Hello, Katherine! Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel.
It’s hard to believe that the 2020
Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend is right around the corner. This year’s Marathon course looks awesome, too! While there is a slight chance you may be able to catch sight of a runner as they pass through the Africa section of
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, I’m afraid I can’t guarantee that you’ll be able to standby to cheer them on. According to the
route map, the runners will enter Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park via one of the backstage areas and will then run between the Harambe Market and Tamu Tamu Refreshments before making their way to Asia. In my experience with
runDisney races, whenever the race takes runners through one of the
Walt Disney World Resort Theme Parks, there are Cast Members on hand to keep runners on the course and to keep regular Guests off. Since the course does not specifically pass
Tusker House Restaurant, you may find the area in front of Tamu Tamu Refreshments blocked off prior to the Park’s official 9 a.m. opening.
If you want to cheer on a runner along the course, your best bet is to purchase a
ChEAR Squad package. The official on-course spectator viewing with he ChEAR Squad package is in front of Cinderella Castle at
Magic Kingdom Park (as well as the finish line at
Epcot). I can tell you from personal experience how much it means to have your friends and family cheering you on during a race and when you cross that finish line--especially for a Marathon!
Here’s hoping all goes well for your runner, Katherine! Please let us know if there are any other questions we can answer or tips we can provide as you prepare for your
Walt Disney World Resort “runcation.”
Amy