• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • About | Press
  • Up the Waterfall
  • Media Kit

ZANNALAND!

Magical Adventures & Memories

  • Latest News
    • Top Stories
    • Disney News
    • Disney Movie News & Reviews
    • Movie Reviews
  • Places to Explore
    • Walt Disney World
    • Universal Orlando Resort
    • Disneyland Resort
    • Orlando Area Resorts
    • Disneyland Resort Paris
    • Disney Cruise Line
  • Things to Do
    • Disney Dining
    • Disney Special Events
    • D23 Expo
    • RunDisney
    • Travel, Theme Parks, and Resorts
    • Florida Theme Parks & Attractions
      • Universal Orlando Resort
      • Medieval Times
      • LEGOLAND Florida
      • Busch Gardens
      • Sea World Orlando
    • Orlando Area Resorts
    • Central Florida Family Entertainment
  • Up the Waterfall Podcast

RunDisney

My runDisney Race Weekend Sponsored by Enterprise

2 June 2022 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

Share
Tweet
Pin
Share
Princess 5K 2011
My original runDisney race – Still running with my phone in hand!

I registered for my first runDisney race back in 2010. It was the Mickey’s Halloween 5K, part of the first-ever Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend that year. It was a different time and I made so many new friends and connections through Twitter. We were all calling it #EpicOctober and meeting up at various times. I was also meeting up with my fellow Walt Disney World Moms Panel (now planDisney) panelists, as it was my first year on the panel. I had never run anything in my life and was very, very worried I would not be able to complete the 5K. So, I didn’t go. I was ashamed, embarrassed and vowed that I would do a runDisney 5K someday, especially after meeting up with all my friends who did it and listening to all the fun they had on the course. So, I registered for the 5K during the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend. And this time, I actually did it!

Fast forward many years, and many, many runDisney races have taken place. Over that time, I did a handful of 5K’s and one 10K back in 2016. I then took 7 years off. A lot happened in my life between then and now, and I began to focus more on my health and fitness. I lost 75lbs over the past 2 years, and though I’ve been vegetarian since 2012, I went vegan in 2018, and have been ever since. After these changes, I decided to get back into runDisney races, and vowed that 2022 would be my “Year of runDisney” and I would do all the races I could this year. I bounced back with the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend races in January of 2022, where I did the 5K and 10K again. I had caught the runDisney bug and decided to challenge myself and register for the Disney Fairytale Challenge as part of the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend – this was doing the 10K and Half Marathon (plus I did the 5K too). Me? Do a half marathon?? I spent the next months being anxious and worried, while still knowing I had it in me to complete it. And I did.

runDisney Princess 5K 2022
runDisney Princess Half Marathon 2022
runDisney race medals 2022

I was not fast, I cried about 5 times (happy cries), but I did it. I am now a half marathoner! The next set of races were the runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend – celebrating races from runDisney past, including the fan favorite Expedition Everest 5K and the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10 Miler.

I wanted to register for the Challenge and do all of the races, but in trying to get both my husband and I registered, I was shut out of the Challenge and the 5K. I was able to register both of us for the Race for the Taste 10K and the Twilight Zone Tower of Terrorℱ 10 Miler. Closer to the races, I received an email from Enterprise, the official rental car of Walt Disney World, about partnering with them to cover the races and share my experiences on social media. Of course, it was an immediate YES from me, and what follows is my sponsored account of the runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend Celebrates Yestermorrow.

Enterprise Rental Car

As part of our partnership, Enterprise provided a rental car for me as well as a stay at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. I was very excited for both of these experiences. We started out by heading to the Car Care Center right near Magic Kingdom Park to pick up the Enterprise rental car. It was a seamless process, and it wasn’t just for me, the others getting their cars or dropping them back off were helped quickly and with minimal effort on the guests part. I picked up my super cool Dodge Challenger in bright orange and knew this was going to be a fun weekend.

Enterprise Rental Car

We then headed over to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. It was again so easy to check-in, I just did it on the ‘My Disney Experience’ application on my phone and didn’t even need to stop at the front desk. We could head straight to the room and unlock our door with the app or a MagicBand. We were given a standard view room, but really lucked out as our view was of the area where some of the animals come at the end of the night, so we really saw so many animals right from our balcony! There were 6 giraffes we could see often, three or four zebras (including a cute younger one), some Ankole cattle, waterbuck, impala, crowned cranes, and more (including bunnies and squirrels which are just as exciting to me). It was so cool to wake up and see giraffes right outside.
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of my favorite resorts in all of Walt Disney World Resort anyway, so I was so grateful and excited to get to spend 5 nights there. There are so many options for dining. The pool area is wonderful, and the rooms themselves were so peaceful and comfortable. When I first checked in, I had the balcony door open and was texting my friends that all I could hear was the gentle clicking of the bamboo trees in the distance. I was in heaven.

The next day, after breakfast at Disney’s Polynesian Resort, we set out to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex for the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo. This is where you pick up all your bibs for the races, your race shirts, and you can also shop for fun merchandise from runDisney partners and official runDisney race weekend merchandise too. It was super easy to pop over in our Enterprise rental car and just park and head in. It’s a really fun way to start off every race weekend, because you are immediately surrounded by others who are doing the same thing you are, having fun, getting excited for the upcoming races, and of course taking photos at the many photo ops all around ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. We got our bibs and found out we were in Starting Group 2 for the 5K and the 10 Miler, but Starting Group 1 for the 10K. What luck! I’ve said before I’m not fast, so getting any extra time from being in a closer starting group is always a bonus that I appreciate greatly!

