Neverland Press

10 Tips for Making Pregnancy at Walt Disney World More Magical

Congratulations! You’re expecting a little bundle of joy, and you couldn’t be more excited. That is, until you realize that you have a trip to Walt Disney World scheduled mid-pregnancy and your plans of rope-drop to fireworks, riding every Mountain numerous times, and drinking around the World are going to be changing dramatically. I have now been to Walt Disney World three times during my two pregnancies, and while these trips were very different than my usual trips, they were no less fun or special.

First of all, I would highly recommend talking to your doctor prior to your trip. Especially if you are further along in your pregnancy or have any sort of complications, you’ll want to find out if your OB has any recommendations or restrictions. Next, make sure you pack lots of comfy clothes and your most comfortable shoes (I highly recommend Oofos sandals for walking around the parks!). You may also want to invest in a belly support band if you don’t already have one – this can be a lifesaver for your back! You want to be able to be as comfortable as possible, and there is lots of walking involved at Disney, even on the shortest of days. Understand that this trip will be different, and embrace this special time! Here are a few more tips that I have discovered that helped make my preggo trips to Walt Disney World extra magical.

10.Grab the opportunity for a fun photo shoot or magical announcement!

I had a trip to WDW planned just a couple of weeks after finding out I was pregnant with my now-5-year-old son. My husband and I hadn’t told anyone that we were expecting yet, so our trip was extra special because we had this big secret! We purchased a special set of ears and did our own photo shoot that would later become our announcement on social media.

I have also known people who have done a special gender reveal with pink or blue Mickey balloons, or even with a character. There are also endless opportunities to get special maternity photos using Photopass photographers. I have found that when they realize you’re excited or looking for a special photo, they are happy to oblige and get just as into it as you are!

9. Snack!

Okay, so I never need an excuse to eat all the snacks when I’m at Walt Disney World! But why not seek out some new treats while your significant other is busy riding Space Mountain? I recommend doing your research beforehand. Know what snacks are offered in each park (check out the Disney Food Blog for some great videos, or find menus on All Ears) – this can be especially helpful if you have any dietary restrictions. Make a list on your phone so you can have it with you, and…bon appetit!

I had always intended to try the Cheshire Cat Tail at the Cheshire Cafe, but had never gotten around to it, because I was always sticking with my go-to snacks. On my last trip, my friends dashed off for a Fastpass at park opening, and I decided to finally make it happen. Totally worth it!

A few other of my favorite snacks: the Nutella and fresh fruit waffle at Sleepy Hollow in Magic Kingdom (perfect for breakfast!) and the ice cream cookie sandwich at Trilo-Bites in Animal Kingdom. Looking for something savory? Try the egg rolls found at Lotus Blossom Cafe in Epcot’s World Showcase.

8. Enjoy taking it slow: photographing details, people watching, etc.

I admit, it’s hard for me to slow down. I’m a rope-drop-to-fireworks kind of girl, and I like to ride every ride (the bigger, the better!) in between. But once you change your mindset, it can be so much fun to just take it slow! Enjoy sitting in the hub grass, basking in the sun and watching people go by. Or wander around an area and take the time to really notice all the details. After all, details are what Disney does best! Walk down Main Street and notice the names on all the windows (they all have significance!), or sit in one of the pavilions in World Showcase and just enjoy the music and the beautiful surroundings. Photograph everything! Chances are, you’ll only have eyes for your baby on your next trip, so everything will be seen through a different lens!

The Japan pavilion has so many beautiful details!

7. Hydrate!

This one seems pretty obvious. But it can be easy to get caught up in your day and not drink enough water. It’s especially important when you’re pregnant to stay hydrated, and the Florida heat can be brutal. Luckily I had a friend who was a nurse with me on my last trip, who gave me reminders and even brought me bottles of water when I forgot. On family trips, we bring a CamelBak backpack that we fill with ice and water to sip on all day. Remember that you can also ask for a free cup of water at any place in WDW that has a soda fountain.

Tired of drinking water non-stop? This can also be a good time to try other refreshing (non-alcoholic) options around the parks that you would usually skip. And it can make passing on your favorite margarita a little easier!

The Night Blossom found at Pongu Pongu in Pandora!

6. Build in breaks – pool time or nap!

Growing a human is hard work! Don’t underestimate the need for some R&R during this time. You may need to take a mid-day break from the parks for a nap or a refreshing dip in the pool. If you have other children, you may already be building this into your day. I am not one of those people who loves to nap – I never want to miss a moment! But while pregnant, I have to embrace it and realize that afterward, I will feel much better and will be ready to head back out for more fun.

The Doubloon Lagoon pool at Port Orleans French Quarter!

5. Enjoy indoor shows, rides, or character meets that you don’t usually get around to doing.

If you’re always on the go or looking for your next thrill ride, you may have missed some hidden gems around Walt Disney World! There are many indoor shows and rides that will give you a break from the heat and a chance to sit down. My personal favorite is Carousel of Progress at Magic Kingdom- a must-do for me on every trip! Living with the Land in Epcot is also a great way to relax on a boat while learning a bit. If you’re at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you can sit down and enjoy Finding Nemo: the Musical or Festival of the Lion King. Both are amazing shows featuring great performers and music that you’ll want to download as soon as you get home!

