The Spark Notes of Anais' Disney Marathon Weekend Tips
Making Hotel Arrangements
- Stay at a Disney Resort and book early
- Make all Disney dining reservations as soon as possible. I highly recommend the Disney Dining plan.
- If flying, pack race day items in a carry on bag. Pack an empty reusable water bottle in your carry on bag.
- Arrive in Orlando 2 days before your race. This will ensure that you settle in and relax prior to race day.
- Go to the Disney Marathon Expo and explore!
- Do a light run/walk the afternoon before your race. Disney resorts have great jogging/walking trails and gives you the opportunity to explore your resort.
- Bring a camera with you on race day (make sure its charged)
- Discuss spectator cheer spots with family during dinner the day before the race. Arrange meeting locations ahead of time.
- Proudly wear your medal every single day you're in Disney. Make sure to take lots of pictures sporting your new bling.
- Enjoy yourself and celebrate your accomplishment!
For those who want a more in depth guide to Disney Marathon Weekend continue reading:
Making Hotel Arrangements
The August before the race (in this case, August 2011) Disney releases travel packages for race weekend. This package usually offers a discounted rate for Disney Resorts race weekend. I would recommend that you book as early as possible at the resort of your choice. I'm a big fan of the Pop Century (Value), Port Orleans Riverside (Moderate) and the Boardwalk (Deluxe). During race weekend there is transportation to and from the expo for race participants and family members. There is also special transportation for the day of the race. I'm a big advocate of staying on property because it makes things so much easier for race day.
When considering the length of your Disney vacation, I would recommend sitting down with your family and considering your options. I would recommend getting there Thursday or Friday the latest. Prior to the races I would recommend taking things easy. Enjoy the expo, pick up your race packet, go see a movie in Downtown Disney, or play mini golf at Fantasia Gardens. Try not to spend the days prior to the race at the Disney parks, you want to give your body rest. I would stay 2 or 3 days after your race (whether you're doing the half, full or the goofy). That way you can wear your medals and enjoy the "Congratulation" comments. Speaking from personal experience, it's great. Running a race is a great accomplishment and you should celebrate it!
When booking your resort, consider making dining reservations. If you plan on making reservations at any of the big restaurants, such as Chef Mickey's, Ohana, the Crystal Palace, etc. I would recommend that you make them ASAP. Another great Disney program is the Disney Dining plan. My boyfriend, his little man, and I tried the Disney Dining plan during our last trip and it was well worth it. For those who don't think they'll get their money's worth, you will. I'm not one to eat 3 full meals in one day, but during race weekends I am. We tried the Disney Dining plan on our first trip together (the three of us). We only stayed one night and the Dining Plan allowed for 2 table service meals, 1 sit down meal and one snack for each day of your trip. Trust me, its alot of food (and the little one was able to get his Mickey Ice Cream pop) and well worth it.
For more information about resort reservations click here.
When booking your resort, consider making dining reservations. If you plan on making reservations at any of the big restaurants, such as Chef Mickey's, Ohana, the Crystal Palace, etc. I would recommend that you make them ASAP. Another great Disney program is the Disney Dining plan. My boyfriend, his little man, and I tried the Disney Dining plan during our last trip and it was well worth it. For those who don't think they'll get their money's worth, you will. I'm not one to eat 3 full meals in one day, but during race weekends I am. We tried the Disney Dining plan on our first trip together (the three of us). We only stayed one night and the Dining Plan allowed for 2 table service meals, 1 sit down meal and one snack for each day of your trip. Trust me, its alot of food (and the little one was able to get his Mickey Ice Cream pop) and well worth it.
For more information about resort reservations click here.
Packing List
Everyone has their own method of packing for long trips. I'm a little OCD (maybe I'm very OCD) when it comes to packing. I pack by day and outfit and I make a list that I stick to. Below find some suggestions for packing for a Disney Race weekend or week:
Run specific items:
- Running Sneakers (pack in carry on)
- Running Socks (enough pairs for race day(s) and for pre-race walk/run sessions)
- Race day shirts/tank (for Marathon weekend you may want to pack for heat and slightly chilly weather)
- Race day shorts/ skirts/ tights (for Marathon weekend you may want to pack for heat and slightly chilly weather)
- Training attire for non race day runs
- Sports bra
- Race undergarments
- Braces (if needed)
- Compression socks
- Compression items (if needed)
- Hair ties/ Hair bands
- Hat
- Rain Jacket/ Wind breaker
- Clothing you are willing to part with (most runners layer up on race day and shed clothing along the route)
- Cheap gloves
- Body glide
- Running food (jelly beans, cliff bars, gu, etc.)
- Hydration/ Fuel Belt or Race Belt
- Garmin Watch and Charger or Nike Plus items
- Road ID
- Ipod and charger
- Paperwork needed for check-in and packet pick-up
- Towel (small sweat one to pack in your race day bag)
- Pain relievers and Icy Hot
- Medical Tape
- Deodorant (to pack in race day bag)
- Vitamins
- Electrolyte Tablets
- Sunblock
- Chapstick (pack in fuel belt or race belt- this is a must)
- Baby Wipes
- Crocs or comfy shoes to slip into after the race
- Camera and Charger
Getting to Disney (Out of State Travelers)
Having traveled to Marathon weekend from Maryland, I would recommend arriving to Orlando on Thursday or Friday morning (Thursday morning if completing the Half Marathon or Goofy Challenge). Arriving to Disney early ensures that you can pick-up your race package on Friday afternoon at the latest. Also, it helps work out any kinks from flying.
Make sure to bring an empty water bottle or buy one before you board. You want to stay hydrated.
Make sure to bring an empty water bottle or buy one before you board. You want to stay hydrated.
