WDW Marathon morning - transportation to MK for early ADR

[Minnesota!]

So, stupid me...made an ADR for 815am at CP in MK (AOK??? ) on the AM of the marathon next month. Grr.

So, now a few questions:

1) will they have regular transportation going that early in the AM (assuming I should be to the bus stop by 7 or so to get to MK on time).
2) will I have any other issues you can foresee getting there?
3) will MK be a mad house when I get there?

I have hyped this meal up to my kids and DH b/c I wanted something other than Boma for day 1. And now I am hoping I didn't set us up for a bunch of frustrations!

thanks!

 

[skelooch]

I have never been there at marathon time, so I cannot speak to how it effects Disney transportation, but there are a couple of drivers here that should be able to offer some insight regarding the marathon.

My suggestion would be to consider taking a taxi to the entrance to the Contemporary resort (guard shack) and walk over to the MK entrance, (5-10 minute walk)
Taxi fare shouldn't be more than $20 from almost anywhere on property (other than perhaps AK) and not take more than 15 min.
I think that would be the most stress free solution.

Enjoy your breakfast.

 

[Minnesota!]

Thanks! I wish I could take a taxi but I have 2 young kids and I would need car seats....

 

[skelooch]

They're not going to be in car seats on the bus. I don't understand why that's any safer. They may have to stand on buses.

 

[crashbb]

The buses will not be going to MK (according the paperwork from the marathon). All MK buses are re-routed to the TTC and you'll then have to take the monorail or ferry.

It will likely be a mad house, yes. MK is roughly the 10 mile mark of the marathon, so by 8am many runners will be there. Plus, many spectators will see their runners off at the start and then grab the monorail from EPCOT to see their runners again at MK (or by one of the MK resorts). Not so much the park itself, but the TTC and just outside the park. Within the park, there will be off areas and changes in traffic flow, because the runners will be going through the park (and will in the park whilst you are there).

Plus, the bus ride will likely take longer getting to the TTC due to road-closures and extra traffic (though you should be late enough after the start that people dropping off runners have left the property).

I'm hitting MK that morning (I'm doing the half and friends are doing the full), only because I will be at CR, and will have no transportation issues.

As an example, the "spectator's guide" for the marathon says it will take 42 minutes to get from EPCOT to MK by monorail.

But may just be a pessimist.

 

[rubato]

I would definitely take the advice to take a cab. Or, you will be dealing with lots of crowds, road closures and extra time. I am not sure you could make it leaving at 7.

 

[skelooch]

Based on what crashbb just posted you may want to rethink that CP ADR at MK, and try to get something else for that morning. Perhaps at a resort.

Being that the marathon goes through all four parks, and starts at 5:30 am, it might be difficult getting to any park early in the morning.
Sounds like even a taxi may not be an option.

Here's a link to the official marathon program which has a lot more information.
http://espnwwos.disney.go.com/media/ewwos/pdf/sports/rundisney/WDW11Program.pdf

Good Luck

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

As an example, the "spectator's guide" for the marathon says it will take 42 minutes to get from EPCOT to MK by monorail.

But may just be a pessimist.

Actually I think that's about "normal" for the vaunted "monorail"

 

[Minnesota!]

They're not going to be in car seats on the bus. I don't understand why that's any safer. They may have to stand on buses.

In a cab (car) it's illegal. Bus - not so much.

Thanks Crashbbb...I am really rethinking it. I can't believe I completely forgot about the marathon!

Oh well - now I get to do a little more research

Thanks again!!

 

[crashbb]

In a cab (car) it's illegal. Bus - not so much.

Thanks Crashbbb...I am really rethinking it. I can't believe I completely forgot about the marathon!

Oh well - now I get to do a little more research

Thanks again!!

Take everything I say with a grain of salt - I'm one of those "hate to be late" people, so I likely stress more than most people. And I've never actually experienced race weekend yet - this is just based on my friends who went in previous years and reading blogs/this forum.

 

[joelkfla]

I think you'll be OK, but be at the bus stop at 6:30 rather than 7 a.m.

There will be some delays due to congestion and possibly security checkpoints, but I really don't think it will be too terrible at that hour.

If you are running late due to transportation, call 407-WDW-DINE & the CP staff should be able to accommodate you.

 

[Minnesota!]

I am the same way, crashbbb, so I know I would be miserable and it would make my first day really unenjoyable.

So I cancelled CP and we are now going to Boma. Sigh. Oh well...at least I will be at Disney.

 

[mortimor]

We were there during marathon weekend 4-6 years ago and made the mistake of trying to get to MK for rope drop. I don't remember the exact time we left the all star resort, but I would guess around 1 hour before opening. We were aboard the bus for TWO hours...we were going to be dropped off at the park, but were redirected to the TCC. It took at least a 1/2 hour to get from there to MK.

It has seemed to be much more efficient in the past few years, but make sure you go to the bathroom before you board the bus. Our DD was very young at the time and we almost had to ask to get off and use the bushes. I remember seeing other people that were in their own vehicles doing the same thing. Absolute gridlock, no one was moving.

Of course the bus was packed and we were standing too....

 

[PrincessArlena'sDad]

Anyone know if it'll be as bad for the princess half marathon? We have a 8:10 ADR for CP that morning.