Planning to run any of the races at Disney World ? This is everything you need to know to plan for your first rundisney race or your first of rundisney events this season.
Ok runners and disney fans start your engines (or start your race training). After a number of races at Disney World (from the Princess race weekend to the Wine and Dine doing multiple distances)…..I wanted to share a complete guide to help you plan for any rundisney weekend whether you are running a full marathon , the dopey challenge or and race during an event weekend .
Walt Disney World welcomes thousands and thousands of runners annually to participate in the captivating runDisney races. These races offer a unique blend of fitness, fun, and fantasy, allowing participants to run through the iconic Disney parks , down main street while experiencing the magic of running. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or a novice looking to add a sprinkle of pixie dust to your race experience, here are some invaluable tips to make the most out of your rundisney weekend adventure from the fitness expo and bib pick up to race day and crossing the finish line and getting your medal.
Races At Disney World: What You Need to Know
I’m going to break this down into a couple of parts that apply to any rundisney weekend and any of the races at disney world . This guide will talk about plans for the entire weekend. I’ll outline what you need to book before you arrive at the walt disney world resort (travel, hotel, race registration , theme park tickets ). Then we’ll talk about the fitness expo. We’ll discuss details about getting your bib, race morning and what to plan for on race day AFTER you cross the finish line.
Registration and Training
Choosing Your Race
Before diving into the world of runDisney races, consider your fitness level and ability to train, preferences, and personal goals. runDisney offers a variety of race distances, from 5Ks to marathons (there is a full marathon once a year at walt disney world marathon weekend ), catering to runners of all abilities. Assess your readiness and select a race that aligns with your capabilities and interests. Additionally, I’d suggest thinking about time of year and weather conditions, as they can vary significantly in Orlando, Florida. I’ve done races in November and February and both times of year the weather has been pretty good!
Registration Day
runDisney races are immensely popular and tend to sell out quickly. These tips will help you have the best chance of getting a race bib for the weekend you want to participate in.
These are the run disney race registration dates for 2024 and 2025. I’d suggest bookmarking these dates and saving them in your calendar.
To secure your spot in the race of your choice, be sure to register as soon as the registration window opens to the general public (that’s usually 7 am Disneyland time). I tend to use two devices (my phone and my computer). I’ll usually get in the virtual queue about 15 minutes BEFORE 7 am both both devices so that I have double the chances of getting a good spot in line to grab my race distance of choice. Once the queue opens, everyone waiting will be randomly placed in a virtual line and registrations will begin. I would suggest having all info ready (be sure to preregister a run disney account if you don’t already have one) and being flexible if possible. You may not get the disney races distance you want, so decide in advance if you’d like to do a longer or shorter race if necessary.
A few things to note as you select race distances:
- during the races at disney world the half marathon and full marathon are the only distances that run through magic kingdom
- regardless of distance the starting line and the staging area are always around the epcot parking lot
- the best piece of advice I can give is…..you have TIME TO TRAIN, I promise don’t be scared of the longer distances or the balloon ladies
Race Training
Whether you’re tackling a 5K or a full marathon, proper training is essential for a successful runDisney race. It’s important to find a training plan tailored to your chosen distance, incorporating a mix of running, cross-training, and rest days. Gradually increase your mileage and incorporate speed work to improve your performance. I’ve personally been using the Jeff Galloway plans on Run Disney’s site for each distance or challenge they have options for experienced runners as well as training plans if you are a new runner .
Next up? Don’t forget to invest in high-quality running gear and shoes to keep you comfortable and supported throughout your training and on race day. This will make a huge difference as you train. It’s also important to find your running favorites before race day.
My running favs:
I’d also suggest using electrolytes after long runs (I love liquid IV) and bringing it along for the race weekend. I usually bring it with me for the day before, and the day after the race (they have powerade on the course). I also bring stinger waffles and carry one for fuel midway through longer races.
races at disney world : what to do BEFORE race weekend
There are a few things you’ll want to do before your race weekend (especially if this is your first time doing the races at disney world ). Once you’ve paid your registration fee and reserved your race spot, I’d suggest booking your air or car travel and hotel as soon as possible. Things do book up, it’s a busy weekend for Walt Disney World during the wine and dine half marathon weekend , the full marathon weekend, the princess half marathon weekend , and rundisney springtime surprise weekend .
When to Arrive
I’ve found that it’s important to leave enough time to adjust and pick up your items at the Expo. You’ll want to arrive at the LATEST the morning BEFORE your race. That day, you’ll need to head to the espn wide world of sports complex and the run disney expo to pick up your bib in person the day before your race. It must be picked up by you in person (you can’t have someone pick it up for you).
Coming from the west coast, I always allow for extra travel time and fly in two days prior to my race. I like to arrive by early evening, and to wake up the next day being somewhat adjusted to the time change.
Then, I have the whole day to enjoy the expo. I get my bib, I shop for my exclusive rundisney merchandise favs and I generally give myself time to rest up and prepare.
Where to Stay
For my last three race weekends, I’ve stayed at the Swan and Dolphin Resort. I’ve done both the Dolphin and the Swan (the property consists of three connected hotels at varying price points, you can easily walk between them to access different food options at each). It’s always been a stellar price and is VERY close the start of the race course (at Epcot). The best part? Yes, they have buses to the starting line.
For morning transportation, the on property resorts, along with Swan and Dolphin and Shades of Green are the ONLY hotels that have buses to the races.
Your other options would be to rent a car or use an Uber / Lyft. I’ve found the buses to be SUPER easy. They literally pick up right outside the lobby of each hotel and then drive you right on over to Epcot.
