Disney Princess 1/2 Vets..Logistics/Tips?

[terpsfan]

Gearing up for Disney Princess 1/2 next month...any seasoned vets with tips/tricks?  Trying to walk through morning of logistics.  Any input from people that stayed onsite?  How and when did you get to the race start?  We are at the Contemporary if that helps guide advice...

[venice2007]

I stayed off property. I was pleasantly surprised how well organized 24,000+ people were. They had everything going smoothly. Traffic was fine, signs and people everywhere directing the cars, racers and spectators. Inside the course for racers, the crew/staff were friendly and helpful. I wasn't ever lost or confused as to where to go. Plenty if bathrooms and water along the mile-ish walk to the start. At each corral there were several people at each helping people find where to go.

As for spectators my h said it was crowded but easily accessible at each viewing spot, easy to get to, lots of helpful people and very friendly.

After, the post race chute, area and foods were the best I've seen. Aid station, massages, and food boxes were more than I ever thought they'd offer. Easy parking close to the end and very easy to get gear for those who check bags and very easy to find my h


Overall for that many people I was shocked how smoothly it all was. I got up at 2:50 had breakfast, drive over and waking to line by 5. In line by 520 and my corral was off at 545 I think. Everything was perfect!

Good luck it is a total blast!

[secretlyevil]

I think the last on-site shuttle swings around the various hotels between 3:30 and 4. Don't be on that bus, get on an earlier one. I know it sucks because it's an ungodly time but most people wait for the last bus and it is overwhelming stressful. There is so much time in the corals that I usually wait to start my pre-race fueling until on the bus and finish up in the corral. Food is very important to me.

Seriously, for the sheer number of people, it is surprisingly easy process. IMO, earlier is better because it just takes awhile because of the masses.

Also - the food court at Port Orleans resort has the most fantastic make your own pasta bar. That's where I have dinner before every disney race. I am sad that I'm not staying at one of the Port Orleans hotels. It's nice to be able to walk to the pasta bar but whatever. I'll live.

[terpsfan]

Can you go by monorail to the race start or is it just by bus? I've got some friends doing it that are staying offsite and I've offered up my place as a sort of "home base" to start from. Is it worth it for them to come in to me or should they go as normal offsite-ers?

[secretlyevil]

I don't know if runners can get to the start via monorail. Not sure if it's running that early. I know as a spectator, I've taken the monorail to the finish line but that wasn't in the middle of the night either.

It might be better for your off-site friend to just take her car in. I *think* they don't charge for parking that early but I don't know for sure.

[secretlyevil]

If she does take a car in, still recommend getting an early start as it does get backed up a bit because of the amount of people.

So what is everyone wearing as their outfit?

I think (hope so anyway) I've convinced my sister to wear: shop.runningprincess.com/RUNNING-PRINCESS-TIARA-VISOR-BLACK-RP-TV-BLK.htm



It's her first half. I told her I would wear whatever she wanted within reason. As in, I don't do tulle or much in the way of costumes. Don't get me wrong, the costumes are great and if people can wear that and run or walk more power to them. I just can't. 

[terpsfan]

I'm going Minnie... Black tank, black capris, I bought a polka dot running skirt flowy not tulle) and Minnie ear barrettes. I'm so excited !! Halfway through training so trying to stay motivated!

[secretlyevil]

Her princess is Belle and mine is Marida. The other two years I did princess, Arial was my princess.

What's yours?

[terpsfan]

Merida too!

[secretlyevil]

I hope our bibs are that gorgeous dark teal color.

[taratru]

My princess is Merida, but I'm wearing Mary poppins.

Yes, you have to ride a bus. Get on about 3:30. It sucks, but if you're not alone, it goes quickly. Follow your normal pre race time schedule, not necessarily steps. Like take your food/coffee with you. Also, bring throwaway clothes to wear and sit on. Depending on your corral, you'll be there for a while... Better to sit.

[taratru]

Oh, I bet they won't really be able to get to the contemporary to park at your place because that road is the one we run on. I'd have them drive... It will be busy and all, but they're so good at getting everything done.

[terpsfan]

Ooh that prompts another question.. DH and the kids and easy viewing. They typically don't come to my races but if it's as easy as leaving the hotel door. I think he would consider. Recommended plan for him and the kids ? He'll have the double BOB so can move fast.

[secretlyevil]

I got nothing on the spectator side. The one and only time I spectated, I went directly to the finish line.

[taratru]

If he's at the Contemporary, he can easily walk over to MK. It will be PACKED, so the earlier the better. My DH saw me at the TTC (I didn't see him, though). Not nearly as many people. Depending on how fast you run, he could maaaaybe do both, but with kids, I wouldn't recommend it.

He could do MK Main Street or the TTC, then catch the monorail to Epcot to watch your finish. Main Street is not quite halfway, so he'd have a lot of time to move.

[thebulldog]

Jan 10, 2014 14:15:44 GMT -5 secretlyevil said:

If she does take a car in, still recommend getting an early start as it does get backed up a bit because of the amount of people.

So what is everyone wearing as their outfit?

I think (hope so anyway) I've convinced my sister to wear: shop.runningprincess.com/RUNNING-PRINCESS-TIARA-VISOR-BLACK-RP-TV-BLK.htm



It's her first half. I told her I would wear whatever she wanted within reason. As in, I don't do tulle or much in the way of costumes. Don't get me wrong, the costumes are great and if people can wear that and run or walk more power to them. I just can't. 

OMG i must have this. 

[thebulldog]

we are staying at port orleans and I am running in a Sleeping Beauty Costume i picked up after halloween. i have pink compress shorts and a white tank to go under it if i bag it during the race. i started pt this week for some knee pain so it might just turn into a fun run for me but i am still looking forward to it.

[secretlyevil]

Jan 11, 2014 0:31:52 GMT -5 thebulldog said:

we are staying at port orleans and I am running in a Sleeping Beauty Costume i picked up after halloween. i have pink compress shorts and a white tank to go under it if i bag it during the race. i started pt this week for some knee pain so it might just turn into a fun run for me but i am still looking forward to it.

Did you see they have one in pink or white too?

[secretlyevil]

Port Orleans is my fav resort there.

We're staying at the Caribbean. Since we're going to be there for four days days trying to save a few pennies but definitely doing the pasta bar at Port Orleans.

[badgergirl66]

Have fun! I ran Princess last year and it was amazing.

Try and get on an earlier bus if you can. We just brought snacks to eat as we waited. The atmosphere is great. We didn't need any throw away clothes last year bc it was 70 at the start, but sitting would have been nice! The buses are super easy to and from the expo and to and from the race.

[naeljun]

Hi. I'm glad I came across this. I lurk here from time to time and this will be my first half. I actually came in because I have to do 11 miles tomorrow for training and wanted to know what I should plan on bringing with me for the run.

[secretlyevil]

Jan 11, 2014 18:06:21 GMT -5 naeljun said:

Hi. I'm glad I came across this. I lurk here from time to time and this will be my first half. I actually came in because I have to do 11 miles tomorrow for training and wanted to know what I should plan on bringing with me for the run.

Practice your nutrition and hydration. This would be a good race to test your race plan.

This is a good race to be your first half. I might be biased as it was mine.