The Best Thing I Love about Disney World – Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin.

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September 7, 2010

The Best Thing I Love about Disney World - Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin.

Did you know that after fourteen consecutive rides on Buzz Lightyear you can start to feel a bit woozy? It’s true. It’s also true that your trigger finger might get a little sore and you may start to halucinate that the rock formations in the second room look like naked people (okay, I swear one of them does. I’m not crazy. Imagineers get lonely too.). But it’s all worth it when you save the universe from the evil Emperor Zurg over and over again. You might even score 999,999 points and become a Galactic Hero. Oh yeah. And your high school shop teacher said you wouldn’t amount to anything. Ahem.

Buzz Lightyear is a simple attraction brilliantly executed. The queue can look really long but it moves pretty fast, so as long as you’re inside the building, you’ll be saving the universe in no time. The queue itself has a few fun things to keep you occupied, like a life-sized Buzz Lightyear telling you about your upcoming mission. It’s a good time for a photo op. Once on board your spaceship, you’ll shoot at targets as you ride through the attraction, attempting to keep Zurg and his minions from stealing all the batteries in the universe. This is one of those attractions you kind of hope gets stuck so you can sit there and pick off targets. There are two lasers on board, one for each guest, and a little wheel for the one who turns the ship. Decide ahead of time who will steer, or it could get ugly.

Even though there are only two lasers and therefore two seats, you can easily fit a small child in the middle. The attraction isn’t overly loud and doesn’t have a lot of flashing lights, so most people with sensory issues should be okay. Really, the loudest part of the ride is the queue. This attraction is fine for almost anyone, 9 months to 99. There aren’t a lot of surprise movements and the speed is slow, but not so slow that it’s boring.

There are lots of hints on how you can improve your score, so I’ll just leave you with my one rather obvious tip: Hold the trigger the entire time rather than shooting multiple times. Want more? You can get some real tips here.

Chris writes here and for Everything Walt Disney World.

The Best Thing I Love about Disney is…The Monorail Spiel

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 7, 2010

The Best Thing I Love about Disney is…The Monorail Spiel
To me, there are no happier words spoken on Disney property than “Por favor manténgase alejado de las puertas.”

It may seem odd but when I hear the unmistakable warning to “Please stand clear of the doors” when riding the monorail, I know I’m on home on Disney property. Over the years, the monorail spiel has been updated and new voices have replaced old favorites. With one exception. The “Por favor manténgase alejado de las puertas” portion of the track, narrated by Jack Wagner, remains the original.

“Por favor manténgase alejado de las puertas” is one of the best things I love about Disney.

Lisa M. Battista is the author of Beyond the Attractions: A Guide to Walt Disney World with Preschoolers When she’s not chasing after her little ones, you can most likely find her at the beach or in the kitchen trying her hand at a new recipe. You call follow her on Twitter @DisneyExplorer and Facebook.

Kids sail free on select 2011 Caribbean cruises

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 7, 2010

Disney Cruise Line has announced its second kids-sail-free offer for 2011. To qualify for this offer, you must book a verandah stateroom (categories 4A to 7A only) with two full-fare guests. Kids must be 17 or younger and stay in the same stateroom.

Most seven-night Caribbean cruises from Jan. 8, 2011, through March 5, 2011 — excluding Feb. 19 — are eligible. This offer is also good for the Jan. 3, 2011, five-night Bahamas cruise that has two stops at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.

The Disney Magic sails out of Port Canaveral for most of 2011, alternating itineraries between the eastern Caribbean (St. Maarten and St. Thomas/St. John) and western Caribbean (Key West, Grand Cayman and Cozumel). Both trips stop at Castaway Cay.

The number of staterooms allocated for this offer is limited. Offer valid for U.S. and Canada residents only. Government taxes and fees not included. Get a free quote at PixieVacations.com

Disney Cruise Line had previously offered the kids-sail-free promotion on its seven-day spring 2011 Mexican Riviera cruises. With Disney Cruise Line’s new ship, the Disney Dream, coming to Port Canaveral next year, the Disney Wonder moves to the West Coast. The Wonder will spend the 2011 summer season in Alaska, but spring and fall will sail to the Mexican Riviera.

