Is it Just me?

[CarolA]

I was seriously thinkng about committing to the Half? And then I started reading...

My only Disney race experience was the TOT which left me totally unimpressed with Disney events........

Now, I read that for the half they ran out of medals. (Can't they count?)

I don't know but I get the feeling that Disney need help with these events. They want YOU to arrive hours in advance, they want YOU to do XYZ, but they seem not to always hold up thier end of the deal.

Am I being too harsh?

None of the other races I have run start late, run out of finishing stuff etc....

 

[princessrunner]

I did ToT and yes, it was a little disorganized but, I think on the whole, it was a great time. Or at least I had a great time.

I would HIGHLY encourage you to do the half. The did find the lost medals albeit after the fact, but they did locate them. I did the half this year and it was an amazing experience. There was so much to see along the way that I never missed my iPod and I found the enormous amount of participants to be distracting also. I would recommend fulfilling your dreams of the half. We started on time and I found it to be a great all around race.

 

[AmyBeth68]

HI Carole!

I'll jump in although there are Disney running vets and more experienced runners on here who can probably answer your question better. Let me attempt to touch on a few points:

Medals: Unfortunately running out of medals or T-Shirts or goody bags has happened at other races too. It is absolutely unacceptable...I believe at the Georgia ING (somebody correct me if I'm wrong) they ran out of T-Shirts perhaps. At Disney apparently there was an issue with a box not being delivered? I'm not sure if that is correct. I hope they've made good on the missing medals, and while it's absolutely inexcusable, I don't think it will happen again nor would I tell someone not to run it based on that fact.

Arriving Early: Yeah...that stinks. I have to say that is my biggest issue with Disney. However this year (and running Goofy I was there early two mornings) I tried to look at it more as this "event" and tried to revel in the comraderie of being there with all these other "warriors"...patiently waiting to test ourselves on the course. Even though it's tough to wake that early...there's something mythical about it. Being out there in the dark....making your way to the staging area with hordes of others....feeling part of something BIG! Again...not a make or break issue for me personally.

I've run several Rock & Roll marathon events and found that they aren't perfect either. I think running a marathon or half of this magnitude brings a unique set of challenges. For instance while I LOVED the Country Music Marathon....the finishing area was crowded and congested and I even began to feel a little claustrophobic. They didn't get us out the shoot and through the food/beverage area quickly enough and it was a little overwhelming. Weather can play havoc on these races...supplier issues...theft...you name it. Unfortunately these things do happen, but Disney does a LOT of things right.

The characters...the CMs cheering....the crowds and scream teams....the pageantry of the finish line area (nothing like it in any of the races I've done). The way you can walk around with your medal on for days afterward at WDW and feel like a total rock star or pro athlete. There are so many reasons why I love WDW...and that's what is bringing back down there again next January.

I think your concerns are valid...but definitely read the opinions here and decide if it sounds right for you! Good luck with your decision!!!!

 

[windwalker]

Erica and I go for the fellowship of our WISH friends and to spend time at Disney World, we usually stay at least a week. It's like "oh yea there is a race also".

We feel blessed and honored to be part of the WISH/Disney experience. You can find fault with any races but for us it's a moving party with friends and a celabration of health and fitness.

Once you meet the team at an event I'm sure you will feel the same.

Happy Panda

 

[RedDragon]

From what I understand, they found the lost medals and people were able to pick them up at the Expo later that day. I do think that really stinks since there were so many who finished, who deserved the medals and were so disappointed in not getting one. OK, so it's not about the medal, but the medal is a symbol of their accomplishments and darn it anyway, they deserved them. It's also the 2nd year in a row it's happened. Not a good thing but Disney did remedy the situation.

As to arriving early, if you'd prefer, stay at the Port Orleans or, better yet, Old Key West. That's where we stayed (OKW) and we walked for maybe 10 minutes and were at the starting line. So I didn't even get up until 4:15 this year. While others were out there massively early, I was still snuggled in bed getting some much needed ZZZZZZs! I recommend OKW over Port Orleans French Quarter as my experience at POFQ in 2007 was awful.

