Question about "host" resorts

[pixeemom]

hi all....thought I start another thread as to not get confused with all the other 100's of questions i had.
I thought today was going to be the day i reg. for the TOT 10 miler...but its not, i am waiting on my friend, who is away, she emailed me this morning that she rather wait just before the March deadline (so we still pay 90.00).
My question is, should I be worried about rooms being sold out? If i wait till mid March to register/book?
and do I need to book through the run disney site??

any info you can share will be greatly appreciated, thank you!

 

[jmasgat]

I doubt you need to worry and honestly, I would book through the regular Disney site and then watch out for any Room Only discounts that might be released later in the year. In general (and IMO) the travel packages advertised/offered through RunDisney or its affiliates aren't great bargains.

Maura

 

[pixeemom]

I doubt you need to worry and honestly, I would book through the regular Disney site and then watch out for any Room Only discounts that might be released later in the year. In general (and IMO) the travel packages advertised/offered through RunDisney or its affiliates aren't great bargains.

Maura

ahh ok.
i heard that when you reg. they send you an email and you get a discount code.

 

[hungrygreenhippo]

I'm not sure on the specifics for ToT, but in the past the code they send out after you register is for the discounted park tickets. If you don't have an annual pass, the tickets are a great deal!

 

[pixeemom]

I'm not sure on the specifics for ToT, but in the past the code they send out after you register is for the discounted park tickets. If you don't have an annual pass, the tickets are a great deal!

ah ok, i thought it was for rooms to oh well, we'll see, thank you

 

[pixeemom]

I'm not sure on the specifics for ToT, but in the past the code they send out after you register is for the discounted park tickets. If you don't have an annual pass, the tickets are a great deal!

just checked out your blog!!
awesome!!!!
did you stop to take pics along the routes?
this would be my very first disney run, and i would love to see how my timing goes, so i am unsure if i want to stop and take photos

 

[minniebeth]

I doubt you need to worry and honestly, I would book through the regular Disney site and then watch out for any Room Only discounts that might be released later in the year. In general (and IMO) the travel packages advertised/offered through RunDisney or its affiliates aren't great bargains.

Maura

That's true that sometimes you can get a general public discount that's better than the runDisney rates, but not always. It's always good to compare. For example, the runDisney host resort rates that they are offering for the Expedition Everest Challenge in May are better than the general public discount Disney is offering through February.

I agree, that the park ticket discount IS a good discount.

The ToT race is being run at a lower peak time, so I don't think rooms should be a problem booking either.

Have fun!

 

[pixeemom]

That's true that sometimes you can get a general public discount that's better than the runDisney rates, but not always. It's always good to compare. For example, the runDisney host resort rates that they are offering for the Expedition Everest Challenge in May are better than the general public discount Disney is offering through February.

I agree, that the park ticket discount IS a good discount.

The ToT race is being run at a lower peak time, so I don't think rooms should be a problem booking either.

Have fun!

Thank you minniebeth!!!
where do you suggest i book? rundisney or just call WDW#?

 

[VickiHD]

How much more difficult is it race morning to get to the start if you are not staying at a "host" hotel??

In general....the special race packages are they a better deal than WDW Res. directly?

Am I correct in my thinking that you really need to stay at a host resort for race day?

I'm used to DLR runDisney races and would like to do the princess 1/2 next year but all the logistics seems so overwhelming compared to staying on or off property at Disneyland.

Thanks for your help.

 

[minniebeth]

Thank you minniebeth!!!
where do you suggest i book? rundisney or just call WDW#?

I REALLY want to do this race, it's just a matter of getting the go ahead from my DH and finding a partner in crime who will go with me. I've never done a race that long before and I'm too chicken to do it by myself, especially at night.

Even if you wait until March, it's still 6 months prior to the race. I would do a wait and see to book the room (you can go ahead and do the race entry and travel plans). The current general public discount (through Disney directly)expires the end of Feb.
Usually not too long after that one expires, a new discount comes out (through Disney directly.)
Sept./Oct. historically are Free Dining times, if that kind of offer comes out, not sure if that weekend or host resorts will be included, but that might be a promo you would want (or not). If you would be interested, you'd have to run the numbers to see which comes out to be a better deal... (A park ticket w/o the race discount will be required for the package.)
Don't forget, there's always AAA to book through, usually at a 10% discount for rooms.
The runDisney rate should be there as a standby.