This may also be a great time to do some character meet and greets! On my trip this past January, I was almost 18 weeks pregnant and was definitely showing. When I met Tiana (who is one of my favorite princesses!), I shared that we are planning to name our baby girl Evangeline. Without missing a beat, she exclaimed, “I’m sure she will shine as bright as the stars!” Talk about a magical moment! I was in tears afterward, especially when I saw the amazing photo my friend had captured of the interaction. You better believe this one will be framed in the nursery!

Thanks to Jacqueline for capturing this magical moment!

4. Explore resorts or try a new restaurant.

Resort hopping – or even just exploring your own resort – can be a really fun and low-key way to spend an afternoon. There’s lots of shopping, snacking, dining, and just enjoying the unique sights and smells of each resort. If you happen to visit during the holidays, many of the resorts have special displays (such as the giant gingerbread house at The Grand Floridian!) and beautiful Christmas trees. Hopping on and off the monorail is an easy way to explore The Grand Floridian, The Polynesian, and The Contemporary Resort. If a Boardwalk-style atmosphere is more your style, then consider exploring the Epcot resorts – Boardwalk Inn and Villas, Beach Club Resort and Villas, and The Yacht Club are all just a short walk or boat ride from Epcot’s International Gateway.

The Boardwalk is absolutely beautiful at night!

Remember, you are not able to use the pool at any resort except the one at which you are staying. But you are more than welcome to wander the grounds and enjoy the other things they have to offer.

The No Way, Jose at Beaches and Cream – every bit as delicious as it looks!

There are also many restaurants found at the resorts – why not try one that you’ve never been to? Reservations can be made 180 days in advance, and many of the in-demand restaurants fill up quickly. Enjoying a restaurant is also a great way to relax and get out of the heat.

3. Splurge on a tour or other special experience.

Did you know that there are at least 15 different tours currently available across the Walt Disney World property? Keep in mind that not all of these will be appropriate during pregnancy, but there are several that are. I enjoyed the Caring for Giants tour on my last trip (read all about that experience here!). At only an hour long, it was a perfect way to spend some time while my friends were off exploring Pandora and conquering Everest.

There are also special experiences that take place during the Food and Wine Festival, special Holiday events, and there are multiple Spas on property if that is more your style. Just remember that all of these special experiences come at an additional cost, and most need to be reserved in advance. For a full list of things that will be offered during your specific vacation time, you can visit the Disney World website here.

2. Shop for a special outfit or keepsake for your baby.

If you already know the gender of your little one, it can be fun to peruse the shops and maybe even buy something for your little prince or princess. Baby clothes, toys, blankets, a first set of ears – the options are endless! The Christmas shops also carry baby ornaments and can personalize them at your request. This is a great opportunity to get something unique that will remind you of this special trip.

My friends surprised me with this Haunted Mansion layette kit – how amazing is this?!

1. Listen to your body!

This one also may seem obvious, but it’s easy to get swept up in the magic and want to keep pushing on when your body is telling you something different. Don’t ignore the signs that your body is giving you – head back early, get the extra rest, even if it means missing something you’d been planning on.

Take that break – even if it’s mid-race!

My last trip was based around a runDisney weekend, and I had registered to run my third Dopey Challenge (4 races equaling 48.6 miles over 4 days) long before I had any idea that I’d be expecting. I had continued training and had done several races during my pregnancy. I was prepared and felt mentally and physically ready to undertake the challenge! I felt great for the first three days of racing. The afternoon after the half marathon, all of my plans changed when a heat advisory was issued for the following day. As much as I hated it, I knew that the right decision for me (and my baby!) was not to run the race. I allowed myself to have a little cry, and then decided to make the best of the situation. I ended up spectating with a friend who was injured, and you know what? We had the most epic day of snacking and cheering. I had zero regrets that my plans had to change, and I made some really great memories.

The first of many snacks as we lived our best spectator life!

Final Thoughts

While it can be disappointing to have to change your plans and expectations, going to Walt Disney World while pregnant can be a really special, fun, and unique time. Embrace the differences in your trip, knowing that the next time you come, you’ll have a new prince or princess to share it all with! Now, go start planning and make some magic, baby!

The Long Walk-26.2 Miles of Dopey Fun

The Age-Old Running Question

Can you walk the (insert runDisney race) without being swept? Visit any runDisney Facebook page or social media forum and you will see this question asked hundreds of times, especially as challenge weekends loom and nerves build. And people ask for lots of reasons…first time runners, life events, lack of training, injuries, illness, corral placement. But the stakes are even higher for Dopey-four races over four days totaling 48.6 miles.

The problem was…I didn’t realize I would soon know the answer first-hand, and that answer was YES!

Walt-We Have a Problem!

About halfway through the Half Marathon, I felt some pain on the outside of my left knee. It was simply a nuisance at first…didn’t affect my speed or my gait-I didn’t even think to tell my running friend, Meghan. From Corral D we easily made the castle by dark and I just assumed the pain would subside.

The calm before the (overused IT band) storm…

It didn’t. The last five miles had longer and longer walk intervals, and shorter running ones. The pain was sharper and more acute. I could have favored one leg if I allowed myself. I knew I was going to need a plan to tackle the full on Sunday, another 26.2 miles on top of the 23.9 I’d already run over the last three days. (If my math seems faulty it’s only because I logged an extra 1.4 miles…I wanted to run a full 50 miles to celebrate my 50th birthday this past November!) LOL!

