The Spirited Seventh Heaven ...

[culturenthrills]

Not completely accurate with respect to Anaheim. They are looking to build the business there and ADD bodies to the parks. DCA, especially, can handle millions more visitors annually. And DL with expansion can as well.

What TDA is desperate to do is change the visitorship patterns of local APers who use the place as a mall. To be fair, WDW Lifestylers do too, but they generally spread out more and WDW has acres and acres and acres and acres of paved parking. TDA doesn't want Friday nights and all day Sunday to be insane with traffic nightmares as well. They don't want a Sunday in October to be busier than a Saturday in June. That's what's behind the suspension of all new (they will renew anyone) SoCal annuals. They simply want to change the way the locals use the parks (misuse might be the accurate term).

WDW is playing this game in other ways. They want to discourage park-hopping. They know MK is bursting at the seams and they don't want to add real expansions and people-eaters. So, they think the answer is better spreading of the crowds (so they'll use FP+ to greatly increase waits at attractions where they never were much of an issue from small attractions like the Tea Cups to major ones like Pirates and Mansion) and trying to push the crowds to Disney's other three gates, which also can handle millions more guests annually.

I like what TDA is doing much more than what TDO is.

I am glad you have pointed out that wait times have increased dramatically on rides that never used to have long waits esp by late afternoon. Pirates, HM, IASW used to have 10-20 minute waits by late afternoon most days now it is usually still 30 minute waits by that time. And I don't think it has reduced standby waits on rides like Splash, BTMRR or Space. Hell, now you gotta wait in a Q to use your FP plus.

 

[the.dreamfinder]

Not sure where to put this......

So Frozen haters, have fun with this.

Cinema Sins is the worst.

 

[jt04]

Um ... huh? ... Ahm ... Sopranos has been done for what 3-4 years now? What are you talking about?

That series changed the way television will be produced in the future. And streaming will provide the economic underpinnings to make it work.

Not saying all television will be like that which HBO creates. To the contrary actually. But it is a great template for the future of media on television. Oh yeah. Which will impact theater box office due to increased competition and people waiting until movies become available on demand. That movies are still generally at least breaking even at this point is suprising. The trend lines are not positive. And it shows up in the quality of the product more and more often. Marketing only has a finite amount of magic tricks.

 

[jt04]

Of course the last time they had Tatooine in a movie, it was in the Yuma in Arizona for ROTJ.

New Mexico would work.

 

[Witchy Chick]

Thats good to know. Are the "official" viewing spots worth the money they charge?

IMO, no. Most of the "official" viewing spots (particularly at the finish line) are just bleachers. Depending on where you are sitting (how high up), you may not have a good view of your runner anyway.

I always sign up for runner tracking. I get text messages with my DH's pace, and current location. I extrapolate from there what his time might be when passing my location. (i.e 9 min pace passing mile 7ish at Poly, I need to be out there 45 mins or so after start of race)

Everyone seems to be disgusted by the fat, couch potato, but, here is a place were they can start to make the transition from that to more healthy things, instead of encouragement, they get looked at as if they were seriel killers.

I applaud anyone who is trying to get healthy and lose weight. However, a full/half marathon IS NOT "place were they can start to make the transition." Start with a 5K. Work up to - and train properly for - a half/full.

Real road races also incorporate rabbits in the lead corrals. Rabbits are runners who set the initial brisk pace. This helps to stretch out the field from the beginning. Once the field is sufficiently stretched, the rabbit drops out. Rabbits never intend to finish the race.

Pretty sure Disney races have pace runners too

They do. During the Jan '13 full, my husband (foolishly) tried to keep pace with the 4 hour pace setter/group. He expended too much energy early and was gassed at the end of the marathon.

 

[SJN1279]

I am glad you have pointed out that wait times have increased dramatically on rides that never used to have long waits esp by late afternoon. Pirates, HM, IASW used to have 10-20 minute waits by late afternoon most days now it is usually still 30 minute waits by that time. And I don't think it has reduced standby waits on rides like Splash, BTMRR or Space. Hell, now you gotta wait in a Q to use your FP plus.

I found that Pirates and Mansion had longer waits, but rides like Space Mountain, Splash, and peter Pan had shorter waits. FP+ seems to distribute crowds equally throughout the park.

 

[jt04]

...

 

[twebber55]

I found that Pirates and Mansion had longer waits, but rides like Space Mountain, Splash, and peter Pan had shorter waits. FP+ seems to distribute crowds equally throughout the park.

was there s week ago and I totally agree...btw my longest wait was 35 minutes for Space Mountain

 

[Goofyernmost]

You are wrong about this point. Plain and simple. There may be fun 5K, but there's no such thing as fun half-marathon or marathon. And there are thousands of serious runners that take part in these events annually. They don't do it just to take a selfie with Goofy at Mile 6.

