Tinker Bell 2015 Expo Goodies!

This post is so overdue, but I really liked my goodies from the Tink expo so I wanted to share what I got.  I definitely didn't exercise as much self control as I had originally hoped to be, but since I ended up not purchasing any of the Dooney bags, I had a little extra in my budget.

Heading into the expo!

We decided to head straight to merchandise and then go pick up our numbers.  It was a good thing, because even though the expo had only been open a couple of hours, things were already on the road to selling out.  The Sweaty Bands were almost completely gone - I managed to find a Glass Slipper Challenge one, but it was literally the last one left.

Other than that, I was able to get everything I had hoped too.  But I know people who couldn't go until Friday, did not have such luck.  I've talked about it before, but I don't understand why they don't make more merchandise.  runDisney fans love their merch, so it would sell.  I just find it ridiculous that they don't have more.  It's really not far to those who can't get there on Day 1.  Okay, rant over.

So, let's get to the purchases!

I was really excited to get one of the Pixie Dust Challenge Jackets.  I loved the logo and the color!  I also picked up on of the challenge 'I Did It' shirts.  Same color as the jacket which made me happy.

I also added to my (ever-growing) drink wear collection.  I needed none of these, but I loved them so much, I had to have them.  They make me happy every time I drink from them.

And lastly, I picked up some magnets (my fridge is overflowing with them, I should probably stop buying more...), a Sweaty Band for both the Half and the Challenge (which, as I said above, I just barely got - they were already so picked over) and my traditional mini medal pin.  

That's it!  It actually seems like a lot less when I group it like that =)

From there, we headed into number pick up and then to get our shirts.  I really liked race shirts this year.  The color scheme was awesome and I liked all the designs this year.

5K and 10K shirts

Half and Challenge shirts

And you know I can't resist a photo opp!

What did you get at the expo this year?

Raleigh Half Marathon Expo

We headed to the expo on Saturday before lunch.  Luckily, our hotel was directly across from the convention center, so it was super easy!

They had live music playing outside all day and the expo was very organized.  Our first stop upon arriving was number and shirt pickup.  There was no line for either and we moved through quickly. I am a big fan of the shirt - both the color and the design.  In the words of Dug (from Up) - SQUIRREL!

And the squirrel is playing the banjo!

Apparently Raleigh is the 'City of Oaks' as oak leaves and acorns were also a theme for the weekend.  Either way, I was a big fan!

From the shirt pick up, we headed to official merchandise.  I hadn't planned on getting anything except my customary pin and guitar bottle opener (it's a RnR race tradition for me), but the merchandise for this event was just too cute too pass up!

After looking around, I ended up picking up a cute racerback.  It has an oak leave and a small outline of North Carolina on it.  Perfect souvenir for a 50 State race!  The material is very soft and comfy.  I am already thinking it'll be a great shirt to bring to Disney to wear in the parks (in addition to running it it!).  It's wicking material, but doesn't look like a normal tech shirt.  It'll be great on really hot days!

I also picked up a baseball cap.  It's not technical or wicking, but I just thought it was so cute.  During the summer I like to wear baseball caps running errands or when on the beach.  It's probably one of my less practical purchases, but I just thought it was so cute!

There's that oak leaf again

And of course, I picked up my standard pin and guitar bottle opener.

After official merchandise, we made a loop of the rest of the expo.  It was pretty standard expo vendors and we picked up some postcards for other 50 State races we could do.

After making a loop and checking everything out, we headed to lunch!  We ate lunch at a very yummy barbecue restaurant in Raleigh.  More to come on that!

WDW Marathon Weekend: Expo Goodies!

Now that I'm finished with my 2014 recaps, I can get to 2015 things - and less then 2 weeks after it happened!

I am going to keep this post pretty short, as I honestly didn't spend a ton of time at the expo, but did want to share what I picked up... since we know I love my race merchandise.

In what has become a new tradition, I started my expo out with a beer in a runDisney cup.  I can't remember the exact name (it was one I hadn't had before), but I really liked it.  It was a nice and light wheat beer.

First, we headed in to get our numbers.  It wasn't too crowded and I was able to pick up my number with no wait time.  They did have a merchandise area set up in there, but it was completely empty and closed.  Even though I didn't want/need anything, I was curious to see what was left.

From there we headed into the main expo floor.  Again, since we really didn't need anything, we didn't really walk around much.  Just a quick stop at the Sweaty Bands booth to check out their stuff and then on to the race tee.  The Half race tee this year was red, which is nice, because I don't have ton of red tech shirts.  After trying it on to make sure it fit, we headed into the official race merchandise.

I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised by how much stuff was still available.  The most picked over sections were Dopey and Goofy.  No surprise with Dopey since those folks had to go on Wednesday to get there numbers.  I feel like most people for Goofy come on Friday so also not surprised it was more sold out (but there was still stuff left).  Still lots of stuff left for the Half and Full.  I'm really glad Disney has started ordering more stuff!

