Marathon reservation

[coloradodad]

I am trying to figure out the best way to get accommodations during marathon weekend 2009 (not 2008).

We have SSR as our home resort but would like to stay at an EPCOT resort for our stay. Does not matter the size of accommodation, either studio or 1 bedroom would be sufficient.

Any thoughts on the best way to do this and still guarantee a stay (at least at SSR) ? Thoughts on availability (it is a January weekend)

Thanks

 

[Deb & Bill]

Lots of people think they can stay at an Epcot resort and walk to the start of the race. Can't happen because the International Gateway doesn't open until the park officially opens. You still have to catch a bus to the front of the park by 4AM. But if you stay at OKW, you can walk to the start of the race from the entrance to OKW. It's only about 1/4 mile from there. If you stay on Miller's Road, about the middle of the street, you can walk out through the staff/maintenance entrance and cut off a bit more.

We stayed at OKW in 2006 and it was very convenient for the race start on both mornings (my husband and his running friend did the Goofy Challenge - both the half and full marathon). This year in 2008, the two guys are staying at OKW again, so they can walk to the start.

 

[coloradodad]

Thanks for the info, and I may have to consider OKW for the walk. Any building number that you may recommend?

I was more thinking for spectators (family) that it would be fun to be in an EPCOT resort, but then again, they could walk over to that area through the Int'l gateway.

I guess the real question is how does one switch from SSR to another resort? I assume book at 11, then at 7 months try to switch and if not can one get on a wait list?

We just joined and we are staying at SSR and made our reservations without any problem originally, so I am not totally up on the procedures.

 

[crisi]

That is pretty much exactly what you do. You'll want to call right at the seven month window or shortly thereafter - marathon weekend at the Epcot resorts is fairly popular - the same logic making it desireable for you makes it desireable for a lot of other DVC members - but I'd expect you'd have luck without the waitlist if you don't procrastinate (you may not with Standard View or Boardwalk View rooms, but then again, maybe you will). It should be fairly easy to get into OKW or SSR at seven months (or shorter) marathon weekend (to be on the really safe side, book home anyway - but I doubt it would be necessary), but the marathoners do seem to book BWV/BCV quickly.

 

[cobbler]

When will the marathon weekend in 09 be?

 

[Meliechick]

DH & I are doing the marathon in 2008 and are staying at BWV. We choose the BWV because we don't want to ride the buses after the marathon. We have AP's so we plan on walking through EPCOT as part of our cool down and taking the Friendship boat back to BWV. I'm okay with taking the bus before the race starts.

I called day by day at the 7mth mark & was able to get a 1 bdr standard view. I had my choice of other views & room sizes but we wanted the tub and to use the least amount of pts.

There is great info on www.disneyrunning.com if you need race specifics.

 

[coloradodad]

Ooh, the tub, I had not thought of that. I bet the ice makers are tapped out that weekend. Nothing like the ice tub to re-invigorate.

I would guess the marathon will be January 11th, 2009, but that is a guess, so do not go booking reservations!!

 

[murcor]

we have stayed at SSR for the past 3 marathon weekends. The transportation from SSR to all the different races and events are great.

 

[coloradodad]

we have stayed at SSR for the past 3 marathon weekends. The transportation from SSR to all the different races and events are great.

Did you run in the races? That training must be chilly. I have been thinking about how cold it will be in Denver, and not looking forward to that aspect.

mg

 

[murcor]

Did you run in the races? That training must be chilly. I have been thinking about how cold it will be in Denver, and not looking forward to that aspect.

mg

Yes, alot of miles go on the treadmill that time of year

 

[pyrxtc]

well, I just called last week and got a 1 bedroom at BWV's. I got it for 10 days with no problems. Most of the other resorts were full but not BWV's. I didn't even realize the first weekend was race weekend unitl after.

 

[nucpharm29]

This year I called at exactly the 7 month window and was able to secure a studio at BCV for marathon weekend--Thurs-Tues. However, BWV studios were booked already (I think Thurs. was the only day unavailable) Then we added on a couple weeks ago and needed to switch our ressies to a 2 bed or 2 1 bed, due to ILs joining us. We opted for 2 1 bedrooms at BWV (preferred view all that was left), only 2 bedrooms left were at SSR or OKW. I wanted the EPCOT area mainly b/c ILs will have the kids during the marathon, and I wanted them to have an easy way to cheer us on.

 

[coloradodad]

Thanks for the info - sounds like some things should be available.

btw cool medals, the only reason I am going to subject myself to the torture (not the only reason). Should be my first marathon.