Getting to the marathon from offsite hotels

[Suzerella]

The last time I did marathon weekend, we stayed onsite...but are contemplating staying offsite for 2011. I'm not even sure where to look to figure this out - but what are my best options/requirements for time for getting to the marathon? I can either have my DH drive me, or take a cab, but I'm not sure what time they start closing roads down, etc. Any help, or a point towards the right information would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

[FireDancer]

I would still plan on being at the Epcot parking lot at 4:00am to be safe.

 

[cewait]

I agree with Frank that you need to plan on being in Epcot Parking by 4am. Sure one can push later but the road into the parking lot does close. between 4 & 5. DO NOT relay on any post older than 2010 for a hint on the latest someone made it into the lot as the race taimes starting in 2010 have been earlier.

If it is important to have 30 extra minutes then stay on the monorail where you can get into the race start later.

Coming in from off-site you really have two options. The first is to drive (or be driven). The car cannot easily leave the parking lot until the race clears the start around 6:30-7.

The other option is via taxi. Thre are usually 50-100 cabs a year coming into the parking lot so it is not uncommon.

With either option thre is a kiss and drop point at the intersection of Bonnet Creek and Vacation Club Way. Let me back up and say traditionally at this intersection. I have heard that in one of the recent years runners were not allowed into the race from this direction. So attampting this is at your risk. The issue starting from this direction is that you will not be able to drop a bag in the bag check tent, unless you want to swim upstream of 20,000 runners. To do this defeats the 'late' arrival advantage for dropping at the intersection.

 

[Suzerella]

Thanks guys - I certainly plan on being there by 4, just wasn't sure if the roads in where closed or not. Sounds like as long as DH or a taxi drops me off in the parking lot by 4, I'll be on time, and they can get out.