The View from Scopa Towers

I woke up and the first thing I thought was, “Okay, let’s see what the knee has to say.”
It didn’t say anything. It sort of screamed at me.

A hot shower helped with the stiffness.

I headed to the Studios theme park to have lunch with Deb and Linda at the Brown Derby.

Along the way the knee actually felt better. However, any first steps after sitting for a while were reminders for me to see the doctor down the road.

Of course the Full Marathon was in full swing. Thankfully the foreboding forecast for this day was going to be a bit wrong or late. There was no rain in sight as most of the runners were plodding through the Studios.

For this course about the time you start heading down Hollywood Blvd. you’ve already covered over 20+ miles and you are just anxiously awaiting to get out this park, make it over to EPCOT, and finish.

The characters were there to cheer the runners on.

Some runners did take the opportunity to pose with some of their favorite characters.

The Brown Derby is famous for its Cobb Salad and that’s what we all opted for.

While at the restaurant we received a visit from Hollywood’s Tastiest Celebrity Gossip Columnist, Vivian Dish. I’m sure you have read her column, “Tasty Tidbits from Vivian Dish.”
She and Deb got along famously.

Beci was able to join us for a bit before speeding off to yet another meeting.

As we prepared to leave Brown Derby the skies opened up. I was hoping all the runners had crossed the Finish Line before the downpour. Luckily we had our ponchos.

Linda and Deb were heading out of the park and I had to go to a meeting. We bid farewell and off we went on our separate ways.

After my meeting with several folks I headed back to the room to rest, a request from my left knee.

I then headed to EPCOT to hopefully take in Spaceship Earth while soft openings were still going on.

So what did I find?

Well, I’m going to give the Imagineers the benefit of the doubt and say that there are still some things to do to complete this rehab of SPE. So I will hold off mentioning any details and passing judgement. I will say however that the attraction has undergone much more of a change than I had anticipated.

I stopped over at the pin board to purchase a few Disney Valentine’s Day pins for Carol before heading to World Showcase.

Along the way I heard my name being called and turned around and did not recognize anyone within my sight. About eight people approached me and said, “You don’t know us but we know you.”

That’s a scary thing to hear being said to you…even at Walt Disney World.

These were folks who had been at the 2007 MagicMeets and wanted to say hello. I believe at least one of them had also run that weekend.

After a few minutes of good talk I had to excuse myself and meet Mike Newell.

I met Mike right in front of where OffKilter performs and we headed to the American Adventure where I wanted to do some research.

While in AA we ran into some other friends, notable AEN researcher Kenny Cottrell.
I spent time talking with Mr. American Adventure himself Lonnie who told me a few tidbits about the attraction. Some of these tidbits were mentioned in my newsletter article.

Here’s a shot of folks walking past that painting with the plane whose nose follows you.

Time was running short and we had to scoot over to Marakesh for dinner.

I thanked Lonnie for his time and Mike and I walked briskly to the Moroccan Pavilion.

This was my third meal at Morocco and I’m still on the fence regarding this restaurant. It’s not spicy by any means but the variety on the menu leaves a lot to be desired. Still if you are looking for a place to eat on a weekend night in EPCOT this could be one of the few places where you can walk right up and be seated immediately.

Beci joined us and we ate quickly because Illuminations would be starting soon.

We found ourselves walking around World Showcase just as Illuminations was beginning…first time that had ever happened to me.

We met up with some friends and watched the rest of this spectacular.

After that Mike, Beci and I met up with the very elegant Deb and Linda for some quiet time chat

Don’t they look like the type of people they are...special?

The quiet time involved good talk and we enjoyed the company so much that we talked until 1:30 A.M.

Deb and Linda were leaving in the morning so it was time for final hugs and goodbyes.

I had a long walk back to where I had parked my car. I think the temps were in the 40’s and I had shorts and a short sleeve shirt on…brrr.

I found myself hungry. Well…it was 2 A.M. and I had last ate at 8 P.M.

I was more tired than hungry so fatigue won over hunger.

