WDW in early January, (Half) Marathon Weekend

[Bravesfn1]

Hi all! I am planning a trip to WDW for January 5-13 for the half marathon, which my girlfriend will be running in. We will be staying at the Wilderness Lodge. I have a couple of questions, first what are the typical park hours for this time of year? Also, how are the crowds at this time? I imagine during half marathon/marathon weekend it will be crowded, but I don't know about after that weekend. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[snakeislandboy]

There are no crowds. A few years ago, my brother, sis, and I were there for the weekend in early Jan and were able to pretty much ride most of everything in two days as well as tour the World Showcase. I seriously didn't wait more than 5 mins for anything.

 

[nibblesandbits]

I went last year during the marathon weekend. It wasn't too bad...weather was a bit chilly...but I knew it was colder back at home.

The hotels were jam packed with runners and the parks had moderate crowding. It really wasn't too bad though. I don't remember having real long waits. The night time was pretty dead because it was cold and everybody had gone back to the hotels (I guess).

The park hours weren't too bad. AK closed around 5...MK closed around 9...MGM I believe closed at 8 and Epcot closed at 9.

I don't know what it was like the week after the marathon...we were only there for that weekend.

I hope you have a wonderful time!!! :wave:

 

[bgraham34]

My sister is doing this. But she is only running and not planning on visiting the parks. Fool I say fool.

 

[Bravesfn1]

My sister is doing this. But she is only running and not planning on visiting the parks. Fool I say fool.

Yes, one of the bad things about the marathon is that you have to be there so early before the start of the race. I hope my girlfriend has enough energy to tour one of the parks after the race. I would hate to miss a day at the parks, lol!

 

[hansel1]

We honeymooned this past january during the marathon weekend and it was great (jan 8th-15th). We stayed at POR and it didn't seem crowded at all. The parks were nearly empty. The weather was in the mid to upper 70s during the day and mid 60s at night with a breeze. It rained once during that time for about 20 minutes.

We are already booked for this next january 4th - 15th.

 

[Bravesfn1]

We honeymooned this past january during the marathon weekend and it was great (jan 8th-15th). We stayed at POR and it didn't seem crowded at all. The parks were nearly empty. The weather was in the mid to upper 70s during the day and mid 60s at night with a breeze. It rained once during that time for about 20 minutes.

We are already booked for this next january 4th - 15th.

Hey maybe I'll see you down there then!

 

[hansel1]

Possibly, I think a few others will be down there then as well.

 

[brresler]

I ran the marathon this past year, and i plan to go next year. It's a great weekend to be there, and the crowds are pretty small, since its right after the huge holiday rush. I speculate (though obviously I don't know for sure) that this is one of the reasons they have the marathon at this time - its relatively slow and the marathon helps draw people in.

 

[Bravesfn1]

Thanks for the info. everyone, much appreciated! I was also wondering, how are the resturants at the Wilderness Lodge? Should we make time for those or venture out to other resorts for dinning?

 

[SpenceMan01]

I was there the week before and the week after marathon weekend '05. The parks weren't too bad, but the week after seemed less crowded. Lines at the MK mountains were around 30 minutes for standby in the early evening. We completely avoided the parks on the marathon day. We didn't even want to risk it. The weather for us was sunny and 80 the whole time, though it can be hit or miss during January. Crowds on the 13-15th might be a little bit more intense due to the MLK holiday that Monday.

 

[Stitch69]

IF your girlfriend trains correctly- she will just need a nap and should be good to go into the parks. It actually helps to walk around after a race so your legs do not tighten up.

 

[tink81]

We have gone the past two years the weel immediately following the marathon. Crowds were great, weather is chilly, though. You may need to take a jacket and gloves it got down to 49 degrees the day we arrived.

 

[SewIn2Disney]

I was there this year for the marathon, and I thought it was busier then expected. I figured, hey week after new years, all the kids are back in school, but nooooo, there were actually lines for some things and we used fastpass extensivly.
Bring a scarf and a pair of thin gloves, you will get a lot of use out of them! I always carried a small jacket in a bag for at night too.

 

[eroyee]

:wave: We usually always go in January. expect cold at night, like others said. Also, parks are not crowded but close earlier. You have to eat at Whispering Canyon Cafe at Wilderness Lodge and dont forget the light parade around 9:30 on the lake. also, check out the geyser. have fun.:sohappy:

 

[CatLady]

I speculate (though obviously I don't know for sure) that this is one of the reasons they have the marathon at this time - its relatively slow and the marathon helps draw people in.

Probably so... though I suspect that it has a lot to do with making sure that the weather is cool enough. You wouldn't want to hold it this time of year because it's so hot and humid, even early in the morning. Even the inline marathon and the womens' triathalon are no later than May.

But, yes, the more events Disney can pack into the "off season," the better they will be revenue-wise. All of the value and moderate resorts were booked solid for marathon weekend this past year. It's good for business.

 

[colliera]

Crowds after New Years

I was there this year for the marathon, and I thought it was busier then expected. I figured, hey week after new years, all the kids are back in school, but nooooo, there were actually lines for some things and we used fastpass extensivly.

I did same thing in 2004 and ran into unexpected crowd levels. The levels are certainly less than Christmas or other peak periods but up from the really low seasons.

I have since moved back to late January/early Feburary dates.

I would guess more would stay over after the marathon than spend the week before. I don't really know but have heard runners like total rest before a run. The week before would put you back into the New Years crowds.

 

[isitingood]

I usually go at the tail end of Jan. The weather was always around 72 but it does get a little chilly at night but not too bad. Also I didn't wait more then 5 min. for any ride

 

[number1wdwfan]

Splash Mountain!

Attention ALL participants in WDW Marathon Weekend 2010 and anyone who may be there during that first week in January -- January 3rd-10th:

It was just announced that Splash Mountain will be closed for rehab starting January 3rd, making it the THIRD straight year it will be closed at the exact time!

I am helping to orchestrate a sort of "petition" for Disney to postpone its rehab of Splash Mountain until AFTER Marathon Weekend. The Marathon Weekend is said to attract over 50,000 runners alone, and that's not even counting family members that travel along as cheerleaders! Splash Mountain is a tremendously popular attraction, and definitely one of the best in all of Disney World, and I know many agree with me in that it's a MAJOR disappointment to have to miss out on it - and for the third year in a row? We can't let this happen!

That being said, if we can get even 200-300 people to write in to Disney and suggest they postpone the refurbishment to perhaps January 11th or 12th, they will have to at least acknowledge our suggestion and consider complying!

So, PLEASE DO YOUR PART! Send a suggestion to Disney to postpone their extensive rehab of Splash Mountain to AFTER Marathon Weekend!: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/contact/

Together, we will be able to ride Splash Mountain after missing out on this great attraction the past two years!

Please spread this to anyone you know that will be at WDW during that first week in January! Thank you!

 

[Philo]

I was there for the 2007 marathon (not running of course!) and it was very quiet. AK felt busy because some of the pathways are closed or narrowed but the queue times were always low.

The parks do tend to close a little earlier during the off-peak season but you will still have plenty of time to fit things in.

number1wdwfan: Sorry to be a pessimist but I really don't think this will happen. Disney have their schedules to work to and would need a HUGE amount of pressure to consider changing.