Overall, the marathon wasn't as amazing as I expected it to be. Though it was still a great race, the course does not spend very much time in the parks. A good 20 miles or so are spent on the roads outside of the parks which are bland to say the least. The great turnout and very enthusiastic employees do make this a great race though.

2002 was my first marathon and 2012 will be my 6th Disney. It's been hot most years, but in 2010 it was cold. This marathon is well organized and there are plenty of distractions along the way, but in the end 26.2 miles is 26.2 miles. I've run Boston 6 times and the biggest differences between the two, for me, are that the crowds in Boston are constant from start to finish so you're emotions are always high. While at Disney, you experience severe emotional ups and downs. The start is great, the parks are great, but the long stretches of highways and back roads leave you wanting more. That's when you have to reach down and be your own biggest fan.

Disneyworld Orlando 01.09.11 - A great fun run since this is not a runner's marathon. All the photo ops with the Disney characters were proof of that. All the volunteers were Disney employees so not impressed with that. Plenty of water stops. The route was repetitive and loopy. We did so many round-a-bouts around the parking lot, I wanted to just get in the car and drive back to the hotel. Mickey medal was very cheesy but a great practice run after I had not run in over a month.

This was my first marathon so I don't have others to compare it to. I was someone in corral A and finished in the top 50 runners (finishing under 3 hours)... So I can offer a different perspective than most others who have posted.

Pros:
-It was really well organized and offered a great overall experience.
-the Expo was not crowded when I went, around 7-8PM on Friday night.
-decent race temp (usually)
- Fireworks at start were fun and unique
- miles well marked
- Water/aid stations are common
- Not too crowded for 'faster' runners
- Unique experience seeing all of the parks in one race

Cons:
-By far the biggest problem is the walk from the meeting area to the start being a half mile long
- Crowded for the 'average to slower' runners.
- Very early start time

So, there are complaints about all the roads and highways, but running on those are the only way to see all 4 parks. You cant reasonably expect to run all 26 miles within the 'fun' parts of Disney, given how big it is.

The course was flat and fair. I wouldn't say it's fast but its also not slow. There are a good bit of turns and a few 'hills' on the overpass', but with equal downhill. Overall, a fair course.

I will return in the future to run again, but not for a few years. There are too many other marathons I need to run first before returning.

Overall, a generally good experience.

I loved this marathon! I took a camera in my fuel belt and had my picture taken about 10 times with various characters. Disney workers will take photos for you with your own camera, no problem. (You can also use the official photogragher and order pics online. But that costs money.)

Another bonus is being able to use the real restrooms in the park instead of the porta-potties on the route.

I've already signed up for the Goofy 2012. Disney really is the happiest place on Earth!

Nothing could have been better! Great course; great entertainment. The Disney characters along the course were fun, but my favorite was the Florida Accordian Club playing for us at mile 13ish. I smiled the entire 26.2 miles. Action Sports Images had cameras everywhere, so I can prove it too.

I have run several Disney races, but this was my first marathon. I LOVED the experience and commend all the Disney employees for all the extra effort that goes into hosting such an amazing event. Miles 18-21 are extremely boring, which is a bummer because it is perhaps the most mentally challenging part of any marathon. Otherwise, this and all of their other races are perfect!

I ran the Princess 1/2 last year and wanted Disney to be where I ran my first full marathon. I loved it, and although I had read previously not to expect to qualify for Boston at this race, I did, and it can be done! Great race support, lots of aid stations, and my family was able to see me multiple times (with re-filled water bottle). If only every event could be as great as this one...

I've run this 6 years in a row (Perfectly Goofy) and this is the most consistently fun marathon every year.

At the end of the day, you've gotta love The Mouse to get the most from this race. If you aren't into Disney, this probably isn't the race for you.

Pros
- tour all 4 kingdoms
- see Disney's costumed characters
- solid organization, with entertainment throughout the race - always something new every year
- gobs of spectators; sometimes there are too many, crowding the course
- Disney-ana everywhere

Cons
- registration is expensive
- 5:45 start time is really early
- finish line food not quite so good in 2011
- miles 19/20/21 are still a drag, though they get credit for keeping on trying new things
- Disney-ana everywhere

This is my favorite marathon! Top-notch in terms of race-day organization. Water and fuel were plentiful (even for a mid- to back-of-the-packer like me). Entertainment around each corner. One memorable moment was a woman with a sign that said, "I don't know you, but I'm proud of you" - and she had chocolate chip cookies!

Cons:
I hope RunDisney reads this. Packet pickup split between 2 venues was very difficult when you have a heavy baby and no strollers allowed. We had to trek from one building to another, stand in lines twice, and wait out in the cold to get inside Jostens Center, carrying our screaming child. This dual-pick-up process took a long time. I understand the business aspect of getting everyone to go through the expo, but, it was an unpleasant and frustrating situation for families. We cannot run this race again until our baby is older and can walk because of this. :(