Thank you PrincessV! This is pretty much what I was thinking too. I wasn't sure how long it would take to get to the parking lot. With security/bag check and everything I'm thinking it'll be 9:30 before they get to the finish line, assuming they are near the front of the line to get into Epcot.
I agree - I think 9:30 is realistic.
Did I read that we get corral info about 3 weeks before, or is that at bib pick-up?
Waivers should be released a few weeks before the race, and waives include bib numbers. Corrals usually come out shortly after waivers and your bib # will tell you your corral.
Does an 11:55pm lunch reservation seem like a good time for a post race meal? Let's assume we finish between 9:30-10am. How long does it take after you cross the finish line? Assuming we don't get massages, but definitely enjoy a glass of champagne!
I'm giving this one a solid Maybe, too, lol! Here's a real life example: I ran the WDW Half a couple weeks ago - start time was about 6:15 and I ran a 3 hour half, so finished about 9:15. Wandered a bit in the post-race area, chatting with some friends, then walked to my car, drove to my hotel. After eating a snack, rolling, stretching, showering, dressing, I was ready to walk out the door to lunch at about 12pm. Had I skipped the chit-chat and spent less time on recovery efforts, I probably could have made an 11:55 ADR. Hope that helps some!
How many participants are in the 5K vs the 10K?
I'm pretty sure both the 5K and 10K had about 10,000 each last year.
I know the 10K is a timed race with corral assignments. Is the 5K a timed race and are there assigned corrals?
5K does have assigned corrals, but isn't timed.
I have a question, what do people carry during the race to take pictures?
I carry my iPhone for music, so I just use that for pics, too.
Stay positive ladies
and keep working at getting in the practice runs/walks. Even with set backs it can be done. In past years, I have had some physical illnesses, and I just kept doing what I could and finished strong.
I can't say it any better, so I'll just quote Joan here!
I seem to remember bibs and corrals coming out about 2 weeks pre-race last year, which people said was later than usual. Anyone else have the same or a different recollection?
I do have the same recollection, but now I'm not sure if that was 2014 or 2013! Maybe both?!
But even with all the excuses, it's still disheartening, especially so close to my first half!
As others have said, there's some learning to be taken from the experience, but also know that bad runs happen to all of us, sometimes for no good reason at all. Try hard not to dwell on it - look ahead and trust that they won't all be bad!
I'm open to any tips you have for a first-timer!
I think my #1 piece of advice is to HAVE FUN! Really - it's so easy to get overwhelmed by the excitement, the hype, the stress, the chatter... take some moments before, during and after your race to take a deep breath, look around, and enjoy the experience. Because it'll all go by so fast!
This is interesting, so do you think that as long as you hydrate well for the 3 or so days before the race, it'll be fine to not drink so much right before the race?
Hydration is soooo individual and has so much to do with weather, too. I live in Fl and even with ample hydration in the days before, easily went through 60+ ounces during summer long runs. This time of year, when it's "cold" to we Floridians, I don't pre-hydrate at all, beyond my normal daily intake of water, and don't need much right before or during my races, either. If what you've been doing is working, I wouldn't mess with it. Just maybe plan to take in a bit more if conditions are warm and humid down here for the race.
I haven't had water once on any runs since August. That said, the 10 milers have been in 45-48 degrees so it's really not a great comparison and that's as far as I've gone in training this round. Race wise I've only had up to a 12K recently but didn't stop at that race for water. Again though, 45 degrees. Heat makes a huge difference. I have a 12 coming up but don't expect anything to be different than the 10's. To your point though, well hydrated when heading out.
Eating is fine, it's just the drinking. Since I haven't had any issues - even when running this summer (though it wasn't nearly as hot as normal in Pittsburgh this year!), I'm going with that as my plan for the half. 
