It’s the event that officially kicks off race weekend – the runDisney Health and Fitness Expo! As I mentioned before, I love going to the expo – the excitement, the photo ops, the merch – I love everything except the crowds. Going on opening morning definitely means braving the crowds, but it seems to have become my tradition.
On Thursday morning, my friends and I got up and headed to the bus stop around 8:45. There was no signage up about the race weekend at Pop Century, which was unusual. We asked a Cast Member to make sure we were in the right location (we were), and soon a bus arrived to take us to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Drop-off was a little different than I remembered it being in the past, but I’m guessing that was due to the construction that is going on.
We stopped for the obligatory photo ops before heading into the complex. These signs always get me so excited for the medals that I will be earning!
Once we got closer to the buildings, there were Cast Members directing us to either go to the Field House for packet pickup and challenge shirts, or the Jostens Center for merch and other shirts. Both buildings had long lines, as it was about 30 minutes prior to opening. We had our plan, and we chose the Jostens Center first. The line was long but organized, and since the weather was nice, I didn’t mind standing outside. While waiting, we heard that some of the 10k merchandise had been pulled due to having the word ‘inaugural’ spelled wrong. As you can imagine, lots of jokes ensued.
We’re getting close!Long line for the merchandise building!
When it was time to go inside, they slowly allowed the line inside and down the stairs. Most people rushed straight back to the official merchandise. It didn’t seem like they were limiting the number of people inside (at least at opening), and it got crazy very quickly! My friends and I split up – they were on a mission to get wine glasses, and I was after a sweatshirt. The wine glasses went quickly and it was a bit of a mob scene. The Challenge and Half Marathon magnets also went quickly, and we were told by a CM that there were more, but the box had been misplaced. Luckily another CM overheard me telling this to my friend as we were walking to the checkout, and she went back and found some.
So. Many. People.…and even more people!
After checking out (I’m still impressed by how efficiently they manage to handle the long lines), we made a couple of stops at other vendors. Sparkle Skirts, Raw Threads, and New Balance are always favorites. We also stopped to have a little fun at the Misfit jump rope challenge. I made it onto the leaderboard, at least briefly! Before leaving, we made one final stop where our spectator decorated some signs and Cheer Squad buttons to show her support. This is the first time that I’ve seen the buttons and thought they were pretty cool.
Action shot at the Misfit jump rope challenge!
When we walked across to the Field House, packet pickup was quick and painless – the lines were very short. After grabbing my Challenge shirts and taking a few pictures, we quickly made our way back over to the other building (which was still so crowded that we had to wait in line again just to get in) to get the 5k shirts, and then headed back to the bus to return to the resort.
Packet PickupWho doesn’t love a photo op with a giant bottle of bubbly?
I checked in with friends who attended on other days, and heard that it wasn’t crowded at all on Friday, but a couple of items in the official merch booth were sold out. By Saturday, it was described as a ghost town. Unless you’ve got your heart set on a specific item (which I usually do), you’ll probably have an easier time if you wait and don’t attend on opening morning.
Were you at the Wine & Dine Expo? What was your experience like? We love hearing from you!
If you’ve ever been to Walt Disney World and have stayed at one of the 20+ resorts on property, then I’m sure you’re familiar with the Disney Transportation bus system. Disney operates its bus system 365 days a year from the resorts to the parks and to Disney Springs. This makes it much easier for families to take vacations to Disney and not have to rent a car and pay daily parking if they are staying at a Disney resort.
With the growth and development of the Anaheim, CA resort area, there was a need for a system similar to the Disney Transportation system.
:::Cue the dramatic entrance music:::
Welcome to the Anaheim Resort Transportation!
(Courtesy of Anaheim Resort Transportation)
Originally known as the Anaheim Resort Transit, it was established in 1994 and officially changed to the Anaheim Resort Transportation in 1998. In 2010, Disney adopted the company to become an official transportation option for visiting guests.
Although Disney has only 3 official hotels on Disneyland property, there are more than a dozen other “Good Neighbor Hotels” available for guests of the Disneyland Resort. Some of these hotels can extend as far as 1 mile from the resort. The A.R.T. bus system allows guests who do not want to rent car and pay for parking, the opportunity to ride a clean, easy to spot bus to Disneyland and California Adventure parks. The bus will drop you off right in front of the esplanade between Disneyland and California Adventure!