I probably got to sleep about 2:30 A.M.

Next time: Looking Back and Looking Ahead

Monday! Monday!

You would have thought that I would have slept in on Monday but no. I was up early, as in 7:30 A.M., which is pretty early if you fell asleep around 2:30 A.M.

I attended to quite a few emails from friends and relatives who had sent emails about the race. It took time to answer most of them and before I knew it the time was 10 A.M.

I did a little packing, then hopped into the shower, got dressed and then stopped short of heading out the door. I really hadn’t put together any plans for the day.

I called Mike Newell and told him that due to the night before I was getting a late start.

I had to laugh when Mike told me he was on the same schedule as me and he was just getting started as well.

I asked him if he was hungry…silly question…of course he was.

I suggested we meet at Boardwalk and head over to the Dolphin so I could introduce him to The Fresh Mediterranean Market for lunch.

I headed over to Boardwalk somewhat quickly and took a stroll over to where the Breathless II was docked. I was looking for a friend who does Illuminations Cruises but the CMs there told me his shift started at 6 P.M. that night.

I made a mental note to come back that night and see him.

I didn’t as plans would eventually change….so Mike Scibetta. if you’re reading this we’ll see you on the next trip.

Stormalong Bay is so peaceful in the morning.

I met Mike Newell near Big River Grille & Brewing Works and we walked over to the Dolphin.

Mike enjoyed Fresh. I need to thank Deb for introducing me to this little restaurant. It’s on my list as a must do from now on for either breakfast or lunch.

During lunch my cell phone told me that the battery was low. I had talked with some friends that morning and had used the speakerphone option and that had pretty much drained the battery. I knew that I would either have to go back to the room to charge it or find some portable charger in the Dolphin store…highly unlikely for the latter.

During lunch Mike and I decided it would be fun to send some photos of the chocolate desserts to our chocoholic friend Annette. I’m sure she appreciated the gesture.

While eating lunch I got a call from a friend who I had made arrangements to meet at Beaches and Cream that day. Yikes…I had completely forgotten.

It was now about 1 P.M. and we were supposed to meet around 2ish. I was stuffed but I knew it may be the last time I would see my buddy David from the UK until we were both in WDW so Mike and I walked to Beaches and Cream, met David, and had another dessert.

More pictures sent to Annette...the things I do for my friends (sigh).

While we were there we witnessed not one but two Kitchen Sinks being delivered to booths with eyes bigger than their stomachs.

After the dessert I decided I would shoot back to my room and give the phone a charge and also buy a sweatshirt as that night was supposed to be a bit chilly.

We said good-bye to David. I had tentative plans to meet David and family at the Biergarten that evening.

Mike had to do something too so we agreed to meet later in the day.

I went back to my room and charged the phone. I did more packing and then took a stroll to the resort store to shop for a fleece top for that evening.

Nothing there caught my eye; especially pricewise so I decided to wear one of my long-sleeved shirts I had packed just in case the weather would be chilly.

Before leaving the room I checked with Mike Newell again. We made plans with Beci Mahnken to meet at the Magic Kingdom to watch Wishes and we also agreed to have a late dinner at Kona’s.

I began to realize that the trip was winding down.

It was the third leg of a whirlwind set of trips and everything that had happened kept flashing in my mind.

I drove to the TTC and managed to get a parking space so close that I was just a five minute walk to the TTC ticket booths.

I took the monorail over to the Magic Kingdom and sent a message to Mike and Beci that I was in the park. They were standing just outside the Crystal Palace.

I snuck up on them...shhhhhh.

I was looking forward to Wishes…hadn’t seen it in ages.

Mike and Beci were thinking about doing a few attractions so I sent them off to do so while I waited for fellow AEN staffer Michelle Scribner-MacLean. Michelle wanted to see Wishes that night too.

The Crystal Palace looks so majestic at night.

I sent a txt to Michelle, she was almost at the park. While waiting I watched the castle show from the Crystal Palace area.