Get a Free Disney Cruise Line Quote
Pixie Vacations

Disney Food Confession – Chocolate Pate

By

Chip

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September 7, 2010

What is it? Scharffen Berger Chocolate Velvet Pate with candied hazelnut creme

Where can you get it? Napa Rose, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

Photo Credit: by Disney

If you have a Disney Food Confession email [email protected] or let us know on the Disney Food Confessions Facebook page.. He is accepting Food ideas or Photos if you have them!

Reader Email: Getting the Dining Plan When You Already Have Tickets.

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 7, 2010

Reader Email: Getting the Dining Plan When You Already Have Tickets.

This question comes from Reny: “Is it possible to add a one day ticket to get the free dining plan since I already have my room and tickets?

Reny, thanks for your question. You can do this. What you’ll have to do is buy a package. Your room-only reservation can easily be converted into a package if there are rooms available under the free dining promotion. Free dining fills up pretty fast as there are only a certain number of rooms set aside for this promotion, so it benefits you to do this as soon as possible. The number of days required for free dining depends on the particular promotion. The promotion that’s out right now requires a base (no park hopper added) two-day ticket for each person who will be getting free dining on your reservation. The exception of course is children under the age of three.

Since you already have tickets, you can take your two-day tickets and put them aside. Some people take a Magic Marker and write on them so they won’t be used during their trip. They’re good indefinitely, so if you’ll be going back, you can always use them at a later time. In fact, since prices go up yearly, you can consider them an investment in your future trips. Just make sure that they’re not put on your Keys to the Kingdom (room) key when you check in. Some people have reported having this happen and then accidentally using the ticket.

This works for Annual Passholders as well. AP holders can take the tickets and apply them to new APs in the future. You can do so as well if you want to buy an AP at some point.

Good luck. I hope this helps.

Top 10 Tips for a Happy Disney Vacation with Toddlers

By

Chip

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September 7, 2010

There is something truly amazing about taking young children to Disney. Seeing the magic through the eyes of a child who sees everything innocently and as a real magical experience, of course as long as everyone remains happy and relaxed during your trip. Nothing can ruin a magical vacation faster than a cranky child.

Here are ten tips for a happy Disney Vacation with toddlers.

