Hello all I am training for my first Princess half in 2012 and I didn't want to add this to the already huge thread, but I'm asking about spectators, my family has been asking me questions and I have no idea, I'm so new to all this!!
Do your family/friends come on the bus with you in the morning?
As above they can ride with you to the start. Having friends and family with you before you head out to the start line can be a comfort - or a pain. I always have my crew stay in the resort and head off to the MK area. The staging area for the race is the Epcot Wonder Parking Lot. When called you head off through a gear check tent to the start line.... the line of tents is also a point where only runners are allowed.
Where do they go for the different parts of the race?
The start is really not a good place. It's cool to see the start but they will not see you since they are behind a fence across a 4 lane road. The likely places to see you in order are... TTC, Contemporary, MK's Main Street, GF and the Poly. They can combine two non-park points on either side of MK easily. The easier of the two point viewing areas are TTC and Poly where they can walk between the two spots.
Once they see you off from the MK area, then they have two options to see you back near Epcot. The first place is where you enter Epcot --- a cast member entrance near the bus stops. The second is as you leave Epcot headed to the finish.
What is the Chear squad? What does it cost? What makes it different from being a regular spectator?
Not sure of the new cost. There are differing levels of packages. The lowest level is free and consists of emails. The next level gets you crew into a reserved section of finish line bleachers nearer the finish. There are non Chear bleachers, also, but further from the finish. The next level up has a MK viewing area included as well as access to the runner's retreat. Note that access to the retreat is only AFTER runners are leaving to the start. Also, with the package, one needs to get to the bleachers early to get their spot. They do fill.
Is there seating areas for spectator? (my aunt has knee issues and cannot stand for long periods of time)
Yes, at the furtherest point from the finish line ... see above. Get the early if wanting to assure a seat.
What about at the finish line? Where do they get to be?
Viewing starts at the point where runners enter the Imagine Parking Lot. It is standing only on runner's left in the grassy area. Once out of the grassy area, bleachers start on runner's left and continue until past the finish line. As above, once you cross the finish you disappear through the cool down area and you meet family and friends back in the Wonder Lot.
Any and all help is GREATLY appreciated!! Thank you!!!
