0 Days to Go!: Happy Travels!

It's time! Happy and safe traveling!

See ya real soon!

Disney Trivia! 

Yesterday's Question:

Q: Why is there one unfinshed steeple on Sleeping Beauty's Castle at Disneyland? 

A: This is because Walt wanted all of his castmembers to see it and remember that Disneyland is never finished.

1 Day to Go: It's Time to Pack!

It's that time! The time when all procrastinators decide we cannot wait any longer and we need to pack everything for our trip!

Things to remember:

1) Good shoes. Lots of walking in Disney. Even though Disneyland is smaller (and we aren't running a challenge), we still will be covering a bunch of ground. Rain is not in the forecast but I suggest still taking two pairs of tennis shoes so that you have a spare just in case.

2) Weather looks like it's going to be a consistent temperature between 75-80 for the high and lows in the upper 50's. No rain in the forecast. I love California! Bring a light sweater for evenings.

3) Don't leave your costume at home!

4) Running Gear: Fuel belts, headphones, sunglasses, etc. Oh, and don't leave your socks at home!

5) Essential Oils make post race much happier!

I have tickets, waivers, hotel vouchers and coupons with me. So don't worry about that!

Happy packing!

Disney Trivia!

Yesterday's Question:
Q: When "America Sings" in Disneyland's tomorrowland closed in 1988, what ride were most of it's audio-animatronics relocated to before its premiere the following year?
A: Splash Mountain

Today's Question:
Q: Why is there one unfinshed steeple on Sleeping Beauty's Castle at Disneyland?

2 Days to Go: Wine and Dine!

Our most recent romp to Disney was to participate in the Disney Wine and Dine Race!

This was a trip to remember. Isn't it odd that the trips with the most things that didn't go to plan end up making the best stories? Well this one definitely fit that category!

We ended up getting delayed because of lightning and impending weather. They needed to cut the race length in half making this our official first quarter marathon!

Pre-rain delay!

Toy Story Characters in front of Midway Mania!

But what that afforded us was 1) the ability to run mostly as a family! That definitely wouldn't have happened with a longer course. 2) we finished earlier and got to eat more!

The Osbourne Lights were definitely a highlight of the course. So many twinkling lights!

Hi Jesus!

All in all, it wasn't the race we trained for but it was definitely one of the most fun. We even made it to our hotel without falling asleep on our feet!

Let's relive it!

Disney Trivia!

Yesterday's Question:

Q: What is significant about the Star Tours Attraction? 

A: It was the first simulator at a Disney Park.

Today's Question:

Q: When "America Sings" in Disneyland's tomorrowland closed in 1988, what ride were most of it's audio-animatronics relocated to before its premiere the following year?

3 Days to Go: Paint the Night Parade!

One of the most raved about things Disneyland has added for the 60th anniversary, is the Paint the Night Parade. Taking the Electrical Parade to a new level with modern technology, the parade has made it's way to top reviews by many Disney enthusiasts.

Photo from Disneytouristblog.com

There are several floats in the parade, including Cars, Monster's Inc, and of course, Mickey!

Photo from Disneytouristblog.com

This parade has been described as "just plain old fun." I personally can't wait to experience the upbeat music and see all the amazing performers. It's been killer keeping myself from looking for any spoilers! So let's move on to...

Disney Trivia!

Yesterday's Question:

Q: In Beauty and the Beast, when Maurice gets lost in the woods and tries to read the signs, one of them points to an out of place city. Which city is it and what is its significance? 

A: Anaheim, which is the name of the city where Disneyland is located.

Today's Question:

Q: What is significant about the Star Tours Attraction?

4 Days to Go: Princess Half and the Glass Slipper Challenge!

Just 24 hours after completing their first race, Maddie and Mom were back at it, with a half marathon on the line!

Ready to go!

Let the race begin!!

Halfway at the castle!

Finished!

With our bling!

This was one of the most exciting races we did...because we did it together!!

Disney Trivia!
Yesterday's Question:
Q: What popular snack chip was originated in Disneyland after the owner of Frito Lay opened a restaurant on the property?
A: Doritos

Today's Question:
Q: In Beauty and the Beast, when Maurice gets lost in the woods and tries to read the signs, one of them points to an out of place city. Which city is it and what is its significance?

