HOT Tips for European Travel

 

Europe is a top destination this Summer, and travelers are eager and ready to go!

Here are my 4 Top Tips for European Travel this Summer.

1.  Don't Over Pack!

We have a tendency to pack everything and the kitchen sick, but you don't need it.  Plan you clothes so that you can have basic pants or skirts with interchangeable tops.  Rail travel is very popular and you will need to keep you bags small and maneuverable.  Less is more when packing!

2.  Don't Be Oblivious

Unfortunately, tourist tend to stick out like a sore thumb.  Keep track of your belonging; keep them close.  Keep wallets/phones close to you, preferably in front pockets or a belt under your clothes.  Don't keep loose money in your backpack or luggage.  Be aware of your surroundings, be kind and polite!

3.  Keep Cash and Coins Handy (Bathrooms aren't FREE)

Small towns and street vendors will prefer cash.  And most importantly, bathrooms usually cost a few coins.  Having to use the bathroom and not having any coins handy created a few frantic moments for us!

4.  Don't Over Plan

Definitely Plan!  BUT leave room for each excursion to explore and enjoy dining and unexpected finds.

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So many more things I'd love to share, contact me for more info!

Sylvia@travelwiththemagic.com

kesselrunner77@gmail.com

Quick Guide to Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

 

Quick Guide to Guardians of the Galaxy:  Cosmic Rewind

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is a revolutionary family-friendly coaster for Disney, and one your family needs to check out!  Here is my Quick Guide to everything you need to know.

1. Where is it?  

GoG is located in EPCOT at the site of the former Universe of Energy Pavilion and now known as the Xandar Pavilion.

2. Restrictions?

• 42 in or taller
• Must transfer from Wheelchair
• Service Animals not allowed
• The seating and restraints on this attraction may prohibit Guests of certain body shapes or sizes from riding.
• Pregnant mothers shouldn't ride

3. How do I ride it?

This experience uses a virtual queue. Guests may also purchase individual Lightning Lane entry for this experience: expected cost between $14 to $17.   A standby queue will not be available. Guests must use the My Disney Experience app for entry to this experience.

Download How to Use the Virtual Queue for this Ride 

4. Fun Facts

Six ride songs available on Guardians of the Galaxy - So SIX different ways to experience it!

• “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire
• “Disco Inferno” by the Trammps
• “Conga” by Miami Sound Machine
• “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” by Tears for Fears
• “I Ran” by A Flock of Seagulls
• “One Way or Another” by Blondie

5. Good to Know

The cars on the ride rotate 360 degrees.  If you are prone to motion sickness, try rows 5 and 6.

Contact me for more information! 

Tips to Enjoy Turtle Talk with Crush!

 

Turtle Talk with Crush is a great attraction for all ages!  A lot of people just wonder in because it's inside and it can be really hot outside... but it is very entertaining!

Have a seat in the Turtle Talk Theater and enjoy a conversation with Crush and see the characters of Finding Nemo up close!  

The show is interactive and improvised, so it is different every time.  

Ask Crush any question you'd like - his favorite food, his friends, what he does for fun... anything!  

He may also introduce you to his pals Marlin, Nemo, Squirt and Dora - especially if you ask a question about them!

The show lasts 15 mins, is included in Genie+, is for all ages, and has accessibility accommodations.

You can also find this great show at Disneyland and EPCOT!

Need more info -

contact me 

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party is on for 2022!

 

Taking place the following nights , this special event haunts Magic Kingdom Park after normal park operating hours from 7 p.m. to midnight:

• August: 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, 30
• September: 2, 5, 9, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 27, 29, 30
• October: 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, 30, 31

As a part of this limited-capacity event, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party attendees will encounter event-exclusive entertainment, notorious Disney villains, frightfully delicious menu items and more! Here’s some of what’s in store:

• The Headless Horseman will ride once again!  As he makes the beginning of the  “Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade!"
• Guests can go trick-or-treating for M&M’S, SKITTLES, SNICKERS, and other Halloween favorites at locations throughout Magic Kingdom Park. 
• Guests will also receive a reusable trick-or-treat bag featuring a keepsake 50th Anniversary celebration and Halloween design.
• The Sanderson Sisters will be live as the “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular” stage show at Cinderella Castle.
• Your favorite characters will be back and taking over the Kingdom!
• Contact me for more information!

sylvia@travelwiththemagic.com

All You Need to Know about the Creature Stall at SWGE

Are you a pet lover like myself?  Looking to adopt a galactic creature?   

