I was reading on the WW of Sports site that volunteers are needed for the Minnie Marathon, and you get a park pass for each shift (I think it was 3 or 4 hours) you work. Has anyone ever done this? I'm thinking it might be a fun thing to do, if I can work it out.

There's an article on MousePlanet that you might want to read if you haven't already. It's by Lani Teshima as part of her Marathon Guide, and it covers the subject of volunteering. Link (http://www.mouseplanet.com/articles.php?art=mr050812lt).

As a participant in the WDW marathon, I appreciated all of the volunteers! :)

I volunteered for the 2006 WDW marathon and did receive a one-day park pass. It was fun, but also a lot of hard work! I worked at a waterstop, and my shift was 6 hours.

There's a couple things to consider:
first of all, while your "official" shift may start at a certain time you will probably be required to meet somewhere first to be transported to your assignment. I think we were scheduled to start at around 5 a.m., but had to be at the WWS parking lot by 4 a.m. for check-in.

If you don't have your own car you will have to pay for a taxi to take you to your check-in area. It cost us $20 to get to our volunteer location - not something we had planned on! One woman had to come from WL, and it cost her $30!

After your shift you will be transported back to your "check-in" area and then you will have to find transportation back to your resort (again, only if you don't have a car). So don't expect to be in and out at the times specified for your shift - I'd add an hour on both ends to be safe.

I don't want to discourage you from doing this, because I'm so glad that I did it. It was a great experience out on the race course, but I wanted you to understand the other logistics involved. I think everyone should do this at least once - especially if you're a runner - it will give you an even deeper appreciation for the volunteers!!

Hope that helped,
Mara

I'm shocked to hear those taxi prices, Tink13.1 - I've used cabs a few times on-site in my last few trips, and I think the most was still under $15, with tip. I wonder if you were getting a '3rd shift' surcharge (since it was so early in the morning)?

My trips included going from Boardwalk to AKL or POFQ; Pop to the Swan; and parks to Pop or POFQ (when we were tired and the bus line was really long). I don't think the Saratoga Springs to AKL was anywhere close to $20, either (two of us were staying at different resorts and meeting at AKL for breakfast together)

I'm shocked to hear those taxi prices, Tink13.1 - I've used cabs a few times on-site in my last few trips, and I think the most was still under $15, with tip. I wonder if you were getting a '3rd shift' surcharge (since it was so early in the morning)?

My trips included going from Boardwalk to AKL or POFQ; Pop to the Swan; and parks to Pop or POFQ (when we were tired and the bus line was really long). I don't think the Saratoga Springs to AKL was anywhere close to $20, either (two of us were staying at different resorts and meeting at AKL for breakfast together)


I was shocked too! We went from the Swan to Wide World of Sports. I think one factor was probably the road closures and detours because of the marathon route. I have also taken taxis before, esp. when going resort to resort (much easier!) so like I said, it was a shocker - but that's what it was!