Leaving my comfort zone… one mile at a time.
Leaving my comfort zone ... one mile at a time.
I love Tedy's Team. I love Sparkly Soul.
And now I love that Sparkly Soul is helping me support Tedy's Team!
How you may ask?
With a special Tedy's Team headband!
YAY!!!
How awesome is that?
It will hit the Sparkly Soul website on March 17 and be $17 each.
^^10% of each Tedy's Team headband purchased from 3/17-4/20 will go to my fundraising effort for the Boston Marathon. :)
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I will be sure to pass along the link when available! :0)
On this episode of #DaniDishes, it's time to update everyone on my health, as well as Boston Marathon training & fundraising!!
Getting sick was inevitable. The wife has been sick with something for over a week and it was only time that I would catch it!
It just happened to take place when I was having a deload week for marathon training.
What is a "deload" week? Well it's when someone wiser and smarter tells you to take the training down a peg to help your body recover. Thank goodness I have John, the Tedy's Team coach, to be that person in my life. After posting 44.6 miles the previous week - in part because of the Glass Slipper Challenge plus 5k in Disney - it was time to dial the training back.
So this past week I took a step back, reduced the miles and added in some additional swimming and biking.
And you know what? The body felt amazing!! I did all of my runs on the treadmill to make sure I didn't push the pace. Something that inevitably happens when I run outside. I just get so excited to run. :P
Sunday, March 1: 90 min bike trainer session and 5k run Monday, March 2: 5k run and 50-minute Spin class Tuesday, March 3: 2 mile run and 1.1 mile swim Wednesday, March 4: 2 mile run Thursday, March 5: 1.8 mile run Friday, March 6: 30 min bike trainer session and 3 mile run Saturday, March 7: 5 mile run
I was aiming for 10 miles today, but the body felt otherwise. I saw John at the first water stop and he nicely told me to cut the run, turn around and get home to bed.
I knew he was right, but it was still hard to do. The sun was shining and since I had pulled back the training this week the legs were ready to get out and face Heartbreak Hill. Breathing however was wicked difficult and it was time to play it safe. Especially with an 18-miler on the schedule for next Saturday.
But the run couldn't end without a nice mid-run bathroom photo. Thanks for the mirror Holiday Inn in Brookline. :P
I begrudgingly texted the wife to come pick me up and we headed to CVS to pick up some more meds and tissues.
So now I am tucked into bed and trying to figure out how to do this whole "resting" thing. Anyone have ideas?
I'm thinking some Disney movies are a must... but which one to start with?
And doing some more research on the Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Marathon I'll be doing in May.
I'm psyched to pick up a special Finisher's Jacket after the run...
... and possibly hanging out with fellow Boston Marathon Finisher Meb.
Oh I know you all know I'm honored to be running my 3rd Boston with Tedy's Team this year, but you may not have heard of this guy Meb. He finishes just a tad before me. ;) Okay okay! He finishes and has enough time to grab a shower, eat lunch and run another marathon before I finish. But we both cross the same Finish Line!
Can't wait to get a great high-five from him in the MEB Zone in San Diego.
***
Alright alright I will go rest. But first a few sweet/funny moments from this past week!
Woo! Pretty excited to be recognized for my selfie skills...
Hahahaha!!! Anyone relate?
:)
***
How do you handle being sick?
Oh I'm sorry did I somehow sign up for three marathons in a year for the second-year in a row... ummm that would be a big yes! **Note: it may've been four, but I was a big reject from NYC lottery! :P
How does this happen?
I mean seriously! Who took over my body and started type type typing my info?
Okay okay. I take full responsibility for my actions... this time!
So where to start? Well I think chronological order makes most sense to me.
***
Boston Marathon ... T-minus 47 days!
Excuse me while I freak out!! 47 days? I remember when it was 100. Heck I remember when I was applying to run for the third year with Tedy's Team!
Let's sloooowww the time train down. Okay?
Well training for Boston has been interesting to say the least. There has been a tad bit of snow here in Boston - in case you live under a rock and didn't hear. A tad bit of snow = over 100 inches.
While I've been making the most of it and running outside as much as possible, it still is tiring to constantly be slipping, sliding and trying to find a piece of street or sidewalk to run on.
