Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend 2009 - WISH meet

[hungrygreenhippo]

Sorry I missed this question -- After the 5K, I go straight into the parks. After the half, though, I need a shower and a cool swim or soak (and change of clothes) before I'm park-ready. But I will definitely be in the parks afterwards -- Gotta wear that medal around, right????

And as far as the characters during the races -- I remember bands and stuff outside the parks, but I only remember charcters inside -- which sorta makes sense, as the Disneyland Half isn't confined to as much private Disney property as the WDW half is. (I mean no criticism -- that's just the way it is.)

Thanks for the reply! I sort of figured as much about the characters, but it never hurts to ask.

 

[WDWFAN9]

My goal this trip is to get a picture with a character that I recognize! Last year in DL I finally felt comfortable that I had time to spare (not much) as I came back into DCA towards the end of the race and I was determined to get a picture with the very first character I spotted (it would be my first in-race character picture ever), so, here comes a photo opportunity......with ......a rat. I assume it was one of the rats from Ratoutille (?), but I didn't recognize it and didn't want to ask the handler who it was. So the goal for this half is a picture with a character I know!!

 

[kirkson]

Will there be characters around after the race? I'm inclined not to stop for pics on the route, because I don't want to give up those precious seconds, but would love to get some pics post-race.

 

[WDWFAN9]

Will there be characters around after the race? I'm inclined not to stop for pics on the route, because I don't want to give up those precious seconds, but would love to get some pics post-race.

Hmm, I don't remember seeing any characters after the race, but don't hold me to that. After the inaugural in 2006 DH and I went to DCA and got our free 5x7 Disney Visa picture (with Chip and Dale), I'm not sure if that offer is still valid. It was in March in WDW, does anyone know?

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

My goal this trip is to get a picture with a character that I recognize! Last year in DL I finally felt comfortable that I had time to spare (not much) as I came back into DCA towards the end of the race and I was determined to get a picture with the very first character I spotted (it would be my first in-race character picture ever), so, here comes a photo opportunity......with ......a rat. I assume it was one of the rats from Ratoutille (?), but I didn't recognize it and didn't want to ask the handler who it was. So the goal for this half is a picture with a character I know!!

OMG! I love this one!

 

[hungrygreenhippo]

My goal this trip is to get a picture with a character that I recognize! Last year in DL I finally felt comfortable that I had time to spare (not much) as I came back into DCA towards the end of the race and I was determined to get a picture with the very first character I spotted (it would be my first in-race character picture ever), so, here comes a photo opportunity......with ......a rat. I assume it was one of the rats from Ratoutille (?), but I didn't recognize it and didn't want to ask the handler who it was. So the goal for this half is a picture with a character I know!!

LOL! So did you still go for the photo or not?

Hmm, I don't remember seeing any characters after the race, but don't hold me to that. After the inaugural in 2006 DH and I went to DCA and got our free 5x7 Disney Visa picture (with Chip and Dale), I'm not sure if that offer is still valid. It was in March in WDW, does anyone know?

Thanks for the reminder. I forgot they had this offer at DL too. According to the Disney Rewards site, it looks like the offer is still valid. I also noticed that they offer 10% off at select dining locations with the Disney Visa. That's great because I was planning on eating at Wine Country Trattoria the night before the 1/2.

 

[jeanneg]

LOL! So did you still go for the photo or not?



Thanks for the reminder. I forgot they had this offer at DL too. According to the Disney Rewards site, it looks like the offer is still valid. I also noticed that they offer 10% off at select dining locations with the Disney Visa. That's great because I was planning on eating at Wine Country Trattoria the night before the 1/2.

We were planning on eating there also, but my TA told us it was closed!

 

[jeanneg]

Ooops, I'm mistaken.......it's the Yineyard Room that has closed. The Trattoria is still open. Sorry 'bout that!

 

[karaeric]

Hi all. Question for those of you who have participated in this 1/2 before. What has the weather been like in the past? DH and I are trying to decide on sleeveless or short sleeve shirts. I've been training with sleeveless, so if I need to switch to short sleeve, I'm thinking I better do that now.

 

[WDWFAN9]

LOL! So did you still go for the photo or not?

Yes, I did stop. Hopefully this time I'll spot a character I actually know.

 

[jbucci]

It was pretty hot last year so I think if you are used to sleeveless it would be fine for this race.

Pat: good luck finding some characters you know... I'm doing the 5k with the sole goal of getting lots of photos, kind of run between characters and stop at any and all photo ops, I figure I'll get it out of my system so that I can focus more on my time for the 1/2-- trying for an overall pace of 12min miles for the half (not fast or grand, but would be great for me)

 

[WDWFAN9]

Hey Jen, I'm doing the 5K too.

Me and the rat. DL 2008 - my first in-race character picture.

 

[karaeric]

It was pretty hot last year so I think if you are used to sleeveless it would be fine for this race.

Perfect, thanks!!

 

[jeanneg]

Hey Jen, I'm doing the 5K too.

Me and the rat. DL 2008 - my first in-race character picture.

Mouse? Rat? What's the difference....they're both rodents!

 

[grizbuzz]

So where is the WISH meet. Tried to go through the thread but couldn't figure it out. We'll be traveling down on Friday from the Bay Area, but Saturday night sound good.

Thanks for filling me in on the details. I'll be doing the 1/2 DL for my first time this year.

-Jen G

 

[WDWFAN9]

The meets are Friday and Saturday nights at 7PM in DTD outside Jamba Juice. I'm probably only going to the Friday night one, but I hope to see you race morning!!

 

[ghoulishgirl]

So where is the WISH meet. Tried to go through the thread but couldn't figure it out. We'll be traveling down on Friday from the Bay Area, but Saturday night sound good.

Thanks for filling me in on the details. I'll be doing the 1/2 DL for my first time this year.

-Jen G

grizbuzz: I'm in San Jose, where are you?

 

[kirkson]

logistical question for any SoCal locals who have done the DLHM in years past. I'm not planning on staying in Anaheim the night before, so if I drive down in the AM, will I be able to park at M&F? typically it opens 1 hr prior to park opening, but obviously i'll need to be there many hours before park opening. I assume they'll open early for the HM, but I can't find any info on it. Any ideas?

 

[karaeric]

grizbuzz: I'm in San Jose, where are you?

Oooh, and we're in Sunnyvale...Fun! Anyone else flying down on Friday? Wondering if we'll be sharing a flight with any other WISHers.

 

[karaeric]

logistical question for any SoCal locals who have done the DLHM in years past. I'm not planning on staying in Anaheim the night before, so if I drive down in the AM, will I be able to park at M&F? typically it opens 1 hr prior to park opening, but obviously i'll need to be there many hours before park opening. I assume they'll open early for the HM, but I can't find any info on it. Any ideas?

I'm sure others will have more definitive information for you, but for the WDW 1/2 earlier this year, they sent out a PDF pamphlet before the race with all kinds of good info, like parking, when to get there, etc. But if you're not coming down until race day, how will you get your bib and such? Don't you need to go to the Expo on Friday or Saturday to pick up your race bib, tracking pod, and other goodies? Hopefully I'm not panicing you, I just really don't know the answer...I'm new to the DL Half too. I'm sure our fellow WISHers will help now that I've confused...