Runner giving Donald Duck a High Five
  • On Aug 2, 2026
    Yara Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Hello! My family is planning an early January trip to Orlando and I just found out that there is a runDisney marathon event that same days that we were planning on visiting the parks. How do these events affect the park crowds and hotel reservations? Thx!

    Greetings Yara and welcome to planDisney! 

    You are visiting the magic during a great time of the year! The January weather is comfortable, the holiday rush has just finished up, and I’ll be celebrating another trip around the sun!  

    Yara, you will be visiting during the runDisney Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend which runs from January 6-10, 2027.  The month of January is usually considered a month of lower crowd levels after the hectic holiday season.  Even with the runners coming to town for the runDisney event, you shouldn’t have too many issues with crowds during your stay. Plus, the runDisney participants are great people! You will see them proudly wearing their medals in the parks throughout the weekend. Be sure to give them a big hello and congratulations!

    My family and I have participated in runDisney races, and they start bright and early in the morning! Most of the racers are across the finish line and headed back to their rooms before most people are ready to start their day!  

    There could be some road closures that might affect the complimentary bus transportation early in the morning during race days.  If that is a concern for you, staying at a Disney Resorts Collection hotel that is within walking distance to one of the parks might be a consideration.  Any of the resorts on Disney’s BoardWalk would fit that recommendation.  Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and Disney’s Beach Club Resort would all be a short scenic walk to the International Gateway entrance to EPCOT.  You could also jump on the Disney Skyliner, sail on a Water Taxi, or take a walking path from those resorts to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.   

    Yara, you are going to have an amazing adventure!  Don’t forget to enjoy a Mickey bar or two! 

    Kurt 
thumbnail image for Kurt

Meet the Panelist: Kurt, Michigan

Hello! I'm Kurt a retired broadcaster from Michigan!  Our family of three adult daughters and four grandsons make planning trips to Walt Disney World part of the adventure! If it's a weekend getaway for two, or a dream vacation with your family I'm excited to help you plan your magical experience!  You'll usually find me racing to Space Mountain to end a magical night at the Magic Kingdom! Let's grab a Mickey Bar and enjoy the ride! Learn More About Kurt

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