Proactive Prep

I was hopeful I could get myself set up for success for the full marathon the next morning. We rolled and buffed (Yes, my friends and I travel with a handheld car buffer-our economy version of the Expo’s BFF!). I taped. We agreed to shorten our intervals from the 1:30/:30 the day before to :30/:30. It wasn’t enough.

I was so nervous I even checked my ears-a first.

We crossed the start line and I did two rounds of intervals. I knew immediately-the stopping and starting was not going to work. I think my exact words to my friend Jess were, “Just go. You actually have a shot of finishing this thing.” It seems overdramatic-but the wear of tear of four days of running combined with the four early wake-ups inspires doubt in the best of us. I wasn’t the only one questioning if I would be able to finish.

And it was a feeling I’d had once before…when I ran the Glass Slipper Challenge with Bronchitis and Walking Pneumonia (read about that here!) But this time was different-it was my legs versus my lungs, the distance was doubled and the Dopey Challenge medal was on the line.

Miles 1-5: Castle Bound

One of the perks of walking-all my pics came out nice and clear!

Once I resigned myself to walking and I knew I wasn’t holding my friends back, my new plan was easier to accept. I was still nervous, though. I had no idea of knowing how long my knee would hold up. Luckily, I also had some great friends spectating, and they were tracking both me and the Balloon Ladies. (They are the last runners to cross the start line, and maintain a 16 minute mile. If they pass you at any point on the course you are in danger of being swept.) I was already at mile 3 when they began, and that was the biggest lead I had all day.

My first goal was hitting the castle, so I chose to pass character stops for Pirates, Guardians of the Galaxy and Zootopia characters, as these were all ones I’d met on previous runs and trips. My only stop was for a real bathroom at the TTC location!

Magic Kingdom-One Magical Mile

Entering the Magic Kingdom was a huge boost! It was gorgeous all lit up and still decorated from Christmas, which was a surprise. The crowds were amazing with all their clever signs, and it made me want to break into a run. It was hard to walk in front of a cheering crowd!

This moment never stops being special or surreal…!

The best was yet to come though…I had two things to look forward to-Cinderella Castle and my friends cheering for me on Main Street, USA!!!

Cheering crowds as we make our way down Main Street, USA!

I was thrilled to see Jess and Sharon right by Casey’s Corner! They assured me I was doing great and would be able to stay ahead of the Balloon Ladies at my current pace. I just had to keep it up. Just love my runDisney peeps!

Jess and Sharon-runDisney cheerleaders extraordinaire!

It was noticeably lighter than the day before by the time I reached the castle. I also knew I was only going to get slower once the sun came out and the miles piled up. I had to make a decision about characters. Though I love my photos and character stops are my weakness, I decided I would only stop IF the line was extremely short (under ten people) or it was a rare character I’d never met before.

Cinderella Castle lit up in the early morning hours-perfection.

I passed Buzz in Tomorrowland, but I was thrilled to see this guy in Fantasyland! It was Ulf-the mime from Tangled!! I was so excited, and shocked that there were only five people in line! Maybe they didn’t know who he was?? This was my favorite character stop of the entire race!!

Doing “jazz hands” with Ulf-the mime from Tangled!

I walked through the castle (it really took restraint) and I got the requisite castle pic. I knew better than to try my trademark jump-I needed to play it safe with twenty (twenty!!!!) miles still in front of me. It wasn’t hard to pass on a character stop in Frontierland with Woody and Jessie, as I got Bullseye the day before, but passing on the male villains was harder-when do you ever get to see Dr. Facilier and Jafar together? The line was simply too long.

No jump pic today…have to show a little restraint!

Miles 6-13: Grand Floridian and Highway

The next stretch was highway, but had plenty of photo ops to keep it interesting and mark the passage of time. First stop were the groomsmen. They represent the Wedding Pavilion at the Grand Floridian. Just the day before we were cracking jokes about “bad girls” (I was dressed as Maleficent for the Half) but today just a quick smile and moving on!

The Groomsmen from the Grand Floridian! Not too shabby!

Starting in Corral D and only stopping for three photos up to this point meant I still had a ton of people behind me. Perfect time to stop for these fun photo ops with no line! First up were retired ride vehicles! Loved seeing the sub from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea-so nostalgic-loved this ride from my childhood! Also represented was Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, Snow White’s Scary Adventures and Star Jets. Star Jets??? Then some interesting busts (never quite figured these out) and the iconic Orange Bird!

Seeing the Nautilus from 20,000 Leagues was particularly nostalgic!

My daughter and I are both big fans of Orange Bird!

The sun was also still low enough in the sky not to be a factor, so I stopped for this fun photo op with the Adventurers Club. They were mic’d up and pretty funny…he quipped how I wasn’t doing that bad, but I wasn’t doing that great, either! That got some laughs from the crowd, and reminded me I needed to keep moving!

Oh how I wished that oversized Martini was real…! LOL!

As a Disney fanatic, I’m ashamed to say I didn’t know who Bowler Hat Guy was. But I did know this was a rare appearance and a very short line, so I stopped to meet him. I did rectify this as soon as I got home…watching Meet the Robinsons with my kids. What a great movie! *sniff*

Not sure what my pose is supposed to be (?) but still funny!

Animal Kingdom-A Wild Mile!

