My Magical Journey to Running the Half Marathon TR Link! p.107

[carissanboys]

I know you've stayed at Shades of Green before and prefer the Disney resorts because they have more of a Disney feel, but I'd think about Shades of Green for marathon weekend just because of the transportation. You can quickly walk over to the Poly and catch the monorail which is a big plus at 4 am. It means you can sleep a little longer because you don't have to catch a bus around 3:30 or so. And this year I heard nightmares about the bus lines for the buses back to the resorts after the race. Another option is to find someone to rent BLT points from (A DVC owner) and stay on the monorail that way. (Shades of Green is still cheaper.) Or you could shell out the big bucks and just pay cash for a monorail resort, but that is super pricey. No DVC resorts are moderate resorts. Just my 2 cents (and that is probably about what it is worth)

There are two issues with Shades of Green - no Magical Express so we'd have to pay for transporation to and from the airport. And we can't get the Dining Plan. But, I will definitely keep what you said in my head (about dealing with the buses that morning).

 

[Lady Lallie]

Personally....I wouldn't go for a value for a couples trip. They are just not very relaxing and you may need that before and after the race.

To keep the cost down with a DVC room, what about renting points? I don't know all that much about it but I do know that a lot of people on the boards have had luck and you can usually get a cheaper rate than going through Disney.

 

[KathyRN137]

I know you've stayed at Shades of Green before and prefer the Disney resorts because they have more of a Disney feel, but I'd think about Shades of Green for marathon weekend just because of the transportation. You can quickly walk over to the Poly and catch the monorail which is a big plus at 4 am. It means you can sleep a little longer because you don't have to catch a bus around 3:30 or so. And this year I heard nightmares about the bus lines for the buses back to the resorts after the race. Another option is to find someone to rent BLT points from (A DVC owner) and stay on the monorail that way. (Shades of Green is still cheaper.)

I heartily concur. If Ed and I did the marathon weekend again we would definitely conspire to stay on the monorail... the bus situation was a great source of distress. (He almost missed the race!)

Disney does run "specials" for racers at the Poly, but the SOG option sounds the most economical.

http://disneyworldsports.disney.go....me=wdwMarathonWeekendFeatureDetailPage&bhcp=1


Kathy

 

[mommytothreeboys]

How on earth did I end up on Page 7??? Well, I'm here now and so excited for you!

I'm turning 40 in a few short weeks and the health/weight issue has been on my mind as well. I decided to do something about it this year and started the Wii Fit Biggest Loser program in the beginning of January. I've made some major changes in not only my diet, but that of my family. SO far, I've lost 7 pounds, but I feel so much better already. The healthier eating and adding exercise to my daily routine has really helped! In fact, I saw my doctor last week and my blood pressure is so good, I may be able to come off my medication! Yee-Ha!

Anyway...I can relate and I'm so impressed with your decision to just GO FOR IT in such a big way!

I can't wait to join you in this journey!

As far as resorts go....we've only ever stayed at POR, so I'm probably not much help!

 

[KathyRN137]

There are two issues with Shades of Green - no Magical Express so we'd have to pay for transporation to and from the airport. And we can't get the Dining Plan. But, I will definitely keep what you said in my head (about dealing with the buses that morning).

Oh. I didn't know that SOG guests don't get ME or the DDP.

You could rent points and stay at a DVC studio. January is a great time for DVC resorts because it is value season. You can check out the DVC-Planning board; I think there is a sticky at the top that explains renting points. I've never done it, so I don't want to give you information that is incorrect.

Bay Lake Towers at the Contemporary is the most "expensive", but it is the most convenient since it is on the monorail.

Old Key West is the least "expensive" point-wise, but you would be dependant on the buses. I do not recommend renting a car and driving, however, because the traffic was crazy that weekend!


Kathy

 

[kaysmommie]

Hi Carrisa,
Congrats on signing up for the marathon! Also on 10 + years of marriage. I agree not always easy. Tommy and I just took a quick 3 night/ 4days trip for our 10th Anniversary too. I really thought I was going to feel so guilty about the kids and cry the whole time. But actually once we got on the plane it got easier. I knew that we both really needed that time for us and why not at our favorite place . We did plan a trip for June for the family though,s o maybe that helps. Have a plan to take them back another time. Also we did not tell DS5 because he would be heartbroken, just said we were going to Florida. Bringing them back a small gift also helps. I have to say we really had so much taking Disney at a slower pace without the kids. No character lines to wait in and we skipped the dumbo dash this time too. I think you will have a nice time. Don't feel guilty, as your a great mother and it sounds like you never get much time for the just the two of you. Mom and dad getting away for some reconnecting will be great for the kids too .

