Official 2015 Disneyland Half Marathon Thread.

[Ariel484]

Yesterday was our humidist hottest day this summer (in Nebraska we've had such a mild summer so far, which isn't normal) so I know how you feel, my run was very hard, felt like a dead noodle & had chafing which rarely happens. I jumped in the pool with clothes right after as changing to swimsuit would have been to hard with the sweat! Hoping Disneyland won't be crazy hot, but at least I guess we'll be prepared! I can't remember if it gets humid there or not or just hot?

I didn't have humidity, luckily - just warm with periods of full sun. I felt a little out of it when I got home!

I'll have to research DL weather...runDisney.com promises "ideal weather" in the course description but I feel like they probably haven't mastered the ability to control the weather just yet.

 

[mbwhitti]

The heat and humidity were no joke this morning. 95% humidity, 75 degrees at the start, and full on sunshine. I thought I was going to have a heat stroke. Finished 9 miles with 2:00/:30 intervals (until the last 2 miles when I just ran when I could). Overall 11:09 pace. The slowest I've ever run anything shorter than 15 miles. Sheesh. This will probably be my last Disneyland half due to training through Mississippi summer. As much as I hate it, I may be on the treadmill for the next long run if the weather doesn't break (which it doesn't normally).

Finally nailed down our 10k costumes. DH will be Jafar and I'm going to be Iago. Wanted to do something different. DH will be in all black with a red belt and I'm going to make home a cape. I'll wear all read (tank and sparkle skirt) with some blue feathers added).

Half: 60th Mickey and Minnie. Pretty simple again, DH will be more of a bound style with a light blue shirt, red shorts, red bow tie and ears. All red again for me with blue belt and sparkly Minnie ears. May add a bling necklace.

Not sure what I'll do for the 5k. I may just recycle a previous costume. Or just wear reg running gear

 

[zanzibar138]

Yesterday was our humidist hottest day this summer (in Nebraska we've had such a mild summer so far, which isn't normal) so I know how you feel, my run was very hard, felt like a dead noodle & had chafing which rarely happens. I jumped in the pool with clothes right after as changing to swimsuit would have been to hard with the sweat! Hoping Disneyland won't be crazy hot, but at least I guess we'll be prepared! I can't remember if it gets humid there or not or just hot?

Normally humidity isn't too much of an issue at DLR. Although it has happened before, so it's best to be prepared Just the heat was bad enough for me last year. Although it's only getting colder at the moment down here in Australia, I'm hoping that being fitter for this year's race weekend, will mean I can cope with the heat a bit better.

Finally nailed down our 10k costumes. DH will be Jafar and I'm going to be Iago. Wanted to do something different. DH will be in all black with a red belt and I'm going to make home a cape. I'll wear all read (tank and sparkle skirt) with some blue feathers added).

Half: 60th Mickey and Minnie. Pretty simple again, DH will be more of a bound style with a light blue shirt, red shorts, red bow tie and ears. All red again for me with blue belt and sparkly Minnie ears. May add a bling necklace.

Not sure what I'll do for the 5k. I may just recycle a previous costume. Or just wear reg running gear

I love the Jafar and Iago idea! So many creative people on this forum

 

[kelly 1]

Got my reservation for breakfast at Steakhouse 55 for after the half 10 am ! Mimosas yippee! We had rain today well. I guess a 2 minute shower and it did help the smoke in the air as little as it was. Humidity this morning was heavy like running in mud my whole running group were complaining. We are definitely not used to this in the Pacific Northwest. Never thought I would ever say I want it to rain! Well gang on to week#11 of training! Hope all is going well for everyone!

 

[IamTrike]

Are there any meetups scheduled yet? I'm curious if there are any groups planning to get together to watch the fireworks or WOC or do any of the other 60th anniversary stuff?

 

[almacdonald]

Booked a post-race celebratory dinner last night! We're going to do a WoC dinner at Wine Country. I plan on eating the banana or whatever we get at the finish line, then heading back to my hotel for a shower, THEN, double fisting some churros, and perhaps an ice cream sundae for lunch.

If you guys could leave a t-shirt or 2 for me at the expo, that'd be great. I'm worried I'm going to be shut out by the time we get there on Friday. I dont' want any of the super fancy stuff like purses or shoes. Fingers crosssed!

My training has been garbage. I was just getting back into it after my gallbladder surgery, then we went on vacation. This weekend we did a 12km/7.5mile long run, gotta build back up slowly.

We're also contemplating signing up for the Las Vegas RnR half marathon in November, now THOSE are awesome medals!

 

[mbwhitti]

Are there any meetups scheduled yet? I'm curious if there are any groups planning to get together to watch the fireworks or WOC or do any of the other 60th anniversary stuff?

