runDisney Race Announcement Clues Have Me Clueless

As promised, I'll keep those of you that don't follow runDisney on Facebook updated on the clues they are posting that lead up to a big new race announcement; but let me start by saying that these clues have me completely clueless!

I'm really curious as to what they are going to be announcing. Some on their page are saying a Disney Triatholon. That would be pretty neat but not something I would be able to do on my own...a relay Tri...maybe.

The clues revealed so far are below...any ideas what it might be?

Clue # 1:

Clue # 2:

Magical Blogorail - My Favorite Disney Theme Park

Welcome to those of you joining me from Magical Memory Planners or those of you who have just hopped aboard. I am the 3rd stop on our Magical Blogorail.

Although it’s hard for me to pick a favorite Disney theme park (all of them have something special that I love), I am going to have to go with Epcot.

Epcot is the most “adult” friendly Disney park and for a couple without kids. I especially enjoy all of the special events that Epcot has throughout the year, especially Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival and Epcot’s International Flower and Garden Festival. Those are two times are year where it is a definite must to make a trip to the parks – if you haven’t been during these events I strongly urge you to go. 

Another thing that makes Epcot my favorite park is the World Showcase – it may seem cliché, but I truly love “experiencing” all of the countries time and time again. I love dining at the different restaurants around the World and the drinks that come with it. My boyfriend and I only have 3 places in the World Showcase where we haven’t sat down to dine: Canada, the UK, and Germany.  

And of course last but not least, two attractions which add to Epcot being my favorite Disney theme park are Spaceship Earth and Soarin’ – I really can’t go to Epcot without riding them.

Thank you for joining me today.  Your next stop on the Magical Blogorail Loop is A Disney Mom’s Thoughts.

Here is the map of our Magical Blogorail Loop should you happen to have to make a stop along the way and want to reboard:



1st Stop ~ Your Highway in the Sky 
2nd Stop ~ Magical Memory Planners
3rd Stop ~ Adventures of a Disney Princess
4th Stop ~ A Disney Mom’s Thoughts
Final Stop ~ Walt Disney World: It’s Not Just For Kids

runDisney To Reveal New Race

Yesterday, those of us that have registered and participated in a Disney race before received an email from runDisney saying that they will be revealing a new race. Before they reveal the race however, they have decided to provide fans of their Facebook page with clues to see if they can guess what the race event will be before it is even revealed.

The first clue was released on Wednesday and simply stated: "Fantasia/Dumbo Dumbo:Tangled" I don't know about you, but it has me lost.

The next clue will be released today, so be sure to 'Like' runDisney on Facebook!

Personally, I'm hoping to see another race event like The Expedition Everest Challenge, a race that ties in your typical 5k to an obstacle course and scavenger hunt followed by a party.

The Disney Grad Nite Tradition Comes to an End

Disney recently announced that 2011 will be the last year that Disney Grad Nite takes place. Yes, that's right, the long tradition that many of us looked forward to as seniors has come to an end. 

According to the Disney Parks Official Blog, the reason behind doing away with Disney Grad Nite is due to the fact that more and more people are visiting Disney in the springtime. Whether or not this is true, I don't know. As times change and teens' interests change, could it be that more high school Seniors prefer to go to the other parks' graduation celebrations such as neighboring Universal's Grad Bash? Then that would be the real reason why Disney is doing away with Grad Nite. But who knows! 

In the announcement that was made on March 9th, Disney said that "...we’ll be offering students the flexibility to visit and celebrate their achievements here at the parks when they want to. In Florida, school groups can continue the tradition with a special one-day, one-park ticket for $55 valid anytime of the year." Full details can be found here. 

As a result of this announcement I decided to dig through my pictures from senior year and find my Disney Grad Nite pictures. I'm glad I was able to enjoy it...it really was a night I will never forget! 

Spring Break - Perfect Time for a Disney Trip

With Spring Break already underway in most parts of Florida some parents may be looking for a quick and not so pricey getaway to keep their kids' boredom level minimal (let's face we all got bored while out of school) Solution? Take a trip to Disney World!

