Official Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend - The Dark Side 2017

[allaboutthemouse]

Well, since we are all just sitting here doing nothing (besides training, of course ), patiently waiting for the course to come out...i need some advice from the experts!

This is my first half marathon, ever. Please choose which option you would like best for park touring for the weekend...

Option A is what I have right now, but I keep going back and forth.

For a little background, we have been to WDW many times. Not APs or DVC, just average a big trip once every 2-3 years with a few small weekends like this one thrown in every now and then. So we know our way around pretty well (a little too much my husband would say), but have never done a race...so not sure how relaxing I need to take this weekend!
And it's just the two of us, leaving the four littles behind with the grandparents!!
I've got Sunday after the race figured out, just need help (or reassurance I chose wisely) with Friday and Saturday.

So here it is, help me choose!

Option A:
Friday, April 21 - Arriving MCO @ 1:30 p.m.
Tragical (Magical) Express to POFQ, go to room if ready, jump on bus to AK
Arrive AK 4:00-ish
4:45 - 5:45 EE FP+
6:00 p.m. Y&Y
7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Safari FP+
9:45 ROL FP+

Saturday, April 22 -
Sleep in!!!!
Expo @ 10:00, pick up stuff (don't care about merchandise - if it's there, it's there)
Lunch, Disney Springs
Pool @ POFQ
Dinner @ Flying Fish, 5:05 p.m.
Ice cream, BW
Go to sleep

Sunday, Race Day

OR

Option B:
Friday, April 21 - Arriving MCO @ 1:30 p.m.
Check in POFQ
Go to Expo
Dinner @ Flying Fish, 7:05 p.m.
Ice cream, BW

Saturday, April 22 -
AK, morning EMH 8:00 - 9:00 (So possibly a more crowded day)
Tusker House ROL Dining, 9:15 a.m.
Y&Y lunch 2:00 p.m.
FP+ in here somewhere (this is not option I have right now, so would have to switch them. EE, Safari and Dinosaur probably)
ROL 8:30
Get back to POFQ probably 10:00/10:30??? on night before the half...
Sunday, race day

Am I dumb to even consider getting back at 10:00-ish after a full day at AK, and do a half next day?

Thanks so much!
That was a lot of typing

 

[cavepig]

Well, since we are all just sitting here doing nothing (besides training, of course ), patiently waiting for the course to come out...i need some advice from the experts!

This is my first half marathon, ever. Please choose which option you would like best for park touring for the weekend...

Option A is what I have right now, but I keep going back and forth.

For a little background, we have been to WDW many times. Not APs or DVC, just average a big trip once every 2-3 years with a few small weekends like this one thrown in every now and then. So we know our way around pretty well (a little too much my husband would say), but have never done a race...so not sure how relaxing I need to take this weekend!
And it's just the two of us, leaving the four littles behind with the grandparents!!
I've got Sunday after the race figured out, just need help (or reassurance I chose wisely) with Friday and Saturday.

So here it is, help me choose!

Option A:
Friday, April 21 - Arriving MCO @ 1:30 p.m.
Tragical (Magical) Express to POFQ, go to room if ready, jump on bus to AK
Arrive AK 4:00-ish
4:45 - 5:45 EE FP+
6:00 p.m. Y&Y
7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Safari FP+
9:45 ROL FP+

Saturday, April 22 -
Sleep in!!!!
Expo @ 10:00, pick up stuff (don't care about merchandise - if it's there, it's there)
Lunch, Disney Springs
Pool @ POFQ
Dinner @ Flying Fish, 5:05 p.m.
Ice cream, BW
Go to sleep

Sunday, Race Day

OR

Option B:
Friday, April 21 - Arriving MCO @ 1:30 p.m.
Check in POFQ
Go to Expo
Dinner @ Flying Fish, 7:05 p.m.
Ice cream, BW

Saturday, April 22 -
AK, morning EMH 8:00 - 9:00 (So possibly a more crowded day)
Tusker House ROL Dining, 9:15 a.m.
Y&Y lunch 2:00 p.m.
FP+ in here somewhere (this is not option I have right now, so would have to switch them. EE, Safari and Dinosaur probably)
ROL 8:30
Get back to POFQ probably 10:00/10:30??? on night before the half...
Sunday, race day

Am I dumb to even consider getting back at 10:00-ish after a full day at AK, and do a half next day?

