Would you visit in January for Marathon or October?

[MTW]

Originally I was planning a vacation in October 2006. Thought we could go during MNSSHP (DH is a huge Halloween fan). Also, our 5th anniversary is in Oct so I thought we could celebrate there. We also have a 12 month old, so he factors into this decision. Now that I found out about the Disney marathon I was thinking of going and running the marathon.

Would you go in January for a week or October? DH says we can't go twice . The factors would be:

(1) My son will be 18 months in January...28 months in October.
(2) I would love to run in the marathon.
(3) January is sooner than October.
(4) January is value season (less crowded?).
(5) MNSSHP
(6) Our anniversary celebration!

Thanks for your thoughts! This is been a very valuable resource.

 

[julia & nicks mom]

Originally I was planning a vacation in October 2006. Thought we could go during MNSSHP (DH is a huge Halloween fan). Also, our 5th anniversary is in Oct so I thought we could celebrate there. We also have a 12 month old, so he factors into this decision. Now that I found out about the Disney marathon I was thinking of going and running the marathon.

Would you go in January for a week or October? DH says we can't go twice . The factors would be:

(1) My son will be 18 months in January...28 months in October.
(2) I would love to run in the marathon.
(3) January is sooner than October.
(4) January is value season (less crowded?).
(5) MNSSHP
(6) Our anniversary celebration!

Thanks for your thoughts! This is been a very valuable resource.

I love October! The weather is warm!

We were supposed to go last January and then I found out it goes into the 50's and that you might need jackets and sweatshirts - I didn't want to worry about that and with a little one - I think you would be happier in warmer weather

October still has low crowds - and I think you will like it better with your son at 28 months - I have taken my kids at 5 months, 14 months, 18 months, 3, 3.5 - they have all been great - but the older my kids get the more fun we have!! If you aren't able to go often - DEFINATELY wait until he is a little older!!!

 

[Bob P]

Hi,

If you have any serious thought of running the WDW marathon, your first step should be to check if there are any spots left. Often the marathon is booked solid by the late spring (meaning a couple of months ago for January 2006).

Bob

 

[MTW]

I received an e-mail about the marathon yesterday with a sign-up sheet so I believe that there are still slots available.

I didn't realize that it would be so chilly in January! I suppose I am leaning toward sticking with the original plan (October) but the marathon sounds so fun! Running through WDW...can't think of a better way to distract myself while running 26+ miles!

 

[Bob P]

It was great---my wife and I ran the half marathon in 2004. It was quite chilly, temperatures that morning were in the upper 30s...and they want you out there by 4:AM for a 6:AM race!!!

We layered and had those "space blankets" as well. All in all, I would rather be chilly (it did warm up quickly as soon as the sun came out) than have warm weather like they had this year, with race time temperatures around 60 and quickly getting up to near 80 in 2005.

Bob

 

[JRoglitz]

I did the 1/2 marathon last year and are going again this year. It was unseasonably warm last January...beautiful weather. Everyone was talking about it. I've been in October too and the Halloween party is alot of fun. Either time would be great. You might want to factor in running the marathon and resting up the day before and after. This could cut into your touring time. Have fun either way!

 

[SqueakyMouse]

...but January can be winter-coat cold. Brrrr!! Even though the water is heated, you wouldn't want to go in the pools. Also, don't expect much smaller crowds anymore. I have relatives who go for 2 weeks during late January every year. They were quite surprised to find large crowds but the same reduced hours in the parks this past year. They are rethinking their strategy and considering a late February stay instead for this year.