Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend ** Check-In ** January 15-18, 2015

[Mom2Joce]

This will be my first Disney marathon and I want to be sure I understand registration.
At the date and time we must be on the website at the scheduled time? I'm sure it fills up fast.
Also, do you pay right then? I can't understand why it says on the Website pay by aug (something or other date?)
Do they give u a grace period to pay?
We r just Doing the 5k
Many thanks

 

[CynthiaRebeca]

So what does everyone think about the Wookie Welcome Party??? Anybody thinking of doing it? I'm a bit concerned that it's Thursday night 9:30-11:30 aaaannnnddd then we have to be up for the 5k Friday morning at 5:30a. Kind of like they don't want you to do both....or don't want you to sleep LOL

It's also a little on the pricey side at $99/person. Wonder if it's worth it? Dessert and character photo ops for only 2 hours for $99 - hmmm.

At WDW Marathon Weekend we splurged for the Family Reunion Breakfast. I think it was in the $60/person range. It was a full hot breakfast, in a tent, in the Epcot parking lot There was one character op - but it was fairly cool. They had about 6 monsters from Monsters Inc and a little photo area that had the scream collector machines. Not sure I'd pony up for that event again though. We've never done the Pasta Party events.

Soooo - what does everyone think about the Wookie Welcome party?

Hahaha at they don't want us to sleep! You've said exactly what I was thinking. $100 is very steep for only two hours to be most likely spent in lines for the star wars dressed Mickey Minnie Goofy and Donald. I could be swung either way still though.

 

[CynthiaRebeca]

This will be my first Disney marathon and I want to be sure I understand registration.
At the date and time we must be on the website at the scheduled time? I'm sure it fills up fast.
Also, do you pay right then? I can't understand why it says on the Website pay by aug (something or other date?)
Do they give u a grace period to pay?
We r just Doing the 5k
Many thanks

Yes! I would be on the website and ready at least 10 minutes before the scheduled time. The 5k is one of the first to fill up. Yes payment is taken right then. Those "until August" prices are somewhat of a joke now because the races now sell out in 1-2 days. In the past the price would increase as the months passed so now I think that is just there as a formality. Good luck with registration!

 

[Belle Ella]

I love registration days, we've gone through almost 4 new pages on the thread! I'm a sucker for chit chat and activity, what can I say

Originally I was planning on signing up for the Rebel Challenge and the 5K in my bid to run every Disneyland event next year but I'm going to chance it and see if I can get in to the 5K on the 10th somehow. It's better for me to spread it out over the two different paychecks if I can. If not, I still have the goal of my first coast to coast next year!

That said, I have updated the list of our runners but I've been known to make mistakes so let me know if I missed you saying you got in.

... Still want to do the 5k, but DVC didn't have early reg for that - so we play the game again next week and try to get in for that one ...

You and me both! I thought I was working on the 10th though, so I'll have to double check my schedule to make sure I can make it happen.

I feel you on that one, we are excited too. Wish it was sooner. The good thing is that me and the wife have the Disneyland Half coming up in a few months to tide us over

Disneyland Half will be here before we know it! I'll be running that one too. And possibly working the Expo. I haven't decided if I want to request a shift for it or not quite yet.

So what does everyone think about the Wookie Welcome Party??? Anybody thinking of doing it? I'm a bit concerned that it's Thursday night 9:30-11:30 aaaannnnddd then we have to be up for the 5k Friday morning at 5:30a. Kind of like they don't want you to do both....or don't want you to sleep LOL

It's also a little on the pricey side at $99/person. Wonder if it's worth it? Dessert and character photo ops for only 2 hours for $99 - hmmm.

At WDW Marathon Weekend we splurged for the Family Reunion Breakfast. I think it was in the $60/person range. It was a full hot breakfast, in a tent, in the Epcot parking lot There was one character op - but it was fairly cool. They had about 6 monsters from Monsters Inc and a little photo area that had the scream collector machines. Not sure I'd pony up for that event again though. We've never done the Pasta Party events.

