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runDisney Spectator Guide: How To Cheer At Disney World Race Weekends

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Once upon a time, in a Walt Disney World far far away in 2019, runDisney cheer sections were epic! Along the courses, runners could expect to see friendly faces with snacks, drinks, and awesome race signs to keep them going. As with many things in the post-2020 world, the rules and expectations have changed. If you are cheering on a runner at an upcoming event, here is your runDisney spectator guide so you’ll know how to cheer at Disney World races.

rundisney spectator guide cheering at disney world

runDisney Spectator Guide: How To Cheer At Disney World Race Weekends

As we all know, the world has changed- and that includes how runDisney allows spectators to cheer a race.

Here is your spectator guide for runDisney events so you know how to cheer safely at a Walt Disney World race weekend.

Best Locations For Cheering runDisney Events

The ChEAR packages did not come out for the 2024-2025 race weekends at the time of this writing.

That may mean they are a thing of yesteryear, or they may simply still be in the evaluation phase.

So you can’t count on those premium locations being available for your cheering needs.

Here are the official suggestions from runDisney for your cheer squad.

rundisney race spectator with sign

Wine and Dine Spectator Cheer Locations: runDisney spectator guide

We’ll update for each race as we know more, but this is the official scoop from runDisney.

No spectators will be allowed on highways or overpasses at this time.

If a park is open, you can see your runner along the routes inside the park. But if it is still closed when they run through, that will not be an option.

Where to Cheer the 5K Wine and Dine Runners

LOCATIONTIMEDETAILS
Start – Epcot Explore Parking Lot5:00 a.m. – 6:00 a.m.Accessible via Epcot Explore Parking Lot
Finish – Epcot Explore Parking Lot5:15 a.m. – 7:30 a.m.Accessible via Epcot Explore Parking Lot
finish line rundisney 5K is a great place to cheer and spectate a runDisney event
The Finish Line is a great place to spectate ALL runDisney races.

Where to Cheer the 10K Wine and Dine Runners

LOCATIONTIMEDETAILS
Start – Epcot Explore Parking Lot5:00 a.m. – 6:10 a.m.Accessible via Epcot Explore Parking Lot
Mile 4- Hollywood Studios Parking Lot5:20 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.Walk from the Boardwalk hotels OR park in the Hollywood Studios parking lot. Should be able to see runners near the Skyliner station.
Mile 5- Boardwalk Hotel5:25 a.m. – 8 a.m.If you are staying at the Boardwalk Hotel area, you should be able to see runners around mile 5 before they enter Epcot. Could possibly take an Uber or Lyft to this location but you will not be allowed to park in the hotel parking lot.
Finish – Epcot Explore Parking Lot5:25 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.Accessible via Epcot Explore Parking Lot

We cheered at the finish line for this race in 2021.

How we got there:

  • Took an Uber to Epcot.
  • Was dropped off in the Epcot parking lot at the standard Uber/Lyft drop-off.
  • Walked over to the edge of the race course and stationed ourselves on the railing.

You can also take the race bus to Epcot.

One note: since Marathon Weekend 2022 there has been a different security setup, so you will need to go through Epcot security to get to the same location we ended up at in the future.

complete stragner rundisney 10K wine and dine 2021
This was taken before you got to the spectator’s stadium seating. We stood on the edge of the finish line chute with plenty of room to see and cheer the runners on!

Where to Cheer the Half Marathon Wine and Dine Runners

LOCATIONTIMEDETAILS
Start – Epcot Explore Parking Lot5:00 a.m. – 6:20 a.m.Accessible via Epcot Explore Parking Lot
Mile 3- Boardwalk HotelIf you are staying at the Boardwalk Hotel area, you should be able to see runners around mile 5 before they enter Epcot. Could possibly take an Uber or Lyft to this location but you will not be allowed to park in the hotel parking lot.
Mile 4- Hollywood Studios Parking LotWalk from the Boardwalk hotels OR park in the Hollywood Studios parking lot. Should be able to see runners near the Skyliner station.
Finish – Epcot Explore Parking Lot5:55 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.Accessible via Epcot Explore Parking Lot

If you check out the runDisney race maps for the Wine and Dine, you’ll see that the half and 10K both go through the Boardwalk resort area.

boardwalk runners

If you are staying at these resorts, you should be able to walk out to the racecourse and cheer your runners on.

If you are NOT staying at these resorts, it is unclear how likely you will be able to take an uber or drive and park in the lot in order to cheer.

Be prepared to be turned away as parking lot security has tightened a bit over the past 2 years.

