This Week in Workouts: Travels

Well, as you may know, I we finally arrived home late last week. What you may have also realized is that the Sunday post did not get out... This is mostly because I was just savoring being at home and being with our cats again. But now, it is back to work and back to slightly fewer cat cuddles.

The road home ended up being super fantastic and filled with more than one adventure. Everything started out at our good friends' wedding reception in Wisconsin. There will be much more on that as well since these friends also have an organic coffee farm in Colombia that is getting ready to start sales of their first roast. It was wonderful to see them and incredible to be with all our friends and family together again! Then, we were able to camp in the Smokey Mountains and climb a mountain. My goal (albeit silly) was also accomplished and I was able to eat Trail Mix on the Appalachian Trail. Epic. 

The mountain climb and trail hike did leave my muscles surprisingly achy... Especially the downhill run from a giant rattle snake- for real. Needless to say, the following two days were followed with relaxation and plenty of yoga. Turns out downward facing dog is the best thing ever for sore calf muscles.

Then, came two days at Disney World and a recuperative stay at the Swan and Dolphin where we had, possibly, the best view ever. I have always been partial to the Swan Hotel at Disney World, but after this stay, I may have been converted. We stayed at the Dolphin Hotel for my first time ever and had Hudgens, the  most incredible check-in assistant ever. He upgraded us to the nicest view I have ever had at a Disney resort where we opted to stay in and watch two fireworks displays from the comfort of our room. And yes, the picture above was taken from our wall-length window :)

The next morning the second part of my travel goal was completed and I jogged around the Swan and Dolphin Hotels along with a bit around the Yacht and Beach Club. Granted, my calf muscles were still the most sore things ever, so the run was only a mile long.

My legs were completely soothed by Friday with a welcome home hot yoga class to round out the week. This week's goals include at least two more hot yoga classes and a couple more short runs. Nothing too crazy, but some things that I have been missing incredibly!

Happy Monday, I hope your week is simply wonderful!

Great Running Paths at Disney World

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Did you know that Disney World Resort has more than just theme parks? Gasp! It is true. In fact, Disney has so much to do outside the theme parks, you just might want to spend some of your next trip out and about instead of schlepping it with all those other hot, sweaty park attendees.

One of the nicest bits about Disney World, and further, staying at a Disney World Resort, is all the incredible outdoor areas they have manicured and perfect for your vacationing entertainment. Although most people may not consider jogging to be part of a happy holiday, there are a few of us who love the idea of jogging around and exploring new areas of the Happiest Place on Earth. For those people, and even a few who would just like to meander through some picturesque promenades, you have the running and walking paths at the resorts.

Some of the walking and running paths are ones you will not want to miss, others not so much. Whichever trail you go with, a good tip to remember is to run early in the morning and take it easy. Early morning runs are good since Florida is, well, ridiculously hot. Also because it will be easier to run early in the morning when your feet have the energy and the path is less obscured. Secondly, running super fast along these paths could cause a collision with the other path patrons and leave you a bit too sleepy for the rest of your incredibly eventful day!

Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter

These paths are great for year-round use and will take you right next to the Sassagoula River. It is also one of the longer path options at the Disney Resorts. The first part of this trail will take you by all the beautiful southern colonial mansion inspired hotel buildings and keep you under the shade of about 1,000 oak trees around a 0.7 mile loop. If you opt to make the run longer, you can jog the distance between the Port Orleans French Quarter and Riverside Hotels. This path will take you next to the river for a mile there-and-back.

Wilderness Lodge

This is easily considered one of the prettiest paths on Disney property. Be warned though, there will be mosquitos and bugs in the summer months, especially early in the morning. Thankfully, this path has enough shade that you could run it in the afternoon without too much heat resistance and far fewer bugs. The main path runs from Wilderness Lodge to the Fort Wilderness Camp Grounds and is about a 2.5 mile loop. There are also plenty of smaller paths branching off this one that take you throughout the Fort Wilderness property.

Caribbean Beach Resort

The Caribbean Beach Resort has a running path that takes you around the lake. There is plenty of shade and some very pretty views. Caribbean Beach Resort is known for its tropical birds that can be seen in the mornings along this path. The entire loop will take you about 1.4-miles and past Old Port Royal. This is a super good thing to note since you will most likely (and hopefully only figuratively) run into a few early morning coffee goers depending on the time you run.

EPCOT Resorts

The EPCOT resorts include Swan and Dolphin Hotels, Yacht and Beach Club, and the Boardwalk Inn. All of these are grouped together and connected by paths along a waterway. This is one of my personal favorite places to stay since EPCOT and Hollywood Studios are a quick walk away. If you are lucky, you can also see firework shows from each resort while sitting in the comfort of your hotel room!

Of course, with so many hotels and fun in one area, there is bound to be some great paths! When it comes to running at the EPCOT resorts, you have plenty of options with some of the greatest inclines Florida has to offer- bridges. The course ranges from less than a mile to over 3, depending on which you choose to do.

The run directly around Crescent Lake is 0.8 miles, to Crescent Lake's path from the Dolphin hotel is 1/4 mile, the Yacht and Beach Club run is 1.3 miles, The Canal run is almost a mile, and a run around the whole EPCOT resort area is 2.4 miles. Together, you are looking at a solid 5-mile run without treading the same path twice!

I very good tip for this area is to either run late at night or early in the morning. Firstly, these paths have very little shade, and secondly, the Boardwalk is a busy area from afternoon till night.

