Silly questions RE: Marathon

[agotta]

Where is the EXPO? I am trying to figure out where we are going to eat lunch and how we have to get to whereever it is we are going...THANKS!

 

[skfulkers]

This will be the first time for DW and I, too, but I'm almost positive the expo is at the Wide World of Sports complex. From what I've read, that's where it was last year, and I know that is where you need to go to "check in" for the marathon.
Hope this helps!

Steve

 

[agotta]

That is what I thought, but wasn't 100% positive. Thanks!

 

[plutosmyfav]

I have another marathon question:

Does WDW provide in-room babysitting for the marathon? I know that would be middle of the night, but I might consider taking just DS5 with me for the trip.

 

[keenercam]

I have another question. Are there buses from the resorts to WWS? Just wondering if we should plan on renting a car.

 

[agotta]

I think we will have to go to the TTC to get to WWS.

 

[welovedis]

plutosmyfav-WDW does not provide in room babysitting or any other sitting service that starts during the time of night you'd need to leave. However, Fairy Godmothers and the other WDW-area sitting services know all about the marathon and begin their service whenever needed. Last year they were booked solid so it may be something to consider now. However, with the 1/2 & full being on separate days it shouldn't be as bad. GL with your planning!

keenercam--we rented a car for our stay since we didn't know how to get around and get to the expo, etc. It is at WWOS and there was no direct transportation from the BW, we would have had to go to either the TTC or DtD, IIRC. With the car rental, it was really simple and we were happy we did get the car. We are doing the same for this Jan--we'll be in a 1 BDRM villa with a kitchen so it will come in handy for the grocery run too!

And yes, the Expo is held at the WWOS and the pasta meal is held there too (the one advertised by the marathon).

 

[keenercam]

Thanks, Karen! Guess I'll start looking for a good car rental.

 

[NancyK]

Last January there were busses from the hotels to WWOS. It was NOT Disney transportation but an outside bus company. Hope that helps.

 

[welovedis]

Nancy-
Yeah, now that I think of it there was a bus that ran to WWOS, at the BWV some people I talked to on marathon morning said it stopped at the other resorts (YC/BC/S & D) and waited at each stop for about 5 minutes before going to next stop, etc... It took them quite a long time to get to the complex and the same thing on the way back.

At that point I was happy that we spent the $$ of the car, but if you don't mind waiting for the bus, the price is right! We were not just there for the marathon weekend, but for a vacation, so our time was important to us.

 

[NancyK]

Actually, we drove to WWOS. I just remember seeing all the buses leave the hotel. We usually drive ourselves all over Disney property. I agree - it's just easier in most cases.

 

[Minnie]

Are you required to have an admission ticket to WWOS complex for this? We have annual passes but I don't thik this is covered.

If just the marathon registration is enough, then is it only me that can go or can my family go with?

Thanks!

 

[10nis]

You don't need any type of "pass" to get in to the EXPO at WWOS. We went Friday afternoon 2005 and it was a mad house. The area where the retailers have their "booths" set up was absolutely crazy, not enough room in the walk ways for the people shopping. Picking up the actual race packet was very, very smooth for us. It was just the retail area that was overcrowded while I was there. Also, lots of traffic getting into and out of the parking lot.
One tidbit of info....We did not purchase the Disney "I DID IT" t-shirts from the EXPO when we were there (didn't want to have bad karma--purchasing a "I FINISHED" tshirt before we even ran the marathon!!!). We thought we would be able to find them easily in the Parks after the marathon. NOPE!! The only place that had them after the marathon was WWOS. That is the only regret we have about the marathon---not having that silly t-shirt!!! We called and called when we got home and never got one -- We had to call WWOS directly and played phone tag until they were gone.

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

I used the bus system for transport from BW to WWoS and lucky me/us I guess, we had little difficulty. It is a private transportation, but it went quite smoothly when we boarded. Only thing a bit confusing was that the bus stop is located a bit away from the regular WDW bus stop.

Good luck determning what works best for you. I don't think we will rent a car this year either. We usually do not and just manage via the system as best we can.