Hitting mile 13 means things were starting to get real! The sun was up and it had already taken me close to four hours to get to the half way point. By now I was hitting each and every medical tent-loading up on Biofreeze and taking the maximum number of Tylenol. (They mark your hand with a Sharpie so you can’t request too many!) The knee was twingy but holding up. I was tired though…I could feel the last few days catching up with me.

Sunglasses came out for the first time just outside the AK entrance.

I was still excited to see this frame opportunity right before the entrance to Animal Kingdom, though! There was also an animal handler a few paces away but the line was too long. I know my friends got some great shots with donkeys and exotic birds, depending on when they passed by! I was also pretty excited to see the ostrich from Fantasia-with no line!

A rare character AND a nonexistent line-a win win!

This is where I started to get a little in my head. One of the perks of running the full is that if you time it just right, you can ride Expedition Everest during your race. It was something I was really excited about and planned to do. Except I never saw it, or even thought about it. (Which was good considering the narrow margin at which I finished!!)

I was starting to get preoccupied. If there was a photo op by the Tree of Life, I don’t remember that either. When I stopped for this photo-I wasn’t quite sure who they were…Lion King or Festival of Fantasy parade performers? (They were in fact parade performers from the Little Mermaid section.) I had started to go on autopilot.

Sure, I’ll pose with you ladies, whoever you are!

Miles 14-18: We’re on a Road to Nowhere

There was an awesome surprise waiting for me in the parking lot just outside Animal Kingdom at mile 14-the parking lot was filled with cheering spectators-including my friends! Jess and Sharon had been joined by our friend, Jenn, and hearing them call out my name was pure joy! It was great to grab a selfie, some sweaty hugs (mine) and assurance that I was still well ahead of the Balloon Ladies, though the lead was narrowing.

All of these girls are multiple Dopey finishers-I’m not worthy!

Another awesome perk was all the organized cheer groups-many of which were offering runners snacks! I’m pretty sure I remember stuffing chocolate (Twix, KitKats?) in my pockets-but I had my eye on the prize-someone was handing out jello shots!! I was ridiculously excited to see these and pretty sure I remember choosing green to match my Dole Whip outfit. I really wasn’t thinking clearly at this point. LOL! A fellow runner and I sucked these down together-instant bonding! Cheers!

I’ve always had a weakness for jello shots…!

Pride is a funny thing. I had always coveted the race photos I saw with the Grave Diggers, Haunted Mansion-style, and this was my chance! Common sense told me to stay upright, but no, I couldn’t pass up on this ultimate photo op! Getting down was easy, and I remember popping up as if I was perfectly fine. (Nothing to see here…!) It cost me for sure…but I didn’t regret it. I still don’t!

The Grave Diggers claim their next victim!

Once I exited the parking lot, it was highway. Miles and miles of highway. Miles of up and backs with nothing to really break up the monotony. Now walking in full sun, no shade. Tired. Knee hurting. No characters. Too much time to think…

This was the first time it occurred to me that walking, even brisk walking, is very different from slow running. I trained to run 26 miles, not speed walk 26 miles!! It is a very different skill that uses totally different muscles! I was now “running” a race I hadn’t trained for. It was humbling.

Pluto doing some “excavating” at the construction site!

By the time I realized I probably should have put on sunscreen the medical tents had run out. It was okay-I was still a frequent flier with my Biofreeze fix. Pluto was a sight for sore eyes when I finally saw him around Mile 18 with no line. I was now headed for ESPN’s Wide World of Sports for the first time ever!

Miles 18-20: ESPN’s Wide World of Suck

I didn’t coin that phrase-a veteran Dopey friend did, and I have to say I didn’t buy in. Initially. With the exception of picking up my bib, I had never spent any time at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports. I was excited to see something new-and anything that wasn’t highway miles! What was really cool was that it was an up and back…as we were entering the Sports Complex, you could see all the runners ahead of you pouring out! (This is an important part of my narrative…and contributes to the “suck” factor!)

The first nice touch were the wet sponges! It was hot, and a Heat Advisory had been issued for the day of the race. Walking instead of running meant I was spending a lot more time on my feet in the heat of the day, but it also meant I was expending less energy. Luckily, I love the heat and was not uncomfortable. My friends poke fun at me for running with my hair down, but even that felt okay. I did not use my sponge (and mess up my hair and outfit??) but I did take one for a photo op…my runDisney friends and I have an inside joke about, what else?…sponge baths. LOL!

There were some super cute character interactions along the course here, including Mickey and Donald in referee gear and Goofy in sportswear. The lines were longer here than for other meets, so I only stopped for my Home Girl, Minnie. This was also the last time I remember having my readers. (see hand) LOL! Turning 50 means readers in your Sparkle Skirt pockets are a necessity if you want to read anything!!

My Sparkle Skirt pockets are seriously like Mary Poppin’s carpet bag-they have everything in them!

I had met Joy and Sadness from Inside Out before, but since there was no line I jumped in. My expression here says I’m over it. Still more joy than sadness, though.

Still more Joy than Sadness twenty miles in…but not much!

The last lap through ESPN had us running (walking) through the stadium. That was pretty cool and some runners were called out by name! Some wonderful spectators were camped out by the exit, and I helped myself to both a mini-Coke and a handful of potato chips. Omg sooo good!!!!

A nice distraction…walking through ESPN’s stadium.

The moment of truth was coming, though. As I exited Wide World of Sports, I saw something that struck fear in my heart. There was no runner traffic coming in the opposite direction. None. The road was deserted. No one was entering ESPN because sweeps were happening. The party buses were making their rounds. I had to face the reality that the Balloon Ladies could catch up with me. I may not be able to finish this race.

