Official 2017 Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend!

[lpk29]

The security back through by Earl of Sandwich is usually the worst towards the evenings and morning especially rave weekends. Star Wars we waited close to 30 min to get through around 530 Friday night.

Once you are through you don't have to go back though security while on the esplanade or parks

Shannon where are you staying? My cousin signed up to run so she is coming out. I'll have to try and do the meet up it will be good to see you since I haven't since the 1st girls cruise

 

[klmcleod]

Random question...when running is there a way to know if there is a character stop coming up during the race? I'm assuming the line of people sorta gives it away, and how do you know which character it is? How do I know if I want to stop or not? I'm going to assume the other runners will frown upon me running past and then switching gears to go get into line. Running upstream seems like a no-no! Do most have a photopass person or do we just give our phone to the runner in line behind us?

 

[Ariel484]

@lpk29 is this...Christina?

Random question...when running is there a way to know if there is a character stop coming up during the race? I'm assuming the line of people sorta gives it away, and how do you know which character it is? How do I know if I want to stop or not? I'm going to assume the other runners will frown upon me running past and then switching gears to go get into line. Running upstream seems like a no-no! Do most have a photopass person or do we just give our phone to the runner in line behind us?

Sometimes there are signs (like literal signs) saying that a character stop is coming up but really I guess you just need to sort of keep an eye out. The signs don't say who it is, you just need to look. As to whether to stop or not, I guess you just need to decide that.

Definitely be aware of your surroundings at all time and be considerate - a lot of people will change gears to go back to a character so make sure no one is right behind you if you stop and change directions. And if you're on one side of the course and want to cut across to the other to make a stop, again, make sure you are aware of who is around you before doing so. Cutting across the course is definitely frowned on.

 

[The Expert]

My plan is to make kind of a mental list of characters that are "must stop for" and those I feel comfortable skipping over. Hopefully that makes it a little easier to decide on the fly... er, run.

 

[lpk29]

@lpk29 is this...Christina?

Yes it is. I'm not on here often but saw this thread

 

[bananabean]

Random question...when running is there a way to know if there is a character stop coming up during the race? I'm assuming the line of people sorta gives it away, and how do you know which character it is? How do I know if I want to stop or not? I'm going to assume the other runners will frown upon me running past and then switching gears to go get into line. Running upstream seems like a no-no! Do most have a photopass person or do we just give our phone to the runner in line behind us?

You'll definitely see people looping back to get in line after they pass the character. You can also always ask the people at the end of the line. I've asked and been asked and it's always fine.

 

[TeresaMRoberts]

Hey guys. Question. I have a friend who might be coming with me to the run. Shes not planing on racing. Shes heeling from some injures. So we'll do the parks together and such. Is there a way for her to take the bus to the expo or whats the best thing for her to do. I've read about cheer packages but not sure what they are or how they work. Figured I'd ask the experts. Those that have been before! TIA!!!

 

[roxymama]

Hey guys. Question. I have a friend who might be coming with me to the run. Shes not planing on racing. Shes heeling from some injures. So we'll do the parks together and such. Is there a way for her to take the bus to the expo or whats the best thing for her to do. I've read about cheer packages but not sure what they are or how they work. Figured I'd ask the experts. Those that have been before! TIA!!!

I have been stalking the rundisney page waiting for the chear package or spectator viewing package (or whatever they choose to call it) opens up for registration for my sister. It has listed "coming soon" on it for a long time now. I will alert everyone the moment it is available, because I literally check every three days or so.

The DL half marathon weekend is also showing the Chear package as coming soon, but at least it lists more information. Albeit no price yet.
ChEAR Squad Package*:

(Half Marathon Only):

• Exclusive viewing inside a Disney Theme Park
• VIP Finish Line lounge seating
• Continental Breakfast
• Private Restrooms
• Exclusive photo location
• Kids activity corner
• Live video feed from the Course
• Complimentary parking near the Finish Line

*Subject to change.

I'll let others who have ran at DL chime in about getting to the expo and any past Chear experience (I think we were discussing it several pages back.) But the expo is in the DL hotel, so however she would normally get there (parking garage and walk, walking from hotel, taking area bus...would be how to get to the expo)

If Chear packages never open, my sis will probably still come cheer us all on in Downtown disney and then over by the finish line.

 

[Ariel484]

Hey guys. Question. I have a friend who might be coming with me to the run. Shes not planing on racing. Shes heeling from some injures. So we'll do the parks together and such. Is there a way for her to take the bus to the expo or whats the best thing for her to do. I've read about cheer packages but not sure what they are or how they work. Figured I'd ask the experts. Those that have been before! TIA!!!

