After reading all the negative comments, I was expecting much from this marathon. To my surprise, Disney delivered. I would recommend this race to anyone. I have run 16 marathons including NY, Chicago, Paris, and Rome, and the Disney marathon ranks right up there.
I haven't run Disney 2002 but it seems that the management read some of the negative comments and responded in a big way.
Let me comment on how Disney addressed the problems from 2002:

Negative signs on the roadside: Aparently, Disney listened because when I ran it, I could only see inspirational signs on the road: Also, they had quizzes with answers about 600 yards away. That was really fun as it kept me distracted.

Course is flat but boring: Not at all. It is true that you run on highways, but with the entertainment along the course, I hardly noticed. The race along with music was rocking.

Waiting 2 hours before the race: This year it was cold at the race start. Since I knew I would be waiting for a long time, I had brought my walkman and listened to my music. If someone drops you by car, you can stay in the car and wait there. But to tell you the truth so much was happening that I just had the change to listen to music for 30 minutes, change, drop my bag and go to the starting line.

The start: The start was just amazing. Mickey and Minnie were on hand to entertain us before the start. It was a real act and fun. The start was also amazing with the countdown with fireworks.

The race: The race is flat, very flat. At mile 5, I was on cruise control until the end of the race. I have to add that I ran the race in 3:28:54 (PR) and I found the race to be very fast. Along the course, you'll get to high five all your favorite Disney characters, see yourself on a big screen (2 times), and you'll receive the best medal of all marathons, period. The long-sleeve shirts are very nice too.

As soon as I finished, I got to take a picture with the two chipmonks.

In the evening, I got in Pleasure Island (free with your race number) and I danced the night away with some friends and other marathoners. We got back to the hotel at 3 in the morning and promised to be back next year.
Do it. you won't regret it. It is well worth the $90.

This was my first and all I can say is, 'Wow!' Sure, getting up at 3:00 was no fun, but the hotel (I stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge) had the food court open early so you could get coffee, fruit, etc. Some people complain about the crowd support, but this race is held entirely on Disney property, not through the middle of a city with a million inhabitants, so of course there are going to be fewer spectators. But there were very good contingents at key locations throughout the race, giving the extra boost when it was needed. The fluid stations were very well run, with Powerade and water available very often. Also, in order to run thorugh all 4 theme parks, you have to run down some roads through the woods too. Just look at a map and that much is evident. But even those stretches have characters, radio station remotes, etc. there to provide that needed distraction. The start is done up right with Mickey and Minnie for the full and Donald and Daisy for the half, plus fireworks to start the race. And the finish is Magical, with Mickey and Minnie waving you in as you finish. The medal is awesome too. I definitely will be doing this race again next year.

Time: 3:27:56

A superb marathon experience... combines the best of Disney with a super race!

The major negatives that most cite are: (1) you run a good portion of the race on the isolated roads between the parks, (2) you see the not-so-attractive behind the scenes Disney, and (3) the cost.

My observations are:
(1) Disney does their best to keep things interesting with roadside trivia questions, Jumbotrons (wave at yourself!), Disney characters, music, and even some comedians along the more isolated stretches. Based on the Disney layout, some heavy roadwork is unavoidable in order to visit all four parks. Running on isolated roads isn't always a bad thing, though. There are times when a runner needs a little privacy (if you know what I mean...) Just be careful and don't run through a water-filled gully, as a few people accidentally did.

(2) Behind the scenes is,I think, part of the attraction. Disney goes out of their way to keep this very hidden from regular visitors. Enjoy the opportunity to see that Disney is run by more than pixie dust and bippity-boppity-boo. I remember running past a very nice backstage mural of Christopher Robin & Pooh -- clearly done by a non-professional cast member -- which reminded me of what really puts the magic in Disney (the castmembers!)

(3) The marathon entry fee is, indeed, at the upper end of the price range. That's inescapeable. Everything else is negotiable. Part of the secret of Disney is that there's a price level for just about everyone, starting with the $20 motels off-property. Admittedly, if your family is coming along a $20 motel room probably isn't going to pass muster, so by all means do some shopping around. There are some really good rooms in the $40-$50 range, with plenty of availability. If you want the 'full Disney experience', stay at a Disney resort. Tour packages come with even more bells & whistles, but you pay for them. Disney can be pricey regardless of when you go.