Hope that helps a little~ it's always a good feeling to have everything booked, but you do have a little time to see what discounts may be rolling out.

 

[pixeemom]

I REALLY want to do this race, it's just a matter of getting the go ahead from my DH and finding a partner in crime who will go with me. I've never done a race that long before and I'm too chicken to do it by myself, especially at night.

Even if you wait until March, it's still 6 months prior to the race. I would do a wait and see to book the room (you can go ahead and do the race entry and travel plans). The current general public discount (through Disney directly)expires the end of Feb.
Usually not too long after that one expires, a new discount comes out (through Disney directly.)
Sept./Oct. historically are Free Dining times, if that kind of offer comes out, not sure if that weekend or host resorts will be included, but that might be a promo you would want (or not). If you would be interested, you'd have to run the numbers to see which comes out to be a better deal... (A park ticket w/o the race discount will be required for the package.)
Don't forget, there's always AAA to book through, usually at a 10% discount for rooms.
The runDisney rate should be there as a standby.

Hope that helps a little~ it's always a good feeling to have everything booked, but you do have a little time to see what discounts may be rolling out.

thank you again for your input, its been very helpful!!!
this will be my first race this long to, i only did a 5 mile fun run, and now i am slowing training because i might be doing the LONG ISLAND Marathon, just not sure if i am doing the 10K or the 13.1 yet, haven't decided......i am currently running 6 to 6.5 miles now....so i def. have time for Disney.
and like you said, FINDING A PARTNER IN CRIME is my concern to, i don't want to register and then have no one to def. do it with, i could probably handle going alone, because i am sure i will make a friend or two down there but its more fun to have someone you know with you to enjoy the fun, i have 1 potential YES and we are going to wait till just before the reg. fee goes up to reg. and i will def. be crunching numbers, def. have to see what works best for us. thanks again, and good luck to you if you do it!!

 

[minniebeth]

How much more difficult is it race morning to get to the start if you are not staying at a "host" hotel??

In general....the special race packages are they a better deal than WDW Res. directly?

Am I correct in my thinking that you really need to stay at a host resort for race day?

I'm used to DLR runDisney races and would like to do the princess 1/2 next year but all the logistics seems so overwhelming compared to staying on or off property at Disneyland.

Thanks for your help.

My DH and DS did the Disneyland 1/2 this past September and it is a whole other kind of experience from the WDW races.
Don't be overwhelmed, it's not that bad once you do a little research and planning, you'll figure it all out.

It seems like for the Princess 1/2, there are a decent amount of host resorts. If you don't want to stay in one of the host resorts and have your own car, you can drive. If not, the best way to get there prior to the race is a taxi.
From any of the resorts it shouldn't be more than approx. $15 plus tip. Easy peasy~ you just want to leave early enough to allow enough time for the road closures the cab will encounter.
At the finish (Epcot), you can use WDW transportation back to your resort since it will be running by then. It would be monorail if you are on a monorail resort or bus for any of the others.

The package deals, like I said in an above post, are not always the best deal. You have to watch which discounts are coming up with the WDW resorts and a room only with a discount directly with Disney may be a better price.
The sports tickets discount they offer is good.

You have a while to plan, I'd start looking at different resorts to get a feel of where you'd really love to stay. Look at the resorts that are hosts for the Princess 1/2 this year~ not sure if they stay consistent from year to year.

Good luck planning! Feel free to ask any other question...there's lots of threads on the Princess 1/2 as well....