I had the opportunity to experience the ART during my trip to Disneyland for the Star Wars Half Marathon weekend in January. I was a little unsure about getting to and from from hotel but what I found was helpful staff members, a clean bus, and some much needed relief for my wallet and legs (after running 32.4 miles the weekend before).
There is a free trip planner as well on the website which can help figure out how to get to the happiest place in California as well.
The ART system is available for a fee. Tickets can be purchased at many of the hotels, online or via the ART app available for download on both Apple and Android operating systems. For more information, visit www.rideart.org.
Almost exactly two years ago, I started training for my first ever runDisney race! A non-runner for most of my life, I started running when I turned 45. When my BFF started joining me, it became even more fun! When we decided to combine our love of Disney with our new-found love of running, Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend was an easy choice!
Thousands of women choose Princess as their “gateway” race, and it’s not surprising! With its promise of tutus and tiaras, this women-centric race draws women of all ages, shapes and sizes, and of all running abilities. I mean-who doesn’t want to be Princess for a day?
Snow White and Rapunzel for the Enchanted 10K…part of our first Glass Slipper Challenge!
We signed up for all three races…the Princess 5K, and the Glass Slipper Challenge, which includes the Enchanted 10K and the Princess Half Marathon. Crazy, right? That’s 22.4 miles!! Three races over three days meant a lot of training, but it also meant we each got to create three running costumes!
Tech? Who Needs Tech?
As a newbie runner, my running wardrobe consisted of whatever workout gear I had lying around. Gym shorts, leggings, sweatshirts…but I knew I had to up my game for Princess!
Inspiration can come from the most unlikely places-so keep your eyes open! A $7 blue clearance tank at TJMaxx became the focal point of my Snow White costume for the 10K. A blue skirt from Goodwill worked perfectly for Anna for the Frozen 5K (as did the cape that belonged to my daughter’s Disney Store costume!). Claire’s at the mall had a horn headband and a “one size fits all” Maleficent-inspired tutu that I squeezed over a tank and short set found at Marshall’s for my half marathon! Throw in some Hot Topic bows, eBay wings and etsy arm puffs and I was good to go!
My best friend, Tiffany, suggested I think about some specialty running gear, but I laughed and brushed her off. $65? For a skirt? (Oh, how naive these conversations seem now…and what an innocent I was…!) LOL!
Running costumes for my first runDisney challenge weekend!
Fast forward to post-race. The truth was…my pictures came out cute, but from a performance-standard, I was a bit disappointed. My outfits had no storage, and I hated wearing my phone on my arm. The second-hand Anna tank was cotton and not suited for running, and wouldn’t have held up for longer than the 5K! My yellow clearance skirt from Dancewear Solutions had no built in shorts, and there may be a picture of me crossing the finish line flashing my runderpants!
Cosplay is even more fun when you coordinate with your BFF-Anna and Elsa for the Frozen 5K!Half marathon course with Maleficent and Aurora…captured by runDisney photographers!Don’t look at Snow too closely…runderpants alert!
Girlfriend Knows Best
So, it turns out my friend was on to something. For our next races, she talked me into some skirts. Not just any skirts, but skirts with POCKETS!! This was life-changing! A quick run around the neighborhood doesn’t require much, but if you are planning to run five miles or more-you need gear!
Pockets meant I had a place to stash my phone when I got tired of carrying it. Pockets meant a place for for my Sports Beans, e-shots and lipstick. (Yes, I run with lipstick…I’m kind of addicted!) It also meant a zippered compartment for money or credit cards. I got two skirts, an Emerald Peacock Sparkle Skirt and an Inknburn polka dot skirt-and ideas for Zarina the Pirate Fairy and Minnie Mouse were born!
Not Pictured: iPhone, lipstick, fuel, tissues and cash hidden in my pockets! Thanks Sparkle Skirts!
So you might have noticed I have a little problem with accessories! Once my basic pieces are secure, I love finding the little touches that pull a running costume together! Party stores are a great place to find inexpensive pieces, especially off-season or right after Halloween. I’ve scored fingerless Minnie gloves, Ariel clip-on hair pieces and Jasmine body jewelry! The Disney Store isn’t just for kids, either-I’ve picked up tiaras for Elsa, Jasmine and even Pocahontas, as well as Zarina wings!
Inknburn skirt, raw threads racer and Sparkle Athletic race legs.
