Resorts for marathon weekend?

[mawatcha]

We're planning a trip for Jan 2018, probably Jan 2 - 9.

Stayed at POFQ in Jan '16 and loved it, and have recently stayed at POP (didn't love it so much.)

I do like trying different resorts but am not opposed to POFQ again. Any recommendations on which one we should go for? I think all Deluxe are probably out of our price range. Thanks!

 

[FelisLachesis]

Hi, fellow marathon weekend planner here!

prices for 2018 haven't been released, yet, but you can make reservations now, and then pay when the full rates get released. Prices generally go up about 6-10% from the previous year's rates. So look at what's out now, add 10%, and you should get an idea of what marathon weekend will look like.

Also, Marathon weekend is not a value weekend for the resorts. It's not holiday rates, but it's not the cheapest. There *MIGHT* be a sale off rack rates in September. It's happened the last three years, but like anything Disney, past results are no indication of future performance.

The DVCs are mostly gone, already. Last I checked, the only availability was at OKW and SSR, but that was 2 months ago. Once the monorail villas were unavailable, I gave up looking.

From what you're saying, you like the moderates better than the values. CBR and CSR are undergoing some refurbishments, with Caribbean Beach getting a huge overhaul. The renovations will be going through the 2018 marathon, so something to keep in mind. You might get a great rate for there, but you might also be dealing with construction as you're trying to sleep.

Most of of the normal CBR-CSR guests have been going to POFQ or POR for the marathon. The Cabins at Fort Wilderness is the other moderate on property.

If you want to make a reservation now, and are actually running in one of the WDW marathon weekend races, call 407-939-iRun to book your room.

 

[VAfamily1998]

I've done marathon weekend twice. The first time I stayed in a cabin at Ft. Wilderness---LOVED it! It was really great to be able to cook my dinners the night before, so I wasn't running on a stomach of "bad" food. Also, to have the kitchen because the food courts at resorts usually aren't open before the time you need to be at the bus--so it was nice to be able to make my own coffee and pre-race breakfast (for me, that's toast and peanut butter.)
The cabins were also so nice and quiet.

The second time my husband and I wanted to splurge so we got a garden suite at BWI. It was great being able to soak in the large tub after the marathon.

I think one thing to keep in mind, when choosing between a moderate and a value is how much you would enjoy a long soak in a hot tub (at the pool) after the race. Moderates have them, but values don't. For me, it is essential.

 

[mawatcha]

Thank you both so much! We have decided/booked POR (which I'm super stoked about, we fell in love with the Port Orleans resorts when we were at POFQ in 2016.)

My partner then surprised me and for our final night added a stay at the Polynesian! I am over the moon, it's my favorite hotel to stop at en route to MK, and I've always wanted to spend a night there. I am very thankful.

Time to update my trip countdown!

 

[FelisLachesis]

Woot! Fellow POR guest!

Also, if you were at the Doubloon Lagoon when you stayed at FQ, you are allowed to go back while staying at POR. They are considered sister resorts, and pool privileges for both pools (Doubloon Lagoon and Ol' Man Island) are shared between guests and both resorts.

 

[rteetz]

POR is a great Marathon weekend option. I have done POR, BC, and SSR for Marathon weekend. Loved all of them. The busing worked out great and loved having the food court for quick food options.

 

[FelisLachesis]

@rteetz , I have a question for you regarding the POR buses for race mornings. Do the buses travel to all the Riverside depots, or will the buses just go to South depot and take off for Epcot?

 

[rteetz]

@rteetz , I have a question for you regarding the POR buses for race mornings. Do the buses travel to all the Riverside depots, or will the buses just go to South depot and take off for Epcot?

I always went to the main bus stop. Each bus depot did have signage for runDisney buses but I didn't chance it.

 

[bumbershoot]

@rteetz , I have a question for you regarding the POR buses for race mornings. Do the buses travel to all the Riverside depots, or will the buses just go to South depot and take off for Epcot?

Only the main stop for the run I did from there. Same at SSR; had to walk to the one stop.

You'll have time to figure this out though, since you have to get there early enough to hit the expo. That day you can find out for sure if it's just from the main spot.