Bonjour Julie,
Welcome to planDisney and thank you so much for asking me a question, my fellow Quebecker! Your son sounds like he’s planning one of my absolute favourite types of vacations: a runDisney “race-cation”!
If this is your son’s first visit (or his first visit as an adult), then I think that the best way for him to experience all that Walt Disney World Resort has to offer would be to visit during the
Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend in November. This race weekend is extra special for runners who are foodies too because it combines racing and the reason why most of us (ok, mostly me!) race: FOOD! This event takes place during the
EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, which offers Guests the chance to sample all kinds of tasty treats throughout EPCOT. There are also special culinary demonstrations and concerts that take place during this Festival.
Plus, this race often combines the best of both worlds with a “
Post Race Party” the night of the half marathon. Even if your son and his friends choose to race either the 5k or the 10k, they can still purchase a ticket to this party, which would give them the chance to enjoy a truly one-of-a-kind after-hours party at EPCOT. Talk about a perfect weekend!
As for the choice of Disney Resorts Collection hotel for their stay, I’m happy to say that not only do all hotels “on property” offer complimentary transportation to all race weekend events (including the races themselves), but they also all have something for every age group. His choice will really come down to budget: will he want to splurge on a
Deluxe Resort Hotel with a Savanna view room at
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge or will he prefer to go with a
Moderate Resort Hotel and “Laissez le bon temps rouler” with a stay at
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter? One thing that I would tell him to keep in mind is the Resort’s relative size and how far it would be for him to walk back to his room, especially if he and his friends choose to run all of the races (the 5k, 10k and half marathon) during a race weekend. That’s why I’d probably recommend Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter (the smallest Moderate hotel) or a Tower Room at
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. Fewer steps are always welcome when tired legs need to take you crawling back to your room at the end of a long Disney Day, especially if there was a race in the mix, too.
I hope my answer helps your son plan the perfect vacation for him and his friends. If either of you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to come back and see me. Et n’oubliez pas que
vous pouvez également me poser des questions en français!
Have a Magical Day,
Lynne