Marathon Weekend 2026

[sandam1]

Adding to the hotel discussion, I was researching rates for our stay on the dark side (aka Universal) during MW and they are remarkable. We're looking at staying in the hotels closest to the new park since that's likely where we will be spending most of our time. The passholder rate for a standard room at Stella Nova (which has a walking path to Epic) averages at $101 per night. A standard room at Grand Helios (i.e. the hotel that is IN the park) averages $339 per night.

Right now, I'm thinking of a split-stay, splurging on Grand Helios for our post-race days. Fingers crossed that Universal finally releases an annual pass that includes Epic before January.

 

[LSUlakes]

All of this, AND check Expedia (they often have room blocks at Disney resorts and Swan/Dolphin), the Marriott app (for Swan/Dolphin/JW all on property) and also DVC rental sites.

I would love DVC as a option, but I doubt a room will be available that will be cheaper than pop. The other issue with DVC and Expedia is cancellation policy is nearly nonexistent.

 

[Herding_Cats]

I would love DVC as an option, but I doubt a room will be available that will be cheaper than pop. The other issue with DVC and Expedia is cancellation policy is nearly nonexistent.

What do you usually pay per night at Pop?

Points for SSR and OKW are basically *always* available in the dvc section of the boards here for $18/pp.

A standard studio at SSR is 12pts/nt Sunday-Thursday and 15pts/nt for Friday and Saturday. That comes out to 90pts/week. That’s $230/nt on average if you stay for a full week. It’s about a 7min drive to the Epcot parking lot, and walkable to a ton of food options at DS (and the resort busses at DS if you want to go eat at a resort restaurant and not deal with driving or a rideshare.)

OKW is slightly less at 10 and 14pts per night (78 for a week.) AKV is slightly more.

 

[The Expert]

Does the JW have runDisney bus access? I've stayed at the Swan Reserve for previous races, and buses do pick up from there, the Swan, and the Dolphin.

I stayed there for the Everest SS 5K a few years ago and there was a bus. We drove because we had a rental car and DH wanted to be at the finish, but when we went out to get in it, there was a bus sitting there picking up runners.

 

[Disneyhanna]

What do you usually pay per night at Pop?

Points for SSR and OKW are basically *always* available in the dvc section of the boards here for $18/pp.

A standard studio at SSR is 12pts/nt Sunday-Thursday and 15pts/nt for Friday and Saturday. That comes out to 90pts/week. That’s $230/nt on average if you stay for a full week. It’s about a 7min drive to the Epcot parking lot, and walkable to a ton of food options at DS (and the resort busses at DS if you want to go eat at a resort restaurant and not deal with driving or a rideshare.)

OKW is slightly less at 10 and 14pts per night (78 for a week.) AKV is slightly more.

The other reason I especially love renting for Marathon Weekend is the mini kitchenette. I love having a microwave, real mini fridge, sink and counter, and toaster. Perfect for toasting the bagel that I end up being too nauseous to eat at 2:30AM on my way to the bus.

 

[pluto377]

The other reason I especially love renting for Marathon Weekend is the mini kitchenette. I love having a microwave, real mini fridge, sink and counter, and toaster. Perfect for toasting the bagel that I end up being too nauseous to eat at 2:30AM on my way to the bus.

And access to hot tubs! I wish the values would add them.

 

[Let's Get Kronk]

Good afternoon, RunDisney All-Stars! The results are in for the round of 16 of March Magical Madness. Things went pretty much according to seed, with one minor upset when Ronto Roasters edged out the Brown Derby. Here are your results from the round:

Les Halles 20 -10 Karamell Kuche
Spice Road Table 10 - 18 Via Napoli
Brown Derby 13 - 16 Ronto Roasters
Baseline Taphouse 13 - 16 ABC Commissary
Skipper's Canteen 23 - 8 Pecos Bill's
Gaston's Tavern 9 - 23 Columbia Harbour House
Yak & Yeti 19 - 11 Tusker House
Flame Tree Barbecue 14 - 18 Satu'li Canteen

Voting is now open through Friday for the quarterfinals. Here's the bracket for the matchups:View attachment 948504

SAFD:

Skipper's Canteen
Satu'li Canteen
Via Napoli
ABC Commissary