runDisney Expedition Everest Challenge

I did it- I took the plunge. I registered for my second runDisney race. Expedition Everest Challenge, here I come!

photo shared via runDisney.com

The first weekend in May, I'll taking on the Everest Challenge, in Disney's Animal Kingdom. This event has a few interesting features that I can't wait to experience. It's a night time 5K combined with an obstacle course, followed by a scavenger hunt through the park. After completing the 5K and obstacle course portion of the event, runners must then race to various locations around the park, deciphering clues that will eventually lead them to the after-party. Scavenger hunt, deciphering clues, partying in the park late at night? This event has my name written all over it!

One more thing... see that medal up there? It opens up to reveal a real compass. This will be MINE! 

I'll be racing once again with my sister. Neither of us has ever done a race at night before. How about you? Have you raced at night? Have you done the Everest Challenge? Tell us about it in the comments...

Wordless Wednesday: Our Disney Side

Sometimes our #DisneySide is a quiet view through a drafty window, with favorite mouse ears looking out on a snowy neighborhood... longing for warmer days, sunshine, and a visit to the parks. 

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Thanks to Deb @ Focused on the Magic  for hosting 

the Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop! 

If you hopped over, I invite you to check out my other posts, and please consider joining the blog or following on twitter.

Check out all the other Wordless Wednesday links by clicking below, 
and remember to share some comment love...

Epcot's Bead Outpost

Have you made a visit to the Bead Outpost yet? Tucked back along the African Outpost walkway between China and Germany lies the Bead Outpost- a colorful kiosk offering unique jewelry made from sustainable, handcrafted beads. 

What makes these beads so interesting? They're made out of recycled Disney maps! According to the sign on the wall of the kiosk:

• Disney guide maps and other outdated Disney paper products are collected here at Walt Disney World.

•  Hand selected, colorful papers are then recycled by being shipped to Africa where they are hand rolled into unique beads.

•  Each bead represents the care and craftsmanship of its artist.

•  The extremely durable, water resistant paper beads are then returned to Walt Disney World where guests can choose their own beads and string their own works of art.

I love the idea that park maps- which would otherwise be waste- are turned into something beautiful. (On an environmental level, though, I'm not sure how green this project is. How many recycled maps does it take to offset the impact of shipping the materials to and from Africa? But I digress...) 

The signage seems to indicate the availability of individual beads for sale, and being able to string your own. I have not seen this. On each of my visits, there were plenty of already-assembled jewelry pieces, but no individual beads for sale. The prices on the jewelry are very reasonable- certainly one of the more affordable jewelry souvenirs available in the parks. Prices range from $7 to $20, depending on the style and size of the piece. 

A Hidden Mickey, spotted on the kiosk counter...

Jewelry pieces come in brights, pastels, and neutral color schemes. I go back and forth on which I prefer, but I think I might like the neutrals best. 

Have you visited the Bead Outpost? What do you think about this map recycling project? Have you purchased any jewelry? Tell us about it in the comments...

Favorites on Friday: Soup

From time to time on Fridays, we feature various favorites from Disney Parks- favorite foods, favorite attractions, favorite spots, and more. This time, we're talking soup...


Snow and frigid temperatures here make me think of one thing: soup!

Today's Favorite on Friday is my favorite soup- the Smoky Portobello Soup from Artist Point, at Disney's Wilderness Lodge.

It's not just my favorite soup- it's also quite possibly the most delicious thing I've ever had on Disney property.

It's that good, folks.

Smoky Portobello Soup, Artist Point

The soup is a creamy portobello puree, with flavors incredibly intense and richly layered. It's topped with chive oil and crispy roasted shitake mushrooms, which somehow end up with a taste and consistency that can be describes as... baconesque. The presentation was lovely- an oversized platter-rimmed bowl, framing a serving of soup in such a way that you just know you're about to taste something exquisite. Alas, the serving size is smaller than I would have liked. It leaves you wanting more- but I'm not sure if it's really a small serving, or if it just feels this way because it's so delicious. I could have eaten three bowls in rapid succession. I want some right now.

With all the incredible food options at the parks and resorts, is it crazy to think that a soup is my absolute favorite? Taste the Smoky Portobello Soup at Artist Point, and let me know...

Have you tried this soup? What's your favorite dish? Tell us in the comments...

Wordless Wednesday: January Calendar Shot

____________________________________________________________

Thanks to Deb @ Focused on the Magic  for hosting 

the Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop! 

If you hopped over, I invite you to check out my other posts, and please consider joining the blog or following on twitter.

Check out all the other Wordless Wednesday links by clicking below, 
and remember to share some comment love...