The New *Official 2013 Disney Princess Half Marathon Thread*

[danielleyoung0]

I registered at noon on the button and called runDisney immediately afterwards to book at Art of Animation (so happy it's a host!) - the Princess block was already sold out

I didn't want another resort so they put me through to central reservations and I booked it that way. I will hope for free dining or something before that time. I was a little put off that the blocks would be sold out within 20 minutes - obviously they didn't have many rooms held. But, I'm at least glad to hear that maybe I didn't miss much of a discount!

Jodi

Hi Jodi!
I just got off the phone booking AoA through RunDisney. They initially said standard rooms only, but they are putting in requests to upgrade to suites. BUT I did get a standard room booked! We're at about $1,450 for 5 days, 4 nights with park hoppe, 3 adults in the standard room BEFORE dining plan. The dining plan options aren't available until July 17th. The suite would be $2,325ish (before dining plan) IF I am able to reserve it.

Hope that helps!

-Danielle

 

[Schmaggie]

I just signed up for this tonight! As I stated in the title I am scared and excited at the same time.

Here's a little background on me: I'm 42. I'm what most nice people would call the Pooh Sized. I have gone from the low to mid 300's to 265 lbs. since October of 2011 when I had emergency back surgery when I ruptured 2 discs. I have done a lot local 5ks at about a 17 minute pace and know that if I put my mind into it, I can do this half as well. I work out 3-5 times a week at our local gym.

I am looking for any advice that I can get.

Can't wait to read all the posts and get to know everyone.

I can totally relate! For the 2012 Princess, I was in a similar situation. It was my first race at this distance, and I am on the downward trend with the scale, too.

You CAN do this. Follow a training plan, don't do too much too soon, and above all HAVE FUN. With as much time as we have between now and "go time", you'll definitely improve and be able to truly enjoy the process. There is no better feeling in the world than crossing that finish line!

 

[VickiHD]

I just called WDW reservations directly and was able to save a little $$ booking and using our CSAA (automobile association) card for a discount. Doing that it was cheaper than the quote I got through RunDisney. Only had to pay for one night and pay the balance when we check in vs the 45 days prior through RunDisney.

 

[MaryJ]

Why can some people book dvc already and some have to wait? I know that we are booked at boardwalk with friends and have been booked for a few weeks already.

If the resort that you want to book your home resort (that is, the one where you own points) then you can make a reservation up to 11 months in advance. Otherwise, you have to wait until 7 months in advance of your check in date to make a reservation.

 

[moparop]

I just called WDW reservations directly and was able to save a little $$ booking and using our CSAA (automobile association) card for a discount. Doing that it was cheaper than the quote I got through RunDisney. Only had to pay for one night and pay the balance when we check in vs the 45 days prior through RunDisney.

Good to know!

 

[mana'olana]

Is it worth it to stay at the Contemporary for the race? I just worry about the bussing to the race. If you could choose any resort for the race, money not a concern, which would one you guys/gals choose for convenience and such?

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[cobbler]

I'll be jumping in this thread. I don't know exactly when I will be able to sign up but my hubby and I want to do the race for the special anniversary medal. Race weekend is at the start of my spring break so when I get my schedule for the winter semester I can determine how much we can afford and how long we can stay.

 

[Stitch Pelekai]

They also have the discounted tickets available at the expo. They are listed as half day tickets for $56.00 but were able to use them for a full day. Just putting it out there for people that may not stay for long time but want a day or two in the parks.

Thanks for this tip .... if my "2005 non expiring" tickets aren't accepted by WDW, it's nice to know there are other options than to pay full price.

 

[WsPrincess]

Is it worth it to stay at the Contemporary for the race? I just worry about the bussing to the race. If you could choose any resort for the race, money not a concern, which would one you guys/gals choose for convenience and such?

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

I love CR!!! And for the race I think it would be perfect. You can take the bus to the start and then after you can use the monorail to get back and not have to deal with the buses at the end. Plus you are SO close to MK for the rest of the trip and if you have anyone coming with you, they can come down to the front of the resort and see you go by or walk over to MK to see you on Main Street then hop the monorail to get to the finish!!

Why can some people book dvc already and some have to wait? I know that we are booked at boardwalk with friends and have been booked for a few weeks already.

As pp said, you can book your home resort at 11 months so your friends must be owners at BWV. You cannot book somewhere else until 7 months from check in so for most that is next week sometime. I am SO WORRIED about not getting what we want.

