Official all things Princess Half Weekend 2015 thread! DOoneY and offical mErcH on DisneyParksBLOg

[STILLWISHING]

Well... I guess it's not official until registration is paid, but unofficially-officially... I've been sucked back in. Again. I'm on for another GSC. (Did anyone who knows me from previous races actually think I'd be able to pass it up?! I honestly did... not sure what happened, lol!) Now, can I restrict myself to just GSC, or will I end up going for the Triple Crown again? IDK...

yay!! I cannot wait - hope I can meet this time - love your blog on all the races you do!

 

[DVCFan1994]

Okay, assuming we can get registered, me and my sister are in for the Half! I have a few questions I hope some of the pros on here can answer: 1. When they say 'host hotels' are there only specific hotels or are they all Disney hotels? If there's only certain ones, does anyone know which hotels they've been in the past? And I guess I should book a room asap, or should I just wait until online booking is opened for February? 2. What are the after race snacks?!?!? 3. Advice on how to place the race in your vacation schedule? I was thinking of putting it in the middle of our trip, but I'm open to other ideas as well. Maybe coming in on the Thursday night, and leaving the following Wednesday? Gives us four days plus race day. Thanks everyone!

For PHM all the Disney hotels are host hotels. All that means is that they will have transportation (bus or monrail) to the races as well as transportation to the Expo. People who have very specific preferences or DVC members who have limited selection book early. If you book now to get something specific (like a boardwalk view) and a better hotel deal comes out later you can call and change it. The PHM weekend also coincides with New England states winter breaks, it's at the end of some states and start of the others. I believe parts of NY and NJ as well. Those who make a week out of the Presidents' Day holiday also will be there still, and this year Mardi Gras is also part of the vacation mix So if you have something you really want, I'd book it and hope for a discount later. I booked my DVC on the very first day I could. But at 7 months out I'll be trying to change it to another resort.

Hmmm after race snacks. I ran straight to self treatment for ice wraps, so I know I got a banana and they gave a box with craisins, chocolate covered blueberries, hummus, popchips and a bar of some sort. I think there might have been bagels. There was water and powerade. I mostly cared about getting ice send wrapping my knee, and then finding my family, so my memory is a bit foggy I think.

How to fit the race into your schedule really depends on your vacation style. I arrived Wednesday and stayed to Tuesday. I thought it was great. We had plenty of park time and the races are over early allowing you to get back to vacation mode for the rest of the day. My only requirement to my family was pool time - which translated to me lying on a lounge chair - each late afternoon, and early (5:30-545) dinners. The 3:15 wake up alarm is early.

 

[BwoZoo22]

1. When they say 'host hotels' are there only specific hotels or are they all Disney hotels? If there's only certain ones, does anyone know which hotels they've been in the past? And I guess I should book a room asap, or should I just wait until online booking is opened for February?

2. What are the after race snacks?!?!?

3. Advice on how to place the race in your vacation schedule? I was thinking of putting it in the middle of our trip, but I'm open to other ideas as well. Maybe coming in on the Thursday night, and leaving the following Wednesday? Gives us four days plus race day.

Thanks everyone!

Not that I have much experience (one race so far) but we like to have a day or two before the race to acclimate to the conditions (and time zone) and packet pickup, then one or two park days after for fun and walking around to help in muscle recovery. Of course, coming from out west, visiting DW is an extensive trip, so we want to spend some time having fun after hauling our buts all the way out there.

I can't say for the half, but there were one value, one mod, and one deluxe host resort for the EE race we did this May. Only those three resorts had a designated bus to take you directly to the event at the times you needed to be there. I imagine this race will be much bigger though, so...

 

[blabbermouth]

For PHM all the Disney hotels are host hotels. All that means is that they will have transportation (bus or monrail) to the races as well as transportation to the Expo. People who have very specific preferences or DVC members who have limited selection book early. If you book now to get something specific (like a boardwalk view) and a better hotel deal comes out later you can call and change it. The PHM weekend also coincides with New England states winter breaks, it's at the end of some states and start of the others. I believe parts of NY and NJ as well. Those who make a week out of the Presidents' Day holiday also will be there still, and this year Mardi Gras is also part of the vacation mix So if you have something you really want, I'd book it and hope for a discount later. I booked my DVC on the very first day I could. But at 7 months out I'll be trying to change it to another resort.

