Registration to Close Early for Marathon and 1/2???

[postesf]

I just received an e-mail w/ the following message about the entry fees increasing. Am I reading this wrong or will no one be allowed to sign up for the 1/2 Marathon after March 1 of this year??? I was thinking of doing it, but wanted to wait until I compelted my 15K before registering. Why would they close registration so early? Am I missing something???

Entry fees will be increasing March 1, 2008 for the Marathon and Half Marathon.


WALT DISNEY WORLD® Marathon Entry Fees

$110 by February 29, 2008

$125 March 1, 2008 - Close of Registration

WALT DISNEY WORLD® Half Marathon Entry Fees

$100 by February 29, 2008

$115 March 1, 2008 - Close of Registration

 

[princessrunner]

I read it as March 1 through the close of the registration but I could be wrong.....

 

[MiniGirl]

I read it as March 1 through the close of the registration but I could be wrong.....

After looking at it for awhile, this was my take on it, too. What they're saying is that whoever waits until March to register will pay an extra $15.

 

[postesf]

Ah! That sounds much better! It's still early. My brain is not fully functioning yet! They should have just typed out THROUGH or TO instead using the -- !

Thanks!!!

 

[princessrunner]

You might still want Robert's (UltraMickey) take on this as he is the expert on these things. I would hate to lead you down the wrong path....

 

[cobbler]

I took at as March 1st until it is full you will need to pay the extra increase.

I just sent mine in so I saved another $15!

 

[skfulkers]

You know, I wonder what the reasoning is behind this. I realize that as the race gets closer, most race organizations typically increase their fees to make up for extra costs of last minute processing, etc. And then some races do it to get more entries and to be able to better plan further ahead for the number of racers.

But Disney doesn't have either of these problems. Both races will sell out, most likely before summer. Goofy is already full. They know they'll reach the capacity numbers regardless, and well before "late" processing fees should apply.

I would like to think there is a good reason that Disney is doing this, but the pessimistic side of me wonders if they're simply trying to A.) get more money out of entry fees that already push the limits of being too high, or B.) attempt to get more people to sign up now and thus book rooms and fill the resorts earlier.

I know the deal about supply and demand, and they have every right to do what they do from a business standpoint. But it just seems to be bordering on taking advantage of a good thing and that irks me.

Ok, I'm finished ranting now.

Steve

 

[corinnak]

I suppose they are doing it because they can. It does seem a little mean, somehow.

 

[nepatsfan73]

I'm guessing that Disney's not going to take the costs of more characters, a bigger expo and the R&D for the new Mickey and Donald medals off the top? Plus, even though Disney beat expectations, its profits were down double digits and it is the theme parks and related amenities where Disney pulls in most of its profits. If nothing else, Disney is an expert at sucking money from those who dare to open their wallets/purses too closely.

 

[gsu1988]

Since the subject of cost came up I was interested in what the other top marathons charged for entry fees. Here is what I found:

1. New York City - $145
2. Chicago - $110
3. Honolulu - $125 early $140 late
4. Marine Corps - $88
5. Boston - $110 early $160 late
6. L.A. - $100 early $115 late
7. Rock N Roll - $100 Early $110 late
8. Disney - $110 early $125 late (if you call that late)

I don't think that Disney price is out of line with the other top marathons plus you don't get to spend the weekend at the top vacation destination in the world. If you think that the Disney hotels are overpriced then try to get a hotel in NYC during marathon weekend or one in Honolulu. I can not speak for these other marathons but the on course support that Disney has is outstanding (water at every mile, bio freeze, etc.).

Just my 2 cents worth.

 

[ultramickeymouse]

I think Disney has a 2 fold reason for this.

1) They want the races to fill earlier. If you want to sit in the fense, then you will pay more. As an RD, I charge early reg fee, a late reg fee, and a race day fee. The sooner I have the numbers, the better I am. I am sure Disney would like to fill all of there races by 3/1 and not worry about reg the rest of then year. Bonus, they make more money.

2)They are offering more characters(I saw lots more during this years Goofy vs previous), improved expo, and new medals. These all cost money. I figure if 15,000 signup after 3/1, Disney will have an additional $225,000 to pay for these items. Remember Disney raised the fee for the 08 Goofy by $25. The only thing you got was an extra shirt which probably cost Disney a $1.

It is all about the dollar for Disney and the bling for us.

 

[cdn_gal_eeyore]

How much was the marathon registration last year?

Well, whatever Disney's ploy was, it worked. I was hoping to hold off on registering for the marathon but I wasn't going to pay the extra $15 to do that though.

 

[Disneefun]

The more I've thought about it I wonder if it doesn't have something to do with them knowing that the economy is balancing on a thin edge. There's a possibility that things could go south and they're trying to get as many people to commit now, knowing that if you've already registered, you're probably going to come regardless of the economy. On the other hand, if you hold out to register, you might decide that the economy's not so hot come spring and decide to skip it. So I wonder if they're trying to pressure people into committing before they really know what the economic situation will be, that way Disney will have good occupancy in Jan. during what is typically a slow time anyway. Just my thought...

 

[Calcio]

Steve

Great minds obviously think alike . I suspect we're seeing Disney apply the laws of economics here. When demand > supply raising prices brings in more revenue at zero cost.

The best analogy I have is the home town baseball team, New England's beloved Boston Red Sox (full disclosure here, I cannot stand baseball as it's played in the early 21st century, and I haven't seen a game, or even any part of a game in probably 5 years).

Fenway Park is the smallest in the major leagues, and Red Sox nation is well beyond insane for the Sox. Every November the Sox announce the yearly ticket price increase. 10% to 20% every year, year after year. Sox management know the seats will all sell, so higher prices are pure gold. If a Sox fan doesn't like it they can always give up their tickets, only to have them snapped up in a second by another fan.

With the Disney half and full closing each year, earlier and earlier each year, a little price increase never hurt anyone.

I do have to admit, however, I've never had the slightest issue with the WDW half or full. I know many folks have, for very legitimate reasons (think medals the last 2 years ), but I haven't. I really hate paying top $ for crummy goods or services, but since I've been more than satisfied with the race organization 5 years running, I'm fine with it.

Plus . . . for me this a purely theoretical anyway. Heck I'm running the dumb Goofy (And I blame Charlie for this), so I registered 3 weeks ago .

Best
Craig