Official 2016 Princess Half Marathon Thread

[SarahDisney]

I could totally see myself doing that next year...eating dinner and then grabbing a bus afterward to get there for the last 30-60 minutes of the expo. It's like @Dis_Yoda said, the merch is just not worth it!!

Our flight was delayed last year and we didn't land in Orlando until after 6. I was really freaking out that we wouldn't have enough time and everything would be sold out ... but there really wasn't anything I was dying for that was sold out, and we were able to get our bibs and shirts and even spend a decent amount of time in the official merchandise area. There were still plenty of people there, but it didn't feel crowded.
Marathon weekend we also went later in the day. After hearing/reading the stories, I don't think I would ever go when it first opens. Maybe some people can handle it, but it's definitely not for me. If something I really want sells out before I get there, I'll just have to get over it.

 

[seashell7290]

On the bus back from the expo. What a hot mess. They did seem to be restocking merchandise but people were pretty rude. Official Merch is found in both packet pick up and the jostens center. They didn't look out of anything when I left. Glad to be done.

 

[Ariel484]

Our flight was delayed last year and we didn't land in Orlando until after 6. I was really freaking out that we wouldn't have enough time and everything would be sold out ... but there really wasn't anything I was dying for that was sold out, and we were able to get our bibs and shirts and even spend a decent amount of time in the official merchandise area. There were still plenty of people there, but it didn't feel crowded.
Marathon weekend we also went later in the day. After hearing/reading the stories, I don't think I would ever go when it first opens. Maybe some people can handle it, but it's definitely not for me. If something I really want sells out before I get there, I'll just have to get over it.

This is what I'm starting to think, too. I got there over 2 hours early for Disneyland in September, and while the actual "going in and getting the stuff" part was fine - I WAITED OVER TWO HOURS. That's just insane. It's just stuff. And I don't want to get punched by some stranger.

 

[Keels]

My friend in line says the Expo is now temporarily closed because the Fire Marshall wants people to clear out. Geez.

 

[Ariel484]

My friend in line says the Expo is now temporarily closed because the Fire Marshall wants people to clear out. Geez.

 

[SunDial]

My friend in line says the Expo is now temporarily closed because the Fire Marshall wants people to clear out. Geez.

WOW. That is crazy. There has to be a ton of people there. I have seen it packed but never closed temporarily.

 

[Keels]

WOW. That is crazy. There has to be a ton of people there. I have seen it packed but never closed temporarily.

Yeah, it's crazy, crazy nuts. If anyone is going for merch, I encourage you to go to the merch area upstairs in the Fieldhouse where you pick up packets. It's in the area where the Dooneys are.

 

[MaMa3Princess]

The Expo was the worst experience I've ever had in my life, and I was in New Orleans for work during Hurricane Katrina.

I could totally see myself doing that next year...eating dinner and then grabbing a bus afterward to get there for the last 30-60 minutes of the expo. It's like @Dis_Yoda said, the merch is just not worth it!!

Yikes and wow, I am sorry to hear about this. I hope that on Sunday no reports of pushing and crowding. This use to be one of my favorite race weekends. So disappointed in hearing that people where going nuts over stuff

 

[Fruto76]

I saw one women closed-fist face punch another woman over a jacket. So, yes, I realize that perspective is everything - but it was a damned disaster this morning and no employee or manager cared. Not one.

Sounds like a bunch of princesses.
I might be rearranging my plans for tomorrow. Coming over a little later and hitting the expo around 3-4pm. I'm sure there is nothing there I need and I know there is nothing there worth losing my weekend bling over . That being said, is anyone making plans for meet up/drink Saturday or Sunday afternoon? I'm solo all weekend with flexible plans.

 

[sperkins921]

I saw one women closed-fist face punch another woman over a jacket. So, yes, I realize that perspective is everything - but it was a damned disaster this morning and no employee or manager cared. Not one.

Like I said, I actually had a Disney employee slap me in the face with a handful of shirts and hangers as I was standing next to him. Now, I am not one of those people who is rude, or inpatient, or pushes, or shoves, etc. during the expo. I've had less than three hours of sleep, and yet I managed to stay civil!

This actually happened as I was picking merchandise up off the floor and putting it back on the rack. Totally, not my job! But as the old adage goes if you were not part of the solution, you're part of the problem.

Since I was standing there deciding, I was trying to be helpful. The guy was rude, his actions uncalled for, and even when I politely called him out on his actions by saying "whoa, if you had just said excuse me I would've definitely moved out of your way" he just looked at me and rolled his eyes and kept shoving shirts on the rack. Considering he and I were the only ones at the display it was really uncalled for. And this coming from a Disney employee!

 

[sperkins921]

Whoa! Over clothes! Some people are downright unstable. I hope security showed them the door.

If I recall correctly, security isn't even ove there. It was basically a free for all.

 

[sperkins921]

Sounds like a bunch of princesses.
I might be rearranging my plans for tomorrow. Coming over a little later and hitting the expo around 3-4pm. I'm sure there is nothing there I need and I know there is nothing there worth losing my weekend bling over . That being said, is anyone making plans for meet up/drink Saturday or Sunday afternoon? I'm solo all weekend with flexible plans.

I'm down for whatever. I actually had reservations for the boathouse at Disney springs for tomorrow if anyone thinks they would be interested in joining. the reservation is at three or 330. I'm thinking of canceling because originally I was going with friends and they canceled this whole weekend for other plans.

 

[pangyal]

A big hug of solidarity to all of us who are getting sick...yes, I sadly have to include myself in this now.

If we wanted to go to the expo tomorrow to be able to get our kid's bib in time for his 11:00 race, and we're aiming to be there by 10 (not buying, just getting packets), do you guys think we will be able to manage this?

 

[sperkins921]

If I recall correctly, security isn't even ove there. It was basically a free for all.

After reading further posts from @Keels sounds like the cops were called! Yikes! I can't even imagine wanting anything material that bad that I get the cops called on me for my actions trying to get it.....

 

[DVCFan1994]

I'm keeping an eye on this for next year...I want to know what time the crazies have left. Like, if I plan to roll in at 3PM next year, will it be relatively empty?

My only PHM so far was in 2011 - runDisney was JUST starting to get really popular. The race was smaller and I remember the expo being crowded, but not insane. If there was some way to get the bib and race shirts without having to go into the expo, I;d do it in a heartbeat for this race weekend (though I know they won't do that since they want people to be in the expo and shop).

I was there 2-3 and while it was busy, it wasn't crazy, no lines even for official merchandise, and definitely didn't see any punching!

 

[SunDial]

For those that have picked up the runners shirts, what is you opinion on the colors in person? Some were wondering about the real color in the earlier pics.

 

[Ariel484]

I was there 2-3 and while it was busy, it wasn't crazy, no lines even for official merchandise, and definitely didn't see any punching!

"No punching" is a goal of mine for next year (never thought I'd say that about a Disney race). Thanks so much for letting me know!

 

[seashell7290]

For those that have picked up the runners shirts, what is you opinion on the colors in person? Some were wondering about the real color in the earlier pics.

Black, maroon, mint/teal in real life. shirts are cute but the half color is kind of random but at least it's not pink. All shirts are short sleeve and I really wish they would spring for a tech short for the 5k. Cotton is not wonderful at moisture wicking

 

[MommaoffherRocker]

has anyone done the virtual queue for New Balance? I just got my time for 5:30 pm tomorrow and I was wondering how on time they are?

 

[Fairy Godmother]

How many corrals are there for the 10k? I am in E and trying to figure out if I am in the last corral or if there is one more behind me. TIA