Half Merchandise

As I mentioned, I was really trying to be good.  I need more running clothing like I need a whole in my head (seriously, I did some cleaning over Christmas and the amount of running clothing I have is at a ridiculous level!).  I was good and didn't buy much.  Abby had gone to the expo on Wednesday (the perks of having a friend who lives locally!) and picked up the runDisney Sweaty Bands I wanted.  I also picked up a replica medal pin (apparently this is my new thing - last year it was magnets, now mini medal pins!).

I also picked up a Coast to Coast shirt as the Disneyland expo's tend to be a disaster.  I won't wear it until after Tinker Bell though!

There was no line to check out, so we managed to make it in and out of the merchandise area pretty quickly.  From there, it was a quick stop at the runDisney booth to look at the Frozen medals and then to the Sparkle Athletic booth as I needed to pick up my visor for my costume.  From there, we headed back to the hotel.  The rest of the expo was all stuff we've seen before and we had FastPasses for the Mine Train to make!

What did anyone else pick up at the expo?  Share your goodies with me so I can live vicariously through you!

Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend - Expo Goodies

 
Last year's expo was a disaster - sheer insanity.  I'd been keeping my fingers crossed that this year it would be better, but I wasn't sure if it would.  Forntunately, this year it was much smoother!

The expo opened at noon on Thursday and since we were already there, Pam and I decided to go on the early side.  First stop, merchandise!  There were a couple of things I really wanted, so it made sense to do it first.

The merchandise was in the same area, but this year it was sectioned off better.  There was a line to get in and they were monitoring how many people were inside at once.  The line wasn't too bad when I arrived and it moved quickly - probably only waited 20-25 minutes.

Once inside, there was plenty of room and there was none of the mad grabbing to get merchandise as there was last year.  And there was also plenty of merchandise to go around (and from what it sounds like, plenty all weekend).  Looks like runDisney actually listened and made some positive changes!  Thanks runDisney!

They didn't preview a ton of the merchandise online (just a couple of t-shirt designs), so I wasn't sure what they'd have.  I knew a couple of items I hoped they had (and they did!) and assumed I would find a couple of other things to buy.  I can't resist race merchandise!

I started with the three items I knew I would want: Sweaty Bands (I love them and wasn't able to get them last year), a magnet (which I have gotten from all my recent runDisney races lately) and a mini Dumbo Double Dare medal pin (I got the mini medal from both Dopey and Glass Slipper and wanted to complete my collection).

Lucky me - they had all 3!  I actually got 2 Sweaty Bands - one for the Half and one for Dumbo.  The designs were really cute!  I was also able to get my magnet (I got the Dumbo one only, they did have 2 for the Half) and the mini medal pin.  Off to a good start!

I also thought I might get a wine glass... I don't need one, but I have one from all my other runDisney races so I thought I had a feeling I would get one for this race too.  And it was really cute this year!  I love the tag line - 'Running the Dream!'.  Perfect for this race!

They also had a really cute waterbottle (I have an obsession with them) so I picked up one of those.  The pack of the waterbottle says 'Running for Peanuts'.  I also picked a Dumbo Double Dare keychain.  So cute and something I can use everyday!

Lastly, I ended up getting a Dumbo Double Dare hoodie.  I loved the blue color and the back had a great design.  I didn't really need it... but I couldn't resist.

The back, the front says 'Running for Peanuts' on the right side

After making our decisions, we headed to the registers.  They had them located in a side room and it was a very smooth process.  So easy!

Once we had paid for everything, we headed back to get our numbers.  My line to pick up was pretty short, so it went quickly.  I also got my race pins with no line as well.  Pam's line was a little longer, but not too bad!

After that, it was upstairs to get the race shirts.  They had it set up so you went directly up from the number pick up into the back of the expo for shirt pickup.  The shirts were well organized and no lines.  I really like the shirts this year!  The color of the half shirt isn't my favorite, but I don't hate it (I know some people really didn't like it).  And they were women sized, yay!

Did some quick walking around the expo, but honestly didn't look around too much.  I don't need much of anything so just made it quick.

Overall, I think this expo was a 100% better than last year.  They made some important (and needed) changes to the expo so it went smoother.  They organized the official merchandise better and had plenty of it.  I'm not sure how much they had left over (I hope not a lot so they don't order less) and that they continue to order a lot of merchandise.  It's not fair to the people who can't go on the first day not to be able to get stuff.

If you went to the expo, what did you think of it?

Princess Half Expo

My trip to Florida started off very well - I got switched to First Class (the man/boyfriend/husband of the women sitting next to me was in first and they wanted to sit together so I switched seats with him.  In First Class - yay!) and my flight was on time.  It was a great way to start the trip!

After checking in to the hotel, we headed to the expo.  My aunt and cousin were arriving later, so my mom and I were picking up their stuff.

Fortunately, after the disaster that was the expo held at Coronado Springs, they moved it back to ESPN World Wide of Sports.  So much better.

We started off going to get our numbers.  There were no lines and it went very smoothly.  After that, we headed into the Josten's Center for shirt pickup, merchandise and the rest of the vendors.  But not before a photo with our footmen!

My mom got us all tiara's to wear!

