More Spectator help

[dreams91]

DH will be rooting me on for the full. I figure I can only get him to go to two spots. He is NOT a wdw veteran so I'll need details on where to send him. We are staying AKV. I'm thinking he can go out somewhere from the resort to see me and then send him to the finish? Would he need a park ticket for the finish? Best way for him to get there? We will have a car.

Thanks!

 

[irishtwins1112]

I know he doesn't need a park ticket to see you at the finish because the finish is actually in the Epcot parking lot. I would guess the busses are going to be the fastest way for him to get there....especially is he is unfamiliar with Disney. I am not sure about the viewing area close to the resort. He might want to just ride a bus to AK and see you coming through the parking lot?

 

[cewait]

I would seriously leave the keys on the dresser if he does not know the property layout on race morning.

Since you are at AKV, I would suggest taking a bus to AK in time to see you leave AK. He does not want to enter the park if open, rather, stick to the bus area as the course runs by the bus stops. From there, Regular Disney buses 'usually' have a direct route from the AK park to Epcot. I would suggest taking that bus OR taking any resort bus that does not go to the monorail resorts or to the All Star resorts then transferring to the EITHER a marathon OR regular bus to Epcot. The reason I offer the OR is that I am not 100% sure that the AK to Epcot bus runs on marathon day.

The key word of the day for spectators ---- FLEXIBILITY

I have a spreadsheet I can share with you that will help give him times you should arrive at various course locations. PM you email address and I can forward

 

[dreams91]

I would seriously leave the keys on the dresser if he does not know the property layout on race morning.

Since you are at AKV, I would suggest taking a bus to AK in time to see you leave AK. He does not want to enter the park if open, rather, stick to the bus area as the course runs by the bus stops. From there, Regular Disney buses 'usually' have a direct route from the AK park to Epcot. I would suggest taking that bus OR taking any resort bus that does not go to the monorail resorts or to the All Star resorts then transferring to the EITHER a marathon OR regular bus to Epcot. The reason I offer the OR is that I am not 100% sure that the AK to Epcot bus runs on marathon day.

The key word of the day for spectators ---- FLEXIBILITY

I have a spreadsheet I can share with you that will help give him times you should arrive at various course locations. PM you email address and I can forward

Thanks. I'll hide the keys. ;-)

 

[dragitoff]

I have another related question regarding spectators. I've asked this before, but now I have more specific information (corral placements, starting times, etc...). My corral goes at 5:49. With the crowds and forcing myself to start slower than marathon pace, I'm guessing I'll be around 10mm until I hit the MK. We're staying at the Contemporary. When should my family plan to get to Main Street to see me at the MK and what's the best course for them to take to get there?

 

[cewait]

I have another related question regarding spectators. I've asked this before, but now I have more specific information (corral placements, starting times, etc...). My corral goes at 5:49. With the crowds and forcing myself to start slower than marathon pace, I'm guessing I'll be around 10mm until I hit the MK. We're staying at the Contemporary. When should my family plan to get to Main Street to see me at the MK and what's the best course for them to take to get there?

The easiest way to MK is to walk. MK opens for spectators at 0530. I would suggest that they try to get across World Dr (the traffic light) before 0545 – 0600. Much later than this and security will close the intersection to walkers. While it gives them some dead time (ok lots) it assures they will not have to deadhead back to the building them monorail around the loop to MK. The main reason they try to close this intersection down is that spectators try to cross the lane closest to the resort (non running lane) and stand on the median… creating a traffic hazard for the vehicles trying to use the one open lane.

 

[dragitoff]

The easiest way to MK is to walk. MK opens for spectators at 0530. I would suggest that they try to get across World Dr (the traffic light) before 0545 – 0600. Much later than this and security will close the intersection to walkers. While it gives them some dead time (ok lots) it assures they will not have to deadhead back to the building them monorail around the loop to MK. The main reason they try to close this intersection down is that spectators try to cross the lane closest to the resort (non running lane) and stand on the median… creating a traffic hazard for the vehicles trying to use the one open lane.

Will they have any issues getting back to the hotel? What time do the monorails start running? Will they be able to monorail it back to the hotel or would they need to walk? It's more important for me to have them at the finish line than at mile 5 if it becomes a logistical issue for them.

 

[JeffW]

The easiest way to MK is to walk. MK opens for spectators at 0530. I would suggest that they try to get across World Dr (the traffic light) before 0545 – 0600. Much later than this and security will close the intersection to walkers. While it gives them some dead time (ok lots) it assures they will not have to deadhead back to the building them monorail around the loop to MK. The main reason they try to close this intersection down is that spectators try to cross the lane closest to the resort (non running lane) and stand on the median… creating a traffic hazard for the vehicles trying to use the one open lane.