 

runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend 2022

After getting all of our race info and bibs, we headed back to the resort to just chill before the first race – a night race! The Expedition Everest 5K always took place at night in prior years, so they kept with that tradition, and it didn’t start until 10pm. This was my first ever night race, though many of my friends had done either this race or the Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend races that took place at night previously. It was kind of strange being up so late and just waiting for the race to start. I’m still not sure if I prefer that to the early morning 2:30am wake-up calls of the other races I’ve done.

Expedition Everest 5K 2022

runDisney Springtime Surprise Race Recap:

Mother Nature had some other ideas about our nighttime race, and there was worry about rain and lightning. So, in an abundance of caution not only for the racers, but also the amazing volunteers working the course, the course was shortened for the 5K. The scavenger hunt, which was all digital on an app this year, was also postponed getting everyone to finish the race as soon as possible and reduce the risk of weather affecting things. The course had the last half a mile taken off, but by the time we walked to and from the start and finish line, we had all definitely done a 5K that night. Luckily, the rain held off and we didn’t get drenched, so that was a very good thing. It was so fun running through Pandora: World of Avatar at night, with the bioluminescence and all the background sounds of creatures of Pandora in the distance. I loved it.
Expedition Everest 5K 2022

The medal for the Expedition Everest 5K has always been a compass, so I was very excited to finally get one myself. It was truly one of the most fun 5K’s and unique ones as well. I would sign up again in a heartbeat!

The next day, we had a day of rest before the early morning race times began on Saturday. We hung around the hotel, had some pool time, and our family visited so we could all have dinner together from Sanaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village, before we had to head to an early bedtime.

Saturday morning, we were up bright and early (well, not so bright, it was still very dark out at 2:30am). Having the Enterprise rental car meant we had a little more time to head over to EPCOT and park for the Race for the Taste 10K. My husband Scott and I headed into our starting group 1 and did some stretching before the race began. The runDisney crew always does an amazing job of hyping up the crowd at such an early hour, in rain or shine, cold or heat. This day, the humidity was at about 99% and it was like running through soup, but that didn’t stop the fun.

 

runDisney Race for the Taste 10K 2022

We saw so many fun characters along the course and seeing our friends racing along with us made it even more special. Having the runDisney PhotoPass photographers along the course ensures you’ll have some great memories of the race day and seeing the photos pop in on your app after the race is always a highlight.

runDisney Race for the Taste 10K 2022
runDisney Race for the Taste 10K 2022
Being locals, we aren’t the type to pack in non-stop theme park action during the race weekends. We can go to the parks most of the time, so we like to take the time to relax at our hotel and unwind between races during the runDisney weekends. Saturday night we took advantage of the delicious dining options at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and had some dinner to go from Victoria Falls Lounge and the Mara. It was an early night again as we waited for the 2:30 alarm to go off Sunday morning!
runDisney Tower of Terror 10 Miler 2022

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terrorℱ 10 Miler was the last race of the weekend, and all of my friends were in the same starting group as Scott and I, so it was a very fun morning as we laughed and got ready to race. Two of our friends ran the whole race, while my other one (Amanda, who got me into runDisney races to begin with) run/walked with us the whole way. The humidity was less savage this day, so it was a great race day.

runDisney Tower of Terror 10 Miler 2022
runDisney Tower of Terror 10 Miler 2022
runDisney Tower of Terror 10 Miler 2022
The runDisney character stops and entertainment along the course was all themed to the Tower of Terror and 1939 (the year the elevator first dropped into the Twilight Zone). It was great fun. I had already done 13.1 miles in February, so I knew I could complete this 10-miler, and each race I ran a little more and walked a little less, so it was all a great feeling of accomplishment too. Unlike the other two races, we finished this one after sunrise, so we got to see the sun rise over EPCOT, after running through Disney’s Hollywood Studios and for the first time ever – Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge! I will never forget those moments.
runDisney Tower of Terror 10 Miler 2022

Finishing the final race with my husband and my friends was such a wonderful experience. The runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend Celebrates Yestermorrow was a success all around! We finished up our morning with a family breakfast at Boma in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge which has so many wonderful options for everyone to enjoy. After all the racing, we took a much-needed nap. Despite my lack of any real training, I was feeling great and ready to head over to a park and enjoy our last full day of this race weekend.

runDisney race medals 2022

We popped over to EPCOT in our Enterprise rental car and enjoyed some of the delicious bites from the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, going on now through July 4. We ended our night watching Harmonious and wandering through Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts to check out the Easter egg displays before heading home for a good night’s sleep.

EPCOT Harmonious

The next day, reality crept back in as we checked out, returned our rental car (super easy, we didn’t even have to go inside, we just handed them the keys and they said we were all set!) ,and headed home and back to work. I can’t thank Enterprise enough for really making this runDisney weekend an epic one with so many fun moments along the way, I’ll remember it for a very long time. I can’t wait for the next set of runDisney races – see you in November!

