Maybe you can tell (or maybe you can’t 😬), but I’ve been really trying to improve the quality of the blog posts around here lately. That includes boosting search optimization; I watch over Google Search Console with great interest. Sure, I think my words are worth the read (I certainly generate enough of them), yet the verdict remains with the general public.
With that in mind, I thought it would be fun to assemble a post featuring my Top Ten Blog Posts of 2024, per Google Search Console’s rankings. According to the entire internet, these are the best posts Fairest Run Of All has to offer! Or anyway they contain the most used keywords. Maybe that’s the same thing?
#1 HOW I SIGNED UP FOR A SOLD OUT runDISNEY RACE
Its popularity makes sense, as runDisney race weekend demand often exceeds capacity, and many would-be runners find themselves bibless. Still, you can snag the occasional one- or two-bib drop if you’re smart about it. Check out the post if you’d like to know more.
#2 STEAKHOUSE 71, THE ALLEGED SAUCE CAPITAL OF WALT DISNEY WORLD
My review of Steakhouse 71 on the bottom floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort. April 2024.
Every single Google Search Console hit I saw for this one was specific to the contents of the sauce flight and/or signature sauce. Luckily I had the foresight to snap a picture of the sauce flight’s varied offerings, so hopefully searchers find what they seek!
#3 IN WHICH JENN FINDS A CHEAPER KT TAPE ALTERNATIVE/IN WHICH JENN TESTS KT TAPE PRO EXTREME
Combining these two because the subject matter is so similar. One is my review of OK Tape, a KT Tape dupe that costs a third of the price (November 2020), and the other is my review of KT Pro Extreme (August 2020), which is supposed to have extra staying power but I have personally had poor luck with.
These are comparatively old posts, and yet they consistently bring in new viewers. Maybe I should revisit the kinesio tape topic?
#4 REVIEW: SAN ANGEL INN RESTAURANTE, APRIL 2023
My review of San Angel Inn Restaurante inside Mexico’s pyramid in Epcot. May 2023.
I’m a bit surprised this one ranks so high, but I suppose this is another one of those Disney restaurants with an uneven reputation. I’m quite fond of it, myself; more in the post, of course.
#5 SLAINTE! RAGLAN ROAD DOES THANKSGIVING WITH AN IRISH TWIST
My review of Disney Springs’ Irish Pub, Raglan Road, where we ate Thanksgiving dinner in 2023. July 2024.
For a hot second there my Google Search Console was BLOWING. UP. with people searching for some variation of “Raglan Road Thanksgiving.” Snagging that dining reservation wasn’t the hardest get, but it wasn’t as easy as I might have expected. If you want to eat there on a holiday, make sure you make your ADR the second your window opens.
#6 AND NOW: EVERY WDW RESORT’S BACKGROUND MUSIC LOOP
Just as it sounds: I collected background music loops for every Walt Disney World resort. May 2024.
Who knew there were so many WDW resort background music loop enthusiasts out there? Well, maybe I should have guessed thanks to the proliferation of YouTube channels that feature little else. I myself very much enjoy prepping for a Disney trip by listening to the music loop of the resort at which I’ll be staying. May this resource prove valuable to others as well!
#7 REVIEW: SPACE 220 LOUNGE, APRIL 2023
My review of the Space 220 Lounge experience in Epcot. May 2023.
This being a newer restaurant and arguably one of the hardest reservations to lock down at present, I am not shocked to see this one ranking somewhat high. I’d imagine a lot of people just want to know if it’s worth the hassle. As per usual, the answer is: it depends!
#8 WE SURVIVED A RESERVATION AT TONY’S TOWN SQUARE RESTAURANT
My review of a pre-race pasta dinner at Tony’s Town Square Restaurant in the Magic Kingdom. March 2024.
In the words of Anton Ego: “We thrive on negative criticism, which is fun to write and to read.” Tony’s Town Square’s reputation is… not great, to say the least, which is why I think people are so keen to read reviews. Like most things in life, however, I’d say Tony’s is a mixed bag; read the post for my full take.
#9 DO YOU NEED A CLUB runDISNEY MEMBERSHIP? (NO)
My cost-benefits analysis of Club runDisney, and why you might not need it. May 2024.
Look, I’m not telling you NOT to – if you have the money and the vibes are right, go for it! But if you feel backed into a corner and unsure about the cost, let me help you put your wallet away.
#10 OUT OF THE DISNEY BUBBLE: MY OFF-SITE HOTEL EXPERIENCE
My experience staying at the Gaylord Palms, an Orlando resort off Disney property. September 2023.
I feel kinda bad about this one, as most people seem to find it when searching for more info about the free Disney shuttle situation there. While I do mention that such a thing exists in the post, I give no information. To be fair, I also didn’t see any concrete information while there, which is probably why people are being directed to my blog instead of a website that actually answers their question. Such is life on the internet. Hopefully they at least enjoy the rest of my review?
HONORABLE MENTIONS
A handful that came close to making the cut that I think deserve some love:
Can California Grill Still Justify Its Prix Fixe Menu? June 2024. (California Grill restaurant review)
Well Done, Sister Suffragette. October 2021. (An ode to Glynis Johns as Winnifred Banks in Mary Poppins)
My ’60s & ’70s Running Playlist. October 2023. (The best era for popular music and I stand by that)
That Time I Was Targeted By Disney Scammers. October 2023. (Some phone scammers tried to take me for a ride while I was staying at Pop Century)
Epcot After 4: Hey, Disney, You’re Leaving Money On The Table. September 2024. (All about the once and hopefully future Epcot After 4 ticket option)
IN CONCLUSION
Well, let’s see. I can tell people like Disney restaurant reviews. I think they’re interested in kinesio tape. A handful of my value is subjective posts made the cut, which is heartening as I’m proud of my work in the category. Nobody seems as into race recaps and trip reports as I am, but that’s okay; those are mementos as much as anything else.
If there’s a particular post you enjoyed – or one you think was unfairly omitted – or one I haven’t written yet but should – please do let me know via the commenting/messaging channel of your choice. I’d love to hear it; maybe it’ll make next year’s roundup!
Don’t forget, you can follow FRoA on Twitter @fairestrunofall and on Instagram @fairestrunofall. If you have any questions or thoughts, leave a comment or email fairestrunofall@gmail.com. See ya real soon!