Talk to me about Star Wars half marathon weekend crowds

[jpessa]

Hi everyone, considering a quick weekend trip January 15-18, with park days Saturday, Sunday and half day Monday. I just saw that it's the weekend of the Star Wars half marathon. I've never been to DL during a race before. How bad will it be?

I was just there for one day Saturday November 21st and thought it was a bit crowded but fine. I'd stay offsite this time. Is it worth it, or should I go President's Day weekend instead? (which will probably also be crowded) I'm going for 6 days at the end of April too, so it's not like I won't be back. Trying to figure out if it'll be worth the drive/expense/hassle. Thanks!

 

[kim3339]

That weekend is busy. Not like Thanksgiving or Xmas, but it's busy. There'll be about 15,000 runners plus family members that come w/ them. There's a limit to the number of runners so it's not like there'll be more than usual b/c of the movie but you'll notice. I usually stay on Sun after the races, but that weekend, w/ the MLK crowds too, the past couple of years I've left early that day.

If you do end up going, getting to the parks if you're walking shouldn't be a problem on Sat, but Sun depending on where you stay, you might want to plan a little extra time getting to the park b/c the course goes along Harbor and Katella.

 

[SMD]

Do you have a hotel yet? You might want to check and see what's available before planning further.

 

[jpessa]

Do you have a hotel yet? You might want to check and see what's available before planning further.

Yes I've booked the Ramada Maingate.

OK thanks, something to think about since crowds will be that heavy. Hmmmmmm. Decisions!

Usually I'm of the thought that some Disney is better than no Disney though. Hmmm.

 

[jpessa]

That weekend is busy. Not like Thanksgiving or Xmas, but it's busy. There'll be about 15,000 runners plus family members that come w/ them. There's a limit to the number of runners so it's not like there'll be more than usual b/c of the movie but you'll notice. I usually stay on Sun after the races, but that weekend, w/ the MLK crowds too, the past couple of years I've left early that day.

If you do end up going, getting to the parks if you're walking shouldn't be a problem on Sat, but Sun depending on where you stay, you might want to plan a little extra time getting to the park b/c the course goes along Harbor and Katella.

Thanks for this. Do you think presidents day weekend will be equally busy, or less busy?

Edited: ok forget that. My Deluxe AP is blacked out Presidents Day weekend. So it's MLK weekend or wait until April.

 

[kim3339]

Usually I'm of the thought that some Disney is better than no Disney though. Hmmm.

So it's MLK weekend or wait until April.

I think like you, some Disney is better than no Disney. It's going to be busy, but if you go in knowing that and are okay w/ it and don't have high expectations, I say go. The parks should be okay the 1st hour or so b/c the runners are showering and late Sat afternoon/evening they'll be back at the rooms resting so that should lighten it a little.

Another tip, if you hit up tomorrowland, I'd go 1st thing. It's crazy w/ all the SW stuff now but that weekend I have a feeling it'll be even crazier.

 

[SMD]

Embrace it. Wear all your SW gear. Get up early on Sunday, wear a costume, make a sign, bring a noisemaker and go out on Harbor and cheer for the runners.

 

[kirstie101]

Hi everyone, considering a quick weekend trip January 15-18, with park days Saturday, Sunday and half day Monday. I just saw that it's the weekend of the Star Wars half marathon. I've never been to DL during a race before. How bad will it be?

I was just there for one day Saturday November 21st and thought it was a bit crowded but fine. I'd stay offsite this time. Is it worth it, or should I go President's Day weekend instead? (which will probably also be crowded) I'm going for 6 days at the end of April too, so it's not like I won't be back. Trying to figure out if it'll be worth the drive/expense/hassle. Thanks!

I was in the parks on Nov 21st too and also thought it was a bit crowded but not too bad. I think the Saturday of race weekend will be similar to that, maybe a bit heavier crowds but not by much. Sunday after the Half the parks will be more crowded than you experienced on the 21st. IMO DL will be more crowded than DCA so if you're willing to hop to DCA you shouldn't notice a difference. This is what we usually do when DL starts to feel too crowded in the late afternoon/early evening after the Half Marathons. I've never stayed for the Monday after race weekend but I would expect crowds to lighten up from Sunday. I know I'm not the only runner who heads home that day. I've been in the parks on MLK weekend the last 3 years for the races (first two were Tink, last year was Star Wars).

 

[jpessa]

I was in the parks on Nov 21st too and also thought it was a bit crowded but not too bad. I think the Saturday of race weekend will be similar to that, maybe a bit heavier crowds but not by much. Sunday after the Half the parks will be more crowded than you experienced on the 21st. IMO DL will be more crowded than DCA so if you're willing to hop to DCA you shouldn't notice a difference. This is what we usually do when DL starts to feel too crowded in the late afternoon/early evening after the Half Marathons. I've never stayed for the Monday after race weekend but I would expect crowds to lighten up from Sunday. I know I'm not the only runner who heads home that day. I've been in the parks on MLK weekend the last 3 years for the races (first two were Tink, last year was Star Wars).

Thank you so much for the reply, this was actually really helpful! I'm heading home Monday as well, but always like DD5 to get nice and tired for the 6 hour drive home so we like to hit the parks from open until after lunch.

 

[5forMickey]

We've been to the parks in July, August and the week between Christmas and New Years. Would do them all again. I WOULD NEVER go during a race weekend again. We were there in November during the Avengers and it was horrible. It was bad Friday and Saturday but when we were woke up at 4:00 am to the sounds of the drums outside our window Sunday morning I said NEVER AGAIN. First time in my life I have not been sad leaving Disneyland - we left several hours earlier than planned and I actually couldn't wait to get out of there .I would rather have been there during a cheer weekend.

 

[oohykitten]

If you are one of those people that can do rope drop, go relax at your hotel then come back and close it out...you will be great. Us Runners dont do the mornings and we cant close it down.

 

[jpessa]

If you are one of those people that can do rope drop, go relax at your hotel then come back and close it out...you will be great. Us Runners dont do the mornings and we cant close it down.

That's exactly my touring style!

 

[jpessa]

Wanted to come back here and thank you all for the help and advice. I had an amazing weekend, and knew exactly what to expect crowd-wise. I felt it was totally manageable because I had a plan. Thanks again!