Marathon Weekend 2019

[Sleepless Knight]

I've run 6 of the runDisney races in Disneyland and this will be my first in WDW. I'm running both the 5K (with some family) and the half (alone).
I'm still trying to wrap my head around how this will work at WDW... In Disneyland I just had to take the elevator down from my Disney hotel and walk out the front door.
I've been reading through tons of posts and blogs, etc. but the current questions I'm worried about are:
- How early do you have to leave your Disney Hotel using the Disney Buses to get to the corrals in time? (Also do the buses fill up that early in the morning? Do I have to go even earlier to wait for a bus?)
-When the race is over how long does it usually take to get back to your hotel taking the Disney Buses? (Are they running every 20 minutes?)
-Any other tips for a WDW runDisney first timer?

I'm just trying to mentally prepare if I need to plan to wake up even earlier or if I need to tell the family I won't be able to join them at the parks until later in the day.

Thanks

When running Disneyland races, I could wake up as late as 4:30 and still make it to the corral quite with lots of time. Disney World is a very different animal ranging from 2:45 to 3:00am just to be sure I'm safely on the bus. This past April, my bus driver got lost on the way to the starting area. I was on the first bus so I wasn't concerned, but there you have it. All I have to do is put on my running clothes, make sure I took care of bodyglide, sunscreen, et all and I'm good to go. Anyone with an elaborate costume may need more time.

This past Dark Side, I waited on the bus for a few minutes before it returned to my resort. I was sitting down so I didn't care, but something to be aware of. And if you're staying at a resort like the All Stars or a Port Orleans resort, you may have a stop at another resort before getting to yours. I'm a slow runner, so I usually wind up back in the parks around 12:30 to 1:00pm after a Disney World Half. I would just plan on joining up with your non running party later in the day. If you're ready beforehand, then great, but don't plan anything that is a must do for you early.

 

[rteetz]

When running Disneyland races, I could wake up as late as 4:30 and still make it to the corral quite with lots of time. Disney World is a very different animal ranging from 2:45 to 3:00am just to be sure I'm safely on the bus. This past April, my bus driver got lost on the way to the starting area. I was on the first bus so I wasn't concerned, but there you have it. All I have to do is put on my running clothes, make sure I took care of bodyglide, sunscreen, et all and I'm good to go. Anyone with an elaborate costume may need more time.

This past Dark Side, I waited on the bus for a few minutes before it returned to my resort. I was sitting down so I didn't care, but something to be aware of. And if you're staying at a resort like the All Stars or a Port Orleans resort, you may have a stop at another resort before getting to yours. I'm a slow runner, so I usually wind up back in the parks around 12:30 to 1:00pm after a Disney World Half. I would just plan on joining up with your non running party later in the day. If you're ready beforehand, then great, but don't plan anything that is a must do for you early.

Most resorts share buses for runDisney races even deluxe.

Usually it’s this

Poly/GF/Shades of Green

Contemporary/WL/Ft.W

Pop/AoA

All stars

BC/YC/BWI/Swan and Dolphin

POR/POFQ

Caribbean Beach

Coronado Springs

Saratoga/Old Key West

AKL

 

[Philo2020]

Ouch, I'm sorry. This was in no way a humble brag post. He asked whether Aurora was on course. I responded by telling him where I found Aurora on course the last few years. However, the location at which she appeared was in EPCOT World Showcase. Therefore, I was unaware of whether Aurora would be present in the park when open to the general public. I genuinely didn't know whether she was still present on the path of the course when hundreds of other day guests are present. But @croach has confirmed that location. Apologies as the intent of the post was to help.

I have to chime in here, although it may be a little late. @DopeyBadger I didn't see this as any type of brag, simply an observation. I will say that I am a middle of the pack runner, that doesn't mean I am better or worse than 50% of the runners, simply where I land in these races. I don't know @DopeyBadger personally but from what I have read, I have have seen nothing but an absolutely (and extremely) supportive attitude toward everyone on this board. I know it is normal in our culture these days to assume the worst and attack different opinions but please, please, please let's support each other on this forum no matter if our goal is a 5 minute mile or to beat the balloon ladies by 1 second as each are both extreme accomplishments! Please, lets support each other in our own individual goals, no matter what they are (Faster or slower than our own)!!!

