Last week was quite the week for Walt Disney World enthusiasts. And a week later, I’ve just about recovered from all of the fun. Whew!
I’m not sure what else could have been packed into the opening weekend of October. But we had fun celebrating each and every milestone from last weekend, and couldn’t rush forward into this 40th anniversary year without taking one more look at one spectacular weekend.
As we previously reported, we were on hand for the October 1 40th Anniversary kickoff at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, along with several thousand of our good friends! While we took in the sites, sounds, and crowds, and enjoyed lots of characters, from Princesses, to a certain Fairy Godmother, to Mickey Mouse himself, we were inspired by the words of Meg Crofton and Phil Holmes, as they celebrated the legacy of the Florida resort.
For us, after stopping by our favorite coffee shop for a quick bite and post ;-), we were off to check into Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. We were happy to be back at one of our favorite moderates, and spent the afternoon relaxing for the fun-filled – and strenuous – night ahead.
Why strenuous, you ask? Because Yours Truly thought that running a half marathon would be a fantastic way to celebrate my 40thyear (Wait a minute…my fortieth year…Disney World’s 40th year. Well. That’s just cool.) So after a nap and a Clifpower bar, I was off to meet up with 12,000+ running buddies, to take part in one of the biggest night time races around!
It was fun! It was tough! But great light displays, terrific characters (Green Army Guy near Disney’s Hollywood Studios was my ab fave), and a myriad of WONDERFUL volunteers who cheered us on all the way helped me to cross that finish line! And while I finished waaaayyyyy near the bottom – I finished! And I have the bling to prove it!
After the race, which, fittingly, ended at Epcot, we were treated to one sweet after party. All of Epcot was at our disposal, with drinks and food and more drinks, and music, and dancing cranberry bog farmers…it truly was fantastic, and a party worthy of the effort. I, however, did not feel like partying. So…my goal for next year – yes, I’m already planning to run again next year – train for the party, as well as the race!
While my time so far at Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival was limited, due to my exhaustion, I’m hearing good things about this year’s offerings, and I look forward to exploring it more, as early as this week.
So, with a year to celebrate the birthday of The Happiest Place on Earth, and the Food and Wine Festival kicking off what is arguably the best time of the year at Walt Disney World, and another spectacular runDisney event successfully completed…what has you most excited at the ‘World this October?