Now is a great time for Florida residents to vacation at Walt Disney World. Their current promotion, the Wild 4 Disney Pass gives residents of Florida the opportunity to enjoy 4 days at the parks for $119 (not including tax) for adults. For an additional cost, residents can add the Park Hopper Option and the Water Park Fun and More Option.

The special promotion is available for purchase now through May 22nd and expire on May 26th.

The Techy Side of Disney

Recently while on a trip to the parks I noticed a new section at the big World of Disney store in Downtown Disney....a side dedicated solely to us tech enthusiasts specifically Apple lovers like myself. 

Disney has launched a line that they call D-Tech with cases and covers for iPhones, iPads, and laptops. Not all of their tech gear is solely for Apple users however, they also have your regular cell phone cases.

Below are some of my favorite items. Since I haven't upgraded to the iPhone 4 yet, my choices are a bit limited but I'll probably go with the Peace Love Mickey Mouse 3G case!

Steamboat Willie Mickey (iPhone 4)

Peace Love Mickey Mouse (iPhone 3G)

Mickey Mouse  (Available for 3G & iPhone 4)

iPad Sleeve

Disney Dining - Spirit of Aloha Show

For a couple of years now I had been trying to get a dining reservation at Disney's Spirit of Aloha Show at the Polynesian Resort. Every time we went to book it though it was either too last minute and there was no availability, or we couldn't fit it into our schedule. Two weeks ago on one of our trips to Disney we were able to get a reservation, which worked out perfectly because it also happened to be my boyfriend's birthday.

Spirit of Aloha is an all you care to enjoy dinner show. I must say the food was absolutely delicious, my favorite part was the appetizer that included a pineapple bread and a salad with a mango dressing and mandarin oranges. I also loved the chocolate "mouse" volcano for dessert and the presentation on how it came out was great! Another plus to the buffet style menu is the fact that us adults can enjoy unlimited wine and beer (included in the price). If you feel like having something more tropical and islandy to go with the show a full drink menu is available (and at pretty decent prices at that - they weren't as pricey as you would think).

The show aspect of  Spirit of Aloha combines a non-traditional skit that takes place in the island of Hawaii and incorporates the traditional Polynesian dancers and fire performers. Once you've seen one luau you've pretty much seen them all, and after experiencing a truly traditional luau on my trip to Maui a few years back I must say my favorite part was the non traditional skit, but I always enjoy the dances!

Below are some pictures from our night at the show.

My first 5K - Disney style!

Last Saturday I ran my first ever official 5K - The Beauty and the Beast Royal Family 5K at Epcot (part of the weekend's events for the Disney Princess 1/2 marathon). I've been running 3 miles here and there for some time now but never officially signed up for a race. I decided a while back that if I were going to sign up for my first race, it would have to be a Disney one!

Although I was extremely sick, that didn't stop me! There is definitely something great about Disney races (even though I haven't run any other races) because the entire time you have your personal group of Disney cheerers pushing you to take the next step - encouraging you every step of the way. Even though at times I felt so sick I could have easily just walked it, their cheers of "You can do it Princess" really gets you to take the next stride forward!

I was extremely happy when I crossed that finish line. And now I'm ready for my next Disney race the Everest Challenge on May 7th! The Expedition Everest Challenge is not your typical race as it is a 5K obstacle course followed by a scavenger hunt at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

ESPN The Weekend - For Disney & Sports Enthusiasts Alike

If you're a Disney fan and love sports, then this weekend is a dream come true! ESPN The Weekend makes its way to Disney's Hollywood Studios March 3-6 with ESPN personalities, athletes in all sports, coaches and an Interactive Sports Zone. ESPN will also be broadcasting many of their shows live from ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

Besides being able to watch your favorite ESPN show live, you can catch one of the Atlanta Braves' spring training games or catch up with one of your favorite athletes like NBA legend, Alonzo Mourning; football stars like Chad Ochocinco; and New York Yankees' pitcher, Mariano Riviera. These are just a handful of athletes that will be attending, but you can see the full lineup of who is attending here.

If you're able to make a trip to Orlando this weekend and are a big sports fan then I highly recommend you go! I wish I was going, but unfortunately I won't be able to make it.