Guide to the 2024 Disney Marathon Road Closures
Hey, Disney vacationers and runDisney spectators! Get ready for an exciting weekend at Walt Disney World, but also brace yourselves for some road closures due to the 2024 Walt Disney World Marathon races, presented by runDisney. If you’re planning to visit the parks or just drive around the area, here’s your friendly guide to navigating the 2024 Disney Marathon road closures and making the most of your Disney experience!
Friday, January 5th: The 10K Challenge Kicking off bright and early at 5:00 AM and wrapping up by 8:00 AM, the 10K race is mainly around EPCOT. If you’re heading to EPCOT, remember to leave extra early and use the southbound entrance from World Drive, as EPCOT Center Drive will be partially closed. This race is pretty self-contained, so it won’t cause too much disruption elsewhere.
Saturday, January 6th: Half Marathon Hustle Things get a bit more hectic on Saturday with the Half Marathon. Starting at 5:00 AM and ending around 9:30 AM, this race affects access to the Magic Kingdom and other northern entrances to Disney World. If you’re coming from the north, try alternative routes like the 535 or 429 to enter from the south. Magic Kingdom parkgoers, note that the parking lot might open a bit later, around 8:00 AM, so maybe enjoy a little extra sleep and skip the Early Entry this time!
Sunday, January 7th: The Full Marathon The big one! From 5:00 AM to 1:00 PM, the Full Marathon will have the most significant impact on Disney roads. If you’re staying on-site, Disney transportation will still be operational but expect some delays and detours. Driving around the park? Be extra cautious and patient, as you’ll likely encounter runners and other confused drivers. World Drive will be particularly affected until about 12:30 PM.
For EPCOT parkgoers, the park opens an hour later at 10:00 AM on Sunday, and it’s a popular spot for runners and their families post-race, so prepare for a bit more crowd and longer lines, especially for refreshments.
Pro Tips for Navigating Disney During Marathon Weekend:
- Plan Ahead: Check your route before you leave, considering the race schedules.
- Extra Travel Time: Always allow more time than usual to get to your destination.
- Stay Informed: Keep an eye on Disney’s official updates for any last-minute changes.
- Enjoy the Atmosphere: Even with the closures, the marathon brings a unique and energetic vibe to Disney World. Embrace it!
Remember, these closures are for a great cause, supporting the runners and ensuring their safety. So, let’s cheer them on and enjoy the magic of Disney, even with a few detours!
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Meet the Author: Nate Bishop
I’m a die-hard Disney fan with 38 years of visits under my belt, having stepped into Disney World 120+ times. Proud to be a Disney Annual Passholder, a Vacation Club member since ’92, a Castaway Club Member, and a runDisney enthusiast. Oh, and I’ve graduated from the Disney College of Knowledge. Need Disney insights or planning tips? I’m your guy!
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