Full Marathon=$135, 1/2=$135 so why are only the full finishers getting a free tix?

[momof2minnies]

Just thought I would ask.I thought it was awesome the way they gave all participants of EE a free park ticket.

So why the difference I wonder? If we pay the same fee.If it has to do with the feeling of accomplishing something great the 1/2 marathon is that for alot of people.

Just my 2 cents.Any other thoughts?

Linda

 

[FireDancer]

I think it comes down to supply and demand. While both races have taken a registration hit this year I suspect that they have way lower then normal numbers for the full so they did this to stimulate registration. I also have a feeling that as we get closer to the race they may extend the offer to half runners if the race isn't selling but I wouldn't assume anything. Not saying it is right but it is probably the motivation.

Allears has a good blog post about the 2011 race and their lagging registration.

 

[es45]

Just thought I would ask.I thought it was awesome the way they gave all participants of EE a free park ticket.

So why the difference I wonder? If we pay the same fee.If it has to do with the feeling of accomplishing something great the 1/2 marathon is that for alot of people.

Just my 2 cents.Any other thoughts?

Linda

I wondered the same thing....

 

[bunnyfoo]

I think it comes down to supply and demand. While both races have taken a registration hit this year I suspect that they have way lower then normal numbers for the full so they did this to stimulate registration. I also have a feeling that as we get closer to the race they may extend the offer to half runners if the race isn't selling but I wouldn't assume anything. Not saying it is right but it is probably the motivation.

Allears has a good blog post about the 2011 race and their lagging registration.

I've noticed that as well - doesn't the half usually sell out by April or May. I'm planning on registering for the full but am holding onto my money for as long as I can.

 

[FireDancer]

I've noticed that as well - doesn't the half usually sell out by April or May. I'm planning on registering for the full but am holding onto my money for as long as I can.

It has in the past but last year they added more spots so it opened back up. I suspect that had they had as many spots open as now it wouldn't have sold out so early but it would have still sold better.

I just signed up for the full today so no backing down now.

 

[escape]

Frank, thanks for posting the blog link. Much of what was said applies to me.

I have participated in the last 4 marathon weekends (2007-2010). The airfare for January is $400+. I'm thinking of particpating in the WnD in October. I can't do/afford both....as much as I would like to do so. I'll probably be back for the 15th anniversary of the Donald in 2012 if Disney does something special for it (i.e - medal). Nothing was done for the 10th anniversary but I suspect the 15th will be different. I then plan to come back in 2013 for the 20th anniversary of the Mickey. So, it only makes sense for me to stay away for 2011.

As to the topic of this thread (sorry, OP! ). I agree! $135 is an awful lot of money to put out and not get a free ticket like the full participants do. I understand the incentive to get people to sign up but the half shouldn't cost as much as the full does to begin with!

 

[FireDancer]

Frank, thanks for posting the blog link. Much of what was said applies to me.

I have participated in the last 4 marathon weekends (2007-2010). The airfare for January is $400+. I'm thinking of particpating in the WnD in October. I can't do/afford both....as much as I would like to do so. I'll probably be back for the 15th anniversary of the Donald in 2012 if Disney does something special for it (i.e - medal). Nothing was done for the 10th anniversary but I suspect the 15th will be different. I then plan to come back in 2013 for the 20th anniversary of the Mickey. So, it only makes sense for me to stay away for 2011.

As to the topic of this thread (sorry, OP! ). I agree! $135 is an awful lot of money to put out and not get a free ticket like the full participants do. I understand the incentive to get people to sign up but the half shouldn't cost as much as the full does to begin with!

The bolded (mine) is the biggest problem IMO.

I got lucky with airfare for January ($297.40 total round trip, direct flight for both) but most flights I have priced have been through the roof. I was trying to get a flight to Phil for a wedding in July but it was over $400 and that is a much shorter flight then Cleveland -> Orlando. 3 of us are just going to car pool for that one.

 

[ultramickeymouse]

It has in the past but last year they added more spots so it opened back up. I suspect that had they had as many spots open as now it wouldn't have sold out so early but it would have still sold better.

I just signed up for the full today so no backing down now.

The Goofy was only re-opened when they raised the limit from 5000 to 7500.

The Half filled on 4/28 last year with 23,000 entrants. The Half is starting to fill and will sell out. Disney knows this and is why the raised the price the price $15 more per runner than last year. That means an extra $345,000 in their pockets.

I agree that it is sad they charge the same for both races. The Half only really goes in one park(I know technically 2) where as the Full hits all 4 parks. As an RD, Disney could never explain it logically why they are teh same fee. Less road closures, aid stations, course management, less employee costs, etc.

I doubt the Full will fill this year(or not until right before the race like last year) and thus needed an additional perk like free park ticket. Don't take that Disney doesn't care about Half runners, just they have to do something extra to get marathon runners to do the race. When Disney raises the Half fee to $140 or $145 in 2012, they will probably add the free park ticket.

 

[DreamBeliever]

I wondered the same thing

I have participated in a few of the Disney events including the Half Marathon on 3 occasions, and I love the vibe of Marathon Weekend. They got me hook, line and sinker the first time I crossed the finish line and placed a shiney medal around my neck.

However, IMO, everyone who pays a registration should receive the same 'perk'. A large number of entrants utilize the Disney hotels, restaurants and parks during their stay, so why not treat them to a little extra magic.

 

[mcrabeck]

I am doing my first 1/2 marathon in 2011 and was disappointed that the only gave the ticket "perk" to the full marathoners. It would be great if they add us 1/2 marathoners to the list