Driving during marathon

[SkyGuy]

I searched other threads and did not find an answer, and I hijacked an older thread but didn’t get a response, so I hope this is okay (and is the correct forum in which to post).
I’ve looked at the road closure maps for the marathon, so I’ve seen the schematics and the timing. We fly in at 9:00am on Sunday, January 8th. We are staying at Coronado Springs and will have a rental car. (We’re flying SW, so we might actually be driving, but either way, we’ll have a car - my husband has business in Tampa, so we need a vehicle.) I’m assuming we will be able to make it to the hotel, but it may take a bit longer/may have some (hopefully well-marked) detours. Does anyone knows what the roads will actually look like as opposed to just looking at red lines on the maps?

 

[Narcoossee11]

You shouldn't have an issue since you will not be getting to property before 10:30-11:00.
You just need to follow the detour sign.
You will probably be directed to AK / Allstars /Blizzard Beach area then circle back around.

 

[SkyGuy]

You shouldn't have an issue since you will not be getting to property before 10:30-11:00.
You just need to follow the detour sign.
You will probably be directed to AK / Allstars /Blizzard Beach area then circle back around.

Thank you so much!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Thank you so much!

Worth noting the map indicates closures and/or modified traffic patterns on those roads around CSR through 12pm and 12:30pm. Unless Disney just really errs on the long end with those estimates, I would still expect some delays/detours given your timing.

Sorry I can't personally vouch for traffic conditions that AM - but good luck! Would be curious for a report on what you encounter when you get back, if you think about it.

 

[SkyGuy]

Worth noting the map indicates closures and/or modified traffic patterns on those roads around CSR through 12pm and 12:30pm. Unless Disney just really errs on the long end with those estimates, I would still expect some delays/detours given your timing.

Sorry I can't personally vouch for traffic conditions that AM - but good luck! Would be curious for a report on what you encounter when you get back, if you think about it.

I’d be happy to do so - I might need a reminder, so please feel free to prompt me after the week is over!

 

[bumbershoot]

It will be marked and you won't be alone.

Please feel free to roll down your windows and call out joyful encouragement at the runners out on the course.

 

[SkyGuy]

It will be marked and you won't be alone.

Please feel free to roll down your windows and call out joyful encouragement at the runners out on the course.

I usually drive when we’re in Orlando, but perhaps I’ll make my husband drive this time, so I can do just this!

 

[SkyGuy]

Okay, driving during the marathon. Our plane was to land at 9:10am. We landed 20 minutes early and were able to get a gate, so we got to our car about 9:10. We drove straight to GDT with zero issues, but GDT is where the gridlock started, if you were going to AKL, I feel for you (although I think they may have been routing people a different way - we didn’t go any further that way to see if it was accessible). We went to the lounge, checked in, had a drink, changed, and then headed back out to AK. Oh my. We waited 35 minutes for a bus, every other park and Disney Springs arrived - but no AK, and the line was enormous. There was a woman who went to every single bus and asked about AK and was told “oh, it’s right behind me” (as the board kept changing later and later). I noticed there was an Uber at the resort, so I checked on the app and booked it. We took a roundabout way to get to AK and the traffic gridlock was insane, but our driver was fabulous. I tipped him quite well! This whole experience took from 10:15-11:20. So, in short (too late), the drive from the airport around 9:10-9:15 was uneventful, but the drive around the property after that was an experience! I did have my son roll down the window of the Uber and yell supportive comments to the runners - thanks to the commenter for that suggestion! Cheers from Nomad Lounge!

 

[Mrs.AMC]

Yeah, learned a really hard way you do not attempt to reach AK, or AKL on marathon day. It is disastrous.
Enjoy your time

 

[SkyGuy]

Yeah, learned a really hard way you do not attempt to reach AK, or AKL on marathon day. It is disastrous.
Enjoy your time

Now you tell me

 

[mom2rtk]

We did great yesterday taking Skyliner to Topolino then on to DHS. Very quick and smooth with no delays.

The day before getting to MK was a disaster (it was a short visit and MK had to be one of those 2 days so I went with half marathon day). Took Disney bus from Pop hoping they would have the best info to avoid big problems. Driver seemed confused and eventually ended up at the TTC where we were dumped out in the parking lot well past park open, still needing to wait for the ferry. What a frustrating mess.

So happy to be DONE with marathon weekend trips now that my daughter is finishing college.