runDisney 2019 Race Registrations Coming Up

Remember that one time that I lived out my dream of running a race at Disney World?  Best.  Day.  Ever!  Well it's your turn now!  

Race registrations for 2019 events have been on hold while runDisney implemented a new race registration system. But they are scheduled now!  Under the new system guests will be able to register for races using their Disney account. Guests will also be able to register multiple participants at the same time and use payment options such as Disney gift cards. Registration dates are as follows:

-- 2019 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend - January 9-13.
Registration begins at 11am CST on July 19, 2018.

-- 2019 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend - February 21-24.
Registration begins at 11am CST on August 7, 2018.

-- 2019 Star Wars Rival Run Weekend - April 4-7.
Registration begins at 11am CST on August 28, 2018.

Take a look at my previous blog post about my experiences at a runDisney event by clicking here!  Remember that my planning services are completely FREE if you book your trip through me.  And having done a race here myself, I have lots of tips to help you.

Keep in mind that on my previous blog post, I mention to sign up for an active.com account to make registration day smoother - that's no longer the process.  Just use your Disney sign on!!  If you're thinking of registering and want to chat before you do or want me to be available if you need help that day, just give me a shout.  It's non-refundable so make sure you want to do it before signing up!

Let me help you make a bunch of wonderful memories with very few blisters...  Call me today and let's get you an awesome medal!!

Want to Know the Best Locations to View the Fireworks at Disney World?

Sure, you can easily follow the crowds and find a spot to watch the fireworks that Disney does so well.  You’ll be able to see them from multiple locations.  Some spots are better than others though - read on to see my favorite viewing spots at the different parks…

Disney World - Magic Kingdom - 

Wishes - Magic Kingdom’s nightly fireworks show - ends this week and is being replaced by Happily Ever After.  To see the entire show with all of the amazing castle projection elements, fireworks and Tinkerbell flying, you’ll want a spot in front of the castle.  Those can be hard to get if you’re not willing to line up and wait forever before the show.

I like to head towards the bridge that connects Main Street with Liberty Square - it’s just a little South and West of the castle.  Not too many line up here and if you’re lucky you can lean on the bridge railing and get a great view of the castle with the fireworks reflecting in the water below.  Bonus points since this spot is close to Aloha Isle.  Grab a Dole Whip before the show starts and you’ll be in heaven.

We happened to get behind the castle once just as the fireworks were beginning and it’s an amazing spot.  You can’t see the projections and some of the lower fireworks are blocked by the castle itself, but you feel like you are in the middle of them.  They shoot off of the buildings that house Peter Pan.  Stand in the area between “it’s a small world” and Peter Pan and then prepare yourself for the noise.  It’s a great spot if you’ve seen the show before and want to feel a bit like you’re backstage.  Just keep in mind that they block off access to the castle during the show so you’re sort of stuck back there until the fireworks are over.

If you're the type to want to hit the road the second the last pop is popped, then consider watching from the end of Main Street (towards the entrance).  

You can even see a good portion of the show outside of Magic Kingdom on the beach areas of The Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Ticket and Transportation Center, and The Contemporary. These spots pipe in the music from the show which adds to the fun.

Disney World - Epcot - 

Illuminations is one of the best fireworks/laser shows around.  At one point, the huge fireball actually singes your eyebrows which is fun.  You can get a great viewing spot all around the lagoon of the World Showcase. 

The only thing to consider here is if you’re trying to hurry out after the show.  In that case you’ll want to be near the exit towards Future World or the exit behind the United Kingdom that leads to the Boardwalk and Beach Club Resorts.

Disney World - Hollywood Studios - 

There are 2 options for fireworks shows here:  Fantasmic and the Star Wars Galactic Spectacular.  

Fantasmic takes place in an outdoor theater and you’ll want to sit in the middle or the back for the best views.  Also, the front has a bit of a splash zone so if you don’t like the idea of getting wet, be sure to sit back a bit!

I prefer to sit or even just stand near the exit.  It’s a huge theater and nearly everyone in the park goes to this show.  That means if you aren’t near an exit, it will take a while to leave once the show ends.  

Normally, I’m not in a huge rush to leave a Disney attraction, but in this case, I do rush out.  If you want to see the Star Wars Galactic Spectacular, you’ll need to do your best fast-walk (no running in the parks!) over to the Chinese Theater since it starts basically at the same time that Fantasmic ends.  Find a spot where you can see the Chinese Theater since a good portion of the show is a projection up onto that building.

I was blown away - literally - by this show.  If you’re even the tiniest bit a Star Wars fan, don’t miss this one.  I think it would be pretty amazing even if you weren’t a fan at all. 

Honestly, if you have kids or are slow walkers and don’t know if you’d make both, I’d opt for the Star Wars show over Fantasmic.

Disney World - Animal Kingdom - 

Rivers of Light is a fairly new show offered at Animal Kingdom.  Sad to say I haven’t seen this one for myself yet but I do know that seating is limited and it’s back by Expedition Everest. It’s not a fireworks show, but more of a floating parade with lights.  I hear it’s really pretty and peaceful.  There are a few bridges from which you can catch a glimpse but the best seats are in the designated seating areas.  If you watch this one, let me know what you think!!

What’s Happening at Disneyland this Spring?

Thinking of going to Disneyland sometime soon?  There’s a lot going on there this Spring!

Valentine's Day

Restaurants around the Disneyland Resort and in the Parks will offer special menus for Valentine's Day.  Also, special Valentine's Day cotton candy will be available.

Easter

Beginning in March:  Egg-stravaganza!

Search for special hidden “eggs” themed to Disney characters and record your discoveries by placing the corresponding sticker on the specially themed Egg-stravaganza map to represent that location. Maps and stickers can be purchased at the parks.

Return your map to a redemption location in the parks or in the Downtown Disney District to pick up a surprise!

Disneyland Resort Hotel restaurants also offer special Easter dinners. 

Star Wars Day

Disneyland Park celebrates May the 4th with special events and merchandise. 

Disneyland park is the place to be on this special day as we celebrate Star Wars! Tomorrowland is filled with galactic experiences like Star Wars Launch Bay and Hyperspace Mountain, and on May 4, fans can join in even more special celebrations!

Jedi and Sith alike can find special commemorative merchandise and all-new Star Wars collector glasses. And be sure to capture your memories from the day at a unique, themed photo location.

Cinco de Mayo

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with special menus at Tortilla Jo’s.

Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend - Registration available NOW!

May 11 - 14, 2017

It's the stuff dreams are made of – sprinkled with a whimsical dose of pixie dust! The Tinker Bell Half Marathon, hosted by Never Land's very own pixie, Tinker Bell, and Peter Pan, is 13.1 miles of amazing sights, sounds, and experiences. You can run, you can run, you can run, to "earn" your wings on this extraordinary adventure that takes you through Never Land and the spectacular Disneyland® Resort and continues along the historic and colorful streets of Anaheim. Then get set for an incredible storybook finish and your very own Tinker Bell inspired finisher medal. 

Mother’s Day at the Disneyland Resort

May 14, 2017 - Mother’s Day is a special day at the Disneyland Resort. Along with flowers for all Moms, Disney also offers special Mother’s Day dining options - reservations recommended.