K I'm just going to throw this out there as an "alternative" plan for those who might have something go wrong and don't want to be freaking out come race morning.
The previous two years I've arrived VERY late to the area, and so its been important to sleep in as much as possible. Since I stayed at SoG, it was easy for me to set my alarm for 4:30, be in the car by 4:45, and drive through completely empty DW streets (that weren't closed yet) into Epcot parking by 5:00, with plenty of time to walk to the start by 5:30 and still have a half hour to warm up and stretch.
Now I'm not recommending this because you'll miss out on all the pre-race WISH fun and meetings. HOWEVER if you oversleep, or have something that delays you, do not think that "all is lost" just because you weren't at the bus by 4:00. The reason they say 4:00 is to try to get as many people to the start as EARLY as possible which makes traffic flow better. You could still catch a taxi as late as 5:00 without an issue, just a little added stress. For those who will be out on the course for upwards of 6 and 7 hours, being able to not be up for an additional 3, 4, or even 5 hours before the race starts might help the fatigue factor.
This is just an IDEA or OPTION though, everyone should be doing what makes them feel comfortable/prepared/excited! I personally am going to show up earlier this year to enjoy the prerace festivities I've missed out on previous years.
Remember people, most importantly, enjoy the race! You've earned it!
....Disney says you have to be on a bus or monorail by 400am, bags must be checked by 500am and to expect a 20 minute walk to the start. Also, my experience---expect to wait at least 10 minutes for a port-o-potty before the race. There are port-o-pottys in the area before the 20 minute walk to the corrals and then there are more when you get down close to the corrals.
