ChEAR Squad/Retreat questions

[Emmabean2000]

Can anybody share their experiences? I will be running the 1/2 in Janaury, and will have my wife and 9 and 8 year old cheering me on as well. I am a bit concerned about the early hour for the kids, and am wondering if the "Cheer Zones" are good places to wait, without having to wonder where they should go. I have heard mixed things about the retreat, but again, wonder if this may help the kids knowing they have a place to go while waiting at the end....

 

[cewait]

I have heard mixed reviews. No one can say what the 'on course' locations will be like. I have heard that the bleachers fill and no one will make room for later arrivals but I have also heard that the bleachers were a life saver for a family with grand parents taking care of kiddos.

Personnaly with an 8 & 9 year old I would not have them out for the start. I would consider having them head up to MK Main Street for a hot chocolate while they wait for Dad. They can color Cheer signs picked up at the expo. Then they can head back to Epcot for your finish. There is a stretch of fencing as we leave the park that is grassy and not so crowded. Not a bad place to wait.

 

[Emmabean2000]

Thank you for the response and ideas. Probably a stupid question, but what time does family have to be at Epcot on race day? Do they shut down the roads in at 5:30am?

 

[cewait]

The half is a little fun to get to for spectators. Not sure where you are staying but you will not be able to take marathon busing much after 4:30-5:00 to get to Epcot Parking. Your auto is about the same cut off, maybe as late as 5:30 but I would not bank on it. Bussing usually resumes from the resorts aroun 6:30-7:00. If you are in one of the first two waves you will pass the northrn end (MK) before they get out to see you.

I think the sure fire way to get to the MK with young ones and not get them out of bed so early is to take a cab to the TTC or Poly. You can still get into these spots that morning by detouring up Bonnet Creek to Vista the heading west to the MK Parking area and the TTC. Mary has taken the cab a couple times to the MK area with no issue at all.