2014 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend Schedule
Goofy high-fives finishers at the 2013 Walt Disney World Marathon. (Photo: runDisney)
No Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend Meet-Up
I’m attending the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend as press courtesy of runDisney, and I just got word from the folks there that there will be no Meet-Up for the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend this year. With four races over the course of four days for the first time in the history of the event, it’s understandable. I’ve interviewed a number of folks on the runDisney team about the logistics of putting on these events. It’s mind-boggling. Don’t believe me? Read the article I wrote about it, Planning Disney Races Takes More Than Magic. But runDisney says they will be doing plenty of Meet-Ups later in the year. So stay tuned for those.
I know that will disappoint many runners who were hoping to get in on a possible Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend Meet-Up this year. But there are plenty of other events to keep you busy while you’re not running.
Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend Schedule
Disney’s Health & Fitness Expo
Wednesday, January 8, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Thursday, January 9, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Friday, January 10, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday, January 11, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
This is free and open to the public. So many great vendors and gear to get you tricked out for the race.
Pasta in the Park Party
Thursday, January 9 – Saturday, January 11, 2014
Buffet Dinner 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth 9:00 p.m.
Location: Epcot World ShowPlace Pavilion
This is currently 89 percent full, so buy tickets while you can. I’ve been to the Pasta in the Park Party at Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend and Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend, and had a blast both times. At Princess, I brought my niece and nephew, who learned how to hula hoop and met a few of their favorite princesses. It was a big hit with the kiddos.
Family Reunion Breakfast
Thursday, January 09, 2014
7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Location: Epcot
Friday, January 10, 2014
7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Location: Epcot
After the Disney Family Fun Run 5K or Walt Disney World Marathon 10K. Tickets to the Family Reunion Breakfast will be on sale at the Expo. Children under the age of 3 are free. If you run the race and then hit the breakfast, where you can meet and greet Disney characters, it’s a lot like attending the Meet-Up.
Cool Down Party at Downtown Disney
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Location: Downtown Disney
Entrance to the party is free and open to the public. Wear your race medal and get discounts at number of Downtown Disney merchants from 4:00 p.m.- 10:30 p.m. There’s food, music and more. It’s a lot like a giant block party.
For more information about all the events happening at the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, read the Official Event Guide.
As a member of the media, runDisney is giving me complimentary race entries, hotel and park tickets for the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend. I buy my own airfare, most meals, etc. As always, all opinions are purely my own. Disney does not give me talking points, post requirements, story suggestions or the like. As with everything, I choose what I write about, when I write about it, and always give my honest opinion. I firmly believe in being honest about my experiences and Disney is no exception. For more, read my Disclosure Policy.
About Karla Bruning
Karla Bruning hosts On The Run for New York Road Runners. She used to report for Newsweek but spent her free time squeezing in workouts. Now she freelances as a running reporter. She's run 7 marathons, 15 halves, 4 triathlons, sings in an '80s cover band, spoils her dog and travels compulsively.
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I have to admit I think it’s a good thing they aren’t doing a meet up, the “excitement/ anticipation” of RSVPing for these events was getting a little out of control. The meet-ups are fun and interesting, but definitely not worth the obsessing that was going on over them.
Danielle recently posted..Travel Race Recovery Tips
I’ve sat at a computer for hours trying to get into a race–the most recent Marine Corps Marathon comes to mind. So I get that it’s frustrating. But so few people get to attend the MeetUps. I’m glad they’re focusing on the events that thousands of people are going to and not the event that has maybe 100 people.
Karla Bruning recently posted..2014 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend Schedule
Great point, the time/ energy should really be going to the bigger event.
Danielle recently posted..EXTRA! EXTRA! Read all about it!
i’m about the BIGGEST disney fan out there, adding running to the mix, and these races are like my dream vacation!
i’ll get there one day…until then, please have double fun for me this year. 
Thanks, Cait! I’ll do my best to have triple fun since I’m running 3 races. Hope you get to run Disney some day!
Karla Bruning recently posted..2014 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend Schedule