Welcome to planDisney, Judith! Thank you so much for stopping by with your question. How exciting that you’ll be visiting
Walt Disney World Resort this January! With eight park days and a well deserved break day planned, it sounds like you have a magical trip ahead. I’d be happy to help you understand how runDisney might affect your visit and what to expect in terms of crowd levels and transportation during your stay.
Your trip from January 3rd to January 13th is actually a great time to visit Walt Disney World. While it’s close to the busy holiday season, it's been my experience that the crowds start to drop noticeably right after New Year’s, and by the middle of your stay the parks will feel much calmer compared to Christmas week. You’ll likely notice a bit of lingering busyness the first couple of days, but it should taper off quickly.
The
Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend does take place during your visit, January 7-11, 2026. The marathon typically brings a large number of runners and supporters, but the main impact is on transportation and traffic early in the mornings. Disney closes and reroutes some roads to accommodate the races, and buses may take longer to arrive or follow alternate paths. If you plan to be out early on race mornings, give yourself extra time to get where you’re going. If you’re staying on Disney property, transportation still runs smoothly, and Cast Members are very good about keeping guests informed.
The good news is that the races don’t cause major issues inside the parks. Most runners are finished by mid-morning and spend the rest of the day resting or casually visiting the parks. The crowd increase is noticeable but not overwhelming. Once Marathon Weekend ends, the parks become pleasantly manageable, with shorter waits and a more relaxed feel.
Overall, the marathon won’t significantly affect your vacation. The first few days may feel a little busier because of holiday travelers and race participants, but the rest of your trip will likely be calm and comfortable. It’s far from the chaos of Christmas week and generally one of the better times of year to enjoy the parks without major crowds.
Judith, it sounds like your upcoming January visit will be full of fun and flexibility, especially with eight park days and a chance to rest in between. With cooler weather, post holiday calm, and plenty of magic still in the air, this is a wonderful time to experience the parks at your own pace. Thank you for visiting planDisney with your question. I hope your days are filled with smooth travels, light crowds, and plenty of unforgettable Disney moments that make your trip truly special!
Kay