Disney's Endurance Series

[Picmac]

I just finished my first 1/2 marathon this past Sept (Philadelphia Distance Run) and my long term goal is to someday do the Disney marathon (if my body cooperates). It's not in the cards for this Jan, but maybe in '09. Anyhow, since I'll be down that way for a work conference and it will only cost me some vacation points I thought what the heck do the whole weekend thing and get a taste of the Disney races. This is all contingent on the fact that the conference thing doesn't get cancelled due to buget issues at work. Then on Sunday I'll move over to the conference hotel for the week.

Okay, so I have a couple questions about this event....

REGISTRATION: As a DVC member I know there is a $5 per application discount, right? Can you register online? I would really like to take advantage of the special park pass of $35.

RACE DAY(S): I originally was only going to do the WRTW on Sunday, but the more I read I'm thinking of the Go Red on Saturday also. The only way I am able to participate in this weekend is because I will be down for a conference starting Monday, May 5. So as I was researching the conference I came across these races and thought what the heck I was going to run the Broad Street 10 miler here in Philadelphia on that Sunday anyhow and then jump on the plane in the P.M. to get down to Florida, so why not go down early and do Disney races instead. For 5K's I usually run by myself, but longer races I run with a partner- you know to feel each other's pain... Well, how common is it for solo runners? A co-worker (guy) who will be down for the conference may come down early too and run on Sunday with me, but in case he doesn't make it I will be going solo.

LODGING: My home resort is SSR, but the 15K race begins at AKL. Should I see about getting a ressie at AKL since that is where the race begins because of the transportation issue? I understand there is no transportation available to the starting line, right? And then just take a taxi to the 5K start?

Can someone please answer my questions or provide clarification. Any lessons learned from previous experiences is always helpful.

thanks.

 

[wfloyd]

IOkay, so I have a couple questions about this event....

REGISTRATION: As a DVC member I know there is a $5 per application discount, right? Can you register online? I would really like to take advantage of the special park pass of $35.

RACE DAY(S): I originally was only going to do the WRTW on Sunday, but the more I read I'm thinking of the Go Red on Saturday also. The only way I am able to participate in this weekend is because I will be down for a conference starting Monday, May 5. So as I was researching the conference I came across these races and thought what the heck I was going to run the Broad Street 10 miler here in Philadelphia on that Sunday anyhow and then jump on the plane in the P.M. to get down to Florida, so why not go down early and do Disney races instead. For 5K's I usually run by myself, but longer races I run with a partner- you know to feel each other's pain... Well, how common is it for solo runners? A co-worker (guy) who will be down for the conference may come down early too and run on Sunday with me, but in case he doesn't make it I will be going solo.

LODGING: My home resort is SSR, but the 15K race begins at AKL. Should I see about getting a ressie at AKL since that is where the race begins because of the transportation issue? I understand there is no transportation available to the starting line, right? And then just take a taxi to the 5K start?

Can someone please answer my questions or provide clarification. Any lessons learned from previous experiences is always helpful.

thanks.

Registration - There is a discount for DVC but you can't get it online. There should be a form on www.disneyrunning.com that you can fill out to get the discount.

Race Day - There are several people that run by themselves. There will also be groups of Wishers that you can stay with if you want.

Lodging - The race actually starts in the parking lot of Animal Kingdom, not the lodge. They don't have any transportation to the start or finish so whereever you stay you will have to get a bus. That said, depending on the finish time you might be able to get the regular Disney transportation back to your resort.

Bill

 

[Picmac]

Thanks Bill.

I guess I have more questions...

The way I understand it is, is that there is NO Disney sponsored transportation to the start of any race that weekend, right? So, I will need a rental car either way then right? There should at least be transportation from Epcot back to the hotels by about 9am or so when the parks open right? I could 'hang' around after and wait for transportation if necessary. That being said- I guess it doesn't matter where I make ressies then.

As far as the special park ticket I am out of luck unless I forgo the DVC application and register online, right? The DVC is only a $5 discount anyhow, right? Is there any other advantage to signing up as a DVC member besides the $5 like DVC pins or anything....?

thanks

 

[wfloyd]

They will have busses going from Epcot to AK that morning for people who park at the finish and then busses going fom Epcot to AK at the end of the race for those that parked at AK. They may have busses if you book with Anthony Travel and get one of their packages Those can get expensive though.

Bill

 

[ultramickeymouse]

You could walk to the start from AKL to the start. I think it is about a mile BUT there are no sidewalks so you will have to be careful of traiffic. We walked on time from AK to AKL so just be careful as it will be dark out.

We took a taxi for the 5K from BWV to DTD(where it was this year) and was only $10 including tip. We will probably do that agin for the 5K unless we find a fellow WISHer staying at BWV. Mel was nice enough to give us a ride from BWV to EPCOT for the 15K. We than took Disney Race Transport Busses to AKL. Once done we just walked through EPCOT back to our room.

As for Special priced tickets, Disney's website states:

"Specially priced Theme Park Tickets are available to Disney's Minnie Marathon Weekend presented by Lady Foot Locker participants. For more information or to place an order visit www.AnthonyTravel.com or call (866) 913-7168."

So I would try that first. If not, I can give you an email address on where to contact someone.

Signing up using DVC app saves you $5 race fee difference plus the Active.com fees they charge on top of race registration. No other perks! We have saved $50 by using DVC apps over online reg plus probably another $15 in Active fees.