Michelle arrived just as the show was ending and we talked about our trip until Mike and Beci returned.

We watched Wishes from that spot which was an interesting experience. I would not recommend this unless of course you’ve seen Wishes many times and wanted to see it from a different point in the park.

We waited until most of the crowd left and we started out.

I then said, “Wait, I want to see the Kiss Goodnight!”

I got some looks.

“What’s that???” they almost said in unison.

This wasn’t the first time I had mentioned Kiss Goodnight to friends and had received stares as if I was sporting a third eye.

I began to explain that Kiss Goodnight is a traditional signoff for the Magic Kingdom and it involved a combination of music, light, singing and…

…as I was into my explanation lo and behold “KISS GOODNIGHT”” began and I got pretty excited.

I dragged Michelle, Beci, and Mike, up close to the Partners Statue and they all witnessed their first Kiss Goodnight.

If you’re interested in what Kiss Goodnight is all about look for more information in my All Ears newsletter article later this month.

After Kiss Goodnight we headed out of the park.

The queue for the monorail was just too long so we took the ferry.

Good choice.

At the TTC we Mike, Beci , and I bid farewell to Michelle who was off to Downtown Disney to get her son who had enjoyed the evening at Disney Quest.

Mike, Beci, and I enjoyed a quiet meal at Kona’s before the final goodbyes and we called it a night and a trip.

Now you may have noticed that this was yet another day in the life of yours truly in which I was not going from park to park and enjoying attraction after attraction.

It just didn’t work out that way and what’s amazing is that it didn’t bother me. When I return to WDW in three, six, or nine months from now I’m pretty sure my favorite attractions will be
there…but there is never a guarantee as to when you’ll catch up again with friends.

It was a good trip in many ways.

Looking Back and Looking Ahead

This trip represented so much to me. There were so many people who made the trip to experience their first Walt Disney World Half-Marathon and they brought with them so many dreams of doing something important for themselves and accomplishing a feat that perhaps they never thought was in their reach.

I wanted to be there to see these people bask in their happiness and see the glow and pride in their faces as they proudly wore their medals around their necks.

By the way, I sent this photo of my medal to Steve Barrett and mentioned the Hidden Mickey…do you see it?

I was also amazed and warmed from the fact that so many people came down to support their friends in this quest.

There is no question that nothing matches the feeling of running and finishing the WDW Half-Marathon for the first time.

No matter how many times you do this race crossing the finish line is never the same as the first time.

However, you can do this race many times over and every time you turn up Main Street USA you will get a chill and a thrill as the crowd cheers you on…as you run towards the castle and through Tomorrowland and Fantasyland.

As you come through the castle you find yourself saying everytime , “This is what it’s all about.”

So looking back on the several times I have done this race I can undoubtedly say that the Walt Disney World Half-Marathon holds for everyone a little bit of Disney magic.

Be it your first one or you twenty-first one, there will always be something waiting for you and that something more often than not is the opportunity to say to yourself, “I did it.”

For me this time around I got to see so many friends participate in this race and so was given the opportunity to say to myself, “They did it!”

As I look forward I am hoping more of you get to experience what many experienced this year.

Congrats to all.

Next Time: I'll discuss the Walt Disney World 2008 running events.

I kept telling myself to put together a mailbag blog entry and kept forgetting but forget no more. Here is the first of what I hope are many opportunities for me to share with all of you some of the letters I receive from time to time. I’d like to share them all with you and it was most difficult choosing which to share…perhaps that’s what has taken me so long to getting around doing a mailbag blog entry.

Anyway, here are some I hope you will enjoy.

Surprise! Surprise

From Jennifer:

Was catching up on your marathon posts, as I haven't had time to read your blog lately and imagine my surprise when I came across your picture of the people in the Soarin' queue guiding the bird through the forest. No, it wasn't me, but my brother! He's the one in the gray Illinois State t-shirt. He was visiting Epcot that day by himself, the only free day he had while attending an Army National Guard conference at a nearby resort.

