Jingle Jungle 2013 first-timer

[AThrillingChase]

Hi everyone, I made a split second decision to run not only my first rundisney race, but my first race ever! I signed up for the JJ5k just this past weekend when I saw registration was at 99% full already! I will be running solo, so I am hoping for some guidance on logistics so I am not walking around confused and alone

1. It looks like host resorts offer transportation to the expo, any idea how often these run?

2. And, I know this is a long shot, but I was hoping to go to HS right after the expo on Friday (is this possible?). Anyone know if they will ship merchandise purchases to your resort? I am hoping for a wine glass (that I'd probably break on TOT) and that would save a lot of travel time not having to go back to CB first!

3. How early would you suggest leaving CB race morning? Being solo, I probably won't be dancing to the DJ or taking a lot of photos pre-race

4. On-race, will there be CM's with the characters to take my photo since I won't have a camera partner?

5. Does disney offer the bag for personal items to hold for you during the race for the 5k length?

That turned out longer than I thought...thanks for reading! I would appreciate any advice/tips!

 

[Woth2982]

Hi! I did this race last year! I am upgrading to the W&D half this year! Also going solo since I can't find anyone to go with me for 5 days! I had a car last year so I cannot remember if they will provide transportation to the parks after the expo.

People start lining up for the Expo EARLY. I got there at 9 last year for the 10 am open, and the line was already pretty long, and snaking around the complex when i got out. I think the expo busses run every 20-30 minutes.

2. I didn't purchase anything last year, so unfortunately I cannot answer this question either. I really wish I had. I am taking advantage of the solo trip this year to explore the expo. You could always rent a locker for the day at DHS if you are nervous about broken items.

3. I'd suggest leaving at least an hour before. Mickey and Minnie are there in their xmas garb for photos if you get there early enough.

4. the cast members are with the characters for photos! I def recommend running with a camera! there are cheering cast members everywhere! I think there were also photopass people for when you got to Santa Goofy!

5. Yes. Last year they gave us a clear plastic bag with our number on a piece of paper. They have people manning tables and your number is how you get your bag at the end.

Hope this helps! Good luck!

 

[AThrillingChase]

THANK YOU! This is exactly what I needed! I am arriving the Friday before and land at 11, so I think I will be stuck in the crazy line wrapping around the corner at the expo. Oh well I guess! haha.

Good luck to you as well!! I am hoping that this will motivate me to enter the longer races after!

 

[cewait]

Offering just a little more.

1) buses to the expo start up 60-90 minutes pre-expo. There is a line.

2) I cannot answer about shipping to the room BUT will suggest a couple of thoughts. First, there is no direct bus from WWoS to the DHS. You will be taking a bus from the expo to some resort. You may want to consider dropping your goods at the CB. In the alternative, you can always store them in a locker at the front gate of DHS. It would save some time. Also, there are taxis at the WWoS so you could expedite by hailing one of them - guestimate, less than $15.

3) Buses will run from 0500 through 0600 for the 0700 race. I would shoot for the 0545 ish bus at the latest to avoid line standing.

4) Character handlers will snap a photo. Many have the race photographer with them as well. This is not the Photopass folks; rather, Brightroom, the official race photography company.

 

[ArielseekingEric]

I am also a first time 5k jungle jingle runner. Wondering if anyone has suggestions. Looking for some new good songs to fill the iPod.

 

[ArielseekingEric]

Also my first race and also first solo trip to wdw. Any suggestions.? Arriving nov 7 and leaving on nov 11.

 

[cewait]

I am also a first time 5k jungle jingle runner. Wondering if anyone has suggestions. Looking for some new good songs to fill the iPod.

Also my first race and also first solo trip to wdw. Any suggestions.? Arriving nov 7 and leaving on nov 11.

This is a very relaxed race so the best advice I can offer is ENJOY yourself. Hopefully, you come into the weekend well trained so the race becomes a party and not a hard effort. Not to diminish a 5k by any means, I would plan to tour the parks as you normally would. The exception is the Friday before the race. I would head back to the room a little early then try to get to bed just after 9pm. If you head off earlier, you will be awakened by fireworks, so after 14 years of these, I have learned to just not try to beat the shows.