Soooo - what does everyone think about the Wookie Welcome party?

Keep in mind you'll also have pretty uninterrupted access to the big attractions in Tomorrowland as well. I can't imagine them having enough spaces in the Wookiee Welcome Party to pack the place. Personally, I want to do it. I just know I shouldn't $$ wise.

This will be my first Disney marathon and I want to be sure I understand registration.
At the date and time we must be on the website at the scheduled time? I'm sure it fills up fast.
Also, do you pay right then? I can't understand why it says on the Website pay by aug (something or other date?)
Do they give u a grace period to pay?
We r just Doing the 5k
Many thanks

The august dates for paying are kind of a moot point. Registration technically goes up in price the longer you wait to register, but there wont be any spots that far after registration opens up. It used to happen, but these things have gotten exponentially more popular. So make sure you are on the website at 9am PST and be ready to pay right then and there.

 

[adykate]

When will reservations open up for the onsite hotels? We are considering booking onsite as a splurge for the race weekend, but want an idea of price. I am sure they are high, even with an AP discount or through the GT discounts. Right now reservations only go to the end of 2014. I know it is subjective, but do you think it is worth staying on site in January when pool time is not a guarantee? We have two young kids (2 & 4 by then) and are staying at HoJo for the Disney Half so we can have a kid suite. Not sure if it is worth getting less space to be onsite, but be right in the middle of everything...

 

[jeanigor]

So what does everyone think about the Wookie Welcome Party??? Anybody thinking of doing it? I'm a bit concerned that it's Thursday night 9:30-11:30 aaaannnnddd then we have to be up for the 5k Friday morning at 5:30a. Kind of like they don't want you to do both....or don't want you to sleep LOL

It's also a little on the pricey side at $99/person. Wonder if it's worth it? Dessert and character photo ops for only 2 hours for $99 - hmmm.

At WDW Marathon Weekend we splurged for the Family Reunion Breakfast. I think it was in the $60/person range. It was a full hot breakfast, in a tent, in the Epcot parking lot There was one character op - but it was fairly cool. They had about 6 monsters from Monsters Inc and a little photo area that had the scream collector machines. Not sure I'd pony up for that event again though. We've never done the Pasta Party events.

Soooo - what does everyone think about the Wookie Welcome party?

I've done the Pasta Party three different times at WDW. I have yet to feel that I spent my money wisely on it. I attended this year, but only because it was part of the package that I had purchased.

I also did the breakfast after the 5K & 10K during the Dopey this year. It was nice. I got my pic with the Monster's University characters. I ate a LOT of bacon. I'm quite sure I wouldn't fork over the money for it again though.

As for the Wookie Welcome Party, I cannot see myself attending. It's price point is a bit high, even by Disney standards, for what you are getting.

 

[kirkaliciasmom]

I'm so excited! I'm in for the 1/2 marathon. It'll be mine and a friends first! We can't wait!!! We'll be staying at Worldmark (my timeshare) about 1 mile. I don't think we'll be doing the party the night before. I'm gonna need all the sleep I can get!

 

[kirstie101]

When will reservations open up for the onsite hotels? We are considering booking onsite as a splurge for the race weekend, but want an idea of price. I am sure they are high, even with an AP discount or through the GT discounts. Right now reservations only go to the end of 2014. I know it is subjective, but do you think it is worth staying on site in January when pool time is not a guarantee? We have two young kids (2 & 4 by then) and are staying at HoJo for the Disney Half so we can have a kid suite. Not sure if it is worth getting less space to be onsite, but be right in the middle of everything...

Get Travel actually already has their rates listed for the DLR hotels for Star Wars Half already. They're a bit higher than Avengers and Tink rates this year. Not sure if we'll deal with the increase or stay off-site. I'm gonna wait til AP rates are out before deciding.

