WISHes Minnie Marathon Tour and Travel

[Mouse Skywalker]

Greetings WISH teammates:

OK, this may get long-winded, but here goes. As some of you may know, this has been a very trying Fall for me. My mother passed away in September, and I've been receiving a lot of funding pressure here at work. This month I was told there is only guaranteed funding for my position for another year, and I might be wise to keep my eyes out for other positions here at the University.

This has got me thinking about what it is I want to do when I grow up. During one of my long runs training for the Marine Corps Marathon, I was thinking that I would love to organize tours/trips for runners to go to races. I would especially like to organize trips to Disney races. Then, a light bulb went off - why don't WE as a WISH team organize ourselves as a group in order to take advantage of some of the group travel opportunities Disney has to offer. I think we had over 100 runners and walkers participate in the Tower of Terror 13K weekend, and we have over 100 runners and walkers signed up to participate in the Marathon Weekend events in January. Last year, we did take advantage of organizing an Illuminations Dessert Party which was fantastic (thank you Rhonda).

Let me state up front, I am NOT looking to make any money from my fellow WISH teammates, but here's where my WISH teammates come in. How much interest would there be in trying to organize team/group events for the Minnie Marathon Weekend? I have a call in to a Disney group planner to get some details. How much a block of rooms would be? How much would certain events be, etc.

I was thinking I could even rent a 15 passenger van to shuttle people around to events for the weekend. I could be the WISHes Express and take people from the airport to their hotel, take people to events, take people to the starting line, and take people back to the airport. I look at this as a test case to see how it would be to organize some running tours. I'm thinking I would ask for money to offset the cost of a rental van or any group events we do, but I am NOT looking to make money off of this. I would be more than willing to be the driver, gopher, and helper to make a WISH trip even that much more special.

Whaddya think? Would you be interested?

[ultramickeymouse]

I am Mega DVC'er and already have BWV rooms booked. I(&DW) would be interested in transport to the races as well as possible WISH meets. I use ME for to and from MCO.

Keep me updated!

Thanks for the offer and efforts!

[Kristi1357]

Dave - I think it's a great idea!
If I come down for the Minnie, I'd be all over this (unless I use DVC pts).

I'd also be all over being your partner in NH. ;) I need to figure out what I want to do when I grow up as well. Things in TV Land are getting to be too much for me anymore. :sad2: I'd really love to be a travel agent. I looked into it just before 9/11, then gave up that idea. Other than that, I have no idea what I want to do.

[windwalker]

Dave - I think it's a great idea!
If I come down for the Minnie, I'd be all over this (unless I use DVC pts).

I'd also be all over being your partner in NH. ;) I need to figure out what I want to do when I grow up as well. Things in TV Land are getting to be too much for me anymore. :sad2: I'd really love to be a travel agent. I looked into it just before 9/11, then gave up that idea. Other than that, I have no idea what I want to do.


Hey now wait a minute, I have dibbs on being the pretty WISH princesses resident cabana boy.

Seriously Erica and I would be players on group rates and activities. We have even thought how wonderful it would be to do a WISH cruise, even something like a WindJammer sailing ship. Count us in.

Goofy Challanger Panda:hippie:

[Mouse Skywalker]

Hey now wait a minute, I have dibbs on being the pretty WISH princesses resident cabana boy.

Seriously Erica and I would be players on group rates and activities. We have even thought how wonderful it would be to do a WISH cruise, even something like a WindJammer sailing ship. Count us in.

Goofy Challanger Panda:hippie:You're not doing the Flying Pig in '08 Dave?

[windwalker]

No Mouse buddy, the Pig and the last Minnie are the same weekend. We decided to do the last Minnie and then see what replaces it for next year. The Pig will always be there.

Goofy Challanger Panda:hippie:

[chimera]

Dave,

I've looked into the group discount for the team for marathon weekend the past 2 years. The rate usually isn't any better than AP or AAA discounts. The two years I checked into it, we didn't have enough people interested to book the rooms, but we get more teammates each year. We usually stay on DVC points, but if there was a good group rate available, we might do a cash ressie for that weekend.

It's pretty easy, you only need 10 rooms and they can be spread across multiple resorts. You need one person to be the contract holder (the 'responsibility' party) but every guest can pay their own deposit.

I also looked into a group dinner for the marathon last year. With the numbers we had at Pop, WDW wanted us to have a catered event (min was $35 per plate). That seemed waaay to expensive. For Minnie, we've been pretty casual...just meeting at EOS. We had a pretty big group for Minnie last year so something more WISH team-ish would be cool.

