Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend Dining Must-Dos

July means – it’s time!  Time to nail down our Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend chow choices and make that magical call to Disneyland Dining (714- 781-DINE).  Most Walt Disney World goers are aware that the Disneyland reservation system differs substantially from that of its cousin; “Priority Seatings” (not ADRs) can be made up to 60 days in advance, and even if you are staying on property, cannot be made for the entirety of your trip starting on Day 60.  (You must call back each day if you want the primo hard-to-get Priority Seatings, though at Disneyland those spots are generally easier to come by.)  Considering the match up of Labor Day and the excitement surrounding the long sold-out race weekend, we are not taking ANY chances.  I did learn two interesting facts while on the telephone last evening:  1.  For the first time, I was given a reservation number for each choice.  Hoorah for the peace of mind that comes with those twelve digits!  2.  The announced requirement of a credit card to hold all Disneyland Table Service reservations (and resultant penalties for no-shows) after June 24, 2013 has been put on hold indefinitely.  For over a year, you do have the option of e-mailing Disneyland Dining at dine@disneyland.com with your requests, but as I tend to be an instant gratification gal, I can’t wait patiently for a reply! 

And now for our list:
–   Carb loading pre-race; Wine Country Trattoria and Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria.  
Top PT Tip:  The current best practice dictates that for half marathons and beyond, carb loading should begin about 3 days out.  Attention Double Dumbo Dare-ers, start pushing carbohydrates for three days before your races (or the Wednesday before your Disneyland® 10K ).  By fortifying the glycogen storage in your muscles over that period, you’ll better ward off fatigue and avoid gastrointestinal problems by overloading on pasta the night before the race.

Hooray for al fresco dining at Naples Ristorante!

–    Celebrating post-race; throwing moderation out the window, we have planned to return to Carthay Circle Restaurant (for lunch this time) and our mainstay must-do Napa Rose (we’ve previously enjoyed dinner, the private party room, and “The Vintner’s Table”, but now it’s time for the Chef’s Counter experience).  I’m already salivating!

A touch of fantasy at Carthay Circle Restaurant.

Incredible menu plus wine pairings at Napa Rose.

–   This and That; Goofy’s Kitchen to start the day off with a smile and Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar to finish it with some levity and an exotic libation (or two).  

Full celebration mode at Goofy’s Kitchen.

Join me in a Uh Oa! anyone?

When you runDisney you can eat Disney, (guilt-free).  Cool running…