Official 2011 Wine & Dine Half and Relay Thread

[Dr.Girlfriend]

Where the heck are the spectator after party tickets? I don't see a link.

 

[bigtony777]

I agree with a limited number to confirmed participants. I recommended limiting to 1 or 2 tickets per runner at the time of registration when I was asked for feedback last year from the organizers. If they are truly limiting the number of tickets, this could cause a big problem. So what will happen when they run out and not all of the runners have purchased a spectator ticket that they need.

I will wait to pass a final judgement until after the event, but it is not looking good at this time. I hope they don't think by opening more of the park they can still allow as many people as possible. If the lines are as long as last year and anyone decides to leave early, I will take those tickets off your hands if you twist my arm. Last year I ended up with 5 drink tickets from people leaving early because they didn't want to wait in line.

 

[Cripey]

I agree the tickets should be limited to 1 or maybe 2 per registered runner still with a very limited number of total tickets sold to the event. The $10 gift card is a dumb idea I think...did they do that last year as well? If you read all the way to the bottom on the post-race ticket page, it says that if you buy tickets before a certain date, then they will mail the ticket to you...a keepsake commemorative ticket evidently, BUT everyone has to go to the Expo to claim and pick up their $10 gift card no matter what date you buy the tickets...I think that's ridiculous. It just forces more people to an already over-crowded (in my opinion) place. It was crazy how crowded the expo got at the Princess...I probably would have shopped a little more than I did had it not been so packed in there...you could barely move from one booth to the next. I finally gave up and just said 'let's get out of here.' Luckily I had found the few booths I was really interested in before that frustration set in.

 

[Danhockey04]

It's not working for me, I get to the check out page and then everything disappears, so I can't open or input anything.

 

[rizzobob]

Hi. I am new to the thread. I have signed up for the Wine and Dine and am planning to also do the Princess in 2012. I have been reading the thread and feel like I already know some of you, so thought it was only fair to introduce myself. I am not a runner. Let me rephrase. I have NEVER been a runner. I started doing the C25K a few months ago. I got to week 5 and found myself getting bored. I decided to sign up for Disney Princess to motivate myself. In the process I discovered the Wine and Dine, so I signed up. I have been semi following the Galloway plan, but since it hasn't officially calendar started yet, just doing week one a few times. I am a little scared that I have bit off WAY more than I can chew but hope that the desire to do this will help me get there. If anyone has done the same thing, I would love to hear that I am not completely psycho thinking I can get to a half marathon between now and then! And thanks so much!

Michele

 

[becky11]

I agree the tickets should be limited to 1 or maybe 2 per registered runner still with a very limited number of total tickets sold to the event. The $10 gift card is a dumb idea I think...did they do that last year as well? If you read all the way to the bottom on the post-race ticket page, it says that if you buy tickets before a certain date, then they will mail the ticket to you...a keepsake commemorative ticket evidently, BUT everyone has to go to the Expo to claim and pick up their $10 gift card no matter what date you buy the tickets...I think that's ridiculous. It just forces more people to an already over-crowded (in my opinion) place. It was crazy how crowded the expo got at the Princess...I probably would have shopped a little more than I did had it not been so packed in there...you could barely move from one booth to the next. I finally gave up and just said 'let's get out of here.' Luckily I had found the few booths I was really interested in before that frustration set in.

I didn't find the W&D Expo *that* crowded, and we went after the kids races were over (which were on Friday afternoon last year). I had to wait a while to get my knees taped (for free - and the best thing I've ever waited for), sent my husband & daughter off to 'window shop' while I waited, and bought a couple of things afterwards. We were probably in there a total of an hour, with most of that time being the wait for tape. Didn't seem that bad to me.

I should also add that I have no idea what venue the Princess Expo was in, but I can tell you that the W&D Expo was in a different venue than the Race for the Taste 10K & ToT 13K were in. The W&D was in the hall on the right when you come in to WWoS, and the others were in the bldg on the left.

Personally, I'm thrilled for the gift card, especially considering all the money I'm spending ON the race. Plus, it's just more cheese soup from Canada for me. And no, they didn't do that last year.

 

[princesslvr]

Hi everyone!

I thought I would jump in and say hello, as I have officially decided to run the half! I am really looking forward to it - I have been training for a running event for over a year now, but haven't actually done any races so I am excited for this to my first experience.

In April of 2010 I started walk/jogging with no athletic experience, really. A two mile course at about a 15 minute mile every few days was challanging for me. I am now up to a 7 mile run every other day with a 10 to 11 minute average mile, with a 3-4 mile easy jog (at about a 12-13 minute mile) occasionally in between on my 'non-run' days. I have lost 75 lbs, have gone from a size 18 to a size 6 (I just bought a size XS shirt and it fits!!), and my heart beats 20 beats per minute less than it used to. I have also maintained a diet of between 1200 and 1600 caleries a day for the last year, if anyone is interested. I LOVE RUNNING!!!

