Official Wine & Dine 2014

[BuckeyeMark]

Just thinking about packing... what do you think the temperature will be like? Should I be bringing one of my throwaway jackets to keep warm in and then toss it after we start? I know most races have someone sweep and then the garments get given to charity. Any thoughts?

I have lived in Florida and visited many many times. The best guess, if you're guessing, is that the weather will be hot, swampy, humid, hot and humid. That pretty much describes Florida weather most of the time! HA!

Weather dot com now lets you look out one month. The average is 80 and 59 for race day. That doesn't mean too much, especially since the site notes the record low is 39. Wouldn't that be great weather to race in?!

My guess is that we'll see something in the mid 60s and it will be humid and you won't need a jacket. But that's just a guess. We'll just have to keep checking as we get closer. Remember, any forecast longer than 3 days is pretty iffy (my weather geek-ness is showing now).

 

[meritagebc]

Thanks for that. I was just reading on a blog someone was getting chills waiting for the start. So I wasn't sure. If it's in the 60's we should be fine!

Now just to figure out WHAT to wear... wasn't sure I'd even be able to run, but I'm feeling better every time I head out - broken fibula in June, and recovery has been good. I just have to remember to monitor the pain!

 

[wellesleyprincess]

Just thinking about packing... what do you think the temperature will be like? Should I be bringing one of my throwaway jackets to keep warm in and then toss it after we start? I know most races have someone sweep and then the garments get given to charity. Any thoughts?

I know if past years they were donated to a local homeless shelter/clothes closet. They announced how many pounds of clothing were donated and it was quite impressive.

Two other options that I got from fellow runners are using a previous emergency blanket from a past race (you know the shiny ones they give you at the end) or buying a cheap fleece blanket to throw instead.

 

[CynthiaRebeca]

I am staying at AKL as well. We are actually renting a car since it is not a host resort. My plan is to park at Epcot then take the bus from there. When the race is over we'll just drive back to AKL. We did the math for taking taxi's to/from all of the race events and renting a car for 2 days was cheaper (we got a great discount through my DH's work).

I've been flipping back and forth about whether to rent a car. On one hand we are staying at Art of Animation which isn't a host so the walk to and from Pop might be taxing (and in the Ariel rooms which are farthest from the buses for the parks) but I haven't been able to find a good deal on car rentals and was just told that all resorts and parks charge for parking. On top of highway terminal toll fees would it really be worth it to rent a car?

 

[BuckeyeMark]

I've been flipping back and forth about whether to rent a car. On one hand we are staying at Art of Animation which isn't a host so the walk to and from Pop might be taxing (and in the Ariel rooms which are farthest from the buses for the parks) but I haven't been able to find a good deal on car rentals and was just told that all resorts and parks charge for parking. On top of highway terminal toll fees would it really be worth it to rent a car?

I don't think you have to pay to park at a Disney resort hotel.

http://allears.net/pl/parking.htm

I just wish they had drop off Saturday night at ESPNN WoWS because then the DW could just run me over there adn I wouldn't to mess with the bus!

 

[CynthiaRebeca]

I don't think you have to pay to park at a Disney resort hotel.

http://allears.net/pl/parking.htm

I just wish they had drop off Saturday night at ESPNN WoWS because then the DW could just run me over there adn I wouldn't to mess with the bus!

Oh, wow! Thank you so much! I was told about paying for parking by my aunt who hasn't stayed on property before so she did have to pay. Yay! Now, does anyone have any tips on where to find an affordable rental? I asked the Disney hotline and they just pointed me in the direction of their affiliates though I'd prefer something cheaper (arriving Thursday, departing Tuesday ;6 days).

 

[BuckeyeMark]

I know if past years they were donated to a local homeless shelter/clothes closet. They announced how many pounds of clothing were donated and it was quite impressive.

Two other options that I got from fellow runners are using a previous emergency blanket from a past race (you know the shiny ones they give you at the end) or buying a cheap fleece blanket to throw instead.

