Official 2012 Princess 1/2 marathon thread part 2

[flgirl36]

After this weekend, I am seriously reconsidering staying at an all star. Kids were screaming at the pool at midnight! Are the moderates a bit quieter? It would be 80 dollars total to upgrade to POR...thoughts?

Upgrade if you can. I had the same issue last time I stayed at an All Star. I love POR and it does seem a bit quieter to me.

 

[Bookwood]

longest training run I've done for this race is 7 miles thursday. My problem is I'm a weather wuss and the track at our local Y is 11 laps per mile and I have to go the same direction (depending on the day) for all of them. By the time I finished the 77 laps I was working on leg cramps. I know I'll try 8 in a couple of weeks (when it hits my plan) and depending on how it goes I'll try the 10 but maybe not. I'm not worried so much about finishing the distance as I am being able to walk to dinner in the castle after LOL.

 

[tinkeramy]

Question for repeat princesses - Is the "I Did It" t-shirt a different design each year? Because if it's the same design / color but just an updated year, I will probably skip buying it this year.

 

[tink2007]

I think I will...it doesn't break the bank at all, I'm just a frugal person. I like the decor and location of the All Stars just fine (they have that Disney feel), but the noise factor is the issue. Looks like the layout of POR controls that better.

I just reserved 2 nights at the All Star Sports. Having stayed at all the All Stars before I know how the noise can really ruin a magical night of sleep. The cast member I spoke to told me that the ALL Star Sports had less reservations than the other All Stars for that weekend. I told her I was nervous about the noise factor. She told me that when I check in to ask for a room in a "quite block". Meaning I could ask for a room with no neighbors and opposite from the main walk ways and pool areas. I realize that we are 6 weeks out from the race and the resort could fill up by then but I'm hoping for the best. I've stayed at the POR before as well. It's beautiful and quite.

 

[DisneyBride'03]

Hi ladies....just caught up on all the posts.....! I like the idea of a meet, I am solo so either day works for me, I didnt renew my AP so I am just getting a sports 2 day base ticket this trip!
I really want to try and relax this time by the pool!
Well, I had to get new running shoes, Brooks Dyad works best for my monster size feet! I broke them in by doing 5 miles...my longest run since W & D!
I know, so bad, I did nothing for 3 mths But did get in 25 miles this past week...so things are looking up...my pace now with a run/walk is 12:30...I want to try and cut to an average somewhere between 11 and 11:30..I know, lots of work to do in next 7 weeks!!
My PR was 2;33 for last years DOnald Half...but I trained for that! lol
Im just mad at myself for not running those 3 mths, I gained back weight that I worked so hard at to lose all year! I was on a roll...now I just look like one! lol
Well. I hope everyone has a great weekend, whatever you do to keep yourself going!
Be good to yourself and please know there is no better feeling that crossing that finish line, it is a great gift to give to yourself!

 

[tink2007]

Question for repeat princesses - Is the "I Did It" t-shirt a different design each year? Because if it's the same design / color but just an updated year, I will probably skip buying it this year.

Good question

 

[DisneyBride'03]

I think I will...it doesn't break the bank at all, I'm just a frugal person. I like the decor and location of the All Stars just fine (they have that Disney feel), but the noise factor is the issue. Looks like the layout of POR controls that better.

Im with HockeyKat...POR has great location, Ive done the trail there from FQ...seems peacful, nicely layed out resort, and boat to DTD! To me, its worth the 80...but I am not frugal! lol I am all abt convenience and what makes me happy and I will pay for it Did I need to get the Race Retreat, no...but I did! Im being a Princess all weekend, cause Lord knows once I get back home, my tiara becomes the Mother of everything else Hat!

 

[DisneyBride'03]

Good question

I think I may get this one...however, I am weird abt getting it before the race! After W & D, they had merchandise in one location, and it was SO crowded and I was so achy I just headed back to my resort! I do know at the Race Retreat, they do have merchandise there, and they will do the shirts with your time on the back while you wait!

 

[freepixie]

Here is a mock-up of my outfit...

I am running with about 11 other ladies and we are mostly wearing the same outfits, but in different colors. We will be a rainbow of Minnies!