Transportation would definitely be helpful! I usually have a car since we drive up, but the folks that fly in don't get a lot of options on getting to the start.

And I agree with Kristi...I'd love to have an adventure travel business. That would be cool if you do something like that.

[CynthiaCindy]

Dave - There is (I hope) a very good chance that I will be doing the Minnie in '08 and if so, I would be interested - it would be great to meet you and some other WISHers! Whether I do the Minnie depends on my sister. I have been encouraging her to try running but she doesn't think she would like it, its too much work, etc. Anyway, I decided that a bribe was in order. And what better to bribe with than a trip to Disney World! I told her that if she would commit to training to be able to walk/run the 15 min/mile pace, then I would take her to Disney for the weekend so that we could run the race. She is going to get back to me in the next few days as to whether she is willing to commit to the training so I can let you know for sure then.

[princessrunner]

Dave - There is (I hope) a very good chance that I will be doing the Minnie in '08 and if so, I would be interested - it would be great to meet you and some other WISHers! Whether I do the Minnie depends on my sister. I have been encouraging her to try running but she doesn't think she would like it, its too much work, etc. Anyway, I decided that a bribe was in order. And what better to bribe with than a trip to Disney World! I told her that if she would commit to training to be able to walk/run the 15 min/mile pace, then I would take her to Disney for the weekend so that we could run the race. She is going to get back to me in the next few days as to whether she is willing to commit to the training so I can let you know for sure then.

If she backs out....I'll go LOL :lmao:

[Mouse Skywalker]

Dave,

I've looked into the group discount for the team for marathon weekend the past 2 years. The rate usually isn't any better than AP or AAA discounts. The two years I checked into it, we didn't have enough people interested to book the rooms, but we get more teammates each year. We usually stay on DVC points, but if there was a good group rate available, we might do a cash ressie for that weekend.

It's pretty easy, you only need 10 rooms and they can be spread across multiple resorts. You need one person to be the contract holder (the 'responsibility' party) but every guest can pay their own deposit.

I also looked into a group dinner for the marathon last year. With the numbers we had at Pop, WDW wanted us to have a catered event (min was $35 per plate). That seemed waaay to expensive. For Minnie, we've been pretty casual...just meeting at EOS. We had a pretty big group for Minnie last year so something more WISH team-ish would be cool.

Transportation would definitely be helpful! I usually have a car since we drive up, but the folks that fly in don't get a lot of options on getting to the start.

And I agree with Kristi...I'd love to have an adventure travel business. That would be cool if you do something like that.Mel- Thank you for looking into this. I remember now that you mention it. I'm willing to look into this and try organizing it. I would definitely be willing to be the chauffeur for the weekend and could shuttle people around. And I would definitely be willing to organize something for a group event too. I'm looking at this as kind of a dry run to try to get used to organizing these types of events so maybe I could offer it as a side business to the more general public. If the WISH team wouldn't mind being guinea pigs, and helping me get this off the ground, they would get the benefits of my services for free - well, nearly free as long as I cover expenses (but we could all talk about that).

You guys are all the best, and I couldn't think of a better group of people to try this out with. I'm really excited about it right now.

[Mouse Skywalker]

Dave - There is (I hope) a very good chance that I will be doing the Minnie in '08 and if so, I would be interested - it would be great to meet you and some other WISHers! Whether I do the Minnie depends on my sister. I have been encouraging her to try running but she doesn't think she would like it, its too much work, etc. Anyway, I decided that a bribe was in order. And what better to bribe with than a trip to Disney World! I told her that if she would commit to training to be able to walk/run the 15 min/mile pace, then I would take her to Disney for the weekend so that we could run the race. She is going to get back to me in the next few days as to whether she is willing to commit to the training so I can let you know for sure then.You can tell your sister you'd have a driver and porter... I'm so sorry I missed you in DC this weekend.

[wtpclc]

Dave - Great idea! I'm a DVCer, so the rooms would not do much for me, but group activities would be great. :wizard: :wizard: I hope you can figure out someting that you love! :grouphug:

[Mouse Skywalker]

Dave - Great idea! I'm a DVCer, so the rooms would not do much for me, but group activities would be great. :wizard: :wizard: I hope you can figure out someting that you love! :grouphug:Yay! More people!!! How's your new job going Carrie?

