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2011-10-31 8:20 AM
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Subject: RE: Walt Disney World Marathon : Official Thread

I signed up for the goofy. I did a 50K trail run in September so I am just following the same training plan.

 



2011-10-31 9:32 AM
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Subject: RE: Walt Disney World Marathon : Official Thread
dmauter - 2011-10-30 8:11 PM

I am in for the Marathon.  I hear it is a nightmare getting down to the event.  My understanding is you cannot bring your family and you have to ride the buses to get there so you need to wear the clothing you are going to race in.

Anyone who has done the race have any insight?



I did the 1/2 last year. It was a tad cold at the start, but it was warm by mile 4 or 5. If the cold scares you, just wear on old coat, or hit up a Goodwill for a coat to wear. They pick up all discarded clothes and donate them to a charity in Orlando. If you are staying on site, take the bus to the start. Family can catch a later shuttle. Off site hotel = no bus. The car ride in is not fun, but all in all they get you there ok. No one moves a crowd like WDW. There are a few resources on the WWOS site for family and friends, stuff like where to watch from, how to get around, etc. It is helpful to check it out before hand. We had some preconceived notion that my wife could get a picture and see us starting. Yeah right! No chance with 8 corrals and 30,000 people? They won't see much at the start, but they can see just fine along the course in a few different spots.
2011-10-31 10:58 AM
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Subject: RE: Walt Disney World Marathon : Official Thread
dmauter - 2011-10-30 8:11 PM

I am in for the Marathon.  I hear it is a nightmare getting down to the event.  My understanding is you cannot bring your family and you have to ride the buses to get there so you need to wear the clothing you are going to race in.

Anyone who has done the race have any insight?

I would assume there will be a sweats bag check at the start, where you can drop off your last minute warm clothes and the bag is waiting for you at the finish.

Race seems to be getting closer now!  Past the midway point in my Hal Higdon plan and will be venturing into unknown territory/distance next week!

And finally, does anyone know what previous race times (specifically previous 13.1 times) are needed to get into the first corral?

2011-10-31 11:39 AM
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Subject: RE: Walt Disney World Marathon : Official Thread
Climbinggonzo - 2011-10-31 10:58 AM
dmauter - 2011-10-30 8:11 PM

I am in for the Marathon.  I hear it is a nightmare getting down to the event.  My understanding is you cannot bring your family and you have to ride the buses to get there so you need to wear the clothing you are going to race in.

Anyone who has done the race have any insight?

I would assume there will be a sweats bag check at the start, where you can drop off your last minute warm clothes and the bag is waiting for you at the finish.

Race seems to be getting closer now!  Past the midway point in my Hal Higdon plan and will be venturing into unknown territory/distance next week!

And finally, does anyone know what previous race times (specifically previous 13.1 times) are needed to get into the first corral?

There will be a bag drop-off, this will happen before you head to the corral (of course). You will be standing around in corral for a while and it can be a little cold waiting. I always have inexpensive (toss away) clothes on until the gun. all the clothes are collected and given to local charities. Some folks use large trash bags - these don't do it for me.

If you are under 2 hours you will be in one of the first 2 corrals...

2011-11-03 10:24 AM
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Subject: RE: Walt Disney World Marathon : Official Thread

Can anyone clear up whether or not we receive a free day pass for finishing?  I've read somewhere, but can't confirm, that part of our finisher's swag is a park pass good for either that day or another.  I'm trying to figure out and purchase the park tickets we'll need and want to confirm that.

I'll call Disney as well, but it seems I can't count on getting someone 100% knowledgeable on the phone.

2011-11-03 8:15 PM
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Subject: RE: Walt Disney World Marathon : Official Thread
Climbinggonzo - 2011-11-03 11:24 AM

Can anyone clear up whether or not we receive a free day pass for finishing?  I've read somewhere, but can't confirm, that part of our finisher's swag is a park pass good for either that day or another.  I'm trying to figure out and purchase the park tickets we'll need and want to confirm that.

I'll call Disney as well, but it seems I can't count on getting someone 100% knowledgeable on the phone.

 

Not this year! They had marathon monday last year where if you ran the marathon you get into a single park monday for free. I thought it was a good idea for them as I ended up staying an extra day at the parks, bringing other people who paid, along with dined. But it will not happen this year  

I think they just get enough people without offering it. Although it is still open for registration and I think later than last year maybe?

More money to be spent.



