Marathon Weekend 2026

[CaliforniaGirl09]

I was in A right next to the stage and still couldn’t hear anything. I consider this a feature and not a bug. I really enjoyed my time at the races, and looking back, I guess it’s because I didn’t have to listen to Carissa’s gibbering blasted into my ears.

OMG I thought I was the only one!!! After 19 race weekends ... ugh.

 

[Mr_Incr3dible]

They seemed to have the volume turned down a bit this past MW compared other to other past races, but it has been so loud in the past that I've started bringing earplugs. I get that they want to provide pre-run entertainment, but I'm also good with less pre-race noise. Back when we lined up on the road outside Epcot, you could even do a catnap in the corral.

 

[Disneyhanna]

They seemed to have the volume turned down a bit this past MW compared other to other past races, but it has been so loud in the past that I've started bringing earplugs. I get that they want to provide pre-run entertainment, but I'm also good with less pre-race noise. Back when we lined up on the road outside Epcot, you could even do a catnap in the corral.

I have been by the speakers before and it was painfully loud! Now that I think about it, I didn't hear much this year, it was so quiet. Or maybe I've just heard the pre-race pep talks so many times that I just tune them out now

 

[WDW 4 ME]

I definitely wear earbuds and listen to music while in the corrals. I just cant deal, otherwise. It’s sensory overload!

 

[JediKnightXan]

Does anyone have any experience with missing photos and possible response times I had one character stop, Kylo Ren, that hasn't shown up in MDE. I messaged through the MDE app on the 13th and got an automated email, and nothing since them.

Its not a huge deal, and if it hadn't been a Star Wars character probably would haven't even said anything, but just curious if I should take the two weeks as a sign they didn't find anything or if the Photopass folks are pretty good about responding even if its a negative?

 

[lilmc]

Does anyone have any experience with missing photos and possible response times I had one character stop, Kylo Ren, that hasn't shown up in MDE. I messaged through the MDE app on the 13th and got an automated email, and nothing since them.

Its not a huge deal, and if it hadn't been a Star Wars character probably would haven't even said anything, but just curious if I should take the two weeks as a sign they didn't find anything or if the Photopass folks are pretty good about responding even if its a negative?

I had my missing pics within 2 days, I think. I would try calling them or submitting again. If you can give them a decent time frame and a pic of you that day wearing the same clothes, I have found they can usually find it.

 

[JediKnightXan]

Thank you! I was able to give them what I believe was a pretty accurate time (I had a picture of the mile marker just after where he was) and a picture of me from another stop near by. I'll try calling when I have some time probably end of the week. Guess the app isn't probably the best way to do it.

Thank you again!

 

[Chanty30]

What are your favorite places to stay during MW? On site or off?

Hitchhiking on this older SAFD topic. We are looking at staying at one of the offsite resorts near Disney Springs or Bonnet Creek for the 2027 Marathon Weekend. First Disney Springs: does anyone have any recent experience of walking to Disney's Saratoga Springs to catch the bus transportation for the start of the races from for example the Hilton or Wyndham. We read that at night the walkway through Disney Springs is closed. Second, for the Bonnet Creek location: does anyone have any recent experience with the marathon package that used to be offered at Signa by Hilton or Waldorf Astoria. I asked the hotels, but they referred to the website (where there is no mention of the package so far.

 

[Naomeri]

Hitchhiking on this older SAFD topic. We are looking at staying at one of the offsite resorts near Disney Springs or Bonnet Creek for the 2027 Marathon Weekend. First Disney Springs: does anyone have any recent experience of walking to Disney's Sarasota Springs to catch the bus transportation for the start of the races from for example the Hilton or Wyndham. We read that at night the walkway through Disney Springs is closed. Second, for the Bonnet Creek location: does anyone have any recent experience with the marathon package that used to be offered at Signa by Hilton or Waldorf Astoria. I asked the hotels, but they referred to the website (where there is no mention of the package so far.

The rD buses at Saratoga only pick up at the main building, which is a long way from Disney Springs, so I don't think you want to do that, even if the way would be open.

 

[The Expert]

Hitchhiking on this older SAFD topic. We are looking at staying at one of the offsite resorts near Disney Springs or Bonnet Creek for the 2027 Marathon Weekend. First Disney Springs: does anyone have any recent experience of walking to Disney's Saratoga Springs to catch the bus transportation for the start of the races from for example the Hilton or Wyndham. We read that at night the walkway through Disney Springs is closed. Second, for the Bonnet Creek location: does anyone have any recent experience with the marathon package that used to be offered at Signa by Hilton or Waldorf Astoria. I asked the hotels, but they referred to the website (where there is no mention of the package so far.

As @Naomeri pointed out, walking isn't really feasible, but lots of runners take Uber/Lyft to the races (or I think you're Minnie Van eligible from the DS hotels). They may also run a shuttle. I haven't done a package at the Bonnet Creek hotels, but I did stay at the JW Marriott there for a race once, and they had their own private shuttle. It wasn't a loop -- iirc it had a single departure time.

 

[Herding_Cats]

Hitchhiking on this older SAFD topic. We are looking at staying at one of the offsite resorts near Disney Springs or Bonnet Creek for the 2027 Marathon Weekend. First Disney Springs: does anyone have any recent experience of walking to Disney's Saratoga Springs to catch the bus transportation for the start of the races from for example the Hilton or Wyndham. We read that at night the walkway through Disney Springs is closed. Second, for the Bonnet Creek location: does anyone have any recent experience with the marathon package that used to be offered at Signa by Hilton or Waldorf Astoria. I asked the hotels, but they referred to the website (where there is no mention of the package so far.

what are the rates like over there?

