May the MAGIC Be With Us! (Star Wars Half Weekend PTR & TR)

[Eclectic Goddess]

The first thing you should know about me is that I firmly believe in Disney Magic. This is something of a contradiction, because I am definitely not a “Disney Person”. I started going to DLR as an adult, and I was convinced to go the first time because it was during Halloween, my favorite holiday, and I was sorely in need of a vacation. ANY vacation.

Fast forward a few years, and I now go at least once a year, often twice. I currently hold an AP and will probably continue to renew it for the foreseeable future.

I know that the Magic I feel is the result of varying parts nostalgia, imagination, planning, and hard work on the part of Disney. The amount of effort they put in to make it seem effortless is astounding, and I hope I never fail to appreciate it. Plus, every now and then, things just fall perfectly into place when we most need them too, and it feels pretty damn magical to me.

For example:

This February, DF (Disney Friend) and I were in WDW for the Princess Half Marathon Weekend. I’d just run my first 10k and felt pretty good about it. DF had just completed her first Glass Slipper Challenge (though not her first Disney race) and was enjoying the clank of victory. While there, they announced the Avengers Half Marathon. DLR is our home park, and I’m a big nerd, and DF liked the idea of a new race so she could pursue Legacy status. Still, we agonized over it. The timing couldn’t have been worse for either of us. After going back and forth for days, we decided we just couldn’t do it.

That turned out to be a very good decision, because a few months later, the Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend was announced.

Did I mention I’m a big nerd? Yeah, when it comes to Star Wars, upgrade that to HUGE. I have built my own lightsaber. I have two different Jedi outfits. (Soon to be three.) I ride Star Tours over and over, even though it makes me kinda sick. DF and I have had our tickets for Star Wars Celebration 2015 since the summer of 2013.

We didn’t even hesitate. Theme aside, the race is in January, the perfect time for a break from gloomy Portland winter. It was the inaugural, so DF could become a Legacy. (Sadly, I can’t by running the 10k, but it’s not going to stop me from running each and every one.) It was perfectly spaced between the other Disney races that DF has planned, so doesn’t put too much strain on her budget or schedule. We started planning the day of the official announcement and haven’t stopped talking about it since, even with another trip in between.

It’s worth noting: I am not a runner. I don’t like running. I do, as it turns out, like running fun races where I get to dress up and they give me a sparkly medal (or an adult beverage) at the end. So, you can imagine my excitement at the prospect of running a race where I got to dress up as something from Star Wars, might have the chance for Star Wars photo ops, and get a sparkly Star Wars medal at the end. For the Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend, I’m again signed up for the 10k and DF for the Rebel Challenge. I can’t even tell you how tempted I was to try for both as well, just for the extra medals.

Now we’re just over two weeks away from the trip, the last of our planning in place, and I’m just trying to contain my excitement!

Some planning details: We’re flying in Thursday, fairly early, to SNA. We’re using Lansky car service from the airport, with a grocery stop along the way. When we get to DLR, we’ll check our bags and head straight for the Expo. I have cautiously high hopes for some cool Star Wars merch. I’m not into the collectables, but DF has a warm-up jacket from her first Princess Half that I’ve always loved, and if there’s a Star Wars version, I won’t even look at the price. We know it will be crazy, and we know that we’ll be giving up park time to stand in line for merch, but we’re prepared to do that. After we’re done shopping, we’ll go pick up our bibs.

We originally booked the Annabella, but DF recently saw there were still rooms available at PP, and we took it as a sign from Mickey to switch. After the nightmare that was race transportation at WDW, it will be really lovely to know we basically just have to step out of our hotel to reach the corrals. Even ten extra minutes of sleep will be welcomed on the race mornings, and a slightly shorter walk back from the finish line will be VERY appreciated.

