Help with timing of run Disney event

[buzzgirls&dad]

So, I know nothing about a run Disney events except that they sell out, are extremely popular and bring in the crowds. Some how we are scheduled to be a WDW for two of these events. The one in April and the newly moved Wine and Dine Marathon. We are not runners so will not be taking part in anything. What I'm wondering is how do these events affect the park attendance ie. are they run at certain parks? If so which ones? Are they run at certain times of the day? How does that affect traffic getting to said park? Are there any after events where parks are closed to guests and just available to runners? Or do runners typically go to certain parks after certain runs? Anything anyone can help with would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Dug720]

They are half marathons - so not as long distance or time-wise. (The only full marathon Disney does is in January.) They are run EARLY in the morning. Bus drivers will know alternate routes if any are necessary. Wine and Dine usually has an after party in the evening at Epcot - or at least it used to.

 

[Kerry1957]

Others may add more detail, but the races do not generally impact Disney parks. The races over the two weekends you mentioned start at 5:00am, There is a 5K on Friday, a 10K on Saturday, and either a 10 mile or HM on Sunday.

 

[buzzgirls&dad]

We like to drive to the parks so knowing which park ahead of time would be helpful. Is the Epcot event after party for October typically on Saturday or Sunday?

They are half marathons - so not as long distance or time-wise. (The only full marathon Disney does is in January.) They are run EARLY in the morning. Bus drivers will know alternate routes if any are necessary. Wine and Dine usually has an after party in the evening at Epcot - or at least it used to.

Others may add more detail, but the races do not generally impact Disney parks. The races over the two weekends you mentioned start at 5:00am, There is a 5K on Friday, a 10K on Saturday, and either a 10 mile or HM on Sunday.

 

[fatmanatee]

We like to drive to the parks so knowing which park ahead of time would be helpful. Is the Epcot event after party for October typically on Saturday or Sunday?

Sunday.

 

[The Expert]

We like to drive to the parks so knowing which park ahead of time would be helpful. Is the Epcot event after party for October typically on Saturday or Sunday?

All races start and end in the Epcot parking lot and all the races except for the marathon in January start at 5am (marathon is 4:30am). Assuming no major changes to the standard courses:

* The 5Ks are contained to Epcot and backstage areas, and the very last people are finished before 7am.
* The 10K course can vary but generally only impacts Epcot, the Boardwalk area and the front corner of Studios (sometimes), some roads around the entry/exit and backstage areas. The very last people are finished around 8am.
* The half marathon/10 Miler is potentially the most disruptive, and depending on the course could impact the roadway between Epcot and Magic Kingdom or other parks, but largely before they are open. The very last people are finished by 9:30am.

Some road closures, especially for longer races, can extend for an hour or more past the final finishers, but there is always a way for guests to get to the parks before they open. If you're concerned, you might consider taking Disney transportation on those Sunday mornings if you're trying to get to a park early. Otherwise, you probably won't even notice those races going on.

 

[buzzgirls&dad]

All races start and end in the Epcot parking lot and all the races except for the marathon in January start at 5am (marathon is 4:30am). Assuming no major changes to the standard courses:

* The 5Ks are contained to Epcot and backstage areas, and the very last people are finished before 7am.
* The 10K course can vary but generally only impacts Epcot, the Boardwalk area and the front corner of Studios and backstage areas. The very last people are finished around 8am.
* The half marathon is potentially the most disruptive, and depending on the course could impact the roadway between Epcot and Magic Kingdom or other parks, but largely before they are open. The very last people are finished by 9:30am.

Some road closures, especially for longer races, can extend for an hour or more past the final finishers, but there is always a way for guests to get to the parks before they open. If you're concerned, you might consider taking Disney transportation on those Sunday mornings if you're trying to get to a park early. Otherwise, you probably won't even notice those races going on.

Thank you very much this is immensely helpful in planning!

 

[1lilspark]

Sundays I’d expect a delayed Epcot open of 10am
The Sunday of wine & dine will also have after party mix in at I want to say 5 or 6 pm

 

[The Expert]

I'll also add that any impacted resorts are great about leaving a note in the room and/or a phone message letting guests know of road closures or transportation changes. You can always call or visit the front desk for specific questions, too.