Where to stay for Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend: Disney resorts with race transportation, hotels near EPCOT, value picks and race-week tips.
Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend takes over Disney every January, with a 5K, 10K, half marathon and full marathon, plus the Goofy and Dopey challenges for runners who want to stack races. Start times are before sunrise, which means your hotel choice decides whether race morning is a calm bus ride or a 3 a.m. scramble for parking.
Rooms on Disney property sell out early for race weekend, and for good reason. This guide covers where runners and their cheer squads stay, the trade-offs between on- and off-property hotels, and the race-week tips experienced runDisney runners swear by.
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Each area has trade-offs. Here is how they compare.
Race-morning buses from your resort
runDisney has traditionally run early-morning transportation from Disney resort hotels to the start area, which is the biggest reason runners stay on property. Confirm current transport details in your race information.
Close to the start and finish areas
The BoardWalk, Beach Club, Yacht Club and nearby resorts put you close to EPCOT, a popular post-race celebration spot.
About 10 to 15 minutes by car
Off-property hotels nearby cost less and have more space, but you will drive and park on race morning.
Compare live rates for your dates on each hotel before you book.
| To | Approx. drive |
|---|---|
| EPCOT (from EPCOT-area resorts) | Walk or 5 min |
| ESPN Wide World of Sports (race expo) | 10–15 min |
| Disney Springs | 10 min |
| Orlando International Airport (MCO) | 30–35 min |
Times are without traffic. Allow extra time on weekday rush hours and event days.
Disney resorts fill fast once race dates are set. Book a refundable room early, then adjust once you know your race plans.
Race-morning temperatures in January can dip into the 40s, then climb into the 70s by afternoon. Pack throwaway layers for the corral.
Restaurant reservations around Disney Springs and the resorts go quickly on race weekend. Book pasta night well in advance.
A spa appointment or a slow afternoon by the pool beats a full park day right after 26.2 miles.
Real, bookable experiences with live prices and traveler reviews.
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Free cancellationA Disney resort hotel is the easiest choice because of race-morning transportation. EPCOT-area resorts are closest to the start and finish areas, and value resorts like Pop Century are a runner favorite on a budget.
Every January. Check runDisney for this year's exact dates and race schedule.
Yes, but plan to drive and park very early on race mornings. Lake Buena Vista and Bonnet Creek hotels are the closest options off property.
