OFFICIAL January 2012 5K, Half Marathon, Marathon, Goofy or Dopey Challenge Thread

[CoasterAddict]

I know we need to book our room too. We're still contemplating all the options... APs (we might do two trips next year and are thinking of picking them up), AAA discounts, possible future pincodes? (we've gotten lots lately).

Its almost the 180 day mark for the race. Do the restaurants fill up? We usually love our DDP, but this trip is going to be short so we probably won't pick it up. We want to do one really nice meal (meaning one TS) after the race. I guess it's a stupid question, but the restaurants ADRs on marathon weekend fill up fast?

We were really thinking of Swan and Dolphin since it's so cheap, but it looks more expensive when you consider transportation to and from the airport. Does anyone know when they usually put out AP discounts for January?

Yes, assume the restaurants are going to fill up!! I'd be surprised if there are any big room discounts. The marathon draws a big enough crowd they don't really need to discount. And a DVC cast member told me a couple of days ago that it looks like they'll have an even bigger crowd in 2012.

I'd be surprised in

 

[cewait]

I would book where you want to go. You will not find much in the way of discounts today. Keep your eyes open as dismounts for January are generally announced in the August-September time frame. When they are announced, just call central reservations up and redo the pricing. By booking soon you will have a piece of mind knowing you are staying where you want rather than where there is an opening. This is the rotation year wheee we arrive while the New Years croud is still around. The New Years croud tends to stay until the weekend following new years.... This year being Marathon Weekend. Next year will be better as we move to the following weekend Jan 12 & 13.

Oh, book through central reservations and avoid Sports reservations. Sports will not discount and have a steeper deposit policy than central. Just my two cents.

As far as restaurants. This is the year one should reserve seats daly due to the coincidence with the crowd.

 

[WriteDisney]

Yes, assume the restaurants are going to fill up!! I'd be surprised if there are any big room discounts. The marathon draws a big enough crowd they don't really need to discount. And a DVC cast member told me a couple of days ago that it looks like they'll have an even bigger crowd in 2012.

I'd be surprised in

I would book where you want to go. You will not find much in the way of discounts today. Keep your eyes open as dismounts for January are generally announced in the August-September time frame. When they are announced, just call central reservations up and redo the pricing. By booking soon you will have a piece of mind knowing you are staying where you want rather than where there is an opening. This is the rotation year wheee we arrive while the New Years croud is still around. The New Years croud tends to stay until the weekend following new years.... This year being Marathon Weekend. Next year will be better as we move to the following weekend Jan 12 & 13.

Oh, book through central reservations and avoid Sports reservations. Sports will not discount and have a steeper deposit policy than central. Just my two cents.

As far as restaurants. This is the year one should reserve seats daly due to the coincidence with the crowd.

Well I guess we have to make decisions sooner rather then later. We just spent the week of Memorial Day in Disney and it was very crowded! I was kind of hoping it wouldn't be as bad but I guess not. Better be safe and book soon.

So I'm down to Beach and Yacht Club/Boardwalk or one of the monorail resorts. I'm thinking Contemporary because its the cheapest of all our options. Anyone have any thoughts? We usually stay deluxe but were thinking of downgrading to a mod to save money. But since its such a short trip I'm thinking the transportation issues with a moderate would really weigh us down and we'd regret it.

Any AP holders know if they traditionally offer AP discounts for Marathon Weekend? I know we don't really have to decide on that yet but it would be nice to know. I still don't know if we should take the plunge but we'll be staying 5 days in January and then maybe 7 in September so it really makes sense.

Do they usually release AP discounts for Marathon Weekend?

 

[cewait]

Well I guess we have to make decisions sooner rather then later. We just spent the week of Memorial Day in Disney and it was very crowded! I was kind of hoping it wouldn't be as bad but I guess not. Better be safe and book soon.

So I'm down to Beach and Yacht Club/Boardwalk or one of the monorail resorts. I'm thinking Contemporary because its the cheapest of all our options. Anyone have any thoughts? We usually stay deluxe but were thinking of downgrading to a mod to save money. But since its such a short trip I'm thinking the transportation issues with a moderate would really weigh us down and we'd regret it.

Any AP holders know if they traditionally offer AP discounts for Marathon Weekend? I know we don't really have to decide on that yet but it would be nice to know. I still don't know if we should take the plunge but we'll be staying 5 days in January and then maybe 7 in September so it really makes sense.

Do they usually release AP discounts for Marathon Weekend?

Here's the bottom line from my viewpoint.....

You cannot go wrong with the Epcot or monorail resorts for the marathon. Starting the with monorail, you can sleep in a bit since the rail runs continuously on race morning. Buses must stop at some point in time to facilitate the final set up of the course and to assure runner safety. That means you can ride the rail about 30 minutes later than the bus.... Of the monorail resorts, logistically, the Poly is best situated. You was simply walk to the TTC and catch the direct monorail to Epcot.

From the Epcot resorts, you must ride a bus to the start...you cannot walk through the park preface. However, as an annual pass holder you can walk back to your resort post race. (you may be forced to wait for park opening if running the half).