 

[minniebeth]

thank you again for your input, its been very helpful!!!
this will be my first race this long to, i only did a 5 mile fun run, and now i am slowing training because i might be doing the LONG ISLAND Marathon, just not sure if i am doing the 10K or the 13.1 yet, haven't decided......i am currently running 6 to 6.5 miles now....so i def. have time for Disney.
and like you said, FINDING A PARTNER IN CRIME is my concern to, i don't want to register and then have no one to def. do it with, i could probably handle going alone, because i am sure i will make a friend or two down there but its more fun to have someone you know with you to enjoy the fun, i have 1 potential YES and we are going to wait till just before the reg. fee goes up to reg. and i will def. be crunching numbers, def. have to see what works best for us. thanks again, and good luck to you if you do it!!

Sounds like fun! We are from NJ originally and have lots of family in Long Island. You are doing great if you are on 6/6.5! I hope you get someone to commit with you, like you said, it's just more fun to be with someone you are comfortable with.

Have you ever done any other Disney races before? They are so much fun~
Crunching numbers is a little time consuming, but I love getting the best deal possible. DH is like, just book the package and be done with it, lol.

 

[fashionista311]

thank you again for your input, its been very helpful!!!
this will be my first race this long to, i only did a 5 mile fun run, and now i am slowing training because i might be doing the LONG ISLAND Marathon, just not sure if i am doing the 10K or the 13.1 yet, haven't decided......i am currently running 6 to 6.5 miles now....so i def. have time for Disney.
and like you said, FINDING A PARTNER IN CRIME is my concern to, i don't want to register and then have no one to def. do it with, i could probably handle going alone, because i am sure i will make a friend or two down there but its more fun to have someone you know with you to enjoy the fun, i have 1 potential YES and we are going to wait till just before the reg. fee goes up to reg. and i will def. be crunching numbers, def. have to see what works best for us. thanks again, and good luck to you if you do it!!

i'm thinking of running the long island half, too. my "a" goal race is in march, so if i miss my time goal then, i will be going for it then most likely.

i ran a race on a similar course two years ago (diva's half marathon) and it was super flat and fast. I ended up getting a PR without really meaning to.

but if you are 6-6.5 miles now, you will be totally fine for the half if you want to go that route. good luck!

 

[pixeemom]

Sounds like fun! We are from NJ originally and have lots of family in Long Island. You are doing great if you are on 6/6.5! I hope you get someone to commit with you, like you said, it's just more fun to be with someone you are comfortable with.

Have you ever done any other Disney races before? They are so much fun~
Crunching numbers is a little time consuming, but I love getting the best deal possible. DH is like, just book the package and be done with it, lol.

It does sound like fun, and to answer you other question, no never done any race ever, just a 5 mile fun run on new years day, that was my first, but no Disney or any other, i just recently got into running in october, started out walking 3 miles a day then decided to test myself to see if i can run it, and did, and was proud of myself, so i kept bumping up the miles to see how i would do....now i am sorta addicted to doing it, i joined a gym just so i can go during the really cold days because i still can't master a good breathing technique and running in the wind hurts me.

i'm a good numbers cruncher, its a lot of math which i am not good at lol, but i always try my hardest to look for the best deals, esp. when i go with my family of 6 lol

 

[pixeemom]

i'm thinking of running the long island half, too. my "a" goal race is in march, so if i miss my time goal then, i will be going for it then most likely.

i ran a race on a similar course two years ago (diva's half marathon) and it was super flat and fast. I ended up getting a PR without really meaning to.

but if you are 6-6.5 miles now, you will be totally fine for the half if you want to go that route. good luck!

my friend ran the diva 2 years in a row, and last year she got most of our friends to join her, i on the other hand chickened out but seriously i had a lot going on and i knew i couldn't commit to the training, so that is why i promised myself and my kids (because they came with me to cheer on my friends) that i would train to run a marathon this year, whether its the LI one or the next Diva run.
Since its my first real run ever i really want to see what my PR would be...that is why i am hoping to run the LI marathon, so when i go to Disney i don't feel the pressure (in my head) of trying to get a PR, does this make sense?

 

[VickiHD]

My DH and DS did the Disneyland 1/2 this past September and it is a whole other kind of experience from the WDW races.
Don't be overwhelmed, it's not that bad once you do a little research and planning, you'll figure it all out.

