Any experience with running Disney/DCL combined?

[jenny_nichole]

I have plans to run a Disney half marathon sometime within the next year. (either Wine and Dine Half in November or the half marathon in January 2014)

We would love to combine the Disney half marathon trip with our first-time Disney cruise. (first time cruisers too)

We are looking at cruises before and after the runs. My dh is concerned that I will be too wiped out to enjoy the cruise if it's directly after. I'm concerned about cruising before the race because I'm sure that I will eat all sorts of things that wouldn't be considered proper pre-race fuel! Any thoughts/experience?

Has anyone completed a Disney run and boarded a ship in Port Canaveral in the same day?

I'm so super-excited just dreaming about a disney cruise!
Thanks for your input.
Jennifer

 

[disneyfaninaz]

I don't have any experience with running a half- marathon, but here's my humble opinion.

I would take the cruise after you run. First, you won't upset any routine you have to prepare for your run before the marathon. Secondly, the cruise is meant to be relaxing. Schedule yourself a massage, hang out by the pool just enjoy the ship. I can't think of a better way to recover from a half-marathon.

 

[n8nally]

I ran the Wine and Dine in Nov and participated in the after party at Epcot that night as well as hit Hollywood Studios the next day. So did my friend, who ran it as well. Go on the cruise after. You will be tired the day after the race, and possibly a little sore, but you will not be so wiped that a nap and some Advil won't fix you right up!

 

[aeasterling]

I've run 5 half marathons and one full. Recovery from a half isn't too bad. You'll probably be feeling pretty good after a few days. And the perfect way to help that recovery will be laying by the pool and getting a massage or two! You may not want to do any really active shore excursions, though, if that's something you are into.

I would not cruise before a race! You need to monitor your diet and stick to your taper training before the race, which would limit you on your cruise.

 

[carpenta]

I've seen alot of those "marathoners" after at WDW and for one there were alot of...hmmmm....how shall I say it? not the ideal body structure for a runner, or a walker at that. They send around the crash cart towards the end of the "race" and collect all those who stagger home. It is no N.Y. marathon and I'm sure if you run at all you will be a little sore but just shake it off the next day IN THE HOT TUB ON THE SHIP.

 

[boogabuzz]

I've done a half and think a cruise would be the perfect way to celebrate after. You may be a little soar, but nothing a few "drink of the day's" couldn't fix.

 

[mmouse37]

I have plans to run a Disney half marathon sometime within the next year. (either Wine and Dine Half in November or the half marathon in January 2014)

We would love to combine the Disney half marathon trip with our first-time Disney cruise. (first time cruisers too)

We are looking at cruises before and after the runs. My dh is concerned that I will be too wiped out to enjoy the cruise if it's directly after. I'm concerned about cruising before the race because I'm sure that I will eat all sorts of things that wouldn't be considered proper pre-race fuel! Any thoughts/experience?

Has anyone completed a Disney run and boarded a ship in Port Canaveral in the same day?

I'm so super-excited just dreaming about a disney cruise!
Thanks for your input.
Jennifer

Not me personally, but this past February on the Dream our tablemate ran the Princess 1/2 marathon that morning. She was a bit tired at dinner but other than that she said it was fine. The rest of the cruise she had a ball. When they finished the marathon they headed over to the port and got on the cruise. I think the marathon was over by 9:00 am or so...it was pretty early.

MJ

 

[molly mouse]

I did the half in January and went straight to the port and jumped on the Fantasy. Also did the Princess half in February and got on the Dream right after.

I think I've found a very expensive habit.

I highly recommend getting a rainforest room pass. Those heated loungers are great after a race!

 

[jenny_nichole]

Awww, thanks everyone for your input.

Congrats to those of you who have done the half marathons! I want to do at least one and I couldn't think of a better way to do it, than at Disney!

Molly - I would love to pick up your habit too! From all that I've read on here - our family is going to love DCL!