Also I don't think a value resort will be the best choice, maybe a discount code or a pincode will help you be able to stay deluxe. We stayed at Yacht club and loved it. Forgot how much we missed deluxe resorts. But staying in a value is better than no Disney at all, right? I agree with pp you should look into maybe renting points at a DVC resort. Usually less $$ than going through Disney.

Way to go on your training. Maybe reading this will motivate me to finally lose my last 15 pounds from having Thomas 5 years ago . I'm along for your journey .

Nichole

 

[dismagiclover]

I've rented points twice now plus I'm renting again in June. You just contact someone on the rental board and they call and make the reservation for you. It does take a large amount of trust. I paid the cost for my rentals upfront and then the owner arranged the Magical Express and the Dining plan. It worked out great for me both times, but the owner can call and cancel the reservation at anytime and there is no recourse for those of us that rent points. (I did have a contract, but realistically the only way to enforce it is to go to small claims court and who is going to do that?) For me it always worked out great, however, and obviously I'd do it again. I like to think most people are trustworthy. It is a way to get a BLT studio for around $200 a night which is a steal. Anyway if you decide to go the point rental route don't hesitate to ask me any questions.

 

[carissanboys]

Personally....I wouldn't go for a value for a couples trip. They are just not very relaxing and you may need that before and after the race.

To keep the cost down with a DVC room, what about renting points? I don't know all that much about it but I do know that a lot of people on the boards have had luck and you can usually get a cheaper rate than going through Disney.

That's how I'm feeling about staying at a value resort.

I will definitely be looking into it.

I heartily concur. If Ed and I did the marathon weekend again we would definitely conspire to stay on the monorail... the bus situation was a great source of distress. (He almost missed the race!)

Disney does run "specials" for racers at the Poly, but the SOG option sounds the most economical.

http://disneyworldsports.disney.go....me=wdwMarathonWeekendFeatureDetailPage&bhcp=1


Kathy

I think I need to come up a with a budget to figure out how much we can spend on our room. It will be a shorter trip in duration than we normally take, and less tickets needed to purchase. But, we'll also need airfare.

There is the possibility that they will once again extend the specials for military, but as of right now, I believe they end Sept. 30th of this year. I'll be keeping an eye out for that.

How on earth did I end up on Page 7??? Well, I'm here now and so excited for you!

I'm turning 40 in a few short weeks and the health/weight issue has been on my mind as well. I decided to do something about it this year and started the Wii Fit Biggest Loser program in the beginning of January. I've made some major changes in not only my diet, but that of my family. SO far, I've lost 7 pounds, but I feel so much better already. The healthier eating and adding exercise to my daily routine has really helped! In fact, I saw my doctor last week and my blood pressure is so good, I may be able to come off my medication! Yee-Ha!

Anyway...I can relate and I'm so impressed with your decision to just GO FOR IT in such a big way!

I can't wait to join you in this journey!

As far as resorts go....we've only ever stayed at POR, so I'm probably not much help!

Hello gorgeous! I knew you'd show up eventually. I didn't want to announce my PTR to everyone since I was MIA for so long, if that makes sense. I figured everyone would eventually see it once I'd been back for a while.

Congratulations and good for you!! How hard is the workout on there? I've heard mention of it, but haven't looked into that one much yet. Keep up the great work!

Oh. I didn't know that SOG guests don't get ME or the DDP.

You could rent points and stay at a DVC studio. January is a great time for DVC resorts because it is value season. You can check out the DVC-Planning board; I think there is a sticky at the top that explains renting points. I've never done it, so I don't want to give you information that is incorrect.

Bay Lake Towers at the Contemporary is the most "expensive", but it is the most convenient since it is on the monorail.

Old Key West is the least "expensive" point-wise, but you would be dependant on the buses. I do not recommend renting a car and driving, however, because the traffic was crazy that weekend!


Kathy

Do you need to rent points to stay at a DVC resort or is it just cheaper that way?

From what I've read, even though January is a value season, marathon weekend isn't usually included in that.

I was looking at Old Key West, but now with talk of the bus situation, you all definitely have me thinking.

