DVC and RunDisney- Experiences? Feedback?

[pangyal]

Hello fellow runners!

As new DVC members, we were super excited to learn that we get a two-week jump on registration. We are looking at trying for Wine & Dine for next year.

A few questions:

-Do they block off a certain # of entries for DVC/ AP holders, and then release more for everyone else two weeks later? Or if people from DVC and AP group take all entries, is there nothing left for others when the general entry opens?
-Which races are the fastest to sell out?
-Do you have any experience with the on-course entertainment, after parties, etc.? Apparently you have to pay for the after parties? I haven't experienced that before.

Thanks in advance !

 

[Simba's Mom]

Although DH has run the F&W before, this is the first year he even knew about the two week advance on registration. What we can't determine is where you register? I went to the DVC Members' website and there was nothing there. And there is nothing on the rundisney webpage about it. So to us, the advanced DVC registration is a big secret. Will some link magically appear on the Members' website on April 14th? DH only knows about the date because of what we've read here. Anyways, in answer to your question about the after-party, we went to the one in 2011 after the F&W half-marathon. The first couple hours weren't bad, but then it started to get PACKED! Even though it was supposed to be a 3 hour after-party, we left after 2 1/2 because of the crowds. However, there were several Disney "suits" walking around with clipboards in deep discussion, so perhaps there've been some changes. And as far as # of entries, from what I understand, only 10% (or so) of the race is available for the pre-entry. When it closes, you can still take your chances on the general date.

 

[pangyal]

Although DH has run the F&W before, this is the first year he even knew about the two week advance on registration. What we can't determine is where you register? I went to the DVC Members' website and there was nothing there. And there is nothing on the rundisney webpage about it. So to us, the advanced DVC registration is a big secret. Will some link magically appear on the Members' website on April 14th? DH only knows about the date because of what we've read here. Anyways, in answer to your question about the after-party, we went to the one in 2011 after the F&W half-marathon. The first couple hours weren't bad, but then it started to get PACKED! Even though it was supposed to be a 3 hour after-party, we left after 2 1/2 because of the crowds. However, there were several Disney "suits" walking around with clipboards in deep discussion, so perhaps there've been some changes. And as far as # of entries, from what I understand, only 10% (or so) of the race is available for the pre-entry. When it closes, you can still take your chances on the general date.

Actually someone at MS told me that they do activate the link when registration opens .

So your hubby had to pay for the after party? I've never run a race where it's not included, but maybe we are talking about different things. For me, the after party is right after the chute, where you get some food, a goody bag, maybe a DJ and an area to stroll around and do stuff like eat samples and see entertainment or photo booths, etc...

 

[MinnieMouse100]

This year I logged on about an hour after DVC presale started and it was already sold out. general public sold out in 30 minutes for W&D this year. I got in but DH did not (luckily he got in with a charity team). So I would definately suggest getting online the second the race you want goes on sale to register. Also the after party is included in your race fee, extra tickets are available for purchase for individuals not running

 

[ludari]

Hello fellow runners!

As new DVC members, we were super excited to learn that we get a two-week jump on registration. We are looking at trying for Wine & Dine for next year.

A few questions:

-Do they block off a certain # of entries for DVC/ AP holders, and then release more for everyone else two weeks later? Or if people from DVC and AP group take all entries, is there nothing left for others when the general entry opens?
-Which races are the fastest to sell out?
-Do you have any experience with the on-course entertainment, after parties, etc.? Apparently you have to pay for the after parties? I haven't experienced that before.

Thanks in advance !

I'm a DVC owner and participated in countless runDisney events.

-Yes, runDisney will block off a certain number of entries for DVC/AP holders. In two weeks runDisney will release more entries to everyone else (DVC and AP will not take all entries).
-This is a difficult one to answers because all races seem to sell out within an hour or less when they open to the general public. I feel confident in saying that the special challenges for the various races (pixie dust challenge, dopey challenge, glass slipper challenge, rebel challenge, etc.) sell out first.
-The on-course entertainment is great for all the various races and my favorites are at Disneyland races because it's a mix of both Disney and the community entertainment. The pre-race meets such as pasta in the parks don't seem like a great value to me for what you get. I do like the race retreat offered during marathon weekend at WDW and what you get is well worth it IMHO.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Actually someone at MS told me that they do activate the link when registration opens .

So your hubby had to pay for the after party? I've never run a race where it's not included, but maybe we are talking about different things. For me, the after party is right after the chute, where you get some food, a goody bag, maybe a DJ and an area to stroll around and do stuff like eat samples and see entertainment or photo booths, etc...

