The Running Thread - 2016

[jhorstma]

Disney question for y'all:

My family of 5 is currently booked at POR for spring break. I got a pin code yesterday that would allow us to stay in a deluxe studio room at BW Villas for about $800 more. I'm very tempted to switch for the proximity to Epcot & HS. Do you think the extra cost is worth it for the location? We would also be gaining a toaster & microwave. I can't decide, help me think this through!

$800 more for the week? Out of what I'm guessing is already a $7K-$8K trip budget? I might pull the trigger on that. 5 in one moderate room gets to be a bit much (pretty soon you'll be considering 2 value rooms or an off-site villa for every trip)...

 

[roxymama]

Disney question for y'all:

My family of 5 is currently booked at POR for spring break. I got a pin code yesterday that would allow us to stay in a deluxe studio room at BW Villas for about $800 more. I'm very tempted to switch for the proximity to Epcot & HS. Do you think the extra cost is worth it for the location? We would also be gaining a toaster & microwave. I can't decide, help me think this through!

I have never stayed at POR (edited cause I typed POP, but meant POR), so I can't compare the BW area to it. But I have stayed at the Yacht & Beach Club resorts before (standard room.) And BLT (villa) before.
My questions I'd ask myself are:
1) What parks will you spend most of our time in if we were staying at Pop. Does that change if you stay at the BW?
2) Are you going during Flower and Wine fest at Epcot? If so, will having a few meals at their booths cut out the need for an expensive ADR at a sit down somewhere?
3) Would grabbing some breakfast at the boardwalk bakery cut out the need for an expensive breakfast ADR somewhere?
4) Will the villa size be more comfortable for your group of 5 than Pop?
5) How much time do you actually spend in your room?

For me, I have a small child so we had to spend a lot of time back in the room and I appreciated the extra space the villa gave us. She could nap in her room and we could still be social in our living room area. If I had an older child, I would say we wouldn't be in our room that much and wouldn't need a villa as much.
Walking to Epcot was one of my favorite things in the whole world during. But that was back before my kiddo and we went to Epcot daily. Because we love to eat. Now with the kiddo we go to MK all the time and so the Epcot area resorts would not benefit us quite as much (sigh.)
The walk to HS is "kind of long" - probably not for you since you are a runner, but would it be for anyone else in your group? The boat ride is a pain if you are on the last stop of the loop (it takes FOREVER), so if have people who like to walk...get on the boat to go from HS back to the resorts, once at the first or second stop, get off and and walk the rest of the way.
I'm sure someone who has stayed at POR could help more with the pros and cons.

Oh, one more thing. Can you get a credit card to pay for the trip that has flight points (like sapphire type card?) You could try to rack up pts to get some of the flights free or lessen to offset the extra hotel $.

And finally one last thing...Scary Clown Pool! Do you like clowns? (brought up in another training journal last week, boardwalk has a scary clown pool, fyi)

 

[JulieODC]

Disney question for y'all:

My family of 5 is currently booked at POR for spring break. I got a pin code yesterday that would allow us to stay in a deluxe studio room at BW Villas for about $800 more. I'm very tempted to switch for the proximity to Epcot & HS. Do you think the extra cost is worth it for the location? We would also be gaining a toaster & microwave. I can't decide, help me think this through!

We really like POR, but we've absolutely loved staying at YC/BC and being walking distance to Epcot/DHS/BW. I think $800 is on the cusp of being worth it. We also have 2 LOs still in a stroller, so not using the bus and being able to get out in the evening and grad a bite/drink while the littles sleep in the stroller is worth lots of $$ to us.

 

[ZellyB]

I'm a total resort snob, so I'm over here all YES YES DO IT!

I wasn't aware that the studios could sleep 5 though? There's a queen bed and a queen sleeper sofa. Definitely check into that before making any changes!

