The Official Expedition Everest 2013 Thread

[Princess on the Run]

Logistically I don't know that this would be possible, but I wonder if they've ever considered the idea of spacing out the waves more. At the more obstacle/mud-type events, don't people actually sign up for specific times to start? If there were less people on the course at a time, Disney would have more ability to be creative with the obstacles and scavenger hunt clues.

Yes. Mud runs have waves because you couldn't possibly have thousands of people all starting at once and safely get people through the course. There is usually a limit to the number of people in each wave and they space them about 20 minutes apart so the groups can get partially through before the next ones come in. Slower people may slack to the back and be passed by later starters, but at least it helps prevent some of the back-up at obstacles or swarms of people clogging up the trails.

 

[jeanigor]

I've been trying to get my husband to do a race with me, and figured maybe, just MAYBE, I could convince him to the 5k/scavenger hunt..but I looked at the price! Holy Cow! More expensive than the ToT 10 miler, and only a little less than Wine and Dine!!! I'm a local, so usually just get 1 night of hotel, but still...is there anything to justify this cost? What's open in AK? I hate roller coasters, so I am thinking there is nothing in this to justify the price...

In 2012, Everest, Kali River Rapids, Dinosaur, Primeval Whirl. Maybe Triceratops spin?

There was a DJ and a dance party, too.

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

I've been trying to get my husband to do a race with me, and figured maybe, just MAYBE, I could convince him to the 5k/scavenger hunt..but I looked at the price! Holy Cow! More expensive than the ToT 10 miler, and only a little less than Wine and Dine!!! I'm a local, so usually just get 1 night of hotel, but still...is there anything to justify this cost? What's open in AK? I hate roller coasters, so I am thinking there is nothing in this to justify the price...

This was the reason I did this race. My other half always jokes that he would only run if someone was chasing him with a knife. Before I knew that actual races like that do exist, this seemed like the best option. He had fun other than the crowds. The entire time he kept asking how I could put up with this in all the Disney races, although I would say the crowding was a bit worse than any other Disney race. Last year, the 5th Anniversary medal and the opportunity for us to run a race together made the cost worth it, and I had fun for the most part. If your husband is interested, why not go for it and try it out. It may be the one race that starts his interest in running more. I am sure you can get a good deal on a hotel room. It definitely wasn't the busiest time at the parks.

 

[Syrreal]

My friend and I just did the Jingle Jungle 5K last week and are already plotting our turn for Everest! I'm hooked!

 

[EC0323]

We have done this race twice. We love it. We probably wont be able to do this year but I can hope. I noticed registration opens next week which is good news.

Did anyone notice that they added a pre race picnic this year? I thought that sounded cool until I saw what you get for the price: a sandwich, a drink, chips for 18. Not sure what I am missing. But that does not sound like a good deal to me.

Good luck to all that do it this year. It is fun! Yes it is crowded. But hey you are at Disney!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[GoofyMac]

Registration has just opened for passholders. Just so happens that this will be on day one of our vacation. I am going to register. Sounds like it will be great fun.

 

[Disneyland_emily]

I've run Everest the last 2 years but very much doubt I'll run it this year for price alone..

When I'm running 1/2s for less to much less than that and its close to the price of DISNEY 1/2s and ToT I'm out.. Add the fact when they added 5,000 more runners (+ spectators) it took the lines from walk-on to 30-40 min I'm really okay..

-em

 

[hungrygreenhippo]

We have done this race twice. We love it. We probably wont be able to do this year but I can hope. I noticed registration opens next week which is good news.

Did anyone notice that they added a pre race picnic this year? I thought that sounded cool until I saw what you get for the price: a sandwich, a drink, chips for 18. Not sure what I am missing. But that does not sound like a good deal to me.

Good luck to all that do it this year. It is fun! Yes it is crowded. But hey you are at Disney!!!!!!!!!!!

I didn't notice the pre race picnic until you mentioned it. Definitely doesn't seem worth it to me. Maybe if there was a special speaker (Jeff Galloway or the like) or some Disney characters then that would make it more appealing. But otherwise I could get more interesting food for $18 elsewhere at WDW.

