Official 2017 Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend!

[ZellyB]

So has anybody booked flights yet? I still haven't quite wrapped my head around the fact that I'm going to this race! And, when @roxymama posted that about the 6 month mark I had a moment of sheer panic about ADRs!!! Then thankfully she reminded me that it's not necessary yet for DL. PHEW and it feels so weird not to be obsessively planning about this trip right now.

 

[Ariel484]

So has anybody booked flights yet? I still haven't quite wrapped my head around the fact that I'm going to this race! And, when @roxymama posted that about the 6 month mark I had a moment of sheer panic about ADRs!!! Then thankfully she reminded me that it's not necessary yet for DL. PHEW and it feels so weird not to be obsessively planning about this trip right now.

I have Southwest points to use so i'm waiting for them to release their dates........

 

[roxymama]

I have Southwest points to use so i'm waiting for them to release their dates........

Ditto! 12/6 is the release dates past 5/8 for southwest. I'm gonna be in full frenzy mode trying to pick good times.

Got my nose in the DL unofficial guide again right now.

 

[Keels]

So has anybody booked flights yet? I still haven't quite wrapped my head around the fact that I'm going to this race! And, when @roxymama posted that about the 6 month mark I had a moment of sheer panic about ADRs!!! Then thankfully she reminded me that it's not necessary yet for DL. PHEW and it feels so weird not to be obsessively planning about this trip right now.

Not yet. I'll start watching flights in February or March.

 

[Ariel484]

Ditto! 12/6 is the release dates past 5/8 for southwest. I'm gonna be in full frenzy mode trying to pick good times.

Got my nose in the DL unofficial guide again right now.

Enjoy!!

The 3 times I have been to Disneyland I have flown into/out of LAX, may try SNA for Tink this time.

 

[roxymama]

Enjoy!!

The 3 times I have been to Disneyland I have flown into/out of LAX, may try SNA for Tink this time.

So based on my very basic research. SNA is closer which means likely less time in transit from the airport I think. However LAX could end up having a flight time I like better (nonstop and early is my hope for departing.) So I'm leaning SNA, but having an open mind about LAX if it makes more sense. I guess I could do two different airports for arrive and depart. I do like the idea of landing and not having as long to commute though A LOT. I'm also not totally opposed to flying in Thursday night and staying one additional night if the Friday flights all suck. But that adds additional hotel $ which could go towards T-party or Haunted Mansion shoes We shall see.

 

[Keels]

I will only fly in and out of SNA from now on if I'm going to Disneyland - the only time I fly into LAX is if I'm spending time with my husband in Santa Monica.

 

[Ariel484]

So based on my very basic research. SNA is closer which means likely less time in transit from the airport I think. However LAX could end up having a flight time I like better (nonstop and early is my hope for departing.) So I'm leaning SNA, but having an open mind about LAX if it makes more sense. I guess I could do two different airports for arrive and depart. I do like the idea of landing and not having as long to commute though A LOT. I'm also not totally opposed to flying in Thursday night and staying one additional night if the Friday flights all suck. But that adds additional hotel $ which could go towards T-party or Haunted Mansion shoes We shall see.

Yes - the main reason I used LAX the other times I went was because I could get direct flights into/out of LAX. At the time I remember thinking that the times were better and they cost less. But in looking at Southwest's website plugging in some dummy dates, the times and prices don't look that bad to me for SNA compared to LAX (actually, the times are a little better for SNA, but SNA looks like maybe $70 more RT, so that stings). And while I was able to fly direct TO Tink last time, my flight back got changed to one with a connector - and it seems like this airline that I used the last time is the only one that ever has direct flights anywhere out of my airport nowadays, and I don't want to fly with them again just yet after that mess...so whether or not I can get direct flights really isn't a factor anymore.

The biggest thing for me is that I'll feel less guilty actually going to Tink weekend if I get my flights for free, so that means Southwest this time around. The drive to/from LAX wasn't terrible but I managed to avoid rush hour each time, which isn't always a given. But SNA is SO close that who knows, maybe I'll keep flying into/out of there after this trip.

 

[roxymama]

This is very helpful intel. I'm on the same "free flight" plan of attack, since it was a big selling point for me doing Tink.

I will say I am liking the time difference swing from Central to Pacific much better than losing an hour going to Florida. It guarantees I arrive home late at night likely when I do come home...but at least Chicago traffic won't be as bad. Silver lining!

 

[Ariel484]

This is very helpful intel. I'm on the same "free flight" plan of attack, since it was a big selling point for me doing Tink.

I will say I am liking the time difference swing from Central to Pacific much better than losing an hour going to Florida. It guarantees I arrive home late at night likely when I do come home...but at least Chicago traffic won't be as bad. Silver lining!

The time difference is great when you arrive and it's great for getting up on race morning(s). Coming home it's the WORST!!

 

[courtneybeth]

That's dumb ... that's like the most basic breakfast plate to make.

Right!? I'm like, just gimmie the french toast, eggs, bacon, sausage, and potatoes for $16. Basic and easy - we like tradition!

Were they changing it to include healthier options? Because as a runner, I can tell you that AFTER a race the only option I want is "ALL of the FOOD" I've "earned" the "good stuff"!

Not healthier just... different options. It felt like they downgraded the platters to more basic items that are premade and upcharged the plates. When you'd normally get bacon and sausage, it became an either/or situation. And the two times four was replaced with a bagel, egg, and fruit plate. I wish i had grabbed a pic of the menu because we were BAFFLED by the food options.