5 Days to Go: Princess Enchanted 10K!

Once Upon A Time there were four princesses who decided to run through the Happiest Place on Earth!

On the course at mile 5!

Princesses with their bling!

So much fun!

We donned our princess running shoes and sported our sparkly skirts through 6 (.2) miles of awesome-ness!

Disney Trivia!

Yesterday's Question: 

Q: The organ in Disneyland's Haunted Mansion was orginially used in another attraction, which one? 

A: 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea

Today's Question:

Q: What popular snack chip was originated in Disneyland after the owner of Frito Lay opened a restaurant on the property? 

6 Days to Go: Plussed for Disneyland 60!

Disney made some changes to classic rides in celebration of their 60th anniversary. Not big changes, mind you. But little plusses to make the ride more exciting! The two big ones are Peter Pan's flight and the Matterhorn. However, these aren't on our touring plan. So which ride's plus do we most care about? The Haunted Mansion!

Photo from disneytouristblog.com

The Hatbox Ghost was originally in the Haunted Masion at Disneyland when it opened in 1969. He was a central figure in promotional materials when Disney first advertised the world's first haunted mansion ride (where you didn't have to walk through it like other scare houses). Disney was taking the haunted house to a whole new level and the Hatbox Ghost was a big part of that. His head disappears from on top of his shoulders and reappears in the hatbox itself. 

Unfortunately, Imagineers were not happy with the quality of the effect and he was taken out of the attraction for a very long time. Yet many still had a fondness for the old ghost. Disney sold many merchandise items with his ghoulish face featured and even featured him in a recent cartoon. However, now for the 60th, the Hatbox Ghost is back, featuring new technology, in his old spot next to the bride. 

Does this mean that the mansion no longer has 999 haunts but is at full capacity? Maybe we will be let off the hook for filling that vacancy for the next time we ride!

Disney Trivia! 

Yesterday's Question:

Q: What is the name of the 100 year old Alligator in the Jungle Cruise attraction? 

A: Old Smiley

Today's Question: 

Q: The organ in Disneyland's Haunted Mansion was orginially used in another attraction, which one?

7 Days to Go: Disneyland Half!

With the Dumbo Double Dare, that means that we are running a 10K followed by a half marathon! The Avengers assembled and were ready to rock the race!

Everyone with their bling!

Like my shield?

That's five medals for the year including our Coast to Coast!

This race was so much fun!

Disney Trivia!
Yesterday's Question:
Q: How many Doom Buggies are there in Disneyland's and Walt Disney World's Haunted Mansions?
A: Disneyland: 131; Walt Disney World: 160. Disneyland's 131 Doom Buggies can average approximately 2,000-2,400 guests per hour while Walt Disney World averages 3,200.

Today's Question:
Q: What is the name of the 100 year old Alligator in the Jungle Cruise attraction?

8 Days to Go: Disneyland 10K!

Today we are taking the Tardis back to summer of 2014 to the last time we got to visit Disneyland! We ran the Dumbo Double Dare over Labor Day weekend and we were having a blast! Probably the best 10K course we have ever run at Disney.

Walle and Eva - rouge robots!

All smiles for a PR!

Let's watch!

Yesterday's Question:
Q: When Disneyland's Monorail first opened in 1959 it was the first daily operating monorail in the country. What was it called when it first opened?
A: Disneyland-Alweg Monorail System (Alweg was the German Based Company that assisted in its design).

Today's Question:
Q: How many Doom Buggies are there in Disneyland's and Walt Disney World's Haunted Mansions?

9 Days to Go: Season of the Force!

Star Wars is taking over the park, probably even more than Frozen did. So what new galaxies do we have to explore during our trip? Well let's find out!

First port on the space flight is the new Star Wars Launch Bay. It seems to be mainly a place for people to go learn about Star Wars (if, heaven help us, they haven't seen the movie) and there is supposedly a couple of character meet and greets as well.