We like to be flexible, so we usually only make a couple of dining reservations. In the past few years, it has been tradition to have our first meal at Carthay Circle, but we’ve had to adapt for this trip because of the Fantasmic! fastpass situation. Thursday is really the only night we can see Fantasmic! because we’ll be taking it easy the nights before the races. Previously, we’ve always done the dessert package. With that gone and knowing we’ll be at the Expo when the regular FPs run out, we’ve settled for the River Belle Terrace package. (The Hungry Bear dessert party isn’t running while we’re there, unfortunately, and the Blue Bayou menu doesn’t have a vegetarian option that I’ll eat.) We’ve bumped Carthay Circle to Friday for lunch. Our only other reservation is for the chef’s counter at Napa Rose on Sunday evening, for our celebratory dinner. Our pre-race/carb fueling meals we’re going to play by ear, with the knowledge that we may end up eating counter service. We’re okay with that.

It’s been colder than usual lately, forcing me to do my training runs on a treadmill in a dreary fitness center. When my motivation is at its lowest, I remind myself of Carthay Circle’s House Biscuits, cast members with Mickey gloves waving good morning, and Yoda’s famous words of motivation:

“Lost a planet, Master Obi-Wan has. How embarrassing…how embarrassing.”

 

[Eclectic Goddess]

I've found myself thinking a lot lately about how disappointing it is that I can't achieve Legacy status running the 10ks. If I could go back in time and re-consider the Half, I might have done it, but it's too late now.

Also, running the 10k AND the Half would just about kill me. I have no idea how DF does it. I'm exhausted just cheering her on for the Half. I take my duties as a Sparkle Minion very seriously. I've been planning supportive signs for her since we decided to go! (Some examples, "Come to the Dark Side, We Have Medals" and "Bleep bloop beep beep!")

On a brighter note, I put the finishing touches on my race outfit yesterday. I'm running in a modified Darth Vader dress (You can see the original version here.) Because I'm rather tall and the dress fits like a babydoll, it looked pretty ridiculous on me. Thankfully, I've got quite a lot of sewing experience. I found a matching fabric, detached the skirt, and added a few inches of length to the upper part of the dress. Then I re-attached the skirt and added a pocket. (For cell phone, room key, and gum - race essentials.)

Before my first race, DF gave me some very good advice about running in costume, which is to try running a good distance in it before the big day. That's meant running at the fitness center in a purple tutu to some raised eyebrows, but it's also prevented me from being distracted by unwieldy clothing during the race. I managed to wear the dress during a evening run with a friend, and it was so dark that I doubt anyone could even tell what I was wearing. I've also made a very basic black cape from some spare fabric to wear before the race actually begins, with the intention to toss it as soon as it starts to bother me.

Before the Enchanted 10k this February, I was very worried about being cold, but I found that the excitement of the pre-race atmosphere was enough to keep me from feeling it. Hopefully, this race will be the same! It's been so cold at home that I can't imagine running around outside in a little dress. Hopefully, the Magic will keep me warm!


"What's in there?"
"Only what you take with you."

 

[Eclectic Goddess]

Last night was my final long run before the official race and it went really well. Because DF is doing the Rebel Challenge, I know she'll be planning to take it easy during the 10k. Usually, her "taking it easy" is me pushing, but this time I actually feel pretty strong. Barring something going wrong between now and then, I'm hoping for a new best time.

That does leave me with an ethical dilemma: If I'm still going strong while DF is holding back, do I leave her behind? I don't want her to push herself beyond her plan, because the Half is definitely more important, but part of the fun is running together. I don't know if I want to cross the finish line without her, even for a few extra minutes off my time.

Of course, we'll see how the day goes. I may end up trading that few minutes for a photo with Stormtroopers!

 

[Eclectic Goddess]

We're a week out for Disneyland! This time next Thursday we'll be (hopefully)enjoying our first ever dinner at River Belle Terrace. I'm hoping to be pleasantly surprised, since it was basically our only option to see Fantasmic! on Thursday. Originally, we wanted to do the Hungry Bear dessert party, but it's closed while we're there. We also both like the Blue Bayou, but I'm mostly a vegetarian, and the only veg option on the Fantasmic menu was a mushroom dish, which I'm not a fan of. I'm crossing my fingers for the pasta dish offered by RBT.

