How crowded are the parks in/around race weekend?

[ZellyB]

I've been to Disney World twice and both were times were at peak season (July and then March spring break). I assume that January is usually a slower time of the year, but the race weekend must pull in a lot of visitors that wouldn't be there otherwise. I'm wondering what the crowd levels are like on the weekend and for the days following. We're only planning to stay until Wednesday morning, so I want to try and do some park touring but know that energy levels will be lower than usual. I'm hoping the race weekend doesn't push capacity levels up as high as what we've seen on our other trips.

 

[ZellyB]

Sorry? Should have searched first. I see there was already a thread about this. I'll read there for my answers.

 

[Ariel484]

They weren't terrible in 2012, but it was busier than I expected...I think because it was still decently close to New Year's. I'm guessing it will be less crowded this year since Marathon Weekend is a bit later in January. I hope so, anyway.

 

[Bephus]

I feel like the resorts are more crowded but the parks are not bad.

 

[Mommy to Two Princes]

We went race weekend January 2011 and January 2012. They were busier than I expected, but it's because there was a HUGE Brazilian group in town. It's much slower than the summer, and the weather is much cooler.

Have fun!

 

[Qltrgrl2]

The crowds are definitely lower than other times of the year, but you can still wait for the popular attractions. As a prior poster stated, the cooler weather makes the parks very comfortable.

 

[Qltrgrl2]

The crowds are definitely lower than other times of the year, but you can still wait for the popular attractions. As a prior poster stated, the cooler weather makes the parks very comfortable.

 

[cewait]

The marathon was brought in to help fill the parks. So in general, January is a slower month. Though you will see many marquee rides out for the yearly work overs.

Note that this year will look more like the typical slow period. The last couple years has been a little crowded since the weekend was the weekend immediately after New Years weekend. Folks tend to bridge into that first non-holiday weekend. So, expect even lower crowding this year. I do agree that the resorts tend to be busier than the parks.