*Opinions expressed are solely my own and do not express the views or opinions of Enterprise.

runDisney race medals 2022
runDisney race medals 2022
I’d love to hear about your runDisney race experiences in the comments below!
Share
Tweet
Pin
Share

Filed Under: Disney Special Events, Latest News, RunDisney, Top Stories, Walt Disney World Tagged With: Disney half marathon, Disney races, Enterprise, Enterprise rental car, EnterprisePartner, run Disney, run walking, runDisney, runDisney 2022, runDisney race recap, Sponsored Post, Springtime Surprise 2022, Springtime Surprise Challenge, Springtime Surprise runDisney, Springtime Surprise Weekend, Walt Disney World races, walt disney world resort

The Best Kept Secret in WDW’s Backyard: Hilton Bonnet Creek and Waldorf Astoria Orlando

29 January 2015 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Share
Tweet
Pin
Share
Waldorf Astoria Orlando lobby
Waldorf Astoria Orlando lobby

I’ve been lucky enough to stay at, tour, and even just visit more than my fair share of hotels and resorts, especially in the last 6 years with this site. While staying at an official Disney resort has its perks, I must say [whispers so Mickey doesn’t hear], there are some resorts nearby to give Disney a run for the money. Now before you die-hard Disney resort fans start protesting, please just keep reading and see if you agree when all is said and done. This should be of special interest to all of you runDisney racers out there, because in addition to being a relaxing, amenity-filled, comfiest-beds-ever resort, the Hilton Bonnet Creek has completely ridiculous Marathon Weekends packages that will blow your mind. In the best possible way. I promise.

 

So I first heard about the Hilton Bonnet Creek through my wonderful friend and fabulous blogger, Amanda Tinney. Amanda had been going to Hilton Bonnet Creek both as an invited guest and on her own time and dime for a while when she invited me over for a girls weekend over the last summer. We had such a great time (despite my getting sunburnt to a crisp because I seem to always forget that people with skin like Merida from Brave need SPF 500) lounging by the pool, being wined and dined at the Bull & Bear, and sleeping in. And it was $99 a night for our room at a special End of Summer rate. That’s Disney Value Resort pricing, people, and this is NOT a value resort in terms of anything BUT price. I still have to write about the exquisite dinner we had at Bull & Bear…I can close my eyes and still taste it, even months later.

Amanda’s and my room at the Hilton Bonnet Creek over the summer
The start of our meal at the Bull & Bear

What I want to tell you about now, however, is Marathon Weekends at Hilton Bonnet Creek and the Waldorf Astoria. While I don’t consider myself a “runner” (yet…) though Amanda would argue that I am, I have been cheering and attending Disney races for the last 4 years or so. I’ve done 4 5k’s and just completed my first 10k during the Walt Disney World Marathon 2015 weekend. I’ve recently lost 50lbs (and still going), so this last race weekend was really my first serious foray into the world of Disney races. While I may not have been running a half or full marathon (or all 4 races for the Dopey medal), I’ve been around enough runners to know what they appreciate and the ins and outs of runDisney races. Hilton Bonnet Creek impressed me from check-in to check-out. If you are a local looking for a great place to lay your head and be close to the action, or flying in just to race, the Hilton Bonnet Creek will treat you like royalty. I know just posting the photos that I did on my social media accounts, I was getting people right and left that said they were going to book their next race weekend there. Which made me SO happy, because we had such a wonderful time there, and I want everyone to experience it first hand!

Here is the run-down of the Bonnet Creek Marathon Weekends amenities:

Two of the “Carb Loading” pasta options from Harvest Bistro at the Hilton Bonnet Creek
Crazy huge breakfast set-up & cheering for runners at Marathon Weekends!

 

 

A Special Experience For Runners

As our guest during Marathon Weekends at Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, you’ll receive the following:

  • Complimentary bus transportation to and from the race venue
  • Carb-Load Pasta Dinner options
  • Personalized assistance from our Runner’s Concierge … and even dip into their Runners’ Survival Kit!
  • Complimentary snacks and beverages before the races!
  • Encouragement & recognition from our Marathon cheerleaders … even at 2:30 am!

A Special Marathon Rate For Runners

To get the most out of your weekend, we recommend the Marathon Weekend rate, which includes:

  • Special rate on accommodations exclusive to marathon runners
  • Complimentary bus transportation to and from the race venue
  • 10% food & beverage savings card to be used during your stay
  • A Welcome Runner’s Amenity

I’m just going to put this question here…what do the Walt Disney World Resorts do for runDisney racers staying on property? Well…if you stay at one the hotels they tell you to…they’ll send a bus for you before the races. That’s…pretty much it. The rest of the benefits to running a runDisney race are associated with the race itself and available to everyone running, no matter where you stay. So deciding whether or not to stay at the Bonnet Creek Resort is really a no-brainer, yes? Yes.

 

Marathon Weekends logo outside the Hilton Bonnet Creek
Waldorf Astoria Orlando lobby
Waldorf Astoria Orlando lobby
I love the colors of the Waldorf Astoria
Dining area in the Deluxe Suite
Coffee/wetbar area in the Deluxe Suite
This was in our room when we checked in! 😀
Runner’s Amenity bag for the Marathon Weekends package
Sleepsofa in the living room area
View back at the kitchen area in the Deluxe Suite
The wonderful, wonderful bed in the Waldorf Astoria
This looks pretty inviting, right?
Turndown service with the next day’s weather
3 real roses on the night stand!
TV and desk in the bedroom
New lobby bar Myth at the Hilton
La Luce by Donna Scala at the Hilton Bonnet Creek
Harvest Bistro at the Hilton

ADD to all of the above, the absolutely incredible guest rooms both at the Hilton and the Waldorf Astoria. Since I’d stayed at the Hilton Bonnet Creek over the summer, I was excited to experience all the Waldorf Astoria had to offer after hearing only good things from Amanda. Well, let me tell you, it did not disappoint. I pretty much wanted to move in and never leave. The beds were SO comfy, that is really the only downside…any wee hours of the morning 3am wake-up calls will seem like cruel and unusual punishment after basically being wrapped in a cloud all night in your Waldorf bed. We were lucky enough to be treated to a King suite at the Waldorf for our stay, and as a result I’m pretty much spoiled for life and only want to stay here from now on.

