The Official 2013 Wine and Dine Half Marathon Thread

[bjakmom]

Oh thanks! you all just made me realize that the 1/2 begins at WWOS and ends at the front of Epcot where the Jan races ended right? So is the runner bag drop at the front of Epcot or at WWOS? If you drove would you park at Epcot so you'd be right there when the party ends or at WWOS and have to go back there before or after the party? DH has only run 2 WDW races - the Goofy in Jan - so it's pretty new to me and I'm trying to understand the logistics. Thought I had it all covered until I read posts that AKL was not a host resort - was it actually on the list and then removed? I thought it was when I booked it.

 

[kristenrice]

Oh thanks! you all just made me realize that the 1/2 begins at WWOS and ends at the front of Epcot where the Jan races ended right? So is the runner bag drop at the front of Epcot or at WWOS? If you drove would you park at Epcot so you'd be right there when the party ends or at WWOS and have to go back there before or after the party? DH has only run 2 WDW races - the Goofy in Jan - so it's pretty new to me and I'm trying to understand the logistics. Thought I had it all covered until I read posts that AKL was not a host resort - was it actually on the list and then removed? I thought it was when I booked it.

I think it was a host resort last year which is when I started researching the RunDisney events. I'm guessing that they change the host resorts each year and this year, AKV is not one of them.

 

[jeanigor]

Oh thanks! you all just made me realize that the 1/2 begins at WWOS and ends at the front of Epcot where the Jan races ended right? So is the runner bag drop at the front of Epcot or at WWOS? If you drove would you park at Epcot so you'd be right there when the party ends or at WWOS and have to go back there before or after the party? DH has only run 2 WDW races - the Goofy in Jan - so it's pretty new to me and I'm trying to understand the logistics. Thought I had it all covered until I read posts that AKL was not a host resort - was it actually on the list and then removed? I thought it was when I booked it.

The race starts at WWoS and ends in the Epcot parking lot, near where the January races end.

Bag check is at WWoS. They then truck the bags over to the Epcot parking lot after it is logistically possible and the runners are clear of the start area.

If you drive you park at Epcot and take the shuttle to the start at WWoS. That way whenever you wanted to leave, either directly after getting your medal or if you close the party down, you have your car and do not need to rely upon a shuttle to get you there. Although in some cases that is a good thing.

 

[cimrk01]

Since the finish line is around the parking lot area of Epcot do we just use walk over to the regular main entrance into Epcot to have access to the finish line after hours park inside the park? Assuming the bibs would be our access pass?

 

[Rose&Mike]

Since the finish line is around the parking lot area of Epcot do we just use walk over to the regular main entrance into Epcot to have access to the finish line after hours park inside the park? Assuming the bibs would be our access pass?

I'm sure it was the main entrance, but it was dark, and I can't remember.

The first two years they were pretty easy going about letting people into the party with bibs. Last year they really wanted to see the wrist bands as well. (You get them at packet pick up). We also had to go through security.

The security line was SLOW (runners and non-runners mixed together), my stomach was unhappy and my wrist band was at the bottom of my checked bag which was tied shut (with some kind of fancy knot--my dh is former military).

Anyhow, the cast member was not going to let me in and I basically told her she was welcome to follow me to the ladies room, at which point I would be happy to put my band on, but that I was not stopping.

The moral of this story--if they hand out bands again this year, you should probablly wear them. And if you need a potty, use one before getting in the security line.

 

[bjakmom]

After the party is there transportation from Epcot back to all the resorts? Buses and monorail? I think the after-party is until 4 AM - so do all resort buses and the monorail run that late?

 

[Jenn310]

After the party is there transportation from Epcot back to all the resorts? Buses and monorail? I think the after-party is until 4 AM - so do all resort buses and the monorail run that late?

Just the host resorts.

 

[bjakmom]

Just the host resorts.

Thanks. well, shoot - back to the drawing board.

 

[the antifanatic]

The race starts at WWoS and ends in the Epcot parking lot, near where the January races end.

Bag check is at WWoS. They then truck the bags over to the Epcot parking lot after it is logistically possible and the runners are clear of the start area.

