Princess run-how busy is parks before vs after

[pixxi]

I am running in the Princess run weekend (2/21-23 2017), for those that have been here during race time. Is it better arrive before with the family and spend a few days in the park before the race or arrive before the race maybe Thur. and stay 5 day after the weekend? That is also Presidents Day time, I'm not sure if that makes a difference.

We like Southwest prices for Tuesdays so that's when we usually go to WDW but I don't want to wear myself out before but think there may to too many race people and others due to the holiday.

Just looking for opinions since we usually attend during Sept.

 

[bumbershoot]

Better for your legs and race expereince to save the main touring for AFTER the run(s). But you do have to be there ahead of time for the expo/packet pickup, which can make it hard to keep things easy on the legs!

 

[cleophus12]

We have done this for a couple of years now. Crowds are manageable for the most part. We usually do our parks after the race, although we sometimes do one park the day before. We just try not to overdo on that day. We have not found the parks to be terribly crowded during race weekend, so I think either way you plan it you will be fine. Enjoy. See you at the race!

 

[Dreamport]

The past 2-3 trips we've arrived the afternoon of the final race and saw crowds dwindle within a couple of days. I have no insight to how they are beforehand but it really is a decent time of year to go. This upcoming year probably won't make much of a difference since before the race will be President's Day week and after will be the week of Mardi Gras/start of Lent/maybe the start of Flower & Garden crowds.

 

[katt789]

Last year we flew in 2 days before the 5k (tuesday I believe), toured the parks wednesday, and went to the expo to pick things up, then there was a variety of our group running between the 5k, 10k and half, and went to the parks after the races and left the following thursday. I say:
-Save your legs! Don't do too much touring around if you are coming earlier
-Avoid MK the day after the half, it's always the craziest! We did DAK and got everything we wanted to done, also spent a few hours just sitting in Harambe catching up with friends and that was a super nice rest for those who did run!

 

[bumbershoot]

Avoid MK the day after the half, it's always the craziest! We did DAK and got everything we wanted to done

And AK is nice because of all the walking.

It's not quite the same, recovery-wise, but after W&D 2014 my friend and I soaked our legs, had a nice sleep, then got up and hit AK. It hurt hurt hurt, but then around noon all the walking kicked in and we could both stand straighter and walk without wincing. That walking around is good for you!