The Waldorf Astoria Orlando is actually, like all Waldorf properties, more of a boutique style hotel, which means excellent service for you, and the intimate feeling of a boutique hotel, with the benefits of the award-winning Bull & Bear, Peacock Alley lounge (which is gorgeous and I want to live there too), the other Waldorf amenities and pool – PLUS, all of the amenities at the Hilton Bonnet Creek, which is right next door, and connected by the convention center so you can walk in comfort inside between the properties. And of course guests staying at the Hilton can also enjoy the restaurants and bars of the Waldorf Astoria too. It really does have it all.

Checking in at the Waldorf was seamless. I was asked for my cell so the concierge could text me with any information and I could ask them for anything, at ANY time! I have to say, that was the coolest feature of all. Being able to ask a question by text (which is my preferred method of communication for the record), and get an instant answer, was heaven I tell ya. We felt so welcomed and at home, it really was an amazing weekend. I know it will be the first of many stays at the Waldorf. The level of guest service we experienced in every corner of both resorts was unparalleled.

In addition to the wonderful Marathon Weekends, the resort offers several special events throughout the year, including one of Amanda’s favorites, Cupcake Lovers Weekend in June, which I feel like I must experience first-hand, for research purposes. They also have spa packages, romance, tea for two, and so many more special experiences. Hopefully I’ve convinced you to look into the Bonnet Creek Resort and stay at the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek and the Waldorf Astoria Orlando (I mean, you have to stay at both to get the full experience, I think). Did I mention how convenient it is to all the Walt Disney World parks, Downtown Disney, and I-4 if you’re headed to other Orlando destinations? It’s pretty much perfect. I think I need to check out some dates for a weekend getaway…how about you?

Rates for the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek’s Marathon Weekends start at just $149/night. A little more and you get the added luxury of the Waldorf Astoria. There are constantly specials and offers going on, and if you’re a Hilton Honors member, there are double points weekends too. Click the links above to check on availability.

Disclaimer: I was an invited guest at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando for Marathon Weekends and was provided with a complimentary Deluxe Suite, daily breakfast buffet at Oscars, and a $100 room credit. That said, all of the opinions above are my own, and if we had a bad time, I’d have told you that too. But we didn’t. It was amazing. In fact, I need to tell you more things about our stay, and I haven’t even mentioned the lazy river at the Hilton Bonnet Creek or the spa or the brand new Myth Bar that just opened, but I’ll save that for future posts. So come back and check for those! 

Share
Tweet
Pin
Share

Filed Under: Disney Movie News & Reviews, Orlando Area Resorts, Reviews, RunDisney, Top Stories, Travel Tagged With: Bonnet Creek Resort, Bull & Bear, Disney Resorts, Harvest Bistro, Hilton Bonnet Creek, Hilton Bonnet Creek Marathon Weekends, Hilton Bonnet Creek review, La Scala, Myth bar, Orlando area hotels, Orlando area resorts, Orlando Staycation, Waldorf Astoria, Waldorf Astoria Orlando, Waldorf Astoria Orlando review

Central Florida Theme Park News – March 3, 2014

3 February 2014 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Share
Tweet
Pin
Share

I decided I’d try something new here in addition to opinion and review posts: a news update with all of the things that have happened in the past week or so, to have everything all in one place. So if you missed anything in Central Florida & Theme Park and Resort News, here you go!

Disney Parks let us in on a well-kept secret – that there will be another Disney 24 hour day in both the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World and Disneyland, on May 23 from 6am – May 24 at 6am. They also want you to come dressed up as your favorite character as they celebrate Heroes and Villains and hope guests will “Rock their Disney Side.” And, they are also giving away a coast-to-coast trip to the 24 Hour Day:

To enter, just tweet how you plan to “Rock” your Disney Side all season long, tagged with #DisneySideSweepsEntry. If you win, get ready to enjoy a coast-to-coast, 7-day/6-night Disney Parks vacation for 4—with back-to-back stays at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida followed by the Disneyland Resort in California, where you can enjoy the Rock Your Disney Side: 24-Hours event
 live and in person! You can find out more, plus the official rules at DisneyParks.com.

140 character hashtag
140 Character Hashtag – Make sure you look for Mike Wazowski, blocked again! Photo ©Disney

 

In a galaxy far far away, we got some Star Wars Weekends news:

In order to convince more guests to join the Rebellion, a 5th weekend is now being added to Star WarsWeekends 2014. The new event dates are every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May 16-June 15, 2014. The theme for this year’s event is, appropriately, “Join the Rebellion.” Official Star Wars Weekends dates are as follows:

  • Weekend I: May 16 – 18, 2014
  • Weekend II: May 23 – 25, 2014
  • Weekend III: May 30 – June 1, 2014
  • Weekend IV: June 6 – 8, 2014
  • Weekend V: June 13 – 15, 2014

There will also now be a nightly fireworks display rather than the Hyperspace Hoopla. More info on Star Wars Weekends here.

 

 

avengers-half-marathon-logo-625x355

An all-new runDisney event, the Avengers Half Marathon was announced for Disneyland, November 14-16, 2014. Registration will begin at noon on March 25, so suit up!

