• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About/Hire Me
    • About Me
    • Hire Me
    • Contact
    • Family
    • Faith
    • FAQ
    • My Running Story
    • Recipes
  • Disney
  • Fitness
    • runDisney Information Page
    • Fitness
    • Races
  • Parenting
  • Travel

Through Heather's Looking Glass

  • Disney
  • Fitness
  • Travel
  • family
  • About Me

Tinkerbell Expo 2014

February 10, 2014 | Disney, fitness, runDisney, running, Travel

I was really excited about going to California for the runDisney Tinkerbell half marathon weekend, it was my first one! Not only that, but my mom had never been to Disneyland, ever, so I couldn’t wait to show her around. The first thing we did after check in and grabbing some lunch was head to the expo. We were staying at the Grand Californian, and mom was impressed at how convenient the expo was for those staying on property.

IMG_0142

IMG_0143

Unfortunately, there was quite a long line just to get into the official merchandise area, we waited about 20 minutes or so. However, I was glad it was at least organized unlike at Dumbo back in August.

IMG_0144

There was a lot of official merchandise to choose from, but sadly the sizing of the shirts was way off. The “I Did It” tech shirt was very boxy and SO short compared to the Dopey I did it shirt I got not even a week before. Sizing inconsistency bums me out. I was able to get what I wanted (coffee mug, sweaty band, etc.) and my mom bought me this adorable shirt:

IMG_0145

I loved that lots of items said “flutter to the finish” and thought that was a very cute slogan.

IMG_0146

We paid for our merchandise and did a little walking around so I could visit with some friends working various booths before heading downstairs to get bibs. We headed back outside and down the ramp to packet pick up.

IMG_0147

IMG_0158

Mom got her 5k bib, there were hardly any lines down here.

IMG_0148

We had to go back into the expo to get the t-shirt for the race, and then bib the expo farewell. We would end up coming back on Saturday to walk around some more and say hi to some friends, but it was time to go rest before our 5k the next morning!

IMG_0151

This being my first Tink, I have no previous expo to compare it with except the one for the Disneyland half marathon which was a nightmare. This one had a lot more volunteers, and they even had tape on the floor making little lines so you knew where to stand while you waited to go into the official merchandise area. They only let in so many at a time, which definitely helped with the flow of things. Also, there was plenty of merchandise out, we weren’t waiting for more to constantly come out like at the Disneyland half expo. They were not out of any merchandise that I am aware of (we were there about an hour after opening) and we had an overall positive experience!

QOTD: Do you buy official race merchandise at races?

Want to learn more about runDisney races? visit rundisney.com for details, dates, and runner information.

Like this:

Like Loading...

Sign up for my newsletter

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ali says

    February 10, 2014 at 6:43 am

    I always see shirts I want at the expo but then think if I’ll actually wear it again after the race – more than likely not. I do collect runDisney’s vinylmations for my cube!

  2. Jen says

    February 10, 2014 at 6:57 am

    Aww your mom looks so cute! I’m really hoping we can get out to DL for a race next year!

  3. Rachel says

    February 10, 2014 at 7:51 am

    I am going to be buying ‘official merchandise’ like a mad woman next week!! When I ran my first half last September I didn’t buy any and I regret it. Weird, but I almost felt like I would be jinxing myself by buying it before the race!

  4. Mindy @ Road Runner Girl says

    February 10, 2014 at 7:52 am

    The official merchandise is my favorite part of runDisney expos!!! 😉

  5. Lauren @ Lauren's Galss Slipper says

    February 10, 2014 at 7:56 am

    I also got the ‘Flutter to the Finish’ shirt – love it!!

  6. Karen :0) says

    February 10, 2014 at 8:10 am

    Sizing inconsistency kills me too! So sorry that happened, but I love the shirt your mom bought for you! Glad this expo wasn’t a fiasco like dumbo!

  7. Jessica @ pugrunaholic says

    February 10, 2014 at 8:30 am

    That shirt is super cute!! 🙂

  8. Jen says

    February 10, 2014 at 9:32 am

    The Tinkerbell expo is usually quite efficient. That mess at Disneyland was the first time I’ve ever seen it that way, and I’ve done races off and on at Disneyland since 2007. I’ve only ever bought one piece of “official merchandise” and that was a shirt several years ago. I tend to check out the merch section, but I rarely like anything. I don’t get why there’s such a line for stuff that in my mind, is low quality, overpriced and ugly. If Disney stepped it up, I’d be interested again, but the quality has really dropped.

