Staying Off Site for the Marathon

[andromedaslove]

There I've finally said it out loud. DH and I decided NOT to renew our AP's to WDW this year. I got pretty upset when planning our Oct vacation and seeing that the General Public got a better rate than AP holders, and the fact that we could get a 2 year AP for Universal for less than a 1 year at WDW. However, before coming to that monumental decision I had already registered for the Full again this year. The biggest problem that I see are the logistics of getting from the hotel at Universal (where we are planning our vacation around the marathon in January) to the actual start of the race. If anyone has any advice or suggestions it would be greatly appreciated. I was tempted to just book one night on-site so that I could take the bus in the AM but we are going to have a total of 4 groups with us, which would mean 4 different rooms, and just seems like a nightmare. I can't seem to find a whole lot of information about transportation to the marathon when you are staying on-site, and could use all the help you guys can give.

Dana

 

[scuba diver]

I'm local so have driven in on the morning of the race. The best words of advice....GET THERE EARLY!

Last year the parking opened at 3:30 am. We were there and got right in. We had blankets and pillows in the car and enjoyed a 2 hour nap before getting up and heading to the corrals.

When walking to the start line we saw a line of lights, like Field of Dreams, trying to get into the parking lot. People were getting out of their cars and just running across the roads to get in line.

It was a very relaxing start for us, but not for others.

 

[andromedaslove]

Thanks for answering me.... at least I know the parking lot opens at 3:30. I am coming from Universal, so if I plan to be at WDW by 3:30 I would need to leave around 3 I think. I think that's about the same time I had to leave my hotel room from All Star Sports to be honest!! That makes me feel alot better. Thanks again.

Dana