Marathon veterans - are any of the "extras" really worht it?

[Rpsemont]

HI all!

I'm doing the Half (first time - first marathon)
DH, DD and Friend will be along.
Any comments on the Race Retreat, ChEAR Squad packages or Eat and Greet?
Interested in whether you take advantage of any of these.

 

[dsnyfan21]

I have no experience with any of it. My Mom has done the bleacher section with breakfast the previous two year, but it was only 25-30 dollars those years. This year it has changed so much and she donesn't think it is workth the money for her. I am fine with hanging out with the WISH group before the race and post race is spent watching others cross the finish line and taking photos!!

Tracy

 

[Dennyha]

My opinion is that it's not worth it. Part of the experience for the runner is being out in the crowds and atmosphere. Sitting in a warm tent wouldn't be the same. As for the spectators, there are plenty of great places to cheer, a seat at the finish line wouldn't be my first choice.

 

[10nis]

We did the race retreat 2 years ago and IMO it was *not* worth the money. (Although, from reading the description on the Marathon website, the race retreat has changed)
We had our own set of port-o-potty's, astro turf to sit on inside the tent and the same food that they had for everyone else post race. THat year the post race massages were free for those who purchased the race retreat and we did take advantage of that . Now they are $10 in the race retreat tent. There is a massage tent for runners who do not purchase the race retreat - don't know the cost but I do hope to take advantage of that this year (Will carry cash w/ me).
I can't comment on any of the other disney marathon extras!

 

[getnthinr]

I also tried the marathon and half "extras" the first year they were offered. I certainly agree with 10nis that I did not get my money's worth out of it. As Denny said, I found I missed the interaction with my Disney Dead and WISH friends, so pre-race I didn't stay that long in the tent. As a huge fan of cool weather, the warm tent was no draw for me, but the promised character greetings were. As it turned out, I saw Donald only after the full (no characters were around during my tent time for the half). Also, I was told I'd need to wait 50 minutes post-race for my free massage. I waited about a half-hour before giving up and walking massage-less back to the busses. (Maybe if I'd been faster, the wait might have been shorter.)

Having said that, I'm glad I tried it once, but I definitely won't do it again. I'd prefer to splurge on a spa treatment at the Grand Floridian or Saratoga Springs -- or even at Canyon Ranch Spa at the Gaylord Palms. Just my opinion, though.

EDIT: OH! Forgot to say -- And I'm trying the eat-and-greet again this year. I went to a similar pre-race dinner several years ago (then Disney changed everything and it really stunk), but this year's advertisement made it sound much more like what they used to do -- with character photo ops etc. The price was not out of line with other character meals and I'll be there with other runners and their families. I'm hoping it will be fun.

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

I've not done the race retreat any of the times I've participated (5th). Mostly, I feel I prefer the experience of those of us "regular folks" and not really thinking I need the elite treatment. I truly enjoy getting there early, chatting with people and watching everyone get ready to step.

DH did the cheer package the last 2 years and is not doing it this year. It has priced itself out of his desires. We've felt that he needed the place to sit, but he said that the extras they offer are not the greatest when waiting for someone at the back of the pack like me. Coffee gets cold, and food is not worth it. This year he will meet me after I've crossed the finish and that is fine.

I've not done the Eat and Greet and don't plan on it this time either.

 

[NADLV817]

Have done 3 marathons there spread between 2000 and 2005. We did a pasta party the night before the first one sponsored by Disney. Big tent, pasta buffet, crowds, etc. The other years we did our pasta packing at Olive Garden. Most of the other folks eating there were runners and families too. Better atmosphere at Olive Garden...