News Round Up

[SureAsLiz]

Well I definitely think disney should do something. Maybe an extra free drink or something at the end of the race for all runners. This is the first weather related course change they gave ever had to deal with. But again the rain is gone why couldn't they just do the whole course and keep Epcot open longer at the end. It's not like the entire park is operating at the end of the race anyways.

It was more than just rain (which at least when I was leaving property wasn't bad an hourish before start)
The entire skyline was filling up with lightning. I haven't seen a storm system like that down here in a while.

Do you know what time the race was supposed to end? I know the roads were only scheduled to be shut down until 2. If the start was delayed, its very possible that keeping the total length would have interfered with whatever permits they had to close off the roads.

It does stink for those who planned on running a half and weren't able to, but this system seemed to come out of nowhere and very quickly

 

[rteetz]

It was more than just rain (which at least when I was leaving property wasn't bad an hourish before start)
The entire skyline was filling up with lightning. I haven't seen a storm system like that down here in a while.

Do you know what time the race was supposed to end? I know the roads were only scheduled to be shut down until 2. If the start was delayed, its very possible that keeping the total length would have interfered with whatever permits they had to close off the roads.

It does stink for those who planned on running a half and weren't able to, but this system seemed to come out of nowhere and very quickly

I know it was more than rain. I also know rundisney can't control the weather and it is what it is but I feel like something else could've been done. From what I've heard they cut out the AK section of the course because wet pavement in AK can be slippery for running.

Disney owns the roads they could extend the time if they wanted. The runners have a pace limit of 16:00 min mile. If you fall below that you are likely to get picked up. The race is also at night when traffic isn't a major issue. You obviously couldn't run something like this at 5 or 6 pm.

 

[leholcomb]

Well I definitely think disney should do something. Maybe an extra free drink or something at the end of the race for all runners. This is the first weather related course change they gave ever had to deal with. But again the rain is gone why couldn't they just do the whole course and keep Epcot open longer at the end. It's not like the entire park is operating at the end of the race anyways.

The only thing I can think of them doing for the runners is giving them a coupon for percentage off another race. They won't refund that much money (and shouldn't have to, it's a risk you take when you sign up).

Personally, I think it was more than just rain that shortened the course. Last year was lovingly deemed "Splash & Dash" after all. As for keeping EPCOT open later, it was already slated for a 4AM close. It takes 1+ hours to clean and close Soarin and Test Track (only attractions open) and about 45 minutes to close F&W kiosks and run money train. Not to mention the general custodial of the park and facilities.

It is unfortunate for the runners who trained (and paid) for a half and got a glorified 10K but unfortunately it is a risk you take when you register. I am running Avengers next weekend and have talked to participants from last year who would have rather them have shortened the course instead of running 13 miles in a Santa Ana wind dust storm.

 

[SureAsLiz]

I know it was more than rain. I also know rundisney can't control the weather and it is what it is but I feel like something else could've been done. From what I've heard they cut out the AK section of the course because wet pavement in AK can be slippery for running.

Disney owns the roads they could extend the time if they wanted. The runners have a pace limit of 16:00 min mile. If you fall below that you are likely to get picked up. The race is also at night when traffic isn't a major issue. You obviously couldn't run something like this at 5 or 6 pm.

The race included sections of road that were off property, they had Orange County police out, this wasn't just a Disney bubble operation.

Yes, it stinks that they got a 10k rather than a half, but there were very valid reasons for shortening the race. When you are up against a time barrier, there's only so much you can do. And we don't know yet if the RD team has plans to offer some sort of consolation. I suspect it will be a %off if there is anything. Yesterday seemed like a logistical nightmare across property, so I would expect it to take some time for the teams to gather and work things out

 

[jlundeen]

People who do these races must encounter issues like this at other venues...what do other races do to compensate the entrants when there are "act of nature" type challenges?

 

[rteetz]

People who do these races must encounter issues like this at other venues...what do other races do to compensate the entrants when there are "act of nature" type challenges?

Well most people don't pay what they do for a Disney race for other races. This is the first time Disney has ever had to do this and they have been doing races for 20 years.

 

[rteetz]

The race included sections of road that were off property, they had Orange County police out, this wasn't just a Disney bubble operation.

Yes, it stinks that they got a 10k rather than a half, but there were very valid reasons for shortening the race. When you are up against a time barrier, there's only so much you can do. And we don't know yet if the RD team has plans to offer some sort of consolation. I suspect it will be a %off if there is anything. Yesterday seemed like a logistical nightmare across property, so I would expect it to take some time for the teams to gather and work things out

Disney very rarely does the race course off property in WDW. Disneyland of course they do the majority of the course is off property. As PP above said I think a coupon of some sort would be a great thing not a full refund of course or they could offer runners advanced registration for next years wine and dine.

 

[leholcomb]

People who do these races must encounter issues like this at other venues...what do other races do to compensate the entrants when there are "act of nature" type challenges?