Marathon Weekend Cheer Spots

2025 5K Spectator Locations

LOCATIONTIMEDETAILS
Start – Epcot Parking Lot5:00 a.m. – 6:00 a.m.Accessible via Epcot Parking Lot
Finish – Epcot Parking Lot5:30 a.m. – 7:30 a.m.Accessible via Epcot Parking Lot

2025 10K Spectator Locations

LOCATIONTIMEDETAILS
Start – Epcot  Parking Lot5:00 a.m. – 6:00 a.m.Accessible via Epcot Parking Lot
Finish –Epcot Parking Lot5:30 a.m. – 7:45 a.m.Accessible via Epcot Parking Lot

Hollywood Studios: You could also cheer here if you have a car and can make it to Hollywood Studios. This would be about mile 4 on the route and you’ll cheer right by the Skyliner.

Boardwalk Area Hotels: If you are staying at the Boardwalk Hotels or can get an Uber to one of them, you can also cheer along the Boardwalk between miles 4 and 5.

You’d want to go to the Boardwalk Inn side of things as the race does not go past the Beach or Yacht Club.

Spectators at the start line of the 5K and 10K will have stadium seating. You can also line up along the course in the parking lot where runners loop around after going through the start line.

2025 Half Marathon Spectator Locations: runDisney spectator guide

LOCATIONTIMEDETAILS
Start – Epcot Rocket Lot4:30 a.m. – 6:00 a.m.Accessible ONLY by foot from Epcot Parking Lot
Mile 3.7 – Ticket & Transportation Center5:15 a.m. – 7:15 a.m.Take monorail from Epcot to Ticket & Transportation Center
Mile 4.4 – Disney’s Contemporary Resort5:15 a.m. – 7:15 a.m.Accessible to guests staying at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Mile 4.8 – Magic Kingdom Park- Main Street, U.S.A. Area5:15 a.m. – 7:30 a.m.Take monorail from Epcot to Ticket & Transportation Center, exit monorail and walk down ramp, follow overhead signs and take the monorail to Magic Kingdom Park. *Theme park admission ticket not necessary before 7:30 a.m.*
Mile 6.7 – Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa5:15 a.m. – 7:45 a.m.Accessible to guests staying at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Mile 7.1- Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort5:15 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.Accessible to guests staying at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Finish – Epcot Parking Lot5:45 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.Accessible via Epcot Eve Parking Lot

We spectated at the TTC and the Epcot Bus station locations.

Taking the Monorail from Epcot was quick and easy transportation for spectators that allowed us to bypass any road closures.

In our case, we:

  • Took the race bus from the resort hotel to Epcot.
  • Went through race security at the Epcot entrance.
  • Boarded Monorail.
  • Changed Monorails at the TTC. Took the Magic Kingdom monorail.
  • Entered Magic Kingdom. We decided there wasn’t enough room for us on Main Street since our signs were HUGE and reversed back to TTC.
  • Found a spot at TTC to cheer! This was an excellent place to see our runners go by.
disney world marathon spectators
Cheering at the TTC was easy for the half and full marathons. The same location should work for Princess Half Marathon cheering as well!

2025 Full Marathon Spectator Locations

Walt Disney World® Marathon ONLY

LOCATIONTIMEDETAILS
Start/ Mile 4.5 – Epcot Center Drive5:00 a.m. – 7:15 a.m.Accessible ONLY by foot from Epcot Parking Lot
Mile 9.0 – Ticket & Transportation Center5:30 a.m. – 8:15 a.m.Take monorail from Epcot to Ticket & Transportation Center
Mile 9.8 – Disney’s Contemporary Resort5:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.Accessible to guests staying at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Mile 10.3 – Magic Kingdom Park- Main Street, U.S.A. Area5:30 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.Take monorail from Epcot to Ticket & Transportation Center, exit monorail and walk down ramp, follow overhead signs and take the monorail to Magic Kingdom Park. *Theme park admission ticket not necessary before 7:30 a.m.*
Mile 12.0 – Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa5:45 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.Accessible to guests staying at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Mile 12.5- Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort5:45 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.Accessible to guests staying at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Mile 16.5 – 17 – Disney’s Animal Kingdom9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.In park viewing is accessible to guests who purchase theme park tickets that are valid on race day
Mile 23.1 – 23.3 – Disney’s Hollywood Studios 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.In park viewing is accessible to guests who purchase theme park tickets that are valid on race day. Guests must take WDW Transportation (buses or FriendShip Boats).
Mile 24 – 24.4 – Disney’s Boardwalk6:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.Accessible via Disney’s Boardwalk
Mile 24.6 – 25.3 Epcot10:00 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.In park viewing is accessible to guests who purchase theme park tickets that are valid on race day
Finish – Epcot Parking Lot5:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.Accessible via Epcot Parking Lot
If you want to cheer on Main Street, arrive early! Take the runDisney race bus to Epcot and then the monorail to Magic Kingdom. But you really need to be on one of the first buses to get a great spot for cheering along Main Street as this fills up quickly!

