So it’s literally the end of the year and I’m incredibly overdue in writing out my 2023 Princess recap! Seriously though. I’m already booking hotels, cars, and making plans for 2024.
This was our 9th year on racing the Disney World Princess Half Marathon as the #PrincessMen and it really was another great year in Orlando with everyone.
Also this year I was signed up for the Princess 5k – since it was Jasmine themed I HAD to be there, right? Plus, the medals and artwork this year I really liked.
So let’s just jump right into my recap of 2023 PHM Weekend!
Wednesday
This year I was taking a longer trip overall. Firstly because I was going to be doing all three races and need the extra time. Second because I rarely use my vacation time and was determined to start using and enjoying more of it this year.
So I flew in a night earlier than my friends since I was one of the few people that had to come in from the West Coast and that’s a long travel day. After arriving, and upon going to pick up my rental car, they were out of the mid-size option I reserved so I was upgraded to a brand new Ford Expedition that comfortably fit the majority of our group for all the driving the next five days
Thursday
Like most first-days on our race weekend trips, it started at IHOP with Naidymar for breakfast. And I wanted to go do check-in for the race first thing afterward.
Now let’s be honest.. going to check-in right at the start is a horrible idea if you hate crowds and long lines. But I knew I would likely want to buy some of the PHM merch this year with the combination of a Jasmine themed race, and the overall design style of the artwork. So, that would require braving the crowd and waiting in some longggg lines just in case things sold out.
And the lines definitely were insane – but we also caught up with Amanda who had checked in around the same time. I actually was going to be running the 5k with her – she was going as Rajah and we would run it together. I was also surprised to find out that they don’t actually time the 5k run. I had been bugging Amanda we’d do it in 25min for a “brisk morning jog”… she wasn’t on board with that idea as you might imagine. Oh well!
That afternoon Beau arrived in town after driving in from Georgia, so we checked me out of my hotel, and all of us into the timeshare we’d be in the rest of the week. And a bit later Biggs arrived in town after driving in with his Dad.
Joe came by the resort to drop off his costume with us, and then head to Wide World and get checked in for the race with the other guys.
The crazier story of travel this trip ended up being Theresa. She had arrived home in her state of Washington that morning and got stuck in traffic on the highway due to a snowstorm that blew in. While she was supposed to drive home, pick up a different suitcase that had her costume and Florida clothes in it before going right back to the airport, she decided she was better off just turning around where she was and driving straight back with the luggage she had as to not risk missing her flight to Florida.
Fortunately she had her running shoes, and simply bought a few extra clothing items after we picked her up that night in Orlando!
(lots more Thursday photos below)
Friday – 5K Race Day
3:00 AM
These Disney race morning are ridiculous. I say this ALL.THE.TIME. but I do not have to get up that early for full-distance Ironman events. It’s almost absurd.
But it was a very casual course with a large portion through Epcot.
Theresa got up with me despite it being 3am and came to hang out for the 5k! Amazing of her.
I was racing as blue Jasmine for the 5K to stay on-theme and traditional for the event. I had brought a red/slave Jasmine for the 10K the next day.
We caught up with Amanda that morning and then it was just her and I for the short, but muggy, race!
The 5K is much, MUCH smaller than the other events so arriving, parking, and getting to the corrals was a breeze by comparison.
It was a humid morning as we made our way through Boardwalk and Epcot and you could see the moisture hanging in the air. I was definitely warm considering my costume is mostly mesh. And Amanda’s tiger outfit was certainly toasty with her leggings and fitted tee.
We wrapped up our race around 35 minutes. And nice casual 4am jog for the day. Haha!
Back at the resort the fog had completely rolled in for the morning as everyone got up to start their day.
We took our usual breakfast trip to IHOP and then headed off back to Wide World once more for the rest of the crew to get checked in!
That afternoon we all hit the pool at the resort to relax and enjoy the day without having to spend a ton of money or drive anywhere.
In the evening Aaron and Joe came to hang out, catch up, and laugh with everyone. And these are really the moments I love the most with these trips. Everyone just having a great time, catching up on life, laughing about old and new stories, and of course the absurdity and ridiculousness of everyone starting to get their costumes ready for the next morning.
The two biggest examples that night being Mulan and Pocahontas dealing untangling their wigs
(lots more photos from Friday below)
Saturday – 10K Race Day
3:00 AM, again
The usual 10k route again!
