RunDisney Tips I Used (And If They Really Work!)

My family and I just ran our first runDisney race!  My husband and I ran the Star Wars Dark Side Half Marathon, while my dad ran the 5K, and my girls did Kids’ Races. 

Let me just start by saying that I am not a runner, like at all, not one little bit!  The fact that I agreed to do a half marathon was basically for the Disney vacation!!  But I loved the experience and signed my family up for our second runDisney with plans for a third next  year as well!  We are hooked!

So you've signed up for your first run Disney race. Now what!? 

I researched running tips before my run and put them to the test. Below I have highlighted some of the advice we used to prepare for our first runDisney event.  Some of what I found was spot on while some was not so great for us.  I've also added in some personal recommendations that I picked up along the way!

1. Registration:
I read a lot about registration before the big day came (yes, it is a big day that should be noted in your calendar with a reminder alarm set!)  Some races can sell out in 45 minutes or less.  The trend I have noticed is the 10K sells out first along with the challenge.  The tips I read were to be on the computer, signed into your active.com account, and waiting several minutes before the actual registration opens.  The first race weekend I registered us for, I was able to select right away which event I wanted, but the second race weekend I just registered for put me into a virtual queue about 3 minutes prior to registration (I was constantly refreshing the page on two different computers).  Tip: If you can have each person register for their own race it will be much easier.  I had to register my husband and myself along with our girls and it was stressful!  Based on what I have experienced with registration, being on the computer and ready is a definite must to assure you are able to register for the events you are wanting.

2. Expo:
So what I read about the Expo was to wear comfy shoes because there is a lot of walking and arrive early if you are wanting special merchandise.  I agree with the comfy shoes part because although I did not feel like the walking at the actual expo was a ton, the walk from where the buses drop you off to the expo is long.  Tip: Take the bus from your Disney hotel.  Do not try to take your car and park!  In terms of the merchandise, I did not feel like it was too picked over when we got there on the first evening it was opened.  The lines however were very long to pay!  The first day also had two buildings where you picked up your bibs, shirts, and pre-ordered merchandise.  Tip: Do not plan to show up 30 minutes before the Expo closes and be able to collect all your gear! You could probably get it done, but if you have to walk to different buildings,  it would be cutting it close!

3. Bus Transportation:
Use the buses from your Disney resort.  Each Disney resort will have buses that run to the events and to the Expo.  They are nice coach buses and run pretty frequently!  Tip: Get on the first bus to your event.  It will not be as crowded and will allow you to get to your event and get in line for some character pictures before the race!

4. Training:
Just follow Jeff Galloway’s training plan!  He has a couple options for the half so pick which one is right for you and get to running!

5. Race Day Tips:
There were several different race day tips that my husband and I chose to use at our race. 

• The first was to run in your outfit prior to race day.  This included socks, underwear, shirts, pants, etc.  Do this!  You will be glad to know you will comfortable on your race! 
• Another one was to get at the front of your corral!  This was especially important for us because as I said, I am not a runner.  We were in the last corral.  We made sure to get in the front because by doing that we bought ourselves a good 9 minutes before the official pacers ever started!  
• That brings me to another tip -pacers.  We saw several Jeff Galloway pacers while we were running.  Though we did not use them the way they were intended, we knew as long as we stayed in front of them, we would be just fine!
• Get water/ Powerade at every station.  They have lots of water stations  - use them!  We got probably 3-4 cups at each station!  They also have people with big bottles of water who will refill your personal bottle if you prefer.  I even heard one person ask if they could just pour that bottle on their head and they let them!!
• We read that the character picture lines on course move quickly.  I would agree!  If there is a picture you really want and you are a little ahead of pace - get that picture!  You will be glad!
• We also read to bring money for the massage tent.  As much as I wanted this one to be true, we were not able to find one at the end of the course.

I hope my personal experiences I've shared help you know what to expect on race day.  We had a great time and look forward to our next runDisney adventure! 

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About the Author:

Morgan Scully- Travel Advisor
Morgan is passionate about all things Disney. From an early age she loved taking in the magic of Disney World, but its when she became a mom and she saw life through her daughter's eyes that she truly understood how amazing a Disney vacation can be for a family. Morgan is well versed in all things Disney Parks and Disney Cruise Line. She also serves as Whitney World Travel's Military Vacation Specialist-- helping the brave men and women who serve our country and their families get the most out of their vacations. Morgan is a graduate of Texas A&M University.