runDisney Experience at Walt Disney World

I’ve ran my fair share of runDisney races throughout the past few years. While I would not consider myself an “elite” runner, I would say that I take running very seriously. Which means when it comes to races, I’m not focusing on the experience but on my time, form, and resources. However, runDisney races are so different from any other sports event I’ve participated in. Also, this year I had to walk the last 8 miles of my marathon which is really how a majority of participants do runDisney events. Because of this 8 mile limp through the end of the course I got an inside look at why the rest of the world signs up for these courses. You want to know what it’s like to be out on the course at Disney World? Is every mile magic?

Every Mile is Magic – runDisney

“Every Mile is Magic”. That’s runDisney’s slogan. Can running 26.2, 13.1, 6.2, or 3.1 miles really be magic though? The answer, in short, is yes. As with everything that Disney creates, even if you are running, it is magical. They offer a number of experiences at packet pick-up, on the race course, and after the race that make these events truly magical. I will be outlining just a few of my favorite parts when I runDisney.

Race Expo at ESPN Wide World of Sports

Packet pick-up is always the most stressful, and equally exciting, part of any race week. Disney however takes all the stress out of it. Typically there are long lines to pick up your race bib and race packet. Not the case at Disney. Whether you pick up your race number the first day of the expo or the day before the race, you can be in and out in 30 minutes (tops). This may sound like a lot of time but considering it can take that long just to park and get to the entrance of Magic Kingdom, this is great.

The expo offers more than just packet pick up though. You can find runners gear, official runDisney merchandise, and even have the chance to enjoy a pre-race roll. I’ve often times skipped all of these experiences because of my “serious runner” instinct to be off my feet as much as possible before the race. But my past two marathons at Disney I’ve had to swing by the official merch and pick up a magnet. You know, those Mickey shaped ones you see on everyone’s cars? The expo also offers a special opportunity to take photos with Mickey & friends in their official runDisney outfits. What could be cooler?

Race Course: Characters, Photo-Ops, & Behind the Scenes

Whether you are running the 5k or the Marathon, you can be sure that all of these opportunities will be present during your race. Obviously, the more miles you run the more opportunity there is to see characters, photo destinations, and run off-roads Disney. (AKA, the roads for “cast members only”).

Character & Photo Back Drops on the Course

Like I said, because I’m typically “run Danielle run” on race day, I’ve never stopped for any characters or photo-ops. Thanks to my recent knee injury at the 2020 WDW Marathon though, that all changed. In the last 8 miles of the race I stopped for at least 4 character photos. Of those 3 characters there were probably 2-3 more on the course that I didn’t stop for (in just those 8 miles). If that was in 8 miles, imagine how many were in the full 26! What I love about the character stops and photo opportunities is that they are usually characters you don’t get to meet. I got to meet Max (Goofy’s son) and even the pink hippos with tutus. If you’re run or medal involves a certain Disney character, you can count on them being on the course. Even when I haven’t stopped for pictures, I’ve loved seeing all these fun characters. My favorite to date is Oswald the Lucky Rabbit.

A Behind the Scenes Look at Walt Disney World

My number 1 rule when running is, see something interesting! Loop courses and treadmills drive me crazy because you see the same thing over and over again. While I never think I’ll get bored of seeing Disney World, participating in a runDisney event gives you a backstage tour of it all. Maybe the power and sewage plant isn’t the most interesting thing to run by, it’s cool to see how efficient and echo friendly Disney is. My all time favorite behind the scenes look is in Animal Kingdom. Not only do they bring a few animals out on the course for you to see, but you run past the animal care facilities. For someone who isn’t a huge Walt Disney World fan, or doesn’t care about anything outside of the rides, these things seem frivolous. But for someone obsessed with all things Disney and how it all works, this is an awesome self guided tour!

runDisney Finish Line

Hands down, the best part of any race is crossing the finish line. This is where you will pick up your medal for completing the course. Or if you choose, one of the volunteers will ceremoniously place the medal around your neck. As you continue walking to meet up with friends and family you will find a wet towel station, a medical station, a water and electrolyte station, a food station, and if you were completing a challenge, a medal challenge pick up tent. After you’ve passed all of that you step into yet another area for photos. All around will be runDisney backdrops set up for you to take a medal photo (complete with props) if you so choose. Here’s an even smaller breakdown of everything I’ve just blabbed about in post race.

Post Race Food & Drink

runDisney does a great job at providing you with nourishment throughout and at the end of each race. As you continue to exit the runner only section after the finish line you will have the opportunity to pick up a bottle of water and a bottle of Powerade in most any flavor. You then continue to the food section where they provide you with boxed snacks that typically include the following:

A GoGo Squeeze, Nacho chips & cheese dip, some kind of dried fruit, and another fruit type snack. You can also pick up a banana if you choose.

Finisher Photo-Op

This is one of those things I’ve only ever done once. That was because I zoomed through the course smashing my goal and still had legs running on adrenaline. Typically, I don’t want to do anything else other than go home and shower. I will admit that this photo opportunity is amazing and I wish I felt better (and looked better) so I could utilize it more. It may just be a simple backdrop, but it will certainly be the picture you remember most for years to come.

Have a question about runDisney that I didn’t cover? Send me a message and I can tell you even more!