Wine and Dine 2015

[ZellyB]

*WARNING - Obsessive planning alert*

So, I'm starting to think about which parks on what days, where to eat, etc...

For those who have run W&D before, what time do you get on the bus to head for the start line? I know the timing for early AM Marathon weekends, but not so sure for a night race starting at WWoS. I don't want to be panicked about getting there, but would also like to minimize my wait time since I understand you don't have that long walk to the corrals like Marathon weekend. Thanks.

 

[RogueKnits]

Hey @RogueKnits .. you're in NY? Me too!

Yep! I'm in Northern Westchester.

 

[jeanigor]

I wish I was doing as well with training as the rest of you. I was getting in a few miles but haven't been able to get out lately. I just have no desire to run in the heat and my allergies are killing me. EEEK. I need to stop making excuses and just get out.

I'm being bad as well. I haven't done much more than gone around the block since Dopey/Star Wars Week. But it was near warmer at the South Pole in Antarctica a few days after that, so that's my excuse. Now that the weather has broken, no such excuses left. Time to start slowly building up again.

*WARNING - Obsessive planning alert*

So, I'm starting to think about which parks on what days, where to eat, etc...

For those who have run W&D before, what time do you get on the bus to head for the start line? I know the timing for early AM Marathon weekends, but not so sure for a night race starting at WWoS. I don't want to be panicked about getting there, but would also like to minimize my wait time since I understand you don't have that long walk to the corrals like Marathon weekend. Thanks.

It all depends upon where you are staying.

I have found the Beach Club buses tend to fill up quickly, with the Boardwalk close behind.
Animal Kingdom wasn't too bad when it was a host resort, neither was Pop Century.
Last year we stayed at Coronado Springs and drove to Epcot. Go to the parking lot for that around 7:30-7:40 I think, walked (across the parking lot of course) pretty much straight onto waiting buses.

One thing is for certain, the longer you wait to board a bus to the starting area, the more crowded it the bus and bus stop will be. This may lead to higher anxiety levels. Far better for your nerves to get to the bus stop ten minutes earlier and stay calm and relaxed. If you find that the 8pm "deadline" for getting to the start area to be too early, bring a trash bag or toss away piece of clothing and sit on the grass and visit with fellow racers. Assuming its not going to be Splash & Dash again....

 

[ZellyB]

Thank you @jeanigor

 

[huggybuff]

*WARNING - Obsessive planning alert*

So, I'm starting to think about which parks on what days, where to eat, etc...

Heh. We had a high-level meeting about such things this weekend. ADRs are able to be booked in about a month, so it was nice to start setting things in place. One less thing to worry about. Now we just need to be able to get into the ones we want on the days we want them. (ahem, Be Our Guest)

Assuming its not going to be Splash & Dash again....

Oh man I hope not. *fingers crossed* I did a 5K a couple of months ago in the soaking rain and that was bad enough. Not even close to 13.1.

 

[VAfamily1998]

*WARNING - Obsessive planning alert*

So, I'm starting to think about which parks on what days, where to eat, etc...

For those who have run W&D before, what time do you get on the bus to head for the start line? I know the timing for early AM Marathon weekends, but not so sure for a night race starting at WWoS. I don't want to be panicked about getting there, but would also like to minimize my wait time since I understand you don't have that long walk to the corrals like Marathon weekend. Thanks.

Last year, I stayed at Port Orleans French Quarter and got on the bus as soon as service started--so just about 7 pm or maybe slightly after. The bus was full. At least one guy was standing in the isle the entire trip. But I am the type that likes to be early for EVERYTHING. VERY early.

 

[Mikelly1221]

Just to clarify, my family can enter EPCOT at 7pm with a Finish Line Party ticket? Even though it starts at 10pm?

We're staying at OKW; I see a scenario where we all drive to EPCOT, arriving around 7pm. They head into EPCOT, I get on the bus to head to the start of the race. Does that sound like a good plan, or do I need to change it?
Also, what rides are open during the Finish Line party?

Thanks!

 

[jeanigor]

Just to clarify, my family can enter EPCOT at 7pm with a Finish Line Party ticket? Even though it starts at 10pm?

We're staying at OKW; I see a scenario where we all drive to EPCOT, arriving around 7pm. They head into EPCOT, I get on the bus to head to the start of the race. Does that sound like a good plan, or do I need to change it?
Also, what rides are open during the Finish Line party?

Thanks!

That sounds like a very well thought out plan. Yes, it should work with the way they have done things the past couple years.

Most major attractions have been open in the past. Here is the link to the 2014 program guide: http://as1.wdpromedia.com/media/rundisney/pdf/wine-dine/2014/W&D14_Program_Online.pdf
I couldn't come across a list of attractions quickly, but I don't think Living with the Land, Ellen's Energy Adventure, Innoventions West or the Lion King movie in the Land Pavilion were running.

 

[Belle Ella]

Was anyone going to attempt doing W&D and then head back to DLR to run Avengers? I'm now having last minute thoughts about wether or not I should try. I was kicking myself for passing up on the inaugural half last year and don't know if I can pass up the inaugural challenge, even if it's so close to W&D. I have less than 24 hours to make up my mind!