 

[PrincessV]

I swear, I think they're using the 2013 EEC to determine just how much they can over-inflate costs and still get people to sign up! My son will be disappointed, but there is NO WAY I can afford $220 to register for a 5K.

 

[caitie86]

I think I will try this event. It is a little pricey but sounds like fun. I'm new at the 5K thing and am a little on the slower side. Hopefully that will change!! If anyone needs a teammate, I'm ready! I'll be good at the scavanger hunt part.

 

[SuperHappyFunTimes]

I went from being really excited about doing this with my husband and son to being on the fence due to the price. The price hike is even worse when you multiply it by three!

They do have a family mini run and scavanger hunt earlier in the day at a reasonable cost, but one of the big reasons I wanted to sign up was to entice my 13 year old son to run a 5k.

I guess I'll keep my eye on the registration stats and make a decision when it gets close...

 

[Princess on the Run]

I registered DH and I today and FINALLY booked the room. It was making me crazy to wait so long!!

 

[MamaCrush]

I ran this last year solo and had a blast. This year my DS13 will be joining me! My question is about how running as a team works. I believe since he's 13 he has to be part of a team according the registration form. But will we have to actually run together? I guarantee you he will want to leave me in the dust!

 

[ludari]

I'm still on the fence for EE. I ran it this year and had a great time and made a new friend at the race. I've even reserved a room for that weekend, however I am hoping my friends will be able to commit so I can sign up before it's too late.

 

[PrincessV]

I ran this last year solo and had a blast. This year my DS13 will be joining me! My question is about how running as a team works. I believe since he's 13 he has to be part of a team according the registration form. But will we have to actually run together? I guarantee you he will want to leave me in the dust!

There's nothing to keep you from running apart, but only one bib - the adult's - will have the timing chip attached; your team time will be based on that. Time is registered at the end of the 5K and then again at the finish line after the clue hunt. It's possible, too, that you won't be allowed to start the clue hunt with only one member of a team present. Last year's clue hunt start was so disorganized, though, I can't imagine anyone noticing whether a person was one member of a team or a solo runner.

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GAAAAAHHHH!!! Not registering is killing me! I feel like now we know the course, know what to expect from the whole thing, and would have so much fun going for a second stab at it. But it absolutely is not in the budget.

 

[DutchsMommy]

Was quite excited about this race, but in reviewing the cost and the commentary re: crowds and lack of coordination I may skip and look to the ToT race in the Fall.

 

[Sehsun]

Was quite excited about this race, but in reviewing the cost and the commentary re: crowds and lack of coordination I may skip and look to the ToT race in the Fall.

My thoughts exactly.

 

[SeanofStarCommand]

EEC just happens to fall during our stay celebrating my 30th birthday (and DGF's 35th... we are 4 years and 363 days apart ) I've expressed interest before so we took it as a sign. I'm glad my first 5k will be a Disney race. I understand the concerns about the price - I would never pay that much to run a 5k anywhere else - as well as concerns about overcrowding. We are doing it for the experience and are excited to share this experience with each other.

 

[Princess on the Run]

EEC just happens to fall during our stay celebrating my 30th birthday (and DGF's 35th... we are 4 years and 363 days apart ) I've expressed interest before so we took it as a sign. I'm glad my first 5k will be a Disney race. I understand the concerns about the price - I would never pay that much to run a 5k anywhere else - as well as concerns about overcrowding. We are doing it for the experience and are excited to share this experience with each other.

I agree. The price was more than I expected (not much less than I am paid for the Princess Half) but it's Disney and that makes it worth more so we're paying it and can't wait!! See you there!!

 

[SuperHappyFunTimes]

I decided not to get the Princess Dooney and Bourke purse I was saving for and put that money towards registering the whole family (except for the toddler!) for EE. I'm getting excited! My 13 year old son is less than enthused, but I think he'll love it when we're there. Yay!!