Marathon Weekend 2026

[sandam1]

Adding to the hotel discussion, I was researching rates for our stay on the dark side (aka Universal) during MW and they are remarkable. We're looking at staying in the hotels closest to the new park since that's likely where we will be spending most of our time. The passholder rate for a standard room at Stella Nova (which has a walking path to Epic) averages at $101 per night. A standard room at Grand Helios (i.e. the hotel that is IN the park) averages $339 per night.

Right now, I'm thinking of a split-stay, splurging on Grand Helios for our post-race days. Fingers crossed that Universal finally releases an annual pass that includes Epic before January.

 

[LSUlakes]

All of this, AND check Expedia (they often have room blocks at Disney resorts and Swan/Dolphin), the Marriott app (for Swan/Dolphin/JW all on property) and also DVC rental sites.

I would love DVC as a option, but I doubt a room will be available that will be cheaper than pop. The other issue with DVC and Expedia is cancellation policy is nearly nonexistent.

 

[Herding_Cats]

I would love DVC as an option, but I doubt a room will be available that will be cheaper than pop. The other issue with DVC and Expedia is cancellation policy is nearly nonexistent.

What do you usually pay per night at Pop?

Points for SSR and OKW are basically *always* available in the dvc section of the boards here for $18/pp.

A standard studio at SSR is 12pts/nt Sunday-Thursday and 15pts/nt for Friday and Saturday. That comes out to 90pts/week. That’s $230/nt on average if you stay for a full week. It’s about a 7min drive to the Epcot parking lot, and walkable to a ton of food options at DS (and the resort busses at DS if you want to go eat at a resort restaurant and not deal with driving or a rideshare.)

OKW is slightly less at 10 and 14pts per night (78 for a week.) AKV is slightly more.

 

[The Expert]

Does the JW have runDisney bus access? I've stayed at the Swan Reserve for previous races, and buses do pick up from there, the Swan, and the Dolphin.

I stayed there for the Everest SS 5K a few years ago and there was a bus. We drove because we had a rental car and DH wanted to be at the finish, but when we went out to get in it, there was a bus sitting there picking up runners.

 

[Disneyhanna]

What do you usually pay per night at Pop?

Points for SSR and OKW are basically *always* available in the dvc section of the boards here for $18/pp.

A standard studio at SSR is 12pts/nt Sunday-Thursday and 15pts/nt for Friday and Saturday. That comes out to 90pts/week. That’s $230/nt on average if you stay for a full week. It’s about a 7min drive to the Epcot parking lot, and walkable to a ton of food options at DS (and the resort busses at DS if you want to go eat at a resort restaurant and not deal with driving or a rideshare.)

OKW is slightly less at 10 and 14pts per night (78 for a week.) AKV is slightly more.

The other reason I especially love renting for Marathon Weekend is the mini kitchenette. I love having a microwave, real mini fridge, sink and counter, and toaster. Perfect for toasting the bagel that I end up being too nauseous to eat at 2:30AM on my way to the bus.

 

[pluto377]

The other reason I especially love renting for Marathon Weekend is the mini kitchenette. I love having a microwave, real mini fridge, sink and counter, and toaster. Perfect for toasting the bagel that I end up being too nauseous to eat at 2:30AM on my way to the bus.

And access to hot tubs! I wish the values would add them.

 

[Let's Get Kronk]

Good afternoon, RunDisney All-Stars! The results are in for the round of 16 of March Magical Madness. Things went pretty much according to seed, with one minor upset when Ronto Roasters edged out the Brown Derby. Here are your results from the round:

Les Halles 20 -10 Karamell Kuche
Spice Road Table 10 - 18 Via Napoli
Brown Derby 13 - 16 Ronto Roasters
Baseline Taphouse 13 - 16 ABC Commissary
Skipper's Canteen 23 - 8 Pecos Bill's
Gaston's Tavern 9 - 23 Columbia Harbour House
Yak & Yeti 19 - 11 Tusker House
Flame Tree Barbecue 14 - 18 Satu'li Canteen

Voting is now open through Friday for the quarterfinals. Here's the bracket for the matchups:View attachment 948504

SAFD:

Skipper's Canteen
Satu'li Canteen
Via Napoli
ABC Commissary

 

[xjillianpaige]

Good afternoon, RunDisney All-Stars! The results are in for the round of 16 of March Magical Madness. Things went pretty much according to seed, with one minor upset when Ronto Roasters edged out the Brown Derby. Here are your results from the round:

Les Halles 20 -10 Karamell Kuche
Spice Road Table 10 - 18 Via Napoli
Brown Derby 13 - 16 Ronto Roasters
Baseline Taphouse 13 - 16 ABC Commissary
Skipper's Canteen 23 - 8 Pecos Bill's
Gaston's Tavern 9 - 23 Columbia Harbour House
Yak & Yeti 19 - 11 Tusker House
Flame Tree Barbecue 14 - 18 Satu'li Canteen

Voting is now open through Friday for the quarterfinals. Here's the bracket for the matchups:View attachment 948504

Just getting my votes in!

1. Les Halles
2. Ronto Roasters
3. Skipper's Canteen
4. Yak & Yeti

 

[jpholic]

Adding to the hotel discussion, I was researching rates for our stay on the dark side (aka Universal) during MW and they are remarkable. We're looking at staying in the hotels closest to the new park since that's likely where we will be spending most of our time. The passholder rate for a standard room at Stella Nova (which has a walking path to Epic) averages at $101 per night. A standard room at Grand Helios (i.e. the hotel that is IN the park) averages $339 per night.

