Official 2015 Disneyland Half Marathon Thread.

[mbwhitti]

Okay, I have really got to get serious about this dining thing for DL weekend. I've only got two weeks to figure it our. I keep putting it off. I think it's because of my unfamiliarity with the parks.

 

[pamster]

Okay, I have really got to get serious about this dining thing for DL weekend. I've only got two weeks to figure it our. I keep putting it off. I think it's because of my unfamiliarity with the parks.

I hear ya. I don't really have the time or energy to plan ADRs, so I'm just going to wing it and go by the suggestions posted by @Keels, @croach, and @zanzibar138 previously in the thread. I got my eye on that Fried Green Tomato Sandwich!

 

[Ariel484]

Okay, I have really got to get serious about this dining thing for DL weekend. I've only got two weeks to figure it our. I keep putting it off. I think it's because of my unfamiliarity with the parks.

Glad you posted this! I forgot that ADR day is coming up!

Currently texting with my BFFs, trying to make some decisions...we're never good at doing that! We are for sure doing a sit-down dinner the night before the half, and I know there's another dinner we'll do, but not sure which day yet. We also want to do a sit-down breakfast or two. Otherwise, we'll be hitting up the counter service spots and whatnot.

 

[kim3339]

Bummer. Although I will be back over Christmas, so maybe I could get it done then?

Definitely! 2 that I remember seeing during Avengers last year was a table near the ornaments in World of Disney in DTD and in front of Bonanza Outfitters in Frontierland. There's more, those are the 2 I remember.

Okay, I have really got to get serious about this dining thing for DL weekend. I've only got two weeks to figure it our. I keep putting it off. I think it's because of my unfamiliarity with the parks.

Blue Bayou is a must if you've never been before. It's inside POC. Carthay Circle is good, so is the bar. And if you like seafood, the Lobster Nachos at the Cove Bar in DCA are incredible!

 

[Keels]

Okay, I have really got to get serious about this dining thing for DL weekend. I've only got two weeks to figure it our. I keep putting it off. I think it's because of my unfamiliarity with the parks.

I wouldn't stress TOO much about ADRs. Stuff will likely still be available a couple of weeks - if not days - before race weekend. It's DEFINITELY not like WDW where the primo stuff gets taken up first. The only things I think you'll maybe need to jump on are things like first seating at BB for lunch (to guarantee a waterside table), chef's table at Napa Rose and MAYBE ideal times for Fantasmic!/WoC meal packages (which, frankly, I wouldn't do ... but that's just me!)

Also, DLR just really isn't a table-service resort like WDW. There really are only a couple of table services places at both parks, and on the main DL board the reviews of the food ranges from "OK" to "meh", and most people generally go for either ambience, character or (now) preferred seating to one of the evening shows.

For our group of 8, Sunday is the only day we'll all be park touring together, so our plan is:
Celebratory Brunch options: Storytellers Cafe (Pros: Can enter directly from GCH into DCA and head straight to grab RSR FPs and then hit Soarin'; Cons: Only a buffet and there's no way at least one of us - OK, me - will want to eat directly after the race); or Steakhouse 55 (Pros: A la carte brunch, for those who want to eat or just want to cocktail, short/non-existent walk from the finish line area; Cons: Longer walk to get to the parks)

Celebratory Dinner: Either Carthay Circle proper or Cove Bar or Carthay Circle Lounge. Will definitely be Carthay Circle if we can get the Premiere Room without something crazy like a $1k minimum for the eight of us. If not? We'll just hit either of the bars - Cove Bar (Pros: Outside seating, view of World of Color; Cons: No ADRs and for a party of 8, there may be a long wait to get a table) or Carthay Circle Lounge (Pros: Great menu, upscale atmosphere with casual setting, 60th Anniversary Truffles!!!; Cons: Menu may be a little too adventurous for some in our group.)

 

[kelly 1]

Welcome. Stephany89

This is and idea my thinking about , here goes! Next year I am bring a lady from our running group to Tinkerbell for her 70th birthday. So figure maybe I will go do the princess and than Tink to get my coast to coast. Can anyone tell me the closest hotel to the start line. I have never been to DW . Everyone tells me you can not walk. I realize I will have to stay on property. Just wondering about the cost. Just trying to get things in order trying to figure out if I can afford it, see entries open next month.

