Marathon Weekend 2020

[Neon Cactus]

AK: Gorilla Falls and Maharajah Jungle Trek, walking through Pandora at night.
MK: Being on Main Street at night, the parade and fireworks, I really liked the dessert party too.
DHS: The Citizens of Hollywood. I also liked the attention to detail in Galaxy’s Edge. I used to love shopping in Sid Cahuenga’s when they had good Hollywood memorabilia.
EPCOT: I love the background music here the most of any of the parks. I always liked walking a lap around World Showcase Lagoon after Illuminations with the torches lit and music playing, going through all of the shops in World Showcase, drinks at La Cava, food kiosks at the festivals, and running through knowing the finish line is near.

 

[Barca33Runner]

SAFD: I like to eat. Mostly stuff that is unhealthy but yummy.

I’m not sure where fireworks shows fall on the attraction or not spectrum, but I love Happily Ever After.

 

[steph0808]

AK: Examining the Tree of Life.
MK: Does the train count as a ride? If not, I pick that because it's so nice to just sit and ride around MK. If so, I pick my one park food item - the Masters Cupcake at BoG.
DHS: Seeing ToT all lit up at night
Epcot: Exploring all the shops in the World Showcase

 

[Disney at Heart]

MK - Sitting in the Main Street nook beside the Crystal Shoppe and enjoying the calm.
EP - sitting outside Spice Road Table enjoying the small plates and a drink while while watching Illuminations (RIP ) set up. Also pastries at Les Halles, although I hate to “fight” for a spot to eat it there.
HS - BaseLine Tap House, which is strange because I don’t drink beer, but I can get basically a cherry cola and relax while I people watch!
AK - All the trails- Discovery Trails, Gorilla Falls, Maharajah Trek- and seeing the birds fly. With animals, no two experiences are the same!

 

[StarGirl11]

MK: Picking up a new phone case over at the Space Mountain gift shop is really the only non ride/character meet and greet thing I do. Oh and window shop on Main Street I guess.
Epcot: Shopping in the different pavilion shops. Particularly I usually hit England and Japan. Getting henna in Morocco. Oh and after discovery the bakery in a France last year (had never been that far back into that pavilion) getting some freshly baked goods for the trip.
DHS: I honestly can’t think of anything....
AK: The Animal Trails

 

[BigEeyore]

MK: Love both the Dapper Dans and the Casey's Corner piano player
Epcot: grabbing a beer and then watching the rock band in England (they are REALLY good!). Also love Voices of Liberty and walking through the shops in WS (Japan is my fave)
AK: the show with the Macaws in front of the tree of life is really cool - when they all fly right over your head is breathtaking!
HS: how has nobody said hanging out in Galaxy's Edge??? It is SO amazing - I felt like I was on a Star Wars set and I was crying nerd tears! Just wandering around there, taking it in - noticing new details everywhere.

 

[RunDopey]

MK: “The Muppets Present… Great Moments in American History” Listening to the Tomorrowlan background music.
Epcot: Visiting the department store and Kawaii exhibit in the Japan pavilion. Walking around WS after the fireworks end.
AK: Love all the trails and the Tree of Life bird show.
HS: Taking Photopass pictures late at night. Getting a snack or drink and hanging out near Gertie.

 

[Disneyslowrunner]

SAFD:
A few of mine are not actually in the theme parks.

Disney Springs: I like going through the Christmas Tree set up. It is after Christmas, but that doesn't phase me
Port Orleans Riverside: I just remember walking around the huge grounds both during the day and at night. I found it incredibly relaxing and made it one of my favorite resorts.
MK: Taking the boat from the Grand Floridian to Magic Kingdom at night: The park looks great and if you get it when the fireworks start, its even better.
Epcot: Getting a beer at Germany
AK: This one is predictable, but of course it is walking around Pandora at night.

 

[lahobbs4]

This is a fun one!

MK: Dapper Dans, running into the Mayor (may he rest in peace), and watching people come down Splash Mountain. Frontierland is my favorite
Epcot: The band in Mexico. I will riot if they are ever taken away from me. The British rock band! Preferably with a margarita in hand from Mexico. Also, the lights on the pavement as we leave the park at night
AK: watching those crazy gibbons that swing around. They crack me up. Wilderness Explorer with my kids. We have learned SO much! (I homeschool so this totally counts as their education for the week)
HS: I get so excited every time I see all the Star Wars characters walk by. I know it has a name but I don't know what it is. It really feels magical to me every time

 

[Disney at Heart]

@BigEeyore Yes to Dapper Dans, Casey’s pianist, Voices of Liberty, British Revolution, etc. All the music!!! Only sad that the France movie is being re-done because I fear the music won’t we as good. Marching bands, Jammitiors, park area music that sets the mood for each section, Country Bears (Who doesn’t love “Blood on the Saddle”?) Also loved Off Kilter And Mo’Rockin, but alas, they were victims of budget cuts a few years ago.