Miles 20-25: Hollywood Studios Bound… Freak Out Edition

The three miles between ESPN and Hollywood Studios were stressful ones. I kept turning my head to look over my shoulder to make sure there were people behind me. I had been on my feet for over five and a half hours. No sign yet of the Balloon Ladies-but I saw something even scarier. The medics on bikes. I was officially a back-of-the-packer.

They started to check on runners…asking them if they were okay. I literally avoided eye contact. On one hand, I was feeling something close to shame, but on the other hand, understood there was a legitimate need to keep close tabs on us, bringing up the rear for so many different reasons! One guy stopped to change his music and they approached-he hustled right back on the course. I remember increasing my pace as well. Show no weakness!

Still feeling strong despite a long day in the sun!

I finally entered Hollywood Studios around mile 23. It was either a blur or we only traveled through a small section of the park because I don’t remember much at all. I do remember posing with the Incredibles right inside the park. (When you’re already walking and there’s no line it’s literally a drive-by…taking up seconds, not minutes!) I was feeling strong here, and relieved to be off those empty highways!

Feeling like the end could (finally!) be in sight!

Relegated to a much narrower course, there was comfort in being part of a bigger group again, compared to how spread out we were on the highway. In this photo in front of the Chinese theater you can see plenty of people behind me, as well as one of the infamous bike medics! Could I pull this off?

Miles 25-26.2: Epcot-the Holy Land

One short highway mile and I was finally, finally in Epcot! It was a rush-pure joy! At this point I was pretty much guaranteed my medal-all of my medals-as long as I didn’t blow out my knee!

Nothing short of a disaster could take me off the course at this point!

There were various Princesses (Aurora, Jasmine, Snow White) meeting in their respective countries, but I wasn’t even tempted to stop. Epcot had already opened to the public and the lines, while short, were a mix of runners and park goers. I had a very different stop to make that was top priority!

A few miles before, I noticed my hands felt sore, and hurt when I clenched them. They had become swollen from the heat and water retention. The salt chews I used only got me so far…what I needed was a MARGARITA!!

Enter Team Margarita! As I rounded World Showcase, I made a quick stop in Mexico. My bib number was checked, and my pre-paid Margarita (with salt!!) was handed over. So grateful for this group who organized this genius idea online!! Absolute Nirvana!!!

That is one happy runner in front of Spaceship Earth!

My mood was 100% turned around! Margarita in hand, I happily posed in front of Spaceship Earth. To be honest-I was in the home stretch and considered a jump here-but I didn’t want to spill my Margarita! LOL!

Evident relief on all three faces here in the final stretch!

I could tell my friends were relieved and happy to see me around Mile 25! I had been on the course for over seven hours at this point, so they had been cheering all day, and I was the last of our little group to head towards the finish line. Now they could wrap up, too! What good sports!

Hey! Look at this! Got myself a Margarita!!

I was really tickled to have this Margarita! The day before I had crossed the Half finish line with a creamsicle, so this was a definite upgrade! One of the perks of running through the Parks later meant that food and drink kiosks were open. I did hear afterward (through the grapevine) that I was one of the last runners allowed to carry a drink over the finish line. I guess the rationale was that we were already taking quite a while to finish…don’t encourage bad behavior! LOL!

Crossing the finish line for the fourth and final time that weekend!

Crossing the finish line was an absolute rush! I honestly can’t remember if I mustered up the energy/strength/courage to shuffle across in something resembling a run, but I’m pretty certain I did! It was just too exciting to walk it in-what’s a little more discomfort at this point?

This photo was taken the split second my Margarita was about to be liberated from its cup, arms raised victoriously! As the runDisney volunteer placed the medal around my neck, I had a rare moment of emotion. Not just elation…I was choked up. I felt an overwhelming sense of pride as I collected my commemorative Marathon Ears, blue Gatorade (clearly the best) and the requisite snack box and banana.

Jubilation! Crossing only my second marathon finish line.

Post-Race Celebration

I was all smiles as I took my Finisher and I Did It! photos. I grabbed my checked bag, put my ears back in their rightful position and couldn’t wait to find my friends in the Reunion area! My final net time? 7:24:23

I Did It! Showing off my new medals in my finisher photo!

Reunited and it feels so good! Lots of hugging and congratulations and catching each other up. We determined that the Balloon Ladies finished just 3/4 of a mile after me, which translates to about ten minutes. While that seems like enough of a buffer, that’s about how long it would have taken me to ride Expedition Everest back in Animal Kingdom. It still gives me chills thinking about how riding could have been the difference between being a finisher and being swept. Choose your stops wisely!

Who says you shouldn’t meet up with people you meet on the Internet?

Lessons Learned-Every Mile Still Magic?

Most people are curious if I felt compromised, if I was disappointed. After all, the reality I got was very different from the reality I trained for. Did I compromise? Yes. I completed a marathon injured. I walked instead of ran. I wasn’t able to experience it with my friends. I didn’t get a PR or a fast POT to brag about…my per mile pace is clearly even over runDisney’s generous 16 minute mile guidelines. (16:57 to be exact.)