They added a murphy bed so the studios now sleep 5 at BWI. This is also what they did at BCV and I'm impatiently waiting for them to update the occupancy once they finish the final punch list.

 

[DopeyBadger]

Thanks! That was my concern. I've maintained a similar pace for a 10 miler in the past without trouble which is why I was hoping it was something that was easier to track but it makes sense. I guess that means more intervals for me!

I'd say more intervals (presuming something at HM or faster pace) will make you faster and will reduce the pace of your lactate threshold, but to be able to maintain a pace below lactate threshold for longer (and hold lactate threshold from drifting up during a run) you're actually looking to improve running economy. Improving running economy is best accomplished with more long runs at easy paces and more easy running in general. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Ariel484]

They added a murphy bed so the studios now sleep 5 at BWI. This is also what they did at BCV and I'm impatiently waiting for them to update the occupancy once they finish the final punch list.

AH! I was trying to find updated pics and couldn't.

DUH, should have remembered since you will be staying at BCV.

In that case YES switch to the Boardwalk!!

 

[run.minnie.miles]

Disney question for y'all:

My family of 5 is currently booked at POR for spring break. I got a pin code yesterday that would allow us to stay in a deluxe studio room at BW Villas for about $800 more. I'm very tempted to switch for the proximity to Epcot & HS. Do you think the extra cost is worth it for the location? We would also be gaining a toaster & microwave. I can't decide, help me think this through!

It's funny you mention this, because we are staying at PORS had a similar upgrade available to us this week. We decided not to upgrade and spend that money elsewhere! It is just my hubs and me though, so we don't need extra room.

 

[roxymama]

@michigandergirl I just looked in my email and I have a pin too....and it's for just a few months before we are going...DRAT! I will have to wait patiently and pray for a pin for Fall.

Since I can't use my pin, then I vote that you should use yours. Two pins wasted would be too sad.

 

[michigandergirl]

You guys are awesome! I am leaning towards the Boardwalk. My kids are 13, 11, and 9 so the extra space will be welcome, and while we won't spend a ton of time in the room, we still like a little downtime after an over-stimulating day. My 9 year old is small for her age and will fit just fine on the murphy bed. The kids don't mind walking, they won't run, but they will walk. We spend time in all 4 parks, but it seems we have missed a lot of things at Epcot & HS during past trips, so it will be nice to have the option of going over to those parks in the evening, plus all the food options. I'll have to run it by DH tonight and see what he thinks.

Also, we are driving this trip, unless by some miracle airfare drops significantly. And @roxymama, we do have a travel rewards CC that I'm racking up points on.

 

[Anisum]

I'd say more intervals (presuming something at HM or faster pace) will make you faster and will reduce the pace of your lactate threshold, but to be able to maintain a pace below lactate threshold for longer (and hold lactate threshold from drifting up during a run) you're actually looking to improve running economy. Improving running economy is best accomplished with more long runs at easy paces and more easy running in general. Just my 2 cents.

Good to know. I'll try working on that as well. It should be easier after this month because I won't have any more races so I'll have plenty of time for slow long runs.

 

[Tasmen]

You guys are awesome! I am leaning towards the Boardwalk. My kids are 13, 11, and 9 so the extra space will be welcome, and while we won't spend a ton of time in the room, we still like a little downtime after an over-stimulating day. My 9 year old is small for her age and will fit just fine on the murphy bed. The kids don't mind walking, they won't run, but they will walk. We spend time in all 4 parks, but it seems we have missed a lot of things at Epcot & HS during past trips, so it will be nice to have the option of going over to those parks in the evening, plus all the food options. I'll have to run it by DH tonight and see what he thinks.

Also, we are driving this trip, unless by some miracle airfare drops significantly. And @roxymama, we do have a travel rewards CC that I'm racking up points on.

Another late vote for BW. We are staying at BC on our next visit specifically so we can be close to both Epcot and HS.