[Jodi]

Dave - HI:banana: Are you doing Minnie this year? Sign me up for your travel endeavor. When you figure out what you want to be when you get bigger let me know, too. I need a change of pace:rotfl2: . Something where I could work from my home & huge $ would be great:rolleyes1

[Mouse Skywalker]

Dave - HI:banana: Are you doing Minnie this year? Sign me up for your travel endeavor. When you figure out what you want to be when you get bigger let me know, too. I need a change of pace:rotfl2: . Something where I could work from my home & huge $ would be great:rolleyes1Sweet! :thumbsup2 :cool1: :thumbsup2

[Jen117]

I am pretty much in for Minnie unless something tragic comes up. I am currently blocking that weekend off and telling people I will be gone!!!!! Definately let me know the details!!!!

[princessmomma]

Dave, you know I am there too, buddy!

[escape]

Dave, this sounds great! Thanks for looking into it. I'm looking into doing the Minnie and I'm all for saving some $$$.

I know what you mean about the funding. My job is coming to an end next May. Our department now requires a Ph.d for my position and I only have a master's degree. :guilty:

[cobbler]

I would need a room for Friday and Saturday night right now. We are DVC as well and staying on points Sun - Thursday before but really don't want to fork over 109 per night (rack) for a value resort. Right now we are looking at doing the AAA rate and hoping that AP rates will come out or something.

So I am interested in a getting a room.

[TnTsParty]

I might be interested in doing a group event but I would probably book the room using AP or Florida resident rates. And we wouldn't need transportation because we drive up.

But I think its a great idea.

[Scott H]

Lynn and I would be interested in group evenst we also do the DVC thing

[CynthiaCindy]

Dave - I'm so excited - my sister decided that she wants to do the Minnie and is going to start training today! :banana: I'm trying not to get too excited because she may still back out. She is going to use Hal Higdons 30/30 Beginner Running Plan (followed by the 5K, followed by the 15K) and will not officially commit until the first 30 days are over. I, of course, plan to call her daily with discussions of our favorite Disney rides to keep her motivated. So, I can't say that I am officially in for the Minnie, but I am hopeful and am interested in hearing about your plans.

[Jodi]

Cindy - :banana: Good for you!! How are you feeling this week? I'm thinking of doing the Minnie myself, I did it 2 years ago, but skipped '07. Since this is going to be the "last" one, I might see if I can swing down there - we'll have to definitely get together this time. BTW, I checked out your awesome pix on marathonfoto. Are you going to buy any?

Tell your DSis to hit the pavement & start training.:woohoo:

[CynthiaCindy]

Cindy - :banana: Good for you!! How are you feeling this week? I'm thinking of doing the Minnie myself, I did it 2 years ago, but skipped '07. Since this is going to be the "last" one, I might see if I can swing down there - we'll have to definitely get together this time. BTW, I checked out your awesome pix on marathonfoto. Are you going to buy any?

Tell your DSis to hit the pavement & start training.:woohoo:

I'm feeling fine, but I definitely understand what people mean when they talk about a post-marathon funk. It's so weird not to have the big race to look forward to. I ran on Saturday - 5 miles - not too bad. As for the pix - probably not, they are so expensive and I hate how the picture quality is so bad in the online version that you can't really tell what you look like and trust me - I have seen many a picture of myself with really dumb expressions.

I think DH and I are definitely going to do Rock n' Roll Sand Diego. Using the Hal Higdon Intermediate 1 training schedule to train for that will put the Minnie in between the two 20 mile runs so it kind of works perfectly and must be meant to be!

I have to admit - I am all about the medal. Since this is the last Minnie - I really do want to get the medal and, of course, it will be a great chance for my sister and I to spend some time together and hopefully meet some WISHers!

[getnthinr]

Dave, my daughters and I are doing the Minnie (and the 5K the day before) and would love to help you try out your new endeavor. Because it's during our school year, it'll be a short trip for us -- probably ping-ponging down on Friday and back Sunday night.

We don't have a room or transportation arranged as yet.

[princessrunner]

Dave, I am now working up the $$ to do Minnie in May too. :cool1: This will be a quickie trip for me and I will be alone. I will be arriving Thursday evening and flying out Monday or Tuesday depending on flights. I will definitely need a room and some transportation. The Princess Package from Anthony Travel looked nice but is a little out of range for me if I plan to do ToT #2!! :scared:

[Mouse Skywalker]

Good Morning Teammates:

Yahoo! I have to thank everyone for the enthusiastic response. This is great! I have a call in to Disney to check the group rates. The woman that is organizing group travel for the Minnie was out of town last week. She's supposed to be back today. So hopefully I'll hear from her soon. I'm going to try to price rooms at different resorts, but I'm hearing from a lot of you that you're looking at a budget trip. So I am going to look at a big block of rooms at Pop Century. Maybe if we save money on rooms, we can use that money for some other fun things (like WISH meets).

