Waitlisted in January...

[jfinke]

So, my wife is running the marathon. We made reservations at SSR from 1/6-1/13.

However, now we have decided to fly in a day early (killer deal on SWA $230 total from KC for the both of us ). Mostly because of any concerns of picking up her packet in time for the race.

No rooms at the inn in DVC. So, I waitlisted for the fifth. We are staying in a studio.

I tried calling normal reservations just to get a reservation at a non DVC resort. The only room the reservationist came up with was a $350/night at the GF. Now, I would love to stay there... But, I am not paying that.

Any odds that the waitlist comes through? I have never been before. I could not believe that the marathon would eat every room up at Disney World. That is pretty amazing.

 

[ebenmax]

Sorry. . .I am not really much help in answering your question, however, just fyi, we are buying into DVC this week and I just talked with our sales rep asking of the busiest DVC times of the year. He said the marathon week has exploded in popularity and if you ever want a room for that week to book at the 11 month mark. Also, he said they are almost sold out. Amazing!!

As I mentioned, I cannot really help with your question but I did want to follow up that a rep verified this as a new "sell-out" time period for the future.

 

[jfinke]

Yeah, I don't doubt it. My wife said the the event is quickly becoming very popular for both serious runners and beginning runners. It is nice for beginners because it is mostly flat.

I am just amazed that almost every room at WDW seems to be gone. Disney (unfortunately or fortunately depending on your point of view) is finding ways to fill the historically low periods of their attendance with events like this and the food and wine festival.

 

[nzdisneymom]

I wish I had known you were looking for marathon weekend -- we had booked Jan 5th - 8th at SSR but I cancelled them last week. I bet we could've coordinated so that you could've at least gotten the 5th... Maybe others will cancel and you'll come through with the extra night you need.

FWIW, my DH did the half-marathon last year and was planning to do the full marathon this year but has an injury that will prevent him from doing it - big disappointment for him, but that's how it goes.

And also FWIW, we had our T.A. looking for regular rooms at any of the resorts (prior to us booking through DVC) - I had forgotten to tell her "never mind" after we got our dates at SSR. Anyway, she emailed me last week and said there were still no rooms available except GF at $350/night -- so it looks like you're outta luck.

I definitely think you're doing the right thing by coming in an extra day ahead. It's a really really early morning on Marathon Day. Having all day Saturday that's not involving travel will be good.

Tell your DW good luck!

 

[dcfromva]

Any odds that the waitlist comes through? I have never been before. I could not believe that the marathon would eat every room up at Disney World. That is pretty amazing.

jfinke,

I wouldn't rule out getting a room. You have a couple of things going for you. They keep adding inventory at SSR as more buildings are completed. Also, there may be more movement right before the 31 day mark.

We had decided to go marathon weekend 2006 kind of late in the game. (I believe we made our ressies in Aug or Sept. ) All that was available for our desired two weekend nights was SSR. We took it and waitlisted for BCV. I had given up hope --but right about 30 days prior we got our waitlist!

Good luck to you on your waitlist!

-DC

 

[jfinke]

And ended up borrowing some points for a one bedroom at OKW for the fifth. We would have still had to borrow points, but now it is costing me 40 points vs. 20. Plus, we have to switch rooms. But, oh well. At least we have a room on site in DVC. That means a couple of things. Using Magical Express to get to Disney vs. staying offsite and having to rent a car or taxi/limo. Moving between resorts as Disney is relatively painless since they do all of the luggage for you. And no cash expenditures.

We are still waitlisted for the studio at SSR. However, since our use year is in Feb and we were using borrowed points, that means we would have 20 points we would need to use by the end of Jan. The CM was extremely helpful and checked every resort for me. The only other thing she came up with was ... Grand Floridian at seventy some points for the night. I passed. She was pretty shocked it was that busy as well. I think that this event is becoming more and more popular.

But, my sister and brother in law may show up later in the week, when there is plenty of space. So, if that is the case, we will be able to use those 20 points to rent to them. If not, we will just keep our one bedroom and live in the lap of luxury for one glorious night before returning to our little studio. We have never stayed in a one bedroom before. I hope it does not spoil us!

I used to think that the all-stars were ok till I stayed in DVC...

Thanks for all the support!

 

[disneybride96]

When is the 2008 Marathon?
My DH's birthday is Jan 6th, and we were thinking of going te celebrate, but realized it may be marathon weekend. We were there in 1996 before it became so popular and things were crazy. Is it just a day event, or does it go the whole week?

Thanks!

 

[nzdisneymom]

When is the 2008 Marathon?
My DH's birthday is Jan 6th, and we were thinking of going te celebrate, but realized it may be marathon weekend. We were there in 1996 before it became so popular and things were crazy. Is it just a day event, or does it go the whole week?

It has typically been the first full weekend in January with the half-marathon on Saturday and the full-marathon on Sunday.

 

[jfinke]

It does not look like they will set a firm date till after this race is over.

But, like NZ said, it is mostly a weekend event. All the rooms start to open up on Monday and by Tuesday, it looks like normal Jan operating.