Hiya Anna!
Thank you so much for stopping by planDisney with your planning questions. How exciting that you will be visiting at the end of the month. I can just picture you trading those chilly Pennsylvania days for Florida sunshine and that first breathtaking view of Spaceship Earth as you walk into
EPCOT.
Now let’s jump right into your question. You will be visiting right in the heart of
runDisney Princess Half Marathon Weekend, which takes place February 26 through March 2. As someone who has participated in many
runDisney race weekends, I can tell you they bring such a fun, uplifting energy to the parks. You will see runners in their medals and princess-inspired outfits all weekend long, and the vibe is truly magical.
While race weekends do bring in additional Guests, the crowds are typically not on the same level as major holidays. One thing to keep in mind is that race mornings start very early. Many runners arrive at the start line around 3:30 in the morning, so by early evening, you will often see them heading back to their resorts to rest those legs before the next race.
If you are hoping to minimize wait times for attractions, I recommend looking into
Lightning Lane options. You can purchase a
Single Lightning Lane for high-demand attractions like
Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind. You can also purchase the
Lightning Lane Multi Pass, which allows you to select up to 3 attractions in advance and continue booking additional selections after you redeem your first, subject to availability. This can be a great strategy for maximizing your park time. Guests staying at a Disney World Resort hotel can purchase Lightning Lanes seven days prior to arrival, while other Guests can purchase three days prior.
If you are staying on property, I also highly recommend taking advantage of
Early Theme Park Entry. This allows you to enter the parks 30 minutes before official opening, which can make a big difference for popular attractions. During race weekend, that extra time can be especially helpful.
Finally, keep an eye on wait times throughout the day in the
My Disney Experience app. My family constantly checks the app and pivots our plans based on shorter wait times. It is one of our favorite ways to stay flexible and make the most of our day.
Anna, I hope this helps you feel prepared and even more excited for your upcoming trip. Between the princess energy of race weekend and strolling around EPCOT, you are in for a truly magical visit. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to stop by again.
See you real soon,
Christina