Another discovery was Sparkle Athletic race legs! These decorative sleeves are footless, so you can still wear your favorite socks. My Achilles are chronically tight, so I typically tape and wear Zensah compression sleeves for my longer runs. These can get expensive (especially if you are matchy-matchy like me and want them to match your outfits!) but if I can pull a pair of $12 race legs on over them, I only need a few pairs. http://www.sparkleathletic.com
Princess 2.0
By the time Princess Half Marathon Weekend rolled around again, I had a much better idea of what worked for me from both a running and aesthetic standpoint. Sparkle Skirts were my go-to skirts, with their fun themed prints, compression shorts and large 5×5 pockets, but I had also found my signature tops!
Ready for Princess Weekend! Ariel for the 5K, Jasmine for the 10K and Ursula for the Half!
I heard about this online company, raw threads, that was also a big presence at the runDisney Expos. Their claim to fame was their fabric… breathable, moisture-wicking, “no stink” bamboo that drapes the skin in comfort. Sounded good to me! Though retail might look pricey, they regularly offered sales with steep discounts, and so another addiction was born! http://www.rawthreads.com
Raw threads racer, Sparkle Skirt, Disney Parks Ursula ears and Flotsam and Jetsam gloves!
Though I typically only run in racers, they have a great selection of tees, tanks and even hoodies that evoke certain classic Disney characters. This includes the Princesses, Villains, Star Wars and even Avengers, with seasonal holiday designs, as well! (Hint: Wondering how people afford all this? There is a very robust resale market for all of these items in various Facebook groups…it’s very common for runners to list skirts, tops, even full running costumes for sale to fund their next big runDisney event!)
Genie was happy to see me as Jasmine on the Boardwalk! Raw threads racer and Sparkle Skirt.
Props or No Props?
It is probably no surprise by now that I am pro-props! If you don’t need to be hands-free, props are a fun way to make your character even more recognizable. It is also a lot of fun to incorporate them into playful photo-ops both on the course and in the Parks!
Various props for the Pixie Dust Challenge and 5K in Disneyland…parrot head umbrella, cat tail, ears, hats and gloves!
The easiest props to carry are the wearable ones! I have worn wings twice (representing both good and evil!) and they are extremely easy to run in. The trick is…don’t pull the elastics around your arms, which can cause chafing. Tutorials on youtube demonstrate how to attach wings directly to your clothes, anchored to the back of your sports bra! This is easiest with racer styles, but can be modified for other shirt styles as well.
These wings are extremely light…just don’t bump into other runners!
Another wearable prop is headwear! Whether you like Minnie ears, tiaras, headbands, hats or visors there is a style to match every outfit! I wear themed Minnie ears to most races, and my faves have included ears inspired by pirates, Ariel and the Queen of Hearts! Etsy shops like Make Me Minnie and Ears2You have done a great job of customizing ears for me. Most memorable was the Mary Poppins hat on a headband I requested, but themed ears and hats can also be found right in the Parks!
Ears2You customized this Mary Poppins headband for me! Lace trim and a red bow transformed this plain racer to Nanny Mary!
Other props I have worn include tails (Cheshire Cat), necklaces, gloves (mermaid scales for Ariel, jangly coins for Jasmine) and Hot Topic bows I attach to my sneakers! The most memorable? It would have to be the two moray eel Beanie Babies I attached to elbow length black gloves to mimic Flotsam and Jetsam when I ran as Ursula from The Little Mermaid!
Flotsam and Jetsam!Socks from Spirit Halloween store, Cheshire Cat hair bows from Hot Topic!
The other kind of props include carried props! I have carried everything from Jasmine’s magic lamp to Mary Poppin’s parrot head umbrella! As Zarina I carried a foam sword and as Snow White I carried a songbird! I always carry my phone as well, so I don’t mind being double-fisted, as long as the prop is not too heavy or cumbersome!
A duck head umbrella painted to resemble Mary Poppin’s parrot!
One disclaimer regarding props and costumes in general-always check to see that you’re in compliance with the new runDisney guidelines! Some of the more recent changes have included no full-length costumes and no costumes that fully enclose the body. (Think The Death Star from Star Wars!) Full face masks and pointy props that look like weapons have never been allowed, but are more strictly enforced now. Do your research so you know just what to expect on race day! http://www.rundisney.com
Party store lamp and Amazon gloves with trim and coins tacked on from a pair of children’s Jasmine gloves!
