Cheer Squad package Marathon Weekend

[Pooh2]

Has anyone purchased the Cheer Squad package? Is it worth the $105? How was the seating?

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

I am moving this to the events side of WISH where I think you may get more conversation.

I also think this topic has been discussed previously on this side and you might want to check out the previous threads too.

 

[Pooh2]

Thankyou.

 

[cewait]

Hey Pooh...

My read on the chear squad is as follows....

If there is a spectator who cannot stand or walk for periods of time (say an hour or so) OR the spectator feels uncomfortable in navigating the property on a day where transportation is in a state of flux, then there is merit in the package. On the other hand, if the spectators are capable of standing and moving around then it seems to not have a lot of utility.

Some of the small print secrets.
- The seating, while reserved, is still first come first seated system. You are not actually guaranteed a spot in the bleachers.
- The MK viewing spot is not all that great. Youa re still a considerable distance from the runners and most cameras will not give you a decent photo of your runner coming from the castle.
- The Platinum package allows spectators into the runner retreat tent for munchies, drink and warmth. Note that spectators cannot get into the tent until after the runners are released to the corrals - so if both have a package, one will be standing outside the tent

Through the years we have found that knowing the runner's pace, corral starting time and pre-planning a location for viewing works out well. The TTC and Poly are great places for finding one another. The MK is a secondary choice due mostly to the crowds and long and narrow running track - it's simply hard to see one another. Don't get me wrong, its popular and I am not slamming that as a choice. From there we have found heading to Epcot to be the next spot. For the half, you can catch the runner heading into the cast member gate near the bus lot and then jog over to the grassy knoll for a near finish view. For the full, we usually see each other at mile 25 - the point where we exist Great Britain. From there we just meet up as the exit to the family reunion area



Hope this helps.

 

[kmaclou]

I did the Chear Squad when my husband ran the marathon in 2011 and he's doing it for the Princess Half. I personally recommend it.

As far as the viewing at the castle, I can't speak to other people's experiences, but when I did it the Chear Squad viewing was right in front of the castle. Like right smack in front of it with no obstruction. I got pics of my husband running through the castle and down the ramp that were as good as what the professional photographers took.

At the finish line, there was consistently tons of seating on the bleachers and I was able to stand at the finish line (on the other side of the fence, of course) and was able to see him for some distance before he even got there. Again, I didn't have any obstructions. I could have sat in the bleachers if I wanted or stand at the fence.

I personally thought it was nice not to have to fight throwing the swarms of people and to have our own roped off section.

And with the Platinum package while you can't go in to the tent and snack while the runners are getting ready, you can join them for brunch afterwards (if the runner has purchased the race retreat). That was nice when my husband ran the marathon because we were able to eat lunch in there together.

Again, that's just my two cents, but we think it's worth it.

 

[Jousey]

Very insightful. I am usaly running but I have look at this for my DW and children. I think especialy if I run the Goofy in 2014 I will push my DW to get the Platium level so she can let the kids rest and have acess to a bathroom.
I like the sujestions on spectator viewing around the Half and Full I will have to pass that on for when I do the race. I think i could be a big weekend for me and my mother when we plan to run the race so having this insight help put my DW mind at ease.

 

[harleys mom]

I bought this for my husbands marathon last year. It was okay. The shirt and blanket were a nice plus. It was lucky they had the spots by the castle as I had to run a 5K to get there to see his run thru. At the finish line thou, not as good. The only drinks avaliable were water, diet coke, and coffee. The seating was fine. It had a great spot to see him finish, but they had a fence in front of me so the the pictures were not great.

 

[jenelope]

I got my parents the Gold package when they came to see me run the Princess Half last year. The viewing spot in the Magic Kingdom is directly in front of the Castle. For me, personally, coming out of the Castle and seeing my parents was worth every penny I paid for the package. (I saw them, but they didn't see me until I was almost on top of them!)

My mom has mobility issues, so this was ideal for her.

 

[rmgreenesq]

For the Disneyland Half, I purchased the platinum package for the women in my life: wife, daughter, and sister.

They appreciated the seats in the bleachers and the continental breakfast. The pictures my sister took of me crossing the finish line are better than the ones brightroom took. They're cheaper too.

The t-shirt was nice, but the blanket was useless. It was way too warm at Disneyland to need a blanket. My daughter used it as a pillow. She curled up on the bleacher and went to sleep.

After the race, I went to the platinum package area. I was admitted when I showed the gatekeeper my finishers medal and told her that I was there to collect my family. While I was in there, I met Jeff Galloway. He finished a few minutes before me.

Rick

 

[Goofierunner]

Jenna, that picture of your parents is adorable!!