I know you view this (wrongly) as an attack on fatties. That isn't true. What you push is an attack on serious runners and safety.

If it appears that I am attacking serious runners, it is because, in my mind, it is beyond logic to think that just because they take running seriously, that the venue is not as important as the event. All serious runners should be able to run at Disney and all people, even if they are just trying for a personal best, should have the ability to run at Disney. I think that the numbers of non-serious participants in a half marathon or marathon are greatly over exaggerated. The few that might start out are quickly overtaken and then it's just the real competitors that are running their own race clear of the "just for fun" group.

All that I am saying is that whomever is running "serious or fun" needs to look around them and see where they are, see the significance that is placed, by the outside world, on that particular event and understand that their participation will include some things that are not present at big, important, sanctioned events.

And yes, I am seeing it as an attack on fatties, just as I see the way you worded that sentence as a thinly veiled attack on "fatties". I am not attacking serious runners as people, but as an attitude that the world, especially at WDW, should be relegated to the spectator section so that they can have their own personal moment of glory. WDW is a place that should be for everyone, no matter their abilities to participate and find there own glory while being in a place that was designed for just that purpose.

 

[Goofyernmost]

This is like arguing with a wall. I've been down the road on this subject with him numerous times and he just doesn't understand or won't accept reality. He thinks we all (especially FAT me) hates fatties.

You are correct, because in spite of your self opinion, you can be wrong. Gasp! You make a pretty good wall yourself. Also, the number of times that you have used the word "fatties" or some of the other colorful, and oh so clever names for overweight people, pretty much solidifies that feeling. You and Flynn do not seem to get my point at all, because you are both so wrapped up in the "running is serious" stuff. It may be in many places, but to expect that it is going to be that way at Disney may be caused by too many endorphins in the system. Even the fact that the cost to run there is extremely high should be a clue that this isn't your average running event. It is Disney World with far more to do then look at city curbs and and occasional flowering tree. It is not just an event in this case, it is a destination that can only be experienced at that location. It's the same reason why they get away with $300.00 a night for mediocre rooms.

 

[PhotoDave219]

Cinema Sins is the worst.

*ding* Post does not contain a lapdance.

 

[Nemo14]

@Goofyernmost - you know I love you, but I do think you're overreacting to this one. I think the truth about the Disney marathons is somewhere in the middle of the two of you. I know my nephew has been running them for several years now, and yes he enjoys it because it's Disney, but he also likes to chart the improvement in his running time. He's been placed in the first or second corral for the past few years, so he does get out on the course before the masses of slower runners get in the way, so his times are a pretty accurate measurement of the effort he's put into training. If you read some of the posts from the runners here on Magic, I think you'll see that they do take their running seriously, no matter where.

That's not to say that the slower runners/walkers shouldn't be allowed in the race though. Of course they should have the same opportunity to participate too, but that's the reason for having those later corrals. I think that was the issue that started this whole conversation - the fact that the first couple of miles get real cluttered if you're not in the first group out. Should they get a medal if they do not finish the race? Absolutely not! That only serves to diminish the reward.

 

[crispy]

You are correct, because in spite of your self opinion, you can be wrong. Gasp! You make a pretty good wall yourself. Also, the number of times that you have used the word "fatties" or some of the other colorful, and oh so clever names for overweight people, pretty much solidifies that feeling. You and Flynn do not seem to get my point at all, because you are both so wrapped up in the "running is serious" stuff. It may be in many places, but to expect that it is going to be that way at Disney may be caused by too many endorphins in the system. Even the fact that the cost to run there is extremely high should be a clue that this isn't your average running event. It is Disney World with far more to do then look at city curbs and and occasional flowering tree. It is not just an event in this case, it is a destination that can only be experienced at that location. It's the same reason why they get away with $300.00 a night for mediocre rooms.

You are confusing "serious runners" with "running is serious." I am not a serious or competitive runner. I train and work hard to prepare for races, but I am slow and will never be competitive. I think that many racers are like me, and that's perfectly okay. I have always been welcomed and encouraged by serious runners and athletes. It's actually heartwarming to see how kind and encouraging all the runners are to each other. Many of the fast, competitive runners stay at the finish line long after their race is over to cheer on the slower finishers. As I said, when you are in a large race, you see people in all shapes in sizes with all types of challenges. I remember getting passed by a single leg amputee and a double leg amputee during my first race.

