This was my first ever marathon, and could't have asked for a better race to experience this. Though personally there were some issues going on (injury-wise), so even though I could have asked for a better experience in that aspect, the race itself was fantastic.

PROS:
+ Great tech-shirt (I liked the design and the material).
+ Lots of entertainment - between character stops, DJs, and marching bands.
+ Great volunteers and spectators.
+ So many photo opportunities.
+ The chance to run through all 4 parks was amazing - Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and then Epcot to the finish line. Some might also enjoy the Speedway and ESPN Wide World of Sports (for me those weren't as exciting, but I know for some it is)
+ Plenty of aid/medical stations, as well as medical staff on bicycles.
+ The medal can't be beat.
+ LOTS of post-race goodies - bottled water and Powerade, a box filled with things like chips, cheese dip, skittles, CLIF bars, etc.
+ If you are in a Disney host resort (which all Disney hotels are during Marathon Weekend), you have transportation to the expo, races, and back again.
+ I paid for the Race Retreat since when I registered I didn't know anyone else running. This had bagels, bananas, oranges, water, Powerade, and other things I'm sure I missed, plus character photos, port-o-potties specifically for the Race Retreat (with water/soap stations), and a place to hang out prior to the race, while also being temperature controlled. My only beef was that by the time I finished, got my photos at the finish line, collected my medals and race box, it was already closed, so I didn't get to have any post-race lunch. The faster folk would have been able to do this. I still think it was worth it to have separate bathrooms with water and soap to wash hands and to have a temperature controlled atmosphere to relax in before the race. Definitely helped to keep me more calm and keep those nerves at bay.

CONS:
- My one big issue with this race was that I ran it as part of the Dopey Challenge, and even though I finished in the time requirement, I wasn't able to get my photo with Dopey when I finished because they cut the line off. I think that it's unfair for the people in the later corrals, or people with injuries who might have to go slower, aren't able to get that coveted photo at the finish. We pay just as much as those that are quicker and finish with a faster time, so I don't see why they wouldn't have Dopey there long enough for the slower Dopey Challenge Finishers.
- Obviously with such a big race that closes off a lot of streets, we have to get there early. When you are in a later corral, this means a LOT of waiting around. I know this can't be helped, but thought worth mentioning so people that register have a realistic expectation. My corral started almost an hour after the race started, and since you have to be on a bus by 4 with a 5:30 race start, that's over 2 hours of wait time, and an hour of it is in the corral. If you're like me, you'll need to have to go to the bathroom again by the time you start, and it gives my nerves plenty of time to run rampant.
- They had no more Clif Shots when I got to the station at mile 15.4. Luckily, unlike the half marathon day, they were giving out Clif Bars instead. I take my own fuel so I know I'll have what I need when I need it, so it didn't matter to me, but for others that were expecting the shots at these specific points, I'm sure it was frustrating.

Overall, I knew Disney would be the perfect place to conquer my first marathon, and I wasn't wrong. I'm so glad I took on the challenge and had a great time running through Disney World!