Wednesday, November 21, 2012

RunDisney Deferral Process

rundisney logo blackBefore I ran the Tower of Terror 10 Miler, I signed up for the Walt Disney World Half Marathon in January 2013. But then in November I got an invitation for my husband and I to attend my annual work retreat in Cabo - but it conflicted with Marathon Weekend! I talked it over with my husband and it was clear that we had to go to Cabo (we had a blast last year!). I figured I would just have to eat the cost of the registration for the marathon. RunDisney is very clear that they do not give refunds.

I figured I had nothing to lose so I emailed support@active.com to see if there was anything they could do. They were very friendly and swift and they got me in contact with the proper folks wdw.sports.marathon.endurance@disneysports.com. They sent me a deferral request form right away, I couldn't believe my luck!

The deferral process works like this:

  1. REVIEW the Deferral Policy and Process

  2. REGISTER ONLINE for the race you want to defer to (you will need to pay the full registration fees, including any processing fees, for the race you are deferring to.)

  3. COMPLETE this runDisney Deferral Request Form to have your original registration fees less the $35.00 deferral processing fee refunded.

  4. SUBMIT this form via fax, email, or U.S. mail


* Deferral requests must be received no later than 30 days prior to the event you are deferring from, and within two weeks from the date you have registered for the race you are deferring to, for your Deferral Request to be valid.
* Deferrals do not apply to 5K and Kids' Races events.

So, I signed up for the Princess Half Marathon 2013, filled out the deferral form, and emailed it back. I couldn't be happier with this process, thank you Disney! These races are very expensive and it would be awful to lose all that money if your plans change. For once, I am going to get a nice check from Disney and not the other way around :) Very good business manners!

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Disney Cruise Line Manners: No Running in the Hallways!

I have just returned from an awesome trip on the WDW Radio Cruise 2.0 on the Disney Dream. I encountered both good and bad manners, this will be the first post in a series all about Disney Cruises!

Originally, we had paid for a room on Deck 6 but then a Florida Resident deal came out and our awesome travel agent Kathy from MEI MouseFan Travel had the pleasure of calling us to tell us that not only were we getting more than 1/2 of our money back, but we would get a free upgrade too! YAY! We had to wait a few weeks for our room assignment which was 9016 Forward (Forward is the front of the ship, Aft is the back). We were over the moon to have such a nice room with the solid white wall veranda!

Sadly, the families around us made our beautiful room a bit unpleasant because we could never sleep past 7AM. Their children would literally run and scream at the top of their lungs while passing our room in the hallway. Now this also happens at the Walt Disney World Resorts but it is SO much worse on a cruise ship! The sound reverberates throughout the entire hull and really intensifies the noise.

disney dream hallway

As you can see from the (kind of blurry) photo, the hallways on the Disney Dream are LONG. There are 3 banks of elevators and stairs - Forward, Mid, and Aft but you can also walk (not run!) the entire length of the ship. I swear these kids just ran from Forward to Aft on a daily basis!

One day my husband and I encountered a father with 2 little boys playing in the hallway. One boy charged at me with his pirate sword out! The father said "okay, calm down boys" to which they promptly disregarded his authority and kept right on running and screaming. Now, I'm not a parent (yet!) but when I take my kids on a Disney Cruise, they will not act like that!

Overall, my husband and I did have a lovely time and we are planning to go on another Disney Cruise. But next time, we're taking earplugs just in case!

Sunday, November 18, 2012

My Favorite Recipes: Pasta Casserole

One of my favorite comfort casseroles is my pasta casserole. It can be customized to your tastes and it is very easy to make. You can also freeze individual portions for a quick mid week dinner! Add a nice Caesar salad and some Ghiradelli brownies for dessert and you've got yourself one decadent meal.

