AdamLocked wrote:
I just came back from there for Christmas with my family. Although it's more of a family park, you can have a GREAT time there with one other person. There's LOTS to do outside of Disney World and it's really a fun place to be. Don't forget visiting Orlando Studios while you're there, it's every bit as fun as Disney World parks.
... As for the race, I hear it sucks. Someone said a while back that you just run loops round their large empty parking lot. I don't know if that's true or if they've updated the course any.
Ran it the first 4 years it started. I remember that there are things NOT in the brochure to look out for: 1) the race time is 6 AM, but what they don't tell you, is the shuttles start at 3 AM and end around 4:40 AM. 2) It is very dark and loud at the start, and you run through Epcot with speakers blaring in your ears for the first 3 miles. 3) They make you walk to the start from a "holding" area - it was around 1/2 mile ....at 5 AM. 4)The Disney employees make it clear that they want you out of the park by 12 noon - when they open to the general public. So, when you finish, you are asked to "please make your way to the shuttle buses.." 5) Yes, there are plenty of areas that are vacant open roads within the Disney property. 6) Spectators are allowed in only 4 or 5 "viewing" areas - around 5 miles, 13, and a few others. Much of the running is through theme parks, or behind them, and they do not have the lights on, or any feeling of excitement by the time you run by - dead, dead, dead. 7) In spite of all this, it is fun after the race. Kids will love it. You are much better off staying at a Disney hotel, and not worry about driving in.