I hate you Disney marathon!

[andyman8]

First of all it was a HALF marathon, and secondly, as someone who trained for and ran in the race, I think the original post is in very, very, very poor taste. The information had been out for at least six months regarding the course and road closures not to mention many CMs were alerting guests on Saturday that during the evening there'd be closures and to use Disney Transport or allot extra time. I happen to think the runDisney events are great and encourage people (like myself) who would otherwise not get up and run to do so.

 

[princesslover]

$190 was the early registration for W&D half marathon. It is a little more expensive because of the after party. As someone else mentioned, early registration for either the half or full marathon in January is $160. On top of those fees you have about a $10 fee to the registration company. A couple of years ago, they started charging the same price for either race. I paid $144 in 2011 for the Disneyland half marathon. It is by no means cheap. The Marathons as others have said is competitively priced with the largest races in the US. For the Half Marathons, it is pretty expensive.

Not to beat a dead horse, but it sounds like you agree with me...that for HALF marathons, that is a crazy price. Interesting that they charge the same for both the half and the full. I think I'd run 26.2 just to get my money's worth.

I don't begrudge anyone who runs it. I'm sure it's great, but...

 

[Magpie]

No silly, that Disney didn't plan accordingly. Marathon announced a year in advance? Plenty of time and marathon money to build another road into that area. And no I am not kidding. Remember Disney does NOT own most roads on their property, they are public roads. So Disney makes money by hijacking public access on public roads. They should be required to build more access before their next scheduled theft.

You clearly are kidding, because only someone with a truly astonishing level of personal entitlement, detachment from reality and zero concept of personal responsibility would demand Disney build an entirely new road just so they aren't inconvenienced for 40 whole minutes one night of their vacation. Said person having already been too oblivious to notice the many signs already in place informing them of said possible delay, and incapable of following detour signs without having every other road sign covered up for them. (Don't try to drive in Toronto, Montreal or Ottawa - you'll never make it out alive!)

I'm almost expecting Sacha Baron Cohen to pop out of woodwork at some point, and we'll find out "Unca Scrooge" is a made-up character, intended to parody the spoiled American.

 

[MichelleVW]

No silly, that Disney didn't plan accordingly. Marathon announced a year in advance? Plenty of time and marathon money to build another road into that area. And no I am not kidding. Remember Disney does NOT own most roads on their property, they are public roads. So Disney makes money by hijacking public access on public roads. They should be required to build more access before their next scheduled theft.

I really hope you're kidding.

 

[johde]

Not to beat a dead horse, but it sounds like you agree with me...that for HALF marathons, that is a crazy price. Interesting that they charge the same for both the half and the full. I think I'd run 26.2 just to get my money's worth.

I don't begrudge anyone who runs it. I'm sure it's great, but...

The poor runner in my feels it's a crazy price, but I've paid Disney money before and if I had the change I'd probably pay it again. But, at these prices it's a one and done thing for me.

The capitalist in me says, they sell out nearly every race. So, they haven't hit the point of the price affecting attendance. Doing a comparison, the Rock 'n' Roll Vegas Marathon and Half Marathon are $180. Same price for either race.

No silly, that Disney didn't plan accordingly. Marathon announced a year in advance? Plenty of time and marathon money to build another road into that area. And no I am not kidding. Remember Disney does NOT own most roads on their property, they are public roads. So Disney makes money by hijacking public access on public roads. They should be required to build more access before their next scheduled theft.

I hope you don't have a trip to Vegas planned this weekend. The Rock n' Roll Las Vegas Marathon and Half Mararthon are this weekend. It features running up and down the Vegas strip at night. Or maybe Competitor Inc. who runs the race should just build another Vegas strip just for you.

To the issue of "hijacking" public roads. In most races, and I'm assuming Disney is no different, the appropriate governmental body approves the race and charges a fee for closing down the roads for the race. So, at Disneyland, where the race includes running through the streets of Anaheim, Disney pays the city for exclusive use of the streets. I know here locally, the course map is also approved by government officials. In Columbus, OH I know they mentioned that the race course couldn't impede getting for the main roads to the local hospitals. In the Rock n Roll Cleveland's case, they needed to switch the day from Saturday to Sunday after registration was in full swing to get approval for the course they wanted.

 

[run2relax]

With each Disney race I run, the more I understand why the registration fee is what it is. It not only covers the obvious, medal, shirt, ect, but the salaries of the extra staff working and at odd hours, the event transportation, security, port a pots, and more behind the scene that I don't know about.

