Race weekend is easier to organize when the group has one plan for the airport, hotel, expo and the time between events. If you are traveling with runners, family or friends, an Orlando van rental for Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend gives your group a self-drive option for the wider trip, while race-day access and official transportation stay subject to runDisney's instructions.
The 2027 weekend is January 6–10. Choose the full rental window around your first arrival and final departure, then book your Orlando van online. Before deciding who drives where on race morning, check your event guide and your hotel's arrangements.
Your race-weekend planning checklist
- Add every runner's race and expo visit to one itinerary.
- Include arrival, departure and the time needed to return the van.
- Count suitcases and running gear separately from passengers.
- Confirm drivers and whether runners and supporters will split up.
- Use official race guidance for transport, parking and access.
On this page: 2027 dates · Expo and arrival · Race mornings · Vehicle fit · FAQs
2027 Disney Marathon Weekend dates
The official runDisney weekend overview lists the following schedule:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January 6 | Opening day of the weekend and expo bib collection |
| January 7 | Walt Disney World 5K |
| January 8 | Walt Disney World 10K |
| January 9 | Walt Disney World Half Marathon |
| January 10 | Walt Disney World Marathon |
Check the official runner information for the current expo schedule and participant requirements. A rental reservation does not include race registration, theme-park admission or special event access.
Arrive with time for the expo
runDisney instructs participants to collect their bib at the expo at least one day before their first event. If someone is running the 5K, the plan therefore needs to include the preceding day's bib collection. Do not treat arrival late the night before a race as the same thing as completing the expo requirements.
Build the first day around flight arrival, your confirmed van pickup, hotel plans and the required expo visit. Leave flexibility for delays and check the expo's closing time before choosing flights. Keep documents, medication and essential race items accessible rather than buried under the group's suitcases.
For groups arriving on different flights, choose whether everyone will meet at one location or whether separate transfers make more sense. Confirm your actual rental pickup arrangement with Carl's; do not assume the van can collect each traveler at a different terminal.
Give runners and supporters separate race-morning plans
Your group's van can be useful for the wider Orlando stay without being the right answer to every race-day movement. Before choosing a departure time, review the official Digital Expo & Event Guide, transportation notices and your hotel's instructions. Do not use a previous year's route or assume a road will be open because a navigation app shows it.
Write down two plans: one for runners reaching the permitted arrival area, and one for supporters reaching an authorized viewing or meeting area. If they need the same vehicle at different times, settle that conflict beforehand. A rental van does not create access to restricted roads, race areas or spectator locations.
Choose a clear post-race meeting point and a way to contact one another if plans change. Decide who is driving back before the race, particularly if the usual driver will have just finished running. Allow time for rest, meals and the return to the hotel instead of stacking the next appointment immediately after an expected finish.
Match your van to luggage, gear and hotel parking
List passengers and belongings separately: suitcases, carry-ons, running bags, strollers and any larger items. Then compare the available passenger van categories for your dates. Use Carl's van-size planning guide if the group needs help deciding what to ask.
Confirm luggage fit with Carl's rather than treating the largest seating number as a promise about cargo room. Ask your hotel about parking costs, vehicle restrictions and garage clearance, especially if considering a high-roof van. Those arrangements are separate from the rental.
Disney Marathon Weekend van rental FAQs
When is the 2027 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend?
The weekend runs January 6–10, 2027. The listed races run from the 5K on January 7 through the marathon on January 10. Recheck the official runDisney pages and your participant information before finalizing travel.
Should the rental start before our first race?
Build the rental around your arrival and expo requirements, not only the race date. runDisney requires bib collection at least one day before your first event. Include the hotel stay and departure plans when choosing pickup and return times.
Can we drive the van directly to any race or viewing area?
Do not assume unrestricted access. Follow the current event guide, road notices, parking rules and hotel transport instructions. A passenger van rental does not include access to restricted race areas or reserved parking.
Is one van suitable for runners and supporters?
It depends on the group's schedule and belongings. Compare when each person needs to travel, who will drive and whether the vehicle fits everyone and their bags. A shared rental works best when the group agrees on a realistic itinerary first.
Does Carl's supply a chauffeur or official race transportation?
No. Carl's provides self-drive rental vehicles, not chauffeurs or official event buses. Arrange authorized drivers with Carl's and use runDisney or your hotel for information about any official transportation available to your party.
Book your Orlando race-weekend van
Get the group organized before January. Reserve your van online to see vehicles and prices for your dates, or contact Carl's Orlando team for help matching the rental to your people, bags and travel window.
Event information reviewed October 27, 2026. Schedules and access rules may change. Carl's is an independent rental provider and is not affiliated with Disney or runDisney.