Paul Ngeny of Auburn California Wins Fifth Annual Disneyland Half Marathon

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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

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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.

Disney Food Confession – Colony Salad

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 6, 2010

Disney Food Confession – Colony Salad
What is it? A delicious salad with sweet apples, smoked cheddar, candied pecans, grilled chicken, and a light vinaigrette.

Where can you get it? Liberty Tree Tavern, Liberty Square Walt Disney World

Why you’ll love it? Each forkful is the perfect combination of flavor and texture. You’ll experience sweet, savory, crisp, and crunch in every bite.

Photo Credit: Meg from The Disney Foodie

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.

Excerpt 4: Beyond the Attractions: A Guide to Walt Disney World with Preschoolers (2011)

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 6, 2010

Excerpt 4: Beyond the Attractions: A Guide to Walt Disney World with Preschoolers (2011)
When most people think of Walt Disney World, they think Magic Kingdom and Cinderella Castle. But Disney World has grown over the years and there are now four major theme parks on property for guests to visit. This complicates matters. How do you divide your time between the parks? There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Lots of factors, such as length of stay, the ages and abilities of your travel party, touring style, and even personal preferences – do you enjoy classic Disney attractions or can’t get enough of thrill rides – influence touring plans.

For a seven-day vacation, most families will have five days to tour the theme parks and two travel days. A safe bet is to spend two days at the Magic Kingdom and one day at each of the three remaining theme parks – Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. However, with work schedules and family obligations, a one-week vacation can be a luxury that I don’t always have. What if you have less time at Walt Disney World and need to prioritize the theme parks you’ll visit?

The excerpt below from the 2011 edition of my book, Beyond the Attractions: A Guide to Walt Disney World with Preschoolers, takes a look at the best theme parks for small children, ages 2-5.

Excerpt 1, excerpt 2, and excerpt 3 can be found here at Chip and Company. Beyond the Attractions (2011) will be published in October 2010 but the eBook is available now for Amazon’s Kindle.

Best Preschooler Theme Parks

Hands down, the Magic Kingdom is the most preschooler-friendly park and families should plan on spending at least two days there; this provides enough opportunity to experience the headliner attractions at a moderate pace while enjoying an afternoon rest period.

The second best park for preschoolers is a toss-up between Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. If your preschoolers love animals, my pick would be Animal Kingdom. The wonderful stage shows and ample opportunities to view animals put it over the top. If your child is a huge fan of Playhouse Disney and the Little Mermaid, Disney’s Hollywood Studios may your child’s favorite park after Magic Kingdom. Disney’s Hollywood Studios features more shows than rides for preschoolers; it also has one of the best playgrounds at the Walt Disney World Resort.

Epcot is often overlooked as a theme park for small children and it’s a shame. Although it wouldn’t be the first Walt Disney World theme park I would recommend for small children, it is worth a visit if you have more than four days to visit the theme parks, especially if your little ones are more adventurous and want to try the headliner attractions, Soarin’, and Test Track. The pathways are wider and this park is often less-crowded than other Disney World parks. Another benefit is the Character Greetings in World Showcase which feature popular characters with shorter waits than at Magic Kingdom. The Winter Holidays and the Flower and Garden Festival in the spring are great times to introduce kids to Epcot.

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.

Disney World Quick Tips – Dealing with difficult people (who happen to be related to you).

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 6, 2010

Disney World Quick Tips – Dealing with difficult people (who happen to be related to you).

There’s one in every family, the guy (or woman) who doesn’t like Disney. Maybe you’re even married to “that guy.” My advice is don’t fight it. Not everyone gets the magic of Disney. Some people hate the heat, the crowds, and the expense. Some people are just, well I’ll just say it: They’re grumpy. Here’s some ideas for going with the flow when Grumpy is tagging along on your trip:

1. Don’t do character meals. Seriously, do I even need to mention this? This is a Disney phobes nightmare that encompasses everything they hate about Disney World. No one wants pictures of Grumpy with a constipated look on his face, staring down Piglet because he dared to give him a hug. On second thought, that is kind of funny, but not funny enough to pay $40 for and to hear him complain about it for the rest of the trip. Leave Grumpy back in the room. He can watch Stacy. Everyone likes Stacy.

2. Don’t talk about your touring plans to Grumpy before the trip. The less Grumpy knows about it the better.

3. Don’t schedule elaborate magical moments. I see this happening a lot and it can be great if both people like the same things. Many people, for example, might appreciate a professional photo session on the beach at the Poly. Grumpy would rather have a root canal. And for goodness sake, cancel that $300 Mickey gift basket you’re having delivered to the room. Grumpy doesn’t want roses and an autographed picture of Mickey. He wants hot wings and a football game, all of which he can get at the ESPN Zone. So go there and humor him. It’s his vacation too.

