Fav place to eat night before a race?

[alon86]

If you could have any meal at any WDW restaurant the night before a race, where would you eat and what meal would you get?

(We’re staying at GF on race weekend so I’m trying to pick something in MK or on monorail but all suggestions are welcome!)

 

[flav]

Because I run the Disney race, I don’t race them for time, I can eat pretty much anything, with some focus on starch for longer distances.

I had some Mickey pretzels, some Port Orleans beignet and some spaghetti with meatballs (kids portion was big enough) before some of the races. Other fun meals were hamburger at T-Rex, tacos at Peco Bill and pizza at Via Napoli.

The answer to your question depends on who is running with me the next morning: With DD who needs her sleep before a long race, I would go back and eat at my resort quick service. Pasta or flatbread probably. If by myself, I would probably be trying to see the MK fireworks and not waste park time eating alone so, again, quick service or snacking all day. If it had to be a table service, The Wave would be my choice close to MK. If it is a non park day for me, I would probably end up repeating the beignets at POFQ or try a new place in Disney Springs.

 

[bumbershoot]

At WDW? It feels like it's been so long! Something hearty and pasta-y. (not for carb loading, as eating one carb meal before an event isn't carb-loading, but just b/c it seems to work for me) Build your own pasta at the food courts at POR and, I think, AOA was also a good place. Not sure if they still have that possibility.

Usually, though, we would go to Sweet Tomatoes at around 5pm the day before. Alas I hear it's gone.

Early is the important part, though. I once ate at midnight before a Disney half and it was a horrible awful mistake. Even 8 is really too late for me. (though since that's 5 my body's time it's all difficult)

 

[FFigawi]

I usually head to Kimonos or Takumi-Tei for my pre-marathon dinner, where I can get a light meal with a nice balance of protein and simple carbs. The key meal for the marathon is really breakfast/lunch the day before, assuming you’ve been gradually increasing your carb intake in the previous few days as well.

 

[Novatrix]

Personally, I tend to go for Asian or Mexican the night before marathons. I find they have a good carb/protein mixture for me with little to no dairy.

If it were me, and I was staying on the monorail line, I'd go for Kona cafe (TS) or Pecos Bill's (WS).

 

[Popo]

Il Mulino. Race gives me an excuse to go there for the pappardelle.

 

[WhereInFlorida]

I had some Mickey pretzels, some Port Orleans beignet and some spaghetti with meatballs (kids portion was big enough) before some of the races. Other fun meals were hamburger at T-Rex, tacos at Peco Bill and pizza at Via Napoli.

Pretzels, spaghetti, hamburgers, tacos, and pizza.... 15 yo me is getting jealous.

I vote for Kona cafe as well for a monorail resort.

 

[steph0808]

I've had the pizza at Via Napoli and the chicken parm at Tutto Italia before marathons - both were fantastic! I also did quick service at POR before my first Disney marathon as well.

I did not like eating at The Plaza Restaurant in MK before a half one time - went for the meatloaf and wasn't a fan.

I'm thinking of doing Tony's or Mama Melrose this time depending on what park I'm at on Saturday. As you can tell, I'm a big fan of the carbs before the race! haha

 

[DisneyParrothead]

Disney Springs also has good choices. My mom and I ate at Maria and Enzo's before the Princess 10k in 2019. It was also Carnivale so the restaurant had some fun entertainment. We chose light dishes and they were all really good.

 

[Neon Cactus]

I always seem to end up the night before the marathon eating at the Pop Century food court. They have rotisserie turkey with mashed potatoes that's been a really good pre race dinner.

 

[HangWithMerida]

I don't really have a go-to. Sometimes I get something from the resort for an early dinner since I'm going to bed early. If there is a festival happening like food and wine, I like to get food there before heading in. I avoid heavy stuff like fried food or anything too meat-heavy. But I MUST have dessert. A cookie or cupcake. Something.

 

[JAMIESMITH]

If you're staying at GF, consider GF Cafe. It's one of our favorite restaurants on Disney property. The steak is always good. I've also enjoyed a shrimp and grits dish as well as a vegetarian ravioli.