First timer, bib pickup only during park time? don't want to shop

[Lee from WV]

Princess half-marathon first timer. I'm not a merch person, and had planned to go to the parks Friday and Saturday. ( we arrive 8:15 am on Friday).

What's the strategy to just pick up the bibs as fast as possible? We will be Animal Kingdom on Friday and DHS on Saturday.

Thanks!

 

[FFigawi]

Go to the expo 30 minutes before it closes

 

[The Expert]

What @FFigawi said. Note that Expo buses don't run from the parks, but you could Uber/Lyft/Minnie Van from the front of the park. If you have a bit more time, go to the closest resort and take a bus to the Expo from there.

Edit to add that even if not shopping, you'll have to make two stops. Buses or rideshares will drop off down by building A, which is the runDisney official merch and Brooks shoes. You'll go all the way up the hill to the last big building on your left (C on this map) -- there will be signs. That's where you'll get your bib. When you exit, you'll cross over to the big building on the other side of the walkway (B) and go in there to the back of the vendors and get your shirt. You'll need the tear-off from your bib to pick up your shirt. Be sure to review the Expo guide for hours and any other details.

 

[Lee from WV]

Go to the expo 30 minutes before it closes

Thanks!

 

[Lee from WV]

What @FFigawi said. Note that Expo buses don't run from the parks, but you could Uber/Lyft/Minnie Van from the front of the park. If you have a bit more time, go to the closest resort and take a bus to the Expo from there.

Edit to add that even if not shopping, you'll have to make two stops. Buses or rideshares will drop off down by building A, which is the runDisney official merch and Brooks shoes. You'll go all the way up the hill to the last big building on your left (C on this map) -- there will be signs. That's where you'll get your bib. When you exit, you'll cross over to the big building on the other side of the walkway (B) and go in there to the back of the vendors and get your shirt. You'll need the tear-off from your bib to pick up your shirt. Be sure to review the Expo guide for hours and any other details.

View attachment 1042411

Wow great info thanks!

 

[JediKnightXan]

I will add to the go end of the day. For Marathon weekend I got there at 7:15 on Wed so in 45 min was able to pick up the bib do the photo stop right by the bib pick up (characters were gone), grab my shirt and then quickly walk through the merch area and buy a coffee cup while hearing the announcements to please leave. I was walking very fast though.

The expo is part of the experience and I do kinda wish I had more time to experience it, but it was the right call to not have to see tras about it during a park day.

Only downside is the bus back to the hotel hung out till about 8:30 so spent close to half an hour on the bus waiting for it to leave, but that's better than it leaving right at 8 and having to scramble to find another way back.

 

[GollyGadget]

In my experience, the expo is only crowded in the first day. You should be able to go anytime on Friday or Saturday without lines. If I were in your shoes, I’d go on Friday after Animal Kingdom, but I never stay at that park very late into the afternoon. You could even work your expo visit into your transit back to your resort from AK.

 

[Mr_Incr3dible]

1. I inadvertently arrived at the Expo shortly before it closed one year and I can confirm that you'll be through there as fast as you can run or walk.
2. Looks like AK closes at 6 pm that Friday, and the Expo closes at 7. Leave AK a little early and you should have time to get to the Expo. If you have a car, you'll easily be able to get there in time. If using the bus, as others have noted, go to the nearest resort and take their bus to the Expo.
Enjoy and welcome to the rD vortex.