Hey Shawna,
Welcome to planDisney! We’re so glad you stopped by to bring us your question!
Shawna, I’m so excited you’re planning to kick off the year with a visit to the most magical place on earth! January, especially during a
runDisney weekend, is such a fun time to be at Walt Disney World Resort! The energy around the parks is electric, with runners showing off those shiny medals and everyone in celebration mode. And can we talk about your resort choice?
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter is one of my absolute favorites! It’s charming, peaceful, and hello: Mickey-shaped beignets! Enough said.
Now, about navigating that weekend. Race mornings can bring a few early road closures, mostly near EPCOT, Magic Kingdom, and some resort areas along the race route. Disney handles it like a well-rehearsed show, so once the races wrap up mid-morning, everything tends to flow smoothly again.
If you’re planning park days during the race weekend, I’d aim for Disney’s Hollywood Studios or Animal Kingdom on those mornings. They usually see less race-related traffic. EPCOT and Magic Kingdom are magical (of course!) but might have a little more congestion early in the day since they’re part of the course.
Your idea for a rest day on January 11 is chef’s kiss.
Breakfast at ’Ohana is such a great choice. Those views, the family-style feast, and Stitch waffles? Perfection. You should have no problem getting there, just give yourself a bit of extra time since there could still be some lingering race clean-up that morning. If you’re using Disney transportation, just hop a bus to Magic Kingdom, then take the monorail or a short stroll over to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.
Minnie Vans or rideshares work great too if you’d rather go straight there.
And if you have time after breakfast, grab a Dole Whip and take a quiet walk along the beach at the Poly. It’s one of my favorite little reset moments before diving back into the park fun.
Here’s to a smooth, pixie-dusted trip filled with good food, a little rest, and all the magic you can handle (no running shoes required).
With sunshine and Disney cheer,
Emille