Oh wow!! SO CUTE!!! And I love the idea of a rainbow of Minnies!! LOVE IT!!

 

[freepixie]

Hugs to you Colleen!

Kat hope you're on the mend!

I've researched options for a location to meet and will leave it to everyone for a vote! The two options I came up with are POR or the GF.

The Grand Floridian is a NICE resort. We could meet on the ground floor, as there is plenty of room for sitting and visiting. I know there is Mizner's Lounge that serves light snacks and has a full bar. We could either relocate there (not sure how kid friendly that is) or bring our beverages back to the lobby area. As nobody seems to be staying here, it would be a fair choice. It is accessible by monorail, boat or bus. Typically parking is limited to guests only, but I've always gotten away with parking next door at the Wedding Pavilion and walked on the path to the GF. ;-)

Port Orleans RIVERSIDE has a decent size room just off the Lobby with plenty of seating room. There is not a lounge within that building, but I do not believe the River Roost is far. I am not sure how kid friendly it may be as I'm not that familiar with POR. There are a fair number of DIS posters staying at this location. This resort is accessible by boat (from DTD) and bus. I'm not sure if there would be any issues with parking at this resort, I doubt it.

I looked into the Top of the World Lounge area of Bay Lake Towers, but all the guests must be DVC members. It's pretty exclusive, but still hubba hubba!

Please cast your vote! I'm thinking of Friday night at 7pm? We could do a group photo too!

I won't be available on Monday morning, but if any of you all want to get together then, there is a bakery at the Boardwalk that would be convenient. Parking is usually a problem as you have to pay though.

I'm sorry, I'm not going to be able to make it! But I can't wait to see the group pic

 

[JCH]

Im with HockeyKat...POR has great location, Ive done the trail there from FQ...seems peacful, nicely layed out resort, and boat to DTD! To me, its worth the 80...but I am not frugal! lol I am all abt convenience and what makes me happy and I will pay for it Did I need to get the Race Retreat, no...but I did! Im being a Princess all weekend, cause Lord knows once I get back home, my tiara becomes the Mother of everything else Hat!

Well I'm all set! It ended up only being 45 dollars more after I called. The woman on the phone was very nice, and in making chit chat while the computer ran numbers I told her I had just done the 5k and was running the Princess. She was very impressed and ran "another code" to get me the room. Dunno if she worked Disney magic or I had a pin code, but I won't complain! She also said she was putting notes about the half on the ressie. Now I am even more excited!

 

[DisneyBride'03]

Well I'm all set! It ended up only being 45 dollars more after I called. The woman on the phone was very nice, and in making chit chat while the computer ran numbers I told her I had just done the 5k and was running the Princess. She was very impressed and ran "another code" to get me the room. Dunno if she worked Disney magic or I had a pin code, but I won't complain! She also said she was putting notes about the half on the ressie. Now I am even more excited!

Awesome! I love hearing abt those kind of stories...I have heard that "another code" before...great job...some CM's are great with that!
Happy for ya

 

[DisneyBoyz]

If meeting at a resort is not a preference for DISers, what about House of Blues at DTD? They have an outdoor bar, with room for a meet. Looking at the Weather Channel dot com, temps that night average high of 75 and a low of 51 degrees.

My spreadsheet originally called for Pasta in the Park on Friday evening, once that sold out, it was updated to Disney Quest. (Yes, I'm a Planner!!) If my kids and DH get a bit restless at HoB, they can be entertained across the way at DQ. I was trying to shy away from Saturday as DISers may be getting into their grove and not necessarily relaxed.

So what do you think? POR? GF? HoB?

 

[justhat]

This is probably a stupid question, but if I book through the run, is my room cheaper than using an AP rate? We have APs that I could activate if it is cheaper that way, but otherwise I'd rather not. I didn't call to book our room yet cause we live in AZ so when I get home it's late in FL and they are closed. But tomorrow I'll do it since I'll be home in the morning.

We're only doing the 5K (Me, my 2 older kids, baby in the stroller, and my mom), but figured since you guys have booked you'd know.

