On Friday, January 6th, some runners received news that is never welcome.
In an abundance of caution, WDW Resort has cancelled all running events 1/7/17 due to weather conditions
After flocking to Orlando for what was supposed to be a magical race weekend, disappointment abounded. Not only for those only running the half marathon, but for those running in both the Goofy and Dopey challenges. In the Goofy Challenge, runners race the half-marathon and the marathon on consecutive days for a total of 39.3 miles of running over two days. For the Dopey Challenge, runners must complete the 5k, the 10k, the half-marathon, and the marathon...four days of running, 48.6 miles.
However, in true Disney fashion, options were provided to runners as a way to mitigate the disappointment from a cancelled race. Considering all runners signed an agreement that they understood there would be no refund in the case of inclement weather, this is a true miracle, Disney fashion.
Option 1: A full refund for their race registration in the form of a Disney Gift Card.
This option benefits more than just the half marathon runners. According to the Event Guide, those participating in the Walt Disney World Half Marathon, runDisney Kids Races, ChEAR Squad and Race Retreat can all receive a refund in the form of a Disney Gift Card in the amount equal to their registration. Those participating in the Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge and/or Dopey Challenge can receive a partial refund in the amount of the half marathon registration.
Option 2: Two One-Day Park Hopper tickets.
Considering just one one-day park hopper ticket is $155, and the half marathon cost $170 that's a pretty dang good deal. You could either use both for yourself, or share one if you brought a friend or family member with you.
Option 3: Transfer registration to another runDisney half marathon race in the U.S. within the next 24 months, subject to availability.
You have TWO years to pick another race. Any race (within the United States at least), is yours for the choosing. In addition, you don't even have to choose now! According to the event guide, runners who are interested in transferring their registration to another runDisney half marathon in the U.S. within the next 24 months should contact runDisney beginning Friday, Jan. 13, 2017. That's almost an entire week to think about which race you want to run next! After emailing rundisney@disneysports.com with your preferences, a Disney Cast Member will personally follow up with a phone call to discuss availability of future half marathon races. How's that for customer service?
Option 4: There is limited availability to run the full marathon on Sunday, Jan. 8, 2017 during the regularly scheduled race.
And just in case runners still wanted to run this weekend, and possibly challenge themselves a little more, a transfer could be made from the half marathon registration to the 2017 Walt Disney World Marathon. Runners could register at no additional charge, with registrations being accepted on a first come, first served basis until all available spots are filled or until 10 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017, according to the Event Guide. Considering there are already over 20,000 runners registered for the marathon, and corrals have already been determined, who really knows how this is going to work, but knowing Disney, they've already thought about that.
In my opinion, other race companies could definitely take a page from Disney's book regarding cancelling races and providing customer service. Sometimes refunds are provided for cancelled races, sometimes they aren't. Sometimes the option is provided to transfer registration, sometimes it isn't. As a runner and a triathlete, there is nothing more disappointing than training super hard for a race and then having it be cancelled the day before. You can always choose to go for a run on your own, as many runners have been doing this morning, but it doesn't make up for not being able to cross that magical finish line. Even though I'm running the marathon and not the half marathon, I still want to give props to Disney for providing excellent customer service in lieu of a disappointing cancellation. Well done, Disney. And from all the runners here in Orlando right now, thank you.
