Hi Debi!
Thank you for bringing your question to the Disney Parks Moms Panel!
Congratulations on deciding to do your first runDisney half marathon. I think you're going to be hooked on running at Walt Disney World!
I understand your concerns about time at a park. I think it depends on your goal for the weekend. If you're hoping to finish the race to get a personal best time, then you should take it easy. If you're there for a "good time", then you could have a little more fun at the parks. I usually go to the parks before and after races. I try not to stay late and I definitely watch what I eat the day before a run. As long as you spend time on your feet in the days before and after your long training runs, then you should be fine. I always joke that there are two aspects of my runDisney training.... my running training and my park-time training! Don't overdo it, but it IS Disney and it's always fun to play in the parks.
You can call 407-939-4786 to book your room. They can give you more information and you can also find more details on the
Walt Disney World Travel page of the runDisney website. I do recommend staying on property as ALL of the
Walt Disney World Resorts offer complimentary bus transportation to and from each race event.
I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions.