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Episode 482: This week on Traveling with the Mouse, I’m taking you through my first-ever experience running in the Walt Disney World Half Marathon! From the moment I decided to sign up to crossing the finish line, it was an unforgettable journey filled with early mornings, thrilling moments, and, of course, a well-earned margarita at La Cava del Tequila.

The Road to RunDisney: Signing Up and Training

If you’ve ever looked into a RunDisney event, you know that signing up is an event in itself! Spots fill up fast, and you’ve got to be ready when registration opens. Once I secured my spot, then the real work began—training.

Race Weekend: The Energy, The Magic, and the Early Wake-Up Call

Race weekend is a full experience, and Disney does it BIG. From the expo, where I picked up my race bib and some exclusive merch, to the pre-race energy on race morning, everything was electric. Except for the rain! The 3:00 AM wake-up call was tough but the adrenaline and excitement take over. Being there with thousands of other runners and a touch of Disney magic, it was worth it.

The race itself? Absolutely incredible. Running through Epcot and Magic Kingdom as the sun began to rise was surreal. Seeing The electric water pageant boats our in the lagoon to welcome us into the Magic Kingdom was a fun surprise. (We love the Electric Water Pageant) Seeing my family as I ran down Main Street, U.S.A., was a highlight I will never forget, and the character stops along the way is what makes a Disney event truly unique. The crowd support, cast members cheering, and Disney’s impeccable organization made for an unforgettable experience.

Final Thoughts: Would I Do It Again?

Absolutely! The Walt Disney World Half Marathon was a one-of-a-kind experience that blended my love for Disney with the personal challenge of a race. The community, the energy, and the magic of running through the parks made every step worth it. If you’re considering doing a RunDisney event, I say go for it—you won’t regret it.

So, what’s next? Maybe a full marathon? We’ll see!

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Episode 466: In this week’s episode of Traveling with the Mouse, we sit down with one of our absolute favorite cast members, Jose Barbas, from La Cava del Tequila! Barbas brings his infectious energy and deep passion for his work to the show as we explore what drives him as a cast member. We dive into his love for creating magical moments for guests, his journey at Disney, and why La Cava del Tequila holds such a special place in his heart.

Barbas takes us behind the scenes of La Cava, sharing what sets it apart from the many other lounges and bars around Disney World. Whether you’re a tequila aficionado or someone just dipping your toes into the world of agave spirits, La Cava has something for everyone, and Barbas helps us break down the diverse menu. We go over everything from the perfect beginner’s margarita to rare and premium tequila options for the more adventurous guest. No matter your taste or experience level, you’ll leave knowing more about this not so hidden gem in Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion!

Of course, we also sprinkle in some of our classic Disney news updates. This week, we discuss the big change for Tron Lightcycle Run as it moves away from virtual queue and what that could mean for your future visits. It’s an episode packed with great insights, fun stories, and some essential Disney news.