Thanks again!
Jennifer

 

[Aggie00]

I've seen alot of those "marathoners" after at WDW and for one there were alot of...hmmmm....how shall I say it? not the ideal body structure for a runner, or a walker at that. They send around the crash cart towards the end of the "race" and collect all those who stagger home. It is no N.Y. marathon and I'm sure if you run at all you will be a little sore but just shake it off the next day IN THE HOT TUB ON THE SHIP.

At least those who are "not the ideal" body structure are out there trying! I ran my first half in January in WDW and will try it again at Disneyland on 9/1!

I would cruise after the run! The first runners leave at 5:30 AM, so you'll have time to get to the port. Good luck!

 

[HealthyDisneyGuide]

I've seen alot of those "marathoners" after at WDW and for one there were alot of...hmmmm....how shall I say it? not the ideal body structure for a runner, or a walker at that.

Whoa! When was the last time you ran or walked for 13.1 or 26.2 miles?

 

[HealthyDisneyGuide]

I have plans to run a Disney half marathon sometime within the next year. (either Wine and Dine Half in November or the half marathon in January 2014)

We would love to combine the Disney half marathon trip with our first-time Disney cruise. (first time cruisers too)

Cruise after your race. You will likely be a little sore & stiff for the next day, but it won't matter so much on the ship. I've run 9 half marathons and 1 full marathon, the first time was the hardest in terms of recovery.

The two races you mentioned are a little different situations. With the Wine & Dine half (I've run all three!) you'll start the race at 10-10:30 PM on 11/19/13 and then the party at Epcot goes on until 4 AM. There's a 3 night sailing on the Dream and a 5 night sailing on the Magic that leave on 11/10. You could get out to Port Canaveral in time, if you use Disney transfers, they generally leave WDW around 11:30-12. Heck, DH & I made an 8 AM flight home after closing down the Tower of Terror 10-miler after party at 3 AM last year.

The January half marathon will be on January 11. Even if your corral doesn't start until close to 6 AM and you take 3 hours to finish, you'll be done at 9 AM. You might be pushing it to get a Disney transfer to the port, but you could definitely be there before 1 or 2 PM for the 7 night sailing on the Fantasy. Or you could give yourself some time to enjoy wearing your medal around the parks and take the 1/12 4 night on the Dream or the 1/13 4 night on the Magic.

 

[Dug720]

I've seen alot of those "marathoners" after at WDW and for one there were alot of...hmmmm....how shall I say it? not the ideal body structure for a runner, or a walker at that. They send around the crash cart towards the end of the "race" and collect all those who stagger home. It is no N.Y. marathon and I'm sure if you run at all you will be a little sore but just shake it off the next day IN THE HOT TUB ON THE SHIP.

Runners of ALL abilities come in all shapes and sizes.

Now, training? Yes, that varies greatly. And there are some who don't bother to train because even if they're swept, for better or worse, they will get a finisher's medal.

But if you've trained properly, yes you'll be a little sore, but nothing that should ruin a cruise.

 

[figment795]

DH and I did that and loved it. We did the 1/2 marathon 2013 and was picked up at mile 8. It was our fist one and we were happy just trying to finish. Not bad due to the fact I had an unexpected surgery the week before. Left the next day for a 4 night cruise. DH and I are training for the Tower of terror 10 mile for 2014. Going to do a cruise as well

 

[binab]

I think it would be easier to do the Wine and Dine since it is a night race and you have a few more hours of post race recovery time. I'm just thinking of how much you might stiffen up on the bus between DW and the ship. After about 6 hours of sleep, I spent the day after the W&D with my daughter at Magic Kingdom. We had already been at DW for a week... I was moving a lot slower than prerace, but it wasn't too bad. Either way, I would definitely do cruise after run and not before.

I'm a fluffy runner and trained for many months, my only goal was to finish and not be swept. Mission accomplished and I am now signed up for a local half at the end of March. Not as sure about it because it is a morning run. I really think the cover of darkness made the W&D one go by much faster.