  9. Lesley says

    February 10, 2014 at 9:59 am

    So glad the expo was much better than Dumbo, and hopefully they’ll figure out the problems and fix them come August.

  10. Pam@mamarunsdisney.com says

    February 10, 2014 at 11:14 am

    I love the official merchandise! Sounds like the expo was one of their more efficient ones! Good to know!

  11. Kelly @ Cupcake Kelly's says

    February 10, 2014 at 4:01 pm

    What a bummer about the shirts. When I ran Nike (was supposed to be my first half) I set a budget in advance so I could buy a few things.Even at that one expo, my t-shirt, sweatshirt, and jacket are all different sizes and they are all Nike (obviously) it’s so frustrating!

  12. Meranda@fairytalesandfitness says

    February 10, 2014 at 8:29 pm

    I was really liking all the Tink signage and merchandise this year, so cute! I generally only buy official race merchandise at Disney events.

  13. Stacie @ SImplySouthernStacie says

    February 11, 2014 at 6:03 am

    I love race merchandise! I do races for memories sake, so I have to buy things at the expo as souvenirs of sorts. Good luck to you and your mom with the races!

Trackbacks

  1. runningwithsass says:
    February 10, 2014 at 2:46 am

    Tinkerbell Expo 2014

    I was really excited about going to California for the runDisney Tinkerbell half marathon weekend, it

Primary Sidebar

I am Heather Montgomery, a 30 something southern girl living in Knoxville, Tennessee with my husband Bobby, 10-year-old daughter Emma Kate, and our goldendoodles Dolly and Luna. I’m just a regular girl who likes to workout, travel, hang with my family, text, and eat chips and queso. Be sure to check out my “about me” page for more info!
Thank you for visiting, and feel free to contact me with questions, (or for PR inquiries or press trip invites) at Support@HeathersLookingGlass.com.

Please, no guest post requests. 🙂

More about me

Privacy Policy

You can also find me here:

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Recent Posts

  • Protecting Your Kids’ Eyes In the Digital Age
  • Late Spring Events Gulf Shores and Orange Beach
  • 6 Ways to Make Mother’s Day Special This Year
  • Exciting News: Allegiant Air Launches New Knoxville to Gulf Shores Nonstop Flight
  • 8 Orange Beach and Gulf Shores Activities that are Perfect for a Family Spring Break

 

Search

How to Start a Blog

How to start a blog
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
  • Disney
  • Fitness
  • Travel
  • Family
🏰 We have been planning this for months. I th 🏰 We have been planning this for months. 

I thought about the right time to surprise her, and after then lost the state AAU tournament in the championship game, AND she was sick (crazy cough at the end of the video haha!) 

I knew this would be the perfect time to cheer her up. I think it worked. 😜

Check out my story highlight on my profile called “Disneyland70” if you missed all the fun! 

#disneyland70 #disneyland70th #surprisedisneytrip #disneycreators #disneylandpark #disneylandsurprise #disneyland70thanniversary
GIFT-AWAY! 🎉 I feel so blessed to be at openi GIFT-AWAY! 🎉 

I feel so blessed to be at opening weekend of @disneyland’s 70th celebration, that I wanted to give something back to one of YOU! 

I picked up the light up balloon 70th popcorn bucket AND a travel wine tumbler that I am gifting to one of my followers just for following along and being here. 💙 (I really want to keep them both but I’d rather spoil one of yall!) 

See below for entry!

1.) Follow @heatherslg 
2.) ❤️ this post 
3.) tag at least 2 friends in separate comments (can tag more, each tag is one entry!)
4.) Tell me your favorite Disney movie 

BONUS!
Share this post to your stories and TAG ME! Counts for 5 entries ONLY from this account! 

BONUS 2: F0llow @bobbymontg  for 3 extra entries! 

Not associated with IG. Must be 18 to enter. US only (sorry to my international friends!) ends May 25th, I will announce in stories! 

#disneyland70th #disneyland70 #popcornbucket #disneymerchandise #disneylandmerchandise #disneyland #disneygiveaway
We spent the evening at Mountain Mile in Pigeon Fo We spent the evening at Mountain Mile in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and it was one of those simple, sweet evenings that just felt good. 

Located right in the heart of Pigeon Forge, @mountainmilepf is an open-air shopping and entertainment area with gorgeous views of the Smoky Mountains (seriously—those views 😍). It’s super family-friendly, easy to walk around, and there’s so much to do without feeling overwhelming.

