How to Plan a runDisney Vacation

A day at a Disney park is a great way to get your steps in, but did you know you can plan a vacation around a race with runDisney? No matter your experience level, runDisney offers you the unique opportunity to run through Disney parks with fellow fans and some favorite Characters. And as a Disney® Visa® Credit Cardmember, you can use special vacation financing to help you plan the ultimate runDisney vacation.¹ Ready to get set and go? Here’s what you need to know about registering for an event and preparing for an enchanting race.

Before your runDisney vacation

Pick the right race for you

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned runner, runDisney offers races for all skill levels. Picking the right event for you will ensure a great experience as you train and compete. Walt Disney World® Resort hosts four annual race events: Walt Disney World® Marathon Weekend, Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend, runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend and Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend. And at the Disneyland® Resort, you can participate in the Disneyland® Half Marathon Weekend or Disneyland® Halloween Half Marathon Weekend. Each of these weekends includes a range of races such as 5K, 10K and half marathons, and racers can participate in one or more events, taking on special themed challenges to prove their endurance. If you want to join the 26.2 miler club, you’ll want to make sure you participate in the Walt Disney World® Marathon Weekend, which is the only runDisney event to include a full marathon.

Want to bring some of the magic of runDisney home? No problem. When you take part in a virtual race, you can use your creativity to design your own race course anywhere you choose. When you register, you’ll receive customizable digital tools to turn it into your own event with friends and family, and you’ll get a kit sent to your home that includes your medal and other runDisney goodies exclusive to that race. Check out special events such as the runDisney Virtual Series and the runDisney Virtual 12Ks of Christmas.

Register for your race

Whichever event you choose, you’ll need to register to participate. Registration happens several months ahead of each runDisney event, and race slots fill quickly. Check out the registration date for your chosen event and mark your calendar with the time registration opens to ensure you’re prepared.

To make registration even easier, set up your account at runDisney.com ahead of time. You’ll also want to gather the following information for all the racers you’re registering: date of birth, shirt size, email and home address, and proof of time (optional and only for 10-milers, half marathons and marathons). Proof of time can be supplied from any officially timed 10K, 10-Mile, Half Marathon or Marathon race reflecting results within the last two years. Previous runDisney races may be used as proof of time; just submit them with your race registration. On registration day, you’ll join the virtual queue to secure your spot. And keep in mind, you can use your Disney Rewards Redemption Card to redeem Disney Rewards Dollars toward your registration!²

Book your stay at a Disney Resort hotel

Staying at a Disney Resort hotel at Walt Disney World® Resort will give you easy access to the starting line with complimentary transportation to all race events. Plus, as a Disney Resort hotel Guest at both Disneyland® Resort and Walt Disney World® Resort, you’ll enjoy exceptional service from Cast Members, themed amenities, and early theme park entry for before or after race day. And you can use your Disney Visa Card to take advantage of special vacation financing to book your stay.¹ Check out our guide, A Dream Disney Vacation Planning Timeline, for more tips.

Get ready with themed clothing and costumes from shopDisney.com

Runners pay homage to their favorite Disney Characters, attractions and more through their running outfits. So before you lace up, make sure your gear matches the occasion! Maybe you’ll embrace your inner villain in full costume at the Disneyland® Halloween Half Marathon Weekend. Or maybe you’ll pay tribute to your favorite Disney Princess by donning her colors for the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend. Whatever your vision, shopDisney.com offers a range of apparel that will help you join in the fun. And you can save 10% on select purchases when you use your Disney Visa Card.³ Make sure to check out the guidelines on what to wear in this runDisney video.

Train with a program set by a former Olympian

No matter if this is your second race or your 102nd, runDisney training programs from former Olympian and trainer Jeff Galloway will help you meet your goals. These training programs are free, easy to work into a busy schedule and will get you on track for any type of race you plan to run. Increase your endurance and hit your stride with confidence with these specially designed training programs.

During your runDisney vacation

Attend the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo

Before you make your way to the starting line, you must attend the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo to pick up your bib. If you’re participating in a race event at Walt Disney World® Resort, locate any bus stop near your Disney Resort hotel and join your fellow runners on the road to the Expo. If you’re staying at one of the Hotels of Disneyland® Resort, the Expo is just a short walk away.

Once you’re there, you can explore official merchandise in the runDisney Merchandise Shop, browse other fitness and running gear from vendors in the exhibit hall, and get all your race-day goodies, including your participant shirt and gEAR Check Bag.

Pick up your bib

At the expo, you’ll be able to pick up your bib, which all runners are required to wear while racing. Save time by signing your digital participant waiver through your runDisney account before the event. Then once you’re at the expo, follow the signs to the bib pick-up booth and show them a valid ID (including a driver’s license, passport, military ID or other government-issued ID) to get your bib.

Your bib is not only an essential part of your outfit for the event, but it will also help you identify your start group. Start groups are determined by your estimated running pace.

Set your alarm early to catch a ride to the race

Race day has arrived! Make your way to the starting line on the transportation of your choosing, whether hopping on a complimentary bus from your Disney Resort hotel at Walt Disney World® Resort or arranging your own ride. However you plan to get there, make sure you arrive with extra time to find the start of the race and your assigned start group. You won’t regret getting there early. DJs will be pumping up the crowd while Characters mingle with runners ahead of the race, so it’s worth arriving early to ensure you get the full runDisney experience.

Ready, set, go!

Each mile is unforgettable on a runDisney course. Fireworks mark the start of your race, and along the way you’ll get glimpses of Walt Disney World® Resort and Disneyland® Resort parks from a special perspective. Along the road to the finish line, you and your fellow racers will be able to pose for photos with Characters, enjoy the sights and sounds of Disney, and celebrate each mile down.

Keep your bib visible while you run and pose for photos so that Disney PhotoPass photographers can capture your moments along the track. You’ll spot PhotoPass photographers in bright green tents along the course. Give them a smile and you can use your bib number to look up your photos later!

After your runDisney vacation

Refuel and relax at the parks

After you’ve crossed the finish line, the day is yours to enjoy the parks. Grab your ticket, go explore and fuel up post-race by using your Disney Visa Cardmember dining perk to save 10% on most meals, most days at select locations.⁴⁵ Celebrate your accomplishment by wearing your medal around the parks as you relax. You will no doubt run into your fellow racers as you explore the parks, so make sure to celebrate your race day with new friends.

Celebrate and share your photos

Hold on to your race bib so you can enjoy all the memories the Disney PhotoPass photographers captured on the course. Relive the magic when your pictures are ready to view and share within 48 hours after your race. Instructions for how to access your photos can be found on the back of your bib, as well as the race event guides and results pages for your event. Keep in mind you can redeem Disney Rewards Dollars toward purchasing your Disney PhotoPass photos.²

Completing a race at Disney ensures a vacation like no other. Make the most of the weekend on and off the track when you plan your runDisney getaway and redeem your Disney Rewards Dollars toward snacks, souvenirs and other experiences all throughout the event.² After all your training and preparation for race day, the most important part of the experience is to have fun!