Marathon Weekend 2024

[fatmanatee]

After a few very speedy sellouts with people missing out (particularly MW 2023 and DL 2024) I think everyone is on the same page about needing to be on top of things as soon as registration opens. People used to ask about how long they could wait before signing up and Id always say it’s best to know exactly what you want before registration day and to sign up on day one. You can’t count on being able to sign up a month later and depending on that twitter bot is a big risk, particularly as more people follow it.

Bib limitations could also still be an issue, I’d guess RD is following WDW’s lead on capacity.

 

[camaker]

Got the wife and myself registered for the marathon, however, not without issues! No matter what browser I used I could not click the payment button. Finally, I gave up on my work computer and completed the registration with no issues on my phone. I need to figure out if I have a browser setting that keeps me from being able to click pay. It also may have been because the laptop crashed and restarted while in cue and I used a recovered tab after it restarted. All that matters, we are in. Now to book our DVC room and buy annual passes.

I had the exact same issue and haven’t been able to figure it out, so if you come up with something, please post so I know what to change for next time.

I had an iPad in the queue counting down finally, but it would’ve been really close to the Dopey sell out point before it had let me through. I might not have gotten in if not for the queue link posting here that let me through on my phone. I think it’s @1GoldenSun that I owe a drink at DATW in January!

 

[jennysdcc]

Possibly an amateur question to this crowd but: When does Disney usually open up onsite hotels for next January? Thinking since I’ll be spending so much of the trip solo I’ll just go for a value resort instead of trying to do DVC for a few nights.

 

[Marathongirl30]

So….I always read about meet-ups before races (and after for celebrating!) How do I get in on that with my DH???? You guys are so much fun, I really want to hang out and talk running/Disney with y’all!!!

 

[nekonekoneko]

Possibly an amateur question to this crowd but: When does Disney usually open up onsite hotels for next January? Thinking since I’ll be spending so much of the trip solo I’ll just go for a value resort instead of trying to do DVC for a few nights.

Sometime in June or July. There will be plenty of warning online once Disney gives the details

 

[FFigawi]

The FOMO is real though. I get it. Iron Man runs through our town every year. When I am out on my lunch run, I see the Iron Man competitors training/working out. I tell myself I could do one and start the wheels rolling in my head. But then seeing the cost and really thinking about it, I usually talk myself out of it. LOL. One of these days I am just going to do it without thinking.

Do it! Lots of work but also lots of fun.

 

[Naomeri]

So….I always read about meet-ups before races (and after for celebrating!) How do I get in on that with my DH???? You guys are so much fun, I really want to hang out and talk running/Disney with y’all!!!

Just follow this thread and details will be posted closer to race weekend about where and when meetups are. Everyone is welcome, including your cheering section (aka non-runners)

 

[GreatLakes]

Got the wife and myself registered for the marathon, however, not without issues! No matter what browser I used I could not click the payment button. Finally, I gave up on my work computer and completed the registration with no issues on my phone. I need to figure out if I have a browser setting that keeps me from being able to click pay. It also may have been because the laptop crashed and restarted while in cue and I used a recovered tab after it restarted. All that matters, we are in. Now to book our DVC room and buy annual passes.

If it is a work computer my first thought was they are blocking something that isn't letting you pay, even accidentally.

 

[Tymeece]

Im so excited for my first Dopey Challenge! I’ve done the Marathon a couple times but I have the time off and signed up. I already booked a place with DVC points. It’s going to be the best week ever. I can’t wait!

 

[Disneyhanna]

As someone who has run the WDW marathon 2x as a 38 year old......birthdays are a massive driver to sign up for things. "Oh, but it's for my BIRTHDAY!" "Wouldn't it be fun to run _____ for my birthday?"



So I can commiserate with the whole "but my birthday" line of thinking.

The marathon falls on my actual birthday next year. This year it was the half, and I had a lot of fun running it with my birthday pin. I am looking forward even more to it being on the “big day” next year. Disney birthdays are the best, runDisney birthdays are even better! Soon enough I will have spent more birthdays at WDW than not

Question for anyone that added a bundle at registration. I could have sworn I added one of the Adult Weekend Jacket/Short Sleeve Tee Bundles to my registration but when I look at the receipt all I see is the race and the $218.99 charge with no mention of the bundle. I logged into my account and under "Your Products" it doesn't have anything at all. Can anyone confirm I should be seeing the bundle on my receipt and/or in "your products" before I accidentally buy a second.

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Knowing how Disney tech works it could be in limbo until some random future date and then I'll have two.

I am interested in an answer too. I could have SWORN I bought a Dumbo preorder package (after registration) but I do not see it in my account nor do I have an email. But I’m guilty of adding things to my shooing cart and never actually checking out. I’ll have to look through my gift card and credit card history one of these days.

 

[hurricanelucy]

RunDisney NEWBIE! I'm officially registered for my first runDisney events! (prior registration was the 2019 Star Wars rivals run- a no go due to Covid). I'm doing the Half and the 5K. I'm a first-time poster in this thread, and I have to say it looks like an amazing group! I'm so happy to see I'm not the only solo traveler and runner! (I have opened the invite to come along to my 2 college age kids, hoping at least one will come). I'm definitely open to any tips or strategies for race weekend! (Already a little nervous about getting up at 2:30am for the 5K, then having a day in the middle, then doing it again for the half...but it CAN be done, right? lol).

