 Hey everybody and welcome to my long in-process blog from the Dopey Challenge 2025 at Walt Disney World. I know I've been sharing Vlogs about my Dopey Challenge Journey and I'll be linking them into this update as well. But I'm old school. I like being able to write down my thoughts about something so monumental that I was able to do in my life. Not only for myself personally, but also the ability to give something back through donations to the American Cancer Society. Something that is very meaningful to me. And while I'm still clinging to the Dopey being "one and done" for me, I will be back with Team Determination most likely in 2026 for the Wine and Dine Half Marathon. So stay tuned. Let's get on with it and move back to January 7, 2025. Over 2 months ago (and maybe close to 3 by the time I actually get this posted). As I made my way from Southern California to Orlando to begin my challenge. Day Zero - Travel Day  Seeing these signs made it more real  If you didn't take a picture of the MCO carpet, did you even go to Orlando?  Oddly enough, my first stop on my Dopey Challenge journey would not be at Disney World, but at Universal Orlando. I booked Aventura on my arrival night in hopes that I could head over to Islands of Adventure and get a nighttime ride on my favorite coaster.  I made it!  My first ever nighttime ride on my favorite coaster. It did not disappoint. And my first coaster of 2025. The year I also turn 50. So it was a good one to start with.    A few pics of the room at Aventura. I'll be honest, this was the 4th hotel we've stayed at on Universal Property, and it's 3rd out of the 4 for me. I much prefer Cabana Bay for a similarly priced hotel.  Only Dockside comes in below Aventura for me TBH. Day One - Expo Day Expo Day is here, but I've got some time to kill before my room at All Star Movies is ready, so after a quick boat ride I found myself back at Islands of Adventure.  Early entry is the best. 2 rides on Hagrid's and 3 on Velocicoaster before the park even opened!  And of course a quick trip to the Studios for a visit with my buddy E.T..  On my way to Disney World, had to make a stop for supplies. I think this makes me an honorary Floridian or something.  We'll get back to a tour of All Star Movies soon, but I absolutely love the decorations people had in their windows.  This was when it got REALLY real   I was wholly unprepared for how large the expo was, or what a party it is.   Merch Haul!
 After the expo I decided to head over to Disney's Animal Kingdom for a last (could have also been my first) ride on TriceraTop Spin.   And of course a ride on Everest. Below you'll see my training wrap-up and my day at the Marathon Weekend/Dopey Challenge Expo! Day Two - Walt Disney World 5kI have to be honest, on the mornings before my wife arrived my biggest concern was actually waking up. 5k Day, good start! Although it was so early, my phone still thought I was on CA time (11:33pm)
 The first of 4 VERY early mornings at Epcot  Customary morning picture in front of Spaceship Earth  Absolutely loved that they put a display of what characters would be out before the race.
 A full hour after the race started I finally began my Dopey Journey!   Since the 5k wasn't timed, I was in no rush at all.     It was then off to Disney's Hollywood Studios for some after race fun and pics.  It's one of the tips in our "10 Dopey Tips" video, but seriously, spring for the PhotoPass package. It's so worth it.  After a quiet morning at the park experiencing some of my favorite attractions and some gross pizza, I called it a day at about 1:00pm and headed back to the hotel.  Seriously, people are going to miss this?  This is what's going to be missed  After nap time and since I didn't think we'd ever be staying at the All Stars again, I decided to take a little tour around the hotel.  Nothing against the hotel, it's great for families. But our kids are grown. Maybe someday if/when we have grandkids we'll be back. Although we really do love the Moderates.  It was great for me for my first 2 nights of the Dopey as I was literally just in the room to sleep. Which did prove hard due to the thin walls.  If you'd like to see more of the All Star Movies resort, you can view the slideshow below.  After a quiet dinner in the room it was "put on a movie you've seen a lot and fall asleep early" time. 10k morning would be here before we know it! Day Three - 10k Day 10k Day is here! It's another cold one, but some running would actually be taking place today!   Customary morning picture in front of Spaceship Earth  Since I had to wait so long to start the 5k I made a point to get near the front of my corral so I could start a bit earlier for the 10k  Cold morning but ready to go!  I see you balloon ladies ...      Loved seeing the World Showcase Cast Members out for pictures!  On the boardwalk. I see you hotel we'll be checking into in just a few hours!   
 10k day was eventful, but also not photo worthy. Had a fantastic brunch with our American Cancer Society team, got to talk about my sister a bit. Checked into the Beach Club and then had to pick up my wife at MCO. We ended our night with a nice quiet dinner at Epcot before turning in early. Day Four - Walt Disney World Half Marathon Now at the Beach Club, I actually had somebody to take my picture before heading to the bus!  Customary morning picture in front of Spaceship Earth
 It was Poncho day/back-up running shoes day (another one of our upcoming tips)  For the first day we ventured outside of the Epcot area  Blurry selfie with our amazing American Cancer Society Development Manager Ashley!  Running down Main Street is so awesome 
 OMG, Derkwerng Derck! =)
 After a nice shower it was off to the Magic Kingdom for a day of fun!   I of course had to visit my buddy Donald and show off my medal. He was quite impressed.   Best time for Castle pics is when there is a cavalcade passing by.  Also went on the Liberty Belle for the first (and likely last) time  After a nice and chill few hours at Magic Kingdom, it was time for a monorail hop over to Epcot and a late lunch/early dinner at Le Cellier. Our first (definitely not last) time here.
