Are you a runner? Or a Disney fan? Maybe both? If you are one or the other, a RunDisney weekend is a great chance to combine both! Before we get too far, let’s talk about what this is not about – training. I have participated in quite a few RunDisney weekends and trained for all of them. But I am not a running coach. So we’ll talk about the planning that goes into a race weekend beyond the training. If you’ve been to Walt Disney World recently, you know that even a trip that doesn’t involve running takes a good amount of planning and race weekends are no different. Actually, it probably takes a bit more. We talk about our last RunDisiney weekend here, so you can see how it turned out.
Why do a RunDisney race?
- They are different than any other race you will run! No matter the distance or the race weekend, you will always run through at least one theme park. If you run the marathon in January, you will run through all 4 parks! There are character photo stops along the course and lots of entertainment.
- It’s a great place to travel with family for a race. Obviously, there is plenty for everyone to do when the races are over. But it’s also a great place to have kids take part in a race for the first time.
- They are inclusive races – as long as you can maintain a 16 minute mile, these races are for you. Athletes are encouraging to each other. They make sure you’re ok if you’re struggling a little bit, and don’t make you feel like you shouldn’t participate if you’re slower than the front of the pack. As someone who was told during the Chicago marathon to “let the real runners through” because I was taking a walk break, I appreciate RunDisney being inclusive very much.
Let’s start planning
Most important thing to know about planning is it starts at least 10 months out. This is not the kind of race you decide last minute to take part in. Lack of training aside, you have to be ready the day registration opens. Every race, every race weekend, will sell out within hours. Sometimes less. There are some charity bibs available after registration day, but even those will be gone fairly quickly, and they all come with significant fundraising minimums. Walt Disney World has 4 race weekends to choose from. So, step one, go to the RunDisney website and decide which weekend looks best to you!
6 to 10 months before race weekend –
- Depending on how you like to budget for trips, that might be the very first place to start. As this is Disney and there is the added cost of races, it can add up fast. Some things you will not have control over – if you want to participate, the race fee is what it is. However, you can plan where you want to stay, eat, and anything else you might do to match your wants and your budget. Once you have that in mind, it gives some direction to the rest of your planning.
- Make sure you are clear on when registration opens – day & time. They usually have one listed a week early for Club RunDisney members, so be clear on what day you’re eligible to register. Registration usually opens at 10am EST and you want to be on your computer before 10am. If want to stand the best chance of getting in, plan to have nothing distracting you for about 2-3 hours that morning.
- Book your hotel rooms. My suggestion is to stay on WDW property, because they have race day transportation for all events. But we all have personal preferences, so stay where it makes the most sense for you. No matter where you stay, make your reservations as soon as you know you have a spot in a race. One possible exception is Marathon weekend in January. Registration is usually in April. There have been times that WDW doesn’t open room reservations for the next year until May. So in that case you will have to wait to book your room.
3 to 6 months before race weekend –
- Costumes! Yes, there are lot of costumes at RunDisney races. Everything from bounding in running gear to full costumes. What people are able to run in is really impressive. If you think you want to wear a costume, start planning early. Especially for marathon weekend, the few weeks before the race are busy with the holidays and high volume training, so don’t wait until the end. Also, in recent years Disney has needed to put in place a few more rules when it comes to costumes. So before you finalize your plans check the RunDisney site for the most up to date rules. They don’t play around with this and will make you remove something in violation before the race starts. All that being said, you do you. Because Instagram is pushing the accounts that are dressed up, know that many people are not. If you want to focus on the race, do that.
- As with any Disney vacation, if you haven’t already, finalize your plan for getting to Orlando. Race weekends are busy and you’re still competing with non-runners, who just want to visit WDW, for flights, rental cars, etc. Get worked out the details around transportation early enough so you have as many choices as possible.
60 days before race weekend –
- Get ready to make any advanced dining reservations (ADR) for your weekend. Again, if you’ve been to WDW recently, you know how fast these can go. If there is a restaurant you have your heart set on to celebrate, make reservations 60 days out. Don’t wait. Even if a restaurant doesn’t always fill up, race weekend is not when you want to figure out things last minute, if you can avoid it.
- If you’re staying on WDW property, you can make all your dining reservation when you hit 60 days from checking in. Off property, it’s 60 days from the day you want to dine. So you have to make each reservation on separate days.
- If you have any other extras you want to plan at Disney, 60 days is usually when booking opens. We wanted to reserve cabanas during our stay at the Grand Floridian. Unlike dining, this can’t be done online, so you will need to call. Phone lines open for this at 7am EST. Since they have such a limited amount available, be ready to call first thing in the morning.
- The difference for this is it’s 60 days from the day you want to book, not 60 days from when you check in, like ADRs. So unless you are booking for the day you arrive, this is actually done after your ADRs. They will also require full payment when you book.
- Planning a massage after your races? Right now there are two options at WDW – The Grand Floridian Spa or Mandara Spa at the Dolphin Hotel. This is a popular activity during race weekends, so book appointments as soon as they become available.
- Both have the option to book online, but it’s important to note that while Mandara Spa is on WDW property they do not accept Disney Gift Cards, discounts, or MagicBands as a form of payment.
The last two weeks before race weekend –
- Make final packing adjustments now. If you’ve raced before, you know, nothing new on race day. So I’m not saying go get your costume or pick up new shoes. However, you’re within range of weather forecasts being *slightly* more accurate. The truth is, be ready for anything. But if you only planned on warm weather and now the 10 day forecast shows temps in the 40s, pack extra layers. As someone who has purchased very expensive arm sleeves at an Expo in the past because I didn’t look at the weather, save money and plan ahead. Most race mornings benefit from an extra layer of throw away clothes, so make sure you have enough for each race morning. Though this can feel wasteful, know that RunDisney collects all clothes removed along the course and will donate them!
- Make plans for your race day nutrition. What do you need in the morning pre-race, during, or any other nutrition you want besides the meals you’re eating when there? Depending on your needs, how you’re getting to Disney will impact this. Since we drove, I was very lucky to have the ability to pack plenty of options that wouldn’t work on a plane – a case of water, premade protein shakes, etc. Some things are easy to fly with, others you will need to purchase when you’re there. While most hotels have a lot of options for drinks, breakfast items and such, they will cost so much more than at a store off property. If you rent a car, you will have an easy time shopping. If not, there are plenty of options to have groceries delivered to your hotel. You can pick them up in the resort lobby yourself or have bell services bring them to your room for a fee. No matter which way you go, start the process of finalizing this before you leave home.
And just like that, race weekend is here before you know it! We are planners by nature, so we love working out a lot of details before any trip. We feel like it allows us to enjoy it more when we’re there. We don’t want to waste time trying to figure out what to do or how to get what we need once we get to our destination. I think this is even more important with a race weekend. There are crazy early mornings to deal with (notice I haven’t mentioned the 2am wake up time until now 😊), some pre-race nerves and just a lot happening in general. Working out as many details as possible before you leave home will help you be in the moment and have a great weekend. Happy Racing!
