Hey there, Lisa!
Thank you for stopping by planDisney with your runDisney questions! How exciting that you’ll be at the
Springtime Surprise 5K. I’ll be there too, channeling my inner Guardian of the Galaxy and seeing what Groot has in store for us on the course. Whether we’re saying, “I am Groot” or “We are Groot,” it’s going to be a galactic adventure!
Now, let’s sprint into your questions about the
virtual queue for event merchandise. If you’re planning to snag some official event weekend treasures on the first day of the expo, you’ll need to join the virtual queue. Like Buzz Lightyear, you’ll want to be ready to launch because some items, like commemorative shirts or magnets, fly off the shelves!
Here’s the scoop: The virtual queue is only necessary for the first day of the expo, so if you prefer a more relaxed approach, you can
shop for merchandise on later days without the queue. But if your heart is set on a specific item, I highly recommend hopping into the queue early. You can still explore other vendors and enjoy the expo while you wait for your group to be called.
To join the virtual queue:
- Open the My Disney Experience app and navigate to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex section.
- Look for the runDisney Merchandise Shop tab and tap Join Virtual Queue.
- Select up to six Guests in your shopping party and tap Join Virtual Queue.
- If spots remain, you’ll see a confirmation screen with an estimated wait time.
- When it’s your turn, you’ll receive a push notification and have an hour to check in at the merchandise shop.
Here are some other tips that I recommend making for a Magical Shopping Experience
If you are a
Club runDisney Gold and Platinum member, you will get early access to merchandise on the first day without joining the virtual queue—a superpower perk of membership! Next, you can join the queue from the comfort of your hotel or even while grabbing breakfast as long as you’re within 45 miles of the Expo. Last, it's important to remember merchandise is limited, so if you see something you love, don’t wait too long—after all, you’ll want to grab your gear and go beyond!
Lisa, I hope this helps you plan your runDisney weekend. I’ll be cheering you on during the race—maybe we’ll cross paths among the stars!
Happy planning, and see you on the course,
Christina