Hope this helps! Oh, and ToT being disorganized: being as it was the inaugural race, I'll forgive them a little disorganization. Let's just hope it doesn't happen in 2008.

 

[ScoJo15]

Hi Carol!

I'm in total agreement with what Amy said there. I volunteered at ING Georgia last year and they ran out of some sizes of t-shirts, along with goody bags...it was a very eye-opening experience. I agree that all events have there challenges...the ToT was Disney's first stab at such an event (nighttime, in a park) and I think that logistics (esp transportation) plays a huge part in their success/failure. I believe that is why you have to arrive so early for the half/full, they need the roads cleared PLUS you have to get from the staging area to the actual start....it's a unique challenge for them due to the fact that it's not set up in a normal city along with the fact that they still have to cater to the thousands of regular park hoppers ready to flood their roads.

If you choose to do the half, I bet you'll have a wonderful experience!! The post-race recognition is second to none...and, it all can't be that bad or we would not have signed up for a third consecutive year :

 

[wtpclc]

I was disappointed with ToT myself. The whole start seemed unorganized. Marathon is nothing like that.

Half medals? 2 years in a row? Inexcuseable. Same excuse bothe years. Box was MIA and then found. Only thing I can think of is that perhaps this year's oops was that they may have gotten put in with the full medals and those wre under wraps big time.

Gettign there early? There are ways around it. Walk from PO or OKW. However, I have told several people, and dh agrees, that I would nto miss that tiem for anything. It is surreal walking in with all the other participants. The time, except fro the port o potty lines which are the same at most races, flies by. It all seems liek this great advrnture.

So, while tehre have been some downs, nothing will compare with runnign down Main Street, fireworks at teh start, characters on teh course, runnign through the castle.....

I will continue to recommend it to anyone. Heck, my scream team tells other marathoners that htey have to do WDW adn they need to get to EPCOT by 5 and tehy're not mornign people. Hope you give it a try!

 

[ultramickeymouse]

Things happen at big races. It is hard not to read about a race somewhere that doesn't have problems. Disney has some many forums/websites(I'm included) that put the mouse under a microscope.

I RD races that are very small in comparison and can't imagine they amount of work they put in to make it happen. I spend hrs upon hrs stressing and planning to make them happen.

As WWDave mentioned, the races are a secondary reason to go to WDW. WDW is #1. Seeing friends is priceless. Being away from reality for 10 days is priceless.

 

[windwalker]

Things happen at big races. It is hard not to read about a race somewhere that doesn't have problems. Disney has some many forums/websites(I'm included) that put the mouse under a microscope.

I RD races that are very small in comparison and can't imagine they amount of work they put in to make it happen. I spend hrs upon hrs stressing and planning to make them happen.

As WWDave mentioned, the races are a secondary reason to go to WDW. WDW is #1. Seeing friends is priceless. Being away from reality for 10 days is priceless.

Yea, what he said.

When I toe the line in a walk race here in Ky or Tenn, I go to win. I know I'm going to hurt for the length of time it takes me to do the race because I go to race and to win. It doesn't matter if the prize is a cake or a nice trophy, I go to race. There are several national class racewalkers in this region and my place among them is way more important than whatever the prize was.

When I go to a race at disney Erica and I stay together and visit while we are walking and the prize at the end is a memory of our event and the friends we walked with. Yes we want to take home a goody and would feel bad about them running out of medals.


Competition Panda

 

[hoosmi]

ToT was ok, but I loved the half! I've signed up again.

As far as the early arrival, I did a half in December as a training run that started at 7 a.m. We had to get on the bus at 5:45. Seriously, I stared at the ceiling from about 2-5 before finally getting dressed. I actually liked having to just get up and go for the half. This is from someone who is incredibly grouchy on normal mornings!

