Pasta!! Most runners crave it, understand it, and hunt for it on Walt Disney World Resort property. Knowing this, runDisney created a pre-race event with the almighty carbohydrate as the star of the show. The Pasta in the Park Party, held in Epcot World ShowPlace Pavilion (located between Canada and United Kingdom Pavilions), is a ticketed event that appeals to runners and their family, friends and anyone looking for an evening of food, music, character photo opportunities, and Disney fun that culminates in a viewing of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.
Food
Served buffet-style, there is a range of runner-friendly food options:
– a variety of hot and cold pastas (with and without whole wheat)
sauces usually including primavera and marinara and pesto
– assorted mixed green salads and light dressings
– potato salad
– roasted chicken
– assorted vegetables
– bread and rolls, including whole grain
– lite desserts
– fresh fruit
There is a decent variety offered, so there is appeal to groups with a range of palates. For the extra hungry types it is “all you can eat”. (Gluten free options are available upon prior request. Contact runDisney@DisneySports.com for special dietary or food allergy requests.)
Cash Bar
Yes! Not everyone is running, and even those that are may need additional carbs…
DJ Entertainment and Face Painter
Electric Slide, Gangnam Style, Macarena; limber up prior to your race and hit the dance floor for some good clean fun. The beauty of this venue is its vastness- yet it is so attractively appointed you do not feel like you are dancing in a warehouse.
Disney Character Meet &Greets
Typically, the variety of characters is announced, but I’m sure all runDisney Twitter stalkers caught this recent announcement: Dopey will be making an appearance to celebrate the Inaugural Dopey Challenge! Lines for these characters are usually very manageable, but I have a feeling Dopey is going to be making many new runner friends during this year’s Pasta in the Park Party.
IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth
Enjoy viewing from a reserved section at Worldview Plaza (a bit of a walk from Epcot World ShowPlace Pavilion). I must say, I had not enjoyed the laser, light and fireworks display from this vantage point before, and I enjoyed it because of the backdrop of the World Showcase pavilions. In our experience, this roped off section did not get too crowded, as many folks seemed to leave after their meal, and many did not make it to this 9 p.m. show.
Tickets
Tickets must be purchased online from ESPN Sports Tickets through January 6th, 2014, unless the events sell out prior to that date. The Pasta in the Park Party takes place on 3 nights during the 2014 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend: Thursday, January 9th, Friday, January 10th and Saturday, January 11th. You must use your purchased ticket only for the specific date purchased; they are non-refundable and not interchangeable. Beginning at 6:30 p.m. or so, check-in takes place at a kiosk at the Epcot main entrance, where each ticketed party goer will receive a bracelet for admission. The buffet opens at 7 p.m., and closes at 8:30 p.m., when guests will be escorted to Worldview Plaza. The cost? $52 for Adults (ages 10 and up) and $28 for Children (ages 3-9)
My personal view of the Pasta in the Park Party? I feel it is a piece of Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend that everyone should experience. Once. There is a spark of excitement in the air when you
assemble that many runners together; it’s palpable and energizing! If you are traveling with a large group, a buffet with multiple options will avoid trying to select a restaurant that appeals to everyone. If your mates like to dance, you’ll enjoy getting your groove on- together. If character photos are your passion, you’ll have multiple opportunities (Dopey!!) for a pose without worrying about stopping along the race course. The downside? It is quite pricey, selections are limited (many runners cannot tolerate vegetables and salad close to race day- too much roughage), and it is a late night if you are running the next morning.
Top PT Tip
Though carb loading science continues to evolve, some generalities can be listed:
– switch to a 70% to 90% carbohydrate diet for 3-4 days prior to your race.
– avoid a glut of white flour and low fiber carbohydrates that can clog your intestines.
– avoid large meals the night before a big race, and attempt to eat early to aid digestion.
Every runner has experienced trials and errors, and eventually fine tunes their personal diets. Depending upon your individual race weekend schedule, perhaps attending the Past in the Park Party 2 or 3 days before your race would make best sense. You can build glycogen storage (and eat your money’s worth) without next day GI woes. You can avoid fatigue by not watching IllumiNations the night before your event. In other words, runners CAN do it all!!
Be sure to skip through the rest of the Virtual Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend Blog Hop, with my co-host Tricia Lynne, @DisneyGalTricia, HERE.
We did the Pasta in the Parks one time and although it wouldn't be something we would splurge on for every RunDisney event, it was worth checking out. We agree that staying for illuminations makes for a very long night when you have to get up and race (or volunteer) the following day!
Exactly right. But some large travel groups and families love the setting, dancing and the ease of dining without the restrictions a restaurant would impose. It is what you make it!
I am getting so nervous about this event now. I (for some unknown reason) chose to attend the Saturday night event…ya know, the one after the 1/2 marathon and the evening before the FULL marathon. WHAT WAS I THINKING?!?! On a positive note…it does sound fun! 😉
I know you'll enjoy it Tricia! Maybe if you nap midday, you'll be set for IllumiNations!! YOU WILL BE GREAT!!!
I agree – good to do once, but not a must for me as an annual event. We got out of dodge before the fireworks when we went, since we needed our beauty sleep!
Yes- and if you have an easy race the following day (or better yet, 2 days later) it's no sweat. As with all things Disney, there's something for everyone!
Wonderful insider account of what you can expect at the WDW Marathon Weekend Pasta Party. I will have to check it out in 2015!
Absolutely! Like so many others, I seem to have a compulsion to try everything runDisney offers; at least once. The Pasta in the Park Party is another small piece of the total runDisney race experience. Happy running!
Thanks for always being there for me and all your tips! #Someday…..
I count on that Gayle- I really do!!
I've never done Pasta in the Parks – I like the idea, but I would definitely not eat $50 worth of food and I can't even imagine staying up for Illuminations! Of course, we usually hear it (or some fireworks) from wherever we're staying, but we try to find pasta elsewhere (one year we headed down 192 for Carabbas) and go to bed early. Thanks for the review!
As with all Disney Special Events, you pay for access, characters, entertainment and that reserved viewing area for IllumiNations. Personally, I LOVE the food at Carabbas!! 😉
Looks like fun though the price generally scares me off. That is an amazing venue though, its huge!
I can't get over the fact that despite the huge venue, and multiple night offerings, it often sells out!! (I see it is at 83% now, but I bet that number jumps by next week!)
I had no clue that they even offered this. It definitely sounds like a "do it once" opportunity to me. 🙂 Thanks for sharing.
Heidi- aren't we all suckers for Disney Special Events?! 😀
Is there any way I can attend without running? LOL Maybe I'll go and support one of my favorite runDisney participants! Great post!
Rosanne @ The Disney Point
Yes Rosanne- these parties are open to the public!!!
Great tips, I've never tried the Pasta in the Park Party but I would like to give it a chance at one of the races, maybe Wine & Dine! Great post!!!
We had a great group to do it with, so that made it extra fun April. runDisney doesn't usually offer Pasta in the Park during Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend because of the spectacular Finish Line Party, but I'm sure you'll find another opportunity!!
Great info on the pasta party! I was always curious what went on and if it was worth it.
It surely is worth investigating P.T.!!
Great tips, I would love to do once 😉 Maybe for the next race
Thanks Diane- it's more fun in numbers, so let me know!! 😉