I have been focusing this year on trying to keep my weight down this year and hope for a better result than last year.
I officially set my goal for Boston in this lovely little vlog post. I would still LOVE to see that happen, but am being realistic with how this winter has been.
This past week, however, proved trying. I did a 16-mile training run on Saturday with my teammate and friend Page and it was BAD. I felt off and tired the whole run. I was supposed to do 18, but called it a day at 16. The coach for Tedy's Team suggested I take it back this week and try to rest the legs. It was the best news I could've heard and I have been enjoying more time on the bike and in the pool. :)
I am proud to announce that I have raised $6,840 to help Fight Stroke with Tedy's Team. This brings my three-year fundraising total to $22,415 in honor of my Stroke Heroes - my grandparents, my father-in-law and so many others affected by Stroke.
I know that any version of me can show up on race day so I have learned to have different levels of goals for a race and make sure the #1 goal is: Have Fun!! :)
***
Ragnar Relay ... T-minus 65 days!
Again whhaa?? Time is creepin' up on me!
Since my current focus is on the Boston Marathon, I am not sure yet how to transition to Ragnar training once the marathon is over. I think my current run streak (#WOMSStreak - 131 days) is helping me out with that thought of running on tired legs.
I do think I will have to work on some double run days after the marathon to see what it's like to put in some serious miles on tired legs.
Either way I know I am in for a pretty sweet experience.
Now to start thinking about what fun outfit I will rock... :)
***
Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Marathon ... T-minus 88 days!
I am PUMPED for this race! There are going to be just so many of my favorite bloggers in the world in town for the weekend...
... AND I get to run the marathon with my girl Sarah from Mom Running On Empty and her husband Rob. Woo hoo!!!
The pair is looking to PR and shooting for a 4:30. I'm excited to play #1 cheerleader and leader of the conversation if they need a distraction/pick-me-up!!
***
ZOOMA Cape Cod Half ... T-minus 206 days!
My game plan for this may have changed. My current half PR (1:44:12) will soon be invalid to register with for Disney races (needs to be within 2 years). THIS means I need a new PR or a 1:4x to help secure my spot in the first corral for 2016 Disney races.
Originally I was going to try to help a friend PR at this event, but now I may need to work on PRing there myself. I did post a 1:47 at ZOOMA in 2013 so a 1:4x is possible on the course.
Lots to think about over the summer in terms of that!
Want to run your own ZOOMA race? Use my discount code below for 10% off.
***
Rock 'n' Roll Savannah Marathon ... T-minus 248 days!
This has been a recent add to the race schedule as I am hoping to set a new shiny PR on the course. I set my current PR (and only sub-4 marathon finish) at this race in 2012.
I am hoping to come up with a great training plan to make this dream a reality.
Savannah is one kick ass city and I am excited to rock and roll right through it!
***
If you want to join me at the Rock 'n' Roll races (or a different one), please use my discount code to save some money... for extra adult beverages!
***
There are other fun races on the schedule, but these are the major distances I have as of now. I am toying with the idea of adding another half in order to possibly PR.
GAH so many races so little $$$$.
***
Do you have a goal race for 2015?
... drum roll please? C'mon folks! Someone give me a little National Lampoon Christmas Vacation drum roll action!
Ahhh I crack myself up.
Aaannnyywwwhoo!
I will be proudly representing Team Chocolate Milk while tackling my ninth full marathon in...
Are you getting excited?
On the edge of your seat?
Wondering what I will say next?
Well without further adieu the location is...
That's right! I am happily returning to the scene of my second full marathon (November 2012) and location where I set my current PR and recorded my (so far) only sub-4 marathon.
At this point, I will be shooting to PR once again in Savannah as I feel like I am a stronger runner three years later.
However I will say I was pretty proud of my decently even splits back in 2012. I know the end I lost steam, the weather turned hot (uncharacteristically warm that weekend) and I was in my own head.
***
NOW I am currently still in the lottery for NYC Marathon (November 1) so if I get in to that it may refocus my goals for Savannah, but for now I would like to focus on another sub-4 there.
The course is nice and flat!!
PLUS Savannah was an amazing city to explore.
