Marathon Weekend 2019

[rteetz]

I'm not actually going to use AP registration (yay travel agent), but I might check it out to see what it looks like. It should be easy to find from the AP page, right? I've never done this AP thing before.

You go to the AP page. Click on passholder extras and scroll down to runDisney.

 

[a-mad]

OK guys - I've appreciated all the advice given thus far, esp. since I'm much more familiar with the ins and outs of DLR compared to WDW. I'm planning on getting some ADR's tomorrow a.m. when my window opens up. Here's what I have so far - feel free to give any input as you see it. For the record - our party is 3 adult couples, with myself and my bro's-in-law running the Dopey. One of our spouses is doing everything but the marathon and the other two spouses are running the 5K:

Wednesday, Jan 9 (AK) - Yak and Yeti (lunch)
Thursday, Jan 10 (MK) - Be our Guest (lunch)
Friday, Jan 11 (Epcot) - Via Napoli (lunch)
Saturday, Jan 12 (DHS) - Sci-Fi Dine-In (lunch)
Sunday, Jan 13 (Epcot) - La Hacienda de Angel (post-marathon dinner)
Monday, Jan 14 (AK) - Boma (dinner)
Tuesday, Jan 15 (MK) - Skipper Canteen (lunch)

The one that feels "dodgy" right now is Sci-Fi. Our group wanted to try it, but it would be our post-half/pre-marathon meal, and I don't think the menu is very diverse, although I'm sure we could find something not overly heavy there. Skipper Canteen is another wildcard. For those out there who have tried it - have you liked it? I'm sure we'll make it to Disney Springs at some point, and I know there's great dining there... but not sure when that will be, so I'm hesitant trying to squeeze in an ADR right now for that.

For the most part we wanted to try one table service restaurant each day, and thought lunch would be good as we could be a little more open and choosy for dinner and see how we're feeling, esp. as we prepare for the big races on Sat and Sun.

 

[jennamfeo]

I figured RD would send an email that outlines the new process.

runDisney? Communicate something?

I will cry (I'll already be in the restroom!)

Glad to know I am not alone in the "crying in the work bathroom" situation. Haha.

 

[cavepig]

For registering --

YES, you can register for MULTIPLE races &/or people in ONE transaction.

You can use 1 form of payment - Credit/Debit Card, 1 Disney Gift Card or 1 Rewards Chase Card. If you have multiple gift cards go now and consolidate onto 1 gift card. Make sure you have enough funds to cover the race(s) cost plus the 6.6% fee.

You use your Disney login (it's the same as MDE, but will not show up in MDE). You can check out your profile now under 'manage accounts'. This will be the info. that autofills for 'myself' when registering. Otherwise, for all your other people you will have to fill in their info., it does not lift this info from your friends/family on MDE.

Take your time and read. Make sure your state is correct as it may autofill to not what you expect. Go check it out now for the Wine & Dine or Virtual to see what it looks like as well.

I would be prepared for waits on the first day when registration opens.

You can also read the FAQs on the website, the new ones are after the old regular race ones.https://www.rundisney.com/help/faq/

 

[Chaitali]

I heard Jock Lindsey's in Disney Springs has good nachos!

Ooh, I took a look and their menu has changed from the last time I was there. Nice! Plus, they have good drinks too

 

[ZellyB]

My ADR day is tomorrow as well. I've pretty much got in mind what we want to do although it does often change along the way as planning gets more specific. So, I've got hotel and I'll have meals. I need to get settled on airfare and then, you know, actually register for the race.

 

[LdyStormy76]

OK guys - I've appreciated all the advice given thus far, esp. since I'm much more familiar with the ins and outs of DLR compared to WDW. I'm planning on getting some ADR's tomorrow a.m. when my window opens up. Here's what I have so far - feel free to give any input as you see it. For the record - our party is 3 adult couples, with myself and my bro's-in-law running the Dopey. One of our spouses is doing everything but the marathon and the other two spouses are running the 5K:

Wednesday, Jan 9 (AK) - Yak and Yeti (lunch)
Thursday, Jan 10 (MK) - Be our Guest (lunch)
Friday, Jan 11 (Epcot) - Via Napoli (lunch)
Saturday, Jan 12 (DHS) - Sci-Fi Dine-In (lunch)
Sunday, Jan 13 (Epcot) - La Hacienda de Angel (post-marathon dinner)
Monday, Jan 14 (AK) - Boma (dinner)
Tuesday, Jan 15 (MK) - Skipper Canteen (lunch)
and see how we're feeling, esp. as we prepare for the big races on Sat Sun.

