Marathon Weekend

[dizneefreak29]

Hi everyone!

My boyfriend surprised me with a trip for my birthday to Disney. It isn't until January and he booked over the marathon weekend. It is his first ever trip to Disney! I've never been that time of year and I'm a little worried about the crowds. I'm not sure how well he'll do if the lines are super long. Anyone been this time of year?

Thanks!

 

[laughinplace199]

The crowds aren't bad at all. The only thing that can be tricky is transportation on the mornings of the half and full marathons (Jan 10 & 11) because of road closures.

 

[jimandami]

I agree. Marathon weekend and the week following is my favorite time to go! Good weather, low crowds, etc....As the PP said, just be aware of road closures and some transportation issues on that Sunday. The marathon goes through all 4 parks but starts really early. You might encounter runners in DHS or Epcot if you choose to go there.

 

[flatlandcycle]

EPCOT on Saturday and Sunday will have more than road closures, about 1/3 of EPCOT parking will be for the event Start and Finish. Crossing the course in the park will be well controlled. MK gets cleared before park open, on Saturday and Sunday, so it will be regular crowds to light crowds in the morning. AK is also cleared fairly early. On race mornings I have done ToT 3 times, in a row, walk-on...

Which parks are you likely to attend?

Course Maps
1/2 Marathon:
http://as1.wdpromedia.com/media/rundisney/pdf/wdw-marathon/2014/HalfMarathon14_Map.pdf

Marathon:
http://as1.wdpromedia.com/media/rundisney/pdf/wdw-marathon/2014/Marathon14_Map.pdf

 

[dizneefreak29]

Thanks for the replies! I'm feeling a little better!

On Saturday we were planning to go to Hollywood Studios in the morning and Magic Kingdom the rest of the day. Sunday we are planning Animal Kingdom in the morning. I have a ADR for Tusker House at 8:05 but I'm worried about getting there.

 

[flatlandcycle]

Thanks for the replies! I'm feeling a little better!

On Saturday we were planning to go to Hollywood Studios in the morning and Magic Kingdom the rest of the day. Sunday we are planning Animal Kingdom in the morning. I have a ADR for Tusker House at 8:05 but I'm worried about getting there.

Yep, Sunday, 8:05, AK is going to be difficult.

Sherberth Rd, Western Way will have full closure, Epcot Center Dr. before 7:30 a.m. Parts of Oseola Parkway will be closed.

I think I-4 to World Dr. to Buena Vista Dr. to Osceola Pkwy will be open, to enter, with one lane only, on the way out, if the course is still open to walkers/runners when you leave. This is my best guess with something like 85% probability for 8:05 ADR at Animal Kingdom.

I would post questions at >Disboards >W.I.S.H. >events/competition. People there will know more than Restaurant/Resort cast members.

They keep changing closures every year. It doesn't look like event guides will be available until two weeks before...everything engraved in jello at this point.

 

[LSUfan4444]

Tour groups will be a much bigger concern than any crowds or traffic affected by marathon weekend.

 

[Itinkso]

If you are using Disney transportation to AK, the bus will get you there on time. If you are using your own car, valet park at the closest Deluxe resort and then use Disney buses. Valet parking is $20 versus $17 to park in the AK lot.

 

[DOOM1001]

Thanks for the replies! I'm feeling a little better!

On Saturday we were planning to go to Hollywood Studios in the morning and Magic Kingdom the rest of the day. Sunday we are planning Animal Kingdom in the morning. I have a ADR for Tusker House at 8:05 but I'm worried about getting there.

You're good Saturday but on Sunday transportation to AK will likely have delays if your plan is to be there before 10-10:30am.The full marathon starts at 5:30 but goes off in waves where the last runners start at almost 6:30 and since AK is around the halfway point of the race at mile 13 there will be runners going through until at least 10am or later.The first year I ran it my family was following me through the course on buses and they agreed that AK was a pain to get to.Homever if your plan is to be there for an 8:05 ADR if you get there at 7:30-7:45 you'll still likely see some of the fastest runners but the bulk of the runners will likely not have reached AK by that time so maybe traffic won't be too bad.I say stick to your plan but make sure you get there early for your ADR.

 

[bumbershoot]

I have a ADR for Tusker House at 8:05 but I'm worried about getting there.

I rarely say this, but DEFINITELY take Disney transportation for it. And go as early as possible.

 

[dizneefreak29]

Thanks again! Does anyone know how early transportation to AK will start? I thought the rule was generally 1 hour before opening. the park doesn't open until 9:00 so I'm assuming that means the buses start running at 8:00??

 

[Itinkso]

Thanks again! Does anyone know how early transportation to AK will start? I thought the rule was generally 1 hour before opening. the park doesn't open until 9:00 so I'm assuming that means the buses start running at 8:00??

Notify the resort Concierge or Front Desk CMs in advance of your dining reservation and they will notify Transportation. They should be able to give you a time when the bus will pick up guests with Dining reservations.

On another Thread, Robo and WED are confirming buses begin at 6:30 or even a little before that.

 

[disnut8]

I rarely say this, but DEFINITELY take Disney transportation for it. And go as early as possible.

Totally agree with this. We were there for the Marathon weekend a few years ago and were meeting up with relatives (almost locals) at Animal Kingdom for the day of the marathon. We used Disney transportation and the driver knew what roads were open and which were closed and while it took longer than normal, we were fine. Relatives had to park at another park and then take Disney transportation to Animal Kingdom. We didn't have a set meeting time and they were early so no big deal to them but just nothing we thought about.