Dopey 2015 Official Thread

[runningjusme]

i'm in -- i hope.

i just booked Pop last night - Monday to Monday (7 nights) was just over $800... i'm adding a room for just me on Friday and Saturday nights so i can go to bed when i want and wont wake the family when i get up for the half and full and those 2 nights were just over 250 i think -- maybe 280?? but it'll be worth it! i'm excited to continue training. i started training for the Princess Half in October and haven't stopped yet. i've signed up for several (6) half marathons between the Princess Half and Dopey, so i'm hoping to stay relatively prepared and in shape.. and hey, if i can drop my last 15-20 lbs that would be a wonderful bonus!!

 

[ANIM8R]

Also how many are doing the Runner's World $500 package and/or the $200 VIP add-on? This is going to be a one-and-done thing, not planning to do it again, so wondering if the extra $200/$500/$700 is worth it.

By "VIP", do you mean the retreat?

Personally, I love the retreat on Marathon day. I get the Cheer Squad package for my wife and the retreat for me.

To me, it's worth it pre-race: calm, relaxing, not too crowded, food, water, and minimal bathroom lines.

After the race it's an easy place to get food, meet up with my wife, change clothes, get more food, get out of the sun, and get even more food.

I can see why others don't agree but as long as I can afford it, I'm getting it.

 

[Ariel484]

By "VIP", do you mean the retreat?

Personally, I love the retreat on Marathon day. I get the Cheer Squad package for my wife and the retreat for me.

To me, it's worth it pre-race: calm, relaxing, not too crowded, food, water, and minimal bathroom lines.

After the race it's an easy place to get food, meet up with my wife, change clothes, get more food, get out of the sun, and get even more food.

I can see why others don't agree but as long as I can afford it, I'm getting it.

No, it's this (info hasn't been updated for 2015 yet so the prices/benefits may change):

Runner's World Challenge
The Runner's World Challenge program comes to the Walt Disney World® Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna®, January 9-12, 2014. This offers runners the best of both worlds with a race experience unlike any other and customized training plans, connections with Runner's World experts/editors. Runner's World is challenging you to run your best half or full marathon ever with the Runner's World Challenge. The RW Challenge is an exclusive opportunity to be coached by RW editors, get advice from RW experts on training, nutrition and injury prevention, and be treated like a VIP during race weekend at the place where race dreams come true.

Registration for Runner's World Challenge is now Sold Out!
Half Marathon
Marathon
Goofy's Race and a Half Challange
Dopey Challenge

Runner's World Challenge participants will receive:*
- Entry and preferred corral placement to the Walt Disney World® Marathon, Half Marathon, Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge or all new Dopey Challenge (5K, 10k, Half and Marathon)
- A membership in a 16-week training plan designed by The Runner's World Experts, and Chief Running Officer Bart Yasso, who has coached hundreds of elites, celebs, and everyday runners (celebrity/VIP appearances subject to change or cancellation without notice)**
- Weekly e-mails from Bart with guidance on training, nutrition, injury prevention, and motivation
- One year of access to the Runner's World Challenge experts on nutrition, training, and injury-prevention
- Access to a private Runner's World Challenge web site, where you connect with other runners training for the race
- A copy of The Runner's World Complete Book of Running
- A Runner's World Challenge tech shirt in time for your training to start
- A four-month premium membership to Runner's World Personal Trainer, our interactive training log
- Private packet pick-up for Runner's World Challenge participants at the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo
- Pre-race course strategy session with the Runner's World experts and editors (on the afternoon of January 10, 2014)
- Entry to the Pasta in the Park Party on Saturday night at Epcot® where the Runner's World VIPs & editors will be in attendance (party includes buffet pasta dinner, live DJ, Disney characters and viewing of the fireworks spectacular Illuminations: Reflections of Earth at Epcot®)
- Exclusive pre-race walkout to corrals for Runner's World Challenge participants.
- Entry to the Race Retreat on Saturday or Sunday depending on race registration
- Pre-race amenities include hot and cold beverages with fruit and bagels, dedicated stretching area, and private portalets & bag check
- Post-race amenities include a nutritious buffet, massage, private portalet & bag pick up, and live results
- Dopey Challenge participants will also receive entry into the Walt Disney World® Marathon Weekend Breakfast in the Family Reunion Area after the 5K and 10K
- VIP access to Post-race celebration on Sunday night at the Cool Down at Downtown Disney® Area