Then look no further than the Creature Stall! 

At this exotic shop, located on Merchant Row, you’re able to take a look at various cargo and crates that are holding some of the rarest creatures that were acquired from across the galaxy – just waiting to be adopted!

Some of the animals looking for adoption include:

-       Kowakian Monkey-Lizards

-       Porg

-       Rathar

-       Tauntaun

-       Wampa

-       Puffer Pig

-       Neebray

-       Loth-Cat

-       Mynock

-       Krynka

-       Dewback

-       Worrt

-       Bantha

Each creature comes with a Tag showing their Name, Type, Home Planet and Diet.  These animals are from a planet in the Star Wars Universe and are important to the Star Wars story in some way.  All are interactive and most require batteries.  You can touch and feel each animal before you buy.  

So what did I decide to adopt?

Well, I chose a Loth-Cat!  The Loth-Cat was seen in the Disney Animated show Star Wars Rebels.  I really liked this particular animated series, and the Loth-Cats were apart of the story in many ways.  Since I love cats anyway, it was a natural attraction for me!  

You can see more on how the Loth-Cat interacts with its owner in the video at this link:

YouTube - Loth-Cat

The price for the Loth-Cat was $44.99 with tax, the total was $48.48.  He was one of the more pricer pets, with the prices for all pets ranging from $16.00 to $69.99.

The cardboard cage was easily taken apart, and I transported him back home in my checked luggage.  Not all pets are this big-some are small, so definitely easy to pack!

The Creature Stall is really a great shop for the whole family, and I know you will find the perfect galactic pet to adopt!

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kesselrunner77@gmail.con

Looking to Travel to SWGE?  Contact me for more information!

The Past, Present and Future of Star Wars in the runDisney Galaxy!

Star Wars in the runDisney Galaxy has only been around just a few short years! This past Star Wars Dark Side Weekend was so much fun and had me looking back and hoping for more! Join me on the Podcast as I look back to the very beginning and where we will be in the Future! Download this episode (right click and save) or listen HERE You can Find Beyond the Kessel Run on Itunes, Podbean, Stitcher or GooglePlay. If you have any questions, comments or future ideas for my podcast, email me at kesselrunner77@gmail.com

Avoid the Candy and Get Moving

Trick or Treat - Move Your Feet

It's time for Fall Challenges! And I've been getting requests for challenges to get up and move AND to avoid the Halloween Candy!  So - Here you go!  Starting October 15th, we will Move Our Feet until Planksgiving!

The days are broken into White, Yellow or Orange Workout Days.

White:  We Do Squats and Walk/Run

Yellow:  We Do Push Ups and Walk/Run

Orange:  We do Crunches and Walk/Run

Most challenges are written by Fitness Gurus whose job is working out every day.  So, many of the challenges can be super intense and people fall off because of difficulty.   This Challenge is DIFFERENT.  You set your goals.  

1st you must Walk/Run every single day.  So, set your goal to be realistic.  Something that you know you can do every day.  

2nd, set your goal for Squats, Push UPs and Crunches that CHALLENGE you.  You don't have to do these every day, so pick a number that will stretch your abilities.

3rd, to avoid candy, we have a Bonus exercise, repeated 10 times, that you pick.  Pick something that you hate.

My Goals:

Run/Walk 2 Miles Every Day:   Even if it is raining, I can suffer 2 miles on the elliptical.

Squats:  100 Squats

Push Ups:  30 Push Ups.  

Crunches:  100 Crunches.

Bonus:  10 Burpees for every piece of candy I eat.  I HATE Burpees, so I will not be eating any candy.