There are some meet-ups listed on the first post if you look back at page 1.

 

[kelly 1]

Booked a post-race celebratory dinner last night! We're going to do a WoC dinner at Wine Country. I plan on eating the banana or whatever we get at the finish line, then heading back to my hotel for a shower, THEN, double fisting some churros, and perhaps an ice cream sundae for lunch.

If you guys could leave a t-shirt or 2 for me at the expo, that'd be great. I'm worried I'm going to be shut out by the time we get there on Friday. I dont' want any of the super fancy stuff like purses or shoes. Fingers crosssed!

My training has been garbage. I was just getting back into it after my gallbladder surgery, then we went on vacation. This weekend we did a 12km/7.5mile long run, gotta build back up slowly.

We're also contemplating signing up for the Las Vegas RnR half marathon in November, now THOSE are awesome medals!

Take things slowly wishing you a speedy recovery.
At Tink in May only thing I missed out on was the wine glass and I'm not paying the prices on ebay! So disappointed! Seemed like there was quite a few shirts. Even got an email after when I got home of stuff still for sale. But Jackets flew off the self. Hope they have the same kind of stock numbers in September.
I looking R&R but the route looks a little different from past years. I know first time for 10km. So tempted! It's just that darn money thing! But I have signed up through the travel agent for Princess next year GSC and he will be selling Bibs for Tink PDC on July 28th. I am going to doing coast to coast at least that's the plan. I'm avoiding all the craziness on registration day.

 

[IamTrike]

There are some meet-ups listed on the first post if you look back at page 1.

Doh didn't think to look there.

I too am hoping there is some merch left on Friday.

Yesterday turned into a much longer training run than I had planned on. I realized sometime between when I got out of my car and mile 7 of a run, my car key had bounced out of my pouch. I got to retrace my steps with my help of my running buddies. I retraced part of the route again on a walk later in the day and then went over the remaining 9 miles on roller blades. Got to spend 3 hours more on the greenway than I was planning and still no car keys.

 

[zanzibar138]

Doh didn't think to look there.

I too am hoping there is some merch left on Friday.

Yesterday turned into a much longer training run than I had planned on. I realized sometime between when I got out of my car and mile 7 of a run, my car key had bounced out of my pouch. I got to retrace my steps with my help of my running buddies. I retraced part of the route again on a walk later in the day and then went over the remaining 9 miles on roller blades. Got to spend 3 hours more on the greenway than I was planning and still no car keys.

Bummer! How did you get home?

 

[cavepig]

If you guys could leave a t-shirt or 2 for me at the expo, that'd be great. I'm worried I'm going to be shut out by the time we get there on Friday. I dont' want any of the super fancy stuff like purses or shoes. Fingers crosssed!

Us too, we don't get in until Friday and won't get to the expo till midday, not sure if I want anything but an I Did It shirt maybe, but hoping it's not all picked over as Dumbo is my favorite and want to see what's all there.

 

[MeridaAndAngus]

What's the best fast & inexpensive option for transportation from SNA to Disneyland on Thursday morning? My flight arrives around 7:30am, and I'm hoping to get to the Expo by the time it opens. I've seen a few shuttle bus options online and I'm wondering if anyone has experience with these. I'm hoping for something that will take me to the Disneyland Hotel with relatively few stops in between (i.e., not a Super Shuttle with a bunch of business travelers going to various offices in Anaheim before finally ending up at DLR).

 

[zanzibar138]

What's the best fast & inexpensive option for transportation from SNA to Disneyland on Thursday morning? My flight arrives around 7:30am, and I'm hoping to get to the Expo by the time it opens. I've seen a few shuttle bus options online and I'm wondering if anyone has experience with these. I'm hoping for something that will take me to the Disneyland Hotel with relatively few stops in between (i.e., not a Super Shuttle with a bunch of business travelers going to various offices in Anaheim before finally ending up at DLR).

From SNA you're better off taking a taxi if you're in a hurry. It's a little more expensive, but it's the only way you're guaranteed to get straight from A to B. ALL shuttle companies will do several drop-offs. It's really just luck of the draw whether you're first or last.

 

[kelly 1]

What's the best fast & inexpensive option for transportation from SNA to Disneyland on Thursday morning? My flight arrives around 7:30am, and I'm hoping to get to the Expo by the time it opens. I've seen a few shuttle bus options online and I'm wondering if anyone has experience with these. I'm hoping for something that will take me to the Disneyland Hotel with relatively few stops in between (i.e., not a Super Shuttle with a bunch of business travelers going to various offices in Anaheim before finally ending up at DLR).