Hmmm after race snacks. I ran straight to self treatment for ice wraps, so I know I got a banana and they gave a box with craisins, chocolate covered blueberries, hummus, popchips and a bar of some sort. I think there might have been bagels. There was water and powerade. I mostly cared about getting ice send wrapping my knee, and then finding my family, so my memory is a bit foggy I think.

How to fit the race into your schedule really depends on your vacation style. I arrived Wednesday and stayed to Tuesday. I thought it was great. We had plenty of park time and the races are over early allowing you to get back to vacation mode for the rest of the day. My only requirement to my family was pool time - which translated to me lying on a lounge chair - each late afternoon, and early (5:30-545) dinners. The 3:15 wake up alarm is early.

Thank you so much! So helpful Ugh, the wake up is not something I'm looking forward too. We were trying to decide between Princess and Tink and talked about the time change, but decided 5:30 am start sucks on either coast! We are thinking about the same timeline as you, give or take a day.

Not that I have much experience (one race so far) but we like to have a day or two before the race to acclimate to the conditions (and time zone) and packet pickup, then one or two park days after for fun and walking around to help in muscle recovery. Of course, coming from out west, visiting DW is an extensive trip, so we want to spend some time having fun after hauling our buts all the way out there.

I can't say for the half, but there were one value, one mod, and one deluxe host resort for the EE race we did this May. Only those three resorts had a designated bus to take you directly to the event at the times you needed to be there. I imagine this race will be much bigger though, so...

Thanks for your help too! We're coming from the west coast too, so it's a fair bit of traveling, so we want to make it worth our while!

I think we're planning on staying at Art of Animation

 

[SuzanneSLO]

I think that the Daytona 500 is on the same day at the PHM in 2015. Is this usually the case? Does it effect traffic at WDW or availbility of flights? -- Suzanne

 

[islandtimect]

I think that the Daytona 500 is on the same day at the PHM in 2015. Is this usually the case? Does it effect traffic at WDW or availbility of flights? -- Suzanne

It certainly affects driving eastbound on Rt 4 from Orlando to I95. Huge backups. But Daytona 500 won't affect WDW local traffic.

 

[BwoZoo22]

Please keep us posted on what they say, if you wouldn't mind. I am thinking of getting an AP for the early registration benefits. It will cost just a tiny bit extra than what I was planning to spend in two trips (Sept + Feb). But, if the exchange certificates won't provide access, that wouldn't work. Thanks!

'Chatted' with a CM today about this. No passholder benefits until you receive your passholder number, which you receive when you show up in person with your exchange certificates. So buying them ahead of time does no good unless you can swing an quick side trip down to DW. Next year though, I will be all over the benefits.

 

[DisneyRunner2009]

Is pacing for the 5k new? Also, the light wand is interesting. No more balloons. Disney seems to really be cracking down. Is it better to put in a 10k time or a half marathon time for corral placement? I plan to register for GSC.

Pacing
16 minute per mile pace for all athletes in the Disney Princess Half Marathon, Disney Enchanted 10K, or the Disney Princess 5K.
Runners unable to maintain the pace may be picked up at any point along the course and transported to the finish line area.
A training pace of 15-minute per mile pace is recommended.
Pace Cyclists will be on the course indicating when runners are behind pace by waving light wands at each mile markers according to the official pace time. If you reach a mile marker with a light wand waving, please note you are behind the required 16-minute per mile pace and can be picked up at any time and transported to the course pick up tent.

 

[acwinsett]

'Chatted' with a CM today about this. No passholder benefits until you receive your passholder number, which you receive when you show up in person with your exchange certificates. So buying them ahead of time does no good unless you can swing an quick side trip down to DW. Next year though, I will be all over the benefits.

Thanks so much for the update! Guess I'll need to be quick on the Internet on the public registration date ... or hope for early registration with Disney Visa

 

[STILLWISHING]

My AP is expired - could my Mom register me with hers? Wasn't planning on getting a new one until October.

 

[DVCFan1994]

Is pacing for the 5k new? Also, the light wand is interesting. No more balloons. Disney seems to really be cracking down. Is it better to put in a 10k time or a half marathon time for corral placement? I plan to register for GSC. Pacing 16 minute per mile pace for all athletes in the Disney Princess Half Marathon, Disney Enchanted 10K, or the Disney Princess 5K. Runners unable to maintain the pace may be picked up at any point along the course and transported to the finish line area. A training pace of 15-minute per mile pace is recommended. Pace Cyclists will be on the course indicating when runners are behind pace by waving light wands at each mile markers according to the official pace time. If you reach a mile marker with a light wand waving, please note you are behind the required 16-minute per mile pace and can be picked up at any time and transported to the course pick up tent.