From the moderate resort perspective... Still adequate busing on event weekend... As good as any. Since the resorts have multiple stops figure out where the buses stop first to lessen the aggravation o f having full buses pass on race day. As example when we used to stay CBR for the race we quickly learned that marathon buses enter the rest from Victory Way making Jamaica the first stop....

Historically, you may be able to see an AP discount for the weekend. In the last few the AP discounts seemed to skip marathon weekend... One never knows but there are discounts generally around the weekend.

 

[mla1977]

I booked for BLT on the first day that I could and got us an MK view studio for me, BFF and her mom. I also added on days at Kidani for after the race.

 

[RadioFanatic]

So we booked WL - only need room but still $289 plus tax a night. Funny thing, if you book room only, you have a deposit of $325 but if you book a package (which is still room only at this point), you only have to pay $200. Thing about that though is the marathon "package" is about $100 for room only more than just booking room. I asked why and they said bc of the extras i get - like planet hollywood stuff and minigolf - none of which I will use. I still booked it though to pay the $200, but will change to just room only later which they said I could do. I really hope some discounts come though!

 

[cewait]

So we booked WL - only need room but still $289 plus tax a night. Funny thing, if you book room only, you have a deposit of $325 but if you book a package (which is still room only at this point), you only have to pay $200. Thing about that though is the marathon "package" is about $100 for room only more than just booking room. I asked why and they said bc of the extras i get - like planet hollywood stuff and minigolf - none of which I will use. I still booked it though to pay the $200, but will change to just room only later which they said I could do. I really hope some discounts come though!

I am around the WDW a bunch and you can always tell marathon week due to the crowds on the Fantasia Minigolf course. The Planet Hollywood stuff is new from the last time I booked through Sports. The last year of the old pasta feed in the tent at WWoS one was forced to book through Sports to get tix to the feed. That was when I swore that I would never use them again.

 

[WriteDisney]

Here's the bottom line from my viewpoint.....

You cannot go wrong with the Epcot or monorail resorts for the marathon. Starting the with monorail, you can sleep in a bit since the rail runs continuously on race morning. Buses must stop at some point in time to facilitate the final set up of the course and to assure runner safety. That means you can ride the rail about 30 minutes later than the bus.... Of the monorail resorts, logistically, the Poly is best situated. You was simply walk to the TTC and catch the direct monorail to Epcot.

From the Epcot resorts, you must ride a bus to the start...you cannot walk through the park preface. However, as an annual pass holder you can walk back to your resort post race. (you may be forced to wait for park opening if running the half).

From the moderate resort perspective... Still adequate busing on event weekend... As good as any. Since the resorts have multiple stops figure out where the buses stop first to lessen the aggravation o f having full buses pass on race day. As example when we used to stay CBR for the race we quickly learned that marathon buses enter the rest from Victory Way making Jamaica the first stop....

Historically, you may be able to see an AP discount for the weekend. In the last few the AP discounts seemed to skip marathon weekend... One never knows but there are discounts generally around the weekend.

Thanks for all that great info!

I'm doing the full marathon so using an AP to get through the park wouldn't be a problem. We requested quotes from our AAA rep. for the Beach Club and Contemporary. I'm thinking Contemporary though because I do like the idea of leaving later! Plus we've never stayed there before and a change would be nice.

If the race is at 5:30 a.m. does that mean I'd leave around 3:30 a.m. (If staying at Contempo) Yikes just mentioning that shakes me to the core! Doing the full marathon doesn't scare me nearly as much as waking up at that early hour!

 

[cruisin'Mike]

I ran the half last year. I'm working on training for the full, and I've just about decided to go ahead and register. I'd love to do the Goofy, but don't know if I'll be ready for it this year. If I register for the Mickey, and training goes really well, can I switch to the Goofy later as long as it's still open?

 

[stitchfan18]

Does anyone remember if there were discounted park tickets for running the marathon? I looked on the website and didn't see any mention of discounted tickets, but I remember them being offered when I ran the princess earlier this year. I'm just trying to decide if we should buy tickets now before the price increase, or if we should hold off for discounted marathon tickets. Also, does anyone remember when marathon monday was announced last year?

 

[lovesdumbo]

So we booked WL - only need room but still $289 plus tax a night. Funny thing, if you book room only, you have a deposit of $325 but if you book a package (which is still room only at this point), you only have to pay $200. Thing about that though is the marathon "package" is about $100 for room only more than just booking room. I asked why and they said bc of the extras i get - like planet hollywood stuff and minigolf - none of which I will use. I still booked it though to pay the $200, but will change to just room only later which they said I could do. I really hope some discounts come though!

I wonder if all 2012 packages will require the photo pass book like the free dining package does this year. That would explain the extra $100.

 

[cewait]

Thanks for all that great info!

I'm doing the full marathon so using an AP to get through the park wouldn't be a problem. We requested quotes from our AAA rep. for the Beach Club and Contemporary. I'm thinking Contemporary though because I do like the idea of leaving later! Plus we've never stayed there before and a change would be nice.

If the race is at 5:30 a.m. does that mean I'd leave around 3:30 a.m. (If staying at Contempo) Yikes just mentioning that shakes me to the core! Doing the full marathon doesn't scare me nearly as much as waking up at that early hour!

