When registration opened for runDisney's Wine & Dine Half Marathon at Walt Disney World, let's just say I got a little trigger happy and registered my husband and myself pretty quickly. I knew we wouldn't be running the Disneyland Half, which used to be our annual race, so I figured WDW in November would be a nice substitute.
Little did I know that we would end up deciding to do the full marathon- taking place in January, just two months later. My family is also coming along for marathon weekend and my brother is running the 10k, so that'll be fun.
My husband isn't too keen on doing both trips and he doesn't think he'll have time to take the weekend trip for Wine & Dine. So now I'm left with a dilemma...
-Do I just eat the registration fees?
My husband's suggestion, but it doesn't make a difference to him since it was my side job money that paid for it.
-Do I pay $90 or possibly $140 to defer both our registrations?
It still wouldn't be a guarantee that we would be able to go in 2015.
-Do I make the trip solo and run by myself?
Keep in mind that this would be my first trip to WDW. Newbie + solo + WDW = probably a confusing trip. I'm not too worried about running alone, but I was really looking forward to sharing the experience of the race and after party with my hubby.
What makes it even more complex is that I don't even know where we will be living in November. Heck, we could end up in Orlando! I'm going with the assumption that we will be back in CA, which means it would take a full day to fly to FL and my husband does not want to miss work.
I have until the end of September to decide- that's when the deferral price goes up and I'd much rather figure things out before then anyway. Hopefully by the end of September I will also know where we'll be living. And it'll give me time to try and convince my hubby we should take the trip. :)
What are your thoughts? Have you ever done a Disney race solo? Have you ever been to a new (to you) Disney park solo?
I'd do it solo, but I do most races solo anyway. I also go to Disneyland on my own relatively regularly. On a race weekend, you can always meet people you talk to through the internet. I'd be willing to bet there are a lot of people who make the trip on their own due to cost or scheduling or just not being able to find a travel companion who wants to do Disney. You could probably meet some new people and have a great time.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't hesitate if it was Disneyland since that's my home turf park, but I'm a bit worried about going somewhere I've never been, especially since it's like 4 times as big. :) Though it would be so fun to meet new people who share the same crazy passion for running!
DeleteI think a solo trip would be super fun! Also you are more than welcome to join Robert, me and my friend Stacy on any of those days you are in WDW!! :0)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lauren! That would be so much fun! :)
DeleteI'd do it solo, but I like traveling alone. Plus, you are never really alone in Disney World! I'll be there with 2 friends and you are welcome to hang with us any day!
ReplyDeleteThank you! It'd be great to meet you in person, Sarah! :)
DeleteI do all of my training and run all of my races solo. It's pre and post race that I like to spend with friends. I will be going to WDW for Wine & Dine solo. I have a few friends that will be running, but they are all traveling with other family and friends. I spent race weekend last year solo and really enjoyed it! I had the freedom to do my own thing or to meet up with friends. It really was the best of both worlds!
ReplyDeleteIf you do decide to travel alone, you can add my name to your meetup list. I've been to WDW about a dozen times and would be happy to answer any of your questions and help you plan. When you go back with your husband, you'll be the expert!
I think I'm convinced! :) I'll definitely be adding you to my must meet people. I'm sure I'll have tons of questions about what to do, what to see, etc. :)
DeleteI would say defer. If you aren't sure of where you'll be or if you really want to go solo, then wait until next year. That way, even if you and hubby can't go maybe some one else can run in his stead (taboo, I know, but you're the one who paid for the registrations!)
ReplyDeleteOtherwise, if you are sold on the solo prospect, then I say go for it. I went to PHM solo and shared a room with 3 other women I had never met until that trip...and I had a BLAST! runDisney people are a fun bunch, I mean we make a vacation out of running half marathons and multi-day challenges, hello!?! We are a funny bunch for sure!
Besides, I've heard nothing but AMAZING things about that race weekend, it is not to be missed. I REALLY wanted to go this year, but after having a baby, it just wasn't in the financial cards. :(
I'm going! I decided that I would want to do the trip solo, especially after some wonderful folks offered to let me hang out with them. But I've also convinced a friend to join me on the trip. :)
DeleteThis year is probably the last year for Wine & Dine to let someone else pick up your packet, so I suppose I could do something with my husband's bib... Or he'd just end up with a REALLY expensive shirt and bib. lol.
Babies are expensive! Maybe 2015? :)
Possibly, but with going to WDW Marathon weekend and doing DDD again (I'm one of those crazies trying to become legacy in a race series), I think my hubby would throttle me if I try to talk him into going to WDW for a second time in the same year. Maybe if I can entice him with the Food and Wine Festival and going to the Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party all in the same trip he might be swayed? :)
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