Another early day on very little sleep.
Everyone was up today to race here at the resort though. Me, Biggs, Beau, and Theresa would all be running. And Naidymar was meeting up with us to all carpool together.
Our race mornings are always entertaining because it’s a bunch of dudes half dressed in costumes worrying about things like getting their wigs on straight. Theresa was helping out Biggs and Beau since she had to abandon her costume back home in order to make sure she got to Florida at all.
Arrival at Epcot that morning was a bit busier than the day before and we still quickly made our way up to the entrance and eventually to the corrals.
We bumped into two guys in the corrals dressed as two different versions of Belle! We had actually met them at past races and they laughed and explained that we helped inspire them to have fun and dress as a lady to support the ladies out there!
The race itself was dark and muggy. Running through the Studios and Boardwalk you could see the morning haze still hanging in the air. And it wasn’t long before Biggs overheated in his many layers of Mulan costume he was waring and dropped back – but that’s kind what happens since Biggs loves to go nuts with his costumes.
Another race morning of me and Beau adding to our collection of weird photos together from events, though!
We did make one stop however, to take a photos with Aladdin and Jasmine. Unfortunately Jasmine left right as I got up toward the front of the line, but I still got a photo with Aladdin.
After the finish we didn’t wait around too terribly long as we only bumped into a few friends like Amanda and Lorren, and Sydnee that day. It’s typically the Half that we see the most familiar faces anyway.
Blizzard Beach
That afternoon we made plans to hit Blizzard Beach.
Disney had a special pricing offer going for racers when you brought your bib and ID to the park then entry was only about $30. So of course we were all totally down to go hit the waterpark. I hadn’t been back to Blizzard in yearssss.
And for those who don’t know, our entire group all met working as lifeguards at the water parks. I was a Blizzard guard along with Naidymar and Ryan. The rest were Typhoon guards. But we all trained together and spent tons of time working with each other at both parks. It was a blast to be back at Blizzard, running around riding the slides, and just spending the afternoon out doing something that brought back so many great memories.
Back at the resort that night Joe came and joined us to spend the night, and get his costume ready alongside everyone else for the Half the next day.
(more Saturday photos below)
Sunday – Half Marathon Day
2:30AM, horrible but not the worst we’ve done
Princess Half Morning is always a mix of fun and exhaustion depending on how much sleep you manage to get the night before, along with how early we need to get up to deal with driving/parking/etc. A 230a wakeup isn’t fun, but we had to do worse last year when Disney decided to make people park at the Studios and then take a bus to Epcot.
And this year was another fun morning of tired yawns, stretching, and laughter as we all got going for the day. It wasn’t the full house we’ve had in the past since Ric was going to meet us at the race, as was Ryan. Naidymar met us again to carpool together and we made our way to Epcot along with the thousands of other people on the road in the dark.
Getting to the corrals is always a very long and crowded walk, and surprisingly we didn’t really bump into some of the usual friends we have in the past.
This was going to be an earlier start again this year overall compared to past years. And that was very clear how quickly they were pushing the corrals through the start arch. But in many ways I can appreciate the speed of getting people onto the course. You get to Magic Kingdom when it’s still darker out and lit up with lights and you get to watch the sunrise. And on the back half of the course, you’re ahead of heat of the morning since it’s still earlier overall.
Unlike last year when we lost Biggs pretty quickly, we all managed to stay together quite well for the first part of the race keeping everyone in a group all the way through til the castle to get our group photo together.
The back seven was when we lost Biggs. Around the time we bumped into Lorren who told us that Amanda had been injured when another runner tripped into her, knocking her down hard and injuring her knee. Biggs ended up hanging back with Lorren after that for a while.
We continued along, seeing someone with a sign calling out the PrincessMen so we of course had to stop and take a photo.
And as the sun came up and the morning started warming Ryan dropped back to slow down when past injuries of his started bothering him, and Ric slowed his pace as some fatigue got to him as well.
As we approached the last mile of the race I was most proud of Theresa though. She had been putting in a lot of training time, and doing training in heat in Hawaii when she traveled for work to make sure she was ready to have a strong race in any heat or humidity we would face. She was right there with me, Beau, and Joe to cross the finish!
