Walt Disney World runDisney Spectator Tips

Are you traveling with a friend or family member who is participating in a runDisney event? While they do provide a spectator guide, my friend Mattie (@theballietsandbeyond) is an expert after traveling with her husband Philip, who ran at least one race at every runDisney weekend during the 2023-2024 season and just completed the Dopey Challenge in January 2025.

I got to spectate for the first time at the full marathon in January of this year (I am usually the one running instead of spectating!) and asked Mattie to share her pro tips with all of you. I witnessed her expertise first hand and she has it down.

Decide where you are going to spectate

There are a few things to consider here. First, is the race running by your resort? If so, it is really easy to head outside and cheer from there. Do know this might be the only place you will see your runner, though, unless you have an easy path to get to the Epcot parking lot for the finish.

If you are trying to see your runner at the start or finish line, or if the race goes through Magic Kingdom, you will want to pick 2 of these spots. It is difficult to do all 3, especially if your runner is fast. Mattie recommends skipping the start and going to Magic Kingdom and the finish line since the monorail is the easiest way to get around on a race day.

If you want to see the race start, you will probably want to wait around for the finish, too. It is difficult to get anywhere else once the race has officially begun.

Spectating the marathon at Magic Kingdom in 2025

Ride the bus with your runner if you aren't spectating from your resort

This is very important. The race buses from the Disney resorts stop running before the event even starts and if you miss them, it is really hard to get where you need to go. They also close down a lot of roads for the runners, so rideshare is not a great option, either. Mattie tried this once and barely made it to the 10k finish by the time Philip came in.

The easiest way to spectate is to ride the bus with your runner when they leave. We always aim for the first or second bus that leaves to alleviate some anxiety of getting stuck in traffic and missing the start. It is a long walk from the bus to the start line, so having extra time is always recommended.

Aaron and Mattie riding the bus with me and Philip to spectate the marathon in 2024

If you are going to see your runner in Magic Kingdom, leave them right away before they head to the starting area and get in line for the monorail from Epcot to the Transportation and Ticket Center. Then you will transfer to the Magic Kingdom monorail. If you are there early enough, there will be a queue in place in front of the Express monorail entrance at the TTC. We were lucky and they had the Joffrey’s kiosk open so we got coffee and breakfast while we waited.

Finishing my coffee on the monorail to Magic Kingdom at 4am to spectate the marathon

Once you arrive at Magic Kingdom, there will be another line before they let you in the park. The spectator location is on Main Street USA and is roped off. Pick your spot (we like to be closer to the castle) and set up camp. You will be there for a while if you follow this plan. 

Walking very quickly down Main Street USA to claim a spot as soon as they let us in to spectate the marathon in 2025

Since the race runs through Magic Kingdom prior to it opening you DO NOT need a park ticket to spectate in Magic Kingdom.

If you are spectating the Marathon or another race that runs through a park after it officially opens, you will need valid park admission to enter.

Be polite - let people up to the front when their runner is coming by

Mattie likes to get there early so she can be guaranteed a front row spot right behind the roped off spectator section. This also means she is nice and talks to the others around her and when their runner is coming, she lets them up to the front so they can see. Everyone ends up cheering for all the runners and it is so much fun to cheer for other people’s friends and family by name when they run by.

Don’t be rude, though. Pushing your way to the front is NOT cool. Politely ask when you runner is about to come by and then give the spot back afterwards if you weren’t there early enough to grab your own front row spectating spot.

Use tracking - runDisney’s TrackShack or other app so you know when your runner will come by

Along with that, you should be aware of what mile marker you are standing at and where your runner is so you don’t miss them! It is nice to have a plan in place beforehand so they know where you will be. If they run with their phone, text them where you are and if they are willing or able, they should text you when they are entering Magic Kingdom.

Cheer for everyone

As I mentioned above, it is fun to cheer by name, but it is also very appreciated when you cheer for everyone that runs by. Tell them they are doing great! Clap and yell or consider bringing some kind of noise maker (cowbell, clappers, etc)

Carry things your runner might need/want

Do they want a change of clothes? Do they need some fuel or hydration? Make a plan and see if they will want you to hand them something or if they will want to drop something off with you.

Philip exchanging one coat for another during the marathon in 2025

Be prepared to stand a lot

There are some grandstand seats at the finish line, but everywhere else is standing room only for spectators. If you are unable to stand for long periods of time, having an alternate plan is important. 

Wear bright colors so your runner can see you

As a runner, I definitely appreciate when my people wear something that isn’t black or gray! There are SO many people spectating (which is super awesome, by the way) that it is often difficult to pick your people out of the crowd. Some people bring signs or fat heads of their runner, too.

Me running through Magic Kingdom during the marathon in 2024

Bring snacks

There are food trucks at the start/finish and some things will be open around the parks, but it is better to have snacks and water with you when you arrive.

Do you have any race specific questions about spectating at Walt Disney World? Ask below and we will answer!