Best DVC resorts for the marathon

[goofyguy1958]

OK, I know that marathon weekend is a long way off but I am an nut when it comes to planing. I have a question for DVC members who have run or are planning to run the marathon/half marathon. Is there any DVC resort within walking distance to the start of the half or full marathon? Looking at the race route map, it looks like the closest resort would be OKW. Can someone walk from OKW to the start areas?

 

[Kristi1357]

I know Disney does not encourage walking to the start, but I am pretty sure runners have walked from OKW. I am sure someone here will be able to help you.

We've stayed at BCV & BWV (and other resorts) when DH has run in past years. I don't think it matters so much since he always buses to the start from wherever we stay anyway.

 

[Calcio]

Goofyguy

You can walk from OKW to the start of the marathon in about 10 minutes. Many runners stay at OKW, POFQ and POR the night before the race for this reason, and you can include me in this group. The marathon corrals are just west of OKW. When you step out of the lobby of any of the resorts in the area you'll hear the music and MC's and will see the searchlights. Simply walk towards them.

I leave the lobby of POFQ at about 5:35 and I'm in the marathon starting corrals by 5:45. This allows me to sleep until 4:30 and not stand out in the cold for hours before the start, so I'm fresh when the guns goes off.

I've done this 3 times and it's easy and quick. There is very little traffic on the access road at that hour, but there is a bit, so you'll need to be a little careful when you leave OKW and head for the start.

Good luck in your training. I'll see you in the corrals on January 7.

Craig

 

[goofyguy1958]

Thanks Calico! You have made my decision on where I will be staying for the Goofy in 2007 - Old Key West is where I will be!

 

[Calcio]

GG1958

I did the Goofy this year, as you are planning for 2007. I also walked to the start of both the half and the full from POFQ, as did several runners.

The walk to the half is 1 mile longer. You exit OKW, walk out the front entrance and over the bridge over the canal. This puts you on the 3 lanes of road, turn right and follow it to the start of the half, about 1 mile. The good part is this year they had many port-a-potties along this stretch of road in anticipation of Sunday's full marathon, and there was no line at all. We were walking in a group of about 10, and it took us 20 minutes max from the lobby of POFQ.

Good luck with the Goofy. Your legs are in for a test during the second half of Sunday's full marathon.

Craig

 

[Kristi1357]

Craig - you have convinced me! I am going to book POFQ for us in January. Dh is doing Goofy and I am strongly considering the Half (definately the 5k).

Keeping fingers crossed for a AAA discount!

 

[goofyguy1958]

Thanks for the detail Craig. The walk seems to be almost equal to the walk we had to do from the "official" start from Port-O-Pot city. So, with all things considered, I will opt for the extra 2 hours sleep and take my chances walking from OKW. Who knows, maybe I will run into some fellow Disers doing the same walk. As far as the legs being tired in the second half of the marathon, I think they will be tired in the first half too but I am a glutten for punishment and really want that Goofy medal to go with the others and to match the name.

 

[Calcio]

Kristi and GG

I am with you. I mean we spend the entire year training and sacrificing to prepare for half day or full day or both. After all of this I would do absolutely anything to get to the starting corrals fresh and rested. This is so tough from most resorts, but so easy from OKW and the PO's.

The first time I did the races, a half in 2004, I did the official staging area and walk to the start. It was a bit of a distance. After going through all I did to get from the BW to the corrals I was waiting for the start and saw many people coming over from OKW and POFQ at about 5:45. All I could think of was, "those are the smart guys." In 2005 and 2006 I spent the nights before the races at POFQ and it was wonderful. In bed until 4:30 and easily in the corrals before the start.

Good luck with the races. Although I'm stepping back to the full in 2007 my plan is to do Goofy again in 2008. From time to time I pull up the photos on my computer from the Goofy this year, especially the one with my wife giving me a hug after the full with the full and Goofy medals hanging around my neck. It was quite a feeling of accomplishment, and everyone I work with, and all our families and friends thought I was bats to do it. I take pride in finishing and being thought of as a total nut.

Take care

Craig

 

[debm]

I am planning on doing the 1/2 for the first time. I will most likely be going down by myself or maybe with one friend. I was really planning/hoping on staying at Saratoga only because it is close to DTD and I never get to go there when we take family trips to WDW! But now I'm wondering if that is a bad choice. But then again, will I want to walk by myself early from Old Key West to the start. Maybe if I had already done it once......Will I really regret not staying at Old Key West????