I hope to lose another 20 lbs total (which I suspect I will accomplish by October) and I am REALLY EXCITED about the Wine & Dine Half. I am also a little nervous. I will be running by myself but would love to 'virtually meet' some of you through disboards so we can cheer each other on leading up to the event.

YAY!!

- Carey

Congrats!! Your story is very inspiring!!

 

[kaj1436]

Hello Everyone!
I as well have been reading this thread for a few weeks now and still contemplating signing up for the half marathon. My family is vacationing at WDW from September 26 to October 3 and I just stumbled on the info about the half marathon that just happens to be taking place during our stay. I took it as a sign that it was meant for me!! lol
I have been running to lose weight for about a year now. So far I have lost about 75lbs. Still along way to go ( I would like to lose 50 more). Anyway, here are my concerns:
1. I would be staying at POP and this is not a host resort so I'm not sure how I would get transportation to and and from the events, including the sports complex to pick up the package.
2. I would have to do this all by myself since my husband would have to stay with the kids.
3. I need my ipod! I read on this thread that it is "discouraged" so it would make me feel awkward if I used it. Do many people us them anyway?
4. The longest I have run is 8 miles so I would have some more training to do. Not sure if I could run the whole thing. Are there many people who do the walk/run thing?

The whole idea of running a half marathon is very intimidating to me. Is this feeling normal? I guess I need some more confidence in myself. All my friends say I can do it but I'm just don't know....

 

[jeanigor]

Hello Everyone!
I as well have been reading this thread for a few weeks now and still contemplating signing up for the half marathon. My family is vacationing at WDW from September 26 to October 3 and I just stumbled on the info about the half marathon that just happens to be taking place during our stay. I took it as a sign that it was meant for me!! lol
I have been running to lose weight for about a year now. So far I have lost about 75lbs. Still along way to go ( I would like to lose 50 more). Anyway, here are my concerns:
1. I would be staying at POP and this is not a host resort so I'm not sure how I would get transportation to and and from the events, including the sports complex to pick up the package.
2. I would have to do this all by myself since my husband would have to stay with the kids.
3. I need my ipod! I read on this thread that it is "discouraged" so it would make me feel awkward if I used it. Do many people us them anyway?
4. The longest I have run is 8 miles so I would have some more training to do. Not sure if I could run the whole thing. Are there many people who do the walk/run thing?

The whole idea of running a half marathon is very intimidating to me. Is this feeling normal? I guess I need some more confidence in myself. All my friends say I can do it but I'm just don't know....

1. To pick up your packet, you would just need to find your way to a host resort. If you and your family were at Epcot, you could stroll over to the Boardwalk and take the special bus to the Expo. Same for getting to the race start. As for getting back after the party, either find someone willing to give you a ride or take a taxi.

2. You wouldn't be alone. We are all one big family. You may not know any of us face to face, but in five months you will get to know the great folks who you'd be running with.

3. I use my iPod. I can understand the reasons behind it being discouraged, but I like it and try to take appropriate actions to not be a hazard to myself or others. That being said, my iPod had absolutely no battery for the princess in February. It wasn't totally as horrible as running here around home without it.

4. A lot of people use the walk/run method. If you keep up you're training you will do fine.

5. Being nervous is normal, well at least normal in my book. Because I was for my first half marathon.

You can do it.

 

[rizzobob]

Hello Everyone!
I as well have been reading this thread for a few weeks now and still contemplating signing up for the half marathon. My family is vacationing at WDW from September 26 to October 3 and I just stumbled on the info about the half marathon that just happens to be taking place during our stay. I took it as a sign that it was meant for me!! lol
I have been running to lose weight for about a year now. So far I have lost about 75lbs. Still along way to go ( I would like to lose 50 more). Anyway, here are my concerns:
1. I would be staying at POP and this is not a host resort so I'm not sure how I would get transportation to and and from the events, including the sports complex to pick up the package.
2. I would have to do this all by myself since my husband would have to stay with the kids.
3. I need my ipod! I read on this thread that it is "discouraged" so it would make me feel awkward if I used it. Do many people us them anyway?
4. The longest I have run is 8 miles so I would have some more training to do. Not sure if I could run the whole thing. Are there many people who do the walk/run thing?

The whole idea of running a half marathon is very intimidating to me. Is this feeling normal? I guess I need some more confidence in myself. All my friends say I can do it but I'm just don't know....

