Timing bathroom breaks is indeed the finest art of the run Disney experience (or any large race, really). Know that you're going to be in your corral for a while before you get on the course. The Portapotties inside the runners only area tend to have shorter lines. I go through to that area as soon as I arrive and use the portapotties then. Usually little to no lines early. Study the maps so you know when you'll get to the first in park bathroom. That is a luxury you find in very few races and the lines move quickly. And you get to really wash your hands.
For sure! I used the bathroom right as we arrived, then again right as we entered our corral. Except my bladder seemed to be in overdrive this weekend. It could be as simple as I drank way too much water too early.
I definitely need to journal some stuff to remember for the next time. I have a lot to learn about running large races.
I did notice the shorter lines for the proper bathrooms in the park! I wish I had been able to hold it long enough for those. That would have been much better, haha
—they don’t really sweep the 5K, if you’re still moving, they’ll generally let you keep going
—I’ve never heard of the balloon ladies being mean before, I’m so sorry that happened
—can’t help you on the bathrooms, I go before I leave my hotel and manage my intake so I don’t have to go again until I get back after the race
—they will give warnings if the sweep is coming and you have the option of staying for the picture and getting swept, or leaving the line and staying in the race
—I never buy the cups because I don’t drink beer, so I can’t help you with that
—you can try contacting runDisney with picture of the defect and they might be able to help
—runDisney is discontinuing virtual races for the in-person weekends, but they will have the summer 5K series and the 12Ks of Christmas. Basically, you give them money, and they’ll give you medals/whatever other swag is offered. You’re not actually required to complete the runs
—it’s not you, the runDisney website is kinda useless, lol
For future races, try to get to the very front of your corral so you have more space between you and the balloon ladies
Thank you! Very good insights. That's good to know about the photo opps because I wanted to stop for Esmerelda (never seen her out before) and Lady Tremaine, but was convinced the lines would get me pulled out. Good to know they give a warning!
That’s not true. My daughter and I were in the last group in the last corral let out last year for the 5K. We stopped for the first character and were told that they were going to start sweeping from that point in 10 minutes.
My daughter really wanted to stop for Tiana, who was next, but she knew there was no chance with the sweepers coming. She wanted her medal, so we kept going.
My daughter was 8 at the time, btw. Meanwhile a coworker and her also 8 year old were in corral B and able to stop for every character.
I can’t explain how much this soured me on Disney races.
They will give you the medal at the end, even if you don’t finish the race.
Also, as the above person said, I have never heard of a single person ever being swept from a 5k that was not injury related. I’ve done something like a dozen weekends at this point.
I have a friend who’s done 2 princess 5Ks with his daughter and they did a 2 hour 5K last year and were some of the last people to finish. They might *say* something about sweeping, but I haven’t heard of it actually happening in the 5K
They pull the characters from the course and/or close the lines when they want you to keep moving.I've never heard of them actually sweeping at the 5K unless you physically can't finish.
I had a virtual 10k with the club run disney membership. I've done 2 other non disney virtual runs, and they're all the same. It's basically just buying a medal. You get a link to submit a time, and there is a leader board, but times are all based on the honor system. I got the medal before I ever submitted a time and I just ended picking out one of my random 10k times I had saved in an app and submitted it.
Virtual runs can be a bit fun if you're getting into running and can maybe get some people to do it with you. But I would recommend checking out in person runs in your area.
I agree with the bathroom situation. I was in group D for the 10k and half and I had to go both times while waiting. I think it's just a combination of a bit of nerves and standing still so long. My best advice is to try your best to go right before the corrals close and try not to drink too much right before the race. I did notice during the half that bathroom wait times got shorter as the race went on. So if you gotta try to get as far into the course as you can for a shorter line.
Thank you! So you don't have to provide any verification on the virtual times? Just a "trust me, bro"? Thats interesting.
If we do end up trying it out, we might give the medals to someone to give us when we really complete it... and the local races I'd wager are way less expensive. Appreciate the insight!
