Walt Disney World Monorail beginning service in the early hours during the upcoming Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend

Jan 06, 2022 in "Walt Disney World Monorail System"

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Posted: Thursday January 6, 2022 10:15am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

The 2022 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend makes its return, and to transport guests to the EPCOT start and finish location, the monorail system is operating extended hours this weekend.

The Walt Disney World Monorail will start service at 2:30am this weekend

The Walt Disney World Half Marathon takes place on January 8, followed by the Walt Disney World Marathon on January 9 2022. Both races begin at 5am.

Here is the operating schedule for the three monorail lines.

Resort Monorail

January 8: 2:30am to 1 hour after park close
January 9: 2:30am to 10:30pm.

Express Monorail

January 8: 4:30am to 1 hour after park close
January 9: 4:30am to 2 hours after park close

EPCOT Monorail

January 8-9: 2:30am to 1 hour after park close

The monorail will transport resort hotel guests to the marathon start and finish at EPCOT

Discuss on the Forums

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LAKid53Apr 24, 2023

I was concerned about the same, but as long as you don't overfill the vest's bladder, you'll be fine. Yes, I did that for a race, lol.

Surferboy567Apr 24, 2023

I was thinking about changing to a hydration vest. Currently, I use a flip belt for races for storage. For longer distances it may be worth looking into though. My only concern is the added weight. EDIT: I can also attest that the switching off between water and powerade works I have done that at every disney race that has offered powerade on course.

LAKid53Apr 24, 2023

@Surferboy567, I'd suggest looking into buying an hydration vest. Mine has plenty of pockets in the front for my phone, chews, car keys, little individual hand sanitizing wipes, ID, etc. I use the cups of plain water at the hydration tables to pour over my head if it's a particularly hot half, like a few of the Princess Halfs were. Some suggest alternating between Powerade and water at the tables - grab a cup of water at the first table, then Powerade at the 2nd, then back to water, then Powerade....

LAKid53Apr 24, 2023

My need for a bathroom has nothing to do with whatever energy boost I've consumed. 😁 I miss volunteers handing out Twizzlers as you enter Epcot for the final stretch.

uncle jimmyApr 24, 2023

Most of my reactions were fast crashes, but I've experienced several that brought on the need for a bathroom fast. Thankfully never in a race haha

SwissmissApr 24, 2023

(@uncle jimmy sorry, i shouldn’t have laughed)

uncle jimmyApr 24, 2023

Same, I'm a banana an hour+ before a race and that's about it for food wise. I like the sports beans after a race. I never used gels during races until I started training for a marathon and I looked into the most natural things I could use as sources of energy. I enjoy those during the Fall weather runs! I've found many squeeze packets better on my belly than some gels or drinks... plus they're so easy to open and close. Your Adverse comment made me laugh from remembering all the times things didn't work for me, which at the time I didn't find funny.

LAKid53Apr 24, 2023

Salt tablets help with cramping after runs.

SwissmissApr 24, 2023

I often will have an apple sauce squeeze packet before a run if I am going after work and don’t feel like I have enough energy to fuel my run.

SwissmissApr 24, 2023

The rule of thumb is to try these things first during a training run (when you can stop if your stomach has an adverse reaction to them). Some of the gels have a high caffeine content (over here it is clearly marked on the packaging) and personally I find them way too sweet so I don’t use gels. The same company here that makes energy gels and sponsors most large races also makes an energy tablet that you can chew. I tend to use those on runs going over an hour.

Surferboy567Apr 24, 2023

On course during my first Disney half (and every Disney run) I stopped at every hydration stop and switch between PowerAid/Water. Usually I run on an empty stomach. I’ve always taken the sport beans but never actually ate them. Just put them in my belt.

uncle jimmyApr 24, 2023

As @LAKid53 stated, after 45 minutes is the recommendation to fuel up. Most brands will share on their website a plan on how to use them. Energy drinks during training, I've only had success with doing half water and half Powerade or Gatorade. Beyond that, what I've tried has either felt too heavy in my belly or made me crash harder. If you want to go a little more natural energy route, I do that too... Peter Rabbit Organic Strawberry Banana squeeze pouches, are sold at *bucks and some markets, they'll provide you with a little natural kick. Almond Butter, works better than peanut butter. And dried fruit too.

Surferboy567Apr 24, 2023

Gotcha, I knew you meant gels. I just didn’t know if they were considered “energy drinks” like Monster, Red Bull and the like. I’m new to the idea of gels and always thought if they were like energy drinks I’d stay away. If not though (as I’m hearing then) I’m open to the idea.