Hi , I just joined the thread too. I know how you feel. Like I said before, I am nervous about being able to finish too. I only started running a few months ago. Right now my goal is to finish. I think you would be fine if you can already run 8 miles. I think that is fantastic! Right now that seems amazing to me. My longest is just over 3 miles, so I have a long way to go. I am really enjoying it though and am hopeful that I can finish before the sweeper gets me.

I have been reading the boards and I actually spoke to someone about the buses when I reserved a room at POR. She said that "although the host resorts are only supposed to pick up guests from the hotel, she has never heard of them checking for proof." So my guess is, you could get to a host resort or park, like in the post mentioned above, for everything except the ride from Epcot after.

I have also seen that many people use their ipods with one ear, that way they can still hear everything around them. When I was at Disney in February, I saw a ton of people walking in the Princess Half, so I am sure the same applies here.

Have a great day!
Michele

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

I have been reading the boards and I actually spoke to someone about the buses when I reserved a room at POR. She said that "although the host resorts are only supposed to pick up guests from the hotel, she has never heard of them checking for proof." So my guess is, you could get to a host resort or park, like in the post mentioned above, for everything except the ride from Epcot after.

I have also seen that many people use their ipods with one ear, that way they can still hear everything around them. When I was at Disney in February, I saw a ton of people walking in the Princess Half, so I am sure the same applies here.

Have a great day!
Michele

Yes, last year, you could get on any resort bus to the starting line. We walked back to BWI, so I don't now what the situation was like going to non EPCOT resorts.

I wore my iPhone headphones both in the entire race.

 

[kaj1436]

Thanks for all the support.

A friend of mine is going to Pittsburg next weekend for a half marathon. I'm waiting to hear back on how she did before I make my final decision...we are very similar in our running perfermance.

It's such a challenge just to make the commitment to do it!

And it's daunting to know that I will be pretty much on my own trying to find my way to each event. Is anyone else staying at POP? It would make me feel so much better if I knew people would be around in the same situation as me.

I will definitely making my decision before the price increases again.

It's finally starting to be consistantly nice outside here so I can finally start training outside rather than on a treadmill. I prefer that so much more.

 

[FireDancer]

Thanks for all the support.

A friend of mine is going to Pittsburg next weekend for a half marathon. I'm waiting to hear back on how she did before I make my final decision...we are very similar in our running perfermance.

It's such a challenge just to make the commitment to do it!

And it's daunting to know that I will be pretty much on my own trying to find my way to each event. Is anyone else staying at POP? It would make me feel so much better if I knew people would be around in the same situation as me.

I will definitely making my decision before the price increases again.

It's finally starting to be consistantly nice outside here so I can finally start training outside rather than on a treadmill. I prefer that so much more.

I stayed at POP last year but it wasn't one of the host resorts. They have a daily bus that goes to WWoS so getting there for packet pickup isn't an issue at all. They do stop relatively early, 5 maybe, so check at the front counter.

I didn't do the 5K but with how early it is you'd have to drive, grab a taxi, or car pool with other racers.

For the half they had buses leaving from the Wonder lot at Epcot to race start so I grabbed the park bus from POP to Epcot and walked over to grab the bus from Epcot to WWoS for the start. Get there early because the lines were long.

A friend of mine who was local was there for the party so that is how I got back to POP after the afterparty. The alternatives would be the same as those for the 5K.

If POP is a host hotel this year the transportation would be easier but even if it wasn't I didn't have any issues.

Enjoy.

 

[OregonGirl]

Kristen! Michelle!

You ladies can do it! As I mentioned, I am in a similar position. Started running about a year ago, up to 7 miles every other day and I think I could go longer if I wanted to - actually might start trying to do the occasional 15 mile run here and there to up my endurance - but yeah I have read that folks can walk/run and you just have to maintain a 16 minute mile pace, which for me is a steady walk/run combo.

I am traveling with 5 others, but I am the only runner and so will be alone for the race. We are staying at Coronado Springs, and so I am also in the boat of navigating to a host resort and then getting home after the party (of course by then my group will be with me so I think a rental car might be involved).

There's a thread somewhere (if I find it I will post a link) that chronicals a gal's journey during the WDW marathon in January - complete with pictures during each mile. Her husband ran the half and her kids ran the mile challange. Anyway the point is that it really looks like Disney runs are different than other runs. More laid back and friendly, maybe? Though, in my experience, runners are usually a friendly bunch anyway.

I can not run without my Droid. Period. I need my music. So yeah I will be running with it regardless and MIGHT do just one earbud, but if it looks like it's not going to be a problem I am going to blast myself in both ears as I typically do.

On a slightly different note, did ya'll notice that after party tickets are $60 each? What the heck? I was hoping for $30... argh. Does anyone know if I need to purchase the tickets for my entire group or can they purchase tickets on their own? In other words, does the runner have to buy all the tickets using their runner number or account, or can other non-runners buy their own tickets? I haven't done the process yet and so was curious.

