'Pixie Dust and PRs: Insider Secrets for RunDisney'
Written by Haleigh Beckman
Participating in a RunDisney race is an unforgettable experience. As a travel agent who has planned countless magical trips, I’m here to help you get the most out of your race-cation. From choosing the right resort to planning your recovery, here are my top tips for a successful and memorable RunDisney adventure!
1. Prioritize Your Resort Selection
For RunDisney trips, consider allocating more of your budget toward your resort. You’ll want amenities like hot tubs to soothe your muscles before and after your race(s) and quiet, serene grounds for those early bedtimes. Rest and recovery are essential, so a well-chosen resort can make a world of difference.
2. Save the Parks for After the Race
Avoid spending too much time in the parks before your race. You’ll want to save your legs for the event. Post-race, take full advantage of the parks and snap some memorable photos with your medals using Disney’s PhotoPass service. The after-race glow and those medals make for some epic shots!
3. Fuel Up the Night Before
The night before your race, plan to have a solid meal. Opt for a table service restaurant over quick service to enjoy a balanced meal of carbs, protein, and veggies. Some great options include resort dining or heading to Disney Springs for a celebratory pre-race feast. Remember to make those reservations early!
4. Plan Recovery Time Before Traveling Home
Try not to fly immediately after your race, especially if you’re tackling the full marathon or participating in the Dopey Challenge. Give yourself at least a day or two to recover, enjoy the parks, and celebrate your achievements. Your body will thank you for the extra downtime.
5. Pre-Purchase Memory Maker
Memory Maker is a must for RunDisney participants. It includes on-course race photos and character photo opportunities before and after the race. Plus, it’s shareable with up to 10 people in your group. This is a fantastic way to capture all the magic of your RunDisney experience.
6. Be Prepared for Unpredictable Weather
Weather can be unpredictable, especially with 5 AM race starts. Pack rain gear, throw-away layers to stay warm before the race begins, and extra pairs of sneakers if you’re running multiple events. You’ll want to be prepared for anything, including soggy shoes!
7. Disneyland RunDisney Tips
If you’re running a RunDisney event at Disneyland, consider staying at a Good Neighbor Hotel instead of an on-property resort. The race start and finish lines are located off-property, and staying at a Good Neighbor Hotel like Grand Legacy or Tropicana will shorten your walk significantly. While Pixar Place and other Disneyland resorts are magical, convenience is key for race mornings.
Planning a RunDisney trip can feel overwhelming, but with the right strategy and preparation, it will be a magical and rewarding experience. If you’re ready to plan your RunDisney racecation, People Mover Travel is here to help every step of the way. Let’s make your race dreams a reality!
Haleigh has enjoyed traveling since she was a young child and now loves doing so with her growing family! She's visited many islands in the Caribbean, parts of Europe, and Australia by land, air, and sea. She also has an affinity for Disney destinations as an alumnus of the Disney College Program in Walt Disney World, Disneyland Magic Keyholder, runDisney athlete, and Platinum Castaway Club member with Disney Cruise Line.
Living in Southern California with her husband and son, she enjoys camping, visiting all of the local beautiful beaches, and spoiling her adventurous Australian Cattle Dog named Brody. She looks forward to helping her clients plan the Disney Cruise Line and Disney Parks vacations of their dreams and sharing helpful tips and recommendations along the way! Bon voyage!
If you want to work with Haleigh to plan your next great adventure to a Disney Park, on a cruise or beyond you can fill out a quote form here!