Runner's World Challenge Registration Package Fees
Walt Disney World® Marathon - $479.00
Walt Disney World® Half Marathon - $479.00
Goofy's Race & a Half Challenge - $749.00
Dopey Challenge - $999.00

For me personally, it would be paying for a few things I don't want or need - namely the race retreat (although private bathrooms would be lovely), the pasta party, a training plan (plenty of stuff for free online), the weekly emails, the Runner's World website access and book, the post-race breakfast...private bib pick-up would be nice though.

At the risk of starting a flame war, I HATE that this program includes preferred corral placement. Disney is finally starting to crack down on corralling, and yet people can still buy better spots through this program. Not good.

 

[GatorDeb]

What is DATW?

Here's the two items offered. Here's where I'm torn whether on one, both, or neither.

It's a lot of money for the experience, I keep going back and forth.

$500:

Runner's World Challenge
The Runner's World Challenge program comes to the Walt Disney World® Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna®, January 9-12, 2014. This offers runners the best of both worlds with a race experience unlike any other and customized training plans, connections with Runner's World experts/editors. Runner's World is challenging you to run your best half or full marathon ever with the Runner's World Challenge. The RW Challenge is an exclusive opportunity to be coached by RW editors, get advice from RW experts on training, nutrition and injury prevention, and be treated like a VIP during race weekend at the place where race dreams come true.

Registration for Runner's World Challenge is now Sold Out!
Half Marathon
Marathon
Goofy's Race and a Half Challange
Dopey Challenge

Runner's World Challenge participants will receive:*
Entry and preferred corral placement to the Walt Disney World® Marathon, Half Marathon, Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge or all new Dopey Challenge (5K, 10k, Half and Marathon)
A membership in a 16-week training plan designed by The Runner's World Experts, and Chief Running Officer Bart Yasso, who has coached hundreds of elites, celebs, and everyday runners (celebrity/VIP appearances subject to change or cancellation without notice)**
Weekly e-mails from Bart with guidance on training, nutrition, injury prevention, and motivation
One year of access to the Runner's World Challenge experts on nutrition, training, and injury-prevention
Access to a private Runner's World Challenge web site, where you connect with other runners training for the race
A copy of The Runner's World Complete Book of Running
A Runner's World Challenge tech shirt in time for your training to start
A four-month premium membership to Runner's World Personal Trainer, our interactive training log
Private packet pick-up for Runner's World Challenge participants at the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo
Pre-race course strategy session with the Runner's World experts and editors (on the afternoon of January 10, 2014)
Entry to the Pasta in the Park Party on Saturday night at Epcot® where the Runner's World VIPs & editors will be in attendance (party includes buffet pasta dinner, live DJ, Disney characters and viewing of the fireworks spectacular Illuminations: Reflections of Earth at Epcot®)
Exclusive pre-race walkout to corrals for Runner's World Challenge participants.
Entry to the Race Retreat on Saturday or Sunday depending on race registration
Pre-race amenities include hot and cold beverages with fruit and bagels, dedicated stretching area, and private portalets & bag check
Post-race amenities include a nutritious buffet, massage, private portalet & bag pick up, and live results
Dopey Challenge participants will also receive entry into the Walt Disney World® Marathon Weekend Breakfast in the Family Reunion Area after the 5K and 10K
VIP access to Post-race celebration on Sunday night at the Cool Down at Downtown Disney® Area

Runner's World Challenge Registration Package Fees
Walt Disney World® Marathon - $479.00
Walt Disney World® Half Marathon - $479.00
Goofy's Race & a Half Challenge - $749.00
Dopey Challenge - $999.00

*Registration subject to availability. Dates, times, and prices subject to change. All races and corral placement are subject to eligibility requirements and capacity limits. Registration fees are nonrefundable. Runners who've already purchased entry to the Marathon, Half Marathon or Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge will have their registration fee refunded if they purchase a Runner's World Challenge package. Advance reservations required. All events and event elements (including but not limited to Pasta in the Park Party, the Cool Down at Downtown Disney® Area), including but not limited to location, menus, attractions and entertainment are subject to availability, and may change or be canceled without notice.