I understand the frustration of being detoured unexpectedly and not getting from point A to B as quickly as planned. In this situation, maybe it could have been avoided. But unexpected things happen. Especially on the roadways.

 

[mountdew1]

OP - Sorry your vacation was ruined. I'd hate to see your response if Haunted Mansion was closed for 3 weeks to be turned into Haunted Mansion Holiday during your trip. Disney does do everything reasonable to minimize the impact on other guests. Races either start at 10 PM, or at 5:30 AM, and are timed to get runners out of the way for most guests. Signs are posted on the roads, fliers in the rooms, and we even sometimes get voicemail reminding us of the race.

I apologize. I thought the $190 was for a half marathon. That is why I was floored. My mistake.

The prices for all the races are similar. For the upcoming Princess half weekend (first set of prices I loaded) the half STARTS at $160 if you register early. The 10k starts at $95. Both go up $190 and $125 respectively if they hit the last price level, but most of the races sell out well in advance, some within weeks. I think the Dopey challenge 5k, 10k, half, and full was about $500 this year.

Most of the race DO NOT include park admission. The ToT 10 miler includes access to a post race party at DHS, (park open from 10 {race start} to 4 am) but that race started at $130. The Wine & Dine half marathon started at $175, and included a post race party in Epcot (select attractions and F&W kiosks open selling food). Everest Challenge 5k/obstacle course does include a park ticket, but cost as much as the half/full. The other events, Marathon Weekend in Jan, Tinkerbell Half at DLR in Jan, Princess Half in Feb, and Disneyland Half in Sept don't include any sort of park admission.

 

[nharding20]

I'm actually sad that I just wasted minutes of my life reading this ridiculous thread. It's vacation. At Disney. Seriously, you are complaining about a 40 minute delay?

Talk about First World problems!

 

[Allison]

No silly, that Disney didn't plan accordingly. Marathon announced a year in advance? Plenty of time and marathon money to build another road into that area. And no I am not kidding. Remember Disney does NOT own most roads on their property, they are public roads. So Disney makes money by hijacking public access on public roads. They should be required to build more access before their next scheduled theft.

Now I know we are being punked.

 

[goofy4tink]

I can understand being a 'bit' peeved if you had been delayed getting to the ADR. But seriously? Going back to your resort? Just not that big a deal. I was delayed trying to get from the finish line to the Dolphin! Took me nearly twice as long to get back there due to all those runners trying to finish. It is what it is. What's 40 mins in the big picture....heaven forbid someone have to wait a bit in order to accommodate a huge number of people.
Oh, and all you runners? Job well done. That was really impressive. I ran (and walked) my first 5k this weekend....loved watching you guys run!

 

[DPCummerbund]

I can understand being a 'bit' peeved if you had been delayed getting to the ADR. But seriously? Going back to your resort? Just not that big a deal. I was delayed trying to get from the finish line to the Dolphin! Took me nearly twice as long to get back there due to all those runners trying to finish. It is what it is. What's 40 mins in the big picture....heaven forbid someone have to wait a bit in order to accommodate a huge number of people.

Now I know we are being punked.

I'm actually sad that I just wasted minutes of my life reading this ridiculous thread. It's vacation. At Disney. Seriously, you are complaining about a 40 minute delay?

Talk about First World problems!

This particular forum is titled "Theme Park Attractions and Strategies". But sometimes, it does seem like it should be called "First World Problems"!

Threads like this always make me wonder - what kind of life do you lead now where being stuck in traffic for a few minutes leads to outrage like this? And what kind of expectations in life do you have - and NEED to have - when something like this can throw you in such a tizzy?

Again, this forum is called "Theme Park Attractions and STRATEGIES". Yes, WDW frequently requires a STRATEGY. Just because you paid a lot of money doesn't automatically mean that you'll be riding unicorns 24/7. So, OP, here's a STRATEGY for you: look at the park calendars before you go, and try to find out what major events are going on during your stay. Then, try to avoid those major events. Problem solved.

Geez louise, people!

 

[Unca_Scrooge]

Why I just got a note from house keeping that some roads may be closed tomorrow. And yes; it said some and may, as if they have no idea what is going on. They were not allowed to give me a more specific time frame even after I sarcastically suggested 00:01 to 23:59.

Seriously, some of you blind disney fans need to realize that you are paying customers and not guests. A guest is an invited party that does not pay for the privilege.

