In January I completed my second Dopey challenge (48.6 magical miles!) and then celebrated with a cruise on the Disney Dream, and another 3.1 miles on Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. The Polynesian resort is perfectly located for getting around the World, via monorail, bus or boat. And the food options (Ohana, Kona Cafe, Trader Sam’s, and Captain Cook’s) can’t be beat. Shown below is the famous (and yummy) tonga toast at Kona Cafe and the lapu lapu (fruity rum drink served in an actual pineapple!) at Ohana.
Race weekend is a breeze at the Polynesian – Disney runs the monorail early for the runners on the half marathon and marathon days (you need to be at the corral area by 3:30 AM or so – it comes so early!) So having a convenient resort is crucial. I highly recommend the beautiful Polynesian resort for anytime, but especially for a race weekend.
After the races were over, it was time for more fun, four nights on the Disney Dream. The cruise right after marathon weekend is special. This is the only cruise per year where runners who completed any (or all) of the 4 events during marathon weekend can run an additional 5K on Castaway Cay, to complete the Castaway Cay Challenge. Unlike the 5K Disney offers on every cruise that goes to the island, this race isn’t included in the cruise price and you must register separately, and in advance via the runDisney website. The price is $80, which is what runDisney currently charges for its 5Ks. However, its worth it, because you get a special Castaway Cay Challenge medal (in addition to the normal Castaway 5K medal), characters on the course, and you get to get off the ship on the island while its still dark! Shown below is the view of the Dream as we walked to the race start, and some character photos.
After the race, we relaxed back on the ship, and displayed all the bling earned over the past week.
But the cruise wasn’t all about running, there are characters (including the man himself, Dopey, whose challenge I had just run, and the Disney princesses. 
There is a full service spa on board, and I took full advantage of a massage after all the running. We also dined at Palo and Remy. Shown below is the chocolate souffle at Palo dinner, and chocolate covered strawberry at brunch. 
Remy is a whole experience unto itself. Some of the gorgeous offerings are shown below, but you must experience this foodie’s dream for yourself. And be sure to book early!
This cruise is the perfect way to celebrate a successful race weekend, or any other reason (or no reason at all).
