Staff Writer Lani Teshima’s most recent installment of her series on the Walt Disney World marathon discussed the issue of spectators (link). Here are Lani’s responses to a sampling of letters from readers on the same subject:
Becky writes:
Do the spectators have to pay to get into the Magic Kingdom?
Hi Becky – Spectators do not have to pay admission to go into the Magic Kingdom, but you are also not allowed to stay once the park opens.
Tim Misencik writes:
My daughter is running in the January marathon in Orlando. Can you tell me or direct me to information on how spectators gain entry to watch the marathon? What is required and is there a limit to the number of people who can view the marathon.
Hi Tim – I’m assuming you are writing to me because you’ve had a chance to read my article about being a spectator for the Walt Disney World Marathon.
What you really need to do, as mentioned in the article, is coordinate with your daughter to determine where you want to see her from. All the details published in the official booklet she received is printed at the end of my article. There is no limit on the number of people allowed to enter the parks to watch the marathon, assuming you want to be in one of the parks. There are many other locations where you can see the marathoners without entering the parks. You will not be required to show an ID card or even to provide the running number of the person whom you are cheering. That said, the only park you can enter without any admission at all is the Magic Kingdom, for the early portion of the race. This is because the runners go through this park before it opens to the public. If you wish to view from parks such as the Disney Studios or Animal Kingdom, you must pay for admission into the park as a regular park visitor.
Chris Szeles writes:
I have a few questions about the Disney marathon. This is my husband’s first marathon and most of our family is coming to watch and cheer him on. We rented a house off property due to the number of us. Because we are staying off property I am worried about getting into the park and getting around. Where is the best place(s) to view the race? Is it difficult for spectators to get around once the race has started ? Are we better off planting ourselves toward the finish and just staying there?
I read somewhere and I can not remember where but there is the a chip we can purchase that lets us know when he crosses each mile marker. If so, how do I find out more information about this?
Hi Chris – Since you are coming from off-property, you have to deal with parking issues. They will provide free parking for you before the marathon begins, and once you are on-property to spectate, you can use the regular Disney transportation that they will have running for the marathon spectators.
The location of the best place to watch depends on a number of factors, including whether you want to be closer to a park, in a park, along a quiet stretch so that it is easier for your husband to see your family, or if being at the finish line area is important.
The chip you mention is not something you need to purchase. Every official entrant in the marathon is required to wear a ChampionChip, as this is what provides the official time for the event. Runners can purchase their own commemorative chips, but most people just use the one that is given to them when they pick up their running number. These contain little microchips that identify each of them with a different serial number, and is registered as they step over key locations where race officials lay out sensors on the ground. Last year for the first time, Disney tied the sensor readings into a system that allowed you to track people’s movements on the Internet. If they do that this year, your husband will need to make sure to sign up for the program, since otherwise they will not publish his number in the system.
[Since the original correspondence to Chris, Disney has announced the availability of the participant tracking system again, this time including half-marathoners.]
Craig Stockel writes:
Our daughter is among the throngs who will be running. I know there is some info on the website, but wondering if you can provide some good tactical advice on how to observe a runner, how to avoid too many parking fees, how to use the monorail efficiently to get to strategic viewing areas, etc.
We’re not certain that trying to be at the start makes any sense because we’ll be hard pressed to pick her out. However, knowing she runs about a 10-minute mile, we’ll be able to plan a little bit as to where we might be able to view her race.
Hi Craig – How exciting that your daughter is running, and how wonderful that you will be there to support her!
You are correct in that it is extremely difficult to spot anyone near the beginning. It’s usually very crowded, you have to keep your eyes peeled among the throngs, and worse, it is still dark! That said, there are a lot of people who line Epcot Center Drive and cheer people on near the start of the race.
My understanding is that parking is free for marathon spectators early in the morning, so you won’t have to worry about that. That said, one thing that most people don’t realize is that once you pay for parking for a day at ANY of the WDW lots, you can hold onto your receipt and show it at any of the other lots; you will be allowed to park for free for the rest of the day without paying additional lot fees.