 

[jeanigor]

Was anyone going to attempt doing W&D and then head back to DLR to run Avengers? I'm now having last minute thoughts about wether or not I should try. I was kicking myself for passing up on the inaugural half last year and don't know if I can pass up the inaugural challenge, even if it's so close to W&D. I have less than 24 hours to make up my mind!

I did it last year. Drove home to Michigan from WDW on Monday night after the W&D. Hopped on a plane to SNA on Friday morning. It was harder on my system than the Dopey/Star Wars combo.
And the Santa Ana winds...holy canoli....everytime you turned a corner you thought "finally the wind will not be in my face." WRONG. So many signs knocked over. Great theme and fun atmosphere, but I don't see myself stressing myself so much in such a short time again.

 

[RogueKnits]

With just about a month until ADRs open up, I too am entering obsessive planning mode. Trying to figure out where we will be and when, but never having done a Disney race I'm at a disadvantage. I also don't know for sure if I'm going to MVMCP on Sunday night. Here's my tentative plan:

Thursday -- arrive at MCO around 12:30, take DME to Beach Club, right to Epcot for a late lunch at the kiosks, dinner at BOG if I can book it and enjoy MK for the evening, otherwise maybe somewhere in Downtown Disney for dinner
Friday -- breakfast from Boardwalk Bakery, head over to the expo first thing, then on to Animal Kingdom, dinner maybe at Boma
Saturday -- Cape May Cafe for breakfast, Hollywood Studios for a bit, early dinner somewhere, back to BC to relax until race time, run, run, run, then enjoy the finish line party
Sunday -- sleep in, spend a few hours wherever we feel like it, then MVMCP; or, this will be our Animal Kingdom day if we don't do MVMCP

Ugh...so much is still "up in the air". It was much easier planning my trip last summer even coordinating with my SIL. I think this will be my first trip ever where I'm not doing rope drop any day and won't be trying to hit every attraction. Which hubby will like, but might drive me a little crazy because I'm that person.

 

[Mikelly1221]

This info really helps..thank you!!

 

[SunDial]

Can't offer any flying advice. And another true item when I started running was

 

[fsupharm77]

I think we are going to fly in Wednesday now. My wife has plans for us to drink around the world wednesday and hit all 4 parks with a drink and ride at each on Thursday. I may have a tough time getting through the 1/2 with those plans. We are trying to maximize our kid free trip, unfortunately the only spare time I can get is before the race. Guess I need to add drinking into the training program.

 

[Keels]

I think we are going to fly in Wednesday now. My wife has plans for us to drink around the world wednesday and hit all 4 parks with a drink and ride at each on Thursday. I may have a tough time getting through the 1/2 with those plans. We are trying to maximize our kid free trip, unfortunately the only spare time I can get is before the race. Guess I need to add drinking into the training program.

I think that sounds like an amazing plan!!

 

[orangejeepgirl]

Yep! I'm in Northern Westchester.

That's awesome! I live in Newburgh but work in Briarcliff and used to live in Croton! lol.

 

[AThrillingChase]

I ran for the first time since PHM this evening, hooray! I made it 1 mile because the sun was about to go down and I didn't want to run past dusk. I just needed something to get my feet wet again. Still having some sinus issues, but felt great to get out there!

Man I have to start figuring out when I can book my ADR's, you guys are making me nervous! I'm still so busy planning my star wars weekends trip next month that it seems crazy to be booking for November!!

Ps - did anyone see the "registration tips" rundisney gave out for the avengers sign ups tomorrow? So funny.

 

[FairyPrincessMerida]

Was anyone going to attempt doing W&D and then head back to DLR to run Avengers? I'm now having last minute thoughts about wether or not I should try. I was kicking myself for passing up on the inaugural half last year and don't know if I can pass up the inaugural challenge, even if it's so close to W&D. I have less than 24 hours to make up my mind!

Yes but I must decide in the next several hours if I should do the Avengers Gauntlet or the 1/2 alone....such decisions.

 

[VAfamily1998]

Was anyone going to attempt doing W&D and then head back to DLR to run Avengers? I'm now having last minute thoughts about wether or not I should try. I was kicking myself for passing up on the inaugural half last year and don't know if I can pass up the inaugural challenge, even if it's so close to W&D. I have less than 24 hours to make up my mind!

I did it last year. It was tough--two race weekends in a row, both with really terrible weather conditions (Hopefully that wont' happen this year!) I am tempted to register for Avengers tomorrow (I'm already registered for W&D) but probably won't.

 

[Mickey'sfriend]

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to plan Disney trips!! The earlier my trip is booked, the longer I have to plan, the happier I am!! The W&D will complete my coast to coast challenge, so we are trying to keep expenses somewhat under control with 2 trips scheduled in a year. We know we are arriving Friday and leaving Monday. I think we are going to limit our parks tickets. We may just do MVMCP on Sunday and of course, the After Party in Epcot. (DH's ticket actually arrived on Saturday!!) Our tradition has been to do a character breakfast on our last morning, so considering that, too.

I am toying with the idea of running the Philadelphia half 2 weeks after the W&D. If I decide to go for it, we will have to adjust our budget a bit to cover those expenses. Decisions, decisions.........