We are big Hojo fans so I think I can relate to your question. Our kids love the pool at Hojo's and I love the beds. In fact we'll be there next week! This past Jan for Tink we stayed at PPH instead. It was warm enough for DD7 to use the pool (in the 80s) and she enjoyed the pool at PPH just fine for a couple hours. I believe it was heated as well so that helped too. The beds were as comfy as the Hojo beds so we all slept good. I loved being so close to the race start/finish. I did the 10k, Half and DD did the kids races. I made 3 visits to the expo I think. Staying at PPH saved me miles of walking that weekend. Plus a couple hours sleep since I was able to just head down the elevator about 30 minutes before the races started. Thats where we're booked for Avengers and ideally its where I'd like to stay for Star Wars. However the first year I did Tink we did stay at Hojo's and it worked fine. They offer runners discount if you call in house reservations. There were lots of people walking over to the race at the same time as me on race morning. The walk in the morning only took about 20 minutes. The walk back to longer, 30 minutes or so. Cause by then you had to go through security to get into the Esplanade plus I was moving slower by then. To me its worth paying more to stay onsite and save myself some walking and some sleep. But how much more I'm willing to pay to stay onsite is the part Im not sure of yet. Hope this helps a bit.

ETA: I was able to get myself in for the Rebel Challenge and DD in for the kids races.

 

[MotoXPrincess99]

Now I need to start planning a costume! I'm still figuering out my costime for the Half on Labor day weekend. Leaning toward Ariel.

 

[BOLTZPRIDE]

Got lucky and got what i needed. rebel challenge for me, 10k wife, 5k kids

 

[adykate]

Kirstie101 - Thank you so much for the info. I was under the impression walking from HoJo's was a pretty quick walk...like 10minutes? A lot of revies about PPH have commented it can be a longer walk than hotels like HoJo. Obviously it depends on how fast you walk, lol! But DH and I are pretty quick walkers. Although I will be much slower after the Disney Half in August . I got like a 30% off price for HoJo's for the Disney Half, so it is hard to justify staying on site with their high prices. But is does sound appealing for maybe the Star Wars weekend...hmmmm.

 

[Eclectic Goddess]

Now I need to start planning a costume! I'm still figuering out my costime for the Half on Labor day weekend. Leaning toward Ariel.

As soon as I heard the race announced, I knew I'd be wearing this: http://www.thinkgeek.com/product/1310/

The only question is...to cape, or not to cape?


(For those who don't want to click - It's the "Darth Vader Fit & Flare Dress" from Think Geek.)

 

[kirstie101]

Kirstie101 - Thank you so much for the info. I was under the impression walking from HoJo's was a pretty quick walk...like 10minutes? A lot of revies about PPH have commented it can be a longer walk than hotels like HoJo. Obviously it depends on how fast you walk, lol! But DH and I are pretty quick walkers. Although I will be much slower after the Disney Half in August . I got like a 30% off price for HoJo's for the Disney Half, so it is hard to justify staying on site with their high prices. But is does sound appealing for maybe the Star Wars weekend...hmmmm.

The 20 min walk I was referring to was from Hojo to the race start, which for Tink and Disneyland Half is just outside PPH and GCH on Disneyland Drive. I'm assuming it will be about the same location for Avengers and Star Wars. The walk from Hojo's to the gates of Disneyland is closer to 10 min or less. After staying at PPH, my mom and I decided that the walk to the park entrance is about the same from both PPH and Hojo. Maybe another minute from PPH. But nothing really noticeable to us.

 

[Sleepless Knight]

While I find the wording about running past Disneyland itself interesting, I would be stunned if we don't go through Disneyland for one reason. This is the Star Wars 1/2 Marathon. Are they seriously not going to have the course go through Tomorrowland past Star Tours and the Jedi Training Academy stage? I just can't see them being dense enough to not go through the most Star Wars themed area in the entire resort for the Star Wars 1/2 Marathon.

