Hiya, Beverly! Welcome to planDisney. First, let me share my congratulations to your son for registering for the Dopey Challenge. This race series is so popular that getting in requires speed before you even lace up your sneakers.
Every
Disney Resorts Collection has transportation for
runDisney events, including bib pick-up and the races, and the buses even take spectators to cheer their athletes as they cross the finish line.
At this year's
runDisney Marathon Weekend, I stayed at
Disney's Coronado Springs Resort. It has been my home for a few race weekends. I have found it to be quiet, which is helpful with all the early mornings and early bedtimes. Another favorite of my running friends is
Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter. I've heard the Cast Members have celebrated runners at the pools after the races. This resort also has a ferry to
Disney Springs, making it easy to enjoy the restaurants and get back to the resort for an early evening. Both of these are awesome
moderate resorts.
If you are looking for a
value resort, friends of mine stayed at
Disney's Pop Century Resort. It has access to the
Disney Skyliner, which is such a plus for convenience to
EPCOT and
Disney's Hollywood Studios.
For
deluxe resorts, the EPCOT-area resorts are ideal.
Disney's Beach Club Resort,
Disney's Yacht Club Resort, and
Disney's BoardWalk Inn are so close to the events. The best reason to stay here: the BoardWalk is usually on the race routes. If family and friends are coming for the weekend, they can head to the BoardWalk to cheer and high-five your son.
Many runners also like staying at
Disney's Contemporary Resort,
Disney's Polynesian Village Resort and
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. These resorts are on the
Disney Monorail line, which has been an option to get to the half and full marathons. The routes for these two distances have gone by these resorts, making them great locations for families to come and cheer.
Planning for a runDisney Weekend is so much fun! If you have any other questions, please come back by
planDisney. We'll help make the planning easier than getting registered to run.
Every Mile is Magic!
Jana