Disneyland during the Half (Labor Day)

[getnthinr]

OK, so they are giving a special medal to those who do the Disneyland Half this year and one of the WDW races (I'm a bit hazy on the details -- it was the lure of an extra medal that hooked me).

Sooooo... suddenly I'm rethinking my once-in-a-lifetime Disneyland visit for the inaugural race. If (and it's a huge IF) I go this time, I'm taking my kids. We'd only be gone for the time they are out of school (a long weekend) but I keep thinking if I wait for a time they can go for longer (since my older kids now have summer jobs, and school, and all their swim meets), they'll be grown before we make the trip. (My guess is we'd never make it.)

The question: Any of you who went last year for the Disneyland half, how dreadfully crowded did you find the parks? A race is a race, so I'm not concerned for myself, but the kids would be focused on getting to ride as much as possible. Do they have extended hours? Anything special going on? Would RideMax scheduling help?

Any info greatly appreciated.

 

[Hey Mickey]

How did I miss the special medal news? Oh, wait, I just got back from WDW and haven't played catch up yet...

okay, so I did the inaugural one as a once in a lifetime one too -- and am now talking about going this year for the third straight year. Can you say "addict?"

My 9-year old son is standing here and verifies that it was not bad at all. The only thing out of control was the line for Nemo (the renovated 20,000 Leagues submarine ride) which was *never* under an hour while we were there. We had plenty of time to get on every ride multiple times. I was worried about the crowds with the holiday weekend, but it really was not bad -- certainly better than yesterday at the Magic Kingdom (was it really just yesterday?) with all the cheerleaders arriving and the long weekend starting.

I don't know about anything special, but I do know that when you buy your multi-day tickets, you get one early opening day where you get in an hour earlier, and that worked out nicely.

Can't wait to see you out there!

Erica

 

[getnthinr]

Thanks, Erica! You're the best!

 

[Lexxiefern]

Hey Wendy! I so want to go again this year!! I went this past year and the parks were busy over the weekend, but slowed down after the race. But we were able to got on most everything (except Nemo). I am trying to figure out a way to convince DH to go again.

What do you think the special medal could be??????


Becky

 

[disneybelle]

I so want to do this once I heard about the special nedal at the expo. I did the 5K and Goofy and would love to have the Castle medal. DH is against it, but I was thinking I could make a quick solo trip with my Southest Rapid Reward ticket and find a cheap hotel room (maybe with a bunk mate).

 

[getnthinr]

Darcey, for the inaugural year I flew out alone and spent a couple of extra days -- and really did everything I wanted to do at Disneyland as well as going to Universal for the day. It was a fabulous trip, but I had a pretty rigid plan of attack (dining reservations, a ride schedule for each day, and some extras that I could afford to do for one that I could not hope to do for all five of us [now my husband is considering going as well -- I'm keeping my fingers crossed]). That was before it was moved to Labor Day weekend, though. It's going to cost a lot to fly from NC to CA -- and if the kids can't ride because the parks are packed, it's just too much money to spend. I'm hoping the crowds are bearable. We are always prepared to hit the parks at the crack of dawn, so hopefully they'll have a good time. For my teens, going to CA has been a longtime dream. Doing it for their 16th birthday seems like as good a time as any. The clock is ticking on the time we'll all share the same home... My birds will have flown the coup before long!

Becky, I can't imagine what they are planning. Three medals in one trip (5K, Half + special) seems like a pretty good plan to me though!

 

[mkymsehi]

Last year was really hot, where the year before it was cooler.

No extra hours that I can remember. Disneyland park gets crowded, but CA Adventure not so crowded.

I learned of the extra medal at the WDW expo. The cast member we spoke to said as long as you finish either the half or full in Florida, and then FINISH the half in California, their records will reflect you earn the special additional medal.

See, we had already gotten our registration confirmation for Disneyland before heading to Florida, and were concerned that we need to check a box, or write in that we were doing both Florida and California.

The cast member said "no worries, we'll have everyone's info." I laughed, and said it was yet another way to entice us Disney running nuts to plan another trip for the additional bling.

By the way, she said the special medal design is another secret, to be revealed at the finish line. (We're all suckers, LOL).

 

[mkymsehi]

Mooshu was just at Disneyland Sunday and Monday (5/18-5/19/08).

She said the weather was hovering about 100 degrees. So for those who ran the half marathon last year, prepare yourself for the same stifiling heat.

 

[sramille]

I am going to try to train more in the heat this year. I live in AZ and I was still completely unprepared for last years DL half weather!

I'm hoping that we'll get lucky this year....my first half was WDW '06 which was freezing, my second was '07 DL which was HOT....maybe my third will be perfect?????

As far as the crowds at DL over Labor Day...I didn't really have any problems. I saw the Nemo line and decided against it. Other than that, I do a lot of fastpasses and single rider lines. Rode Haunted Mansion and Pirates several times with little wait to get out of the heat.

 

[mkymsehi]

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1880864

Bumping Disneyland 5K and Half Marathon WISH meet thread

 

[mkymsehi]

As of 7/21/08 41 days to the 5K and 42 days to the Half.

 

[mkymsehi]

As of 8/5/08 25 days to the 5K and 26 days to the Half Marathon.

 

[mkymsehi]

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1699560

If you haven't added your name to those attending the 5K or half, go to the above link.

 

[mkymsehi]

Special Edition​

DISNEY'S COAST TO COAST RACE CHALLENGE

Congratulations JEFF! By finishing the 2008 Walt Disney World® Marathon or Half Marathon and signing up to run the 2008 Disneyland® Half Marathon, you are confirmed to be eligible for Disney's Coast to Coast Race Challenge. Following is important information on how to obtain your special medal upon successfully completing the 2008 Disneyland® Half Marathon.
When picking up your race number and packet at the Disneyland® Health & Fitness Expo, you will receive a wristband that you must wear until you finish the Disneyland® Half Marathon. After you cross the finish line you will receive your half marathon finisher medal and then you will exchange your wristband for your special Disney’s Coast to Coast Race Challenge medal. Volunteers will be on hand to help direct you.​

Thank you for taking on Disney's Coast to Coast Race Challenge! We look forward to seeing you at the finish line where your special medal awaits! For a sneak peak at the medal, stop by the Disneyland® Half Marathon booth at the Expo!