Marathon Weekend 2026

[Disney at Heart]

@TeeKo join us for DATW the Day After the Wace! It’s a mixed group of people who drink various kinds of drinks (e.g. water, soft drinks, cocktails, beer, bubble tea, slushies) and eat anything (e.g. baguettes, hotdogs, barbecue, pretzels, maple popcorn) as we get to know each other and bond over our race experiences—some with PRs, some who just happily crossed the finish line, and some with injuries and disappointments. You can join for the whole world tour or drop in and out. Someone posts here each time we move to a different country to accommodate fluidity.

Of course, first, we have a meet-up after the 10K at Hurricane Hannah’s outside the Beach Club/Yacht Club pool, so you can meet some people. (Or just lurk around until you feel comfortable that it is a great group) Everyone is welcome.

 

[Novatrix]

@TeeKo
Of course, first, we have a meet-up after the 10K at Hurricane Hannah’s outside the Beach Club/Yacht Club pool, so you can meet some people. (Or just lurk around until you feel comfortable that it is a great group) Everyone is welcome.

Next year will also be our 2nd annual Fantasia Mini Golf outing, which will begin a couple of hours before the HH meetup. They're in the same general area making it easy to walk to the meetup once done. All are welcome to join!

 

[The Expert]

Wait...what?!! Would you mind telling me the address of this publix? I am not overly familiar with anything outside the Disney bubble and we have started renting a car the past few trips (and LOVE IT) but I didn't realize there was a publix that close! We usually stop on the way into the resorts when we arrive at MCO -- on universal blvd I think? I have no idea but if there is a closer one to property, I would love to know this. Thank you so much--these boards are such a gem

The one up north is the Lakeside Village Center, at 7880 Winter Garden Vineland Rd, Windermere, FL 34786.



It will look like you're in areas you aren't supposed to be in until you turn onto Reams Road, but I assure you, these roads are open (aside from occasional Disney closures for fireworks). It is also how DH has managed to leave on marathon day in the past when most of the roads up in this area are closed.

The Celebration one mentioned is a good one if you're staying in the middle of property, like the Boardwalk or Springs area.




If you are at AK, you can sneak out via Sherbeth Road to the Orange Lake Publix over by Margaritaville. Just be aware that there's a MASSIVE shift change around 3pm and a LOT of CMs use this road to get to and from work.

 

[marty3d]

Next year will also be our 2nd annual Fantasia Mini Golf outing, which will begin a couple of hours before the HH meetup. They're in the same general area making it easy to walk to the meetup once done. All are welcome to join!

I missed the first one this year - if it’s happening again next year I might need to rethink my flights and come in Thursday for expo and make sure I can come to golf on Friday.

 

[prncssjas]

The one up north is the Lakeside Village Center, at 7880 Winter Garden Vineland Rd, Windermere, FL 34786.

OMG, Kim, you are a rockstar! Thank you so very much--I had NO clue. I really appreciate it.

 

[Zutroy]

OMG, Kim, you are a rockstar! Thank you so very much--I had NO clue. I really appreciate it.

Just FYI if you are staying at the Contemporary or Bay Lake that you cannot make a left turn into the parking lot of the resorts. Coming from the north on World Drive, GPS will get you to the resort but you can’t turn in. You’ll either have to drive past the resort and do a u-turn on Timberline, or drive around Floridian Way. It’s a huge PITA.

 

[pluto377]

Next year will also be our 2nd annual Fantasia Mini Golf outing, which will begin a couple of hours before the HH meetup. They're in the same general area making it easy to walk to the meetup once done. All are welcome to join!

Hopefully there won't be a bib snafu again so I'll actually be able to make it to mini golf!

 

[Novatrix]

I missed the first one this year - if it’s happening again next year I might need to rethink my flights and come in Thursday for expo and make sure I can come to golf on Friday.

Honestly, I'm going to head to the expo after the HH meetup. Worked in my favor this year with the bib snafus. Also, the only pieces of merch I care about (car magnet and ornament) were still in stock.

 

[marty3d]

Honestly, I'm going to head to the expo after the HH meetup. Worked in my favor this year with the bib snafus. Also, the only pieces of merch I care about (car magnet and ornament) were still in stock.

Hadn’t thought of that - that’s a good idea - thanks!

