Disney on the brain

We are officially within 6 days 'til Disneyland!  To say I have Disney on the brain would be an understatement.  I am so excited I can barely contain it!   As if I wasn't already excited, I've been having a Disney movie marathon today to really get me in the mood (as if I needed it).  So far I've watched, Beauty and the Beast, Cars, Finding Nemo, Cinderella, Tangled and The Little Mermaid.  

I had hoped to wait to start packing until today, but I found myself starting to throw things into a pile on  Thursday.  I made some significant progress on packing today.  Now if only it can just be Friday already!?!

While I am absolutely positive that I am over packing (despite my packing list - I never know what I am going to want to wear so I bring way more then I need), I am trying to make sure to save space in my suitcase for souvenirs!  I already bought a Coast to Coast shirt at Princess, so that's taken care of.  Top of my wish list for the expo is a Dumbo Double Dare pin.  You usually pre-order the pins (I always get one to put on my medal) but they didn't have one to pre-order for DDD.  So that is top.

I'm sure that will not be the only thing I buy.  I would like a wine glass and maybe a waterbottle.  I am already getting 3 shirts with my registration, so don't really need to buy another.  Really going to try and control myself (at the expo at least).  Let's see how good I do at that!

In terms of non-runDisney items, I always get something for the little ones when I go to Disney (both my nieces, plus my nephews-in-law) and I have a couple of other gifts on the list (don't want to ruin the surprise on the blog!).  I don't really need anything for myself, but I am sure I'll get something.  And my mom has already placed a request for a mug.

In addition to a souvenir list, I've been making a list of must do's for while I am there.  This is only my second time in DL, so I still feel like a newbie.  I know both parks are much smaller and more manageable.  Since we are going to have 5 day park hoppers, I am excited to be able to do parks and relax at the hotel pool/bar and still know we'll get everything in.

Either way, I am excited for Cars Land in DCA (wasn't completed when I was there for Tinker Bell) and in DL the Matterhorn Bobsleds and It's a Small World (both closed last time).  I am a little sad that Haunted Mansion and Big Thunder Railroad are closed, but I road them before (and we'll be back again I'm sure!).  I'm want to make sure we ride the Grizzly River Run (also closed during Tinker Bell).  I like that our hotel is so close that if we get soaked we can go back and change!

I also want to see World of Color, the Fireworks and Fantasmic!  So much to do - thank god we have the time!

In terms of food, we only have dinner reservations the night before the half (we didn't want to be tied down to a specific meal time), which gives me plenty of chances to try new things.  I definitely want a Dole Whip (yummm) and a Mickey Bar.

Lastly, I am torn on whether or not to bring my Donald/Princess Medals.  Will I want a photo with all the medals?  I am leaning towards racing the half, so I won't want the added wait during the Half, but will I want to take a picture afterwords?  I don't know what to do (I know, first world problems).  Any advice?

So since I'm a newbie, Disneyland experts, tell me which rides I can't miss and where are some good places to eat?

Dumbo Double Dare Packing List

Yea...that looks about right
Source

Since we are officially within 2 weeks of heading to Disneyland, it is time to start packing.  Without a list, I am the worlds worst packer (and even with a list I'll probably/definitely still over pack), so making a packing list is a must for me.

I usually make a list that is broken into different categories depending on the trip (i.e. plane, running, park attire, misc clothing, toiletries, etc).  Personally, I like making it as a spreadsheet on Google docs so whenever I think of something I can just add it without trying to remember what it was when I get home.  I usually make the list a while before (i.e. I started it for Dumbo last night) so it gives me time to think of what I have forgotten.  It also allows me to see what I need to pick up and do it next weekend so I am not running around like a crazy person the week of the trip.

Even with a list, I'll still over pack.  Since we are going for 6 days, it requires a good chunk of stuff, plus I like to have options when I get dressed in the morning.  I am usually a carry on only person (I hate checking luggage - see July when American left it in Columbus for 2 days) but with 6 days and 2 races, checking will be a must.  But, I will be carrying all my race clothing and gear, plus an outfit or 2 on with me.  I am sure (fingers crossed) it won't get lost, but I can't take the risk.

As this is my 11th runDisney event, I've got the running gear packing pretty much down to a science.  Although since it is August in California, I don't need to bring colder weather items like you have to with Disney World in January.

Here is what I have on my list so far:

All important documents (printed and in my carry on):
Race Waiver
Final instructions
Plane reservations
Bus transfer
Hotel/Ticket confirmation

Running clothing (all in carry on)
Sneakers x 2
Socks x 3
Shorts x 3
Team Sparkle Skirts x 2
Sports bras x 2
Shirts x 3
Headbands x 2
Sunglasses
Spi belts x 2
I bring an extra shirt and shorts to do a shake out run the day before the race

Running accessories (non-clothing running needs; carry on whatever possible)
Stick (pack this one - sometimes security will take it away if you try and carry it on)
Flip flops for post race
Compression socks (wear on plane there)
Garmin + charger
L/S Throwaway shirt (just in case it's a little chilly)
Fuel for the race (gu, powergel chomps)
Breakfast (I like oatmeal and I am particular, so I bring my own packets, a soft measuring cup, bowl and spoons - you can make hot water in the coffee maker)
Recovery drink and blender bottle

Plane
Comfy pants (I usually wear yoga pants on cross country flights) + t-shirt
Socks (my feet always get cold on planes)
Sweatshirt (again for the cold)
Headphones
Neck Pillow
Eye Mask
Entertainment (tablet with movies ready to go, magazine, books)
Good size waterbottle to fill post security

Other clothing/items
Park clothing (Shorts, jeans, tanks and shirts)
Shoes (Toms, extra sneakers, good, supportive flip flops)
Bathing suit (I plan on sitting by pool!)
PJ's, undergarments, etc
Toiletries + makeup
Medical (Dramamine, Advil, Tums, Claritin, etc)
Sunscreen

Misc
Camera
All chargers (phone, camera, nook, garmin)
Sunglasses
Purse (I like a cross body bag for the park so my hands are free)
Disneyland book (I know, I'm a huge nerd... but I think that's pretty evident at this point, right?)

What I am missing?  Let me know!