***
My marathons update:
1. September 24, 2006 – Clarence De Mar – 5:59:27
2. November 3, 2012 – Rock ‘n’ Roll Savannah – 3:58:49
3. April 15, 2013 – 117th Boston Marathon – 4:04:08
4. January 12, 2014 – Walt Disney World Marathon – 4:45:57
5. April 21, 2014 – 118th Boston Marathon – 5:31:18
6. April 26, 2014 – Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville – 4:42:12
7. April 20, 2015 – 119th Boston Marathon – TBD
8. May 31, 2015 – Rock 'n' Roll San Diego – TBD
9. November 7, 2015 – Rock 'n' Roll Savannah – TBD
***
Have you rocked and rolled your way through Savannah?
I am loving and hating that Princess weekend is mere days away.
How could I be hating this amazing news as Boston is up to 85 inches of snow in the past three weeks?
Well it means my vacations and Run Disney races will already be over for 2015. :P
The wife and I traveled to Disneyland for the first time in January for the inaugural Star Wars race weekend. It was a BLAST!
This would be stop 1 on our first Coast 2 Coast adventure.
Now we head to Disney on Thursday (!!!!!) for the Princess weekend.
I will be completing all three races (shocking I know) - 5k, 10k and Half - while the wife will be going for the #GlassSlipperChallenge (10k and Half).
So on Sunday I will be able to take a pic with all 9 of my Run Disney medals from 2015! Hollah! Boy I cannot wait for that Castle pic. :)
But I am getting ahead of myself.
For those that don't know the Princess race weekend will be our 4th Run Disney weekend. I know - many folks feel like I have done dozens of them, but I guess that means I just talk about them a lot? ;)
I did Disney Half 2013, Dopey Challenge 2014, Star Wars 2015 and now Princess 2015. I think we have our eyes set on Star Wars and Wine and Dine for 2016. Again getting ahead of myself.
We will be heading to Disney from February 19-24. It was actually cheaper for us to stay at Disney an extra night than try and take a flight home after the half (Sunday) or on Monday. Cheaper meaning hotel + park ticket + dogs in the Pooch hotel additional night < Flying home Sunday or Monday. Crazy! So yes spending the extra time in the warmth at Disney was a no-brainer. :)
Am I right?
We have our hotel (Saratoga Springs), magic bands, park hopper passes, dining reservations and Fastpasses locked and loaded!
Dining Reservations (for dinner unless noted otherwise):
Thursday - Raglan Road Irish Pub (Downtown Disney) Friday - Hollywood Brown Derby (Hollywood Studios) Saturday - Sci-Fi Dine-In Theatre (Hollywood Studios) Sunday - Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano (Hollywood Studios) Monday - 'Ohana (character breakfast - Polynesian Resort) & Coral Reef (Epcot)
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EXPO
Pending flights we plan on hitting up the Expo on Thursday! I don't have any "must-haves" this time around besides a Glass Slipper Challenge magnet for my fridge. I would love the jacket, but if Star Wars Expo was any indiction - it will be long gone by the time I get there.
***
#PrincessTweetup
Now in addition to checking out the parks and running 22.4 magical miles, I will also be co-hosting a meetup/tweetup. Complete with prizes.
My good friend Kat from KatrinaElle.com lives in the area and while she isn't running she was more than happy to team up and share some hugs, high-fives and laughs with me anyway! Oh and everyone that attends as well. ;)
So be sure to join us Saturday, Feb 21 from 1-3 at the carousel at Downtown Disney.
Make sure you are there... or you won't be there and you won't be having as much fun! :P
Oh oh oh and you don't HAVE to have twitter or be running the races to attend. This is an opportunity for all social media friends to meet in person.
***
Course Maps
While I am not one to normally look at course maps ahead of time (why take the surprise out of it ;)) I do like to check out what parks the races will go through.
5k/10k
Half
I am looking forward to seeing which characters they bring out for Princess. I know during Marathon weekend there was a whole variety of Disney characters, while Star Wars was solely Star Wars characters.
I've searched the web and stalked friends' photos and it looks like they have princesses and villians, as well as staple Disney characters (Mickey, Minnie, etc) dressed up to match the theme.