 We had a lot of good meals during our trip, but this was probably the best one. The rest of the day was pretty much spent chilling at the hotel and we were in bed by 8:00pm. A very long day is coming up! Day Five - Walt Disney World Marathon Day Here we go! The last early morning and the culmination of everything!  Customary morning picture in front of Spaceship Earth  It was COLD and also the day of many hats! You'll see ...  I had thought about ditching my beanie before the start, then figured I'd just wear it until it got too sweaty and toss it. That was the right call!
 Just got this picture this week. At the TTC I got a fist bump from Ashley our American Cancer Society rock star! This is the kind of support that is priceless!  So many people warned me about the stretch between Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom, but TBH I didn't think it was bad. The loops around the MK parking lot were the worst IMO.
 Seriously, there is no better feeling of accomplishment. Look at all those smiles. We all know it's over!  And of course a celebratory ride on Guardians of the Galaxy to cap off the Dopey Challenge! Yes, we did this right after I ran a marathon!  Amazing dinner at 'Ohana. Lots of other fellow Dopey's there that night! Day Six to Ten - The Runcation! Shockingly enough, the next morning we found ourselves at Disney's Animal Kingdom to start our Runcation. We ended up spending 4 additional days in Florida and honestly, I was mostly okay for the duration.
 In fact, the only day I went back to take a nap at the hotel was the day after the Marathon. Of course, most of our days were VERY chill.
 Lots of fabulous meals, lots of medal pics in all of the parks and just a nice chill time.
 We even got to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Space Mountain and Carousel of Progress (at Magic Kingdom)  Customary morning picture in front of Spaceship Earth. Well, last night in Florida Spaceship Earth picture. Dopey Tips!I want to share our Dopey Tips video below, be sure you check it out if you are planning on taking on this challenge. I did a LOT of research for the Dopey, so I've incorporated some of that into this video. Surprisingly, I didn't find a lot of tips on spectating for the Dopey and most likely other WDW Race Weekends. So I've also included tips for spectators. I wanted to list them here in addition to sharing the video. Spectator Tips:
Runner Tips:
Thank you all for checking out our Dopey Challenge video series and reading all of this if you made it that far. I also want to give a shout out to my amazing wife and family for support through this entire thing. And most importantly, thank you to everybody who took the time out to donate to the American Cancer Society and all of the other charitable organizations. It's truly amazing to see the generosity of others, during a time when we can really use it. That last bit is kind of an extra bonus tip! If you want to do any runDisney race, and don't want to worry about registration issues, find one of the many charities that are offering bibs for any of the races (it's not just for Dopey). I promise you the satisfaction you will get from fundraising for an amazing charity will be just as amazing as the rewards at the finish line! Related Videos
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Walt Disney World Resort welcomes the season with stunning topiaries, inspired dining, diverse entertainment and interactive displays Feb. 28-May 27  LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (Feb. 21, 2024) – With spring breezes already gently blowing across Walt Disney World, it is time to welcome back the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival. For 90 breathtaking days, guests are treated to one of the resort’s most beautiful events, which offers captivating displays of blooms, stunning topiaries that highlight the beauty of nature, engaging musical acts that inspire audiences to sing along and interactive elements that put guests in the center of it all. New! Groot, Asha and Miguel Topiaries Debut Once again, Disney horticulture cast members have created a spectacular array of topiaries featuring myriad Disney characters, seasonal displays and whimsical items. Debuting this year, Groot takes root in EPCOT! The “flora colossus” from the “Guardians of the Galaxy” trilogy will appear near the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind attraction in World Discovery. In the spirit of season one of the Disney+ “I Am Groot” series, Groot is trying his hand at creating his own topiary. Observant guests may spy an homage to the horticulture team on the mix tape that Groot is hoisting in the air. Also new this year, guests can see new topiaries from the Walt Disney Animation Studios film “Wish,” including Asha, Valentino and Star, at the park’s main entrance. And in Mexico, Miguel and Dante from Disney Pixar’s “Coco” take center stage. As part of the topiary magic, guests will see everyone’s favorite dragon, Figment, in the newly opened World Celebration Gardens, and a Princess Tiana topiary gracing The American Adventure pavilion. Gardens to Relish and Enjoy More than 25 garden destinations are found throughout the park, inviting guests to pause as they learn more about the fascinating plant world. Inspiring displays include Floating Gardens in World Nature, featuring more than 170 petite plots drifting on the serene waters that border the bridge to World Showcase. Festival Blooms creates a panorama of vibrant color in World Celebration. Nearby, guests will love the new PB&J Garden presented by Smucker’s Uncrustables, which offers a playful exploration of the quintessential American snack. In World Discovery, Songbird Meadow presented by Wild Birds Unlimited beckons feathered friends with attractive flora and teaches guests simple steps for creating their own bird paradise. And in World Showcase, guests can once again enjoy the English Tea Garden presented by