One thing you don’t mention is whether your daughter is running the full or the half-marathon. This will affect the locations that I would recommend for spectator viewing. One place that is always popular is Main Street in the Magic Kingdom, although it gets quite crowded. The area by the park entrance is also a good spot as well.
Jon writes:
Thanks so much for your guide. As a three-time participant I can tell you, you are right on the money with your advice. Now for my question. For the first time ever, I get to be a spectator for the half! Because we are traveling Friday, I am not going to be getting up at 3:00 AM Saturday. My plan is to get up at 6:00, and take the bus to Epcot and monorail to the Ticket and Transportation Center and cheer on our “Walkers”. Their pace is 15:00, so that should be fine, and they will have a cell phone. I can modify the plan to Main Street, if necessary.
The question/problem is that the official guide has conflicting information about getting to Epcot. On one page (12) it says “last bus leaves at 4:00,” on another page (34) it says, “buses will continue throughout the morning.” So which is it? Do I have to be on a bus at 4:00, or can I wait until 6:00?
Hi Jon – I suspect the 4:00 AM time is referring to half-marathon participants and the time they are required to arrive at the starting area. You should be able to sleep in and still cheer for folks on Saturday morning. To verify, the participant in your party can double-check when going to the expo to pick up their packet.
Have a wonderful trip!
Cindy Southgate writes:
Thanks for all the information on the Disney double. I was just wondering if you know how and when we will get our Goofy medals. Right at the finish, or later at the awards ceremony?
Hi Cindy – How and when Disney plans to distribute the Goofy medals is a big mystery for all of us. Some of the guesses include a different running bib that is worn for both events and that is validated after successfully completing the half, so the Goofy is given out at the finish line for the full… a special ceremony and medal distribution at Pleasure Island on Sunday night (although how many folks would be up to that after both runs?), or having the Goofy medal mailed to the homes after the fact.
Personally, I’m hoping they will figure out a way to pull the Goofy participants to a different queue at the finish line on Sunday. That would be so awesome.
Don Sgobbo writes:
I signed up and paid for the half marathon. I would like to change that to the full marathon on Sunday and will send in the extra money. Can you give me information on how to change it, and send in the money? Thank you
Hi Don – My understanding is that once you sign up for one event, Disney does not let you switch over. That said, since neither event is officially full, you might want to contact them at disneysports@emmi.com.
Congratulations on your commitment to lead a healthy lifestyle!
Sherry Wilk writes:
I’ve read the pacing requirements etc. and read your great piece on this issue (link). Do you think they are really going to sweep people off the course at 2.77 miles if you are doing a 16.30 mile? What’s the real story here, and what are they going to do with all those Team in Training people who can’t make it?
I have walked the Disney Half and worried about the same issue in 2003. I didn’t have a problem but a half is not a full! Is there going to be any leeway here? It takes me a couple of miles to warm up then I can usually maintain a 15:30 – 16:00 minute mile pace. I cannot imagine training this hard and long and getting swept off the course for being less than a minute behind pace.
Hi Sherry – That is a good question. Unfortunately it’s one that I can’t answer, because I don’t work for Disney. It seems to me they decided to get very specific with their pacing information just to cover their bases. And I honestly cannot see that they could sweep so fast in the event, but who knows? Also, one thing to keep in mind is that if folks are at the borderline at 2.77 miles, would they be able to get in gear and not only start going faster, but fast enough to make up for whatever slow time they had at the start?
Sounds like you might be right at the border. I wish I could tell you that they WON’T sweep at mile 3, or that they’ll continue to let you walk. I would be surprised if they sweep so early in the course, but after what happened this past January, I really wouldn’t put anything past them.
You have almost three months. One thing you might consider is working these next few months on trying to improve your starting pace. Maybe you can learn to do some warm-ups or stretches as well so you are more limber when the race starts.