 

[JCH]

This is probably a stupid question, but if I book through the run, is my room cheaper than using an AP rate? We have APs that I could activate if it is cheaper that way, but otherwise I'd rather not. I didn't call to book our room yet cause we live in AZ so when I get home it's late in FL and they are closed. But tomorrow I'll do it since I'll be home in the morning.

We're only doing the 5K (Me, my 2 older kids, baby in the stroller, and my mom), but figured since you guys have booked you'd know.

The AP rate is def cheaper....you might also check Expedia and Travelocity. They always some rooms as a bit of a discount (not quite as good as the AP discount).

The "discounted" rates for the run are


Disney Value Resorts
Packages start as low as $149 per person for a two night stay*
Disney's All-Star Movies*Resort
Disney's All-Star Music*Resort
Disney's All-Star Sports*Resort

Disney Moderate Resorts
Packages start as low as $199 per person for a two night stay*
Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside
Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter
Disney's Caribbean Beach*Resort
Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts

Packages start as low as $367 per person for a two night stay*
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort
Disney Deluxe Resorts

Packages start as low as $376 per person for a two night stay*
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney's Beach Club Resort
Disney's Boardwalk Resort
Disney's Polynesian Resort
Disney's Yacht Club Resort

The current AP rate is 30% for a value and 35% for others, so you can guestimate the savings.

 

[finishline413]

Is there room for one more?
This is my second post on DisBoards. The first was to see if I can become an official WISH'er! Anywho, I will be running the Half! This will be my fourth. My family is all involved: DH is running the 5K Stroller Division; DD,5, is running the 200m Dash, and DS, 14 months, is running the 100m Dash. Oh, and my mom(not sure the abbreviation for her!) is running the 5K as well. We have some family friends coming in and this will be the first Half for her! SO excited. We are staying at BLT, using some DVC points. Would be open to meeting, if we can make it in town early enough.

 

[HockeyKat]

This is probably a stupid question, but if I book through the run, is my room cheaper than using an AP rate? We have APs that I could activate if it is cheaper that way, but otherwise I'd rather not. I didn't call to book our room yet cause we live in AZ so when I get home it's late in FL and they are closed. But tomorrow I'll do it since I'll be home in the morning.

We're only doing the 5K (Me, my 2 older kids, baby in the stroller, and my mom), but figured since you guys have booked you'd know.

I agree with the above, it's probably cheaper to do AP. The CM can usually check both rates for you and let you know, though.

Also, as far as I know, you don't need to activate your AP at the time of booking the room. You only have to show it or your voucher on check-in. Assuming, of course, you are activating it when you get there for the Princess?

 

[LadyDooley]

If meeting at a resort is not a preference for DISers, what about House of Blues at DTD? They have an outdoor bar, with room for a meet. Looking at the Weather Channel dot com, temps that night average high of 75 and a low of 51 degrees.

My spreadsheet originally called for Pasta in the Park on Friday evening, once that sold out, it was updated to Disney Quest. (Yes, I'm a Planner!!) If my kids and DH get a bit restless at HoB, they can be entertained across the way at DQ. I was trying to shy away from Saturday as DISers may be getting into their grove and not necessarily relaxed.

So what do you think? POR? GF? HoB?

I actually like POR or GF. That seems more relaxed and easier to meet up.
I could do either of those. HoB would be ok too,
in actuality, I would probably be in any location

 

[dawn8179]

Well it feels more real after today's run. My husband and I did a 12.27 mile run and kept our 13 minute pace. The only problem we had was he forgot to cut his toenails and one dug into another toe. It looked a lot worse than it actually was.
For the race I will be wearing a tutu that I made with green and blue to try to resemble Ariel's fins, I will probably wear capris under them, although I may wear my skirt. I plan on wearing a purple top. I had a tiara that I was going to wear but I think I will just wear my bondiband. My husband will not be dressing up.
We won't be getting there until Saturday morning so I don't believe we will be able to meet anybody. To answer someone's earlier question about the River Roost, we saw a lot of kids there for the show so I'm guessing it is kid friendly.

 

[kmg148]

Freepixie, your costume looks awesome so far!! So absolutely creative. I originally wanted to do a Mary Poppins costume, but I'm worried about getting too hot with all of the "normal" fabrics I'd be using...so I think I might go with a Kim Possible costume (without showing the mid section lol!)