A few days before, some the official race merchandise was released via Disney Parks Blog. Everyone has now had a week to analyze what they were wanting to get their hands on so it made it easier for me to know what I was looking for. From tank tops, to hats, to jackets, wine glasses and more, there was a lot of gear fit for a princess. I personally like the delayed release because there is a lot less time for personal shoppers/eBayers to hop in an buy the merchandise just to mark it up so runners arriving later in the weekend have to pay a high premium for items. Also, I feel like the registration system that made it so you could only buy Race Retreat if you were registered for the 1/2 Marathon (or Fairy Tale Challenge) kept the eBayer/shoppers to a minimum.
As I entered the official race merchandise area, I knew that the three main things that I was wanting were the Fairy Tale Challenge quarter-zip jacket, car magnet, and ornament.
Bibs were divided into sections for Kids Races, 5K, 10K, 1/2 Marathon, and Fairy Tale Challenge. Even with having to pick up twice (5K and Fairy Tale Challenge, we were in and out within minutes).
I am happy to report though that princesses remained very well behaved again this year. There were no reports of shoving, throwing items, etc, as there was in 2016. Well done ladies! Thank you for being civil princesses.