Thanks for making him just a little bit more famous and for giving me a good laugh for the day :)

Jennifer

LOL...thanks Jennifer...here's the picture Jennifer speaks of.

There’s a Reason for Everything

From Leslie:

Dear Mike,

Leslie Mack

Leslie the only regret I have after reading this note from you is that I did not get a chance to see you at the race and give you a hug for your tremendous attitude and effort. You are an inspriation to us all.

Perseverance Pays Off!

From Janelle:

Congratulations on the Race, Mike!

Janelle

Janelle...I think that certain "something" that came over you at the Expo was your confidence in yourself to do this. Nice job.

Congrats to Claudia!

From Claudia:

Hey Mike,

Claudia (in UK)

Way to go Claudia. Thank you for the kind words and sharing your experience.

My American Cousin

From Joan:

I have just read your article about the American Adventure. I too love the attraction. I visit Disneyworld at least once a year. The reason I'm writing to you is because my cousin posed for the father in the "two brothers" segment.

Joan Neumann

Author’s Note” Unfortunately Joan’s cousin passed away a few years ago but here is a photo of her cousin standing next to his animatronics counterpart.

Disney Magic!

From Nicole:

Reading Mike Scopa's article "The Unheralded Treasures of Walt Disney World" spoke of Streetmosphere at Disney Hollywood Studios. One of my favorite memories of my dad comes from a trip I took with my family when I was 10 (over 15 years ago).

My mom and I were talking a few steps behind my dad when a mime walked next to him and took his hand. Thinking it was my mom he started a conversation but got no response. When he finally looked at his "wife" he was shocked to see the mime and even jumped a little while my mom and I were laughing.

Nicole

Vacations serve many purposes Nicole and one purpose is to make memories. thanks for sharing.

Special Moments

From Holly:

I just read the "Unheralded Treasures" article. What a great term. We all have had those special moments which is what keeps us coming back. The article reminded me of our Unheralded Treasure.

Holly

Y'know Holly, I know there is an undiscovered unheralded treasure waiting for everyone on every trip....one reason why we keep going back.

The Little Things

From Sally:

My absolute favorite unheralded treasure is hearing the lovely French music that plays on the lower path of the walkway between the resorts around Crescent Lake and the International Gateway.

Sally

Yes Sally it's the little things or as we see in the next letter from Virginal...it's the details.

Here's a picture I took from International Gateway one morning before WS opened...that's the bridge to France.

Don’t Forget the Details

From Virginia:

Reading your article in All Ears Newsletter made me think those are the special things about Disney that cause us to make the trek several times a year, the thing that most people don't understand. I want to add one to your list.

Virginia Pierce

Virginia, thanks for reminding me about some of the Magic on Main Street USA.

Thanks to everyone who took the time and effort to drop me a note. I appreciate feedback and any thoughts you may want to toss my way.

2009 Marathon Weekend Alert

For those of you who are planning to participate in any of the races during the 2009 Disney Marathon Weekend I encourage you to register ASAP with special emphasis to those planning to do the very popular Walt Disney World Half-Marathon.

That race is at least 85% full.

Go to the Walt Disney World Half-Marathon Registration Page to register.

It seems that Walt Disney World has very much adopted the idea of hosting races year round.
Unfortunately not everyone lives is Central Florida and can make every one so we have to make choices.

Of course we need information to make these choices and my purpose today is to provide you with some information on all the planned WDW sponsored races for 2008, as well as info on the 2009 WDW Marathon Weekend.

I have done most of these races myself and hopefully can shed enough light on each so that you can get an idea as to what each race is all about.

So let’s see how the 2008 WDW Race Calendar stacks up.

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Date: March 8, 2008
Name: National Kidney Foundation 5K
Location: Epcot
Distance: 5K (3.1 miles)
Comments: This is a new race for 2008. The course is pretty familiar. It starts in the EPCOT parking lot (I’m guessing the Wonder parking lot) and eventually enters the park and makes its way to World Showcase. The course continues counter-clockwise around World Showcase and finishes in the parking lot. It looks like all participants will be required to maintain a 15 minute per mile pace.

