Hi there, Jessica! Thank you so much for sending in your question to planDisney! I’m happy to help you plan around one of the most exciting (and busy) times at Walt Disney World.
As a frequent participant during
Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to navigate road detours and closures, especially if you’re trying to rope drop or make an early dining reservation. My biggest tip is to plan for extra travel time and keep expectations flexible that weekend. Even if you have your own vehicle, I highly recommend using Disney’s complimentary transportation whenever possible, because bus drivers and boat captains are pros at maneuvering around the closures! Since you’re staying at
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge (excellent choice, by the way!), I’d take advantage of the
boat transportation to
Magic Kingdom whenever you can. It’s scenic, relaxing, and avoids most of the race routes.
Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect that weekend:
Thursday & Friday (5K and 10K):
No major impact to the parks since the races finish very early in the morning.
Saturday – Half Marathon:
Most of the race activity wraps up around park opening, but
EPCOT will feel the busiest since the race begins and ends there. EPCOT typically opens at 10:00 a.m. during marathon weekend (with
Early Entry starting at 9:30 a.m.). If you’d like to visit EPCOT, you can take the boat to the Contemporary or Magic Kingdom, hop on the monorail to the Transportation & Ticket Center, then transfer to the EPCOT line. It’s a bit of a journey but avoids closed roads. If you prefer something easier to reach,
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is another great choice on Saturday, since it’s usually the least impacted by race crowds, and buses can easily navigate the minor detours. Sometimes the Half Marathon routes through Hollywood Studios (official race maps haven't been released yet), so I'd probably avoid that park on Saturday.
Sunday – Full Marathon:
This is the biggest race of the weekend, with runners traveling through all four theme parks. My personal recommendation is to visit Magic Kingdom on Sunday. Since it’s the first park on the marathon route, runners clear out before the park opens, so you’ll feel the least impact there; and you'll be able to catch the boat from your resort and it will take you directly to the park. Magic Kingdom typically opens at 9:00 a.m. (with Early Entry at 8:30 a.m.), but be sure to double-check hours in the My Disney Experience app as they can shift.
I hope this helps you make the most of your weekend, Jessica! If you’d like more help planning park days or dining during your stay, I’m happy to help anytime!
See ya real soon,
Eean