Right now, I'm thinking of a split-stay, splurging on Grand Helios for our post-race days. Fingers crossed that Universal finally releases an annual pass that includes Epic before January.

I'm doing exactly this.

Running Dopey and staying at Boardwalk through renting DVC points. Booked Terra Luna at $103 a night for the second half of my trip. Planning on grabbing two days to soak up Epic and getting a tattoo to mark this incredible running journey.

 

[Livelovedance]

Not sure if this was already mentioned, but the Goofy presale zip up is now sold out in Small, Medium and Large. I finally decided to order but I guess the universe really decided for me lol.

 

[jpholic]

Not sure if this was already mentioned, but the Goofy presale zip up is now sold out in Small, Medium and Large. I finally decided to order but I guess the universe really decided for me lol.

The universe helping me out as well, I was on the fence because it was zip up. I'm hoping for a couple cute hoodies for Goofy and Dopey. The Princess HM in the purple I love and wear often.

 

[nekonekoneko]

presale zip up is now sold out

Dear runDisney,

When it comes to presales:

 

[Livelovedance]

The universe helping me out as well, I was on the fence because it was zip up. I'm hoping for a couple cute hoodies for Goofy and Dopey. The Princess HM in the purple I love and wear often.

A hoodie would be perfect. I’m not crazy about zip ups, but I figured this might be a one and only Goofy (I loved Dopey but can’t always take the time off to do it) so it’d be nice to have something to commemorate it. I think the Princess HM hoodie is my favorite runDisney merchandise purchase. I wear it all the time!

 

[marty3d]

I'm doing exactly this.

Running Dopey and staying at Boardwalk through renting DVC points. Booked Terra Luna at $103 a night for the second half of my trip. Planning on grabbing two days to soak up Epic and getting a tattoo to mark this incredible running journey.

You'll have to share after you get it! I'm still trying to come up with a rD tattoo idea I like. Have each of the race distances but haven't come quite figured out the right idea yet.

 

[marty3d]

A hoodie would be perfect. I’m not crazy about zip ups, but I figured this might be a one and only Goofy (I loved Dopey but can’t always take the time off to do it) so it’d be nice to have something to commemorate it. I think the Princess HM hoodie is my favorite runDisney merchandise purchase. I wear it all the time!

I actually really like the Goofy Zip Up - I tend to be more of a zip-up hoodie person - more option. I really wanted to pre-order it but I'm not sure about size. Going to have to see if I can get it in January.

 

[jmasgat]

Today's Wordle is appropriate to this thread........

 

[The Expert]

You'll have to share after you get it! I'm still trying to come up with a rD tattoo idea I like. Have each of the race distances but haven't come quite figured out the right idea yet.

Me too! Been considering it for years and I'm just waiting for inspiration to strike.

Back when they had the temporary tattoo stands in the parks, I used to always get a Tink on my ankle at the start of a trip. The CM gave me a backup once (in case it didn't last and I needed to reapply it), and I still have it. I've considered having an artist just use that as a base design and maybe put running shoes on her? But I also would like to add race distances or tally marks of some kind. I just can't quite get the vision to come together in a way that Iike (yet).

 

[marty3d]

Me too! Been considering it for years and I'm just waiting for inspiration to strike.

Back when they had the temporary tattoo stands in the parks, I used to always get a Tink on my ankle at the start of a trip. The CM gave me a backup once (in case it didn't last and I needed to reapply it), and I still have it. I've considered having an artist just use that as a base design and maybe put running shoes on her? But I also would like to add race distances or tally marks of some kind. I just can't quite get the vision to come together in a way that Iike (yet).

I like the tink idea - but I know what you mean - it's tough to figure out how to put everything together. I've been wanting to get something since my first Dopey and still haven't come up with anything I love. Maybe we need to start a brainstorming thread

 

[DisneyParrothead]

Me too! Been considering it for years and I'm just waiting for inspiration to strike.

Back when they had the temporary tattoo stands in the parks, I used to always get a Tink on my ankle at the start of a trip. The CM gave me a backup once (in case it didn't last and I needed to reapply it), and I still have it. I've considered having an artist just use that as a base design and maybe put running shoes on her? But I also would like to add race distances or tally marks of some kind. I just can't quite get the vision to come together in a way that Iike (yet).

Same! I also hate needles so that’s a little problematic . I’d get Tink on my right leg at my IT band because I had a horrible time with ITBS a number of years ago and the Tinkerbell 10k was my first big race back during that time.

I did the Fairytale challenge this year for my 40th birthday and I love the little symbols rD put on the front of the spirit jersey. It may be moot because of my needle thing, but how cute would those small symbols look?

 

[The Expert]

Same! I also hate needles so that’s a little problematic . I’d get Tink on my right leg at my IT band because I had a horrible time with ITBS a number of years ago and the Tinkerbell 10k was my first big race back during that time.

I did the Fairytale challenge this year for my 40th birthday and I love the little symbols rD put on the front of the spirit jersey. It may be moot because of my needle thing, but how cute would those small symbols look?

I was TERRIFIED of needles before I got my first tattoo. Never in a million years thought I'd get one, but then I lost my heart dog and the first thought that came to my mind was to get a tattoo in his honor. I was scared to death, but the artist was so kind, and a friend went with me for moral support, and I got through it. It helped that it only took about 20 minutes and I had a great reason for doing it. Honestly, it's a totally different sensation than a needle prick -- more like a low searing burn type of pain, but manageable. My artist also had numbing cream he put on before he did it, AND I got it on a less sensitive spot (inner arm). You can definitely do it!