Official 2012 Princess Half Marathon Thread!

[Drgirl]

Hi, I am new to all of this. Not sure where the host resorts are. Worried about getting to the race in time. WOuld love to talk to the pros who have done this before.

 

[katepass72]

Hi, I am new to all of this. Not sure where the host resorts are. Worried about getting to the race in time. WOuld love to talk to the pros who have done this before.

I'm also a newbie, but I found most of the info you are asking for at www.rundisney.com. They have an FAQ section as well as all the details on the host resorts, etc.

 

[fashionista311]

Did anyone see the Retreat thing offered by RunDisney for this Princess? Seems interesting but not sure I want to spend more money. What do you all think?

Well I just noticed you get a post-race cocktail...that might make it worth it alone

I've personally never done the race retreat. I don't get to the races super super early, so by the time I get there I usually just hit the bathroom and then head straight to the corrals. The last race I did I did end up having to hang around for some time after the race (dad came in like 20 mins after me, mom came in like 45 minutes after him) but my friend and I entertained ourselves by taking a ton of photos with the princesses that were out for meet and greets, and the time passed rather quickly.

If your significant other is coming with younger kids (and you want to pay the extra $ for them to come in with you) it might be worth it to have the a landing spot for the kiddies while they wait for you to finish, but otherwise I say it's better to grab a bagel or something from the general post-race food area, take whatever pics you want, and then hop a bus to get back to your hotel for a hot shower, inevitably better food, and a cozy bed.

Of course if it ends up being freezing out or pouring rain, then all bets are off and the tent might end up being very well worth it. but hopefully it wont happen!

 

[flgirl36]

I just picked up a cute Princess Half Marathon t shirt at the Raw Threads booth at the Wine and Dine expo. I plan to wear it during my long training runs to help keep me motivated


Julie

 

[Disfan11]

Hi, I am new to all of this. Not sure where the host resorts are. Worried about getting to the race in time. WOuld love to talk to the pros who have done this before.

At this past Princess, I stayed at the Caribbean Beach Resort. It is a moderate hotel and one one of the larger ones. I liked the location and the atmosphere.
Which hotel you decide upon mainly is based upon how much you want to spend, what amenities they have and the location.
But all of the host hotels have buses running to the Expo on Friday and Saturday and to the race on Sunday.
I think we boarded a bus by 4:00AM and had plenty of time to get some pictures, go potty and do the long walk to the corrals. We set at least 2 alarms to make sure we didn't sleep in!
My sisters, niece and I will be staying at the Caribbean again for this next years Princess.
Can't wait!

 

[Disfan11]

Well I just noticed you get a post-race cocktail...that might make it worth it alone

I've personally never done the race retreat. I don't get to the races super super early, so by the time I get there I usually just hit the bathroom and then head straight to the corrals. The last race I did I did end up having to hang around for some time after the race (dad came in like 20 mins after me, mom came in like 45 minutes after him) but my friend and I entertained ourselves by taking a ton of photos with the princesses that were out for meet and greets, and the time passed rather quickly.

If your significant other is coming with younger kids (and you want to pay the extra $ for them to come in with you) it might be worth it to have the a landing spot for the kiddies while they wait for you to finish, but otherwise I say it's better to grab a bagel or something from the general post-race food area, take whatever pics you want, and then hop a bus to get back to your hotel for a hot shower, inevitably better food, and a cozy bed.

Of course if it ends up being freezing out or pouring rain, then all bets are off and the tent might end up being very well worth it. but hopefully it wont happen!

I too was wondering about people's opinions when I got this e:mail yesterday.
Seems like they are trying to "step it up a notch" similar to what the Rock & Roll's have done in the last several years. But of course it costs a lot to partake - $99/person.
I'm not sure if it's worth it or not.
I also wonder if there is a participant limit where they will close it at some point.
I agree, if it rains, then it might be worth it.
But this past race was beautiful, so I'm hoping it will be that way again.

 

[misskitkat]

Was there an email about the retreat? I can't seem to find the info on RunDisney and I didn't get an email.