Other Resources
Maybe you don’t want to run in a skirt. Or you like to run in layers. Maybe you want something simpler, or more elaborate! There are still a ton of resources out there for you! In addition to scouring new finds at TJMaxx and Marshalls, many women swear by the affordable and cute athletic wear in Target and Walmart. Both offer a wide range of styles and sizes. If you don’t require tech gear, department stores like Torrid, Hot Topic and Forever 21 typically have tons of themed Disney items, too!
As soon as I spotted this pink striped tech top at TJMaxx I knew what I was going to use it for!
Etsy is also a treasure trove of pre-made running costumes and custom Minnie ears if you want something specific and don’t mind paying for it! Though I have never bought a ready-made costume for myself, I splurged for my daughter’s first running costume! She chose the Mary Poppins theme for our first runDisney race together…the Neverland 5K during the Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend in Disneyland! It was worth every penny! Some of my favorite etsy and independent sellers include The Bow Mama, iglowrunning, This Princess Runs and Designz by Michelle Lynn.
Mary Poppins Jolly Holiday running costume from iglowrunning on etsy!
Finisher Medal Worthy!
Ultimately, your runDisney race costume should be comfortable and a reflection of you and your style! Big budget or small, crafty or two thumbs, it’s easy to tap into your inner Minnie! Every mile is magic!
Rocking Classic Minnie for my Coast-to-Coast!
Jacqueline lives in Southbury, CT, with her husband and two children. You can follow her on Instagram at @morphingintominnie.
We are less than three weeks away from the Health and Fitness Expo that will kick off Disney’s Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend! I love going to the expo. For me, it’s the start of the race experience. It can be crowded and overwhelming, but with proper planning, you can see (and hopefully buy!) everything that you want. Remember, you have to go to the expo to pick up your race bib, and you have to show ID – no one else can pick up your bib! If you’ve pre-ordered items (pins, a Dooney, etc.), you will also pick those up at the expo.
I always look forward to expo day!
Tip #1: Arrive Early
The expo is held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports, and officially opens at 10:00 am, but in my experience, they usually open the doors early on the first day. If there’s specific merchandise that you have your heart set on, you will want to arrive as early as possible – lines will be L-O-O-O-N-G just to get in the door. If you don’t care about merch and just want to get your bib and get out, then you might want to consider waiting until later in the day, or even going on another day when the crowds are much lower.
What’s the best way to get to the expo? I have taken a bus from the resort (follow the signs for the race transportation, DO NOT go to the regular bus stop for the parks), and I have also driven and taken a taxi. The only advantage to driving is that you can get there earlier than on the bus. In my past experience, the bus came in a timely manner and wasn’t too crowded. I believe they start running 30 minutes prior to the expo opening, so be at the bus stop early!
HP Field House – packet pickup inside!
Tip #2: Know Your Plan
Many times you have to go into two different buildings – the HP Field House for your bib, and the Jostens Center for your shirt (usually the shirts are at the very back of the room on the left side). At some events, the shirts will be with the bibs, but the vendors will always be in the Jostens Center. If there is specific merchandise that you have your heart set on, go to the Jostens Center FIRST. There will be signs and cast members directing you where to go. This will mean going back and forth – buying merch, then going across the street for your bib, then coming back again for your shirt(s). But the merchandise goes quickly, especially jackets and wine glasses. Hit the official runDisney merchandise booth first, and go in with some idea of what you want. In the past, runDisney has provided a preview of some of the merchandise on Facebook a few days in advance. I usually decide which are the “must-have” items for me, and try to grab them first, before I peruse the rest of the booth. Expect to see jackets, tech shirts, “I did it!” shirts, wine glasses, pins, sweaty bands, car magnets, etc. If you are with a friend, it may be wise to divide and conquer for the most coveted items. Know what sizes you need, and each of you have a designated item to get.
2015 Princess Half Marathon Expo!
If this is your first expo, you may also want to take a look at the expo map beforehand, to get an idea of which vendors will be there. Budget for how much you’ll want to spend – there are LOTS of vendors! Sparkle Skirts and Raw Threads are usually there with big displays, and there will be lots and lots of other eye-catching booths with running attire, headbands, jewelry, medal racks, and other running gear.
RunDisney Expo: so much to see!