 

[Ariel484]

Welcome. Stephany89

This is and idea my thinking about , here goes! Next year I am bring a lady from our running group to Tinkerbell for her 70th birthday. So figure maybe I will go do the princess and than Tink to get my coast to coast. Can anyone tell me the closest hotel to the start line. I have never been to DW . Everyone tells me you can not walk. I realize I will have to stay on property. Just wondering about the cost. Just trying to get things in order trying to figure out if I can afford it, see entries open next month.

You're correct that you cannot walk to the starting line - not legally. I know people do it but personally I wouldn't risk it.

The nice thing about staying on property is that every resort is a "host resort" for the race weekends - so you get bus transportation to and from the expo at Wide World of Sports, and to and from the start/finish line of the races. The monorail resort (Contemporary, Grand Floridian, Polynesian) also offer monorail transportation to Epcot, and then you'd walk from the monorail station to the start. These are among the priciest hotels at WDW

The Epcot-area resorts (Boardwalk, Beach Club, Yacht Club, Swan & Dolphin) are pretty close. I stayed at the Boardwalk last year for Marathon Weekend in January and had quick bus rides. These hotels are also very pricey.

Another good option is either of the Port Orleans resorts - French Quarter or Riverside. These are "moderate" resorts (not as expensive) and they are decently close to Epcot.

So I'd say the Epcot-area resorts and Port Orleans resorts are the closest...Caribbean Beach doesn't look too bad either.

http://www.wdwinfo.com/resortmaps/propertymap.htm

 

[Keels]

In other trip news - I ordered our PhotoPass+ package today! I know it won't contain run photos, but I'm super excited about all of the ride photos, character photos and group photos we'll get.

I wish PP+ at WDW was priced as nicely as at DLR.

 

[mbwhitti]

I hear ya. I don't really have the time or energy to plan ADRs, so I'm just going to wing it and go by the suggestions posted by @Keels, @croach, and @zanzibar138 previously in the thread. I got my eye on that Fried Green Tomato Sandwich!

Oh me too for the quick service! I even made a word document of their suggestions and printed it out!

Glad you posted this! I forgot that ADR day is coming up!

Currently texting with my BFFs, trying to make some decisions...we're never good at doing that! We are for sure doing a sit-down dinner the night before the half, and I know there's another dinner we'll do, but not sure which day yet. We also want to do a sit-down breakfast or two. Otherwise, we'll be hitting up the counter service spots and whatnot.

Yea, we want to do at least 1 or 2 ADRs but will probably wing the rest too.

I wouldn't stress TOO much about ADRs. Stuff will likely still be available a couple of weeks - if not days - before race weekend. It's DEFINITELY not like WDW where the primo stuff gets taken up first. The only things I think you'll maybe need to jump on are things like first seating at BB for lunch (to guarantee a waterside table), chef's table at Napa Rose and MAYBE ideal times for Fantasmic!/WoC meal packages (which, frankly, I wouldn't do ... but that's just me!)

Also, DLR just really isn't a table-service resort like WDW. There really are only a couple of table services places at both parks, and on the main DL board the reviews of the food ranges from "OK" to "meh", and most people generally go for either ambience, character or (now) preferred seating to one of the evening shows.

For our group of 8, Sunday is the only day we'll all be park touring together, so our plan is:
Celebratory Brunch options: Storytellers Cafe (Pros: Can enter directly from GCH into DCA and head straight to grab RSR FPs and then hit Soarin'; Cons: Only a buffet and there's no way at least one of us - OK, me - will want to eat directly after the race); or Steakhouse 55 (Pros: A la carte brunch, for those who want to eat or just want to cocktail, short/non-existent walk from the finish line area; Cons: Longer walk to get to the parks)

Celebratory Dinner: Either Carthay Circle proper or Cove Bar or Carthay Circle Lounge. Will definitely be Carthay Circle if we can get the Premiere Room without something crazy like a $1k minimum for the eight of us. If not? We'll just hit either of the bars - Cove Bar (Pros: Outside seating, view of World of Color; Cons: No ADRs and for a party of 8, there may be a long wait to get a table) or Carthay Circle Lounge (Pros: Great menu, upscale atmosphere with casual setting, 60th Anniversary Truffles!!!; Cons: Menu may be a little too adventurous for some in our group.)