 

[Dopey 2020]

Does anyone have any experience with missing photos and possible response times I had one character stop, Kylo Ren, that hasn't shown up in MDE. I messaged through the MDE app on the 13th and got an automated email, and nothing since them.

Its not a huge deal, and if it hadn't been a Star Wars character probably would haven't even said anything, but just curious if I should take the two weeks as a sign they didn't find anything or if the Photopass folks are pretty good about responding even if its a negative?

Thank you! I was able to give them what I believe was a pretty accurate time (I had a picture of the mile marker just after where he was) and a picture of me from another stop near by. I'll try calling when I have some time probably end of the week. Guess the app isn't probably the best way to do it.

Thank you again!

Nothing is ever guaranteed of course but I can tell you from experience calling is the way to go. I got no response submitting the form but got a very helpful cast member on the phone who actually found my missing photos within a few minutes and had them in MDE before hanging up. It was a couple years ago but I don’t think things have changed much.

 

[Novatrix]

Thank you! I was able to give them what I believe was a pretty accurate time (I had a picture of the mile marker just after where he was) and a picture of me from another stop near by. I'll try calling when I have some time probably end of the week. Guess the app isn't probably the best way to do it.

Thank you again!

It's been a while (2019), but if they still have a photopass support email I'd try that too until you have a chance to call.

It took 9 days from email to response.

 

[Mr_Incr3dible]

I ordered this off Etsy. The type merch that, IMHO, should be available at the Expo but isn't. I have one from 2024 and it still looks good after a lot of wearing and numerous washes.
The big image is on the back.


I guess I could have opted out of the small image on the front, but I went with it.

 

[disneyrunnergrl]

Hitchhiking on this older SAFD topic. We are looking at staying at one of the offsite resorts near Disney Springs or Bonnet Creek for the 2027 Marathon Weekend. First Disney Springs: does anyone have any recent experience of walking to Disney's Saratoga Springs to catch the bus transportation for the start of the races from for example the Hilton or Wyndham. We read that at night the walkway through Disney Springs is closed. Second, for the Bonnet Creek location: does anyone have any recent experience with the marathon package that used to be offered at Signa by Hilton or Waldorf Astoria. I asked the hotels, but they referred to the website (where there is no mention of the package so far.

They unfortunately no longer do the marathon weekend packages. I stayed there for marathon weekends 23, 24 and 25. 2025 there were no buses, no pre race breakfast, and no cheer squad send off.

 

[CaliforniaGirl09]

I ordered this off Etsy. The type merch that, IMHO, should be available at the Expo but isn't. I have one from 2024 and it still looks good after a lot of wearing and numerous washes.
The big image is on the back.
View attachment 1042714

I guess I could have opted out of the small image on the front, but I went with it.
View attachment 1042715

So cute and totally agree!

 

[jpholic]

I ordered this off Etsy. The type merch that, IMHO, should be available at the Expo but isn't. I have one from 2024 and it still looks good after a lot of wearing and numerous washes.
The big image is on the back.
View attachment 1042714

I guess I could have opted out of the small image on the front, but I went with it.
View attachment 1042715

i ordered a couple of these for the family! they came to support and were bummed that they werent able to pick up something from the weekend. a little thank you for waking up at that hour and chasing me around for 26.2 miles.

terrible photo but thats them with the signs at the TTC

 

[Mr_Incr3dible]

They unfortunately no longer do the marathon weekend packages. I stayed there for marathon weekends 23, 24 and 25. 2025 there were no buses, no pre race breakfast, and no cheer squad send off.

I was at Bonnet Creek in 2011. If they had busses from there, I didn't know it, and my friend was going to drive me and drop me off. The traffic jam leading to the Epcot parking lot was such that I had to get out and walk. I speed-walked across the parking lots, through the staging area, all the way out to Epcot Center Drive (where the corrals used to be), and then to the start line where I was waved through because they were down to the last corral or two.
In short, it was as long of a walk than if I had been able to walk from Bonnet Creek (which they don't allow) and my Half (I think it was the Half) had an extra mile or two of distance.
Main takeaway is to leave plenty early if you are driving or someone is going to drop you, even for what is normally a 5 minute commute. I had no idea so many people would be driving in or being dropped.

 

[disneyrunnergrl]

I was at Bonnet Creek in 2011. If they had busses from there, I didn't know it, and my friend was going to drive me and drop me off. The traffic jam leading to the Epcot parking lot was such that I had to get out and walk. I speed-walked across the parking lots, through the staging area, all the way out to Epcot Center Drive (where the corrals used to be), and then to the start line where I was waved through because they were down to the last corral or two.
In short, it was as long of a walk than if I had been able to walk from Bonnet Creek (which they don't allow) and my Half (I think it was the Half) had an extra mile or two of distance.
Main takeaway is to leave plenty early if you are driving or someone is going to drop you, even for what is normally a 5 minute commute. I had no idea so many people would be driving in or being dropped.

In 2023 I took the bus, but it got lost with the road closures so that was the only year I used it. The other two years I rented a car and drove. I left the Signia at 2:30 and had no issues. Parked and waiting for security to open at 3am. But I realize that’s earlier than some people want to leave or be at the start area.