Keep on training!
Rose Savage writes:
I am told that the marathon is flat and that there are only two inclines, is that true? How long are the inclines, for example 0.25 miles?
How do they treat walkers? Will there be plenty of water left for us as we take the 7 hours to complete the event?
Hi Rose – The Walt Disney World Marathon is almost as flat as a pancake, with the exception of the following:
There are a few portions where you have to go up a freeway overpass. These are very mild grades but the may be noticeable.
A portion of the street as you near the Contemporary Resort is an underpass. There is a slight portion where you go downhill, and then have to go uphill as you emerge from the underpass. As with the overpasses, this is short. The grade is a bit steeper but the distance isn’t long.
There are also a few very mile and almost imperceptible grade changes here and there, such as when you are coming out of the castle, but nothing you would even be able to classify as a hill.
Mark Brockman writes:
Is there a course map for the full marathon on January 8 posted somewhere? Your description is quite helpful, but I’d like to see the map too. Also, is the start time 6AM? I’m registered through the Arthritis Foundation and have not received any specifics yet. Thanks.
Hi Mark – You can find the course map for the Walt Disney World Marathon at http://www.disneyworldmarathon.com.
Once there, click on “Event Info” for the full marathon, then under the “All About This Event” side bar on the right column, select “Course Map.” That is a link to an official map in PDF form.
[Editor: The start time for the race is 6 AM. You can find that and other details at the link Lani provided above.]
Tracey writes:
My husband has pointed me at your site because I’m planning to enter for the 2008 half marathon when entry opens in January. I could really do with a couple of hints or tips on a couple of things, so if you can help with any of the following I’d really appreciate it.
- We’re planning on staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge which we love. Are there any running tracks / courses there or around there?
- Can we use facilities at Disney’s World of Sports?
- I currently use an energy drink which I buy in powdered form and mix when I need it. Is there anyway I can get this out to the Animal Kingdom without being stopped at customs?
Thanks for a great site, I read the marathon guides and it made me want to be running it right then and there, so I know what to do if I need motivation now! Many Thanks for any help you can give.
Hi Tracey – 1. Animal Kingdom Lodge (AKL) does not have formalized running tracks, but it does have a spacious top-notch fitness center next to its pool, available without charge to all AKL guests. The facilities include cardio equipment including treadmill, as well as weight-lifting equipment. Also, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding places to run around on resort grounds. You can always check at the concierge desk, but about the only thing you will need to watch out for is that most of the roads connecting the various parks and hotels on property do not have sidewalks, and the road leading to Animal Kingdom Lodge is a bit narrow. So you will need to watch out for traffic.
2. Disney’s World of Sports is not a fitness center. Although it does have a weight room, for example, these are reserved for the athletes who are there to train or compete at the facility officially. Think of the World of Sports more like a sporting arena, where the public gets to go and be spectators. Professional Major League Baseball, as well as the National Football League both have teams that train there during the off-season.
3. Regarding your drink mix–you should have no problem getting it past security at the airport. You ask about customs, though, so I’m not sure what your concern is based on. Are you worried that your drink mix includes some ingredients that are illegal in the U.S., such as prohibited animal parts? U.S. Customs cares only about items specifically on their list of prohibited items. You can read the complete list at their Web site (link) to see if any of the ingredients in your drink mix are listed there.
If your concern is that you are bringing a powdered substance into the U.S., as long as there are no illicit drugs in there I don’t think it will be an issue. However just to be on the safe side, you might want to bring the mix in its original canister/container, properly identifying its contents and listing its ingredients. You might even consider bringing an unopened one, so that they can tell it hasn’t been repackaged with something else.
Generally, though, most airports have canine units that sniff for illegal items through the checked luggage, and I’m sure an energy drink won’t cause a beagle to think it’s something illegal.
Hope these answered your questions.