Serves 12-14

Ingredients


1 lb Ground Beef

1 28oz can diced tomatoes

1 28oz can tomato sauce

1 yellow onion

1 green pepper

6 white american cheese slices

1 lb pasta, any kind

Spices to taste


















































Instructions


pasta

  • Cook 1 lb of pasta (any kind) until al dente Tip:  Cook the pasta for about 1 minute less because it will continue to cook in the oven

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees


ground beef mixture

  • Dice the onion and green pepper

  • In a large skillet, brown the onion and green pepper in 1 tbsp real butter

  • Add and brown 1 lb ground beef


ground beef mixture cooked

  • Mix the onion, green pepper, and ground beef together

  • Drain the fat


strain pasta

  • By this time the pasta should be cooked

  • Strain the pasta


diced tomatoes

  • Add 28 oz diced tomatoes and 28 oz tomato sauce to the skillet with the ground beef mixture

  • Set the heat on high and bring to a boil


sauce skillet

  • Add spices to taste (Garlic Powder, Basil, Oregano, Salt Pepper, etc)

  • Set the heat on medium and simmer for 15 minutes


layer 1 pasta casserole

  • In a greased 9x13 casserole dish, layer 1/2 of the pasta. Tip: If the pasta is too hot, run some cold water over it.

  • Layer 1/2 of the meat sauce mixture

  • Break up 3 white american cheese slices and add to the top of the first layer


second layer

  • Layer 1/2 of the pasta

  • Layer 3 white american cheese slices (the pasta sauce should be on top)

  • Layer 1/2 of the meat sauce mixture


finished pasta casserole

  • Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes until bubbly

  • Allow to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving


finished casserole portion

  • Top with parmesan cheese if desired

  • Freeze in individual portions for a quick and easy mid-week meal!



 

Friday, November 16, 2012

Zip-a-dee-doo-dah Tip For Today: Cinderella Castle Dream Lights

The Zip-a-dee-doo-dah Tip For Today is a series of short inspirational videos, stories, assignments, or quotes that I hope will inspire you to be the very best version of yourself that you can be every single day.

Today I have another video for you to help you get in the holiday spirit. This was shot by my husband in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. I was too busy crying in the background, I had never seen the Cinderella Castle Dream Lights in person before!

 

Does this video inspire you? Join the conversation by leaving a comment! Have a magical day!

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Zip-a-dee-doo-dah Tip For Today: Osborne Lights 2012

The Zip-a-dee-doo-dah Tip For Today is a series of short inspirational videos, stories, assignments, or quotes that I hope will inspire you to be the very best version of yourself that you can be every single day.

I know it's been so long since I've posted one of these! What better way to get started again than with the holiday season? Today I have a video that I shot on opening night of the Osborne Lights at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World. Enjoy!

 

 

Does this video inspire you? Join the conversation by leaving a comment! Have a magical day!

Friday, November 9, 2012

Richard Sherman on the Disney Dream

Richard Sherman Signed PhotoI just returned from my awesome trip on the Disney Dream with WDW Radio Host Lou Mongello and friends on the WDW Radio Cruise 2.0 presented by MEI MouseFan Travel. I will have a full trip report but this one will be a bit different because I want to do a few Inspiration articles and of course, Table Manners dining reviews. Stay tuned!

I booked the WDW Radio Cruise 2.0 the first day it was announced even before the special guest was announced. My husband, Jason, and I totally geeked out when they announced that Richard Sherman of the legendary Sherman Brothers would be cruising with us! Although we did not get a chance to meet him, we were privy to an awesome concert where he performed his songs and told the stories behind them. Hold on to your hats, folks, this one is a big tear jerker!

I was unhappy when they announced that no video or flash photography would be allowed in the theater. I had planned to record the entire performance and upload it to my YouTube channel but you are going to have to just take my word for it - this was my 3rd favorite Disney Memory (#1 being my Disney Fairytale Wedding and #2 when Jason proposed to me on Peter Pan's Flight).