We def want to hit up Carthay Lounge for sure and probably Cove Bar. Wish we had more time after the race to enjoy lots of food but we leave out early Monday. I may be slow moving during the races, lol.

In other trip news - I ordered our PhotoPass+ package today! I know it won't contain run photos, but I'm super excited about all of the ride photos, character photos and group photos we'll get.

I wish PP+ at WDW was priced as nicely as at DLR.

Thanks for the tip! Just checked this out. I'm probably going to buy it too. Affordable and bc of the 60th stuff.

 

[zanzibar138]

Okay, I have really got to get serious about this dining thing for DL weekend. I've only got two weeks to figure it our. I keep putting it off. I think it's because of my unfamiliarity with the parks.

Glad you posted this! I forgot that ADR day is coming up!

Currently texting with my BFFs, trying to make some decisions...we're never good at doing that! We are for sure doing a sit-down dinner the night before the half, and I know there's another dinner we'll do, but not sure which day yet. We also want to do a sit-down breakfast or two. Otherwise, we'll be hitting up the counter service spots and whatnot.

As Keels mentioned, there is really no need to stress with DLR ADRs - it's one of the reasons why I love DLR so much! Just book in your TS meals when you decide. I think we'll only book one TS meal this year to celebrate after the half. The rest we'll just do QS (which is fantastic at DLR), or prepare our own meals in our condo.

In other trip news - I ordered our PhotoPass+ package today! I know it won't contain run photos, but I'm super excited about all of the ride photos, character photos and group photos we'll get.

I wish PP+ at WDW was priced as nicely as at DLR.

Yay! I love PP+, it's such a great idea! I'll have to order mine soon so there's enough time for it to get here from the US.

 

[Keels]

I know @zanzibar138 is planning on "Disneybounding" - anyone else? I think I've finally narrowed down what I'm going to do ...

In no particular order (but probably Thursday-Monday, in this order):

• Mary Poppins (Regular, Not Jolly Holiday) - Because of "Saving Mr. Banks", the best movie to feature Disneyland!
  Outfit: Dark-wash linen shorts, cream peplum top, royal blue cropped cardigan, long chain necklace with offset bright red bow, lazy bun with daisy pin, black Chuck Taylors
• Alice - Because of the ride, which only exists AT Disneyland.
  Outfit: Light blue sundress, white cropped cardigan, high ponytail, big black cheerbow, black Chucks.
• Minnie Mouse - Because I bought my sequin ears at DCA last summer (see avatar).
  Outfit: Black sundress, red cropped cardigan, yellow Chucks, sequin ears
• Mouseketeer - Race-Day!
  Outfit: Custom Keels Mouseketeer shirt, blue Sparkle Athletic skirt, short black compression shorts, white Pro Compression Marathon socks, Inov-8 sneakers, "Disneyland Mouse Ear" running hat
• Cruella de Vil - A nod back to when I was a "friend of Cruella" during my time at WDW, the first "face friend" I ever made.
  Outfit: Long black maxi dress, cream cropped cardigan, black and white polka dot light scarf, red Chucks
• Dopey - Because, duh.
  Outfit: Green tunic top, khaki shorts, purple headband, tan cork wedges/white Chucks

Also, I just realized I own pretty much the same sundress and same cropped short-sleeve cardigan in pretty much every color in the rainbow. And all I wear are Chucks. Le sigh. #GirlFail

Just have to make or find a couple of the envisioned accessories!

 

[zanzibar138]

I know @zanzibar138 is planning on "Disneybounding" - anyone else? I think I've finally narrowed down what I'm going to do ...

