WDW half marathon - ? on which resort to stay

[Todd_H]

My wife and I are planning to run the 2011 half marathon (first WDW marathon for both of us). We'll have the family in tow and are planning to rent DVC points.

For those who have run the 1/2 before, would you recommend (for proximity to the start) staying at one of the Epcot DVC resorts (BWV, BCV)? If so, is it possible to walk from those resorts through the International Gateway entrance to Epcot to get to the start?

Also, are they running the monorail that early on race day?

Any advice greatly appreciated

 

[crewmatt]

Yes they do run the monorail, however the other resorts also have marathon bus transportation to and from the start/finish. From there any spectators can take the monorail to the viewing spots near the magic kingdom (Castle, Poly, Floridian, TTC are the bigger ones). From there they can monorail back to the finish.

 

[Honeibee]

Todd, my only advice to you would be to call TOMORROW and take what you can get. It's a busy weekend and I hope you have a choice of resorts.

We are at the BCVs, and will walk back to our resort after to avoid the long, long, LONG bus lines. That is, of course, assuming I CAN walk.

I am pretty sure you are not allowed to walk to the start thru IG. However, rest assured no matter where you stay, the bus service is excellent and will get you there on time.

 

[FireDancer]

You can not walk through Epcot to the start. There will be buses from every resort with the possible exception of the monorail resorts in MK. Someone who has stayed there will have to let you know if they also have buses or rely only on the monorail.

Provided you finish after Epcot opens or wait in the finishing area until they do you are allowed to walk through Epcot if you have a park ticket. Keep in mind though that if it is not a park hopper and you use the ticket to walk through Epcot you will have to make that your park for the day.

 

[cewait]

Its already been said.... All resorts have bus service or monorail service to the start. If you are at a monorail resort do not plan on a bus. Somewhere I have a photo of the traffic jam coming into Contemporary where traffic looked backed up as far as you could see. The monorail has become my new favorite way to the race. Last year I was on the 3:45 train out of Contemporary on Saturday and around 4:20 on Sunday. I had time to wait both days. Note that if you are in the Poly, walk to the TTC and avoid that transfer.

You cannot walk through Epcot to the start from Epcot resorts. You may walk back but frankly I would rather not wait for the hour or so waiting for the gate to open…..and it requires using a park pass day.

Oh, I will second the call in the morning for a DVC ressie. I moved my 2dr ressie from my home resort at OKW a couple weekends back. The only other 2 br opening was BCV…. I would think that you would have no problem getting into OKW or SSR but you need to lock in a ressie soon.

 

[bkoehl]

Do the Swan/Dolphin get bus service for the race as well?

 

[Sarah_Rose]

I'm thirding the advice of booking whatever you can right now, if you are planning on staying on DVC points. We booked at the 7 month window last week (we're staying 1/5-1/12) and the only 2br that we could get were SSR and AKV Kidani Savannah View (we chose Kidani - we've been looking for an excuse to stay there).

Wherever you choose to stay, there will be transportation to the expo and the marathon.

 

[Honeibee]

You cannot walk through Epcot to the start from Epcot resorts. You may walk back but frankly I would rather not wait for the hour or so waiting for the gate to open…..and it requires using a park pass day.

Well, that is on problem I certainly won't have! The park will have been open for hours by the time I finish! I have an AP so that's not a problem.

So, Todd, did you call? Inquiring minds wanna know...

 

[cewait]

Do the Swan/Dolphin get bus service for the race as well?

Yes, they share with the other resorts on the loop....

Well, that is on problem I certainly won't have! The park will have been open for hours by the time I finish! I have an AP so that's not a problem.

So, Todd, did you call? Inquiring minds wanna know...

YIKES! I do forget about the delay of the last wave' s start time.

My humble apologies

 

[Honeibee]

YIKES! I do forget about the delay of the last wave' s start time.

My humble apologies

Oh no, Charles, no worries. It's not that. I'm just...well....slooooooow.

 

[Todd_H]

Thanks so much for the replies, everyone.

So, Todd, did you call? Inquiring minds wanna know...

I sure did and we were able to get into a 2BR unit at OKW. It wasn't my first choice (as far as DVC resorts go), but I'm sure it will be fine. I'm just feeling lucky that we were able to find a 2BR now that we're within the 7 month window.

Thanks again, everyone! Happy training.