Marathon Spectator Question

[dragitoff]

I'll be running in the '13 Full Marathon. We haven't booked our rooms yet because honestly it has completely slipped my mind. When I registered, the rates were still rack rates and extremely high. It just hit DW and I both this weekend that we hadn't booked yet.

Upon checking availability, it looks like there's still plenty of rooms at WDW resorts. My question is this.....DW and my DD's want to see me at the a spectator point during the race and at the finish line. I know there is bus service from each resort for runners, but do they offer anything for spectators?

We were trying to save some $ by not staying at a monorail resort or one close enough for them to walk, but may not have a choice if they do not offer spectator bus service.

This is my first Disney race so as familiar as I am with the parks, I have no clue about the marathon events and transportation in regards to spectators.

Thanks in advance for the responses.

 

[cewait]

I would have them hop the bus with you. If you hit the early half of the bus window 3-3:30 there will be plenty of room for non-runners. I am betting the DD will love this. Busing gets crowded as the window closes at 4.

They can wait and give you company until runners are asked to leave the staging area. This area is also the family reunion are so it will give you a way to communicate a definite meeting spot. Once you leave, they should deadhead to the monorail station at Epcot. I would have them camp at the TTC as a first viewing spot. It is mile 4 and change on the course. From there, it is a short quarter mile walk to the Poly where they can see you again at course mile 7.5.

Then they have some time. AK is generally out of the question for the race since the road coming out of the AL parking lot is shared with runners and all vehicles are forced to exit at the All Stars exit. Traffic backsup. I am not sure if there is or will be busing to WWoS from Epcot or the resorts early on Sunday. It would be great if there was spectator busing over to the Mile 20 area. Stay tuned to the runDisney site to see if they are doing that.

As far as the finish line goes, it is first come first seated in the bleachers. The seats closest to the line are reserved for Chear packages. The ones at the entry to the finisher chute are open to all.

Hope this helps

 

[dragitoff]

As always Coach, your help is just what I was looking for! We're now debating staying at a monorail resort vs. them only seeing me at the finish line vs. staying at any non-monorail resort and them having to get up and head out with me. DW will be fine. It's DD11 and DD8 that we're wondering about.

 

[cewait]

Promise Tonga Toast and Hot Chocolate from the poly

 

[dragitoff]

Ok Coach (or anyone else). I have booked a room at the Contemporary. Now is the million $ question! What would you recommend for my family if they want to see me on Main Street and then again at the finish line? Do they have to do anything special to get into the MK for Main St spectator viewing?

I expect to finish around 10am or so. I'd expect to be hitting the MK somewhere around 6:00-6:30am depending on how long it takes to get through the starting line and early miles. Hopefully that helps with any gameplan advice you might give.

Also, would you recommend me catching the monorail to the starting line myself?

Thanks in advance as your coaching and advice is always so greatly appreciated!

 

[cewait]

Cool Beans....

First, expect a nasty wake up at 10 pm the night before the race from the boat parade. It's cool to watch an I have some really nice photos, but I also lost an hour sleep....

To get to MK they need to be out and CROSS World Dr (the road in front of MK) by 5:40-5:50 Much later than that and Security will not allow a crossing. - the alternative would be to take the monorail over to MK.

Next, they can simply walk to the MK. They will be allowed entry (I think it is after 6 am but will defer that time to those who may know better. It is free but spectators are limited to Main Street

I would have them set up in one of two spots. I would either have them stake a claim at the far end of Main Street just at the turn so they have a full view of the street OR in the area of where we hit Main So they can see runners coming through the gate. That will give them a better chance of spotting you coming
and for you to see them looking.

From there, a couple monorails over to Epcot. Though they should have an hour or so to kill is they want to head back to the room

 

[dragitoff]

Perfect! What would you recommend for me to get to the starting line? Bus or monorail? What time should I plan to head out to give myself enough time without being there for 3 hours ahead of time?

 

[minniebeth]

Disney just released two new discounts yesterday. One being a Room Only reservation discount and the other a discount on a room/park tickets/dining option. It covers the Marathon Weekend so anyone looking to book resorts for then might want to check out the website or call resort reservations.
RunDisney also offers a sports"package" to book with a supposed discount but Disney's winter offer is better I think.

 

[dragitoff]

Disney just released two new discounts yesterday. One being a Room Only reservation discount and the other a discount on a room/park tickets/dining option. It covers the Marathon Weekend so anyone looking to book resorts for then might want to check out the website or call resort reservations.
RunDisney also offers a sports"package" to book with a supposed discount but Disney's winter offer is better I think.

The winter discount is markedly better. I booked my Garden View room at the Contemporary yesterday using the winter discount for $300 cheaper than the Sports discount for 2 nights. I saved $150 per night!

If anyone has any suggestions for me on how to get to the starting line from the Contemporary, I would definitely appreciate it. This is my first Disney race and I'm wondering if it's better to take the monorail or bus and what would be the best time to leave.

 

[jimandami]

The winter discount is markedly better. I booked my Garden View room at the Contemporary yesterday using the winter discount for $300 cheaper than the Sports discount for 2 nights. I saved $150 per night!

If anyone has any suggestions for me on how to get to the starting line from the Contemporary, I would definitely appreciate it. This is my first Disney race and I'm wondering if it's better to take the monorail or bus and what would be the best time to leave.

I would take the monorail definitely. I think most people say to get on the monorail around 4-4:15...someone please correct me if I am wrong.

 

[cewait]

Monorail!

There is not a bus on the half or full mornings to the race.

I dared to leave the resort as late as 4:15 -4:20 in 2010; aka the year of the deep freeze.

So for the weekend, if car-less, you will want to take the bus to the expo and 5k if running the 5k. The bus leaves from in front of the convention center; not the Disney bus stop area between the front door and BLT.

On marathon morning, the monorail will take your to TTC then a simple train switch. Then a quarter mile walk to the staging area. Just follow the crowd and the really bright lights. As a first timer and especially if corralled in D or faster, I would not push too far past 4. When I did the 4:20 leave, I literally walked from the monorail, dropped my bag, used the portable rooms (with no line) and hit the corral as the Anthem started.