Marathon Weekend 2025

[Naomeri]

I'm less concerned about the medals than the hats. I want my hat, dammit!!!

Me too!

 

[GollyGadget]

I'm less concerned about the medals than the hats. I want my hat, dammit!!!

The year they stop giving away Mickey ears is the year I stop running the marathon. What's even the point if I can't wear a silly hat around the parks the rest of the day?

 

[Naomeri]

Good news everyone: the dockworkers have agreed to postpone their strike until after MW, so that part of the supply chain is safe

 

[The Expert]

This is most likely going to be a one-and-done Dopey Challenge for me, so I really want a Dopey shirt.

We will definitely make sure you get one! I'm Platinum Club rD and while I don't want to abuse the privilege, I will 100% help secure a must-have item for folks in this community.

And yeah... I said one-and-done too. I'm training for my third Dopey right now.

 

[The Expert]

Pro tip for first-timers looking forward to the marathon ears: GET THEM EMBROIDERED! I didn't even think of it after finishing my first marathon, but have done so after both my Dopey finishes. You can get a name, date, time, whatever you want on them at MK. The shop is kind of hidden in the back corner of the expo hall, on the right as you come in. Fair warning that it can take some time to get it back with thousands of racers doing the same (like maybe not same day), so plan accordingly for park access. Or (I think) you can have them shipped. Someone correct me if that's wrong.

 

[nancipants]

Pro tip for first-timers looking forward to the marathon ears: GET THEM EMBROIDERED! I didn't even think of it after finishing my first marathon, but have done so after both my Dopey finishes. You can get a name, date, time, whatever you want on them at MK. The shop is kind of hidden in the back corner of the expo hall, on the right as you come in. Fair warning that it can take some time to get it back with thousands of racers doing the same (like maybe not same day), so plan accordingly for park access. Or (I think) you can have them shipped. Someone correct me if that's wrong.

This is the nice part about being local - I can bring my hat to be embroidered whenever I want!

You can also get the ears painted at the Christmas shop!

 

[GollyGadget]

Pro tip for first-timers looking forward to the marathon ears: GET THEM EMBROIDERED! I didn't even think of it after finishing my first marathon, but have done so after both my Dopey finishes. You can get a name, date, time, whatever you want on them at MK. The shop is kind of hidden in the back corner of the expo hall, on the right as you come in. Fair warning that it can take some time to get it back with thousands of racers doing the same (like maybe not same day), so plan accordingly for park access. Or (I think) you can have them shipped. Someone correct me if that's wrong.

Fully agree on getting them embroidered! I've included a photo of my first ears from 2018 below. They've changed the machines since then and no longer embroider colons ) but will embroider times with periods instead. Last year I just went with my name .

I've always gotten my ears back within an hour from the MK shop (it's in the gift shop as you exit the Mickey Mouse meet & greet). However, I've also always dropped them off around lunch time so likely before they get too backed up. There used to be a shop at Disney Springs that would embroider but I've heard that isn't the case anymore (someone please correct me if that's wrong). However if park tickets are a concern, you can get the front of the ears decorated at the Christmas shop at Disney Springs. I've never done this, but lots of folks have and it's nice that you can see the detail and and the front of the hat at the same time.

 

[cburnett11]

Pro tip for first-timers looking forward to the marathon ears: GET THEM EMBROIDERED!

I’ve never done this but thought there were other places to get this done too so I looked it up in case people were wondering…

“While you can take care of this at places like Fantasy Faire and Box Office Gifts in Magic Kingdom Park, Cast Members can also embroider Mickey Mouse Ear Hats at Gateway Gifts in EPCOTand Disney's Wonderful World of Memories in Disney Springs.”

 

[The Expert]

I’ve never done this but thought there were other places to get this done too so I looked it up in case people were wondering…

“While you can take care of this at places like Fantasy Faire and Box Office Gifts in Magic Kingdom Park, Cast Members can also embroider Mickey Mouse Ear Hats at Gateway Gifts in EPCOTand Disney's Wonderful World of Memories in Disney Springs.”