I'm kind of thinking of a package similar to the Princess Package (the thing I don't think I can do is provide food/breakfast like Anthony Travel does). I would provide transportation to and from the expo, start and finish of the races (I was really surprised to see that Disney didn't do this). I could also provide transportation to and from the airport if needed, but a lot of people have said they like Magical Express so maybe that's not needed.

I want to talk to the Disney person to see if we can get some group rates for WISH meets too, and I'll get back to you on that. I'd like to do a WISHes cruise to see the fireworks. I mean what's better for the WISH meet than a WISHes cruise? That would probably be Saturday night to catch the most people. And I'm looking into some other things too.

What do people think about spa treatments? I'm curious how much interest there would be in having a block of time at a spa after the race?

[Mouse Skywalker]

Here's a new idea that just popped in my head. What do you all think about the Downtown Disney Hotels? I might see how much a group rate would be for one of those hotels. Would people be interested in one of those hotels if I was providing transportation? I know some of them include continental breakfast.

[princessrunner]

MSDave, I am game for anything...well within reason. :lmao: A massage after the race, how sweet would that be!!!!!!!!!! :cloud9: And, a WISHes cruise for all us newbies would be even better, like a meet and greet! :grouphug:

[CynthiaCindy]

Good Morning Teammates:

Yahoo! I have to thank everyone for the enthusiastic response. This is great! I have a call in to Disney to check the group rates. The woman that is organizing group travel for the Minnie was out of town last week. She's supposed to be back today. So hopefully I'll hear from her soon. I'm going to try to price rooms at different resorts, but I'm hearing from a lot of you that you're looking at a budget trip. So I am going to look at a big block of rooms at Pop Century. Maybe if we save money on rooms, we can use that money for some other fun things (like WISH meets).

I'm kind of thinking of a package similar to the Princess Package (the thing I don't think I can do is provide food/breakfast like Anthony Travel does). I would provide transportation to and from the expo, start and finish of the races (I was really surprised to see that Disney didn't do this). I could also provide transportation to and from the airport if needed, but a lot of people have said they like Magical Express so maybe that's not needed.

I want to talk to the Disney person to see if we can get some group rates for WISH meets too, and I'll get back to you on that. I'd like to do a WISHes cruise to see the fireworks. I mean what's better for the WISH meet than a WISHes cruise? That would probably be Saturday night to catch the most people. And I'm looking into some other things too.

What do people think about spa treatments? I'm curious how much interest there would be in having a block of time at a spa after the race?

When trying to convince my sister to do the Minnie, lots of words came out of my mouth - words like "deluxe" and "splurge." Also, the Sunday of the Minnie is evening EMH at MK and I know I told her that we could stay until 2 AM riding Splash Mountain over and over until the park closed, like we used to do when we were in high school, so I do need to stay on property. That being said, I think I would be in the minority in term of hotel choice, so if staying with everyone doesn't work out for me, I would still love to join in on some WISH meets. A Wishes cruise sounds great. I would also be up for a meet sometime Friday afternoon or early evening.

Although I would normally be all over a spa treatment, I probably will have to pass for this trip - I promised Dsis that we could spend Saturday and Sunday in the parks.

[Mouse Skywalker]

When trying to convince my sister to do the Minnie, lots of words came out of my mouth - words like "deluxe" and "splurge." Also, the Sunday of the Minnie is evening EMH at MK and I know I told her that we could stay until 2 AM riding Splash Mountain over and over until the park closed, like we used to do when we were in high school, so I do need to stay on property. That being said, I think I would be in the minority in term of hotel choice, so if staying with everyone doesn't work out for me, I would still love to join in on some WISH meets. A Wishes cruise sounds great. I would also be up for a meet sometime Friday afternoon or early evening.

Although I would normally be all over a spa treatment, I probably will have to pass for this trip - I promised Dsis that we could spend Saturday and Sunday in the parks.I'm still waiting to hear from Disney about on site group rates. I haven't really been blown away any by the rates I've been hearing from the off-site hotels. I'll keep everyone posted.

[Mouse Skywalker]

Hey Everyone: I still haven't been able to connect with the person at Disney that organizes the group travel for sports groups. However, I have a promising lead from the Hilton in Downtown Disney.