 

[CheapRunnerMike]

@michigandergirl I just looked in my email and I have a pin too....and it's for just a few months before we are going...DRAT! I will have to wait patiently and pray for a pin for Fall.

Since I can't use my pin, then I vote that you should use yours. Two pins wasted would be too sad.

After buying DVC a few years back I almost forgot about the whole PIN/discounts waiting game...can't say that I miss it!

 

[Flossbolna]

Disney question for y'all:

My family of 5 is currently booked at POR for spring break. I got a pin code yesterday that would allow us to stay in a deluxe studio room at BW Villas for about $800 more. I'm very tempted to switch for the proximity to Epcot & HS. Do you think the extra cost is worth it for the location? We would also be gaining a toaster & microwave. I can't decide, help me think this through!

BWV was my first DVC contract, so obviously I am biased. Besides what others have pointed out for me one main bonus of staying in the Epcot resort area is that it is just that: a resort area. On my first trips I loved being at a hotel that kind of really takes me to another place (I think POR does that very well) and provides that bubble feeling. But the downside to that is that there is only the hotel and nothing else around. At the Epcot resorts you have BW, BC, YC and Swan and Dolphin. There is also the mini golf behind the Swan (Fantasia Gardens). We loved walking around the lake to explore the other resorts and even have meals there.

When I stayed there in a studio, it was before the addition of the murphy bed, but the rooms were very spacious. I also love that the rooms have real balconies! As far as I know the DVC villas that will be rented for cash will all be Garden view (possibly also Boardwalk view) so you would look over the pools (clown pool or the villas quiet pool) or a grassy area and the canal towards DHS. The Swan/Dolphin would be beyond the canal. All really nice rooms to sit on a balcony in the morning...

This here gives you a good overview of the studio and the layout with the murphy bed:
http://www.dvcnews.com/index.php/re...s/news-95465/3228-studio-murphy-beds-up-close

 

[roxymama]

I can't believe only a few hours after making a "creepy clown pool" joke, I find this in my town's patch.
(Trigger warning; scary clown picture)
http://patch.com/illinois/evergreen...m_campaign=autopost&utm_content=evergreenpark

Apparently the park that I run around had a menacing clown hanging out at it last night and they have pictures. NOPE! I know he didn't "do" anything, and it's likely just copycat from all the other national clown things going on, but it still gives me pause to head out for an evening run.

 

[opusone]

Disney question for y'all:

My family of 5 is currently booked at POR for spring break. I got a pin code yesterday that would allow us to stay in a deluxe studio room at BW Villas for about $800 more. I'm very tempted to switch for the proximity to Epcot & HS. Do you think the extra cost is worth it for the location? We would also be gaining a toaster & microwave. I can't decide, help me think this through!

You guys are awesome! I am leaning towards the Boardwalk. My kids are 13, 11, and 9 so the extra space will be welcome, and while we won't spend a ton of time in the room, we still like a little downtime after an over-stimulating day. My 9 year old is small for her age and will fit just fine on the murphy bed. The kids don't mind walking, they won't run, but they will walk. We spend time in all 4 parks, but it seems we have missed a lot of things at Epcot & HS during past trips, so it will be nice to have the option of going over to those parks in the evening, plus all the food options. I'll have to run it by DH tonight and see what he thinks.

Also, we are driving this trip, unless by some miracle airfare drops significantly. And @roxymama, we do have a travel rewards CC that I'm racking up points on.

I'm late to respond as well, but I absolutely love the Epcot resort area (in the past have stayed at YC and BWV), so I would definitely pay for the upgrade to BWV. It's so convenient to Epcot and HS, and you are correct that there are so many great food options. Just make sure you have park hopper so you can sneak into Epcot/HS at any time regardless of where else you are going/have been that day. We were stayed at YC last Spring Break with our 12 and 10-year old, so similar ages to yours, and they loved it as well.

