Poly to AK - spectating for the Full Marathon

[kareneast]

Trying to put together my game plan for scream teaming during the Full. I know the MK Area Resorts share busses. Anyone know in which order the AK bus picks up??? (Poly, GF, Contemporary, WL) Has anyone taken the Poly to AK bus during the Full Marathon before? Do you remember approximately how long it took (not counting the time you waited for the bus to arrive)???

Thanks!!!

 

[cewait]

Would it help if I said it is not a very practicable trip. First, i do not believe that many buses run, if any at all, on marathon morning from the resorts. One lane of the road between the Contemporary to Wilderness is closed for the marathon. Likewise, one lane from the back gate to MK through the Poly is blocked. There may be an AK bus from the TTC during the event, but even then it is challenged to get out to the AK in a timely manner due to road detours.

If you are set for a Poly to AK hop, I would suggest a better option is to walk to the TTC and
-Hop the monorail to Epcot and bus over
- Hail a cab and take it to the AK.

In either case make darn sure you know how fast your runner is going. Note the time they pass Poly and divide that by 13. Then multiply that 17. In real round numbers if your runner is running at a 12 minute pace you have about 45 minutes to complete your travel or you miss them at AK. You get and extra 20-25 minutes if they are at a 16 minute pace.

I know that my DW has been able to make the hop only if she starts the trip when I pass TTC. Even then she walks from the TTC to the monorail and ends up in front of the AK with minutes to spare.

Take a look at the spectator tool, even Disney suggests not trying to make this leap.

http://espnwwos.disney.go.com/events/rundisney/spectator-tool

Sorry to be a cold splash.

 

[kareneast]

Thanks Charles for your thoughts & info!

In previous years I have had a rental car, so I drove to the Poly. Walked to the TTC, then walked over to the Poly, then drove to the out & back & then from there to the finish. This year I will not have a car & I will have my 2 1/2 yr old grandson with me. DH has suffered some injuries so I am hoping to see him in as many places as possible. I know it won't be easy to do. He will be at an approximate 14:30 mpm pace so I should have 1hr 10 min - 1hr 15min to get from the Poly to AK. If I luck out & don't have to wait long for the bus to arrive &the Poly is the last resort to be picked up, I'm thinking I should make it. My big question is which resorts share AK bus with the Poly??? And which is the last resort to be picked up??? If their are multiple stops after the Poly then I know I won't make it.

Thanks!!!

 

[garneska]

You need to walk to TTC and then take the bus to AK. It will take about 45 min. His suggestion once at AK, is to walk towards the parking lot instead of the AK front entrance. It puts you out close to mile marker 18. It is less crowded than at the front of the park so easier for runner and spectator to see each other.

Hope that helps. He can provide a lot more advice if you need.

 

[cewait]

I can only go with what I know works and what I know has failed in the past. It is my understanding that the buses are split in the MK area. GF and Poly share as do. The Wilderness and CR.

Actully the post just above offers advice that is even better.... Since I am running every year I am never sure if busing is being run through thte TTC. While at TTC keep your eyes open to see to see how regular they are running. I think that my DW has always had the monorail paradigm when approaching the TTC

 

[garneska]

Agreed Charles...My hubby says the buses are not as frequent from TTC to AK but they do run from TTC to AK. He has not had a problem catching one but if you miss it might be a toss up between waiting for another or the monorail. I would guess since you have time you should be ok waiting for a bus. Hubby says 45 min has some minor slop time in it.

 

[DianeL]

Karen, no help here other than Mom (Barb) is planning on the AK


Thanks!!!!! Can't wait to see you

 

[kareneast]

Charles & Kris - thank you for your input, thoughts & info!!!

I didn't know the park busses would be running from TTC during the race. Actually I had forgotten about those busses completely. if I do make it to AK, I will definitely scream team from near the bus area. A couple of reasons.... That will give me a little more time to make it before DH goes by & then from there it will be quicker for me to jump om a bus to HS or the finish.

Diane - Looking forward to seeing you too! Good to know your mom will be at AK too! I will tell John to keep an eye out for her. The more Wishers/friendly faces along the way the better!

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

Good luck with it all Karen. Seems like you and little one will be racing the marathon too.

 

[Honeibee]

Karen, I don't care where you are, I will be SO HAPPY to see you!!!!

 

[Lexxiefern]

I will be very happy to see you too Karen! My sister is usually waiting for me outside AK (for the last 3 years) and this year she is not coming down. It will be sad running through that area and not seeing her and my neices and my oldest daughter.


Becky