For more info on this race like go to the National Kidney Foundation 5K Event Page.

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Date: May 2-4, 2008
Name: Minnie Marathon Weekend (2 Races)
Location: EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s World of Sports, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Distance: 5K (3.1 miles) on Saturday and 15K (9.3 miles) on Sunday
Comments: If I had to choose one weekend to go to WDW to run this would be the one. I have done this duo of a 5K and 15K race on two consecutive days and I think it’s the best deal of all the WDW sponsored races. I have heard some rumors regarding this as being the last year for the Minnie Marathon Weekend. I hope not.

On Saturday the Go Red for Women 5K is held and the course for that race is located in EPCOT, specifically World Showcase. This is a great warm-up race for the 15K race on Sunday.

All participants must maintain a 15-minute per mile pace.

For more information on this race go to the Go Red for Women 5K Event Page .

On Sunday the Women Run the World 15K (9.3 miles) is held and that one has the absolute best course as it starts at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, makes its way through Disney’s Wide World of Sports, down to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, then over to the Beach and Yacht Club and then into EPCOT’s World Showcase before finishing in the EPCOT Parking Lot.

All participants must maintain a 15-minute per mile pace.

For more information on this particular race go to the Women Run the World 15K Event Page.

________________________________________________

Date: May 10, 2008
Name: Muddy Buddy
Location: Disney’s Wide World of Sports
Distance: 6.5 miles plus obstacle course
Comments: I’ve never done this race. It is a team race involving biking, running, leapfrogging, and finally a crawl through a mud pit. Each team alternates running and biking for the first part of the race. I guess this race is best suited for those who are interested in a different type of race. It does look like fun…but imagine if it’s a rainy day…talk about mud.
For more information on this race go to the Muddy Buddy Event Page .

________________________________________________

Date: May 10, 2008
Name: Danskin Women’s Triathlon
Location: Seven Seas Lagoon, Fort Wilderness, Magic Kingdom
Distance: 400 Yard Swim; 9 mile bike course; and a 2 mile run
Comments: This sounds pretty cool and pretty exhausting. Imagine swimming in the Seven Seas Lagoon and then getting on a bike and pedaling for 9 miles and then have to run 2 miles…phew. I am not sure exactly where the bike course is but I do recall someone mentioning to me that it goes through and out Fort Wilderness and possibly down the back road to Downtown Disney and back again.

For more information on this race go to The Danskin Women’s Triathlon Event Page.

________________________________________________

Date: September 27, 2008
Name: Expedition Everest Challenge
Location: Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Distance: 5K (3.1 miles)
Comments: This is the first year for this race and the announcement has received mixed reaction from the running community. This is not so much a race as it is some sort of combination race and hunt for special stamps needed to complete the challenge. Individuals and teams may enter this race. The mixed response has been mostly because of the cost ($100 for individuals, $195 for teams of two people) as well as the fact that it’s not a pure race.

Also, get this. All participants must maintain a 16 minute per mile pace but there is a 2.5 hour time limit for the entire race…remember…it’s sort of a scavenger hunt too.

Anyway, if you’re interested in this race go to The Expedition Everest Challenge Event Page for more information.

________________________________________________

Date: October 5, 2008
Name: Susan G. Komen Central Florida Race for the Cure 5K
Location: TBA (In the past this race has been held at Disney’s Animal Kingdom)
Distance: 5K (3.1 miles)
Comments: This race is near and dear to my heart. The first time I ran in this race it was sort of an accident. I was planning to run in the Race for the Taste on Sunday and found out about this Saturday race and signed up a day before.

The race supports the fight against Breast Cancer and I guarantee that if you ever participate in a Komen race you will never find a better organized race…ever. I was overwhelmed by my first Komen race and the following year got involved in raising funds for this worthy cause.

Although I love the Minnie Marathon Weekend if I could do only one WDW race a year this one would be my choice.