Tip #3: Pack Your Patience
Especially if you are attending the first morning, expect to stand in lines. Lots and lots of lines. A line to get in the door, sometimes a line to get into the runDisney merchandise booth. Definitely a long line to check out with your newfound runDisney merch (and don’t forget – you can use your AP or other discounts for your official gear!). There will also be lines to get your bib. And if you don’t bring a signed copy of your waiver along, you’ll have to wait in another line to print one off before going in for your bib. Just like at the parks, the expo is going to involve some waiting.
Lines for bib pickup.
Tip #4: Allow Yourself Enough Time
Plan for enough time that you won’t feel rushed if you have to stand in lines, and also time to walk around and take everything in. The expo should be a fun experience, not a stressful one. Remember to allow a few extra minutes for walking from the parking lot inside, and then to two different buildings. Also remember that the expo buses only run to the resorts, they will not take you to a park. Be mindful of this when planning your day or any dining reservations.
Tip #5: Sign Up in Advance for New Balance!
Want a pair of those coveted runDisney New Balance shoes? Typically at 6:00 am each morning, you will be able to sign up for a virtual queue to try them on. You will be able to select a style/size that will be held for you, and you will receive a text when it is your turn to go to the booth. There may not be as much of a demand later in the year (and since the older models were just on sale at the outlets), but for new models at the races early in the year, the demand is extremely high. If you don’t sign up for a time slot, you will have to wait in yet another line just to get into the New Balance booth.
Getting my hands on these beauties was definitely a highlight from my first expo!
Tip #6: Take Pictures!
There will be opportunities for pictures from the time you walk up the sidewalk (large banners with the race logos or medals on them). Inside, there is usually a background or two for photos. If you follow runDisney on Instagram, you can usually have a fun picture taken with some sort of special effect (you just have to show them on your phone that you follow them). Occasionally there is even a character, but this isn’t the norm. At the Star Wars Dark Side expo, I waited about 40 minutes to meet BB-8 (he was in a separate tent). This was unusual for an expo, but it was definitely worth it, since I didn’t have to wait the following mornings in the long pre-race lines.
I was so excited to meet BB-8!
Fun effects from the 2015 Wine & Dine Expo.
Tip #7: Take Advantage of the Speaker Series
Another really cool thing about the runDisney expo is the Speaker Series. At various times throughout the day, there will be short seminars on running, training, and nutrition. You can get some advice from Jeff Galloway, Tara Gidus, and other running professionals. They usually run 30 minutes to one hour, and past seminars have included information for spectators, costume inspiration, training tips, and race nutrition. There is occasionally a celebrity speaker, as well.
Tip #8: Socialize!
Walking around the expo (and standing in those aforementioned lines) is a great way to meet fellow runners. If you are part of a running team or even just one of the many Disney Facebook groups, odds are good that you’ll see someone that you know – or at least someone that you recognize from social media. Don’t hesitate to say hello! One of my favorite things about runDisney events is getting to see my running teammates and meet new people.
Coachmen outside the doors of the Princess Expo.
Jeff Galloway is also usually at the expo. He is extremely friendly and approachable, and many runners who have followed his program enjoy meeting him and sharing their success stories with him. There is usually a line to meet him, but he is always willing to take pictures and sign autographs. I have even seen runners have him sign their bibs or magic bands.
You can also interact with professionals and learn about new products, try fuel samples, and play games. The expo was the first place where I experienced The Stick, which is one of my favorite things now. Many runners also use this opportunity to get taped at the KT Tape booth.
If you’re feeling a little thirsty from all the shopping, there is usually a stand with beer and snacks somewhere on the expo floor. There will also be concessions on your way out of the Jostens Center (where the merchandise is found), and usually there is a stand outside with things like lemonade and pretzels.
Whether this is your first expo or you are an old pro, enjoy yourself and have patience with others. This is the beginning of an exciting, magical race weekend!
Do you have any questions about navigating the expo? Any additional tips? Let us know! We’d love to hear from you.
If you ever dreamed of spending a Thanksgiving or Christmas at Disney World, you are not alone! Thousands descend upon the parks during the holiday season, but don’t be surprised if even your fellow Disney lovers don’t share your excitement. Just ask on any Disney-related Facebook page about traveling the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day and you’re sure to be flooded with negative commentary…masses of people, hour long waits, Fastpasses gone by noon, impossible to make dining reservations… every worst case scenario you could imagine.
A Thanksgiving trip so perfect, we even got a Christmas card out of the deal!