<off soap box>

 

[Sleepless Knight]

I have to chime in here, although it may be a little late. @DopeyBadger I didn't see this as any type of brag, simply an observation. I will say that I am a middle of the pack runner, that doesn't mean I am better or worse than 50% of the runners, simply where I land in these races. I don't know @DopeyBadger personally but from what I have read, I have have seen nothing but an absolutely (and extremely) supportive attitude toward everyone on this board. I know it is normal in our culture these days to assume the worst and attack different opinions but please, please, please let's support each other on this forum no matter if our goal is a 5 minute mile or to beat the balloon ladies by 1 second as each are both extreme accomplishments! Please, lets support each other in our own individual goals, no matter what they are (Faster or slower than our own)!!!

<off soap box>

As the person who asked the question that led to this, I agree completely. @DopeyBadger is coaching me and knows exactly how slow a runner I am. And I have never once felt like he looks down on anyone who is not at his level as a runner. I viewed his response as telling me that what he experienced with the character I asked about may not be what I see since I am very likely to be running through World Showcase long after that area has opened to park guests.

 

[lhermiston]

I've run 6 of the runDisney races in Disneyland and this will be my first in WDW. I'm running both the 5K (with some family) and the half (alone).
I'm still trying to wrap my head around how this will work at WDW... In Disneyland I just had to take the elevator down from my Disney hotel and walk out the front door.
I've been reading through tons of posts and blogs, etc. but the current questions I'm worried about are:
- How early do you have to leave your Disney Hotel using the Disney Buses to get to the corrals in time? (Also do the buses fill up that early in the morning? Do I have to go even earlier to wait for a bus?)
-When the race is over how long does it usually take to get back to your hotel taking the Disney Buses? (Are they running every 20 minutes?)
-Any other tips for a WDW runDisney first timer?

I'm just trying to mentally prepare if I need to plan to wake up even earlier or if I need to tell the family I won't be able to join them at the parks until later in the day.

Thanks

I wouldn't worry about anything, just be prepared and give yourself time. I stayed at Pop and walked out of my room around 2:45-3:00 a.m. A bus pulled up in front of the main entrance a few minutes within getting there and I got right on. My recollection was multiple buses showed up around the same time. Then it was an easy drive to Epcot and a long wait until we got to go to our corrals. Post-race, I got right on a bus with my wife and daughter and we were back to Pop in no time. It was super easy.

FWIW, I spent more time on a bus getting to and leaving the expo. I would build a couple hours of expo activities into your plans.

As for tips for first timers, let's make that next week's Sundays are for Disney question.

 

[kywyldcat03]

As the person who asked the question that led to this, I agree completely. @DopeyBadger is coaching me and knows exactly how slow a runner I am. And I have never once felt like he looks down on anyone who is not at his level as a runner. I viewed his response as telling me that what he experienced with the character I asked about may not be what I see since I am very likely to be running through World Showcase long after that area has opened to park guests.

I will echo @Sleepless Knight on this one. @DopeyBadger is coaching me as well. I have run into a lot of "coaches" who have a condescending attitude and like to brag on their times. @DopeyBadger has always made me feel like my accomplishments mean something and has never shown that kind of attitude. He is the epitome of what a coach should be.. someone who inspires us to meet/exceed our goals and is always looking out for our best interests. Keep up the good work @DopeyBadger!! You are very much appreciated for everything you do!

 

[PrincessV]

I've run 6 of the runDisney races in Disneyland and this will be my first in WDW. I'm running both the 5K (with some family) and the half (alone).
I'm still trying to wrap my head around how this will work at WDW... In Disneyland I just had to take the elevator down from my Disney hotel and walk out the front door.
I've been reading through tons of posts and blogs, etc. but the current questions I'm worried about are:
- How early do you have to leave your Disney Hotel using the Disney Buses to get to the corrals in time? (Also do the buses fill up that early in the morning? Do I have to go even earlier to wait for a bus?)
-When the race is over how long does it usually take to get back to your hotel taking the Disney Buses? (Are they running every 20 minutes?)
-Any other tips for a WDW runDisney first timer?

This:

WDW races are pretty grand in scope. Build in time for getting from place to place.

