“I Don’t Want to Go to Disneyland!” Expopalooza

Share on Pinterest

Greetings from the Happiest Place on Earth! Disneyland Half Marathon weekend is upon us and we’re here, with 27,000 other runners. With all those endorphins, just think how much happier it’s all going to get!

You mean, this happy? Mm-hm. That was his reaction when we told him we’re going to Disneyland. I’m not even kidding.

In his defense, we spent the morning at his favorite place in the world, the Santa Monica Pier. There, we acquired no fewer than five stuffed animals, having played a gazillion ball toss and balloon pop games. Can you blame a kid for lovin’ it? Heck, can you blame an adult for lovin’ it?So anyway; five stuffed animals, one parking ticket and the above “I-refuse-to-leave” face later, we headed to Anaheim, Calif.

Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend Time!

First order of business: the Expo

I have to say, I was impressed. Very well organized, plenty of space for everyone and no lines! With 27,000 runners altogether, that’s quite a feat. The bib pickup area was one level below the expo itself, in a very, very large hall. Kind of drab, but who cares: it was super efficient. Took me less than two minutes to print and sign two waivers (for myself and the cranky one – whose mood considerably improved once we actually got to Disneyland, I might add). And bib pickup was just as quick. [I will totally regret putting this picture online, possibly as soon as tomorrow morning.] Those are the commemorative Mickey ears for the little ones, in case you’re wondering. And check out my bib. I may not have been able to get into the Dumbo Double Dare (that thing sold out so quickly), but that number is definitely double-lucky!

Next, we headed upstairs for the fun part: Merch! I have to say, again: pretty cool stuff in the merchandise hall. Like table service for everyone:Eh… no, that was just Cinderella’s carriage and royal table.The rest of the exhibit hall was pretty pimped out, too!And not least, the Sparkle Skirts booth… Sigh. I may have gotten a wee bit carried away there. Wearing one of those two (guess which one I picked!) at the race, and another one (not shown, but even sparklier) at the Kids Run and around the park tomorrow, with a matching headband.

Oh well. When in Disneyland, might as well sparkle!

10 thoughts on ““I Don’t Want to Go to Disneyland!” Expopalooza

  • Pingback: 2013 Race Calendar | Confessions of a Caffeinated Mother Runner

  • September 3, 2013 at 2:23 pm
    Permalink

    LOVE the joyous pic of Baby Runs–hilarious! Super proud of you both! Tremendous job covering the race while running it–thoroughly enjoyed all the pics. 🙂 My friend and I are doing Tinkerbell in January again…I gotta start runnin’!

    Reply
  • Pingback: Limited-Time Magic and SJR Tri Giveaway Winner! | Confessions of a Caffeinated Mother Runner

  • August 31, 2013 at 7:48 am
    Permalink

    The magic of Disney is their mastering of crowd control!! Have a great race. Are you doing Tinker Bell in Jan?

    Reply
    • August 31, 2013 at 9:43 am
      Permalink

      Thanks! No Tink, I wanted to do one and see how I like it before I commit to more 🙂

      Reply
      • August 31, 2013 at 9:48 am
        Permalink

        They are so much fun, in the park before the sun comes up! There will be characters along the way you can get photos with and then your coolness factor will go up if you get a pic of you and your kids favorite character. Your time will tank but it’s so worth it sometimes! I don’t ever look at Disney races to PR.

        Reply
        • September 1, 2013 at 9:30 am
          Permalink

          Yup! Right on all fronts, I threw all thoughts of PR out the window once we entered the park at the end of mile 1. Drew the line at waiting in line to take photos with characters, though. Heading back to the park now, where I’m sure there will be plenty more photo ops. DID see Sean Astin at the Finish line and took a pic. My coolness factor in my own head went up considerably 😉

          Reply
  • August 31, 2013 at 5:36 am
    Permalink

    Have so much fun! I’ve only done one Disney Run, but I LOVED it and had the same awesome and easy packet pick up experience. The whole Disney magic thing I guess 🙂

    Reply

Leave a Reply to Monica Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badge