Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend and runDisney began nearly 29 years ago with the Walt Disney World Marathon. Fast forward to today and we have four major runDisney weekends filled with thousands of runners on each of those weekends accomplishing goals that they set out to do. There aren’t many races where you can enjoy yourself like you can with a runDisney race. However it’s also not all about the race itself. You just ran 3.1, 6.2, 13.1, 26.2 or maybe even 48.6 miles over four days. You have to celebrate that somehow right?

We are quickly approaching the 2022 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend and I wanted to showcase some of the many ways you can celebrate your accomplishments! I’ve run 25 runDisney races thus far including eight consecutive Walt Disney World Marathon Weekends. Each unique for their own reasons. So, let’s get into some ways to celebrate!

One of the simplest and likely most common ways to celebrate your accomplishments is a special meal. Walt Disney World offers basically anything and everything when it comes to dining. Here are my suggestions on how I would approach dining:

Storybook Dining at Artist Point

Storybook Dining is located at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge resort and offers a prix fixe menu along with some more unique character experiences you can’t get elsewhere. This is a very popular stop for those completing the Dopey Challenge during the weekend. Characters include Snow White, The Queen, Grumpy and of course Dopey. I did this meal after the Dopey Challenge in 2019 and definitely would do it again. The food and character interaction were fantastic. Now I do have to note characters are bit different given the pandemic period we are living in at the time of this article.

California Grill

A top Disney’s Contemporary Resort is a fine dining establishment called California Grill that is a popular stop at anytime of the year at Walt Disney World. The kicker with this location is the view. You can see the entirety of Walt Disney World from this restaurant. At night during fireworks reservations can be nearly impossible to get. The restaurant dims the lights and guests are welcomed out onto the viewing decks for essentially a private viewing of the Magic Kingdom fireworks. Having done it a few times now it’s one of my favorite celebratory meals and a perfect way to cap all the hard work you put into running.

Sanaa

Now this choice may be a little less conventional or less popular. Sanaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Kidani Village is almost a hidden gem. It’s certainly not hidden given that it’s very popular but it’s often overlooked. Animal Kingdom Lodge is not the easiest place to get to if you aren’t staying there but this restaurant is well worth it. Sanaa offers you to dine with the animals as large windows show the savannah right into the restaurant. The main courses are fantastic but that’s not the big winner here. If you go to Sanaa it’s all about the bread service. A selection of breads served with nine different incredible sauces ranging from very mild to hot. This is a place I dream about.

Now let’s look at some other options outside of just a meal…

Fireworks Cruises

Walt Disney World offers so many different and unique add ons to make your experience special. One of those is fireworks cruises. These cruises take place at both Epcot and Magic Kingdom. You book the night you want (subject to availability) and get a private pontoon stocked with soft drinks and snacks to view the fireworks. I got to partake in the Epcot version of this and we were able to cruise over to Hollywood Studios for a bit and see fireworks there before heading into World Showcase lagoon for our spot to watch Illuminations. Now with Harmonious and Disney Enchantment these unique experiences are still ongoing and worth it if you can. The Magic Kingdom offerings also include the Grand One Yacht which of course is more expensive but also offers more food options and space.

La Cava Experience

Now, I have yet to do this but it is something I have my eye on. This $150 experience at La Cava del Tequila in the Mexico pavilion in Epcot allows you to try out all sort of different tequila. A certified tequila ambassador takes you through a selection of agave spirits which are paired with a flavor to match. Some of those unique drinks are exclusive to the experience. Who doesn’t want to taste test their way through Mexico?

Drinking Around the World

A great segway into this option from the previous I think. A popular Epcot activity is of course drinking and eating your way around the 11 different countries at Epcot. My friends and I celebrate every Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend with a Monday treat making our way around World Showcase. Now this may not be the cheapest option you can choose but with a great group of people it’s my favorite. Our rule is always start in Mexico (because why would you start in Canada?) and make your way through each country including a stop at the African Outpost which technically isn’t a country. In the United Kingdom though one must get an Irish Car Bomb. Laughs are had, memories are made and accomplishments celebrated.

Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend is really unlike anything else and those running should take the time to celebrate. Whether its your first race or your 100th, they all have a story and are unique. Celebrate them with those who support you. See you on Monday at Epcot…