Check your email if you’ve participated in a runDisney event in the past couple of months.
You might find a survey sent out asking some interesting questions.
I can boil it down for you: would you pay more for unique characters, expo experiences and corral placement.
Oh yeah- they went there.
They also asked about specific race themes and characters you’d like to see.
I’d love to see more Disney characters in Avengers and Star Wars costumes: YES!
But a Pixar race? Meh. Not for me.
I’d be all over a villains themed race, however.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on some of these questions.
What add-ons are you willing to pay a premium for? And what do you wish they would add as far as a new theme for a race.
My first thought is that races like Avengers and Tinker Bell might be looking for new themes. Since I happen to love BOTH these races and their themes, I’d be giving that a big ol’ stink eye.
Don’t do it, runDisney.
Tink doesn’t seem to be bouncing back from the move to May. So find a new date. One that is appealing to mothers (hint- May is TOUGH for moms!). Avengers simply needs more park time and more characters: the things you run Disney for, right?
This one is interesting.
Two Princess Half Marathons? One on Saturday and one on Sunday?
Or maybe two Wine & Dine events?
Or the easiest might be two Walt Disney World Half Marathons? Run one on Saturday and run it again on Sunday during the marathon since they share a course?
I don’t know what direction things may be going, but some of these ideas are fascinating. And are sure to cause some drama (hello, Corral A for an extra $50, right?).
I’ve always believed runDisney was more about the experience you could (pay to) have that set is apart from a typical road race. These questions and possible direction certainly support that claim.
It’s not about the running; it’s about the Disney experience.
Patty Holliday is the owner and creator of all things No-Guilt Universe. As a lifelong fangirl and pop culture connoisseur, she’s been creating online since 2009. You can find her work at No-Guilt Disney.com, No-Guilt Fangirl.com, No-Guilt Life, and as host of the top-rated No-Guilt Disney Podcast.
Lisa
Monday 14th of December 2015
I would be super discouraged and would spend my racing dollars in other places if they allowed people to pay for corrals. It is dangerous and even with the current system, people who can't keep pace or don't understand basic running etiquette sneak in and cause problems, injuries, etc.
Rochelle
Sunday 13th of December 2015
I have participated in a runDisney event and am signed up for 2 more. I did not get the questionnaire. My husband, who is signed up for the Star Wars 10K only, and has never participated in a rD event, did get the email. I'll be assisting in answering the questions! I don't like the idea of paying more for corral placement. If you're going to do that, what's the point in a POT? You could just pay for whatever corral you want. That's just too dangerous in terms of mixing paces. I would love a villains race!
Heather
Sunday 13th of December 2015
I earn my spot in A or B and it is a big safety issue when people get placed there with much slower times. There is already enough corral jumping at these races to implement this. All I see at this point is rundisney after more money. It's getting ridiculous. And why two halfs in a weekend? Add another full! In future years I won't be doing anymore halfs and just coming to the January marathon weekend.
Caitlin
Saturday 12th of December 2015
Disney has really gone downhill in terms of participants observing race etiquette over the years already, I can only imagine how placing slower runners in the front corrals for a fee would effect the running etiquette. When someone pays a premium fee for a service, a sense of entitlement naturally occurs, so we all know if a 16 minute miler pays to be in corral A they will walk straight up the middle with zero regard for those who actually want to run.
I've worked very hard over the years to go from the back of the pack corrals up to corral B/C and the race experience between starting in corral J versus corral B has been night and day. I love being able to run with those of similar pace rather than having to bob and weave through walkers. Corrals are earned, not given. If they institute paying for corral placement, that will be the final straw that makes me walk away from RunDisney events (even though I love them and have been a loyal Disney runner for years).
Pauline PT
Saturday 12th of December 2015
I would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE a Villains themed race!
And YES to the child care services! That is the one thing that holds me out of some races.
Regarding the second half marathon, maybe they're thinking of spreading out runners between the two races so it's not so crowded?