There are multiple areas of Walt Disney World Resort that are under construction, but that’s not all that’s happening at “The Most Magical Place on Earth.”
From February 22-26, runDisney will be hosting the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend. The runDisney Princess 10K and Marathon events offer participants the enchanting opportunity to combine the magic of Disney with the exhilaration of running. Whether it’s the whimsical 10K or the challenging marathon, these races take participants through the heart of Disney’s most beloved parks, adding an extra sprinkle of fairy dust to every stride. Runners adorned in princess-themed attire grace the courses, their determination shining as brightly as Cinderella’s glass slipper.
As a result, Disney World has issued new traffic restrictions to accommodate the runDisney event for later this week. This will impact multiple Disney resorts, including Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.
“Several roads will be operating under traffic restrictions or will be closed completely to accommodate runDisney events on the following dates:
- February 24, 2024 from 3:00 a.m. through 7:30 a.m. for the Disney Princess 10K
- February 25, 2024 from 3:00 a.m. through February 25, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. for the Disney Princess Half Marathon
Please allow for additional travel time. We appreciate your understanding for any inconvenience,” the Disney World website states.
You can find all the course information, race expectations, and much more on runDisney’s official website. This year, the event celebrates “the ways we are all heroes” as guests run through both Magic Kingdom and EPCOT.
“In 2024, the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend invites you to join us in a celebration of the ways we are all heroes, every day. Because each step forward, each act of kindness, each smile at a stranger… these are the moments that define your character—and can change the world. Join us for a race (or three!) and discover a brave, new hero or heroine within with a whole lotta heart. Together, let’s celebrate all of life’s courageous moments––start lines, finish lines and everything in between.”
Outside of the event, it should be noted that there are more updates happening at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, as well, which guests should take into account. The hotel is undergoing refurbishments, and construction around the resort is happening during daytime hours.
“Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is currently undergoing refurbishment. Guests will be able to see and hear construction around the resort – including the lobby – during daytime hours. Most Resort hotel amenities will remain available. Please allow for extra travel time,” Disney shares.
Despite the construction, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort remains one of the most popular choices for Disney World guests making their way to the theme parks, especially for runDisney weekend.
What attractions are currently closed at Walt Disney World Resort?
If you’re planning to be at Walt Disney World this coming weekend during the Disney Princess 10K and the Disney Princess Half Marathon, there are a few things you should know.
First, expect crowds to be rather heavy from February 22-26. As runners make their way in for the big race, they typically also want to enjoy a little Disney magic inside the Disney World parks. Keep in mind that multiple attractions are currently closed down, as well, which can lead to wait times rising at other areas of the theme parks.
Currently, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith is closed for refurbishment. The popular coaster at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is undergoing maintenance for several months and is slated to reopen in the summer. The attraction underwent a similar maintenance closure period last year. Over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Kali River Rapids is closed for scheduled maintenance. The water attraction is set to reopen on March 16, 2024.
Finally, Magic Kingdom Park has two attractions closed down, both in Frontierland. Both Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (which is replacing Splash Mountain) and Country Bear Jamboree (which will now be called Country Bear Musical Jamboree) are scheduled to reopen in the summer. There have been rumors Frontierland could undergo significant theming changes, particularly as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens, but nothing has been confirmed by Disney thus far.
Have you ever competed in a runDisney event at Disney World? Let Inside the Magic know how it went!