Marathon Day Traffic

[kareneast]

DS has an early morning flight out the day of the WDW Marathon. We are staying at the Poly. We were planning on leaving the Poly at 5:30am to take him to the airport. Is that early enough to be ahead of the road closings? When we return from the airport (probably around 7am-ish) will we be able to get back to the Poly? If so, how hard will it be and/or how long will it take?

Thanks!

 

[JC Butterfly]

this doesn't answer your question specifically as I have no knowledge of race day traffic but . . .

had you considered letting Magical Express take your husband to the airport? This would be far less hassle for you to not have to worry about returning at a certain point and a free service for him -- just a thought.

 

[DonnaL]

We were at VWL a few years back during the Marathon and had an early flight (I think we needed to be at MCO by 6:30 a.m.) I seem to remember some roads being barricaded, but, very well marked for detour traffic. We did allow an extra 15 minutes just in case we had any problems getting out, but, it wasn't really necessary. I would ask at the front desk what the alternate route is, if any.

 

[Edd]

The marathon starts at Epcot parking lot around 0630. You won't have any problem getting out of the Poly to MCO.

 

[kareneast]

Thanks for the replies. I appreciate the input.

 

[PCFriar80]

The marathon starts at Epcot parking lot around 0630. You won't have any problem getting out of the Poly to MCO.

The Marathon starts at 6:00 AM on Epcot Center Drive. Runners (elite) won't reach World Drive (mile 6.5) for 30 minutes. You can expect closures and blockades around 5:45 AM.

 

[solotraveler]

Getting out should be no problem.

Get back around 7am... well, that might be a different matter. During last year's race (and the course is the same for this year), once road closures begin around the MK resorts, there is one lane traffic for along many stretches. I remember thinking that it would be a HUGE pain trying to get out of there during that time. I might allow a good amount of extra time to get back, just in case.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

In January of 1999 my family & I were checking out of the Wilderness Lodge the day of the Marathon & only realized it a few days into our WDW trip that we would departe on that day. We asked a CM at the Wilderness Lodge how it would be trying to get to the Airport, since we had a 10:00 AM flight. He said you will have no problems at all, which he thought since that is what he told us. When we drove away the day we checked out, it was bad. All cars were in a single line going very slow & we had thought we were going to miss our flight because of this. We asked some security CM's about getting to the Airport, because we said we might miss our flight. They did not seem to care as they said just keep following everyone else. Thankfully we eventually went the way the MK Resort buses go to DTD, passing by Fort Wilderness & we were able to drop off our rental car, check in for our flight with plenty of time to spare. However because of that day we have refused to ever check out of WDW the day of the Marathon, if we happen to have a vacation that goes into the day it is supost to happen.

 

[gduvall]

What day is the marathon in January 2007

 

[PCFriar80]

What day is the marathon in January 2007

The 1/2 is Saturday the 6th, the full is Sunday the 7th. Both go off at 6:00 AM, the 1/2 in 3 waves; 6:00, 6:10, and 6:30. Wheelchair division at 5:55.

 

[gduvall]

Thanks for the info, we leave on Friday the 5th, so we won't have to worry about the marathon.

 

[kareneast]

Thank you all, for the additional info/input!

We (myself, John(DH) & Sean(DS20)) will be participating in the half marathon on Saturday. Sean has to fly home Sunday to be back for class on Monday. John & I will be out there as part of the WISH Scream Team for all our fellow WISH Racing Teammates on Sunday. (Kevin: We'll be looking for you ) (PCFriar80: Are you participating in the Marathon too?) We were hoping to get our truck back to the Poly before making our way out along the course, but it looks like we will have to come up with a plan B. Hmmmm....Maybe after dropping Sean off at the airport we will just drive straight over to Boardwalk/YC/BC area & cheer from someplace along there. Does that sound like it would be easier, traffic wise?

 

[PCFriar80]

Thank you all, for the additional info/input!

(PCFriar80: Are you participating in the Marathon too?)

DW and I are running the 1/2 on the 6th. Staying at the BC so we'll be out cheering for the full runners on the 7th!

 

[kareneast]

DW and I are running the 1/2 on the 6th. Staying at the BC so we'll be out cheering for the full runners on the 7th!

Very Cool! Good Luck to both you & your DW!

Have you been over to the Disboards W.I.S.H. board? There are a whole bunch of people on the subforum Events/Competitions that are training for the WDW half and/or full Marathons.