That language was there this past year. And while I'm not saying they didn't sweep anyone, nor am I saying that they won't be more strict this year, I know my dad didn't keep that pace in 2014. He is a metastatic lung cancer survivor. I registered him and told him I knew he could do it. He then started having additional issues physically, poor balance and endurance, side effects of his radiation. But he is as stubborn as can be, and although I told him it was fine if he counted walking around WDW with the grand kids as his race, he did it anyway. He took over an hour, I think an hour and 10 minutes, and he finished. He struggled over the finish line, but he earned his medal. This year he is only planning on spectating, but 7 weeks before, for New Years Eve our whole family is celebrating 5 years since his diagnosis at WDW!

That said I heard many people were swept for the half. It was very warm and humid that day. I felt sticky just standing around waiting for the race. On my way back to BLT on the monorail I saw the balloon ladies with buses right behind them, and lots of walkers right with them.

I used a 10k time and was perfectly happily with my GSC corral placement. I'm not sure one versus the other is any better. I wanted PHM to be my first half, plus I got injured in the fall, so I couldn't have done a half. I have determined 10k is my favorite distance to race. A half is more of a survive and finish proposition for me. I just don't have a ton of speed or endurance. But 10k I love.

 

[PrincessV]

When they say 'host hotels' are there only specific hotels or are they all Disney hotels? If there's only certain ones, does anyone know which hotels they've been in the past? And I guess I should book a room asap, or should I just wait until online booking is opened for February?

All WDW resorts are hosts for Princess - that means they all provide transport to the expo and races.you can book early, but don't worry about waiting, either - I have to wait until very close to the races to get the discounts I want (AP, FL and/or Orbitz) and have always gotten a room.

2. What are the after race snacks?!?!?

Banana, Powerade, water, and a little box with things like crackers, chips, Clif bars, trail mix, etc.

3. Advice on how to place the race in your vacation schedule?

I think this depends on how hard you race, how many races, and your vacation style. For me, I ran all 3 races and made it a solo trip: 3 early mornings wiped me out and I spent most of the non-race time resting and relaxing, with only a few hours total in parks. I wouldn't advise doing a lot of park touring before the race/s in any event.

yay!! I cannot wait - hope I can meet this time - love your blog on all the races you do!

Thanks so much! I can't believe I'm signing up for more, lol!

'Chatted' with a CM today about this. No passholder benefits until you receive your passholder number, which you receive when you show up in person with your exchange certificates. So buying them ahead of time does no good unless you can swing an quick side trip down to DW. Next year though, I will be all over the benefits.

This is not correct - I'd call back as the CMs often don't know how things work. You should absolutely be able to link the voucher to MDE for access to AP perks, including rD, resorts rates and FP+.

Is pacing for the 5k new? Also, the light wand is interesting. No more balloons.

5K has always had a pace requirement, but they've never really enforced it. With no more kids under 5 allowed, though, I suspect they may start this year.
The Balloon Ladies don't work for rD- they're local ladies who walk the races to help others finish on pace. The pacing cyclists are the official race sweepers.

Disney seems to really be cracking down. Is it better to put in a 10k time or a half marathon time for corral placement?

Whichever has a better pace is the one you'll want to submit. I've always used a good 10K proof of time and have been seeded just right.

My AP is expired - could my Mom register me with hers? Wasn't planning on getting a new one until October.

Yep!

 

[tammyroo]

I'm keeping my fingers crossed to be able to do the PHM in 2015 with my DD, SiL, friend and her DD. I turn 49 on the the 19th and was going to wait and do this for my 50th but I figured I'd better not push my luck.

I started running in 2013 in order to do one race and get it off my bucket list. Ran an 8k in Dec and everyone talked me into continuing.

So, here I am, training for a half marathon. Started Jeff Galloway's training program. Find it to be much easier to stick with and so far have had no injuries or problems. Have run 5ks and 8ks. Planning a 10k this Fall.