Daily magical surprise – Leave a magical surprise out for your child to find when waking up to help set the mood for the day. It doesn’t have to be anything large or expensive. If you know you are going to see a certain character that day for breakfast, or if you going to be seeing a certain show lay out something that relates to what you child will see that day. I find Dollar Tree stores or Walmart has small gifts, stickers, etc you can pick up pretty inexpensively to help you child get excited about that days ventures. If you have the money get them some new Disney shirts to show off that day..Who doesn’t like new clothes?
Change of Clothes – Speaking of clothes..I am sure at some point through out the day you toddler is going to get wet or dirty. Hopefully you are at the age where they have outgrown a diaper. But now the fun begins..the uh oh stage. I am sure at some point you had an accident and messed your clothes. Throw a quick change of clothes in a zip lock bag and no matter if they have an accident or get dirty waiting in line you are covered.
Moving at a toddlers pace – My wife and I are pretty hardcore when it comes to visiting the parks before we had kids. But now that we have a little one who loves to get into everything we have to slow things down a lot! When visiting the parks have 5 things you think your child would want to see and then give them an opportunity to explore. Try not to have a set schedule, take your time, relax, and have fun. If you can at least get the 5 things you wanted to see out of the way then it was a good day.
Your John Hancock please – While getting tons of souvenirs would be great if you had a money tree. Realistically you just dropped some serious cash on getting to Disney and most families have or are on a budget. A fun way your child can remember their trip is Autographs. Other than buying or making a book the autograph is free. Most characters have stamps now that look great and include a logo your child can relate to. Also when you child holds out their autograph book to get their signature it is so cute! Be sure to take tons of pictures to maybe add to their book later.
Playgrounds the lifesaver – Almost all the Disney Parks have a playground..I know what your thinking why would I goto a playground when essentially the whole park is one big playground. Well waiting in line, sitting down to eat, and just being a toddler those little rascals seem to build up energy. What better way for you to relax for a few minutes and let them expel some of that built up energy before you go and tackle that next line or meal.
They are never to old – Most parents assume since you toddler has been walking for a while now they will not need a stroller. But their little bodies can’t cover ground like you or I can, so even though it might seem like they have an endless supply of energy sometimes they need a break. Umbrella strollers are usually under $20 and make great storage for when you child is walking around. Not to mention leaning on it when you have tired feet is a great. If you can’t bring yours along you can rent one from Disney for the length of your stay for a hefty ransom.
Say Cheese – When it comes to taking pictures don’t get freaked out when your child gets scared seeing Mickey Mouse standing over 5′ tall. Unless your toddler is cool as a cucumber all the time and spits nails it gonna happen. If you have to have that picture of you little one with Tinkerbell take them back while they are passed out in the stroller, it will be something funny you can pick on them about when they get older 🙂
Gimmie a break – Snack breaks, lunch breaks, nap times. Be sure to rest often. I am sure this isn’t your last trip to Disney. Like most people you will be back again, or if you are visiting for any length of time you will be coming back to that park. So take the time to relax! Take frequent breaks use those snack coupons. Explore. Go on a boat or monorail ride…Have fun did I mention this is a vacation.
Don’t over do it – Nothing weighs you down more than loading up on carbs at a meal and heading out try to burn all those calories back off. I am no health nut nor am I a trained dietitian but I do know eating a plate full of yummy pancakes or loading up on at a All You Can Eat Buffett makes my pants fit tight and limits my maneuverability 🙂 Combine that with chasing after a toddler and you are asking for it..Be sure to keep water and juice on hand to limit dehydration, a cranky toddler makes for a bad day.
Double your pleasure -I love the parent/child swap feature at Disney (call it whatever you like). Child swap is available on most attractions at Disney. With a child swap the first person tells the cast member you have a child swap, and most times they issue you a pass, after getting the child swap pass, they will actually stand in the queue (either the FastPass or the standby line). After the first person has completed the ride, the pass is then given to the non-rider who will enter through the exit to enjoy the attraction without having to wait in line. The benefit of child swap, in addition to being available on most attractions, is that with this pass a second person can ride each time. Also the parents who are with the toddler can actually walk around and go do something else. Text messaging on your phone makes a great way to let the other parent know its their turn.

Well I hope these tips help to make your next Disney trip more enjoyable. If you have any other trips be sure to share them with us in the comment section below.

Beyond the Attractions (2011) is Available for Kindle

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 7, 2010

Beyond the Attractions (2011) is Available for Kindle — Planning a trip to Walt Disney World with preschoolers has never been easier.

NEW JERSEY September 4, 2010 – Lisa M. Battista has packed the 2011 edition of Beyond the Attractions: A Guide to Walt Disney World with Preschoolers (Kindle ASIN: B0041OSGMK) with all the information readers need to plan an unforgettable Walt Disney World vacation with children, ages 2-5.

Written by a mom and Disney veteran who regularly visits Walt Disney World with her small children, Beyond the Attractions: A Guide to Walt Disney World with Preschoolers (2011) contains child-focused information, tips and insights from a parent’s perspective. Battista includes all the up-to-date details on toddler- and preschooler-friendly attractions, recreation, lodging, and dining in Beyond the Attractions, but goes well beyond the shows, rides, resorts, and food to consider the logistical challenges that are part of traveling with small children. Learn about family-friendly services at Walt Disney World such as stroller rentals, Baby Care Centers, and child care options that will enhance your visit and the memories of your Walt Disney World vacation.

Its focus on the unique needs of preschoolers and their parents sets Beyond the Attractions apart from other guides. Battista saves parents hours of research when planning a Walt Disney World vacation that is perfect for their family with this easy-to-read, concise, yet complete Disney World travel guide.

A parent of young children and frequent Walt Disney World visitor, Battista is continually searching for new ways to enhance the magic of Walt Disney World trips with toddlers and preschoolers.