If you drive you park at Epcot and take the shuttle to the start at WWoS. That way whenever you wanted to leave, either directly after getting your medal or if you close the party down, you have your car and do not need to rely upon a shuttle to get you there. Although in some cases that is a good thing.

is there a bag check for the 5k??

 

[ChrisNY2]

Thanks. well, shoot - back to the drawing board.

At that point, you'll be so tired that the cab fare will definitely be worth it

 

[jeanigor]

is there a bag check for the 5k??

Yes. The bag check for the 5K will be in the AK parking lot, before you get to the starting corral area.

At packet pick-up for any race, you receive a large heavy duty plastic bag and a sticker. The sticker has the first letter of your last name and your bib number. For the 5K, you will drop off your bag in the number range that your bib is. For the half, you drop it off according to the first letter of your last name. When picking up your bag, you go to bag check show your bib and they bring it to you.

At that point, you'll be so tired that the cab fare will definitely be worth it

I totally concur!!!!

 

[BWVNUT]

Hi

My DD14 and I will be doing the 5K; our first Disney race (other than our plan to do the CC5K during our cruise this summer ).

For 5K spectators, are they allowed into AK park or do they stay outside at the finish line?

Thanks!

 

[jeanigor]

Hi

My DD14 and I will be doing the 5K; our first Disney race (other than our plan to do the CC5K during our cruise this summer ).

For 5K spectators, are they allowed into AK park or do they stay outside at the finish line?

Thanks!

With the exception of the Expedition Everest 5K, I cannot recall seeing any spectators in AK for a 5K. I could be mistaken though, as I haven't really looked for any.

 

[Steve's Girl]

At that point, you'll be so tired that the cab fare will definitely be worth it

We are at AKV too and taking a cab was our plan. Hoping they will have plenty of cabs available at 3am? Sounds like there will be lots of others in this situation as well.

 

[Steve's Girl]

If he hasn't booked a room he can register with get travel.

Just wanted to provide follow-up in the event others are in the same situation - my brother-in-law was able to get a registration quite easily through one of the travel agencies. He did not have to book a room and purchased just the race registration.

 

[jeanigor]

Perhaps some motivation for completing the race...

Disney Food Blog Ice Cream Martini

 

[OregonGirl]

I could go for an ice cream martini right about now.

So, we looked at Southwest flights yesterday and they seemed super cheap and so even though I already have my flights booked because of our cruise, I splurged and bought plane tickets for my parents so now they get to come too! For some reason they prefer Disney over a cruise so they will NOT be joining us for that part, but instead will be in WDW from Thursday, Nov 7th to Tuesday, November 12th. Yay!

So... now I have a cheer squad! I had hubby already but this is an actual squad! My parents, of course, starting asking me questions about where on the course they can see me.

Uh.... anyone have any ideas? I remember from two years ago that seeing as how it was at night - even though we ran through two parks - they were both closed. Right? My mom is saying they could do start and finish line but really I am inclined to have them just wait for me at the finish line. But it would be a fun "pick me up" to see them somewhere along the course. AND the finish line, so no Boardwalk area suggestions.

Still haven't booked the room. Parents are being pills about the Boardwalk - their favorite - even though DH and I plan on Poly. And the Boardwalk is sold out except for club level through WDW.com. No biggie because that's how we usually stay when we go, except they will be at a different resort than us. Which I guess is fine.

How's everyone's training coming?

- Carey

 

[BWVNUT]

With the exception of the Expedition Everest 5K, I cannot recall seeing any spectators in AK for a 5K. I could be mistaken though, as I haven't really looked for any.

Thanks!

 

[DCbride]

I think the start makes for a lot of waiting for your parents. I was going to recommend the area between HS and Epcot - any place Boardwalk or BC side. Since they want to stay at BW it seems like a no brainer. I'm pretty sure there are even benches on the BC side and having a cheer squad with a bit less than 2 miles left is great

 

[1MCSCROOGE]

Per the runDisney site:

"If you do not provide proof of time at point of registration but acquire it after you have registered, email the information to disneysports@trackshack.com before September 1, 2013. After September 1, 2013, you will need to bring proof of your estimated finish time to the Runner Relations booth at the Expo to have your start corral placement changed."

What do they accept as proof of time?