Driving to the WDW 1/2, PHM - closures/detours?

[PrincessV]

Yeah, it's a little early, but I know from past experience that I'm better off dealing with such details as this before getting deep into race training, when running takes over all of my brain's functions.

I'm planning to drive to the WDW 1/2 and PHM. I'll leave early - say around 3:30am - but am wondering about my route. Are World Dr. and the regular EP entrance open at that point, or will I be following a detoured route?

I may be staying at an All Star resort, but could end up at a Mod, depending on AP rates. Are any resorts better/worse for driving to/from the races?

 

[cewait]

Basically pre-race, Epcot Drive is closed in both directions from the Epcot Parking lot entrance through Buena Vista. World Drive closes just before race start in both directions and through the race; opening on the northbound once runners clear MK parking.

From the AllStars, take Buena Vista towards MK. Turn Left onto World Dr and stay in the right lane once down on World. That lane will take you into Epcot Parking.

 

[flatlandcycle]

Buena Vista Dr. becomes really backed-up the closer you get to 4:00 a.m., race morning. The left turn from Buena Vista Dr. to the World Dr. Ramp is problematic.

Races instructions suggest entering World Dr. further south. Last year they suggested exiting I-4 at RT 192 and using the World Dr. ramp.

If I remember right, our bus driver from All-Star Sports, used Osceola Dr.

The Epcot exit is the two right lanes of World Dr. (North of the Buena Vista Dr. Ramp)

 

[cewait]

Buena Vista Dr. becomes really backed-up the closer you get to 4:00 a.m., race morning. The left turn from Buena Vista Dr. to the World Dr. Ramp is problematic.

Races instructions suggest entering World Dr. further south. Last year they suggested exiting I-4 at RT 192 and using the World Dr. ramp.

If I remember right, our bus driver from All-Star Sports, used Osceola Dr.

The Epcot exit is the two right lanes of World Dr. (North of the Buena Vista Dr. Ramp)

I thiought that was for the folks coming down I4 in an effort to not have the huge road block at BV and Epcot.

Good catch on the Osceola. Though either one would work if one uses their car as a shelter and tries to avoid traffic - say 0330 arrival in the parking lot. That is when I attempt to enter the lot when driving. I have noticed that even then, the lot was fuller in 13.

 

[PrincessV]

Okay, so if I plan on leaving an All Star at 3:15, I can check traffic and see which looks more clear, Buena Vista or Osceola, and take whichever looks better to World. Then stay to my right and cruise on in to the EP lot. Right?

Yep, I totally plan on sheltering in my car until as close to the start as I can. I want quiet and warmth, my own little race retreat, lol!

Thanks for the help!

 

[paxsarah]

I would guess that 3:15 is just right. I remember leaving Wyndham Bonnet Creek at 3:20 both mornings of the 2012 Goofy and not hitting any backup until inside the Epcot parking area (and even then very little).