Hi Melanie,
Thanks for
racing over here to planDisney with your question. We love to help!
Ok first, I am so excited for both you and your daughter.
Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend is one of my favorites of the whole year. Get ready to join thousands of strong, capable, driven women as they show up for themselves and conquer a goal. The energy is so contagious and I believe that both you and your daughter are going to return home feeling just a little more powerful. That's what it is all about.
I know that your daughter must be disappointed that her BRF (Best Running Friend) won't be able to join her at the starting line, but I bet she is pretty pumped that her mom will take her place in the excitement of race morning. Nobody cheers like a proud mom!
Ok, let's work out your plan:
Yes, you can absolutely rise well before the crack of dawn to ride official Disney transportation to EPCOT with your daughter. You will go through security together, can check out the pre-race entertainment (including coffee and food trucks. This will feel important!) and can stick around until it is time for your runner to make the journey to the start corrals. Think of this like gates at the airport: travelers only. Give her a big hug, tell her you are already proud of her, and send her off on her 13.1-mile journey.
You
could board Disney transportation back to your Walt Disney World Resort hotel to catch a few winks, but I have a better option. Caution: If I were you, I would make sure to pack my comfy sneakers for this vacation because this plan involves some standing.
After you wish your daughter farewell, head over to the EPCOT
Monorail and ride over to the Transportation and Ticket Center. This is my favorite cheer spot for spectators! Runners are feeling all the feelings at this point in the experience. They know they are heading into
Magic Kingdom Park for that magical mile right down the middle of Main Street U.S.A, they have likely settled into a pace, and they have already felt their first ankle-bending challenge of running up a Walt Disney World Resort on-ramp. They know plenty more is ahead. Everything is a little swirly and wonderful.
Seeing your face and hearing your voice will be an incredible boost! I know she won't forget it.
Then, when your clapping and shouting and celebrating feels complete in that location, hop right back on the EPCOT Monorail and head over to the finish line to start again! There is nothing like watching people catch a glimpse of the finish, dig deep, and run through to complete a goal set long before. There will be tears. Definitely from runners. Possibly from your eyes as well. It's just so special to witness!
Once your daughter completes her half marathon, collects her highly-regarded post-race snack box, and stops for all the
Disney PhotoPass shots, she will pass out of the secure area and can meet back up with you to celebrate! Then, the two of you can board a bus back to your
Walt Disney World Resort hotel for showers, naps, and alllll the food!
I hope this helps, Melanie! Please tell your daughter that I'm cheering for her!
Wishing you many magical memories,
Sally