Even so, my stats paint a different picture. I walked fast enough from Corral D that even those who started dead last couldn’t catch me. I stopped fifteen times to take pics with characters, made three location stops (Cinderella Castle, Spaceship Earth, Choza de Margarita), at least three bathroom breaks plus stops at every single medical tent.

My training did not disappoint. Though not required to run, proper training ensured that even when I was on the course hours longer than anticipated, I had not one blister, not one chafed spot, more than enough fuel. Heck-I didn’t even get sunburnt!

Was I disappointed? No way. All that talk about running being just as much a mental sport as a physical one? Totally true-all about mental toughness. I was committed to doing my very best, regardless of outcome. I never considered not starting just because I could fail-which was a very real possibility. I was alone with my thoughts for almost seven and a half hours. No music. No conversation. You have to be kind of okay with yourself to be in your own head like that all that time. I thought about all kinds of wonderful and interesting things…

And my friends? They’re the best! They were rooting for me every step of the way! Tracking me, texting me, taking the monorail all over tarnation to cheer along the course! They think I’m a Badass!! Imagine that! Who am I to correct them?!!

When everything was said and done, I logged the same 26.2 miles that every finisher did. My race, my pace. I just got to do it with a Margarita in my hand.

Undeniably Dopey. Four runs over four days totaling 48.6 miles…complete. Run, eat, sleep, repeat.

Jacqueline lives in Connecticut with her family and a cat, Rocky Road. You can follow her on Instagram at @morphingintominnie.

Caring for Giants Elephant Tour at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

One of my favorite splurges at Walt Disney World is to take a behind-the- scenes tour. I absolutely love learning new facts about my favorite attractions and getting a peek at what goes into making the magic happen. Last summer I got to cross an item off my bucket list and go on the Wild Africa Trek. It was one of my all-time favorite Disney experiences (read all about it here!) and while on that tour, our guides told us about the Caring for Giants elephant tour. It sounded great, and I knew that I wanted to experience it someday. Fast forward a few months later to when I found myself planning a trip with girlfriends around a race weekend. I was pregnant and knew I wasn’t going to experience the parks the way I usually do, so I decided that a tour would be the perfect way to spend some time while they were off exploring Pandora and conquering Everest.

Living my dream on the Wild Africa Trek in 2017!

Before You Go…

The Caring for Giants tour is an hour-long opportunity to get a closer look at the African elephants, and it is very affordable (especially when compared to other tours!) – $30 per person, and annual passholders do get a discount. Tours take place nine times per day, from 9:30 am through 4:00 pm. I booked my tour just a couple of weeks prior to the trip with no issues. I’m guessing that with so many times offered throughout the day, you could possibly even register the same day. Guests must be 4 years old to participate, and those under 18 will need an adult to accompany them.

Areas of the tour are backstage, and no photos or video are allowed in these areas. This includes the walk to the vehicle that will transport you to elephant habitat, as well as the ride on the way there. The entire tour is outdoors, so you will want to dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. There isn’t a lot of walking, but you will be standing up during most of the tour. Wheelchairs are permitted, but due to limited availability on the transport vehicle, this must be confirmed in advance.

Let’s See Some Elephants!

The afternoon of our tour arrived, and we headed to the check-in kiosk, which is located across from Kilimanjaro Safaris. We signed the mandatory waiver and were given name tags. The name tags are made from 85% elephant poop fibers! There is actually an entire website dedicated to paper products made from recycled waste – www.poopoopaper.com. How cool is that?!

Our tour began with us being escorted backstage through a nearby gate. I get so incredibly excited anytime I’m able to go backstage! Photos are prohibited, but I try to soak up every detail. We walked past the show building for Festival of the Lion King (on our way back, the show was in the middle of a performance and we could hear the music). We were also able to see the floating mountains of Pandora, and our guide pointed out a hidden Mickey that is only able to be seen from backstage! Total geek-out moment for me, as it was a really cool hidden Mickey!

We walked to a parking lot where there were also some safari vehicles parked, and we boarded a van that would take us further into the savanna to the elephant habitat. As we drove, our guide pointed out various animal barns and areas where they were growing trees and plants, and he told us which areas of the safari we were passing. As a big fan of Kilimanjaro Safari, it was fascinating to get this different perspective!

A few minutes later, we arrived at the elephant habitat, walked up a set of stairs, and…there they were! We were on the backside of where the safari drives by, approximately 80-100 feet away from the elephants. We were free to roam around the length of the outlook and take photos and video. Two cast members were there to speak to us. They told us some facts about the day-to-day care of the elephants, as well as some funny stories about them. I loved hearing the anecdotes, learning the elephants’ names and a little about their personalities. We were also encouraged to ask any questions that we had, and the cast members were more than happy to answer all of our questions. It was clear how much they cared for the animals and loved their jobs!

Baby Stella nurses from her mother Donna, while the matriarch of the herd, Rafiki, stands close by.

Baby Stella also enjoys scratching herself on the rocks!

Once all of our questions had been answered, the cast members introduced us to a cultural representative from Africa. She concluded the tour by talking to us about conservation efforts in Africa and about things we can do here.

At the end of her presentation, we were able to take additional photos with our parties, including some fun shots with a frame (or some well-shellacked elephant poop if that’s your thing!) before we boarded the van and headed back.

