Wine & Dine Half Relay $$$

[ultramickeymouse]

I don't know if you saw that Disney released the stats for the relay. The first runner only runs only 5.1 miles and the other 8 miles. $195 for one runner to run just under 10K and and the other just over

Disney's races just keep getting so expensive!

DISNEY WINE & DINE HALF MARATHON RELAY
Saturday, October 2, 2010
10:00 p.m.

Start: ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
Relay Exchange Zone: Disney's Animal Kingdom® Park
Finish: Epcot® World Showcase
The Inaugural Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon will be run on a brand new half marathon course at the Walt Disney World Resort, and it will be run at night! Where else can you run a half marathon at night?

Are you looking for a little more party and a little less race? Order up a smaller course with the Inaugural Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Relay and divide up the 13.1 miles between two runners. It will be two times the fun and help you get to the party faster!

The relay will be run at the same time as the half marathon and on the same course. Runner 1 will start the race and run to the exchange zone where Runner 2 will begin their leg and race to the finish line. Runner 1 will then be transported to Epcot® to reunite with Runner 2 after they have crossed the finish line.

Runner 1 - 8K (5.1 miles)
Runner 2 - 13K (8 miles)

Both runners will enjoy the exclusive after-hours party inside the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.

Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Relay features:

Nighttime half marathon 2-person relay
Relay course featuring ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and Disney's Animal Kingdom® Park for Runner 1 and Disney's Hollywood Studios™ and Epcot® for Runner 2
Disney Entertainment on-course
Exclusive After Hours Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
Event Weekend Transportation from the Event Host Resorts only

Each $195 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Relay Registration includes:

2 Person Relay Team Registration
2 Commemorative Relay "Batons"
2 Commemorative Champion® Tech Shirts
2 Goody Bags
2 Personalized Bibs (Must register by August 2, 2010 for team name to appear on bib)
ChronoTrack D-tag timed race with individual runner splits and a final Team Finish Time
On-course refreshments
Post-Race refreshments at Exchange Zone and Finish Line
Transportation to Relay Start, Exchange Zone and Finish Line
Inaugural half marathon relay finisher medal for each runner
Access for both runners to the exclusive after hours Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
One (1) Complimentary "Taste" and One (1) Complimentary "Sip" at the Finish Line Party for each runner

 

[timmac]

I'm honestly amazed to see they even offered the relay option. As cool as it is, with as large a field as WDW races have, I can't imagine how they are going to organize that. Any idea how many relay teams they are allowing?

 

[ultramickeymouse]

I'm honestly amazed to see they even offered the relay option. As cool as it is, with as large a field as WDW races have, I can't imagine how they are going to organize that. Any idea how many relay teams they are allowing?

Disney is doing this to appease the many people who are upset that the got rid of the 10K/13K race options of RFTT & TOT. I think this race will have limited draw as running a Half at 10 pm is different than a 13K. I can't imagine eating and drinking Food & Wine stuff at 2 am after 13 miles.

This race will be gone in a few years like Minnie Marathon and ToT 13K after everyone comes for the Inaugural race.

I love Disney and their races but this is what they do. Disney keeps raising prices and cutting discounts for DVC/cast members/annual passholders. They are also removing mail in applications under the motto of keeping it green but only costs us more as we are forced to pay Active.com fees.

 

[ultramickeymouse]

Another example is the 2011 Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge.

With the $40 per runner increase(7500 runners) and the removal of DVC/Cast Member discounts, Disney will be collecting an over an additional $300,000 . What will they use this on? This year they had less characters and entertainment than previous years.

Throw in the additional $15 per 23,000 runner for the Half and $5 for the 24,000 marathoners, Disney will be collecting an additional $765,000 in race fees. As an RD, this is a little extreme in this economy when Disney really makes its money off hotel reservations, park tickets, food, and merchandise sales.

 

[nepatsfan73]

Another example is the 2011 Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge.

With the $40 per runner increase(7500 runners) and the removal of DVC/Cast Member discounts, Disney will be collecting an over an additional $300,000 . What will they use this on? This year they had less characters and entertainment than previous years.

Throw in the additional $15 per 23,000 runner for the Half and $5 for the 24,000 marathoners, Disney will be collecting an additional $765,000 in race fees. As an RD, this is a little extreme in this economy when Disney really makes its money off hotel reservations, park tickets, food, and merchandise sales.

Aside from the double counting (the Goofy participants are already covered in the half and full numbers), there is fairly large increase. Then again, from what I've seen-not based on personal experience, most major races have been increasing prices as well.