Entrance
From Disneytouristblog.com

Star Wars Launch Bay
From Disneytouristblog.com

The other interesting exhibit is the Path of the Jedi. From what I can tell, it combines all the movies into one short film, chronicling Luke's path to becoming a Jedi. Probably worth a stop if we have time!

But the most exciting new piece of the rebel alliance? Hyperspace Mountain! 

Hyperspace Mountain
From Disneytouristblog.com

Come on...add the best coaster with a trip through the Star Wars Galaxy??? Sign me up!

May the force be with us.

Disney Trivia!

Yesterday's Question:

Q: What is the order (From Lowest to the Highest) of the 4 Disney Castles located in WDW, Disneyland, Disneyland Paris and Tokyo Disneyland? 

A: Disneyland's Sleeping beauty Castle: 77 Feet, Disneyland Paris' Sleeping Beauty Castle: 148 Feet, Walt Disney World's Cinderella Castle: 180 Feet, Tokyo Disneyland's Cinderella Castle 185 Feet.

Today's Question:

Q: When Disneyland's Monorail first opened in 1959 it was the first daily operating monorail in the country. What was it called when it first opened?

10 Days to Go: Disneyworld Marathon!

Well, we can never do any of these countdowns without reliving the granddaddy of them all...the Disneyworld Marathon!

Let's relive the magic!

Disney Trivia!
Yesterday's Question:
Q: What was the quote that Walt Disney used in the dedication of Disneyland's Fantasyland?
A: "Fantasyland is dedicated to the young and the young at heart; to those who believe that when you wish upon a star, your dreams do come true."

Today's Question:
Q: What is the order (From Lowest to the Highest) of the 4 Disney Castles located in WDW, Disneyland, Disneyland Paris and Tokyo Disneyland?

11 days to Go: Toronto!

Last year we took a wet trip to Toronto!

Arrived!

Signing the wall!

Beautiful view of the bay!

At the spotify station!

Hockey anyone?

It's Lord Stanley's Cup!!!

About mile 4!

All smiles at the finish!

It was a great time together, despite the weather! Let's watch!

Disney Trivia!
Yesterday's Question:
Q: When Disneyland First opened in 1955 who bought the very first admission ticket at a cost of $1?
A: Walt's Brother Roy

Today's Question:
Q: What was the quote that Walt Disney used in the dedication of Disneyland's Fantasyland?

12 Days to Go: Time Travel to Washington D.C.!

Back in 2014, we made a little trip to Washington D.C. for the Nike Women's Half Marathon!

At the Expo!

Found our names on the wall!

Cheers go a long way!

Breaking records!

Screaming' to the finish line!

Dad tracking our progress!

Start line...

Finish bling! 

It was such a great race! Let's relive it!

Disney Trivia!
Yesterday's Question:
Q: In WDW's Haunted Mansion is the ceiling stretching or are you actually being lowered? What about in Disneyland??
A: In WDW the ceiling rises while in Disneyland you are in an elevator and are being lowered.

Today's Question:

Q: When Disneyland First opened in 1955 who bought the very first admission ticket at a cost of $1?

13 days to Go: Corral Assignments!

We both submitted a time just around the 2:30 mark. Which according to Disney makes us the front of the C corral!

As long as we get to the front of our corral, I think we will have a good chance to see characters with little line if we choose to do so!

Disney Trivia!
Yesterday's Question:
Q: Including Main Street, how many stops does the Disneyland Railroad make? And name them if you can.
A: 4; Main Street USA; New Orleans Square; Mickey's Toontown; and Tomorrowland.

Today's Question:
Q: In WDW's Haunted Mansion is the ceiling stretching or are you actually being lowered? What about in Disneyland??

14 Days to Go: The Tinkerbell Event Guide!

We are just 2 weeks out from a magical Disney trip! We have a ton of great stuff on the itinerary including rides, Star Wars, great food and of course, fun!

The event guide for the Tinkerbell Half Marathon came out! So be sure to check out all the going ons and the maps. It looks like our commute to the starting line is going to be AWESOME!

The link to the event guide: http://as1.wdpromedia.com/media/rundisney/2016TinkProgram.pdf

Disney Trivia!

Q: Including Main Street, how many stops does the Disneyland Railroad make? And name them if you can.