Just call me Princess 
I was happy and lucky enough to run the Disney Princess Half Marathon for my second year in a row. I was also blessed to do it for with three of my best buddies again.
I really enjoy this race. Disney does NOT disappoint. I would say this would be a great first half for someone as long as you can handle the early (extremely early) wake up time and the crowds. BIG crowds. This year the race had over 23,000+ runners. A few years back there were only 7,000+. However if Disney knows anything its how to handle big crowds and I would say they did it even better this year than last. More on that later.
Cara from Running In Sanity and I left on Friday morning and decided to fly down this year rather than drive. Did I mention I am not the best flyer? However 12+ hours compared to under 2….hmm works for me, so with a little help off I went. We were in the sunshine state before 11AM and off to meet our other 2 friends at the Orlando Airport.
At the hotel one of my girlfriends showered each of us with “Cupcake Princess” gifts. :) My buddies rock!
We decided to forgo the expo on Friday and opted for some park fun! So off to Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios for the day we went. I had few things on my agenda for the long weekend but this was one of them….
Hello Mickey Bar! 
With a few days before the race I indulged just a little, hey it’s not a cupcake
but it may just be the next best thing.
Here are some pics of our fun day! Warning: Picture overload
Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios
Saturday: Expo Day
Saturday morning we hit the expo. And admittedly this was the only time I developed a slight twinge during the weekend. When we pulled up to the expo (by Disney bus straight from our hotel) there was a looooooong line to get in to the expo.
expo line….wowie!
Uh-oh! But never fear (remember I said Disney knows how to handle people) we were off the bus and moving in no time at all. I would say it took maybe 5 minutes to get through that line and into the expo. Once inside things moved quickly and painlessly. Bibs check, shirts check, official merchandise check! No problemo easy peasy…Disney rocks!
The four of us then scoured the expo. I just love expos you never know what or WHO your going to see or meet…
Sarah Bowen Shea co-author of Run and Train Like a Mother!
Unfortunately Dimity was off on her lunch break when we passed by, however I did get a few minutes to chat with Sarah. She was interested to hear that I had used Train Like A Mother for last years RnR and was kind enough to take a picture with me Thanks Sarah!
There was also a HUGE “wall of princesses” at the expo this year. The four of us each found our name and had our picture taken. It was very cool to see your name up there with all those other runners. Did I mention Disney rocks? ;) I was truly feeling princessy. We also had this group shot taken….don’t we look sweet.
Saturday afternoon we headed over to Downtown Disney for some shopping and dinner at Rainforest Cafe. Our usual pre-race dinner is fajitas, however RC had no fajita this year 
but I did have a wonderful Tuscan chicken and potatoes that was super yummy and did the trick!
Back to the hotel for sleep (ha-ha, yea that didn’t happen) and alarm set for 2 AM. Yup 2AM, told you it was early.
Next up race recap……
I have never been a huge Disney girl but I can honestly say I really want to do this one!!!
Disney is on my bucket list!
This was my 1st half marathon-had a blast even though I thought I might die at miles 11-13.
Shannon
http://www.irunreadteach.wordpress.com
I had so much fun with that race! It was a great first half experience!!
on my bucket list as well
That line for the Expo is crazy!! Because of my work schedule, I had hit up the expo first thing on Friday, so while I had to wait for it to open, the packet pickup was quick and easy!
LOVE LOVE LOVE that last frame of photos! The photo w/ Sleeping Beauty is darling!