runDisney Crowds

[stitchsMom]

Just booked trip for Jan 10 -14 not realizing that it was marathon weekend... always thought that was the first weekend in January? Anyway - wondering what crowds are like in comparison to other known "busy" times of the year. We have been to WDW during 4th of July, Easter, and for the past 3 years we have spent the stretch between Christmas and January 3rd there. SO, not worried as much as curious how the crowds compare? Worse than? Same As? Better than? those busy times I mentioned?

 

[dreamfinder]

It's usually the first weekend after the first full week. So since New Years is on Tuesday, it pushes it back a smidge. That give the Christmas/NYE crowds a chance to clear out before the runners show up.

Compared to those times? Should be a walk in the park. Yes there are 50,000+ runners and their families down there. However, a lot of the runners don't want to even think about going to the parks the day they just ran 26.2 miles. So you will notice crowds at the hotels, hotel restaurants, and DTD, but the parks won't be that bad. Just plan ahead for any transportation Sat/Sun morning.

 

[stitchsMom]

Thanks for the tips!

 

[OldYeller]

Crowds at the parks weren't bad during marathon weekend last year. However, if you're planning on taking a bus to the parks on the morning of either race, particularly the full marathon, it took quite a bit longer than usual due to the race route

 

[Kristia]

This runner will be going to the parks after 13.1 and 26.2! We went for Marathon Weekend in 2010 and the crowds were not bad at all. I haven't ever been to WDW during a "slow" time. We used to go mostly in the summer so it was much less than a summer crowd. Most of us will be moving slower than we usually do so you will be able to beat us to the lines if you walk really fast. Just don't get mad at us when we are unable to quickly get up and out of those Space Mountain rockets! The worst part will be the transportation during the marathon. Alot of roads are shut down due to the marathon route. Most runners should be done or off the main roads before 1 pm. The half isn't nearly as bad since the route is shorter and the race ends earlier. Not sure where you are staying, but if you can utilize monorail or boat services that day, it would be your best bet.

 

[dreamfinder]

The biggest issue will be getting to MK and MK area hotels for breakfasts/early tours both days. Mile 5 is just about at the canal/bridge before the Contemporary. Assuming that the last runner leaves the start line around 6:30, doing the 16 min mile, they should hit that point by about 7:50. Figure 10-15 minutes after that, the road will be fully reopened. However, prior that that point the stretch of World Drive that leads up to the MK bus turn around/Contemporary entrance will be a single lane road. So 20-30 cars will be allowed in one direction, then 20-30 cars in the other direction. So if any transportation needs to go down that route, might be tough, as it will be heavily backed up til 8ish or so. Cleared out prior to park open, but anything prior to that may be tough.

 

[Susan Savia]

As a guest who arrives at 9:00 for a day at the parks, you should find little to no problems. We have been during that time many times over the years and it has never been a problem.

 

[rani8600]

We have been down during that weekend many times. the only really difference you are goint to have is on the days of the races sat for the half and sun for the full while the races are going on. there are going to be a lot of roads blocked off so DO NOT drive your own car as you run the risk of getting terribly turned around (trust i speak from experience) take the buses. also, leave your self at least double the normal transportation time to get were you are going traffic will be really bad at those times. the parks shouldnt really be different.

 

[curiousmanners]

Just make sure you take into account numerous road closures and such the morning of ... other than that everybody else covered it

 

[wiigirl]

Just make sure you take into account numerous road closures and such the morning of ... other than that everybody else covered it

Exactly what I was going to say....beware of road closures!

 

[Phonedave]

It's usually the first weekend after the first full week. So since New Years is on Tuesday, it pushes it back a smidge. That give the Christmas/NYE crowds a chance to clear out before the runners show up.

Compared to those times? Should be a walk in the park. Yes there are 50,000+ runners and their families down there. However, a lot of the runners don't want to even think about going to the parks the day they just ran 26.2 miles. So you will notice crowds at the hotels, hotel restaurants, and DTD, but the parks won't be that bad. Just plan ahead for any transportation Sat/Sun morning.

I would say a lot of them DO go to the parks. The last thing you really want to do after a run is just sit there. They will be in the parks, just not moving as fast.

However, many of the people that run the marathon go home afterwards. Not everyone is there for a vacation. For many, it is just another race.

As others have said, it is really just the AM transportation issues (and finding a room on property, but it seems that is covered)


-dave