going in January-HELP

[mawe370]

We are going January 4-10. The plane tickets have already been purchased, so the date cannot be changed. We were unaware that the marathon and health fair were going on at this time. We are staying at Pop Century. Which we understand is close to the Wide World of Sports complex. I this place going to be crazy with marathon runners and there families. All I can think about is long lines at the food court and busses. Should we switch resorts? Also does the marathon crowd tend to fill the parks. We thought January would be a slow time. Please tell me that I am overreacting. Has anyoune been there during these events?
Thanks,
Mawe

 

[Scoootch]

I wouldn't worry too much

We were there in Jan. a few yrs ago during the marathon and I don't really think it was that much more crowded because of it. I don't think everyone there for the marathon will be staying just at PC - they'll be spread out between PC and the other 19 WDW resorts. Jan. is a great time to go crowd wise. Enjoy

 

[7thdwarf/dopey]

mawe370.........you should'nt have any problems. The marathons are run very early in mornings.
When you plan your itinerary, you might want to check out the Wide World of Sports web site and check out the maps of each race and plan your a.m. park visit accordingly.
Hope this helps you.........

 

[cigar95]

From the one time I visited during marathon weekend - little impact on crowds, which are super-low that time of year to start out with.

If you *do* have lots of runners at Pop, be thankful. Runners are generally well-disciplined, and well-behaved. They don't stay up late at night screeching. Many of them will be there without kids.

One BIG suggestion - don't try to drive around the property the morning of the race. Take Disney transportation. In a car, you might get turned around and have to take another route to where you're going, or not be able to get there at all.

And if you're in a park during the race, take a few moments and cheer on some runners as they go by.

 

[Calcio]

You will have absolutely no problems during your trip, as long as you:

1. Do not go to the world of sports complex on Saturday Jan 8. That's the trade show and packet pick up, and is a total zoo.

2. Do not drive your car around WDW between 4 and 7 am on Sunday Jan 9. The traffic jam is quite remarkable, especially given the time.

The race starts at 6 am, just east of the EPCOT parking lot. Runners clear the MK by 9 am, and then flow to the other parks. If you use Disney transport to any of the parks you'll be fine.

Last year I ran for the first time, and my wife and daughter talked me into going to the MK on Sunday afternoon, after a post-race nap. The crowds were minimal, and the atmosphere was really nice. You'll see many people wearing finisher medals and walking gingerly (and grimacing when sitting down and then getting up).

If you see me say hello. I'll be the 48 year old male walking like he's 84.

 

[my3kids]

The cheerleading convention I'd worry about at a value resort. The marathon, I wouldn't give it a single worry. Have a great time!