 

[nekonekoneko]

bib snafu again

During the Disneyland half bib pick up, they had a test timing mat in the middle of the room. You could walk through with your bib, and you should see your name pop up on the computer next to the mat if it was working properly.

 

[The Expert]

Just FYI if you are staying at the Contemporary or Bay Lake that you cannot make a left turn into the parking lot of the resorts. Coming from the north on World Drive, GPS will get you to the resort but you can’t turn in. You’ll either have to drive past the resort and do a u-turn on Timberline, or drive around Floridian Way. It’s a huge PITA.

Good call-out! No, you can't turn left back into the resort, despite what GPS may tell you. I usually U-turn at the pull-out just past the water bridge rather than go all the way down to Timberline. There's a pull-out on the opposite side so it is plenty wide.

 

[Disney at Heart]

Next year will also be our 2nd annual Fantasia Mini Golf outing, which will begin a couple of hours before the HH meetup. They're in the same general area making it easy to walk to the meetup once done. All are welcome to join!

Yes! I missed the inaugural mini golf outing. I want to be there next year, and with some luck, won’t hit anybody with an errant golf ball! I’m NOT good at any kind of golf!

 

[nancipants]

Yes! I missed the inaugural mini golf outing. I want to be there next year, and with some luck, won’t hit anybody with an errant golf ball! I’m NOT good at any kind of golf!

I’m terrible at mini golf, and I didn’t hit anyone!

 

[camaker]

I’m terrible at mini golf, and I didn’t hit anyone!

Only because I have good reflexes!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

OMG, Kim, you are a rockstar! Thank you so very much--I had NO clue. I really appreciate it.

I'll second the suggestion for the Celebration Pointe Publix. I used to always go to that one north of MK, but recently discovered the Celebration Pointe one - 1723 Future Wy, Kissimmee, FL 34747

It's just a few minutes further than the one to the north, but getting there is almost idiot-proof (just go south on World Drive until it dead ends) and just as easy coming back. And as @PrincessV noted the whole architecture and vibe of the shopping center and surrounding parcels there is pretty wild. Arguably the nicest Publix I've ever seen. There's also a Walgreens, 7-11 and several other shops/restaurants in the immediate surrounding area.

There's another Publix in Celebration more in the older part so don't let google search point you to that one, use the address above.

 

[Kerry1957]

I’m terrible at mini golf, and I didn’t hit anyone!

I remember you having a couple of Hole-in-Ones!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Got our accommodation booked today… BLT 1br from Wednesday to Monday! Hoping that’s a decent choice for marathon purposes but I have no idea how transportation works so just going with the flow!

You got great advice above so nothing earth shattering to add, but I've done CR for my two marathon weekends (and some other race weekends) and enjoy it as a race weekend home base.

Buses pick up and drop off in front of the convention center, so a small walk over from BLT, but not really material.

We usually rent a car but would always do the buses on race morning which I never really had any big problem with. Although for the 5k and 10k this year we drove and I think I liked that better on the margins - could better control the time, parking is easy, and you can leave at your leisure. CR/BLT share buses on the return with FW and WL so takes a bit of time to eventually get back. This is pretty minor though, I could easily go back to just bus and be perfectly happy.

Monorail for the half and full has been flawless so far (knock on wood).

One thing I did this year that I enjoyed - taking the monorail back after the half and full. Grabbed a coffee and one of those big donuts at the Joffrey's right by the Epcot monorail entrance, several other runners were doing the same so the monorail ride made for fun conversation with other runners and curious guests, and I found the extra walking/keeping moving helpful.

Assuming the weather is warm, there's something nice about lounging around either the pool or marina areas during the day with the quiet vibes of Bay Lake.

One either pro or con depending on your park habits and bedtime - MK fireworks are at 8pm that time of year, which is at least reasonably early if you'd like to watch then head to bed, or if you're in the park and then walk back. I'm boring and try to be in bed 7 to 8 or so and inevitably end up sitting there listening to firework booms while I'm trying to fall asleep, reciting the whole show in my head. I'm probably on the more early side of bedtimes though, and all-in-all it's a non-issue.

The Electrical Water Pageant is at CR/BLT around 10pm and it can be pretty loud if your room is facing Bay Lake so may be an issue for light sleepers, but probably a non-issue for most.