I guess Disney realizes it offers something different than most events and will continue to sell at a price point it (thinks it) can sell out at. As with anything in a capitalist society, the best way those who don't like the price and/or product can "voice" their displeasure is with their wallet.

As to entertainment-given the conditions I am not surprised that youth and high school groups may not have been able to or wanted to attend. As a race director, timer and in your internet and other endeavors, I'm sure you seek to cover your costs and make money where possible. As such, although Disney may be able to do it more, we do have a "voice."

 

[ultramickeymouse]

Aside from the double counting (the Goofy participants are already covered in the half and full numbers), there is fairly large increase. Then again, from what I've seen-not based on personal experience, most major races have been increasing prices as well.

I guess Disney realizes it offers something different than most events and will continue to sell at a price point it (thinks it) can sell out at. As with anything in a capitalist society, the best way those who don't like the price and/or product can "voice" their displeasure is with their wallet.

As to entertainment-given the conditions I am not surprised that youth and high school groups may not have been able to or wanted to attend. As a race director, timer and in your internet and other endeavors, I'm sure you seek to cover your costs and make money where possible. As such, although Disney may be able to do it more, we do have a "voice."

Yes, I did forget that!

As for entertainment, I will let a forumite of my talk about lack of characters(entertainment)

"Okay here is my annual list. Help me out be adding characters I might have missed. According to my numbers there were at least 20 fewer characters out this year for the full and 15 fewer fat the half. This is on top of the decline of last year from the 2008 Marathon.
I realize the weather and the ecomnomy have something to do with the gradual decline of characters, but I heard more grumbling post race than ever. Maybe Disney will pick it up next year.
I know for a fact that many people like myself run just for the characters, and the allure of meeting rare characters that are normally not found in the parks. According to my lists there were only a handful of these "rare characters". I know many of you serious runners could care less but I believe this is something that should be addressed.
I am aware I may have missed some since the characters rotate and I also know there are allot of "characters" who run the race but this list is not about the runners."

I don't know if you were there for the races(actually on the race course) for this year or last years races. I hear you are going to attempt the Goofy again in 2011. Hopefully your health will allow you to do the races.

I have not raised my fees as I appreciate the pressures others are under. I offered 1/2 price entries(only $35) to a lower income high school kids to run my marathon. I got 42 kids who would not be able to afford the extra costs.

Everyone in life has to make a living and not all of us can be attorneys

 

[ultramickeymouse]

BTW: Bill missed you as I haven't seen you post over here since Aug 4th. Glad to see you are doing well

 

[nepatsfan73]

BTW: Bill missed you as I haven't seen you post over here since Aug 4th. Glad to see you are doing well

I doubt you have Robert based on your actions at your site, but thanks for the bravado and good job using the DIS's search and member features. I'm not sure what my profession has to do with anything, however, it works the same as others (and I guess even race fees). There are plenty of attorneys so you can only charge what the market will bear, unless you are able to provide unique services for which people are willing to pay a premium.

 

[ultramickeymouse]

I doubt you have Robert based on your actions at your site, but thanks for the bravado and good job using the DIS's search and member features. I'm not sure what my profession has to do with anything, however, it works the same as others (and I guess even race fees). There are plenty of attorneys so you can only charge what the market will bear, unless you are able to provide unique services for which people are willing to pay a premium.

This is not my site and am trying to be supportive of this site. I see you want to bring up issues you have with my site on to WISH. I am trying not to do this. You attack my way that I make a living and I was just making a commment that I don't have a high paying hourly job like you do as an attorney.

Don't know why your first response on WISH in 5 1/2 months would only be against a comment from myself

 

[nepatsfan73]

This is not my site and am trying to be supportive of this site. I see you want to bring up issues you have with my site on to WISH. I am trying not to do this. You attack my way that I make a living and I was just making a commment that I don't have a high paying hourly job like you do as an attorney.

Don't know why your first response on WISH in 5 1/2 months would only be against a comment from myself

I didn't attack any professions Robert and I thanked you for your reply. I agree that this site is not yours and if you want me to detail why I replied to this thread (as opposed to others) let me know. Its also getting late here on the EC so if I don't further reply tonight, don't think its because I no longer care.

 

[ultramickeymouse]

I didn't attack any professions Robert and I thanked you for your reply. I agree that this site is not yours and if you want me to detail why I replied to this thread (as opposed to others) let me know. Its also getting late here on the EC so if I don't further reply tonight, don't think its because I no longer care.

If you want to attack me because of my forum(which I didn't bring up or is in my signature), the mods will soon delete this. This is not the place and time. Email me and don't bring others into it unless that is you goal!

