Hi!!!
I am a new runner but avid Disney girlie and I signed up the the Fairy Tale Challenge this February
I'm looking for some feedback on my travel plans for race week and about runDisney events in general. All my questions are in
bold.
FYI in regards to travel: My husband and I always drive to Disney and we have APs so transportation isn't an issue.
February 23rd-25th stay at Swan or Dolphin -
Which one has a better view of EPCOT if I am getting a room with a balcony? Are the balcony rooms never available with my AP discount or should I be checking every day to see if they open up? Is it worth it to try and use a Travel Agent if I have 0 interest in a dining plan? Will the rates be any better? I was planning on driving to WWoS in the morning instead of taking a race bus.
Good/Bad idea?
February 25th-29th DVC point rental at Animal Kingdom Lodge -
Any idea if Jambo or Kidani is better? We plan on checking them out in September while we're there for MNSSH but I'd love personal recommendations! I want to stay in a Deluxe Resort to take advantage of the extended evening hours if they are available, plus giraffes are my favorite animals. Also I'm hoping to get some R&R at AKL Monday after I'm exhausted from the race.
Do all the AKL rooms have tubs to ice bath in? Should I just save the $ and just stay with family until I can properly budget for the Polynesian in a few years? (Originally I wanted to stay at the Polynesian as this is an early 30th birthday trip but it's still just a bit far out of my budget. Maybe when I turn 40, lol)
I'm also banking on the EPCOT Flower & Garden festival starting on February 28th in 2024 or else my plan is kind of out the window.
Last some miscellaneous RunDisney questions:
Do all of the races have special ears? (I'm doing the Wine&Dine 10k in November but I won't get in until Friday, will I really be SOL with merch?)
Where can my husband watch my races? - When I google it looks like you used to have to pay to spectate in the parks but I can't tell if that's been axed? Is it even worth it to try and have him see me at more than one point on the race map?
Silly question but how do I know my proof of time is USATF certified? This isn't easily available information when I am registering for other races...
Okay phew, so much information. Please feel free to only answer parts or if I'm in the wrong thread please let me know. I appreciate any and all help!