Why You Should Stay at a Monorail Resort for runDisney Events
runDisney races are such a fun experience, and staying at a Disney resort can make the event even smoother. Among the Disney resorts, staying at one of the monorail resorts (Grand Floridian, Polynesian, or Contemporary) is especially convenient during runDisney events thanks to easy transportation, great dining options, and relaxing amenities.
Easy Transportation
All Disney resorts provide transportation to and from the race events. However, unlike most resorts that offer buses, the Grand Floridian, Polynesian, and Contemporary provide monorail transportation for some of the longer distance races. For example, although buses were provided for the Disney Princess 5k and 10k, runners could take the monorail to and from the Disney Princess Half Marathon.
Runners can take the resort monorail to the Transportation and Ticket Center and then transfer for a monorail to EPCOT for the start of the race. They can then do the reverse to return to the resorts after the race. Spectators can also take the monorail to the Magic Kingdom or EPCOT for the designated race viewing areas.
The monorail begins running about two hours before the race begins. Be sure to check the posters in the resort lobbies for details.
Great Dining Options
With all the resorts on the monorail loop plus easy access to the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT, there are plenty of options to fuel up pre-race or celebrate your achievements post-race! For pre-race, each of the monorail resorts has a quick service restaurant where you’ll often find runners packs that have some quick breakfast options to eat before you run, such as a bagel, fruit, granola bar, and water.
When you’re ready to celebrate, there are lots of great restaurants and lounges along the monorail loop. For signature dining, there’s California Grill at the Contemporary and Citricos and Narcoosee’s at the Grand Floridian. Both California Grill and Narcoosee’s have wonderful views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks. For a post-race feast, you can have an all-you-care-to-eat dinner at ‘Ohana with grilled meats and their famous noodles and bread pudding. If a celebratory drink is in order, you can choose from Enchanted Rose, Steakhouse 71 Lounge, Outer Rim, Trader Sam’s, or Tambu Lounge.
Relaxing Amenities
Post-race you may be looking for a little rest and relaxation. If you stay in a One Bedroom Villa or larger room at the Grand Floridian or Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary, you can enjoy a soothing bath in the jetted tub. At the Grand Floridian, you can even pick up some nice bath salts or bombs at the Basin White store. For some pampering, get a massage or treatment at the Grand Floridian Spa.
Plan a stay at a monorail resort for your next runDisney race! Check availability for your race-cation, or browse the confirmed reservations. Whether you choose to stay at the Grand Floridian, Polynesian, or Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary, you can’t go wrong.
