wdw marathon - how will it effect us

[fishcall]

We just realized we will be visiting during the marathon. How will this effect our stay? thanks for any info..

 

[tjkraz]

If you're worried about park attendance, you shouldn't notice any appreciable difference.

Some sections of roadway will be closed off on the day of the marathon, but nothing within the parks itself. WDW transportation will be re-routed accordingly, and I'm certain that roadsigns will be appropriately adjusted if you happen to be driving.

 

[ekmdisney]

I have been at the park the last two years that the marathon has been going on. If you are staying on site and you take the disney transportation, you really will not be affected at all. I was never delayed getting to the park.

I would alway hit MGM on the day of the run (both years), and would totaly forget that it was the day untill I saw the cones in the parking lot going into the park. It was fun to stand there before the park opened and watch some of the runner/walker. They even had some of the characters out cheering on the runners. Got some great pics of Piglet, Jessie, Buzz and Woody.

 

[Luv2Roam]

YOu will see VERY little difference. Hardly noticeable. UNless you are staying at a resort and wonder why so many are getting up at 3 & 4 a.m. I think the resorts are pretty good about assigning runners in the same general area.

 

[ironz]

It has been a very pleasant time to be at WDW for me! That's why I run it! Crowds are not big; I think the longest we waited for any ride was 15 min.

Traffic patterns the morning of the race are affected. If you are using Disney transportation, I imagine it's not a major problem, though driving yourself could be an issue. If I were a non-running visitor that morning, I'd go somewhere that I could use the monorail. And don't try to go anywhere at 4 that morning...talk about crazy traffic with people getting to the race start!!

And of course...whatever park you are at...stop by where the runners are and cheer a few of us on!! It's a long day out there for some of us, and some cheers and clapping really really help!
Thanks!!

 

[Disney Doll]

It starts at 6AM, and all runners have to be finished by 12 noon, so it shouldn't affect you much at all. Crowds are not generally terrible. We have been there for the marathon 5 or 6 times(DH has a friend who is a runner), and have always enjoyed that time of year.

 

[Meesh277]

Everybody seems to think Sunday is a good day to go... but how about the Saturday before the Marathon? We are driving down from VA for the weekend and only have one day to visit, and want to go to MK on 1/9. I'm hoping crowds won't be too bad??