Since its inception in 1994, runDisney has grown to become a cultural phenomenon in the running world. Dubbed “The Happiest
Race on Earth,” a race through Disney parks is truly an unforgettable experience. With world-class entertainment, character meet and greets on course, distances from 5k, 10k, half and full marathons, and even challenges where you can run ALL of it … there is no denying that runDisney has a race for everyone!
Feeling motivated for a challenge? Love all things Disney? I’m here to help you maneuver through the ins & outs of runDisney and with a bit of pixie dust and a smidgen of planning, you will be tying up those laces in no time!
REGISTER!
It’s safe to say that the only thing more intimidating than the thought of training for a race is the registration process. I’m sure you have heard some pretty daunting stories about registering for runDisney, but I am here to ease your fears. It can be done!
I recommend going to runDisney a couple days before and getting familiar with the website. You should go ahead and sign up for an account so that all your information is in their system. Disney utilizes a process a bit like getting into a virtual queue at the theme parks, so if you are not familiar, it is basically best to be online early and ready to click fast!
Registration day!
I typically log on to the runDisney website 30 min before the official registration time opens. This next step is key and remember…it’s a process…so eye on the prize!
1. Have multiple devices running and ready! Wine & Dine 2024 registration had a wonky glitch involving the t-shirt tab (IYKYK) but I was able to sign my whole family up because I had my laptop, desktop, daughter’s laptop, and phone all on and in queue.
2. Getting in the queue! 20 min before the official registration time, start refreshing your devices. When ANY of the races open and say “register now,” click on it to get in queue. Even if the 5k opens and you’re trying to get into the 10k or vice versa, you will be able to choose what race you want in a later tab. It’s just important to get in the queue. At exactly 10 am EST on the day of registration, everyone who was in the queue before 10am is put into a random lottery for the order of wait time. If you join the queue at 10am or after, you will be put behind everyone currently waiting in numeric order, so take note … join the queue before 9:59am EST!
3. Hang in there. Your queues might say over an hour wait, or if you’re really lucky less, but it will start moving quickly once the countdown goes below an hour. Once you are let in to register, I find it extremely helpful to have all of my generic info (think name, address, phone) saved in autofill on my computer. Don’t stress, but work quickly…this is literally the race before the race.
Be prepared to answer questions like name/gender/shirt size/date of birth/email address/mailing address/phone #/emergency contact name and phone number and relationships.
You will also be asked to acknowledge your understanding that it’s an in-person race, and answer whether you intend to compete in the military division and/or as an athlete with a disability.
IMPORTANT: You must answer a question about proof-of-time – you can add this proof later after registration, so just indicate that you plan to run the quickest time that does NOT require proof; this will allow you to move more quickly through the form. Proof of time requires a lot more information and the goal here is to get registered first!
4. Process payment, wait for confirmation email, and you’re in!!
If for any reason you did not get into your race or it sold out while you were registering, there are many charities that offer bibs in exchange for a fundraising commitment. Check out the runDisney website for a list of all the participating charities.
PREPARE!
I love that runDisney races are made for everyone and represent the sport of running as a beautiful opportunity for anyone to set out and accomplish a goal. As Chef Gusteau said, “Anyone can cook,” I am sure Mickey himself has said once “Anyone can run!”
There is a plethora of resources on the runDisney website, including training and tips for even the most beginning of beginners. Registrations are notoriously famous for being at least 7 months away from race weekend, which is ample time to train for a race of any distance. Whether you are a total beginner or looking to PR, there is support available for training at all levels. Notably, former Olympian Jeff Galloway’s method of run-walk-run intervals is the endorsed method at runDisney, and you can find complimentary links on their website.
With thousands of runners participating each race weekend, there are a few logistics that Disney strictly adheres to. One of the most talked about is Disney’s strict time requirement of a 16 min mile pace to finish the course, as this is a big undertaking for the property and road closures.
But, in typical Disney fashion, they find a way to make this time rule entertaining. They might be the most famous women of runDisney, both beloved and dreaded…but 100% at some point in race weekend you will hear about the BALLOON LADIES! These illustrious ladies are the last to start and keep the 16 min mile pace during the entire race. Deemed “balloon ladies” because they quite literally have a large balloon tied to their backs so you can see them coming. If by chance during the latter ½ of the race you fall behind the ladies, you will be escorted back to the finish line via a bus, but this is no cause for alarm either, I mean it’s still Disney!
A big bonus during the race weekend is the pace team that is free for all participants. If you have never run with a pacer or feel a bit confused or intimidated by one, let me stop here. That was me at the Princess half marathon in 2023. I came with my family, who are night owls on vacation, so I was doomed from the start. I was in my corral, tired and a little grumpy, wet because the FL rain decided to pour for seven minutes and stop, and I also had to pee but was stuck in the corral. Mentally trying not to write off this race, and after using the first port-o-potty past the start line, I joined the race pack and behold I somehow ended up in the 2hr 15 min half marathon pace group. It was so exciting to be a part of an encouraging fun group, this was my first time using the run-walk-run method and I finished with my personal best time in years! I cannot recommend a pace group enough, and there are all levels of timed groups available. All aimed with the goal of getting you across that finish line!
One of my most favorite parts of preparing for a runDisney event is…wait for it….my costume!! At 49 years old I am starting to accept that my legacy to my children will be “there is always a pot of pasta on the stove” and “Mom likes to dress up as a princess and run at Disney.” Don’t hold back! I have seen everything from Capt. Jack Sparrow (I swore he was Johnny Depp running) to the coolest Tron costume ever with led lights laced all up and down the black jumpsuit. If you are still a bit shy, don’t worry, you can’t go wrong with a Disney shirt or running shorts/skirts. I can attest there are shops on Etsy that cater 100% to Disney runners, so have fun with it.
NAVIGATE!
Now ready, set, book your stay!
What better way to celebrate the most Magical RACE on Earth than staying at the most Magical PLACE on Earth! There are a wide variety of resorts to fit every budget and need, and the cast members and resorts go over the top when it comes to welcoming race participants and their families. Disney transportation is a key factor during race weekends. From the start of your stay, there is complimentary continuous bus service running from the resorts directly to the Expo and back for your convenience. But the ultimate convenience is race day transportation, which begins at 2:30am to get you to the start line on time. The resorts offer race day breakfast grab and go bags as well for participating guests, and post-race the buses are right at the end to bring you back to the resort.
You are going to want to immerse yourself in everything runDisney during the weekend and the first stop is the Expo. The expo takes place at the Wide World of Sports complex and is where you will pick up your bib and participant shirt, as well as any last-minute race day items you might need. There are tons of vendors that have a wide variety of practically anything you need to make your weekend literally sparkle and shine. You can also stock up on the official runDisney race commemorative items at the Expo, and these items are not sold anywhere else.
So, in two words, Hakuna Matata! It means no worries! You’ve got this! runDisney is a celebration of humanity, people from all ages, races, abilities, and disabilities coming together to achieve a milestone accomplishment! The energy, crowds, music, characters, joy, strength, tears, and determination. It’s a big deal! Edna Mode once quoted “Darling, luck favors the prepared, ” so get ready, get set, and I’ll see you at the start line!
Rest assured you are in good hands if you are currently working with a Smart Moms agent, but if not, I would love to work with you! Just click here and we can start planning your Disney vacation today!
I know every mile, will be worth my while!