Ahhhh yay!! Character stops are one of my favorite pars of the Disney races.
I am very excited to once again be in Corral A for all 3 races so I am once again charging myself with stopping at every character stop no matter the line. :)
***
Costume Sneak Peak
I think this is the portion everyone has been waiting for. We know my wife brings it when it comes to costume making. Now we are a tad behind on construction due to those pesky blizzards, but I have some sneak peeks for you all.
You know I love you guys.
Now I won't say what the costumes are, but will let you leave comments with your guesses. :)
5k
10k
Half
Anyone have any guesses???? :)
***
Ahh okay typing this all up has made me even MORE excited! I am thrilled to check out another Run Disney weekend.
Will you be at Run Disney Princess Weekend? Have you done it before? What can you share with this newbie Princess?
Running clothes... Snacks... Champagne... Massages... You had me at - well - all of that!!
I had the honor of attending the Refresh, Revive, Remix Celebration Party at Athleta Newbury Street with my friend Susan from Lifestyle of a Fashionista.
Susan and I arrived at Athleta ready to get our shop on. Now I am not one to normally enjoy shopping - okay I rarely enjoy shopping - but with the entire Athleta store at my disposal... my attitude changed. It's like Athleta After Dark.
In addition to the amenities, Athleta would be giving us a sneak peek at their new arrivals.
Before we started trying on clothes, we took a lap around to meet some of the great companies in attendance.
First up was a stop for some snacks from b.good and a little champagne.
Cocobeet is Boston's original organic juice bar (online delivery available, store coming soon).
Bringing fresh cold-pressed juices, superfood smoothies, raw vegan fare, and detox juice cleanses to the Boston community. Our ingredients reflect our healthy values: organic, raw, vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, non-HPP, and locally sourced.
Since I was already drinking my water, I opted to bring a couple of hint water bottles home with me. The watermelon water was tasty!
Since I had to postpone my massage earlier in the week, I was happy to take advantage of the free chair massage from the Joint Venture physical therapists. Oh boy it was a treat. Yes 10 minutes was all my upper body needed. Okay it could've taken an hour if available, but I appreciated 10 minutes. :)
Finally we chatted with Cassie from Beautycounter.
Beautycounter is an up-and-coming skincare line. Thankfully Susan is the fashion blogger so I let her take the lead with this convo. ;) I know nothing about makeup.
After making the rounds, it was time to try on some of the amazing clothes available.
I wanted this entire ensemble... including the abs! Apparently abs sold separately? #Rude :P
While I wanted to try everything on, I tried to be realistic in what I brought into the dressing room.
Up First? Floral Fade Sonar Capri ($74, size medium)
The super-sleek, wicking capri with compression fabric to give you a flattering fit for every run and training session.
Oh boy did I immediately fall in love with these. I knew as soon as I put them on that they would be coming home with me. The wide waistband on the capris limit slipping or riding down while running - which I really appreciate.
Rear pocket to stash my key/ID. Machine washable AND dry!
I tried on the green tank as well, but wasn't a fan. Style: Mesh Chi Tank ($44, size large)
Second Up? Gel Chaturanga™ Capri ($64, size medium)
A spliced-in gel print adds flash to your workouts in our favorite Chat style.
I really wanted to like these pants, but I didn't feel "it" when I slipped them on. They felt fine, but not enough for me to bring them home.
I thought the design would make me feel wide or self-conscious, but that wasn't it.
They had the wide waistband, hidden key pocket and are rated UPF 50+ - all amazing.
NOW if these were to randomly show up at my house, I would not send them away. ;)
Third Up? Sting Be Free Tight (on sale $59.99, size medium)
Now these pants are WAAAYYY out of my comfort zone! I'm not one to normally pick up such a bold-color pant.
But they had me at pockets!! Yes these pants offer pockets on the side that can hold my phone and fuel.
They are mid-rise, which is something I like in my running tights since they don't tend to ride down like other pants. They are lightweight, sleek and stretchy - all pluses.
I also love that most Athleta pants also have the mesh inserts for ventilation.
Now when I first put these on I thought they were super baggy and was really confused why they were bunching at the end. Yeah I had put on a Large. Once I went down a size to the medium they fit like a glove and the bunching was gone.
