I'm so used to huge crowds I'm not sure what I'll do with myself with a small crowd!

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This was us during our May trip. We were sitting at EPCOT around 4pm bored out of our minds waiting for our 8:15 dinner reservation. I think we ended up taking a nap in one of the pavilions and then rode Spaceship Earth (walk-on) 5 times in a row. Thankfully we were allowed into Le Cellier at 8pm and could eat sooner than we anticipated.

courtneybeth said:

Have you experienced any of the Disney parks at Christmas, and if so, what did you experience?
Which parks have you experienced the holidays at?
If you haven't yet, what are you looking forward to --- parades, rides, holiday parties?

Click to expand...

No I haven't been at any of the Disney parks for Christmas - both of my trips were in the Halloween season. I do think I would love to see the parks all done up for Christmas though - I would look forward to everything lol - see the decorations, parades, rides, Candlelight Processional and any parties!

courtneybeth said:

I think we ended up taking a nap in one of the pavilions

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This is to funny .... bored at a Disney Park? The image of you two having a little sleep is hilarious.

4Mickeys said:

This is to funny .... bored at a Disney Park? The image of you two having a little sleep is hilarious.

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We made the mistake of going on arrival night to Magic Kingdom and we hit three of the "heavy wait time rides" with walk-ons so we didn't need to park hop. Suffice to say that we were too efficient and could have spent more time in the room than at the park. We exhausted the world showcase at EPCOT and were waiting slowly for the reservation. I know - it's ridiculous right?

In hindsight, we should have taken off for the Beach Club or something, but... we weren't thinking. Woops.

I have been to WDW many times during the Christmas season. Last year was my first time seeing the Osborne lights and I am so sad I did not do it sooner because they were amazing! I hope they bring them back!! We use to do MVMCP every year but it's hard to do now with so many little ones and it being late. I loved the parade because the floats would smell like baked goods and candy! The last time we went the parade got rained out . But on the plus side everyone was upset about the parade being cancelled and waited to complain to guest services so the rides were almost empty. I mean seriously the line went down to Casey's Corner when we were leaving. I love that they make it snow and my Florida children think it's real snow. I'm not sure how much Christmas stuff we will get to do this year at WDW since our passes are blacked out at the middle of Dec. but atleast the decorations will still be up for Marathon weekend which is my favorite part anyways.

I've been to WDW 3 times, and every time was Christmas season (by Disney standards). We really have enjoyed all the Christmas decorations, but the time we went the first week of Jan, I was a little tired of it by the end because I felt like Christmas should be over. We have gone twice in November and it's fun to get an early start on the Christmas season.

I am at 9,821 step average for the week. I've found that I don't walk nearly as much on the weekend. My husband is home and I just don't think to get on the treadmill. Today he was home sick, but I decided to get on the treadmill for 30 minutes right after breakfast. It was nice to get a chunk of my steps done so early. Since I had such a lazy weekend I also went for a long walk with my 9 year old. It rained here today and was only 82 degrees when we walked. That's like Fall in Texas, lol. It was really nice. So, my average should be back over 10,000 steps a day tomorrow since I should hit 13,000 today.

I have to say that I never would have hit my step goal consistently all month if it were not for this group. It's nice to see that just because I have a bad day or two doesn't mean I have to throw in the towel. With a little effort, I can make up for it pretty easily. So, thanks!

MommaoffherRocker said:

The last time we went the parade got rained out . But on the plus side everyone was upset about the parade being cancelled and waited to complain to guest services so the rides were almost empty

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Wow that many people lined up to complain! I get they are disappointed but Disney can't control the weather

rascooby said:

but the time we went the first week of Jan, I was a little tired of it by the end because I felt like Christmas should be over

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I get this feeling - while I love putting up my tree and decorating the house before Christmas - I am ready to pull it down within a couple of days after Christmas Day - I don't even usually still have it up at New Years.

I was looking at the yearly stats for my steps on my iPhone today and July has been my most active month yippee - my goal is working for me this month - but I also think it is to do with my own motivation this month something is just clicking as lets face it I have had activity goals in the past and not always achieved them.