Other Resorts

Although all of Disney resorts have paths and perks of staying there, the ones above are my most recommended for running. The reason some of the more well know parks did not make the list (sorry Contemporary, Polynesian, and Grand Floridian) is either because there is very little shade or it is just too busy.

Magic Kingdoms resorts have great paths around the Seven Seas Lagoon, but there is virtually no shade. If you enjoy running in the sun or it is a chilly day, this could be a fantastic option. The views from the path are great and there are many times you can see lots of the Magic Kingdom.

As for Pop Century and Art of Animation, the running path is around the Hourglass Lake. This is about a 2-mile run but will take you into some less desirable parking areas. It would be very wise to review the map before starting this run. You may even want to pause your music during parts to avoid any issues with people and their cars.

Coronado Springs (although a beautiful resort and one of my faves) did not make the list because the running path is busy around the pool and lobby areas. It is also not very shaded for most of the way. So sorry Coronado.

If there is a favorite path of yours that you did not see listed here, please let me know in the comments! I am always up for new areas of Disney to be explored and would love a jogging adventure on our next trip!

Christmas Events at Disney World

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Christmas is one of my favorite times to go to Disney World, and with so many Christmas events, I am not alone. Disney brings in Christmas with more events that most can imagine, some well known, and some pretty secretive.

It looks like the hubs and my families' will be all going to Disney World next week to check out all the holiday events. We have not been to Disney since Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and I cannot wait to go! Hopefully, we will be able to take advantage of our time there and do everything on this list. The one that I am most excited about is the Very Merry Christmas Party since I have not been there for over 5-years and the hubs has never gone.

Side note: Check out the link attached to this picture. I was ridiculously amazed by the incredible Disney pictures seen here! All but two of these were taken by him, can you guess which ones were not?

1. Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

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This is one of the most well known Christmas events at Disney World and the only one on this list that costs any money other than a theme park ticket. This Christmas party takes place during certain nights in November and December at Magic Kingdom. The night includes limited crowds since it is after park hours and require special tickets. It is also has it's own holiday parade, fireworks, castle display, Christmas show, free hot chocolate and cookies, snow on Main Street, and, of course, a holiday themed dance party.

If you are wanting to go to this, I would highly recommend getting tickets in advance, they can sell out quick and prices are higher at the door. Be prepared, tickets for this start at about $60 and the only reduction in price is for those with an annual pass to Disney World. This may not be a yearly option for most families, but it sure is fun every once in a while.

2. The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights 

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This Christmas event was started almost 20 years ago in 1995. The Osborne family began this Christmas spectacle at their home in Arkansas. Now, it is a yearly tradition at Disney's Hollywood Studios complete with lights coordinated to music, snow, and a ton of hidden Mickey's. A fun game to play while there is to see who can spot the most hidden Mickey's in the lights. I won last year- woop woop!

3. Jingle Cruise

During the holidays the Jungle Cruise at Disneyland and Disney World is transformed to the Jingle Cruise filled with lots of holiday puns. This special ride will be departing from now until December 31st during the usual park hours and during Mickey's Very-Merry Christmas Party.

We were able to go on the Jingle Cruise while in Disneyland a few weeks ago. It was super fun and I cannot wait to compare the Disneyland version to the Disney World one!

4. Holidays Around the World

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One of my favorite parts of EPCOT is their Holidays Around the World. Each country in the World Showcase gives you a little taste of celebrations you can traditionally find there. Last year i was able to learn where my Grandmother's yearly tradition of hiding a green pickle ornament in the Christmas tree came from. Turns out, it is a Dutch tradition common among Dutch-American immigrants.

EPCOT's Holidays Around the World also has a candlelight processional, special holiday fireworks, Santa Claus in America, and R&B Christmas music four times a day until December 29th.

If you are into baked treats, be sure to check out the gingerbread treats for sale in The Land. Mrs. Claus is also baking up some sweets at her bake shop found in America at the World's Showcase.

5. Downtown Disney

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The parks are not the only way to Celebrate the holidays at Disney World, both Downtown Disney and the Disney World Resorts do their own Christmas events. A great, and free, option while visiting the parks is to check out Downtown Disney. There are some nice options for dinner and during Christmas it will have carolers, a picture area with Santa, dance parties, and some other great holiday themed entertainment from around the world.

6. Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade

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Do not think that the only park to not get in the holiday spirit is Animal Kingdom. During the months of November and December Animal Kingdom will be running a holiday parade with there usual themes including stilted puppets, animal costumes, live music, and holiday themed safari cars.

This event takes place daily at 3:45 PM in Africa and around Discovery Island.

7. The Disney Resorts

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One of my favorite parts about visiting Disney World around the holidays is being able to check out all of the holiday decor at the Disney Resorts. Guests not staying at the resorts are allowed and even encouraged to visit the Disney Resorts that are decked for the holidays. Although every resort does something festive, there are a couple of places that stand out beyond the rest.

Some of my favorites include The Grand Floridian where you can see and go into a life sized gingerbread house. This is not to be missed, especially since it is the 15th year of the gingerbread house being in The Grand Floridian. The Boardwalk hotel has yuletide snack stand and the Yacht and Beach Club displays an edible carousel. The Contemporary Resort also gets in on the action with a huge gingerbread Christmas tree- all of which will be going on through the holiday season.