Do you have a comment on the lack of characters that someone I know counts and logs this vs. previous years? If anything, there should have been more characters(especially for the full) as the costumes would keep them warm. Not like when it is really hot and workers safety is an issue.

Just reporting facts

 

[nepatsfan73]

No attack here about your forum. I have no expert knowledge on how the outfits worn by Disney characters stand up to snow, sleet, freezing rain or rain or how the CMs can function in character costumes in the cold, but I doubt it would be very comforable for, among others, many of the face characters. Good night Robert.

 

[RogerM213]

I found my trash bag held up well for the half marathon Bill!!!!! Perhaps Disney could have put the characters in giant hefty bags to keep some people happier!!!! I heard those that started in the "A" corral saw less for characters because Disney figures the elites athletes up there will not stop for pictures.

Us slow pokes back in corral "H" saw more because it took us 20 minutes just to start.

 

[ohMom]

keep it on topic boys...

 

[ultramickeymouse]

I found my trash bag held up well for the half marathon Bill!!!!! Perhaps Disney could have put the characters in giant hefty bags to keep some people happier!!!! I heard those that started in the "A" corral saw less for characters because Disney figures the elites athletes up there will not stop for pictures.

Us slow pokes back in corral "H" saw more because it took us 20 minutes just to start.

Hi Roger! I have missed seeing your posts too

The runner who mentioned 20 less characters in the marathon was a second wave runner(10 mins to get to start) who finished around 5 hrs. Not an elite runner by any means.

The marathon didn't have any rain but it was just cold. Those costumes would have protected them. They didn't need any garbage bags.

 

[TnTsParty]

What does the last 10 or so posts have to do with the Wine and Dine half relay?????

 

[ultramickeymouse]

What does the last 10 or so posts have to do with the Wine and Dine half relay?????

The way it pertains is that Disney mentions on course entertainment. They keep raising fees to cover this costs(like in previous emails from Disney) but seem to be cutting down on what they provide.

The original post was to discuss how expensive basically 2 10K's at WDW have become. I am as guilty as anyone spending money on Disney races but last year I cut down when the rates increased and discounts disappeared. You just don't get as much bang for your buck anymore.

 

[goofyinohio]

The way to show Disney or anyone else for that matter you are not happy with their prices is to stop paying them. Stop going to their parks, stop buying their merchandise, stop registering for their races. People complaining everytime the prices come out really are not doing any good.

I continue to pay it and honestly I don't know that I have a breaking point for the races. I just registered for 2 races and about to do a third for about the same as one Disney race. Why? It's Disney. None of these other races have Characters (Whether it's 10 or 50), I don't get to run through the theme parks, I don't get a cool Disney tech shirt, I don't get to see a ton of WISHers (I know that Disney has nothing to do with this), and none of them have the Characters we grew up with as bling. People also wear that bling all over the parks. You do that outside of Disney and generally you get the what the heck is that guy or gal wearing looks.

Are they overpriced? Yes! Have they been? Yes

 

[windwalker]

I'm only planning to do the marathon for 2011 instead of the Goofy, cost is about 90% of it. The $350 for entering is steep. The rest of it is the toll that it takes on my body doing two races back to back, especially when it's survival conditions as this last weekend was.

The draw for me is the people I meet there. You guys are all special to me and seeing everyone makes it a wonderful memory, that won't change by me just doing one race since I can volunteer for the half or just be out there cheering as a lot of you do now.

Getting to enjoy the parks is also special, this year a lot of the magic was missing for me because as soon as the sun went down it was uncomfortably cold. I enjoy the trips where the nights are a welcome relief from the days heat and a great time for ride hopping.

Will I continue doing Disney races, yes, will I have to look at trimming costs, also yes. Staying a few days less and doing one race instead of three will be the norm for me now.

Dave

 

[TnTsParty]

I would have to agree with Chris - if you are unhappy about the prices Disney charges and the entertainment being less then it has in the past maybe its better to not do the Disney races anymore. I know for one I am so over the moon with my first Goofy finish that I didn't even really care if there was more or less entertainment on the course. I know Saturday was brutal in the sleet and cold rain - I don't blame the entertainers for not wanting to get out there or whatever the reason they had for not getting out there. I was happy with what we were given.

The reason I do Disney races is because I love Disney, it gives me a reason to go to Disney again, I get to run through the theme parks, going in places not everyone is allowed etc, seeing people I have met online and I happen to LOVE the bling (x3 this year) that I earned.

One of the most fulfilling feeling I had this year is that I entered the races as a part of a wonderful charity Rally Foundation helping childhood cancer research. I was a part of a team of over 100 athletes who raised more than $120,000 for childhood cancer research.