Hello Bianca,
Welcome back to planDisney! I have spectated and participated in events during the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, and let me tell you, there is nothing like running down Main Street, U.S.A. and seeing your loved ones cheering you on along the course!
The race weekend
Digital Expo & Event Guide was recently released with information about the
spectator areas available during the half marathon. Main Street, U.S.A. will be open from 5:20 AM to 7:30 AM. Theme park admission is not required to enter Magic Kingdom before 7:30 AM. After 7:30 AM Magic Kingdom will be cleared and you will be required to scan your valid ticket to re-enter for Early Entry at 8:30 AM.
During that time, I recommend heading over to Contemporary Resort for a coffee or breakfast as you wait for Magic Kingdom to open. The runners will be running from Magic Kingdom towards Contemporary Resort, so you may not be able to walk there. In that case, you can take the monorail from Magic Kingdom to Contemporary. Consider it your first “ride” of the day!
Once you arrive at Contemporary, you can visit
Contempo Café for a quick-service breakfast or
Contemporary Grounds for a Joffrey's coffee and a pastry. If you’re interested in a leisurely breakfast,
Chef Mickey’s is a great character breakfast buffet, and
Steakhouse 71 has my personal favorite, Walt’s Prime Rib Hash. Reservations are recommended for these locations, but Steakhouse 71 does have a walk-up list that may be available. Keep in mind that depending on your reservation time, you might not be walking through the Magic Kingdom entrance right at 8:30 since a table service restaurant may take a little longer.
I hope this helps, Bianca! While you cheer on your loved one during their race, I applaud you for also waking up early and making your way to Main Street, U.S.A. with your kids! This will be such a unique and special memory for your whole family. If you have any future questions, we’ll be here to help at
planDisney.
Kaitlin