2011-11-04 8:03 AM
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Subject: RE: Walt Disney World Marathon : Official Thread
Here is the official guide. 
2011-11-04 12:20 PM
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Subject: RE: Walt Disney World Marathon : Official Thread

I finally got through on the phone to one of the WDW Marathon people who said they are not offering the free park admission this year.  Bummer, that would have been nice.

The funny thing is, I almost got the impression from the phone rep that I ought to be grateful to them for the opportunity to spend my money there, and I shouldn't expect any discounts or deals.

2011-11-04 2:04 PM
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Subject: RE: Walt Disney World Marathon : Official Thread
Climbinggonzo - 2011-11-04 1:20 PM

I finally got through on the phone to one of the WDW Marathon people who said they are not offering the free park admission this year.  Bummer, that would have been nice.

The funny thing is, I almost got the impression from the phone rep that I ought to be grateful to them for the opportunity to spend my money there, and I shouldn't expect any discounts or deals.

 

I love running Disney (Marathon twice now), and am hoping to make it to the start line this year (been injured but trying to recover in time).  The golden rule is that at Disney, you can have anything you want, as long as you are willing to pay extra for it.  Compared with other races, this seems in poor taste.  But the reality is that they are a business, this is a business venture for them, and frankly - I find the race so enjoyable I don't mind the extras.

Last time I ran, I paid for the VIP package, which was the tent and johns beforehand, with special seating for my wife and son to watch me finish.  It is just the nature of this race.  It costs a lot $$, but you are buying an experience not found in other races.

I'm on the fence of doing the VIP again this year just because I'm not positive I'll make it to the starting line.

You could always just run really slowly and then hit a few rides during the race...

2011-11-04 7:07 PM
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Subject: RE: Walt Disney World Marathon : Official Thread
Climbinggonzo - 2011-11-04 10:20 AM

I finally got through on the phone to one of the WDW Marathon people who said they are not offering the free park admission this year.  Bummer, that would have been nice.

The funny thing is, I almost got the impression from the phone rep that I ought to be grateful to them for the opportunity to spend my money there, and I shouldn't expect any discounts or deals.

That is a bummer, especially when that was a big selling point at their booth when we were at one of their marathon expo booths.  Oh well, looks like I will have to get a 3 day park hopper instead of the 2 day!  Love Disney, it's expensive, but it's true that once you get there all perception of money seems to disappear.  Crazy.  Hope everyone's training is going well! 



Edited by kt65 2011-11-04 7:16 PM
2011-11-07 1:58 PM
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Subject: RE: Walt Disney World Marathon : Official Thread
kt65 - 2011-11-04 8:07 PM
Climbinggonzo - 2011-11-04 10:20 AM

I finally got through on the phone to one of the WDW Marathon people who said they are not offering the free park admission this year.  Bummer, that would have been nice.

The funny thing is, I almost got the impression from the phone rep that I ought to be grateful to them for the opportunity to spend my money there, and I shouldn't expect any discounts or deals.

That is a bummer, especially when that was a big selling point at their booth when we were at one of their marathon expo booths.  Oh well, looks like I will have to get a 3 day park hopper instead of the 2 day!  Love Disney, it's expensive, but it's true that once you get there all perception of money seems to disappear.  Crazy.  Hope everyone's training is going well! 

When I ran the Donald half in 2007, no free or discounted entry came with the registration.  

FWIW, it is much cheaper to do a single park per day than the park-hopper tickets.  It requires some planning so that you make food reservations at the park that has the parades in the evening (which my awesome DH does for the family), but we never found it limiting to stick with a single park per day.

Here is a good resource for planning your trip.

In addition to you guys and my work buddy, I met another friend at Savannah RNR Marathon this weekend who is doing the Goofy.  It will be like a big race reunion!



Edited by Mrs. brown_dog_us 2011-11-07 1:59 PM


2011-11-27 6:22 PM
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Subject: RE: Walt Disney World Marathon : Official Thread

This thing is getting closer!  Soon most of us will be heading out for our 18 and 20 milers!  Ouch...

Regarding pace groups, does anyone know where the pace groups line up within the corrals?  If I'm placed in a slower corral than the pace group I'd like to run with is it easy to get changed?  Not a big deal, something I'm sure I can figure out at the expo, just curious.  If it helps, I'm looking to run with the 4:30 pace group, or maybe a tiny bit faster but within range of them.

2011-11-29 5:05 PM
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Subject: RE: Walt Disney World Marathon : Official Thread

They will slot you in a corral based on the time you turned in when you registered.  I think they will allow you to submit a new race before hand, but I recall something about it being before the race expo.

