Marathon weekend and park attendance

[MissMagnolia]

Ok, for all of you who have been to the parks during the marathon weekend, does it affect park attendance? We are arriving on Saturday, Jan. 10th, and wondering if we should avoid the parks until Monday. I have seen it written on the boards that the runners have an impact on the early morning buses, but not the parks - but what about all the families coming WITH the runners? Are they in the parks? Should we worry about it? I don't know if I can stand not going to a park on Sunday. The anticipation will make me crazy!

 

[Jestocost]

I haven't been there for the marathon, but recently spoke with someone whose husband runs in it every year. She indicated that the hotels are booked solid, but that the parks themselves are not busy during the race as everyone is either running or watching. She did not say anything about the bus situation, however.

 

[Luv2Roam]

We have been there the last three marathons. DH runs it, I wander the parks.
Anyone driving might experience some difficulty around Epcot. (Not all runners take the bus. And cars going in and out of Epcot can be backed up.)
The parks I really noticed little difference in attendance.
The marathoners have special busses running just for them. Although they can take regular busses of course. But Disney does a great job at transporting the marathoners in their own busses.
The only impacts I have felt myself while staying at WDW marathon week was our first year at CSR, the resort ran out of hot water in the morning. (Most marathoners are up and gone VERY early, I think their last bus is at 4:30.)
On the main roads one lane will probably be blocked off, in not some ramps entirely shut down. But I leave the driving to Disney transportation and never had a problem getting around during marathon time.
AFTER the marathon for a few days you will see runners boarding regular Disney busses. They are the guests having a hard time lifting their legs high enough to board the bus.

If you want to see more fireworks, be at near the start line at 6 a.m. for the marathon.

 

[flagal]

We cheered the runners on in front of CR, then went to Epcot. Attractions were EMPTY. How empty? No wait at Test Track. Posted time was 5 minutes, but they let the kids stay on the ride without waiting on line again.

 

[mom-2greatkids]

We were there last year during the marathon and are going again this year. Other than transportation issues getting to the parks first thing that morning (roads blocked off, dropping us off at TTC and having to take monorail to MK, etc) we would have had no idea there was a marathon going on. The parks weren't busy that weekend. It's a great time to go!