It seems like for the Princess 1/2, there are a decent amount of host resorts. If you don't want to stay in one of the host resorts and have your own car, you can drive. If not, the best way to get there prior to the race is a taxi.
From any of the resorts it shouldn't be more than approx. $15 plus tip. Easy peasy~ you just want to leave early enough to allow enough time for the road closures the cab will encounter.
At the finish (Epcot), you can use WDW transportation back to your resort since it will be running by then. It would be monorail if you are on a monorail resort or bus for any of the others.

The package deals, like I said in an above post, are not always the best deal. You have to watch which discounts are coming up with the WDW resorts and a room only with a discount directly with Disney may be a better price.
The sports tickets discount they offer is good.

You have a while to plan, I'd start looking at different resorts to get a feel of where you'd really love to stay. Look at the resorts that are hosts for the Princess 1/2 this year~ not sure if they stay consistent from year to year.

Good luck planning! Feel free to ask any other question...there's lots of threads on the Princess 1/2 as well....

Thanks for the help. I'll start planning right away.

 

[fashionista311]

my friend ran the diva 2 years in a row, and last year she got most of our friends to join her, i on the other hand chickened out but seriously i had a lot going on and i knew i couldn't commit to the training, so that is why i promised myself and my kids (because they came with me to cheer on my friends) that i would train to run a marathon this year, whether its the LI one or the next Diva run.
Since its my first real run ever i really want to see what my PR would be...that is why i am hoping to run the LI marathon, so when i go to Disney i don't feel the pressure (in my head) of trying to get a PR, does this make sense?

if you are local, the diva is a fun race. not sure if the long island one is really worth traveling for though. i was a little sad to miss it this year, but it didn't work out with my schedule. the boa & tiara stop was alot of fun (although i lost my boa about 10 seconds after the stop when it was getting in my way and i realized i was on pace for a 10 min PR ) i would love to do one of the destination races (i hear hawaii calling my name!) but there's just the tiny matter of the finances.

i think it's a great idea to run the long island in the spring to give you the idea of what race day is like. plus, there's a 3 hour time limit for the long island half (although I would imagine they are somewhat flexible since they have to keep the finish line open for the full marathon), so if you can do that, you'll know you'll have no issue with disney!

 

[pixeemom]

if you are local, the diva is a fun race. not sure if the long island one is really worth traveling for though. i was a little sad to miss it this year, but it didn't work out with my schedule. the boa & tiara stop was alot of fun (although i lost my boa about 10 seconds after the stop when it was getting in my way and i realized i was on pace for a 10 min PR ) i would love to do one of the destination races (i hear hawaii calling my name!) but there's just the tiny matter of the finances.

i think it's a great idea to run the long island in the spring to give you the idea of what race day is like. plus, there's a 3 hour time limit for the long island half (although I would imagine they are somewhat flexible since they have to keep the finish line open for the full marathon), so if you can do that, you'll know you'll have no issue with disney!

oh the diva was here on long island to, i know they have different ones all over...
i heard the LI one is pretty boring, but i still might give it a try.

thank you for the help!!

 

[hungrygreenhippo]

just checked out your blog!!
awesome!!!!
did you stop to take pics along the routes?
this would be my very first disney run, and i would love to see how my timing goes, so i am unsure if i want to stop and take photos

Thanks! I've done several Disney races and I usually bring a camera except for the Expedition Everest Challenge. Since sometimes it involves crawling or climbing I don't want the camera to be in the way. Everyone has a bit of a different take on photos. I feel like Disney races are one-of-a-kind so I like to enjoy and have a record of the experience. If you don't want to stop for photos during the race, there may be characters at the after party, or you can always wear your medal to the park the next day.


There's a lot of great advice in this thread already, but one thing I want to emphasize is that it's definitely important to compare discounts, and that the best deal may also depend on your length of stay. For example, with EEC if I was just staying Fri/Sat nights, then the runDisney host resort discount is cheaper because it's a flat rate for the duration of the stay and doesn't differentiate between weekday/weekend rates. But right now I'm booked for Thurs-Mon nights and the discount that's available to the general public is a better deal by about $10-$15. Not much of a savings, but enough for a few snacks