Thanks so much!
That was a lot of typing

For me I wouldn't want to get back to my resort until 10/10:30 the night before the half. I do the parks all day, but do head back early evening to at least get off my feet & wind down early & get my race stuff ready. I also will get up at 2:15 probably to try to be on the first bus at 3:00. So with that in mind and your 2 choices I would pick A with having an earlier evening before the half. But I seem to always hear of people staying out late before and seem to handle it okay, I just know it wouldn't work for me.

 

[DisSconnie]

3. Neutrogena Kids Wet Skin stick - I buy the itty-bitty stick and carry it with me on long runs so I can reapply. It works REALLY well on wet skin!

Thanks! I was looking for something I can stick in a pocket with me. I'd like to pretend I'll finish before there's a chance I'll burn during the half. But honestly, if it's at all sunny and I'm out for more than 15 minutes - I WILL burn.

If you can't find Thinksport then Bullfrog works well too.

Looks like they have Baby safe options of Thinksport too. Sold!

 

[Barca33Runner]

So I am going down with a ton of friends from work for this Half. They want to do one day at Universal, which I am cool with. I haven't been to Universal since 1995 and I go to Disney like 3-4 times a year. Outside of my intense training, I am going to try to watch all of the Harry Potter movies and of course Star Wars movies before we leave. This is my tentative movie watching plan.

Saturday, April 1st, 2017: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Sunday, April 2nd, 2017: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Sunday, April 2nd, 2017: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Saturday, April 8th, 2017: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Saturday, April 8th, 2017: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Sunday, April 9th, 2017: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Price
Sunday, April 9th, 2017: Star Wars - Episode I - The Phantom Menace
Monday, April 10th, 2017: Star Wars - Episode II - Attack of the Clones
Tuesday, April 11th, 2017: Star Wars - Episode III - Revenge of the Sith
Wednesday, April 12th, 2017: Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Saturday, April 15th, 2017: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1
Saturday, April 15th, 2017: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
Sunday, April 16th, 2017: Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them
Sunday, April 16th, 2017: Star Wars - Episode IV - A New Hope
Monday, April 17th, 2017: Star Wars - Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back
Tuesday, April 18th, 2017: Star Wars - Episode VI - Return of the Jedi
Wednesday, April 19th, 2017: Star Wars - Episode VII - The Force Awakens

I'll allow it, as you have clearly seen the movies before, but I'm a steadfast 4, 5, 1, 2, 3, 6 believer. One of the central conceits of the original trilogy is ruined by watching them 1-6.

Good plan outside of that slight nitpick.

 

[DisSconnie]

I'll allow it, as you have clearly seen the movies before, but I'm a steadfast 4, 5, 1, 2, 3, 6 believer. One of the central conceits of the original trilogy is ruined by watching them 1-6.

I'm hoping that's a watching order and not a ranking order. Because if that's a ranking order...no, just no. I mean it's only a matter of time before this board turns into a debate over Star Wars film rankings, right

 

[Bulldogmommy]

All this girl wants is a corral placement and course... is that too much to ask for?

 

[Ndusmama]

YES to sunscreen! I slathered in 50SPF and still got a little pink the other day.
I use a couple kinds here in FL, where I start sweating the moment I walk out the door in summer:
1. Neutrogena Ultra-Sheer Dry Touch - comes in a variety of SPF levels.
2. Neutrogena Clear Face Oil-Free - also comes in a few different SPF level.
3. Neutrogena Kids Wet Skin stick - I buy the itty-bitty stick and carry it with me on long runs so I can reapply. It works REALLY well on wet skin!