You may be planning to cook/eat in your room with your villa, but if you are looking for resort dining, don't sleep on Steakhouse 71 To Go mobile ordering as an alternative to Contempo Cafe (which I don't enjoy as much in recent years).

Sorry for the long reply!

 

[JackosinDIS]

You got great advice above so nothing earth shattering to add, but I've done CR for my two marathon weekends (and some other race weekends) and enjoy it as a race weekend home base.

Buses pick up and drop off in front of the convention center, so a small walk over from BLT, but not really material.

We usually rent a car but would always do the buses on race morning which I never really had any big problem with. Although for the 5k and 10k this year we drove and I think I liked that better on the margins - could better control the time, parking is easy, and you can leave at your leisure. CR/BLT share buses on the return with FW and WL so takes a bit of time to eventually get back. This is pretty minor though, I could easily go back to just bus and be perfectly happy.

Monorail for the half and full has been flawless so far (knock on wood).

One thing I did this year that I enjoyed - taking the monorail back after the half and full. Grabbed a coffee and one of those big donuts at the Joffrey's right by the Epcot monorail entrance, several other runners were doing the same so the monorail ride made for fun conversation with other runners and curious guests, and I found the extra walking/keeping moving helpful.

Assuming the weather is warm, there's something nice about lounging around either the pool or marina areas during the day with the quiet vibes of Bay Lake.

One either pro or con depending on your park habits and bedtime - MK fireworks are at 8pm that time of year, which is at least reasonably early if you'd like to watch then head to bed, or if you're in the park and then walk back. I'm boring and try to be in bed 7 to 8 or so and inevitably end up sitting there listening to firework booms while I'm trying to fall asleep, reciting the whole show in my head. I'm probably on the more early side of bedtimes though, and all-in-all it's a non-issue.

The Electrical Water Pageant is at CR/BLT around 10pm and it can be pretty loud if your room is facing Bay Lake so may be an issue for light sleepers, but probably a non-issue for most.

You may be planning to cook/eat in your room with your villa, but if you are looking for resort dining, don't sleep on Steakhouse 71 To Go mobile ordering as an alternative to Contempo Cafe (which I don't enjoy as much in recent years).

Sorry for the long reply!

Thanks!

Do the 5k/10k races start in the same place as the marathon, but just no monorail service for those?

As for early bed times I probably beat you as we’re coming from the UK so tend to pass out around 7pm!

 

[The Expert]

Thanks!

Do the 5k/10k races start in the same place as the marathon, but just no monorail service for those?

As for early bed times I probably beat you as we’re coming from the UK so tend to pass out around 7pm!

Barring any changes, yes. They all start from the Epcot parking lot and in the same staging areas. They only staff the monorail for the longer races. Also know that you will need to change monorails at the TTC. Going to the race, TTC is the first stop. Coming back, you're the last stop after switching to the resort monorail.

This year for the marathon, I took the monorail there and the bus back, just because I'm a late finisher and there's a lot of guest traffic on the monorail by the time I'm done. The buses are also much closer after the finish. Timing wise, with the extra stops, I'm not sure it saved me a lot of time, but I just didn't feel like dealing with crowds. Previous years I've taken the monorail both directions and agree the extra movement is beneficial. The nice thing is, you can make that call in the moment.

 

[PrincessV]

I'll second the suggestion for the Celebration Pointe Publix. I used to always go to that one north of MK, but recently discovered the Celebration Pointe one - 1723 Future Wy, Kissimmee, FL 34747

It's just a few minutes further than the one to the north, but getting there is almost idiot-proof (just go south on World Drive until it dead ends) and just as easy coming back. And as @PrincessV noted the whole architecture and vibe of the shopping center and surrounding parcels there is pretty wild. Arguably the nicest Publix I've ever seen. There's also a Walgreens, 7-11 and several other shops/restaurants in the immediate surrounding area.

There's another Publix in Celebration more in the older part so don't let google search point you to that one, use the address above.

I have friends who live in Celebration and was visiting them during my evacuation from Hurricane Milton - I mentioned that I was going to stop at my usual Water Tower Publix for more non-perishables to take home and they told me to check out the Celebration Pointe one… it seriously made my day! So stupidly fun.