Trying to be PROACTIVE this year about WDW marathon traffic issues...

[TigrLvsPooh]

Last year we made the mistake of hoping on a bus at Kidani to try and get to Epcot on marathon day. HUGE mistake! We ended up being stuck on that bus just outside the entrance to the TTC for like an hour. Just sitting there. Not fun! This year we are staying at the Poly so I'm thinking we should be able to walk to the TTC and hop on the monorail to Epcot to see our family members cross the finish line. Does anyone know if the monorail is on normal operating hours during marathon day?

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

Monorail starts running a few hours before the Marathon.

 

[joelkfla]

I'm thinking we should be able to walk to the TTC and hop on the monorail to Epcot to see our family members cross the finish line.

The following is copied from the official web site:

Finish Line

Spectators can see their runners again at the Finish Line. There will be a limited number of complimentary seats along the Finish Line available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Reserved seating is available for purchase through our ChEAR Squad.
The Finish Line is located in the Imagine Lot of Epcot®. To reach the finish line from Magic Kingdom® Park, take the monorail back to the Transportation and Ticket Center. Exit the monorail and follow the signs for the monorail to Epcot®. Ride the monorail back to Epcot® and upon arriving, walk down the ramp and exit to your left towards the parking lots. The Imagine Lot and Finish Line area will be on your right.

 

[Chip_Dale]

There is going to be a long line for the monorail. All of the resort buses going to Epcot get dropped @ the TTC. It might be faster to take a bus to DHS. From there take the boat or walk and enter via the IG.

 

[joelkfla]

There is going to be a long line for the monorail. All of the resort buses going to Epcot get dropped @ the TTC. It might be faster to take a bus to DHS. From there take the boat or walk and enter via the IG.

Those buses may be caught in the same traffic jam that the OP dealt with last year. With World Dr. closed, it will be at least a 20 minute ride, instead of the usual 10. Then there's the 30 minute (at least) walk to the front of Epcot.

I don't know how long the wait for the monorail will be, but I suspect it will still be the fastest way to Epcot that morning. At least it doesn't have to deal with the road closures.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Yeah, I definitely don't think we will attempt to get on a bus. It was gridlock pretty much as far as the eye could see in all directions. I'm really hoping we can get the monorail, even if the line is long at least we won't be stuck on the road somewhere. Thanks for letting me know it starts running early!

 

[AllyElly]

I am going to be there marathon weekend and didn't know anything about the traffic issues. We are staying at Pop and planning on going to MK on Sunday. We don't have to be there for rope drop but want to be there fairly early. What would be the best time to leave Pop and head to the MK? We definitely want to avoid the 2 hour bus rides since we will have several kids with us.
Thanks!

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

The marathon starts running at 5:30 or so.... just so they can shove us through the MK prior to opening! So actually by opening they have the runners out of that area.

The roads are still a mess and the bus rides will be longer as they have to detour around the race.