Official WDW Marathon Weekend 2013 Thread

[MightyDuck001]

I have an annual pass, so paying to walk back through EPCOT isn't a big deal... Whether or not I'll want to walk is another issue entirely, but I'm thinking that sitting on the bus might bring on more soreness than walking... I also have my sister coming with me who isn't running so it'd be nice if she could walk outside the hotel, watch, and then go back or go into EPCOT. She wanted to go to the Magic Kingdom along Main Street, but how does that work? I'm assuming it's pretty crowded and I won't be getting there for quite some time...

Which brings me to another question--what's everyone's opinion on the chEAR package? I was thinking of getting her the second cheapest one with a t-shirt and clappers because she loves a commemorative t-shirt but wasn't sure...

 

[Ariel484]

I have an annual pass, so paying to walk back through EPCOT isn't a big deal... Whether or not I'll want to walk is another issue entirely, but I'm thinking that sitting on the bus might bring on more soreness than walking... I also have my sister coming with me who isn't running so it'd be nice if she could walk outside the hotel, watch, and then go back or go into EPCOT. She wanted to go to the Magic Kingdom along Main Street, but how does that work? I'm assuming it's pretty crowded and I won't be getting there for quite some time...

Which brings me to another question--what's everyone's opinion on the chEAR package? I was thinking of getting her the second cheapest one with a t-shirt and clappers because she loves a commemorative t-shirt but wasn't sure...

I'm with you on being concerned about tightening up on the bus. That happened to me on the bus ride back to POR during the Princess Half...I was pretty much fine at the bus stop at the finish line, but getting off at the resort I was definitely struggling.

For the marathon this year I stayed at Beach and liked it. It's true that all Epcot resorts share buses (S/D, Beach, Boardwalk and Yacht), but I thought the transportation was fine this year. Buses were constantly coming to pick us up. I remember on the way back that Boardwalk was the first stop and Beach was the last, so since I was concerned about sitting for too long I got off at the Boardwalk stop to walk to Beach, which I think was a good idea.

I THINK your sister should be able to take a bus to watch you at the Magic Kingdom, but I'm really unsure about this, so maybe someone else can clarify. Make sure she signs up to track you through Disney's text update service...they'll text her when you hit miles 5 and 10 (10 is right before you enter the park), so that should give her a good idea of when you'll be there.

The course goes right in front of Yacht & Beach - mile marker 24 is near the Boardwalk, then you'll cross the bridge in front of S&D and run down the path in front of Y&B to enter Epcot, so she should be able to see you there. Again, if she's tracking you, she'll get an update when you hit mile 20.

Can't help with the chEAR squad stuff...sorry!

 

[liznboys]

My friend stayed at BWV for marathon weekend this year. He was in the bus line well before 4am and didn't end up on a bus until almost 5am. He missed the start of his own corral. It was awful!

 

[CaptHomer]

FYI: Goofy at 61%

 

[BigEeyore]

I have an annual pass, so paying to walk back through EPCOT isn't a big deal... Whether or not I'll want to walk is another issue entirely, but I'm thinking that sitting on the bus might bring on more soreness than walking... I also have my sister coming with me who isn't running so it'd be nice if she could walk outside the hotel, watch, and then go back or go into EPCOT. She wanted to go to the Magic Kingdom along Main Street, but how does that work? I'm assuming it's pretty crowded and I won't be getting there for quite some time...

My DH came to the MK to cheer me on in the Princess this year - he rode the bus with me to the start, then jumped on the monorail to get to the MK. There are a lot of people who want to come cheer their loved ones on, and the monorail line can get waaaaay long, so if she really wants to do it, I would strongly suggest she get there early with you and find a good spot to camp out on Main Street!

 

[DrMomof3]

Thanks for all the thoughts on resorts for the Goofy. I'm still undecided! But I appreciate all the reasons given for one vs. another resort. At this moment in time I'm leaning towards YC because it feels very "adult' to me and I love BC/YC. I may change my mind and go with a monorail resort. Or Swan/Dolphin. Or something totally different like AKL where I've always wanted to stay (but as a family of 5 we would need a villa which gets pricey!). I never thoughts about the fact that the AKL bus only goes to AKL.
I'm still reading and thinking so feel free to continue giving thoughts!

Amanda

 

[Saylan]

My mom had ChEAR squad membership as well. The same level you're thinking of getting. She loved the shirt. She came on the bus with us and camped out a spot on the finish line bleachers as soon as they could let her in.

ChEAR Squad is worth it depending on the person, really. My DBF won't get it, but my mom came down for the sole purpose of seeing me finish. She has difficulty standing for long periods of time, and can easily get lost. There was no way she would be able to stand along the route to cheer and she's too short to stand in the free areas at the finish lines. It was perfect for my mom because she could sit, there were porta-potties and drinks for her and she got to see me cross the line without having to peek around people.

I would second getting there early though. I heard lots of stories from DBF and other ChEAR members who didn't make it until after their racer had finished simply because the buses and other transportation were so backed up. It'd be better to get there early and bring a book or music, than miss it entirely. DBF was on a shuttle bus for over an hour from Pop Century and missed my finish in the half. It'd have sucked if we'd paid 50$ for him to be in the ChEAR Squad and he missed it all (which some did).

