How do I go from AKL to Marathon Check-in & Back?

[welovedis]

I am still planning way ahead, but it is little things like this that pop up in my head and I just have to know-lol!

We will be arriving at MCO on Sat morning and I know I have to check in for the WDW marathon sometime on Saturday. I *think* this year the check-in was at another resort (CSR maybe?), so I will have to get to that resort, get my race packet and back to my hotel.

We don't rent a car but will be taking either a town car or a limo to/from the airport. DH said maybe the driver could take us to the race check-in, then drop us off at the hotel (we won't be doing a grocery store stop). Has anyone done this before?

If that isn't a possiblity, then what would be the next best thing? I was thinking that I would take a bus from AKL to AK, then hop on a bus to the resort where the check-in is taking place.

Any suggestions?

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Well, there might be special transportation for the marathon. Certain special events do charter buses for this purpose. If not, going to AK and transferring there would work just fine. Also, if there isn't a special charter bus, ask the front desk if they can have someone take you down in a courtesy van.

 

[ducklite]

In 2003 the marathon expo/packet pick up was at the CSR. There were busses running from the various resorts to it, I think we went to the closest theme park and took a bus from there to CSR. It was very easy, and a lot better than in 2002 when it was at the waaayyyy too small fieldhouse at the Sports complex.

Anne

 

[welovedis]

Thanks for the responses. Chip 'n Dale-thanks for the info, I had no idea that there were charter buses for certain events. I guess I will have to find out more about that when it gets closer. I would have never thought about asking the AKL Concierge to see about taking me there in a courtesy van.

Anne-Thanks again for the info! I had heard that the fieldhouse expo was a fiasco in terms of the size of the place so I'm glad to hear things went more smoothly at the CSR. I hope the buses will be running the same way next year.

Another thought I had was to contact one or 2 car services and see if they would be willing/able to take us to the expo first then drop off at AKL afterward. I'll post what I am able to find out.

Thanks again!

 

[ducklite]

Karen, You won't need a courtesy van, there are plenty of ways to get there. They were definitely running specials from all the hotels this year. Also, as far as having the car service stop, I can tell you from experience that other than the grocery stop, Tiffany will want to charge you extra. Last summer when I was looking for quotes for my trip, I asked if I could make a quick stop at my bank to take out cash rather than going to a grocery store. The bank was actually les out of the way than the grocery store, and I told them exactly where it was. T hey quoted me an extra $100 for that service!! Yourride did it for no extra charge.

Anne

 

[welovedis]

Anne-wow, $100 extra is unbelievable. I was thinking of using Yourride since the reviews have been very good. We have used Tiffany 2xs and weren't thrilled with the condition of the limo and the driver's attitude the last time. I will definitely ask the car service if they would be willing.

If not we can always check-in first and DH & DS can check out the resort while I go pick up the race packet. I feel much more relieved now that I understand about the specials buses.

Thanks again!