Disney Daughter Does RunDisney

 

My Disney Daughter (clearly she has earned the nickname considering how many trips she has made to Disney in the last couple of years lol), recently came back from her first RunDisney event. And I have a sneaky suspicion that this won't be her last. I am super proud of her though (and yes I told her) because she stepped out of her comfort zone and accomplished her goal. 

She had been prepping for this race for a little while and I am sure that at times she wondered if she could do it. But one thing for sure even of it had taken her longer then she had hoped she would have been cute! LOL 

She spent two nights in Florida and stayed at what has become our families "Disney homeplace", the All Star Resorts. It still seems hard for me to believe that we were just together there in September (I hope you are following my YouTube channel and by now have seen some of my vlogs from that trip. If not what are you waiting for?). 

Although she got in late on her first day she was able to grab some food from the good court and I actually stayed up past my bedtime to talk to her. She was tired I could tell, but excited about the next few days. 

The day she was headed to the expo we got to FaceTime a little as she headed to the Sports Complex to pick up her race gear and check out the merchandise. I think she came home with one thing which was for her car (although since then some have told her not to leave it up. I'm assuming because of people with sticky fingers. See this is why we can't have nice things SMH).

Over the years I have watched several Youtubers share their journey while participating in the race. I think the first person I ever heard talk about RunDisney was Jennifer Ross. And she was actually there at the same time as my daughter. A few years later I actually became friends with Jen Lefforge who was known for a long time on YouTube and through her blog for her expertise of all things Run Disney! So needles to say, it was extra cool getting to see my daughter participate. 

Up bright and early ready to head to the bus to check in for the race! Most people don't realize that these races take place super early in the morning. Q was in the Corral E. And although she arrived around 3:30 AM she wouldn't actually start running until around 5 AM. Excuse me 6 AM according to her (and even then the runners have to be clear from the park by the time it opens at 9 AM). I think the coolest part of the morning (other than the fact that she completed the race) was that she got interviewed before the run. I am still hoping that one of the people that I follow could possibly have footage of her from that day. We are super grateful for the people who were a part of a chat board for the race who looked out for her and even sent her photos. I don't care what you say, Disney peeps are some of the best! 

Considering the fact this was her first 10K, we think she did really good! 

Near Hollywood Studios !

Epcot (which to me is one of the coolest photos) ! 

But this one when she was near the finish line says it all. 

I won't lie my favorite photos from the race were the ones she took with her phone after the race when she just happened to stumble across Tiana and Naveen! Her face says it all. I think she has caught the bug so I don't think this will be her last race. I hope that at some point I will get a chance to be there in person and cheer her on! 

Believe it or not by the end of that day she was back home and when I talked to her the next day she said she was a bit sore but for the most part was feeling pretty good. I say to this, great job Q!!!! Can't wait to share more of her journey in 2024. Lets just say its big!!!! 

Eating on a budget at Disney.

We all know that the prices of food has gone way up. Even at the parks a Turkey leg that once cost you around $7 to $8 a piece has now doubled in cost. Between the cost of tickets, and hotel fees a trip to Disney is expensive enough as it is. That doesn’t even include all the merch that you will want to bring back. 

So I thought I would share some of the ways I plan to save on food on my next Disney trip (thank you to everyone who answered my question about saving money on meals while at Disney). 

We have always driven to Florida for vacation so one way we were able to save money was by stocking up on groceries when we arrived or at least trying to eat most of our meals off property at local fast food places or restaurants. 

We also take snacks into the park (yes, Disney will allow you to bring food in as long as it’s not in a glass container). 

As much as I love eating at Ohana on our trip, I do try to limit those special meals to no more than one or two sit down meals per trip.  

Quick service meals may not be as fun as a character meal or fancy resort restaurant but it will save you so much money in comparison. 

One thing I’ve never done but will definitely consider doing on this upcoming trip is ordering a child’s meal at the quick service places (more than likely you will be unable to do this at a sit down restaurant). 

One thing I regret not doing on my last trip was sharing a meal with my husband or daughter. When we are at Wilderness Lodge and Be Our Guest at Magic Kingdom my daughter and I could have easily split our sandwich with one another (the portions are huge). 

Ohana (family style). 

The famous cheeseburger rolls (found at the entrance to Adventureland). 

The counter service restaurant at All Star Music.

Although the initial cost of this cup might give you sticker shock (almost $22.00 at the time of this blog) if you are a soda drinker then it’s worth the cost. Also there are no rule that says every person in your party has to get a mug (just keep in mind there is a time lapse for when you can refill your cup). A couple could easily share one cup. 

