Things Are About to Get COMPLICATED in Disney World

Now that it’s February, that means things in Disney World are going to get even busier, which could make things a little tricky for you!

Tracy crosses the triumphantly crosses the marathon finish line. [The Walt Disney Company]

If you’re planning a Disney World trip this month (February 2025), you might want to brace yourself. The Princess Half Marathon Weekend is happening, and while it’s a dream event for thousands of runners, it can also mean unexpected hurdles for you. From road closures to heavier-than-usual crowds, here’s what you need to know to navigate the chaos like a pro.

As we were saying, the runDisney Princess Half Marathon Weekend is happening this month from February 20th to the 24th.

©Disney

It will bring “participants on a fantastical runDisney journey” where they will “take part in the multi-event weekend as our beloved princesses go up against the wonderfully wicked villains of their stories and where you can realize your own potential along the way.”

As fun as it all sounds, if you’re visiting Disney World at the same time, you might encounter some “complications.” Here’s what you need to know to navigate all the chaos like a pro.

Expect Bigger Crowds in Key Areas

runDisney events bring in a lot of people, and those people don’t just disappear after crossing the finish line – they head straight into the parks. That means you might notice the parks feeling more packed than usual, especially in certain high-traffic spots.

EPCOT, for example, tends to feel extra crowded, especially around the Mexico and Norway pavilions in the World Showcase. If you’ve ever walked through that area during a festival, you already know how congested it can get. Add in the influx of runners and their supporters, and it can feel like a total bottleneck.

Over in Magic Kingdom, the usual pinch points, like the stretch from Peter Pan’s Flight to “it’s a small world”, could feel even tighter.

Be prepared for slow-moving foot traffic, and consider adjusting your touring strategy to avoid these areas during peak times.

Road Closures Could Make Getting Around Tricky

One of the biggest logistical challenges during runDisney weekends is the road closures. To keep runners safe, Disney closes several key roads early in the morning, and this can have a major impact on transportation.

runDisney event traffic warning on My Disney Experience

For example, on Sunday, February 23rd, the roads will be closed from 3 AM to 10:30 AM.

If you’re driving to the parks or relying on Disney transportation, this could throw a wrench in your plans. Buses will still be running, but they might take longer than usual due to detours and delays.

If you’re an early riser who likes to rope drop, make sure to build in extra time to get where you need to go.

Watch for Unique Entertainment

Now, one silver lining of runDisney weekends has to be the extra entertainment sprinkled throughout the race routes!

In the past, this has included Disney characters cheering on runners, fun music, and even surprise performances. And if you’re in the parks later in the day, don’t be surprised if you spot a lot of runners proudly wearing their race medals.

©Disney

Plan Ahead

If you’re visiting Disney World during the Princess Half Marathon Weekend, a little planning can go a long way. Here are some quick tips to help you navigate the complications:

- Start your day later: Since road closures will be in effect early in the morning, you might want to sleep in a little and hit the parks once things clear up.
- Use Disney transportation: If you’re staying on property, Disney buses, the Monorail, and the Skyliner can be your best bet for getting around without dealing with roadblocks.
- Check crowd levels before heading to the parks: Some parks may feel more crowded than others, so keep an eye on wait times and be flexible with your plans.
- Enjoy the extra energy: While crowds can be “fun” to navigate, runDisney weekends also bring a fun and celebratory atmosphere to the parks. Embrace the excitement!