The first day on the ship I was on the lookout for Mr. Sherman hoping to be able to shake his hand and say Thank You. I was very happy to see that he was in the same lifeboat and safety drill group as me and I'm sorry but I did not pay any attention to the drill. I was too busy staring at him from across the Walt Disney Theater. When he exited the theater, I quickly walked over to where he was. I didn't want to go running up to him because I am very respectful so I hung back and just watched him talking with a small group. I caught up with Lou and asked him if I could take a picture and he said that Mr. Sherman was tired and wanted to go back to his stateroom. I completely understood and I did not want to bother him. Thankfully, my friend Erica and her Mom had the bright idea to take a photo anyway because he was standing right behind me!

stalking richard sherman Photo by Erica Dekker, Captions by Shelley Benhoff

Right before the doors to his elevator closed, Mr. Sherman and I locked eyes and he smiled at me. I got all teary so I think it was a good thing I didn't get to talk to him. I would have blubbered and made a complete fool of myself!


Okay now on to the concert! MEI MouseFan Travel set up a really sweet event and our group had the Walt Disney Theater all to ourselves for 2 hours! I came prepared with tissues and boy did I need them. The minute Mr. Sherman walked out onto the stage I began crying and I did not stop until he left.


richard sherman walt disney theater Photo by Katie McNamara

He referenced the empty chair as a placeholder for his dearly departed brother, Robert Sherman. I highly recommend the documentary, The Boys, which is a look into the relationship of these legendary brothers. He sang all of his hits from Mary Poppins, Jungle Book, Winnie the Pooh, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, You're 16, Tall Paul, and Bedknobs and Broomsticks.

It was very moving to see such a simple and intimate performance. It just goes to show you that pure talent eclipses all the glitz and glamour of over the  top shows with special effects. All you need is a performer, an empty stage, a piano, microphone, and spotlight. I cried a lot when he sang Feed the Birds and The Age of Not Believing. He told a story behind the Age of Not Believing that this song was inspired by Walt's death. He said that they didn't know what to do when Walt died and they had to start believing in themselves and the training that Walt provided. It was a very difficult time for everyone in the company but they all came together and kept moving forward. I heard that song many times on the ship and I teared up every time. I cannot hear that song now without thinking about that story.

richard sherman close up Photo by Katie McNamara

When he spoke of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang I did not realize that this was not a Disney movie. Someone contacted Walt to see if he would work with them on this movie because they really wanted the Sherman Brothers to compose the music. Although Walt did not have the time to work on the movie, he told Richard and Robert to go ahead and do it because it would be good for their career. At this point, Richard looked up to the sky and said "Thank you, Walt." I was completely sobbing by this point!

If I wasn't crying enough already, Mr. Sherman moved on to the music he and his brother composed for the Disney Parks. He sang There's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow, The Tiki Room, and It's a Small World to name a few. I have never cried at It's a Small World before (well tears of happiness anyway) but the way he performed it was beautiful. He had originally intended it to be a slow ballad but Walt wanted it to be fast and energetic.

just richard sherman Photo by Katie McNamara

He showed a few clips from his career including the famous one of the Sherman Brothers with Walt Disney singing There's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow. He told a really funny story about how Walt never said to him directly that he was doing a good job. He was stunned when Walt said that the Sherman Brothers made wonderful music in the video clip because he would never say it to your face. He would just look at you, nod, and say "That will work." Those were Walt's magic words and when you heard that you knew he was pleased. Walt did not want his employees to get too comfortable or have too big of an ego because then they would never reach their full potential.

Over the course of the performance, the audience gave Mr. Sherman 3 standing ovations. He was so humble, it was amazing to see a man who has won Oscars for his music telling us to sit down! Lou Mongello said that after the performance Mr. Sherman asked if he did okay!? That is the kind of man he is, never basking in the glow of his own talent. He is a very kind soul and I learned a lot from him. He had a very humble beginning and it just goes to show you that when you put your heart and soul into your work then you make it spectacular.

I left the theater feeling very quiet on the inside and definitely in need of a drink. On my road to self improvement, I will always think of this performance and how humble Mr. Sherman was and that he thanked everyone who influenced him during his career. No one goes through life alone, it is the people that support you that help you achieve success.