Where are you staying? The expo is in the Disneyland Hotel, so if you're staying near Disneyland, no need to take a bus. Can't comment on the ChEAR packages, never used one.

 

[klmcleod]

Yeah I'm kind of wondering about the cheer package too. Same situation, sis is coming with and not running, but maybe wants to watch. We are staying at BWPPI and I wasn't sure if she'd need a cheer package ticket/button/wristband whatever to just come into the esplanade area to watch or if anyone could come into just that area to watch. I'm sure she'd have to have the package to come into the finish line area with the breakfast, seats, etc, but I wasn't sure about the esplanade area being open to others. Anyone know?

 

[Tinkerbelle's Mom]

I've done two cheer squad events at DL. Tink 1/2 in 2016 and this past Star Wars 1/2. They each were run a little differently but as they were my dds (15) first two 1/2s I am glad I did them.

For Tink last year the cheer squad wristband got you a shirt, stadium blanket, clapper, and wristband to let you into the two cheer zones. The first cheer zone was in DCA right along Buena vista street. If I remember correctly only cheer squad members were allowed into the park. There were along of people in the esplanade area (no wristband needed). I liked being in the park as I got great photos of my DD. The second cheer zone was at the finish line. In this area there was a continental breakfast set up with tables for sitting and standing. You could then walk down to the finish line to grab a seat or stand near the railing to watch your runner cross the finish line.

There was an area near the finish line for people to watch their runners cross that did not require the wristband. It looked very crowded. We had seen people snagging a spot as my dd headed to her corral.

For Star Wars cheer squad (roughly same price I think) we got two buttons and a wristband for the cheer zones. This time the first cheer zone was on Main Street. The finish line area had two sections. First was inside ESPN where you could see different parts of the course on screen and take part in a hot and cold food buffet. Then you could go outside to the second area which was the seating at the finish line.

I like doing the cheer squad for two reasons. First is that my I can tell my dd exactly where to look for me. In her first race she has just turned 15 so I felt a little guilty just sending her out there, lol. Second I like to be able to get the photos of her in the park and at the finish line without having to sit at the finish line for the entire thing. I know the photopass photographers do an amazing job but so many adults have just jumped right in front of her for their photos (has happened at every 10k and 1/2 shes run, lol) I don't want to run the chance of not getting one of her.

 

[klmcleod]

Thanks for the report on what you've experienced for the cheer squad. Glad to hear the benefits of purchasing it and also that there are a few areas where a relative could walk up too!

 

[TeresaMRoberts]

Where are you staying? The expo is in the Disneyland Hotel, so if you're staying near Disneyland, no need to take a bus. Can't comment on the ChEAR packages, never used one.

I'm staying at Clarion. This is my first trip ever to DL so I'm not familiar with anything yet lol I'm pretty good with maps and awesome with google maps on my phone lol I think we can walk? Some reports that it wasn't easy to walk from clarion but I wondered if by easy they are lazy or if its like because of the roads and cross walks?

 

[Pernella]

I'm staying at Clarion. This is my first trip ever to DL so I'm not familiar with anything yet lol I'm pretty good with maps and awesome with google maps on my phone lol I think we can walk? Some reports that it wasn't easy to walk from clarion but I wondered if by easy they are lazy or if its like because of the roads and cross walks?

I just looked up the location of your hotel and it shouldn't be too bad. You won't be crossing many streets and if you're good enough shape to run you can walk it. People that complained may not have realized that a city block in Anaheim is pretty big and maybe anticipated a regular block? That "block" that DLR is on is pretty huge.

If anyone is still hotel shopping I'll throw it out there that I'll be at the Anabella. It's on the corner of Disneyland Dr and Katella. Very close to Paradise Peir and a quick walk. It's my favorite hotel for Disney trips, quiet, comfy and good food.

 

[ZellyB]

Yeah, I got worried about the whole walking distance thing on my hotel too because I saw some reviews saying it was a long walk, but when I mapped it out, it was only a bit over half a mile to the front gates. I consider that very walkable.

It's the Residence Inn at the Convention Center, so basically on the corner of Katella and Harbor. I'm guessing there's a reasonable crosswalk at that intersection.

 

[Pernella]

It's the Residence Inn at the Convention Center, so basically on the corner of Katella and Harbor. I'm guessing there's a reasonable crosswalk at that intersection.

We'll be neighbors! Crosswalks are great at that intersection. People constantly crossing, nice long light.

