Crowds week of marathon?

[shelly3girls]

My husband and brother-in-law plan to run the Disney marathon next year. I figured we should make a vacation of it and go down for the whole week before the marathon. I think the marathon is 1/9/05, which would date our trip for 1/2 - 1/10. I know that normally the crowds die down after New Year's, but what are the crowds like the week into the marathon? I know the weather can be quite cold this time of year so I don't want to plan every afternoon at the pool like we normally do. Anyone have any experience this time of year?

 

[Jestocost]

I've never been there for the marathon, but had a discussion recently with someone whose husband runs in it every year. Her report was that all of the hotels are booked solid, but that during the marathon the parks are not at all busy.

 

[Deb & Bill]

On the night of the marathon, there is a big party at Pleasure Island for all the runners. So PI may be real crowded that night.

 

[shelly3girls]

Has anyone been there the week before the marathon?