Half Marathon crowds

[Sunshineminnie]

I am just trying to get mentally prepared for the crowds over Labor day with the half marathon and all. I am a little concerned after reading about not being able to walk through in the afternoons due to crowds.

We will spend half a day on Thursday and all day Friday and Saturday. Anyone have any idea what the crowd level will be like?

Thanks,

 

[ScooterL]

I did the half marathon three years ago. Though three years ago the race was the second weekend of September and not Labor Day weekend. We only went up on Saturday (and home on Sunday after the race) and were only in the parks for a bit on Saturday afternoon/evening, but I don't remember the crowds being particularly bad - seemed like a normal (busy) Saturday to me. Now, on Sunday morning it was tough to navigate through Downtown Disney since those coming from the Disney hotels had to get across the race course to get to the parks, but even that was pretty much over by 9:30.

I would expect it to be busy but not totally insane.

 

[Sunshineminnie]

Thanks... But I guess that is what I was worried about that the race was over Labor day this year. How are the labor day weekend crowds usually? When do they start coming in for the weekend? Thur? Fri? Sat? or is it not any bigger weekend than the rest?

 

[Disney Dreams]

The wild card that makes it particularly difficult for anyone to answer your question is how late Labor Day hits this year. Some schools that wait until after Labor Day traditionally, will start prior to Labor Day this year. That affects people's travel / visit plans.

There's the 1/2 marathon, Labor Day (but a week late), and the D23 the following weekend (which may make some plan their trip for that weekend instead of Labor Day weekend).

Without a crystal ball, it's a tough one to predict. However, if DIS is any indicator, you will be far from alone. This one too.

- Dreams

 

[Sunshineminnie]

Thanks for the honest answer. Wouldn't we all like a crystal ball???

Does anyone know if this is the first time the marathon has been held on Labor day?

 

[Disney Dreams]

...Does anyone know if this is the first time the marathon has been held on Labor day?

It is always on Labor Day weekend. The factor that throws this year into an unknown is how late Labor Day is.

In 2007 it was September 3rd.
Last year it was September 1st.
This year it isn't until the 7th (the latest it can possibly fall).

This has schools that usually don't start until after Labor Day starting before Labor Day. This factors in to DLR crowds.

Oh where oh where is that crystal ball?

- Dreams

P.S. Found this thread which tells me LOTS of people will be there. Just my view, of course, using DIS as an indicator of the general population.

 

[Sunshineminnie]

Thanks so much.

I guess that I'll get mentally prepared for crowds.

I LOVE CROWDS, I LOVE CROWDS, I LOVE CROWDS! (It's not working yet, but maybe soon!)

 

[Disney Dreams]

Maybe... I love sharing my love of Disney with others. ???

Eh, it's Disneyland. Go, embrace the moment, enjoy it.

 

[MommiePrincess]

We will be arriving early next week and staying up until Sunday of Labor Day weekend. Last year we were there the same timing (but a week earlier per Labor Day falling later this year). Friday, Sat and Sunday last year (with the marathon) were not too bad at all compared to what I was anticipating. NO sardines and 45 minute waits on the key rides. This year with it falling a week later (Labor Day) I am guessing it could be even slightly less crowded. Says me with crossed fingers with PV tickets for Fantasmic on Saturday, Sept 5 with a 8 month old and 3 year old!!!

 

[RENThead09]

At least 2 of the says are also blocked to most AP, if I recall correctly, so that will help keep the crowds down. I had a deluxe AP and actually upgraded to the Premium when I renewed this month because it was a blackout weekend and I would have had to pay $90 just for blackout tickets for the events of the Half Marathon.

There may be people that just do the runs and then not go to the parks, but for me, making the drive there and then not enjoying getting my pictures taken in the park with my medal for my first half marathon was not a feasable option.

So above all, just take it for what it is, we can not change it, and enjoy!

 

[Sunshineminnie]

Dreams - good attitude!

- it's good to know that it wasn't too bad last year. Keepin my fingers crossed.

Renthead09 - Awesome on the weight loss and good luck on the Half! You will LOVE it!