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  • On Jan 2, 2026
    Kristin from GA Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Hi, my husband and I are visiting in February for a runDisney race. We're doing the 5K, so we'll pick up bibs Thursday. Would lines be better as soon as the expo opens, or in the early/mid afternoon after a morning park visit? Thank you!

    Welcome back to planDisney, Kristin!

    I’m so glad to see that you were able to sign up for the runDisney Princess Half Marathon Weekend’s 5K. I’m starting to regret not going for the Merida-themed medal myself, but at least I have a certain golden-haired princess’s medal waiting for me at the finish line. Let’s get into some recommendations about the best time to pick up your race bib. 

    I have visited the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo at various times throughout the years, so I’m happy to share my opinion on this topic. If your goal is to get your hands on race-exclusive merchandise, you should get there as early as possible on Day One. This could mean standing in longer lines to get a better chance at those hard-to-get items.

    However, if you are aiming to avoid long lines at bib pick-up, I recommend visiting in the afternoon. Go too early and you may be in a switchback line (this happened to me a couple of years ago). Arrive too late and you’ll find that vendors and some experiences will be closed (that’s no fun at all). I’ve found that getting there about 3 or 4 hours before closing has been my sweet spot. There’s enough time to pick up your race bib, visit a few vendors, pick up the included t-shirt, enjoy Disney PhotoPass spots or meet characters, and try a snack, like a yummy pretzel. 

    AN EXTRA GEM: You can link a PhotoPass ID from your Check-In Pass email or on the back of your bib to your Photo Gallery in the My Disney Experience app. If you have Memory Maker, you can download your on-course photos right from your phone. 

    Have an amazing race weekend with your running partner! I hope that this is your best runDisney race yet. Kristin, if you think of any other Disney vacation planning questions, we’d be happy to answer them here at planDisney. 

    Magic always, 
    LeAndra
thumbnail image for LeAndra

Meet the Panelist: LeAndra, Florida

Hey, Mouseketeer! I'm LeAndra, a wife, mom of two, and educator from beautiful Central Florida. I've lived near The Most Magical Place on Earth for my entire life; so, I like to say that I'm a Guardian of this galaxy! My love of all-things-Disney has also taken me on multiple cross-country road trips to Disneyland Resort and on a few flights over to Disneyland Paris. I am oh-so-grateful to be a part of your world by helping you plan your magical vacations. 

Learn More About LeAndra

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