 

[Freight Train]

Thanks for the advice everyone! Based on everyone's thoughts I'm not going to try to get cute on walking to the start line. So I'll probably end up picking a resort based on amenities. We're not planning on doing the parks, so having fun stuff to do around the resort is a key for us, especially a nice pool with something fun for my kiddo to do (she'll be 5; my wife and infant will also be there). So what is the group consensus? AKL? POFQ? I'm totally open to suggestion and appreciate any advice as always! Thanks gang!

 

[kimmiepcft]

My daughter and I are hoping to stay at the new Animator's hotel (can't remember the exact name), she wants the Little Mermaid Room. Makes me so nervous, because we cannot book it until summer, but I am sure it will work out! If not, we can always try Pop or one of the other cheapies!

 

[DrMomof3]

I think I've picked the Poly. And I think I found a roommate. Both are good things!
Has anyone done the race retreat? Opinions? It seems costly but I figure if I'm leaving my DH and 3 kids at home then I'm saving TONS of money!

Amanda

 

[ColleenG]

My daughter and I are hoping to stay at the new Animator's hotel (can't remember the exact name), she wants the Little Mermaid Room. Makes me so nervous, because we cannot book it until summer, but I am sure it will work out! If not, we can always try Pop or one of the other cheapies!

Kim, where do you usually fly out of? We usually do jetblue out of Newark, only cuz my sister lives about 15 min from the airport and keeps our car. For the marathon I'm looking for cheapest.

 

[kimmiepcft]

Colleen, we usually fly out of AC or Philly, but my husband just flew Jet Blue and he loved it, so I think we are going with that.

 

[ColleenG]

Colleen, we usually fly out of AC or Philly, but my husband just flew Jet Blue and he loved it, so I think we are going with that.

JetBlue is great. Free first checked bag and the kids each have their own TV. They just haven't published their fares past Janury 6th yet. I am such an airline stalker.

 

[kimmiepcft]

JetBlue is great. Free first checked bag and the kids each have their own TV. They just haven't published their fares past Janury 6th yet. I am such an airline stalker.

lol I can't wait to start booking flights and hotels, so very exciting!!

 

[ColleenG]

lol I can't wait to start booking flights and hotels, so very exciting!!

Did you sign up yet? I still have to. I'm hoping I get my new orthotics in the next few days and can start running again.

 

[kimmiepcft]

Did you sign up yet? I still have to. I'm hoping I get my new orthotics in the next few days and can start running again.

I am registered for the Marathon, and paid for ChEAR squad for my daughter. Next paycheck I think I am also getting the Race Retreat for myself.

I am on day 3 of no running (recovery from the Half) and going stir crazy! cannot wait to run again! Hope you get new orthotics soon!!

 

[ColleenG]

I am registered for the Marathon, and paid for ChEAR squad for my daughter. Next paycheck I think I am also getting the Race Retreat for myself.

I am on day 3 of no running (recovery from the Half) and going stir crazy! cannot wait to run again! Hope you get new orthotics soon!!

I haven't run since Runapalooza. The other day I was driving the kids around and passed a ton of people running. I just about jumped out the car to get a run in. I was contemplating doing the Race retreat since I will be going solo. Which ChEAR squad package did you do for your DD? I did one for DH when I did the Princess and he didn't even bother going into the ChEAR zones that I paid extra for. He says he saw me at the finish but I think he was just saying it. The only reason I know he went to MK is cuz he took some pictures. He left I think before I even got there. DUH! That's what runner tracking is for!

 

[kimmiepcft]

Which ChEAR squad package did you do for your DD? I did one for DH when I did the Princess and he didn't even bother going into the ChEAR zones that I paid extra for. He says he saw me at the finish but I think he was just saying it. The only reason I know he went to MK is cuz he took some pictures. He left I think before I even got there. DUH! That's what runner tracking is for!

I got her the largest one, I just wanted to be sure she was safe and comfy while she is there. I am going to drag her with me and let her sack out, and she can wake up in time to see me finish. Hopefully she doesn't miss it after all that!

 

[MightyDuck001]

Kim, where do you usually fly out of? We usually do jetblue out of Newark, only cuz my sister lives about 15 min from the airport and keeps our car. For the marathon I'm looking for cheapest.

I've taken Jet Blue out of Newark. I can't stand Terminal A, but that extra leg room combined with free tv and a snack is amazing, I'm just hoping they have a fare under $300 to Florida. They've been ridiculously expensive lately, but there's always US Air out of Philly which has been slightly to substantially cheaper.

I think you can book the Little Mermaid rooms now. I booked one for October a few weeks ago so maybe they're up to January?

 

[kaj1436]

My daughter and I are hoping to stay at the new Animator's hotel (can't remember the exact name), she wants the Little Mermaid Room. Makes me so nervous, because we cannot book it until summer, but I am sure it will work out! If not, we can always try Pop or one of the other cheapies!

You can book those rooms now if you call. I am booked in one for our trip. I called the irun number but you probably could do it with the regular reservations number as well...it's worth a try.