The exact location for this year’s race has yet to be determined. You can check for updates at The G. Komen Central Florida Race for the Cure 5K Event Page.

________________________________________________

Date: October 12, 2008
Name: Race for the Taste 10K
Location: Disney’s Wide World of Sports, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club, and EPCOT
Distance: 10K (6.2 miles)
Comments: This is very much a fun race and has grown in popularity over the last several years to the point at which you need to register early to guarantee entry. It celebrates Disney’s Food and Wine Festival and participants are treated to dome foodies from the F&W festival at the finish line.

I highly recommended this race. It used to be held on the Sunday following the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 5K but unfortunately they are now held on separate weekends.
I believe, but am not certain that all participants must maintain a 15 minute per mile pace.
Look for more information on The Race for the Taste Event Page.

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Date: October 25, 2008
Name: The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 13K

Location: Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Wide World of Sports
Distance: 13K (8.2 miles)
Comments: This race was first held in 2007 and many participants had some issues with this race. Tt was held at around 10 P.M. which is not the best time to run for most folks as it puts a real hold on their day being careful not to use up much energy. Then there were parts of the course that were on uneven ground and muddy.

Finally the party was less than adequate so my guess is that many hard core runners may pass on this race for this year.

If you are into night running however this is the race for you.

The only pace requirement that I know of is that participants need to finish within 2.5 hours but that pacing requirement may change.

As of the day of the posting of this blog entry an event page has not been put up yet for this race.

________________________________________________

Date: January 8-11, 2009
Name: Disney’s Marathon Weekend
Location: The Walt Disney World Resort
Distance: 5K, Half-Marathon (13.1 miles), Full Marathon (26.2 miles)
Comments: If you’ve been reading this blog for the past 9 months you should be familiar with this huge annual event but if not then head over to The Marathon Weekend Event Page.

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Well there you have it…all the Walt Disney World races in a blog nutshell.

There are also events for kids and you can find info on them at Endurance Kids Races Event Info Page.

For updates through the year constantly check The Endurance Event Listing Page.

________________________________________________

Helping Others

Before signing off for today I wanted to make one more comment.

There has been much criticism tossed at Walt Disney World regarding the number of races held every year. Those critics point to the revenue that these races generate.

Let’s not forget that the Disney Company is a business and all businesses look towards both making a profit and achieving customer satisfaction.

Let’s also not lose sight of the fact that in almost all cases these races are involved in raising funds for very worthy causes.

For instance the Disney Marathon Weekend last month raised almost $8 million for charities.

It was those participants in the weekend races who were responsible for helping The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society raise $5.6 million, the AT Children’s Project raise $900,000 to cure a rare childhood disease, and another $1 million was raised for various other charities.

In describing the event and it's current legacy Senior Vice President of Disney Sports Enterprises Ken Potrock stated, “The marathon that started 15 years ago as an outlet for runners to reach their athletic goals, has turned into so much more than an athletic event; it’s a way for runners to rally around organizations that are making a difference to millions,”

He went on to say, “We’re thrilled that through the Walt Disney World Marathon and Half Marathon we’ve created a platform for teams of athletes to help find cures for serious diseases - and momentum is building.”

One group that should be saluted is Team In Training. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team In Training program kicked off their 20th Anniversary at the WDW Marathon. “This is a great opportunity for our organizations to raise funds to support our mission,” said Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Senior National Director of Team In Training Donna Grogan. “We’re so thankful to Walt Disney World for providing the venue for athletes to participate in a world-class event while doing something for the greater good of others. This race has allowed us to fundraise over $53.1 million over the past 15 years.”

From time to time when running comes up in conversations I get strange looks as if to say, “Why run? Why sweat? Why risk injury?"

Maybe I should have them talk to two-time marathon runner, Emma Kieran, who started running in 2006 for her grandfather who died from lymphoma.

Emma puts it best when she says, “It’s great to be out there at Disney on race day knowing we’re all doing something for ourselves and to help improve the quality of life for so many patients and families. It’s simply an incredible feeling.”

It certainly is.