Walt Disney World Marathon 2025

Join Mickey Mouse and other legendary characters from the classic Disney era and have more fun than ever at this year's Walt Disney World Marathon!

The Walt Disney World Marathon was first held in 1994. Created as part of the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, it was designed to offer a marathon and a variety of other races (5K, 10K, a half marathon, and more) to its participants.

This magical marathon has always been known for running through all four Disney theme parks (Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, and Disney's Hollywood Studios), offering runners a unique experience throughout their race.

One of the biggest draws of the race and its most exciting feature is the opportunity to meet and interact with beloved Disney characters. Runners often stop for photos with characters like Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and Disney princesses along the course!

Disney hosts the marathon as part of its runDisney Health and Fitness Expo, and many runners participate in the race to raise funds for charitable causes. By now, the event has raised millions of dollars for local and national organizations.

The Disney World Marathon Weekend is scheduled to take place from January 8 to 11! Be prepared for this whimsical journey! It will be held at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, near Orlando, so pack your bags and prepare for a trip!

What to Expect When Attending Walt Disney World Marathon 2025

Disney is known for its entertainment, and the marathon is no different. At numerous points, the course features live music, cheerleading squads, and other forms of entertainment with a nostalgic Disney twist, including Disney-themed cheer zones.

The exceptional individual race medals they get will warm the hearts of each participant. Disney’s medals are highly sought after and are designed with a unique theme each year. They feature popular characters or iconic symbols from Disney parks. Some medals are even interactive, with elements that move or light up!

All four races and the challenges start early in the morning, at 5 AM, while the main race starts at 4:30 AM. The four races include the 5K Marathon, 10K Marathon, Half Marathon, and the main Walt Disney World Marathon.

Notable challenges are the Dopey Challenge, which covers 48.6 miles across all four Disney theme parks, and Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge, known simply as Goofy Challenge.

The race takes runners through Magic Kingdom’s Cinderella Castle, one of the most iconic photo opportunities on the course. Pleasing moments are also found in EPCOT’s World Showcase and Animal Kingdom's Expedition Everest.

The marathon course runs through Magic Kingdom, where runners pass through Cinderella Castle. The course also takes runners down the park's main street and past other landmarks like the Tomorrowland and Fantasyland areas. Another central park on the course is EPCOT, where runners will travel through the World Showcase, passing by the pavilions of different countries. The final stretch of the marathon culminates in EPCOT's Future World near the iconic Spaceship Earth.

For the 2025 Walt Disney World Marathon, Orlando can expect mild winter weather, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to low 70s°F (13-22°C). Dress comfortably and enjoy; it will be a pleasant day!

Tickets

All entries are sold out! If you haven't enrolled for the marathon weekend, come to cheer for the runners and have a fantastic experience while discovering the magic of this decades-long tradition!

Security Protocols

• Participants and spectators will undergo bag checks at the race start at the health and fitness expo, and near other event areas. Only small bags or clear bags are allowed.
• Security is present at all entry points, with both uniformed and plainclothes officers. Security personnel will monitor the race course for the safety of runners and observers.
• Items like large bags, drones, coolers, and alcohol are prohibited.
• Medical teams are positioned throughout the race course and at the finish line, ready to assist with any health issues.

How to Get To or From the Event

Here are some options on how to reach the venue:

• If you're staying at a Disney Resort hotel, you’ll have easy access to the marathon via Disney’s complimentary transportation system. Disney offers buses that run from the resorts to the starting line at EPCOT. These buses start running early in the morning to ensure participants get to the race on time.
• If you’re driving to the marathon, there are parking areas available at EPCOT, the main venue for the race. However, parking spaces can fill up quickly, so arriving early is advisable.
• Public buses are available, though they may require transfers and can be less direct than other methods. Mears Transportation offers shuttles from the airport and hotels around Orlando, but you’ll want to check the schedule to ensure you arrive on time.

Walt Disney World Marathon 2025 Bag Policy

Remember, you can't carry large bags to the venue. Participants can check their bags at the start line at EPCOT. There will be designated bag drop areas near the starting corral, where you can leave your belongings before the race. These bags are stored in trucks and transported to the finish line,

For spectators, there's no area at EPCOT where you can store your luggage!

If you're traveling with luggage, Bounce is here to take your worries away!

Our platform provides safe places to store your luggage worldwide, including the Orlando area! Contact us through our website or our mobile app and we’ll get you booked in no time. Bounce will take care of your belongings and help you enjoy this festival.

Walt Disney World Marathon 2025 Bag Storage

Create Magnificent Memories While Bounce Keeps Your Luggage Safe

The process is simple because all you have to do is contact a Bounce partner.

A Bounce partner is someone who helps you find the perfect spot in your preferred area in town to store your luggage.

The price to store your bags is only $4.10 per day. With $10,000 in Bounce SHIELD protection and no cancellation fee, you can relax and have a pleasant stay in this city. We also offer 24/7 support if you have any questions.

How to Stow Your Bag at Walt Disney World Marathon 2025

• Book: Choose your location, contact a Bounce partner, and pay online.
• Head to the location: After arriving at the chosen location, show your confirmation and leave your luggage.
• Support this important event: Go to the venue and participate in everything this special weekend offers!

How to Make the Most Out of Walt Disney World Marathon 2025

• Prepare for the race: To ensure a positive experience, follow a solid marathon training plan. Make sure you're prepared for the 26.2 miles, especially considering the early start times and potential crowd pressure at the start. The race is known for its festive atmosphere, so pacing yourself and staying hydrated is essential​!
• Consider wearing a costume: Many runners choose to wear fun Disney-inspired costumes. If you're up for it, dress in a fun costume that aligns with your favorite Disney character or theme. Not only is this part of the fun, but it also adds to the overall experience of running through Disney parks!
• Get a good viewing spot: For spectators, plan your viewing spots ahead of time. Popular areas are near the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT, where you can see runners multiple times. Arrive early to claim a spot along the route!

This is a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience running with Mickey Mouse and other Disney characters! Come to Walt Disney World Resort, store your bags with Bounce, and seize the moment!