Make sure to pack any race day essentials in a carry-on. Chances are you're already nervous about the race and the last thing you want to worry about is loosing your luggage (and perfectly broken in running sneakers). Things to pack in your carry on may include: race day clothing and sneakers. The Disney expo is amazing, so if you forget socks, fuel belts, caps, etc you can pick them up there.
If flying, make sure to use Disney's Magical Express bus. There is no need to drive once you're on Disney property (unless you plan on visiting outside areas, such as Universal). Disney's Magical Express is fabulous. Plus, once you're on the bus you instantly feel likes you're in the most magical place in the world.
Getting to Disney (In- State Travelers)
If driving to Disney you want to make sure you're there at least a full-day before your race. You want to make sure that you're not sore from the car ride and you're going to want to pick up your race packet and enjoy the expo.
Make sure to bring your water bottle with you and keep hydrated through out your trip.
Packet Pick-up/ Expo
Disney's Marathon Expo is amazing! Make sure to bring your credit card or cash with you. They have all sorts of vendors and samples. You're going to want to get to the expo on Thursday or Friday so that you can browse the merchandise and enjoy the morning or afternoon there.
If you are interested in getting any Disney Race items (licensed through Disney) make sure to pick them up early. The really cute stuff tends to sell out early.
There are also lectures that go on during the expo. Make sure to look through the brochure and look for any lectures you're interested in attending.
If you are interested in getting any Disney Race items (licensed through Disney) make sure to pick them up early. The really cute stuff tends to sell out early.
There are also lectures that go on during the expo. Make sure to look through the brochure and look for any lectures you're interested in attending.
Day/Night Before the Race
By this time you have picked up your race packet and are excited for the race. Some like to take a brisk walk or light jog around the resort. Others like to spend the morning in a Disney park. Just make sure to take it easy. Enjoy the day but don't overdo it. Make sure to bring your water bottle everywhere and drink lots of water. Stay away from cold medication as they dehydrate you (trust me, personal experience).
Prior to Dinner or during dinner, take this time to discuss race strategies with friends and family who are cheering you on. This may include pre-race, during race, and post-race meet-ups. Make sure that spectators have a camera and know what pace you're expecting to keep.
Dinner plans- Disney has great restaurants and some are better than others for a pre-race meal. Just because you're running a race means that you should consume enough food to feed a small village. Eat a regular meal that isn't too greasy or fried. All the resorts have great food areas. I'm a big fan of the Caribbean Beach's food court and the Coronado Springs restaurant. Make sure to eat an early dinner as you're in for an early night and morning. On my way back from dinner I like to stop at the closest pastry store/counter and pick up a wheat bagel, peanut butter, and a banana. This ensures that I get a healthy breakfast at 4 am :)
Most people have their own "rituals" before race day. Mine includes syncing and charging my ipod, putting my race bib on my fuel or race belt, adhering my race chip to my shoe, laying out my outfit, making sure I have a water bottle in the fridge and packing my race bag with any snacks I may want after the race. I also make sure that I have my jelly beans and Cliff Blocks in my fuel belt.
Make sure to set up several alarms. I set up my phone alarm, the room's alarm and request a wake up call. Double check where Disney transportation for the race is at your resort the night before. You HAVE TO BE on a Disney bus en route to the race by 4 am!
Disney races have notoriously early start times. During the 2011 Princess Half Marathon, my boyfriend and I were up at 3 am (yes, you read that right) to make sure we were out of the room and on the road by 3:30 am. We were in bed by 9 pm the night before. Since its such an early time, make sure to have everything laid out and ready so that the morning of the race goes as smoothly as possible.
If you want to take pictures during the race (Disney is a fun race with lots of characters and entertainment on the race route), make sure to have your camera charged and stored the night before. You may also want to have sunscreen near the bathroom sink so as you get ready in the morning you can apply sunscreen before you get dressed. The temperatures may vary in Florida in January but the Florida sun is usually beaming.
Day of the Race
At this point, its about 3:00 in the morning. You're probably grumpy because no person should ever be waking up at this time. Some like to shower in the morning, others do not. I recommend doing what works best for you. Make sure to brush your teeth, put on lots of sunscreen, and do something with your hair (even if its just throwing on a cap because you want to look good in pictures). Throw on your race day clothing and depending on the weather, you may want to layer up. Lather on whatever anti-chafing cream you're using. If you're wearing a tank top, sports bra, or short sleeved shirt you may want to apply some where your arms and sides meet (Yes, has happened to me and is extremely uncomfortable and painful).
You may want to double check that you have all the important items on your list before you leave. Make sure to bring your breakfast and water bottle. I would recommend bringing an old blanket to wrap up in and sit on while waiting for the race to start. You can just donate the blanket before starting.
Make sure to be on Disney Transportation en route to Epcot by 4 am.
Once you arrive at Epcot you'll be doing alot of "hurrying up and waiting." The hike from the entrance to the starting line is about 20-30 minutes. Be mentally prepared to do that walk before the race. Once you get to your corral, be prepared for the great energy. If you have your camera with you, use it. Begin capturing the memories as soon as you get onto that bus.
Depending on your personal goal for the race you may want to breeze through the character picture opportunities or may want to stop at each. If you want to capture those images with special Disney characters, make sure to have your camera handy. Some people make a personal rule that they won't wait in a line that is longer than 5 people to take a picture, and others don't mind the wait. At the end of the day you have to do what works best for you.
Depending on your personal goal for the race you may want to breeze through the character picture opportunities or may want to stop at each. If you want to capture those images with special Disney characters, make sure to have your camera handy. Some people make a personal rule that they won't wait in a line that is longer than 5 people to take a picture, and others don't mind the wait. At the end of the day you have to do what works best for you.
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