For more information, please contact Lisa M. Battista at [email protected] or visit Beyond the Attractions. To download Beyond the Attractions: A Guide to Walt Disney World with Preschoolers (2011) for Kindle, please visit Amazon.com.

Disney World Quick Tips – Do you need an annual pass?

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 7, 2010

Disney World Quick Tips – Do you need an annual pass?

A WDW annual pass gives you entry into all four parks for an entire year. It can save you money, but the savings will all depend on how you use it. Briefly, here are the perks of having an annual pass:

1. Free parking.

2. Discounts in certain Disney stores on property, primarily at Downtown Disney.

3. Discounts at a limited number of restaurants, usually around $20. This includes certain World Showcase restaurants during lunch.

4. Admission to certain passholder-only events, such as store openings or soft openings for new attractions.

5. Room-only discounts, which are generally 2 – 5 percent better than general public discounts. One benefit of these discounts is that they don’t tend to have a “book by” date, so you can get them (if they’re available) on shorter notice as long as they fall within the proper timeframe. I recently found this out when I cancelled a reservation I thought I no longer needed, only to change my mind later that day. I couldn’t get it back because it had to be booked by August 14th. I figured I would be staying off site since there were no other general public discounts until I remembered that I could still use an AP discount for that time period.

One bit of caution: If you’re buying an AP for the discounts, don’t do it. They are a nice perk, but they are never guaranteed and AP room discounts can go very quickly (which is why following a site like Mousesavers is a good idea). Whether or not you buy an AP should be based on how often you’ll visit the parks. You need an annual pass if:

1. You’re visiting the parks more than ten days on your trip. Remember that Disney park tickets are only good for ten days. After that, you’ll need to buy an another ticket even if it’s only for one day. Since tickets are loaded on the front end–i.e., they cost more for the first few days and only a few bucks a day after that–you’ll save if you buy an annual pass.

2. You are taking one long vacation (more than 4 days) and one shorter vacation in a given year. That two day visit to the parks will cost you almost as much as a five-day ticket. Combined, they’ll equal an annual pass.

3. You can stagger your yearly vacations. So say you buy an AP on June 15th. This is when you take your yearly vacation. Next year you’ll schedule your vacation time a bit earlier so that you can get in two trips.

Buying an AP requires a leap of faith, a belief that you’ll be able to visit more than once a year. In these difficult economic times, that can be a bit scary. But if you can get past that, it can be a good way to save a bit of money on your next vacation.

Tomorrow I’ll talk about upgrading your regular park tickets to an annual pass.

Mickey and Pals and Disney Villains Transform Disneyland Resort for the Halloween Season

By

Chip

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September 6, 2010

Disney villains will invade Disneyland park along with Mickey Mouse and his friends in Halloween costumes when Halloween Time returns to Disneyland Resort Sept. 17 through Oct. 31. Highlights of the Disneyland Halloween season include the return of Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy – the thrillingly “haunted” version of the popular Tomorrowland attraction – and the longtime favorite Haunted Mansion Holiday, in which Halloween and Christmas collide for an attraction inspired by “Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas.” Guests also will enjoy the new, nighttime water spectacular “World of Color,” performing nightly at Disney California Adventure park.

Halloween Time offers families a chance to enjoy seasonal attractions and décor, as well as interact with beloved Disney characters decked out in whimsical Halloween costumes. Guests also will experience spooky fun with Disney’s more sinister characters, the Disney Villains. In addition, the private-party celebration that has been so popular with guests will return for 10 special nights in October as Mickey’s Halloween Party.

Moving to Disneyland this year with a new name, Mickey’s Halloween Party is the separate-ticket event that invites adults and children to dress up in costume and trick-or-treat at the resort. This nighttime celebration is scheduled for Tuesdays and Fridays in October (1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, 22, 26 and 29) plus Halloween night itself, Sunday, Oct. 31. Highlights include:

· Trick or Treating in the ultimate Disney neighborhood, with even more treats along “Mickey’s Hide-and-Go-Treat Trails”
· New dance parties – at Tomorrowland Terrace and the French Market
· The “Halloween Screams” fireworks spectacular, hosted by “Master of Scare-omonies” Jack Skellington (presented exclusively for guests of Mickey’s Halloween Party)
· New surprises in “Mickey’s Costume Party” cavalcade, performed twice nightly
· Character photo locations featuring Mickey and his pals, princesses and other favorites
· The opportunity to arrive three hours before the party starts to play in Disneyland
· Nearly all the favorite Disneyland rides and attractions

Tickets purchased in advance for Mickey’s Halloween Party are $49 most days, while tickets purchased on the event days are $54. For Oct. 31, all tickets to Mickey’s Halloween Party are $59.