Now a couple of clear positives:
(1) It's Disney! Where else do you get to experience: fireworks at the starting line, running up Main Street U.S.A with the crowd cheering, animals (such as a llama and screech owl) with their handlers along the route, a finish through the World Showcase in Epcot, cheering employees all along the route, along with many other Disney-only features.

(2) Great volunteers. The best I've ever seen. They were cheery, encouraging, and professional from start to finish. Even in the face of (what I consider) occasional rude runner behavior. I'm rather old-school though; I believe that all runners should be required to volunteer at a water station before being admitted to their first marathon.

This is truly a race to relax and enjoy. Try not to get uptight when someone cuts you off because they've got to get a picture of themselves with Chip & Dale. There are a lot of first-time marathoners on this course (due to this being Disney.) Just savor the chance to be a part of it all, and you'll walk away with unforgettable memories and the best medal I've ever seen.

Truly an 11 out of 10 race.

After reading past comments from veteran marathoners I went into this race thinking the course would be dreadful, but I thought it was one of the most interesting I've ran. Between the parks they had wide screens, bands, and characters on the course.
The runs through the parks were great!The only thing I would like to recommend course-wise would be to spend more time in MGM and maybe run over to the Blizzard Beach to get rid of the uneventful out and back near the WDW sports center. Organization was excellent. Don't like the walking to the start--too long! The medal is beautiful--my favorite so far, and I liked the T shirt. A finisher's T shirt would be a nice touch. There was no finish line fan-fare out in the parking lot. No real food, no tables, no band, because they want to get you on those buses and out of there. That was disappointing, but not all marathons have a cool finish.
I highly recommend running this race!

If you are looking for a cheaper way to get in this race do not tell Disney you are running. I live in florida and I used the number from the pamphlet. It would have cost me over 1200.00 dollars but for my weekend I just called Disney and booked one of the host hotels as average joe going to Disney World and saved 700.00 bucks

I would like to buy a bib for this race, 2003. If you want to sell yours. My email is Mukkets@aol.com. 802-476-0892. For 2003 race. Thank you, Sincerely,Dave Horner

I have tried every way to get into this race. If for some reason anyone is unable to run, please e-mail me at AmandaMo22@bellsouth.net, I would LOVE to buy your bib from you!!! Thanks

There seems to be an awful lot of negative comments. I've run it 4 times,
I'm going back in '03. Let's put it this way: They didn't have a problem filling a 22,000 runner field for the '03 race did they? On the downside:
You will spend 90 bucks to get in.
You will get up early, you will stand in your corral for 60-90 mins. It will be dark, it might even be very cold.
The start is crowded. There are essentially NO spectators to speak of, some employees here and there and a few park earlybirds who are unsure why all the joggers are running through the castle. The course is flat to the extent it can actually be a drawback (you never change muscle groups). It's boring in between the parks, sometimes painfullly so. Yes, the T's suck & the expo could (should) easily be double the size. On the plus side: The race combines the two things near and dear to so many of us: running & Disney.
That combination alone makes it a good sell. It's a great excuse to take the family to florida in January. The entry fee is indeed high. However if you can afford to take the family to Florida in january then you can swing the 90 bucks. The volunteers are helpful & organization better than you might expect with 20K runners to manage. The start (with characters and fireworks etc.) is more of a send-off than at your typical marathon. Aid stations are plentiful. As was mentioned the course is flat, good in that it doesnt beat you up. No heartbreak hill there. The medals are great and age group awards decent. The kids runs are as you might expect with Disney, superb. Combining the marathon experience with the Disney experience means theres something for every family member. Few if any marathons can offer FAMILIES what this race can. This event is clearly designed for FAMILIES, meaning it might not be the race for
a 2:15 stud looking for cash and a OT qualifier, but if your looking to take the wife and kids to see the mouse and need a good reason to do so, here is one. Much of this race simply has to be experienced; you can only experience it by going and I would suggest to
most anyone that they give it a try.

Disney World holds so many memories for our family anyway, it is so great to have run my FIRST Marathon there.... in a reasonalbe time (for me). The 'crowd support' and scenery is excellent.

Would never recommend this race! Will not go back! Well aside from having to stand in the cold for 90 minutes prior to the start, and not being able to mingle with family and friends before the race, it does not get much better. I have run the Marine Corps Marathon 3 times. There were sites to see and lots of fan/crowd support. This was not the case at Disney. I ran through back lots and waste treatment areas with tiny-to-no crowds, it is just not worth what Disney is asking for. The negative signs about not finishing and never making it are not very motivating.