1/2 marathon rookie with questions...

[Disney G Dog]

This is my first post on this board and I have a lot of questions about the 1/2 marathon.
#1. I'm staying at the Royal Plaza near Downtown Disney. I assume I'll need to drive to Epcot since it's not a "full fledged" Disney resort. If so, what time do you suggest on arriving. I'm not one of those last minute people...I like to take my time. Or is there bus service for the Mini from that hotel?
#2. When should I go to Wide World of Sports to get my packet? Is there a good time or bad time to go do that?
#3. I see we get a camera and via YouTube, I see there are some photo ops along the route. Should I get a fanny pack and carry the camera or my cell phone for pix?
#4. Any other helpful hints would be appreciated...I do the Indy 500 mini, the Geist mini (outside Indy), the Indy mini, and the Indy Monumental mini. I have a routine for each of these races but I'm kinda going into this thing blind. Thanks for all your help and suggestions!

 

[fashionista311]

1. i've never stayed off-site before, but we always drive from port orleans to expot and it's never more than a 15-minute drive. as it gets closer, disney will post road closures (if they havent already) and you can figure it out from there

#2. earlier the better! the longer you wait, the more merch is sold out and the larger the crowds get (this is true for ANY race)

#3. yes, there are characters on the way with photo opps. i personally don't stop and wait for the lines, because once i stop running i find it challenging to start up again..but i know alot of people on here will tell they do stop for the photos and enjoy it immensely. in general, always run with my phone on me, especially in race when i'm meeting others, and esp in a race as larger as disney! there are alot of options for race packs to look into, including spibelts and fuelbelt number belts.

#4. if you're meeting others in your party and they are @ different paces - i like to sign myself up for everyone on the athlete tracking. i'm usually the first to cross, and then my dad will come in about a half hour after me, and my mom will come in another 45 mins or so after him - so it was really helpful to know where exactly everyone was on the course while i was waiting. also, be prepared for any weather - it's florida, so it could be 35 degrees at the start, or 85 degrees.

have fun!

 

[stampingoddess]

First, as a "veteran" having done either the half, full, or Goofy challenge for the past 11 years I would agree with most of the the previsous poster said:

1. You definately need to drive yourself to the start and you'll want to give yourself lots of extra time. The first time we came down we stayed just off property-about 15 minutes to get to the parks, but it took us over an hour to get into the parking lot at Epcot. Hubby had to literally run to his starting corral (being a back of the packer, I didn't worry about)

2. If you want to get official merchandise you'll definately want to hit the expo as soon into your trip as possible. Things sell out quickly!

3. If you are coming to the race hoping to get a good time, don't bother with a camera because the lines can get long. On the other hand if you are planning to do the race and have a good time, definately bring a camera and stop for the many photo opps that are on the course (this is what we do!)

Good luck and have fun

Colleen
www.walkincolleen.com

 

[jmasgat]

One comment about the camera...it is a Kodak disposable film camera. So it's not the smallest thing to want to lug around and operate easily. If you really want pictures, and have a small point and shoot, I would suggest you bring that.

Since you are a veteran racer, you probably have your pre-race routine set for eating, clothing, etc. At Disney, it will be pretty much the same. As we get closer to the race, there will be info posted on this board about pre-race meets on Friday and where to spot people before the race (Usually at the "W" reunion spot and also near the entrance to the corrals)

Have a great time at the race.

Maura

 

[stampingoddess]

I would defiantely agree about the camera. The freebies you get are big and clunky, plus if you're anything like me I would never get around to having film developed. Instead I bring a nice thin digital camera and that way I can take a ton of pictures and only print out the ones that are really good (I always get several duds from along the course)

 

[Disney G Dog]

My sis-in-law got me on this website and it's wonderful. Thanx so much for all your ideas. And please, if anyone else has some good thoughts, please put 'em on here. I'm a Disney nut and a racewalking fanatic. I've been semi-serious for about four years and this is kind of my "dream race". I'm not looking for a PR, just to have a good time and soak in all the sights and sounds. I got on YouTube and saw a couple videos of the start and the course. It's got me pumped up to keep in race shape and have fun. I look forward to seeing everyone at the race and experiencing the Disney Magic.

 

[stampingoddess]

My sis-in-law got me on this website and it's wonderful. Thanx so much for all your ideas. And please, if anyone else has some good thoughts, please put 'em on here. I'm a Disney nut and a racewalking fanatic. I've been semi-serious for about four years and this is kind of my "dream race". I'm not looking for a PR, just to have a good time and soak in all the sights and sounds. I got on YouTube and saw a couple videos of the start and the course. It's got me pumped up to keep in race shape and have fun. I look forward to seeing everyone at the race and experiencing the Disney Magic.

I'm also a big walker- as you can see from my siganture line in 2011, I'm going to walk a half marathon each and every month. I'm also a big disney fan and did all of the endurance races last year- Half, Full, Goofy, Princess, Disneyland, and Wine & Dine. In addition, I have done either the half or the full in Janaury for the past 11 years so if you have any other walking Disney races related questions, feel free to drop me an email (colleenlaux@yahoo.com)!