Disney Marathon crowds

[novawildcat18]

Hello! I have an upcoming trip to WDW on January 5th-9th (it looks like we are spending the 5th-7th at WDW and the 8th and 9th at Uni/IoA. I read online that the Disney Marathon intersects with my trip because the marathon is the 6th-8th. Does this event significantly increase crowds and wait times? I also read a contradicting statement that the crowds in the first 2 weeks of January are two of the slowest weeks of the year so I don't know what to expect.

 

[Tinkwings]

Hello! I have an upcoming trip to WDW on January 5th-9th (it looks like we are spending the 5th-7th at WDW and the 8th and 9th at Uni/IoA. I read online that the Disney Marathon intersects with my trip because the marathon is the 6th-8th. Does this event significantly increase crowds and wait times? I also read a contradicting statement that the crowds in the first 2 weeks of January are two of the slowest weeks of the year so I don't know what to expect.

I am going that first week as well and posted similar months ago...most peeps replied that the Marathon really doesn't significantly effect crowds IN parks as much as it does bookings at the resorts...overall crowds are down most of January as a whole from my past experiences....I never have had a crowd complaint til the week before Presidents Day in February....from there on out things really pick up as do resort pricings.

Some people asserted certain parks may be affected at certain times on certain days coinciding with the beginning and end of race times....perhaps good to know the Marathon schedule to avoid bottlenecks? Meanwhile I have my ADR's and not too concerned about significant crowds....Brazilian tour groups?!!!:lookaroun will be wary of them....:lol: LOL if they are in marathon as well....:wave:

 

[CinderellyKelly]

Hi! I go to Disney that week every January and crowds are very light in the parks. Most of the ppl who are there for the race are focused on that And friends and family are there to be spectators and cheer them on. My hubby and I ran the 1/2 marathon last yr and after the run just wanted to go to our roOm and relax. The race can inhibit traffic into the Parks though enjoy!

 

[novawildcat18]

Great to know guys, thank you! I'm glad the crowds will be light considering we only have 2 and half days in the parks and I want to get as much done as possible.

 

[Kristia]

We ran the marathon last year and the crowds in the parks were pretty light. The only problem that you may run into is transportation between the hotels and parks. If you are staying at a monorail resort there should be no problem. If you are staying off-site or at one of the other Disney hotels, it may take a longer time to get to parks as a lot of the roads are closed for the marathon.

 

[novawildcat18]

We ran the marathon last year and the crowds in the parks were pretty light. The only problem that you may run into is transportation between the hotels and parks. If you are staying at a monorail resort there should be no problem. If you are staying off-site or at one of the other Disney hotels, it may take a longer time to get to parks as a lot of the roads are closed for the marathon.

Luckily we are staying at the Grand Floridian and we have a car rented (that I'd imagine we will only use to get to Universal Studios and back). So transportation shouldn't be too much of a problem. Thanks though!

 

[Tinkwings]

Oh I had not thought of that but planning to hit the MK from WL so don't think the boats will be impeded from runners....:lol: Can see it taking a bit long to take a bus to AK though....in any event...thanks for the feedback from anyone who has experienced the parks during marathon time!! The more you know....the more you can enjoy the magic!!:king::sohappy:

 

[Minthorne]

I was there during the Marathon in Jan 2011 and the parks were a bit busier than later in January but not much noticeable. As others mentioned, be aware of where each route is that day, we made the misfortune of showing up at AK when the marathon was running through there and it took a long time to park and get in the gates. I pushed my trip out a couple weeks this year and ran into MLK day - not sure if that is better or worse

 

[brightlillstar]

We've been during the marathon twice. Very low crowds

 

[Tinkwings]

Good idea to know the routes...any one with a handy link to the itinerary?!?!?!:animwink: Would be good to stick in my planning folder!

 

[Ariel484]

Good idea to know the routes...any one with a handy link to the itinerary?!?!?!:animwink: Would be good to stick in my planning folder!