The one suggestion I will give you is for Saturday - plan lunch late. Depending on the estimated finish times of you group your last member might not be starting until 6:30 am. I managed a 1 pm lunch at Crystal Palace last year but it was tight.

 

[Sleepless Knight]

The one that feels "dodgy" right now is Sci-Fi. Our group wanted to try it, but it would be our post-half/pre-marathon meal, and I don't think the menu is very diverse, although I'm sure we could find something not overly heavy there. Skipper Canteen is another wildcard. For those out there who have tried it - have you liked it? I'm sure we'll make it to Disney Springs at some point, and I know there's great dining there... but not sure when that will be, so I'm hesitant trying to squeeze in an ADR right now for that.

For the most part we wanted to try one table service restaurant each day, and thought lunch would be good as we could be a little more open and choosy for dinner and see how we're feeling, esp. as we prepare for the big races on Sat and Sun.

Sci-Fi gets mixed reviews. The atmosphere is fun especially if you enjoy programs such as Mystery Science Theater 3000 and the random B movies that show watched and lovingly made of.

I love Skipper Canteen. I dined there the evening before the 2017 Dark Side 10K and it's on the short list for 2019 marathon weekend if I end up going. It's the Jungle Cruise operating a restaurant. Right down to the menu and the antics of the servers. It can get as randomly silly as the Jungle Cruise itself. But at least for me not only can it be a fun place to dine, I enjoy the food there. Because it worked as a pre race meal, it's definitely a strong contender to do so once again.

 

[a-mad]

Sci-Fi gets mixed reviews. The atmosphere is fun especially if you enjoy programs such as Mystery Science Theater 3000 and the random B movies that show watched and lovingly made of.

I love Skipper Canteen. I dined there the evening before the 2017 Dark Side 10K and it's on the short list for 2019 marathon weekend if I end up going. It's the Jungle Cruise operating a restaurant. Right down to the menu and the antics of the servers. It can get as randomly silly as the Jungle Cruise itself. But at least for me not only can it be a fun place to dine, I enjoy the food there. Because it worked as a pre race meal, it's definitely a strong contender to do so once again.

Thanks for the advice! I think we'll try Skipper Canteen. I like the diversity of the menu, and our group are big fans of Jungle Cruise, so I think it would be a fun meal on our last day at the resort.

 

[lhermiston]

OK guys - I've appreciated all the advice given thus far, esp. since I'm much more familiar with the ins and outs of DLR compared to WDW. I'm planning on getting some ADR's tomorrow a.m. when my window opens up. Here's what I have so far - feel free to give any input as you see it. For the record - our party is 3 adult couples, with myself and my bro's-in-law running the Dopey. One of our spouses is doing everything but the marathon and the other two spouses are running the 5K:

Wednesday, Jan 9 (AK) - Yak and Yeti (lunch)
Thursday, Jan 10 (MK) - Be our Guest (lunch)
Friday, Jan 11 (Epcot) - Via Napoli (lunch)
Saturday, Jan 12 (DHS) - Sci-Fi Dine-In (lunch)
Sunday, Jan 13 (Epcot) - La Hacienda de Angel (post-marathon dinner)
Monday, Jan 14 (AK) - Boma (dinner)
Tuesday, Jan 15 (MK) - Skipper Canteen (lunch)

The one that feels "dodgy" right now is Sci-Fi. Our group wanted to try it, but it would be our post-half/pre-marathon meal, and I don't think the menu is very diverse, although I'm sure we could find something not overly heavy there. Skipper Canteen is another wildcard. For those out there who have tried it - have you liked it? I'm sure we'll make it to Disney Springs at some point, and I know there's great dining there... but not sure when that will be, so I'm hesitant trying to squeeze in an ADR right now for that.

For the most part we wanted to try one table service restaurant each day, and thought lunch would be good as we could be a little more open and choosy for dinner and see how we're feeling, esp. as we prepare for the big races on Sat and Sun.

I really liked Sci-Fi Dine-In. The food wasn’t anything to write home about, but the atmosphere is a blast.

 

[run.minnie.miles]

I really liked Sci-Fi Dine-In. The food wasn’t anything to write home about, but the atmosphere is a blast.

I agree! Sci Fri and Coral Reef were my favorite restaurants as a kid and I still enjoy them today. Sometimes it's about the experience and nostalgia!

 

[Sleepless Knight]

Thanks for the advice! I think we'll try Skipper Canteen. I like the diversity of the menu, and our group are big fans of Jungle Cruise, so I think it would be a fun meal on our last day at the resort.

If you love the Jungle Cruise, then I say you should absolutely keep that ADR.