 

[Disfan11]

Here's the race retreat scoop:
The Race Retreat

February 24-26, 2012

Sunday, February 26, 2012
3:00 – 5:30 a.m. (runners only)
5:30 – 10:30 a.m. (runners and Platinum ChEAR Squad only)
Location: Family Reunion Area at Epcot® Wonder Lot

Are you looking for a way to put a little more magic and royalty into your Disney's Princess Half Marathon Weekend? Experience the race as a VIP with a Race Retreat Package! Offering amenities for runners and their biggest fans that can't be beat, it's the best way for runners to get ready to go for the race and reunite with friends and family after.

Your Race Retreat Package will include:

Pre-Race Amenities

* Pre-race bagels and fruit, plus coffee, water and PowerAde
* Temperature-controlled tent with lounges and outdoor patio seating
* Padded stretching area
* Private restrooms and bag check

Post-Race Amenities

* Brunch with hot and cold beverages
* Signature Post Race Cocktail
* Designated location to meet friends and family after the race
* Changing tents
* Self-treatment station
* 10-minute massage for only $10
* Internet access to check live results

Other Amenities:

* Disney Character greetings
* Information Station
* Princess Half Marathon and runDisney Merchandise Station with on-site T-shirt customization
* 2012 Princess Half Marathon commemorative giveaway items
* Chill Towel
* Flip Flops

Race Retreat Package Pricing

* Disney's Princess Half Marathon - $99

Race Retreat packages now available for purchase!

*Race Retreat will open to friends and family beginning at 5:30 a.m. and must purchase a Platinum Level ChEAR Squad Package separately to gain access to Race Retreat. ChEAR Squad Packages are subject to availability.

Brunch and pre-race menu items are subject to change without notice. Packages are priced per person and subject to availability and capacity limits. Offer subject to availability and registration is required. Restrictions apply. Offer may be withdrawn and modified at any time without notice.

Race Retreat and ChEAR Squad Packages for children 3 and under do not need to be purchased.

 

[DisneyBoyz]

Since I've registered, I've changed email addresses and updated everything with RunDisney, however, I did not receive an email either about a Post Race retreat! Please provide details!! A cocktail?!!

I did see the Spectator Tool on the website. Not sure we can afford $85 each for my DH, DS7 and DS4.

I'm sick at home today, DH rented 5 movies!

Hope everyone has a productive running weekend!!

 

[SummerIrmoma2_3]

Did anyone see the Retreat thing offered by RunDisney for this Princess? Seems interesting but not sure I want to spend more money. What do you all think?

I was kind of more interested in the Princess pasta party, but I am pretty sure I will not participate in either of them. I will spending plenty on the weekend as it is.

My sisters, niece and I will be staying at the Caribbean again for this next years Princess.
Can't wait!

I have never stayed at CBR. Right now I am thinking of either staying there or SSR. It depends on how things look when I call runDisney for the quotes.

I agree, if it rains, then it might be worth it.
But this past race was beautiful, so I'm hoping it will be that way again.

That is something I am struggling with too. I didn't do the race in 2010, but I just kept hearing how cold it was so I was preparing for that. Then I saw what the weather was going to be like this year and now that is what I have in my head it will be like next year. I still have my throw away clothes so I will bring them in case I need them, but I am hoping I wont.

 

[NewfieMom]

Hey ladies, glad to hear everyone is keeping motivated and running forward. I can't believe it's less than 5 months away - we've started booking meals, have our hotel booked (AKL/Caribbean Beach split stay) and planning our non race days. I check flights daily hoping (praying) for a seat sale, and trying to save some money - I have a feeling I might spend a little at the EXPO .

We've all been running (of the 4 of us going), and 3 of us are doing the Run for the Cure this weekend - it's a 5k that's a fundraiser for breast cancer research. There are a few other races we want to do, but most are 5ks. There is one 10k coming up, but that appears to be a "serious" race, and they scare us because they're so competitive. But we figure as long as we're running and sticking to the Galloway plan, we'll be fine.

And for those doing countdowns, we get there on the 24th, so that's 147 more sleeps!!!!!!!