Major changes were announced for the Magic Kingdom’s hub at Walt Disney World. While I was initially very worried about how this would look (and I’m still not really happy about the former Swan Boat landing looking inaccessible now?) it does look as though this new plan will fit into the existing layout and offer benefits as well. According to the Disney Parks Blog:

We’re adding several new elements to the area, including sculpted gardens, additional pathways, expanded restaurant seating and even a special viewing area for fireworks and other performances.

Here’s a flyover video of the changes to come:

…
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay was excited to announce the Official Opening Date for Falcon’s Fury:  May 1, 2014. Not sure what Falcon’s Fury will look like? Here’s a sneak peek:

GULP. In other Busch Gardens news – Guests can take advantage of an unprecedented offer and receive an Adventure Island Fun Card FREE with the purchase of a Busch Gardens Tampa Fun Card. This new, limited-time offer let’s guests enjoy unlimited thrills at Busch Gardens  and the water-soaked fun of Adventure Island for $92 for adults and $87 for children (ages 3-9) with no blackout dates.

…

SeaWorld is offering Residents within a 50-mile radius of Discovery Cove a chance to win a lawn makeover from the Discovery Cove landscape team. Qualifying residents can enter through the Discovery Cove Facebook page by submitting a photo of their front lawn and a short description sharing why they should win the lawn makeover.
The contest runs in three phases and you can find out more at the Discover Cove Facebook link above.
Ihu's Breakaway Falls Dropping May 9 at Aquatica OrlandoIn other SeaWorld news: their Ihu’s Breakaway Falls – the tallest, steepest and only multi-drop tower slide of its kind in the southern United States – opens at Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark May 9.

At nearly 80 feet tall, Ihu’s Breakaway Falls is where thrill seekers face their fears and each other. After stepping into one of three clear “breakaway boxes,” they’ll watch each other fall one-by-one as the floor underneath them disappears. They’ll never know who’s going to breakaway first – and the anticipation of who drops next is part of the wild ride!
Fun Facts:
  • At nearly 80 feet tall, Ihu’s Breakaway Falls has the tallest and steepest 360-degree spirals in the southern United States.
  • Those who dare to brave Ihu’s Breakaway Falls will experience an almost vertical drop for nearly 40 feet, the steepest in the southern United States.
  • Ihu’s Breakaway Falls is the longest water thrill slide of its kind featuring three “breakaway boxes” and four completely different slide paths. Once the floor disappears, riders will drop 20-24 feet per second.

Both SeaWorld and Busch Gardens are now offering a special $50 Weekday Ticket, on sale for only 50 days, good for a single weekday admission to either park, now through May 5, 2014, including spring break.

…

Finally, in local resort news, the Hyatt Grand Cypress wants you to party like it’s 1984 with this special offer:

30th Anniversary Celebration Offer
Now through Dec. 21, 2014 (reservations are subject to availability and must be made in advance) Rate & Offer: $198.40 per night, plus $30 food and beverage credit
Special offer code: RTRO
Note: The food and beverage credit is for use during your to stay to enjoy the resort’s award-winning restaurants including Cascade American Bistro, Hemingway’s, or the On the Rocks pool bar.
I recently got a chance to stay at the Hyatt Grand Cypress and was really impressed with how much their was to do and how lovely the accommodations were. I’ll have a full write-up soon!
…
That’s it for the past week – stories to watch for this week are: the premier of the new Festival of Fantasy Parade, which we’ll be covering on March 9th when it travels down the parade route at the Magic Kingdom for the first time. Some Legoland Florida news that fans of the old Cypress Gardens park will enjoy. And of course, more news, photos and food reviews as the 21st Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival officially opens on March 5! Thanks for reading and for your support of Zannaland.com
Share
Tweet
Pin
Share

Filed Under: Busch Gardens, Disney News, Disney Special Events, Florida Theme Parks & Attractions, Orlando Area Resorts, RunDisney, Sea World Orlando, Top Stories, Travel, Theme Parks, and Resorts, Walt Disney World Tagged With: 24 Hour Disney Day, aquatica, Avengers Half Marathon, busch gardens, busch gardens tampa, Central Florida news, Discovery Cove, Discovery Cove landscape contest, Disney 24 hours, Disney Side Sweepstakes, Falcon's Fury, hyatt regency grand cypress, Ihu’s Breakaway Falls, Magic Kingdom hub, Magic Kingdom Hub changes, Rock Your Disney Side, SeaWorld, Star Wars Weekends, Theme Park News

NEW: Tinker Bell Half Marathon Disney Dooney and Bourke Bag

13 January 2014 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

Share
Tweet
Pin
Share

runDisney just released a sneak peek at the Tinker Bell Half Marathon Disney Dooney & Bourke purses available at Disneyland for the race On January 19, 2014! As with WDW runDisney events, there will be a race expo, opening on the 16th for this event, where racers and spectators alike can purchase merchandise. Last year, the Dooneys sold out in a matter of minutes, so keep that in mind! We’ll have more info as it becomes available:

2014 Tinker Bell Half Marathon Disney Dooney

 

2014 Tinker Bell Half Marathon Disney Dooney

 

2014 Tinker Bell Half Marathon Disneyland

I love the colors and pattern, but Tink has always been my favorite. What do you think?

 

Don’t forget to check DisneyStore.com for sales of select current releasedDisney Dooney & Bourke purses and Zannaland’s Disney Dooney & Bourke page with ALL handbag photos and info.

*DisneyStore.com links are affiliate links, which means it costs you nothing extra to click or buy, but if you do, I get a small commission. Thanks for reading!