I think this is a great idea. Especially since it sounds like we are sitting on grass for a couple of hours waiting to go to corrals? Can someone who has done this run talk about that? I don't want to sit on the grass (ick). So an emergency blanket might keep me warm (if it turns off cool or breezy) and give me something to sit on.

Can we hear more on this from experienced runners?

 

[Ariel484]

Just thinking about packing... what do you think the temperature will be like? Should I be bringing one of my throwaway jackets to keep warm in and then toss it after we start? I know most races have someone sweep and then the garments get given to charity. Any thoughts?

Disney races do donate the throwaway clothes to charity, from what I understand. If you have something you can bring, may as well bring it - if you don't end up using it you can just put it in the donation bin (they have cardboard bins that are marked). If you need it then you'll be glad you have it!

I've been flipping back and forth about whether to rent a car. On one hand we are staying at Art of Animation which isn't a host so the walk to and from Pop might be taxing (and in the Ariel rooms which are farthest from the buses for the parks) but I haven't been able to find a good deal on car rentals and was just told that all resorts and parks charge for parking. On top of highway terminal toll fees would it really be worth it to rent a car?

As a PP said, if you're staying at a Disney resort you shouldn't have to pay for parking. Just keep in mind that you won't be able to drive to WWoS for the race - you'll need to drive to Epcot and take a shuttle to the start from there.

I think this is a great idea. Especially since it sounds like we are sitting on grass for a couple of hours waiting to go to corrals? Can someone who has done this run talk about that? I don't want to sit on the grass (ick). So an emergency blanket might keep me warm (if it turns off cool or breezy) and give me something to sit on.

Can we hear more on this from experienced runners?

Sure, go for it. The staging area is a wide, open, grassy area in WWoS. There will be bag check, an info tent, a DJ, porta-potties and some character lines. This is where you'll wait before the race starts. It's around the corner from the corrals. I don't have any good pictures of it from last year...was too nervous as I was injured and thought I very well may not finish the race.

My trip report from Wine & Dine last year is linked in my signature, in case anyone wants to read. I also ran the Jingle Jungle 5K.

 

[NicoleLarson]

I've been flipping back and forth about whether to rent a car. On one hand we are staying at Art of Animation which isn't a host so the walk to and from Pop might be taxing (and in the Ariel rooms which are farthest from the buses for the parks) but I haven't been able to find a good deal on car rentals and was just told that all resorts and parks charge for parking. On top of highway terminal toll fees would it really be worth it to rent a car?

The walk to POP even at a leisurely pace is 10 min tops! I was just at AOA in September and rode the POP bus more than the AOA bus cause I didn't want to wait for an AOA one. I can't imagine it being that taxing for someone that's in shape enough to run 13 miles.

 

[bumbershoot]

I've been flipping back and forth about whether to rent a car. On one hand we are staying at Art of Animation which isn't a host so the walk to and from Pop might be taxing (and in the Ariel rooms which are farthest from the buses for the parks) but I haven't been able to find a good deal on car rentals and was just told that all resorts and parks charge for parking. On top of highway terminal toll fees would it really be worth it to rent a car?

I've walked from POP over to AOA's food court and back, and it was a nice casual walk. Not long or taxing IMO.

As you have already found out, the info given to you was wrong.

As for tolls, it's like $4 each way total between WDW and the airport. And if you really dislike tolls, there are city-street routes that take a few minutes longer and involve NO tolls. I just get a roll of quarters and keep it in the center console of the rental, easy peasy. Especially if I have a passenger to get the quarters ready for the next toll.


There are month-specific rental car deal threads on the Transportation forum. Find the November one!




Is it actually likely that it would be 60 for W&D? That seems so low to me. (last year's TOT was my previous WDW night run experience...far higher than 60)

 

[PrincessV]

Just thinking about packing... what do you think the temperature will be like? Should I be bringing one of my throwaway jackets to keep warm in and then toss it after we start? I know most races have someone sweep and then the garments get given to charity. Any thoughts?

Floridian here, a little west of WDW... it's a total crapshoot. It could be hot and humid, or if a cold front comes through, downright chilly, even by northern standards. My advice is to keep an eye on the forecast just before you travel and be prepared for anything. Layers are your friend, especially things that you can toss when you warm up.