The race is so fun- I never turned on my iPod- there was always something to do, someone to talk to, pictures to be taken, etc. I've signed up for 2009 with my mom, and my 8 year old DD is planning on signing up in 6 years!

Jen in GA

 

[MiniGirl]

I was one of the last finishers in the Half this year (4:14:?? clock time), and as such, did not receive my medal. I also didn't feel like dragging myself and my kiddos to the Expo Sat night, so I came home without a medal.

However, yesterday morning, via UPS Express Mail, my medal arrived at my house. Disney did not try to diminish the mistake in any way, and sent a note of aplogy with it stating that every finisher should be able to receive their medal on race day, and this was a big concern in their post-race evaluation. Now, make no mistake.... I really wanted my medal that day, but yesterday as I finally held my medal, all the amazing emotions and memories that made the Half so special came flooding back to me, and I was able to relive it.

Also, I will be back next year, so not getting a medal didn't dampen my excitement and enthusiasm in the least.As others have said, there are going to be SNAFUs and they can happen at any race. I would much rather Disney run out of medals than run out of water and have to stop a race before it's finish.

 

[CarolA]

From what I understand, they found the lost medals and people were able to pick them up at the Expo later that day. I do think that really stinks since there were so many who finished, who deserved the medals and were so disappointed in not getting one. OK, so it's not about the medal, but the medal is a symbol of their accomplishments and darn it anyway, they deserved them. It's also the 2nd year in a row it's happened. Not a good thing but Disney did remedy the situation.

As to arriving early, if you'd prefer, stay at the Port Orleans or, better yet, Old Key West. That's where we stayed (OKW) and we walked for maybe 10 minutes and were at the starting line. So I didn't even get up until 4:15 this year. While others were out there massively early, I was still snuggled in bed getting some much needed ZZZZZZs! I recommend OKW over Port Orleans French Quarter as my experience at POFQ in 2007 was awful.

Hope this helps! Oh, and ToT being disorganized: being as it was the inaugural race, I'll forgive them a little disorganization. Let's just hope it doesn't happen in 2008.

Thanks for your feedback. I don't know that I can give TOT another chance until I know they have fixed that mess

As for the medals, if this was the ONLY time I had read this about Disney's marathons I would cut them more slack, but I seem to recall it happened last year too! Exactly how many excuses can them come up with for disorganization?

Considering that Disney charges significantly more for thier races then a lot of others I don't think it's unreasonable to expect them to deliver a better quality product.... (Of course this failure to deliver is exactly why I won't pay for Disney "deluxe" hotels anymore) I mean one of the big draws they adverstised with TOT was the park opening late.. When they couldn't start the race on time did they compenstate for that? (Now I got plenty of park time in, but I am sure some people got none thanks to that move! In that case you were paying for a product Disney failed to deliver!)

I really don't mind the arriving early (except for the TOT fiasco. Arrive early so we can start late! ) You generally do have to arrive early.

(And while I don't know about T-shirts having worked the finish at ING in GA we had medals!!)

 

[ultramickeymouse]

Disney will already make things easier(and probably better) by getting rid of the 6.5K. Now they can focus on one course an one start. Trying to send out runners on 2 courses where faster runners chase down slower runners is bad news.

I disliked that the 6.5K runners(untimmed) where yelling at us slower 13K'ers to get out of there way. That will be gone too

 

[fan_of_small_world]

Considering that Disney charges significantly more for thier races then a lot of others

The Disney marathon is $110. I just did a quick check, and the Austin marathon is $100, Chicago is $110, Philly was $80. Granted, I didn't check the costs for the other half-marathons, so maybe that price shows a greater difference between WDW and other races.

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

Inexcusable mistakes happened. (water, medals--I'm not aware of any others) They have not stopped folks from coming to enjoy so the journey continues. Basically it is a well-run event and I think rated highly among the running community as a well-run event. I think that the no water year was one that will NEVER have a repeat. That was a critical issue.

