Official Wine and Dine 2016 thread

[CamColt]

That's what I'm saying - it's not definite that they are changing things around, but at the same time, nothing is set in stone yet.

I'm expecting/hoping that things will start to get updated now that Princess weekend is over. rD's next big event is Wine & Dine registration.

Exactly! Something has to come out soon!

I'd almost like them to change the 1/2 to a morning race so they could follow the usual 5k, 10k, 1/2 schedule. They could still do the party that night for runners, and everyone would at least be fresh by then. But the 1/2 is the 1 race they do have the date and time listed, so that probably wont happen.

I left out the 3rd option in my previous post...they are purposely doing this to drive us all crazy and have us speculate about whats going on.

 

[Ariel484]

Exactly! I'd almost like them to change it to a morning race so they could follow the usual 5k, 10k, 1/2 schedule. They could still do the party that night for runners, and everyone would at least be fresh by then. But the 1/2 is the 1 race they do have the date and time listed, so that probably wont happen.

I personally would not be thrilled if they changed it to a morning race - I LOVE the night race aspect of the weekend. My favorite thing about Wine & Dine weekend is how unique it is from the other race weekends (no 10K - so the half truly is the main event of the weekend, totally unique courses, a smaller field, etc.).

I left out the 3rd option in my previous post...they are purposely doing this to drive us all crazy and have us speculate about whats going on.

Well that's a given!!

 

[CamColt]

LOL! Good point!

 

[Rose&Mike]

Hi guys. I know this has been asked and answered multiple times probably--but what date/time is dvc/ap registration? Thanks!

 

[Ariel484]

Hi guys. I know this has been asked and answered multiple times probably--but what date/time is dvc/ap registration? Thanks!

March 8 @ noon EST.

 

[Rose&Mike]

March 8 @ noon EST.

thanks!

 

[hpygrll]

Jumping in! Husband and I are definitely registering. Already have our room at OKW booked. Did Princess and Dumbo in 2015 so are looking forward to this one. If it becomes a challenge weekend, I'd be so in. This gets me super excited!

 

[escriven75]

Can anyone comment on if it is worthwhile to get an annual pass (just for the person in the group that is registering for the race) in order to try for early registration? How many days at Disney makes an annual pass a better value than just purchasing tickets. I ask because they've mentioned that ticket prices are about to increase again. But there is also information about ticket discounts in past years for race participants. We're trying to decide when to purchase our park tickets and it got me wondering if one annual pass would be a good idea? Are the annual passes for FL residents only?

 

[Ariel484]

Can anyone comment on if it is worthwhile to get an annual pass (just for the person in the group that is registering for the race) in order to try for early registration?

Personally, I would not get an annual pass just for early registration. I'd only do it if it made sense mathematically/financially. I have heard that early registration only accounts for 5-10% of the total number of registrations, so it's a small amount - it's not like you're guaranteed a spot just because you have an AP.

How many days at Disney makes an annual pass a better value than just purchasing tickets. I ask because they've mentioned that ticket prices are about to increase again.

I think you'll just have to do the math on that...there are different combinations of days that could make it worth it and different types of APs now.

But there is also information about ticket discounts in past years for race participants. We're trying to decide when to purchase our park tickets and it got me wondering if one annual pass would be a good idea?

True but those discounted tickets are never a guarantee. The link is still there under 2015 travel info but that doesn't mean it'll be there when they update it for 2016.

Are the annual passes for FL residents only?

Yes, I think there are a few different kinds?

 

[Keels]

There are specific Annual Passes for "Florida Residents" - but all include blackout dates. If you qualify as a "Florida Resident", you can buy a cheaper pass that has copious blackout dates or you can buy a regular pass but pay on a payment plan instead of all $700 or whatever up-front.

Remember that less than 10 percent of overall entries are open for early registration for AP holders and DVC. If you're thinking about purchasing an AP solely for early registration, you need to be prepared to be disappointed as for Wine and Dine, that means basically less than 148 TOTAL entries for the Half and 50 or so for the 5k and 20 or so for the Kids Races.

 

[escriven75]

Got it. I was thinking of the early registration just as an added possible perk of getting an annual pass. We are NOT florida residents but doing the quick math it looks like a platinum pass pays for itself after 2 - 4 day stays not including the fact that memory maker is included. Unless I'm missing something obvious??

 

[Keels]

Got it. I was thinking of the early registration just as an added possible perk of getting an annual pass. We are NOT florida residents but doing the quick math it looks like a platinum pass pays for itself after 2 - 4 day stays not including the fact that memory maker is included. Unless I'm missing something obvious??

I always have a car, so the free parking alone is worth over $150-200 to me per trip ... more beneficial than PhotoPass+! Also, it's nice to able to drive park-to-park - I can get from the TTC through the turnstiles at Epcot in less than eight minutes (my current record!).

I also have a Tables in Wonderland card, but if you're only doing two 4-day stays, there's no way that is beneficial to you.

 

[Ariel484]

Got it. I was thinking of the early registration just as an added possible perk of getting an annual pass. We are NOT florida residents but doing the quick math it looks like a platinum pass pays for itself after 2 - 4 day stays not including the fact that memory maker is included. Unless I'm missing something obvious??

It gives you an extra shot at registration, I guess - if you don't get in during the early day you can then try again on the regular day.

 

[cavepig]

So, if it stays the same and the 5k is Saturday morning, for those that have done both the 5k and half, do you feel exhausted by the half after getting up so early for the 5k? I'm not one to be able to nap so wondering if I could handle it or if the 5k early would kill my half that night? oh decisions....

 

[Ariel484]

So, if it stays the same and the 5k is Saturday morning, for those that have done both the 5k and half, do you feel exhausted by the half after getting up so early for the 5k? I'm not one to be able to nap so wondering if I could handle it or if the 5k early would kill my half that night? oh decisions....

I've done both in 2013 and 2014 (and plan on it for 2016). I didn't feel exhausted for the race either time, but I am also good at napping. However, both times, as soon as the half was done and my adrenaline got back in check, I was SPENT and didn't make it to the after-party!!

 

[Keels]

So, if it stays the same and the 5k is Saturday morning, for those that have done both the 5k and half, do you feel exhausted by the half after getting up so early for the 5k? I'm not one to be able to nap so wondering if I could handle it or if the 5k early would kill my half that night? oh decisions....

Personally, I hated it because I felt like I was "grounded" and couldn't go and do what I normally do after a race - eat foods, drink, walk around the parks - because I had to save myself for the half that night. The party was REALLY crowded last year, so we really didn't get to do much there either to make giving up a Saturday of fun worth it to us, in my opinion.

Oh!! And I did not nap that day - which is strange, because daytime sleeping is my favorite thing. I guess that only applies to weekdays?

 

[bellrae]

So, if it stays the same and the 5k is Saturday morning, for those that have done both the 5k and half, do you feel exhausted by the half after getting up so early for the 5k? I'm not one to be able to nap so wondering if I could handle it or if the 5k early would kill my half that night? oh decisions....

It also depends a little on the weather and how your body reacts. Last year it was really hot and humid, and the 5k did take a lot out of some people as a result. But everyone is different in this regard.

 

[slp1650]

I've done both in 2013 and 2014 (and plan on it for 2016). I didn't feel exhausted for the race either time, but I am also good at napping. However, both times, as soon as the half was done and my adrenaline got back in check, I was SPENT and didn't make it to the after-party!!

So take naps... I think I like that advice

 

[Ariel484]

So take naps... I think I like that advice

Build them into your training if you want to be extra prepared!

 

[slp1650]

Build them into your training if you want to be extra prepared!

No need to convince me! Think work will understand?