Finally, lay out all you race clothing before bed. Actually, I do this after returning from the expo so I can return to the expo in case of missing a critical item. By laying out your duds, it makes dressing a little less stressful since you will be doing this in a resort room. As mentioned above, head to the bus in the middle of the published rage of times. It will get you to the start with enough time to take in the atmosphere.

 

[AThrillingChase]

Offering just a little more.

1) buses to the expo start up 60-90 minutes pre-expo. There is a line.

2) I cannot answer about shipping to the room BUT will suggest a couple of thoughts. First, there is no direct bus from WWoS to the DHS. You will be taking a bus from the expo to some resort. You may want to consider dropping your goods at the CB. In the alternative, you can always store them in a locker at the front gate of DHS. It would save some time. Also, there are taxis at the WWoS so you could expedite by hailing one of them - guestimate, less than $15.

3) Buses will run from 0500 through 0600 for the 0700 race. I would shoot for the 0545 ish bus at the latest to avoid line standing.

4) Character handlers will snap a photo. Many have the race photographer with them as well. This is not the Photopass folks; rather, Brightroom, the official race photography company.

Thanks so much for the info! For the expo, I may come down Thurs now, how early would you go to avoid a crazy line?

 

[cewait]

The expo has a compressed timeframe, making the event rather crowded most times of day.

There are three strategies.

1) Hit the WWoS on the first bus and stand on line for an hour or so. This is one of the more popular methods of attending the expo. It is not overly crowded, but will fill while you are there.... depending on your time of arrival. Crazy as it sounds, if you arrive 30-60 minutes before the first bus comes you still will not be the first in line. Since runDisney started offering higher end. limited quantity gear at the race the EBay folks have been there as well.

2) Hit the expo just before lunch. The early rush is over and the crowds diminish, some. If one is looking for the higher end souvenirs, they may be gone.

3) Wait until the end of the day (4-7 pm). Mostly locals are attending during this period but the lines are manageable. Usually high demand items are restocked during the afternoon, so if one misses something in the morning, a great time to return.

For your first event and since you are thinking of coming in a day early, I would suggest strategy 1. Get up and hit the first bus to the expo (or drive if you have a car). The line for the can appear long but will move fast once the doors open. Historically, the line forms at the HP field house where they pass out bibs. Then you walk to the Jostens center for your shirt and souvenir shopping.


Here is a map of the WWoS showing where the line forms early in the morning. Ques are set up so it is orderly.

http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/fullscreen/280683951/

Have a great time.

 

[AThrillingChase]

The expo has a compressed timeframe, making the event rather crowded most times of day.

There are three strategies.

1) Hit the WWoS on the first bus and stand on line for an hour or so. This is one of the more popular methods of attending the expo. It is not overly crowded, but will fill while you are there.... depending on your time of arrival. Crazy as it sounds, if you arrive 30-60 minutes before the first bus comes you still will not be the first in line. Since runDisney started offering higher end. limited quantity gear at the race the EBay folks have been there as well.

2) Hit the expo just before lunch. The early rush is over and the crowds diminish, some. If one is looking for the higher end souvenirs, they may be gone.

3) Wait until the end of the day (4-7 pm). Mostly locals are attending during this period but the lines are manageable. Usually high demand items are restocked during the afternoon, so if one misses something in the morning, a great time to return.

For your first event and since you are thinking of coming in a day early, I would suggest strategy 1. Get up and hit the first bus to the expo (or drive if you have a car). The line for the can appear long but will move fast once the doors open. Historically, the line forms at the HP field house where they pass out bibs. Then you walk to the Jostens center for your shirt and souvenir shopping.


Here is a map of the WWoS showing where the line forms early in the morning. Ques are set up so it is orderly.

http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/fullscreen/280683951/

Have a great time.

Thank you! I guess I will just get up in the AM and go that direction and get it all out of the way. I probably will not want much by way of souveniers, but then, I actually have no idea what they will have!

 

[cewait]

Thank you! I guess I will just get up in the AM and go that direction and get it all out of the way. I probably will not want much by way of souveniers, but then, I actually have no idea what they will have!

There is always something that a first timer will need to memorialize the day...