I think the magic of being there along with the camaraderie found here training together is the greatest end to a fantastic journey. The positives for me far out weigh the negatives. I love the idea of training with wonderful people all year, arriving early--yup! I go for the whole experience, and coming over that line toward the end of the pack. I absolutely feel it is an opportunity for fun for which everyone should strive. If it is a PR being sought, well that might be best for other less winding courses as I have been advised by many more professional runners. This is all about the fun for me and I do what I can to find it!

Whatever you decide, I do WISH that you will join us as you train for your events. We have such fun along the way and it does make the whole experience, well just that...whole!

 

[Kristi1357]

As for the medals, if this was the ONLY time I had read this about Disney's marathons I would cut them more slack, but I seem to recall it happened last year too! Exactly how many excuses can them come up with for disorganization?

EXACTLY!

I was one of the ones affected last year by missing medals.
I hate crying in front of anyone, let alone in public - and I was crying since I didn't get a medal at the end of the race last year. After I calmed down, I was so angry, I was shaking. And to have it happen again? UNEXCUSABLE!

That said, I did the Half again this year.
And am probably signing up for 2009.
I have done other races, but nothing at all compares to doing a race at Disney World & being with 'my' WISHers.

I was totally unimpressed with ToT though and will not be taking any special trips in the future to do that race.

 

[AmyBeth68]

Yeah...I don't think anyone can give Disney a pass on the medals. It really stinks to be denied the one thing that truly represents all the hard work and training you put in and the grit you showed out there on the course. I wish the running out of medals thing was a rarity, but it has happened in other races (3M Half in Austin, Hartford Marathon, etc). Not sure exactly HOW this can happen...one would think they'd order MORE medals than the number of finishers and make sure they had them all there. It is disrespectful to the runners.

Anyway, it isn't perfect. But I've yet to find a perfectly run race. The ING Georgia ran out of certain sizes of T-Shirts...that would make me mad too. Albeit not as traumatic as not getting a medal .

In terms of the cost...Disney is a bit more expensive than the Elite Series races...but not by much. And the tech shirts and medals at Disney are beautiful. Unfortunately, I take issue with the post race refreshments...IMO Disney could pony up a bit more in this area. But hey...bananas and water are all we really need right lol!

It seems that maybe Disney isn't for you. And that's ok..you have valid concerns . You can join the WiSH forum and keep us updated on all your training and events! There are lots of folks here that don't run marathon weekend...but everyone is welcome to share training advice and offer support.

 

[getnthinr]

I'm probably on the opposite end of the Disney extreme -- I loved the ToT 13K, the Race for the Taste 10K, the Minnie 15K -- even the 5ks and the Danskin Tri I did at WDW. (For the record, I'm also a huge fan of the Not So Scary Halloween Party and the Very Merry Christmas Party -- more Disney extravagances.) I probably love it so much because it is Disney -- and not only do I get to do a good-for-me thing like a race, I get to wear my medal around the parks afterwards riding rides and visiting with running buddies from all over the world.

I accept that Disney is expensive -- a 1-day/1-park ticket right now is $71 ($75 including tax) and a 1-day park hopper is $116! Does it surprise me that a race that goes through 4 of their parks costs $110? Not really. Is it right, fair, or good-value-for-money? Hummmmmm. I guess that's up to the one shelling out the dough. It's a lot of money, but for me it's a year-long motivator and a heck of a lot of fun.

I do not recommend the Disney races unreservedly. Because I've done several marathons and half's and know many runners, I know lots of folks find the Disney course outside the parks boring and un-scenic -- and complain that so little of the races actually take place inside a park or include characters. There are long stretches with virtually no crowd support.