Now for another registration question. I am strongly considering doing the Rebel Challenge. However, I do not want to miss out on the 1/2. If the Rebel Challenge sells out before I get in, will I still be able to get the 1/2?

Maybe it's just a geek fantasy of mine, but I'm hoping that one of the medals is very similar to the Throne Room medal from the end of Star Wars. How awesome would that be?

As for costume, I'm kicking around a few ideas, most of which involve Luke Skywalker. A gray tank for The Empire Strikes Back training scenes with Yoda (maybe even a Yoda backpack for good measure) or a Return of the Jedi Luke with black long sleeves and sweats.

I do want to echo the costume recommendation that jeanigor gave me for the Wine & Dine 1/2 where I opted to go with a Prince Phillip costume complete with cape. Be sure to train at least once in your race day costume so you know exactly what you're dealing with and don't have any surprises.

 

[littlesparkler]

I'm in for the Rebel Challenge!
I registered with a charity, so no registration panic (excitement) for me. I've never done back-to-back runs, so I'm extra excited!

 

[pharmjenn]

I'm so excited! I'm in for the 1/2 marathon. It'll be mine and a friends first! We can't wait!!! We'll be staying at Worldmark (my timeshare) about 1 mile. I don't think we'll be doing the party the night before. I'm gonna need all the sleep I can get!

We will be at worldmark as well. My running friends have already cancelled, but I think we will come down anyway and have DS6 run the kids race.
We will be there cheering for all you 1/2 marathoners !

Posting from the pool at worldmark running Y right now

 

[stitch4336]

As soon as I heard the race announced, I knew I'd be wearing this: http://www.thinkgeek.com/product/1310/

The only question is...to cape, or not to cape?


(For those who don't want to click - It's the "Darth Vader Fit & Flare Dress" from Think Geek.)

OMG - I LOVE that dress!!!! We will do costumes for the 5k - and this is now on my possible list!!! (For Avengers 5k we are doing Captain America and the American Girl - YES there is a tutu involved hehe)

 

[Belle Ella]

I'm so excited! I'm in for the 1/2 marathon. It'll be mine and a friends first! We can't wait!!! We'll be staying at Worldmark (my timeshare) about 1 mile. I don't think we'll be doing the party the night before. I'm gonna need all the sleep I can get!

Congrats on signing up for your first half!

Now I need to start planning a costume! I'm still figuering out my costime for the Half on Labor day weekend. Leaning toward Ariel.

Let us know when you figure something out! I'm thinking about the possibility of an actual costume if I end up signing up for the 5K. The 10K and half I'll just color-coordinate as per usual

Got lucky and got what i needed. rebel challenge for me, 10k wife, 5k kids

Glad you guys got in!

...
Now for another registration question. I am strongly considering doing the Rebel Challenge. However, I do not want to miss out on the 1/2. If the Rebel Challenge sells out before I get in, will I still be able to get the 1/2?
...

My guess is the 10K will sell out faster than the half but it's just a guess. If you don't get in for the challenge, then try signing up for the half. But if you're absolutely sure you cannot miss out on the half, better to just be sure and start there. Again, just be ready to go at 9am PST and hope for the best.

I'm in for the Rebel Challenge!
I registered with a charity, so no registration panic (excitement) for me. I've never done back-to-back runs, so I'm extra excited!

One day I would love to register through a charity and raise some money. But I'd never be able to meet the requirement :/

 

[jeanigor]

Now for another registration question. I am strongly considering doing the Rebel Challenge. However, I do not want to miss out on the 1/2. If the Rebel Challenge sells out before I get in, will I still be able to get the 1/2?

Try for the Rebel Challenge first, obviously, since it is what you want to do. But if it fills up before you can snag a spot (I expect it to go like wildfire--there are only a couple thousand bibs available in total), then you should still have plenty of time to register for the standard half.

 

[adpibri]

I'm signed up for The Rebel Challenge and the 5K! I am super pumped!