**Runner's World Challenge membership is subject to the Runner's World Challenge Terms and Conditions at , and is nonrefundable. Runner's World reserves the right to substitute a product of equal or greater value. Please allow four to eight weeks for delivery of the tech shirt.





And $200:

Enjoy the magic even more with a VIP Race Retreat Package!

Want to add even more magic to your race experience? It's easy with a VIP Race Retreat Package! Race Retreat is a great way for runners to prepare for their race, get pampered, and reunite with friends and family once the race is over.

Race Retreat Package Features

Pre-Race Amenities
Pre-race bagels and fruit, plus coffee, water and PowerAde
Temperature-controlled tent with lounges
Private restrooms and bag check
Padded stretching area
Disney character Meet & Greets
Self-treatment and First Aid station
Breakfast (Half)
Brunch (Full)

Post-Race Amenities
Internet access to check live results
Brunch with hot and cold beverages
Changing tents
Self-treatment and First Aid station
10-minute massage for only $10 (based on availability)
Designated location to meet friends and family to celebrate your accomplishment!*
Disney character Meet & Greets

Other Amenities:
Walt Disney World® Marathon Weekend commemorative giveaway items
Disney Character meet & greets
Live video feed from the Finish Line
Information Station

Race Retreat Pricing
Walt Disney World® Marathon - $120
Walt Disney World® Half Marathon - $120
Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge or Dopey Challenge - $200

*Race Retreat will open to friends and family beginning at 5:30 a.m. Each Guest or spectator in your party must purchase a Platinum Level ChEAR Squad Package separately to gain access to Race Retreat. ChEAR Squad Packages are subject to availability and we recommend purchasing pre-arrival via the ChEAR Squad tab. Children 3 and under do not need to purchase a ChEAR Squad package.

Packages are subject to capacity limits and can close at any time before the percentage can be updated. Brunch and pre-race menu items are subject to change without notice. Packages are priced per person and subject to availability and capacity limits. Offer subject to availability and registration is required. Restrictions apply. Offer may be withdrawn and modified at any time without notice. Serving times to be determined.

 

[FFigawi]

What is DATW?

Drinking Around the World at Epcot. It's the best way to celebrate the end of marathon weekend. Om Monday morning, we meet at Canada and proceed around the World Showcase to Mexico, having a drink in each country along the way. 11 countries and drinks in all, I think. Disney even sells shirts to help you keep track as you go, where there's a box next to each country's name for you to check off with a Sharpie.

 

[jeanigor]

No, it's this (info hasn't been updated for 2015 yet so the prices/benefits may change):

For me personally, it would be paying for a few things I don't want or need - namely the race retreat (although private bathrooms would be lovely), the pasta party, a training plan (plenty of stuff for free online), the weekly emails, the Runner's World website access and book, the post-race breakfast...private bib pick-up would be nice though.

At the risk of starting a flame war, I HATE that this program includes preferred corral placement. Disney is finally starting to crack down on corralling, and yet people can still buy better spots through this program. Not good.

I had the chance to run the Dopey as part of the Runner's World Challenge as I have a wonderful friend who offered to pay the difference between standard Dopey and the RWC Dopey to ensure I got a spot and had a fabulous Marathon Week. Were all the extras necessary? No. Were they nice, yes. And to be clear, 'preferred corral placement' (which may be disappearing as of this year) no longer means corral A or B, it meant a bump of two corrals. I went from J to H, so I started a whole 4 minutes earlier than my submitted time would have had me start. If someone feels the need to pay that much extra money just for four minutes, more power to them.

I do plan on signing up for a second round of the Dopey Challenge...even though I probably won't have the same gift of RWC that I did this year.

 

[Ariel484]

I had the chance to run the Dopey as part of the Runner's World Challenge as I have a wonderful friend who offered to pay the difference between standard Dopey and the RWC Dopey to ensure I got a spot and had a fabulous Marathon Week. Were all the extras necessary? No. Were they nice, yes. And to be clear, 'preferred corral placement' (which may be disappearing as of this year) no longer means corral A or B, it meant a bump of two corrals. I went from J to H, so I started a whole 4 minutes earlier than my submitted time would have had me start. If someone feels the need to pay that much extra money just for four minutes, more power to them.