Also going to shoot for 2024 Princess, 2024 W&D, then the big bucket list goal is 2025 Dopey- a month before my 50th! I sure hope my legs can handle it!

(...now I just need to get that AP....)

I was a first-time poster yesterday too and this will be my first runDisney event! I found my way here looking for tips and so glad I did! I'm super nervous! I signed up for the Marathon as that is what was left and it'll only be my second marathon as I'm running my first 13 weeks before MW! I'm hoping one of my friends comes along too - my DH is in a play so he's out... if not I'm sure I'll meet people and make new friends! Looks like there's a lot of solo travellers here!

 

[kristenabelle]

IIRC, adding merch was a wonky process for both W&D/DLH, and I assume MW -- you had to select what you wanted, and then press another button to actually add the merch to a cart, which updated the total and showed on the final screen. I wish I remember the buttons more specifically, but I remember going through the process for CRD, thinking I purchased things that weren't appearing in my final tally until I took the last step.

 

[jennysdcc]

We’re looking at renting some points for a savannah room at Kidani - Anyone have experience with taking the bus from Kidani/Jambo to the races? After Princess 2022 I’m a little paranoid about bus services with multiple stops LOL

 

[Grabnar]

We’re looking at renting some points for a savannah room at Kidani - Anyone have experience with taking the bus from Kidani/Jambo to the races? After Princess 2022 I’m a little paranoid about bus services with multiple stops LOL

I almost did this but wasn't sure about the buses so I rented at the poly so the monorail would be an option too. Would love to hear others thoughts, though

 

[DopeyRunner486]

We’re looking at renting some points for a savannah room at Kidani - Anyone have experience with taking the bus from Kidani/Jambo to the races? After Princess 2022 I’m a little paranoid about bus services with multiple stops LOL

I stayed at Jambo for Marathon Weekend 2023. There is one bus that shares between Kidani and Jambo. I didn't have any issue with buses there this year.

 

[WillRunForPizza]

Can you use a passholder discount on preorder merch? (I feel like this has come up before but I couldn't find it; sorry for the repetition.)

 

[jrsharp21]

We’re looking at renting some points for a savannah room at Kidani - Anyone have experience with taking the bus from Kidani/Jambo to the races? After Princess 2022 I’m a little paranoid about bus services with multiple stops LOL

We stayed at Kidani this year for MW. Of course our room was in the very back of the resort. There were a few other runners back there also. It was funny bumping into them making the walk back and forth to the lobby. It was a slow walk. LOL.

While it was a really nice resort and having the animals outside our window was awesome, the distance between the lobby and our room was a killer. Also, I missed having a true food court as an option. We drove over to Jambo a couple of times to hit the quick service food place by the pool. After the marathon, I decided to go back to my room late afternoon. I had zero desire to drive back over to Jambo again and make that walk through to the restaurant. I ended up buying frozen burritos from the lobby gift shop and cooking them in the microwave in my room. LOL. I think for 2024 we are going to try for Port Orleans Riverside again. It worked out so well in 2022. Close to Epcot and good food court.

 

[DopeyRunner486]

Can you use a passholder discount on preorder merch? (I feel like this has come up before but I couldn't find it; sorry for the repetition.)

So... No. You cannot when ordering. For Princess this was a big issue. In the preorder announcement it said they would retroactively apply the discount. Nobody was able to actually get that to work at the expo. I don't believe they have since included that wording.

 

[DopeyRunner486]

We stayed at Kidani this year for MW. Of course our room was in the very back of the resort. There were a few other runners back there also. It was funny bumping into them making the walk back and forth to the lobby. It was a slow walk. LOL.

While it was a really nice resort and having the animals outside our window was awesome, the distance between the lobby and our room was a killer. Also, I missed having a true food court as an option. We drove over to Jambo a couple of times to hit the quick service food place by the pool. After the marathon, I decided to go back to my room late afternoon. I had zero desire to drive back over to Jambo again and make that walk through to the restaurant. I ended up buying frozen burritos from the lobby gift shop and cooking them in the microwave in my room. LOL. I think for 2024 we are going to try for Port Orleans Riverside again. It worked out so well in 2022. Close to Epcot and good food court.

Who needs a food court when you have Sanaa in walking distance from your room lol.

 

[Dopey 2020]

We’re looking at renting some points for a savannah room at Kidani - Anyone have experience with taking the bus from Kidani/Jambo to the races? After Princess 2022 I’m a little paranoid about bus services with multiple stops LOL

AKL is my favorite for race weekends. Excellent buses every time I’ve been there. To the races, the buses were dedicated to either Kidani or Jambo unless one needed help moving people, after they shared stops. Now that I drive I’ve found it to be less affected by road closures. Drove all four days this past MW without issue. Plus the food options…
This coming MW will be my fist at copper creek. Love the resort, we’ll find out if I like driving to the race or not