Twinings, as well as tours showcasing plants used in some of Twinings’ finest teas. Outdoor Kitchens Bloom with Flavor It would not be an EPCOT festival without innovative and mouthwatering dishes and drinks to savor. New bites and sips such as the Cubanito with mojo-marinated pork belly, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles and stone ground mustard sauce at Florida Fresh and the Key Lime Wine Slush at The Citrus Blossom join returning guest favorites at 18 festival-exclusive Outdoor Kitchens throughout the park. Familiar flavors include Chicken & Waffles at The Honey Bee-stro Hosted by the National Honey Board, the Muffuletta Panini at Magnolia Terrace and the Chocolate Whisky Cake at Northern Bloom. Garden Graze Food Stroll To elevate their culinary exploration, guests can take part in Garden Graze, a fun and fresh food stroll highlighting sweet and savory flavors across the festival. To participate, guests select five dishes from specified menu items – all listed in the Festival Passport. Upon purchase, guests receive a stamp in their passport. When they collect five stamps, they can bring their passport back to Pineapple Promenade for a special treat. Because the Garden Graze can be completed at guests’ leisure over multiple visits, they can redeem their completed passport anytime during the festival. Interactive Elements Beckon Discovery and Play The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is the perfect place for interactive fun, especially for families with little ones. At this year’s festival, the whole family can join in the fun with two seasonal scavenger hunts. Throughout the festival, follow Spike the Bee on his pollination trail where he is “buzzing” to collect nectar from all the beautiful gardens with Spike’s Pollination Exploration. And for a limited time, guests can also hop around World Showcase for the Egg-stravaganza Hunt! Twelve beautiful, bunny-inspired eggs will be placed throughout the park for festival goers to find. Maps for both scavenger hunts will be available for purchase while supplies last. Once their journey is complete – whether or not they find all the items – guests can redeem their map at Disney Traders, Creations Shop or World Traveler at International Gateway for a special surprise.* Also back this year, Butterfly Landing presented by AdventHealth offers guests the chance to get up close and personal with some of nature’s most beautiful pollinators – butterflies. The walkthrough butterfly house highlights the life cycle of butterflies and contains colorful pollinator gardens that may serve as inspiration for budding gardeners looking to cultivate their own pollinator plots. At Blossoms of Fragrance presented by Scentsy, guests can follow their noses to create lasting memories with the help of unforgettable fragrances. New this year, guests can bring home some of their favorite fragrances from Blossoms of Fragrance, which will be available at the merchandise kiosk located nearby. Looking for a place to get a little energy out? At Camp Get Out ‘N’ Play Garden Presented by OFF!, families can explore a camp-themed garden where kids can jump, play, climb and explore this area created just for them. Groove to the Sounds of Garden Rocks Dance and sing along to favorite songs as the popular Garden Rocks concert series takes to the American Gardens Theatre stage daily during the festival. Featuring both local and globally recognized acts, there is something for everyone. This year, new groups join the lineup, including Modern English, Crowder, Fonseca, Lit, and Monsieur Periné. Also, for the first time, Raul Acosta & Oro Solido will share the stage with Luisito, then return the next day with Magic Juan.** Garden Rocks Dining Packages Open Feb. 6 To guarantee priority seating for their preferred performances, guests can book Dining Packages, available at seven EPCOT restaurants:
New Festival Merchandise Blossoms Celebrate a visit to the festival with official event merchandise, available at Festival Markets and Creations Shop while supplies last. Guests can spread a little sunshine everywhere they go with adorable Orange Bird apparel, accessories, garden decor and more, or “seize the moment” with headwear, home decor and apparel inspired by characters from “Coco.” Fluttering into the spotlight at the 2024 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, the Butterfly Collection stars Minnie Mouse in a beautiful, flowery assortment. Annual Passholders will also find a passholder-exclusive collection featuring Spike the Bee, the festival’s favorite pollinator friend. Select festival merchandise will also be coming to shopDisney March 4. Mini Festival Gift Cards allow guests to go cash-free for the festival. Activated with as little as $15, they are a convenient way to pay as guests shop and taste their way around the world. To learn more about this year’s EPCOT International Flower & Garden festival, visit DisneyWorld.com. *Redemption valid through May 27 or while supplies last. **Entertainment subject to change without notice. Related Videos
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The other day we got to preview Epcot’s new walk through attraction, Journey of Water, inspired by Moana.
It’s very photogenic and will definitely be a hit among those trying to get that perfect Instagram-able shot.
Some “hidden” Moana characters are featured among the rocks.
Journey of Water is divided up into several sections.
Within each section is something to interact with.
Nothing got us soaked, but there’s a dry path in some places just in case.
Not sure what we were missing in this section but thought the sign was funny.
Journey of Water is lovely to look at and fun to interact with, but my fear is that it will be treated as a headliner attraction, with crowds taking over.
It’s more of a place to walk through and take a break, especially with splash pad loving kids.
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