Hi Christina!
Lace up those running shoes and get training, because
runDisney's
Princess Half Marathon Weekend will be here before we know it! The weekend is a much loved event for princess fans, and I can’t wait to toe up to that starting line for my third time. Now just comes the struggle of deciding what type of costume to wear for each race! Cinderella? Tiana? I think I am leaning toward Belle this year!
There are no specific vacation packages exclusively for
runDisney participants, but Disney does make the experience convenient for runners! All Disney Resort Collection Hotels traditionally provide round-trip transportation to the expo and the races, so you can pick whichever resort is your favorite, and book a traditional
Walt Disney World Vacation Package. Pro Tip: Be sure to leave yourself plenty of time for packet pick-up at the Race Expo. In addition to picking up your bib and race shirt, you’ll find a variety of vendors and booths to visit on the showroom floor. This is a great place to find your new favorite running gear, pick up some free swag, enter contests, and buy race weekend merchandise. You’ll also find fun photo ops to commemorate the weekend! While the early wake-up call for runDisney events is a little rough, I’m always excited when I get to the bus stop and see fellow runners in their princess finery ready for the big event. While dining is typically closed at that hour, the resorts typically offer a grab-and-go runner box for purchase so you can fuel up for your race!
I would recommend that you
search for resort availability and book your resort sooner rather than later. The weekend is very popular, and since it follows a holiday weekend, and typically schools in New York have vacation that week, the longer you wait, the tighter the availability will be. You’ll find each resort has its own charms and benefits, so take some time to look at the photos and amenities at each resort! If you elect to purchase
theme park tickets along with your room this becomes a vacation package, or you can purchase tickets later if you’d like to wait. When you do purchase your tickets, be sure to make your
Park Pass Reservations for each day you plan to visit a theme park, especially if you want to take photos with your race medals you’ll want to be sure you have that magical reservation for the theme park of your choice. And if you’ll want to make an
Advance Dining Reservation for a special celebratory meal, you can do that 60 days before your resort check-in! Fan favorites book quickly, so be ready at 6 AM at that 60-day mark.
I hope this helps as you start your planning, Christina! Feel free to send me any additional questions you have as you plan your special trip. I love helping my fellow Disney Princesses!
Happy Training!
- Kate