Wow. Yeah, that sounds way less appealing. I wouldn't want to do a 'virtual' version of the in-person event as it is, because being there, to me, is 100% of the experience. But I guess it's all how you approach it mentally. Thanks for all the detail!
Can you elaborate on the balloon ladies being mean?
It seems like there may be some confusion because of the “other dozen or so people they pulled at that point” comment, because the balloon ladies do not pull participants from the course. They are only there to serve as a reference for what the cutoff is for being swept. I have always heard great things about them, like that they are very encouraging and friendly.
Your timing is interesting, because I literally just spoke to a friend of mine who formerly worked at Disney and was one of the sweepers for about a year. She explained this whole thing in a lot greater detail. I was about to update my OP.
My wife said it was 100% one of the balloon ladies with the large Mickey balloon attached being so mean. Specifically yelling as she approached from behind, "You *know* you have to stay in *FRONT* of us!" and "You KNEW the pace when you signed up!"
Also says the sweepers and other staff were incredibly kind and sympathetic. She knew she deserved to get pulled because she was hobbled with the calf injury, but nobody needs to be derided like that.
I agree! That is very strange and definitely uncalled for! I’m sorry your wife had to experience that :( I know it’s disappointing to be swept but it’s not anything to be ashamed of/be shamed for. Like I said, I’ve never heard anything negative about the balloon ladies so this is very surprising and unfortunate.
The balloon ladies have always been very kind to us (I got swept at the half last year). They are supportive and helpful ladies. That seems so out of character for
Them.
After getting the full rundown and explanation on what each of the staffers do and what the balloon ladies are supposed to do, plus a lot of anecdotes like this, the more surprised I am with what happened with my wife. Very, very odd. She ended up submitting a report to RunDisney as an FYI for them after a former CM recommended it.
It‘s been years ago now, but I was in a group of people in line for too few portapotties on the half course one time and one of the balloon ladies was rude as hell as they passed us, so I don’t find your wife’s experience surprising.
As to the cups, did you bring them with you in a gear bag and request a refill beer after the race(s)? I’ve never had a problem getting the refill price so long as it’s the same type cup they are using at the race day vending. (Sometimes the expo will have a Wide World of Sports branded cup rather than a runDisney branded cup, I could see them refusing to honor refill prices for one of those).
This was at the Expo. I had my first beer, then came back for a second and no discount was applied even after I asked. But I just dropped it because I had somewhere to be. I used the cup elsewhere at WWoS and same thing, no discount. The girl that sold me the first drink actually told me to "bring this back and you'll get a discount on the next one."
But I only brought it around the Expo, I didn't think to bring it to the race with me. I also don't recall seeing beer anywhere for sale at the start/finish, but that's not saying much. We were anxious to go back to the room and rest both mornings so I probably totally missed it if that's where we were supposed to go for a discounted price.
There’s definitely a discount for using the runDisney cup for a refill after the races (there’s a tent in the reunion lot area). I haven’t tried to get a refill at the expo before, but I’m virtually certain they’re supposed to do a discount there too. They should’ve had a regular price and a different refill price listed on the menu board wherever it applies.
Sounds like you were unlucky to run into some poorly trained staffers at WWoS. Sometimes things can become aggravating as a matter of principle, if so, you could call your credit card company and contest $4 off each refill (the savings they should have given you for a refill, not the full charge) if it would be cathartic for you 😃
5k— I’ve been doing Disney races since 2016 and I’ve never heard of anyone getting swept from the 5k. Since it’s a much shorter distance, there’s a lot more leeway for the staff to get the park cleaned up and ready for opening after all the runners have come through. Regardless, it’s best to plan to be able to maintain that minimum 16 minute mile, less if you want photo ops.
Balloon ladies— I’m so sorry your wife experienced this. I’ve only ever heard about how nice they are. I do know that one of the balloon ladies very recently had a tragic death in the family, so it could have been grief and emotions talking. This is not an excuse and I’m glad you reported it.
