 Over the weekend it was time for the 3rd Annual Avengers Half Marathon, a race I hadn't planned on running until a few days ago. But I'm glad that I did, not only was the race MUCH better than the first Avengers Half Marathon in 2014 (click for that review from 2 years ago) but it also allowed us to get some backstage pics of Tower of Terror AND Star Wars Land. We also have some Star Wars Land pictures taken from the parking structure after the race down at the bottom. Written by Gregg Condon So as I mentioned above, I hadn't actually planned on running Avengers until Thursday. Without getting too political, I found myself in a funk after Tuesday night, not just with the results but by it's aftermath that still continues. So I was happy I was still able to register at the last minute and join the race, because it was EXACTLY what I needed. Considering how busy Disneyland (and other theme parks in Southern California) were over the weekend it seems I wasn't the only one in need of some escapism.  The Corrals and Race itself didn't seem as crowded as past Disney races  Keep in mind, some of the race pics were taken on my old point and shoot camera so the quality may not be up to our usual standards. But the Star Wars Land Pics taken from the Parking Structure were from the DSLR.  I had run a 1/2 Marathon 2 weeks ago and while my time for Avengers was essentially the same as that one I didn't really push myself for this one as much as I probably could have, I was just having too much fun on the course. (I need to remember this for when I run the LA Marathon in March, but also still wanting to have a good time for that one)  Entering Cars Land Of course, because much of the race goes backstage I was able to get some pics of Tower of Terror. It really IS tacky in person.
Having not actually been to Disneyland in 2 years I wish there were some rides open. I mean, if they can have character stops, why not ride stops. ;) Of course, having heard from some friends who have been AP's since 1992 that this was the busiest weekend they've EVER seen at DL (Holidays included) made me rethink visiting soon.  Have heard that the new Holiday World of Color is nothing short of breathtaking.   I will admit, I got a bit emotional entering the gates of Disneyland for the first time in 2 years.  Old School Selfie taken with the Point and Shoot (since I was streaming on Periscope)  I was shocked we got this close to Star Wars Land construction ... definitely just dirt on this side.     Throughout the race it was awesome to see all of the amazing volunteers, the spectators and fellow runners. All races, religions, orientations, just together to have an amazing time. I wasn't in the race for a new Personal Record, I just wanted to have fun.   The character location near TDA was Doctor Strange. Fitting. ;)  Trains are getting some love while they are not in use.  All departments are represented during the race  How about some more ToT with a bit of better lighting   Heading out to the streets of Anaheim  Angel Stadium  The ChEAR sections were amazing, just amazing.   Today was all about spreading love, so I didn't even boo the Anaheim Ducks as we got near The Pond. ;)  Wanted to go visit Motel 6 Feet Under ... they weren't open sadly. ;) More Tower of Terror. You know, in theory I'm really not opposed to the makeover of the ride (and YAY for random drop sequences) but this is just REALLY bad show. They should have just closed it already.
 Towards the end, two different schools playing together ... what it's all about.
Had such an amazing morning running through the parks and Anaheim. The course was SO much more improved than the inaugural race 2 years ago (I didn't do last years race) and again it was just the RunDisney therapy I needed.  Another old-school selfie since my phone totally died using Periscope through both parks Ok, you've waited long enough, here are some pics of Star Wars Land for you to enjoy. It helped that they parked the runners on Minnie, so I didn't even have to go that far from my car to get these. ;)  (click to enlarge) This was my first time seeing it in person and I have to admit, pictures really don't give the scope of this justice.   At least it's not all just dirt anymore. ;)      How many Mountains do you see? Thanks for reading, we hope you enjoyed the update and a rare Disneyland update from us. I guess in the future when we're in the area we'll have to take a detour to track Star Wars Land construction, even if it's just from outside the park. Related Updates:
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 It's time to take another look at Star Wars Land construction at Disney's Hollywood Studios which doesn't seem to be moving along at quite the pace as Star Wars Land at Disneyland. We'll also head over to Disney's Animal Kingdom to check out the nighttime fun. Written by Renée Girard Here we are at Disney's Hollywood Studios on a beautiful summer evening  Halloween is in 2 months, which means merchandise is already out at WDW!  I love the new socks at WDW! Too bad it's 90+ degrees here. Maybe we'll pick them up in a few months.  Can't really complain about there being two varieties of chocolate peanut butter cupcakes at Hollywood Studios.  Concerned about Zika virus and left your bug spray at home? Disney now has several kiosks throughout their parks.
Construction at Pizza Rizzo is coming along, across from Muppet Vision 3D at Hollywood Studios.   The signs on the walls for Pizza Rizzo fit perfectly with the Muppet humor.   The Streets of America are nearly demolished at Hollywood Studios, to make way for Star Wars land.    Time to take a spin on Toy Story Mania!   Girl behind us in line: "They have the lights from Stranger Things."  Close game on Toy Story Mania, we got the high score in our car, of course.  Crowds are light and we staked out a good spot for the Star Wars fireworks 10 minutes before showtime.  Another great showing of Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular at Hollywood Studios.   Finishing our Disney night out at Animal Kingdom!  The night time entertainment in Africa at Disney's Animal Kingdom is awesome!
 Taking a trip on the night time Kilimanjaro Safaris  Jungle Book: Alive with Magic is only playing for one more week at Disney's Animal Kingdom.  Tree of Life Awakenings is still our favorite part of Animal Kingdom at night. Perfect way to end the evening.  Related Updates:  Today we have another fantastic update from Florida and the EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival as well as a look at the progress for Disney Springs. We are really looking forward to seeing Disney Springs once it's completed. Written by Renée Girard Click any of the pictures below to see a larger version Going to brave the heat for some flowers and food at Epcot today, as the final month for Flower & Garden Fest begins
I absolutely love the new Star Wars retro Disney attractions t-shirts!    There are literally no lines at the food booths today. A big difference from what it's like during Food & Wine Fest.
 Trying the mezze lune pasta with La Rossa beer in Italy.  Mountains and things over in Norway for Frozen.  Voices of Liberty, probably the best entertainment act at WDW. Always put on a wonderful show.  Lots of work going on at Disney's Boardwalk Resort, with the new Ample Hills Creamery, and Flying Fish renovations.
Epcot looks good all year round, but it's even better during the Flower & Garden Festival!
Epcot's Flower & Garden Festival runs through the end of this month so catch it while you can! 
The Earfell Tower might be gone, but the water tower at Disney Springs is up and ready for their opening on May 15.  Disney Springs is opening in just a few weeks, but it looks beautiful and ready to go!  The walls are partially down. Looks great! 
 Say goodbye to Fulton's. Paddlefish will be joining the Disney Springs family later this year.  The signs up at the BB Wolf's Sausage Co kiosk look awesome!   Dark chocolate blueberry is the current chocolate being given out at Ghirardelli. It's quite good!  The STK sign is lit up and the outdoor seating area is ready for their opening soon.
Another structure in the process of being built across from STK at Disney Springs.  More progress at the Coca Cola store at Disney Springs. Looking good!
An extremely rare sight, no line at Earl of Sandwich!  Sign is up for the AristoCrepes kiosk. Really looking forward to trying this one!  Thanks again to Renée for another amazing update from Orlando. We are really excited to see all of the awesome new things at Disney Springs once it reopens. What's going to be the first thing you try? Related Updates: |
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