 

I'm a little worried about what corral they will put me in for the half since I turned in a full time.  I'm sure they think about it a bit with the Goofy runners.  right?

2011-11-30 8:10 AM
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Subject: RE: Walt Disney World Marathon : Official Thread
brown_dog_us - 2011-11-29 6:05 PM

They will slot you in a corral based on the time you turned in when you registered.  I think they will allow you to submit a new race before hand, but I recall something about it being before the race expo.

 

I'm a little worried about what corral they will put me in for the half since I turned in a full time.  I'm sure they think about it a bit with the Goofy runners.  right?

A couple years ago I was able to get my corral changed at the expo. I had submitted my expected time well before hand and even had run the Disney mary the year before. But for whatever reason, they had me waaay in the back with the walkers (corral J or K or something crazy like that). They ended up slotting me in corral C.

2011-12-08 9:38 AM
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Subject: RE: Walt Disney World Marathon : Official Thread

Bib numbers are up today. #24298 for the Goofy.

 

2011-12-08 3:48 PM
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Subject: RE: Walt Disney World Marathon : Official Thread

Cool!

Here is the link.



2011-12-11 9:02 AM
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Subject: RE: Walt Disney World Marathon : Official Thread

It's getting closer.  Not sure how I feel about that...

 

Quick question; are the park tickets the same price if I buy them at my resort hotel vs. buying them ahead of time?

2011-12-20 2:17 PM
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Subject: RE: Walt Disney World Marathon : Official Thread
Climbinggonzo - 2011-11-04 12:20 PM

I finally got through on the phone to one of the WDW Marathon people who said they are not offering the free park admission this year.  Bummer, that would have been nice.

The funny thing is, I almost got the impression from the phone rep that I ought to be grateful to them for the opportunity to spend my money there, and I shouldn't expect any discounts or deals.



Interesting, cuz 2 of them told me we do get free entry on Monday if we wear our medals. I can't find anything in writing though.
2011-12-21 3:50 AM
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Subject: RE: Walt Disney World Marathon : Official Thread
Climbinggonzo - 2011-12-11 10:02 AM

It's getting closer.  Not sure how I feel about that...

 

Quick question; are the park tickets the same price if I buy them at my resort hotel vs. buying them ahead of time?

They won't be cheaper at the resort hotel.  If you are staying on the property, check online for the price and then call and try to add them to your reservation.  Tickets are generally cheaper if you bundle them with your reservation, and it might not be too late for that.

2011-12-21 8:05 AM
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Subject: RE: Walt Disney World Marathon : Official Thread
brown_dog_us - 2011-12-21 4:50 AM

Climbinggonzo - 2011-12-11 10:02 AM

It's getting closer.  Not sure how I feel about that...

 

Quick question; are the park tickets the same price if I buy them at my resort hotel vs. buying them ahead of time?

They won't be cheaper at the resort hotel.  If you are staying on the property, check online for the price and then call and try to add them to your reservation.  Tickets are generally cheaper if you bundle them with your reservation, and it might not be too late for that.



AAA has discount tickets, if you are a member it might be beneficial to check with them.

Some hotel discounts as well.

Edited by cdban66 2011-12-21 8:06 AM
2011-12-28 7:48 AM
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Subject: RE: Walt Disney World Marathon : Official Thread
dmauter - 2011-09-28 9:02 PM

I am not Goofy but I am in for the Marathon.  My first ever!


Me too! First!


2012-01-02 9:37 PM
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Subject: RE: Walt Disney World Marathon : Official Thread

Less than a week!  Or as I see it, only two more very short runs until race day.  Looking forward to a nice, early dinner at Portobello's in Downtown Disney on Saturday, then whatever sleep I can manage between nervousness and the 3:30 alarm clock.

Did everyone's training finish up as planned?  Mine fell apart at the end, but this is my first and my only goal is to finish (secondary is finish under 5 hours).  I think it's going to be a good day!

2012-01-05 9:03 PM
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Subject: RE: Walt Disney World Marathon : Official Thread
Training time is over.  Good luck to everyone on Sat and Sunday!  Looks like the weather will be perfect.
2012-01-06 2:47 PM
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Subject: RE: Walt Disney World Marathon : Official Thread
Good luck to everyone!I'll be in corral "B" with an IM Louisville visor.
2012-01-06 2:54 PM
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Subject: RE: Walt Disney World Marathon : Official Thread
I am in corral C both days - nightlife (electric yellow) Brooks tank with black/yellow shorts and white GU visor. 
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