 

[ZellyB]

I can't believe only a few hours after making a "creepy clown pool" joke, I find this in my town's patch.
(Trigger warning; scary clown picture)
http://patch.com/illinois/evergreenpark/evergreen-park-police-investigate-creepy-clown-sightings?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social&utm_term=police+&+fire&utm_campaign=autopost&utm_content=evergreenpark

Apparently the park that I run around had a menacing clown hanging out at it last night and they have pictures. NOPE! I know he didn't "do" anything, and it's likely just copycat from all the other national clown things going on, but it still gives me pause to head out for an evening run.

Honestly, what the heck with all this ridiculous clown stuff? Is just so bizarre. And as someone who is admittedly freaked out by clowns these idiots need to stop!

 

[michigandergirl]

BWV was my first DVC contract, so obviously I am biased. Besides what others have pointed out for me one main bonus of staying in the Epcot resort area is that it is just that: a resort area. On my first trips I loved being at a hotel that kind of really takes me to another place (I think POR does that very well) and provides that bubble feeling. But the downside to that is that there is only the hotel and nothing else around. At the Epcot resorts you have BW, BC, YC and Swan and Dolphin. There is also the mini golf behind the Swan (Fantasia Gardens). We loved walking around the lake to explore the other resorts and even have meals there.

When I stayed there in a studio, it was before the addition of the murphy bed, but the rooms were very spacious. I also love that the rooms have real balconies! As far as I know the DVC villas that will be rented for cash will all be Garden view (possibly also Boardwalk view) so you would look over the pools (clown pool or the villas quiet pool) or a grassy area and the canal towards DHS. The Swan/Dolphin would be beyond the canal. All really nice rooms to sit on a balcony in the morning...

This here gives you a good overview of the studio and the layout with the murphy bed:
http://www.dvcnews.com/index.php/re...s/news-95465/3228-studio-murphy-beds-up-close

Great pics! Thank You!

 

[ebradley23]

I can't believe only a few hours after making a "creepy clown pool" joke, I find this in my town's patch.
(Trigger warning; scary clown picture)
http://patch.com/illinois/evergreenpark/evergreen-park-police-investigate-creepy-clown-sightings?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social&utm_term=police+&+fire&utm_campaign=autopost&utm_content=evergreenpark

Apparently the park that I run around had a menacing clown hanging out at it last night and they have pictures. NOPE! I know he didn't "do" anything, and it's likely just copycat from all the other national clown things going on, but it still gives me pause to head out for an evening run.

Someone asked me last night if I was concerned about these clowns (we've had a couple of sightings and arrests of fools dressed as clowns). I let them know the clowns better be afraid of me. If I see one, I'm running straight at him to blast him with my pepper spray. I dare someone to try to scare me with this creepy clown business. I am fed up with these copycats thinking it's cute to scare people. A few getting pepper sprayed would put an end to the mess.

 

[roxymama]

Someone asked me last night if I was concerned about these clowns (we've had a couple of sightings and arrests of fools dressed as clowns). I let them know the clowns better be afraid of me. If I see one, I'm running straight at him to blast him with my pepper spray. I dare someone to try to scare me with this creepy clown business. I am fed up with these copycats thinking it's cute to scare people. A few getting pepper sprayed would put an end to the mess.

If you lived by me, I would hire you out as my run "body guard"!

 

[Baloo in MI]

You'll be fine. You get to run slower than your marathon pace & usually on trails. Plus, it's only an hour or so longer than a marathon.



Which 50? Hopefully a moderate one and not something like half of Hardrock or Leadville.

No nothing that hard yet, maybe after I get some more races under my belt I will try a 50 on the level of Hardrock. But the 50 will be back at Run Woodstock. The 100 is a qualifier for the Western States Lottery (if you can get it done in under 30 hours) so it is a challenging course but not on the level of Hardrock or Leadville. Eventually I do want to work my way up to a 100 mile race. I know I will never be fast, just too big of a guy. But I can slog along with the best of them!