2012 marathon weekend first-timers' questions

[erinna]

Hi all,

My family is participating in various marathon weekend activities -- 5K for my husband and I, 1/2 marathon for my stepdaughter and her partner.

I have two questions: first, the Moms' Panel website says there will be transportation from the "host hotels" but it doesn't list these hotels. Anybody got an idea which ones they would be? Would it be easier to drive (we'll have a car)?

Second, I'm considering signing other stepdaughter, her baby and myself up for the marathon weekend chEAR squad. But it's kind of pricey. I'm wondering it it might be worth it though -- particularly with a one year old in the part.

So: anybody know which hotels I should be looking at? And has anyone done the Gold or Platinum chEAR squads?

Thanks!

 

[jmasgat]

All hotels are host hotels during marathon weekend. As for driving, it gets more complicated on race days (Sat & Sun, don't know about the 5k) since they have roads closed off. There are a few people on the boards who have done it though.

Don't know about Chear Squad stuff--but I think Disney charges a premium that I personally wouldn't pay. If you are just interested in finding a place or two to cheer your stepdaughter on along the half marathon course, or if you just want to cheer her on at the finish, you can do that without paying Disney their steep fee. There is a spectator tool that will become available closer to race day that lets you plug in expected race time and gives you options for where to cheer your person on.

Maura

 

[erinna]

Thanks, Maura -- I pretty much agree with you assessment of the chEAR squad costs, but I"m mulling over doing it so that stepdaughter-who-used-to marathon pre-baby-but-hasn't-gone-back-to-training doesn't feel left out -- she used to do these things with her sis...

Ah, the politics of Family and the Mouse!

 

[paxsarah]

This year my DH, kids (5 and 2), and parents (65+) were able to catch me in two spots on the race course. We stayed at the Poly specifically for the logistical simplicity, but as long as you and the spectating members of your family could get to the TTC early enough, you could catch both spots and use the Poly as a base for getting some breakfast and coffee during the in-between times.

 

[nu2dvc]

very sorry to hijack, but can anybody tell me if the kids who participate in the fun run also get a park ticket for one day?

TIA & good luck to ya'll.

 

[jmasgat]

The one day park ticket was only for marathon participants, and so far, was only last year.

Maura