In general, WDW is a BIG place and it usually takes twice as long as I think it should to get from one place to another... and I'm a semi-local with a car! I just assume 45 minutes to an hour to get anywhere and if it's less, great.

Every race weekend, there is a bus issue: a resort with too few race buses, a driver who gets lost, a long line for a bus back to a resort... this is why I alwyas recommend leaving yourself pleeenty of time. You may not need it, but do you want the stress of not knowing if you'll make it somewhere on time added into the mix? I typically drive to races, but when I have used a race bus, I've tried to get on within the first 15 minutes they start running. That leaves plenty of time to get there, use potties, eat a snack, take some pics, stretch, warm up, etc. Leaving the race can be as quick as walking through the finish chute and hopping on a bus just before ti departs - maybe 10 minutes - or as long as an hour+ if you opt to wait for post-race pics, and/or your resort has a long line for a bus.

 

[flav]

what is the best thing you have purchase at the expo? didn't spend a lot of time there this year because of the weather and the waits, so I'm looking forward to what 2019 has to offer!

I bought one plush Mickey with medal at the Expo.
My other souvenirs from my Disney races included a bead from Pandora, a medal hanger ordered online but delivered to my Disney resort, plus pictures and medals of course.

 

[jennamfeo]

Someone remind me to get a Marathon Pin and maybe also a Dopey pin. Thanks.

 

[rteetz]

Someone remind me to get a Marathon Pin and maybe also a Dopey pin. Thanks.

Get all the pins...

 

[jennamfeo]

Get all the pins...

I don't know if I need all the pins, but I know that I need the Marathon pin for my jean jacket. And since I have two jean jackets, maybe also the Dopey pin.

 

[rteetz]

I don't know if I need all the pins, but I know that I need the Marathon pin for my jean jacket. And since I have two jean jackets, maybe also the Dopey pin.

ALL THE PINS

 

[PrincessV]

I am so not a shopper, or a collector. This year I bought a Dopey magnet and a marathon weekend mug. And after the races, I sold all but two of my medals and shirts, lol!

 

[jennamfeo]

I am so not a shopper, or a collector. This year I bought a Dopey magnet and a marathon weekend mug. And after the races, I sold all but two of my medals and shirts, lol!

WHOA WHAT. You sold your medals?! I know this is a very to each their own topic, but I could never. Haha.

The only things that I have ever purchased at the expo was a headband, a wine glass, and always a Mickey plush for Bay when she does a kids race. Oh, and I bought a Coast to Coast magnet after Wine and Dine.... and someone stole it off my car.

 

[SarahDisney]

When I did my first runDisney race (2015 Princess 5K), I bought a necklace. I loved it. I figured that would be something I bought every year ... and then at my next runDisney race they didn't have necklaces. I don't know if necklaces are a Princess weekend only thing (because I haven't been back to princess weekend yet) or if they stopped making them, but either way, I was sad.
I'm actually wearing that necklace today.

 

[lhermiston]

I am so not a shopper, or a collector. This year I bought a Dopey magnet and a marathon weekend mug. And after the races, I sold all but two of my medals and shirts, lol!

I don't think I could sell my medals unless I made enough to make running Dopey a self-sustained adventure, but I doubt they'd fetch that much.

I'd be very interested to meet someone who buys medals, though.

 

[run.minnie.miles]

While we're on the topic of merch, do the coffee mugs usually sell out? If so, I might have to beg one of you Dopeys to pick one up for me

 

[jennamfeo]

While we're on the topic of merch, do the coffee mugs usually sell out? If so, I might have to beg one of you Dopeys to pick one up for me

That is a great question. Someone answer it and I will grab us both one if I need to.

 

[run.minnie.miles]

That is a great question. Someone answer it and I will grab us both one if I need to.

You're a gem. I think it's only necessary that you, me and @SarahDisney need matching 1st marathon mugs!

 

[SarahDisney]

You're a gem. I think it's only necessary that you, me and @SarahDisney need matching 1st marathon mugs!

Oh man, I gotta buy a coffee mug, don't I? I don't really use coffee mugs (I drink all my coffee from travel mugs). I suppose I can put it with my NYRR pint glasses that I don't use ... start a race-related unused drinkware collection.