I really liked Sci-Fi Dine-In. The food wasn’t anything to write home about, but the atmosphere is a blast.

I would add doing your research about Sci-Fi is a good idea. The atmosphere is a lot of fun, but if it doesn't appeal to you, then there are better options for you.

Looking for any thoughts about Spice Road Table in Epcot. Considering this around Illuminations for the night of the marathon. My ADRs open up tomorrow.

 

[Keels]

Looking for any thoughts about Spice Road Table in Epcot. Considering this around Illuminations for the night of the marathon. My ADRs open up tomorrow.

It’s probably the one Epcot restaurant I visit every trip without hesitation.

 

[Bree]

OK guys - I've appreciated all the advice given thus far, esp. since I'm much more familiar with the ins and outs of DLR compared to WDW. I'm planning on getting some ADR's tomorrow a.m. when my window opens up. Here's what I have so far - feel free to give any input as you see it. For the record - our party is 3 adult couples, with myself and my bro's-in-law running the Dopey. One of our spouses is doing everything but the marathon and the other two spouses are running the 5K:

Wednesday, Jan 9 (AK) - Yak and Yeti (lunch)
Thursday, Jan 10 (MK) - Be our Guest (lunch)
Friday, Jan 11 (Epcot) - Via Napoli (lunch)
Saturday, Jan 12 (DHS) - Sci-Fi Dine-In (lunch)
Sunday, Jan 13 (Epcot) - La Hacienda de Angel (post-marathon dinner)
Monday, Jan 14 (AK) - Boma (dinner)
Tuesday, Jan 15 (MK) - Skipper Canteen (lunch)

The one that feels "dodgy" right now is Sci-Fi. Our group wanted to try it, but it would be our post-half/pre-marathon meal, and I don't think the menu is very diverse, although I'm sure we could find something not overly heavy there. Skipper Canteen is another wildcard. For those out there who have tried it - have you liked it? I'm sure we'll make it to Disney Springs at some point, and I know there's great dining there... but not sure when that will be, so I'm hesitant trying to squeeze in an ADR right now for that.

For the most part we wanted to try one table service restaurant each day, and thought lunch would be good as we could be a little more open and choosy for dinner and see how we're feeling, esp. as we prepare for the big races on Sat and Sun.

I like Sci-Fi, but I’ve only ordered burgers and fries there. Service and food has always been consistent though. I’ve had okay food and service at Skipper Canteen.

 

[YawningDodo]

Poking my not-running-until-2020 nose back in here with a question....

Do all of you book your rooms for Marathon Weekend as soon as they're available, or do you ever wait for the fall to see what room rates might be released? I've never cancelled and rebooked a WDW vacation to get a room discount so I don't know whether it's difficult.

 

[mankle30]

Poking my not-running-until-2020 nose back in here with a question....

Do all of you book your rooms for Marathon Weekend as soon as they're available, or do you ever wait for the fall to see what room rates might be released? I've never cancelled and rebooked a WDW vacation to get a room discount so I don't know whether it's difficult.

When I booked my hotel on-site, I was told that if there is a discount that comes available after we booked, they would apply it to our booking (I'm assuming that we'd have to bring it to their attention).

 

[Sleepless Knight]

Poking my not-running-until-2020 nose back in here with a question....

Do all of you book your rooms for Marathon Weekend as soon as they're available, or do you ever wait for the fall to see what room rates might be released? I've never cancelled and rebooked a WDW vacation to get a room discount so I don't know whether it's difficult.

My travel agent automatically applies any discounts that come up after I paid in full to my account. This has resulted in me discovering I had a credit on my account when I checked in a couple of times.

 

[kleph]

Ooh, I took a look and their menu has changed from the last time I was there. Nice! Plus, they have good drinks too

they also changed the music and it's not nearly as good. the drinks are still top notch.

 

[Keels]

they also changed the music and it's not nearly as good. the drinks are still top notch.

The music was back to normal when I was there two weeks ago.

 

[Disney at Heart]

Looking for any thoughts about Spice Road Table in Epcot. Considering this around Illuminations for the night of the marathon. My ADRs open up tomorrow.

It’s probably the one Epcot restaurant I visit every trip without hesitation.

I love Spice Road Table. I've always enjoyed the food, and it's rarely too busy to find a spot on the patio even without a reservation. It's a great place to relax and people watch. I've never been there for Illuminations, so a reservation may be in order at that time. After my first marathon, we showered quickly, went back to EPCOT to SRT, ate harissa rolls, humus and pita bread, and sat there watching the last of the marathoners come by. That day made it a special place for me!