How crowded is marathon weekend in January??

[erin1715]

I'm planning a trip jan.4-12 and i realize the marathon is the weekend of jan.6-7th and it can get crowded...but how crowded are we talking? Like 4th of July, Christmas, crowded, or just crowded for that time of year?

 

[rkandmjsmommy]

We arrived the day before the marathon in 2004 and the day after the marathon in 2006, neither times were what I considered crowded, its actually our MOST FAVORITE time to go. The day of the marathon, the runners took a bit longer to get thru the MK but we had not problems with rides, once the race was over the runners go back to their hotels for a nap. This was a bit hard, keeping mykids quiet in the halls, most doors had DO NOT DISTURB signs on them.

Have fun

 

[mamacatnv]

From everything I have read and from what my TA has told me the Marathon has more impact on the resorts than the parks and that it is a great time to go, so we are 1/1/07 - 1/9/07.

I have also read that if self driving on the days of the runs, the A.M. traffic can be a little confusing and congested it has been suggested to use Disney transportation at least in the mornings.

Happy planning

 

[PCFriar80]

/QUOTE]once the race was over the runners go back to their hotels for a nap. This was a bit hard, keeping mykids quiet in the halls, most doors had DO NOT DISTURB signs on them.

I only did the 1/2 (hyperbole) and didn't take a nap!! Went to EC for the day, watched the 5K, did Soarin' and WS.

To answer the OP; impact on the parks is minimal. Crowds are light and even with ideal park weather last year (low 60s) there were few lines. It's a great time of year to go!

 

[mrsR123]

My trips vhave been several Junes, a July, early December '05 and the '06 marathon weekend. The marathon was the least crowded of any trip I've taken.

 

[HopperFan]

...just like last year. Schools in many places are out until the 8th, like us. We will go the entire first week of Jan finishing up with marathon weekend. Plus last year they split the race to two days therefore increasing entries by the thousands. Now the 5k has been moved to a third day. We went to MK on Tues after New Years and it was packed as much as summer vacation - but it's not hot. We went to the Universals next two days so I can't speak for Disney parks. I think by the running weekend it won't so bad because they are resting, so your date should be good. I would expect the same heavy crowds as last year the 1st-4th. BUT we found anytime that week we tried to do DTD it was a nightmare. Avoid EPCOT on Sunday !

 

[eeyoreiscool]

Crowds in the parks are not that bad. Traffic during the marathon going to MK and Epcot is a nightmare though. Either pick a different park those two days or expect to wait a while in traffic trying to get in.

 

[antmaril]

We arrive the day after the Marathon (1-8-07) and it should be fantastic -- just like this year. Low crowds and beautiful weather (I hope).

 

[cinders28]

I see that the marathon on Sunday starts at Epcot, does the 1/2 marathon on Saturday also start at Epcot? We were planning on Epcot with an ADR at Le Cellier that day, but don't want to fight a huge crowd until dinner time. Anyone know from last year what park for what day of the weekend is a better choice?
Cinders

 

[cinders28]

bump

 

[Hope73]

We have went the past two years arriving on the sunday of the mrathon and the pard is very open. We hardly wait in line and many of the rides with fp access don't even use them because you can just walk on them. I love this time and tell others to go right after it is over. The week after because soon after that is when all of the dance and cheerleading girls start to hit.

 

[msgrimm23]

not crowded like you think when you think of christmas, new years or 4th of july. and if your in to pins they have a special pin for the race

 

[PCFriar80]

I see that the marathon on Sunday starts at Epcot, does the 1/2 marathon on Saturday also start at Epcot? We were planning on Epcot with an ADR at Le Cellier that day, but don't want to fight a huge crowd until dinner time. Anyone know from last year what park for what day of the weekend is a better choice?
Cinders

Trust me on this! Please! I ran the 1/2 last year and visited Epcot from around 11:00 AM - 7:30 PM after the race. When they say the race starts and ends at Epcot, it's in the parking lot. The 1/2 has minimal impact on the actual park, with mile 12 - 13 running by spaceship earth, past the fountain, around the Christmas Tree, by MouseGears and the Electric Umbrella, then out a back gate to the parking lot and finish. For all intents and purposes the race is over by 9:00 /10:00, with the main impact on the parking lot. Last year was a bit more hectic at EC since the 5K was run through the entire park at 11:00 AM. Not so this year. The 5K is Friday AM at MGM.

The full on the other hand, runs mile 24.5 - 26 through WS (England - Mexico, via France,etc.) and by the same Christmas tree out the back gate like the 1/2. There is more of an impact on crowd flow and traffic, but it's actually a lot of fun to watch the runners....especially after you have completed the 1/2.

So, as far as your ADRs on Saturday, I would go ahead with them. Hope this helps!

 

[cinders28]

PCFriar80-
Thanks! That info did help. I'm going to stick to my original plans & do Epcot on Sat.
Cinders

 

[Cool-Beans]

Crowds in the parks are not that bad. Traffic during the marathon going to MK and Epcot is a nightmare though. Either pick a different park those two days or expect to wait a while in traffic trying to get in.

Ditto.

We went to MK and Epcot during the marathon and even with the runners going through it wasn't too bad. They keep them out of the way...like in the World Showcase, their lane is close to the railings around the lagoon. Plenty of room for park-goers.

But the traffic was a bit of a pain. Leave a little early, especially if you are staying in a hotel where you'll be affected.

 

[MelanieC]

I did the 1/2 marathon in 1995 and it was definately not busy. It is a great time of year to go. The traffic can definately be tough on race days, that would be the only concern.