Hmmm, now you have me a bit concerned. We are staying at the Contemporary, and we were hoping the kids (4 and 7) and family could get some extra sleep and just come down to the road in front of the Contemporary to see us. Does your description above mean that they can't easily do that, because we'll be a full lane+median away from them? Optimizing sleep for the kids is of high value

 

[cewait]

Will they have any issues getting back to the hotel? What time do the monorails start running? Will they be able to monorail it back to the hotel or would they need to walk? It's more important for me to have them at the finish line than at mile 5 if it becomes a logistical issue for them.

Hmmm, now you have me a bit concerned. We are staying at the Contemporary, and we were hoping the kids (4 and 7) and family could get some extra sleep and just come down to the road in front of the Contemporary to see us. Does your description above mean that they can't easily do that, because we'll be a full lane+median away from them? Optimizing sleep for the kids is of high value

Monorails start at 0300 and run continuously. No issues riding the rail to or from MK to be a spectator. The local rail runs clockwise so MK is the last stop on the milk run.

I am going by what my wife said the time we stayed on BLT and have seen what seems to be a similar stopping of folks since then. It is kind of hard to avoid that intersection as Disney places construction fencing along the Contemporary property to focus folks to the intersection and keep them off the active traffic lane. An alternative location on the Contemporary property is to head to the north turn in at the resort and stand there - it's the same opint where we turn into the backstage entrance. It seems much less crowded, though again, no way to high five the family. If a hug or high five is wanted, then the better bet is to borrow a little time and commute to the MK for a Main Street viewing or to GF. The Poly is like the Contemporary and we are separated by a traffic lane and fencing.

 

[DISaholic's]

Ok Coach another spectator question:

My husband would like to see us at least one spot during the marathon and at the finish but isn't keen on getting on the bus with us at 3:45am to go to the MK.
We are staying at the Caribbean Beach Resort and have a car and we do know our way around the World pretty well. Our group (me, my sis and Brother in law) should be running around a 10:30 to 11:00mm pace - albeit possibly a bit slower if it's really hot and we are in start corral D.

I'm trying to decide the best bet. TTC? WWoS? Car or bus?
He got really frustrated last year trying to get to the MK - but he started out to late too - and ended up only seeing me just as I entered the EPCOT gate, then at the finish.

But this year he does not have a park ticket for Sunday as we are headed out for the Disney Dream directly after the race.

Suggestions???

 

[magicLAL12]

I have a spectator question as well..

Is a park ticket required for spectators wanting to view runners in the Magic Kingdom? or do you only need a park ticket for the other parks?
The runDisney site seemed to list these as separate things, so I was a bit confused.

Thanks!

 

[JeffW]

An alternative location on the Contemporary property is to head to the north turn in at the resort and stand there - it's the same opint where we turn into the backstage entrance. It seems much less crowded, though again, no way to high five the family. If a hug or high five is wanted, then the better bet is to borrow a little time and commute to the MK for a Main Street viewing or to GF. The Poly is like the Contemporary and we are separated by a traffic lane and fencing.

Thanks Coach. With the kids, the high five is the most important part, so we'll have to discuss modifications to the plan. Where at the GF can one get up close to the runners? A quick resort monorail trip to GF wouldn't bother the boys at all

 

[cewait]

Ok Coach another spectator question:

My husband would like to see us at least one spot during the marathon and at the finish but isn't keen on getting on the bus with us at 3:45am to go to the MK.
We are staying at the Caribbean Beach Resort and have a car and we do know our way around the World pretty well. Our group (me, my sis and Brother in law) should be running around a 10:30 to 11:00mm pace - albeit possibly a bit slower if it's really hot and we are in start corral D.

I'm trying to decide the best bet. TTC? WWoS? Car or bus?
He got really frustrated last year trying to get to the MK - but he started out to late too - and ended up only seeing me just as I entered the EPCOT gate, then at the finish.

But this year he does not have a park ticket for Sunday as we are headed out for the Disney Dream directly after the race.

Suggestions???

This year will be worse attempting to get to TTC/MK without being on the pre-0500 buses. The better bet is to try for either the AK front gate or WWoS. As a 10-11mm runner, I do not think both are really possible unless all cards align. I am not 100% sure that grabbing the first AK bus from CBR will work as you will be past the gate about 30-40 minutes before rope drop, putting chances of getting there by bus a little iffy. I know he could drive and get there in fine fashion and watch you pass. What is not clear in my mind is how one drives back out of the park since we are using the primary auto parking lot exit. There may be a way out through the Toll booth service road and then backwards up the lane… but I do not believe that is used regularly.