Favorite Disney characters, including Mickey himself, will dress up in their favorite costumes. It’s the ideal environment to have fun, eat special holiday treats, play interactive games, listen to “spirited” music and watch a nightly character cavalcade that celebrates the season.

For Halloween fun at Disneyland, guests will enjoy Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy in Tomorrowland. The experience begins as a typical Space Mountain adventure, but suddenly launches voyagers into a haunted section of the universe. Ghosts appear out of the starry darkness and swirling galaxies of Space Mountain, reaching out as if to grab guests as they speed through space. The exhilarating drops and curves of the journey are punctuated by piercing screams, creepy sound effects and haunting music.

Jack Skellington also returns to take over the Haunted Mansion and bring back Haunted Mansion Holiday to New Orleans Square in Disneyland. Transformed to a mix of Halloween spookiness and Christmas tradition, Haunted Mansion Holiday is inspired by the classic animated film “Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas.” Jack and his friends provide plenty of havoc and surprises as they celebrate the holidays in their unusual style. Jack’s return to the Haunted Mansion includes the traditional Halloween/Christmas gingerbread house in the Mansion Ballroom, with some special spooky surprises in this year’s design.

Halloween Time offers frightfully delightful fun for children and adults.

· For spine-tingling fun, drop in at The Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror at Disney California Adventure park, where a “supernatural” event happened on Halloween evening, 1939, forever haunting the building.
· Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland is transformed for the Pumpkin Festival. More than 300 pumpkins will be on display in shop windows and none of them are the same!
· Visitors to Big Thunder Ranch in Frontierland will find ranch animals, pumpkin carvers, Halloween décor and activities for youngsters, all presided over by Sheriff Woody.
· Meeting Disney characters will be easier than ever as Disney villains gather to plot Halloween mischief at “it’s a small world” Mall in Disneyland, while other characters in spooky attire greet guests in Town Square, Main Street, U.S.A.
· Rancho del Zocalo in Frontierland will honor Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead with traditional skeleton figures on display Sept. 19 through Nov. 2.
· Special Halloween treats will be available in Disneyland, including menu items such as Zero’s Ghostly Ghoulash, served in a dog dish in honor of Zero.
· Halloween Time gifts are offered in Disneyland Resort shops. Gifts include jack-o-lantern mouse ears and collectable pins depicting Mickey Mouse and his friends in Halloween costumes.

For more information about Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort, see www.disneyland.com/halloween. This site will be updated with frightfully fun details.

$300 Savings on Four-Day, Four-Night Vacation Package*

Value-minded vacationers can celebrate Halloween Time with a special travel offer this fall. Guests will enjoy a $300 savings on a four-day, four-night Disneyland Resort vacation package at any Disneyland Resort hotel if booked between now and Dec. 1, 2010. The package features hotel accommodations and park hopper tickets, for travel from Oct. 1 through Dec. 16, 2010. For guests seeking a hotel room-only offer, Disneyland Resort features great savings this fall at any three of its on-site deluxe hotels. Details are at www.disneyland.com/specialoffers.