My last couple of training runs have gone really well! I usually only run for about 45 minutes, and maybe average 14 minutes per mile. As I said before, NOT a runner. When I first agreed to run with DF, she suggested I try intervals, and they really work best for me. Right now I'm running 1:1, but DF and I ran 30:30 for a race last spring and it was my best 10k time yet. No idea what we'll be trying for the Star Wars 10k. It seems likely we'll stick to 1:1, and occasionally skip a running interval if one of us needs a break.

I'm really happy the 10k ends going through the parks. That will give the crowd a chance to spread out at the beginning, since there's less to see. By the time we need to slow down, we'll be in Disneyland, and then California Adventure. It will almost seem a shame to run!


"Luminous beings we are. Not this crude matter."

 

[CynthiaRebeca]

Love your write up! I'm vegetarian too. I thought the Carthay biscuits had bacon? Or do you order them without?

I love carb loading with Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta's sundried tomato pasta with no chicken (though now that I think about it it might have chicken stock so I will have to ask this time!)

I have signed up for the Rebel and I'm afraid I and not a runner either! I am around 16 minutes a mile. I know it's against everything but I might run the 10k and give my bib for the half to a friend. I don't think the force is THAT strong with this one

 

[Dis_Yoda]

Joining in! My husband & I are running Rebel.

He's a runner - like 8 minute mile runner. I'm in the 15 minute range especially after all the ankle setbacks I've had.

I have signed up for the Rebel and I'm afraid I and not a runner either! I am around 16 minutes a mile. I know it's against everything but I might run the 10k and give my bib for the half to a friend. I don't think the force is THAT strong with this one

Be careful with that. You could end up banned from runDisney if caught.

 

[Eclectic Goddess]

Joining in! My husband & I are running Rebel.

He's a runner - like 8 minute mile runner. I'm in the 15 minute range especially after all the ankle setbacks I've had.

I've been reading your trip reports, too! One of the reasons I love the Disney races is that I have just as much fun coming in at the back of the pack as at the front.

Bummer about the set-backs. Hopefully, a little Magic will carry you through!

 

[Eclectic Goddess]

Love your write up! I'm vegetarian too. I thought the Carthay biscuits had bacon? Or do you order them without?

I love carb loading with Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta's sundried tomato pasta with no chicken (though now that I think about it it might have chicken stock so I will have to ask this time!)

I have signed up for the Rebel and I'm afraid I and not a runner either! I am around 16 minutes a mile. I know it's against everything but I might run the 10k and give my bib for the half to a friend. I don't think the force is THAT strong with this one

The Carthay biscuits are not vegetarian, and I don't know if they could be made that way. I'm only mostly vegetarian, and I make exceptions for those biscuits! I always feel a little bad, ordering the biscuits, and then asking them to make me a special vegetarian meals, but they've never made an issue of it. Clearly, they know the power of the bacon.

We're planning to do our Saturday re-fueling at Boardwalk. I'm just running the 10k, so I might even eat pizza if it looks good!

As Dis_Yoda said, beware giving your bib away. Disney has specific rules against it. Also, you'll lose the Rebel medal, because your friend won't have the wristband. Maybe it'd be worth it to try and walk the half? I've heard of other people who couldn't finish and were still allowed to collect their medal, even after being given a ride to the finish line.

 

[Eclectic Goddess]

Only a few more days until we're off! I've been surrounding myself with a lot of Star Wars to fill the time. I watched a little Star Wars Rebels marathon yesterday, and caught the Mythbusters Star Wars special purely by chance.

I've also been working on a new Star Wars skirt to wear in the park. (And at ComicCon the weekend after, and at Star Wars Celebration in April, etc...) I was recently gifted a new sewing machine, and I've spent more time figuring out how to make it work than actually sewing! Thankfully, the skirt is almost done, just needs to be hemmed. That, I will finish today.

I also have to get my suitcase out! I think this is the longest I've ever waited to pack. Thankfully, I've made enough trips to DLR that I don't have to put a lot of thought into it. Also, we asked for a grocery stop, so if I realize I don't have something, I can always pick it up then.