We wandered through cute boutiques and shops, played yard games, and just enjoyed being outside in such a pretty setting. There are over 40 shops and restaurants here—plus thrill rides if that’s your thing (we skipped them this time, but they looked fun!).

It’s one of those places where you can go slow, let the kids run around a little, sit and relax with a coffee, or get your shopping fix—all in one spot. And the giant lawn area with yard games? Perfect for kids (or tired parents 😅).

If you’re visiting the Smokies and want something fun and low-stress that everyone can enjoy, I definitely recommend adding Mountain Mile to your list.

🎯 Free parking
📍Central location in Pigeon Forge
👟 Easy to walk + stroller friendly
🍽️ Restaurants, snacks, coffee, and more (Azul was delicious!)
🛍️ Shops from boutique to big brand
🎡 Rides + a massive lawn space for kids to play

Let me know if you’ve been or are planning to go—I’d love to hear your favorite spots there! #mountainmilepartner

#PigeonForge #MountainMile #FamilyTravel #ThingsToDoInPigeonForge #TennesseeTrip #TravelWithKids #SmokyMountainViews #FlourishAndGlowTravels #OutdoorFun #TravelWithFamily #FamilyAdventure #TravelTip
He did it for the gram 💁🏻‍♀️ #instagr He did it for the gram 💁🏻‍♀️

#instagramhusband #blooper #instagramfunny #funnyfails #funnyfalls #doorbellcamera
Before & after… and I’m honestly still in awe Before & after… and I’m honestly still in awe of the difference this rug made. 😁 

I found it at @revival and couldn’t be happier — it’s soft underfoot, doesn’t shed (huge win), and is stain-resistant, which is exactly what we need in a house with kids and pets. It also came with free shipping and easy returns, which made the whole process so simple.

Made in Turkey and beautifully crafted, it feels like the perfect mix of style and practicality — especially for a home that sees a lot of paw prints. 🐾 

Use code 10OFF-HEATHERSLG for 10% off, but this offer won’t last long! (🔗 in bio!) 

#RevivalRugs #RevivalPartner #beforeandafter #homedecorrefresh #newrug
✨ Ready to escape to the Shire… in Tennessee? ✨ Ready to escape to the Shire… in Tennessee? ✨ (ad)
Tucked away just outside of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, Howard’s Hollow is a one-of-a-kind Hobbit-inspired hideaway that brings the magic of Middle-earth to life in the Smoky Mountains.

Here’s why this unforgettable vacation rental should be at the top of your bucket list:

🟢 Whimsical Hobbit Design

Round doors, mossy rooftops, and charming woodwork that make you feel like you’re living in a Tolkien tale

Fully themed with cozy, earthy vibes and magical details in every nook

🛏️ 3 Unique Bedrooms

Each room is carefully crafted with its own personality—whether you’re drawn to elven elegance, dwarven strength, or hobbit coziness. There are also 3 full bathrooms. 

🔥 Spacious & Cozy Living

A stone fireplace, frame TV, plush seating, and rustic design invite you to slow down and stay awhile

The full kitchen and dining area have ample seating—perfect for a family getaway or friends’ retreat

🛁 Relaxation Meets Nature

Soak in the hot tub under the stars after a day of exploring

Enjoy peaceful woodland views around the fire pit and a quiet, tucked-away feel

🌲 Set in a Unique & Enchanting Neighborhood

Part of a small fantasy-inspired community that feels like stepping into a storybook

Minutes from Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg—close to fun, yet a world away

Whether you’re a lifelong Tolkien fan or just craving a truly magical mountain escape, Howard’s Hollow is a place where memories are made and imaginations run wild. ✨

Ready to book your adventure? Visit howards-hollow.com or @howards_hollow  and enter the Hollow. 🌿🏡 
(🔗 in bio too!) 

#howardshollow #vacationrental #smokeymountains #pigeonforge #pigeonforgevacation #lordoftherings #harrypotterfan #lordoftheringsfan
Just a trio of mother-daughter magic. 🪄 One t Just a trio of mother-daughter magic. 🪄 

One taught me, one’s watching me—and together we’re laughing through it all. Happy Mother’s Day to the best and busiest job ever! 🥂 

#happymothersday❤️ #mothersday2025 
#myminime #motherdaughterlove #threegenerations

Copyright © 2025 · Through Heather's Looking Glass · Theme by Bella Creative Studio

%d