Tinker Bell Half Marathon - impact on crowds

[djk]

I know the Tinker Bell Half Marathon is taking place on different dates this year, but as an event, to what extent does it typically impact crowds and accessibility to the park (i.e. are things roped off at all or are any attractions closed due to the event)? If it brings more people to the park, and I'm assuming it does, does that spike in crowds take place the week leading up to the race? Just that weekend? What has been your experience, if you've been to the park around the time of the event in past years?
Thanks!

 

[ImDMous]

The race events are early enough in the morning to get everyone out of the parks with plenty of time to open so no attractions will be effected. If you are driving, there may be some street closures around and some of the walking paths around the hotels may be closed on race morning. We were there for Avengers and the finish line was in front of the DL hotel so that road was closed to traffic. The park was busier than normal, but for us it was also the first weekend of Christmas decorations so that made it even more crowded. We've been on other race weekends and it's busier but not so crowded that you can't get anything done.

 

[kim3339]

Course-wise, it starts at 5:30 on DL Dr so that'll be closed and it finishes at the parking lot by PPH, assuming the same course as previous years. On the Harbor side, the impact will be on Manchester, we come up the back way by Garden Walk, up to the HoJo and then onto Harbor back into the park backstage. If you are staying/walking somewhere where you need to cross the course, there are people that are directing traffic, if you will, and they let you cross when there's space b/w runners and it's safe. Also, if you're up early and walking around the parks area, the course goes through DTD but it's usually one side and they criss cross the walkways so you are able to cross.

This is the course from the past 3 years to give you a better idea. 2014 ½ Marathon Course

The races start on Friday so people will start showing up Thurs/Fri. Past race weekends mornings are usually quiet and get busier as everyone finishes and goes back to the parks. Sat afternoons and evenings aren't too bad, b/c all the runners are back in their rooms. If you want to eat at places like Blue Bayou, Wine Country or Napoli's make sure to get reservation b/c those are popular places and the waits can get crazy. Last weekend Wine Country was already a walkup 2 hour wait at 6:15.

 

[kirstie101]

Kim laid it out for you pretty well! I'll say that Sunday will be the most crowded day of the weekend, with the crowd increasing as the day wears on. Most runners go back to their room and shower/rest for a bit after the half before hitting the parks. Plus add to it that its Mothers Day and I think you're looking at a super busy day. Thursday will probably feel pretty normal, Friday shouldn't be bad and by Saturday you'll be seeing more and more runners in the parks though most will be going to bed a little early!

This past Sunday after Star Wars Half I entered DL via the monarail in DTD and I had to wait through 3 trains before I finally got on one. That was about 12:30 in the afternoon. Lots of people trying to get into the parks at that time. Once I was in the park we had about a 30 minute wait for IASW, 30 minute wait for POC. Indy was listed at 50 minutes. In the evening we hopped over to DCA and had a 20 minute wait for Little Mermaid, 20 minute wait for Maters Junkyard Jamboree and a 10 minute wait for one of the Bugs Land rides. Sorry those are the only ones I remember. Use fastpass and I think you'll be fine!