Like I said, don’t forget that you can purchase a child size meal and it usually includes a small drink, and your choice of fruit and or fries. 

Disney Magic is always in the air. If you are celebrating a special occasion there is always the chance that a cast member will treat you to a special snack or dessert for free. 

Tusker House at Animal Kingdom 

The Garden Grill at Epcot 

A character meal will cost you a bit more but if you have little ones that you think might enjoy meeting Mickey and friends but probably won’t last in a long line it’s worth a consideration. 

A simple hotdog and fries from Casey’s corner is always an option. And don’t forget to ask for a cup of free ice water at the kiosks/quick service locations throughout the parks. It beats spending $4.00 to $5.00 for a bottle of water. 

A fulfilling meal at Galaxy’s Edge. 

Of course the ultimate way to save money would be to stay at a value resort or off property hotel with a full kitchen or kitchenette (All Star Music has a family suite with microwave, full size fridge and sink where you could make your own meals, or at least eat a cold breakfast in your room that morning (and then perhaps during your break make sandwiches and chips). 

Note that the All Star resorts do have a toaster and microwave in the food court that you could use in heat up leftovers.  Whatever you decide to do, consider making out a budget sheet ahead of your trip so that you have some idea of what you want to spend (or splurge on). Thank you to my Disney daughter Q for providing the majority of the photos for this post! 

Disney’s Memory Maker

 I thought I would do a post on using the PhotoPass system at Disney. And also the benefits of using memory maker if you are a solo traveler. As you may know, my daughter went to Disney last year on a sola trip. It was her first time there by herself and needless to say I think she had a great time. I was unable to do the series about her trip but I thought I would “snatch” some of her photos and give you guys a blogpost of some of the highlights from that trip. Stay tuned later this week (Thursday to be exact) for a rewind of my last trip to Disney (now almost 6 years ago 😳). It’s hard to believe it has been that long and that I’m finally getting to go back after so many ups and downs the last few years . So much has changed and I can’t wait to share this journey with you all. 

But I digress! Let’s get back to my daughters trip and my thoughts on Memory maker and using Disneys PhotoPass. I use to do a better job of documenting my girls trips. My daughter actually said she was shocked when she was perusing my blog looking for photos from a long ago Disneyland trip she took. Frankly I am just as surprised as she is and I plan to do better from now on. I actually miss blogging but it’s been harder and harder to keep up after I started my Disney channel. 

So here is my first effort at getting back in the game.

I know that getting the Memory maker package goes against everything I say about doing Disney on a budget. But hear me out. First off if you are going to take the plunge I would suggest purchasing before your trip. At the time of this post a memory maker will cost you a whopping $169.00 if you purchase in advance versus $199.00 if you wait until you arrive. So of course you know which one I will suggest! They also have a park day choice, but that’s $69.00 per day! Say what?? So if you are going to purchase a package I highly suggest working it into your budget ahead of your upcoming trip. 

The cons of using the package to me would be the cost first and foremost. And if you are traveling with family I don’t see as much of a need for it that I do if you are a single travel. 

I do want to put this one caveat out there before I start with some of the reasons you should consider getting the package. In most cases when taking photos at Disney, if you ask a castmember they will take a photo for you with your own camera or phone.  

One of my favorite things to do while at Disney is to walk up to someone who’s trying to take a family selfie and offer to take their photo for them. This has happened to us on many an occasion, so just look at it as paying forward! 

One of the pros of the package (other that the fact that you only need to have one person within your group purchase it and then connect it to the others in your  party), is that when you are on your own it is nice to have someone take the photos for you versus trying to do a selfie on your own. 

One of the things I most loved about my daughters trip was seeing all of her photos (and videos) she uploaded. I especially enjoyed seeing the ones of her with characters, in the ride vehicles and of her in front of the castle. 

By far my most favorite thing though was the photos the castmembers took of her with the addition of some “special” guest! Photos she wouldn’t have by using her own camera. My favorite photo surprisingly was her “guest” rider on the Haunted Mansion ride. 

Those little extra touches to me, helped to make her trip extra special. And photos have always been one of my most favorite memories/souvenirs to bring back from a trip. 

In the end whatever way you decide to go, (whether with a memory maker package or not) the most important thing is that you and your family have a magical trip. So tell me have you utilized the memory maker package? What did you think of it? And would you recommend it for others??