Oh, and I'm going to try to share lots of photos! I had to set up a new photo hosting app, so here's hoping it works!

Me, at an ungodly hour of the morning, getting ready to run the Enchanted 10k as Ursula. I'm still amazed at how awake I was!

EDIT: That didn't work at all. After more research, it seems that Dropbox is a fail for posting links to photos. I guess I need to find some other photo hosting app/site. Any suggestions? It has to have an Android app and preferably be accessible by tablet as well.

 

[Eclectic Goddess]

Let's try it again, with the old standby, Photobucket. My phone hates it a bit, but it works well enough on my Kindle.

EDITED to bring the size down to something more reasonable.

 

[Eclectic Goddess]

This is easily the longest I have ever waited to pack. We leave dark and early Thursday morning, and I work Monday-Wednesday, which gives me only a few evenings to make sure I have everything I need for the trip and get it into a suitcase. And clean my house. And do some laundry. And get another training run in. And eat. And sleep.

Last night, I actually got out one of my small suitcases and started a pile of stuff to go into it, but it quickly became obvious that this is NOT a small suitcase trip. Heck, my running gear alone takes up more than half the space. Since I know I’m going to be checking a bag anyway, it might as well be my big one. (My hair products alone would put me over the liquids limit!) I figure that gives me a few more options for the cool nights/mornings, and lets me have a bit of extra room for any merchandise I might need to buy and bring home. *crosses fingers for merchandise*

Our plan for Thursday is to head straight to the Expo after we’ve checked in at Paradise Pier. We should be there about 10am, which is when the Expo is due to open. I imagine we’ll be at the back of a very long line, but we’re prepared for the wait. After we’ve had our chance at the official merchandise, we’ll visit the other vendors, then go pick up our bibs. With the new photo system for the Challenge, I think that DF will then have to go back to get her photo taken, but we’ll see how that works out.

After that, I imagine we’ll need a snack. And an adult beverage. I would be shocked if the Carthay Circle Lounge wasn’t calling our name.

The rest of the day will be for soaking up Disney Magic. We’ll probably start with Pirates, since our usual, Haunted Mansion, is closed. I would like to get on Star Tours at least once. We have a 3pm reservation for the Fantasmic Dining Package at River Belle. It’s an odd time for us to be eating, but we wanted to make sure we could get passes for the first show.


"Ready are you? What know you of ready?"

 

[Eclectic Goddess]

I have to be awake in less than 12 hours to catch my flight. I am still at work.

I won't be getting much sleep tonight. Since when is that new, before a DLR trip!

I did my last pre-race run last night and had to cut it short...because I cut one of my toenails too short. How stupid is that? I keep them really short for squeezing into my rock climbing shoes, but I definitely over-did it. Thankfully, it shouldn't be a problem by Saturday.

I've decided to call the 10k the Trooper 10k, by the way. Let it be known.

I spent some of my precious free time in the last week working on supportive signs for DF, during the Half. One has a picture of Yoda, and in sparkly green, it says, "Much sparkle, I sense in you." (She's all about the sparkly medals.) Another has a picture of R2D2, and "Beep Beep, Bloop Bleep!" (If you have to ask...)

I was very tempted, in the light of all the "Let the Wookie Win" promotional stuff, to make her a sign that said, "Screw the Wookie!", but I didn't think Mickey would approve.

Tonight, all I really have to do is some laundry, and some final packing, and I'm ready to go. This time tomorrow, I'll be in the Magic!

 

[Eclectic Goddess]

And we're off! I'm going to miss the PDX carpet.

 

[MommyJKM]

And we're off! I'm going to miss the PDX carpet.

GL this weekend..I'm going to miss that PDX carpet too! We're flying to Portland at the end of the month and I want to take one last picture with it.
I heard on NPR there is a guy who started a website that sells PDX carpet duffle bags and tee shirts!

Run Well!

 

[Eclectic Goddess]

In line for merch. We're in line and wristbanded, because Disney is all about the crowd management.