Thanks to some convincing from Susan these also made it into my cart.
***
The last time I attended an Athleta After Hours event I walked away with three pairs of pants. Sooo going home with two was an improvement for my wallet. :P
I highly recommend that everyone check out their closest Athleta or Athleta.com. (They do have plus sizes available on their website) I really like the durability of their clothing AND their dedication to empowering women through their Power to the She movement.
Yes it is still a little pricey, but you get your money's worth.
PLUS, if you feel good while running or working out, you perform better and are more apt to keep the movement going. So splurge! ;)
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Have you tapped in to the #PowerToTheShe at Athleta?
Gah!! I was so busy having fun this weekend that I TOTALLY forgot to post about both #FaceItFriday and my Tedy's Team group run. Soooo using today's snow in Boston as an excuse to settle in and catch you all up. Ya know if case you haven't also been following my adventures of Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.
Well let's start at the beginning.
On a September afternoon in 1982, I was born...
Oh oops not THAT beginning. My bad all. My bad.
***
On Friday I woke early to get myself ready for my weekly weigh-in. I had a great week and hoped the scale reflected that, but I know the scale can be a fickle beast. I stepped on cautiously.
Woah! Down 2 lbs and under goal for the first time in ages. It was my lowest weight on the scale since August 2013. Hollah!
I righted the ship after 2 weeks of small gains. With marathon training tracking keeps me fueled, focused & not giving in to the Rungry Horrors that can attack after a long run or intense cross-training workout!
Also didn't give in to emotional eating this week. I'm asked all the time if I eat my APs (activity points) & you can see I use WPs & APs.
The morning continued with a special delivery: My 2nd Annual Stop Stroke Shuffle 5k medals.
How awesome did they turn out???? They even glow in the dark. Oh snap they do!
After leading my final Weight Watchers meeting of the week and finishing up the WW paperwork, I headed out for my #FridayFive run. I headed to Assembly Row (Somerville) to test out alternative routes for our Happy Soles 5k Run/Walk on the Sunday.
With over 60 inches of snow in the Boston area over the last 30 days, we've had to get creative when it comes to running routes.
Splits: 8:12, 8:10, 8:25, 7:59, 7:55
I slipped and slided my way around the Assembly Row area until I had four possible routes. I celebrated with a delicious Slumbrew Porter Square Porter and some arts and crafts. I had to dress up my koozie.
Further confirmation why the wife is in charge of my running costumes. Oof.
The wife and I had a nice relaxing Friday night watching some Big Bang Theory with my parents. We had some bad news delivered that one of our pups, Laney, will have to go in for surgery March 6 to remove four tumors from her knees. :/ Poor pup.
Saturday means Tedy's Team long run day. On the schedule this week? Another Riverside run. This means we take the T (train) from Kenmore Square to the Riverside stop in Newton and run our butts back to Kenmore. It comes out to just over 10 miles and you get to tackle the entire 3+ mile span that is Heartbreak Hill.
It happened to be a balmy 20 degrees (real feel 12) and the hill was a buzz with runners also training. I love the feeling when out there with hundreds of other folks putting in the work for the Big Show. Plus most of the folks are also charity runners.
I also love seeing the Newton Firehouse, which marks the start of Heartbreak. On this day, two firefighters were out cheering on runners and offering up some much-needed water, Gatorade and snacks! :)
While the true reason for the long runs is to train and prep for the race, I love seeing familiar faces especially when they are my Tedy's Team crew. It is truly the highlight of my week.
Lisa - my triathlon training guru
Margaret - the best cheerleader and water stop volunteer ever!
My thoughts on my 11-miler (I extended it so I could end right in front of Dunkin Donuts): Best run EVER on Heartbreak Hill in the three years of training for the Boston Marathon!! Woo hoo!
After a shower and a foam rolling session, the wife and I opted to go out to lunch. PF Changs won since we had a $50 gift card. We both chose the lunch portion, which really helped with portion control.
I ate my peppers for the first time. Yes yes I am a picky eater who is trying to branch out little by little.
But that fortune?!?! LOVE!
We had a pretty low-key evening as I did some work from home and tried to snuggle the pups as much as possible. Snuggling pups is good for the soul!
