Twilight Tower of Terror 13K Questions

[JillC LI]

Hi everyone. I found out that the TOT 13K race is being held while we will be in Disney. I am a runner (not a fast one, but I enjoy it), and I think it would be really cool to participate in this race. However, given the late hour, my hubby will have to stay at the hotel with the kids so I won't have anyone to meet at the party afterwards, and I'm wondering if it would still be fun to do it alone.

Has anyone here ever run the race? If so, do you recommend it? What kind of festivities do they have at DHS after the race ends? Are only the "big thrill" rides open or any others?

Lastly and most importantly, a logistical question. We have dinner reservations at Le Cellier at 6:35pm that night, and I'd have to get to DHS by 9:30 to line up for the race. Since we are staying at CBR which happens to be one of the host resorts, I know that I could take a bus from Epcot to CBR and then another to DHS. However, that will take alot of time that I might not have after dinner. Does anyone know if there would be any buses running from Epcot to DHS around 8:30pm that night even though DHS will be closed at that point except for race entrants? If not, do you think I'd make it with the double bus technique? I don't want to spend the $85 entry fee and miss getting to the start of the race, but I also don't want to give up dinner at Le Cellier either! HELP!

 

[JillC LI]

Bump...

Doesn't anybody know anything about this race? I was sure I saw someone on the board with a TOT 13K avatar, so I figured at least one person might have some info to help me. Anyone???? :shrug:

 

[dreamfinder]

I did it the first 2 years. First year was a bit chaotic, but it was better organized the second. Now that they have added a second shorter race that night, not sure if it will be crazy again or not. Do I recommend it? Well, a 13k is a unique distance, never seen it anywhere else. Running at night is also kinda rare, not many races do it then. They did have a few villains on course last year, along with trying to theme the mileage spots/entertainment. It was a nice try, but kinda poorly thought out. ( A weak theme)
The after race facilities are pretty much the big rides. Last year was ToT, RnR, Star Tours, TSMM, and I think maybe the Great Movie Ride. They also have had a band playing at the BAH to entertain people. I was able to do TSMM I think 5 times in a row, with no line, was even able to ride through the station as there was no one waiting. The post race spread is kinda lacking, last year you got a little trick or treat bag with a pre made brownie, a orange quarter, and then a water or powerade I think. Maybe a few more little things, but def not the spread I expect from local races for half the cost.
Getting from one to the other might be tough. The host resorts are more for transportation back after the race. First year they didn't offer any, then said some buses would run, and then ended up running buses to all resorts, but each bus stopped like 8 times. Second year they did bus service just to the resorts in question post race, otherwise you needed to get your own ride home. Possibly hoof it from Epcot to BC/YC/BW area, then hoof it from there to DHS? A bit of walking before the race, and I would recommend changing at Epcot, but the buses into DHS that night will be a nightmare. Last year I waited close to 1 1/2 hrs to see 2 buses come for our hotel to get by DF home. The road closures for the race were in place, so traffic was very congested and taking forever to get anywhere. Get to the race early by transit, or walk. The 1st year they ended up starting about 25 mins late because so many runners were stuck on the road trying to get into the lot to park. Walking shouldn't take any longer than the buses at that point. (Est. 25-30 mins for each leg, about par for getting a bus at closing at each stop) Or you could try a taxi, but then still risk getting stuck in the traffic backup.
Hopefully that helps. Any other specific questions feel free to ask and I will do my best to answer.

 

[gatordoc]

I ran it last year, and did not take any chances with the buses. Stayed at the Boardwalk and walked from there - very pleasant, and no worries about being on time. I would have no problem walking from Le Cellier through the Boardwalk and over to DHS, but I guess that's something you'd need to consider. You could also take a boat over to one of the Boardwalk resorts then switch to the DHS boat to get there, I suppose.

 

[Unplugged]

Lastly and most importantly, a logistical question. We have dinner reservations at Le Cellier at 6:35pm that night, and I'd have to get to DHS by 9:30 to line up for the race. Since we are staying at CBR which happens to be one of the host resorts, I know that I could take a bus from Epcot to CBR and then another to DHS. However, that will take alot of time that I might not have after dinner. Does anyone know if there would be any buses running from Epcot to DHS around 8:30pm that night even though DHS will be closed at that point except for race entrants? If not, do you think I'd make it with the double bus technique? I don't want to spend the $85 entry fee and miss getting to the start of the race, but I also don't want to give up dinner at Le Cellier either! HELP!

I've never dealt with the race, but I can say from the times you have posted that I wonder if you'll make it. I say this as dinner at Le Cellier can take some time and then the potential for the bus issues in the closing hours of the park(s).

My thought is to take everything you need with you to EPCOT. Change there (leaving your other stuff with husband), then simply boat it from EPCOT's International Gateway (back door) all the way to the DHS. You can take all the time you want for dinner and take your time walking to the boat. Should be no issue to get there in time for the race with very minimal suprises.

Should you race....Good Luck. :wave:

 

[DisneysRedHead]

I have no information on the race, but my best suggestion for traveling from place to place and making it on time would be getting a cab. They usually aren't very expensive, maybe $5 to $7 for that kind of trip and it will take you straight there rather than you having to transfer from bus to bus.

 

[marypoppins68]

I ran the race the first year and I can confirm that the traffic was a nightmare. We stayed at the Caribbean and it took 30 minutes to get to the Studios from the Caribbean.

My only question is, would you want to eat a large meal at Le Cellier and then run a 13k race?

Like others have said, the best way is to take everything with you you'll need to Epcot. Change in the bathrooms there and then walk to the Studios. It's about a 20-25 minute walk. Consider it your warm- up for the race. This way you'll avoid the nightmare of traffic that will most likely be on the roads. You can take the boats, but that will take longer. By walking you'd definitely make it on time.

 

[Main Street USA]

Eh, I say boat it. I'd personally rather not do that long walk before the race. It's about a 20 minute boat ride including the 3 other stops on the way to DHS. The race doesn't start until 10:30. You'll be finished with dinner by 7:45, change at 8:00, then jump on the boat by 8:30 at the latest. More than enough time, in my opinion.

See you at the race!

 

[JillC LI]

Thank you so much everyone. I didn't realize there was a boat that went from the back of Epcot to DHS. That sounds very doable. And yes, I would definitely bring all my running gear and change at Epcot before catching the boat. As for eating before running, I''ll be finished eating by 8-8:30pm, so I'm sure I'll be ready to run by 10:30 as long as I don't eat to the point of exploding! LOL. So you guys think that if I caught a boat by 8:30ish, I'd get to DHS by 9:30ish with time to spare?

One other question. Someone mentioned taking a cab. Would I have to call one to meet me at Epcot, or is there an area where cabs wait and are generally available for the asking?

Thanks again. :wave:

 

[Main Street USA]

You can generally grab a cab out by the busses anytime. Calling one doesn't hurt, though. I'm not a fan of this idea because of the walk back to the front of the park. The boats are very close from Canada. By the time you get in a cab, you'd already be in the boat and on your way.

 

[surfsupdon]

You will have plenty of time. I ran it the first 2 years and am booked this third year as well. Cannot wait!

See you at the race.

 

[marypoppins68]

You catch the boats between the UK and France pavilions. Much closer than walking to the front of the park and trying to get a cab. If the race isn't starting til 10 pm, or later, then yes, you definitely have enough time to eat, walk to the boats and take a nice ride to the Studios. The boats will stop at Boardwalk, Yacht and Beach Club, and Swan and Dolphin hotels but even with that you should be fine. Have fun and good luck with the race.