So by "activate" does that mean, it's normal that I can't find anything now, but it will "magically" appear on the 14th? it seems funny that there's not even any mention of it that I can find.
As far as paying for the after-party, we can't remember whether he paid, or if it was included, but we THINK it was included. I had to pay to go with him, however. It was around $80 for me, and I picked up my ticket (or wristband) at check-in. Also, we each got a coupon for $10 worth of food at the booth(s). I don't remember any photo pass photographers at the after party, but I do remember characters-

 

[tjkraz]

The DVC website has a permanent runDisney information page under Membership Magic / Special Offers. (You can also type "rundisney" in the search box and it will offer a link to the proper page.)

It currently displays 7 scheduled events for which DVC members had or will have early registration privileges. The next registration window begins on April 14.

That page also has a link to the DVC runDisney registration page which is not currently active for any future event. It will go live when registrations windows begin and stop functioning when all of the early registration slots are gone.

The number of early registrations for each event is limited. Typically the longer races (marathon, half marathon) tend to fill up quicker than shorter races (5k). Some will fill their early registration allotment within an hour or two.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I finally found it. Thanks!

 

[pangyal]

I'm a DVC owner and participated in countless runDisney events.

-Yes, runDisney will block off a certain number of entries for DVC/AP holders. In two weeks runDisney will release more entries to everyone else (DVC and AP will not take all entries).
-This is a difficult one to answers because all races seem to sell out within an hour or less when they open to the general public. I feel confident in saying that the special challenges for the various races (pixie dust challenge, dopey challenge, glass slipper challenge, rebel challenge, etc.) sell out first.
-The on-course entertainment is great for all the various races and my favorites are at Disneyland races because it's a mix of both Disney and the community entertainment. The pre-race meets such as pasta in the parks don't seem like a great value to me for what you get. I do like the race retreat offered during marathon weekend at WDW and what you get is well worth it IMHO.

I'm never one for the pre-race pasta dinners and such either. It's great to know that the special challengs sell out first, as I like the straight up one-shot deals !

Which WDW races have you guys done and which were your favourites, and why ?

 

[pangyal]

So by "activate" does that mean, it's normal that I can't find anything now, but it will "magically" appear on the 14th? it seems funny that there's not even any mention of it that I can find.
As far as paying for the after-party, we can't remember whether he paid, or if it was included, but we THINK it was included. I had to pay to go with him, however. It was around $80 for me, and I picked up my ticket (or wristband) at check-in. Also, we each got a coupon for $10 worth of food at the booth(s). I don't remember any photo pass photographers at the after party, but I do remember characters-

What a great picture!

 

[ludari]

I'm never one for the pre-race pasta dinners and such either. It's great to know that the special challengs sell out first, as I like the straight up one-shot deals !

Which WDW races have you guys done and which were your favourites, and why ?

I've done every single race at WDW and DLR. Picking a favorite race at WDW is tough and in order would my selections would be;

1. Tower of Terror 10-miler. (Villains and it's an evening race which I prefer... I sure hope runDisney brings it back).
2. Marathon Week. (Finishing the Dopey Challenge is something I've very proud of).
3. Expedition Everest Challenge. (I enjoy that it's an evening race and includes a scavenger hunt. Plus it's only a 5K so you have lots of energy to enjoy the park after the race).
4. Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend. (Evening race plus food and drinks at the end, nothing wrong with that).
5. Princess Half Marathon Weekend. (My least favorite but don't get me wrong it's a great race but it's targeted towards women so if you want to be in a race with a sea of women this race is for you).

 

[pangyal]

I've done every single race at WDW and DLR. Picking a favorite race at WDW is tough and in order would my selections would be;

1. Tower of Terror 10-miler. (Villains and it's an evening race which I prefer... I sure hope runDisney brings it back).
2. Marathon Week. (Finishing the Dopey Challenge is something I've very proud of).
3. Expedition Everest Challenge. (I enjoy that it's an evening race and includes a scavenger hunt. Plus it's only a 5K so you have lots of energy to enjoy the park after the race).
4. Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend. (Evening race plus food and drinks at the end, nothing wrong with that).
5. Princess Half Marathon Weekend. (My least favorite but don't get me wrong it's a great race but it's targeted towards women so if you want to be in a race with a sea of women this race is for you).

I can't believe you did the Dopey! Way to go! I am DONE after a full.

Thanks for the feedback on the races. It seems like Wine and Dine would be the best one, as we could check out F&W as well!