DISNEY STAGING AREA AND STARTING CORRALS

Below is a sample map of the 2012 Disney Half Marathon and Marathon Staging Area in the EPCOT parking lot. This staging area has transitioned over the years, but has remained relatively the same in its structure and purpose.

Disney bus shuttles tend to run from most Disney hotels to the staging area from 3:00 - 4:30 am on race day. Check with your hotel's front desk / Concierge to see the exact route and time of your hotel's marathon weekend shuttle service.

DISNEY RACE STAGING AREA

After you have found out what time the shuttle runs from your hotel to the runners' staging area, be sure to call desk service on the night before the race and leave a wake-up call.

Shuttles have typically started picking up racers at 3:00 am and stop their service at around 4:30 am. A wake-up call for 2:00 am should leave enough time for a carbo-load breakfast, prep and out to the shuttle pick-up location at your Disney hotel's entrance.

BRING A BLANKET/TOWEL, WARM GRUBBIES AND CASH

When you arrive to the EPCOT parking lot, there will be a short walk to the runners' staging area. If it holds true to the 2008-2011 races, the staging area will be a large compound where you can (1) listen to outdoor music, (2) purchase limited marathon clothing and souveniers, (3) purchase some food items (i.e. energy bars, coffee, water, juice, etc.), and (4) store your personal belongings in the Disney bag drop-off/pick-up area.

The runners' staging area is very large parking lot area that is completely bordered by porta-potties (enough for everyone). It's important to know there are no benches, chairs, bleachers or stands to sit on - there is only the graveled parking lot. Having said that, it is recommended that you bring a oversized towel (and/or a disposable blow-up water mattress) to sit on and to have space to stretch out. This towel will fit in the bag given to you by Disney World, which you will drop off prior to the beginning of your race.

The average temperature when arriving to the runners' staging area is in the low 40s, with the race time temperatures ranging in the 60s and low 70s. Again, this is only an average. In 2007 and 2008, it was 65-65 degrees when arriving to the staging area and it reached temperatures in the high 70s/mid 80s of the marathon, with humidity over 50%. If temperatures are in the annual average range, it is always helpful to bring a pair of grubbies/old sweats that you can discard at the start of the race. Disney World staff will collect all clothing and good will the items to local shelters. Keep in mind that you will be in the staging area from at least 3:30 - 5:00 am until you walk about a quarter of a mile to the start line. You will wait there until the 5:40 am start, so it can get cold while you are waiting.

In 2007-2011, there were concessions available for purchase in the runners' staging area. Bring money for these items (coffee, hot tea, snack bars, etc.) and for any souvenirs you might want to purchase.

Around 4:30 am, announcements will be made over the loud speakers so as to move runners toward the starting corrals (see map above or below). The walk will take some time so be sure to give yourself time to the starting corrals and use the porta potties in that general area.

DO NOT remove your outer garments before you are in your starting corral, as there will still be quite a bit of time that you will wait until your particular corral will leave on its race.

DISNEY STARTING CORRALS

Please refer to the map on the right. As runners walk to the starting corrals, the walkway (service road) will merge with EPCOT Center Drive. At this merging, there will be several rows of porta potties - get in line early or you will need to use the side of the road a mile or two into your race!

Starting corrals are based on your bib lettering (i.e. Corral A, B, C...). Corral A will line up closest to the starting line and Corral B will be directly behind. This corral numbering will continue away from the starting line and continue down EPCOT Center Drive (in the yellowed area of the map). Double check the assignment of starting corrals as your corral might be to the left of the porta potties, further down EPCOT Center Drive.

If you are assigned to a higher lettered corral (i.e. A is higher than B), you are able to be in any corral behind your designated corral. For example, if you are assigned to Corral B and have a friend you would like to run with in Corral D, you are able to be in Corral D. However, your friend is not allowed to move up to Corral B.

Starting corrals, if they follow with 2011's format, will be released on a staggered basis - approximately 7-10 minutes after the corral in front of them. This allows for a greater dispersement of runners and less congestion in the early miles of the Disney World Half Marathon and Marathon.