I think this is a great idea. Especially since it sounds like we are sitting on grass for a couple of hours waiting to go to corrals? Can someone who has done this run talk about that? I don't want to sit on the grass (ick). So an emergency blanket might keep me warm (if it turns off cool or breezy) and give me something to sit on.

Can we hear more on this from experienced runners?

I haven't run W&D yet, but I've run plenty of others - I bring a plastic bag, old towel, or mylar blanket to sit on pre-race. Even for races without grass, the asphalt can be hot and/or sticky and/or damp, so it's nice to have a layer between it and me.

 

[BuckeyeMark]

Floridian here, a little west of WDW... it's a total crapshoot. It could be hot and humid, or if a cold front comes through, downright chilly, even by northern standards. My advice is to keep an eye on the forecast just before you travel and be prepared for anything. Layers are your friend, especially things that you can toss when you warm up.


I haven't run W&D yet, but I've run plenty of others - I bring a plastic bag, old towel, or mylar blanket to sit on pre-race. Even for races without grass, the asphalt can be hot and/or sticky and/or damp, so it's nice to have a layer between it and me.

GENIUS! A plastic trash bag right out of the box is so flat and thin it takes up virtually no room. Makes a great a emergency rain poncho too.

Well, I'm busted now. Look for the guy in Tigger costume wearing a black plastic GLAD bag!

 

[sunnygal041]

Floridian here, a little west of WDW... it's a total crapshoot. It could be hot and humid, or if a cold front comes through, downright chilly, even by northern standards. My advice is to keep an eye on the forecast just before you travel and be prepared for anything. Layers are your friend, especially things that you can toss when you warm up. I haven't run W&D yet, but I've run plenty of others - I bring a plastic bag, old towel, or mylar blanket to sit on pre-race. Even for races without grass, the asphalt can be hot and/or sticky and/or damp, so it's nice to have a layer between it and me.

Heya V!! You doing W&D??? Oh I know.....you retired again!!! LOL

Cindy from PSL

 

[CynthiaRebeca]

The walk to POP even at a leisurely pace is 10 min tops! I was just at AOA in September and rode the POP bus more than the AOA bus cause I didn't want to wait for an AOA one. I can't imagine it being that taxing for someone that's in shape enough to run 13 miles.

I've walked from POP over to AOA's food court and back, and it was a nice casual walk. Not long or taxing IMO.

As you have already found out, the info given to you was wrong.

As for tolls, it's like $4 each way total between WDW and the airport. And if you really dislike tolls, there are city-street routes that take a few minutes longer and involve NO tolls. I just get a roll of quarters and keep it in the center console of the rental, easy peasy. Especially if I have a passenger to get the quarters ready for the next toll.


There are month-specific rental car deal threads on the Transportation forum. Find the November one!

Oh my goodness, thank you both so much. Every blog I read said that omgArielissuperfar and even though I looked on the map and saw that Ariel to main building was less than 1/4 mile and the walk to Pop didn't seem bad for the shuttles even a Disney employee I spoke with on the phone warned me about staying in Ariel and that I'd be better off with a rental. So glad the walk to Pop will be manageable pre/post race (also thanks for the tip about taking Pop shuttles over AoA ones!). perhaps those who thought it was a trek had small children? either way, now I'm back toward leaning against a rental. even though I'll probably change my mind, cars make for better park hopping I've heard I'll be sure to check the transportation forum, thanks Bumbershoot!

I just booked my friend's Fastpass+ Reservation for the finish line party; she'll be cutting it close with one ending at 7:10 and she can get in at 7 but I'm confident it will work out

 

[StarGirl11]

Hey guys I'm hoping someone who paid more attention the expo booths can answer this for me. I'm upgrading runners watches going from my old and love able Garmin 310XT to a 920XT.