Final Thoughts

Would I recommend this tour? Absolutely! I would definitely do it again, and I think my whole family would really enjoy it. I might hesitate to take a younger child who wasn’t able to stand and quietly listen and watch. The cast members aren’t speaking to the group through headsets like on other tours – this is a more intimate small group setting. This tour is fairly short compared to others – only an hour – but it was informative and watching the elephants was absolutely delightful. This would be a great first tour if you’ve never experienced one, or if you don’t have enough time to spend several hours on a tour. I felt like I’d experienced something special, and if you’re an animal lover, I can’t recommend this one enough!

Disney with a Preteen: What’s Cool, What Isn’t

It’s been less than two years since our last Disney trip. My daughter, Lola, was almost ten when we visited Disneyland in California and was all about Princesses, Princess outfits and Princess autographs. (And maybe some Jedi Training thrown in!! LOL!) Fast forward just two years and my almost-teen has let me know in no uncertain terms that A. I’m uncool. and B. She is. Therefore, our upcoming trips to Disney World would need some tweaking…

Ahhh…the good old days. Princess dresses and big smiles!

Here are a few of my biggest offenses of being an uncool Disney Mom. Take heed…because in just a few years your adoring, Ariel-clad toddler will be begging you to please stop crying during the Happily Ever After fireworks because you’re embarrassing her.

Uncool – Princess Dresses. Princess Anything. Dresses in General.

Cool – Ripped jean shorts. The ears her mother happens to be wearing.

Okay, this one hurt!! Nothing makes me happier than planning coordinated family outfits for our trips. And she LOVED wearing those Princess dresses to Bibbibi Bobbibi Boutique and Cinderella’s Royal Table! We had them all-Rapunzel’s wedding dress, Elsa’s famous Snow Queen dress, Anna’s Coronation ballgown. Not even the Zarina pirate outfit??? Nope!

Tiaras, glitter and face jewels…living the life!

This last trip, Lola (begrudgingly) agreed to wear some “matching” outfits, but only because we already had them. I got her to wear our matching Orange Bird tanks to Epcot (where we were rewarded with an Orange Bird magic shot!) and matching Rock -n-Roller Coaster tanks to Hollywood Studios. But-she definitely did not want to borrow one of my Sparkle Skirts! (Not entirely true…she did borrow one for the Dark Side 5K!) She did, however, manage to borrow my cutest ears for every pic and look adorable doing so!!

Orange Bird magic shot to match our tanks and ears!

Mickey Rocks! So does the Rock-n-Roller Coaster!

Lola was a good sport at the run Disney 5K in her Leia buns!

Uncool – Posed Pictures. Magic Shots. Pictures hugging her mom.

Cool – Photobombs. Character pics NOT with Princesses.

When we go to Disney we take a lot of pictures. I mean A LOT of pictures. Pictures from the Photopass photographers, iPhone photos, character photos, runDisney photos, magic shots and of course selfies for Instagram! And Lola loves photos. You know-the kind of photos where she photobombs people, sticks out her tongue and makes ridiculous faces. Not exactly Christmas card worthy. 😉

More material for my Instagram bloopers reel…lol!

We all channeled our “inner-Lola” for this group photo!

However, Lola was a good sport and dutifully posed for each shot, gamely holding out her hand for Figment or Tinkerbell or whatever cool graphic the photographer would later superimpose. She hugged me in front of the castle and during fireworks. She smiled in front of Spaceship Earth. But she reached her limit at the Photopass Studio at Disney Springs. Our photoshoot for two turned super corny and we got the best shots of the trip, the two of us cracking up over the absurdity of the loving gazes we were instructed to give each other at close range.

Bonding time??? Laughs were had and memories made at the Disney Springs Photopass Studio.

Uncool – Anything your mom does, says, collects or wears.

Cool – Anything your mom’s friends do, say, collect or wear.

Let’s face it-moms are uncool. We’re always blathering on about things like deodorant (You forgot again?), sunscreen and if you’ve remembered to wear your magic band. According to my daughter, I also own too many ears, too many Sparkle Skirts and too many Disney-themed tops. I have inspired eye-rolling on more than one occasion.

Fine Mom…I’ll wear my Epcot shirt but NO EARS!!

That is, until my Slinky Dog ear wearing, Sparkle Skirt sporting, pin trading fabulous friends show up! Then all of a sudden, everything that is uncool is cool again! Mugging for photos! Celebration buttons! Magic shots! Selfies! Trading with Cast Members for Orange Bird pins!

Living it up with my friend Meghan in Toy Story Land!

Trading for Orange Bird pins with Kerry!

I love wearing celebration buttons and ears when Jenn is, Mom!!

Mickey Bars with brother, Luke, and Mom’s much cooler friend.

I have to face facts. My baby is growing up and our Disney trips are changing! The good news is that some things have stayed the same. She still loves roller coasters, especially Expedition Everest. She still loves Mickey Bars and Dole Whips. And by the end of our trip, she barely noticed that she was once again, still holding my hand. Shhh! Just don’t tell her friends!

Restaurant Review: Storybook Dining at Artist Point

I had been planning a trip to Walt Disney World with a group of girlfriends for several months when the new Storybook Dining experience was announced. We were all extremely excited to try it, as our trip was centered around Marathon Weekend. We decided this would be our big celebration meal, since meeting Dopey would be a perfect ending for those participating in the Dopey Challenge (4 races in 4 days, equaling 48.6 miles – see my recap from last year here).

