January questions

[NMPTheatre]

Hello again, one and all!

I'm still working my crazy teaching schedule to hopefully make a WDW run in early January. It's quite a haul for us (we're in Portland Oregon), so I have several things to take care of first. Couple o' questions:

1. Since Jan. 2 is a Sunday this year, is it likely to still be crowded that day? We're planning on getting to WDW on Jan.1 or 2.
2. The big Marathon thing on the weekend of the 7,8,9. How crowded is it on the weekend? Would it be really crowded that Friday the 9th too? How much of the World do they rope off for the runners and for how long?

Thanks!

Michael
October '88
November '01

 

[longfamily]

It will still be busy on the 2nd. the parks were actually filled to capacity this year for the same days. As for the marathon, the competitors and their families/friends start showing up on the wednesday before the run. By Thursday most of them are there and they don't leave until sunday or monday. Many people don't just come in for the marathon, they use this as part of their yearly vacation. The day of the marathon, portions of the parks will be roped off for the runners. The ropes will remain up until the last runner goes by. At times it will be necessary to cross the ropes and a CM will hold you there until the runners have passed. This is a huge issue if you have a stroller or are short on time. There are two marathons, a half, and a whole so you can expect to see runners all day. You will need to use the priority seating option if you intend to eat in a restuarant other than counter service. You can make those now if you like (#WDW-DINE). If you had intentions of using the Spa, do it before the marathon weekend. The runners get this perk as part of the marathon package and it will be packed.
The third week in January is the best time to go if you can manage it.
Have a great trip!

 

[disneydummy125]

I will be there three weekends back to back so maybe I'll see ya. The weekend of the marathon will be busy, so that Sunday might be a good day to take a break. I know that the half marathon ends in the MK parking lot, but I'm not sure where the marathon ends.

See ya there! :wave:

 

[NMPTheatre]

Thanks again! More questions!

Thanks for your responses!

My goodness! I guess we'll rethink our timing then. What about the second week? Would that be better? I know the second weekend is MLK weekend, so I suppose that'd be quite croweded too?

Thanks! - Michael

 

[SpenceMan01]

We'll be there 5-15th. Thursday the 6th we're hitting MK. I am somewhat concerned about crowds then with all the marathon people in town. We're hoping that AK won't be busy on Saturday. Friday and Sunday are going to be "off days", with dinner at the Hoop Dee Doo Revue on Sunday. We got our PS in August (day before the deposit change..thank you WDWmagic.com!), and I just called and confirmed it yesterday, so we're set.

See ya'll there!

 

[Coree]

For several years, we left for our trip (driving) the Friday after New Year's. When we did this, our first day in the parks was Sunday--marathon day. Driving in to the parks that day was always a pain in the neck because they have some roads closed off, etc. Once we got in the parks though (usually Magic Kingdom) we never had any problems with crowds. I'm not sure I'd rearrange my whole trip just because of the marathon.

 

[s25843]

I did the half marathon back in 2002, and if memory serves me, the full marathon ends somewhere around Epcot..