Transportation to the expo and the races

[RebeccaDreamsDisney]

Hi everyone!
I'm going to be staying at Poly and wondered if there was direct transportation to the expo or you had to go to Hollywood Studio first and then take the bus to WWoS.
Also, does anyone have any suggestions on when to leave for the race? I've never stayed at Poly before and didn't know if it would make more sense to walk to the TTC and just take one monorail or just go ahead and take both. I know it says you have to catch it at the latest by 4am to make it on time.
Any suggestions/help would be appreciated!

 

[twoWDWfools]

Hi Bec ~

For the expo there are buses from all the resorts so no need to bus hop at the Studios. Don't know if it stops at the other monorail resorts though.

As for race morning, it's quickest to use the monorail.

Tracy and others have stayed at Poly marathon weekend before and can give you more detail.

 

[jeanneg]

The Poly is the best! Busses for the Expo run right in front of the main bullding and they come every quickly.

I don't know if they have busses going to the marathon because we never took them. You can take the monorail and leave much later than 4am. It's best to walk to TTC (there's a short path), take the monorail to Epcot and then use the real bathrooms right outside the park. As you are walking to the race area you will pass a long row of porta potties that are primarily for spectators and workers. It's wise to use these for a second pit stop as there is never any line. After this, you will pass 2 more porta-potty areas, but they will have huge lines so it's best to take care of your business at the previously mentioned spots. Last year the race started at 5:50 and we left our room at about 4:35. We used both those facilities and got to the start line with about 15-20 minutes to spare. The monorail is VERY quick!

Coming back after the race you will have 2 choices: you can take the monorail back or grab a bus at the finish area. The first year we took the monorail because we didn't realize they had a bus, but going up that ramp after 26.2 miles is not easy. Last year we discovered they had a bus and took that. It was very easy.

You are going to be so happy you're staying there. Definitely worth the extra money for the sheer convenience of it.

 

[RebeccaDreamsDisney]

Thank you soo much for the advice! These boards are like striking gold for information on the races!
Any suggestions on what building to request at Poly?

 

[jeanneg]

When you check in be sure to mention you are doing the marathon and would like a building close to the TTC. I don't remember the specific names but there are several that are very close to the walking path. They are very good about trying to accommodate you.