4. Encourage Grumpy to spend some time by the pool or go golfing or try the zillion other activities that don’t take place in the parks.

5. Finally, and this is the most important, don’t take things personally. People you love don’t have to like the same things you do. Carve out quality time each day to spend together, whether it’s a few hours each morning in the parks or a nice dinner at the end of the day. This doesn’t mean you have to give Grumpy a complete pass: He did, after all, agree to go on this vacation and good manners and common decency require that he not act like a jerk. But understand where Grumpy is coming from. Chances are if both of you talk about your expectations without getting emotional before you leave, you’ll find a way to meet in the middle.

And of course, if all else fails, leave Grumpy at home back in the mines and go have fun without him.

Disney Dream Sets Sail on Maiden Voyage Jan 26th 2011

By

Chip

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September 5, 2010

The newest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, Disney Dream, will set sail on her maiden voyage Jan. 26, 2011, from Port Canaveral, Fla. Taking family cruising to all-new heights, Disney Dream embraces the spirit of innovation, magical family entertainment and immersive experiences that have made Disney Cruise Line the preeminent choice for families since 1998.

Two decks taller than the existing Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, the new 4,000-passenger liner increases the passenger capacity for Disney Cruise Line by nearly 75 percent.

The Disney Dream also expands the one-of-a-kind family experience guests enjoy while on a Disney Cruise Line vacation. Here are some of the highlights:

• The ship will feature a first-of-its-kind water coaster – AquaDuck – that will send guests racing above and around the upper decks of the ship.
• Animator’s Palate restaurant will magically transform into an undersea wonderland with live, impromptu interactions with Crush, the animated sea turtle from Disney•Pixar’s “Finding Nemo.”
• Elaborately themed children’s spaces will immerse children in their favorite Disney stories and feature some of today’s most innovative technology.
• A nighttime entertainment district just for adults will be filled with sophisticated, trendy, fanciful and fun-filled venues.
• Inside staterooms will have a “special” view thanks to a cruise industry first, the “virtual porthole” concept.

The Disney Dream will sail alternating three- and four-night cruises to the Bahamas and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. During summer 2011, the ship will sail four- and five-night itineraries with two stops at Castaway Cay.

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a cruise vacation onboard the Disney Dream, guests can visit disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888/DCL-2500 or contact their travel agent.

2011 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival Celebration

By

Chip

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September 5, 2010

More than 30 million blooms in artfully designed floral beds, floral islands, vibrant rose gardens and larger-than-life topiaries will grace the 300 acres of Future World and World Showcase during the 18th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, scheduled to take place at the Walt Disney World theme park March 2 through May 15, 2011.

In addition to the brilliant horticulture displays, guests also can hear from celebrity guest speakers, participate in hands-on seminars and experience innovative planting demonstrations and exhibits.

A favorite festival tradition is the lineup of concerts in the Flower Power concert series. Artists and groups will take the stage in World Showcase to add some tuneful fun to the floral festivities.

Guests can obtain more information about the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival by calling 407/W-DISNEY or online at www.disneyworld.com/flower or www.disneyparks.com/blog (online information will be updated as it is received). Most activities at the 18th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival will be included in regular Epcot admission.

Atlanta Braves’ Spring Training 2011 Returns to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex

By

Chip

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September 5, 2010

The National League powerhouse Atlanta Braves will return for their 14th consecutive exhibition season at Walt Disney World Resort in March 2011.

Champion Stadium at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex – where the Atlanta Braves will once again take the field to prepare for the regular season – features more than 9,500 seats, along with luxury skyboxes, suites and patios. The stadium offers many of the amenities of today’s major league ballparks in an intimate sports setting like no other. There’s even seating on grassy knolls that harkens back to the early days of baseball.

For more information, guests can visit www.espnwwos.com, www.disneyparks.com/blog or call 407/939-GAME. Fans also can follow Disney Sports and ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on Twitter (@DisneySports).

*Note: Schedule, ticket plans and pricing for Atlanta Braves Spring Training 2011 will be available in fall 2010.

2010 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival by the numbers

By

Chip

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September 5, 2010

Walt Disney World guests can sip great wines, savor new tastes and enjoy live entertainment all day long as the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival celebrates 15 years of Delicious Discoveries Oct. 1-Nov. 14, 2010.