Share
Tweet
Pin
Share

Filed Under: Disney Merchandise, Disney Special Events, RunDisney, Top Stories Tagged With: 2014 Tinker Bell Dooney, 2014 Tinker Bell Half Marathon, designer bags, designer handbags, designer purses, Disney Dooney, Disney Dooney & Bourke, Disney Dooney and Bourke denim writing, Disney marathon Dooney & Bourke bags, Disney parks, Disneyland, disneyland half marathon, Disneyland Half Marathon merchandise, Dooney & Bourke, exclusive Dooney and Bourke, handbags, letter carrier, marathon weekend, purses, runDisney, Tinker Bell Dooney & Bourke

NEW: Disney Dooney and Bourke-2014 runDisney WDW Princess Half Marathon

11 January 2014 by Suzannah Otis 6 Comments

Share
Tweet
Pin
Share

FINALLY, we have a photo of the purses available to purchase at the WDW Princess Half Marathon! I don’t have prices yet but if you are registered you should have received an email from runDisney with a link to pre-purchase these bags! If anyone would like to pass along pricing, I’ll update the post with the info. (Edit: thank you, prices added!) More/larger photos as I can find them. Until then, here you go!

Princess Half Disney Dooney

Letter carrier is $197.95, shopper is $187.25, and the tote is $240.75.
(Thanks Courtkneehowe for the pricing!)

Check DisneyStore.com for sales of select current released Disney Dooney & Bourke purses and Zannaland’s Disney Dooney & Bourke page with ALL handbag photos and info.

*DisneyStore.com links are affiliate links, which means it costs you nothing extra to click or buy, but if you do, I get a small commission. Thanks for reading!

Share
Tweet
Pin
Share

Filed Under: Disney Merchandise, RunDisney, Top Stories Tagged With: 2014 Princess Dooney & Bourke, 2014 princess half marathon, Disney Dooney, Dooney & Bourke, wdw princess half marathon

NEW! 2014 Walt Disney World Marathon Dooney and Bourke Bags

26 November 2013 by Suzannah Otis 4 Comments

Share
Tweet
Pin
Share

Disney and Dooney & Bourke are switching things up yet again with a whole new design for the 2014 Walt Disney World Marathon bag designs! Brightly colored and featuring Mickey Mouse, Goofy, and Dumbo (for the Goofy’s Challenge and Dumbo Double Dare medals) and other familiar Disney icons. Also written on the print are “Run Around the World” “Go Go Go” and “Finisher“. Looks like a super fun way to show off your amazing accomplishment all year long!

The bags come in three styles:

DooneyMarathon2014

Tote – $246.10  Wristlet – $90.95 Crossbody – $208.65 – prices include tax

Right now purses are available to order for registered runners on the RunDisney Active.com page and will be available in the Wide World of Sports Expo Center but I have a feeling these won’t be around long! More info and larger pictures soon!

Here are some photos from the RunDisney WDW Marathon Expo:

WDW Marathon Disney Dooney 2014

WDW Marathon Dooney 2014

WDW Marathon Dooney 2014

WDW Marathon Dooney 2014

WDW Marathon Dooney 2014

WDW Marathon Dooney 2014

The Expo is located at the ESPN Wide World of Sports and is open Friday from 8am – 7pm and Saturday from 10am – 4pm. The Dooney and Bourke center is located to the left when you enter the WWOS, outside Champion Stadium. Good luck to all the runners and purse buyers out there! 😉

Share
Tweet
Pin
Share

Filed Under: Disney Merchandise, Disney Special Events, RunDisney, Top Stories, Walt Disney World Tagged With: 2014 Walt Disney World Marathon, designer bags, designer handbags, designer purses, Disney Dooney, Disney Dooney & Bourke, Disney Dooney and Bourke denim writing, Disney marathon Dooney & Bourke bags, Disney parks, Dooney & Bourke, exclusive Dooney and Bourke, handbags, marathon weekend, purses, runDisney, Walt Disney World marathon

They’re BAAAACK – Disney Dooney & Bourke 2013 Tinker Bell Half Marathon Bags!

5 December 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Share
Tweet
Pin
Share

The Tinker Bell Disney Dooney & Bourke Bags are perhaps the most asked-about designs of all the Disney Dooneys to date. I SO wish they’d release them as a regular bag as well, but until then, you can snag one by registering for the 2013 Tinker Bell Half Marathon at Disneyland – taking place January 19-20 next year. By extremely popular demand, runDisney has decided to re-release the commemorative Tink Dooney & Boourke purses that it sold for the inaugural Tinker Bell Half Marathon in Disneyland.

Tink Dooney and Bourke

More photos of the bags at last year’s Tinker Bell Half Marathon post – the design is the same with a new 2013 commemorative hang tag.

Purses must be pre ordered through Active.com by a registered participant. Only 2 bags per person. This should eliminate some of the issues from last year, where bags sold out in minutes!

Prices:

$92.00 – Dooney & Bourke Wristlet
$209.00 – Dooney & Bourke Cross Body Purse
$246.00 – Dooney & Bourke Small Shopper

Purses must be picked up at the Disneyland Hotel event merchandise location on Friday, January 18th (11am – 7pm) or Saturday, January 19th (9am – 5pm). Any Dooney & Bourke Purses not picked up at the Expo will not be mailed and will not be refunded. Quantities are limited.

Don’t forget to check DisneyStore.com for sales of select current released Disney Dooney & Bourke purses and Zannaland’s Disney Dooney & Bourke page with ALL handbag photos and info.

*DisneyStore.com links are affiliate links, which means it costs you nothing extra to click or buy, but if you do, I get a small commission. Thanks for reading!

