Pls help me planning for the marathon week end

[zavandor]

I'm planning to run my first half marathon next year in January (and started to train for it ) and I would like to ask to experts here a few questions.

I'm going to book from January the 2nd to 17th. I think the marathon week end will be 8-9. Am I right?

I know that the week end starting the 2nd will be busy, but I would like to see the Osborn's lights and any other attraction that will go under refurbishment the next week (as always happens in January). The lights should still be up until the 4th, right?
Also this way I'll have a week to recover from jet lag before the race.

I know this is a busy period for DVC, so I'm planning to stay at SSR, my home resort. But how busy is it? I want to book using my 2013 points, but I don't want to bank them yet, because I'm going to rent a few 2012 points that are going to expire and I need a bit of flexibility. Should I book as quickly as possible or can I wait a few weeks/months?

When the race registration will open? And with DVC, do we have any discount?

Thank you all in advance for your help.

 

[mrsgoose8]

I'll answer what I can!
Congrats on your first half. I've done several but I loved my WDW one the most!!

Race registration opens April 22. Keep an eye out on DVC website for a discount, visa cardholders usually get the same/similar discount. Probably can register a day or two early.

I don't know about the lights but things DO really fill up for marathon weekend. So I wouldn't want to wait to book, but that's me. Maybe book at least marathon weekend now?

I think that's all I can answer; I've never seen WDW at Christmas. I actually heard the lights are done after 2013 but I've heard other places they just may be doing them somewhere else... I'm sure someone else will know more than I!

 

[drusba]

SSR will be open 7 months out for the period you want so you don't need to rush to do SSR (in my tracking of availability, I have found that SSR, other than possibly THVs and GVs certain times of year, is ALWAYS open at 7 months out). As to going to another resort, your most significant issue will be Jan 2 and 3, followed by the Thurs through Sun of marathon weekend. Likely for both of those AKV standard and savanna view and OKW will be open at 7 months out although some risk as to OKW otherwise for the marathon weekend period. There will be some chance for BLT lake view, BWV pool/garden, and VWL but Jan 2 and 3 are higher risks of being gone there. BCV has much higher probability of being gone both Jan 2 and 3 and marathon weekend along with VGF studios and possibly 1BRs.

Park decorations will likely not start coming down before Jan 5, and will take a few days to complete. Hotel decorations usually come down in one night while you are sleeping and that is likely to be between Jan 3 and 4 but could be e night before or after.