I normally use the neutropenia ultra-sheer. It hasn't been working though. I'm going to try the neutrogena sport next. Bullfrog has never worked for me in the past.

 

[Ndusmama]

But honestly, if it's at all sunny and I'm out for more than 15 minutes - I WILL burn.
!

Im with you there. No tan just burn.

I'll allow it, as you have clearly seen the movies before, but I'm a steadfast 4, 5, 1, 2, 3, 6 believer. One of the central conceits of the original trilogy is ruined by watching them 1-6.

Good plan outside of that slight nitpick.

Where would 7 fit? See throws off the whole plan. Personally I think it fits before 4.

All this girl wants is a corral placement and course... is that too much to ask for?

YES!

 

[Ndusmama]

Spotify curated character playlists. http://www.hypable.com/spotify-star-wars-character-playlists/

 

[Ndusmama]

Well, since we are all just sitting here doing nothing (besides training, of course ), patiently waiting for the course to come out...i need some advice from the experts!

This is my first half marathon, ever. Please choose which option you would like best for park touring for the weekend...

Option A is what I have right now, but I keep going back and forth.

For a little background, we have been to WDW many times. Not APs or DVC, just average a big trip once every 2-3 years with a few small weekends like this one thrown in every now and then. So we know our way around pretty well (a little too much my husband would say), but have never done a race...so not sure how relaxing I need to take this weekend!
And it's just the two of us, leaving the four littles behind with the grandparents!!
I've got Sunday after the race figured out, just need help (or reassurance I chose wisely) with Friday and Saturday.

So here it is, help me choose!

Option A:
Friday, April 21 - Arriving MCO @ 1:30 p.m.
Tragical (Magical) Express to POFQ, go to room if ready, jump on bus to AK
Arrive AK 4:00-ish
4:45 - 5:45 EE FP+
6:00 p.m. Y&Y
7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Safari FP+
9:45 ROL FP+

Saturday, April 22 -
Sleep in!!!!
Expo @ 10:00, pick up stuff (don't care about merchandise - if it's there, it's there)
Lunch, Disney Springs
Pool @ POFQ
Dinner @ Flying Fish, 5:05 p.m.
Ice cream, BW
Go to sleep

Sunday, Race Day

OR

Option B:
Friday, April 21 - Arriving MCO @ 1:30 p.m.
Check in POFQ
Go to Expo
Dinner @ Flying Fish, 7:05 p.m.
Ice cream, BW

Saturday, April 22 -
AK, morning EMH 8:00 - 9:00 (So possibly a more crowded day)
Tusker House ROL Dining, 9:15 a.m.
Y&Y lunch 2:00 p.m.
FP+ in here somewhere (this is not option I have right now, so would have to switch them. EE, Safari and Dinosaur probably)
ROL 8:30
Get back to POFQ probably 10:00/10:30??? on night before the half...
Sunday, race day

Am I dumb to even consider getting back at 10:00-ish after a full day at AK, and do a half next day?

Thanks so much!
That was a lot of typing

I agree with @cavepig i wouldn't want to be out until 10:30pm then up at 2:30-3am the next day. I also try to get used to getting up earlier on race days.

 

[PaDisneyCouple]

If you find any, please share! I'm a Northerner whose Irish, pale skin hasn't seen the sun in 6 months. I fry without any sunscreen.

I started using No-AD Sport SPF 50 when running last year, and am yet to burn while wearing it. It is very thick, and purports to be water resistant for 80 minutes. Added bonus: when applied to the face, I have not had it ever run down into my eyes during a run.

 

[tkbk]

If you find any, please share! I'm a Northerner whose Irish, pale skin hasn't seen the sun in 6 months. I fry without any sunscreen.

as you can see from my picture I am redhead , also have had melanoma and basil cell. I use the blue spray bottle of copper tone sport that is a 50 rating. when its not available any of the name brand sport sprays seems to do the trick and protect me, I think one major part is the spray as i truly believe i get much better coverage with it.