Thanks all!

- Carey

 

[becky11]

Kristen! Michelle!

You ladies can do it! As I mentioned, I am in a similar position. Started running about a year ago, up to 7 miles every other day and I think I could go longer if I wanted to - actually might start trying to do the occasional 15 mile run here and there to up my endurance - but yeah I have read that folks can walk/run and you just have to maintain a 16 minute mile pace, which for me is a steady walk/run combo.

I am traveling with 5 others, but I am the only runner and so will be alone for the race. We are staying at Coronado Springs, and so I am also in the boat of navigating to a host resort and then getting home after the party (of course by then my group will be with me so I think a rental car might be involved).

There's a thread somewhere (if I find it I will post a link) that chronicals a gal's journey during the WDW marathon in January - complete with pictures during each mile. Her husband ran the half and her kids ran the mile challange. Anyway the point is that it really looks like Disney runs are different than other runs. More laid back and friendly, maybe? Though, in my experience, runners are usually a friendly bunch anyway.

I can not run without my Droid. Period. I need my music. So yeah I will be running with it regardless and MIGHT do just one earbud, but if it looks like it's not going to be a problem I am going to blast myself in both ears as I typically do.

On a slightly different note, did ya'll notice that after party tickets are $60 each? What the heck? I was hoping for $30... argh. Does anyone know if I need to purchase the tickets for my entire group or can they purchase tickets on their own? In other words, does the runner have to buy all the tickets using their runner number or account, or can other non-runners buy their own tickets? I haven't done the process yet and so was curious.

Thanks all!

- Carey

Oddly enough, there was no verification of a runner in the race to purchase after-party tickets. So, you should have no problem having others in your party buy their own.

 

[OregonGirl]

Becky! Thanks!



Do you happen to have pics of your past W&D runs or of the party after?

- Carey

 

[becky11]

Well, I have them somewhere, and not sure if they're in electronic form. Also, not my most flattering pictures!!

Do you have any specific questions about that stuff? Feel free to ask here, or you can send me a PM if you want.

Keep in mind that last year was the first W&D Half - and a BIG learning curve for the folks organizing it. This year will hopefully be better organized (post-race at least) than last. Although I must admit that it's somewhat alarming that seemingly anyone can buy an after-party ticket, which was the primary complaint for last year's after party.

However, having the finish line in the parking lot vs. right outside World Showcase, and having attractions open in Future World *should* alleviate the ridiculous crowds experienced last year.

 

[bigtony777]

Has anyone else noticed that they changed things up over the past couple of weeks. When I first registered, I believe the site stated that each runner received a taste and sip just as last year. Maybe I am wrong. Can anyone else confirm that it stated that? Now the site states a complimentary beer or glass of wine before entering the party and a $10 gift card.

I'm sure this will be better for some and not for others. It takes out all the mixed drinks that they have. I would think that if they were going to make a change like this that they would have done so before posting something else when the registration first opened.

 

[kaj1436]

Has anyone else noticed that they changed things up over the past couple of weeks. When I first registered, I believe the site stated that each runner received a taste and sip just as last year. Maybe I am wrong. Can anyone else confirm that it stated that? Now the site states a complimentary beer or glass of wine before entering the party and a $10 gift card.

I'm sure this will be better for some and not for others. It takes out all the mixed drinks that they have. I would think that if they were going to make a change like this that they would have done so before posting something else when the registration first opened.

I do recall it saying that...so it has changed. Probably to simplify the matter..it everyone orderd a fancy mixed drink it would take a long time...which is really too bad because I don't dring beer or wine.

 

[Ash&Wes07]

Ok, so I promise I tried going back into the thread and finding this answer because I'm sure it has come up, but I got lazy after about 5 pages and quit looking.

I was prepared to give up on doing the Wine & Dine and switching to the Princess, but I can't help but want to do the run if we're going to be at WDW anyway. I'd do the 5k, but we don't arrive until Saturday afternoon. (although, I guess that wouldn't work because of packet pick-up. crap. might have to add a night somewhere else)

I'm trying to convince my husband to do the relay with me. I am running a 5k in September (Arlington, VA 9-11 run), so I know bumping up my mileage to do the relay won't be too big of a deal (hoping I am already at that mileage by the 5k, honestly).

Are both legs of the relay "fun", meaning if he insists on doing the 8.x mile leg, am I going to get the more boring leg scenery-wise for the 4.x leg?

Also, do they update the % full the relay is, or does it go by the same % as the half (which is at 60% now).

And one more question. We're staying at Windsor Hills. Our best bet would be to take a taxi to/from the race, correct? Especially since we'll be "sipping" after the race.