The thing is as far as I can tell the 920 is due to come out the first day of the expo (unless I'm reading these websites wrong). So I figure the best place to pick it up is there so I can use it for the Wine and Dine itself. Plus my main mode of transport is not willing to go hunting around for a running shop off property, and honestly neither am I.

So the question is do you guys remember any of the booths selling Garmin watches? I figure someone would but it will give me a bit of a piece of a mind to have a better handle on it. I didn't really pay that much attention to the other booths I wasn't specifically shopping from last year. So I didn't notice.

 

[Ariel484]

Hey guys I'm hoping someone who paid more attention the expo booths can answer this for me. I'm upgrading runners watches going from my old and love able Garmin 310XT to a 920XT. The thing is as far as I can tell the 920 is due to come out the first day of the expo (unless I'm reading these websites wrong). So I figure the best place to pick it up is there so I can use it for the Wine and Dine itself. Plus my main mode of transport is not willing to go hunting around for a running shop off property, and honestly neither am I. So the question is do you guys remember any of the booths selling Garmin watches? I figure someone would but it will give me a bit of a piece of a mind to have a better handle on it. I didn't really pay that much attention to the other booths I wasn't specifically shopping from last year. So I didn't notice.

Fit2Run? either their expo booth or the Downtown Disney location.

 

[scrapAM]

Let's talk about getting around...

I'm thinking of renting a car. We're in the All Star Sports (i know, I know) and their food court is closed. Need to get to bkfast Saturday morning. Then need to get to Wide World of Sports - I'm assuming I can drive over there and park for packet pickup?

What about in the evening? Can DW drive me WW of Sports and drop me off for the race?

I've done Disney's busses and that works but I know you can end up waiting a long time. Ideas? Suggestions?

Is the All Star Sports food court closed now? I was not aware that it was.

 

[bumbershoot]

even a Disney employee I spoke with on the phone warned me

Most Disney phone answerers are offsite, often out of state, and many have never set foot in Florida, let alone on WDW property. Sad but true.


Having a walk like that to the buses will be nice, and then walking back might hurt, but it's actually good for you.

So the question is do you guys remember any of the booths selling Garmin watches? I figure someone would but it will give me a bit of a piece of a mind to have a better handle on it. I didn't really pay that much attention to the other booths I wasn't specifically shopping from last year. So I didn't notice.

I know at the Disneyland Half there was a Garmin-selling booth. Keep your eyes open!

Is the All Star Sports food court closed now? I was not aware that it was.

Same question. I know that Music's is, but there's nothing on the WDW site that indicates Sports is (unlike on Music's page). Checked the Dis page for refurbs, and it doesn't show Sports there either.

 

[walkdmc]

Hey guys I'm hoping someone who paid more attention the expo booths can answer this for me. I'm upgrading runners watches going from my old and love able Garmin 310XT to a 920XT.

Why are you giving up your 310XT? I just unboxed one I purchased 2 years ago but haven't run with it yet. I wish I had waited and bought the Forerunner 10 since I want the basic functions like speed, lap pace and distance.

Good luck finding your new GPS at the expo.

 

[Fruto76]

Hey guys I'm hoping someone who paid more attention the expo booths can answer this for me. I'm upgrading runners watches going from my old and love able Garmin 310XT to a 920XT.

The thing is as far as I can tell the 920 is due to come out the first day of the expo (unless I'm reading these websites wrong). So I figure the best place to pick it up is there so I can use it for the Wine and Dine itself. Plus my main mode of transport is not willing to go hunting around for a running shop off property, and honestly neither am I.

So the question is do you guys remember any of the booths selling Garmin watches? I figure someone would but it will give me a bit of a piece of a mind to have a better handle on it. I didn't really pay that much attention to the other booths I wasn't specifically shopping from last year. So I didn't notice.

Fit2Run? either their expo booth or the Downtown Disney location.

Yes,Fit2Run sells Garmins at the expos and I would guess they will have them at the DTD location as well. If I remeber correctly they usually have an expo sale price on their merch. I bought from them at an expo and asked if I could use my membership discount but was told no because there was a special expo sale. It wasn't for my Garmin though, it must have been socks or fuel.
Good luck!