Oh, now I need to turn on Sorcerer Radio!!!

 

[jeremy1002]

Great video! I can't believe I haven't seen this one before. Very interesting information -- and also cool video clips of the first Mickey race:

How Did the Walt Disney World Marathon Begin?

Interesting. I had always thought it happened because two Disney half marathons loved each other very much....

 

[lhermiston]

Has anyone done Whispering Canyon Cafe? Do you recommend it? I know I could do it solo, but would I miss out by not doing it in a group?

Also, what are the chances of walking into California Grill an hour before fireworks?

I’m trying to plan my first day (early afternoon arrival on Thursday 1/9, expo and no parks) and leaning between these two or Disney Springs, most likely Polite Pig.

 

[rteetz]

Has anyone done Whispering Canyon Cafe? Do you recommend it? I know I could do it solo, but would I miss out by not doing it in a group?

Also, what are the chances of walking into California Grill an hour before fireworks?

I’m trying to plan my first day (early afternoon arrival on Thursday 1/9, expo and no parks) and leaning between these two or Disney Springs, most likely Polite Pig.

Yes I’ve done it but not solo. It’s fun but I don’t think it would be as fun solo.

You wouldn’t get an actual table at CA Grill probably but maybe the lounge/bar.

 

[GuinnessRunner]

Has anyone done Whispering Canyon Cafe? Do you recommend it? I know I could do it solo, but would I miss out by not doing it in a group?

We ate there for the first time in forever on our trip a few weeks ago. I think you would be fine solo and might actually get more "attention" because of it. However, I noticed that the menu (dinner anyway) is now only "all you care to eat" skillets, other than a couple of appetizers. The rest of my family wasn't very hungry so I was the only one eating a main course and it was a lot of food! While priced per person, you can tell they don't expect many solo eaters. Not necessarily a bad thing, but something to be aware of.

 

[Desdemona924]

For people who have run for charity, did you find it difficult to raise money? I might be able to get a bib through charity, but don't really want to pay the minimum if I'm not able to raise the funds.

 

[rteetz]

For people who have run for charity, did you find it difficult to raise money? I might be able to get a bib through charity, but don't really want to pay the minimum if I'm not able to raise the funds.

It’s about how much you put into it. Some people will do contests for those who donate. Some do drives at local restaurants and such. It all depends. You have to put in work to fundraise.

 

[Desdemona924]

Thanks, Ryan. One of my best friends does a ton of fundraising so I have her knowledge to help me out. My big concern is timeframe, but I think I should be able to do it.

 

[lhermiston]

Yes I’ve done it but not solo. It’s fun but I don’t think it would be as fun solo.

You wouldn’t get an actual table at CA Grill probably but maybe the lounge/bar.

I’m good with that. I just want to shoot fireworks up there.

We ate there for the first time in forever on our trip a few weeks ago. I think you would be fine solo and might actually get more "attention" because of it. However, I noticed that the menu (dinner anyway) is now only "all you care to eat" skillets, other than a couple of appetizers. The rest of my family wasn't very hungry so I was the only one eating a main course and it was a lot of food! While priced per person, you can tell they don't expect many solo eaters. Not necessarily a bad thing, but something to be aware of.

Good intel. I didn’t realize the skillets were priced to be shared.

 

[UNCBear24]

Restrooms...
In MK, I like the ones by the train station in Fantasyland - always pretty empty, clean, and pumping heat/AC. The tunnel between Frontierland and Adventureland is good, too.

In AK, which is where I inevitably need to stop during the full, I've yet to find a ladies' room without a line. But the line at the one across from Festival of the Lion King has always moved quickly. I used to head for the one in Harambe, but CMs have been blocking access to it lately. There's one as we exit Dinoland that gets busy, but also moves quickly.

DHS is bad; better to wait if you can. Only options in recent years have been outside TOT or end of Hollywood Blvd before we go backstage - and both get busy with park Guests, in addition to runners.

EP is a smorgasbord of options! Norway's restrooms have a ton of stalls, as do the ones in America, at the back right (as you face it) of the pavilion. China, Germany, Morroco all have some. If the course goes past Imagination, there are restrooms in that back corner.

DHS now has the new restrooms by the Skyliner station, so that might be an option.

 

[flav]

SAFD:
MK: Entering when the park is empty (early ADR) and that newly washed warm welcome feel to the park. Eating a Dole Whip Float.
Epcot: Seeing the stars in the floor at night. Entering the Mexico pavilion when it is super hot outside.
HS: Interacting with a Stormtrooper. Meeting “free roaming” characters. Running On Hollywood Blvd.
AK: Looking at the Tree of Life light up at night. Watching Festival of the Lion King.