Marathon Weekend 2019

[Keels]

More on Race Retreat/Early Expo Entry:

Update to race retreat..
When I got an email from RunDisney asking them to rate my satisfaction with the recent correspondence, I replied that I was unsatisfied as there seemed to be much confusion about early entry to the expo, and I would just like to speak to a real human employee
He just called me, and assured me that early entry from 9 to 10 is included with the race retreat packages. After a big response of many runners being disappointed that it was not included this year, they have decided to include it. It is true though, that transportation will not be available for that early entry. Hope this helps!

 

[PrincessV]

Priority 1 is expo. Priority 2 is FoP. Priority 3 is eating all the food at AK.

When you say the expo is #1, do you mean just getting the things you need, i.e.: bibs/shirts? If so, there's no reason at all to get there early, and doing so will more than likely result in spending a lot of time standing in a looooooong line. I had a much better expo experience by arriving in the late afternoon, and I even had plenty of merchandise from which to pick had I wanted to shop. IMO the only reason to get to the expo early is if you want to be sure of getting at whatever merchandise items are hot this year.

 

[LdyStormy76]

So, I found the email ... this person requested a refund (like others had received prior to her email) because Early Entry wasn't included. And this is the response she got:

View attachment 360664

Providing no transportation reduces the number of people who show up for early entry. Unless you have a car, or will pay for a taxi, so you can be there early.

 

[lhermiston]

Does your plan for the expo include purchasing merchandise? Not sure what will change this year, but in many previous years the merchandise portion can take up more time than the number/race-shirt portion.

The six shirts I’m getting for Dopey are all I need. I’m not playing on buying anything else. Definitely not willing to stand in line for two hours for more merch.

Just an FYI ... there isn't a whole lot for breakfast OR shopping open at Disney Springs (other than Starbucks) until like 10-11 a.m. Maybe Earl of Sandwich? But I definitely wouldn't go out of my way to go there when I can go to a park. I would let them go start their day at AK and you just meet them after the Expo.

Thanks. They mostly just like riding the boat from POR and checking out some shops whereas I’d rather be in the parks. This kills two birds with one stone.

When you say the expo is #1, do you mean just getting the things you need, i.e.: bibs/shirts? If so, there's no reason at all to get there early, and doing so will more than likely result in spending a lot of time standing in a looooooong line. I had a much better expo experience by arriving in the late afternoon, and I even had plenty of merchandise from which to pick had I wanted to shop. IMO the only reason to get to the expo early is if you want to be sure of getting at whatever merchandise items are hot this year.

Just the stuff I need. I’ll only check out the merch area if there’s relatively little wait. Six new shirts is plenty.

 

[rteetz]

Just the stuff I need. I’ll only check out the merch area if there’s relatively little wait. Six new shirts is plenty

I wish I thought this way. I always end up spending at least $100 at the expo.

 

[lhermiston]

Thanks for the feedback, everyone. I think the new play is to try to get a FoP FP and rope drop AK. I’ll stay until lunch at flame tree and then go to the expo after lunch. Family can stay at AK or go to Disney Springs and we’ll return for our ADR at Yak and Yeti.

Am I correct in assuming there are no expo buses running to and from the parks?

 

[lhermiston]

I wish I thought this way. I always end up spending at least $100 at the expo.

Maybe I got in too late in 17, but there was little that caught my eye. I bought one long sleeve shirt. Otherwise, I have all the running stuff I need.

 

[roxymama]

Thanks for the feedback, everyone. I think the new play is to try to get a FoP FP and rope drop AK. I’ll stay until lunch at flame tree and then go to the expo after lunch. Family can stay at AK or go to Disney Springs and we’ll return for our ADR at Yak and Yeti.

Am I correct in assuming there are no expo buses running to and from the parks?

You are correct. Last year we walked from MK to Contemporary to get a bus.

 

[lhermiston]

You are correct. Last year we walked from MK to Contemporary to get a bus.

I figure I’ll just go to AKL or something close.

 

[jennamfeo]

I wish I thought this way. I always end up spending at least $100 at the expo.

Ha. #buyallthepins

 

[rteetz]

Ha. #buyallthepins

And jackets, and magnets, and show ornaments, and yeah...

I have a problem.

 

[jennamfeo]

Speaking of buying all the things.... I definitely need this.

https://www.therunningbuddy.com/products/new-minnie-mouse-sequin-faux-leather-belt-bag

 

[JeffW]

Thanks for the feedback, everyone. I think the new play is to try to get a FoP FP and rope drop AK. I’ll stay until lunch at flame tree and then go to the expo after lunch. Family can stay at AK or go to Disney Springs and we’ll return for our ADR at Yak and Yeti.

Am I correct in assuming there are no expo buses running to and from the parks?

You might consider Lyft/Uber...to optimize your time

 

[lhermiston]

You might consider Lyft/Uber...to optimize your time

Good call.

 

[mankle30]

The expo opens in 10 weeks!

Wait -- 10 weeks? Isn't it 11 weeks? Are you shorting my training by a week! GAHGHGHGGHGH!

Also - DW and I have scheduled a non-park day since we're both running 5K, we'll have to hit the Expo on the Wednesday and the plan is to get to Disney Springs or resort hop, with a reservation for 'Ohana in the evening for an early dinner.

 

[roxymama]

I feel like long lines are good for my wallet. DL example but when I went to the expo early and was confronted with the giant merchandise line I balked and didn't buy anything. Came back on the final day literally 40 minutes before it closed and there was no line and although one of the hot commodities (the shoe ornament) was gone I managed to decide I all of a sudden needed a wineglass and pin and sweaty-band and plush mickey and...

I can probably say the same for park snacks. Long lines at snack carts are good for my waist size.

 

[lhermiston]

ait -- 10 weeks? Isn't it 11 weeks? Are you shorting my training by a week! GAHGHGHGGHGH!

Um yeah. 11. Sorry. I got a little ahead of myself.

 

[Bree]

sigh...i'm mostly worried about the Dopey Magnet and SweatyBand. I just adore the magnets (even though I don't put them on my car) and I wear sweatybands almost everyday. Anything else would be a bonus.

 

[cavepig]

I have all the running stuff "I need" too, but when it comes to a Run Disney expo I Want it all.

I think I have to go Wednesday to pick up volunteer stuff anyway, but then I'll probably have a 2nd trip Friday with family. I did not pre-order anything, so should probably shop Wed.
Are people thinking that the Snowglobe will sell out like the Mickey Figurine did last year?

 

[jennamfeo]

sigh...i'm mostly worried about the Dopey Magnet and SweatyBand. I just adore the magnets (even though I don't put them on my car) and I wear sweatybands almost everyday. Anything else would be a bonus.

I can help you out with those things if that would make you feel better.