Marathon Weekend 2023

[GADisneyDad14]

FWIW, I noticed BB is now listed as closed Sunday 1/8 on the app.

 

[Herding_Cats]

First time I’ve heard Epcot mentioned! It totally makes sense as an option bc we run by a few attractions (and a few spots to order drinks ), surprised I’ve never heard of people riding stuff there though.

I think the EE, ToT, and RnR are the most popular because they are *directly* in the course, AND they have ride photos. And the timing aspect. I agree that for those of us who are planning to try to do a ride stop for the first time are probably going to have a tougher time than pre-G+ because we can't set up a fastpass for it. Plus how close the race weekend is to New Year.

Looking at this year's course, 3 Caballeros, FEA, TT, and Mission Space are all on-course. And 3 out of those 4 will probably have very long lines.

I also feel like there are more CMs in Epcot who may discourage you from running all the way over to something like Figment for a ride, but I don't have any experience with that...I've just seen that mentioned in regards to some of the early morning bathrooms that aren't along the actual course.

 

[The Expert]

Sunrise is 7:19am next weekend so unless you're running a sub-2 marathon (or a sub-2 half on Saturday), sunscreen for everyone!

Note that the medical aid stations along the course usually have sunscreen. Because even if you applied it at 3am in your room, you're going to need to reapply by the time the sun comes up!

 

[DopeyRunner486]

Looking at this year's course, 3 Caballeros, FEA, TT, and Mission Space are all on-course. And 3 out of those 4 will probably have very long lines.

Mission Space Green probably won't but also who wants to get spun around during a marathon?

 

[steph0808]

Mission Space Green probably won't but also who wants to get spun around during a marathon?

I won't ride Mission Space at any time, let alone at the very end of a marathon!

 

[fatmanatee]

My guess is people are so exhausted by the time they get there that they just want it to be over. Plus by the time you get there the park has been open for a while and lines may be long. Everest was always seen as the easiest because you could hit it right at park opening and therefore have little to no wait.

Oh I know, I couldn’t even stop for a drink once I hit Epcot this year and I have no expectations of ever trying the HS rides. Just a bit surprised that I hadn’t heard even one anecdote from someone who had done it before.

We’ll see, Id def give a thought to dropping into Mexico if my legs were feeling ok.

 

[fatmanatee]

Speaking of rides on-course, Rock n Roller Coaster down for refurb for “several months” starting Feb.

 

[Z-Knight]

FYI: Site where you can see cancellations by day and see upto 2 days ahead:

https://flightaware.com/live/cancelled/today

You can filter by your own airport using the little input field but prefix every airport code with a 'K'. For example, Houston Hobby is 'HOU', so you type 'KHOU' and hit GO.

 

[jrsharp21]

FYI: Site where you can see cancellations by day and see upto 2 days ahead:

https://flightaware.com/live/cancelled/today

You can filter by your own airport using the little input field but prefix every airport code with a 'K'. For example, Houston Hobby is 'HOU', so you type 'KHOU' and hit GO.

Thanks for this. Pretty cool tool. I like seeing United way down the list!

 

[DopeyRunner486]

Speaking of rides on-course, Rock n Roller Coaster down for refurb for “several months” starting Feb.

Its been a while since its gotten a decent refurb.

 

[DisneyParrothead]

Speaking of rides on-course, Rock n Roller Coaster down for refurb for “several months” starting Feb.

Well crud! I was hoping to ride it during Princess weekend

 

[kristenabelle]

FYI: Site where you can see cancellations by day and see upto 2 days ahead:

https://flightaware.com/live/cancelled/today

You can filter by your own airport using the little input field but prefix every airport code with a 'K'. For example, Houston Hobby is 'HOU', so you type 'KHOU' and hit GO.

Love FlightAware. I track my flight a week out (a tad obsessive, but works for my nerves!)

 

[PrincessV]

I’m thinking about spectating the half, and as much fun as MK seems, I’d prefer to avoid crowds and absolutely cannot be on my feet the whole time. I’m thinking the GF or Poly are good options, no? I’d drive to EP before roads close and monorail over.

 

[DopeyRunner486]

I’m thinking about spectating the half, and as much fun as MK seems, I’d prefer to avoid crowds and absolutely cannot be on my feet the whole time. I’m thinking the GF or Poly are good options, no? I’d drive to EP before roads close and monorail over.

Your plan seems solid to me.

 

[The Expert]

I’m thinking about spectating the half, and as much fun as MK seems, I’d prefer to avoid crowds and absolutely cannot be on my feet the whole time. I’m thinking the GF or Poly are good options, no? I’d drive to EP before roads close and monorail over.

I've seen people out there with folding camp chairs, so BYO if you need one!

ETA: Note to clarify that I saw this chair use on the road behind GF and Poly, and along the Boardwalk NOT in the park. I don't think there would be room at MK or some areas of TTC to use a chair even if it is allowed.