In no particular order (but probably Thursday-Monday, in this order):

• Mary Poppins (Regular, Not Jolly Holiday) - Because of "Saving Mr. Banks", the best movie to feature Disneyland!
  Outfit: Dark-wash linen shorts, cream peplum top, royal blue cropped cardigan, long chain necklace with offset bright red bow, lazy bun with daisy pin, black Chuck Taylors
• Alice - Because of the ride, which only exists AT Disneyland.
  Outfit: Light blue sundress, white cropped cardigan, high ponytail, big black cheerbow, black Chucks.
• Minnie Mouse - Because I bought my sequin ears at DCA last summer (see avatar).
  Outfit: Black sundress, red cropped cardigan, yellow Chucks, sequin ears
• Mouseketeer - Race-Day!
  Outfit: Custom Keels Mouseketeer shirt, blue Sparkle Athletic skirt, short black compression shorts, white Pro Compression Marathon socks, Inov-8 sneakers, "Disneyland Mouse Ear" running hat
• Cruella de Vil - A nod back to when I was a "friend of Cruella" during my time at WDW, the first "face friend" I ever made.
  Outfit: Long black maxi dress, cream cropped cardigan, black and white polka dot light scarf, red Chucks
• Dopey - Because, duh.
  Outfit: Green tunic top, khaki shorts, purple headband, tan cork wedges/white Chucks

Also, I just realized I own pretty much the same sundress and same cropped short-sleeve cardigan in pretty much every color in the rainbow. And all I wear are Chucks. Le sigh. #GirlFail

Just have to make or find a couple of the envisioned accessories!

That sounds awesome! Can't wait to see your creations!

 

[mbwhitti]

@Keels Sounds awesome!!
You are way more prepared than me. I'm still trying to figure out what to wear for race days.

 

[croach]

Okay, I have really got to get serious about this dining thing for DL weekend. I've only got two weeks to figure it our. I keep putting it off. I think it's because of my unfamiliarity with the parks.

I have all my meals planned out. And I'm sure it will change 10 ten times before I get there and definitely when I'm there. And like people have said, with it being mostly counter service it's easy to change you mind. Do have a couple sit downs planned though.

 

[Ariel484]

I did my 8-mile long run today. Normally Saturdays are my long run days, but we're getting thunderstorms tomorrow...I'll run in the rain but I draw the line at thunder and lightning.

I had really great weather (not humid, overcast, temps in the low-mid 60s) and the first 6 miles were great. Then I stepped on a small, fat branch at the 10K mark and rolled my left ankle. PANIC (and an f-bomb). The pain went down after a few minutes and I made it home doing 1:1 run/walk intervals (I was using 3:30/1:00 before that, which felt really good), so my overall pace was shot, obviously. But I'm just glad I finished and didnt seriously injure myself. I've had a compression sock on all evening, have iced and taken Advil...it's a little achy but not awful. And all this after getting hit with a pretty sizable plumbing bill...just one of those days. I think I need some wine now.

Have a great weekend everyone!

 

[zanzibar138]

Glad you seem to be ok Ariel! That could have been nasty.

 

[Ariel484]

@zanzibar138 thanks...me too!

 

[Slogger]

I did my 8-mile long run today. Normally Saturdays are my long run days, but we're getting thunderstorms tomorrow...I'll run in the rain but I draw the line at thunder and lightning.

I had really great weather (not humid, overcast, temps in the low-mid 60s) and the first 6 miles were great. Then I stepped on a small, fat branch at the 10K mark and rolled my left ankle. PANIC (and an f-bomb). The pain went down after a few minutes and I made it home doing 1:1 run/walk intervals (I was using 3:30/1:00 before that, which felt really good), so my overall pace was shot, obviously. But I'm just glad I finished and didnt seriously injure myself. I've had a compression sock on all evening, have iced and taken Advil...it's a little achy but not awful. And all this after getting hit with a pretty sizable plumbing bill...just one of those days. I think I need some wine now.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Yikes. Hopefully nothing serious. Wine should help with your recovery. Hope you're at full strength soon.

 

[zanzibar138]

Just did my long run for the week. I'm going by time rather than distance, and today was 1:12. It worked out to be nearly 9km. It went well and I'm feeling pretty good now.

Did a weigh in this morning and pleased to report that over the last 2 weeks, I have lost exactly 1kg (which is just over 2 pounds) Just have to do that about 10 more times now lol!

 

[FFigawi]

Did a weigh in this morning and pleased to report that over the last 2 weeks, I have lost exactly 1kg (which is just over 2 pounds) Just have to do that about 10 more times now lol!

Congrats! Every bit helps.