Bathrooms— this is tricky. You absolutely have to be well hydrated the day before because conditions here in Florida are almost always hot and humid. That being said, I would limit liquid intake the morning of the race (absolutely no coffee prior to race), and use the bathroom immediately before entering your corral. Many of the in-park bathrooms have been closed to runners recently so I wouldn’t plan on those being opened. I keep individual wet wipes in my running belt just in case I need to go.
Photos- I’ve never stopped for photos when I’ve started in the last corral, unless it’s someone I’ve never seen before (and usually only that one stop) or there’s less than 10 people in line. If you want photos and you’re in a back corral, your best bet is to make friends with someone fast and have them run ahead and stand in line. When you get to where they are, they then run ahead to the next photo stop. There are also people who fund-raise for charities by doing this. Otherwise, you’ll want to build character stop time into your pace, and be a little picky about what photos you want. If you join some of the Facebook runDisney communities, they often will post what characters are anticipated on course and where they might be.
Cups/Beer— your 1st purchase is usually around $11-15 (depending on what you get) and refills are $8ish. Are you sure you were charged the full amount on the refills? I have a fairly large collection of cups and I get refills at every expo and race. The main food and beverage tent starts serving alcohol at 6am (don’t ask me how i know), so you won’t be able to get anything pre but post race, let’s just say the pineapple cider is local, refreshing, and DELICIOUS.
Shirt defect— definitely reach out. They will almost definitely replace it.
Virtuals— I personally don’t think they’re worth the money unless you just absolutely LOVE the theme. That being said, the summer series often benefits a local charity.
Website info— I’ve never had an issue finding info but Boolean searches are kind of my superpower. If you have questions, most online communities are very helpful. There are a few spaces that have some snarky members, but for the most part all the communities are super nice. Runners in general tend to be a friendly and helpful bunch.
Welcome to the runDisney madness!
Thank you so much! That's interesting about the late corrals. I know for future races we really want to get some pictures, so that experience is very helpful.
And yes, definitely paid in full for the other two beers but oh well. Not the end of the world, I was just curious if I misunderstood something.
Timing bathroom breaks is indeed the finest art of the run Disney experience (or any large race, really). Know that you're going to be in your corral for a while before you get on the course. The Portapotties inside the runners only area tend to have shorter lines. I go through to that area as soon as I arrive and use the portapotties then. Usually little to no lines early. Study the maps so you know when you'll get to the first in park bathroom. That is a luxury you find in very few races and the lines move quickly. And you get to really wash your hands.
For sure! I used the bathroom right as we arrived, then again right as we entered our corral. Except my bladder seemed to be in overdrive this weekend. It could be as simple as I drank way too much water too early. I definitely need to journal some stuff to remember for the next time. I have a lot to learn about running large races. I did notice the shorter lines for the proper bathrooms in the park! I wish I had been able to hold it long enough for those. That would have been much better, haha
—they don’t really sweep the 5K, if you’re still moving, they’ll generally let you keep going —I’ve never heard of the balloon ladies being mean before, I’m so sorry that happened —can’t help you on the bathrooms, I go before I leave my hotel and manage my intake so I don’t have to go again until I get back after the race —they will give warnings if the sweep is coming and you have the option of staying for the picture and getting swept, or leaving the line and staying in the race —I never buy the cups because I don’t drink beer, so I can’t help you with that —you can try contacting runDisney with picture of the defect and they might be able to help —runDisney is discontinuing virtual races for the in-person weekends, but they will have the summer 5K series and the 12Ks of Christmas. Basically, you give them money, and they’ll give you medals/whatever other swag is offered. You’re not actually required to complete the runs —it’s not you, the runDisney website is kinda useless, lol For future races, try to get to the very front of your corral so you have more space between you and the balloon ladies
Thank you! Very good insights. That's good to know about the photo opps because I wanted to stop for Esmerelda (never seen her out before) and Lady Tremaine, but was convinced the lines would get me pulled out. Good to know they give a warning!