Disneyland Resort features two fantastic theme parks – Disneyland and Disney California Adventure park – plus the Downtown Disney District comprised of unique dining, entertainment and shopping experiences. The resort’s three guest-welcoming hotels are the luxurious 745-room Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, the magical 988-room Disneyland Hotel and the 489-room Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel with its “day-at-the-beach” fun. For information on new attractions and vacations at Disneyland Resort visit www.disneyland.com, call 866/60-DISNEY or contact local travel agents

The Increasing Use of Technology while at the Disney Parks

By

Chip

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September 6, 2010

In this day and age most people won’t even step out their front door without a cell/smart phone. Pictures, apps, games and wireless internet are becoming everyday necessities. I myself have a Droid phone and whenever I am not moving I am on my Droid checking out a website, uploading pictures or news articles, and even playing games. Jonathan one of the writers here & I came up with a fun way of blogging while we are at the Disney Parks or Disney function. Live Blogging 🙂

You would think taking a Disney vacation would be less busy. I mean you are there to enjoy all the rides, characters, food, and all the fun things Disney has to offer. But more and more people, myself included are using Technology while on vacation. If you don’t believe me as a fun game count the number of people taking pictures, recording video, or even texting from the parks.

You can’t even browse a Disney website without a new Disney App being released. Cell Phone companies like Verizon have their own home grown apps that are available for their customers. Mobile Magic brings FASTPASS return times, attraction wait times for the park you are in, extensive information on character locations and more for Walt Disney World and Disneyland theme parks to your Verizon Wireless phone. And, even if you are not a Verizon Wireless subscriber, you can still use your mobile phone to access select park information and on the Disney Parks Mobile web sites. That is just one of the many countless applications you can use, and believe me there are alot! Another good one and one I use on my Droid Phone is Lines. I am sure you can find a review somewhere on this site..wink wink

Another way Technology is being used at Disney Parks is via video feeds/streams. U Stream will work with either a laptop of smart phone and allow you to stream live video directly from your device to the web, where people can watch and follow along with you. This was another application that I was able to test out. It worked ok, the video quality is lacking and did make it hard for people to follow along due to no stabilization . I am sure it wont be long before camcorders have a wireless feature built in or cell phone cameras jump up in picture quality.

I will say this while at Disneyworld I did not see a single wireless hotspot. Could you imagine if Disney got together with Cisco and started offering free wifi while at Disneyworld or Disneyland. (If anyone at Disney is reading this I do have prior experience setting up outdoor wireless mesh hotspots) Free wifi would open up alot of new avenues for businesses, bloggers, and videographers. I know for certain if wireless was available when I was streaming video from the park the quality would have been 100 times better.

While I am writing this article I have been trying to come up with a list of all the ways technology has found its way into the Parks, its a long list. From making the room and dining reservations, gathering park information, checking in, finding out wait times, sharing photos, videos and messages. I could go on and on. There is no mistake technology is present and here to stay.

Overall I am glad we have all the modern day advancements, it does make planning and visiting much easier. I wonder in what way technology will shape the Disney Parks in the future. To quote a line from one of the classic Disney rides.

It’s a great big beautiful tomorrow.

What are some of the ways you use technology while planning or visiting the Disney Parks? Let us know in the comment section below.

Photo from Meet the Robinsons/Disney

Paul Ngeny of Auburn California Wins Fifth Annual Disneyland Half Marathon

By

Chip

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September 6, 2010

Paul Ngeny, 31, of Auburn, Calif., led a record field of more than 14,000 registered runners Sunday at the fifth annual Disneyland Half Marathon, crossing the finish line first with a time of 1:07:24, beating the fastest Disneyland Half Marathon time by 41 seconds.

“The course was very nice and comfortable,” Ngeny said. “I liked running through the parks and all the music. I could keep on going for a hundred miles.”

Finishing just behind Ngeny was Eric Marenburg, 27, of San Diego, Calif., with a time of 1:12:10. Kevin Broady, 48, of Brea, Calif., finished third with a time of 1:12:43.

Rachel Booth, 29, of Mountain View, Calif., claimed the title of 2010 women’s champion with a time of 1:15:19, beating the fastest women’s finisher time in the history of the Disneyland Half Marathon by 00:04:04. Booth, who performed better than she expected, finished just 18 seconds off of an Olympic trial qualifier time.

“It was great. Magical,” Booth said. ”It’s in Disneyland and it’s just a happy day. Always enjoyable. Everyone was so loud and cheering.”

The women’s second-place finisher was Theresa Lowry, 36, of San Diego, Calif., with a time of 1:19:05. Susan Loken, 47, of Phoenix, AZ, took third place with a time of 1:19:13.

