5k sold out?? What is the deal?

[allaboutthemouse]

Was browsing onboard activities for our Wonder cruise next month, and saw that you can now sign up for the 5k in advance? Is this new? I have done it twice before on the Dream and we just signed up when we got on board...are they trying to make you think since it is “sold out” in advance that now your only option is the $60 premium package to participate?? (which I believe is new as well?).
TIA

 

[MomOTwins]

I saw on Scott's blog that on at least one sailing, it is already sold out. Nobody is really sure what that means though. I guess I could understand why they want to cap attendance if it is really popular; probably helps them figure out how much staff they need for checking in, how many medals to give out etc.

 

[ironz]

Oh, wow-- I'd love to see a screenshot of this $60 "enhanced" package for the 5k.
I do feel like they are having greater attendance at the 5k-- on the WBPC last year, there were about 400 runners or so. On one hand, I can see that they may need to cap the entries (on our last cruise on the Magic, there were huge delays debarking, then had to wait forever to start, then they ran out of cups for water by the time I had finished the first time through the loop part of the course).
But $60? There better be a NICE t-shirt and medal for that, as well as dedicated early debarking and not having to wait for the other 300 people running to wander off the ship.
It does seem like this activity has been in a state of flux-- I heard the course had changed, but it was back to the 'old' course this past November. I like being able to sign up early and get your bib ahead of time, but did not like debarking with the masses.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Oh, wow-- I'd love to see a screenshot of this $60 "enhanced" package for the 5k.

Right here: https://disneycruiselineblog.com/20...try-premium-package-available-to-book-online/
Includes a hat, string bag and water bottle.

 

[ironz]

Right here: https://disneycruiselineblog.com/20...try-premium-package-available-to-book-online/
Includes a hat, string bag and water bottle.

Thanks-- Honestly, I'm not surprised they're starting to monetize it, but those are not the items I would pay extra for.
As in my previous post-- if one is going to pay, they ought to expect to get off the ship before the masses (so the run can start in a timely fashion) and have adequate cups at the water stop. (It was just not the same experience this last time we did it i November, compared to the 3 other times we did it-- might have just been disorganization on the part of cruise staff).

I did like the blog comment that suggested a paid option would include a post-race breakfast on the island. I might pay a little extra for that.