Hello, Randall! We're so glad you stopped by the Disney Parks Moms Panel. Being a spectator at the
Walt Disney World Half Marathon is a sport onto itself. My husband and kiddos have already informed me that they'll be tucked away in their beds sleeping when I participate in my next runDisney race. I would love to award you an MVP award for being the best
chEARleader!
Your wife will so excited to see you in
Magic Kingdom Park; I'm glad you are already making a plan for where to be, when to be there, and how to get there. The
Water Taxis, which take you from
Disney's Wilderness Lodge Resort to the Magic Kingdom, typically start operating about 30-45 minutes before the Park officially opens. Since Magic Kingdom is scheduled to open at 9:00 AM on January 11, this won't be early enough. The gates of Magic Kingdom Park are right around mile 5 of the Half Marathon course, so I'd expect her to arrive there about an hour after crossing the starting line (probably sometime between 6:30-7:30 AM depending on what corral she is in since they have staggered start times). Consider signing up for live, online Runner Tracking before the race so you can receive your wife's split times via email, text message, and social media. You can register for this service on the event website approximately one week before the event—or sign up for Runner Tracking at the Expo.
Your only option at that hour will likely be the
Walt Disney World Resort buses, which will be running bright and early. I'd recommend double-checking at the front desk of your resort as to what types of transportation will be available to spectators, as things can change from yEAR to yEAR. You'll want to budget at least an hour to get there and to secure a great viewing spot on Main Street, U.S.A. Make sure to have your Mouseketeers bring a sign and a cowbell to
chEAR on mom, and have your camera ready for that pixie dusted moment!
Best of luck, Randall! I hope you all have a magical
run-cation!
Eean