 

[DisneyMountainWoman]

Well talked to my mom this morning who is my cheerleader/running support crew for the marathon. We made our plan. My mom will hang out in the morning with me and cheer me at the beginning with what little you can see then head to MK. There she will have sunscreen, my extra water bottle, snacks, chafe stick and I will get a re supply of everything I need when I see her at MK. I will run to MK while it is cooler (dark) and not stop for anything (but bathrooms if needed) till MK. Should be running about 13:30 pace, that is what my magic mile says I should be able too. Then she is going to head to Epcot and ride some rides when it opens up. Also she will try and get us LL for Guardians ride in the evening. Crossing my fingers... (she is not the best with the app, I normally do it) Early entry at 9:30am, so she will be able to head in and do some rides and then head to the Mexico area where she will find a table and chill there till it opens up. Then buy us margaritas. After MK I will be stopping at characters with reasonable lines but I will not do rides. I am worried that I am too slow and want to make sure I finish. My speed will slow down the 2nd half do too stopping at characters and I just suck at running in the humidity/heat. (if cooler pace will be better) I have done 3 practice runs though over 20 miles, one 20, one 21 and one 23, so my legs should be good. I should hit Epcot around 11:30 and my mom will have a margarita ready for me to grab So I will be able to have a drink crossing the finish line!! Then I go get pics with my medal and mom will head out of Epcot and meet me down in the photo pass medal area. Overall I think a good plan for my first marathon Any issues anyone sees?

 

[Herding_Cats]

Just came here to say I’m freaking out about my SW flights for MW. I can’t talk about this with anyone, so please pardon the rant below.

I fly from a small airport and SW is the only viable (and usually reliable) airline. I’m using all of my time off as is for Dopey, flying out Tuesday immediately after work. I just booked another SW flight for Wednesday morning, but if Tuesday night gets cancelled I’d imagine Wednesday morning won’t be looking good either. I’d attempt a major airport further away, but there really aren’t any options that will allow me to still work Tuesday and get there after work with rush hour traffic.

This training cycle has been a tough one emotionally. I haven’t updated my training journal in far too long because I just haven’t had enough time, but I’ve put in the work and I’ll just be devastated if I can’t get there due to these SW issues.

I know quite a few people that have already been impacted, had flights cancelled and had to make the 24 hour drive last minute. I’m trying to mentally prepare myself with a plan if this should happen to me next week, but I’m hoping beyond hope that this will be better by then…

Here to say that if you need someone else to obsess over this for you and try to create plan c, d, e, or f that I’m happy to have something to do with all of my excess energy this week. And I would totally be your personal shopper at the expo if needed.

 

[Herding_Cats]

non-running related: GotG VQ question (because I don’t want to wade through the 30+ page thread in tpas)

If we are starting our day in AK and hopping to Epcot in the afternoon, can we try for the VQ at 7am, or do we have to wait for the 1pm drop?

 

[PrincessV]

I've seen people out there with folding camp chairs, so BYO if you need one!

I do have one and was thinking about that… but I suspect lugging it around is likely to cause more damage to my body than bringing a big beach towel to fold up and sit on. I just need to MacGyver a way to stick a sign to the top of my hat so it’s high enough for runners to see lol!

Well talked to my mom this morning who is my cheerleader/running support crew for the marathon. We made our plan. My mom will hang out in the morning with me and cheer me at the beginning with what little you can see then head to MK. There she will have sunscreen, my extra water bottle, snacks, chafe stick and I will get a re supply of everything I need when I see her at MK. I will run to MK while it is cooler (dark) and not stop for anything (but bathrooms if needed) till MK. Should be running about 13:30 pace, that is what my magic mile says I should be able too. Then she is going to head to Epcot and ride some rides when it opens up. Also she will try and get us LL for Guardians ride in the evening. Crossing my fingers... (she is not the best with the app, I normally do it) Early entry at 9:30am, so she will be able to head in and do some rides and then head to the Mexico area where she will find a table and chill there till it opens up. Then buy us margaritas. After MK I will be stopping at characters with reasonable lines but I will not do rides. I am worried that I am too slow and want to make sure I finish. My speed will slow down the 2nd half do too stopping at characters and I just suck at running in the humidity/heat. (if cooler pace will be better) I have done 3 practice runs though over 20 miles, one 20, one 21 and one 23, so my legs should be good. I should hit Epcot around 11:30 and my mom will have a margarita ready for me to grab So I will be able to have a drink crossing the finish line!! Then I go get pics with my medal and mom will head out of Epcot and meet me down in the photo pass medal area. Overall I think a good plan for my first marathon Any issues anyone sees?

I’ll just caution this: do not try to bank time by running the first half hard. It will almost certainly come back to bite you later. Take it at a comfortable pace and you’ll be fine, time-wise, and will have the energy to pick it up a bit at the end when you’re losing time to stops.

A note for you and your mom in MK: it’s SO hard to find each other in that crowd - make sure you both know what the other is wearing, have her hold a bright sign, and touch base as you pass the CR to let her know you’re near And find out exactly where she’s located.

 

[Bree]

non-running related: GotG VQ question (because I don’t want to wade through the 30+ page thread in tpas)

If we are starting our day in AK and hopping to Epcot in the afternoon, can we try for the VQ at 7am, or do we have to wait for the 1pm drop?

You have to have a park ressie for Epcot for GotG VQ. Park hopping doesn’t start until 2pm so you can’t do the 1pm drop either.

ETA: There’s another 6pm drop for the deluxe resort EEH, but I do not know the details.