I went to the PHM this year to cheer aforementioned friend who is planning to do the GSC. Not me. Not that crazy. I also wanted to scope things out to see if it was do-able for me (have some chronic pain issues to deal with) and definitely think I can finish (in the upright position, with a smile on my face maybe and without puking, I hope).

So excited about PHM and hope we can all get registered. Am a bit worried that the registration will be so quick we'll miss it. These races are SO popular now.

Any tips for transportation or hotels?? I'm thinking Value resorts on property or possibly BC Hilton. Also, my friend waited an hour in the scorching sun to be picked up at the end of the race. She said 2-3 people dropped in line and had to be tended to my EMS. So, I was thinking a rental car may be nice for the end to avoid the wait.

 

[PrincessV]

... definitely think I can finish (in the upright position, with a smile on my face maybe and without puking, I hope).

BEST way to finish!

Any tips for transportation or hotels?? I'm thinking Value resorts on property or possibly BC Hilton. Also, my friend waited an hour in the scorching sun to be picked up at the end of the race. She said 2-3 people dropped in line and had to be tended to my EMS. So, I was thinking a rental car may be nice for the end to avoid the wait.

It seems like one resort has bus issues at every race... but it's not the same resort each time, so no way to guess ahead of time. I can say that I've never waited more than a minute or two staying at BC/YC, AKL/AKV or CBR, but who knows if that'll be the same in the future.

Driving has its pluses and minuses. I drove to the 5K and 10K this year: getting there was FAST, parking was easy, as was departing. But note that the section of the EP lot used for race parking is a hike from the start/finish - eve more of a hike if you have the misfortune of landing at the far end of the row (which I did - twice). Comparatively, the bus stops are right there outside of the bag check retrieval. After 3 days of racing, I knew my legs would not take kindly to another 1/4-1/2 mile walk to my car, and my sleep-deprived brain maybe wasn't up to managing traffic, so I took a bus the last day. I had no line when I walked up, and the bus was mostly empty - it actually waited for me while I finished my celebratory champagne!

 

[islandtimect]

If staying off property because even a value resort with park tixs and dining is too expensive, which hotel is best for getting to and from the race? Are there any pros to staying off property for the race? A client wants to do PHM for the first time but is trying to keep the cost down.

 

[PrincessV]

If staying off property because even a value resort with park tixs and dining is too expensive, which hotel is best for getting to and from the race? Are there any pros to staying off property for the race? A client wants to do PHM for the first time but is trying to keep the cost down.

The only real con would be no race transportation... but that's pretty easily rectified by a rental car or taxi. I can't see that any particular hotel/s is/are better than another specifically in regard to racing; anything offsite will be a longer commute than onsite. (Well, Hilton Bonnet Creek is the one exception, since it's in the middle of WDW, but that's not going to get your client a better price than the Values.)

I would caution against anything in the Lake Buena Vista/Palm Parkway area for the foreseeable future, though. While DTD construction continues, traffic through there is a NIGHTMARE of epic proportions. I crawled along Buena Vista Dr. for almost an hour the other day, getting from MK to the Hilton Garden Inn Lake Buena Vista. Crazy! I don't imagine traffic would be bad at the early hours of race starts, but could be bad after the finishes, and will really be bad the rest of the vacation. It's a shame because there are usually some great bargains at the Palm Parkway hotels.

 

[keahgirl8]

How was I not subscribed to this thread?! Hi ladies!

 

[momabaarjo]

WHAT NO MORE BALLOONS? Personally the thought of a balloon popping is way more than a glow stick being waved at me!

 

[PrincessV]

WHAT NO MORE BALLOONS? Personally the thought of a balloon popping is way more than a glow stick being waved at me!

I could be wrong, but I didn't think the official rD sweepers ever had balloons, did they? I thought they were just the guys on bikes. Not to be confused with the "Balloon Ladies" who are NOT rD officials, but a couple of very nice local ladies who take it upon themselves to set a 16:00/mile pace from the very back of the last corral. And yes, they wear balloons on them.

 

[momabaarjo]

I could be wrong, but I didn't think the official rD sweepers ever had balloons, did they? I thought they were just the guys on bikes. Not to be confused with the "Balloon Ladies" who are NOT rD officials, but a couple of very nice local ladies who take it upon themselves to set a 16:00/mile pace from the very back of the last corral. And yes, they wear balloons on them.

Knew balloon ladies weren't official ...just guys on bikes. Just wondering if the post meant they were no longer going to be there!?