Lots of info here: http://espnwwos.disney.go.com/events/rundisney/wdw-marathon

ETA: The link didn't quite work like I thought it would...on the left-hand pane, click on "Event Details" and you'll find the race program (which has the schedule for the entire weekend), course maps, etc. :wave:

 

[novawildcat18]

Lots of info here: http://espnwwos.disney.go.com/events/rundisney/wdw-marathon

ETA: The link didn't quite work like I thought it would...on the left-hand pane, click on "Event Details" and you'll find the race program (which has the schedule for the entire weekend), course maps, etc. :wave:

Thanks for that! Even with this information, it's hard to plan around. I basically figured to avoid EPCOT in the mornings and to avoid it on the first day of my vacation because it is the runner's pasta party. As for the other parks, it's going to be hard to avoid it but I'll just go on the attractions that are far away from the route while the runners are in the park.

 

[novawildcat18]

Thanks for the information! It's hard to plan the routes though. All I discovered was to avoid EPCOT anytime before dinner time because that's when the runners will be there most likely. As for the other parks, it's really hard to plan when the runners will be there but whatever happens, happens I guess.

 

[dreamfinder]

Luckily we are staying at the Grand Floridian and we have a car rented (that I'd imagine we will only use to get to Universal Studios and back). So transportation shouldn't be too much of a problem. Thanks though!

The issue with transportation is due to the road closures. Especially for the full marathon, roads are closed all over property until the runners are done on them. For instance, the stretch of World Drive that goes under the lagoon, and runs between the Contemporary and the MK bus stop, becomes a single lane for a stretch. So traffic gets stopped on both ends, and then they let it through in a single direction for a while, and then switch. If you are staying at the GF I would strongly suggest using the Monorail to MK and Epcot in the AM each day as that will let you miss most of the problems. Then transferring later on once the roads are open.

Thanks for the information! It's hard to plan the routes though. All I discovered was to avoid EPCOT anytime before dinner time because that's when the runners will be there most likely. As for the other parks, it's really hard to plan when the runners will be there but whatever happens, happens I guess.

The routes are actually fairly easy. For the half on Saturday, the runners only do MK and Epcot. And MK is pretty much clear by the time the park actually opens for the day. For the full on Sunday, the same applies for MK, but runners will be in AK and DHS and Epcot while the parks are open, in that order. But many of the runners are there for the race, and not the parks, so if anything the hotels and restaurants outside of the parks will be busy, but the parks shouldn't be that bad.

Since you are planning on being at Uni on Sunday, that will be the toughest part for you. The running route uses the main road by the GF (exits out the back of MK and then meanders to AK) so the only way for you to get to Uni may be blocked, or seriously restricted. I would suggest on leaving extra early just in case if you want to get to Uni for rope drop.

 

[novawildcat18]

The issue with transportation is due to the road closures. Especially for the full marathon, roads are closed all over property until the runners are done on them. For instance, the stretch of World Drive that goes under the lagoon, and runs between the Contemporary and the MK bus stop, becomes a single lane for a stretch. So traffic gets stopped on both ends, and then they let it through in a single direction for a while, and then switch. If you are staying at the GF I would strongly suggest using the Monorail to MK and Epcot in the AM each day as that will let you miss most of the problems. Then transferring later on once the roads are open.



The routes are actually fairly easy. For the half on Saturday, the runners only do MK and Epcot. And MK is pretty much clear by the time the park actually opens for the day. For the full on Sunday, the same applies for MK, but runners will be in AK and DHS and Epcot while the parks are open, in that order. But many of the runners are there for the race, and not the parks, so if anything the hotels and restaurants outside of the parks will be busy, but the parks shouldn't be that bad.

Since you are planning on being at Uni on Sunday, that will be the toughest part for you. The running route uses the main road by the GF (exits out the back of MK and then meanders to AK) so the only way for you to get to Uni may be blocked, or seriously restricted. I would suggest on leaving extra early just in case if you want to get to Uni for rope drop.

Thanks so much for this information, I will definitely use it. Especially the info about getting to Universal, that will be tricky. But at least now I know we have to leave super early.

 

[novawildcat18]

The issue with transportation is due to the road closures. Especially for the full marathon, roads are closed all over property until the runners are done on them. For instance, the stretch of World Drive that goes under the lagoon, and runs between the Contemporary and the MK bus stop, becomes a single lane for a stretch. So traffic gets stopped on both ends, and then they let it through in a single direction for a while, and then switch. If you are staying at the GF I would strongly suggest using the Monorail to MK and Epcot in the AM each day as that will let you miss most of the problems. Then transferring later on once the roads are open.