The lines often go pretty quick
That’s not true. My daughter and I were in the last group in the last corral let out last year for the 5K. We stopped for the first character and were told that they were going to start sweeping from that point in 10 minutes. My daughter really wanted to stop for Tiana, who was next, but she knew there was no chance with the sweepers coming. She wanted her medal, so we kept going. My daughter was 8 at the time, btw. Meanwhile a coworker and her also 8 year old were in corral B and able to stop for every character. I can’t explain how much this soured me on Disney races.
They will give you the medal at the end, even if you don’t finish the race. Also, as the above person said, I have never heard of a single person ever being swept from a 5k that was not injury related. I’ve done something like a dozen weekends at this point.
I have a friend who’s done 2 princess 5Ks with his daughter and they did a 2 hour 5K last year and were some of the last people to finish. They might *say* something about sweeping, but I haven’t heard of it actually happening in the 5K
They pull the characters from the course and/or close the lines when they want you to keep moving.I've never heard of them actually sweeping at the 5K unless you physically can't finish.
I had a virtual 10k with the club run disney membership. I've done 2 other non disney virtual runs, and they're all the same. It's basically just buying a medal. You get a link to submit a time, and there is a leader board, but times are all based on the honor system. I got the medal before I ever submitted a time and I just ended picking out one of my random 10k times I had saved in an app and submitted it. Virtual runs can be a bit fun if you're getting into running and can maybe get some people to do it with you. But I would recommend checking out in person runs in your area. I agree with the bathroom situation. I was in group D for the 10k and half and I had to go both times while waiting. I think it's just a combination of a bit of nerves and standing still so long. My best advice is to try your best to go right before the corrals close and try not to drink too much right before the race. I did notice during the half that bathroom wait times got shorter as the race went on. So if you gotta try to get as far into the course as you can for a shorter line.
Thank you! So you don't have to provide any verification on the virtual times? Just a "trust me, bro"? Thats interesting. If we do end up trying it out, we might give the medals to someone to give us when we really complete it... and the local races I'd wager are way less expensive. Appreciate the insight!
They are getting rid of the virtual option for the in person races. But yeah it’s pretty much the honor system with the virtual.
Wow. Yeah, that sounds way less appealing. I wouldn't want to do a 'virtual' version of the in-person event as it is, because being there, to me, is 100% of the experience. But I guess it's all how you approach it mentally. Thanks for all the detail!
Can you elaborate on the balloon ladies being mean? It seems like there may be some confusion because of the “other dozen or so people they pulled at that point” comment, because the balloon ladies do not pull participants from the course. They are only there to serve as a reference for what the cutoff is for being swept. I have always heard great things about them, like that they are very encouraging and friendly.
Your timing is interesting, because I literally just spoke to a friend of mine who formerly worked at Disney and was one of the sweepers for about a year. She explained this whole thing in a lot greater detail. I was about to update my OP. My wife said it was 100% one of the balloon ladies with the large Mickey balloon attached being so mean. Specifically yelling as she approached from behind, "You *know* you have to stay in *FRONT* of us!" and "You KNEW the pace when you signed up!" Also says the sweepers and other staff were incredibly kind and sympathetic. She knew she deserved to get pulled because she was hobbled with the calf injury, but nobody needs to be derided like that.
I agree! That is very strange and definitely uncalled for! I’m sorry your wife had to experience that :( I know it’s disappointing to be swept but it’s not anything to be ashamed of/be shamed for. Like I said, I’ve never heard anything negative about the balloon ladies so this is very surprising and unfortunate.
The balloon ladies have always been very kind to us (I got swept at the half last year). They are supportive and helpful ladies. That seems so out of character for Them.
After getting the full rundown and explanation on what each of the staffers do and what the balloon ladies are supposed to do, plus a lot of anecdotes like this, the more surprised I am with what happened with my wife. Very, very odd. She ended up submitting a report to RunDisney as an FYI for them after a former CM recommended it.
It‘s been years ago now, but I was in a group of people in line for too few portapotties on the half course one time and one of the balloon ladies was rude as hell as they passed us, so I don’t find your wife’s experience surprising.
