1/2 Marathon spectators ?

[PrincessKellen74]

Hello All!

My DH and MIL will be running in the Jan. 1/2 marathon in 2011, and this will be a first for both families. What can we (the rest of the families) do in terms as spectators....where is the best place to watch them? Where can we meet up with them afterwards? Is there anything "special" going on that weekend for marathon runners and their families? Any information and tips would be greatly appreciated!

TIA
Kellen

 

[crewmatt]

Hey, so Disney makes spectating rather easy, however slightly constrained. There are dedicated viewing spots, for the Half Marathon I believe they're at the Castle, The Grand Floridian, the Poly, and the finish outside of Epcot. Its on the marathon/half marathon website. Your best bet I would say if you're not staying at the Floridian or Poly is the Castle and Epcot as the finish line. You can just hop the monorail and depending how fast they are you'll have time to spare to see them at the finish line.

Like all things disney they will also "upsell" your spectating experience with the Chear Squad (you get like seats and specific viewing areas). My wife did it last year, and she enjoyed it. Something about hot beverage service (yea my sweatshirt had frozen solid and she's waving and sipping hot chocolate )

 

[minniebeth]

crewmatt, thanks for the info. about the spectator areas. My family is thinking about forming a fundraising team for the 1/2 marathon and we will have young children with us (spectators). Even though it's an upsell, it might be worth it for them. I'll have to look into it. Thanks so much!

 

[crewmatt]

Oh the upsell was well worth it, the wife was a huge fan. I'm waiting for them to open it up again and get her it for next year. She finally got to get something out of an expo, she was actually really excited to go get in line and get her packet. She got some kind of clapper, a seat cushion, a shirt, etc.

They offer a few tiers of it. I forgot exactly how it broke down, but hopefully disney will post that soon.

 

[PrincessKellen74]

about how much is that? It will be me, my two children 5 and 7 and my FIL my 2 BILS ages 15 and 26.

 

[crewmatt]

this is not this years prices, but should give you a ballpark. The two prices were for single race or double race (goofy) i believe. My wife had done the gold with tim's girlfriend.

ChEAR Squad -Bronze Package (Complimentary)

E-newsletter with course and pace tips to spot your runner!



ChEAR Squad - Silver Package ($35)

E-newsletter with course and pace tips to spot your runner!

Your ChEAR Squad gear kit which includes: ChEAR Squad backpack, Custom ChEAR Squad stadium seat cushion, ChEAR Squad Mickey clappers and ChEAR Squad t-shirt



ChEAR Squad - Gold Package ($55/$75)

All of the amenities of the Silver Package plus...

Entry into the finish line ChEAR Zone which includes: Reserved grandstand seating at the finish line, hot beverage service and water, Sharpie Inspiration Station and private restrooms.



ChEAR Squad - Platinum Package ($95/$160)

All of the amenities of the Gold Package plus...

Entry into the Race Retreat which includes: temperature controlled tent, internet access to check live results, private restrooms, full brunch and beverage service, Disney Character greetings, designated location to meet your runner and much more!
A youth ticket is available for ages 9 and under. $85 for the Marathon or Half Marathon/$150 for Goofy's Challenge Package

 

[PrincessKellen74]

What is Pasta in the Park? and Victory Lap? Are they worth it? I only saw one thing about it, and now I can't seem to find out anything else.