Share
Tweet
Pin
Share

Filed Under: Disney Merchandise, Disney Special Events, RunDisney, Top Stories Tagged With: 2013 Tinker Bell Half Marathon, designer bags, designer handbags, designer purses, Disney Dooney, Disney Dooney & Bourke, Disney Dooney and Bourke denim writing, Disney marathon Dooney & Bourke bags, Disney parks, Disneyland, disneyland half marathon, Disneyland Half Marathon merchandise, Dooney & Bourke, exclusive Dooney and Bourke, handbags, letter carrier, marathon weekend, purses, runDisney, Tinker Bell Dooney & Bourke, Tinker Bell Half Marathon

20th Anniversary Walt Disney World Marathon Disney Dooney and Bourke Bags

20 November 2012 by Suzannah Otis 6 Comments

Share
Tweet
Pin
Share

WDW Marathon Dooney & Bourke BagsKeeping up with the tradition of limited edition Disney Dooney and Bourke handbag designs for the Run Disney half marathon races, Disney has come out with a new design for the 20th anniversary of the Walt Disney World Marathon.

A blue bag with various Mickey Mouse silhouettes in different designs, this bag is less about racing icons and more about the Big Cheese himself. There is one version of Mickey in a running pose, which is what sets this design apart from previous Mickey designs. There will also be a special WDW Marathon hang tag as was on the previous RunDisney Dooney & Bourke limited edition bags. limThe pricing for the bags are: $280.00 for the Dooney & Bourke Satchel Purse and $200.00 for the Dooney & Bourke Letter Carrier Purse. The prices include tax and a non-refundable processing fee.

This time around Disney has gotten smart and set up the bags for pre-purchase at their active.com race registration site. There is a maximum 2 bag purchase per registration. Hopefully these new stipulations will ensure less eBay poachers and more fans of the bags themselves.

If you’re ready to run and grab your bags, click here to order.

 

Walt Disney World 20th Anniversary Marathon Dooney & Bourke Bags

 

 

Don’t forget to check DisneyStore.com for sales of select current released Disney Dooney & Bourke purses and Zannaland’s Disney Dooney & Bourke page with ALL handbag photos and info.

*DisneyStore.com links are affiliate links, which means it costs you nothing extra to click or buy, but if you do, I get a small commission. Thanks for reading!

Share
Tweet
Pin
Share

Filed Under: Disney Merchandise, Disney Special Events, RunDisney, Top Stories Tagged With: 2013 Walt Disney World Marathon, 2013 WDW Marathon, 20th anniversary, designer bags, designer handbags, designer purses, Disney, Disney Dooney, Disney Dooney & Bourke, Disney Dooney and Bourke, Disney marathon, Disney marathon Dooney & Bourke bags, Disney Merchandise, Disney parks, Dooney & Bourke, Dooney and Bourke, Dooney marathon purse, exclusive Dooney and Bourke, half marathon, handbags, letter carrier, Limited Edition, limited edition Disney Dooney & Bourke, limited edition merchandise, marathon logo, marathon weekend, purses, runDisney, runners, Walt Disney, Walt Disney World, Walt Disney World marathon, WDW Marathon

Disney World Princess Half Marathon Dooney & Bourke Bags!

7 February 2012 by Suzannah Otis 7 Comments

Share
Tweet
Pin
Share

2014 Edit: Here are the 2014 Princess Half Marathon Disney Dooney & Bourke bags!

 

UPDATE: I was just in TrenD last night at Downtown Disney in Walt Disney World, and was surprised to see a Princess Half bag on the shelf. I noticed there wasn’t a Princess Half Marathon hang tag on it, so we asked to see it up close and sure enough, it’s the same bag as below, without the special WDW Princess Half Marathon hanging charm. The cast member said they just arrived and as of last night, that was the only style they had in the Princess print. Interesting! Not sure if they just had a few left over or if they will be releasing all the styles in this print soon. I will of course, report more as I find out. Here are the photos I took last night:

 

Disney Princess Marathon Dooney
This is how I first spotted the Disney Princess Marathon Dooney…with the brown leather Disney Dooney too.

 

Disney Princess Marathon Dooney
Up-close with no Disney Princess Half Marathon charm…still $215

 

Special thanks to @DisneyInATweet for giving me the heads up on these new purses so I could share them with you all here!

After the success of the Disneyland Tinker Bell Half Marathon Dooney & Bourke designs, I guess we should’ve known the WDW Princess Half would be the next to receive the D&B treatment. Check out the photos and prices below:

 

Princess Half Marathon Dooneys
It looks like we’re getting a Letter Carrier – $168 and Flap Wristlet – $49 and Large Tote – $215. Image ©Disney

 

DooneyBourke_PrincessHalf2012_ToteFront
Large Tote – $215 Image ©Disney

 

DooneyBourke_PrincessHalf2012_CrossbodyFront
Letter Carrier Crossbody – $168 Image ©Disney

 

DooneyBourke_PrincessHalf2012_WristletFront
Flap Wristlet – $49 Image ©Disney

 

DooneyBourke_PrincessHalf2012_ToteMedal01
Princess Half Medal hang tag Image ©Disney

 

They again feature a Half Marathon logo hanging tag like the Tinker Bell Half Marathon did. I love the college-look to the design and the color scheme as well. You can check out a preview of the rest of the Princess Half merchandise at the DisneyParks Blog. Best of luck to all the runners too – I’ll be doing the Royal Family 5k with my 11 year-old daughter again! 😀

 

Don’t forget to check DisneyStore.com for sales of select current released Disney Dooney & Bourke purses and Zannaland’s Disney Dooney & Bourke page with ALL handbag photos and info.