 

[Sleepless Knight]

Well, since we are all just sitting here doing nothing (besides training, of course ), patiently waiting for the course to come out...i need some advice from the experts!

This is my first half marathon, ever. Please choose which option you would like best for park touring for the weekend...

Option A is what I have right now, but I keep going back and forth.

For a little background, we have been to WDW many times. Not APs or DVC, just average a big trip once every 2-3 years with a few small weekends like this one thrown in every now and then. So we know our way around pretty well (a little too much my husband would say), but have never done a race...so not sure how relaxing I need to take this weekend!
And it's just the two of us, leaving the four littles behind with the grandparents!!
I've got Sunday after the race figured out, just need help (or reassurance I chose wisely) with Friday and Saturday.

So here it is, help me choose!

Option A:
Friday, April 21 - Arriving MCO @ 1:30 p.m.
Tragical (Magical) Express to POFQ, go to room if ready, jump on bus to AK
Arrive AK 4:00-ish
4:45 - 5:45 EE FP+
6:00 p.m. Y&Y
7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Safari FP+
9:45 ROL FP+

Saturday, April 22 -
Sleep in!!!!
Expo @ 10:00, pick up stuff (don't care about merchandise - if it's there, it's there)
Lunch, Disney Springs
Pool @ POFQ
Dinner @ Flying Fish, 5:05 p.m.
Ice cream, BW
Go to sleep

Sunday, Race Day

OR

Option B:
Friday, April 21 - Arriving MCO @ 1:30 p.m.
Check in POFQ
Go to Expo
Dinner @ Flying Fish, 7:05 p.m.
Ice cream, BW

Saturday, April 22 -
AK, morning EMH 8:00 - 9:00 (So possibly a more crowded day)
Tusker House ROL Dining, 9:15 a.m.
Y&Y lunch 2:00 p.m.
FP+ in here somewhere (this is not option I have right now, so would have to switch them. EE, Safari and Dinosaur probably)
ROL 8:30
Get back to POFQ probably 10:00/10:30??? on night before the half...
Sunday, race day

Am I dumb to even consider getting back at 10:00-ish after a full day at AK, and do a half next day?

Thanks so much!
That was a lot of typing

I would recommend option A especially since it's your first half. It's a good idea to minimize time on your feet before the half. When I'm the parks the day before a half, I take a lot of sit breaks inside away from the heat and get out around 6:30pm at the latest to head back to my room, unwind, and go to bed early. I enjoy the race experience more when I'm "less" tired especially my feet and legs.

I'm hoping that's a watching order and not a ranking order. Because if that's a ranking order...no, just no. I mean it's only a matter of time before this board turns into a debate over Star Wars film rankings, right

Did someone say ranking order?

1. The Empire Strikes Back
2. Star Wars
3. Return of the Jedi
4. The Force Awakens
5. Rogue One
6. Revenge of the Sith
7. The Phantom Menace
8. Attack of the Clones

Note that I like all the Star Wars movies immensely, but there is nevertheless a gap between the original trilogy and the prequels.

 

[*DisneyDreamer]

So I am going down with a ton of friends from work for this Half. They want to do one day at Universal, which I am cool with. I haven't been to Universal since 1995 and I go to Disney like 3-4 times a year. Outside of my intense training, I am going to try to watch all of the Harry Potter movies and of course Star Wars movies before we leave. This is my tentative movie watching plan.