 

[roxymama]

Right!? I'm like, just gimmie the french toast, eggs, bacon, sausage, and potatoes for $16. Basic and easy - we like tradition!



Not healthier just... different options. It felt like they downgraded the platters to more basic items that are premade and upcharged the plates. When you'd normally get bacon and sausage, it became an either/or situation. And the two times four was replaced with a bagel, egg, and fruit plate. I wish i had grabbed a pic of the menu because we were BAFFLED by the food options.

 

[courtneybeth]

OMG @roxymama - appropriate meme is appropriate. And HILARIOUS

 

[lurkergirl]

Hrumph, I was going to try out Steakhouse 55 after the 5K.

 

[klmcleod]

Ok, time to bring "our thread" up to the front again! Newbie runner this year, typical mom of 40 years who wanted to challenge myself this year, and started running! That was a huge feat in itself to keep going, going, going. I am not at all athletic! Well, with the thoughts in my head the big challenge I worked through one of the 10k plans to prove to myself I really could run the whole 6.2 miles as practice before the big one in May. Oh my gosh, what if I got there in May and I just couldn't do it?!?! Guess what?!?!? Yesterday was that day! I did it! Didn't feel too bad while doing it! And I had a pretty decent day feeling pretty good afterwards. Now, just maintain and keep running through the winter and I can't wait to start this training program all over again in just a couple of months! Yeah!!!!

 

[roxymama]

Ok, time to bring "our thread" up to the front again! Newbie runner this year, typical mom of 40 years who wanted to challenge myself this year, and started running! That was a huge feat in itself to keep going, going, going. I am not at all athletic! Well, with the thoughts in my head the big challenge I worked through one of the 10k plans to prove to myself I really could run the whole 6.2 miles as practice before the big one in May. Oh my gosh, what if I got there in May and I just couldn't do it?!?! Guess what?!?!? Yesterday was that day! I did it! Didn't feel too bad while doing it! And I had a pretty decent day feeling pretty good afterwards. Now, just maintain and keep running through the winter and I can't wait to start this training program all over again in just a couple of months! Yeah!!!!

I did my first 10k earlier this year too, isn't it the best feeling!! Congrats on doing it and feeling good It's gonna be training time before we all know it (yay and yikes!)

 

[Ariel484]

Ok, time to bring "our thread" up to the front again! Newbie runner this year, typical mom of 40 years who wanted to challenge myself this year, and started running! That was a huge feat in itself to keep going, going, going. I am not at all athletic! Well, with the thoughts in my head the big challenge I worked through one of the 10k plans to prove to myself I really could run the whole 6.2 miles as practice before the big one in May. Oh my gosh, what if I got there in May and I just couldn't do it?!?! Guess what?!?!? Yesterday was that day! I did it! Didn't feel too bad while doing it! And I had a pretty decent day feeling pretty good afterwards. Now, just maintain and keep running through the winter and I can't wait to start this training program all over again in just a couple of months! Yeah!!!!

That's great!! Congratulations!

I really love the Tink 10K course, it is so much fun!

 

[ZellyB]

I booked my hotel for the weekend yesterday using some reward points I got. We are staying at the Residence Inn at the Resort/Convention Center. It's not on DL property, but pretty close. Looks like a little less than a mile and it looks pretty nice. Got ourselves a king suite that has a small kitchen in it - not that we will really need that but might come in handy on race mornings.

Anybody know if there's a nearby grocery or convenience store in the vicinity? If so, we might pick up some extra food and eat more in the hotel if we could find an easy spot to shop for some items.

 

[roxymama]

I booked my hotel for the weekend yesterday using some reward points I got. We are staying at the Residence Inn at the Resort/Convention Center. It's not on DL property, but pretty close. Looks like a little less than a mile and it looks pretty nice. Got ourselves a king suite that has a small kitchen in it - not that we will really need that but might come in handy on race mornings.

Anybody know if there's a nearby grocery or convenience store in the vicinity? If so, we might pick up some extra food and eat more in the hotel if we could find an easy spot to shop for some items.

Yay, that means it is getting real!
I am not a veteran of DL travel so someone else may be able to answer better, BUT my hotel Tropicana is across from the the entrance walkway to the parks on Harbor Blvd and it has a small market next to it. "the Cove Market on Harbor". the pics online remind me of the kind of "market" you'd find in a WDW hotel. So if you are walking to or from that entrance to DL it would be nearby. That's all I know so someone else can chime in with more vast knowledge real groceries in the area.

 

[courtneybeth]

Ok, time to bring "our thread" up to the front again! Newbie runner this year, typical mom of 40 years who wanted to challenge myself this year, and started running! That was a huge feat in itself to keep going, going, going. I am not at all athletic! Well, with the thoughts in my head the big challenge I worked through one of the 10k plans to prove to myself I really could run the whole 6.2 miles as practice before the big one in May. Oh my gosh, what if I got there in May and I just couldn't do it?!?! Guess what?!?!? Yesterday was that day! I did it! Didn't feel too bad while doing it! And I had a pretty decent day feeling pretty good afterwards. Now, just maintain and keep running through the winter and I can't wait to start this training program all over again in just a couple of months! Yeah!!!!

You can so do this! You're going to have an amazing race weekend - keep it up!