Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Disney Princess Media Mixer Recap ...

In 2010, I ran the Disney Princess Half Marathon and it instantly became my favorite race. The course was magical. The medals were adorable. And the experience was amazing. I told every runner that would listen that they should partake in a runDisney race. I knew that I'd be back. Eventually.

It didn't look like it was going to happen in 2011, but then Wifey contacted me with an opportunity that I couldn't pass up. She asked if I wanted to take part in the Disney Princess Media Mixer hosted by the Walt Disney World Resort in association with The Blogrollers' Get Moving! Initiative.

Um. Yes! (Was it even a question?)

Heading into the weekend, I had no idea what to expect. And to be honest, I couldn't have ever imagined all that was in store for myself and the other fabulous women who were invited.

We started our weekend with a visit to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex where we were given a facility tour followed by a trip to the race expo.


And once we had shopped ourselves happy, we were treated to a welcome reception (talk about VIP treatment), where we chatted ( and became BFFs) with Ethan Zohn and Jenna Morasca from Survivor and had a Q & A session with the amazing Jeff Galloway.

(Note: I was in rough shape for most of this part, sitting on the sidelines trying not to puke up my crackers.)

Our evening ended with dinner (a.k.a. food coma) at Mama Melrose at Hollywood Studios. Laughter filled the air and carbs filled our bellies. It was perfect.

Day two began at the far too early hour of 3 a.m., when I woke for the race. We boarded the shuttle to Epcot at 3:50 and headed over to the VIP tent for a few minutes before the start. (Full race/VIP tent recap HERE)

After the race, we headed back to our host hotel, Disney's Polynesian Resort, to clean up and relax before the onslaught of afternoon events. I took this time to call my friends and family to brag and to take in the views from the balcony of my room.

At 1 p.m., we headed back to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex for the Atlanta Braves Spring Training Season Opener and a delicious lunch.

Our baseball adventures were followed by an hour long private golf lesson at Disney's Palm and Magnolia Golf Course (Note: My golf skills are CRAZY. Be jealous!)

and a Disney Dining and Nutrition presentation by Chef Gary Jones, Culinary Dietary Specialist and Ironman.

We ended our night with an extravagant dinner at Bistro de Paris in Epcot, followed by a private dessert party (think lots of chocolate and specialty champagne) where we watched the IllumiNations firework show.All in all, it was a DREAM weekend. And I would like to give a HUGE thank you to Walt Disney World Resort for hosting such a magical event and a special thanks to The Blogrollers for inviting me to partake. I couldn't imagine a more amazing experience.

26 comments:

BigHappyFamily said...

I want to be you. Awesome.

Karen said...

What a fantastic opportunity! I love the Disney races. Yes, they are ridiculously expensive as compared to others but the race experience surpasses any other. If you have any smidge of a Disney kid in your spirit, you HAVE to do at least one Disney race.

Running Ricig said...

I agree with the above: i want to be you. That sounds amazing!

Jesser said...

I loved my Disneyland Half Marathon experience ... and I'm definitely keen to check out Disney World ... maybe the full?? And so obviously, I'm COMPLETELY JEALOUS. Glad you had such a fab time. Thanks for sharing a piece with us. ;)

Rene' said...

wasn't it so fun! we are going back next year. my time wasn't great, but that is okay. i saw the back of you and was going to chase you down, but didn't have the energy at 5:15 am!

Rachel said...

So awesome... I look at the picture from the Expo and I am in awe that I am in a picture with some of my running blogger idols. Crazy awesome!

Laurie said...

Wow, that sounds amazing!

Marlene said...

Have I mentioned how jealous I am? What an all-around awesome experience. You deserve it!

Runners Fuel said...

So much fun!! you had a great time!!

Katie said...

this sounds like an amazing weekend, even without the PR! wow!

Stefanie D. said...

It looks like you had so much fun!!! So beautiful!

Carly said...

That sounds AWESOME!!! Make me wish I was there.

fancy nancy said...

What an amazing experience!!! Disney is on tap for me next year!!!

Unknown said...

It should be illegal to have that much fun. So glad you came. Next time we'll have some "yo-yo's"!

Winks & Smiles,
Wifey

Penny said...

WOW, What a fun time. I'm glad you got to enjoy all the festivity there. Love all the pictures.

Stephanie F said...

congratulations on everything! your blog is so awesome- what a weekend!

Meredith said...

What an amazing experience!!! I want to go!

Unknown said...

I wish we lived closer, we could be shorts buddies (I have the same plaid ones from Target a few years ago!) and I LOVE your hair!! I'm running the Cherry Blossom in few weeks and am excited to be back up there! Good luck on the National Half at the end of the month!

Shellyrm ~ just a country runner said...

Everyone who has posted about this event has made me want to join in. This does sound like a wonderful racing adventure!

April said...

Love your shorts! That sounds like it was an amazing trip..minus the puking.

SupermomE13 said...

What a rotten time to get sick! The rest of it sounds awesome though. I was just there for the WDW marathon and it was the best race and I so want to do it every year. I love Disney! So glad you had a good time and great job!!! :)

Anonymous said...

I thought the race all by itself was fabulous, but what an awesome experience you had. How nice to be treated so well!

Anonymous said...

wow! you guys got HOOKED UP! totally sweet!

Running Diva Mom said...

Congrats! That looks like soooo much fun .... Miss Celebrity! :)

Christy said...

So fun!

http://christy-goingthedistance.blogspot.com/2011/03/why-you-havent-heard-from-me.html

Fruit Fly said...

I swear I wasn't stalking you -- but I was totally pigging out at Mama Melrose's on the same day (best paste ever!) AND I was at the same Braves game!

How did I ever manage to NOT see the whole group?? ... probably my food/race coma!