Saturday, April 1st, 2017: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Sunday, April 2nd, 2017: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Sunday, April 2nd, 2017: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Saturday, April 8th, 2017: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Saturday, April 8th, 2017: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Sunday, April 9th, 2017: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Price
Sunday, April 9th, 2017: Star Wars - Episode I - The Phantom Menace
Monday, April 10th, 2017: Star Wars - Episode II - Attack of the Clones
Tuesday, April 11th, 2017: Star Wars - Episode III - Revenge of the Sith
Wednesday, April 12th, 2017: Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Saturday, April 15th, 2017: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1
Saturday, April 15th, 2017: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
Sunday, April 16th, 2017: Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them
Sunday, April 16th, 2017: Star Wars - Episode IV - A New Hope
Monday, April 17th, 2017: Star Wars - Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back
Tuesday, April 18th, 2017: Star Wars - Episode VI - Return of the Jedi
Wednesday, April 19th, 2017: Star Wars - Episode VII - The Force Awakens

That is an awesome plan! I should rewatch the Star Wars movies too before I leave.

Me, too. I did 11 miles this past weekend - started at 8am... by 9am all shade and clouds were gone and it was HOT! (I'm 90 miles west of WDW.) The air wasn't super heated, but the sun was intense. Actual temps were 65 when I started, 78 when I finished.

I know a lot can change weather-wise in 3 weeks, and sunrise will gradually be getting earlier, but this makes me feel a bit better. I will hopefully be done with the half by 9:00, and we'll be starting a lot earlier than 8:00. I know it's still going to be hot, but hopefully if the sun's out it won't be too intense until the later part of the race. Sunrise that day is around 6:50, so if I start around 6:00 like I did for Wine and Dine, that gives me almost an hour before the sun is above the horizon.

Well, since we are all just sitting here doing nothing (besides training, of course ), patiently waiting for the course to come out...i need some advice from the experts!

This is my first half marathon, ever. Please choose which option you would like best for park touring for the weekend.

Option A is what I have right now, but I keep going back and forth.

For a little background, we have been to WDW many times. Not APs or DVC, just average a big trip once every 2-3 years with a few small weekends like this one thrown in every now and then. So we know our way around pretty well (a little too much my husband would say), but have never done a race...so not sure how relaxing I need to take this weekend!
And it's just the two of us, leaving the four littles behind with the grandparents!!
I've got Sunday after the race figured out, just need help (or reassurance I chose wisely) with Friday and Saturday.

So here it is, help me choose!

Option A:
Friday, April 21 - Arriving MCO @ 1:30 p.m.
Tragical (Magical) Express to POFQ, go to room if ready, jump on bus to AK
Arrive AK 4:00-ish
4:45 - 5:45 EE FP+
6:00 p.m. Y&Y
7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Safari FP+
9:45 ROL FP+

Saturday, April 22 -
Sleep in!!!!
Expo @ 10:00, pick up stuff (don't care about merchandise - if it's there, it's there)
Lunch, Disney Springs
Pool @ POFQ
Dinner @ Flying Fish, 5:05 p.m.
Ice cream, BW
Go to sleep

Sunday, Race Day

OR

Option B:
Friday, April 21 - Arriving MCO @ 1:30 p.m.
Check in POFQ
Go to Expo
Dinner @ Flying Fish, 7:05 p.m.
Ice cream, BW

Saturday, April 22 -
AK, morning EMH 8:00 - 9:00 (So possibly a more crowded day)
Tusker House ROL Dining, 9:15 a.m.
Y&Y lunch 2:00 p.m.
FP+ in here somewhere (this is not option I have right now, so would have to switch them. EE, Safari and Dinosaur probably)
ROL 8:30
Get back to POFQ probably 10:00/10:30??? on night before the half...
Sunday, race day

Am I dumb to even consider getting back at 10:00-ish after a full day at AK, and do a half next day?

Thanks so much!
That was a lot of typing

Yep, I'd definitely stick with Option A. I'm planning to do parks the day before the half, but will probably be back to the resort by 7:00 at the latest. I couldn't stay until 10:00 or 10:30.

All this girl wants is a corral placement and course... is that too much to ask for?

