runDisney Spectator Viewing Spots

Happy New Year! As we begin 2014, we are one step closer to Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend and all the fun it brings!

Today, I’m partnering with a  fellow group of runDisney enthusiasts for a Marathon Weekend blog hop in our very own “Virtual Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend”. Throughout this blog hop, you’ll learn all you need to know about the ins and outs of Marathon Weekend – take a look, you might learn something new!

I’m here to share a few tips on Spectator Viewing Points during the Half/Full Marathon. Please note, the tips I’m sharing are not a part of the ChEAR Squad – these are tips/points are for free viewing areas throughout race weekend.

Page 62 and 63 of the official Marathon Weekend Program (from runDisney) lists several possible viewpoints and time frames to choose from. I’m here to share our experiences and the locations my husband (and I) have used in the past.

First and foremost, be prepared to wake up bright and early! The 10K/Half/Full begin at 5:30 a.m. and buses stop transporting people at 5a.m. – to resume at 7 a.m. From experience, I spectated with a friend at the half several years ago. I ignored my alarm and woke up at 4:30 a.m. I arrived at the resort bus stop around 4:45 a.m. and a bus was still waiting – but by the time we neared EPCOT, the roads were already being closed for the race. The bus driver dropped us off near the TTC and that’s where I remained to spectate the beginning of the race. Just be prepared to wake up EARLY! Also, I know my husband has taken the boat from Wilderness Lodge before but I don’t know the hours of operation – you would have to check that with the resort front desk. 

The places we’ve found the easiest to get to and maneuver around are:

• The Ticket & Transportation Center (Mile 4 for the Half and Full) - begin by taking a bus from your resort to the family reunion area, then hopping on the monorail to the TTC; or, if staying at a monorail resort, take the monorail to the TTC

• After watching your runner pass at the TTC, walk the path (or take the monorail around) to the front of the Polynesian Resort (Mile 7 for the Half and Full) Please note: as seen in the photo above, there’s a lane separating spectators from runners)

• From the Polynesian, take the monorail (or walk back) to the Ticket and Transportation Center, then board a monorail to EPCOT. You’ll be able to see your runner as they near the finish line. Those with ChEAR Squad wristbands are the only ones allowed in the grand stands at the finish line.

• As an added bonus, for the Full Marathon - if you have your own vehicle and are able to maneuver past closed roads (ie, you know back roads) stop by the Animal Kingdom parking lot to see your runner pass around Mile 14

Another spectating option accessible even if you don’t purchase a ChEAR Squad package is Main Street in the Magic Kingdom. A running buddy’s wife tried out this option for the Half/Full Marathon in 2013 and I asked about her experience. Here’s what she had to say:

A ticket is not required to enter the Magic Kingdom as a spectator for the Half/Full Marathons. According to the program, the gates open around 5:30 a.m. ChEAR squad has a special roped off area, so I found a spot along Main Street for the Half and again in front of the castle by the partners statue for the Full.

There were plenty of cast members and a few characters that interacted with waiting crowd before runners arrived. I think the emporium was open and there was a cart with snacks and coffee etc available for sale. After watching my designated runners go by, I left before the park opened to the public. (According to the program, the cheering section on Main Street is closed at 8:30 a.m. – I’m assuming before the park actually opens to the public.) The crowds were not bad and most were willing to share their spots if your runner was approaching. Spots were easy to find.

A few spectator points and tips from Jason:

• Take into consideration the pace of your runner and how fast they are planning on running the race. If they are a faster runner, your time from point to point will be less.
• Arrive at your waiting point and be prepared to wait. You’ll be entertained by all the runners in costume – you might even want to snap a shot or two!
• Patience – You can’t walk up and get a rail-side view right away. If you wait for runners to pass and work your way up, you will have a better view.
• Also, you won’t see your runner more than 2-3 times, unless you have your own personal vehicle to drive from point to point. Be careful with your own vehicle, though – there are many road closures during the races. Study the road map and bring someone along who knows the back way.
• Be prepared for transportation malfunctions and no alternate routes. Remember, there’s a LOT of spectators and only a few modes of transportation. When one option malfunctions, it can get kind of crazy – remember to be patient. (Speaking from experience.)
• As a spectator, plan accordingly for weather. The weather has ranged from 80 degrees to 25 degrees during marathon weekend, prepare for anything!
• The best and most easily accessible places I’ve found for viewing points are the TTC, out in front of the Polynesian Resort, and near the finish line outside of EPCOT. Unless you have personal transportation, you’ll be able to access all of these viewing points using Disney transportation.
• Have your camera ready – you’d hate to wait for your runner to pass by, then miss the perfect shot because you weren’t ready.

Last but not least, I leave you with a funny spectator story.

After the Half Marathon in 2013 (it was SO hot), I told Jason that my friend Jenn’s parents bought her a Dole Whip mid-race and gave it to her in front of the Polynesian. Jason said he saw someone do the same. Never did I think we were talking about the same person…



Lo and behold, we WERE! Jason is all the way to the left of the above picture with Jenn and her parents. Small World, huh? Photo credit goes to Jenn.

Have you ever spectated at a Disney race? What’s your best tip to share?

Check out the other great topics runners have to share in our Virtual Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend Blog Hop below!

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