Run Disney question

hollyNhollywood

Has anyone done a Run Disney race? Specifically at Disney World? I'm looking to do my first 5k at Disney-- Mickey's Jingle Jungle at Animal Kingdom, held during the Wine & Dine weekend.
I've been up and down the Run Disney site and I can't find any info about transportation if you *drive on the property yourself*. I just see that they say if you stay at a hotel, they'll provide transport (which by the way, apparently all hotels are sold out). I emailed them two days ago and no word back. So I was just wondering if you had to pay to park. As I don't want to pay $50 to race and then pay another $20 or what have you to park. Anybody know? :happy:
And if you had any other info to share (like how early you should get there, etc), I'd appreciate it!

omma_to_3

Yes, if you're not staying at a Disney resort, you would have to pay for parking. I believe it's $14 a day for parking. I never got a response from RunDisney either when I sent them a question.

I did a 5K there on 9/29. It was a lot of fun. I drove, but we were staying at a Disney resort so parking was free for me. I wonder if you have to be staying at the resorts to ride the buses? We never took them so I don't know LOL. Maybe you could park at the resort and take a bus.

hollyNhollywood

Thank you for replying!!
It was the answer I was afraid of though
My best friend works for Disney & she told me she didn't think I'd have to pay for parking. But I didn't trust that answer. It appears to be for good reason.
That is an interesting idea about parking at one of the resorts. I'll have to ask her if that would work logistically.

Ok, so I have to debate if its work $50 plus parking to me or not
Thanks again!

bro04003

I don't know about Disney World, but at Disneyland most local hotels have a free shuttle that will take you to the park. I would imagine there are at least a few local (not on Disney property) hotels in FL that do that too. Maybe you should check it out.

brandyk77

I have always stayed on site so I am not completely sure about paying for parking but I am pretty sure you do have to.

omma_to_3

They are not cheap races, that's for sure. Mine was the Happy Haunted 5K Trail Run and didn't actually go through a park. We ran through the woods at the Wide World of Sports. I got a T-Shirt, and really cool medal, and a great after race snack box. The pre-race entertainment was good and there were some cute things on the trail too. All in all, it was worth the extra money over a typical 5K and was a lot of fun.

hollyNhollywood

Thanks all.
Yeah, I will look into a non-Disney hotel too.
And yes, Omma, you're right, it definitely seems more than a typical race. So it might still be worth it to me, even if they "get" me on the parking too .

The reason why I know ALL hotels are sold out is because my friend works for Disney reservations and just found out. As we were going to get a hotel for that night so we could both enjoy the Food & Wine fest w/o one of us needing to be a designated driver. No such luck. Its her birthday, so I guess that means I'm the driver :laugh:
But wow, how perfect. Running a 5k that morning, so plenty of exercise calories to enjoy eating a lot of food from around the world

ailiel

I just did the Tower of Terror 10 miler. That race was a little different as you were not allowed to park at Hollywood Studios (the host park). Parking instructions were very explicit, host hotels had shuttles, if staying offsite you could park or take a taxi to ESPN Wide World of Sports and they would then shuttle you over.

This was something I really wanted to avoid, as they wanted you to get on a shuttle by 8 for a race that started at 10. I ended up cheating the system by parking at the Boardwalk and walking across the street a little after 9. After the race (and the post party) I took a shuttle back. If I was doing it again I would do the shuttle both ways, the path was not very pedestrian friendly. The shuttle dropping off at Boardwalk was not even half full, and it stopped right by the parking lot. A long walk for hotel patrons, but a very short walk for me.

Some Disney diehards might give you grief about this, but they don't check room keys or anything getting on the shuttles. Would hitch again.

lisamariebennett

That is an interesting idea about parking at one of the resorts. I'll have to ask her if that would work logistically.

Each Disney resort has a guard with a gate. You have to show resort ID (one they give you when you check in) to get past the gate. Also, bus transport from resorts can be anywhere from a 1 minute to a 30 minute wait depending on the day, the season and the park. It's not worth saving the $14. Also, getting back can take awhile. Especially after a run. I'm a 5 year/5trip veteran, and trust me, it's worth the $14.

timboom1

The reason why I know ALL hotels are sold out is because my friend works for Disney reservations and just found out. As we were going to get a hotel for that night so we could both enjoy the Food & Wine fest w/o one of us needing to be a designated driver. No such luck. Its her birthday, so I guess that means I'm the driver :laugh:

You can also check resorts that are not Disney owned, most the hotels chains have some that are on property. I would call and see if they have transport that will get you where you need, when you need to get there. I have stayed at the Hilton Bonnet Creek before, which as close (or closer) as most of the Disney owned resorts and has a standard shuttle that goes to/from all the Disney locations.