Artist Point is in Wilderness Lodge, which is an absolutely beautiful resort. If you’re staying on property and don’t have a car, you can catch a bus to the resort from any of the parks, or take a Lyft or Minnie Van. The lobby of the resort is massive, with plenty of seating and even a cozy fireplace where you can sit and chat while waiting.

The Wilderness Lodge lobby is truly stunning!

The current cost of dinner is $55 for adults and $33 for children. This includes shared appetizers, an entrée, and shared desserts. If you’re on the dining plan, it is one dining credit and includes a beverage (on the current dining plan, this can be an alcoholic beverage).

The menu is in a beautiful leatherbound book, and the napkins are wrapped with a keepsake apple signed by the characters!

The first thing that caught my eye was the beautiful décor in the restaurant. It really does look like a something out of a storybook, with lighted “trees” throughout that change color depending on which character was making an appearance. Snow White, Grumpy, and Dopey roved the restaurant and visited guests at their tables. The Evil Queen made an appearance, but was stationary and guests were directed to form a line to visit her at the end of their meal.

First up were the appetizers: Winter Squash Bisque, Hunter’s Pie, and Wicked Shrimp Cocktail. Due to two shellfish allergies at our table, we had told our server as soon as we were seated that we would need a substitution for the shrimp. However, there seemed to be some confusion and the shrimp was still brought to our table. One of the allergies was severe, so this was a huge concern. It was removed, and they brought us some mushroom bao buns. Several people in our party loved the Winter Squash Bisque, but I was not a fan. I gladly passed mine on to a friend who enjoyed it. Several of us agreed that the Hunter’s Pie filling reminded us of a potsticker (and it was better with the stone fruit preserves that came with it). I’m not a fan of mushrooms, but the buns were an interesting blend of sweet, salty, and crunchy. I liked the way that the appetizers were displayed on multi-level trays that looked like trees at the table, but I wasn’t overwhelmingly impressed with any of them. Other members of our party enjoyed them, but I could’ve skipped that part of the meal and been perfectly happy.

Mushroom bun appetizer – our alternative to shrimp due to allergies.

Another thing that was a big hit with our group was the cocktails. There are several uniquely themed cocktails offered, as well as some fun non-alcoholic beverages. Evil to the Core and A Brew of Peaches both looked delicious and got rave reviews from our group. Since I’m pregnant, there were no cocktails for me, but I did try the Transformation Potion – lemonade that came with a blue “potion” that I could pour into the drink and then stir with a blue candy stick. While this was fun, it was fairly bland and not something I’d be quick to order again.

Transformation Lemonade and the vial that was used to transform!

For the main course, you chose an entrée from the menu. This part of the meal was a smash hit with everyone! Since my friend and I were both having trouble choosing between the same two entrees, we decided to split them, and this was a great choice! We had “Brother’s Grimm Roasted Chicken”, which came with potatoes, brussels sprouts, and apples, and “A Stroll Through Nature”, which was gnocchi and butternut squash – both were delicious. Everyone agreed that they’d come back again just to try a different entrée, because everything was so good. Several other members of our party had the “Royal Prime Rib Roast” and raved about it (the horseradish mashed potatoes were amazing!), and another friend who happened to be dining there at the same time stopped by and told us that he had the Snapper and it was the best he’d ever tasted.

Brother’s Grimm Roasted Chicken – delish!

A Stroll through Nature – also delicious!

I was really looking forward to trying the desserts, since I’d seen pictures of them online. Our server brought over The Hunter’s Gift to the Queen, which was ganache hearts on a bed of caramel corn. The presentation was really cool – they were in a box with smoke pouring out of it, which he emptied onto a plate for the table to share. This was delicious, and I would’ve happily bought a box if they’d offered it for sale.

The Hunter’s Gift to the Queen – I could go for a big plate of this right now!

The rest of the desserts were placed on our sharing tree and included individual Gooseberry Pies, Poison Apples, and Miner’s Treasures. The Poison Apples were easily the favorite – this was white chocolate-apple mousse with a sour center. So, so good! I’d never had Gooseberry Pie and was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed it. The Miner’s Treasures were sponge cake, buttercream icing, and chocolate gems. These were very, very sweet even for me, and I have quite the sweet tooth!

Meeting the Evil Queen was the best part of this experience! She was very interactive and ready to insult everyone. I attempted a staring contest with her, but then burst into giggles and told her she won. She immediately – and coldly – responded “You are easily broken”, which of course made me laugh even more. My favorite moment came when one member of our party went up and casually greeted her with “hey, girlfriend!”. The Queen was NOT having this, and immediately whipped up the side of her cape to completely cover my friend in the picture. She was the perfect Queen – even going up to a window to admire herself when there was no one in line to meet her.

Highlight of the night! I still laugh every time I see this picture.

As for the other characters, they seemed a bit rushed. Perhaps it was because we were a party comprised entirely of adults, but we were adults who were very excited to meet characters! At one point, we had to ask Grumpy to come back because he was moving so fast some of our pictures were blurry. The lighting in the restaurant also did not lend itself to great photographs.

Overall, this was a really fun meal. The service was a bit slow, and we all agreed that our server seemed like he may have been having an off night. The entrees were delicious, and the ambiance was great – I really enjoyed watching each character make their entrance. The lighting changed, there was music, and a short interaction. I’ve seen characters introduced at other restaurants, but all of this made it seemed like more of a production and enhanced the experience. Everyone in our party agreed that while this experience won’t be a must-do on every trip, we would all come back.