And after crossing the finish I was pulled aside by runDinsey, along with Joe to do a short interview. I was really bummed that Beau disappeared into the crowd since I would have loved to have all three of us there to answer questions as we’re the original three that had been at every event together as the #PrincessMen. I still don’t know where the interview clip might have been used, or if it was even used at all.
Back in the finish area we all hung around as we typically would and got to see and catch up briefly with a lot of the usual faces we bump into at these events. Sydnee came to say hello after she crossed the finish line – while like 7mo pregnant and powering through TWO events that weekend. Lorren and Amanda were there of course. And we even saw Sydney the Service Dog again!
After the race was our usual IHOP brunch trip with everyone. Followed by me running out to meet up with Joe and Erin and shoot some family photos as I always try and do when I’m in town. And then getting ready for dinner with the whole group later that evening.
Last Night with Everyone
We booked a huge group dinner at Kobe that night. Aaron (Ariel) came out with Danielle. And Deanna (who we also lifeguarded with) drove up 90 minutes with her husband to join us, too.
And while hibatchi is admittedly not the best type of dinner to be able to talk and catch up over, it was still a great time.
We followed up dinner at a nearby bar to further sit hang out and catch up as different members of the group started to make their way home.
After after some time at the bar, we decided that we HAD to make a trip over to Downtown Disney for Gheradelli since we typically would have gone at some point during vacation, and it sounded like a fun plan. Sleep is for the weak, and even though both me and Theresa had first flights out the next day we rarely get chances to see each other these days.
So we wound down the last of our weekend together with me, Biggs, Theresa, Ric, Bedford and Lisette, and Dee and Chris. Sitting by the water at Downtown laughing and talking. Wonderful.
It really was the best way I could have hoped to wrap up everything that week.
We got back to resort. Theresa and I got about 3 hours of sleep, I think. Biggs woke up to say goodbye, and Theresa and I made our way to the airport to fly home.
As people’s lives have continued to get busier with family and commitments, I’ve always appreciated how everyone still tries to make it out to these trips.
And even though it may not be much, knowing I get to see most of this group that one time a year truly is amazing after all this time.
Looking forward to another great race in 2024 – even if it’s a smaller group once more!
Now, on to all the photos from the weekend!
I’ll go ahead and add captions here and there, as usual
A couple days before the race my Garmin gave me my projects race pace – Amanda didn’t think it was funny when I told her this was how fast we were going to do the 5k, tho
Alright, time to fly!
Gotta appreciate an exit row as a tall guy..
Pull here… right to Jail.
Ok, 395mi to Empty… let’s see how many we use
Sent this to my friends saying it was our rental for the week and we were gonna be cozy
Heading to check in.
Already a ton of line switchbacks that were empty at least
Once inside the line looked longer
Down on the floor it wasn’t too bad though
Ready to go!
Heading to pick up our shirts
I really loved this style artwork for the race this year. I saw a lot of people complaining online, but I don’t understand the hate. To me it was awesome
Heading to the line for the “store” part of the Expo. On the left is the store line. on the right is the beer line! haha!
Anddd got to the back of the line. Now we wait.
I was really torn on if I should buy one of these knowing they miiiight sell out. Ultimately I did get one.
What blows my mine is the amount of stuff people had in piles on the floor. It’s easy to assume that when someone has a whole stack they might be a reseller stocking up for their eBay store
Now if these signs were for sale for $50 like the other ones were, i probably would have got one since they roll up. haha!
Amanda’s daughter made me pins to wear during the race!
On the way out Amanda and I got a photo with our race sign
Cruising around after heading out from DWWS
…only in Florida
Shirt lineup
Anddd my crazy expensive bottle
I also bought one of these… which I guess is for wine? But I use it at work on my desk for whatever I’m drinking that day
Back that night with Joe and Beau to check in
Costume drop off from Joe
My outfits for the weekend. LOL
Alright, 5K Race Morning! Let’s do this!
Met and Theresa, up early. And she didn’t even have to race that day!
Found Amanda! We look great!
Another JasMan!
Look at these empty corrals!
I’ll start off with the photos from runDisney’s photographers:
And, from my cell phone:
had to stop a bunch in the humid weather for selfies, obviously
2 down, 1 to go!
This year they were just handing medals in the bags! Probably saved tonssss of issues with people complaining of damage/scratches
We found Lorren!
Funny story… I met these two at the Orlando airport in baggage claim two days before!