That's really good to know. I remember asking a CM after my first Dopey (2022) and was told MK was my only option when the HS shop stopped doing it. I'm really glad to see they've added more places back. I had forgotten about the painting option at DS!

 

[pinkxray]

We are flying home Sunday, the day of the marathon. I’m hoping to fly home that am vs. afternoon. We are staying at WL. I have been staring at the marathon road closure map from last year and I can’t tell if WL is impacted. I know Fort Wilderness avoids the marathon but not sure about WL.

 

[jmasgat]

We are flying home Sunday, the day of the marathon. I’m hoping to fly home that am vs. afternoon. We are staying at WL. I have been staring at the marathon road closure map from last year and I can’t tell if WL is impacted. I know Fort Wilderness avoids the marathon but not sure about WL.

The course has changed since last year. Here's a look.....

https://wdwnt.com/2024/09/2025-disney-world-marathon-course-start-time/

The runners veer off of World Drive before they reach Timberline. You should be able to exit Timberline, then go down World Drive to Vista Blvd and head out that way.

 

[Mr_Incr3dible]

Recent studies have shown that you dont need to get protein in as quickly as they used to say. Muscles remain sensitive for protein for up to 24 hours after a hard workout! I always try and get protein is as quickly as I can, but I also like to respect my appetite in that moment and sometimes protein is not what I want straight away!

I'm wondering about the protein shakes on the store shelf near the protein bars. Put one of them in the checked bag to drink post-race and you get protein plus something chocolate milk-y like @DopeyBadger was talking about.

 

[Mr_Incr3dible]

Also....one-and-done. Muahahahahhahahaha. Suuuuuuuuure.

What she said.

 

[KCO5988]

Is there information posted about the food trucks ahead of the race?

I'm wondering about the protein shakes on the store shelf near the protein bars. Put one of them in the checked bag to drink post-race and you get protein plus something chocolate milk-y like @DopeyBadger was talking about.

Fairlife is amazing. I buy it in bulk at Costco and drink it after all my tempo/interval runs. It's my motivation for the hard days haha.

 

[Herding_Cats]

Re: ear embroidery

There has, historically, been embroidery available in DS in the shop attached to Art of Disney. However, this past January, when DH and I were walking through there after the marathon, that part of the store was empty. Like....everything in it was gone. Now, could it have been an interior remodel? I guess? We haven't been back since, but it seemed quite odd that they would close that. Can anyone who has been there recently comment on that?

 

[DisneyParrothead]

Is there information posted about the food trucks ahead of the race?

Fairlife is amazing. I buy it in bulk at Costco and drink it after all my tempo/interval runs. It's my motivation for the hard days haha.

I'm in the Fairlife camp as well. I'll drink it at lunch after my runs, and it's great for protein and calcium. I've backed off on calcium supplements since I'm getting well over 100% calcium with those.

 

[nancipants]

I'm watching a video from this year's marathon, and can we please manifest the Dapper Dans singing the National Anthem again?

Or, alternatively, who would you love to see perform the anthem? I'd also love the Casey's Corner pianist or Main Street Philharmonic.

 

[Herding_Cats]

I'm watching a video from this year's marathon, and can we please manifest the Dapper Dans singing the National Anthem again?

Or, alternatively, who would you love to see perform the anthem? I'd also love the Casey's Corner pianist or Main Street Philharmonic.

I vote Dapper Dans again. It. Was. So. Good.

I wouldn't be sad if Jordan Fisher and Angie K sang it.

 

[nancipants]

I vote Dapper Dans again. It. Was. So. Good.

I wouldn't be sad if Jordan Fisher and Angie K sang it.

Jordan Fisher voiced my favorite character in the new She-Ra. I really need to rewatch that with my son.

 

[runwithperseverence7]

Is there information posted about the food trucks ahead of the race?

Fairlife is amazing. I buy it in bulk at Costco and drink it after all my tempo/interval runs. It's my motivation for the hard days haha.

Fairlife chocolate milk with a protein powder is my long run go to. After a marathon, I have a muscle milk or fair life shake on hand to get my protein in. I’ve never drank one without refrigeration though.