Arrival and expo
Tuesday 5 JanuaryRunners collect bibs at the expo. Companions can split off for a half-day.
- Half-dayGatorland
- EatDisney Springs
Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend 2027: spectator guide and weekend itinerary
7 to 10 January 2027 · ExpectedOrlando, United States
Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend takes runners a few hours and spectators all day. This guide gives supporters cheer points they can reach by public transport, plans the expo day and race eve around tired legs, and fills the recovery day in Orlando.
Know before you go
- Races start around 5:30 am. Spectators need park tickets for most viewing spots inside the parks.
Airport to Start: EPCOT
Orlando International (MCO) is 20 to 30 minutes from the parks; Brightline trains run to Miami.
Races run through all four Disney parks before opening.
Public transport directions to Start: EPCOT
Where to stay by budget
| Budget | Where | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Kissimmee | Cheaper hotels and vacation homes. |
| Mid-range | International Drive | Restaurants and shuttles to the parks. |
| Splurge | Disney and Universal resort hotels | Early park entry. |
Three hotels we would book
- Budget: Hampton Inn Orlando near Universal
- Mid-range: Universal's Endless Summer Resort
- Splurge: Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World
Day plans for the free hours
Built around the usual marathon weekend schedule for 7 to 10 January 2027. Session times change: check the official timetable and move the blocks around.
Day before the race
Wednesday 6 JanuaryRunners rest their legs: pick seated or slow outings, then an early pasta dinner.
- Easy outingAirboat ride with alligators
- EatEast End Market
Race day
Thursday 7 JanuarySpectators: pick two cheer points you can reach by public transport, then meet at the finish.
- Cheer pointMagic Kingdom castle run-through.
- Cheer pointEPCOT finish.
- EatICON Park restaurants
Recovery day
Monday 11 JanuarySore legs: boats, buses and long lunches beat walking tours today.
- Easy outingSprings kayak tour
- Rain or heat backupKennedy Space Center
Family-friendly picks
- Theme parks.
- SEA LIFE and ICON Park.
Evening and day-trip tours
After dark
- Disney Springs and CityWalk.
7 tours worth booking for Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend
| Tour | Length | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Gatorland | Half day | Families |
| Magic Kingdom ticket | Full day | Families |
| Universal Epic Universe | Full day | Families |
| Kennedy Space Center | Full day | Families, Bad weather |
| Airboat ride with alligators | Half day | Families |
| Springs kayak tour | Half day | Families |
| Dinner show | Evening | Families, Night owls |
Where to eat
Rainy-day backups
- Orlando Science Center.
- Crayola Experience.
Getting around on event days
- You need a car or rideshare outside Disney's own buses. ESPN Wide World of Sports is inside Disney property.
Day trips from Orlando
- Kennedy Space Center: 1 hour
- Daytona Beach: 1 hour
Bringing a group?
Corporate hospitality, fan clubs, teams and families travelling together: tell us the dates and group size and we will put together tours, transfers and a group dinner for Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend.
Plan a group tripQuestions people ask
When is Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend 2027?
The next edition is 7 to 10 January 2027, following the usual pattern. The organiser has not confirmed it yet.
How do I get from the airport to Start: EPCOT?
Orlando International (MCO) is 20 to 30 minutes from the parks; Brightline trains run to Miami. Races run through all four Disney parks before opening.
Where should I stay for Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend?
For most visitors the best base is International Drive: Restaurants and shuttles to the parks.
What else can we do around Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend?
Good short outings in Orlando include Airboat ride with alligators, Springs kayak tour, Gatorland. See the day plans on this page for a full schedule.
What is there for kids and families near Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend?
Family-friendly picks: Magic Kingdom ticket, Universal Epic Universe, Kennedy Space Center. Theme parks.
How far is Start: EPCOT from Orlando centre?
About 25 km in a straight line. Races run through all four Disney parks before opening.
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