Royal Family 5K - bus or drive car?

[PrincessV]

As an AP holder, I can get a MUCH better rate at a non-host (but still on-site) resort... but then how do I get to the race? Has anyone just driven to a host property and taken the bus from there? What would I tell the security guard so early in the morning?!

If I were to drive to the race, what time would I need to leave, say, CSR? (Race start is 7am) Will a route be clearly marked to get there? (I've seen the road closures on race day as a spectator, but have no idea what it's like pre-race.) I am very, very familiar with Disney roadways, if that helps. How far away will I be parked - will I even be in the EP lot?

Or am I better off dealing with the extra cost for a host resort and taking the bus?

Thanks in advance! Funny - THIS is my only real concern about the race, lol!

 

[PrincessV]

Anybody???

 

[flatlandcycle]

If you drive to a host hotel be aware that the last bus leaves at 5:30 a.m.

The Fiesta 5k instructions , associated with the Marathon weekend officially states, "All participants must arrive at Epcot® by 5:45 a.m." The Royal Family is the same course with the same start time. Buena Vista might become backed up the longer you wait. World Drive tends to become stop-and-go the closer you get to race start, this can back up onto Buena Vista.

I would be in my car at Coronado Springs and ready to drive out by 5:15 a.m -5:20 a.m.

At some point the princess 1/2 website will have final instructions for the Royal Family. If you can get cheap rates at CSR it makes sense to drive. This is especially true if you like that resort. These recommendations are specifically for Saturday; Sunday has a completely different set of circumstances.

 

[scion5220]

I have done both the Royal Family 5K and the Halloween 5K and drove my car both times. There really aren't any road closures for these races as they are all contained within the grounds and parking lot of one park. Just plan to arrive at the specified time. These races are NO WHERE near as big as the half-marathons/marathon so it is really MUCH less stressful getting there for the start!

 

[PrincessV]

THANK you so much guys - that helps a lot!