Morning fog layer rolling in
Back home at the resort and getting everyone up and started for the day
Back to DWWS for Biggs and Theresa to check in
So, Disney sells these posters… but they don’t have a “ship to my house” option when you buy them :( So, couldn’t realistically get one to take home
“alright, i’m gonna hit the pose… ready?”
Nailed it!
Biggs, Theresa, me and Beau for the Challenge that weekend
Memories from our days lifeguarding
When one of your buddies is a PT you’re not going to turn down stretches or adjustments when offered
Lazy afternoon at the pool
Aaron came to join us for dinner
Later that evening it was time for Chris and Beau to start preppin’ their costumes
Biggs has a whole wig kit he brings
My fit for the morning! hahaha
Theresa helpin Beau get the tangles out
Anddd morning time. Going as Slave Jasmine for the 10k
But IS it good? really?
Biggs was going as live action Mulan today
Got Beau’s arm marked up with the tattoo
Whoops, better swap out last year’s bib! hahaha
Theresa braided Beau’s wig to save it for the next day’s Half
Snack foods and Monster. We’re beacons of health…
:D
Naidymar made it! Time to go!
Lookin great ladies and ladies!
Always cool when dudes come to tell us that we inspired them to dress up and have fun at the races, too!
here we goooo
I’ll strart again with the runDisney photos:
My favorite thing when lookin at runDisney photos are seeing all the ones like this that we appear in OTHER people’s shots
Probably among my favorite shots from the weekend
And from my cell phone:
Beau was singing, loudly, Colors of the Wind that was playing on the screen
We had already lost Biggs at this point
You could already see the morning haze rolling in
Honestly was bummed out that Jasmine went inside right before I got to the front. Oh well
Another one down!
Found Amanda and Lorren
And Sydnee! who was out there pregnant and determined to finish if she could!
Heading to Blizzard that afternoon
So many memories here
Time to hit the slides!
Back at the resort Joe met up with us to get prepped for the next day
Ouch. Early.
Gettin beautiful for the day
Naidymar was rockin a modified version of her Prince Charming costume she wore back during the first years of #PrincessMen
Still hilarious that the guys are down to keep doing these events
Last race of the weekend!
Traffic is always anyone’s guess in the morning
We look fab, tho
And we found Ryan and Ric!
Makin our way to the corrals
I always try to show others the sheer size of these events with corral shots like these
It still doesn’t really grasp just how large an event it is though
here we go!
Starting off with the runDisney photos:
Apparently we didn’t really get in any photos from the event photographers until the end of the race, other than this one
Laughing photos at the finishline with the guys are always great, however
Disney announced us as we crossed again!
I think we improved Stephanie’s photo, here, quite a bit
And from my cell phone:
Home Stretch! only 13 miles left!
Found Sydnee again!
Joe likes to catch up to every Gaston he sees and say hi – cuz it ALWAYS catches them off guard to have a 6’3 very mannish Belle run up on you
Held the group together to the entry signs!
Main Street at sunrise is awesome
Makin our way through the park
And in line for the castle photo
Heading out of Magic
Still great weather out for the morning
Down to the last couple miles. Four of us left
Ran into an Aladdin right near the finish!
Theresa finished the race with us and kept pace the whole time. So great
Lorren and Amanda caught up with us afterward
Another great race weekend with everyone
Sydney the Service Dog was back again this year!
Sydnee finished the challenge while pregnant! Amazing
Tired from a long morning and it’s only like 11a
Biggs has been working out though!
Ric turns and says “Guys, am I sunburned?”
Dinner that night with everyone at Kobi
Hitting the bar after to keep chatting and hanging out with everyone. So incredibly rare to get time together these days
One last trip – a late night mission to Downtown Disney to get milkshakes!
It was a late one, and most of us had been up since 230 or so that morning
Last group standing
Packed up since I have an early morning in a couple hours
Garmin thinks I need a break…
Another early one… heading to the airport
Chris got up to say goodbye to us
Theresa and I on the way to airport to fly back to the West Coast
253 miles driven over the weekend. Not bad.
This is a pretty accurate photo of our feeling that morning. Half asleep. But totally worth it this weekend
I got an exit row again. But didn’t have a wall to lean/sleep on. Bummer
Lights out. Sleep time.
One more connection til home..
Home stretch…
Anddd home! And it turned out my snowboard equipment arrived early and was chilling by my door for 3 days. Ha!