Club runDisney

[CaliforniaGirl09]

You knew when they took over from Active that something like this was in the works. They find ways to monetize everything. Disappointed but not surprised.

 

[softball chick]

Seems like a big missed opportunity that could have actually been something with more value or meaning. Seeing the headline I thought "Great, another way I'm going to spend money", but after looking at it, not a chance.

I agree - when I saw the headline at first, I was actually excited about what it was going to be. Then reading the article, I lost ALL excitement

 

[broadsheet]

Plus, the jacket is ugly.

 

[The Expert]

I hope this doesn't mean they're planning to take away early registration from AP holders or DVC owners to try and sell more memberships.

 

[fatmanatee]

Seems like a big missed opportunity that could have actually been something with more value or meaning. Seeing the headline I thought "Great, another way I'm going to spend money", but after looking at it, not a chance.

It is. The goal of these memberships should be to encourage more participation. So... with discounts on races or maybe hotel stays on property, maybe someone who normally does one race weekend a year does more. NYRR has a membership where you get ten percent off all races or something and obviously the goal for them is that you sign up for a bunch of races to make the membership cost worthwhile.

 

[SarahDisney]

Add me to the camp of "I think its ridiculous, but people are gonna do it." Different people have different ways of spending their money. For the amount of money that I spend on clothing and coffee, I certainly have no right to criticize others' spending habits.

It is. The goal of these memberships should be to encourage more participation. So... with discounts on races or maybe hotel stays on property, maybe someone who normally does one race weekend a year does more. NYRR has a membership where you get ten percent off all races or something and obviously the goal for them is that you sign up for a bunch of races to make the membership cost worthwhile.

My issues with NYRR aside (I almost didn't renew my membership this year) ... yeah, their system makes more sense. I could see more value in this if there was a discount, not just the lowest tier pricing.

Based on the "guaranteed bib for each race via early registration" thing it sounds like they're marketing to the people who do every weekend ... but what percentage of their runners is that? Can't be very high...

 

[MermaidLagoonResident]

Wow! What a miss! A RunDisney Club could have been so cool but they totally turned it into a cash grab!

Also had it actually been reasonable and I was interested, I couldn't do it anyways because its only open to American's

 

[Kerry1957]

I'm a bit confused by it. I'm assuming that Disney did a lot of market research and tested various benefits at various prices; but when I see this I can't imagine more that a tiny fraction of runners paying extremely high prices for very limited benefits. Interesting that a major benefit is guaranteed entry when races have been taking longer and longer to sell out.

What demographic is this targeted to?

 

[fatmanatee]

My issues with NYRR aside (I almost didn't renew my membership this year) ... yeah, their system makes more sense. I could see more value in this if there was a discount, not just the lowest tier pricing.

Based on the "guaranteed bib for each race via early registration" thing it sounds like they're marketing to the people who do every weekend ... but what percentage of their runners is that? Can't be very high...

Do any of the races sell out early though, like within a day?

 

[FFigawi]

What demographic is this targeted to?

The slower runners with money?

 

[steph0808]

If this included bibs, then maybe it would be worth a look. But like $800 for, what? Early registration, a jacket, and a magnet? No, no thank you.

 

[rteetz]

I think it’ll sell, though. People seem to have far more cash than sense these days.

Its getting a ton of pushback on social media.

 

[rteetz]

What demographic is this targeted to?

People who like to spend money for no reason.

 

[rteetz]

If this included bibs, then maybe it would be worth a look. But like $800 for, what? Early registration, a jacket, and a magnet? No, no thank you.

And a corral bump!

 

[Kerry1957]

The slower runners with money?

Well I'm definitely a slower runner (last coral that can submit a POT) and was able to comfortably retire early, so maybe I'm in the target market (insert emoticon gasping in terror). But there is no way I would pay 70% of the cost of an AP (798/1119) for the benefits offered.

But as others have inferred, just because I think it is a ridiculous idea, does not mean that it won't be very popular with others.

 

[CassieRuns]

I liked their concept - a lot of us feel like we are part of the Run Disney Club anyways. But this.... the cost, the corral advancements and the fact that it's only available to Americans (no offence at all) but one of the races and the only way to gain the Castle to Chateau challenge medal is by traveling to Paris. A lot of people plan vacations around these events and literally come from all over the world. I live in Germany, but they are telling me that despite spending (ACTUAL) thousands - they couldn't possibly mail the membership card and/or virtual 10K medal to my foreign mailing address if I joined their Run Disney Club for $800? REALLY?

Funny... they were able to mail (and continue to mail) my DVC card and all DVC documents?! Hmmmm.....

 

[steph0808]

And a corral bump!

I'd rather earn it the hard way. But I'm also cheap! hahaha

 

[SarahDisney]

Do any of the races sell out early though, like within a day?

NYRR? Brooklyn Half sells out on day 1. Other have been selling out lately, but not quite runDisney speed.
Although rD races aren't selling out quite as fast as they were a few years ago...

 

[surfde22]

Its getting a ton of pushback on social media.

And...? What's your point? Many things Disney does get tons of push back and it hasn't stopped them from implementing clear money grabs like this, nor has it really stopped people for going for them.

 

[rteetz]

And...? What's your point? Many things Disney does get tons of push back and it hasn't stopped them from implementing clear money grabs like this, nor has it really stopped people for going for them.

I am not sure this will sell as well as one may think. This isn't something for the parks. runDisney has a pretty core fanbase. I think if this was done right many would buy in but I haven't seen anyone say they will yet.