New! Runners Retreat(formerly called VIP Tent)

[ultramickeymouse]

Hi all,

Disney has added the info below on there website about what they now call "Runners Retreat"(formerly VIP Tent). They now charge $10 for the massage that was free last year. IMHO, definitely not worth it to me even more now.

Registration for the Runners' Retreat Package will begin on Wednesday, September 12, 2008 at 8:00 am EST. Click here to purchase the Runners' Retreat Package on Wednesday, September 12.. Registration for this event will be limited, so register early to ensure your spot!

Are you looking for the ultimate way to experience the WALT DISNEY WORLD® Marathon Weekend? Treat yourself before and after the race with a trip to the Runners' Retreat! By purchasing the Runners' Retreat Package, you will receive exclusive pre and post race access to the Runners' Retreat which will include:


Heated or cooled tent
Pre-race hot and cold beverages, fruit and bagels
Post-race beverages and snacks
Carpeted area for stretching
Exclusive baggage check
On-site restroom facilities
Special character greetings

Ten minute post-race massages will also be available for $10.00. The Runners' Retreat will be open on Saturday, January 12, 2008 from 3:00 am to 10:30 am. The Retreat will be open Sunday, January 13, 2008 from 3:00 am to 2:00 pm.

The Runners' Retreat Package is $50 per package. A limited number of packages will be sold for the Marathon and Half Marathon.

The Runners' Retreat will be located in the Family Reunion Area, however, only runners who have purchased the package will be allowed access to the Retreat. Spectators, family, and friends will not be allowed to access the Runenrs' Retreat. The Grandstand Fans Package is available to spectators, friends and family.

 

[westcliffemom]

Thanks for the info. I'll probably pass too, but it sounds neat.

 

[hoosmi]

So, here's my problem with the "retreat"-- unless all the WISHers decide to go in, then I don't want it! I'd end up paying the $50.00 and then wandering out of the tent looking for WISH green!

Jen in GA

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

I've managed to do the events without the "extras" and have made it through the very cold and very hot. I guess I'll make it without VIP once again.

For those who find they want to try, you go for it! Enjoy it.

 

[windwalker]

I've managed to do the events without the "extras" and have made it through the very cold and very hot. I guess I'll make it without VIP once again.

For those who find they want to try, you go for it! Enjoy it.

I'm with you guys to, it kinda takes something from the "we are doing this together" theme if you sit in a tent instead of pumping each other up.

Besides what ever it's like outside you have to leave the tent eventually and take care of business.

Dave

 

[ultramickeymouse]

Dave, I agree. If one is going to freeze, bake, or drown than we all do the same!!!

 

[Duanerice]

I saw the email yesterday. From what you all have said last year I am surely going to pass this year.

Quick question though. They offer grandstand reserved seating package for family and friends - $25. Is that worth it?
enjoy,
Duane

 

[Jen117]

The retreat is only open 1 hour post race. So if you take the full allotted time to finish, get through the chip cutting and medal area.... you really don't get much time post race in the retreat. That is definatetly not worth it for the walkers or slower runners!!!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

What about guests? If members of my group didn't have to fight for seats with 4 children 7 and under--it might be easier.

Are seats easy to get in the reserved stands if you buy a ticket?

Do they let them in at any time during the race. (no way is my family showing up for the start at 6am....they aren't THAT into mommy racing).

I thought it might be nice though as my brother and sister and their partner/spouse will be watching my kiddos so that they can bring them and not have to worry and fight the pecking order to get "a" spot to sit down let alone a "good" spot.

Thoughts?

 

[ultramickeymouse]

What about guests? If members of my group didn't have to fight for seats with 4 children 7 and under--it might be easier.

Are seats easy to get in the reserved stands if you buy a ticket?

Do they let them in at any time during the race. (no way is my family showing up for the start at 6am....they aren't THAT into mommy racing).

I thought it might be nice though as my brother and sister and their partner/spouse will be watching my kiddos so that they can bring them and not have to worry and fight the pecking order to get "a" spot to sit down let alone a "good" spot.

Thoughts?

Here is what Disney has listed:

Registration for the Grandstand Fan Package will begin on Wednesday, September 12, 2008 at 8:00 am EST. On Wednesday, September 12, click here to purchase the Grandstand Fan Package. A limited number of packages will be sold, so tell your friends and family to register early to ensure their spot!

Make sure that your friends and family watch the 2008 WALT DISNEY WORLD® Marathon in style by purchasing the Grandstand Fan Package! The Grandstand Fan Package is a dream come true for Marathon and Half Marathon spectators. The package includes:

Reserved grandstand bleacher seating at the finish line
Boxed breakfasts
Hot and cold beverage service throughout the race
Noisemakers for cheering on friends and family!

The Grandstand Fan seating area will open at 6:00 am on both Saturday, January 12 and Sunday, January 13, 2008. Seating will close once the races are completed.

The Grandstand Fan Package is $25 per day.

Fans who purchase the Grandstand Fan Package can pick up their wristband at the Health & Fitness Expo in the Packet Pickup area. The wristband must be worn in order to gain access to the Grandstand Fan seating area. Children 5 and under will be admitted to the Fan seating area without a wristband but will not be provided with breakfast. The Grandstand Fan Package is non-refundable.

Free, unreserved bleacher seating will be available near the finish line on a first-come basis.

 

[monte]

Let's take our own lime green tent and set it up. lol

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Thanks for posting that Robert. I had already read it and it still doesn't tell me diddly on if it is worth the effort. .

But I do appreciat you trying to help out.

 

[WDWFAN9]

I remember a WISHer last year posting that her DH and kiddos were disappointed..the boxed breakfasts were a joke and the beverages very limited....unfortunately my memory is limited too and I don't remember who it was. Hopefully who ever it was will see this thread and join in!

 

[Jen117]

I don't know who did the Grandstand seating, but I think Anne and couple others did the VIP tent and said it wasn't worth it.