That being said, even though I am not a serious runner, I take racing very seriously as should every other competitor. Even though a lot of people dress up (not just Disney races either) and have fun, it is still by it's very nature a serious event because not training properly can cause you to get hurt. It's not about being fat or skinny but about being prepared to run.

BTW, while RunDisney prices are somewhat higher than most (what is Disney isn't?), the prices are not completely out of line with other races. The ones I have done here run about $120 per race and have all types of fun events going on before, after, and during the race. As a matter of fact, I actually found the Country Music Half to be more fun than the Princess Half in a lot of ways - much more scenic overall, great entertainment throughout, wonderful, encouraging spectators throughout the entire course which is something that Disney doesn't have.

 

[Darth Sidious]

I know Bob's history quite well. When did I state he was an unknown?

I was referencing the article/blog post by Nikki Finke. She states he was plucked from obscurity.

 

[Omnispace]

I am glad you have pointed out that wait times have increased dramatically on rides that never used to have long waits esp by late afternoon. Pirates, HM, IASW used to have 10-20 minute waits by late afternoon most days now it is usually still 30 minute waits by that time. And I don't think it has reduced standby waits on rides like Splash, BTMRR or Space. Hell, now you gotta wait in a Q to use your FP plus.

I wonder if the longer lines might be attributed to FP+ spreading crowds throughout the day. Are there instances where lines have improved?

 

[Omnispace]

I found that Pirates and Mansion had longer waits, but rides like Space Mountain, Splash, and peter Pan had shorter waits. FP+ seems to distribute crowds equally throughout the park.

Thanks, I wonder if these are more like pre-FastPass lines. Anyone recall what lines for rides like POTC used to be? I recall it being very long, but it moved quickly. And that was with the tickets in use.

 

[culturenthrills]

Thanks, I wonder if these are more like pre-FastPass lines. Anyone recall what lines for rides like POTC used to be? I recall it being very long, but it moved quickly. And that was with the tickets in use.

POTC was always long in the mornings but by the afternoon it was usually 10 minutes or less. I can't even imagine how FP minus has screwed with doing a touring plan.

 

[nor'easter]

If it appears that I am attacking serious runners, it is because, in my mind, it is beyond logic to think that just because they take running seriously, that the venue is not as important as the event. All serious runners should be able to run at Disney and all people, even if they are just trying for a personal best, should have the ability to run at Disney. I think that the numbers of non-serious participants in a half marathon or marathon are greatly over exaggerated. The few that might start out are quickly overtaken and then it's just the real competitors that are running their own race clear of the "just for fun" group.

All that I am saying is that whomever is running "serious or fun" needs to look around them and see where they are, see the significance that is placed, by the outside world, on that particular event and understand that their participation will include some things that are not present at big, important, sanctioned events.

And yes, I am seeing it as an attack on fatties, just as I see the way you worded that sentence as a thinly veiled attack on "fatties". I am not attacking serious runners as people, but as an attitude that the world, especially at WDW, should be relegated to the spectator section so that they can have their own personal moment of glory. WDW is a place that should be for everyone, no matter their abilities to participate and find there own glory while being in a place that was designed for just that purpose.

You make WDW sound like a religious experience.

There are limits, even in the magical world of Disney. People with back problems should not ride Space Mountain. I cannot ride Mission Space without getting sick. People who cannot swim need to be selective at the water parks. Severe diabetics should avoid Dole whips. And severely overweight people should not be in a marathon.

 

[marni1971]

And that UK bloke @marni1971 ... you might think he had a clue with the way he talks.

Nah. I know nothing. I make it up as I go.

 

[RSoxNo1]

How to Train Your Dragon 2 was 10x better than Frozen

plan on seeing it tomorrow

edit: with my 11 year old daughter of course

No need to put the qualifier in there, now those of us that aren't going with kids are going to seem weird. I'm glad to hear it's getting positive reviews, I really enjoyed the first one. It's a shame it was up against Toy Story 3 that year for the Oscar, the following year it would have been a slam dunk win (over Rango).

Universal does better with screens than AAs. I'm hoping Kong has sets too, but I'm not counting on it. Really Disney relies too much on outdated AAs. Screens can do certain things a stationary figure simply can't.

Yeah, I love going to a theme park so I can watch screens. It's just like sitting at home!

I'm not averse to screen based attractions, but most of them make my wife sick. That makes her reluctant to go to Universal because there's so much that she can't enjoy.

If you drive in the snow a lot like I did this year and you have good snow tires, 50 is easy to do.

I think you're missing the point.