 

[CaliforniaGirl09]

Add me to the roll call for the half! The Tink will be my second RunDisney half fast walking. I just complete my first in January (SWLS) with my friend Calfan. We had a blast and I'm totally hooked, which is a good thing as I'd already signed up for this race and the one in September. Also just signed up for next year's Star Wars half with early registration for previous participants. My family was very jealous of how much fun we had at SWLS and DD17 decided to join us for the Tink. We're organizing costumes right now We are DVC owners at VGC so we usually stay there, but all these races have eaten up my points. I just made reservations at the DLH for the Tink weekend, although my daughter and I will head over to VGC for Saturday night in a studio so we don't wake up my husband and son for the race. With all these races, we decided to add to our VCG points and just submitted a contract to Disney for ROFR. Cross your fingers they don't take it Really looking forward to this race!

 

[Calfan]

I'm also in for the half, fast-walking it with CaliforniaGirl09. The 2016 Tink half was my first RunDisney race. I had so much fun, I recruited CaliforniaGirl to do this year's SWLS with me and now, in addition to Tink, we're also signed up for the Disneyland half and the 2018 SWLS (I actually signed up for the Rebel Challenge for that one). I didn't dress up for Tink last year because I was mostly worried about being able to walk fast enough to be an official finisher, but that was no problem, so we dressed up for SWLS this year (Princess Leia), and for this year's Tink I've ordered a Tink fairy dress from one of the Etsy shops that does a lot of running costumes. The costumes have definitely become a big part of the fun

I do have a couple of questions. Apologies if they've been answered earlier in this thread. It's going to take me a while to get through all 37 pages, LOL! I've seen references to a race being a legacy race for some people. Does that just mean you've done the race before, or does it mean something else? Also, was there a sneaker ornament for Tink last year? It doesn't look like it from my Google searching. There was a super cute one for the 2017 SWLS weekend (which I ended up buying on eBay because they were sold out at the race merchandise shop by the time I got there). I purchased a bundle for the 2018 SWLS that includes a figurine and the sneaker ornament. The bundle for 2017 Tink just says ornament, not sneaker ornament, so I'm hesitating about buying the bundle, since I don't really want the Tervis tumbler that comes with it.

 

[Ariel484]

I'm also in for the half, fast-walking it with CaliforniaGirl09. The 2016 Tink half was my first RunDisney race. I had so much fun, I recruited CaliforniaGirl to do this year's SWLS with me and now, in addition to Tink, we're also signed up for the Disneyland half and the 2018 SWLS (I actually signed up for the Rebel Challenge for that one). I didn't dress up for Tink last year because I was mostly worried about being able to walk fast enough to be an official finisher, but that was no problem, so we dressed up for SWLS this year (Princess Leia), and for this year's Tink I've ordered a Tink fairy dress from one of the Etsy shops that does a lot of running costumes. The costumes have definitely become a big part of the fun

I do have a couple of questions. Apologies if they've been answered earlier in this thread. It's going to take me a while to get through all 37 pages, LOL! I've seen references to a race being a legacy race for some people. Does that just mean you've done the race before, or does it mean something else? Also, was there a sneaker ornament for Tink last year? It doesn't look like it from my Google searching. There was a super cute one for the 2017 SWLS weekend (which I ended up buying on eBay because they were sold out at the race merchandise shop by the time I got there). I purchased a bundle for the 2018 SWLS that includes a figurine and the sneaker ornament. The bundle for 2017 Tink just says ornament, not sneaker ornament, so I'm hesitating about buying the bundle, since I don't really want the Tervis tumbler that comes with it.

Legacy runners have done the race/challenge ever year that it has been offered. They sometimes get special perks like a special bib/ribbon on their medal, a gift every 5 years, and a spot held for them at registration.

The sneaker ornaments are new for this year. Since they had them at WDW Marathon Weekend and light Side, both as sneakers, I would assume they'll have different ones for each race weekend, but there's no way to know for sure.

 

[Calfan]

Legacy runners have done the race/challenge ever year that it has been offered. They sometimes get special perks like a special bib/ribbon on their medal, a gift every 5 years, and a spot held for them at registration.

The sneaker ornaments are new for this year. Since they had them at WDW Marathon Weekend and light Side, both as sneakers, I would assume they'll have different ones for each race weekend, but there's no way to know for sure.

That totally makes sense on legacy. Thanks so much for responding. I was kind of getting the feeling that the sneaker ornaments might be new. I think I'll take my chances on waiting for Tink. I actually have a business meeting in Southern California that ends on Thursday afternoon, so I should be able get to the expo before it closes Thurs. evening. I'm hoping they'll still have the ornaments so I can see it before committing. If not and it turns out to be a must have, there's always eBay again....