 

[tinkeramy]

Well I just noticed you get a post-race cocktail...that might make it worth it alone

That did catch my eye, too! And, of all things, I zeroed in on the flip flops. Why, I have no idea.

However, I believe I could pretend I'm at a Georgia game and be drinking a lot more cocktails out of the back of my car for much less than $99!

 

[LadyDooley]

Since I've registered, I've changed email addresses and updated everything with RunDisney, however, I did not receive an email either about a Post Race retreat! Please provide details!! A cocktail?!!

I did see the Spectator Tool on the website. Not sure we can afford $85 each for my DH, DS7 and DS4.

I'm sick at home today, DH rented 5 movies!

Hope everyone has a productive running weekend!!

I moved and changed my email address last year for the Wine and Dine.. I just called them and let them know my situation. they were very kind and updated all my info. I didn't have a problem.

 

[tinkeramy]

Hey ladies, glad to hear everyone is keeping motivated and running forward. I can't believe it's less than 5 months away - we've started booking meals, have our hotel booked (AKL/Caribbean Beach split stay) and planning our non race days. !!

SaySay and I have our priorities in order - we booked the after-race lunch about a month ago; still have no idea where we are going to sleep!

 

[poohs4me]

That did catch my eye, too! And, of all things, I zeroed in on the flip flops. Why, I have no idea.

I did the same thing!! I don't even where regular flip flops, but that and the drink are really tempting me. Not sure about the Brunch - cause I don't know what they are serving. I crave a Cheeseburger and Fries when I am done - not eggs benedict. I hope they post a general idea about menu like they did for the Pasta in the Park.

 

[tinkeramy]

Sorry for all the posts, but I just decided to update my blog instead of sleep!

It's about why I love WDW, but has a hefty portion about last year's Princess and some pics if any new registrants want a sneak preview!

 

[ColleenG]

Where did you all hear about the pasta dinner? I didn't get the email either about the post race retreat. Sounds nice, but I think I could do a lot more with the $99. Like spend it at the expo. How do you get in the chear squad? I know DH will want to see me run, but I don't know if it is worth getting the kiddos up that early.

 

[DisneyBoyz]

Where did you all hear about the pasta dinner? I didn't get the email either about the post race retreat. Sounds nice, but I think I could do a lot more with the $99. Like spend it at the expo. How do you get in the chear squad? I know DH will want to see me run, but I don't know if it is worth getting the kiddos up that early.

Colleen,
I called RunDisney a couple of months ago (407-938-3398) and they confirmed that there will be a Pasta in the Park on Friday night, they just haven't posted it yet on the site. Details should be the same, as for pricing too, as the Wine n Dine Pasta in the Park party.
For the Princess, we are staying at Bay Lake. My DH will be getting my DS7 and DS4 out of bed and walk out to greet me along the route (I don't think they'll care what time it is--at WDW, they're ready to go 24/7). According to the RunDisney site, there will be a FREE Cheer zone in front of Cinderella's castle (space is limited) and you still would have to register each family member for a wristband. I do not expect mine to trek it all the way there though. That was one of the main reasons I chose Bay Lake Towers. After they see me, they'll travel to EPCOT and wait for me there. If my plan is perfect, they won't be up until midnight that night and we can all rest peacefully! (Actually, according to my detailed spreadsheet, we should all be tucked in by 10. I do it for EVERY trip we make; four so far this year!)

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

Did anyone see the Retreat thing offered by RunDisney for this Princess? Seems interesting but not sure I want to spend more money. What do you all think?

I to thinks its a bit expensive for what you get, and if you had to pay for your family to go to that could cost $400 for a family of 4.

 

[stitchfan18]

I wish Disney would have the post race flip flops for everyone after the race. One of my favorite local races that I've run the past 2 years gives away post race finisher flip flops. I love them and it's a great way to celebrate a race you've run without having to wear your medal around.

$99 is steep for a few hours of comfort. I was maybe around the start/ finish area for 1 1/2-2 hours total last year, so that would be about $50/hour for me. It would be nice on a cold day, but I have so many throw aways and heat blankets saved for Disney races that I'm not too concerned about getting cold.