[dznygrl]

The reason I ask is because DH and I are considering signing up for the WDW marathon. Not necessarily for intense competition, but for good motivation to stay in shape over the nasty AK winter, and for fun. I know it gets packed around marathon time, but if we were able to go a little before or after, would the crowds thin out enough you think?

That's probably a stupid question. I know January (besides the marathon) is pretty dead. I just want some reassurance.

Oh, and some of you will be wondering what happened to my countdown/our trip, and why on earth I'm asking about another time of year! My advice? Just don't ask. Don't even bother...I have no idea when I will ever be going to WDW again. I don't think ANYBODY knows! I'm just...um, keeping my options open!

[E&B's Mom]

Dznygrl:

I recently started distance running (last November) and am hoping to do a half-marathon in October (although I had minor surgery a few weeks ago which really set back my training) and my ultimate goal would be our local marathon in April (when I'm turning 40 - birthday present to myself). It's a lot of work, and I'm having trouble fitting it all in with my kids activities.

I started out with 2 miles on the treadmill, because I was so out of shape and had slowly gained 15 pound over the last 5 years (alot on a person who is only 5'1"). As the 2 miles got easier, I decided to train for a local 10K (which I finished in under an hour - my goal - in late May). I added a mile every three or four weeks, until I reached that goal. That is when I got the distance running bug. I was having so much fun with it until the surgery a few weeks ago, now it's a little frustrating.

Anyway, it's awesome excercize. I lost the 15 pounds in a few months, and I feel incredible. I highly recommend the book Marathon Training for Dummies.

Good Luck. Even if it's hard at first, keep at it - it's so worth it. See if you can shoot for a smaller goal in the short term, like a local 5K or 10K.

[EmpressJenny]

January is a better time than summer or spring break, but I still don't think it's as quiet as Sept./Oct. I'd say the crowd levels are around a 4 or 5.

[Cavey]

Originally Posted by EmpressJenny

January is a better time than summer or spring break, but I still don't think it's as quiet as Sept./Oct. I'd say the crowd levels are around a 4 or 5.

No way!!! I've gone twice in January (and once in early December). The only lines you see at these times are at MK for the major attractions (all under 20 minutes). Everything else is walk-on.

This past January, we did ALL of Fantasyland PLUS HM PLUS Barnstormer PLUS Peter Pan TWICE in only 90 minutes!!!!!

It's not uncommon to see CM's out in front of attractions ASKING people to come ride.

I've ridden the following rides twice in a row without even getting off: Test Track, Peter Pan, Splash Mt., & Dinosaur.

And, Kim, this was the week just before the Marathon.

[EmpressJenny]

Cavey have you gone in Sept./Oct?

[TravelingMatt]

When is the Disney Marathon? Do they offer a Half-Marathon as well?

[SandrA9810]

There is a half marathon the day before, it was in the last disney insider email.
And just because it is dead generally, doesn't mean that it won't be a little bit more busy that day than usual. Plus all annual passes will be in effect, so people might come out for the day just to see it.

[tragic312]

january is a nice time to go to WDW because the crowds are small and the temperature is warm and comfortable. good for you that you want to run the marathon. we were there for the marathon during our last trip but didn't know it was going on until we saw all the runners. i would love to do it one day. again, good for you that you want to do the marathon!!!

[KarenWDWCP]

I went in 1999 the week before the marathon ( I think the marathon fell on our last or next to last day in WDW) and the crowds were basically non-existant. Almost everything was a walk on or 10 minute wait or less. It may have gotten more crowded toward the end of the week but nothing like the busy season. I wouldn't worry about the crowds. Good luck with your training!

[Cavey]

Originally Posted by EmpressJenny

Cavey have you gone in Sept./Oct?

Admittedly, no.

I just checked page 35 of the Unofficial Guide. MK attendance Sept-Oct is around 25,000 people per day. Early December is 17,000. Early January is about 30,000.

So, you are right!

However, I will add having been there in early-December and in January, I didn't notice much difference in crowds.

[llama]

Well, I've been there in Sept-Oct. and January and there is NO comparison. January wins hands down. We're so spoiled that if we have to wait more than 15 minutes we pass by the attraction and come back when we can just walk on. The only days in January which are a little more crowded are the 1st and 2nd and MLK weekend. We've been there during the Marathon for the last 3 years and have never noticed an significant increase in crowds. The AK last year was positively empty. How empty? Ever had your own bus for the Safari?

[Cavey]

Originally Posted by llama

How empty? Ever had your own bus for the Safari?

Yes, until a CM noticed me driving off and alerted security.

[mickaholic4077]

Was it Simba One,Cavey?????

[Dana]

Have you cancelled your fall trip or are you taking another one? I feel lost here. Anyhoo, January is a great time to travel to WDW for the marathon or not. No crowds and nice weather.

[krixiedust1977]

January is the perfect time to go to DIsney. There is no crowds. The weather is awesome too.