Opinions Wanted: Driving vs. Bus to Marathon Start

[ScoJo15]

Hello everyone

I was just looking for some pro's and con's related to driving as opposed to taking the bus to the start lines of the half and full marathons this January.

Last year we took the bus and it worked out wonderfully, but there was a bit of a lull before they ushered everyone to their respective corrals. I was debating just hopping in the car (from CSR) and parking at Epcot instead. This would potentially allow for maybe 30-60 minutes additional sleep...plus a nice area to sit in before they start corralling people.

Has anyone done both and have a strong opinion on which mode of transportation may be better? Or...can someone who has driven provide details as to some advantages and/or disadvantages?

Thanks in advance for any advice! (16 days 'til Goofy '08 : )

 

[tigger2esq]

I am not sure how the driving will be. lots of the roads will be closed etc. I personally would stick with the Disney transportation. even with driving yourself, you would ahve to be there early anyway (I would be nervous about getting caught in a traffic fiasco and being late...)

 

[cewait]

First of all I am going to say it’s a matter of personal preference. Disney offers the ride so why not take it? If you do decide to drive you will not save any sleep as you really need to be out of the CSR before 4 any way. You will be fighting the same traffic as the bus drivers and may not be able to park as close as the bus will get you to the start or more importantly the finish. As stated above roads are closed that morning and traffic catches all by surprise. You will need to be in Epcot parking before 4:45 to assure that you get into the parking lot before they close it. Remember that both roadways into the parking lot are used for the marathon and they will close off the roads. If you are late you may well watch the marathon through your windshield.

On the other hand, if weather is less than ideal, then having the shelter in the parking lot is a benefit. Just make sure to not idle in the parking lot to stay warm…you want to keep a window down to acclimate while you set. Driving does take a little of the experience away. It is not quite the same as gathering with friends made trough the years.

A final word; last year the parking lots took forever to empty if you drove. The full took friends 45-60 minutes to exit. I can think of many better ways to spend my post race cool down. A more final word, you gotta do something with your car keys. I will bet that 50% of the cars have keys in the center console or on the floorboard behind the driver’s seat.

If you drive it is a simple from CSR. The most obvious is to make a left out of the resort then turn left onto World Drive…following the right lane to Epcot. Note the let turn may take a few lights. Much more traffic is hitting the intersection from the east and creating a back up on the entrance to World. You are coming to the intersection with the weak side.

 

[scuba diver]

I drove last year and plan on doing it again.

I never sleep well the night before a race so I'm usually just laying in bed waiting for the alarm. Last year I just got early, got in the car and was in the parking lot at 3:30 am. Parked right up front. Then I pulled out my blanket and had a nice long nap.

If you are going to drive, leave early. Before all the busses.

 

[skfulkers]

Scott--I agree with Jim and Charles. You would still need to get to Epcot well before 5:00am in order to beat the massive traffic and get in before the parking lot closes. I'm guessing you already know this, though, since you've done this whole song and dance before.

I've driven to Epcot's parking lot for the half before when I was scream teamin' it for Krista, and I got there around 4:45 and it was already getting pretty crowded.

I could be wrong, but coming from CSR, isn't there a light at the entrance to World Drive? I think you get a left turn arrow there, so you may not have to wait quite as long. Charles is absolutely right, though, the majority of the traffic was coming from the other direction onto World Drive. I distinctly remember being in a long line of cars making the right hand turn onto WD.

Hope this helps.

Steve

 

[cewait]

definitely a light and if I recall aided by troopers or the SO. The issue for those coming from that diection is that the entrance to World backs up at some point in time and like most circumstances in the city, those turning right do not want to share real estate well with those who are turning left.