We are running our first Dopey! So more questions on runner experiences
I have done rundisney before, but never stayed club level for a full race weekend. We did the poly club the week after the race in 2024, but wanted to hear if clubs did anything different during the actual race weekends for runners or spectators.
Yay - first Dopey!
My CL runD experience... it varies. You see some variability from resort to resort/CL to CL as to if they even acknowledge there's a race going on or not. I think it's one of those things that's left to the individual resort GM/manager level. Generally speaking I wouldn't expect anything out of the ordinary in terms of CL. CR CL has typically put out bananas/bagels/water bottles overnight to grab the AM, although unlike GDT it has a lounge that's always open. I think if I'm not mistaken they had the kids pasta out the night before the marathon for those looking for carbs. Some CMs know there's a race occurring and it becomes a topic of conversation over the course of a stay, others have no clue. Some will just be concerned with any traffic possibly impacting their commute. Sometimes I've had a 'congratulations' treat left in the room on Sunday, sometimes nothing.
So to manage expectations, I wouldn't expect anything 'different' from CL.
Where I do find benefit in CL over a race weekend (particularly a Dopey attempt) is that you usually find another runner or two that you start to run into in the lounge, you can swap stories/pleasantries of your race experiences, etc. Bonding in shared misery and sleep deprivation.
Some people are park commandoes and runners during a weekend and others are on a more relaxed pace, so the lounge can come in handy, in my opinion. I love a good CL breakfast after the 5 and 10k as you'll be back in time. Plus I appreciate the constant access to water. Also CL can be great for grabbing any food items you may want each morning (consider bringing ziplock bags for bagels), bananas, etc.
CSR is a nice central spot on WDW grounds - short ride to WWoS for the Expo and to Epcot in the AM. It's a hard one for a bus driver to get lost heading to Epcot (don't laugh, it happens).
Sorry for the ramble. Hope you have a great Dopey weekend.