That leaves the WWoS. If I were him, I would give myself 90 minutes from CBR to ride either a Marathon or regular bus to Epcot then take the Marathon WWoS bus… OR just drive to WWoS. There will be a slight back up at Osceola where he will be directed to the right lane of the outbound side of Victory, but will be able to park and watch you from Champions Field.

I have a spectator question as well..

Is a park ticket required for spectators wanting to view runners in the Magic Kingdom? or do you only need a park ticket for the other parks?
The runDisney site seemed to list these as separate things, so I was a bit confused.

Thanks!

No, the Main Street of MK will open at 0530 for spectators to watch free of charge. They do sell coffee and a few items to eat while you wait. All other parks will require a ticket. Though, the only park I would actually enter to watch from would be Epcot – near the IGate. All other parks I would watch from outside the front gate.

 

[cewait]

Thanks Coach. With the kids, the high five is the most important part, so we'll have to discuss modifications to the plan. Where at the GF can one get up close to the runners? A quick resort monorail trip to GF wouldn't bother the boys at all

From the Monorail station, go north or follow the normal direction of traffic and follow out to the roadway. We are in the left lane; next to the resort property line. You will know you are getting close as we pass the new Reedy Creek Fire Station on course right, then a dirt road on course left followed by the GF service Entrance then the main parking lot entrance (Actually the parking lot exit). Mary Poppins is in the service entrance area  that is how to judge when you need to look course left.

ADDED - Note that the main Entrance is about a quarter mile further down the roadway and the entire section has historically been open for spectators.

 

[DISaholic's]

This year will be worse attempting to get to TTC/MK without being on the pre-0500 buses. The better bet is to try for either the AK front gate or WWoS. As a 10-11mm runner, I do not think both are really possible unless all cards align. I am not 100% sure that grabbing the first AK bus from CBR will work as you will be past the gate about 30-40 minutes before rope drop, putting chances of getting there by bus a little iffy. I know he could drive and get there in fine fashion and watch you pass. What is not clear in my mind is how one drives back out of the park since we are using the primary auto parking lot exit. There may be a way out through the Toll booth service road and then backwards up the lane… but I do not believe that is used regularly.

That leaves the WWoS. If I were him, I would give myself 90 minutes from CBR to ride either a Marathon or regular bus to Epcot then take the Marathon WWoS bus… OR just drive to WWoS. There will be a slight back up at Osceola where he will be directed to the right lane of the outbound side of Victory, but will be able to park and watch you from Champions Field.

No, the Main Street of MK will open at 0530 for spectators to watch free of charge. They do sell coffee and a few items to eat while you wait. All other parks will require a ticket. Though, the only park I would actually enter to watch from would be Epcot – near the IGate. All other parks I would watch from outside the front gate.

Thanks so much for the help! One last question, Is it doable if he drives from WWoS back to EPCOT to see us at the finish? And then would it be quicker for us to have him drive us back to CBR to grab a quick shower or hop on the bus back to CBR?

Coach - you are an amazing man with an immense set of knowledge and we are all SO lucky to have you!!! Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!

Jeanne

 

[wvjules]

I want DD to come see me at the finish line. Would she take the Marathon bus from OKW to get there?

 

[cewait]

Thanks so much for the help! One last question, Is it doable if he drives from WWoS back to EPCOT to see us at the finish? And then would it be quicker for us to have him drive us back to CBR to grab a quick shower or hop on the bus back to CBR?

Coach - you are an amazing man with an immense set of knowledge and we are all SO lucky to have you!!! Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!

Jeanne

As I think this through... He MAY want to drive to AKL then bus to AK. I have a real heartburn saying that a person can for certain drive out of AK before 0930-1000. If he does that, then I know he is outside the course with the car. He can also walk/jog back to AKL if the AKL bus is not as promt as he would like.

His shower time is dependent upon traffic back out of the AK area and the amount of time required to negotiate the forced exit at Buena Vista.

 

[cewait]

I want DD to come see me at the finish line. Would she take the Marathon bus from OKW to get there?

Either bus. The Maathon busing will crop your DD closer to the finish line area but the regular Disney is not that bad either. Grab the first one.

 

[magicLAL12]

No, the Main Street of MK will open at 0530 for spectators to watch free of charge. They do sell coffee and a few items to eat while you wait. All other parks will require a ticket. Though, the only park I would actually enter to watch from would be Epcot – near the IGate. All other parks I would watch from outside the front gate.

Great! Thank you for the quick response, Coach!