All,
I’m thinking about signing up for the Florida Half IM in May and was wondering if anyone had any strong feelings about the race. How’s the atmosphere? Comments, concerns, etc…
Thanks in advance…
Plenty of threads on this. Do a search. I did the race last year and loved it. If you do it, I highly recommend staying in the cabins in Ft. Wilderness and booking through Anthony Travel (cheaper than booking through Disney). It’s not cheap, but it’s a blast. Oh, and book a golf cart for Ft. Wilderness WELL in advance!
I did it 2 yrs ago and it was run well. I am doing it again. Plus, I can bring the family and they enjoy it. It can be really hot.
do they allow spectators/family into the park for the race, or are they stuck paying park entrance fees? what are the good spots for spectators to watch the race?
The course does not go through any of the theme parks - the swim, transition and finish line are at Ft. Wilderness - spectators do not have to pay to see the race! Z
thanks for the feedback Tom. looking forward to doing your race.
Your welcome - Sign up soon - registration will close at 2,400. I look forward to seeing you at the race! Z
I did it the first year. I thought it was a great race. (I will hopefully do it again at some stage)
I have done it 2 times and really like the course - am signed up again for this year.
I’ve done the race two times. The race director and administration does a good job of working within the constraints of the layout and time of year. With this race, you are at the mercy of the Disney machine and the fact that they are not going to interrupt the massive logistics required to run their regular business for the triathlon. There is ample parking, shuttles, etc. - but you need to allocate time for this. Lodging is ample and available.
The other major factors - heat and the size of the field. The waves are started at 3 minute intervals - probably to get everyone started before the heat rises. This year’s race generated several Slowtwitch threads regarding the crowded bike course. There are several out and back stretches of the course on narrow roads. This year there were many packs that formed and spread to 3-4 wide in these sections. When this happens, you have faster riders pushing the edge of the double line in both directions - inches away from hitting handlebars. I didn’t feel it was a safe situation. With this year race having another large field and probably lots of first time triathletes - I don’t see this being a problem that is adequately resolved.
I would do this race if you are concerned about: getting a 70.3 qualifying slot, having a destination for your family to spend time at around the race, or have a aversion to racing in the ocean.
If you don’t fit one of these three, I would recommend trying the Gulf Coast Triathlon.
Great race. Last year was the best. I’ve raced it every year and will continue to do so. Even requested my MBA graduation date be moved so I can race in 2008. Race will be hot (I’m north.)…prepare the best you can and go.
FAST people there…don’t freak out…just go to the “lazy pool” at Typhoon Lagoon and relax after the race with your family.
The hardest line to get to is the start. Once you get there…have fun.
I am going to sign up for this one too but the Ft Wilderness cabins appear to be all sold out. All I can get at Ft Wilderness Lodge is a room for $350/night!@ Ouch.
Will I be cool staying down the road at one of the cheaper places at Disney like All-Star Sports Resort or All-Star Music Resort?? They are a ton cheaper but will be a bit of a pain to take the bus and all. But it really will be just a place for me and family to sleep at. We go to Disney all the time so just staying there to be close to the race site…
Go through Anthony Travel (see the link on the race website). They have several cabins blocked out, so that’s why Disney is probably showing them sold out. I booked in Feb. last year with no problem.
Tribodyboarder is correct - Anthony Travel block out all of the cabins for athletes. I would think that they still have some left! If not, the other Disney hotels are all very nice. Hope to see you at the race in May. Z
I called Anthony’s travel today and they still have cabins avail. Although, they are much cheaper than the $320.00 you were quoted, they’re still a little rich for me at $235.00 for a place to stay. I’m going to look into the Hilton, it was $99.00 a night.
If you have kids, pay the extra at the cabin. It’s well worth it! They have activities for kids in there, and you have easy access to the race for you and your family in the cabins. Plus, there’s kitchens in there, so you can save $$$ on eating out by just making your own food. Factor that in! They had nightly “campfire movies and singalong” at Ft. Wilderness too which we took our daughter to 3 of the nights we stayed there. She loved it!
Good thing you called Anthony Travel…if you go via the links, it says they are still working out lodging details. 
I need to jump on this. The cabins make it the easiest. Next easiest is Wilderness Lodge.
I did the race last year. I thought it was well put on and good all around. A couple things I wasn’t too pleased with was the heat (Im a northerner), the bike course was somewhat cramped (riders were often seen 3 wide, veering into the opposite lane), part of run course was on a dusty trail and no shade. Fort Wilderness is also hard to get in and out of on race day. Aside from all that, I had a blast and would race it again. Disney is a great place to stay and is a lot of fun if you have time to hang around. I stayed at the All Star Sports Resort which is roughly 6 miles from Ft Wilderness. Hotels at the All Star last year cost $89 a night. Best price I could find. Disney also has a bussing system to take you throughout the park so check into that as well. Race it you’ll have a great time.
I was there last year and loved it. We went down for about 10 days and stayed in our camper at Ft Wilderness. Easily one of the best vacations we’ve had. Kids get Disney, wife gets pool, I get triathlon. Plus my two boys and wife volunteered at a water station and had a blast. It was a good experience for them to help. It was win/win all around. If I could afford to go again this year I would but those theme parks are rather pricey and I can’t see dragging the family down within sight of Cinderella’s Castle and not taking them in. You just can’t do that to a kid 
Tom Z does a great job at the race. It has the feel of a mini-ironman.
The water parks are fun and not nearly as expensive - if that helps. We love to hang out at the Typhoon lagoon.
I agree that it is one of the best venues if you are taking family. Fort Wilderness itself is a great place to be. My kid loved riding around with the golf cart and he made me play tennis with him after the race!!