 

[DMCastner]

Why I just got a note from house keeping that some roads may be closed tomorrow. And yes; it said some and may, as if they have no idea what is going on. They were not allowed to give me a more specific time frame even after I sarcastically suggested 00:01 to 23:59. Seriously, some of you blind disney fans need to realize that you are paying customers and not guests. A guest is an invited party that does not pay for the privilege.

The First Lady is speaking at the Veteran's Institute tomorrow at WDW. I'm sure that specificity was omitted for security. Sorry that you feel inconvenienced.

 

[shadeauxe]

Just because you paid a lot of money doesn't automatically mean that you'll be riding unicorns 24/7.

WHAT?!?! Dammit I want my money back.

 

[shadeauxe]

The First Lady is speaking at the Veteran's Institute tomorrow at WDW. I'm sure that specificity was omitted for security. Sorry that you feel inconvenienced.

Yep.

 

[MISSREBECCA76]

I know this is an old post but as someone who does not participate in Run Disney events, I can attest they are a real pain in the butt! We have had days ruined do to missed ADR's transportation problems and other chaos that these events create.
I think there is a better way to handle things. Letting non runners know when they make the reservation that they will be there during an event would be a huge help. Same with ADR's - they already read you a disclaimer, tacking on a lil more info would not be hard.
Transportation needs to also be maintained in a more logical manner. Disney is great about almost everything else, but they are dropping the ball here.
As it stands, if I were a first time guest, visiting during a race weekend, I would never be back!
Disney can host a race every weekend if they want, but the non-runners should not have their vacations interrupted because of it!

 

[KrazeeK120]

I started running 2 years ago at the age of 29 (better late than never!). I haven't ever done a Disney race, but I've done races in and around my hometown (10K being the longest). I hope that someday, I'm able to participate in some kind of Disney race as I would imagine it's really neat getting to run through the parks!!!! I am very glad that Disney is encouraging people to be active...there are so many people who never exercise. It's very sad.

Anyway, if you CHOOSE to visit or make an ADR during a running event, it's your responsibility to figure out how to get where you need/want to go. Disney did not force you to come during a running event. This weekend, in particular, is the busiest race weekend of the year at Disney with (at least?) 4 races going on.

There may be some people who can only take their vacation during the 2nd/3rd week of January, but I would imagine that's not the case for most. If you are going to be inconvenienced by the running events, you should consider choosing a different time to visit WDW.

 

[maxiesmom]

I know this is an old post but as someone who does not participate in Run Disney events, I can attest they are a real pain in the butt! We have had days ruined do to missed ADR's transportation problems and other chaos that these events create.
I think there is a better way to handle things. Letting non runners know when they make the reservation that they will be there during an event would be a huge help.

I don't see why it is Disney's responsibility to go through a laundry list of events (the marathon is not the only one) that may impact guest's vacations, and warn them ahead of time. "So Madame, I see you are booking in October. Where you aware of the golf event, or of the Halloween Parties, or of the Food and Wine Festival?" Or for a May vaction: "Are you aware of the Flower and Garden festival? That can impact you when you go to Epcot? Or how about Star Wars weekend in the Disney Studios?"

Beyond silly. People spend thousands of dollars on their Disney vacation. They should do research. Disney shouldn't have to do it for us.

 

[crostorfer]

I don't pay to be massively inconvenienced when I vacation here. Disney had no business scheduling events that ruins things for everyone else. The marathon was only part of the problem, it was how incompetently they handled rerouting traffic that made it worse.

It's up to you, the consumer, to know what is going on in the place you are visiting at the time you are going. If you booked during marathon weekend, you get what you pay for. Disney isn't going to schedule events around you, you have to schedule around them. You were no more inconvenienced than folks who visit over the Christmas holidays and spend 3 hours in line for Soarin.

 

[RD-SOX]

Anyway, if you CHOOSE to visit or make an ADR during a running event, it's your responsibility to figure out how to get where you need/want to go. Disney did not force you to come during a running event. This weekend, in particular, is the busiest race weekend of the year at Disney with (at least?) 4 races going on.

There may be some people who can only take their vacation during the 2nd/3rd week of January, but I would imagine that's not the case for most. If you are going to be inconvenienced by the running events, you should consider choosing a different time to visit WDW.

Well said!! Do you research and pick a different time if you feel you will be INCONVENIENCED on vacation by the marathon. Its been going on for 21 years and its not stopping. Resort prices are slightly cheaper this time of year because its January. I was part of the Marathon last year and wish I was there now....traffic and all!!!