Official 2012 Wine and Dine ½ Marathon Thread

[bigtony777]

If we are not staying at a host resort, what is the best way to get to the expo? We are staying at AoA, so would we just go somewhere, get on a bus to a host resort and then a third to get to the expo?

You may have bus service to ESPN wide world of sports. I believe all the AS and Pop have service to wwos all the time. Disney's website doesn't show bus service from AOA, but maybe they will also have bus service to wwos. If not I agree with the previous poster and walk over or take a taxi to POP.

 

[Qltrgrl2]

We used taxis to the Expo from CB in February and from the Poly in January. While the buses are okay, the wait was very long so that is why we opted for a $10 ride.

 

[AquaDame]

Oh nice, I did not know you could get there from POP - I thought it was not a host resort, so that is great to know. We would do best to just walk over there then. $10 from the poly would be great! The one time we've taken a taxi on Disney property was from POFQ to the Car Care Center and it was $18!

 

[Rose&Mike]

We are taking the ME to Animal Kingdom. Will there be busses to the sports complex to go pick up the packet on Friday? If it goes to Animal Kingdom, will it go to both Jambo and Kidani?

At Princess, Jambo and Kidani had their own buses for the transportation to the race.

For the expo and return from the race I believe they shared buses.

Assuming AKL is a host resort, I would expect something similar.

The bus at Kidani picked up where the ME bus picks up and lets off. At Jambo, I believe it was under the main awning where the ME bus picks up and lets off as well. The buses were pretty well labeled, but to be honest the staff at Kidani and Jambo House were CLUELESS about anything race related. YMMV.

 

[kmchisholm]

Just booked my flight for Nov - earlier that I usually would, but Airtran had a deal on non-stops from Richmond to Orlando and I couldn't pass it up! Read on some other boards Southwest was priced well too, check it out if you have a chance.

 

[AquaDame]

Thats great! We were taken to the bank for our flights, but I still got the cheapest ones I could find (by cashing in points).

 

[pmama]

So, is it correct that family can watch you at the finish line OUTSIDE of Epcot? I'm thinking of saving the nearly $200 I'd have to pay just for my hubby and kids to attend. Worried they will be tired, as well as I. They could instead enjoy extra magic hours in MK, then be there to watch me finish. Would this work?

 

[Ebeezy]

Well, I am a newbie on this site.. However, I have signed up for this race. My hotel and plane are booked so I am ready to go. I will be solo, so hopefully I will still have fun. This will be my potential 4th half-marathon ( I say fourth because my third will be in September).

 

[kmchisholm]

Well, I am a newbie on this site.. However, I have signed up for this race. My hotel and plane are booked so I am ready to go. I will be solo, so hopefully I will still have fun. This will be my potential 4th half-marathon ( I say fourth because my third will be in September).

Of course you'll have fun! I'm going with my parents but running solo, so will have to do the expo on my own. Sure they'll be. Meet and greet before hand as well.

 

[Ebeezy]

Of course you'll have fun! I'm going with my parents but running solo, so will have to do the expo on my own. Sure they'll be. Meet and greet before hand as well.

oh ok.. That's sounds good.. Guess I will be ok. I was kind of nervous signing up because I wasn't sure about going alone. However, I just decided to do it..

 

[AdventureIsOutThere]

Hi all... I looked through the thread but did not see this question asked already. Some friends and myself are participating in the Jingle 5K but a few other friends are doing the Half Marathon. If we have regular park tickets (or APs) will be able to get into the post race party without the special tickets? I can't imagine that they will shut down all of Epcot for the party... but then again, who knows? I just want to make sure that this is not the same type of special party like the Christmas and Halloween parties in MK.

Thanks!

 

[jeanigor]

Hi all... I looked through the thread but did not see this question asked already. Some friends and myself are participating in the Jingle 5K but a few other friends are doing the Half Marathon. If we have regular park tickets (or APs) will be able to get into the post race party without the special tickets? I can't imagine that they will shut down all of Epcot for the party... but then again, who knows? I just want to make sure that this is not the same type of special party like the Christmas and Halloween parties in MK.

Thanks!

Epcot will be closed and cleared of park guests at regular operating hours. The party doesn't start until 10:30(?).

Your day ticket or AP will not grant you access to the after party. It is a hard ticket event, just as Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party or Not So Scary Halloween Party.

 

[AdventureIsOutThere]

Oh darn! Thanks so much for the clarification. The 7pm entry time threw me off... I guess it is the same as 4 for the other parties. Thanks!

 

[jeanigor]

Oh darn! Thanks so much for the clarification. The 7pm entry time threw me off... I guess it is the same as 4 for the other parties. Thanks!

That would be my guess as well.

 

[TenThousandVolts]

Epcot will be closed and cleared of park guests at regular operating hours. The party doesn't start until 10:30(?).

Your day ticket or AP will not grant you access to the after party. It is a hard ticket event, just as Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party or Not So Scary Halloween Party.

Does anyone know what is the earliest they will let spectators in for the finish-line party? With MVMCP/MNSSHP they (unofficially?) allow early entrance- will it be the same for the finish line party tix?

 

[kmchisholm]

Does anyone know what is the earliest they will let spectators in for the finish-line party? With MVMCP/MNSSHP they (unofficially?) allow early entrance- will it be the same for the finish line party tix?

I think I've seen where spectators can get in at either 7 or 7:30 with a Finish Line Party ticket.

 

[TenThousandVolts]

I think I've seen where spectators can get in at either 7 or 7:30 with a Finish Line Party ticket.

thx for the info!
I wonder if any runners go in early and then head to the starting line later?

I do see where you can officially enter the park at 7pm with party ticket:
Disney Wine & Dine Finish Line Party Ticket includes:

• Early entry into Epcot® at 7:00 p.m.
• Access to over 25 Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival kiosks
• Select Epcot® attractions, including Soarin’™ and Mission: SPACE®
• $10.00 Disney Gift Card
• Character Meet & Greet
• Musical performances, entertainment and a live DJ
• On course viewing at Journey Into Imagination With Figment
Guests who purchase tickets prior to October 8, 2012 will receive a commemorative Disney Wine & Dine Finish Line Party ticket!

 

[jeanigor]

thx for the info!
I wonder if any runners go in early and then head to the starting line later?

I do see where you can officially enter the park at 7pm with party ticket:
Disney Wine & Dine Finish Line Party Ticket includes:

• Early entry into Epcot® at 7:00 p.m.
• Access to over 25 Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival kiosks
• Select Epcot® attractions, including Soarin’™ and Mission: SPACE®
• $10.00 Disney Gift Card
• Character Meet & Greet
• Musical performances, entertainment and a live DJ
• On course viewing at Journey Into Imagination With Figment
Guests who purchase tickets prior to October 8, 2012 will receive a commemorative Disney Wine & Dine Finish Line Party ticket!

Doubtful many would. As getting to the starting line can be a headache. (Hoping this year will be better.)

 

[AquaDame]

Doubtful many would. As getting to the starting line can be a headache. (Hoping this year will be better.)

What happened last time....? Just want to be prepared! We are going to get off the ship, get our packets and have a nice carby lunch then nap until its time to head over.

 

[jeanigor]

What happened last time....? Just want to be prepared! We are going to get off the ship, get our packets and have a nice carby lunch then nap until its time to head over.

We stayed at the Beach Club and got to the bus stop and there were a few hundred people ahead of us. No buses came for forty minutes. Then two came. It wasn't that bad once we got a bus, but it was worse than the first year.