The six-week outdoor festival at Disney’s Epcot theme park serves up authentic cuisine; wine, beer and spirits; entertainment; and cultural exhibits of more than 25 international regions. Exotic marketplaces from South Korea to Belgium offer exciting taste treats. The festival is the largest food and wine event of its kind in the world, beginning at the Festival Welcome Center in Future World and fanning around the promenade encircling World Showcase Lagoon.

Here are some facts about the 15th annual event:

· More than 300 national and international wines

· 45 fabulous days long

· More than 75 kinds of international foods, each appetizer-sized portion priced $3-$8

· More than 270 chefs including America’s most celebrated culinarians and Walt Disney World chefs

· 405 wine and beer seminars

· More than 1,200 fireworks rockets exploding each night over World Showcase Lagoon in“IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” grand finale to the festival

· 135 Eat to the Beat! concerts performed

· 33,000 bottles of wine and champagne

· 690,000 sumptuous samplings

· 338,000 wine glasses

· 100,000 desserts including freshly baked waffles with berry compote and whipped cream (Belgium marketplace), pear streusel pudding cake (Desserts & Champagne marketplace) and chocolate cannoli (Italy marketplace)

· 3,000 gallons of soup, including best-selling cheddar cheese soup (Canada marketplace), chicken soup with rice (Puerto Rico marketplace) and bison chili with wild mushrooms (United States marketplace)

Highlights from 2010 Walt Disney World Marathon

By

Chip

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September 5, 2010

Highlight video of past 2010 Disney World Marathons.

Last Call for Maliboomer

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 5, 2010

Last Call for Maliboomer

Guests at the Disneyland Resort will have their last chance to ride the Maliboomer in California Adventure on Monday. The ride is scheduled to close for demolition after Labor Day weekend.

The tower, which thrusts riders 180 feet in the air in a matter of a few short seconds, will be removed from Paradise Pier because it does not fit with the new park theme. The new theme will throw park guests back in time to the early 1900′s. Maliboomer’s architecture does not reflect the time period.

A Facebook page Save the Maliboomer was created, but did not affect Disney’s plans to demolish the attraction.

Disney Suggestion Box

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 5, 2010

Disney Suggestion Box
If Disney had a virtual suggestion box, here would be my request.

Dear Disney,

It’s not often I think you’ve been bested. In fact, the Disney experience is so exemplary it is the standard by which I judge my other customer experiences. Which, when thinking about it, is not the best approach for me to take – the other businesses never compare and inevitably I end up disappointed muttering something like “it just isn’t Disney” under my breath. That is until this week. So, what company dares to threaten your dominance in the customer service market? Ikea and its Ikea Café.

Let me give you some background. We’re an average family – two adults, three kids; two are under the age of five, one mainly rides in a stroller. When we grab quick service, it goes something like this. I scan the dining area for an empty table that I desperately hope doesn’t require a biohazard team to clean while my husband has the enviable mission of securing the table. He holds down the fort with the kids while I go in search of food. Since becoming a mom, I’ve mastered the fine and ancient art of carrying twice my weight in children, diaper bags, toys, packages, groceries, and even an umbrella without missing a step. This makes me well prepared to navigate an obstacle course of tables and chairs, an ice cream cone that was the victim of an unfortunate spill, and even the occasional errant child who darts in my path, all while juggling trays of hot food, drink, utensils, and piles of napkins. But, do I want to show off my mad mom skills every time we eat? Not especially. With the customer experience at Ikea’s Cafe, I didn’t have to carry trays precariously stacked with food and drink. So what is this modern marvel that transformed the way I experienced quick-service dining with the kids?

The Ikea Tray Cart.

Disney Suggestion Box — The next best thing in quick-service dining.

Your eyes do not deceive you. This cell phone picture (sorry, I didn’t have a camera) is of a cart that holds three trays containing meals, including beverages and desserts, for three adults and two children.

Using the incredibly maneuverable cart, I was able to singlehandedly purchase and deliver food for five with a baby perched on my hip and only one hand on the cart.

Disney, there is a better way to experience quick-service dining. Just as disposable diapers, infant car seats that snap into strollers, and Velcro instead of laces on shoes make for an easier parenting experience, so will a maneuverable tray carrier for quick-service dining locations.

For all the caregivers, please take this suggestion to implement a solution for a person to easily transport multiple trays in your quick-service locations under consideration. You could be at the forefront of a revolution in how we experience quick-service dining with children.

Sincerely,

Lisa M. Battista

Photo Credit: Laura DelTufo

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.