That's it !  Pretty Simple!

Download your Calendar -->  Move Your Feet Challenge

Download your Goal Sheet ==>  October Goal Sheet

As Always - let me know what you are doing, and follow me on Facebook and Instagram for my daily results!

My Minnie Van Adventure

For the Princess Half Weekend, we had a little trouble with  buses and ended up using the Minnie Vans!   Find out more on the podcast on how we used them - including the Exclusive Service to and From the Airport!

Beyond The Kessel Run Podcast



You are utilizing the Lyft App to request the Minnie Van Service.  Your receipt will be sent through the email address that you registered for with Lyft.



No hidden fees with the Minnie Van Service - as you can see with Lyft service that I used from the Hilton Buena Vista Palace:



We also used the Airport Dropoff Service:

Details on how to do that are in the Podcast!

Beyond The Kessel Run Podcast

Questions?  Let me know!
Kesselrunner77@gmail.com

 

To Stay Off Site or Not - That is the Question!

Everyone has an opinion on this question - I know! 

And I've stayed off site and on site for runDisney races before; but, I always come back to suggesting staying on site because of the benefits of bus transportation to and from the Expo, to and from the race, and Disney resort benefits of Fast Passes and Extra Magic Hours. 

However, recently Disney has expanded their Fast Pass 60 day early registration and Extra Magic Hours to a group of Disney Springs Resorts. That sounded really appealing to me. So, I split off my stay for the Princess Half and stayed 2 days at the Hilton Buena Vista Palace just to test the water.

I spent the rest of my stay over the Half Weekend at the Contemporary. 

Download Episode #59 and Find out more!(right click and save)

I looked at Room Rates, runDisney Bus Transportation, Park Transportation and Extra Bonuses ....

Let me know what you think - and send me your on site / off site questions!

kesselrybber77@gmail.com

Princess Half 2018

10th Anniversary Princess Half Weekend - Recap!

This past Princess Half weekend was amazing!  It has been a couple of years since I have done the Princess Half and the 10th anniversary was the best time for me to do it and I was so glad I did!
I did things totally different that I normally do for a race weekend and I'll be covering all of those stepping outside the normal in my podcasts over the next few weeks.

I did things like Stay Off Site,  Stay at a Monorail Resort, Buy the Race Retreat, Stop for Pictures on the race course, and use the Minnie Vans.  I know those seem like pretty normal things, but for me I have a routine…. A comfortable, efficient way to get things done over a race weekend.  But… I wanted to be different, try new things so that I could talk about them with you.  After all, I want to be the one to make mistakes - not you!

Check out my podcast and see how the Princess Anniversary worked out for me!  You can find Beyond the Kessel Run - Your runDisney Galaxy Broadcast on Podbean, Stitcher, iTunes, and Google Play.

Download episode #58 (right click and save)

kesselrunner77@gmail.com

The New Star Wars Experience in Disney Springs!

Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire

At The Void

The galaxy needs you! Recruit 3 friends to go with you undercover, deep into the Empire, to retrieve intelligence vital to the Rebellion’s survival! Are you ready to help the Rebellion?

I've compiled important tips on the Beyond the Kessel Run Podcast.  Download the Broadcast for the Details!
Download this episode (right click and save)
No spoilers here!  (there is no way to capture the attraction on your phone... you are too busy blasting stormtroopers anyway!)


I was actually the one blown away!  It was unique and unlike any experience at any of the parks.  It is a must do for any Star Wars Fan!

Follow Beyond the Kessel Run - Your runDisney Galaxy Broadcast on Podbean, Stitcher, iTunes and Google Play for more Tips on runDisney and Beyond!

kesselrunner77@gmail.com

Countdown to Princess Half 2018

The Princess Half is almost here!  This year we will be celebrating 10 incredible years with an amazing run at the most magical place on Earth!

There will be well over 20000 participants in the Half Marathon - which is unbelievable!

Download this episode of Beyond The Kessel Run (right click and save)
 
The weekend starts on Thursday before the 5K with the opening of the Expo.  So, lets get started with a breakdown of the whole weekend!

The Expo
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex

Thursday, February 22, 2018 - Noon - 8:00 p.m.

Friday, February 23, 2018 - 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, February 24, 2018 - 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

The Expo is required to pick up your Bib, Your Check In Bag and Princess Half Merchandise.

I actually suggest getting in line for the Official race merchandise first, then going to get your Bib because the line will be long and the merchandise tends to fly off the shelf!

Star Wars Kessel Run Challenge Medal

I love my Inaugural Kessel Run Challenge Medal!
It is truly unique now that the Disneyland runDisney weekends are on indefinite hold. So, it seemed that we would never be able to achieve this medal again! But I was excited this week when runDisney announced that it will still be available – with a twist!

You have the chance to bring home 2 new Star Wars Medals! And I want to make sure everyone knows the best way to approach achieving these new medals – and here's how.

FAQ on runDisney Bus Transporation

Event transportation at runDisney events can be one of anxiety!

If you are staying on site, this is your key to navigating the Expo and Races on race weekends – and it’s not always easy to figure out!

So… Let’s talk runDisney Buses!

Turkey Trot Trips!

It's that time of year when we need to earn our Turkey Dinner! Many of you, like me, will be heading out for a 5K or 10K Turkey Trot! Here are some great tips to get the most out of your run from my friends at Aaptiv.com!

Reviewing The Latest Trends in Recovery: Cryotherapy and Normatecs

This past weekend I experienced two of the latest trends in sports medicine:  Whole-Body Cryotherapy and Normatecs!

Always up for new things, a group of friends headed over to the Gulf Coast Cryo Clinic for a morning of therapy and fun!  We signed up for an introduction package of Cryotheraphy and Normatecs. 

Idea behind the Cryotherapy:

Moving Forward - Without runDisney in Disneyland

This weekend marked the end of the last of the 2017 runDisney races and the end of Disneyland races - for a while. It is really sad for many of us – especially those of us – like me - who love to run at Disneyland. I loved the quaintness of running through the Disneyland parks, I loved that the Resorts were just steps away from the starting line, and l loved running through the streets of Anaheim.
Disneyland races made you feel so very special and that you were truly running a magical race! There has been so much swirling around the postponement of Disneyland races – was it really construction? Was it a feud with Anaheim politics? No one really knows but Disney. And I think that in the end – it’s the runners who really lose.

But, as Luke Cage would say, we have to keep moving forward…

and that brings us to 2018 and beyond and what awaits us in Walt Disney World!

We still have the 4 races in WDW and the 1 in Disneyland Paris.

2018 Walt Disney World Marathon
January 3-7, 2018
-Still Open to Charities

2018 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend
February 22-25, 2018
-Still Open to Charities

2018 Star Wars Half Marathon-The Dark Side
April 19-22, 2018
-All races still open

2018 Disneyland Paris Half Marathon Weekend
September 20-23, 2018
-All races still open

2018 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend
November 1-4, 2018 (on sale March 13, 2018)

2019 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend
January 9-13, 2019 (on sale April 17, 2018)

2019 Disney Princes Half Marathon Weekend
February 21-24, 2019 (on sale June 12, 2018)

2019 Star Wars Half Marathon-The Dark Side
April 4-7, 2019 (on sale August 7, 2018)

Listen in on my Podcast for What we know for sure about the 2018-2019 runDisney Season:

I would love to know how these runDisney changes have affected your plans. please let me know at kesselrunner77@gmail.com
Next week we will be talking about a very new and interesting trend in recovery!. So stay tuned! But for now, that is all from my runDisney galaxy – May the Force be With You!

Finding the Runner’s Mindset

Now if this is your first time to run a half Marathon or your 100th, if you are like me you get nervous.  I don’t know why – but I do.   And what you have to do, is find your Runner’s Mindset to get you back on focus so that you can finish strong.  We do not want the Balloon Ladies… right?

So, now everyone has to find their own way of getting the Runner’s Mindset, but I am going to share mine with you – and hopefully it will get you to thinking about yours!
The idea behind being focus and being ready, is being prepared the night before.

4 Things You Need to Know About the Wine and Dine Weekend!

The Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend is one of the best weekends you can have as a runDisney participant! The After Party is the main reason many people run it, and it’s no wonder why! Having your own mini Food and Wine Festival is amazing and a great way to reward yourself for your weekend! But before you go, here are 4 things you need to know!

1. Dogs are Welcome!

This will be the first runDisney weekend that you can bring your lovable dog with you!. Well…. That is if you are staying in certain resorts…

There is a fee involved and not all rooms are included at these resorts:

Art of Animation
Port Orleans Riverside
Yacht Club
Cabins at Ft Wilderness

If you are staying at one of these resorts, give Disney a call to see if your room qualifies to bring your pets.  407 – W – DISNEY

Now the flipside to that would be – if you are staying at one of these resorts, and are allergic to dogs!  Give Disney a call to request that you are not in a dog friendly room.

2. The New Course Includes Pandora!

How exciting!  This will be the first runDisney weekend that you can run through Pandora!  Animal Kingdom is your first park after leaving the Starting Line, so hopefully you will still be able to see it in the dark!

3. The Course Details!

I love looking at everything on the course and figuring out all the details!. And you guys know I don’t like porta potties so first up - where are the real bathrooms!

Real Bathrooms
Animal Kingdom
- As you enter Rfiki’s Planet Watch area
- Past the Festival of the Lion King on the Discovery River Side
- <none in Pandora>
- Across from Isle of Java on Discovery Island
- In Dinoland as you are leaving Animal Kingdom

Hollywood Studios
- Past Tower of Terror as you enter Sunset Boulevard
- As you leave Hollywood Boulevard by the Exit

Epcot
- Morocco
- American Adventure
- Germany
- Norway
- As you Leave Epcot

Next up is water stations and First Aid!

They have added more water stations than in earlier years of runDisney and this is a good thing! It can be so hot and humid that staying hydrating is really important!  9 Total this year!

Water Stations
Miles: 1,3,4,5,6,8,10,11,12

Food
Mile 8

And It is always a good thing to keep in mind where the first aid stations are.  Another big improvement this year is the number of first aid stations:  6 total.  Just knowing where they are can help you push through to get there!

First Aid
Miles: 1, 3, 5, 7.5, 9, 11

4. The Weather
Always look 10 Days Out and start planning.  The Wine and Dine has seen wild weather in the past – don’t go into the weekend blind.

Highs in 81/64 40% chance of thunderstorms
Very typical November Florida Day!
Plan for humidity – should be your biggest problem.  But, check the weather again before your leave!

Know about the weather...
Being Weather Wise in WDW for runDisney

So those are the 4 things you need to Know about the Wine and Dine Weeknd!
Having run in many different types of Half Marathons, runDisney really is the best at taking care of you - And giving you a Magical Race to enjoy! As will be the case for the Wine and Dine Weekend!

Please let me know if you bring your pets and how you felt the pet services were.
And let me know how much fun you had at the After Party!

Kesselrunner77@gmail.com

Download this episode of the Beyond the Kessel Run Podcast (right click and save)

We Rebel! A FanGirl Conversation

This week on the Broadcast I talk to FanGirl Megan Cullinan on beating Breast Cancer, being a FanGirl,  loving Star Wars, and running the Dark Side 5K!

Megan's blog, https://rebelcancerwar.wordpress.com/, is about her journey through Breast Cancer and surviving!

Megan not only shares her survivor story with us, we talk Phasma, The Last Jedi and The Dark Side Weekend coming up in April!

If you have any questions on the podcast, please let me know kesselrunner77@gmail.com

If you are a FanGirl and want to join us for the Star Wars Dark Side 5K, let me know!  We will all meet up!

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You can find all my podcasts, Beyond The Kessel Run, on Podbean, iTunes and Stitcher! Need help planning your Dark Side Vacation, contact TravelWithTheMagic!