I do recommend that anyone who thinks they want to do the races gives them a try. I've not done a marathon yet that was perfect in all respects -- and I didn't get my medal the year I did the Hartford Half, so that sort of thing does happen elsewhere. I can't count the number of times I've done races where food and water -- and sometimes even course markers -- were gone before I finished. And frankly, a lot of the races I do are not particularly scenic, but all of them bring a sense of accomplishment and offer a unique perspective on the venue through which the races run (be it a city, zoo, or wooded trail).

It all boils down to what your expectations are and how you think Disney might measure up. It's your money, and I'd encourage you to invest it as you feel led.

 

[julia & nicks mom]

I was a finisher left without a medal this year - and at that moment - it ruined the entire race for me...I was crushed and I wish that I could have been big enough to not let it bother me but I was exhausted - physically and emotionally and I cried - a lot - then it turned to pure anger - I was sure I had hit my limit of moving for the day when I crossed the finish line but once the tears stopped - I can't believe how quickly I made it to the information booth!!!

I did get my medal at the expo but for a while my DH (who offered me his medal) had one and I didn't - not only did it hurt for me not to get it -he felt bad wearing his - which he should not have!!!

My kids thought I was swept off the course (they are 6 & 4) and just got a medal b/c Daddy threw a fit

that weekend - no one took any responsibility for the situation and just said not to worry it would come in the mail...but I was there for 5 more days and I wanted my medals to wear in the park - after all where else can you walk around wearing a Donald Duck medal?

what makes the situation worse is that it happened two years in a row...TOTALLY INEXCUSABLE!! I really hope Disney won't make the same mistake again b/c I think most people will take the 3 strikes and your out attitude on this one!

with all that said - I will be back next year - b/c everything else was wonderful and it was an amazing experience!!

 

[Sandy321]

I was one of the last finishers in the Half this year (4:14:?? clock time), and as such, did not receive my medal. I also didn't feel like dragging myself and my kiddos to the Expo Sat night, so I came home without a medal.

However, yesterday morning, via UPS Express Mail, my medal arrived at my house. Disney did not try to diminish the mistake in any way, and sent a note of aplogy with it stating that every finisher should be able to receive their medal on race day, and this was a big concern in their post-race evaluation. Now, make no mistake.... I really wanted my medal that day, but yesterday as I finally held my medal, all the amazing emotions and memories that made the Half so special came flooding back to me, and I was able to relive it.

Also, I will be back next year, so not getting a medal didn't dampen my excitement and enthusiasm in the least.As others have said, there are going to be SNAFUs and they can happen at any race. I would much rather Disney run out of medals than run out of water and have to stop a race before it's finish.

EVA Thank you for sharing the REST of the story!! I WISH I had known you were behind me - maybe we could've pulled each other through a bit faster??? I know my only thoughts were I can do this, and I need to do this, so I didnt allow my DH to do the Half with me - so maybe that was part of my thoughts...

I also didnt get a medal - and I hope ever single one of us writes DISNEY to let them know by sheer number of emails that it is inexcusable - my thought was they (Disney organizers) thought more of us would be swept, or NOT SHOW UP!! I think they count on a certain number of no shows -

I will also say that the CM at BCV Isabelle got on the phone to call a manager to get a name on who to address my disappointment to - esp since NO ONE at the informational booth knew - and were giving different answers - take down names, dont take down names...etc - when she called she said the top manager was going to make people go thru the chip times to call all that left cell numbers to inform them of where to pick up medals, or get them mailed!!

I say - that was above and beyond, THAT for ME was DISNEY!! Also, the WISH TEAM has a spirit - its not anything like I can describe. So often you'll here the word "clique" thrown around, but here, its TEAM SPIRIT FIRST and that's why I'd do it again in a heartbeat!

Dh has run 5 marathons, and he always gets up at 2 0r 3 am - FDIL ran a Chicago Half, and lived in Chicago, she didnt think she had to be there 2 hours before race time - she had to run 2 miles to get to the start time - traffic was so bad!! She said, never again - she'd take the advice get there early and take it all in!!