We did the Disney bus and we ended up the last stop for Disneyland Hotel. For the same price for that bus we can rent a town car through super shuttle we are looking at that option.

 

[EDS19]

I'm SO FREAKIN' EXCITED about the 60th stuff - especially Paint the Night and the new fireworks. I'm so glad I got the ticket to the Anniversary Party to see PTN with a smaller crowd for the first time, because I hear it's nuts trying to get a good spot.

That makes me sad about WoC, which has become my favorite nighttime show at either Disney park. I lowered my expectations when I heard NPH was doing narration, so maybe I will skip it this time around. I haven't seen Fantasmic! at Disneyland yet - would you pick that over the current edition of WoC?

What breakfast are you doing? We have Steakhouse 55 booked for the group after the Half, but I'm trying to decide what to do on Friday morning after the 5K.

I have the Plaza booked right now for 8:40 a.m., but I'm thinking about moving to either Surf's Up or Goofy's Kitchen at 7:30 - it would be easier for me to kill time between the end of the race AND park opening, and also knock out some character photos since I have PP+. But I JUST. CAN'T. DECIDE.

I would strongly suggest EVERYONE see the 60th Fireworks "Disneyland Forever" from the Hub/Main Street at least once. Also make sure you see Paint the Night. For those going to the Anniversary party make use of that special showing! Currently they have two showings of the parade and people are waiting 2.5-3 hours for the first parade, so seeing it with lighter crowds at the party will be nice! If you have 3 or 4 Nights in the parks and you are able to hit the fireworks, Paint the Night, and Fantasmic then I think you could go and see World of Color Celebrate. While NPH is a very talented individual he is featured VERY heavily in this show. I think he has more screen time then his "co-host" Mickey Mouse. While the fountains were the real stars of the Original WOC this show uses a lot more projections and less fountains. (It's still a good show, just not as many show stopping moments as the original.)

If you have never seen Disneyland's version of Fantasmic it is really great. It is unique in that it takes place on Tom Sawyer Island (not a separate viewing stage), a few hours earlier you can be playing on the Island or riding on the Mark Twain River Boat, then it comes to life with fireworks, characters, music, etc. Its more of an intimate experience. Going with the Blue Bayou or River Belle Terrace dining packages is the best way to guarantee the best seats with very little hassle or waiting. We saw it two nights with the regular FastPass system and you can still get decent seats going that route, but it will require more waiting, planning, etc. (You can look for tips on seating in the Disneyland section of these boards.)

As for me we have the Surf's Up Breakfast after the 10K, and we will be at Steakhouse 55 before our flight home on Sunday morning. Plaza Inn does have a great breakfast with a wide variety of characters, but if you are looking to maximize park time and kill some time after the 5K, the Surf's up breakfast is a great option (a bit cheaper then Goofy's kitchen, and the only breakfast that Mickey appears at.)

 

[almacdonald]

You know, I really wish they would stop people from waiting 2.5-3 hours for parades. It really takes the fun out of your day. 1) The parade route is clogged up almost all day, 2) You pretty much have to wait around a stupid amount of time if you want to see the parade yourself, 3) last minute people always shove their way in font of you anyway.

 

[IamTrike]

Bummer! How did you get home?

Fortunately I was running with friends, so one of them gave me a ride home to my very not amused wife. ( I was driving her car not mine)

I would strongly suggest EVERYONE see the 60th Fireworks "Disneyland Forever" from the Hub/Main Street at least once. Also make sure you see Paint the Night. For those going to the Anniversary party make use of that special showing! Currently they have two showings of the parade and people are waiting 2.5-3 hours for the first parade, so seeing it with lighter crowds at the party will be nice! If you have 3 or 4 Nights in the parks and you are able to hit the fireworks, Paint the Night, and Fantasmic then I think you could go and see World of Color Celebrate. While NPH is a very talented individual he is featured VERY heavily in this show. I think he has more screen time then his "co-host" Mickey Mouse. While the fountains were the real stars of the Original WOC this show uses a lot more projections and less fountains. (It's still a good show, just not as many show stopping moments as the original.)

If you have never seen Disneyland's version of Fantasmic it is really great. It is unique in that it takes place on Tom Sawyer Island (not a separate viewing stage), a few hours earlier you can be playing on the Island or riding on the Mark Twain River Boat, then it comes to life with fireworks, characters, music, etc. Its more of an intimate experience. Going with the Blue Bayou or River Belle Terrace dining packages is the best way to guarantee the best seats with very little hassle or waiting. We saw it two nights with the regular FastPass system and you can still get decent seats going that route, but it will require more waiting, planning, etc. (You can look for tips on seating in the Disneyland section of these boards.)

