Busy during Marathon? Dining/theme park/etc questions....Thanks!

[tommygirl79]

Hi all! We are going to WDW January 7-13, 2006. I am aware that we will be there during the Marathon. Could anyone help me with how busy it will be? I know the rest of January is usually quite empty, but I was wondering if there is a severe spike in attendance at this time.

Our tradition is to hit MK either the first day as soon as we arrive or the next day. This is, I believe, the exact marathon day (the 8th that is). I would like to try for CRT Breakfast that morning and was wondering how busy the MK will be that day or what other days you would suggest?

Also, I know that CRT is very difficult to get into and have read some of the suggestions. Is this true of January as well? Will it be just as hard to get into for that time?

Thanks in advance!!!

 

[Deb & Bill]

The full marathon will be on Sunday, Jan 8. The race starts at 6AM. Runners start at Epcot, go to MK, then AK, then WWoS, then Disney Studios, and back to Epcot. They have 7 hours to complete the race. Just after MK is about 1/2 way. So some runners will be coming into the MK just before 9AM. It's pretty difficult to get to the MK early that AM if you are trying to get to the park. The buses have to take other routes to get there.

On Jan 7 there will be the 1/2 marathon, Family Fun Run (5K) and Kids' Races. These start at 6AM, about 10AM and about 11AM. These all start at Epcot. The 1/2 marathon goes to MK and back to Epcot.

If you can swing it, avoid your early AM CRT on Sunday and try for Monday instead. You will have an easier time getting to the MK on Monday.

There will be thousands of runners for both the marathon and 1/2 marathon, maybe 20,000-30,000.

 

[tommygirl79]

anyone else with any thoughts on this time period at WDW?

 

[MissMagnolia]

We have been to WDW two time during the Marathon. No lines for the rides, no problems getting reservations for restaurants. It is a great time to go.

 

[HopperFan]

Was there last year and going back this year. Roads/buses are restricted the first few hours during the races and with all the rental buses they bring in (and who's drivers don't know what they are doing) it was congested. The race enters the MK around SM and they come in to the town square, up main street, around castle, through castle, down the ramp and towards Liberty Square. Main street is lined with spectators and the rest of the park was blocked off. I would think early CRT on Saturday and Sunday wouldn't be happening, I can't image them allowing people to walk on the race path early when the runners are flowing thickly. Our DS ran half-marathon, came through MK around 7:15 and he was 303rd out of 8700.......so there were thousands of bodies streaming through for a long time after that......BUT each race will potentially be twice as big this year because they have split into two days....... but you should be fine the week after. I would think you could get a time from opening on. Just be prepared that transportation in the world will be alittle slow till at least noon on full marathon day, Sunday.

But for me, I would go Monday when all the tired runners and their families are heading home Many southern school districts are out until the 9th or 10th, so folks like us are going the whole week before - home on the 8th, and am sure we aren't the only ones.

 

[jann1033]

we didn't notice any general congestion emh was at ak when we went and it was a total mess... i'd skip probably any park for emh except maybe mgm( they changed the emh at the last moment so be aware of that also). other than that we had no problems, even with the buses