Does the Marathon make for extra crowds?

[jfranklyn]

I just found out that the WDW marathon is at the end of our trip time in January. Will this increase the crowds alot?

 

[mom-2greatkids]

We were there last year for the Marathon. Other than it being a bit more difficult to go to MK in the morning (busses could only take you to TTC and you had to catch the monorail or ferry, we noticed no difference at all. In fact, we go that same time every year, and usually have no more than a 5-10 minute wait in line.

Have fun!

 

[Geoff_M]

We were at WDW before the marathon in 2001 (left day of). We did notice a pickup in the crowds at MK a couple of days before the event (lots of people in jogging suits and nice running shoes). But it was not a major jam. I've heard that most runners prefer to do the parks with their families after the race.

 

[St.LouisFan]

At one point, we were going to be there during the Marathon so I did a lot of research, fearing the crowded parks thing. Everything I read indicates that it will not be bad - not as bad as the MLK holiday and we've been there then with no problems and minimal waiting for rides.

An analogy I heard is that it's like going to a movie that was released 6 months ago - instead of being the only ones in the theater, the Marathon fills up another row or two.

WDW in January is our favorite time to go!