chEAR squad...thoughts?

[nkkilala]

Hello everyone!

I have a question about the ChEAR squad. I will be doing the 1/2 marathon and my DH and mother will be cheering me on! I would like to know your thoughts about the package. Was it useful? Was it a waste?

My hubby is perfectly able to walk and catch Disney transportation around. My concern is my mom. She is 65 and has had a knee replacement and recent back issues. I'm thinking if she does the ChEAR squad it will be better for her in the long run.

Thank you for any/all of your input!

 

[crewmatt]

So it would really depend on the type of package you get. Obviously the bronze is simply a mailing list and the other standard items there at the marathon. The silver is just a cool kit of stuff this year. I don't really think that seat will be too handy during the race. The gold plan is the silver plus access to priority cheering spots. So if the 2 of them are going to do the castle and the finish line they'll get a great spot at the castle and reserved seats at the finish line. The finish line seating would be a plus for your mothers knee, but the castle is standing room unless she brings a chair. The platinum package is access to race retreat so if you were planning on doing that as a runner and hanging out at the finish line for a while afterwards it would be nice.

 

[cewait]

I am not sure the ChEAR packages are woth it, especially with a back issue. My wife was 4 weeks post op back surgery in 2009. We were thinking of putting her in the ChEAR Section. Even with the upper end package you MUST camp out for the prime seating. That means parking yourself on a hard stadium bench for hours. That is not what a back sufferer wants - or at least the DW did not.

For the half just have them show up for the finish line. Or have them meet you at the TTC and then monorail back to Epcot. THere is a large grassy area just as we exit the park near the finish. Go the WalMart the day before and purchase a chair for $6 and let her sit in that chair in the area.

 

[nkkilala]

So if they didn't do the package could they still get into the MK for the castle pics? Would they have to use a park ticket for this?

We are not sure where we are staying yet, on site vs off site. IF my mom comes she will spring for on-site and on monorail if available! (Love that mommy!) Could they just go from their hotel to the MK, see me, and then head to Epcot for the finish?

This will be my first 1/2 marathon and everyone is really excited!

 

[crewmatt]

Yes they can do that easily. The only thing is the section RIGHT adjacent to the castle is usually reserved for chear squad. If you're facing the castle, the runners come through the castle and head towards the left. The section right at the bottom of the castle ramp is reserved for chear squad. The rest is open to whoever gets their first kinda deal. Altho it has a fairly quick turnover as for the half (depending on pace) you dont have much time btw MK and the finish.

 

[cewait]

Yes they can do that easily. The only thing is the section RIGHT adjacent to the castle is usually reserved for chear squad. If you're facing the castle, the runners come through the castle and head towards the left. The section right at the bottom of the castle ramp is reserved for chear squad. The rest is open to whoever gets their first kinda deal. Altho it has a fairly quick turnover as for the half (depending on pace) you dont have much time btw MK and the finish.

Yes they can get into the MK along Main up through the park hub. I do not believe the photo op is all that great for getting your runner & the castle. That is best left to ASI.

Correct me if I am wrong on the ‘special’ viewing area in MK…. I thought that spectators were only allowed to the center of the hub, not all the way up to the path from the castle to the Frontierland. Traditionally spectators have been held to the Main street third of the hub – making a line from Tomorrowland to the hub center then to Adventureland. Last year was the first year of the special viewing area and it was way too dark when I go through on Saturday to see much, especially with the ASI flashes coming down the ramp. Then on the 2010 Sunday I was dealing with an issue coming out of the castle and did not observe much of anything – something about my eyes freezing open. So I could be mistaken. Anyway, with the older observation areas you were way too far to get a decent photo.