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  • On Jul 28, 2023
    Sarai from Puebla Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    How crowded are the parks during the January marathon? My husband and I made a reservation from January 4th to January 11th, but we had no idea that the Marathon was going to take place in those dates. Would you recommend us moving dates?

    ¡Hola, Sarai! I'd like to welcome you to planDisney, where we even have a dedicated Mexican panelist like Ana Paula who can also answer your questions en español!

    For years I had planned my Disney Fairy Tale Wedding around the time of the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend and this year I was also concerned about how busy it would be at a time of the year when we would normally enjoy a comfortable experience at the Theme Parks just after the hectic holiday season. I'm absolutely happy to share what my personal experience was like along with the data I collected as I prepared for my wedding week: 

    • Because thousands of runners and their supportive spectators descend upon Walt Disney World Resort for that weekend, you might experience limited availability for not only Resort Hotel stays but also bookable experiences like those found in the Enchanted Extras Collection. We found it to be a little challenging to make reservations, which definitely reflected the spirit of competition that was in the air!
    • We found that so many of the runDisney participants scheduled their trips so that they would be able to linger for the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, which resulted in a very busy opening day on top of the typically popular draw that each of these events bring. In fact, based on our experience and that of our wedding guests my husband and I noticed that the standby wait time in queues across all of the Theme Parks in the week following the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend was almost twice as high on certain days, which immediately saw a significant drop as soon as they began to venture back home to prepare for their next big race. (Imagine what it's like to wait for over an hour for Under the Sea - Journey of the Little Mermaid and coming back a few days later to walk right on at the same time of day!)
    Given the choice, I would absolutely shift my days to the following week in my opinion - especially if it allows you and your husband to have the opportunity to enjoy all of the added entertainment and food options that come with the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts!

    Here's to a merry Marathon-free visit for you and your husband next year!
    Prince
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Meet the Panelist: Prince, Ontario

Hello, Bonjour and Ahoy there! Growing up in Canada, my first visit to Walt Disney World Resort and seeing so many new lands to explore all at once spurred me toward my goal to venture to all of the Disney Parks worldwide. As a proud Disney Uncle - or "Duncle" - whether it's a taste of experiences around the world or even interplanetary travel - I can't wait to give my tips and help you plan your family's next great adventure!    Learn More About Prince

Related Video

  • thumbnail image for EPCOT International Festival of the Arts | planDisney Podcast – Season 2 Special Episode

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