Ugghh...marathon/dvc dilemna?

[dizneeluvr]

Was just checking the member website and stumbled across the announcement for the marathon scheduled for January 12th.

Has anyone ever been there when that is going on? Does it mean big crowds???

I booked a week at VWL starting that weekend so that we can be LEAVING on the becoming-popular-Martin Luther King Weekend the following weekend. Now I'm afraid I've hooked up with another inflated time.

Anyone know?

Laura

[Tinkrbell]

We have close friends who always go in January for the marathon, and they say it is practically a ghost town.

Also if you look at the current crowd charts, they are ALWAYS lowest for the month of January so don't worry.

[Dumbo]

Laura,

I was at WDW during the marathon 3 months ago. The parks were empty. We walked on every ride.


Dumbo

[Caskbill]

We spend a lot of time there in January. In fact last year we were thre from 12-30 thru 1-25.

If I didn't already know about the marathons that take place, I would never suspect anything based on the crowds. I cannot ever remember discerning any difference in the crowds the week/days of the marathon and the rest of the month.

It will be somewhat crowded immediately following New Years, and then drops dramatically after that.

You'll be fine.

[mistermouse]

We've been twice during the marathon, the only real impact is you may pass several of the participants wearing their mickey medals for completing the race a day or two later at the parks. Other than that, go to AK on race day and you may not even be aware that there were thousands of participants in town.

We love going in January - this year it was a bit chilly, one morning I got up and walked out on the balcony at OKW and the entire ground around the lake and beyond was white from frost. A "winter" scene at Disney I will always remember. Have great trip.

[dizneeluvr]

Thanks everyone!

This will be our 4th January down there (2nd as DVC members) but we had never been at the same time as the run. I know it is real busy on MKL weekend but planned around that one this time! Very glad to hear the marathon will not affect things.

As for us with weather...first 2 Jans it was cold during our week. This past January we lucked out, our week was upper 70's the whole time. Just perfect!

Thanks again,
Laura

[GCM13]

We were there for the marathon this year and it was busy up until the marathon, but I think it was mainly because of New Year's. The marathon was on the 6th this year and the day after the parks were empty. Next year they are moving the marathon back to the 12th so it shouldn't be too busy.

[Chuck S]

We're usually there during the marathon, crowds are pretty light. It sure was COLD this year!

[sumessefui]

We were there last year during the marathon and the crowds were light. The only bad thing was that at 3AM we were awakened by the speakers at Epcot for the marathon.