Walking from CBR to Boardwalk

[JerseyJ]

It's been awhile since we've been to Disney & can't remember distances.

Is it possible to walk from CBR to Boardwalk? If so, about how long will it take?

On the day of the Marathon, trying to make a plan to meet up with all of our group p/ the race.

 

[safetymom]

Really no walking paths. It also would be dangerous because most people are not accustomed to seeing walkers. I would take Disney transportation.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Are you trying to meet up after the race? Take the bus from CBR over to Disney Studios. Then either take the boat or walk over to the Boardwalk.

If you are trying to get to the race start, take the bus from your resort to the race beginning.

 

[PCFriar80]

While SafetyMom and Deb & Bill are "technically and saftey conscious" correct, you can walk to BW from CBR, with a "short" diaganol trip through the lawn adjacent the Aruba bus stop. This will bring you to the corner across the street
from the "lego firehouse". Use the cross walk to cross the street and it's sidewalk all the way to BW, past the Hess Station, across the Epcot Resorts Blvd., down to the path that borders the canal and to the BW. We've done it many times while staying at CBR (Jamaica). It's not for everyone but it is doable if you do need to walk! Total time, if you are in Aruba or Jamaica, approximately 20 - 30 minutes, and I would estimate 1.5 miles.

 

[JerseyJ]

Thanks everyone for your ideas. We will be starting Race Day @ the start line to send my BIL off w/ good wishes & pixie dust & then ending up waiting @ the end. Our friends may not brave the early morning but meet us after the race & thought Boardwalk would be a good meeting place. Any other suggestions since our experience w/ finish lines & cool down area is that they can be so crazy.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Well, the race will actually end outside of Epcot in the parking lot. So if your friend is at the Boardwalk and you are in the parking lot, somebody will need a park ticket to go through Epcot to meet up. Or take transportation to the other. If you run, I don't think you necessarily will be let back into Epcot without a ticket.

 

[10nis]

Starting line?? wow, you are very nice to get up early & wish him off w/ PD
At the drop off point at the start in the EPCOT parking lot--there is a "staging" area where people can drop off belongings, buy food and drinks, bathrooms, a band playing, etc....around 5am they open up the path to the start--this is maybe .5 mile walk to get to the starting corrals. This is for registered runners only, you will have to bid your BIL farewell at this point.
I recall seeing people cheering around the start--on the sides of the road. It is DARK DARK DARK at the start, very hard to see your friends/family!!
Are you planning on going other places that morning to cheer? My advice is to take the monorail! My family got stuck in terrible traffic that morning and didn't catch us until mile 24 on the boardwalk!
The Boardwalk is a great place to meet up--anywhere along the route from MGM to the World Showcase entrance to EPCOT is a good place to camp out and cheer, esp if you want to avoid the finish area. The finish is set up w/ medal bleachers for spectators. If you have park tickets that you are going to use that day--EPCOT has many good areas to cheer as well. One of my favorite areas was under the arches--they have cast members waving the flags from the countries as you run thru the arches, it was GREAT! Also, as you exit EPCOT there is a choir singing which is absolutely awesome.
If BIL is going to meet you all after the race on the Boardwalk, w/ a park ticket he can enter EPCOT and walk thru to the World Showcase entrance and voila, out on the Boardwalk. We did this last year and it worked out fine--got to see the runners still on the course and get rid of some lactic acid build up.
If you all aren't going to use park tickets the day of the race . . . . . there are buses running after the race to get runners back to resorts and of course the monorail will be running.
Hope this helps! I thought I had everything figured out for my family last year and sending them to the spots designated by Disney in the info packet was the WRONG move! Maybe this year it won't be as crazy race morning w/ the marathon and half marathon on different days!!!

 

[PCFriar80]

10nis -
I'm impressed with your detailed reports/analysis of race day! I've seen your similar reviews over on the Wish board. Being first time 1/2 marathoner's (DW and myself) I was wondering if you had any "logistical" advice for us, staying at CBR. I know about the busses, as AP holders we plan on walking thru EC to BW and then CBR after the race. As a not so early morning person, any other suggestions? I know we may get kicked off this forum not discussing resort stuff. BTW I did 6 miles in 49 minutes today!! Looking for a 1:50 finish.

 

[Deb & Bill]

The most convenient way to return to the CBR after the 1/2 marathon will be by bus from the parking lot. Epcot would probably not even be open until 9AM and your race starts at 6AM. Plus you'll need a ticket to go through Epcot. If you aren't a morning person yet, you'll need to learn to be one pretty quickly. You'll have to catch your bus to the race start by 3AM. 3:30AM at the latest.

Walking along the roadway is not safe. Take the bus.

 

[JerseyJ]

Everyone's imput has been so helpful. Starting to finally get a plan for that day.
10nis - Your experience is going to be very much appreciated. Good luck in the Marathon. Look for the gold balloons - we'll give you an extra cheer if you have your dis color on anywhere.
PCFrair80 - good luck running the 1/2. Will be in the Parks on Sat but will think of you. Enjoy CBR.

 

[10nis]

PCFriar80:
I don't really have any other advice about race morning. Unfortunately, you just have to get up in the middle of the night to get the bus and then get to the start. Thankfully, it is just ONE day! The people running for Goofy, they get to get up at 3am - 2 days in a row!!!
I was so wound up last year the night before the run there is NO way I could have convinced my body to go to sleep before its normal time!!!
We did have our pre-race meal w/ us and ate it in the "staging" area. They have food there as well if you bring money w/you! It is vital to get some calories/hydration before you start and it is good to "practice" w/ your long runs--figuring out what works w/ your stomach. We got to the staging area around 345a--left BWI at 330a. Plenty of time to eat our bars/bagels and drink.
Hopefully it won't be cold--last year it was HOT by the time we finished but I will take last years temps ANYDAY over COLD. It will be a long wait if it is cold and many clothes left behind for the volunteers to pick up and donate (which is what they do as people shed their layers).

also....I can't comment on walking to CBR--I only go as far as the Boardwalk. Deb & Bill makes valid point about EPCOT not being open when you finish. If you hang around the post race area for an hour your plan will work just fine. Weather might also factor in to your decision, nothing worse than running hard for close to 2 hours and then getting a chill.