Hiya, Kimberly! Welcome back, my friend! I'm so happy to see you here with another fantastic planning question.
Well, if there's one thing I know, it's that I needed ALL the encouragement I could get while running my one and only half marathon, and I'm thrilled to hear that you plan on providing some extra pixie dust to your favorite runner during the
Disney Princess Half Marathon. To get you the best answer, I asked for some advice from my fellow planDisney panelist pals who are experts at being both runDisney participants and spectators, so on your marks ... get set ... let's GO!
First, as the race approaches and begins, keep an eye on the
Spectator Info page for the race weekend on the runDisney website. Here, you will be able to see approximately when the runners will pass some of the popular spectator spots. So, depending on what time you're up and at 'em, this can help you pick the practically perfect spot to cheer on your runner.
My panelist pals informed me that Magic Kingdom is a fantastic place to be a spectator for the race, as it is just buzzing with energy. However, they did mention that to get a good spot, you will have to rise and shine very early. From Old Key West Resort, you'll have to first catch a bus to EPCOT and then take the monorail to Magic Kingdom. The buses do start running around 3:00 a.m., but some Resorts only have one bus for spectators around 4:00 a.m. I recommend checking with a Cast Member at Old Key West for your earliest spectator bus time the night before.
My panelist pal
Melissa cheered her friend and husband on from Main Street in Magic Kingdom, and she said that while there were many people there spectating, the crowd around her was great about shifting who got to be in the front of the crowd as their runners passed. My friend
Jessica wanted to make sure that her runner, fellow panelist pal
Eean, could see and hear her, so she cheered her on at the Ticket and Transportation Center, and in years past, she has also watched her approach the finish line at EPCOT.
Jessica and Eean did mention that Magic Kingdom is so abuzz with pixie dust and energy, you might also consider a spot where your runner might need the extra boost of your encouragement. It may sound like a less magical spot to watch, but it will probably be just the magic that your runner needs to get them to the finish.
I hope this was helpful, Kimberly, and I hope you have the most magical early morning at the Most Magical Place on Earth. See you here again with another question? I hope so!
Blue skies and sunshine,
Mandy