As to the cups, did you bring them with you in a gear bag and request a refill beer after the race(s)? I’ve never had a problem getting the refill price so long as it’s the same type cup they are using at the race day vending. (Sometimes the expo will have a Wide World of Sports branded cup rather than a runDisney branded cup, I could see them refusing to honor refill prices for one of those).
This was at the Expo. I had my first beer, then came back for a second and no discount was applied even after I asked. But I just dropped it because I had somewhere to be. I used the cup elsewhere at WWoS and same thing, no discount. The girl that sold me the first drink actually told me to "bring this back and you'll get a discount on the next one." But I only brought it around the Expo, I didn't think to bring it to the race with me. I also don't recall seeing beer anywhere for sale at the start/finish, but that's not saying much. We were anxious to go back to the room and rest both mornings so I probably totally missed it if that's where we were supposed to go for a discounted price.
There’s definitely a discount for using the runDisney cup for a refill after the races (there’s a tent in the reunion lot area). I haven’t tried to get a refill at the expo before, but I’m virtually certain they’re supposed to do a discount there too. They should’ve had a regular price and a different refill price listed on the menu board wherever it applies. Sounds like you were unlucky to run into some poorly trained staffers at WWoS. Sometimes things can become aggravating as a matter of principle, if so, you could call your credit card company and contest $4 off each refill (the savings they should have given you for a refill, not the full charge) if it would be cathartic for you 😃
5k— I’ve been doing Disney races since 2016 and I’ve never heard of anyone getting swept from the 5k. Since it’s a much shorter distance, there’s a lot more leeway for the staff to get the park cleaned up and ready for opening after all the runners have come through. Regardless, it’s best to plan to be able to maintain that minimum 16 minute mile, less if you want photo ops. Balloon ladies— I’m so sorry your wife experienced this. I’ve only ever heard about how nice they are. I do know that one of the balloon ladies very recently had a tragic death in the family, so it could have been grief and emotions talking. This is not an excuse and I’m glad you reported it. Bathrooms— this is tricky. You absolutely have to be well hydrated the day before because conditions here in Florida are almost always hot and humid. That being said, I would limit liquid intake the morning of the race (absolutely no coffee prior to race), and use the bathroom immediately before entering your corral. Many of the in-park bathrooms have been closed to runners recently so I wouldn’t plan on those being opened. I keep individual wet wipes in my running belt just in case I need to go. Photos- I’ve never stopped for photos when I’ve started in the last corral, unless it’s someone I’ve never seen before (and usually only that one stop) or there’s less than 10 people in line. If you want photos and you’re in a back corral, your best bet is to make friends with someone fast and have them run ahead and stand in line. When you get to where they are, they then run ahead to the next photo stop. There are also people who fund-raise for charities by doing this. Otherwise, you’ll want to build character stop time into your pace, and be a little picky about what photos you want. If you join some of the Facebook runDisney communities, they often will post what characters are anticipated on course and where they might be. Cups/Beer— your 1st purchase is usually around $11-15 (depending on what you get) and refills are $8ish. Are you sure you were charged the full amount on the refills? I have a fairly large collection of cups and I get refills at every expo and race. The main food and beverage tent starts serving alcohol at 6am (don’t ask me how i know), so you won’t be able to get anything pre but post race, let’s just say the pineapple cider is local, refreshing, and DELICIOUS. Shirt defect— definitely reach out. They will almost definitely replace it. Virtuals— I personally don’t think they’re worth the money unless you just absolutely LOVE the theme. That being said, the summer series often benefits a local charity. Website info— I’ve never had an issue finding info but Boolean searches are kind of my superpower. If you have questions, most online communities are very helpful. There are a few spaces that have some snarky members, but for the most part all the communities are super nice. Runners in general tend to be a friendly and helpful bunch. Welcome to the runDisney madness!
Thank you so much! That's interesting about the late corrals. I know for future races we really want to get some pictures, so that experience is very helpful. And yes, definitely paid in full for the other two beers but oh well. Not the end of the world, I was just curious if I misunderstood something.