Running around the world

So I have run two races at Walt Disney World. I ran the half marathon in 2010 and then the full marathon in 2011. Both of the races were very cool and very challenging. But something that I was very excited to do.

The Half Marathon course is not as scenic as the Full but it was still a very rewarding experience. It starts in the Epcot Parking lot and you run to the Magic Kingdom. You enter in from backstage and then you run down mainstreet. There was nothing like running down Mainstreet USA. To look ahead of you and see the castle was a very cool experience. It then took you around through tomorrow land and up to Frontierland and then back behind Splash Mountain. And then the run back to Epcot. That was the worst part. Having to run down the high way twice. It just seemed like there was not much to look at. But you finished running through Epcot and then back down to the finish line. It was a fun course and one I will do again.

The Full is certainly much better in terms of things to look at. But that is because it is so much longer. It starts in Epcot just like the half. And it goes through part of Epcot. You run through Future world and then into the Mexico. You exit out backstage through Japan. From there you are on your way to the Magic Kingdom. It is a long run down the highway to the Magic Kingdom. Then you run the magic kingdom and out the back and on your way to the Animal Kingdom. The run through the animal Kingdom was my favorite. I really like that park and there is so much to look at it. It was way cool. From there you run to Hollywood studios. This is also a really cool run. You run through the backlot tour. And then from there you are almost done. You take the back route to Epcot. We ran by the boardwalk, Swan, and Yacht and beach club. And then back into Epcot in the United kingdom. And then all the way through the world showcase and then through future world and then out to the finish line.

That was a very basic run down of the race courses. I could have talked about it for days. One of the things that makes these races so much for run to in, is all of the stuff going on during the race. They have costumed characters all of the race course that people were stopping and getting their pictures taken. There were even a few people that ran and stopped to ride Expedition Everest. But just when you think you are tired of running you see something that will keep you going. I don't think that I would want to run a race in any other place because there can't be as much to watch.

I would recommend that people looking for a race choose to run a Disney race. It is for runners and non-runners a like. And totally worth it.

Touring the Galaxy

So in 2 days they are going to opening up the new Star Tours. My friends are actually riding it today. I am waiting to hear back from them. But on some of the things that I have already heard is that it is awesome. They have added 3-D effects to this ride and I am very excited for that.

They have also added random elements to the ride. It can go to different destinations. They say that you would have to ride it 6 hours straight before you saw all of the random elements. And that is so very cool to me. It has always been one of my favorite rides. I know that it was built in the 90s but it was still one of those rides that I will go on over and over again. Just walking through the Ewok village is really cool. If you listen closely you will hear the Ewoks talking in the trees. and AT-AT is such an awesome picture opportunity.

And a few years ago they built a Jedi Academy stage. This is a really fun place to go and watch the kids battle Darth Vador in light saber battles. If you want to get your kid on stage to do this activity make sure that you get there early. The shows are multiple times in a day.

It just so happens to coincide with Star Wars weekends. Star Wars weekends have always been a really cool time to go to Hollywood Studios. It is crowded but a lot of fun for the Star Wars fans. This year the Star Wars celebs are not as big names but there are still some cool people. Ray Parks is going to be there. He played Darth Maul and does some really cool stuff at his question and answer times. I think that he is going to be there two weekends.

They also offer a lot of exclusive Star Wars weekend merchandise. You could spend an hour walking through the merchandise area and just looking at everything. They have these things called Big Figs that you have to check out. One of my favorite is Mickey Mouse dressed up like Luke Skywalker with Yoda on his back. It is really awesome. Or Goofy as Darth Vador with his red Mickey Boxers on. Very funny. They also had the Muppets dressed as Star Wars characters as well.

So if you get a chance go and check out Star Tours or Star Wars weekends. I know if I was down there I would totally go.

"The force will be with you. Always."

A Pirates life for me

So a week from today I will be getting my ticket to go and see the new Pirates movie. I have not kept it a secret that the Pirates movies are some of my favorites of all time. I have been very excited to see this movie since I heard they announced it at the D23 expo a few years ago.

From everything that I have seen of the movie it is going to continue on with the same style and feel that the last 3 had. I was glad to see that Geoffrey Rush was back in the film. Barbossa is one of the best characters in the show. And the addition of Ian McShane as Blackbeard is going to be a very welcome addition. I wonder if we will see a little cameo from Kiera Knightley? I would certainly hope so.

Pirates has always been one of my favorite attractions at Walt Disney World. So when I heard that they were going to make a movie way back in the early 2000s I was not too sure what it was going to be like. I actually held off a little bit to see it. But then I saw it and it was instantly one of my favorites. And they then added Captain Jack to the ride and I could not have been more pleased with what they did. They could have really messed it up by putting him in. But they left the ride almost untouched except for the addition of the Captain and Barbossa. The changes enhanced the ride and gave it a fresh look for the new guests that come there every year.

I am seeing the midnight show so I will be sure to give a review after I see it. Hopefully it is not like the 4th Indiana Jones.

"When you marooned me on that god forsaken spit of land, you forgot one very important thing, mate: I’m Captain Jack Sparrow"

My First Post

Well here it is....my first post. I am sure that people like to sit around and carefully plan out what they are going to say in their first post, but that is not my style. I am just going to start typing and hope that what comes out is not just babble.

I started this blog because I wanted to give people a spot where they can come and get away from reality for a little while. Kind of an escape. And while it is an escape for the readers it is also an escape for me too.

You see I am what the doctors like to call "obsessed" with traveling to Walt Disney World. I have been going once or twice a year for a long time now. And I feel like I can't get enough. Not just of going to the park but also researching the park and all of the hidden gems you might find in the park.

This blog is going to give people news and information about all things Disney. But it is is also going to show you WDW through my eyes. And what I like to do. I have been on solo trips as well as trips with large groups of people. So I am pretty experienced with all types of travel. And along with that travel comes a lot of stories.

So this blog will have some informational posts but it will mostly be about me and what I have done. I am excited to start writing more and more and hope that people will be at the very least entertained but this blog.

Thanks for reading and for following me.