I do plan on signing up for a second round of the Dopey Challenge...even though I probably won't have the same gift of RWC that I did this year.

What an awesome friend! How generous!

I'm certainly not knocking anyone for signing up for this program, it's just not for me. I hope you're right that they do away with the corralling stuff. You're right though, 4 extra minutes doesn't seem like a big thing. I think it bothered me more with the old corral system where people automatically were placed in B.

How did you like the training support?

 

[jeanigor]

What an awesome friend! How generous!

I'm certainly not knocking anyone for signing up for this program, it's just not for me. I hope you're right that they do away with the corralling stuff. You're right though, 4 extra minutes doesn't seem like a big thing. I think it bothered me more with the old corral system where people automatically were placed in B.

How did you like the training support?

Automatic B placement was rather absurd.


The training support was okay. I have found that there was just as much helpful information here on the WISH boards, though.

 

[GatorDeb]

What does the VIP retreat really give you that the Runner's World training program doesn't?

Yeah, it's $700, but in the grand schemes of things, never doing it again (because of the total cost), still thinking about it.


Anyone do it as their third marathon or did you have a few more under your belt? I know some do it as their first.

 

[xCourxCorex]

What does the VIP retreat really give you that the Runner's World training program doesn't? Yeah, it's $700, but in the grand schemes of things, never doing it again (because of the total cost), still thinking about it. Anyone do it as their third marathon or did you have a few more under your belt? I know some do it as their first.

The race retreat? That's the separate tent area you can use pre and/or post race .. Covered, so if it's raining you don't have to stand outside, there's food, separate bathroom facilities.
I believe you get entry to the race retreat with the runners world challenge but maybe only for one race?

 

[jeanigor]

The race retreat? That's the separate tent area you can use pre and/or post race .. Covered, so if it's raining you don't have to stand outside, there's food, separate bathroom facilities.
I believe you get entry to the race retreat with the runners world challenge but maybe only for one race?

It depends what you enter with RW. If it is for the marathon, then you get entry for the morning & after the marathon. If you do the RW Goofy or Dopey, then you get the race retreat both mornings and post race.

There are also character meet and greets. This year was Mike, Sully, Boo, and two monsters from Monsters University.

Race retreat also offers private bag check inside the tent and a med station and additional massage folks.

 

[bellrae]

I'm really keen to do this in 2015!

I have never done a full before, and was really worried about my ability to do it, but then I looked at the pacing requirement and realised I could walk the pacing requirement if worse came to worse - so it looks like I am in!

Going to need to start to step up the training!

Eeek!

 

[jeanigor]

Per the Runner's World Challenge section of the runDisney site, there will be no preferred placement of any sort with purchase of the Runner's World packet.

•Exclusive pre-race walkout to corrals for Runner's World Challenge participants.
o Corral placement will be determined based on proof of time

 

[matthew schmidt111]

OK, so now that we have an official confirmation and a price point, who else is in? 4/16 registration for DVC/AP, 4/22 for general public.

I'm very excited about the Dopey challenge.. I see that DVC members can sign up early. How do you do this? I don't see anything on the DVC website. Do you need to call customer service?? Do we get any discounts... I have my okw room for that week... thank you for your assistance...

 

[mickeycoffee]

You will probably receive an email or they will likely post a link on the member site after you log in.

I'm very excited about the Dopey challenge.. I see that DVC members can sign up early. How do you do this? I don't see anything on the DVC website. Do you need to call customer service?? Do we get any discounts... I have my okw room for that week... thank you for your assistance...

 

[KatieNIU]

I'm signing up for Dopey!!

This year I did Goofy. I was torn between doing that race or Dopey but since I was taking my two little cousins who have never been to Disney I wanted to make sure I wasn't to worn out for them. Thinking back I could have done Dopey and the parks and would have been fine.