Does this mean you’ll never get a chance to meet Santa Goofy or see the fireworks extravaganza on New Year’s Eve? Of course not! Spending a major holiday at Disney can easily be done with some planning and flexibility, and give you unforgettable memories to last a lifetime!
Santa Goofy in Dinoland, Animal Kingdom
Know Before You Go!
I was born on Thanksgiving Day, and had my heart set on celebrating my 45th birthday at Magic Kingdom. Even better? I realized it was going to fall on Thanksgiving that year! Being a teacher, I don’t have the flexibility to travel when I choose. I often only get to travel during the busiest and most expensive times of the year. Even so, the thought of celebrating my birthday at Disney was unbelievably exciting! I didn’t need to check the crowd calendars to confirm it would be a “red” level day…but it reminded me that I would have to take advantage of every pre-planning tool and trick I have! (Helpful Hint: Both Touring Plans and Kenny the Pirate have very popular crowd calendars to help you plan your trip.)
A magic shot celebrating my birthday at the happiest place on Earth!
Take Advantage of Pre-Planning Tools
The key to getting exactly what you want is by booking your top choices as early as possible. If you are an on-site guest (staying on Disney property), this means you can book your ADRs (Advance Dining Reservations) 180 days in advance! Fastpasses for rides and attractions can be booked 60 days in advance. If you are staying off-site, you can make your Fastpass selections 30 days in advance once you link your park tickets. Off-site guests can book 180 days in advance as well, but can only book reservations day by day, instead of for the duration of your trip.
Lumiere ornament on Beast’s tree.Thanksgiving Day lunch at Be Our GuestMrs. Potts ornament in the main hall.
By logging in to My Disney Experience at 6:00 am EST, I was able to not only book Be Our Guest for lunch, but Cinderella’s Royal Table for our Thanksgiving dinner! If you don’t know, these are two of the most sought after dining reservations in Magic Kingdom any day of the year, and I was able to score them both for Thanksgiving! Woot! Woot! You can call to reserve your ADRs starting at 7:00 am EST. But, if you are tech savvy you can do it online, allowing you to start booking an hour earlier! (Helpful Hint: When your window for booking dining opens up, you will be able to book all the meals for your entire trip.Prioritize your holiday dining first, as these will be the hardest reservations to get!)
Our view from Cinderella’s Royal Table during Thanksgiving dinner.Seasonal menu offering…turkey and all the fixings!Cinderella greets us pre-meal in her beautiful seasonal dress!
Dining experiences aren’t the only events that can be booked 180 days in advance. My daughter wanted the royal treatment, so I booked a princess make-over at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique right in the castle! We were also able to reserve our spots for the Tomorrowland Terrace Fireworks Dessert Party for that evening. Pretty cool, right? It’s not every day you get fireworks on your birthday! (Helpful Hint: While at times the Dessert Party has been bookable 180 days in advance, it isn’t always consistent. Sometimes it opens up without notice, or won’t be offered until 60 days prior, so keep checking back!)
Fairy Godmothers working their magic at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique!Tomorrowland Terrace Fireworks Dessert Party photo op!Wishes and birthday fireworks!
At 60 days out on-site guests can book their Fastpasses! Remember, you no longer have to stay up until midnight…you can now start booking these online at 7:00 am EST. Popular meet and greets and rides like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Space Mountain will go fast, so lock into your top choices! At the very least, you know you will have three rides with minimal waits, compared to the hours-long waits that will develop by the afternoon. Feeling overwhelmed? Check out my blog post about using a Disney spreadsheet to see all your plans at a glance! The Agony (and Ecstasy!) of the Disney Spreadsheet
Pre-booking your fastpasses are a must on holidays!
Front Load Your Day and Strategize, Strategize, Strategize!
Yes, I know it is your vacation and not a military operation, but holidays at Disney are no time to sleep in! First, take advantage of Extra Magic Hours, or EMH. While typically offered year-round, Parks offer additional extended hours around their busiest days. On alternating days, some Parks may open early, and other Parks may stay open hours later. On Thanksgiving morning we found out that Magic Kingdom would be opening not one, but two hours early! We were stoked for a 7:00 a.m. opening! It’s not everyday you have a chance to watch the sun rise over the Train Station!
Extra Magic Hours pre-dawn shot!
