Marathon Weekend 2017!

[MommaoffherRocker]

I use an agency. Can be cheaper if you deal directly with an owner though.

This is my first time renting, so we also used an agency. Like @Ariel484 said, that's a bit more expensive, but I liked the security of working through an agency. I was sort of intimidated to do it this first time, but it was actually a really easy, smooth process.

Just an FYI, I just tried to rent points and there is no studio availability ANYWHERE for marathon weekend. Not even SS. All Star Sports it is then. :/

This was my first time, but I went directly through an owner. I think we booked all the way back during early February to get BCV.

Thanks! I was worried that it was too late but I thought I would try since there will be 9 of us and it is probably cheaper than going through Disney.

 

[Ariel484]

This is my first time renting, so we also used an agency. Like @Ariel484 said, that's a bit more expensive, but I liked the security of working through an agency. I was sort of intimidated to do it this first time, but it was actually a really easy, smooth process.

Yes, exactly. You're paying a little extra for that 3rd party to sort of vet the owner (I've seen recommendations to get referrals for people before renting from them and things like that) and handle the agreements and whatnot.

The agency that I have used is one that I have used a lot, and we have had fantastic experiences - except for one time in 2011 when the owner I was renting from went MIA about a month before our trip. The agency seemed pretty stunned by this and said it had never happened to them before - they did what they could to make it up to us (I was panicking at the time but knew it wasn't their fault) including offering to upgrade us to a different resort for no charge (we had a studio at AKV booked originally and they offered to move us to a 1BR at Saratoga Springs, as AKV was full by then). Looking back I should have taken the SSR upgrade, but I had my heart set on Animal Kingdom Lodge so we ended up paying for a regular room and the agency refunded us the money we'd spent for the DVC (normally they don't do refunds). They also sent us a Disney gift card as an apology, which I thought was nice. So if we'd rented through that owner directly I think we would have just lost all of that money we'd paid...so I was glad that the agency was there to take care of things.

We've used that same agency many times since then and it's been flawless so far. The only catches are...

1. Costs more to use an agency
2. You have to pay in full at the time of rental and it's non-refundable (at least with who I use...except for rare situations, see above)
3. You have to go through them to add Magical Express, Dining Plan, etc. - you contact them and then they contact the owner you're renting from

Just an FYI, I just tried to rent points and there is no studio availability ANYWHERE for marathon weekend. Not even SS. All Star Sports it is then. :/

Whoa, that is crazy!! Sorry about that.

 

[ZellyB]

2. You have to pay in full at the time of rental and it's non-refundable (at least with who I use...except for rare situations, see above)
3. You have to go through them to add Magical Express, Dining Plan, etc. - you contact them and then they contact the owner you're renting from

The agency we used was a little different about the payment. We only had to pay half of the rental up front with the remainder due closer to the date of travel. I also was able to add Magical Express myself. They emailed me the reservation number and it's in my name, so I could go on and set up ME online. I do think for dining plan and for any special requests you might have for location preferences you have to go through the agency though.

 

[Dis5150]

Wow. Bummer

Whoa, that is crazy!! Sorry about that.

Since we decided to change our dates to 7-15th, there is probably some availability the Tuesday after the Marathon thru Sunday when we leave. I just haven't decided if I want to change hotels mid trip. DD26 says she is totally fine with AS Sports, but I'm sure that is because I am paying for this trip and she is grateful for that, lol! We do love Sports - it's where she and I always stay when we go alone together. But we did want to try DVC. Decisions, decisions....

 

[Weluvdisny]

We are DVC owners at BWV so I tried to get there before the 7th month mark for our trip, which was January 3rd but no-go. So I looked on May 31st and OKW and SSR were available. By the 1st, only SSR was left. So on the 2nd I booked, including an early extra day just so I could make sure we had a room at SSR. If I had waited until the 3rd, there would have been nothing. I am waitlisted at a couple different resorts on the off-chance someone cancels, but I doubt that will happen. It's hard to believe that we have to book our resorts way before the race registration even opens up!!

 

[Waiting2goback]

Just an FYI, I just tried to rent points and there is no studio availability ANYWHERE for marathon weekend. Not even SS. All Star Sports it is then. :/

Marathon weekend sells out quickly. I tried last year to get DVC and it was all sold out, and I tried early. I think you have the regulars that go every year and they all have DVC, being regular runDisney people so they book right at their 11 month window.

Their is a section on the disboards to rent DVC and Mousesavers.com has a section as well. I have never used David's DVC rental before but I have heard they are pretty good.

 

[lhermiston]

30 weeks, everyone!

Get after it!

 

[doctorintheTARDIS]

Hi Guys!

Super late to the game here, but I ran a few 5k's recently and decided I just had to train for the Disney 10k.....

Only to find out that registering for it 206 days in advanced is too late.

Looks like I'm going to have to go with a travel company in order to get a bib. Does anyone have any recommendations for which to go with?

Also, are there any threads on the runDisney board for suggestions for first time racers? This all looks so crazy (and fun!!! but lots to catch up on!)

 

[camaker]

Hi Guys!

Super late to the game here, but I ran a few 5k's recently and decided I just had to train for the Disney 10k.....

Only to find out that registering for it 206 days in advanced is too late.

Looks like I'm going to have to go with a travel company in order to get a bib. Does anyone have any recommendations for which to go with?

Also, are there any threads on the runDisney board for suggestions for first time racers? This all looks so crazy (and fun!!! but lots to catch up on!)