As for me we have the Surf's Up Breakfast after the 10K, and we will be at Steakhouse 55 before our flight home on Sunday morning. Plaza Inn does have a great breakfast with a wide variety of characters, but if you are looking to maximize park time and kill some time after the 5K, the Surf's up breakfast is a great option (a bit cheaper then Goofy's kitchen, and the only breakfast that Mickey appears at.)

Wow thanks for all the reminders. I was just going out to start looking at the schedule today. It's very helpful to have all the show names.

 

[roselark]

I would strongly suggest EVERYONE see the 60th Fireworks "Disneyland Forever" from the Hub/Main Street at least once. Also make sure you see Paint the Night. For those going to the Anniversary party make use of that special showing! Currently they have two showings of the parade and people are waiting 2.5-3 hours for the first parade, so seeing it with lighter crowds at the party will be nice! If you have 3 or 4 Nights in the parks and you are able to hit the fireworks, Paint the Night, and Fantasmic then I think you could go and see World of Color Celebrate. While NPH is a very talented individual he is featured VERY heavily in this show. I think he has more screen time then his "co-host" Mickey Mouse. While the fountains were the real stars of the Original WOC this show uses a lot more projections and less fountains. (It's still a good show, just not as many show stopping moments as the original.)

If you have never seen Disneyland's version of Fantasmic it is really great. It is unique in that it takes place on Tom Sawyer Island (not a separate viewing stage), a few hours earlier you can be playing on the Island or riding on the Mark Twain River Boat, then it comes to life with fireworks, characters, music, etc. Its more of an intimate experience. Going with the Blue Bayou or River Belle Terrace dining packages is the best way to guarantee the best seats with very little hassle or waiting. We saw it two nights with the regular FastPass system and you can still get decent seats going that route, but it will require more waiting, planning, etc. (You can look for tips on seating in the Disneyland section of these boards.)

As for me we have the Surf's Up Breakfast after the 10K, and we will be at Steakhouse 55 before our flight home on Sunday morning. Plaza Inn does have a great breakfast with a wide variety of characters, but if you are looking to maximize park time and kill some time after the 5K, the Surf's up breakfast is a great option (a bit cheaper then Goofy's kitchen, and the only breakfast that Mickey appears at.)

Is it possible to see Fantasmic!, Paint the Night, and the fireworks all in the same night?

 

[Warm Hugs]

Is it possible to see Fantasmic!, Paint the Night, and the fireworks all in the same night?

I guess you can.. Make the early showing of paint the night then stay there to watch fireworks and then head to fantasmic for the late showing. But you probably won't get the best of seats for fantasmic and you'll be spending six or seven o'clock to close sitting and waiting for shows instead of going on rides

 

[EDS19]

You know, I really wish they would stop people from waiting 2.5-3 hours for parades. It really takes the fun out of your day.

It is annoying. That is why I STRONGLY recommend viewing the 2nd parade if they have one (and I assume they will have two showings at least for the marathon weekend.) When we were there last week the fireworks ended around 9:50. You could then grab a spot and see the 2nd parade at 11p.m. about an hour wait instead of the 3 hour wait. Much better and much less crowded. You could still find decent spots along the parade route up by Small World with only 30 minutes until the 2nd parade started.

I guess you can.. Make the early showing of paint the night then stay there to watch fireworks and then head to fantasmic for the late showing. But you probably won't get the best of seats for fantasmic and you'll be spending six or seven o'clock to close sitting and waiting for shows instead of going on rides

Warm Hugs gives one possibility that could work, but as warm hugs said you will be waiting a long time for the parade and you won't get the best view for Fantasmic. Here are some other options. Go to the first showing of Fantasmic, get a good seat by arriving on time and waiting about an hour. After Fantasmic wait 5 minutes and watch the fireworks from your same location. While you won't be able to see the fireworks that they shoot right at the castle or Tinker Bell you will be able to see all the main fireworks that are launched from behind Toon Town. Also they do all the same projections that are on the castle on the water screens in the Rivers of America so you will get to see those more clearly then you would on Main Street. Plus they do launch some fireworks in the river and they do some other special effects during the "Let it Go" part of the show. (Keep in mind if you want to have this view at Fantasmic you will want to be seated between River Belle Terrace and Café Orleans... Otherwise you won't have the best view of the fireworks. If that makes sense). Then you can walk over and find a seat for the second parade.
Or you could get a Fantasmic dinner package at the Blue Bayou or River Belle Terrace have dinner... and then head over to Main Street sit and wait for the first Parade, then watch the fireworks, and then go over and sit in the special viewing area for dinner packages.