After our photo opp, we headed to shirt pickup.  I have to say, I really loved the shirts this year!  The designs were so cute and I am a big fan.  Good job runDisney!  From there, we went to official merchandise.

Despite my best efforts, I did not walk out of the official merchandise empty handed.  I didn't buy any clothing though, so that counts right?

Pam already picked me up my Sweaty Bands, which was a good thing because I didn't see them (although since I already had them, I wasn't looking very hard).

And I got what I really wanted - my Princess ears!  My photo did not turn out well, but here's the photo from runDisney (I'll update with a better photo once I take one).

I also picked up 3 magnets.  I definitely did not need 3, but I couldn't decide between them!  I am going to bring one to work.  Apparently magnets are my new expo item - I got one at Wine and Dine, Dopey and now Princess.

I wasn't planning on getting another wine glass, but I just loved the design of the Half one.  Plus the back says 'Sorry Charming, Gotta Run'.  It is so cute!

Lastly, I got one of the Glass Slipper Challenge mini medals.  I got one for Dopey, so I figured I should get one for this challenge too.

After we were done at the official merchandise, we hit the rest of the expo.  We didn't spend too much time because my aunt and cousin were on their way to the hotel.  We did stop by and pick up the Lasting Commemorative postcard.  Otherwise, we were good and didn't buy anything.

Overall, I thought this expo was so much better than last year.  Moving it back to WWoS was definitely the better decision!

My (bib) Princess of choice this year!

Princess is here!

I am so glad Princess is here!  I am so ready for some sunshine!  I am leaving bright and early tomorrow morning and it cannot come fast enough (although, I still need to pack).  The expo opened this morning and runDisney has shared some photo's of the merch on facebook and the Disney Parks Blog.  Lots of cute stuff this year, but I am really trying to limit myself.

Here are some of the stuff I like:

We know I love my Sweaty Bands!  I like the Princess 'Once Upon a Run' and GSC 'Sorry Charming, Gotta Run!'.  And because a friend went to the expo this morning, I already own them :)

I have no need for this hoodie, but I love it!  If they have in my size, I might pick it up.

This item was the reason I wanted to do Princess in the first place.  They were sold out last year by the time I got there, but if they have them this year, I am getting one.

See more items on the Disney Parks Blog and Facebook.

What items do you like?

2 on Tuesday

My birthday was this past weekend!  My main birthday present?  An iPad mini - yay!  I have already spent many hours playing with it on my couch.  I am a big fan.  And I love the plaid of my case I got.  Abby recommended the Speck Fitfolio and it was right on - it is the perfect case (for me at least).  I couldn't pass up the plaid.  Madras all the way.

Well, that didn't take long.  Registration for the Disneyland Half Marathon weekend events opened at Noon EST today and by 12:42, the Dumbo Double Dare was already sold out (screen grab taken at 3:12 pm EST).  The 10K followed shortly after.  The Half is currently at 71%, but if you are interested, I recommend you register soon.  Kids races should be gone any minute as well and don't even get me started on the "Welcome Event". It's basically the old runDisney Meetups but now you get to pay $89 to attend (they used to be free).  You get early entrance into the official merchandise, but is that worth $89?  You'll still have to actually buy the merch.  I mean, I love my merch as much as the next person, but it is not worth that much too me.

Disney Marathon Weekend Merch!

It's here!  The Disney Parks Blog finally posted a preview of the merchandise for this weekend!  No previews of Dopey stuff yet, but I am hoping (fingers crossed) they have some good stuff!  They want to keep it a secret for some reason.  Let's take a look at some of the products (there is more stuff on the full preview, this is just want I like!  See it all here). 

First up - I love, love, love the Sweaty Bands!  I am going to try and control myself, but there is a chance, I might by one for every race.  I can't help it.

I like the "I Did It" shirts and without a doubt I will be buying the Dopey one.  I also foresee a magnet and Coast to Coast shirt coming home with me.

If you remember, I have an obsession with both water bottles and coffee mugs, so I see both of those coming home with me (if they have Dopey versions).  I think I'll pass on the barware, I have to so many wine glasses at this point, I am running out of room to keep them (although, don't be surprised if one does come back with me).

I really like the jackets and if there is a Dopey one in my size, I can imagine me getting this.  Thank god I have my spending money already!

What do you like?

Wine and Dine Merchandise!

Happy Wednesday!  In just two days I will be in sunny FL for the Wine and Dine Half Marathon!  And just in time, the Wine and Dine merch is up on the Disney Parks blog!  I have been waiting all week to see what they are going to have.  Here is a preview of what they will have this year:

All photo's via the Disney Parks Blog post

I like the race logo on the shirts in the first photo, but let's be real, I do not need any more running clothing so I will probably pass on those.  I don't love the front of the 'I Did It', the back is nice (photo on the Disney Parks Blog).  I have one from last year, so I'll probably pass on that one too (how many 'I Did It' shirts from the same event do I need?).  I do like the Sweaty Bands (see yesterdays post), particularly the blue one with the Spaceship Earth design on it.  Depending on what else there is or how things look in person, I might pick up another item or two.

What are your thoughts on the W&D merch?  Anything you can't live without?