Sunday morning called for more puppy snuggling before embarking on a pre-Slumbrew run. With additional snowfall, I needed to get out to make sure at least 1 of my 4 alternative routes would be safe enough for our participants. Thankfully the main roads around the outlets were decent enough that we could do loops around. I let folks choose 1, 2 or 3 loops since each loop was roughly 1 mile.
I was so proud to see 12 folks - half new - brave the weather for a fun morning run. Oh and belgian waffles and beer! Mmm...
While I wanted to stay and play with everyone all day, adult duties were calling. We had to head to the grocery store to make sure we had enough healthy food in the house for the impending 10-24 inches of snow. Ummm yay?
After tackling the grocery store, putting food away, cleaning the house, starting some laundry and knocking out 1.5 mile walk on the treadmill, it was time to call it a night... but not before I shared this awesome news!
Ahhh all official! Yay! Wicked pumped to be running my 3rd Boston Marathon with Tedy's Team in 2015.
My three-year fundraising total has combined to raise $21,528 to #FightStroke! Absolutely amazing and inspiring!! :)
***
Wow! I look back at that weekend and saw DAMN I am one lucky person to have such motivating people in my life.
What was the highlight of your weekend?
While out at Disneyland for the inaugural Star Wars weekend (recaps 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 here), we also made good use of our days enjoying as much as the Disneyland parks - Disneyland and California Adventures - as possible. We opted for the 3-day park hopper pass and found it was great for what we needed. The two parks are right across from each other and can both be reached by the same plaza.
Talk about convenient.
Many folks told me that Disneyland would be more low-key than Disney World and they were right. We didn't need to worry about booking Fast Passes in advance of the trip. There weren't any shuttle busses that needed to be taken.
It was also different having only two parks to make it through rather than four.
Either way I was ready to enjoy and soak in all the Disney magic.
We bought our 3-day park hopper passes through GET Travel and picked them up at the Star Wars Expo. It felt "old school" rocking a paper ticket to enter the park.
Let's start with Disnyeland.
How beautiful?
And there it was... the Castle!
Now it is definitely smaller than Cinderella's at Disney World, but still majestic.
Mandatory post-race Castle Pic! :)
I was excited to finally break out my Alex and Ani Disneyland bracelet!
We found Mickey's Toontown on the Friday morning was the PERFECT time to walk up and easily grab photots with four classic characters!
I heard someone say they could be getting rid of Toontown, but I really liked the feel of it. The little kids we saw were loving it... and I hit the gym while there. ;)
The wife and I had a great time battling against each other at Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters.
I had my booty handed to me.
OOF!
Our other favorite Tomorrowland ride Star Tours (which we definitely used a Fast Pass for more than once) and meeting Thor in Innoventions! He was great and met with each person in the group and took photos with everyone. The kids were just in awe.
And I impressed him with my bling!
Ohhh and how could I forget Space Mountain. The wife felt that the Space Mountain at Disneyland was wayyy better than the one in Disney World. It definitely went faster and felt more like a roller coaster. The carts also held six people (two in each row) rather than the three solo seats at Disney World. It did, however, lack the games you can play while waiting in line for the ride.
Critter County was under construction while we were there so I didn't get to see that at all.
Oh and if you didn't know Disney is Starbucks country so I had to suck it up and drink that while there.
At least they gave me a Mickey on my cup. ;)
But I was happy with my Disneyland treat on the last day - Mickey Pretzel.
It was delicious, but I'm glad I waited to enjoy it on the last day otherwise I would've had multiple. :P
I also appreciated the variety of characters (in addition to the four staples - Pluto, Minnie, Mickey, Goofy) walking around Disneyland for photo ops: Hook, Fairy Godmother, Peter Pan, Alice, Mary Poppins and Cruella Deville.
Cruella was awesome. The person playing the character was doing a spot on job.
Cruella to me: "I asked for black spots. Not black and blue!"
So fun!!
We had gotten Fast Passes for the 10:45pm show of Fantasmic on our final night... and fell asleep before it happened. :( FAIL! Next time for sure!
