Best DVC resort for WDW 1/2 Marathon?

[Doug7856]

I'm hoping to run in the 2013 1/2 Marathon next January. Anyone have an opinion on the best DVC resort for race participants? We own at SSR, but would attempt to change at the 7 month mark if there is a better resort for access to the events. It's my understanding that bus traffic prior to the event is nothing short of crazy. Can you walk from BWV or BCV to the start or do you have to take the bus like the other resorts.

Thanks!

 

[runmommyrun]

I stayed at SSR for the marathon last year (2011). I had no problem with transportation from SSR. (Mind you I woke up about 2:30 and was on an earlier bus, so that may have something to do with it). Getting back to SSR was very easy... buses waiting. The real pain was walking from the pre-race area to the start line. It was a narrow path with TONS of people trying to get to the start. Went very slow. No matter where you stay, you won't avoid that. So it wasn't transportation that I found to be a problem.

I don't know about walking from BCV and BWV. I do not think it is something you want to do, but I defer to others who stayed there. If you can get an 11 month reservation at SSR, I would book that. If you prefer the Epcot area, then I'd move for that reason, not the bus issue to the race. At least we had a good experience with the buses from SSR.

 

[jvelasco]

I asked a similar question regarding the upcoming Princess Half Marathon. I called the number on the Run Disney site for hotel reservations and asked about walking from BCV/BWV to the start line in Epcot and was told the International Gateway entrance is not open at that hour of the morning, and it's not walkable from the resorts to the main entrance of Epcot. We are staying at SSR (a host resort) for the Princess, and I'm planning on being on a very early bus just in case!

 

[Doug7856]

Runmommyrun, this is exactly what I wanted to know! Thanks for responding.

I'm new to running. The only race I've run was the Baltimore Running Festival 5K. Looking forward to the challenge...

 

[hauntedcity]

My wife and I did our first half on Saturday and we stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge Kidani. No problems with bus transportation at all. We waited about 5 minutes for a bus that filled up 5 people ahead of us, but another bus pulled up before the first could even leave. Worry free.

My first choice probably would have been BLT, because I loves me some monorail. For those of you on the monorail loop, how was monorail transportation?

Doug

 

[runmommyrun]

Was BLT a host resort for the marathon? We stayed at BLT for the Wine & Dine. I had assumed the monorail would be running after the race, but when I called RunDisney a few weeks before the race, I found out that it would NOT be running outside the normal hours. That meant we wouldn't be able to stay for the after party and ride the monorail back to BLT. I learned my lesson... check with RunDisney to make sure the monorail will run or that it is a host resort! Nonetheless, we had a car and drove. It was easy. But that wasn't for the marathon weekend, which would likely be much more crowded.

Doug7856... congrats on signing up for the race. I've loved the races I've done there so far. Can't wait to try them all! Good luck!

 

[gatordoc]

I stayed at BLT for the marathon a couple of years ago and it was a big mistake. Yes, it was convenient prior to the race, but the buses are generally very good. However, at the end of the race, while the buses were right there, it was a pretty long walk back to the monorail, and that was not fun after a long run. I believe the 1/2 marathon finish is the same, and if it is, I wouldn't recommend BLT (or any of the monorail resorts).

 

[SmartGuyCEO]

I just returned from marathon weekend and stayed at BLT. Though it was a walk back to the monorail, it helped with the recovery process and I didn't walk "funny" as many days as I usually do. Staying at OKW you can walk to the start line. I saw some people doing that in 2011, but not this year. The bus line back to the resorts were long and you won't be able to walk back to OKW or SSR. Go Luck with your race.

 

[Doug7856]

Thanks everyone!

Sounds like SSR is a good choice. I believe I read that the monorail does not operate prior to the race, so I'd be hesitant to stay at BLT. Can't wait for race registration to open up. I believe last year it opened in March. The race is in 2013. The Half Marathon is on 1/12 and the Marathon is on 1/13/2013.

So now I'm training and preparing for the run...

 

[Pennyguy23]

Good luck

 

[nolanboys]

We stayed at AKV last year for the F&W 1/2. It did have direct transport, but it was not a problem. We actually walked ove to BCV after and took a cab back. Best $20 we spent!

 

[Simba's Mom]

We stayed at AKV last year for the F&W 1/2. It did have direct transport, but it was not a problem. We actually walked ove to BCV after and took a cab back. Best $20 we spent!

From another F&W 1/2er at BCV. I was wondering this exact same thing since DH is planning on the 2013 half marathon. From what I've heard, there aren't "host resorts" for the January event, like there was for the F&W 1/2. There are so many people, we were told, that buses go from all the resorts. We mentioned that we're owners at OKW, and he said that would be a great place to stay. I'm wondering if there's a good DVC resort for spectators to see the runners. I was disappointed in the F&W 1/2 that spectators weren't allowed at the start or finish, just a big TV near the Land to watch the start. However, I really enjoyed that I could walk over to the wooden walkway by BC&YC to cheer on the runners.