Breyerfest Tips #3 - Special Runs

One of the greatest things about Breyerfest is the anticipation of finding out what special runs, or SRs will be offered this year exclusively at the event. For first time Breyerfest goers, the special run lines and tickets can be confusing. Trust me- it is not that bad. You may be really nervous and the first time is always the hardest, but once you go through the line you will see it's not that hard. I will try and explain everything about the ticket and the line to the best of my ability in hopes of helping someone.

Alright. So when you buy a three-day ticket for Breyerfest, you get one Special Run ticket. It will look something like this

This is not my picture, rights go to owner.

You must have these tickets to get into the special run line. It is right near the Breyer store but it is a separate line. Each ticket is issued for a hour time slot. This ticket is for 12:30 to 1:30 pm on Friday July 17th. You cannot show up to any other time slot or they will not let you in. They do check your tickets! 

Show up at least 15 minutes before your time slot is supposed to begin. If this was my ticket, I would show up at around 12:10 or 12:15. There are 350 tickets issued for each time slot and if you are late you must get into the back of the line. 

In order to make it fair, Breyer pulls a number out to be the first ticket in line. So, if this was my ticket, and number 30 was called, I would be number 8 in line. BUT if number 39 was called, I would be last in line. This is important because Breyer only puts out a certain number of special runs per time slot, so they last all weekend. 

Once they get everyone in order, they lead the line into the SR part of the store. When you walk in, a bunch of tables will be set up on your right. One display model will be set up in front of a pile of bubble wrapped horses in the same mold. There will be a Breyer employee standing behind the table to make sure everyone is kept in order and only one model can be picked up by each person. You can only buy one of each kind of horse when you go into the SR line. For example, you can only get one surprise model at this time slot, not two. If you have another time slot, you can get another surprise model if you wish. 

After you pick up your one or two models you are funneled out into the Breyer store where you can shop or just proceed to pay. Plastic SRs run between 55-75$ and there is always a different animal SR that is a little cheaper and usually a  porcelain SR that is a little more. 

When you go into the SR line, there is usually one or two SRs that are super popular and sell out quickly. Especially if you are far back in line, make sure you have some back-ups that you want to purchase as well. If you get bad tickets every time, and your most wanted SR sells out every time, you may get disappointed. Usually they make the most of the ones that they think will be most popular, so just prioritize your purchases and if you get a good spot in line, be sure to grab the one you want who is most popular, instead of one they'll have left over on Sunday.

If they have Special Runs left over on Sunday, you are allowed to go back through the line without a ticket. You are still limited to two model purchases, but you can go through the line multiple times if you wish. If you reallllllly want to get another model, I would suggest getting there as close to the opening of the park as possible.