***
Downtown Disney
If you had a ticket to the park, you could actually take a monorail from Downtown Disney to Tomorrowland in Disneyland. We did it once just to say we did. Really I felt Disneyland and Downtown Disney were close enough to walk between, but it was nice to have the option - especially for families, sore race participants or disabled patrons.
I really enjoyed the beer choices at UVA Bar and Cafe. It was an open seating area in the middle of Downtown Disney.
I love when places offer flights so I could try multiple local brews.
We made a couple of trips to this spot including once with AJ and Ivie.
Downtown Disney, like in Disney World, offers a lot of general retail stores and restuarants, as well as, some Disney shops. The wife was able to expand her Vinylmation collection at D Street, while I picked up a new Alex and Ani bracelet at World of Disney.
We dined at Naples Ristorante the first night, which was okay, but a little over-priced.
We also ate at two restaurants at the Disneyland Hotel: Goofy's Kitchen (character dining) and Steakhouse 55.
Goofy's Kitchen was also pricey ($100 for the pair), but I know character dining is usually more expensive -especially for dinner. If we had a morning free, I would've opted for a character breakfast (also cheaper). But it was fun!
We were DEFINITELY not fancy enough to be at Steakhouse 55 and due to budgeting probably not go back there again. The meal for the two of us was around $150 - and neither of us got desserts (1 drink, 1 entree and 1 side each).
***
California Adventure
I would compare California Adventure to Hollywood Studios in Disney World. Especially since it had some of the same rides.
Now I will give The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror in Disneyland a better scream maker than the one in Disney World. It had more drops and felt like a longer ride than in Florida. Once in the "elevator," they didn't drive you through the building like in Florida so they made up for that with more drops.
"Less build up and more thrill" - the wife
It was awesome and worth a Fast Pass.
There was a whole Frozen Fun zone, which was interesting. We saw an adult DJ party one night and it just left me confused. Haha. Apparently I'm not one to mosh or rock out while at Disney. :P
"A bug's land" offered a lot of cute rides mainly geared towards kids, but that didn't stop us from testing them out.
Cars Land offered our favorite ride of California Adventures - Radiator Springs Racers. We didn't have time to wait in the line (45 min) or get a Fast Pass so we opted for the Single Riders line and lucked out. We ended up waiting maybe 5-7 minutes and were scooted right up to the front. I am not one to have to be next to the wife on the ride especially if it cuts wait time and it was worth it. Totally awesome ride. Think Test Track but 1000 times better.
We also hit up Mater's Junkyard Jamboree, which looked sweet and innocent, but definitely whips you around.
And then there was Paradise Pier.
That Ferris Wheel. While I heard the Ferris Wheel - or Fun Wheel as it was called - was a quick ride (about 2 minutes to make a rotation), I also heard it was sort of scary as the cars move while the wheel turns. Ummm no thanks. I passed. But it was pretty to look at.
World of Color was also down while we were there. :(
The wife is a roller coaster junkee so she talked me into going on California Screamin' and oh boy did I scream. To make it up to me we then waited in line for Toy Story Midway Mania (which didn't offer Fast Passes - boo!)
And after searching the parks for two days, we FINALLY spotted Donald Duck on the final day at Paradise Pier! YAY! Donald is the wife's favorite character!! :)
I did enjoy that California Adventures offered some yummy adult beverages. :)
We took a moment to enjoy some of the Pixar Play Parade from the comfort of the Sonoma Terrace.
(First set of Parade pics from one of the four times we caught the Parade)
I also enjoyed my other Disney treat at California Adventure - Disney Ice Cream.
Also delicious, but not as good in my mind as the pretzel. But again glad I saved it until the last day.
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We did find that with the park hopper pass we could have Fast Passes in both parks in the same day. That was AWESOME and wicked helpful.
Ohhh and I had the pleasure of meeting blog readers Casey and Leah while entering California Adventure one day! It was a cool treat. :)
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Which park do you prefer: Disneyland or California Adventure?
My name is Dani and I am blogging out of the Boston Area. I started this blog in May of 2011 after suffering a back injury and subsequent back surgery in December 2011-January 2011. This space was to serve as a way for me to release the inner feelings I was carrying around and maybe help some other people going through similar situations: eating disorders, depression, weight loss and more.
