Tuesday, February 12, 2019

2019 Rock n Roll New Orleans Expo

Another Rock n Roll New Orleans has come and gone! 2019 marked the 10th year of this race and I've run it every single year except for 2016. I was registered for the half that year but was placed on "do not move too much" restriction from my OBGYN. I knew that even walking a half at 32 weeks pregnant simply for the fact of keeping a race streak up was probably not a good idea, so I bowed out. My OB was never so happy to sign papers for me! (She's hysterical!)

Since that was more information than you wanted to know right now, let's move on to the Expo itself!

We arrived early on Saturday morning, checked into our hotel, and valet parked our car. Since our room wasn't ready yet, we headed upstairs to meet our friends who were also doing the race that weekend.


The race expo was held at the Ernest N Morial Convention Center and our hotel was located a super short walk away. We were at the Hilton Riverside this year. I do think it's funny that I've run this race 9 times and have stayed at a different hotel every time! (I basically just look for whichever one has the best rates!)


We arrived not long after the Expo opened for the day and the crowds were super light!


In fact, we had zero wait for our bibs!

Since Rock n Roll has gone paperless now, there are lap tops set up when you first walk in where you can look up your bib number. You take your bib number to your prospective line, show the workers your ID, then you're on your way! It's super easy!


Of course we had to take a picture with the finish line!


We brouwde the official merchandise for a while and I did end up purchasing a quarter length sleeve purple shirt. The image on the front has a fleur de lis and is filled with symbols of New Orleans. It's so cute!


Another merchandise offering was shirts and jackets with participants names on the back. I didn't purchase this one, but my friend did!


The changing rooms were port-a-potties which always cracks me up!


Brooks had a big presence at the Expo (as always)!


They even had an adorable photo booth option complete with props. The end result was a super quick three image video that I shared to my instagram. 


After browsing for a while, we left the merchandise area and walked over to the Main Expo floor.


I was super thrown off at first because it looked way smaller than it has in the past. In reality, the expo floor was just laid out different.


And of course, my husband just HAD to make a sign for me. Thanks, Jason!


We loved seeing these guys, too!


Before it was all said and done, we might have even registered for 2020....because they were giving out free t-shirts. Like I need another t-shirt.


We had so much fun exploring the Expo floor and meandering around! If Rock n Roll New Orleans is ever on your list of races to run, do it! It's seriously one of the most fun races ever!

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Friday, February 8, 2019

Port Orleans French Quarter Resort Review

When you talk about favorite resorts at Disney, there's no denying that Port Orleans Riverside is one of my favorite moderates. I love the theming, the atmosphere, and the overall feel of the resort.

Last August though, my husband and I had the chance to stay on property for an evening before our Disney Cruise, and we decided to stray up the beaten path to Port Orleans French Quarter. Little did I know, this quaint little resort would quickly earn a place in my heart!


With its down home southern feel and New Orleans atmosphere, this resort is a must stay in my opinion!


A few fun facts about Port Orleans French Quarter:
  • Moderate category
  • New Orleans style theming
  • Walking distance to Port Orleans Riverside
  • Additional transportation option by way of boat to Disney Springs


Upon arrival, we were immediately greeted with that sweet, southern hospitality you come to expect in the south. Our room wasn't ready yet, but the resort was not full and the cast member was able to find a spot for us which was super nice of him!


Port Orleans French Quarter has a quick service location which serves a wide variety of food, along with a few southern favorites.


I also seriously loved the Float Works dining hall overhaul! Disney removed the giant Mardi Gras parade heads and replaced them with a sleeker, more modern design.


There's even a few "hidden" Disney touches - check out the cards below!


Remember when I mentioned traditional southern favorites?


Beignets, anyone? :)

I can honestly attest this "new recipe" (as of late summer 2018) is perfect and tastes just like Cafe du Monde. The old recipe? Well, let's just say I'm glad they overhauled that one! If you haven't tried the beignets here in a while, you definitely need to do so again!


Another touch to the southern way of living are the alligator statues located along the property. No, I don't have them in my actual backyard, but I don't have to travel far to find them!


The architectural design on this property is on point!


Our favorite part about this resort is the size. No matter which building you're staying in, you won't have a long walk to get to the dining hall which is super nice! This resort is also super quiet and we loved that!


The rooms were recently remodeled which meant no more carpet!


Our room contained a king bed, fridge, iron with table, hair dryer, and built-in soap dispensers on the wall. (Since that's super important to know!)


Mardi Gras beads were also waiting for us with the traditional hidden Mickey on the table of our room.


The bathroom was super spacious and had plenty of room to move around. The only difference with this room was the lack of separate potty/shower from the sink. If one person was in the restroom, you didn't have access to anything else. I'm not sure if this is how all of the rooms on property are, but that's how ours was for sure.


Although we didn't have time to explore the pool area, this slide looked like a lot of fun. The laundry facilities are also located alongside the pool.


Taking a boat to Disney Springs is also super convenient and very peaceful. You also have a chance spot the Treehouse Villas along the way.



The New Balance Running Trail is available at this resort as well. I've run this entire route and it's a good one!


This is subject to change, but several of the Disney resorts are offering fun runs on property on certain days of the week. Sadly, we were missing this one by one day. Whomp Whomp.


If you'd like to venture a walk over to Port Orleans Riverside, you can do that as well! It's not far and only requires crossing one waterway! :)

Also noteworthy - there is no workout facility on property which is why the running/walking paths definitely come in handy!


The street signs and cross ways were also designed perfectly, along with these guys (below) which you'll find all throughout the streets of downtown New Orleans.

 


As if we thought this resort coulnd't get any more perfect, it did. Once the sun sets at night, the streetlamps kick on and wow. It's breathtaking!


So, should you stay here? Yes, yes you should. Living in Louisiana, I've been to New Orleans more times than I can count and always shied away from staying at this resort. Now, I'm sad I didn't get a chance to experience it sooner, I'll definitely stay here again and hope you will consider it as well! 

Want to read up on other resort reviews here on the blog? Check them out below! The list is ever growing!
Thanks for stopping by! Have a magical day!

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