Rae Mills writes:
Speaking from both sides of the water table I think every runner should volunteer at a race at least once. After participating in the before dawn experience of setting up a water stop or cutting up what seems like a ton of oranges, they will definitely appreciate what it really takes to organize a running event.
Hi Rae – I agree, Rae. I think volunteering in general, whether for a race (or for other things, like working as a poll worker) is great experience! It’s not only enlightening and exciting, but also humbling. I’ll try to remember to thank them as I jog past them, even if I’m feeling hot and tired.
Anita Brockway writes:
Do you know if Disney will have the technology for all our friends/family that can not make the event, to track our progress? I know other large marathons have offered that thru some service. So people can log on enter your bib number and then track your progress. Anyway, if they are do you know what the address is or how to log on?
Hi Anita – Disney offered this service for full-marathoners this past January. It would be nice if they offer it again for next month, but there is no official information about it yet. If you are registered, keep an eye out in your email newsletter from them and hopefully there will be some mention of it. If I recall, the notice about this was emailed in the last week before the marathon.
Disney is introducing the Disneyland Half-Marathon (in September 2006) to let all of the left-coast dwellers in on the Disney running fun. Registration is still open. Lani answers some questions on the inaugural Disneyland race:
Jeff Van Ry writes:
Do you know if Disneyland is planning to add a full marathon to their events in the future? I assume the half is 1) an attempt to gauge interest; 2) intended as a warm-up for the Disneyworld Marathon and; 3) is not supposed to compete with it’s older sibling.
I intend to run in the half next year, but I would really prefer to run a full marathon. Since I live on the West Coast it is much easier than flying all the way to Orlando. (With all the cost of a WDW vacation, I can’t justify taking that much time away, from my trip and kids, to run a marathon.) Plus I want the bonus of running in the inaugural event.
Hi Jeff – It’s really hard to know for sure. As you suspect, it’s quite possible Disneyland is feeling out how such an event would work out for the California park. Disneyland has considerably different issues than its Florida siblings, including the fact that the course will be run on regular streets.
That said, Disney has registered the “disneylandmarathon.com” domain name, so they may at least be covering their bases.
Hannah writes:
Way out East here in the great state of NY there is rumor of the first ever, Disneyland Marathon in Sept.2006. If this be true, how do I get the details? I’m a 5 time veteran of the WDW Marathon and would love to participate in this inaugural marathon.
Hi Hannah – Well, yes and no. Yes indeed, you’ve heard right. That is indeed true–except that it is a half-marathon, not a full one! Registration opened up last month to those who were on some kind of marathon announcement list at Disney (but I don’t know who they sent it out to, since it sounds like you did not get one). We made the announcement earlier this fall and provided links to the Disneyland Half-Marathon (link for the article, and link to the registration link directly).
If you haven’t done so already, Hannah, I encourage you to sign up for free on our MousePad discussion boards (link) and join us in the Team MousePlanet forum, where we discuss the various Disney races (as well as about general fitness and health). That way you will have people you can visit and meet when you fly out West for the Disneyland Half-Marathon.
Keep on runnin’!
Tom writes:
Can you please e-mail me the Half Marathon registration form? Thank you in advance for your help!
Hi Tom – I am assuming you are interested in a Disney Half-Marathon. If you wish to register for the Disneyland Half-Marathon scheduled for next fall, you can visit their Web site (link) and download the form, or register online directly.
If you are considering running in the Walt Disney World Half-Marathon in Florida held in January, registration for that filled up some months ago. You will be able to go to their Web site (link) and register after the January marathon events, probably on January 16 or so. Thanks for writing!
Oleg Chaikovsky writes:
Do you know when information on volunteering for the Disneyland Half marathon and Family Fun Walk might go up on the web?
Hi Oleg – Good question! I suspect that information will probably be available sometime next year. My wild guess is perhaps in the spring. Since this is the inaugural event, it’s hard to predict some things.