 

[carissanboys]

Hi Carrisa,
Congrats on signing up for the marathon! Also on 10 + years of marriage. I agree not always easy. Tommy and I just took a quick 3 night/ 4days trip for our 10th Anniversary too. I really thought I was going to feel so guilty about the kids and cry the whole time. But actually once we got on the plane it got easier. I knew that we both really needed that time for us and why not at our favorite place . We did plan a trip for June for the family though,s o maybe that helps. Have a plan to take them back another time. Also we did not tell DS5 because he would be heartbroken, just said we were going to Florida. Bringing them back a small gift also helps. I have to say we really had so much taking Disney at a slower pace without the kids. No character lines to wait in and we skipped the dumbo dash this time too. I think you will have a nice time. Don't feel guilty, as your a great mother and it sounds like you never get much time for the just the two of you. Mom and dad getting away for some reconnecting will be great for the kids too .

Also I don't think a value resort will be the best choice, maybe a discount code or a pincode will help you be able to stay deluxe. We stayed at Yacht club and loved it. Forgot how much we missed deluxe resorts. But staying in a value is better than no Disney at all, right? I agree with pp you should look into maybe renting points at a DVC resort. Usually less $$ than going through Disney.

Way to go on your training. Maybe reading this will motivate me to finally lose my last 15 pounds from having Thomas 5 years ago . I'm along for your journey .

Nichole

Hey Nichole! Thanks for the advice and the assurance that the children will survive. Glad to have you along.

I've rented points twice now plus I'm renting again in June. You just contact someone on the rental board and they call and make the reservation for you. It does take a large amount of trust. I paid the cost for my rentals upfront and then the owner arranged the Magical Express and the Dining plan. It worked out great for me both times, but the owner can call and cancel the reservation at anytime and there is no recourse for those of us that rent points. (I did have a contract, but realistically the only way to enforce it is to go to small claims court and who is going to do that?) For me it always worked out great, however, and obviously I'd do it again. I like to think most people are trustworthy. It is a way to get a BLT studio for around $200 a night which is a steal. Anyway if you decide to go the point rental route don't hesitate to ask me any questions.

It does make me a bit nervous, but I will not rule it out at this time. I will definitely be asking you questions.

I must go work out!! Be back later.

 

[MHTeacher]

Good morning Carissa. Congrats on sticking with it. I got a second run in this weekend, yesterday afternoon. Today is my rest day. But they're calling for colder temps, with a possibility of snow showers by the end of the week. NO----don't do this to me..... I need to get outside to run.!

 

[mommytothreeboys]

T


Congratulations and good for you!! How hard is the workout on there? I've heard mention of it, but haven't looked into that one much yet. Keep up the great work!

I am starting slow...my workouts right now are fairly light, but are getting progressively longer and harder. I don't have one "scheduled" every day, but when I do they focus on different things each time. One day it will be upper body, one day Yoga, one day lower body, one day full body....I just got a message after Friday's weigh-in that my workout intensity is being increased so we'll see what this week brings! I do Wii fit for a half hour or more on days I don't have training scheduled on the BL game.

I chose this one because I love the show and figured I'd be able to stick with it if it was something I liked. I can track my calories and also do extra training or challenges whenever I like. So far so good!

 

[carissanboys]

Good morning Carissa. Congrats on sticking with it. I got a second run in this weekend, yesterday afternoon. Today is my rest day. But they're calling for colder temps, with a possibility of snow showers by the end of the week. NO----don't do this to me..... I need to get outside to run.!

Fingers crossed the weather will hold for you! We're having rain and wind here, but it's very warm at least. I know a lot of people don't like running on the treadmill, but I'm so glad we have ours. I'd never be able to do this otherwise.

I am starting slow...my workouts right now are fairly light, but are getting progressively longer and harder. I don't have one "scheduled" every day, but when I do they focus on different things each time. One day it will be upper body, one day Yoga, one day lower body, one day full body....I just got a message after Friday's weigh-in that my workout intensity is being increased so we'll see what this week brings! I do Wii fit for a half hour or more on days I don't have training scheduled on the BL game.

I chose this one because I love the show and figured I'd be able to stick with it if it was something I liked. I can track my calories and also do extra training or challenges whenever I like. So far so good!

I'm loving the wii fit plus. And it's nice to be able to weigh myself on it and keep a record. I only do the body test once a week because I hate weighing myself every day. Too many flucuations!

A friend likes the Jillian what'shername workout for the wii. I may rent both and check them out.

A FOUR POUND LOSS FOR ME TODAY!!!!!!!

 

[momrek06]

A FOUR POUND LOSS FOR ME TODAY!!!!!!!

Carissa, I am HERE!!! WooHooty!!! I already told you today that I am very proud of your weight loss but I am going to say it AGAIN over here!!!

