Hi Isa,
Welcome to planDisney—and an even bigger welcome to the
runDisney family! You’re in for an unforgettable experience, not only because of the magic of
Walt Disney World but also because of the incredibly supportive runDisney community. Whether this is your first race or you’re a seasoned runner, you’ll find encouragement and camaraderie every step of the way!
Now, let’s talk about your race weekend game plan. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to when you should arrive, as every runner has different preferences and needs. Personally, when I travel to Walt Disney World for a runDisney event, I like to arrive a few days early to soak in the atmosphere, get acclimated to the weather, and maybe even log a few maintenance miles before taking a rest day ahead of my race.
Since you’re traveling from across the globe—and crossing multiple time zones—I’d recommend arriving at least two to three days before your race. This will give you time to adjust to the Florida climate, get used to the time difference, and enjoy some of the parks before your big run. Plus, you might actually benefit from staying somewhat on your home time zone since runDisney races start early—really early! You’ll likely need to be in your corral by 4:00 a.m., which means waking up around 2:00 a.m. to stretch, fuel up, and catch the complimentary runDisney transportation from your Disney Resorts Collection hotel to EPCOTs parking lot.
When it comes to fueling up for race day, dinner the night before is just as important as breakfast on the morning of the event. I recommend a carb-heavy meal around 5:00 p.m. since you’ll have an early wake-up call. A few great options are Terralina Crafted Italian at Disney Springs and delicious pasta in a relaxing setting. Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria in EPCOT’s Italy Pavilion is famous for its wood-fired pizzas and fresh pasta dishes.
For race morning, I suggest grabbing something simple and easy to digest—like a banana, granola bar, or bagel. Your Disney Resort hotel’s quick-service location or gift shop is the best place to pick up these items, but check their hours in advance in case you need to stock up the night before.
Some final tips: Check the front desk of your Disney Resort for runDisney announcements, including race transportation details and any special dining options for race weekend. Pick your Disney Resort wisely! Consider your budget and location preferences, and if you need help narrowing it down, I’d be happy to assist. Get into the runDisney spirit by planning a race outfit inspired by your favorite Disney character, and don’t forget to stop for character photos along the course. Stay warm before the race by bringing an extra layer—like a sweatshirt or jacket—you don’t mind parting with. You can toss it before the race begins, and runDisney Cast Members will collect and donate these items to local charities. It’s a great way to stay warm and give back!
If you’d like more personalized recommendations—whether it’s about where to stay, which parks to visit, or how to make the most of your trip—
feel free to send another question my way. I’d love to help you plan every magical mile of your runDisney adventure!
Brent