As soon as I finished the marathon this year I knew I wanted to come back and run Dopey. We are planning on bringing my cousins again and doing the whole Disney experience and I have a few friends that will be running Dopey with me.

For me the worst part of running Goofy was getting up super early two days in a row. I took both races pretty easy so I was never sore ( i run an average of 4 marathons a year so I am pretty much always in marathon shape).

 

[GatorDeb]

•Access to the Race Retreat before and after the half-marathon and half-marathon
o Pre-race amenities include hot and cold beverages with fruit and bagels, dedicated stretching area, and private portalets & bag check
o Post-race amenities include a nutritious buffet, massage, private portalet & bag pick up, and live results

That's part of the Runner's World Challenge. So does that mean it has the VIP Race retreat built-in, they're talking about the same thing? Do you don't have to do BOTH the Runner's World Challenge and the VIP Race Retreat to get the complete experience?


How many people plan to sign up JUST for the race itself without the RWC nor the race retreat? How many have done just the race and feel it gave you the whole experience?

 

[jeanigor]

•Access to the Race Retreat before and after the half-marathon and half-marathon
o Pre-race amenities include hot and cold beverages with fruit and bagels, dedicated stretching area, and private portalets & bag check
o Post-race amenities include a nutritious buffet, massage, private portalet & bag pick up, and live results

That's part of the Runner's World Challenge. So does that mean it has the VIP Race retreat built-in, they're talking about the same thing? Do you don't have to do BOTH the Runner's World Challenge and the VIP Race Retreat to get the complete experience?


How many people plan to sign up JUST for the race itself without the RWC nor the race retreat? How many have done just the race and feel it gave you the whole experience?

Yes, the RWC has the Race Retreat included as part of the package for both the full and the half. The Runners World Challenge is only offered for the Dopey this year.

 

[bubotuber]

How many people plan to sign up JUST for the race itself without the RWC nor the race retreat? How many have done just the race and feel it gave you the whole experience?

I'm intending on signing my dad and I up for JUST the race(s) without RWC or Race Retreat.
I'm anxious that it's going to sell out before I can register us both :S
I've also to sign my mum up for the 10k at the same time.
I've got a horrible feeling that April 22nd will be very stressful.

 

[Ariel484]

Per the Runner's World Challenge section of the runDisney site, there will be no preferred placement of any sort with purchase of the Runner's World packet.

•Exclusive pre-race walkout to corrals for Runner's World Challenge participants.
o Corral placement will be determined based on proof of time

I'm glad they got rid of that. I wonder why it's Dopey only this year? Did it not sell out for Goofy, the marathon and half in previous years?

How many people plan to sign up JUST for the race itself without the RWC nor the race retreat? How many have done just the race and feel it gave you the whole experience?

I'm not sure what you mean by "the whole experience"?

I did Goofy + 5K in 2013 without the Runner's World package...I didn't sign up for the race retreat, pasta party, etc. So I basically went to the expo for packet pick-up and (let's be honest) shopping. That's what I plan on doing in 2015 as well, expect adding in the 10K.

If you WANT to do those extra things anyway that are included in RWC, along with getting some training help, and you have the extra money, it very well may be worth it for you, but I don't think I'm going to miss out on anything by NOT doing it.

I'm intending on signing my dad and I up for JUST the race(s) without RWC or Race Retreat.
I'm anxious that it's going to sell out before I can register us both :S
I've also to sign my mum up for the 10k at the same time.
I've got a horrible feeling that April 22nd will be very stressful.

HMM...I wonder what the best strategy is here? If it were me, I think I'd maybe sign up for the 10K first. That is a newer distance for Disney and seems very popular, plus quite a few spots will be allocated for Dopey runners, so I'm guessing that one will sell out quickly. It's hard to say what will happen this year though because both the 10K and Dopey were new last year, so the appeal of running the inaugural events was big for a lot of people.

I think I have heard that if you sign up for an Active.com account you can pre-enter some of your information. If you're an AP or DVC you can sign up early...otherwise be ready to go at noon sharp on April 22 and you'll probably be okay! I was expecting the Avengers half to sell out almost immediately and it seemed like things went smoothly with registration for that one and it took 2 hours to sell out. So if you can get to your computer at noon it may be okay.