WAY TO GO, LADY!!!!!!!!!! ​

You are so focused on this new challenge in your life and I can tell by reading your PTR, you are too!!! Keep up the FAB work!!!

 

[carissanboys]

Carissa, I am HERE!!! WooHooty!!! I already told you today that I am very proud of your weight loss but I am going to say it AGAIN over here!!!

WAY TO GO, LADY!!!!!!!!!! ​

You are so focused on this new challenge in your life and I can tell by reading your PTR, you are too!!! Keep up the FAB work!!!

Thanks for stopping by here, Karen! You're always one of my biggest supporters in everything I do. I'm so glad to have "met" you and hope that one day we get to meet in person.

 

[MRYPPNS]

Thanks for the heads up on FB about your PTR. Did my 2nd workout C25K this morning....I had some great music playing on my last jogging section so that really helped!

I'll just throw this out there for your budget planning.....I don't think you will see much of a savings (if any at all) with the dinning plan for just you and Chuck. Everytime I do the numbers for DH and I it's breakeven at best .

 

[carissanboys]

Thanks for the heads up on FB about your PTR. Did my 2nd workout C25K this morning....I had some great music playing on my last jogging section so that really helped!

I'll just throw this out there for your budget planning.....I don't think you will see much of a savings (if any at all) with the dinning plan for just you and Chuck. Everytime I do the numbers for DH and I it's breakeven at best .

WTG Heidi! I'm looking forward to finishing the program so I can download some fun playlists to run to. But, right now I like not having to watch the clock so following the podcasts works for me.

Yeah - I'm thinking more and more about Jenny's suggestion to go with Shades of Green. Even though we'd have to pay for transportation to and from the airport, it would still save us a ton of money if we want to go with a monorail resort (or close to a monorail resort anyway). And Shades of Green has some beautiful and relaxing grounds. Not to mention, we had wanted to eat at Mangino's on our first visit and never did. This would be the perfect time to try it. We don't need to go hog wild with our eating when we're there either. Both of us need to lose weight and going through all that work, I don't want to go to Disney and go crazy with my eating. I'm always much more tempted to get dessert when on the dining plan.

 

[carissanboys]

Yeah - I'm thinking more and more about Jenny's suggestion to go with Shades of Green. Even though we'd have to pay for transportation to and from the airport, it would still save us a ton of money if we want to go with a monorail resort (or close to a monorail resort anyway). And Shades of Green has some beautiful and relaxing grounds. Not to mention, we had wanted to eat at Mangino's on our first visit and never did. This would be the perfect time to try it. We don't need to go hog wild with our eating when we're there either. Both of us need to lose weight and going through all that work, I don't want to go to Disney and go crazy with my eating. I'm always much more tempted to get dessert when on the dining plan.

Cross out wanting to try Mangino's after reading the current reviews.

 

[DisMomAmy]

Four pounds already? That's great!! Keep up the good work!

I got a Wii Fit Plus for Christmas and I love it. It's a really fun way to work out & there's no way I am joining a gym. According to the Wii, I don't really need to lose weight, but I'm definitely out of shape and could use toning around my mid-section. Zach is 6 and my belly still hasn't recovered from him & Alex!

 

[jordanyosh]

SOG would be the logical and practical choice.....

But it's not often that you get away as a couple. I would see what your budget could comfortably afford outside the SOG option.

WL or AKL would be wonderful choices or even POR or POFQ....

 

[carissanboys]

Four pounds already? That's great!! Keep up the good work!

I got a Wii Fit Plus for Christmas and I love it. It's a really fun way to work out & there's no way I am joining a gym. According to the Wii, I don't really need to lose weight, but I'm definitely out of shape and could use toning around my mid-section. Zach is 6 and my belly still hasn't recovered from him & Alex!

I've been starting to work at exercise and eating better since the new year began. And my weight has fluctuated a lot the past few weeks. But, according to the wii, I've lost 4 lbs since I weighed myself last week.

SOG would be the logical and practical choice.....

But it's not often that you get away as a couple. I would see what your budget could comfortably afford outside the SOG option.

WL or AKL would be wonderful choices or even POR or POFQ....

After reading through the SOG thread today, I have pretty much decided I really don't want to stay there again. I'm actually starting to fall in love with CSR. We loved POR on our last visit, but I'd really like to try out another resort. And I think WL or AKL are out of our price range unless a great deal comes along. If it did, I'd probably choose to stay at the Poly.