The after party last year, as many have pointed out, was a nightmare. I found that having dropped my bag at the truck early seemed to make it easier for me to retrieve at baggage claim. Also, this year will have more food/beverage kiosks which last year took 30-45 minutes to get anything from each kiosk.
Value for the cost of a ticket for spectators? Don't know but I am very excited for Soarin' and the other rides open this year that weren't last (spectators can get in the park as early as 10:30). Don't forget the $10 Disney gift card instead of free sip/taste coupons we had last year.
I brought dry clothes and baby wipes to clean up and get more comfortable post-run and was very glad I did. While I didn't change completely, I was able to get out of some wet pieces that would have chaffed something fierce and wipe some of the sweaty grime off.
Looking forward to this year's run and the changes they have made.