Frank Anzalone’s fantastic photos of the “Happiest Balloon on Earth’s” visit to San Francisco generated a lot of praise from our readers.
Morgan and Jason both ask Frank how they can find out where the balloon will be taking off in their home cities.
Morgan Joyner writes:
Hi Frank! I really enjoyed the pictures of the hot air balloon launching in San Francisco. I live near Salt Lake City (please don’t feel too badly for me—somehow I survive!) and see that the balloon is scheduled to come this way in May. My question for you is, will it just be flying overhead somewhere, or will it be a launch like you experienced? And how will I know where and what time to see whichever one it is? Thank you so much for your time!
Jason Holliston writes:
I live in Portland, and I think it’s great that the balloon is coming to our town in a few weeks. I’ve checked the Disney site, and unfortunately, it doesn’t give any more information about the visit other than, “We’ll be in your town!” Do you have any idea how I could find out where they’ll be launching from in Portland? It seems that without that information, you may or may not see the balloon. I’m sure my 9 year old daughter would love to see it. Thanks for any advice you might be able to give!
The “tethered” or “free flight” is not known at this time. That decision will be made when the balloon arrives in your fine city dependent on the weather conditions.
I would call the local ABC TV station (because they are Disney-owned) and ask if they have any information regarding the location (the timing is always at sunrise!). My suggestion is to make the effort to be there—it is a fun experience to see this!
Joseph writes:
These photos are amazing! I wish I could have been up there with you and Karen but you did such a great job of capturing the excitement of getting the balloon ready and then flying it! What a once in a lifetime event! [Mickey Mouse] looks great in front of the real Golden Gate… not that fake thing in DCA! Thanks for once again sharing these great shots!
Macreena-Andrae Rivas, the Disneyland 50th Anniversary Ambassador, writes:
Thank you so much for the photos. They are great! I can’t wait to share them with our balloon crew. They will love them.
Editor’s Note: the remaining cities and dates where the balloon can be seen are:
- Seattle, WA (May 9-10)
- Portland, OR (May 15-16)
- Salt Lake City, UT (May 22-23)
- Albuquerque, NM (May 25-26)
Staff writer Mike Scopa’s inspiring account of his participation in the 2006 Walt Disney World Half Marathon (“Running for Tim”: link) generated responses from several readers who were touched by his story:
Jynohn O’Connor writes:
I just wanted to congratulate you on your amazing achievement and your terrific article. It brought tears to my eyes. My husband and I ran the half marathon this year too. He had just returned home from Iraq a few weeks prior. We are blessed that he came home safely, unlike so many that sacrificed for our freedom.
I know that Tim would be so proud of you and your accomplishment, and would be proud that you ran the race in his honor. We will remember him and his sacrifice in our prayers, and thank you for the inspiring article!
P.S. I wish you a quick recovery!
Thank you for the kind words. I am glad to hear that your husband has returned safely and that you were both able to complete the half-marathon together… bravo.
Tim will always be an inspiration to me.
Kent M. writes:
I just read your half marathon story and was in tears by the end. I started running this past fall and overdid it. Right now I’m coping with tendonitis (and I’m only 26!) and forced to rest. But that hasn’t stopped me. I’m signed up for the 2007 Full Marathon. When I try to wrap my head around what I have to do in less than one year, it scares the hell out of me. But reading stories like yours brings back such inspiration.
So, congratulations and thanks! I’ll keep your story in mind when I start to train again next month.
Speaking as a fellow runner who also has to cope with an injury I can only stress to you to not rush things and overdo it again. Training for half or full marathon is a marathon in itself and not a sprint. Good luck and thanks for the note.
Dani writes:
I just wanted to let you know your article about running the half-marathon was incredibly inspirational. I have signed up for Disneyland’s first half-marathon in September, even though I have never ran more than a mile in my life. Your story makes me realize no matter what, I know I will be able to finish! Thank you for your story, it won’t be forgotten.
Good for you. Remember that the training is a year-long commitment and that like the race itself, it is a long journey. Be sure to review some of Lani’s marathon guide (link) as she can point out some helpful information to help you train. I’m sure you’ll do great… looking forward to hearing your story.
Michele Griffin writes:
Great Job! It sounds like your friend was there in spirit with you helping you to that finish line. Thanks for the inspiration.
Thank you for the kind words.
I think you’re right. This was NOT and individual achievement. No one is an island and for sure I was able to continue on because of many people, one of whom was my old ballplayer Tim.
When you think of it, most of what we accomplish in life is at least partially due to those who have touched us along the way.
As registration for the 2007 Walt Disney World Marathon continues and runners gear up for training, staff writer Lani Teshima answers some reader questions related to the Disney marathon.
Jeffrey Hollington writes:
Hi Lani! I was interested in your book. Does it give training tips for the Goofy Race & 1/2? I just applied and would love some advice. I have run 8 marathons but never the Goofy Race
I actually don’t have a book, although there is quite a bit of information in the Disney Marathon Guide column we’ve been running for the past year. If you haven’t had a chance to read it, take a look at the article we ran last year called “Getting Goofy” (link). It not only provides details about this, but also points you to some trainers such as Hal Higdon who offer training information online.
Dan Marsh writes:
I have run seventeen marathons so far and want to do Disney. However I am getting older and now run 5 or 5:30 times. Is there a time limit on the Marathon and Half Marathon?
You will be happy to know that the official time limit for the Walt Disney World Marathon is 6:30 hours. Based on your time, you should have no problem completing in time.
Kelly Tully writes:
Found your informative Web site while Googling “What to wear for a 1/2 marathon”. The Disney 1/2 Marathon is my first.
I grew up in Florida, and am accustomed to the fluctuating temperatures… and now live in Indiana where I have done my training. (read: it is very cold). So, I am in a dilemma as to what I should wear with the low temperature being 33..and the high being 55.
Any insight? I am thinking running tights and a long sleeve t-shirt—with a throw-away sweatshirt (and a headband for my ears).
Your best bet is to probably layer as much as you can. Consider a long-sleeve shirt or sweatshirt, a cheap pair of throwaway garden gloves, and maybe a cap. As it gets warmer you can just toss the items.
Finally, Lani answers some additional questions about military discounts for Disneyland admission media.
James Klein writes:
I am active duty in the USCG. I am getting married on April 29 and the next week I will be going to Disney. Do you know a cheap place to buy Disney tickets?
First of all, thank you so much for serving our country.
Regarding tickets to a Disney park—currently, none of the Disney parks is offering a special promotion for members of the Armed Forces. However, your local MWR office should sell some admission tickets at a discount. My suggestion is that you contact them to find out what the prices are. You can usually always save a few bucks, plus they seem not to charge sales tax on these as well.
Congratulations on your engagement, and have a wonderful trip!
Jason Tetzlaff writes:
I found some stuff on your Web site concerning military specials but they where all for 02′. Does Disney have anything special for ’06? I just got back home and want to take my wife and kids to Disneyland. Thank you for your time.
Military discounts are always made available through MWR ticket offices only, so your best bet is to check before you leave home. Disneyland itself does not sell discounted tickets for the military. Other than that, so far as I know they are not having any really big promotion right now specifically for the military.