 

[Eclectic Goddess]

Back from the Expo. Very disappointed by the black jacket I'd been hoping for. They had lots, but the cut was weird. It fit well across the shoulders, but I couldn't zip it up at the bottom. Bummer.

I did get a pin and the plain green shirt. I had better luck a Raw Threads after we'd picked up our packets. Found a black shirt that says, "Speed matters not "

After over 3 hours at the expo, mostly in line, we've retreated to our room to relax for a bit. River Belle Terrace reservations at 3:00. We may or may not make it on any rides by then.

 

[Eclectic Goddess]

We got on Pirates and did a little shopping before our RBT res. We were hoping to find a Nightmare or Star Wars blanket to sit on during Fantasmic, but no luck. In the end, we found a big Nightmare beach towel and decided it would do.

Dinner at River Belle was surprisingly tasty. I had the chowder, the pasta, and the apple pie. The pasta in particular was great. Well cooked, with good fresh veggies, in a garlic cream sauce. I'd order it again.

There was some confusion, though, as people used to it as a counter service would breeze right past the hostess and sit down. It happened a few times while we were there. The servers handled it well, though. They were very attentive and prompt during our meal, too.

It was a pleasant surprise, but afterward we agreed that an adult beverage was in order. We already had a plan for that.

THAT'S NO MOON!

(Not lit up for photograph purposes. )

ESPN Zone has these, and Storm Trooper mugs. We weren't impressed with the mug, but I might need another one of these. For reasons.

 

[Eclectic Goddess]

Fantasmic was as amazing as ever. The FP situation worked well for us. We showed up a few minutes after our time and sat about three rows from the front. Our section was completely full by the time the show started.

Now we're enjoying a nightcap at Paradise Pier. Nice and quiet, good drink, very lovely service.

 

[Eclectic Goddess]

DF and I had a very fun, very full morning. We "slept in" until 5 a.m. and were first in our line at park opening at 7 a.m. The 5k was still going while we waited and it was very fun watching everyone run past. Some great costumes. By then, there were lots of walkers, and I felt a little badly for them, because it was COLD this morning.

Once we got in the park, we followed our usual routine, which included trips to London, hell, a croquet match, a diamond mine, and Pleasure Island. Then we visited the future, where I flew through space and joined the Rebellion while DF shopped. When I'd landed, we joined forces to defeat Zerg. (He never stood a chance.) After that, with crowds growing, we took a couple of boat rides. One was very educational and the other beset by Pirates.

We took a break for warm drinks and hot beignets. It was still cool, but getting nicer. We decided to switch parks and kill a little time before our noon Carthay Circle res.

DCA had only just opened, but wasn't too crowded yet. We grabbed a ride on a tame tractor. (I love those tractors. They have a high "whee!" factor.) Then we split up to race some cars, and both won, which almost never happens. We headed for the boardwalk, went under the sea, and survived the wheel of death. More shopping followed, because DF forgot her sunglasses and we were having a hard time finding her a new pair.

Lunch at Carthay Circle was good, but not great. The server was quick to offer me the "secret" menu, but the pasta turned out to be unimpressive. I ended up eating veggies out of it and leaving half of the pasta behind.

Lunch done, we went on one more car ride using a magic ticket, then headed back to the hotel. It had been a busy morning, and we wanted to get our feet up.

We're probably done with the park for the day. We plan to enjoy the hot tub and pool, and have the buffet dinner offered to runners here at the hotel. Sorry for the lack of photos today.

Tomorrow is my big race!

 

[Eclectic Goddess]

The buffet at Paradise Pier was perfect! I was feeling a little unwell, but decided to get a soda (which I don't usually drink) and try and eat something. I ended up eating a decent amount, some pasta and potatoes and salad. I feel much better for it, and I'm sure I'll be glad I did tomorrow morning!

The only thing I decided not to risk eating was one of the very cool Star Wars desserts. They had Wookie cookies, Darth Vader cupcakes, Yoda chocolate tarts, and these little beauties:

If DF decides she wants too eat there again tomorrow, I'll be getting one of each!