Royal Family 5K questions?

[mrpjmpnc]

Does anyone know if ALL traffic into EPCOT before the 5K is suspended? I'm trying to coordinate my DH and 2 DD to arrive a bit later than I need to get to the Finish Line. Can taxis arrive even though buses can't?

 

[laura looneybin]

I pulled out my packet info from the 2009 5K race. Hopefully the information is the same or close to it.

Race Start- The race will start promptly at 7am in the Imagine Lot at Epcot. Please plan to arrive at Epcot by 6:15am.

Parking and Transportation- There will be bus transportation provided for this event if you are staying at one of the following resorts: Disney's Polynesian Resort, Disney's All Star Movies Resort, and Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort. Transportation will run from 5:00-6:00am prior to the race. The last bus from the resorts to Epcot will depart at 6:00am. Buses will run until 11:00am after the race to return you to your resort. Resort Transportation will be restricted from 6:45am-7:15am due to race course activities.

Spectator Viewing- Spectators are encouraged to view the 5K start and finish in the Amaze Lot and Imagine Lot at Epcot. There will be no viewing areas along the course or from within Epcot.


I can't remember if anyone had any other questions. I would suggest that if you're taking the buses to get to your bus stop early. I didn't sleep very well before the race so I got up and got down to the bus stop where I promptly waited 45 minutes for a bus to show up that had room on it. And only one other bus had passed us, but was too loaded with people to even stop. So plan to get there earlier rather than later. There's music playing and lots of energy and stuff happening at the start. I was by myself and wasn't bored or anything. It was also my first race and I just took it all in.

Also, to whoever asked about characters. I remember seeing a good many characters. There were definitely more CM's than characters, but I remember Mickey and Minnie, Snow White, Cinderella and Prince Charming, Belle and Beast. There were others, those are just the ones I have pictures of. Fun, very relaxed atmosphere.

And I wouldn't worry about being swept either. You'll be so caught up in the rush that you will blow by everyone else. Good luck!

 

[Bookwood]

I just want to say- never assume the CM's at the resorts know anything about the races! The "Race People" never seem to do a good job at getting info to the rest of the WDW CMs.

If I had a nickle for everytime I hear "Oh is there a race going on this weekend" at WDW I could retire! I have found though that the consierge desks are great at finding things out once you ask them. (I don't know if they share info with the rest of the CMs around though)

 

[DisneyRN51207]

We are doing the Royal Family 5K and staying at Bay Lake Towers. Any idea on how to get to the race since we're not at a sponsored resort. The closest sponsoring resort is the Poly... we'll also have our own vehicle since we're driving to WDW. Any help is appreciated.

 

[Princess Bmoney]

Last year I stayed at the swan, and they don't have the race transportation...So I just drove to the park... This year I couldn't get into a all-star resort... So Im either going to drive to a race resort n take the bus from there.... And later come back for my car, or just drive to the race. So thats the best advice I can give...

 

[DisneyRN51207]

I am thinking that we will just park at the Polynesian and use their bus. BUT I just don't know what to tell the guard at the gate to get us in at 5:45am. Obviously OHana isn't open yet for breakfast that early.

 

[beryl628]

We are thinking about doing the Family Run in Jan. My boys will be 3 and 5 at the time. Is that too young? They are used to doing a lot of walking. Just not sure if they would be "in the way" of other runners.
Thanks!

 

[syko]

They will not be allowed to enter the 5K. They can enter the kids races during the Marathon weekend though.

 

[sunshine girl]

Does anyone know if ALL traffic into EPCOT before the 5K is suspended? I'm trying to coordinate my DH and 2 DD to arrive a bit later than I need to get to the Finish Line. Can taxis arrive even though buses can't?

From my memory of past DIsney races, not only is traffic severely restricted (if not disallowed), it is a total traffic snarl for those trying to get near wherever the race is. They might either not be allowed on certain roads, or get stuck in a traffic jam (which, in a taxi, might be costly!). I'm not really sure for the 5k, though... does it go on the roads, or just in the park and on the sidewalks?

Anyway... I always force my spectators to get up early and come with me!