Race Day Road Closures: Don’t Let RunDisney Detour Your Departure!

As a Disney-loving travel advisor (and RunDisney fan!), I know how exciting it is to be at Walt Disney World or Disneyland during a race weekend. Whether you're running the race or just enjoying the magic while thousands of runners take to the course, one thing that can catch guests off guard is road closures. If you're planning to leave for the airport or have important plans on race mornings, you’ll want to be prepared. Here’s what you need to know to avoid last-minute stress!

When Do Road Closures Happen?

Run Disney races typically start very early in the morning—often with corrals opening around 4:00 AM and races kicking off before sunrise. To accommodate runners safely, major roads around the Disney resorts and parks will close as early as 3:00 AM and may not fully reopen until late morning, depending on the race distance. Half and full marathon events can lead to closures lasting until 10:00 AM or 12:00 PM.

How This Can Affect Your Departure

If you’re flying home on a race morning, you could face unexpected delays getting to the airport. Here’s how road closures might impact your departure:

• Rideshares & Taxis: If you’re using Uber, Lyft, or a taxi, know that their access to hotels may be limited or rerouted. You might need to walk to a designated pickup area.

• Disney Resort Transportation: Buses will be running but expect potential delays or altered routes if roads are closed. If you’re heading to the airport, plan extra time just in case.

• Driving Yourself? Resort parking lots and Good Neighbor Hotels may have limited exits, and major roads near the parks, such as World Drive in Walt Disney World and Disneyland Drive in Anaheim, can be impacted. You may have to take an alternate (and longer) route. Also, please note that some hotels may only have one entrance/exit and that could possibly be closed on a RunDisney race morning.

How to Avoid Travel Hassles on Race Mornings

Want to make sure your travel day goes smoothly? Here are my best tips:

1. Check the Race Weekend Schedule – Visit the official Run Disney website to see race start times and road closure maps.

2. Leave Extra Early – If your flight is before noon, I recommend heading to the airport much earlier than usual to account for detours.

3. Ask Your Hotel Concierge – If you’re staying at a Disney Resort or nearby hotel, ask a Cast Member about morning transportation options and race-day logistics.

4. Consider a Non-Race Departure Day – If possible, avoid flying out on a race morning, especially if you’re staying at a resort near the race course. A post-race afternoon departure might be a better choice. This is actually something that I highly recommend.

Magic on Main Street!

A Personal Experience at Disneyland Resort

I recently encountered this issue firsthand at a Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotel during a RunDisney race weekend. I had planned ahead and was prepared for the road closures, but I witnessed several guests who were unaware of the detours and unfortunately missed their flights. If you're staying in the Anaheim area during a race weekend, be extra mindful of closures around the Disneyland Resort, Good Neighbor Hotels and surrounding streets, as they can significantly impact travel times. Planning ahead is key!

Final Thoughts

RunDisney events bring so much energy and excitement to the parks, but they can also create unexpected travel delays if you're not prepared. A little planning can save you a lot of stress! Whether you're running or just visiting during race weekend, be sure to check road closure maps and give yourself plenty of extra time. Also, should you find yourself with extra time during a race weekend, head on out and cheer on all the runners and walkers that are on the course. I know how much that cheer of encouragement is appreciated!

Have questions about planning a Disney trip around Run Disney events? I’d love to help! Reach out, and let’s make your next Disney vacation magical and stress-free!

Road Closure Photo by Sandy Millar