The 10k can also be one of the more difficult races to register for, between the growing popularity of the distance and the consumption of race slots by the challenges! That being said, I have had very good luck with Acclaim Travel. I used them to get bibs for the Dark Side 5k for my wife and myself and for the Dumbo Double Dare at DL. Their website and setup is WAY more user-friendly than a lot of the TAs I looked into, too.

 

[DopeyBadger]

Hi Guys!

Super late to the game here, but I ran a few 5k's recently and decided I just had to train for the Disney 10k.....

Only to find out that registering for it 206 days in advanced is too late.

Looks like I'm going to have to go with a travel company in order to get a bib. Does anyone have any recommendations for which to go with?

Also, are there any threads on the runDisney board for suggestions for first time racers? This all looks so crazy (and fun!!! but lots to catch up on!)

Welcome to the thread! If you want Marathon Weekend specific information this is the place to be. All of us training for that weekend are here to share tips about training and the ins and outs of the buildup to that weekend. If you want to learn lots of new things about running in general, check out the Running Thread. No matter what though, ask away and people are super friendly everywhere on the runDisney board ready to answer any and all of your questions.

 

[CathyCanta]

On the subject of where to stay for the WDW Marathon Weekend, has anyone stayed at the Hilton Bonnet Creek? I've looked on their site about their marathon weekend specials, but I'd like to hear from anyone who has stayed there.

 

[Waiting2goback]

Hi Guys!

Super late to the game here, but I ran a few 5k's recently and decided I just had to train for the Disney 10k.....

Only to find out that registering for it 206 days in advanced is too late.

Looks like I'm going to have to go with a travel company in order to get a bib. Does anyone have any recommendations for which to go with?

Also, are there any threads on the runDisney board for suggestions for first time racers? This all looks so crazy (and fun!!! but lots to catch up on!)

Welcome! I agree with dopeybadger. Here is the place to be for all marathon weekend questions. For general running questions you can click on the link he provided for the running thread. People of all levels over there, it's a great group of people.

On the subject of where to stay for the WDW Marathon Weekend, has anyone stayed at the Hilton Bonnet Creek? I've looked on their site about their marathon weekend specials, but I'd like to hear from anyone who has stayed there.

I have never stayed there but I would recommend staying on property if you can afford it. With all the street closures for the races it is much easier, in my opinion, to let Disney handle the transportation.

 

[PrincessV]

On the subject of where to stay for the WDW Marathon Weekend, has anyone stayed at the Hilton Bonnet Creek? I've looked on their site about their marathon weekend specials, but I'd like to hear from anyone who has stayed there.

Not for Marathon weekend, specifically, but I've stayed there a bunch of non-race times, as well as for TOT 10-Miler weekend. It's a beautiful property with very nice rooms and amenities. Note that in the past, they've not provided transportation to the expo or shorter races, only for half-marathons and the marathon. I drive to WDW so I just used my car, but if you need race transportation, be sure to ask exactly what they'll have available. Also factor in the daily resort fee, and the daily parking fee if you will have a car, when comparing cost to other options.

 

[acefields23]

All this talk about renting DVC has me a bit nervous - does the same "they go super quick so book asap" go for regular room bookings? Looking to book a suite at Art of Animation and just curious if I'm already buggered...

 

[Waiting2goback]

All this talk about renting DVC has me a bit nervous - does the same "they go super quick so book asap" go for regular room bookings? Looking to book a suite at Art of Animation and just curious if I'm already buggered...

I don't think you can book for 2017 yet but when they open those rooms up I would recommend you book the room you want ASAP and then pay attention for the deals along the way. Once you seem that time period go on sale you call and have them adjust the reservation for you to get the savings.

 

[rteetz]

I don't think you can book for 2017 yet but when they open those rooms up I would recommend you book the room you want ASAP and then pay attention for the deals along the way. Once you seem that time period go on sale you call and have them adjust the reservation for you to get the savings.

You can book a room right now over the phone up to 499 days in advance. However that's based on the current years pricing. So say if pricing goes up that next year you will have to pay the difference you aren't locked in.

 

[doctorintheTARDIS]

Decided last night to run on princess marathon weekend instead... hope it's ok if I still post in here

As the 10k is on a Saturday, it's easier with my work schedule (I'm a first grade teacher, so I hate abandoning my kiddos with a substitute too much). I'm hoping the expo is open until at least like 8 every night so that I could get an friday afternoon flight and still make it in time for packet pick up!

I plan to join up on the running thread too.

I have officially caught the running bug!

 

[FFigawi]

Decided last night to run on princess marathon instead... hope it's ok if I still post in here

As the 10k is on a Saturday, it's easier with my work schedule (I'm a first grade teacher, so I hate abandoning my kiddos with a substitute too much). I'm hoping the expo is open until at least like 8 every night so that I could get an friday afternoon flight and still make it in time for packet pick up!

You might want to rethink your flight schedule. According to the rD web site, the expo is open until 7pm on Friday night.

 

[derekleigh]

Does anyone know SPECIFICALLY why rD doesn't up the 5K and 10K participant numbers? Each races holds approximately 12,000 spots and with these two distances probably the most popular, how come rD doesn't add another corral for another 2,000 spots?

I was thinking safety purposes but the half and full both have 20,000+ for each race. I'm thinking maybe it has to do with such the short distances and congestion at the finish. Thoughts?

 

[doctorintheTARDIS]

You might want to rethink your flight schedule. According to the rD web site, the expo is open until 7pm on Friday night.

Good to know! Thanks! I couldn't find the times.

I haven't booked any flights yet, but can definitely get an early flight out of Philly (where I live). I'm already missing Friday from work, might as well make it worthwhile