 

[mahipp]

Thanks for this tip .... if my "2005 non expiring" tickets aren't accepted by WDW, it's nice to know there are other options than to pay full price.

Why don't you call Disney and verify your tickets before you go? I'm sure if you gave them the codes off the backs, they could tell you whether or not they'll work.

 

[Stitch Pelekai]

Why don't you call Disney and verify your tickets before you go? I'm sure if you gave them the codes off the backs, they could tell you whether or not they'll work.

I keep forgetting to bring them with me when I go to work (doh!).

 

[mommyof2princesses]

If the resort that you want to book your home resort (that is, the one where you own points) then you can make a reservation up to 11 months in advance. Otherwise, you have to wait until 7 months in advance of your check in date to make a reservation.

Thanks for the clarification! We almost bought into DVC as we go every year, but we chickened out. which was probably good, because the year after we almost bought it dh lost his job and it was a tough few months. We still aren't bringing in what we used to so its good we didn't.

i am all registered!
Now, i really need to get running!

 

[dmonroe]

My friend and I just registered last night! It's my first half (hers too)! Now we need to decide where we want to stay. Boardwalk is our first choice, but we will see!

 

[kbondi]

Hi All!
I registered yesterday for the half marathon and booked my hotel (Port Orleans, Riverside). It's my first time and I am doing it alone! I am nervous (terrified actually) and so excited at the same time. Has anyone else ran/walked alone?

 

[Nishmom]

Hi everyone! It's been a really long few months. After being all registered for the 2012 Princess (with hubby), a breast cancer diagnosis totally derailed me. I had bilateral mastectomies in mid-January, came to WDW to watch hubby and daughter-in-law run the Princess (I think I cried the whole time!), started chemo March 1, resumed running (sort of) around the beginning of June. The race folks deferred my 2012 registration to 2013, and hubby just registered yesterday. Now I'm so excited I can't stand it!! Hope to run a half at the Outer Banks in November, just to make sure I can still do it. Now the problem is two-fold: where to stay and how much can we afford. We LOVE the Polynesian but rented points to use at Animal Kingdom last February and really enjoyed it. How to decide..... I can't call WDW yet until we have some idea of budget and chemo brain makes this stuff even harder! Now if my hair would just grow back - I will need it to hold a tiara.

Pattie

 

[longhorns2]

Aww Pattie, I am so glad you are back and ready for 2013! Your hair should grow back- usually by 6 months most women have the hair back. Princess is in 7.

 

[VickiHD]

Hi All!
I registered yesterday for the half marathon and booked my hotel (Port Orleans, Riverside). It's my first time and I am doing it alone! I am nervous (terrified actually) and so excited at the same time. Has anyone else ran/walked alone?

Hi and welcome !!

Congrats and you will NOT be the only one walked/running by yourself. I ran/walked Tinker Bell 1/2 by myself earlier this year and loved it. I usually do run with DH but he sat that one out and he will cheer me on for Princess.

This will be my first 1/2 at WDW and I'm also running by myself and I'm nervious too about the detail like the buses and getting to the race start. But running the actual race doesn't worry me at all.

 

[saysay]

Hi All!
I registered yesterday for the half marathon and booked my hotel (Port Orleans, Riverside). It's my first time and I am doing it alone! I am nervous (terrified actually) and so excited at the same time. Has anyone else ran/walked alone?

I ran/walked in 2010, it was a BLAST! Did I mention I was injured too and forgot my camera battery? LOTS of people around you and many alone so its easy to find comraderie....and lots to keep you entertained along the way.

Totally fun and worth doing alone! Welcome, I might be at POR as well....still deciding.

 

[kbondi]

Thanks for all of the reassurance about doing this alone. I am NOT a runner by any stretch of the imagination. My comfort zone is yoga and a nice stroll outside. This is going to push my limits physically and mentally/emotionally. I chose this race because my family and I are huge Disney fans! I thought there was nothing better than a trip to the Magic Kingdom to get me motivated!

 

[slp1650]

I'm leaning pretty close to signing up for 2013... it's just me getting over my buyers hesitation right now. I'm running my first marathon 2 months before (WDW Marathon) and so that's also making me a bit nervous.

Still, I love the Princess Weekend and I've done it the past 2 years and so I really, really want to keep up the tradition!