*DisneyStore.com links are affiliate links, which means it costs you nothing extra to click or buy, but if you do, I get a small commission. Thanks for reading!

Share
Tweet
Pin
Share

Filed Under: Disney Merchandise, Disney News, Disney Special Events, RunDisney, Walt Disney World Tagged With: designer bags, designer handbags, designer purses, Disney, Disney Dooney, Disney Dooney & Bourke, Disney marathon Dooney & Bourke bags, Disney Merchandise, Disney parks, Dooney & Bourke, exclusive Dooney and Bourke, half marathon, handbags, letter carrier, marathon logo, marathon weekend, princess, Princess Half Marathon, Princess Half merchandise, purses, royal family, runDisney, runners, tinker bell, Walt Disney, Walt Disney World, Walt Disney World Princess Half Marathon

Tinker Bell Disney Dooney & Bourke Bags to Debut at Disneyland Half Marathon

24 January 2012 by Suzannah Otis 7 Comments

Share
Tweet
Pin
Share

Ok, now it’s bad enough that Disneyland’s inaugural 1/2 Marathon has a Tinker Bell theme and I will not be able to attend (or run for that matter!) but now DisneyParks Blog has just announced that a new Disney Dooney & Bourke bags with the Tink design will also debut for the weekend! Torture, I tell ya!

Tink Half Marathon Logo

Here’s what we know so far:

 

Tink Dooney and Bourke

It looks like there are three styles, all previously released – the Medium Tote will be $198, Letter Carrier will be $168 and Flap Wristlet will be $49. The Art of Disney Parks site notes that these purses will feature the special inaugural Disneyland 1/2 Marathon hanging tags – the green tag shown in the photos. This is the first time the name of an event will ever be placed on a Disney Dooney & Bourke bag. I personally love the design, and may have to contact my Disneyland pals to pick me up one! I may not be running THIS half marathon, but I will some day! 😉

Here is some new information about the bags:

My source tells me from their understanding they won’t be carried online at this point. They are also advising guests who are interested that they will need to wait until after the marathon to inquire with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Merchandise Guest Services at 1-877-560-6477 or send an email to: [email protected]

New photos below – all photos ©Disney:

 

Dooney & Bourke Tinker Bell Half Marathon medallion
Dooney & Bourke Tinker Bell Half Marathon medallion

 

Dooney & Bourke Tinker Bell Half Marathon medium tote
Dooney & Bourke Tinker Bell Half Marathon medium tote

 

Dooney & Bourke Tinker Bell Half Marathon letter carrier
Dooney & Bourke Tinker Bell Half Marathon letter carrier

 

Dooney & Bourke Tinker Bell Half Marathon medallion
Dooney & Bourke Tinker Bell Half Marathon medallion

 

Dooney & Bourke Tinker Bell Half Marathon wristlet
Dooney & Bourke Tinker Bell Half Marathon wristlet

 

Dooney & Bourke Tinker Bell Half Marathon wristlet back
Dooney & Bourke Tinker Bell Half Marathon wristlet back

 

Don’t forget to check DisneyStore.com for sales of select current released Disney Dooney & Bourke purses and Zannaland’s Disney Dooney & Bourke page with ALL handbag photos and info.

*DisneyStore.com links are affiliate links, which means it costs you nothing extra to click or buy, but if you do, I get a small commission. Thanks for reading! 

 

Share
Tweet
Pin
Share

Filed Under: Disney Merchandise, Disney Special Events, RunDisney Tagged With: designer bags, designer handbags, designer purses, Disney Dooney, Disney Dooney & Bourke, Disney Dooney and Bourke denim writing, Disney marathon Dooney & Bourke bags, Disney parks, Disneyland, disneyland half marathon, Disneyland Half Marathon merchandise, Dooney & Bourke, exclusive Dooney and Bourke, handbags, letter carrier, marathon weekend, purses, runDisney, Tinker Bell Dooney & Bourke

Primary Sidebar

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Subscribe to Our Up the Waterfall Disney History Podcast

Up the Waterfall podcast

Get Some Park Candy!

Park CandyUse code ZANNA at checkout for 10% off your entire order!

FAVORITE VLOG

https://youtu.be/jUQvxcguh9o

Click below to SUBSCRIBE to our latest Vlogs & LIVE Shows!

Recent Posts

  • D23 Events for 2023 – Destination D23 Returns to Walt Disney World
  • Hocus Pocus Cottage in Salem, MA Airbnb – Book this Unique Stay for October 20, 2022
  • LIVE Updates from the 2022 D23 EXPO in Anaheim California
  • Walt Disney’s Grumman Gulfstream I Airplane Makes its West Coast Return for D23 Expo 2022
  • Lilly Singh and Raven-SymonĂ© To Host ‘Disney’s Epic Entertainment Showcase: The Musical: The Extravaganza!’
  • ICE! To Return to Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando for 2022
  • DIS Con 2022 Fan Expo Will Take Place at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
  • Disney+ to Highlight Upcoming Content Throughout D23 Expo Panels
  • D23 Expo 2022 Full Schedule Lineup – Including Muppets Christmas Carol
  • LEGOLAND Florida Brick-or-Treat presents Monster Party

Zannaland Archives

Recent Vlog

https://youtu.be/aRB70OJelLc
DisneyStore.com

Subscribe to our podcast

Free Shipping on New Kate Spade Collection now at shopDisney.com!

Copyright Zannaland © 2023