Disney Diva's Favorite Things
About the Column
A diva, if you want to get etymological, is a 'goddess, a fine lady'. We're not sure whether our Disney Diva is a goddess but she's certainly a fine lady when it comes to dispensing Disney tips and park lore, especially about her favorite Disney things. But don't let the Diva title fool you: Kristin's advice is always practical, her tips always inventive, even if they do often come a bit of Diva-tude.
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Favorite Thing #13: Disney Races
The Disney Diva runs regally in Disney races
Usually, Divas have others do their running for them. But not always in the case of the Disney Diva who does sometimes do her own running, especially when at Disney, and who naturally always wins.
If you've ever wondered why Disney fanatics keep making trips to Walt Disney World, it's because Disney just keeps on finding NEW ways to bring us back.
Today's favorite thing? Disney RACES!
The average Disney guest usually can be found in athletic shoes or sneakers because they plan to participate in only one kind of race: the sprint to their favorite attractions that starts the moment the rope drops.
(This sprint is particularly scary at Hollywood Studios. I'm pretty sure anybody who has ever made the mad dash to Toy Story Mania would agree.)
But Disney has another way to entice guests to lace up their sneakers - their really good sneakers.
Both Disney World and Disneyland host races that range from 5K's to marathons. Maybe you knew that. But did you know about the 'adventure' races? Or the kid fun runs? For added magic, the tracks for most of these races include stretches through the parks themselves. (Sorry, there are no official time-outs to hop on Toy Story Mania...)
My husband and I ran the Expedition Everest 5K this summer through Animal Kingdom. It was much more than just a fast run. There was obstacle to overcome at the end of each mile, such as a balance beam and a row of tires. Then, at the end of the race itself, each runner had to solve clues to complete a scavenger hunt through the park. Both mind and body had a total work-out!
You'll be happy to know I didn't even break a sweat, but that's only because Diva's don't sweat... they glisten. I did a lot of glistening.
After completing the race and the scavenger hunt, we crossed the finish line in DinoLand USA, received beautiful medals, and attended an 'after party' where we could ride the rides, drink the drinks, and carouse with the characters. We rode Expedition Everest three times in a row. In the dark! (And yes, for once, the Yeti was lit.) It was a blast!
But Disney races aren't just for the grown-ups! This is Disney, after all, and so naturally kids have races of their own.
This past October, my eight-year-old son completed his first 5K race with my husband through the Magic Kingdom as part of the Not So Scary Halloween Fun Run. As they ran through the park that morning, Disney characters in Halloween costumes and Cast Members were stationed along the race route to cheer them on. My son loved it, and so did my husband. You might, too!
Listen to the Diva! Add some 'glisten' to your next Disney vacation with Disney Races!
Don't stop there! Check out more Disney Diva's Favorite Things...
Stuff Not to Skip
- Disney Races (official site)
http://espnwwos.disney.go.com/sports/rundisney - Disney Running (blog)
http://disneyrunning.com - Tips from the Disney Diva
http://tipsfromthedisneydiva.blogspot.com