Other notable finishers of the 2010 Disneyland Half Marathon are Jon Megeff, 47, of Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif., who won the men’s Master’s Division (age 40+) with a time of 1:16:57, Merryt Jackman, 41, of San Diego, Calif., who topped the women’s Master’s Division (1:28:16) and Scott Parson, 51 of San Jose, Calif.,(00:56:45), and Sandi Rush, 49, of Oceanside, Calif., (1:17:06), winners of the men’s and women’s wheelchair divisions.

The fifth anniversary of “The Happiest Race on Earth” welcomed its largest registration field as more than 14,000 runners from every U.S. state and 16 countries made the magical 13.1 mile journey. The course traveled through the two Disneyland Resort theme parks – Disneyland and Disney California Adventure – and along Anaheim streets, passing landmarks such as the Honda Center and running on the field of Angel Stadium of Anaheim, while Disney characters and festive entertainment inspired runners along the way.

Participants who completed the half marathon received a special edition medal featuring Sleeping Beauty Castle circled by a vibrant number “5″ and running Mickey Mouse. Nearly 570 Legacy runners – those who completed all five Disneyland Half Marathons – received a special medal lanyard.

The third annual Coast to Coast Race Challenge medal was presented to approximately 2,350 runners who completed the Walt Disney World Marathon or Half Marathon or Disney’s Princess Half Marathon this year at Walt Disney World Resort and then also completed Sunday’s Disneyland Half Marathon. The Coast to Coast medal showcases the iconic “Partners Statue” of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse.

The 2011 Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend is scheduled for Sept. 2-4, 2011. Registration for next year’s Disneyland Half Marathon is scheduled to open Jan. 3, 2011.

During the 2010 Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend, Disney announced that Jeff Galloway, one of America’s foremost marathon trainers, will be the official training consultant to Disney’s series of endurance events, which has been rebranded runDisney. The new runDisney brand also includes a new website, rundisney.com, which provides runners with a wealth of running-related content, from Galloway training videos to endurance tips to complete runDisney event information. Additionally, newly-launched facebook.com/rundisney provides opportunities for the endurance community to connect and interact with runDisney.

The Best Thing I Love About Disney is… My Tables in Wonderland Membership

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 6, 2010

The Best Thing I Love About Disney is… My Tables in Wonderland Membership
Annual Passholders and Florida residents are eligible to purchase a Tables in Wonderland (TiW) Membership (formerly Disney Dining Experience) at Walt Disney World. The annual membership fee seems steep at first glance. A Tables in Wonderland Membership will set Florida residents back $100 and Annual Passholders $75.

What do you get for your money? TiW members receive a 20% discount on food and beverage at participating restaurants and there are a lot of them. Most restaurants that participate are table-service restaurants but there are some quick-service locations that honor the TiW. You should keep in mind that an 18% gratuity is automatically added to your check when you use TiW and the discount is only valid for parties of ten or less. TiW is not accepted on some holidays.

Why do I love TiW so much? In a word, flexibility. Oh, and how can I forget savings? Unfortunately, the Disney dining plans just don’t work for my family but I’m never one to pay full price when a discount is available. What’s a girl to do? Purchase a TiW membership, of course. The standard Disney dining plan does not include appetizers or alcoholic beverages but TiW does. My husband appreciates both when on vacation so using TiW gives us savings, flexibility, and marital harmony. Everyone can order what they want from the menu without restrictions.

So what about that steep price? We often travel with my mom and my college-age stepson so for my family, TiW pays for itself in two or three days. Considering that as Annual Passholders we routinely spend 10+ days at WDW in any given year, the savings really do add up.

If you’re a Florida resident or an Annual Passholder, compare the TiW discount against the Disney dining plan. You may be surprised at which fits your family best.

Lisa M. Battista is the author of Beyond the Attractions: A Guide to Walt Disney World with Preschoolers When she’s not chasing after her little ones, you can most likely find her at the beach or in the kitchen trying her hand at a new recipe. You call follow her on Twitter @DisneyExplorer and Facebook.