Winter and Spring 2014 at Walt Disney World Means Marathons, Half Marathons, and the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival

POSTED: Fri, 10/04/2013 - 05:00 | POSTED BY: Guest Author

We might just be headed into fall and no one wants to think about winter, but it's never too early to start talking about what 2014 has in store at the Walt Disney World Resort.

Walt Disney World Marathon Starting Line

As 2014 starts, tens of thousands of runners will be lacing up their shoes for the 2014 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna on January 8-12.

Next year's Marathon Weekend includes two new challenges - the Walt Disney World 10K and the Dopey Challenge. Runners signed up for the Dopey Challenge will run the 5K, the 10K, the half marathon, and the marathon for a total of 48.6 miles over the course of four days.

The full list of events for the marathon weekend includes the Disney Family Fun Run 5K, the runDisney Kids' Races, the 10K, the half marathon, the full marathon, the Goofy Race and a Half Challenge (running the half and full marathons), and the Dopey Challenge. All races except for the Kids' Races are sold out.

Then in February, it's time to dust off that tiara and head to the Walt Disney World Resort for the 2014 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend taking place February 20-23.

The 2014 event includes the all new Disney Enchanted 10K and the Glass Slipper Challenge (running the 10K and half marathon), in addition to the Cinderella Royal Family 5K, the Princess Half Marathon, and runDisney Kids' Races. The only races that are not sold out for this weekend are the 5K and the Kids' Races.

Dazzeling Flower Beds

In March, spring is truly in the air as Epcot bursts into blooms at the 21st Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival which starts March 5 and runs through May 15.

In addition to the beautiful gardens and topiaries, for the second year in a row, guests can tempt their taste buds at a dozen different food and beverage marketplace kiosks around World Showcase Lagoon.

A fan favorite during the festival, The Flower Power Concert Series kicks off March 7 with The Guess Who. Other acts include Chubby Checker & the Wildcats, The Village People, Paul Revere & the Raiders, and Herman's Hermits starting Peter Noone.

Atlanta Braves Spring Training

Baseball and spring go hand-in-hand, and once again the Atlanta Braves will return to Walt Disney World for spring training in March. Other Grapefruit League teams including the St. Louis Cardinals, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets, and Detroit Tigers will visit the Braves during spring training.

The final piece in New Fantasyland hits the tracks in late spring when the Seven Dwarfs Mine opens. The family style coaster, inspired by Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, features a first of its kind train ride vehicle that is mounted in cradle like pivots allowing the cars to swing back and forth.

What 2014 event are you most looking forward to? Leave us a comment and let us know.

Story by Traci C., Source

steve newcomer wrote on Fri, 10/04/2013 - 11:39:

JUST BEING THERE! HOPE TO ARRIVE IN MID SEPTEMBER, STAYING AT THE BEACH CLUB. CAN'T WAIT, WORKING ON BUDGET EVEN AS WE SPEAK. "SEE YA REAL SOON"....

Jenn Osborne wrote on Fri, 10/04/2013 - 11:44:

I will be running all 3 races on Princess weekend and I'm looking forward to it. We are going on a girls trip and my friends are doing the 5k with me. I'm going it alone for the 10k and half marathon. But I'm very excited to enjoy Disney as a grown-up with other grown-ups. But I'll be back in May to celebrate my youngest daughters 5th birthday. Oh and stay at our DVC the Grand Floridian!

Chad wrote on Fri, 10/04/2013 - 11:56:

Cool - but I think that the FLower Garden goes until May 18th- only reason I know is we are booked to go to it that last weekend and double checked dates on the DIS boards and WDWinfo..
thanx!
CHAD

Deborah Reynolds wrote on Fri, 10/04/2013 - 12:07:

Mic key's Christmas Party

Mike wrote on Fri, 10/04/2013 - 12:29:

love going down there for the runs, but this year looking foward to the opening of the Seven Dwarfs Mine ride. hoping it will be open in Aug when stop in before our cruise.

Mandy wrote on Fri, 10/04/2013 - 13:26:

I'm looking forward to the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Ride.

Kelly S. Louden wrote on Fri, 10/04/2013 - 17:39:

We loved the flower and garden festival last year, but
are really anticipating the seven dwarfs rain ride!
We have watched it's progress this year.

Jean wrote on Fri, 10/04/2013 - 18:00:

I can't wait to get the schedule of the acts for the The Flower Power Concert Series ... would like to plan a visit to capture one or two of them :-)

Jeff wrote on Fri, 10/04/2013 - 23:51:

We were @ EPCOT at the same time (David Cassidy 'treat') - his fans, well lets just say that most of them faired the same fate as David did. Age, Donuts, and Gravity were not their friends, a few still had teeth tho! LOL!

Barbara wrote on Mon, 10/07/2013 - 20:16:

Have to plan a trip when the Seven Dwarfs train is up and running.....

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