I think the latest I left the CR in 10 was 4:20. Both mornings a train was waiting in the resort. Not 100% sure but I really felt like there were two sets of trains that waited at GF and CR since the train pulled in on Saturday empty as I walked across the breezeway from BLT.. Note that I did leave the CR at 4 straight up on Saturday just to be sure. My timing thoughts were along the line of 10 minutes to get to TTC, 10 minutes to transfer, 20 minutes to Epcot, 10 minutes to walk to the staging area leaving 20 minutes for potty, seeing a couple late arriving friends and the walk to the start. That was a 5:40 start year – I tthink I would plan on 4:10-4:15 at the CR platform and add whatever you feel you need for a buffer. Note that the start is 5:30 for wave 1, the last wave starts at 6 am. You have an added 30 minute buffer if things go a little south.

I ran the half last year. I'm working on training for the full, and I've just about decided to go ahead and register. I'd love to do the Goofy, but don't know if I'll be ready for it this year. If I register for the Mickey, and training goes really well, can I switch to the Goofy later as long as it's still open?

Yes you can change to the Goofy IF there are slots open. It is currently the only race over 50% full and will more than likely fill soon. It is currently 74% full. You probably have until mid July before it fills…keep an eye on the numbers.

Does anyone remember if there were discounted park tickets for running the marathon? I looked on the website and didn't see any mention of discounted tickets, but I remember them being offered when I ran the princess earlier this year. I'm just trying to decide if we should buy tickets now before the price increase, or if we should hold off for discounted marathon tickets. Also, does anyone remember when marathon monday was announced last year?

No never have. Last year we had Marathon Monday that came out later in the year where marathon runners were given a Monday only park pass. Not sure if that will happen again…just depends on how fast the marathon sales are going.

ADDED – I guess ‘later in the year’ was June 1.

 

[cewait]

I wonder if all 2012 packages will require the photo pass book like the free dining package does this year. That would explain the extra $100.

Thats one of the reasons I just call 407WDISNEY and not Disney Sports Reservations.

 

[stitchfan18]

No never have. Last year we had Marathon Monday that came out later in the year where marathon runners were given a Monday only park pass. Not sure if that will happen again…just depends on how fast the marathon sales are going.

ADDED – I guess ‘later in the year’ was June 1.

I wonder why they offer ticket discounts for all the other races except Marathon Weekend races. Thanks for the info!

 

[cewait]

I wonder why they offer ticket discounts for all the other races except Marathon Weekend races. Thanks for the info!

My guess is that the marathon and associated races have traditionally sold out by late summer or early/fall. Only in the last couple years have they had concerns about selling out the marathon. The other races may not have sold as fast as desired so the hook of discounted tickets was thrown into the mix. Plus the other races do not have the hook of a major marathon pulling in large groups.

Anyway that is my guess.

 

[RadioFanatic]

Just wanted to let people know the AAA rates are out. I originally got my WL reduced to $263 for three nights and $225 for two nights, but then one of the group I'm going with told me BCV was reduced for those paying cash to $304 for three nights and $276 for two nights which we chose so we would be with everyone. We got a studio - just as a side note, I didnt know this, but BCV studios were MUCH less than BC regular rooms which were going for about $400 a night - anyone know why?

 

[stitchfan18]

I was on the rundisney website earlier, and I'm pretty surprised that Goofy is the only race showing a % full so far. I thought the relay and the half would fill up quicker with the inaugural race and special medal. It's making me hopeful for marathon monday again if registration is slow. I've never really paid attention to the marathon weekend races before. When do they typically start filling up?

 

[cewait]

I was on the rundisney website earlier, and I'm pretty surprised that Goofy is the only race showing a % full so far. I thought the relay and the half would fill up quicker with the inaugural race and special medal. It's making me hopeful for marathon monday again if registration is slow. I've never really paid attention to the marathon weekend races before. When do they typically start filling up?

Generally, the Goofy by late spring, half late spring/early summer and full late summer early fall.

Saying that, the last two years, since capacities were expanded and the economy slowed, these have slid a season. I would expect the half to have a capacity countdown posted in the next 3-4 weeks and fill by August. I would be shocked if the full filled before December 15th.

For the record, the half filled in 02 in about 3 weeks. I expected the new-15th year medal to create a similar stir. Note that back in the early 00's the entries did not open until March, like this year. I am kind of surprised that the race has not reached 50% or higher by now.

Oh, by far the relay is the smallest event of the weekend, I too am wondering why it is not nearer full.

 

[ultramickeymouse]

I agree with Charles that the economy and the crazy price(and lack of park pass compared to the full) has slowed reg down. Disney is paying for its end of the mighty dollar. People are boycotting and doing 2 other racxes for the same race entry fees. Forgot the hundreds of extra dollars for trip expenses. If it wasn't for Perfectly Goofy, I would be skipping WDW Jan races as well!

 

[RadioFanatic]

Can anyone tell me or show me a map of where we would be running for the 1/2 marathon? I want to get an idea of what the race is - thanks!