I have never been compensated for cancelled races outside of a discount off next years race and would never ask to be compensated for a delay. However, as rteetz says above, this is a Disney race and was $190 just to register so I would be slightly miffed even if it was Mother Nature's fault. Again, a risk you take. I paid a total of $500 for Avengers registrations (5K and Challenge) and I've been praying since March for just ok weather. lol

 

[Eoghann]

Well I definitely think disney should do something. Maybe an extra free drink or something at the end of the race for all runners. This is the first weather related course change they gave ever had to deal with. But again the rain is gone why couldn't they just do the whole course and keep Epcot open longer at the end. It's not like the entire park is operating at the end of the race anyways.

Cupcakes! They are Disney's answer to everything.

 

[rteetz]

Pirates in Shanghai is going to be incredible

https://twitter.com/orlparknews/status/663420917654159360

 

[Fantasia79]

Disney donated over 800,000 pounds of food

http://www.orlandoparksnews.com/2015/11/disney-harvest-celebrates-another-very.html

Needs to be talked about more

 

[Fantasia79]

If it's so bland how does Victoria and Alberts keep winning awards?

I myself don't think it's bland. It's definitely not amazing signature food but it's better than places like six flags and other theme parks.

I have a hard time calling the food I've gotten bland. Pretty sure I had lobster egg Benedict for breakfast, a grand mariner slushie, and bison steak/sausage in the same day. All dishes prepared superbly and delicious.

Certainly, you can seek out better dishes in Central Florida, but you can also get a better concert/show in NYC, better roller coaster (maybe) at cedar point. You just can't get it all in one magical place, with your kids, family, parents and friends all with you.

Totally your opinion, I'm happy to have a few less people in front of me trying to get a reservation.

 

[rteetz]

This is how you know Tokyo Disneyland does it right. They put Santa hats on their handrails in their monorail.

https://twitter.com/tdrexplorer/status/663499997128884225

TWDC needs to be more like OLC.

 

[luisov]

This is how you know Tokyo Disneyland does it right. They put Santa hats on their handrails in their monorail.

https://twitter.com/tdrexplorer/status/663499997128884225

TWDC needs to be more like OLC.

They still do some of that stuff, especially at DL. But yeah, Tokyo really cares about the little details. Having all of OLC's focus on just two theme parks is a big advantage for the Japanese fans.

 

[rteetz]

Planet Hollywood getting ready for its overhaul

http://www.wdwmagic.com/dining/plan...ood-to-close-soon-to-begin-major-overhaul.htm

 

[rteetz]

Hub ramps will likely open for the parade taping and then they will finish the railings in between the columns

http://www.orlandoparksnews.com/2015/11/magic-kingdom-update-castle-ramps.html

 

[skier_pete]

Not a racer - but I can see Disney NOT refunding money when its a weather related cause like this. (1) It is out of their control and (2) I'm sure they have a rider in the contract when people signed up for the race that these things could happen. I'm sure they did not want to have to delay or shorten the race, but sometimes there's no choice.

 

[minnie-apple-mouse]

Needs to be talked about more

Yea but it's kinda bland so...

Disney Harvest trucks, driven by Distribution Services Delivery Drivers, collect unserved, prepared food from restaurants and convention facilities across the Walt Disney World Resort, and through their partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, deliver meals to our local community five days a week, 52 weeks a year.

http://www.orlandoparksnews.com/2015/11/disney-harvest-celebrates-another-very.html

 

[ell13]

Not a racer - but I can see Disney NOT refunding money when its a weather related cause like this. (1) It is out of their control and (2) I'm sure they have a rider in the contract when people signed up for the race that these things could happen. I'm sure they did not want to have to delay or shorten the race, but sometimes there's no choice.

Happens all the time. Races get cancelled or shortened. Cancelled races usually give vouchers to runners to sign up the next year even when they're not obligated to do so. Shortened races usually make no concessions. It's unfortunate, but a risk for all outdoor activities. Will Disney do something? Likely so. PR is important here and it would be easy for them to make something available to the runners who competed. RunDisney is well-known for keeping excellent records due to the numbers they handle as well as they types of races/challenges they offer.

 

[skier_pete]

Happens all the time. Races get cancelled or shortened. Cancelled races usually give vouchers to runners to sign up the next year even when they're not obligated to do so. Shortened races usually make no concessions. It's unfortunate, but a risk for all outdoor activities. Will Disney do something? Likely so. PR is important here and it would be easy for them to make something available to the runners who competed. RunDisney is well-known for keeping excellent records due to the numbers they handle as well as they types of races/challenges they offer.

Well - I would agree with you if the race was CANCELLED Disney would do something such as refund the racers money. For a weather delay - I think they do nothing. Even a "10% off you next race registration" could cost them hundreds of thousands of dollars, and I'm sure that their costs weren't reduced by shortening the race one bit. Again, from my point of view - I don't blame Disney for doing that either. They have no problems filling registrations...do you think they will not be able to fill races in the future if they don't do anything??