How to Prepare for a runDisney Vacation

Welcome to those of you joining me from Return to Disney, and those of you just hopping aboard.  I am the 3rd stop on our Magical Blogorail.

Many, many Disney lovers have a tried and true formula for preparing for a Disney vacation; from prowling about the Disney Parks website, to booking hotel, transportation and ADRs, there is much to be done, and so much planning fun to be had!  But when readying yourself for a runDisney event, there is an added dimension of priming that’s required.  I thought I’d share some “training tips” to keep you running with a smile and in style.

Registration
Do your race shopping early!  Registration for many runDisney events opens about 8 months in advance, and are so popular that they may indeed fill to capacity within 26 hours (as did the 2013 Disneyland Half Marathon).  Note that early race registration may take place at preceeding Disney Health and Fitness Expos, and may be offered in advance to Annual Passholders and Disney Visa Card holders.  If you have access to any of these, keep your heads up!  And of course, monitor @runDisney on Twitter and the runDisney Facebook page for alerts and the most accurate race information.

Hotel
Before you book your favorite Walt Disney World Resort (“home”) for your stay, know that for each race weekend, several Event Host Resorts are designated by runDisney to provide that all-important free transportation to and from both the contests and the Health & Fitness Expos.  If you stay off-property, or at another Disney Resort, you will be responsible for your own transportation.  Since many roads surrounding the course and start/finish lines are closed to normal traffic, and many races begin and end in the wee hours, it is strongly recommended to take advantage of the perks a Host Resort provides; you do not need additional stress on race day!  Specially priced accommodations for these resorts (as well as discounted theme park tickets) can be found on runDisney’s Travel page, or by calling 407-WDW-IRUN.  All 3 Disneyland Resort Hotels (and most of the Good Neighbor Hotels) are within walking distance of the starting line for their races, but also offer specially priced accommodations and park tickets by calling the same number: 407-939-IRUN.

Dining
While most Guests will book Advanced Dining Reservations (Walt Disney World) or Priority Seatings (Disneyland) for their upcoming trips, eating before and after running an endurance contest takes some extra thought.  Consider low fat, minimal roughage and extra carbohydrate options for your pre-race meal; all demand less of your gastrointestinal tract.  My personal favorites for pre-race grazing are Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria in Downtown Disney District and Tutto Italia Ristorante in Epcot.

Of course, post-race celebrating is always in order!  Be wary of dehydration, and the impact alcohol may have on your body in the hours following a race.  Dependent upon your system, you may also need to go easy on the general gluttony.  My post-event favorites are Napa Rose at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and the California Grill atop Disney’s Contemporary Resort.  Signature efforts call for Signature Dining!!

As always, Disneyland Priority Seatings can be made up to 60 days in advance, and Walt Disney World Advanced Dining Reservations 180 days prior.  Restaurants also fill up quickly on race weekends, so do your homework and book early.

Costumes
Surely, if you’ve seen any photos of past runDisney events, you’ve been floored by the creative and extensive attire that many runners donn for their race.  Though you may be able to piece something together at the Expos on both coasts, planning a race wardrobe is not only utilitarian (be sure to complete at least one training run in your garb) but oh so entertaining.  Stuck for ideas?  Pinterest and Etsy are perfect places to start.  Team Sparkle also has an entire page devoted to Disney running costumes.

Disney Princess Half Marathon

Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon

Expo
Closer to race day, the Disney Parks Blog will release information regarding Official runDisney Merchandise.  If you’d like to commemorate your momentous achievement with the latest Dooney & Bourke handbag, Mickey Vinylmations (complete with race-specific mini-medal accessories), or the latest New Balance runDisney shoes, some planning is in order.  Many of these limited edition items sell out quickly.  Again, do your research, and attempt to arrive at the Expos on the first day.  (In fact, get in line at least a half hour before the doors open- just to be safe!) 

Success!

And don’t forget, whether you are a shopper or not, each racer must visit the Expo to submit a signed waiver and photo ID to pick up the packet containing their race bib (embedded with B-Tag timing device) and goody bag (filled with your tech shirt) prior to race day.  You may download a Packet Pick-Up Authorization Form if someone else will be gathering these items for you.  The plastic goody bag (along with identifying, numbered sticker) can be used to store your belongings on race day, and brought to Bag Check before you head to your race corral.

Packing
We’ve all experienced that visit to the resort gift shop to grab those forgotten toiletries or sunscreens, but traveling without your running must-haves can seriously impact the success of your half or full marathon.  Racing without your broken-in running shoes, most comfortable running bra or favorite fuel sources can be utter torture.  While some items might be available at the Expo, not all will be.  Spend sufficient time laying out ALL racing items, and if possible, pack them in your carry on luggage.  (If you have room for only one item, be sure it is your shoes.) Make a packing list and check it twice! 
– running shoes
– costume
– race underwear (bra, panties, socks)
– utility belt  (iFitness, CamelBak, etc.)
– fuel (Sports Beans, GU, Cliff Shots, etc.)
– Body Glide  (just in case)
– any electronics you use on a regular run (Don’t forget your camera phone!)
– therapy tools  (travel versions of a foam roller, massage sticks, Bio Freeze, etc.)
– layers for cold runs, visor/large Hefty bag for rain  (Know that runDisney will donate clothing that is shed during the race to local charities!)

My jackets are purchased on sale; I’m so happy to know that they will help to keep someone else warm after the race.

That’s all you need to know to be off and running on a runDisney adventure.  Just be sure to fit some training in along the way!










Thank you for joining me today.  Your next and final stop on the Magical Blogorail Loop is Delightfully Disney.

Here is the map of our Magical Blogorail should you happen to have to make a stop along the way and want to reboard;




1st Stop~  Magical Mouse Schoolhouse
2nd Stop~ Return to Disney
3rd Stop~  DIStherapy  (You are here.) 
Final Stop~ Delightfully Disney