 

[wtpclc]

Deb - I stayed at SSR this year. I coudl not sleep anyway the night before and I'm too uptight to just walk to the start. I need to be there early. There is somethign about riding a bus at 3:30 with other marathoners, walking through port-o-pot city adn to the start together. It was awesome. As I was in the corral an hour early, I could not imagine walking to the start. That would have been way too stressful for me. What if someone stops me and I already miseed teh busses? What if .....? Yeah, I tend to worry.

So, it's your call. Staying at SSR was great for us (not to mention, teh spa is there).

 

[debm]

OK Carrie--I'm sold. Thanks so much! Yes, I am a worrier too but everyone was saying to walk. I'm glad you enjoyed the "bus comraderie"! I will plan to stay at SSR too now. Thank you so much!!!!

 

[WDWFAN9]

Carrie,

You are not the only worrier. I caught the 3:05 bus from Pop and was in the Epcot parking lot by 3:20. I ran into a couple of WISHers and passed the time talking...I was too nervous and excited to sleep in! Besides, getting there so early put me in the front of my corral - a little extra cushion from the sweepers!

 

[Dizzie]

This is great! I just made my ressie for OKW not knowing that it was that close to the start and an easy walk. I like the extra hour or more of sleep! I just started training, the WDW run will be my 2nd marathon. I'm really excited and glad I'm staying at OKW.

 

[goofyguy1958]

Welcome dizzie, maybe we can start our very own caravan of marathoners walking to the start from OKW.

 

[MinnieLiberty]

I booked a room at the Boardwalk Inn. Anyone else stay there before for the marathon? I got a garden view room, since I heard that water view can be rather loud. Since we need to be there at 4am (and I'm signed up for the Goofy!) I would probably appreciate less noise!

What is everyone else's experience?

 

[DianeL]

Susan and I are now officially reserved at OKW so can't wait to meet everyone else on the bus to the Expo and the morning of the 1/2. We stayed there this last year. not sure if that nice group of family/friends who were walking towards the front and picked up the 2 lost ladies waiting for bus are on these threads or not. We had to RUN for our bus of all things. Grrrr.

We'll be the crazy ladies going to the Expo with our Pal Mickeys We're currently trying to talk Cathy into joining us so we'll see. I'm keeping a close eye on how fast the 1/2 is filling up so she can make her decision. If she does it you'll be able to spot the 3 of us after the race because she'll be wearing her Donald and sign. The sign will be on her back and read....

Kick me!!!
I had the gall to out waddle the younger 2.




Can't wait to be 'home' again. I LOVE that resort!!!!

 

[KelNottAt]

I booked a room at the Boardwalk Inn. Anyone else stay there before for the marathon? I got a garden view room, since I heard that water view can be rather loud. Since we need to be there at 4am (and I'm signed up for the Goofy!) I would probably appreciate less noise!

What is everyone else's experience?

Sorry, but I don't have any experience. This will be my first WDW race. Just wanted to let you know that I'm booked at the BW Villas. Until I read this thread, I thought walking and driving were the only options. Now I'm glad to see there appears to be bus service. That will be very helpful.

 

[Dennyha]

I had made reservations at BWV, but we stayed there for the first time last month, and it is our least favorite of the DVC's, (still very nice though). When I learned that the 1/2M does not start at Epcot, I asked my wife where she would prefer to stay, knowing the answer would be OKW. Called MS today, and reserved SSR, with an OKW waitlist. Hopefully, I'll be able to join the group of walkers on Saturday morning.

 

[10nis]

we stayed at BWI in 2005...bus ride to the start, I think we went down to the bus stop about 345a. Once I decided that the most convienent way to the start was via the Bus -- since we wanted to stay at BWI, I was okay w/ getting up early and dealing w/ the masses at the holding area and then the walk down to the corrals at 5am. To me, you invest so much of yourself into training for the marathon that being inconvienced on race morning is not that big of deal, considering how many people disney has to control that morning! I think Disney does an excellent job, all things considered. It also seems like they listen to suggestions and strive to improve.
anyway, I like staying at the EPCOT resorts. If you take your park passes with you during the race (running fanny pack) you can walk back to the BWI thru EPCOT --- the International Gateway entrance/exit. I enjoyed doing this--got to cheer on runners still on the course and also got rid of some lactic acid build up. Non-runners can also get out and cheer along the boardwalk --full marathon goes in front of swan/dolphin and yacht/beach--good place to cheer!!
We are probably going to stay on the monorail since we are doing GOOFY this year---avoid the bus scene x 2 days in a row. Still have to get up early, though.

 

[marathonmickey]

Hi everyone,

First timer here....I booked at CR thinking that a monorail resort would be a good idea but after reading many of your posts, I'm now questioning my decision.
Any thoughts about what time I would have to leave CR in order to get to the start line on time? Any advice/help would be greatly appreciated!

Best of luck to all of you!!