I'm right there with you. But apparently it is asking too much. Seriously, any day now, runDisney. Marathon weekend and Princess got their info 3 weeks out from the expo, so I'm really crossing my fingers for tomorrow or Friday. Monday at the very latest. I know their site says waivers by 2 weeks before the event, but that's never been the norm. It always seems to be a little earlier than that.

 

[lovingeire]

For fun while we wait, sugar skull Vader shirts (with the matching ears and sparkle skirt) that we'll wear to the expo. Man, this took forever to weed, but so cute! I still have to do the second one tomorrow. That's how long it took! At least they came out cute!

 

[lovingeire]

@allaboutthemouse I would stick with Option A as well. We will tour during the day, but we will normally be back to the hotel between 7-8. We also kind of modify our touring between the 10K and half so we'll sit and sip Starbucks while we people watch in the shade, etc. Since I have to leave on Monday this race I will be going full out after the half and Monday morning even though I don't normally do a park the day I leave, but I have to squeeze in a little more and my flight is later.

Did someone say ranking order?

1. The Empire Strikes Back
2. Star Wars
3. Return of the Jedi
4. The Force Awakens
5. Rogue One
6. Revenge of the Sith
7. The Phantom Menace
8. Attack of the Clones

Hmmm...Empire is my least favorite. Return of the Jedi is my favorite, but I have a fondness for the Ewoks! LOL! So I'd swap those two, but otherwise I agree with you!

 

[maw]

For fun while we wait, sugar skull Vader shirts (with the matching ears and sparkle skirt)

Oh my gosh I love it! I've been trying to talk myself into buying a heat press so I don't have to use my iron on shirts. Hmmmm the shirts I could make for the darkside. Hmmmm

 

[lovingeire]

Oh my gosh I love it! I've been trying to talk myself into buying a heat press so I don't have to use my iron on shirts. Hmmmm the shirts I could make for the darkside. Hmmmm

Thank you! I am dying for a heat press, but don't really have a place for one so I just keep on keeping on with the iron. And I pack a piece of parchment paper in my suitcase in case I need to touch them up at Disney. I feel like they'd be better quality (or stick better) if I had a heat press though. Maybe someday? In the meantime I'm grateful for the Silhouette so I can create some fun shirts for my BFF and I to wear, or my family on family trips.

 

[Sleepless Knight]

Hmmm...Empire is my least favorite. Return of the Jedi is my favorite, but I have a fondness for the Ewoks! LOL! So I'd swap those two, but otherwise I agree with you!

My reasons for saying Empire is my favorite are probably different from most fans, but it comes down to Yoda and John Williams. I think Empire has the best selection of musical themes from the films and it features Yoda in full on crazy old hermit mode and wise, mysterious Jedi Master. Plus, I'm not sure how you top that revelation even if it was devastating as a little kid.

Now as an adult knowing how the story ended, the music is so much more amazing. In spite of just about everything going terribly wrong by the end of Empire, Williams music during the last scene conveys a feeling of hope because this isn't over yet.

The difference between the original trilogy/The Force Awakens is razor thin for me. I love them all immensely and will defend them. Yes, even especially the Ewoks. They're a great metaphor for what the Rebellion is up against. While I would still love an extensive Endor like scene on Kashyyk with the Wookiees, I think the Ewoks worked great in Return of the Jedi.

 

[Ndusmama]

Thank you! I am dying for a heat press, but don't really have a place for one so I just keep on keeping on with the iron. And I pack a piece of parchment paper in my suitcase in case I need to touch them up at Disney. I feel like they'd be better quality (or stick better) if I had a heat press though. Maybe someday? In the meantime I'm grateful for the Silhouette so I can create some fun shirts for my BFF and I to wear, or my family on family trips.

Did you but the sag files for Vader? I really want the your lack of sparkle disturbes me in Star Wars logo but they are sold out. Thinking of doing it on cricut. Or the yoga 13.1 run you must shirt, but I don't have any Star Wars cut files.