Thinking about visiting the DLR for Marathon Weekend ...

[KellifromCanada]

Hi! We are back from the WDW Marathon Weekend and my dh completed the Goofy Challenge while our teen daughter and I parked the whole trip. We did the early ticket pick up and added extra days on so we parked for 7 consecutive days which is the most I have ever done. Met rope drop every day. Dh says we walk at least a half-marathon each day

So now ...dh is looking at the DLR marathon in August to make it a Coast to Coast year. (He loves his medals)

I am wondering about the DLR marathon weekend experience for those who mainly want to visit the parks while their running family member participates.

Overall, at WDW, my daughter and I experienced very little difficulty related to the races in terms of busy parks and transportation issues, but I would love to hear from folks who have visited the parks during the DLR Marathon. Is it really REALLY busy at the parks during the days of, and around the race dates?

Appreciate thoughts and suggestions!
Kelli

 

[slp1650]

I've been to the half marathon at DLR a few times and I didn't see too much of a difference. If you're planning at eating at any of the restaurants, I would make reservations before you go. I was always able to ride what I wanted to, but I have also been to DLR enough that I don't try to go on everything so this could be different for people who haven't been before.

As for parking, I can't tell you how it is because I've always stayed at one of the hotels. All of the hotels are within walking distance of the parks and it seemed to me that the race wasn't in the way of getting to the park that morning. I mean I was walking with regular park guests in Downtown Disney to head back to the Grand Californian.

 

[KellifromCanada]

Hi! Thanks for your reply.

Oops! I have mixed up my Disney verbs -- Parking -- my family and I refer to "parking" meaning visiting parks, riding rides and what have you - no vehicle park as we have to fly down from the great white north. I can see how my post must have been confusing.

Glad to hear you have had a reasonably good experience in terms of crowds. We tend to get up early when at the parks, and be there for rope drop, and that usually serves us well.

Best,

Kelli

I've been to the half marathon at DLR a few times and I didn't see too much of a difference. If you're planning at eating at any of the restaurants, I would make reservations before you go. I was always able to ride what I wanted to, but I have also been to DLR enough that I don't try to go on everything so this could be different for people who haven't been before.

As for parking, I can't tell you how it is because I've always stayed at one of the hotels. All of the hotels are within walking distance of the parks and it seemed to me that the race wasn't in the way of getting to the park that morning. I mean I was walking with regular park guests in Downtown Disney to head back to the Grand Californian.