Hey there, Danielle!
Welcome to planDisney. We're so glad you've run by with your fantastic
Walt Disney World Resort planning question! As a
Florida resident, you're close enough to access the magic any time, but each and every visit is uniquely special. I'd be happy to help you prepare for a magical and memorable birthday celebration for your little one!
Danielle, each year in early January, thousands of runDisney enthusiasts and athletes flock to The Most Magical Place on Earth for
Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend. Next year, this exciting race weekend will take place January 3-7, 2024, with the Walt Disney World Half Marathon being run on January 6, 2024. Course maps were recently revealed for that race weekend and the
half marathon course is set to traverse through Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, and the roadways connecting these theme parks. Danielle, I would allow extra time to arrive at Magic Kingdom Park that morning, as you should expect
road closures in the surrounding areas. Most notably, World Drive North will be closed between 4:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. to allow runners to make their way to Magic Kingdom Park. You will need to follow the posted detour signage to access
parking at the Transportation and Ticket Center, so be sure to allow for extra time during your morning commute!
According to the
Hours & Events Calendar, Magic Kingdom Park is scheduled to open at 8:00 a.m. on January 6, 2024, so if you're able, perhaps you could consider arriving slightly after "rope drop?" With a start time of 5:00 a.m., the final few Walt Disney World Half Marathon runners should be making their way through
Magic Kingdom Park just before the theme park opens, so operations should return to normal around that time. While EPCOT will likely have some operational changes later in the morning since runners won't reach it until around mile 13, Guests visiting Magic Kingdom Park that day should experience minimal interruptions!
Danielle, I hope you've found this information helpful and I wish your daughter an enchanting birthday celebration at Magic Kingdom Park! A few years back, my family celebrated my son's first birthday in the same place. (Today, we cherish the photos of his "
cupcake smash" in front of Cinderella Castle!) If you have any additional questions, feel free to revisit
planDisney anytime. We're all ears!
See ya real soon,
Lauren