Greetings fellow Rope Droppers,
It’s back to work and back to school for many folks this week. And if you’re lucky enough, it’s back to the parks for a bit of magic.
Whether you’re near or far, we’re keeping you close to this week’s happenings plus some new promotions that might make your next trip a bit easier on the wallet.
Gabe
If you’re headed to Walt Disney World this weekend and you’re seeing suspiciously athletic adults in themed tutus at 6:00 a.m., you’re not hallucinating: Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend is in full swing through Sunday, with a different race each morning.
This is one of those “Disney trips within the Disney trip” weekends, so here’s the quick FAQ, whether you’re chasing a medal, cheering from the sidelines, or just trying to get to breakfast without accidentally joining the Dopey.
So…why do people do this?
Because it’s part race, part costume party, part nostalgia machine. You get on-course characters, a huge shared “we’re all awake for this??” energy, and a very specific kind of souvenir: a finisher medal that somehow becomes the most displayed object in the house.
Is this only for serious runners?
Nope. Marathon Weekend includes distances that are friendly to first-timers, and runDisney publishes training programs to get you there. The key is pacing: runDisney requires participants to maintain a 16-minute-per-mile minimum pace.
Personal sidenote: I used to think these were only for hardore runners. So what changed my mind? I once photographed the WDW half for local media coverage, and got inspired by all of the runners crossing the finish line. It convinced me I could, too! (Though I’ve gone as far as a full marathon, the 10k is more my distance as of late.)
What should I expect if I’m visiting, but not racing?
Two words: early mornings. The 5K and 10K tend to wrap up so early that the parks are usually fine by “normal human” hours. The bigger impact is typically the longer weekend races (half/full), when road impacts can stretch later into the morning.
Also: road closures are real during run weekends, often starting in the wee hours and lasting into the morning on longer race days (exact roads/timing vary by event and year). Translation: if you drive, build in a big buffer, especially if you have breakfast reservations, an early tour, or you’re trying to rope drop.
Should you avoid Walt Disney World on a race weekend?
Depends what kind of trip you want:
Good time to visit if you’re staying on-site, don’t mind a “busy hotel lobby at dawn” vibe, and you’re flexible on mornings.
Maybe pick another weekend if you’re driving in daily from off-site, hate traffic surprises, or you’re trying to stack early-morning plans across multiple parks.
Planning ahead: dates are now posted into 2027
If you’re the kind of person who plans Disney well in advance (respect), here are next season’s Walt Disney World race weekends on the calendar:
Race Weekend | Dates | Public Registration |
|---|---|---|
Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend | October 22-25, 2026 | February 10, 2026 |
Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend | January 6-10, 2027 | March 17, 2026 |
Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend | February 25-March 1, 2027 | June 2, 2026 |
runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend | April 15-18, 2027 | July 7, 2026 |
Newbie tip: Various race distances are offered on each weekend, not just the headline distance.
If you’re racing: good luck, have fun, and enjoy the one moment in life where a 4:00 a.m. bus ride feels normal.
Would you participate in a runDisney race?
Adventure Sets Sail: Disney Adventure has departed (finally) Germany and is Singapore-bound via Freeport (ETA Jan 14), Port Canaveral, Los Angeles, and Tokyo. Maiden voyage launches March 10, 2026. (Disney Cruise Line Blog)
Fewer Shows: Heads up: Disney Starlight is mostly down to one nightly run at 7:45 p.m. Jan 1–17, with second shows only on select Fri/Sat (10:00/10:30ish). Expect beefier curb crowds on single-show nights… the second show is usually the easier get. (BlogMickey)
Jessie’s Roundup: Jessie, Woody, and pals lasso the Diamond Horseshoe May 26 to Sept 8 for an AC-friendly western revue with crafts, dancing, and yodeling. It’s part of Cool KIDS’ SUMMER; timing and logistics still to come. (Disney Parks Blog)
Magic Shot Mania: Magic Kingdom just added character Magic Shots - Stitch, Mickey, Minnie, Zootopia, Tink - on those castle bridges and lawns; grab a PhotoPass stop as you pass the hub (wdwinfo.com)
Refurb Radar: Pete’s Silly Sideshow is closed for tent repairs. The calendar points to at least early March. Minnie & Goofy now meet near the Storybook Circus entrance and Donald & Daisy by the railroad station. (BlogMickey)
Refurb Radar: Cinderella Castle shifts from 50th pink back to classic gray/blue with moat draining and morning cranes starting around Jan 28; equipment drops by noon daily, so plan those castle pics after lunch. Shows keep running with small tweaks, and the repaint wraps late 2026. (Disney Food Blog)
Disney dropped new promotions for Summer 2026 this week. ICYMI, they are basically two different products: a clean room discount and a bundle that locks you into a longer room + ticket package.
Room-only: “Early Summer 2026 Room Offer”
Disney is advertising up to 30% off select resort rooms for stays most nights May 1 to October 4, 2026.
The structure is straightforward: the best rates tend to apply to longer stays at more premium resorts, and there are room-type exclusions.
RDR take: This is the better starting point if you want flexibility (tickets later, fewer park days, split stays, or you’re not sure what promos might pop up next).
Package: “Summer 2026 Package Offer” (2 free nights + 2 park days)
Disney is offering two free room nights and extra theme park days when you buy a qualifying room-and-ticket package (with a minimum length and other eligibility rules).
It’s valid for visits most nights May 26 to September 15, 2026, and it has a tight booking window: January 6 to February 15, 2026.
This one is tied to non-discounted package pricing, and availability/exclusions apply.
RDR take: This can be a real win if you were already planning a longer on-site trip with tickets. But because it’s a bundle, it’s easy to “save” on paper while paying more than a discounted room + separate tickets would cost.
Quick rule of thumb
Already have tickets / want flexibility: start with room-only.
Planning 6+ nights with tickets and want the simplest bundle: price the package first, then compare against room-only.
One extra lever for families: Disney says some summer offers can pair with the free dining plan for kids ages 3-9 when you buy a qualifying package that includes dining for the 10+ crowd…worth checking if that’s your age bracket.
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