They are quoting me a group rate of $179/night for single/double occupancy (and it's $20 more if we have 3-4 people in the room). They are also willing to give a group rate of $219/night for a suite. There is also the possibility of getting complimentary tickets to Pleasure Island too, and they would offer 10% off spa services at the spa Saratoga Springs. You also get access to the Extra Magic Hours at the theme parks too. So while it's not on Disney property per se (she was telling me that officially they are on Disney Property) it seems pretty nice.

I'm curious what people think of this.

[chimera]

Hey Everyone: I still haven't been able to connect with the person at Disney that organizes the group travel for sports groups. However, I have a promising lead from the Hilton in Downtown Disney.

They are quoting me a group rate of $179/night for single/double occupancy (and it's $20 more if we have 3-4 people in the room). They are also willing to give a group rate of $219/night for a suite. There is also the possibility of getting complimentary tickets to Pleasure Island too, and they would offer 10% off spa services at the spa Saratoga Springs. You also get access to the Extra Magic Hours at the theme parks too. So while it's not on Disney property per se (she was telling me that officially they are on Disney Property) it seems pretty nice.

I'm curious what people think of this.

Doesn't seem like a great deal. I usually can get a moderate like POR for $125 or less with AP/AAA rate. I would think Pop would be even less.

The Hilton is nice...my parents stayed there last summer. Right across the street from Downtown Disney. Maybe they could do a bit better on the rate to get the business.

[princessrunner]

This seems a bit high to me also. I have POP for $130.75 (tax incl) for 5/1-5/5 preferred with no discounts. With my Disney Visa I get the discounts mentioned so I think a better deal can be had.

[Mouse Skywalker]

OK, I'll keep calling Disney to see what I can get there. All feedback is appreciated though - I'm really curious to hear what our WISHers want for the Minnie trip. Anthony Travel's rates are $89 for All Star Sports, $125 for Coronado Springs, and $245 for AKL. The Princess Package is only available if you get a room at AKL and is another ~$300 on top of the room rate.

ETA: I forgot to mention that I did call AAA earlier to get their rates. Here's what they quoted me:
Pop Century: Thurs 5/1 $84.15, Fri 5/2/Sat 5/3 $92.65, Sun 5/4 $84.15
Coronado Springs: Thurs $140.25, Fri/Sat $148.75, Sun $140.25
AKL: $247.50 for all nights.
I asked if AAA could do a group package for us, and they said that in order to do that every room would have to have a AAA memeber.

[CynthiaCindy]

Here are my thoughts.

The Hilton rate does seem a bit high. I find myself thinking that I don't want to spend that much and not stay in a real Disney hotel. Also thinking about my promise to Dsis to splurge and think I would rather splurge on things other than the hotel (especially since she is planning mad park time for this trip so we will never be in our room).

So, I am interested to see what you hear from Disney. However, I have another suggestion that might work if the group rates are not good enough or there aren't enough people for a group rate. You could just pick the hotel that would be the base hotel (from which transportation would be provided). I would probably recommend AS Sports - that way people could use whatever discount - Anthony Travel or AAA or AP - available to them and save the most money (to then be put towards more exciting things like a WISHes cruise!). I think the most valuable logistical service that you can offer people is the transportation to the races. The way I see it, the only other way to get to the race is either rent a car or do the Princess Package. Neither seems very appealing to me.

[princessrunner]

Bumping this to see if there is any progress.....:confused3

[Mouse Skywalker]

:sad2: Nothing, no progress... :sad2:

For some reason I can't get in touch with the person at Disney that I was told organizes the sports groups. Anyone else I call says I need to talk to this one person, and she doesn't return my calls. I was call 2x/day last week, and still I could never connect with her.

I don't know about this venture. I'm starting to question it right now. As much as I would love to make this happen, I've been running the numbers in my head, and I'm not sure if I can make it work. I have a free flight voucher to get down to Orlando that I was thinking of using, but with the cost of a room plus my meals I think it's going to be too expensive for me to do this. I was thinking I could get the van and split the costs up for that, but I can't do that for all my other expenses.

I'd say right now this idea is on hold... :sad2:

[Kristi1357]

Sorry this has been so diffcult for you, Dave.
I hate when people don't return calls!

Keep us posted on what you decide, ok?

[smileyk8]

I have literally just signed up for the minnie 15k (wa hey) and would love to know about any plans you guys make as well as hotel discount. We're travelling from the UK so like to be all booked up quite a bit in advance, but please keep us posted and thanks for all your hard work :goodvibes