#GlassSlipperChallenge Weekend 2015 Part 6: Park Fun

2015 5k + Glass Slipper Challenge costumes

I love running through Disney, but when I head to Disney for a race... I am also PARK HOPPING!!

For many participants, they will take it easy outside of the races.

Not me! :P

I have my wife and I on the go as soon as we are showered after the races until we pass out. Now unfortunately that can be around 8pm. ;) I know we are wild and crazy ladies...

There aren't many Disney souvenirs I buy myself, but I do have an ever-growing collection of ears and Alex and Ani bracelets. :0)

During this trip we opted for the five-day park hopper pass and stayed at the Saratoga Springs Resort (Thanks John!)!!!

We made an effort to hit up all 4 parks including all 4 in the same day on the Monday after the Half Marathon. :P Hey it was our only trip to Disney World in 2015 so we had to take full advantage of the time we had.

Disney World has: Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. There is also Disney Springs, which used to be called Downtown Disney, that features shopping, restaurants and entertainment.

There are so many rides to hit, spots to eat and attractions to see. This post is simply based on what we were able to squeeze into our 5-day trip. :)

But before I get into the Parks, I need to share our favorite Character Breakfast: Ohana at the Polynesian Hotel. Oh my goodness the food was delicious, atmosphere amazing and featured Mickey, Pluto, Lilo and Stitch. Plus an adorable musical parade with the kids in attendance. And yes the wife and I went to this solo. And no I didn't feel weird being there sans kids!

Plus my two must-have treats (which I wait to enjoy on the final day of the trip) are: Mickey Pretzel and Mickey Ice Cream. They can be found at any of the Parks.

Magic Kingdom

Must Take Photo: The Castle

ESPECIALLY with all of the bling!!

Note: For those wondering, I did not wear all 9 medals at once. I wore one or two medals then carried the rest in the Princess bag I received at the Finish Line!

With Balloons on Main Street - the cast member has to also hold on to them, but they do a great job of moving out of the way :)

Must- Do Rides: plash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Mickey's PhilharMagic, Space Mountain

First Time Must Do Ride: Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, It's A Small World, Mad Tea Party

Must-See Attraction: Enchanted Tiki Room (wife's favorite), Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress, Monster's Inc Laugh Floor, Swiss Family Treehouse

the wife being selected to participate in the Laugh floor... every time :)

Food Finds: Dole Whip Float (near Enchanted Tiki Room)

Character Pictures: We actually made the Fast Pass reservation to meet Anna and Elsa months in advance... and we STILL ended up with a 9pm time on a Friday night.

It is cool that they bring you into a room where you are able to do a little meet and greet with the sisters.

We stumbled upon Buzz Lightyear and Stitch near Space Mountain!

With a limited wait, we visited Tinkerbell in a building right by the opening of the park. I think it was Town Square Exposition Hall. There was also a line for Mickey, but it was too long for us to wait and we didn't have a Fast Pass.

Animal Kingdom

Must Take Photo: Tree of Life

Must- Do Rides: Expedition Everest, Kali River Rapids (bring a poncho), Kilimanjaro Safari

First Time Must Do Ride: TriceratopSpin

Must-See Attraction: Wildlife Express Train

Food Finds: Yak & Yeti

Character Photos: While trying to get of the light rain, we bumped into Russell and Dug.

We saw Baloo and King Louie heading for a break so I quickly tried to selfie with each of them and they obliged.

Hollywood Studios

Must Take Photo: It was the Hat, but unfortunately that was taken down while we were there...

... so now I will go with Tower of Terror? I guess. :/

Must- Do Rides: Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Toy Story Midway Mania, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster

First Time Must Do Ride: Great Movie Ride

Must-See Attraction: Muppet Vision 3D, Voyage of the Little Mermaid, Fantasmic

Food Finds: Sci Fi Diner (Wife's Favorite), Mama Melrose (our go-to spot the night before the half marathon)

Character Photos: Right after riding Toy Story Midway Mania, we headed across the way to get a quick pic with Woody and Buzz since the wait time was less than 15 minutes.

The big picture we wanted was with Baymax and Hiro! We waited well over 30 minutes for that one, but it was worth it.

EPCOT

Must Take Photo: The Ball

Must- Do Rides: Spaceship Earth, Soarin', Mission SPACE (wife's suggestion, I am not a fan), Journey Into Imagination With Figment, The Seas with Nemo & Friends

First Time Must Do Ride: Test Track, Living with the Land

Must-See Attraction: The Circle of Life

Food Finds: Everything and Anything in the World Showcase ;) I love hitting up World Showcase once the races are over so I can enjoy all the adult beverages with friends. Of course I go there to carbo-load as well. :P

We dined at Coral Reef Restaurant. The wife liked the food, while I did not have a good experience. My steak was not cooked properly at all. Thankfully the fries were okay. The wife enjoyed her shrimp. I will say the atmosphere was absolutely breathtaking. We were able to sit right next to the tank.

Character Photos: EPCOT Character Spot. We were there just before it closed, started chatting with one of the cast members and she made our night by getting the entire crew to take a photo with us. It pays to be the last folks in line. :)