runDisney Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend 2027 | Stay 10 Min from Disney

Orlando Event

runDisney Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend 2027 | Stay 10 Min from Disney

January 6–10, 2027
Walt Disney World Resort
10 minutes from Parkside Retreat
Official Event Website

Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend is runDisney's flagship event — five days, seven race options, and finish-line medals featuring your favorite Disney characters. From the 5K to the 26.2-mile full marathon (plus the notorious Goofy and Dopey multi-race challenges), Marathon Weekend draws tens of thousands of runners and their families to Walt Disney World every January.

Make Parkside Retreat your race weekend headquarters. Our 6-bedroom home sleeps up to 14 — ideal for running groups traveling together or families with a cheering squad in tow. Use the full kitchen for pre-race pasta dinners, recover in the private pool after crossing the finish line, and celebrate with your crew in the game room. We're just 10 minutes from Walt Disney World, close enough for those 5 AM race starts, and you'll save compared to on-property Disney resorts while getting far more space for the whole crew.

Event Questions

Frequently asked

runDisney's Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend 2027 runs January 6–10, 2027. The weekend includes the 5K, 10K, half marathon, and full marathon — plus the Goofy Challenge (half + full) and Dopey Challenge (5K + 10K + half + full).
Parkside Retreat is a 6-bedroom vacation rental in Kissimmee, just 10 minutes from Walt Disney World. Sleeping up to 14, it's ideal for running groups, families with cheer squads, and multi-family trips. You'll save significantly compared to Disney resort hotels while getting a private pool for post-race recovery and a full kitchen for pre-race pasta dinners.
runDisney races typically start at 5:00 AM. From Parkside Retreat, the drive to Epcot's marathon staging area is about 10 minutes — early morning traffic is minimal, so most runners plan to leave 60–75 minutes before their start time to park and reach their corral.
For groups and families, yes. A 6-bedroom home like Parkside Retreat costs less per night than two Disney resort hotel rooms, while offering a private pool for post-race recovery, a full kitchen for carb-loading meals, and space for cheer squads traveling with the runner. We're just 10 minutes from the parks — close enough for those early race starts.
Absolutely. Marathon Weekend overlaps with the start of EPCOT's Festival of the Arts, and all four Walt Disney World parks are open during the race weekend. Non-running family members can enjoy park days while the runner rests, then meet up in the evenings for celebration.
runDisney weekends fill up fast. We recommend booking your lodging 6–9 months in advance — race weekends typically see rental prices climb as inventory tightens, and larger group homes like Parkside Retreat book earliest.

Your Home Base

Stay at Parkside Retreat

  • 6-bedroom villa, sleeps up to 14 guests
  • Private heated pool & spa
  • Game room with arcade machines
  • Full kitchen & laundry facilities
  • 10 min to Disney, 12 min to ESPN Complex

The Real Cost of a Hotel vs. One Comfortable Home

Hotels look cheaper at first - until you factor in multiple rooms, fees (parking, resort fee, etc), and limited space. Our home offers room to relax, amenities you'll actually use, and a better overall value.

July 2026

Room 1
Room 2
Room 3
Parkside Retreat
$495
Embassy Suites
$768
Disney Swan
$795
Stella Nova
$2,376
Helios Grand
$1,086
JW Marriott
$1,074
Hilton Orlando
$401
Parkside Retreat

The Real Comparison

Hotels charge per room. You'd need 2-5 rooms to match our guest capacity.

Your Savings

$698+

per night vs. 3 hotel rooms

Private Pool
Game Room
Kitchen
Free Parking
No Resort Fees

Guest Experiences

Family of 8 and plenty of space! The house is walking distance to the pool and clubhouse. The house was clean and had absolutely everything we needed! If we ever make a trip back to the area, we will definitely try and stay here again!

Jennifer · June 2025

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