Is it worth the money?

LSU25

Mouseketeer
Joined
May 16, 2012
Messages
266
Just a quick question, I need honest answers. We are currently staying at the Contemporary Jan. 5th-11th. I am a big time runner and would love to do a Disney race and the 1/2 marathon is my favorite distance. With all that being said is it such an "Amazing" race that its worth the extra $600 for the extra night plus the $150 race fee? My DH is all for it and is leaving the decision up to me...I just have a hard time pulling the trigger and paying $750 for a race.
 
....is it such an "Amazing" race...

IMO, not really. It's fun and different but to me, NOT AMAZING. OK, flame suit on.....:stir:

If the $$$$$ spent wouldn't really bother you, go for it and enjoy. If you think you might have second thoughts after registering, think longer.
 
LSU - just a thought....it doesn't have to be a $750 race. If you really wanted to try it, you could stay at another resort for the extra night, or even for a couple nights preceding. I know many folks think its a hassle to change resorts, but Disney actually makes it fairly easy, so that could be an option. Not ideal, but an option nonetheless.
Have a great trip either way!
 
I am afraid that my answer is going to be tainted by the fact that my DW and I shelled out for the half in January, but I thought it was a great experience. We had multiple reasons for being there, so we didn't go just for the race, but we had had it on the calendar since my wife started running (and I started running again) around this time last year.

From your perspective, it would be a fairly cheap runDisney race, because you would a) be down onsite already, and would therefore not have additional transportation costs, b) all the resorts should be host resorts, so no matter at which resort you were staying, you could get a bus to the starting line, so the PP's suggestion about switching to a less expensive resort (and, compared to Theme Park View Contemporary, most of them would be), makes a lot of sense if you're worried about that outlay, and c) you will be in time to get the early sign-up price for the half-marathon, the sign-up for which will open shortly.

So, compared to planning a whole trip around a different race, you will have already put a lot of money toward getting to WDW and getting acclimated, so the extra money for race registration and a room for an additional night, although expensive, might make sense if you'd like to add a runDisney race to your list of finishes.
 

I agree with the PP that if you want to save money, you should look into switching to a value or moderate for a night or two during your stay.

Honestly, I think if you're a runner and you love Disney...then go for it since you'll be onsite already. I sure would. Look up some reports from the January half, give them a once-over, and see what you think. Hopefully that will help you make your decision.

And FYI...registration opens on April 9. :)
 
Thanks for all the quick replies...I think I'm going to go for it since I don't know when I will be back at WDW for race weekend again.

Thanks again everyone!
 
Glad you didn't post this on the Events page. The answer would have been YES, YES, YES :)

Like everyone else said, it depends. To me, $600 for an extra (I assume 2), nights is a lot. I'd be at POP or another value. Also, you could leave on Sat after the race since you'll be done no later than 9ish.

I like the races. Expensive for a half but they are fun. Although you can't beat running through the Magic Kingdom in the dark, it's the expo and all the excitement around the race that makes it fun.

Heck, I spent 10 mights in Vegas just so I could stay for the Rock and Roll HM. We extended by 3 nights.
enjoy,
Duane
 
I think the race is far and away more worth the money than the Contemporary is!! $600 a night? Whoa.

Anyway, glad you decided to do the race!

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards
 
To me its worth it. I enjoy visiting Disney World and race weekend gives me an excuse to go.
Yes its expensive all the way around but its Disney.
The hotels, I am someone who would rather just pay the extra money and stay at a hotel I want to. Even if it means staying there a shorter period of time. That being said, the economy hotels aren't bad for the money in Disney. They are actually motor lodge style with fancy painting and animals on the building but they are part of Disney.

The Contemporary is a nice hotel. I never stayed there but would love to try it sometime. I tend to stay in the Epcot resorts. But what is cool about that hotel is that is a monorail away from other hotels, or a boat ride.

Go for it. If you do it once you can scratch it off the bucket list but I have a feeling that once you do it, you will want to do it again and again.
 
....is it such an "Amazing" race...

IMO, not really. It's fun and different but to me, NOT AMAZING. OK, flame suit on.....:stir:

If the $$$$$ spent wouldn't really bother you, go for it and enjoy. If you think you might have second thoughts after registering, think longer.

OT but I have been meaning to ask you...it states you are a cast member...in the hotels? Parks? Or you are no longer a cast member.
I used to work in one of the hotels a decade or two ago. My how time flies!
 
Glad you decided to run. And like everyone else mentioned, Disney Races are Amazing, and not just for the runner, but for your family who will be supporting you! Make sure they come see you run through the Magic Kingdom. That should be easy for them to get to if you continue to stay at the Contemporary. Also, seeing that you are now participating in a Run Disney event, you should book your reservations through Run Disney so you get the room discount. Even if you can't change your current reservation, maybe you can get a discount on the additional night you are adding! Good luck!
 












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