First solo trip where to stay??

[lolakat]

Hi everyone!

I have been to WDW many times but never as a solo traveler. I'm planning to go run my 1st 1/2 marathon at Disney in January. Can you give me any advice on which resorts are more solo friendly??

I've been thinking about either Bordwalk or Poly but I would consider others if they were more solo friendly or if one resort has more marathon related activities going on (Allstar sports maybe??)

I appreicate any thoughts you might have and I'd love to hear from anyone else traveling at the same time !!

 

[Simba's Mom]

A few years ago, when I was at POR solo, there was a marathon event going on at WDW. Every morning, there'd be a group of marathoners who'd get together for a morning run. You could tell they hadn't known each other beforehand, the word just traveled around. And in the food court, I saw runners talking to each other, just meeting for the first time. I was pleasantly surprised at what a "runner-friendly" place it seemed to be.
When I stayed solo at All-Star Sports, I felt like I was in the middle of a college dorm!

 

[lolakat]

A few years ago, when I was at POR solo, there was a marathon event going on at WDW. Every morning, there'd be a group of marathoners who'd get together for a morning run. You could tell they hadn't known each other beforehand, the word just traveled around. And in the food court, I saw runners talking to each other, just meeting for the first time. I was pleasantly surprised at what a "runner-friendly" place it seemed to be.
When I stayed solo at All-Star Sports, I felt like I was in the middle of a college dorm!

Thank you for the input!! I'm not sure if being in the middle of a college dorm is a good or bad thing but since I'm 32 maybe it's not such a good thing. I hadn't considered POR mostly b/c I like to be within walking distance of at least one park. Maybe our take a look at it.

 

[nurse.darcy]

Boardwalk would be my first choice. Running on the boardwalk in the morning to keep up training seems ideal, you are close to two parks, and you would be able to rest. As a less expensive alternative I would suggest POR. You have the river to run around for practice, and the mansions section is really beautiful and quiet. Great for a restful trip.

 

[BrianD]

If your budget allows for you to stay at a deluxe resort, I would highly recommend staying at a monorail resort or an Epcot resort, for ease of transportation on race day. If you stay on the monorail, then you can take that to get to and from the race start (in the Epcot parking lot). Staying at an Epcot resort (Boardwalk, YC, BC) is convenient as well, but more for after the race than before. You will have to take a bus to get to the race start, but after the race, if you have a park ticket, you can simply walk through Epcot and back to your resort. For all other resorts you take a bus to and from the race, which is not necessarily bad, but the lines to get on the bus back to your resort after the race can be long.

If I had to pick one resort, I would say that the Poly is probably the most convenient of all the resorts for marathoners. This is because it is located right next to the TTC, so you can walk right to the Epcot monorail line.

My budget this year allows for me to stay at POP, so I will be depending on the buses.

Good luck with your training and the half marathon!

 

[lolakat]

I just wanted to follow-up with all who so kindly gave me advice. I ended up staying at the Boardwalk but not as a solo as a friend ended up coming with me. It was a great resort and I think it would be ideal for a solo stay due to the many activities available right on the Boardwalk. I liked being able to walk back to our rooms after the race and we even spoted at the EPCOT charecter photo spot for post race pics on the way through. I can see where the Poly would have been nice too with the access to the monorail. We were also able to save about $400 over 3 nights by choosing Boardwalk. Thanks to all who gave advice while I was researching.

 

[pamickey]

We're planning to stay at the Boardwalk for the marathon also. My brother-in-law likes running around the lake better than running the parking lots at the last two resorts we've stayed at. There really isn't an area to run at BLT or at AKV other than the roads and parking lots, so he asked to stay at BWV this time.

Maybe we'll "run" in to you . . .

Terri

 

[MMrules]

I just soloed at the Wilderness lodge! It was great! I am not a runner, but there is a running path for joggers. It was warm, cozy and all the amenities were in the same building so no walking around outside to get to food, stores etc.

 

[serenita05]

Some where with a view of the castle.