Princess Half Marathon Weekend Cheer Spots

Ready to cheer on your favorite Princess?

Here are the best cheer locations for spectators at the 2024 runDisney Princess Half weekend.

princess half marathon weekend half marathon map 2024
2024 Princess Half Marathon Race Course Map

2024 Princess 5K Spectator Locations

LOCATIONTIMEDETAILS
Start – Epcot Explore Parking Lot5:00 a.m. – 6:00 a.m.Accessible via Epcot Explore Parking Lot
Finish – Epcot Imagine Parking Lot5:30 a.m. – 7:30 a.m.Accessible via Epcot Explore Parking Lot

2024 Princess 10K Spectator Locations

LOCATIONTIMEDETAILS
Start – Epcot Explore Parking Lot5:00 a.m. – 6:00 a.m.Accessible via Epcot Explore Parking Lot
Finish –Epcot Imagine Parking Lot5:30 a.m. – 7:45 a.m.Accessible via Epcot Imagine Parking Lot

Hollywood Studios: You could also cheer here if you have a car and can make it to Hollywood Studios. This would be about mile 4 on the route.

Boardwalk Area Hotels: If you are staying at the Boardwalk Hotels or can get an Uber to one of them, you can also cheer along the Boardwalk between miles 4 and 5.

You’d want to go to the Boardwalk Inn side of things as the race does not go past the Beach or Yacht Club.

2024 Princess Half Marathon Spectator Locations: runDisney Spectator Guide

LOCATIONTIMEDETAILS
Start – Epcot Rocket Lot4:30 a.m. – 6:00 a.m.Accessible ONLY by foot from Epcot Parking Lot
Mile 3.7 – Ticket & Transportation Center5:15 a.m. – 7:15 a.m.Take monorail from Epcot to Ticket & Transportation Center
Mile 4.4 – Disney’s Contemporary Resort5:15 a.m. – 7:15 a.m.Accessible to guests staying at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Mile 4.8 – Magic Kingdom Park- Main Street, U.S.A. Area5:15 a.m. – 7:30 a.m.Take monorail from Epcot to Ticket & Transportation Center, exit monorail and walk down ramp, follow overhead signs and take the monorail to Magic Kingdom Park. *Theme park admission ticket not necessary before 7:30 a.m.*
Mile 6.7 – Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa5:15 a.m. – 7:45 a.m.Accessible to guests staying at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Mile 7.1- Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort5:15 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.Accessible to guests staying at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Finish – Epcot Imagine Parking Lot5:45 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.Accessible via Epcot Eve Parking Lot

EPCOT Bus Drop Off: You should also be able to catch your runner as they re-enter Epcot near the bus drop off area.

2024 Springtime Surprise Spectator Locations

  • 5K: only available at the start and finish lines in the Epcot parking lot.
  • 10K: only officially available at the start and finish lines in the Epcot parking lot, but the route does encompass the Boardwalk. If you are able to make it to one of those hotels, you can see runners there. You can also see the runners as they enter Epcot from the Epcot bus stations. This would be between miles 2 and 3.
  • 10-Miler: only officially available at the start and finish lines in the Epcot parking lot, but the route does encompass the Boardwalk. If you are able to make it to one of those hotels, you can see runners there. You could also cheer from the Hollywood Studios parking lot if you are able to get to that location. The race starts at 5am so the runners will be through these areas well before Disney transportation begins running. It may be a challenge to see them at Hollywood Studios unless you have a vehicle. You could potentially Uber/Lyft to the Boardwalk hotel area (but your mileage may vary on if security will let you through). You may also see the runners as they enter Epcot from the Epcot bus stations. You’d park in the Epcot parking lot and walk all the way to the right in order to see the runners re-enter the park. This would be between miles 8 and 9.
funny rundisney race signs rundisney marathon weekend

Can You Hand Out Drinks Or Snacks To Your runDisney Runners?

Unfortunately, no, you cannot hand out drinks or snacks to runners along the runDisney racecourses anymore.

You can share fun race signs and ring those cowbells!

Spectator Tips For runDisney Events: runDisney spectator guide

  • Bring a sign! They really help make the miles go by for the runners on the course.
  • Be loud! Clap, cheer, encourage, cowbell- whatever works for you can help keep the energy up for the runners on the course.
  • Know what your runner looks like! This is HUGE- and helpful if your runner is in costume. Picking out a Goofy Hat is easier to see than someone in basic black Nike athletic gear!
  • Wear something distinct so your runner can find YOU! A bight shirt or big hat is always a good way to stand out in the crowd.
  • Stay to the end if you can. The Back of the Pack is the most wonderful experience of the human spirit to witness, and they will appreciate you for staying!

We hope this runDisney spectator guide will help you cheer those magical miles!

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How to cheer the Disney World Marathon and all runDisney races. Spectators Guide.
runDisney spectator guide

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