The Swan and Dolphin also has LARGE rooms, hot tubs for after race soaking on property, they even lend out muscle massage guns (you can request them via their app). They have a ton of signage to help you navigate race weekend and I love that the ENTIRE staff of the hotels is there to help and support. It’s truly a wonderful experience and makes those very early race mornings a little easier!
A few of my personal favorite parts of staying at the Swan and Dolphin:
- shuttles to and from the race starting line
- dinner the night BEFORE the race at Il Mulino on property….absolutely the BEST way to carb load (yes gluten free friends, they have gluten free pasta). The first time I stayed for a race, I booked a table in advance. This last weekend, I headed down early and grabbed a spot in the lounge / bar area (it has the full menu).
- fancy coffee drinks from Java in the lobby (this was so great to have easy access to, they also had runner breakfast boxes and GREAT overnight oats)
- the Friendship Boats : the Swan and Dolphin has boats directly from their dock to both Epcot and Hollywood studios (this was perfect for our day after the race day in Epcot
Dining Reservations and Theme Park Tickets
So, let’s talk about what you’ll be up to before and after the race. Based on my previous races, I’ve learned a thing or two and adjusted my plans for recent race weekends. Now, hear me out – I decided to go against the grain a bit and actually planned to spend less time at the theme parks surrounding my race.
I usually try to devote a day to the Expo. That’s a non-park day. I go to bed early the night before the race. Then I come back AFTER the race for a nap, shower, and I book a late lunch. This is an in park day (I love doing the Magic Kingdom on race day and doing a late lunch at Liberty Tree Tavern). On a good race day, I’ll close down the park. Then I do one more park day and fly home the evening AFTER. I’ll normally do a sit down lunch that day.
Race Day Morning
Timing is especially important for races at disney world because the property is so large. At Disneyland you can definitely pop over later, but for races in Florida……you will want to be at the start line earlier rather than later. If you are staying at the Swan and Dolphin (still my top recommendation) or on property…..you can check what time the first buses leave your resort. I suggest trying to be on the FIRST BUS. Yes, it’s early. But the buses drive all the way to Epcot, you need to go through security, use the restroom, and get into your starting corral before the race starts. For the half marathon, the first bus left at 2:30 am. It’s usually a bit later for the other races.
gear check and starting groups
Once you arrive at Epcot, you’ll walk through security and will have a little time to get ready. I’d suggest stopping at the park restrooms on the way in after security (after this there ARE restrooms but they are portapotties).
Once you’re ready, you can gear check any items you don’t want to carry during the race. At the Expo, they’ll give you a clear plastic bag. This is the ONLY bag that you can use for gear check. I normally store a sweatshirt, phone charger, my wallet and hotel room key in my gear check bag, as well as a phone tripod incase I want to take pictures with my medal and no one is around. You’ll head to the Gear Check area (the large trucks), where you will write your bib number on the bag (they have pens). After that you’ll bring your bag to one of the trucks where they will take your bag and give you a sticker for the back of your bib.
During the race, the trucks are locked. After the race, you go back to the SAME truck, they’ll check your sticker and give you your bag back.
After gear check, I’d suggest heading into the starting corral for your group as soon as possible. The races at Disney World use staggered starting groups. If you are in say, starting group E, there will be about 15 smaller groups within that. Each with a few minutes in between. If you’d like to have as much time as possible on the course, the sooner you start the better.
During Your Race
Get ready for the most exciting part! I promise….it’s a blast! We’re talking about characters, pacing, and of course, essentials like water, first aid, and bathrooms. Now, if you’re new to the world of runDisney races, pay close attention to this information!
When it comes to any of the races at disney world , pacing is key. One crucial aspect? The presence of the balloon ladies. These ladies serve as a visual representation of the pacing requirements, ensuring everyone keeps up. They’re the last to start any runDisney race, easily identifiable by their Disney balloons. Throughout the race, they maintain a consistent 16-minute mile pace. If they overtake you, it’s a sign you’re falling behind, and you might be asked to leave the course. Can you jog with them? Sure, but if you spot those balloons approaching, it’s time to step up your game just in case!
I’ve heard tales of runners getting caught because they lingered too long with Disney characters or in restroom lines and ended up swept away. So, here’s some advice:
If you’re in a later starting group, consider skipping the initial characters or restroom breaks to create some distance between you and the balloons. However, if you’re starting earlier, this might not be a concern.
Bathrooms, Water and First Aid
Make sure you take care of yourself during the race so you can really enjoy it—I can’t stress this enough! There are plenty of porta-potties along the public parts of the course (you know, where you’re running on the highway), but they tend to have longer lines. Once you’re in the park sections of the race, though, you’ve got regular bathrooms designed for crowds, so if you can hold out, they’re your best bet!
And hey, there’s no shortage of water stops either. Just check out the event guide that drops about a week before the race, and you’ll see them marked on the course map. Plus, there are first aid stations peppered throughout just in case you need them. So, stay hydrated, take care of business when you need to, and keep on enjoying that race!
Characters and Photos
Throughout the course, there will be numerous opportunities to encounter your favorite characters. They will be on the roads, and within the Parks (particularly around Epcot’s World Showcase and near the castle at the Magic Kingdom). Runners will pass lines with cast members holding signs indicating which characters are available for meet and greets. These stops offer a pleasant rest from the running. Additionally, you’ll enjoy the presence of DJs, musicians, bands, live entertainment, and even a gospel choir, particularly noteworthy as you approach the final stretch of the last mile (one of my favorite parts).
At these character stops, you can pause for a photo opportunity, with a cast member on hand to capture the moment on your phone. Each character stop includes a PhotoPass option as well.
I hope that this guide to races at disney world helps you to enjoy all your race weekends, happy running!
