Hi there, Margo! Thanks for stopping by planDisney. Your visit to The Most Magical Place on Earth will be here before you know it - I'm glad you're thinking ahead!
The 2025
Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend is January 8-12 and, as you know, coincides with your visit. However, I don't expect that it will impact your visit any more than other busy times of the year. (Think, Halloween or Christmas.) With so many events and activities happening throughout the year - dance and cheer competitions, school groups, and runDisney races -
Walt Disney World Resort is a well-oiled machine and can easily handle the crowds of the racers and all other non-race visitors.
Margo, the biggest impact you're likely to feel is if you arrive at
EPCOT at the end of either the half marathon (on Saturday, 1/11) or the marathon (on Sunday, 1/12). EPCOT hosts the start and finish lines for those races, though both are outside of the park's main gates in the parking lot. You may notice slightly longer security lines and transportation times coming to or from that park on those days. If anything, I might give yourself extra time to get where you're going whether you take the
Monorail, a car, or the
Disney Skyliner.
If you are staying at one of the
Disney Resort Hotels and purchase any Lighting Lane passes, remember that you can book your selection up to 7 days in advance. This optional, add-on service gives you extra time to maximize your park day. My
planDisney pal Brent is a master at booking Lighting Lanes in advance, so send him a question if you need any help!
I hope this information helps, Margo! I am so glad you stopped by. We'd be happy to help with any other questions that you may have!
See you real soon,
Melissa