Marathon Weekend--Have you stayed offsite?

[kaf7878]

Just curious what the travel time was like once you got into the world? Was it a nightmare or okay?

 

[FFigawi]

Some of my friends who live in Orlando and ran with me last year said the traffic is pretty thick and gets worse the closer to race time you get. They said it's pretty much a choice between getting there early and sitting in your car in the lot or getting there later and sitting in your car on the road. Either way, you'll be sitting in your car for a while. Unless the weather is really nice, I suppose, in which case you could head out to the corrals and sit on the grass instead.

 

[cewait]

I have driven a few times from on property and provided directions numerous times for folks not really sure how to get around on race morning. Seconding John's advice.... get there early and use your car for shelter.

Here are the facts about the morning....

The road into Epcot closes at some point in time. You can watch the race run by from your windshield if you wait too long.

Buses run from 3-4 AM. I would suggest planning on arriving in the parking lot no later than 3:30. You can push back but I have seen traffic back up a few times in the years I have come to the race.

If cold or otherwise inclement weather occurs, come earlier, not later. The line into the lot will back up.

Not sure where you are planning on staying... regardless, do not follow the signs or GPS to Epcot on race morning. The Epcot Dr closes around 1 AM at the intersection of Buena Vista. Plan on arriving and using World Dr. (I can help give general directions if confused).

Fianlly, if cold or rainy give me your cell # so I can locate you in the lot..

Finally, if you have a designated driver, you can sleep in a bit ... they can drop you at the intersection of Bonnet Creek and Vacation Club Way. It is a local kiss and drop spot.

Finally, really this time. Remember where you park. The lot is actually set up for finding cars from the opposite side where the trams run.

 

[scoolover]

Disney is really good at moving masses of people. I have driven twice and have not had any issue in doing so. Once I left really early and got there in no time at all. The other time was because they would not let my dad on the bus (after him riding the previous 4 times we tried) so we had to drive. We got a later start (perhaps 3:45) from the Pop Century, got caught in some traffic and still made it with plenty of time to spare. If you are on Disney property by 3:30, you should have no issues at all.

 

[jeanigor]

I stayed off site this year. We left the vacation home at 3:15 in the morning and found ourselves in a massive amount of traffic. As it turned out, we parked, dropped our bags at bag check, walked to the corral port-a-potties (no line thank goodness), straight into our corrals and it was time to go. I would not recommend cutting it close. I was quite nervous up until we got to the corrals.

 

[scuba diver]

I have stayed off property many times and it works well for me. I plan on arriving at 3:15 am.

I bring a sleeping bag, pillow, eye shades, and two alarm clocks. That 90 minute nap is wonderful!!