The routes are actually fairly easy. For the half on Saturday, the runners only do MK and Epcot. And MK is pretty much clear by the time the park actually opens for the day. For the full on Sunday, the same applies for MK, but runners will be in AK and DHS and Epcot while the parks are open, in that order. But many of the runners are there for the race, and not the parks, so if anything the hotels and restaurants outside of the parks will be busy, but the parks shouldn't be that bad.

Since you are planning on being at Uni on Sunday, that will be the toughest part for you. The running route uses the main road by the GF (exits out the back of MK and then meanders to AK) so the only way for you to get to Uni may be blocked, or seriously restricted. I would suggest on leaving extra early just in case if you want to get to Uni for rope drop.

Thanks so much for the information! Especially the bit about getting to Universal on Sunday. Guess we will have to get up early for rope drop. Thanks again.

 

[Ariel484]

Thanks for the information! It's hard to plan the routes though. All I discovered was to avoid EPCOT anytime before dinner time because that's when the runners will be there most likely. As for the other parks, it's really hard to plan when the runners will be there but whatever happens, happens I guess.

In looking at the final race instructions that were sent to us, special race transportation stops at 10:30AM on Saturday and 2:30PM on Sunday...i.e. all runners should have completed the race or have been swept off the course by these times. Even when the runners are in the parks there will be paths marked off with cones, so it's not like the parks won't be operational...so I don't think you need to worry about avoiding Epcot. :shrug: Now that I think about it, why not go to Epcot that day and cheer us on as we power toward the finish?! :lol:

 

[Phonedave]

In looking at the final race instructions that were sent to us, special race transportation stops at 10:30AM on Saturday and 2:30PM on Sunday...i.e. all runners should have completed the race or have been swept off the course by these times. Even when the runners are in the parks there will be paths marked off with cones, so it's not like the parks won't be operational...so I don't think you need to worry about avoiding Epcot. :shrug: Now that I think about it, why not go to Epcot that day and cheer us on as we power toward the finish?! :lol:

Just please please PLEASE watch where you walk.

The last mile is through the World Showcase. If it is mile 10 or so and you walk out in front of me with your kids, I am fresh enough to dodge you.

By the time mile 25 rolls around, my legs - not so fresh.

The route through EPCOT is clearly maked with cones. Remember, these runners are tired by this point. Don't try to cut in front of them, they will not be able to stop / dodge you, and you will all go down in a heap, and very likely hurt the runner just as they are nearing the finish.

I had a number of people step right out in front of me last year.

-dave

 

[novawildcat18]

In looking at the final race instructions that were sent to us, special race transportation stops at 10:30AM on Saturday and 2:30PM on Sunday...i.e. all runners should have completed the race or have been swept off the course by these times. Even when the runners are in the parks there will be paths marked off with cones, so it's not like the parks won't be operational...so I don't think you need to worry about avoiding Epcot. :shrug: Now that I think about it, why not go to Epcot that day and cheer us on as we power toward the finish?! :lol:

Very cool, I will absolutely do that! Best of luck! I would love to do a run for Disney at some point.

 

[Ariel484]

Just please please PLEASE watch where you walk.

The last mile is through the World Showcase. If it is mile 10 or so and you walk out in front of me with your kids, I am fresh enough to dodge you.

By the time mile 25 rolls around, my legs - not so fresh.

The route through EPCOT is clearly maked with cones. Remember, these runners are tired by this point. Don't try to cut in front of them, they will not be able to stop / dodge you, and you will all go down in a heap, and very likely hurt the runner just as they are nearing the finish.

I had a number of people step right out in front of me last year.

-dave

Great point. I'm sure I won't be in my right mind by mile 25, so if someone steps in front of me there's no way I'll react in time. :dazzle:

Very cool, I will absolutely do that! Best of luck! I would love to do a run for Disney at some point.

Thank you! You absolutely should run a Disney race someday...they are a blast! :sohappy: