Marathon Weekend 2027

[Novatrix]

Add me to the list of people who has difficulty spotting people in the wild. My friends and I in high school found out that Gwyneth Paltrow was sitting within 4 ft of our group with her children when one of my friend's aunt saw a photo of us in a paparazzi rag.

NYC is such an interesting example because there's just so many people of various levels of fame, that usually unless it's an event they're left alone by new yorkers. I've personally seen Daniel Radcliffe do his thing without bodyguards or anyone bothering him around the city, then saw the MOB at stage door for one of his shows on another day.

 

[Psymonds]

I used to cover the Sundance Film Festival for SLC news media, and let me tell you there is a SKILL to spotting celebs in the wild. Especially when they are among a throng of festival-goers and bundled up for Park City winter weather! Most often I would notice an entourage first, or someone else who had recognized someone (or thought they had).

We always wanted to do an experiment where we dressed someone up in an expensive coat and sunglasses with a couple of "bodyguards" and see how many people thought they were "somebody". It probably would have worked.

We play this game in DL when we see plaids walking someone around "rich? or famous?"

 

[Novatrix]

We play this game in DL when we see plaids walking someone around "rich? or famous?"

 

[lhermiston]

Some Saturday evening musings...

With registration behind me, my thoughts have turned to lodging for the race and I'm seriously contemplating three spots. I'll be down for Dopey, which means staying Tuesday to Tuesday; but I'm probably only doing 3 (maybe 4) park days, which means downtime and finding entertainment. With that in mind I'm thinking about:

- All-Stars: Probably Sports, but they're all more or less the same. I stayed at All-Star Movies for one Marathon Weekend and it's totally fine. The food court is acceptable and race transportation gave me no troubles. But there's a not a ton going on.

- POFQ. I did Riverside one race weekend and love the resort, but couldn't stand the multiple bus stops for a race weekend. I did POFQ another race weekend and really loved how compact it was. The food on site is pretty bueno, I like being a short walk from Riverside, and the boat to Disney Springs gives me something to do on my no park days. I also love the vibes of NOLA, even the Disney-fied version. But, it's pricy for a solo trip when really all I need is a roof over my head.

- Swolphin. The wild card. I've never stayed here, but I'm intrigued, largely by the location. Am I way off or could it be comparable in price to POFQ? It would be so fun to stay in that area, but I'm turned off by the resort fee and the food on site seems expensive by Disney standards.

I'd love any feedback (including recommendations) as it's been a few years since I've done a race weekend.

 

[marty3d]

Some Saturday evening musings...

With registration behind me, my thoughts have turned to lodging for the race and I'm seriously contemplating three spots. I'll be down for Dopey, which means staying Tuesday to Tuesday; but I'm probably only doing 3 (maybe 4) park days, which means downtime and finding entertainment. With that in mind I'm thinking about:

- All-Stars: Probably Sports, but they're all more or less the same. I stayed at All-Star Movies for one Marathon Weekend and it's totally fine. The food court is acceptable and race transportation gave me no troubles. But there's a not a ton going on.

- POFQ. I did Riverside one race weekend and love the resort, but couldn't stand the multiple bus stops for a race weekend. I did POFQ another race weekend and really loved how compact it was. The food on site is pretty bueno, I like being a short walk from Riverside, and the boat to Disney Springs gives me something to do on my no park days. I also love the vibes of NOLA, even the Disney-fied version. But, it's pricy for a solo trip when really all I need is a roof over my head.

- Swolphin. The wild card. I've never stayed here, but I'm intrigued, largely by the location. Am I way off or could it be comparable in price to POFQ? It would be so fun to stay in that area, but I'm turned off by the resort fee and the food on site seems expensive by Disney standards.

I'd love any feedback (including recommendations) as it's been a few years since I've done a race weekend.

My 2c - Swolphin is my choice and actually where I'm currently booked in for MW. The rooms are a good size and it also gives you most of the same benefits as the Disney Deluxe resorts at closer to a moderate resort prices. Especially if you can use the D23 Gold (E2660) or AP (QWH) discounts. Race transportation is easy - the buses typically only stop at the 3 resorts - Swan, Dolphin and SR. You have all the Crescent Lake benefits and walking distance to Epcot and DHS.

The biggest issue you'll have is getting a room. I booked in January and I'm in a split stay with 2 days at SR and 5 days at the Dolphin. For this last MW I was never able to get a room for the Sunday night and ended up deciding to just spend my whole time at Pop.

ETA: I should note that this year was the exception for me - in previous years I've usually been able to get a room if I kept checking- though sometimes it wasn't until October. They are a big conference hotel and there are often room blocks that expire - YMMV.

 

[lhermiston]

My 2c - Swolphin is my choice and actually where I'm currently booked in for MW. The rooms are a good size and it also gives you most of the same benefits as the Disney Deluxe resorts at closer to a moderate resort prices. Especially if you can use the D23 Gold (E2660) or AP (QWH) discounts. Race transportation is easy - the buses typically only stop at the 3 resorts - Swan, Dolphin and SR. You have all the Crescent Lake benefits and walking distance to Epcot and DHS.

The biggest issue you'll have is getting a room. I booked in January and I'm in a split stay with 2 days at SR and 5 days at the Dolphin. For this last MW I was never able to get a room for the Sunday night and ended up deciding to just spend my whole time at Pop.

ETA: I should note that this year was the exception for me - in previous years I've usually been able to get a room if I kept checking- though sometimes it wasn't until October. They are a big conference hotel and there are often room blocks that expire - YMMV.

I appreciate the feedback. Were you able to book because it's a Marriott? When I reached out to my travel agent this past week, she said I wouldn't be able to book a room until late April/early May.

 

[marty3d]

I appreciate the feedback. Were you able to book because it's a Marriott? When I reached out to my travel agent this past week, she said I wouldn't be able to book a room until late April/early May.

Yes- Marriott opens up for bookings approximately 50 weeks ahead of time. I booked as soon as I could and still could only get a split stay which leads me to believe not all rooms have been made available yet- perhaps due to conference room blocks. These are massive resorts so for some nights to be sold out that far ahead of time is strange. I wouldn't rule out eventually getting a room. I used to book Pop/BW/YC/BC as backup when I can't get a room and then cancel the Disney resort once I secured a room at Swolphin.

 

[DisneyParrothead]

Some Saturday evening musings...

With registration behind me, my thoughts have turned to lodging for the race and I'm seriously contemplating three spots. I'll be down for Dopey, which means staying Tuesday to Tuesday; but I'm probably only doing 3 (maybe 4) park days, which means downtime and finding entertainment. With that in mind I'm thinking about:

- All-Stars: Probably Sports, but they're all more or less the same. I stayed at All-Star Movies for one Marathon Weekend and it's totally fine. The food court is acceptable and race transportation gave me no troubles. But there's a not a ton going on.

- POFQ. I did Riverside one race weekend and love the resort, but couldn't stand the multiple bus stops for a race weekend. I did POFQ another race weekend and really loved how compact it was. The food on site is pretty bueno, I like being a short walk from Riverside, and the boat to Disney Springs gives me something to do on my no park days. I also love the vibes of NOLA, even the Disney-fied version. But, it's pricy for a solo trip when really all I need is a roof over my head.

- Swolphin. The wild card. I've never stayed here, but I'm intrigued, largely by the location. Am I way off or could it be comparable in price to POFQ? It would be so fun to stay in that area, but I'm turned off by the resort fee and the food on site seems expensive by Disney standards.

I'd love any feedback (including recommendations) as it's been a few years since I've done a race weekend.

I’m staying at the Swan for MW and I love the convenience of everything. It’s easy to get to Epcot and Studios, especially given how tied up the roads will be for the Marathon. Swolphin buses drop off at the parks at different locations, but you can get around that by walking over to Boardwalk/YC/BC. Food’s actually more in line with Disney price wise, and I always walk over to the Boardwalk bakery multiple times for breakfast.

If you’re at one of the three, you get to enjoy the perks at the other two. It’s really nice to stay in the Boardwalk area and be more price friendly.

 

[FFigawi]

I appreciate the feedback. Were you able to book because it's a Marriott? When I reached out to my travel agent this past week, she said I wouldn't be able to book a room until late April/early May.

I booked my room at the Dolphin two weeks before registration. Keep checking. Rooms should be open.