Next, show up for Rope Drop! While this can be used synonymously with “park opening”, at Magic Kingdom there is actually a daily show! This Welcome Show is performed about ten minutes before the park opens and is a highlight of every trip! The Main Street Citizens sing and dance while waiting for the Disney World train to pull into the train station with Mickey and friends, as well as the Family of the Day! (Helpful Hint: Though it’s a long shot, being early and chatting up the Cast Members greatly increases your family’s chance of being chosen for Family of the Day!)
Rope Drop Welcome Show…around 6:50 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day!
Finally, strategically plan your day! Getting to the Park at 6:30 a.m. has its advantages…uncrowded buses, nonexistent wait times, even the opportunity to take pictures of Cinderella Castle without hordes of people!
Cinderella Castle early Thanksgiving morning
Fastpasses can’t be booked during Extra Magic Hours, so we had two full hours with the Park to ourselves before the official 9:00 a.m. opening. We headed straight for my son’s favorite ride in Tomorrowland-Astro Orbiter. Not only were we the first riders of the day, but we had the ride exclusively to ourselves! In fact, the Cast Member asked if we would like to ride again, as a line hadn’t formed yet. It was a little chilly for the three of us, but my son jumped at the chance! We have video of Luke as the solo rider-so cool!!
Solo rider on Astro Orbiter…makes the early wake-up more than worth it!
For the next two hours, we rode practically every ride in Fantasyland and Tomorrowland, and met multiple characters. We even rode some rides twice! By that time we were starting to get hungry since we had gotten up so early, so we were happy to have booked an early lunch at Be Our Guest.
By the time we finished eating the Park had become very crowded…we were lucky we had saved our three Fastpasses! We only booked one of our three for the morning, as we knew we were taking advantage of the Extra Magic Hours. We saved two for the late afternoon when we knew the Park would be mobbed! (Helpful Hint: Now, you can make additional Fastpasses through the My Disney Experience app once you use up your first three.You may want to front load your day with all three in order to then be able to book your fourth, then fifth, etc. OR spread out your three knowing the Fastpasses for the most desirable attractions are likely to be gone early on high capacity days.)
Enchanted Tales with Belle is a hit with both my kids…and my daughter even got chosen to play the Beast!
Make a Day of It…and Embrace the Madness!
If at all possible, plan to stay for the entire day. If the Parks hit capacity, they reserve the right to start park closures. Though rare, it’s not uncommon for Magic Kingdom to hit a Phase 3 closure on New Years or July 4th. There are levels of closures that first hit only day guests, then off-site guests, then park hoppers and people attempting to re-enter the park, and finally guests on Disney property. Don’t over-stress about this…in the last ten years Magic Kingdom has only had a single Phase 4 closure, which effectively closes the Park to all new guests!
Starting to feel a bit busy behind the castle…!
Though we knew we were taking a risk, we did head back to the Wilderness Lodge after our early lunch. Knowing we were on-site guests with both dinner and fireworks reservations meant only a Phase 4 Closure could keep us out, and we knew that had never happened on Thanksgiving Day before! (And a monorail couldn’t get you there any faster than the five minute bus ride to Magic Kingdom! Perfect location!)
Wilderness Lodge’s Silver Creek Springs Pool…I couldn’t keep my children off the waterslide!
We spent some relaxing hours at the Silver Creek Springs pool (and maybe at the Trout Bass Bar, as well!!) and it was heavenly! Though the air temperature was unseasonably cold for November, the pool was heated and steam rose above its surface! After some waterslides and Banana Cabanas, we were ready for round two!
Trout Pass Pool Bar refreshments!Who doesn’t love swimming in November??
Our plan for the crowded late afternoon was simple…show up for our dinner reservation at Cinderella’s Royal Table, ride our two remaining Fastpass rides and hit the Tomorrowland Terrace Fireworks Dessert Party! The rest of the time we were free to enjoy the theming and gorgeous Christmas decorations, see the characters decked out in their finest holiday garb and mug for the cameras!
Poinsettias, toy soldiers and Christmas trees!Some holiday cheer with Stitch!The last year the holiday decorations were extended over Main Street…Main Street, USA!
Though there will always be crowds, heading to the Parks on a major holiday is something you can easily check off your Disney Bucket List! I have to say-my special day in Magic Kingdom is my most cherished and memorable birthday to date! With some advance planning, flexibility and Pixie Dust you can have your turkey and eat it, too!
The Train Station in the wee hours of the morning…some time after 1:00 a.m…beautiful!
Jacqueline lives in Southbury, CT, with her husband and two children. You can follow her on Instagram at @morphingintominnie.
