Since the Dopey Challenge was four days of races, I figured I’d break up the recaps so I don’t bore you with one big huge one.
Anyway, the first day started with an early morning rise to get to the airport. I was traveling with my mom and my almost five year old.
On dee plane. He’s a good flier, or is it flyer?
We got in to Orlando where my sis picked us up and went straight to the Expo. Both of them were doing the Dopey too! Crazy cause my moms hadn’t ever run a full marathon before, but she wanted in on the action!
With my sis and mom and dwarf.
The Expo takes place at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex. That’s where they have all their soccer, baseball, and football fields, along with a track and some field houses.
The Expo was divided into three buildings. The first one is the main baseball stadium where we had to pick up the boy’s kid’s race packet. While we did, we took a chance to preview a portion of the marathon course that runs there on the Atlanta Braves baseball spring training field.
Diggin’ the dugout.
The other two Expo buildings housed all the usual stuff that you usually see at an expo.
Yup, that’s an expo.
I’m not big into expos, I prefer to get my stuff and get out of the crowds. But I did have to take a closer look at some of the bling we were shooting for!
My precious is so close.
I wish that was the end of the story, but it wasn’t. The big thing this year was the RunDisney New Balance designed running shoes. There were lines down the street, and people were buying them even if they didn’t have their size! Turns out a lot of them were turning around and selling them on Ebay for like $700. Crazy! That said, my mom and sis wanted some, so we went back to the Expo a few more times the next few days until they were able to get them.
They were all the rage.
It wasn’t all bad though, as they had a bar there for me to play at. And one booth had a Wii for the boy to play with. And I got to see some of the speakers. And my mom bought me some new running shades. And we got stickers for the cars – you know, the kind that say 48.6. Hayup.
Anyway, we got through the Expo, got some dinner, and went to the hotel to sleep (or at least try to) because the 2 am wake-up call was looming.
My Dopey Game Face.
So there you have it, the Disney Dopey Challenge Race Expo Recap (from my perspective).
How about you? If you were there, do you have any opinions on the Expo? Either way, how do you feel about Expos – Do you like all the crowds and merch? Or are you like me and want to get your race stuff and go because you prefer to buy things on your own terms?
Piratebobcat 
I always get all excited about expo’s, and then all of a sudden when I’m there I can’t get out fast enough. I think it’s the crowds, but who knows.
Yes, it is exciting and overwhelming at the same time!!!
Looks like you had a fantastic weekend! I was following your adventure through the pictures you upload on Facebook 🙂 I had the chance to attend an Atlanta Braves game last year while I was living there – great stadium!
Thank you! I saw you were paying attention. Hope I was entertaining somewhat! Do cool that you got to see a game there!
I’ve never run a race that had and expo like that. I’ll stop complaining about the lines at my rinky-dink ones! Great pictures!
Ahhh, I didn’t mean to sound cocky or cause expo envy! I do prefer small ones, the big ones are kind of out of control! Glad you liked the pics!
I’m totally anti expo. In, packet, out like the gout.
Ha, agreed!
I love expos! But then, I love shopping and running, so for me it’s my two faves combined…
Ha, then yes, they’re right up your alley!
Loos like great fun. I spend hours hanging around at race expos, looking at everything on offer, although I don’t actually buy much.Just soaking up the atmosphere of the race is awesome!
Agreed. It is cool to see all the new gadgets and such, but I don’t like to buy anything until I research it first. The expos do help get you amped up for the race tho!
Those pink Disney NB made my eyes water. I want them!!! What was the retail?
Haha, you and a ton of other people! You know, I’m not sure how much it cost, I’m guessing around 100. Right now they’re only available at Disney race expos, but I heard a rumor that they might start offering them in some running stores.
I saw an article about thick running shoes being the new trend after the minimalist wave that hit. The soles remind me of the new styles. Im not even a NB chick but I would totally rock these.
Yes, you should totally rock them!
That’s so amazing your mom did it, too!
Sadly I love expos! I could spend forever in them walking up and down every aisle, and I always get sucked into buying something I don’t need!
Can’t wait to read about all the races!
Yes, it was quite the accomplishment that she was able to do it! I do like checking out some of the stuff, and getting some free samples, but it becomes sensory overload after a while for me. Race recaps on the way!!!
Ugh 2am wake up! That’s almost too early to even sleep!
I know, it’s brutal. But we had no choice – the races start early and they close the roads for the courses, so you have to get there a few hours before the start!
I love that Dopey was a family affair for you guys! And as much as I love looking at all the fun running stuff at expos it’s just too overwhelming with all the people and all the vendors trying to sell me stuff…I get so flustered and just want to get the heck out! I was in and out of there in about half an hour this year!
My sister is the one who got me into these distances about 6 years ago! It kind of spread from there.
Agreed. I’d like to casually stroll through the aisles, but it gets so overwhelming with all the people and so much to look at. Get me out of there!
Okay so I had heard about the shoes and I was thinking there is no way I would stand around in any kind of multiple day line for a pair of shoes. And then you posted a picture of the shoes. I would wait for those.
I’ve been to one expo and quickly learned that I need to be a get in and get out kind of gal or else I start spending money on a bunch of stuff I don’t really need.
haha, when you see the shoes up close, they have lots of glitter and stuff too. I’m with you at the expos, but I’ve never been the impulse buyer type!
I’ve only been to 1 race expo (my first half). I was super excited to go, but that was probably because I had never been to one before. We’ll see if my song changes later. 1) Did you say “my precious” outloud in a creepy Gollum voice? 2) WHATT? Jealous of your bumper sticker! I didn’t even know they made that number haha.
Ha! I felt bad after posting that. I forgot that not everyone has been to a bunch of those huge expos. My bad!!! I DID say “mu precious” in a Gollum voice! I’ll be rockin that sticker soon!
Never been to an expo that was too big so not sure if I would say or go. But I think I would stay. I don’t mind crowds and I like to check things out.
Those are some cool kicks.
Yeah, people were going gaga for them! I didn’t mean to sound so casual about the big expos, they are neat, I just get overwhelmed!
Oh I didn’t think you sounded casual. I know a lot of people don’t like crowds. I am ok with them for the most part if I have some breathing room.
Have a good Sunday,
I liked the Wine & Dine expo at Disney. I was able to buy a Running Skirt I’d had my eye on for 40% off (I’m sure you’d have rocked one if you knew you could get such a deal), bought a flip belt that I’d never heard of before and love, met Jeff Galloway and got a massage.
I loathe crowds though. I’m short so I get claustropobic in them if I can’t see a way through the packed herds.
Disney had new “official” running skirts at this expo. I almost got one.
Actually, they were tutu’s…
Bwahahaha!!!
Those shoes are super cute. I would definitely stand in line for some!
You wouldn’t be alone!!!
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